From The Gates

by Dirty Bit

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

A Brand New Start

Celestia's sun rose up over the horizon and signalled the dawning of a new day. At Sweet Apple Acres, the rooster crowed and signalled the Apple family members, namely Applejack, to get up and start their new day.

When she trotted out the door, Applejack made her way towards the barn after she rubbed her eyes and straightened her hat. Hopefully she'll have better luck waking up Sloth without having to cause herself any physical pain.

"Applejack, where are ya goin'? Th' trees 're th' other way!"

Applejack turned around to see a yellow filly with a red mane and tail and a bow wrapped behind her mane carrying a schoolbag around her sides. The cowpony sighed "Ah know, Applebloom. Ah jus' gotta wake up our new house guest first..."

Applebloom tilted her head "House guest? Why haven't ya told us yet? Can Ah meet whoever's at th' barn, sis?" She smiled up at her sister.

Applejack smiled back "Alright, but then ya better skidaddle t' school afterwards! C'mon over so y'all can get acquainted better!" The two siblings trotted over to the barn without a moment to lose.

The cowpony opened the doors and the sun's light expanded vertically until it reached the silhouette of Sloth sleeping on his hay pile. Applebloom noticed the indolent pony and her eyes were wide as dinner plates "Sweet Celestia, he's huge!!!"

Applejack turned to Applebloom with a stern expression "Applebloom! Not so loud!"

Applebloom cringed and looked down apologetically "Sorry, Applejack." She then looked up at Sloth "So he's th' new house guest? Is he gonna help us out on th' farm?"

Applejack nodded "Oh you bet yer flank he will! Ah'm gonna go wake 'im up." She turned to Applebloom "Now off t' school with ya! Y'all can meet Sloth later today!"

Applebloom smiled "Okay then! Ah can't wait t' meet Sloth better! See ya later, sis!" She galloped off with her school bag in tow.

Applejack watched her sister leave, and then turned back to Sloth once she was out of sight. She casually trotted over and then prodded the indolent pony "Wake up, Sloth! Ya got some work t' do!" No response. Applejack was slightly irritated "C'mon, Sloth! Ah shouldn't repeat myself! Get up so y'all can get t' work!" The indolent pony only moved his head as he nuzzled into the comfortable hay pile. Applejack growled in annoyance and went to go buck Sloth again, but stopped herself when she remembered what happened last time. An idea clicked in her head and she climbed onto Sloth and began to jump up and down "Yeehaw! Ah see where Pinkie's comin' from with this!" She was happy to hear Sloth grunt with each jump.

The indolent pony slowly shifted and rose from his sleeping position "Not again..."

Applejack stopped and looked down at Sloth "Well maybe if ya woke up sooner, Ah wouldn't have resorted t' this, sugarcube. Now let's get outside so Ah can get yer lazy flank workin'!"

Sloth groaned and turned to the barn entrance and slowly trotted out with Applejack on his back "What a pain..."

The two made their way outside and Applejack pointed Sloth to where the field of apple trees sat. While the pace was slow, they reached the trees in no time at all. Applejack then hopped down from Sloth's back and stood next to a tree "Alright, Sloth! It's time ya put them legs o' yers t' good use! Ya know how t' buck trees, right?"

Sloth looked down at the tree and at Applejack. He shifted his glance once more before he spoke "Bucking is-"

Applejack deadpanned "A pain? Well it is how it is, pardner! No pain, no gain, Ah always say! An' it's about time ya learn th' value of an honest day's work!" She smiled and tipped her hat "Ah figured it was best t' not only teach ya honesty through work, but through talkin' as well! It oughta be easy knowing y'all don't seem to lie much! Yer brother Greed seems like my kind o' customer with how honest he is!"

Sloth groaned "That's Greed, though...I'm Sloth..." He then looked at the tree and noticed how luscious the apples looked "...Hungry..." he slowly trotted over while he opened his mouth.

Applejack looked at Sloth and then remembered "Right. Ah suppose y'all could use some breakfast before ya get buckin'. Ya can have two apples, but that's all yer gettin' for th' time bein'!" She then noticed Sloth managed to eat all of the apples on the desired tree "Consarn it, Sloth!! Didn't ya hear a word Ah said!?"

Sloth chewed his meal and gulped as it satisfied the indolent pony's stomach. He then looked down at an agitated Applejack with his unchanged gaze "I was hungry...Hunger is a pain..."

Applejack facehoofed and took a deep breath to curb her annoyance "Okay, well since ya had yer fill, now we'll get started!" She trotted over to another tree and smiled "Now watch an' learn, sugarcube! This is what yer gonna do!" She faced away from the tree and planted her four hooves on the ground in a stalwart stance. The cowpony then brought up her hindlegs and gave the tree a good buck, causing all of the apples to fall. She smirked proudly "That's all ya gotta do! Seein' how big ya are, it won't be much of a problem! Now you try, Sloth." She waved the indolent pony over to the next tree.

