> Little Jackie
>  by Zubric
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Hard to let go
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Owls wooted outside as the night had fell upon Sweet Apple Acres. the Apple family members all snug in their beds dreaming away the hardships of the day prior.  Applejack, however, had remained awake sleep denying its sweet embrace upon her as she lay in her bed for the past few hours now.  She constantly shifted about, trying to find a more comfortable position as the bed creaked with each attempt. But alas, It was no use her bed might as well have been made of rocks to the trouble earth pony.

She rolled to her right, staring at the wall of clutter. The was a large assortment of papers strewn about in an organized chaos that only she could comprehend. Her eyes lazily wandered towards the calendar, her view fixated on today's date. A thin, red circle was drawn on this day in particular.  She let out a heavy sigh as her feelings took her by the reins remembering what this day meant to her.

She could have left the date blank, or put something else in its place, but that wouldn’t  have changed anything.  She would remember, markings or not. It wasn’t something she could easily forget, nor should forget.

Turning to lay flat on her back once again, she couldn’t help but glance at her father’s Stetson hanging on the bedpost.  Memories started to flood into her mind, her father’s deep throated laughter as he moved his drenched brown mane out of his eyes. Her mother’s comforting hugs when she got scrapes or bruises, and so much more that caused Applejack to sniffle a little.

Now unable to drift off into slumber, she tossed her blanket aside, clambered out of bed, and took her hat from the post placing it upon her head.

"Just one quick visit, then I can sleep." She took the bronze lantern from the hall closet and with a quick flick of a match lit the surrounding space in the orange glow of the fire.  Holding the light in her teeth, she headed down the stairs, out the front door, and into the night beyond.  She glanced up at the full moon, taking in the wonders of stars and the wonders it created in the eternal night panting. To her, each one was like as a happy memory, treasured forever, but much like the stars, they felt so distant and out of reach.   

Applejack shook her head as another tear ran down her cheek, forcing herself to look away from the spectacle.  She quickly turned her attention to the hill in the distance where a larger than normal apple tree sat atop of it.  Her body was on auto-pilot as she walked her way up to the grassy hillside to the one place she visited only on a few occasions.  Each step made her heart feel heavier, sadness welling up inside.  Her knees trembled, making her have to stop and take a breath or two.

Keep it together Applejack.  She tried to remain strong even when she knew she was alone convinced that a momentary lapse would cause her emotional control to break.  After a minute of silence, and a few careful breaths of the cool midnight air she moved onward.  She soon reached her destination staring up at the branches of the old tree she known since fillyhood. Alongside the roots of the tree stood two old stone tombstones. Etched upon each stone were the cutie marks of her parents along with smaller apple shapes decorating its surface.  The light of the lantern cast eerie shadows upon them as Applejack set it on the ground.

Noting the leaves scattered on the engravings, Applejack wiped them clean with her hoof. “Hello father, mother, I came to visit,”   She said, her voice soft and quivery.  As her hoof ran along her mother’s stone, she paused, taking a good long look at the detailed vine carvings set into it.  

Her mother always did have a green hoof. Her passion for gardening always provided a very bright and colourful environment around the flower beds.  A small smile came to Applejack's face, remembering the time she helped plant a rose into the porch flower box.  Her mother’s joyful smile she had received in return for such a good job floated in her vision.

She closed her eyes thinking hard about that smile. That cheerful, carefree grin, welcoming anypony that came her way. The very same smile that she saw each morning when she awoke.  A tear ran down her cheek as the sadness sank her head low to the ground.

2 years, had it really been that long ago?  She had been just a small filly when it had happened, a little younger than Applebloom was now.  Their bodies had been found mauled by Timberwolves just near the Everfree forest.  Nopony ever found out why they had gone out so far from the farm that afternoon.  Maybe they wanted to take a walk together.  Whatever the reason, it had happened too fast for anything to be done about it.

Like a wound up spring, the farm pony’s hoof slammed upon the grass. “You should have been there for Applebloom, you just had to be so stupid and go out during Timberwolf season!”  Applejack muttered, lips trembling.  She cleared her father’s stone letting out a sigh. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to shout.”  

Even if they were dead, she wouldn’t dare to disrespect them.  
 
Her family had always been there to support her, but it just never seemed to be enough to help let go of the crushing sorrow that dwelled in her.  She was only a filly, she couldn’t have done anything to change things, so why did she feel this way?

She lay down on the moist grass, setting her hat down and resting her chin upon it. She took slow breaths trying to calm herself. Her eyes close as she let the world around her soothe her soul.

The night air rustled the leaves, its crispy touch blowing against her fur.  She took deep breaths of the spring scents around her.  The stimulation reminded her of a happier time. A time when she felt the world had no worries at all.





]It was a bright, cloudless day, as Applejack ran down the row of apple trees, giggling contently. Her big brother was right behind her, chasing with a grin upon his face.

“Come back here, you little speedster,” Big Mac called out.  He darted around one of the trees, trying to catch Applejack off guard, but to no avail. The speed demon filly simply zipped passed him as he jumped out of his hiding spot.

"Can’t catch me!” The carefree filly giggled, as she ran off towards the picnic blanket just up the hill.  The smell of fresh apple pie greeted her as she sat down to rest. Her happy laughter caught the attention of her father, his hat resting upon his dark brown mane.

“Some filly sure is having fun,” he said.  He ruffled Applejack’s mane causing another slight giggle from her.

Applejack smiled wide, watching her brother run up to her. “Someday I'm going to be strong, just like you Mac.”

Her father nodded at her eagerness. “Well, you sure are faster than him, that is for sure.”

Big Mac huffed playfully. “I only went easy on her because she's a filly.”

Applejack stuck her tongue out. “Nu-huh, you just a slowpoke.”

“Being slower than my be little sister? Don’t be crazy!” He reached out, starting to tickle Applejack on her belly. “Haha, too slow this time!”

Applejack broke out into a laughing fit kicking her legs about. “Stop, that tickles!”

Mother looked over dawing at the sight. “Isn’t that just cute, our little apple is ticklish?”

“Mommy, make him stop!” Applejack pleaded past fits of laughter.

Mother kept watching them play for a while before Big Mac gave up and stopped the tickles. Applejack quickly ran into her mother’s forehooves and hugged close to her chest.  “Eep, keep the tickle monster away.”

Big Mac kept wiggling his hooves playfully at her smiling “Grrr.”

Applejack clung to her mother. “Eep protect me!”

The mother gently patted her mane. "I'll always protect you little Jackie.”





]“Applejack?" 

She sniffled, her face planted in her hat as tears ran down her face.

The voice called out to her again.

“Applejack?”  She felt her side being nudged by a large hoof which could only mean one pony in particular.

“Mac...” she looked up to see the red stallion shimmering in the light. She sniffled, slowly getting up and sitting on the grass.

“What are you doin’ out here at this time of night?” He asked. His voice was full of concern and comfort.

Applejack pointed to the graves silently as the wind rustled the trees.

“It’s today, isn’t it?” He asked offering up a hug.

She nodded before holding onto her brother tight. She didn’t have to say a word, her action more than enough to convey her state of mind.

“Shhh, it’s okay, I’m here.” He comforted, moving his hoof along her back while also stroking his sister’s mane.

“It...it… it just ain't fair.” She whimpered, hugging tighter for warmth.

“I know, I know." He kept up his gentle massage, "Come on Applejack let’s get back to the house, maybe some tea will help your nerves.”

The two kept hugging for several long minutes, neither saying a word. After what felt like forever, Applejack breathing started to settle and she pulled away from the hug. “M-maybe but... it doesn't help for long.”

They started their journey back to the farmhouse, Big Mac kept close to her.  Upon entering the kitchen a few minutes later, he spoke up.  “Have you seen the therapist?” He asked, setting the water on the kettle to boil.

Applejack took a seat at the table, curling her tail over her cutie mark. “Yes, every other Thursday, but what does that have to do with this?” She gestures toward the calendar.

“You can always talk to him freely, just like you do with me.” He sat down as well the chair creaking slightly.

“I know that, but what if he thinks I’m weak or somethin’?” She held her tail with her right hoof looking down veins in the wood.

Mac rubbed his neck, hesitating for a moment before he spoke again. “I don’t mean to pry at private conversations, but have you ever talked to him about, you know, our parents?”
Applejack looked up her eyes till watery and red. “N-no, not really. I just get to worked up talkin’ about them.” she rubbed her eyes “ I mean look at me cryin’ like a foal.” She said wincing a bit.

“I really do think you should talk with him, he might be able to help more than we can.” He rose to his hooves once more, giving Applejack a firm hug.

Once more, Applejack hugged him back, her eyes closed as a few tears trickled down her face. Soon the water came to a boil and Big Mac let go in order to pour his sister her tea.

Applejack took careful sips of the peppermint tea, breathing in the aroma. The only sound to be heard  for some time was the clock idly tickling away.  It was only after she had finished her whole cup, that she replied.

“I-I think you might be right. Today is our meeting anyway.” She replied looking into her brother's tired eyes. She felt almost guilty, feeling so sad right now, depriving her big brother of his sleep just for her. Was it possible he, too, had trouble sleeping tonight?

]Despite his tired posture, he grinned. “Come on little sis, let’s get you tucked back into bed, long day ahead of us.” He let out a long yawn as they walk up the stairs.

Applejack lazily climbed back into her bed, looking into her brother’s caring eyes. Mac pulled the sheets over her body with delicate care. She sighed at the event taking place before her, being tucked into bed like a mere filly. She didn't mind, though her brother was always there for her. The warm embrace of the blanket, combined with Big Mac’s comforting presence was enough to help her feel relaxed. She closed her eyes hearing Big Mac walk towards the door.

“Thank you, brother.” Applejack sighed.

“Goodnight, Jackie.” He replied, gently closing the door.  Within moments, Applejack fell into a dreamless state of rest.  She felt at ease, at least for the moment.
> Talking Just Isn't Enough
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The rays of the sun danced off the orchards across Sweet Apple Acres as the day began. The morning started out like most days did for Applejack. She stared at her reflection and let out a small yawn as she brushed away at her bedhead. Despite sleeping through the rest of the night without issue, she still felt exhausted, both physically and emotionally. She gave herself a quick smile at her reflection, focusing her thoughts on the task at hoof. 

    “Apple Bloom, ya up yet?” she called out down the hall as she continued to brush her mane, keeping an ear open for any form of response.  After a minute or so of silence, Applejack set down her brush and headed out towards her sister's room.

    The past week had been hard for Apple Bloom.  She had woken from a few bad dreams shaking, and on one occasion even asked to sleep with her big sister.  As much as she wanted to know what was bothering her, Apple Bloom always responded with denial automatically responding with,  “it’s nothing.”  There clearly was something bothering her, but Applejack feared that pushing the issue might make things worse. She’d let Apple Bloom approach her if she needed to.

        Last night’s emotional episode had proven to Applejack that trying to deny help would just make things worse, Applebuck season had shown her that. Apple Bloom clearly needed to be talked to, and that was just what Applejack intended to do.

    With a soft tap of her hoof, she knocked on Apple Bloom’s door. “Apple Bloom, rise and shine. It’s already half passed,” she said. The response Apple Bloom gave in return was unexpected.

    “I-I’m sorry. I’ll be down in a bit,” Apple Bloom said, her voice sounding distressed. 

    Without hesitation, Applejack opened the door. Apple Bloom was still firmly in bed snuggling a plush bear close to her chest.  She recognized the expression frozen on Apple Bloom’s face, it was the very same one she would see in the mirror after having a nightmare.  Quickly approaching the bed she sat down next to her sister giving Apple Bloom’s mane a gentle pet  “Apple Bloom, what’s wrong?”

Apple Bloom blinked. “I-I had another bad dream,” she hugged her bear tighter. Judging by the way she was shaking, whatever she had dreamt was really taking its toll. 

    Applejack continued the soothing stroking motion keeping quiet as she thought of her next words. After a moment of silence, she spoke. “Would talking about it help?  I”m always here for you.” She said echoing the words Big Mac had told her just hours prior.

Apple Bloom leaped forward into a hug pushing her face into her sister's warm fur. “I was so scared,” she whimpered. “Nopony was around, I was all alone and this voice telling me to run.”

Applejack pulled her sister close resting her head on her shoulder. “Shhh it’s okay, it was just a dream. That would never happen.” She rubbed her hoof along Apple Bloom's back as a similar memory flashed before her eyes.




    
The farmhouse was quiet this late night. The low chime from a bell rang out from an oak clock as midnight neared. The house was usually so quiet this time of night except for a low rattling noise as the wind shook the windows.

