Champion of Equestria: Dark Desires

by Buddy Hooves


Chapter 6: Fruits of Love

"Remind me why we're going over to the apple farm to spend the day." Starlight Glimmer sighed as her and her two 'castle mates' walked down the road.

"Because the apple family are celebrating the end of the havest season with a little party." Twilight explained. "And Applejack invited all of her friends to come over and celebrate with her."

"Yeah. Cheer up, Glims. You might even have a good time." Mark replied, though both girls noticed he had an extra spring in his step.

Mark himself noticed that after Luna's visit in his dreams, he seemed much happier in the last few days. It was like a weight was lefted off his shoulders, and he was free to feel joy in his life once again. Twilight couldn't help but smile at Mark and his almost Pinkie Pie like happiness, as it was good to see him acting like he did before everything happened to him.

"Oh bug off, Mark. We all know why you're excited to be going there." Starlight said with a sly smile. "You just want to be with your marefriend."

"Heh heh. It's true." He chuckled, a blush clearly visible on his face.

"So Twilight, why didn't bring Spike with us to the party?" Starlight asked.

"Because it's not a party meant for little kids." She answered.

"Yeah, It's a grown up party! I bet there's going to be cider and everything." Mark chimmed in. "Oh man, nothing like a good mug of the Apple family's famous apple cider after a long day of work."

That one earned some puzzled looks from the two mares walking with him.

"What? While I was on duty, me and the boys would spend our free time relaxing and sharing a pint whenever we could." Mark explained. "My friend Flentlock always drunk the rest of us under the table."

Mark started bursting up laughing at the memory, earning a chuckle from Twilight and a confused look from Starlight. The three ponies continued walking down the road. Never noticing that in the distance, several figures continued to watch them from behind the bushes.





The group soon arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, and was surprised by the sight before them. The Apple family was big, so it was no stranger to large crowds getting together at the farmhouse. Though most of the time it was because of a family reunion, this little get together was uncommon sight at the farm. The barn had it's doors wide open, and was decked out with stream hanging above the frames. No doubt Pinkie Pie had a hoof in that. A few bench tables were around the barn, with one or two inside it.

A few of their friends were already there, Big Mac was with them, all at AJ's invitation. Rarity and Rainbow Dash sat at one of the tables while Big Mac just helped himself to some of the chips n dip that was sitting on it. Both girls glanced over to him, which caused him to stop with a look that said 'what?'.

Applejack stood infront of them, looking as excited as a young schoolfilly. Beside her was something covered behind a white sheet. Pinkie pie's attempts at uncovering the sheet was rewarded with several slaps on her hooves, so she was forced to just sit there and wait for the reveal like everypony else. That didn't stop her from pouting in disappointment.

"Hi guys, we're here." Twilight greeted as her and her two roomies walked up to the group.

"Oh man, I can't wait to get things started. This is gonna be so cool!" Mark exclaimed excitedly.

"I hope so. I don't like being dragged somewhere when I had plans for the day." Starlight huffed. She and Twilight and Mark joined her as they took a seat next to there friends.

Rarity whipped her mane behind her head with a quick flick of her head. "Well Applejack, I hope this was important. Telling us all not to have anything planned today, and making me send my little sister off to that slumber party at Ditzy Doo's house."

"Yeah, sorry about that. It was the only way I could get Apple Bloom and the girls outta our manes for tonight." Applejack explained. "I talked ta Ditzy, and she didn't mind throwing a little slumber party for the girls so we could have some free time."

"COME ON!" Pinkie whined. "I wanna see what's behind the sheeeet!"

"Patience Pinkie, we still have ta wait on Fluttershy." Applejack commented to her friend. Given her a good stink-eye for good measure.

"Well, I for one am happy you set this little get together up, AJ." Mark spoke up. "Having some time to relax and enjoy the company of good friends is the best."

"I'll second that." Dash replied.

"Eeeyup." Big Mac simply nodded.

"That reminds me darling, didn't Twilight say that Princess Luna visited you in your sleep? To help deal with the remains of that awful Sombra fellow?" Rarity asked.

Mark then saw that his friends were all eyes, as they looked eager for a reply.

"Well, yeah. She did help clear up any remains of his spirit from trying to take hold." He answered, though a sad smile was his muzzle. "However, most of my memories are still gumbled with his. So it's like I lived two separate lifes at once."