Sloth looked at the next apple tree and slowly trotted over with a tired moan. He faced away just like Applejack, stood in his own stance, brought up his hindlegs and then...

*KAPOW*

Sloth performed a halfhearted buck, but Applejack's jaw hit the ground when she saw the tree he bucked fly high into the air, heading towards Ponyville. The indolent pony turned around and noticed the fragmented stump that remained of the tree "Huh...it broke..."

Applejack looked down and was more than nervous "This is gonna be a problem..." She focused her gaze at Sloth "Ah knew y'all were strong, but I never thought ya were THIS strong!" She looked back at her home and then a thought clicked "Ah know! Yer gonna be plowin' from now on!"

Sloth looked down at Applejack "Plowing?"

Applejack nodded "Eeyup! And don't say it's a pain, okay? Ah already got th' message with ya!"

Sloth never took his eye off of Applejack "...I've never plowed before..."

Applejack was dumbfounded "Have ya done any kind o' work in yer life, Sloth!?"

Sloth looked down "I dug a tunnel...It was big, too..." He looked back up at Applejack "I never plowed...What is plowing?"

Applejack felt flustered at Sloth's personal work life 'This pony's dumber than a bag o' hammers! But at least he'll put his strength t' use...' She then smiled "Follow me, Sloth. Ah better get ya suited fer this next task. Apple buckin's not gonna be part o' yer schedule fer a long time..." She trotted away and Sloth slowly followed her.
_____

Lust woke from her slumber and trotted out of her bed as she stretched her legs 'I've never had this content of a rest before...Rarity is indeed generous to let me stay here.' She then exited out of her door.

While she trotted down the steps, she came into the main lobby and noticed Rarity and a younger unicorn with a lighter purple mane "Well this is a surprise...You never told me you had more company."

The little unicorn looked over at Lust "Wow, Rarity! Who's she? She looks pretty!"

Rarity gasped "Where are my manners? I'm terribly sorry, Lust! I've forgotten to introduce you to my little sister!" She smiled at her sister "Sweetie Belle, this is Lust. She's going to be staying with us for a while, so you'll have to get used to her company!"

Sweetie Belle looked over and gave a proper curtsey at the lascivious mare "Hello, Lust!"

Lust smiled at the greeting gesture similar to Rarity's 'She's definitely her younger sister...' "Sweetie Belle, hm? Not a bad name at all. It is nice to meet you..."

Rarity looked at Sweetie Belle "Now, you should get going to school. I cannot abide you being tardy because of this!"

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes "It's a simple walk from here, Rarity! I don't think I'm ever late!" She walks out the door and waves at Lust "See you later, you two!" She galloped off after she shut the door.

Lust turned to Rarity "I take it you two often quarrel like my own siblings?"

Rarity sighed at the question "I'd be lying if I said no, but that's how it usually is, right? On a cosmic scale, it's better off this way. I can't have my sister think the way I do and vice versa for so long..."

Lust nodded "A good philosophy. Now that we're both awake, what will you teach me today in terms of this...'Magic of Friendship'?" The lascivious mare was skeptical about the term given the title referring to a simple motive of camaraderie.

Rarity poked her chin with a hoof "A good question..." She looks at Lust with a quizzical glance "I'm sure you've been most generous in your life haven't you? Had you any friends prior to before we've met?"

Lust shook her head "I'm afraid not. It was just me and my family at the time. Nothing much else save for a few errands and some choice arguments amongst ourselves..."

Rarity looked saddened "Are you and your siblings really always bitter towards one another? It doesn't seem healthy at all!"

Lust gave an amused smile at the fashionista "When you've lived with them long enough, you'll learn to get used to it. And besides, I've already mentioned that we all share a mutual respect despite our minor disputes now and then..."

Rarity gave a small smile "Well, at least you all are tolerant of one another..." She then poked a hoof "I'm torn to what I should teach you in terms of showing generosity towards other ponies!"

An idea played in Lust's head and she held a hoof "Why don't you teach me how to use magic and maybe I might pass it on to Greed if he lacks the proper learning skills? I would like to practice the telekinetic ability demonstrated by Twilight Sparkle and use it on my own time."

Rarity nodded "Yes, you've told me that your's and Greed's magical skills were lacking." She smiled at the lascivious mare "I'll be happy to help you! Oh, and we still have to prepare a nice dress for you!" She gushed at the thought of Lust dressed in glamorous attire.