    Applejack knew she should have been in bed but due to a very unnerving nightmare, she needed some comfort.  The way to her parent's room felt uneasy.  The floor creaked with each hoof step feeling as cold as ice. At the same time, each step forward felt like a weight off her shoulder.  The anticipated hug of protection and warm blankets pushed her onwards.  

    Her parents always left the door ajar to keep an eye on things thus Applejack had no trouble pushing the door open.  She stood in the doorway for a time, her eyes glancing at the crib against the far wall.  The newest addition to their family was only a mere one-year-old.  She felt a bit jealous of Apple Bloom at the moment.  No worries, no fears, just some new discoveries and joy as she laid there sleeping away.

    Applejack hesitated afraid that calling out for her mother would disturb her younger sister’s slumber.  Her knees shake a bit, the feeling of wanting to turn and head back to her room floating in her mind.  She stopped herself, however, knowing she was too scared to fall back asleep alone.  With a hushed voice, she called out.  “M-mom.”

    Her mother sat up quickly turning to look at her daughter.  It seemed she hadn’t fallen back to sleep, which was good for the scared filly. She never left the bed gesturing to Applejack to come in. “What’s wrong, Jackie?”  She asked, her voice tired yet so comforting.

    Applejack slowly made her way over to her mother's bedside, her hooves visible shaking. “I-I had a bad dream. Can I sleep with ya?” She asked reaching her hooves up.

    Without saying a word her mother smiled and delicately helped her onto the bed holding her close.  The warmth of her mother's chest eased Applejack almost instantly.  She felt the slow soothing motion of her mother’s hooves moving along her back. “Shh it’s okay, everything's okay now.”

    Applejack nuzzled her face into her mother’s chest cuddling close as she could. “I had a dream you didn’t love me anymore.” 

    Her mother rested her head up Applejack back humming. “That’s never true, we will always be here for you.” She kept up the light humming. “always.”





    Applejack felt a hoof repeatedly nudge against her side. She shook her head realizing she been staring at the wall for who knows how long. 

    “Applejack, are you okay?” Apple Bloom asked quickly hugging her sister.

    It was then that Applejack felt the tears run down her cheek. She shook her head trying to keep it together.  “It’s hard to explain Apple Bloom just…” she hugs her sister back close.

    Apple Bloom remained silent for some time her posture shifting.  “It that day again isn’t it?” she asked sounding guilty.

    Applejack nodded giving a light nuzzle back. “Y-yeah.”

    Apple Bloom looked down ears folded. “I’m sorry for making you cry.”

    The older sister held the hug closer. “No, it wasn’t your fault Apple Bloom. Just having a hard time lately.  I’m here for you okay, I promise.”

    The two continued to hug for some time in the comfort of each other.  Apple Bloom was too young to fully understand the pain but she at least there when Applejack needed a hug.

    Applejack lifted her head noting the time.  “Are ya feeling better now?” She asked letting her younger sister get out of bed.

    Apple Bloom nodded scampering off to the bathroom.  Applejack remained where she was for a time glancing about the room. The fact that this had been her parent's room only made her tear up again.  She shook her head quickly realizing her state. “I can’t be this worked up, I’m not weak I can do this. Put yourself together,” she muttered to herself heading out into the hall and to the kitchen for breakfast.





    It had been a long four hours since her morning’s emotional outburst.  She spent her time bucking apple trees keeping her focus on other things to possibly get her mind off of the subject.  Her usual cope, however, was failing her, the upcoming doctor visit in the forefront of her mind. She managed to get her chores down before heading to the hospital.

    She normally never had anxiety but the long waiting time was getting to her.  Nopony seemed to be talking leaving the large waiting room feeling like avoid.  Lately, it had been rather quiet in Ponyville, for once, leaving no hot topics to bring up.  She fiddled with her hooves as each tick of the clock echoed in her head. 

    After what felt like forever the mare at the desk called out.  “Applejack, Doctor Cheer-Field will see you now.”  

    Applejack lazy got to her hooves setting her hat on her head. Her hooves echoed down the plain white hallway. Lights buzzed overhead as she passed three similar doors before coming up the one she sought. The engraved nameplate read Doctor CheerFeild.  She took a moment to adjust her hat before knocking.  
    
    The sound of a wheelchair was heard moving about before the door was grabbed in a soft yellow aura and pulled open. “Ah, Applejack, nice to see you again. Care for some tea?”  The brown coated stallion asked moving over to the table where the crystal cups sat amongst a few other snacks. The area was decorated with a series of natural colours giving the room a welcoming atmosphere.  A detailed brass fan spun on the ceiling keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.   

    Applejack walked across the green carpet making her way to the couch at the far end of the room.  She plonked her rump upon the seat clearing her throat.  “Sure I could use a drink.”

    Cheer nodded taking a cup from the glass table and pouring her a full glass of green tea.  He puts a few spoons of sugar in and stirred before floating it into Applejack hooves.  He didn't speak at first as he wheeled over to his desk pulling out Applejack's folder from the large cabinet.  Inside were several papers ranging from notes to other manuscripts of the previous session.  He cleared his throat letting the clock tick a few times before he spoke. “So, how’s the family?”

    Applejack shifted in her seat to get comfy. “We are doing well. Apple Bloom is still trying crazy things to get her cutie mark.”

    “I can imagine.”

    “Oh ya, all kind of stuff.  Although whenever it involved constructing something, she pretty good at it.”
        
“And what about you?”  He asked, flicking his pen open. He adjusted in his seat before focusing his gaze on her.

    “I’ve been...fine,” she paused for a moment looking into his eyes. “Well, actually it has been tough lately.”  She rubbed the back of her neck shifting more.

    He blinked keeping his neutral smile. “Hmm, how so?  Something else troubling you?”

    Applejack laid her head down taking in a few breaths. He, of course, knew the answer, her pose hardly hiding her distort state.  It took her a solid minute to work up the nerve to explain.  “Well, you know when I mentioned my parents?”

    He nodded letting her continue.

    “Well lately I’ve been having trouble with controlling my feelings towards their death,” she took a few breaths. “It has just been difficult. I just..just.I don’t know,” she sank her head into the cushion, ears flat against her head.  She felt a bit ashamed at how she was acting as she waited for a response only to hear the tick of the clock and the sound of quill on paper.  The silence was almost unbearable for her.

    He cleared his throat. ‘So can you describe these feelings in any way?  In order to recover, I need insight. Please try,” his voice never went above a low whisper always staying a steady calming range. 

    Applejack got up to sip her tea and began to explain. She talked about her parent's demise and the shock everypony had at the time.  ‘Granny was always there for us when we needed it but she was far too weathered to manage the farm. Both I and Mac had to work hard to keep things going.  The thing is the night before they died I had a bad dream and went to them to protect me and slept with them,” a few tears ran down her cheek.

    Cheer wheeled over putting his hoof on Applejack back.  Applejack flinched a bit having not expected this action, however, she let him pet her back. “So you feel like it was your fault they went out that day?”  He asked.

    “Yes...no, I mean..” She laid her head down, “I don’t know I can’t explain why. Even my family tells me there was nothing that could have been done to stop it, but I just can't shake that feeling.”

    He removed his hoof from her back and wrote on his paper.  “Loss is never easy to accept but there are ways to help reduce the pain within.”

    Applejack sat back up staring into Cheerfeild’s sapphire eyes.  “Well if there is, I have yet to find mine. I’ve had plenty of talks with Granny and Big Mac just never seems to last long.”

    “How was your childhood?” 

    Applejack tilted her head the question seemed to come out of nowhere. “Um, was nice I suppose. although most of it after my parents passing was mostly work and school.  I don’t see how this related to me having trouble letting go.”

    He wrote more on his sheet of paper before replying. “Just thinking of a few options for treatments is all.  As for the emotions, you feel they are natural but you seem to focus too much on the negative.”

“What so positive about the death of your own parents?” Applejack jutted her hooves up. “Nopony should go through life without even knowing their parents. All Apple Bloom has is the family photo,” she put her head into her hooves unsure why she mentioned her sister but it was true Apple Bloom would never truly understand her woes.

    After an hour of letting out her feelings, Applejack sighed. “Well, any ideas doc?”

    Cheerfeild taps his chin and looked down at his notes. "You seem to have trouble accepting the loss.  I see that having a stressful childhood has had some impact on your motives for wanting to keep up the appearance of being strong. Do you feel any better?”

    She turned her head to look into his eyes adjusting his hat. “Hmm? What is it?”

    “Well I suppose, but what this treatment you haven’t told me anything about it.”

    “That is what makes it special,” he replied giving Applejack the information card. “Trust me it’s nothing bad or anything.  She is a really nice mare.”

    Applejack nodded thanking him for the time and left.  After a short discussion with her family, she had figure out a good time to go visit.  It was nearly two weeks later that she packed up her saddlebag to head off.

    “So were you going again, sis?” Apple Bloom asked as she stood in the doorway.

    “To a manor just outside of Ponyville.  This Miss Starfield apparently has her own property surprised I never heard of her till now.”

    “That’s a pretty name.” 

    “Yeah, I reckon she related to Cheerfeild in some way or another. I never bothered to ask.”  Applejack picked up the golden locket from the desk and popped it open staring at the photo of her mother and father. “Did I never mention how much I appreciated this gift, Apple Bloom?”

    Apple Bloom smiled. “Well it was more Granny’s idea but I’m glad you like it.”

    Applejack came up to her sister and gave her a big hug. “You mean the world to me, Apple Bloom, I just wish you could have known them more.”

    “At least I have you. Even if you are a bit crazy at times,” the younger sister hugged back nuzzling Applejack’s chest.

    Applejack chuckled at that. “Yeah I do tend to do that but only because I care so much for ya.” she gave her a snuggie before looking at the time. “You better get ready, your friends will be here any second.” 

    The filly giggled and ran out towards her room happily.  Applejack sighed content as she zipped up her bag and headed down the stairs.  Big Mac sat in the kitchen eating a leftover slice of apple pie.  ‘You sure you can handle things without me, Mac?”

    “Eeyup,” he replied simply nodding afterward.  The look on his face said it all anyway, she was worrying too much over nothing.  It wasn’t like the world was going to end if she left the farm for a few days.  She gave him a quick hug before heading out.

As Applejack reached the edge of the housing district she heard the rustling of leaves behind her. She turned to look but upon seeing nopony turned only to be greeted with the large grin on a certain pink party pony.

“Hey, Applejack!”

    Applejack jumped startled, backing up a bit. “Gah, Pinkie don’t do that!”

    “Oh sorry, just force of habit,” she grinned, “Anyway I hear you're going to visit Ms. Starfield. She really really nice and has this large garden. Oh oh and this one area with a river…”

    “Pinkie I’m sure I’ll figure this all out when I get there.” Despite this PInkie kept talking.

    “Oh and she has a filly of her own she so cute and friendly, you two will get along nicely.”

    Applejack looked at her watch. “Sugercube is there something you needed to tell me I’m kind of have a long walk ahead of me.”

Pinkie bounced. “Oh yeah, a few times. Anyway, have fun foaling around I’ll catch you later,” he beamed before heading off back to Ponyville.

Applejack continued to walk for a bit stopping moments later as PInkie's last sentence echoed in her head. “Foaling? didn’t she mean to say fooling around? Huh probably just a slip of the tongue,”  she moves down the road soon spotting the large manor ahead. Her curiosity grew feeling both excited yet nervous about the mystery of what was to come.
> Tea Time to Nap Time
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack hooved echoed against the cobblestone pathway leading up to the main gate of the manor.  She listened to the bird song that rang out from the trees across the yard. Sunlight glittered off the pounds in the front yard causing Applejack to divert her gaze as to not get blinded by the reflections. The gate itself was rather simple in design coated in a light silver paint. Vines wrapped around the pillars that lined either side. 

She looked for a way in before spotting a speaker embedded into the stone pillar on her right side. There was a soft buzz as she pushed the call button, awaiting a response from whoever was manning the gate.  After a short pause, the speaker crackled to life, a gentle voice ringing out.

“Hello?”

Applejack pushed the button again. “Yes, this is Applejack. I’m here to see Starfield.”

There was a short pause before the happy voice replied. “Ah Applejack, right on time. Please do come in.”

Applejack took a second look at the fountain that took up the center of the walkway as the gates slid open for her. The welcoming atmosphere eased her worries for the moment.  In fact she had been quite looking forward to meeting Miss Starfield, despite having no knowledge of what was to come of this treatment of hers.

The bags on her back jingled as she walked up the porch steps and approached the front door. She pondered if she should knock first, but figure since she had already been let in by the gate that it be okay to enter.   The oak door gave a slight creak as she pushed it open and walked into the main lobby gently cleaning her hooves on the welcome mat.  The main area towered two stories above her proclaiming its grand appearance as the sun shimmered of the chandelier hanging from the ceiling.  Rainbows sparkled on the walls as light sprayed out in all directions, the sight quite dazzling.