Just then, Applejack walked over and placed a hoof on his wither. He looked up at her and saw the most beautiful and warm smile come from her.

"The important thing is that ya don't have ta worry anymore about all that. You're cured, and can move on and live a happy life with us." Applejack said, as she leaned in and gave him a quick nuzzle.

Mark blushed as the others looked on at the couple's affection. Some gave assuring smiles and nods, while others (Starlight, Dash and Pinkie) tried their best to hold back giggles.

Before he could reply to them, Fluttershy finally made her way to the group.

"Sorry I'm late, everypony." She said as caught her breathe. "I had to help a poor little lost duckling find her momma."

"It's cool, Shy." Dash said as she waved a hoof to join her over at the table.

"Alright. Looks like everypony is finally here." AJ said she began to walk back over to were the white sheet was. "Thank ya all for comin over today. We've been friends for awhile now, and have been through some crazy stuff. With harvest season wrapping up and Mark finally comin back home, I thought it would be best ta celebrate with the ponies I consider family."

That earned a few 'aww's' from the group.

"And what better way then ta get ya involved with an old Apple family tradition." With that, she grabbed the sheet next to her and tore it off, revealing what was underneath.

"Cider!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed excitedly.

"Called it!" Mark yelled as he did a little victory gig in his seat.

Everyone indeed saw that several barrels of the Apple family's famous brew was sitting in a nice little stack. Twilight counted out seven barrels of the brew, earning squeals of joy from Pinkie, Dash and Mark.

"Fermented cider," Applejack explained. "We always save a few barrels for the family every year for our personal stash. We keep some stored away to let 'em age for awhile. Now they're ready for some real drinking."

"Ohh man, do you know how hard it is to get ahold of apple cider this rare?" Mark looked at the barrels in wonder. "I know guards that would give their cutie mark up for just a taste of this stuff!"

Starlight raised her eyebrow up on that one.

"Aww, yeah! Let's do this!" Dash exclaimed, almost drooling at the thought of tasting such sweet cider.

"Actual alcohol? I've never had that before." Twilight admitted.

"What?" Rainbow Dash was shocked by what she heard. "I can't believe I'm hearing this."

"Oh this is going to be good." Starlight muttered to herself.

Twilight blushed a little, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. "To be honest, I never had the time. I was always busy studying, plus I had Spike to take care of."

"It's okay, Twi. Before I came to Equestria, I only drunk maybe only a few times." Mark explained. "I only started to drink again because my friends in the guard wanted me to join them after our shift was over."

"Oh, you totally have to try it at least once." Pinkie chimed in excitedly. "I bet you'll be the silliest one out of all of us."

"That's why I had Ditzy Doo arranged that sleepover for the youngin's. That way we have the rest of the night to cut loose." Applejack nodded.

"Umm... If it makes you feel better, Twilight, I've only been drunk once." Fluttershy softly added.

"I suppose I could have a mug or two," Rarity commented while fluffing her mane. "But not too much! I am a lady, after all."

"Okay. Then what do you say we get things started?" Starlight claimed as she threw a hoof into the air dramaticly.


About fifteen minutes, and the party was just getting started. It was late afternoon, and Celestia's sun was just beginning to set. With everything in full swing, each of the guest were broke off and talking among themselves. Twilight took a small sip of her drink, and recoiled at the bitter taste. Mark and Applejack, not too far from were she was, couldn't help but smirk at their friend's reaction.

"Really is your first time drinking, eh sugercube?" Applejack asked as she and her coltfriend walked up to her.

"That obvious?" Twilight asked, a little embarrassed.

"Ahh, don't feel to bad about it, Twi." Mark patted her on the back softly. "Everypony has a bad first time drinking, it's because of the burning taste of alcohol. You should have seen me at my cousin's bachelor party."

"Like he said, Twi, you just ain't used ta the taste." AJ added. "It ain't nothing ta be ashamed of, and we understand why ya all haven't had much experience doing this sort of thing. Truth be told, I don't get much chance ta drink either. What with me and Mac havin ta raise Apple Bloom an all."

"You mean 'Mac a I'." Twilight corrected.