The two heard a loud thud outside and turned to the door with their ears perked up. They galloped outside and noticed an apple tree landed nearby the boutique. Rarity was shocked and bemused at the sight "How in Equestria did one of Applejack's trees get tossed here!?"

Lust smiled to herself, knowing the only logical answer to that question.
_____

Twilight woke up from her bed with a quiet yawn and rubbed her eyes as she hopped out of bed and trotted over to her mirror and levitated her brush. She then brushed her mane until there were no more stray strands of hair, then turned to see Spike waking up as well.

The dragon made his way downstairs and Twilight went to join him until she noticed Greed was still in his bed. She trotted over and nudged the avaricious pony "Time to get up, Greed. You got some lessons ahead of you today!"

Greed murmured and weakly moved away Twilight's hoof before he dug himself out of the covers and rubbed his eyes. He then gave another yawn that revealed his sharp teeth, causing Twilight to flinch at the sight, and then popped the joints in his neck. The avaricious pony's sight was blurry, and it became more vivid when Twilight came into his sight smiling at him "Oh, morning, Twi..." He muttered "What's going on? I was sleeping just fine before you woke me up..."

Twilight looked annoyed, but smiled at Greed's words "No need for you to be sleeping until late in the afternoon now. Climb out of bed so you can join us for breakfast." She then trotted downstairs and waited for Greed to get up.

Greed did as he was told and stretched his legs when they touched the wooden floor. He woke himself up when he remembered what he was about to gain today 'Oh yeah...Now I get to learn more magic and add some more power to myself! This is gonna be so great!' The avaricious pony then made his way downstairs. He looked around to see that the main lobby was empty, save for two birds that cuaght Greed's eye. There was an owl sitting on a perch and some orange bird chirping in a nest. He then turned to the kitchen to see Twilight and Spike sitting at a table and joined them "Hey, what's on the menu for today?"

Spike noticed Greed and waved "Good morning, Greed. It's just gonna be toast and eggs for now. Hope that's alright with you."

Greed smirked "No problem, little man. Any food's good for me so long as it's mine to eat." Spike served him a plate and he dug in almost ravenously.

Twilight facehoofed "I keep forgetting you live up to your name." She turned to Greed "Maybe you should've went with Rarity so you could learn some table manners and be more gener-"

Greed stopped eating and halted Twilight with a hoof "Ah Ah Ah, Twilight! I think I made it clear that there's nothing wrong with a little avarice! And besides..." He pointed at his horn with a hoof "I still gotta get this thing working to my liking!"

Twilight raised an eyebrow "You seem so eager to learn more about magic, Greed. Are you sure you can handle this?"

Greed waved a hoof "I don't need much of a lecture. Just some hands-on training so I can learn what you did with that parchment yesterday!"

Twilight perked up "You mean my telekinesis? That's a basic talent for all unicorns, Greed. How can you not know how to do that?"

Greed shrugged "I'm different. Can you blame me?"

Twilight looked away and blushed in embarrasment "Sorry..." She then turned back with a smile "The funny thing is me teaching you magic is killing two birds with one stone! I'll be teaching you about unicorn magic, and the Magic of Friendship!"

The word echoed in Greed's mind and he looked down for a moment 'Friendship...' He pondered the word and then faced Twilight "This 'Magic of Friendship'...Is it as powerful as Celestia claims? Don't get me wrong, I listened to you at Pinks' place last night, but I'm a bit skeptical on the details..."

Twilight nodded "Of course it is! Don't worry, Greed! I'll be sure to guide you properly down the right path along with your siblings in no time! All I ask is that you be more cooperative around me and Rarity, okay?"

Greed looked away after he finished his meal "I can't make any promises around that mare." He then turned to Twilight with an amused smirk "Also, I hope you'll be able to handle Envy like me and the others do!"

Twilight looked down "About Envy...Is he always like this?"

Greed nodded "More or less. Your friend Rainbow Dash already likes that pony a ton!" He laughed at his own joke.

Spike looked worried "I just hope none of them took first swing once they arrived back home..."

Twilight turned to her assistant with a stern gaze "Spike!"

Spike shot back "What? I'm serious! Those two are at each other's throats since yesterday! If anything, I don't know why Fluttershy feels so brave and willing around Envy with the way that pony acts!"

Greed smirked at Spike "Whatever happens happens, I guess..." He then pushed his empty plate away and hopped up "I'll be waiting for you in the main lobby, Twi! I wanna learn this thing faster than anypony else in this place!" He trotted off.

Twilight sighed at Greed's cocky behavior "Greed, there's no such thing as instant learning!"