As she examined the staircase she spotted the mare descending them. Her emerald eyes glanced at Applejack, a smile upon her face.  Her coat reminded Applejack of Rarity in a way.  The bleach white shine almost made her glow.

The mare approached Applejack doing a curtsy before rising and offering a hoof. “So glad to meet you Miss Applejack,”  Starfield greeted.  She pulled back part of her dark blue mane which had fallen to the one side of her face. A few brighter shades weaved through her mane creating a river-like effect.

Applejack returned the hoof-shake adjusting her hat, a friendly smile upon her face.  “Well nice to meet ya too, Starfield I assume?”

Starfield nodded. “Indeed I am, I see you brought a few things with you,” she pointed to Applejack's bags. 

Applejack shifted in place centering her saddle bag a bit. “Yeah just a few overnight things is all, hope you don’t mind.”

Starfield shook her head as she ascends the stairs. “No, not at all Applejack, not at all.  Please make yourself at home.  The key is to be relaxed.”

Applejack stopped for a moment to think deciding to keep her saddlebag on and followed alongside the gentle mare.  She took the time to admire the artwork that decorated the walls. Most appeared to be sunsets or beautiful sketches of the night sky.  A elegant image of a meteor shower caught her eye causing her to stop and admire further.  A half-crescent moon shined in the far right corner reflecting flares off comets that zipped through the void.  She thought back to the time she had seen a shower with Twilight and her other friends.   A smile creeped along her face reminiscing how they all brought their sisters along to bond and Spike adorable balled up body sleeping in the punch bowl.

She is suddenly brought out of nostalgia when Starfield spoke to her. “It’s quite the sight, isn’t it?  My mother painted that a few years ago for my graduation gift,” her voice echoed nostalgia, and yet something else.

Applejack nodding still beaming happily. “Yes, it’s very beautiful almost looks real,” her hoof reached out to feel it only to rub against the thin layer of glass that took up the frame. She felt kind of silly after she did t. 

“My mother does have quite the hooves for art,” Starfield said. Before she could talk further, a rapid rhythm of hooves was heard running down the hall towards them.  

A orange filly no older than 5 raced around the corner, bumping right into Applejack backside.  Applejack jumped a bit before turning to look.

The filly rose to her hooves. “Sorry,” the filly said, blushing as she moved her silver mane aside.

Comet looked up with a smile before hoofing her mother the childish artwork in her hoof. “Mommy I drew you a picture,” she chirps happily.

Starfield took the paper and looked at the cute drawing of her and Comet by a cartoonishly large purple tree.  the two of them were of course stick figures but it was still admirable.  “It’s very nice I love it,” she pets Comet’s mane gently. “Now you go play while I work with my client okay, we can talk during dinner.”

Comet hugged her mother’s leg. “Okay mommy,” she scampers off quickly with a light giggle as she darted down the hall.

Applejack watch the tiny filly vanished beyond a bend with a chuckle. “She really is cute. Reminds me of well...me when I was her age.” 

Starfield kept up her smile glancing out the window at the foliage. “Oh were you constantly running around and having fun?”

She looked back at Starfield nodding her head. “Yeah I used to play tag with my brother a lot in the orchard,” she sighed thinking back to those times. “Things were...a lot simpler back then before…” Her ears flattened momentary.  “Sorry I promised Granny I would try to stay away from the negatives.”

Starfield nodded. “It’s alright, that is why you are here. I’ll help with those intense emotional feelings about your parents and lessen the pain.”

“Yeah I know, but thinking about the bad is what got me worked up in the first place,” she looked down at the floor shuffling her hooves.

“You still seem tense, would you care for a drink?” Starfield gestured Applejack to follow as she proceeded down an adjacent hallway towards the kitchen.

Applejack sat on a stool next to the table taking a moment to breathe again. She did feel quite at home already, despite it being more Manehattan like in style. Starfield placed the mug before her and poured hot water into the basin.  The mist bubbled up from the tea almost immediately unleashing a strong mint scent upon Applejack’s nostrils.  Her eyes closed as she took in a deep breath finding it intoxicating, but in the good kind of way.   Her mouth watered slightly. “Smells wonderful,” Applejack wasn’t normally one for tea but it be rude to refuse such a tantalizing smelling brew.  She brought the cup to her lips taking a few test sips.  She smiled as the warm liquid trickled down her throat tasting the sweet mint mixed with syrup.  She took a long sip and cough a few. “Wow, nelly that’s strong.” 

Starfield shifted upon her seat watching her guest. “Careful, take smaller sips it helps enrich the flavour,” she said.

Applejack sighed. “I’ve never tasted anything quite like it,” she replied feeling more relaxed already. She took a deep breath of vapours her smile growing.

Starfield slid a few chocolate chip cookies over to Applejack before resting her hoofs on the table. “It’s a special brew I acquired from a Zebra trade convoy.  The Zebra’s sure know their teas.”

Applejack took another few sips of the soothing liquid nodding in reply.  She slouched in the stool ever so slightly feeling like she could melt away at any moment. ‘I know a Zebra, Zecora have you ever heard of her?”

Starfield tapped her chin in thought before looking back at her guest. “Oh yes, I think I have heard her name a few times. She’s the one that helped save your sis from the Cutie Pox correct?”

Applejack ears perked up, she set her cup down to gesture her hoof in the air. “Oh doggy, was that one hectic afternoon,” she chuckled adjusting her mane a bit. “ Although to be fair, Applebloom got herself into trouble in the first place.  I was so proud of her finding a talent only to be let down when it was fake. I didn’t even know we still had that old barrel ring.”

Starfield laughed as well. “I can imagine she is quite the hoof-full.”

“Oh yeah, but it all worth it in the end. I can imagine the same goes for your little one ain't’ it?”

“Comet, oh yes she quite the hyperactive little scamp, but so adorable at the same time. I’m sure she’ll love playing with you.”

The tea was doing wonders for Applejack, she felt more relaxed than she had felt in few weeks. The two talked onwards for a few more minutes and as a new hour began she remembered the gift Pinkie had given her. “Oh Starfield, I almost forgot about something,” she reached into her bag pulling out the present. “PInkie said this was for you.”

Starfield took the box in her magic floating it over in front of her. “Oh I wonder what it could be,” she intrigued tearing at the wrapping paper. After a few seconds, she pulled out a hoof stitched teddy bear with pink button eyes. She dawed and hugged it. “Ah, it a wonderful gift.”

As they talk Applejack's thoughts kept going back to how childish the gift had been. It could have been anything but why a teddy bear. Certainly, Starfield was too old for such things, right?

“I don’t mean to intrude on privacy but Pinkie said she’d been here a few times and  then there that teddy she gave you.  What is so special about it?”

“Oh all in good time,” she replied dodging the question, “I just have a thing for plush animals is all.”

Applejack nodded, it made sense to her.  She let out a yawn as she finished her cup. She shook her head a bit blinking.

Starfield chuckled at her guest's actions. “I guess I should have used a bit more water to make it weaker. A good stretch should wake you up again.”

Applejack slid off her stool gasping as her knees gave out causing her to fall belly first onto the floor. She quickly put her hoof up, a light blush on her face. ‘i’m okay,”  she grabbed Starfield hoof when it was offered and soon got back on all fours stretching a bit. “I should try this stuff before bed it would have me out like a light,” she shook her legs until they decided to wake up again. Though still felt a bit tired.

“I can make you some before bed if you want,” she walked into the hall gesturing Applejack to follow. “Well now that we have gotten to know each other let’s get this treatment started.” 

Applejack followed her down the hall letting out another yawn. “So where are we headed?” She blinked a few times shaking her head. “I think that tea making me drowsier than I thought.”

Starfield turned another corner ascending a flight of stairs before stopping at a door to her right. “You can rest in a bit dear. We just need to get the treatment in motion,” she opened the door and walked inside.

Applejack stepped into the doorway and stopped in her tracks as her eyes scanning the room. She tilted her head slightly, taking in the unmistakable scent of foal powder that tickled her nose. She blinked making sure she wasn’t seeing things.  Before her was what appeared to be nursery.  A collaboration of colours, all bright and happy were scattered about the room.  At first the farm pony simple took this as remanence of when Comet was a younger filly but then why would Starfield lead her here.   Further investigation only proved her wrong as she noticed that everything seemed bigger, definitely not something you expect for a foals room. 

Starfield seemed unphased by Applejack’s wondering eyes. She simply stood there like an actor awaiting her cue on stage. Unknown to the earth pony, she had moved towards the door before she spoke up. “Wondering why we are in a sized up nursery?”

Applejack opened her mouth for a second before abruptly closing it and nodded. “Yeah...how did you know that?  Was I that obvious?“

Starfield gave a gentle smile as she remained near the doorway. “Well, not the first time I’ve done this treatment on somepony. Please just take a seat and I'll explain then you can ask any questions on your mind okay?”

Applejack despite her confusion took a seat on the soft bean bag chair in the corner and gestured. “Okay, I’m listening, what this all about?”

Starfield cleared her throat. “Well simply put, the treatment I had in mind is to treat you like a foal,” she watched Applejack eyebrow raise and continued. “It’s hard to really explain in words it’s more something you have to experience. Granted it might not work but given your deep sadness over your parents, a close and personal bonding experience might help you unwind.” 

Applejack shifted in her seat slowly rubbing her hoof against her forehead both puzzled and still feeling sleepy. “Wait, what do ya mean by treated like a foal?” Right on cue, Starfield floated out the poofy white diaper with red elastic. Its design is clearly meant to be infantile.  Applejack’s cheeks turn a light crimson as the realization sank in. “Oh…”

Starfield once again seemed so sure of herself as she stood there with a smile on her face. “Yes, that kind of foal. Now if you lay down on the table I can get you diapered and tucked in for that nap you need.”

Applejack remained sitting still not yet able to comprehend the sight before her.  At first, she wanted to say no to the idea. It felt rather silly and rather pointless. However her promise to try her best was centered in her mind and Starfield had shown her nothing but kindness so far. It'd be rude to not at least give it a try.  ‘I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she mumbled tiredly as she climbed onto the change table. 

Starfield came up with the garment. “Yes I know It’s strange, but it’s all part of the process. Now please lift up your hind legs,” she gestured laying the diaper out.

Applejack blushed as she did so feeling a bit exposed in front of a stranger. She felt the slight tug as her tail was weaved through the back hole before being set down.  The plastic crinkled as she adjusted her posture noting the slight elevation it gave her rump.  The rest of the process felt so bizarre, yes soothing. It brought back such happy moments to the fore-front of her mind as she closed her eyes. 





Applejack had just finished collecting up the apples after a warm summer afternoon of helping her brother in the fields. After getting herself a cold glass of water from the fridge, she took a seat next to Granny Smith on the living room couch.  She let out a relieved sigh slumping back into the cushions. Her eyes glance over at the two-year-old Applebloom sitting in her play pen. She wheeled around a red plastic wagon making cute cooing sounds.

She watched her younger sister enjoy her play a smile coming to her face the longer she observed.  Even after a hard day’s work, it was more than worth all the sweat to come back to the sound of Applebloom’s happy giggles.  At times she almost felt jealous of how easy Applebloom was having fun with such simple objects. While she’d be bucking tree after tree, the foal would be rolling her ball about her box of heaven without even a care.

After a quick chat with Granny, Applejack wandered over to the pen. “Hey there sis,” she greeted standing by the edge of the pen her hoof resting on the gate.

Applebloom cooed staring up from her blocks smiling. “Apple!”

Applejack smiled. “Yeah apples don’t remind me,” she chuckled. lifting the latch she entered the pen and sat down near Applebloom. The younger sibling giggled offering her a plush elephant. Applejack took it and moved it about a little much to the foal’s amusement. “Hehe, thanks, sis.”

Applebloom babbled a bit before suddenly hugging Applejack’s still sweaty mid section nuzzling into it. “Jackie”

Granny giggled from the couch. “She sure likes you a whole lot. She kept asking where you were for a few minutes after she woke up from her nap.”

Applejack daw’ed lightly. “That’s so cute, and I love her right back. We’re family after all,” she ruffles Applebloom’s mane causing a fit of giggles.  Her smile grew as she raised her forehooves. “Oh you’re ticklish,” she started to tickle Applebloom wiggling her hooves about the foal’s tiny body.

Applebloom in return was sent into a fit of laughter kicking and squealing her diaper crinkling as she rolled about the floor.  Applejack kept up her ticklish assault until she noticed the light yellowing of the foal’s diaper. “Oops,” she giggled.

