************************
Ding!
Ding!
Play Write sighed as the schoolbell's song struck its final note, although little of it could be heard over the squealing of the foalswarm that came pouring around her legs, through the doorway, threatening to sweep her away like an undertow of concentrated adorable. Ponies lined the playground's fence outside, loyally waiting to be bowled over by the coming tsunami of hugs and excited chatter. Some had brought carts, but most were inclined to simply walk alongside their foals on the way back. Little Filthy Rich proudly held up a small jangling purse to his mother - Play Write'd need to talk to her about her son selling candy during recess sometime, but at the moment felt no urge to interfere.
Soon, all was quiet, the playground empty. It was the end of another schoolda-
Ding!
Ding!
Play Write blinked as the schoolbell began ringing again for no reason, and quickly turned to run into the building to find out the cause of the strange malfunction.
That cause turned out to be a blond-maned little filly, teeth clamped around the rope as she worked herself to a sweat just to get the hefty bell to ring, often finding herself airborne as the swinging metal pulled her from the floor.
"Applejack?" Play Write stepped closer. "What are you doing?"
Her gaze was met with a pair of moist green eyes, "Teacher! I-I know it's wrong, but please don't make me stop! I need to ring the magic bell!"
"But Applejack, it's just a schoolbell."
"NO! Liar! It's a magic bell! I done seen it with my own eyes!" the little blank-flanked filly wailed. "It has ta be! It makes the parents come back for their children. If'n I ring it long and hard enough, mama'll come back and remember she's s'posed to be waitin' for me!"
The little filly's voice squeezed off in a squeak. "Parents're not supposed to stay away forever..."
this was heartbreaking
No one should go through losing their parents that young. I think it would be nice if they addressed AJ's experience in the show some time.
Oh you motherfu... *lie down.*
D: Multiple Reports incoming! Casualties in all sectors - friendlies brought down by tactical hits to the feels! SEND OUT THE LOG BUOY, ALL HANDS, ABANDON SHIP! D:
3442368
It would be, yes, but the corporate overlords would never allow it.
355 words and I'm already crying. Gotta be some kind of record.
That was not nice.
3442973 Dammit, now you're making me feel HORRIBLE. I just smiled a bit sadly and said Aww...
....Damn, did not expect to get misty eyed from that word count.
AJ needs more love period, not just in the Xenophilia universe. I'm glad she got some attention for once.
An truly excellent chapter.
Damn that just hit me like a freight train at the end. The feels certainly are strong with this one...
Man, that's cruel
Wait. Applejack said," Mama'll come back."
Does anyone else think it implies her father is still alive? And that she's going to lose him too in the future?
Oh. Oh that's just cruel.
Now that was damn depressing and with my favorite mare as well.
What the heck, man?
Ow, my heart.