That caused Mark to bust out laughing. Applejack just gave them both a playful stink-eye.

"Ha ha ha ha ha hah.... I don't think this mare's had enough cider."

"I think he's right, sugercube. You need ta quit thinkin so much and relax." Applejack agreed. "Go on, chug the thing!"

"But it tastes all weird...."

"That's because you're drinking it too slow." Mark explained, holding out his mug to demonstrate. "You gotta drink it down fast, so you don't taste the bitter alcohol. Here, like this..."

Mark then took the mug to his lips, tilted his head back and started chugging his cider in big load gulps. In just a few seconds, he was finished, holding his mug off to the side while whipping his chin. A refreshing 'ahh' escaped his lips.

"See, just like that." Applejack pointed out, but gave Mark a look when he let out a loud belch. "Now go on, Twi. Give it one big gulp."

Twilight paused for a moment as she looked down at her mug. Just one big gulp. Come on, Twilight. You can do this.

Twilight followed Mark's example, and quickly downed the thing. Allowing the bitter liquid to leap past her tongue and down her throat. So took a few good chugs before she pulled back, coughing wildly. Drips of cider run down her chin, soaking her coat.

"Uhgh, my throat is burning!" Twilight complained, before giving the two a look. "Why am I drinking this again?"

"Ya just gotta wait for the effects ta kick in." Applejack assured her while taking a sip of her mug.

"And on that note, how about I get us anough drink?" Mark took Twilight's mug with his own before she could answer and started walking over to pour them another mug.

"Thanks Applejack, this is a great party." The purple alicorn thanked her.

"Aww, it's nothin." the cowpony quickly replied, taking a moment to play with her mug.

"You know, you and Mark don't have to hang around me all night. You guys can spend time with the others if you want to."

"Aww, they're big fillies, they can handle themselves." The cowpony chuckled. "Besides, we don't mind hanging out with ya."

Twilight paused for a moment, unsure if she should ask what was on her mind. But a questioning look from AJ caused her to push on. "AJ.... I don't mean to pry, but why aren't you and Mark spending time alone together?"

That caused the earth pony's eyes to widen in surprise for a second, a blush slowly growing on her face.

"You're not still mad at him leaving for so long, are you?"

"No." Applejack sighed. "It's just that he's been through so much in such a short time. I just wanna make sure he's ready before we take the next steps."

"You don't have to worry too much. I already know he thinks the world of you, AJ."

"I know... It's just... Think about it, Twi. He was a human from another world, ripped from his home and family. He was sent to Equestria and turned into a pony, all because he was sent here to be a pawn by an evil tyrant."

Applejack hung her head back, allowing her to take another drink.

"Look, Mark may have found friends while he was here, and we may've gotten close to each other. But deep down he's still a lost soul in an alien world."

"But he says he's not worried about going home anymore." Twilight commented.

"So he says. But it' just an act. Mark is a dependable pony, and has done some heroic deeds. But after all that Sombra has put him through, I'm afraid...."

"Afraid of what?"

Both Twilight and Applejack turned to see Mark standing there, holding freshly poured mugs.

"I... I was just sayin..."

"It's cool, girls." He handed Twilight her mug while giving them both a big smile. "I know you're just worried about me."

"Sorry I was talkin about ya, sugercube." Applejack said with a sigh.

"All is forgivin." He said, putting an arm around her. "Now let us forget all that pointless worrying. Tonight is a happy occasion. Come, let us play a fun round of 'cider pong'."

As Mark began leading them to an open area to set up the game, Twilight thought to herself.

I wonder if AJ has a point. Is this all just an act? Is he still hiding his true feelings from us?


Starlight and Rarity stood off to the side as they watched there friends all having a good time. Fluttershy and Big Mac were off by themselves having a conversation, while Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie where getting into some kind of debate. Rarity slowly and gracefully sipped her mug, while Starlight took a good swig of her's.

"Looks like those two are enjoying themselves." Starlight said as she pointed at the yellow pegasus and red earth pony.

"The white unicorn gave her a smirk. "Good for her. I'm glad to see her opening up more."

"They do look like a cute pair."

"hmm, I see what you mean. Fluttershy is kind but shy, and Big Mac is strong but quite. I'm a little surprised that we've never really seen those two together before." Rarity took another drink.