Granny looked over with a smile. “Aww, the appleseed needs her diaper changed.” 

Applebloom giggled innocently having clearly not even felt it or cared. She hugged Applejack foreleg again as Granny approached.  Granny scooped up Applebloom setting the filly on her back. “Come on Applejack, I’ll teach ya how to change a diaper.”

Applejack giggled. “Okay,” she followed Granny up the stairs and into the room that was now Applebloom’s nursery.  She still felt off walking into the room the incident still fresh in mind.  Despite this, she walked up to the table and got on the stool to watch.

Applebloom giggling and kicked carefree as Granny explained the changing process as she did it.  Applejack watched making silly faces at Applebloom for fun.  “Can I try and put the clean diaper on?” she asked.

“Of course,” Granny smiled, “have to learn sometime if you are to take care of her.”  She set the diaper in Applejack awaiting hooves.


---**---


As Applejack opened her eyes she noted the change of location.  She was still smiling from her memory as a light blush adorned her cheeks.  She’d fallen asleep right on the change table and was now laying in the large crib next to it.  After rubbing the sleep out of her eyes glanced about the room passed the bars. Judging by the sunlight peeking through the window it had only been about two hours or so.

She stretched her limbs soon feeling the diaper now snug around her hind quarters. She shifted a bit to feel the cushion it provided. Her drowsiness was soon blown away as her eyes went wide at what she saw and felt between her legs.

“Eeep!”  Applejack poked it just to be sure blushing furiously. There was no denying the sight, she blinked rapidly as the situation dawned on her, she had wet the diaper in her sleep.
> Time to play then to sleep
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Applejack eyes were as wide as dinner plates, her gaze locked on the soggy garment between her legs.  Frozen in bewildered, she found her hoof moving along the cold damp surface confirming what she was seeing. I wet myself? She had never wet the bed before expect during her real fillyhood, but even that had only been a month or so before she got passed that phase. 

At first, she wanted to believe this was all some kind of weird dream brought on by the foalish scents that filled the room, but the longer her gaze fixated on the diaper, the more undeniable the situation was. Her rational mind soon caught up with her initial shock and focused on the task at hoof.

“Well I might as well get this off of me before I get a rash,” She got to her hooves and began tugging on the pink tabs that held the diaper firmly against her rump. She gasped, raising an eyebrow when she felt her hoof slip off the tab each time she tried to grab it. “What the…” she kept on trying, each tug  becoming the same as the last until she noticed the little sparkles glowing from the tabs. Another long groan escaped her lips. “Enchanted, really ugh! Unicorns and fancy their magic,” she grumbled.  Despite the previous failed attempts, she kept trying over and over again at the faint hope to remove the soiled garment, but alas to no success, every vain attempt resulting in failure.  She finally conceived that removing it would be impossible and thus with that option eliminated she moved her focus towards getting herself out of the crib. To no surprise, she found her hooves merely slipping against the hatch like ice just like the tabs of her diaper.  

Applejack shifted from one hind leg to the other against the mattress, her breath increasing unable to stand still. Being contained in such a dependant manner was a rather unfamiliar feeling for the farmer. She feared the helplessness that dwelled inside her. It was this very same feeling had felt when her parents had died, when she knew there was nothing she could do to change things.

Sure, Starfield had stated that she would be doing a foal treatment, but to this extreme?  How was this going to make her feel better about her childhood, in fact it seemed to have the opposite effect. At the moment, all she wanted was to be out of the diaper.  She opened her mouth to call out but stopped herself, her stubborn pride getting the better of her.  She continued her fruitless attempts to escape her wooden prison. If it weren’t for the swollen diaper keeping her legs apart she could have easily climbed over the bars, however the foam like surface of the mattress caused her hooves to sink into it ,making it near impossible to get enough traction to climb over.  Thus after agonizing minutes of trying every option available, she finally accepted her defeat realizing this helplessness was intended.

With a mixture of annoyance and urgency she called out to her hostess.  “Ugh, Starfield,” She waited, wondering if she was being heard. She didn’t dare think about sitting down though not wanting to feel the odd spongy feeling against her rear.  She soon spotted the foal monitor near the crib and called out once more. It felt like an eternity of waiting, each tick of the clock sounding louder and louder until it was almost unbearable. Just as the ticking was about to drive her mad, she heard the sound of the approaching hoofsteps. She sighed as the door swung open moments later as Starfield entered the room.

A light blue apron was tied around her neck, a few pouches stitched along the chest area.  She smiled at Applejack as she stood in front of the crib. “Did you enjoy your nap, Applejack?  You’re up just in time for-“ she suddenly paused staring at the bluntly obvious wet diaper on the earth pony.

Starfield stunned expression told Applejack all she needed to know. This was just a surprise as it had been for her.  

Applejack let out a sigh. “Yes I know, it’s wet. Now would you please let me out of this darn thing so you can explain yourself proper.”

Starfield blushed lightly using her magic to lower the gate on the crib. She took a cautious step noting the disgruntled look on Applejack as she climbed out.  Taking a breath, she got back into her mother mode. “Now Applejack, there no need to use such language dear,” she scolds.

Applejack stretched, scratching an itch on her left flank. She looked back at Starfield her ears dropping to her sides. “I’m sorry, just really uncomfortable right now.” She wanted to be mad but somehow Starfields tone of voice soothed her.  She relaxed a little in a less defensive posture than before. “Wetting the bed isn’t suppose to happen to grown mares, so what did ya do to me?  Was it that tea? Was this all planned just for this?” She inquired gesturing her hoof at her flank.

“No, I never lied about the tea. It was meant to relax,” she rubbed her neck, looking away for a second. “Like I said before when you fell on your belly earlier, I may have accidentally given you too strong of a dose. My dearest apologies but I think by overdosing you I may have weakened your bladder for a few hours,” Starfield looked down blushing “oops.”

Applejack muscles tighten, her eyes narrowing hardly amused by  the mistake made.   “So, you still drugged me to get me to this room?” she said stomping her hoof. “I don’t like being tricked.”

Starfield put her hooves up quickly. “No I swear that was just circumstance that you needed a nap. I honestly was meaning to bring you here and explain the whole thing up front.”

Applejack balanced from one leg to the other, her rear feeling clammy. “Well explain this all in detail after you get this thing off me,” she grunted. “Some sort of magic keepin me for taking it off.”

“That’s intentional actually,” Starfield snickered.  Applejack sighed following her over to the change table and was gestured to lay down. 

Applejack put her hoof up to object taking a breath. “I’d prefer to clean myself off, if I can,” she scratched her cutie mark a bit.

“I understand perfectly my dear, beside I would need your consent anyway to clean you.”  Starlight replied nodding her head. 

“Yet you didn’t need consent for the actual diapering part,” Applejack tilted her head confused.

“Well laying on the table pretty much gave permission for that, the other part-”

Applejack cut her off waving her hoof about. “Yeah yeah I get it, personal contact and all that jazz.” 

“Good,” Starfield ruffles Applejack mane using her magic swiftly undo the diaper tabs before heading for the door. “Just give me a call when your done and i’ll have you back in a fresh diapee real quick,” she paused at the door turning back to speak.“Oh, and by the way, call me Star.”

Applejack nodded feeling embarrassed and soon looked at the change table. “Will do Miss Star.”  The door shut softly behind her giving the farm pony privacy.  “I still don’t get how this is suppose to help me cope, but i’m sure she know’s what she is doing. I just got to stop worrying is all.”    She took in the lavender scent of the wipes as she made herself fresh again. The infant smells brought forth some rather cute memoires of the time she had changed Applebloom and the way she let out cute babbles.

Applejack soon called Starfield back into the room, the pony beaming ear to ear. “Is Applejack ready for her new diapee, I bet she is,” Star mothered with a sing along tune.

A light blush returned to her cheeks being reminded of how Granny used to baby her like that. “Yeah I’m ready, but do ya have to do the silly foal talk?”

Star let out a light giggle continuing to smile.. “Oh course I do, you are just a little filly after all, right?” She cooed while reaching under the table  and pulled out a fresh diaper with red elastic leak guard.

“I-I guess so,”  Applejack hopped up onto the table and willingly lifted up her rear. It wasn’t as if she could protest. Starfield was right knowing a diaper was better then suddenly peeing on the floor? She just knew that this wouldn't’ be the last time she would see this table.  “Still feels embarrassing though.” 

Starfield gave Applejack’s mane a gently pet, “The only pony you're embarrassing dewr is yourself. I’m not judging you, and neither will my daughter,” her voice sung with that warm motherly tone which eased Applejack into a state of security.  After the usual changing process, she gave the front of the diaper a few pats which caused Applejack to shift and quickly get off the table now smelling like a flower garden due to the powder.

She spotted her stetson nearly on the table and waddled to the crib and picked up her stetson. ‘Thanks Star, this feels much better,”’ she tossed her hat into the air making it land squarely on top of her head. A loud rumble bellowed suddenly from Applejack’s tummy causing Star to giggle.

“Aww some filly sounds hungry.” Starlight gestured Applejack to follow taking the lead as she entering the hall. After a few steps she reached for Applejack’s forehoof.

Applejack blinked moving away. “What you doin?”

“I was going to lead you to the kitchen. You know for the experience, mothers leading their foals along so they don’t wander off.”

Applejack gave a soft shake of her head. ‘I’ll just follow ya if you don’t mind.”

Starfield nodded before taking Applejack hoof, deciding for her and continuing to lead the way hearing the light crinkles each time Applejack took a step.  “Just so you are aware, I’ll be stepping up the treatment tomorrow.”

“You’re not going to make me sit in a highchair are ya?” Applejack asked blushing at being lead like a,child and not putting up a fight about it.

“No no,” the older mare giggled, ‘Not until tomorrow at least. Now come along, you can ask all your   questions while we eat.”


---------


The evening sun cast long shadows upon the granite table top the group had taken seats around. Starfield sat next to her daughter, placing a bowl of vegetable stew down for each of them along with a slice of cornbread.  

Applejack took in the smell of her meal and smiled.  “Smells delicious Miss Star,” she picked up her silver spoon preparing to dig in.  Before she could do so however, Starfield floated a light pink bib around her neck the words “messy filly” written on it in blocky letters. 

She let out a slight laugh, “Aww, there you go, Jackie.”

Applejack couldn’t help but laugh in return feeling a bit nostalgic. “You know, I haven’t been called that in years, or at least not by anyone other then my brother, and my mom.” She crinkled as she got comfy on her chair secretly admitting to herself that the diaper was quite a nice cushion. She stared at the bib unsure of what to do about it. “Do I really need this?”

Comet giggled at the bib and went back to eating her meal as her mother nodded. “Well of course, little fillies are such messy eaters aftercall.”

“Well um okay if you say so. I still don’t think I really need it,” Applejack suddenly felt a bit of karma for how over protective she had acted towards Applebloom a few months back. It wasn’t a bad feeling, she was just having one of her episodes and being a surrogate mother was all.

As she ate her meal she occasionally stared out the window at the flowerbeds lights danced off the small river that flowed through the properly giving it a tranquil feel to the place. “This is nice place you have Star, I’d love to see more of it,” she commented while drinking down some hot coffee.

“Why thank you,” Star smiled back before getting back to business at hand, “So, as agreed you can ask away,” she said, turning her head to watch her daugher blow bubbles into her drink using a silly straw. 

Applejack set her spoon down and tapped her chin. Her eyes glance about before finally taking a breath. “So to what extent does this foal treatment entitle?”

Her daughter giggled lightly as Starfield explained.”Well you could probably already guess a few parts of what is involved.  You’ll wear the foal attire, be fed by me , played with and everything a two year old foal experiences. it’s meant to give you no responsibilities and help unwind, or in your case Applejack, help experience a childhood you never had.”

Applejack cheeks turned pink at the mention of further usage of the diapers. “I had a good childhood, my parents took good care of me while they could,” her ears dropped for a second, letting out a sigh..

“Well even so, there are things you are holding back,” Starfield said, her daughter tilting her head seeming curious as if wanting to ask something but kept silent.

‘I’m not holding back anything!” Applejack denied quickly, setting her glass down upon the table harder than normal.

Starfield looked at her daughter for a moment seeing the young filly jump back a bit. She looked back toward her guest letting out a sigh. “If that were true, then you would have been able to solve your issues long ago with the therapist. Am I correct?”

