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// Red Apple Restaurant 
// Story: Apples and Cherry Blossoms 
// by Archangel2401 
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	Each of them found themselves standing across the strange shop at varying times over the following three days. Each time the screen windows were still shut and though they couldn't quite see inside, both Applejack and Rainbow Dash caught a glimpse of the steel grey Earth pony standing outside patiently. No doubt he was keeping vigil for customers, but more than likely scaring them away with his intimidating presence.

Twilight Sparkle managed to catch a look into his viridian green eyes as she passed by on the third day. He said nothing to her, but lowered his head in what she thought may be a polite bow. With another glance towards the sign above the door, Twilight let out a sigh since she was no closer to understanding its meaning. Being a Princess there was no shortage of things to do, which meant less time for the library but she was determined to continue her research. Even if that meant cutting into her sleep.

It was a particularly serendipitous morning, as for reasons they couldn't explain Twilight and her friends all wound up standing in front of the Town Hall.  They shot glances at one another, then back at the mystery shop. Daisy had a cart full of flowers nearby and Applejack turned to look at her over her own shoulder.

"Howdy Daisy! How's the morning goin' for ya?" Tipping her hat, Applejack smiled as she turned to face the flower pony.

"Done all right actually, I've had a few customers. That new pony across the street's even come and bought flowers from me every morning before he opens up." Daisy smiled at Applejack in return, moving to idly tend to some orchids. "Not that I don't appreciate the business... strange though, what with all those blossoms that were in bloom on that tree. Figured he might have just plucked some of those. I wonder where they all went..." The flower pony looked across the street towards the shop and they all followed her gaze, frowning at the cherry tree.

It seemed like it had withered from when they'd seen it the first day, some of it's branches drooping sadly.

"Wait, you mean he's actually open? The shop doesn't look any more open than it was when he slammed the door in Pinkie's face." Rainbow Dash grumbled, squinting as she peered across the street.

"Seems that way. After he buys flowers from me he turns that little card over from red to green. He even left the door open yesterday. A few ponies looked curious, but so far I haven't seen anypony go in yet." Twilight frowned at Daisy.

"I guess everypony -has- been too scared to shop there. Wait, can anypony even tell what kind of shop it is? The markings don't really make it clear..." Squinting her violet eyes, Twilight racked her brain for a umpteen millionth time to reference something she'd read in a book somewhere. Unfortunately she came up empty once again. She let out a frustrated groan. "I've read every book in the Golden Oak Library, and a good portion of the castle library... so how come I've never come across these sorts of markings before?!"

"Oh, I know what it says! The one at the top says 'red', the one in the middle means 'apple' and the one on the bottom says 'restaurant'!" A bright, jovial voice came from behind. Seven heads slowly turned about to stare at Ditzy Doo whose sun kissed, cross eyed gaze came to meet all of them, accompanied by a warm smile. Well, mostly. Sometimes it was hard to tell where she was looking exactly. Twilight's slack jawed stare didn't phase the mail-mare, who casually munched on a muffin and just kept on smiling.

"How do you know what it says?" Twilight inquired, looking positively puzzled.

"Well, I got this thing in the mail that had funny markings like those on it. So I found this book that's been helping me figure out what to do with it. It's really cool! That new pony even looks kind of like some of the warrior ponies in the book! I think they were called... sam.. oo...rye? Samurai? Something like that." Ditzy Doo bounced up and down on her hooves with excitement before taking another bite from her muffin. Twilight's eyes lit up at the prospect that there was indeed a book or series of books that held the knowledge she sought.

"There's a book? How many pages is it? Does it have many illustrations? Any spells? Are you done reading it? Is there any chance I can borrow it?" Twilight was giddy with anticipation as she sent her barrage of inquiries at the Pegasus.

"I've been reading it for a while and-" Ditzy's voice trailed off and her sun kissed eyes widened suddenly. "Oh no! I forgot all about it! What am I gonna do?!" 

Ponyville's resident mail-mare dropped the muffin she was eating and galloped off without another word. They all stared at the dust trail and the fallen muffin left behind before looking to one another, shrugging with bewilderment. Twilight was the only one to call out after her.

"Ditzy wait! I really need to read that book!" A pout briefly graced her features as Twilight shouted, her head lowering as she let out a sigh.

"So, it's a diner or something huh? If what Ditzy said is right, and that's a big 'if' I guess that sign reads Red Apple Restaurant." Rainbow Dash had turned back towards the shop, tilting her head as he flew over to inspect the sign hanging over the door.

"But he hasn't had one single customer yet?" Rarity frowned as she looked to Daisy, who shook her head in response. The fashionista returned her gaze back to the door of the shop. True he hadn't exactly been very friendly before, but even a rough gem can sparkle when it's held up to the light. You just had to give it a chance. "Now that simply won't do. How about it girls, what do you say we go have a bit of lunch? My treat!"

"That's a wonderful idea! Maybe if other ponies see us go in and have a good time, they won't be too scared to visit themselves." Twilight smiled and looked to each of her friends.

They all nodded in agreement before waving to Daisy. The flower pony waved back before returning to tending her flowers while the rest of them began to cross the street towards the mysterious eatery. The cherry tree they'd seen earlier in the week still stood tall but it's branches were wilted, devoid of blossoms. The sight was even more disheartening up close.

"I hope he serves cupcakes." Pinkie chimed in, pausing long enough to rub a hoof against her growling stomach. "Big, tasty, cupcakes... with deliciously sweet, creamy icing on top." Her voice trailed off, salivating at the possibility that sugary treats with thick, creamy icing might very well be in their immediate future.

"Somehow I really don't think he does cupcakes Pinkie... Besides, you wouldn't really want the competition would you?" Rainbow Dash smirked as she gave Pinkie Pie a friendly slap on the shoulder.



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