"Well, tonight would be a good night to get closer." Starlight commented with a sly smile.

"Anything is possible." Rarity giggled.

Both remained silent for a moment, both taking drinks from their mugs as they continued to watch their friends. Mark, Applejack and Twilight were having a fun time playing some sort of drinking game. While Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie looked like they were starting a drinking match. They chuckled as they watched the match from the sides.

"Looks like Dash is trying to beat Pinkie in a drinking contest." Starlight pointed out.

"It won't end well." Rarity stated. "Pinkie is many things, but that mare is NO lightweight."

"How do you know that?"

"I had the misfortune of going out drinking with her one night. Poor Dash doesn't stand a chance."

Starlight laughed at the thought, while Rarity took that moment to take another sip.

"So Starlight, still in touch with Trixie?"

"Sure am." Starlight nodded. "We decided to send letters to each other while she finishes her tour."

"that's good."


Rainbow Dash gulped down her fourth mug, slamming it down on the table. Wiping her mouth, she gave a convenient smile before looking over to Pinkie Pie, who was just finishing her mug as well. Dash saw a pile of empty mugs beside the pink mare, and she began to deflate when she counted seven in total.

"What?!" The pegasus exclaimed in disbelief. "How? You... But... I'm only on my fifth mug!"

"Sorry Dashie," Said before letting out a small burp. "But you shouldn't have challenged me to a drinking contest."

"Wait... Are calling me a lightweight?"

"If the socks fit." Pinkie said with a smirk, reaching off to the side and grabbing a new mug.

"All right, them's fighting words." Dash scufffed, as she too reached for a new mug of cider. "Bring. It. Now."

The drinking contest continued in earnest, as both mares downed their drinks with gusto. Meanwhile, Fluttershy and Big Mac watched them from the sides as they went to one of the freshly tapped cask to pour themselves another mug.

"Oh my." Fluttershy muttered as she watched her friends behavior. "Do you think we should stop them?"

"Nope." Big Mac simply answered. He then handed her a full mug, giving her a warm smile as he done so.

"Thank you, Big Mac." She said politely. "Your such a kind stallion."

That earned a small blush from the big red earth pony, but it was hard to tell on the count of him being red.

"Ms. Fluttershy, the stars are out tonight. Would ya like ta look at them with me?" He asked, if not sounding a little nervous.

"Why, I'd love to Big Mac." She answered, and the two began walking out in the moon lit field. "And please, just call me Fluttershy."


Mark, Applejack and Twilight were off to themselves playing a few rounds of 'cider pong'. Since both mares had never heard of the game before, he had to explain the rules for them to play. It was just like beer pong back on earth, only they were using mugs of cider instead. The rules were simple, they would lay their mugs on a table and they would each take turns throwing a small ball into one of the mugs. If the ball landed in somepony else's mug, then that pony had to drink from their mug.

So far, it had been quite a fun little game. Mark had to drink from his mug only five times, while Applejack had to about ten times. Making her start to feel a little buzzed by now. Twilight however, had the worst luck so far, as she had to drink from her mug almost twenty times. By now, she was well into her sixth mug, and the effects of the alcohol had long since kicked in.

"Ya feeling alright, sugercube?"

By now, the purple alicorn was moving back and forth a bit, but a huge goofy grin was on her face. "I'm fine guys, really. After the first few mugs, it gets much easier to swollow this stuff."

"That's because your too drunk to taste it." Mark chuckled. "You're totally hammered right now."

"No I'm not."

"Yes sugercube, you are." Applejack agreed with the grey unicorn.

"I'm like, totally not right now." Twilight slurred. "Here, I'll prove that I'm not."

She then fumbled to pick up the small ball in her hooves, before throwing it at the three mugs on the table. The ball bounced off the table before falling into one of them. "Ha! Told ya." Twilight proclaimed.

"Uhh... Twi, that's your cup." Applejack pointed out.

"Oh."

"I think maybe now's a good time to cut you off." Mark said as he used his magic to levitate her mug off the table.

"But why?" Twilight whined.

"Trust us Twi, you'll thank us in the morning." Applejack stated.


Rainbow Dash downed her twentieth mug. "Don'tch thank you.... You can beat me, Pinkchie." She slurred heavily in drunk talk. She was having trouble just staying up at this point.