Applejack noted she had startled Comet and looked away out the window. Great going Applejack, scare a young filly on your first evening here.  Her ears dropped to her sides while she rubbed her neck.. “I-I just…” she tried to find the words thinking long and hard as silence filled the room until the sound the little filly slurping up the last drops of her soup remained.   No matter how hard she tried to form an explanation, they just kept melting away on her tongue like ice cream on a hot summer day. She looked at Starfield pacient gaze trying her hardest to connect the dots in her head. Her spoon scraped against her now empty bowl contemplating what she wanted to say. “I don’t know yet okay.”

Starfield seemed to glance at her daughter one more time contemplating something before waving her hoof. “Perhaps it better we discuss this later, I didn’t intend to get you so worked up,” she slid the soup across the table. “Care for seconds, Applejack?” 


--------

As the group ate some slices of apple rhubarb pie, Comet bounced in her seat looking straight at Applejack with cheerful intent as if the previous scare had never happened. “Do you want to play with me?” she asked innocently. “Playing always makes ponies happy.”

Applejack stood up taking her dishes to the sink crinkling as she went.  Once done she turned back to the filly giving a smile in return.  “Sure can litte Comet, what would you like play?” 

Comet pointed outside and gave a big grin at her mother. “Mommy can we go outside to the swings please,” she beamed, her voice beaming with innocents.

Starfield sipped the last of her coffee and waved her hoof at the door. “Go on ahead, just don’t stay out past sundown.”

Comet cheered as she lead Applejack along down the hall to the backdoor. Applejack made constant noise thanks to the diaper but she tried to ignore it to enjoy the time to play. She felt kind of ashamed for her outburst back at the dinner table. Get your act together, that all I need to do. Just have some fun playing and forget about what I did back there. Despite her resolve she still felt it necessary to apologize.

“Comet, i’m sorry for startling ya back there.” A crisp air blowing through the open door as Comet pull the latch. 

“it’s okay, mommy say it what ponies do when they are upset at themselves,” the filly seemed to have no worries at all which was quite uplifting. “Hehe, fillies first,’ she gestured.

Applejack blushed before trotting into the yard. “Hey you’re the youngest here.”

The filly just giggled more leading the way down the hill to the small play area. It was rather simple but adequate enough.  Comet happily took her seat on the swing kicking her legs as Applejack came behind her to push. 

Applejack was given time to think as she pushed the young filly. The words Comet had said just moments earlier struck a bell in her head ringing out to her subconscious . Was she upset at herself? It wasn’t like she blamed her parents for dying was it?  She got so distracted by her thoughts that she failed to notice how fast Comet was swinging. Like a buck to the face, her rear slammed into Applejack’s face causing her to fall back and hit the grass behind. her face stung for a moment as Comet gasped quickly stopping the swing.

She looked down at Applejack with a mixture of fear and worry in her eyes. ‘Oh! i’m so sorry are you okay?”

Applejack shook her head before sitting up trying to ignore the warm sensation below. “I-I”m okay sugarcube, just wasn’t paying attention. My fault entirely. “  I’ve been all over the place today this therapy must really be getting to me.

“No what if your hurt and just don’t know it,” the filly kept shifting her hooves.

“Look I appreciate ya caring so much about my well being bu-”  

Applejack as suddenly cut off as Comet starting giggling and held her hooves to her muzzle to try and stop.  It took Applejack a few seconds but she finally noticed what the filly found so funny as she started down at the diaper. Her cheeks flared again at what she had just done.

“Hey, stop laughing it isn’t that funny,” Applejack said, as she got to her hooves. “Don’t you know it rude to laugh at someone's expense.”

Despite the rather light scolding, the filly continued to giggle. This gave Applejack the perfect opportunity to get litte fun of her own. With a speed of a tiger, she jumped at Comet and began tickling her on her barrel. “Ya like laughing? Well have some more.”  The filly squeals like a pig as she tickled on for some time Applejack embarrassment slowly lessening.

Comet kicked about as her tummy was assaulted by the raspberry. “Eee, stop hahaha!”  

Applejack giggled as she kept ticking. She did this all the time with Applebloom and Mac had done the same to her. All in all just a friendly way of getting payback yet fun at the same time. 

“You sorry ya laughed at me then?” Applejack asked, as she kept up her ticklish assault.

‘Y-yes haha,” Comet laughed, gasping for breath after a bit.

“Good” Applejack let the filly get to her hooves before they resumed their play.  As the sun began to set mere 15 minutes later, the two fillies made their way back inside, meeting up with Starfield soon after. The farm pony wanted to speak up about the diaper, but was cut off as she spoke to her daughter first.

She nuzzled her daughter's cheek gently. “Did you have fun with Applejack?” she cooed, seeing the beaming smile in return.

“Uh huh, Applejack no sad no more,” she then went and pokes Applejack diaper. “She pee’d.”

Applejack jumped a bit, embarrassed yet again by the mere mentioning of her accident and by a child no less, not that it was hidden or anything.

Starfield kept up the motherly smile, gesturing Comet to go get ready for bed. “Yes I see that Comet, now you go off and get ready ‘ll be there in a moment,” her daughter beamed before heading off down the hall. She looked back at Applejack, seeing the blush plastered across her cheeks. “As for you litte filly, i’ll get you changed but I also want to talk more with you before you go to bed later.”

“Oh okay, so uh should I go back to that nursery?’

“Actually, I have an observatory that has a great view of the night sky. How about you go there and take a moment to rest. i’ll come up with the supplies when I have my daughter all tucked into bed?”

Applejack managed a smile, nodding in reply. “Yeah sure that sounds nice. Just as long as I get out of this thing.”  After getting the directions, she headed down the hall up a flight of stairs and soon opened the glass door.  As she stepped inside, she couldn’t help but immediate stare upwards at the large open glass roof, the stars sparkling like they usually did. She gave little heed to the telescope and various object that littered the room, instead deciding to lay down on her back upon the red carpet that took up most of the room. 

As the silence ticked on by, Applejack began to think of the day and this whole situation in general. I’m not in denial, am I? Of course if that weren’t true, she wouldn’t be here in the first place. Why had she agreed to such at odd treatment?  Was she mad at her parents deep down? That thought alone made her shiver.

Thier deaths had left her and Big Mac to raise Applebloom and manage the farm with Granny smith to act as a voice of reason when things got tough. Her heart felt wrenched as she realized she could no longer lie to herself. Somewhere deep down, she had never quite thought she could ever measure up to her parents when it came to child raising. Thus she had to be strong for all of them, weakness only made things worse. All that pain buried beneath her persona of a strong mare with unshakable witt and now it had finally caught up with her.  She let out a sigh as she continued to watch the stars catching sight of a comet a grin forming on her muzzle as she closed her eyes.


---**---

The soft winds blew across the hills of Sweet Apple Acres causing the small orange filly to press against her mother's’ warm fur more. Her older brother sat next to her staring up at the clear night sky. The full moon radiated it’s white glow upon the field below creating a blanket of calmness to spread over the land.

“It’s beautiful,” filly Applejack cooed her eyes wide as plate as she watched the stars.

“Indeed it is, Applejack,” her mom rubbed her daughter’s back looking over at her son as he stared silently. She stayed silent for only a moment before she tapping his shoulder. “Something on your mind son?”

“Eeyup” his high colt voice replied, his gaze remaining fixated on the sky above.

‘Thinking of dad at the rodeo?”

Big Mac silently nodded shifting a bit as wind blew his mane about.

“Oh i’m sure he did fine, and he’ll have great tales to tell i’m sure. There no need to worry your little head about him.”

He turned his face to smile at his mom before leaning against her.

As Applejack leaned against her mom on the other side,  their mom spoke up gesture to the sky. “It’s nights like these I’ll cherish forever. I think i’ll put it right...there” she points to the sky picking out a star among the bunch.

A shooting star zipped across the night for a second as Applejack giggled. “Mommy you can’t put memories in the sky.”

Her mother smiled at her, her eyes full of care. “Actually you can, little Jackie, ” After her daughter tilted her eyes confused, she explained while pointing at a star. “You see the night sky is like this big photo album full of all kind of stories it can tell.”

“I don’t see any photos.”

“That’s because they are all up here.” She lightly touched Applejack forehead, her smile growing as she pet her filly’s mane. ‘As long as you remember, the stars can too.”

Applejack eyes widen as she stared up at the sky now amazed. “Really?” she jaw drops in aww. “That’s amazin.” 

Her mother nuzzle her. “If you’re ever lonely and away from home someday, just look up at the stars and we’ll be there.”


---**---


Applejack sniffled and felt a cloth wiping up the tears causing her to open her eyes. She blinked soon seeing Star standing next to her. “Is now a bad time, I can come back in a bit.”

The farm pony shook her head. “N-no i’m fine,” she denied, as the tabs of the diaper were undone.

“It’s okay, everypony needs to cry at some point in their lives,” her voice never rose above a whisper as she floated the wipes out.

Applejack sniffled trying to fight back the tears, but upon staring back up at the stars, her self control broke down.  She didn’t even pay attention to being cleaned as she cried. “I-I should be stronger then this, but I just can’t,” her hooves cover her eyes as she cried soon feeling herself being pulled into a hug moments later by the caretaker. She didn’t resist at all as she rested her head on Star’s shoulder and let it all.  A hoof rubbed her back for the several minutes that followed both mares not speaking a word.  After five minutes, Applejack sniffled, crinkling as she lightly pulls away. 

Star gave the filly a tissue, which was quickly used to blow her nose.  “Feeling better, Applejack?”

“M-maybe I don’t know,” her gaze fell upon her freshly diapered backside and  the blush returned. “Was I really that upset that I didn’t notice you doing that?” She wiped her eyes again feeling nostalgia  from her past, the ache inside lessened a little. 

“Quite so, much like a filly. Let’s just hope I can turn that frown upside down,” without hesitation, Starfield started to tickle Applejack sides. “Coochy coo.”

“H-hey haha, stop that,” the farm pony laughed trying to back away from the hooves only for Star to move forward to keep her grip.  Applejack kept wiggle around before tripping over cause of her diapered tush. This had landed her on her back leaving her belly wide open for an attack.

Starfield took a deep breath and blew into the filly’s helpless tummy. ‘Pffff!”

“Hahaha s-stop,” she kept on chuckling having a fond memory of her mother doing the same thing when she want a her little apple seed to smile. The past sadness had faded now, replace by the joyful squeals of a filly needing cheered up.  After another long raspberry to her tummy, she gave in. “U-uncle, uncle!” She put her hooves up.

Starfield pulled back. ‘I’m not your uncle silly,” she played. “There that smile,” Star booped Applejack’s nose getting another slight snicker out of the pony.

Applejack gave a geniune smile back at Starfield taking quick breaths to get air back. Her hooves wrap around her, giving the mother a warm hug. “Thank you,” she pulled back and blushed more feeling so...childish but in a good way.

“Just  doing my job as a mother,” Starfield cooed, patting the big filly’s diaper. She gently took Applejacks hoof and moves for the door feeling her patient follow without resistance. “Now I think some filly is up past their bedtime.”

Applejack still couldn’t quite figure it out, but was starting to see how this was helping her in a way. She sure was thinking more positively about her parents. Her only question now was, would it last?  She listened to Starfield babying her and did infact feel little, so something was being done right. “Um, y-yeah I guess so.   So about tomorrow?”

“Yes?” Starfield headed down the hall and soon reached the nursery swinging the door open and letting Applejack waddle inside.

“You won’t make me play with rattles and stuff will ya?” she asked as the caretaker lowered the gate of the crib. Her eyes fell upon the playpen in one corner of the room, the walls covered in crayon drawings.

“Maybe, but not limited to just foal toys, there plenty of child activities for us to try.”  She helped the filly into the crib, letting Applejack get all comfy as a baby blue blanket is pulled over her and a pillow slid under her head. 

“Oh okay, this just feel so...strange.”

“True, but it’s not a strange in a bad way,” she moves towards the open door. “I’ll be right back with something special,” she moved acorss the hall to a smaller room that looked like a mini kitchen set up. From Applejack view she could see Starfield pulling out a average foal bottle and pouring milk into it. The nipple was snapped on and put into the microwave.  Thirty seconds later, she came back into the room and move the nipple up to Applejack lips. ‘Time for a night time baba.”

“Ah, good old warm milk before bed.” Applejack felt embarrassed yet safe at the same time as she took the tiny nipple into her mouth.  It took a bit to find the right rhythm before she got steady stream of milk to drink.  Starfield stayed there  the whole time watching her do the very infantile task.  The farm pony felt soothed when Starfield hoof lightly rubbed her tummy and began to sing a soft luluby. By the time she finished  the bottle, the combination of events had made her quite sleepy as a yawn escaped her mouth.

Starfield got up still humming as she raised the gate and shut the blinds on the window. She strolled back over to the crib. ‘Sleep tight Jackie,” she cooed and resumed the gentle hum.