Greed stopped in his tracks and slowly turned to Twilight with a wide grin and an amused chuckle "There's no such thing as no such thing..." The avaricious pony then continued his pace into the main lobby leaving behind a confused Twilight and Spike to ponder what he had just said.
______

Rainbow Dash shuffled in her bed and woke up as she gave a loud yawn "Man, I needed that...Nothing like a good night's sleep to get things going!" She then turned to see Envy sound asleep next to her. She stared for a moment and found it touching to see the jealous pony sleep so peacefully, but then snapped herself out of it when she remembered her duty.

She hopped out of bed and jabbed at Envy's side "Hey! Envy! Time to get up!" Envy murmured in response and shuffled a little. Rainbow narrowed her eyes and jabbed again "Get up, Envy!" Envy then gave a snarled murmur as it tucked itself further in the covers. The cyan pegasus was not in the mood to deal with Envy's attitude in the morning and in a swift motion, grabbed the covers with her mouth and yanked them away to reveal Envy lay in a sprawled position on the bed.

Envy slowly opened its eyes and casted a weak glare at Rainbow Dash "I'm trying to sleep, you bitch...What do you want?" It murmured in an agitated tone.

Rainbow Dash glared back at Envy "Look, I wanna sleep as much as you do, but you got some kindness to learn! Now get up and let's head to Fluttershy's! We can't keep her waiting for so long with how badly she wants to see you!"

Envy looked away "Dunno why the hell she's interested in me so much...Not interested in her..." Some of the jealous pony's mysterious fatigue managed to carry on throughout the night while it slunk out of bed and dragged its heels past Rainbow Dash "Let's just get this over with..." It tried to muster some of its snarky tone, but Envy felt more weak.

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow at Envy's condition 'Why the hay is Envy acting like this? Last night, the pony was a total jerkwad and then this happens! Maybe I should talk to Twilight about this or something...' She then followed the jealous pony out the door.

When the two were out on the front porch, Rainbow Dash unfurled her wings and glided downward towards Ponyville. Envy unfurled its own wings and followed after the cyan pegasus, but in a more haphazard flight pattern. The jealous pony grunted with each time it tried to straighten its flight towards Ponyville.

Rainbow Dash looked back and noticed Envy and felt more concerned and confused 'Okay, this is getting weird! Is Envy faking this or something? Nopony can be THIS tired after a good rest!' She landed on the ground and waited for Envy to join. When the jealous pony landed, Rainbow Dash looked down at it with a disappointed stare "Okay, we're totally working on your flight while we teach you some kindness! That was the worst flight I've ever seen!"

Envy groaned "Up yours...Now are we going or not?" At that, the two trotted through Ponyville. Rainbow Dash had a mind to hover over Envy while the two pegasi made their way to Fluttershy's, but the cyan pegasus couldn't help but feel concerned about Envy's mysterious condition.

The two passed a couple of mares on their path. One was a mint green unicorn with a lyre cutie mark while the other was a cream-colored earth pony with a blue and pink mane and tail. Her cutie mark was three pieces of wrapped candy. When they passed by Rainbow Dash and Envy, they couldn't help but share a warm nuzzle while they trotted away.

At that moment, Envy felt another wave and felt reinvigorated 'Hey, there it is again! This is really starting to piss me off!!' It then lifted its head up and trotted at a better pace.

Rainbow Dash took notice and spoke "Hey! You're finally awake. What just happened earlier? Was it some kind of condition?"

Envy glared back at Rainbow Dash "How the hell should I know? Let's head to your stupid friend and get these 'kindness lessons' over with! I got better things to do..."

Rainbow Dash glared at Envy without a word as they trotted side-by-side 'Weirdo...'

End of Chapter 21

Comments

[Dirty Bit]

You heard it from him, folks. There's no such thing as no such thing

[jar'o'mayo]

Truly, he would make a great addition to the Gurren Brigade.

[Barbecue Sauce]

Best Pony Status: STILL ALL OF THEM!!!

Good chapter.

[Dirty Bit]

769358 Can you imagine him wearing Kamina's glasses?

[jar'o'mayo]

769651 Yes. He can't change out of Ultimate Shield form.

[Dirty Bit]

769921 eh?

[jar'o'mayo]

770376 It's so awesome, he has to be in Ultimate Shield form in order to take the outward pressure of Awesome Rays.

[Dirty Bit]

770388 Oooooooh

[DavidPony]

best pony: still envy
story status: still awsome

[Insanity]

True greed would make a great member of gurren brigade.

[Anonymous_AiE]

Nice story but I don't think a peaceful pony would say

"The funny thing is me teaching you magic is killing two birds with one stone!"

[Genesis1212]

Heh convenient envy keeps luckin out when hes tired D

[Camolot the Creator]

771817
Go beyond the impossible! Believe in the Greed that believes in you, Ed! Your arm is the one that will pierce the heavens!

Yeah, I can see it.