Pinkie also finished her twentieth mug, but a quick glance at Dash caused her to pause. "Hey Dashie, maybe we better call it quits." She said, also starting to feel tipsy at the moment.

"NO WAY! Not untilllsss we desssidesss a wiener." Dash responded, swaying a little in her seat.

"Then you win, Dash." Pinkie said with a sigh. "You win."

"Ha!" Dash suddenly stood up to point at pinkie, ignoring the fact fact that the whole barn was spinning. "Maybee nhow you'll agree, I'm the best wiener in aalll of Ponyspille."

"Okay Dash, you're the best 'wiener'." Pinkie agreed, hoping her friend would calm down before she hurt herself.

"Maybee nhow you'll agree.... I'm the best wiener in aalll of Ponyspille..."

"You already said that."

Dash stared at her friend, trying make sense of what she just said. She continued to stare... And stare... Until finally, she fell forward and slumped onto the table. Everypony else in the barn heard her crash onto the table, and were walking over to check on their friend. A low and muttled groan came from the cyan pegasus.

"Oh dear, looks like the poor dear is out like a light." Rarity commented.

"I tried to tell her." Pinkie gave everypony an apologizing look. "But she wouldn't listen."

"I think maybe we better call it a night." Mark suggested.

That earned an 'awww' from a drunk Twilight and Pinkie Pie.

"I hate ta say it, but sugercube has a point." Applejack agreed. "It's getting late, and we still have ta get the drunk one's home."


It was now growing late in the night, as everypony decided to call it quits. Their first priority was getting the passed out Rainbow Dash, as well as the drunk Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie home save. Applejack tried to look for Big Mac to give them a hand, but him and Fluttershy were nowhere to be fround. So they had no choice but use one of the farm's spare wheelbarrows to load Dash into. Pinkie and Rarity would make sure she would return home safely, while Starlight would help walk Twilight home.

"Bye guys, be careful on the way home." Mark waved to Rarity and Pinkie, as they started to leave the farm with the full wheelbarrow.

"We will, daring. You be sure to be careful as well." Rarity replied.

"Have fun!" Pinkie yelled back to them as she pushed the wheelbarrow. Mark heard Rarity tell her to be careful with Dash.

"I love you guyyies." Twilight giggled as Starlight gentle pushed her along. She was caught off guard as Twilight nuzzled into her, affectionately. "You're the bessst friendsss a mare like me could ever have."

"Okay! Let's get you home before you embarrass youself further." Starlight blushed, continuing to stear her friend home.

As she passed were Applejack and Mark were standing, she looked over and said, "You guyiesss are just the cuuttest couple."

Both of them looked at each other sheepishly, before returning their attention back to her.

"Uhhh... Thanks." Mark answered back.

"Ppsssttt.... Hey Applejack..." Twilight tried to whisper over to her, but was failing miserably. "Mark is a real great and handsome stallion. You better jump his bones soon, before I do."

Silence.

Everypony's eyes were wide and faces burning red at what Twilight said in her drunken stupor.

"Now I KNOW you're going to regret that tomorrow." Starlight said as she redoubled her efforts to get her off the farm.

The two remaining ponies stayed silent until all their friends had left the farm. Neither one would look at each other for too long, as their eyes would wonder someplace else. But the silence must be broken, and somepony had to take that first step.

"So... Do you think we should start cleaning up, or what?" Mark asked.

"Nah, I'm not in the mood tonight. Applejack answered, taking a look at the now empty barn. "Besides, Big Mac should do it. On the count that he wondered off on us."

Mark pondered about that a second. It was true that he and Fluttershy were nowhere to be fround, and he couldn't help but wonder what that reason could be. I'm pretty sure that those two are okay. He thought to himself. Then a wild idea popped into his head that he just couldn't believe. Those two didn't sneak off to go.... Did they?

Applejack slowly turned around and began making her way toward the house.

"Look, I'm gonna go take a break in the house." She said, as she paused to turn and look at him. "So, ya all care ta join me inside?"

....................

Did she ask what I think she asked? Mark panicked to himself. Oh shit, I can't believe that this is happening. Wait, she's looking at you. She's waiting on an answer. Answer you fool. ANSWER!

"Uhhh.... Sure."

Nailed it.