A smile grew on the filly’s muzzle, the words so familiar as they wrapped her mind in a blanket of security. Another yawn escaped her lips, her eyes closing as she listened to the tune.  As the last of her mind slipped into unconscious , sh saw her smiling face looking down at her, the phantom kissing her forehead.  Applejack’s smile grew wider as she fell fast asleep ready to embrace the next day with an open mind.
	
> A foalish Time Indeed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

While Applejack slept, a faint memory from her early foal hood floated through her dreams. She was about age three with a nighttime diaper secured around her rump. The small filly waddled down the hall her legs shaking as she made her way towards her parent's room a yellow blanket clasped between her forehooves. Outside, A beast of a wind storm was blowing in from the Everfree Forest rattling the house like a tin can. The gusts caused ghostly wails to reverberate throughout the house making the already scared filly to squeak.
 
Applejack legs froze up midway to her mommy’s room her body full of terror. She had tried hard to be brave like her big brother but she just couldn't do it. He would have chased the scary monsters away but her imagination was getting the better of her and was now seeing monsters in every dark corner and with each creep of the wind her weakened resolve broke down more. She whimpered shutting her eyes before quickly darting down the rest of the hall and into her parents room just as the window shutters clanked loudly. Using a stool near the bed, she clambered her way up into the mattress rushing to hide between her parents. She hugged her blanket close her whimpers soon waking her mother from sleep. 
 
“Mmmm, Applejack? What’s wrong sweetie?” she asked her hoof draping over her filly pulling her close to her chest. “Is it the storm?”

Applejack pressed into the warmth of her mom’s embrace nodded. “Scary noise, please make it stop,” she lisped.
 
The heat spread over the filly as her mother continue to keep her safe. Her mother spoke softly. ”Shhh it is okay, there no danger,” she nuzzled her filly starting to hum a soft gentle tone. The lullaby was sweet as honey to the filly’s ears the wind fading into the background. The world around her continued to slip away into the abyss as she focused her mind on listening to the soothing hum. Her mother, while singing, wrapped Applejack up in her blanket. Eventually, the fear subsided her body fatigued enough that she slipped into slumber in her mom safe embrace.

---------
 
A new day dawned as sunlight trickled into the nursery beams shining upon the crib with a golden light.  Applejack opened her eyes slowly taking in the sight of the mobile hanging overhead. Letting out a cute yawn, she got her baring remember where she was and let seconds pass by in silence listening to the sound of the birdsong outside. Last night's confession had in one way or another made her feel more at ease. The self-imposed burden she'd been feeling was now lighter within her soul.  She rubbed her eyes feeling very confused as to why this was helping her. Although one small part of her knew the answer.  Within these walls, she was able to feel the same motherly love she had missed so much.
 
An audible crinkle came from her foalish garment as Applejack rolled over and sat up fully. “Mmm, I slept in? That's rare,” she yawned softly, stretching out her forehooves in the tiny space the crib allowed. She glanced at the clock seeing it was close to 8 o'clock. The farm pony started looking about the nursery, poking the diaper on her waist as she imagined all kinds of things she would go through today feeling quite happy. Luckily, she didn’t have to wait long before Starfield strolled in with a smile.

“Good morning, little Jackie,” she played, approaching the crib with a skip in her step. “Did you sleep well?”
 
Applejack let out a chuckle, promptly standing up on the spongy mattress. “Like a foal,”
 
Starfield let out a short laugh in return.“Ha, good one, I glad to see you’re feeling more carefree.” The unicorn used her magic to lower the gate of the crib. Applejack climbed out with a short hop landing on her tush with a soft poof like an airbag. This caused the farm pony to blush once more upon realizing just how thick the padding on her rump was, and she felt comforted by it.
 
“I guess ya could say that. I do feel kind of better,” she stretched out her limbs while she spoke. “So what was  today's plan again?”
 
“Well as I’ve said, today I’ll be treating you like a little filly. There are plenty of optional activities I have planned for you to try out, so don’t you worry bout a thing.”
 
Applejack slight embarrassment returned as she shifted in place feeling the call of the wild as it were. “Um...I know you want me to use this thing, but I’m not sure about...well ya know making horse apples in it.”
 
Starfield gave the padding a few soft pats and nodded understanding. “Oh, of course, I’ll let you use the bathroom for that if it’s too unsettling. Usually peeing is enough to make the wearer feel helpless and needy.”
 
The big foal sighed with relief glad that she wouldn’t get dirty like one of her pigs. “Oh, that sure is a relief because I've changed enough of Applebloom’s diapers to know how nasty it is,” Starfield gently took Applejack hoof and lead the waddling earth pony along to the bathroom just down the hall.  Applejack along the way remember a question that had yet to be answered and had meant to ask the other day. “Star, how many times have you done this here treatment?”
 
‘Oh just three times, you’re the fourth,” she remarked, smiling their hooves echoing on the wooden flooring.
 
Applejack raised an eyebrow, a little surprised that such a treatment as this was used that often. It certainly was unorthodox but the results were clear as day to her now. "Oh? Well, I only ask because my friend Pinkie gifted you that teddy bear and I was wondering...well I hate to intrude on private matters.”
 
The mother replied without delay as they got to the bathroom and headed inside. “It’s no problem Applejack If you must know, Pinkie did come for a session but it seemed it was more for trying it out then needed any kind of therapy. Hehe, she was such a fussy filly too,” she giggled.  With a quick tug, she undid the tabs before heading for the door. “I can still help you clean your bottom if you want,” she played.
 
The burning in the earth pony’s cheeks returned as she thought about it quickly before shaking her head. “Uh...no thanks, i’ll just leave that to diaper changes.”
 
Starfield gently petted Applejack's mane. “Okidokie,” with that, she left the room shutting the door to give her charge some needed privacy.
 
------
 
After using the bathroom and getting the diaper put back snuggling on her rump, Applejack was lead once more by the hoof to the kitchen. A new piece of furniture sat by the table as Comet waved at the big foal. “Hehe morning, Applejack,” she greeted.  
 
Applejack blushed again. “A-a highchair?  I guess I should have seen that coming,” she smiled, before being helped into the seat. She sat like she usually did before the tray was slid into place making it a snug fit against the diaper. The tray had a smiling sun looking up at her making the situation just as foalish as it seemed.
 
Starfield nodded floating over a big pink bib and in no time at all tied it around the big filly’s neck. “There we go, now Jackie won’t get messy,” she babied, pinching Applejack’s blushing cheeks.
 
Applejack gently moved the hoof away shifting feeling a poof of air as she adjusted herself. “Well, I sure do feel small in this chair that is for sure.”
 
“Oh just wait till you see the playroom,” Starfield cooed, moving over to her daughter.
 
“Mommy you make great oatmeal,” Comet chirped from across the table, bouncing in her seat eagerly while her mom got a bib on her too.
 
“That I do, Comet,” she booped the filly’s nose before heading to the stove. While Starfield spooned bowls of the warm stove top oatmeal, Applejack looked over at Comet wanting to know the filly better.
 
“So, Comet how old are ya?” She tapped the tray admire the little clouds painted upon it.
 
“Five,” she beamed pointing to the far wall. “Mommy says I'm growing fast.” Applejack looked back at where Comet was pointing seeing a measuring stick sitting against a giraffe poster on the wall marked with tiny lines up its body. The padded mare remembered back to when her mother would do that for her too.  
 
“I bet you are. You are going to be a big and strong mare I bet,” It didn’t take long for Starfeild to come over with a bowl and set it on the tray. She held the spoon away from Applejack making the filly blush. “H-hey can’t I feed myself?”
 
Starfield smiled little out a small giggle. “No silly filly, you're a foal so that means you need to be fed by the big ponies," she reinforced her point by bopping Applejack’s nose lightly. The blush on the farmer’s face only made her feel more motherly. She quickly spooned more of the oatmeal into the mare’s mouth.
 
Applejack beamed at the sweet cinnamon taste and open up eagerly for more. Starfield smiled at the tone. “Glad you like it little filly.”
 
“Mmm, yeah I love cinnamon,” Applejack nodded kicking her legs idly as they dangle.
 
“So you're not all about apples?” Starfield joked causing some of the oatmeal to stick to Applejack cheek on purpose.
 
Applejack laughed at the remark. “Oh haha, you have no idea how many times I've been told that joke.”  After five minutes, all the oatmeal was eaten. The big filly grinned, giving her belly a soft tummy rub. “Mmm, delicious.”  Starfield cooed at Applejack floating over a warm bottle.  She blushed as the nipple was slid between her lips. She paused for a moment before suckling down the milk the sensation warm milk running down her throat caused Applejack’s smile to grow more. Closing her eyes, she imagined her own mother feeding her. Without any need to hold it she was abl to focus on that memory and slumped into the chair.  The slow process of drawing out squirts of milk continued on for several minutes, Applejack feeling like she was going to fall asleep from how soothed felt by it.  Minutes passed before she heard Comet giggle and realized that she had been suckling an empty bottle for some time.
 
Starfield rubbed Applejack’s tummy, cooing at her. “Good foal for finishing your milk,” she moved her hoof giving the farm pony’s back a few firm yet gentle pats. Soon enough a few short burps escaped the mare mouth causing Applejack to blush.
 
“Oh excuse me,” Applejack smiled finding herself laughing as Starfield removed the tray and helped her down. “I’ll say, that was a pretty filling breakfast,” She sat with a poof and pat her tummy watching Starfield move to the sink. Applejack tried to offer to help but was denied. 
 
Starfield shook her head as she took Applejack back to the table and sat her down.  “No no, you just sit down and relax.” She looked into her bag and floated out a red adult-sized pacifier plonking it into the filly’s mouth before she can comment.  Starfield found it cute as Applejack blushed reaching to take it out on reflex.  She, of course, put her hoof to the binky stopping the filly from doing sot. “Hehe no keep it in, it fits in with the foal motif.”
 
Applejack lowered her hooves and licked the pacifier. The feeling of it and the colour only served as a reminder of old times.  She couldn’t stop smiling as she remembered how cute Applebloom looked sucking her pacifier while cooing up at her and Big Mac. With that image floating in her mind along with the attire she was currently in, she suckled just to see how it felt. To her surprise, it did feel natural and thus kept going.  Her cheeks kept radiating as Starfield watched her do such a childish act. She sighed as she loosened up and leaned back in her chair watching Comet help her mom clean up.
 
Once everything was cleaned up, Applejack was lead by hoof once more along another hallway  that was lined with artwork.  The mare noticed that some were Comet’s crayon drawings. The sight was rather cute seeing the mini museum of childish art.  As they reached the end of the hall Starfield opened the double doors showing off the playroom her daughter used.  The light green carpet felt delightful upon the farmer's hooves, the rays of the sun that shined in the windows made it almost mimic a fresh meadow. The smell of the lawn outside made the scme even more surreal. Comet was already making suggestions to her mother of what she and Applejack could do.
 
“Comet, you sure are hyper to play with the foal this time around,’ she teased, ruffling her daughter’s mane. The filly in response blushed and nodded.
 
“Uh huh, Pinkie was fun, and I know Applejack will be fun too,’ she looked up at Applejack noting she was still sucking on the pacifier. “Hehe, good filly.” she played patting the diaper.
 
Applejack blushed as bright as one of her apples but smiled regardless. “I”d be happy to play, that is what this is all about right, just carefree fun?” The farm pony still felt an odd twitch in her body, mostly a reflex of doing chores every morning. It was like she knew she needed to do something but was well aware that at this moment she didn’t have too. Her eyes scan the room a brief thought coming to mind before she shook her head. No, don’t clean up. Fillies don't’ clean up their toys unless they are told too. It was meant to be a mess  After looking around she decided to waddle over to some blocks.  Comet followed her showing the other bins with various shapes other than squares. “Oh how about we build a castle for your princess doll,” Applejack suggested,  pointing to the nicely dressed filly doll sitting on one of the chairs nearby. Comet beamed at the idea and quickly snatched up the doll hurrying back over.
 
“Alright then let’s get to buildin,” Applejack picked up a block and began to build a wall using alternating colours.  While building with Comet she felt a surreal feeling come over her, remembering doing things like this when her little sister was still into such things. In truth, she felt the same joy and happiness that she would feel when using her imagination.  Comet’s little doll sat in the center of the new block fort watching with it sewed eyes as the fillies assembled one of the towers in the corner calling it a defense tower.  Applejack laughed as they put figures along the rainbow walls assembling an army to defend the royalty.  She was constantly reminded of her situation each time Starfield would approach and pulled the diaper back to check her for accidents every ten minutes or so.
 
“Eep,” Applejack shifted and blushed once more. “D-do ya have to do that so often?”
 
Starfield ruffled her mane. “Of course, I do. Foals go without knowing so I need to check often. All part of the experience Jackie.”  She gave the diaper a firm pat.
 
Applejack nodded and after 15 minutes they had built the most random assemblage of blocks she had ever seen while retaining a castle-like shape. Comet beamed. “Hehe, my princess has a castle yay.” She clapped happily, moving the doll about.
 
Applejack continued to beam as she grabbed a dog plush getting an idea. “Grrr it's a giant dog and it smells your sweets.” Comet gasped as the two began playing out a battle for block fort.  Many plushies charged at each other many tickled and captured swiftly being put into the great pillow jail. After several fluffy minutes of pretend carnage, the two sides had agreed to a truce. The two leader plushies and the princess hug causing Comet to giggle happily.
 
During their little battle, Starfield had left and came back with a plate of cookies for the two fillies.  She ruffles Comet head and gave a motherly smile at the two. “Aww, I see you’re having lots of fun. Who wants a cookie?”
 
The two put their hooves up in sync, making Starfield snicker. “What’s the magic word.”
 
“Please!” Comet chirped out, beaming at her mother before snatching out a cookie.  Applejack laughed taking one from the plate as well thanking her hostess for the snack. The two eat their treat and were even given sippy cups with milk to wash them down.
 
Applejack took her time to sit there and drink feeling time slowly tick away without a care. Her thoughts drifted to last night and she still couldn't explain why her crying had, in some way or another, helped all of her built up sorrow lessen within her heart. She always been one to cry on the inside but clearly she been proven wrong on how it could be more harmful than good at times. She took another bite out of her cookie feeling Starfield give her a hug. She pushed the image of her own mother to the forefront feeling happiness as the warmth radiates over her body. She hugged back smling.
 
After snack time, Applejack was lead over to a canvas and a set of hoof paint.  Comet, of course, was overjoyed as she went to her own canvas. The farm mare had nothing wrong with getting dirty of course, and thus happily took a seat in front of the paints. “Gosh, I haven’t done something like this in years.” She dipped her hoof into the paint feeling the oily substance on her fur. A faint echo of young laughter rang through her head from many fond moments coming to mind. It only took a moment for her to decide what to make and decided to draw a meadow starting with the sun. using the yellow paint she began to draw the circle not caring if it was perfect.  The activity was simple enough to enjoy as she dips her hoof into the water and got some green next making the wavy hills.
 
Starfield sat on the couch nearby keeping an eye on them as they painted. “So Applejack, are you enjoying yourself?"
 
The diapered mare looked up from her art project and blushed. "Yeah, I feel just like a filly again." She does her best to draw stick ponies with her hoof only getting two on the page due to how thick each stroke was. she was happy though as she rinsed off her hoof and carefully set her sheet of paper on the table to dry. She pictured the two stick ponies as her mom and dad another burst of happyness flooding her mind.  "So what's next?"
 
"Dress up," Comet said, hopping up on her hooves cheering before hugging her mom.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” Starfield cooed ruffling her daughter's mane. “Let’s get you two clean hooves shall we?” With a quick glow of her horn a small bowl of water and  towel was brought out. The two fillies dry off their hooves making sure they were free of any left over paint before moving to the closet on the far wall. 
 
“I’m not sure I’d fit anything filly sized or do ya have that stuff in bigger sizes?” Applejack asked her answer soon solved for her as she spotted the rack of adult-filly attire. She found it amusing to find costumes you would see on Nightmare Night like a nurse or firepony.  The farmer blushed watching as Starfield floated out a pink princess gown and tiara along with white socks for her forelegs. “Oh uh, that’s nice,” she still wasn’t the biggest fan of fru-fru but she decided she could let it slide just this once.
 
“Princess of apples,” Starfield teased while pulling it over Applejack head. The fabric rustled around getting the forelegs into the poofy white sleeves and down the filly’s body to the diaper. It, of course, stopped just before the padding leaving Applejack exposed beyond the tasle.  The Silver Tiara was set on her head her signature hat set on a coat rack nearby. “There we go, you are so cute,” she reached over and pat the diaper causing Applejack to blush but didn’t make a fuss over it, the pats feeling comforting almost.

Comet clapped and helped Applejack put the socks on. “Hehe you look pretty.”

“Ah gosh thanks, but what are you going to wear?” Applejack asked, while peering into the closet.
 
Comet rubbed her chin and quick as lighting pointed to the Daring Do jacket and matching hat .”That one!” She raised her hooves to the sky as her mom put the jacket, buttoning up the small buttons before planting the hat upon her head. She turned to Applejack smiling while doing a silly bow.

Applejack played along, her padding crinkling every time she moved. “Oh you my rise great hero.” she watched Comet do so and then dance around her. The always moving filly was indeed helping her unwind. “So how about a game of hide and seek then?”
 
Comet beamed “But royality don’t play hide and seek, I want to go on an adventure.”
 
Applejack adjusted the dress while thinking for a moment. The filly was right, hide and seek could wait til they were out of such silly outfits.  “Why sure we can. What kind of adventure?”
 
Comet bounced to the door. “Come on, I can show you my room,”
 
The farm pony followed suit letting go of any adult worries as they head down a hallway. Upon entering the filly’s room, Applejack noticed the various crayon drawings. Comet seemed to enjoy the colour blue as her room was decorated in a various shade of it. “So Daring, what is our adventure going to be?” 
 
Comet grabbed a wand. “We need to find the evil mr huggles and boop him on the head with this magic wand to cure his curse,” she beamed. “I left him in the living room.” she gave Applejack the wand. “Princesses use wands so you need to do it.”
 
“Hehe an earth pony with unicorn like magic that’s a first,” she waved the toy wand about as it lit up when she moved about. “Alright Daring, lead the way.” 
 
----------
 
The game continued for a while as Applejack doing whatever Comet suggested. The simple game gave her a sense of great nostalgia driving her on to just let go and have fun with it. At one point during their little game around the house, Comet asked her to shake her diaper bottom. She ended up doing it after the good old puppy eyes were flashed at her.  The situation was only made a little embarrassing when Starfield had been there to watch promptly patting the farmer’s diapered rear.
 
“Aww, who is a cute wittle filly, yes you are,” Starfield played, once more pinching Applejack’s freckled cheeks. The filly of course meeped but also smiled. Time had flown by quickly the two had hardly noticed it had been two or so hours since they started.  “I know you’re having fun but it’s nap time little ones.” 
 
Applejack blushed. “I”m not tired,” She replied moments before the red pacifier was set into her mouth. The big foal gave it a few suckles sitting with a loud crinkle.
 
“That’s what all foals say when they are told to nap,” Starfield gave a swift boop to the nose before looking at Comet. “That means you too deary. Go to your room and I'll be there to read you a story, okay?” Comet whined a little but nodded at the bribe of storytime making her way down the hall to her room. Now free to deal with Applejack. Starfield smiled taking the foal’s hoof and leading her along. “Do you have to go potty little Jackie,” she babied.
 
Applejack once again found her cheeks flaring as she started back at her diaper. The first time hadn’t been that bad. A little shocking perhaps but that was because was unexpected.  Now she had a choice and felt a smile creep on her as Starfield pet her mane.  Hesitantly, she spread out her legs a little more and closed her eyes. Moments later she felt the trickle as he peed, the padding slowly swelling as it drank. She shifted slightly feeling the slight weight tug the padding down partly.  The pony stood there speechless as a few seconds passed Starfield smiling idly.
 
“There you go, feel better?” the caretaker gave the diaper a light pat squishing it while it maintain the roundness. 
 
“Uh y-yeah,” Applejack nodded, taking Starfield hoof. “I do feel like I need a nap,” she stared back down the hallway for a split second.
 
Starfield seeming to guess what the farmer was thinking ruffled Applejack’s mane. “I retrive your hat once you're tucked in , alright?” 
 
Applejack was guided along to the adult nursery feeling just a young filly as the padding swayed with each step. It took no time at all for Starfield to help the mare up to the table laying her back. Starfield booped the filly’s nose. ‘Aww you lost your pacifier sweetie, but don’t worry mommy got this.” With a quick reach under the table, she retrieved an apple green pacifier sliding it into Applejack's mouth smiling contently as she saw the farm pony smile back. The caretaker then retrieved a large diaper with ABC’s on it which fit better with the infant treatment taking place.  Applejack was still blushing as the tabs were undone and Starfield got to work cleaning her up.
 
Applejack slumped back thinking things over. The gentle touch, the cooing, the praise and constant attention were things she been missing so much and now realize she had been craving deep down. Sure, there as Granny Smith and Big Mac for support but nothing came close to a motherly touch like the one Starfield was giving her.   Within a minute, she watched the thick padding slid under her feeling the plastic hug her bottom again. More comfort and security wrapping her. She let out a giggle once the diaper was nice and snug her bottom even powdered so she smelled like a foal.
 
Starfield helped Applejack to the floor and spoke. “I’m going to go make sure Comet in bed. Since your big filly I trust you won’t run off,” she cooed, giving the diaper a gentle pat. The diapered mare nodded and Starlight moved the door and closed it on her way out.
 
Applejack looked into the mirror and chuckled realizing she was still dressed up in the princess attire. It took her a while but she soon managed to pull off the dress and set it on the table. She was enjoying the socks so kept them on. Looking through one of the chest, she found a light brown teddy bear and gave it a tight squeeze. Next, she suckle on the pacifer letting any worries of how she look fade. The quiet snuggling lasted long enough for Starfield to return and awws at the sight.  Applejack didn’t seem to mind and waddles over giving the mare a hug.
 
“You’re welcome, Applejack,” she patted the foal’s head making sure to show her the statson as she put it on the rack within reach. “Let’s tuck you in shall we?” The diaper was given more pats followed by another laugh from Applejack.
 
With the mental weight off her shoulders, Applejack slid into the crib smiling onward. She looked up the mobile sighing as the blanket was pulled over her.  She kept hold of the teddy bear grinning at Starfield passed the pacifier seeing her mother own face smiling back at her. She yawned still staring with droopy eyes. “Mmm, mommy,” her eyes shut as she dozed off.
 

---------


 

Applejack sleep was sweet and peaceful and woke up with the same smile she had been having nearly all day. When Starlight came in and let her out, the padded mare gave her another hug before pulling back. She had put her pacifier back in and sat waiting. “I feel great, Starfield. Better than I have in a long time.” 
 
“Fantastic, simply wonderful, little Jackie,” Starlight cooed, moving to the closet and returned swiftly with a white onesie with red lining around the neck and diaper hatch. “Let’s get you dressed for dinner little one.”
 
Applejack looked at the foalish attire and blushed but gave no resistance as it was slid over her head. She shifted and helped move her forelegs into the silky sleeves. The hatch closed up around her diapered rump making a very cute bulge on the fabric. After it was snug, Starfield finished off by knotting a red ribbon around the filly’s dock forming a big bow. “I do look pretty cute,” she said, swishing her tail watching as the padding rounded out along the onesie. The sounds of her thucking away on the pacifier filled the room as the big foal took the gentle mother’s hoof being moved along down the hall.
 
Along the way to the kitchen, they met up with Comet who smiled up at Applejack with a giggle. “You look silly,” she commented watching the pacifier bobbing.
 
“I think you mean adorable, Comet,” Starfield said, before letting go and tickling her daughter once more. “Not as cute as you though,” she continued to tickle her filly for a bit Applejack watching with a grin. She done such a thing so many times to Applebloom. Once the mare had given her daugher enough loving tickles stopped and moved the two along into the kitchen. 
 
Applejack smiled once again put into the highchair feeling the tray press on her tummy. She pat her hooves the tray. The smell of fresh salad filled her nostrils with a mix of strawberries and hay mixed in. “Oh looks great,”  She said, as the bib was put on her neck.
 
“Yes it is, and the perfect meal to feed a foal other than foal food,” starfield chuckled, before floating bowls of salad to the table. She set Applejack bowl on the tray and forked it up. ‘Here come the choo choo,” seh played, flying it about to be as foalish as possible.
 
Applejack opened up taking in each swoop chewing her meal with a smile. Train after train entered her mouth being devoured every time. She lets out an occasional giggle throughout the meal until the whole bowl was gone. The farmer looked over at Comet seeing bits of salad dressing darting her face. “Hehe, seems i’m not the only messy one,” she teased.
 
Starfield smiled booping Applejack nose. She moved to the fridge returning with a bottle of chocolate milk. “Here little foal you enjoy your baba while mommy eats,” she cooed.
 
“Okay,” Applejack didn’t delay and took the bottle popping it into her mouth. She slowly suckled leaning back into her chair. She couldn't wait for what would come next for this evening feeling so cheerful.  Dinner went by in no time at all and the filly was treated to a small bowl of pudding to finish it all off. She is helped down from the highchair the loud crinkles following her around.
 
Comet giggled. “Are you taking her for a walk?” she asked, causing the earth pony to blush.
 
“W-walk, uh I don’t want to be seen like this,” Applejack said, staring out the window at gardens.
 
“Don’t worry, little Jackie,” Starfield patted the onesie motherly. “We are on private property nopony is going to see you.” She took Applejack hoof leading her down the hall while her daughter following behind until they reached the back porch. Sitting on the cobblestone was a light pink adult stroller with frills on the side. It look very sturdy too. “Climb on in.”
 
Applejack’s padded rear sank into the seat as she sat down falling back a little into the stroller frame. Her blushed returned as Starfield pulls the black buckles over the filly shoulders and clicked it between her legs causing the padding to press and push it out the sides. It held her in snug and safe from falling out. The light pressing of them was a welcome comfort as she relaxed. She took the red pacifier when it was offered giving it light thucks as Starfield began to push the stroller.
 
“Let’s show you around,” Starfield cooed, wheeling her down the pathway. Applejack took her time to admire the rose bushes and various flower beds that bloomed full of vibrant blues and yellows. Carefully placed smoothed rocks shined from the bottom in the clear pond at the end of the long stream that ran through the property.  In the middle of this finely maintained garden was a three part fountain. On top stood a single large blue crystal that looked like it was from the Crystal Empire itself. Light shined down through it prisming into rainbows along the flowing water that trickled down into each pool. On the bottom basin were small fish that swam about. 
 
Applejack tried to lean forward to look more but the harness stopped her. She blushed as she wiggles and kicks just to keep up the act. “Fishy,” she did her best foal voice hearing Comet giggle at her act. She continued her weak struggle listening to the belt jingle.
 
Starfield awwed and played along. “Oh does Jackie want to feed the fish?” She asked, moving the stroller closer. With a nod from the big foal, she pulled out the small package of fish feed and let Applejack take it. “Small tosses now,” she mothered, watching as the earth pony happily fed the little fish. 
 
Applejack grinned with each toss humming joyfully till the bag was empty. She kicked her legs letting the protective padding crinkle. “Thank you,” she said, the pacifier making her lisp. She blushed when she got light kiss on the forehead and was pushed along being shown the res the garden. Half an hour passed before the group went back inside and the padded mare stretched accident sticking her diaper butt into the air. Comet hopped up and swat the padding causing the mare to eeeped and slip sitting on top the filly for a moment.

“Eeep, get off,” Comet whined, hearing Starfield giggled. 

Applejack giggled staring back seeing the wiggling filly beneath her bulk. “Well ya shouldn’t have spanked me,” she teased.
 
“Mommy tell her to get off,” Comet whined, pushing on the diaper.
 
“Tell the foal you’re sorry,” Starfield mothered, as she snickered.
 
“Comet meeped. ‘Okay i’m sorry, don’t pee pee on me,” Comet squeaked.

Applejack laughed wiggling her rump a little before standing up. “Okay, i had my fun,” she turned and gave Comet a hug. The filly giggled back and tugged on the mare’s hoof.
 
“Oh, I think she wants to see you in the bouncer,” Starfield commented, while letting her daughter lead the big foal along back to the playroom and showing off the large bouncer build for a adult to hop around in.
 
Applejack looked at the harness the light blue bungee cords hanging from a sturdy frame hanging from the ceiling. She remembered when Apple Bloom would hop in one seeming content for however long the little filly’s attention would last.  Since she was acting as a foal she waddled up and let Starfield adjust the straps. Soon her hooves left the floor the frame supporting her middle as the hatch hid her padding under the blue tarp.  Within moments, Applejack began to happily bounce around similar to a trampoline.  Nothing mattered to the mare right now other than play and the feeling of bliss.  Such joys were special and unlike hanging with her friends or a good day's work, this felt unique. More cheers escaped her mouth as he kept on bouncing for what felt like ages. 
 
To her surprise, eight o-clock came by pretty quickly as Starfield got her down and gave the diaper a quick check despite being clean. Applejack played along. “Me clean,” she cheered, feeling quite silly even getting used to the waddle of said diaper gave her as she taken along toward the nursery. “But i don’t want to go to bed,” she said, acting like Apple Bloom. If this was to be her last bit of foalhood she might as well be a rebel.
 
Starfield pulled her along seeming unfazed. “Now now, foals like you need sleep. Don’t you want to tell your friends how much of a big pony you are for being out of diapers.”
 
Applejack couldn't hold her character and laughed as the nursery door was open. “Oh very funny, no way i’m telling anypony about this,” she then dragged her hooves as Starfield tugged again.
 
“Little filly you get in her right now,” Starfield mothered, tapping her hoof on the floor. To be fair, Applejac build make her quite grounded and unmovable.
 
“Nu, no nap,” Applejack crossed her hooves, doing her hardest not to break int grin at her act. She felt Starfield tug on her hoof more and even going behind to try and push the filly inside. It of course, didn’t work.
 
“Jackie, you get inside right now, or no bottle,” Starfield bribed giving the padding a light swat.

Applejack gasped acting surprised. ‘No I want the bottle,” she hurried inside sitting down in the crib.  Once the caretaker came in, the two mares broke into laughter for a whole minute.
 
Starfield recovered beaming brightly as she took a breath. “Oh, Applejack, out of the three big foals I've had here, you sure are the most into the role.”
 
Applejack flushed redder than any apple, shifting her hooves about. “Uh I was just you know, letting it all go.,” she said. “I”m surprised how well this treatment has worked for me. I feel like a new mare.” She thinks back to her parents and now smiled thinking of the happier times they had together without any sorrow mixed in. The padding was all that bad either if she thought about it.
 
“So glad to hear that,” Starfield laid Applejack back on the mattress giving her a teddy to snuggle. “Now lets finish off your night with a nice warm baba,’ she booped the farmer’s nose before moving to the mini fridge pulling out a pink bottle with formula.  She moved back to the crib and rested her hoof behind her charge, lifting up her head lightly.  Applejack removed the pacifier for her and the nipple was set in without delay. “That’s it, drink up little Jackie, little apple seed needs her milk to sprout.”
 
Applejack laughed causing some milk to dribble down her chin as she suckled contently on the milk. She couldn't stop smiling while she drained the bottle slumping back into the mare’s gentle hold. Surprisingly, her eyes started to droop as Starfield set her head on the soft pillow. The now empty bottle was replaced by the pacifier as her eyelids closed fully and she hugged the teddy close to her. She yawned one more time smiling passed the guard as she slowly nodded off. “Night, Mommy.”	 
 
> Recovered
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack awoke the next morning, an overwhelming chipper feeling coming over her. She smiled at Starfield when she came trotting in, the caretaker smiling just as much. “Good morning,” She greeted, while lowering the gate of the crib. “Sleep well little one?”

The farm pony nodded, climbing out with a chorus of crinkles. She didn’t give the padding any attention for now, as she gave Starfield a hug. “You bet, thanks again for all this.”

Starfield patted Applejack back while they hug. “No problem. I'm glad you were able to let it all out in the open. “

Applejack nodded. “Yeah I guess I should have really listened to my own advice huh?” She released her hug after a minute and shifted in the diaper feeling it once more hug her bottom perfectly. “So when can I take this off? I mean, not that there's any rush.” Her cheeks radiated once more, as she gave her own rump a light pat. A faint memory of her mother praising her for getting through a night dry made her giggle. She’d given Apple Bloom the same praise too. Guess she learned a lot from her parents before their passing.

“You don't have to until lunch, that is when you planned to head back right, little Jackie?” Starfield asking, ruffling Applejack’s head before plonking her signature hat upon her head. “Now let’s get the little one all fed, shall we?”

Applejack took a moment to watch a bird fly by the window before nodded. “Yeah, I’d love some pancakes with some apples of course.” The farm mare followed Starfield out of the nursery, waddling behind with a slight skip with each step she took. Along the way to the kitchen, another pleasant memory came to her mind.






Applejack was around four as she jumped into pile after pile of leafs, the cool wind blowing them around due to the filly’s carefree nature. Her giggles drew the attention of her parents, as the farm filly poked her head out of a pile.

Her mother shook her head. “Applejack, we are tryin’ to clean up. You’re makin’ a mess.”

The little filly just jumped out and giggled again. “Sorry, Mama, it just so fun,” She raced over and hugged her mother’s warm fur. She glanced up at her mom with an innocent grin. “I’m goin’ to be big and strong like Daddy one day.”

Her father couldn’t help but let out a chuckle and nod. “Oh I’m sure you will. Big and strong, buckin’ the apple trees just like us.”

“Yeah, I be best bucker ever,” Applejack beamed, skipping around her parents as they made their way back to the farm house. The smell of fresh apple pie cooling on the window sill blowing through the air. The smell, of course, made the young filly hungry.  As they went inside, Applejack could see her big brother trying to sweep the floor  the broom still larger than he was. The sight got a giggle out of the filly as she moved over to him. “That broom too big for ya.”

“Nuh uh, Granny said I’m strong. I’m strong colt.” Big Mac lifted the broom over his head, beaming, only to slip and land on his bottom.

Granny looked over from her baking, smiling just as much. “Oh yes, Big Mac sure is helpful. He even helped cut some apples too.”

The father ruffled Mac’s mane, insighting more giggles from the young colt. “Well, aren’t you a handy little helper?”

Granny took the pie off the windowsill, the smell filling the room as she put it on the table, cutting it into even slices. “Who wants some pie?” She asked, watching the foals cheer, shooting their hooves up into the air.

Applejack was the first to hop up onto a stool, taking in a deep whiff of the pie. Her mouth drooled at the slice that was put upon her plate. She pounced on it like a tiger, jabbing it wit her fork as she ate. Enjoying every bite.






Applejack waddled into the kitchen with a big grin on her muzzle, following Starfield to the table. Fresh bowls of oatmeal sat upon the table, apple slices mixed into them. Comet sat at the table, waving at Applejack. “Good morning, Comet, how did you sleep?” Starfield asked.

The filly beamed. “Oh, I dreamt about flying through the stars. It was so pretty.”

Applejack took her seat with a light poof of air. “Oh, that’s a sweet dream,” She blushed again, seeing her glass was just a sippy cup with little stars printed on it. Taking a sip, she took another glance out the window at the nice sunny day. ‘I dreamt of home.”

Comet cooed. “So, you feel better?” She asked innocently, taking a sip from her juice.

The padded mare nodded, slowly feeling content as the large bib was put around her neck. “Yeah, I feel a lot better now. This here experience helped me a lot.” The earth pony took her spoon, taking a bite of her oatmeal and enjoying the sweet taste.

“Mommy knows best.” Comet recited, clapping her hooves with joy.

Starfield sat across from Applejack with a prideful smile on her muzzle. “Oh, it’s just a gift really. Do you want me to feed you too, Applejack?” She asked, before taking a sip of her coffee.

A moment passed as Applejack thought it over with still blushing cheeks. “I'm good, thanks.” She resumed eating, shifting from time to time on her protected plot. She felt at home, just as she did back on the farm. She sighed contently, resuming her meal with a smile.






Applejack held still as the diaper was removed from her bottom, and any trance of foal powder was wiped off. The farm pony climbed off the table, stretching a little as she stared around the nursery Where once sad memories had soured her thoughts, the happier and nostalgic ones now seemed more prominent. She’d had good childhood while it lasted.

Once they had reached the front lobby, she turned around and gave Starfield a hug. “Thanks again for ya help.”

“As long as you remember it okay to feel young inside then you should be alright,” Starfield gave a few pats on the back before letting go. “And you can come back anytime if you’d like. Comet seems to enjoy your company.”

Applejack adjusted her hat, staring out at the sunny day awaiting her. “I’ll keep that in mind,” She then reached out and gave the filly nearby a small noogie on the head. “You keep out of trouble, ya hear?” The filly let out giggles, worming about playfully until the mare let go. With the farewells completed, Applejack made her steady trot towards home with a skp in her step.

It wasn’t long until the familiar trees of her home came into view, Applejack whistling as she got closer to her home.  Apple Bloom, who had been fixing the fence at that moment, beamed upon seeing her sister return. “Applejack!” The filly cheered, rushing up and giving her a big hug.

“Hey, Apple Bloom, keepin’ active I see.” Applejack smiled.

“Yeah, Big Mac said you went to some sort of session thing. What’s that mean?” Apple Bloom tilted her head, looking rather cute with her innocence.

“Oh just somethin’ special to help me remember the good times,” Applejack answered, as she continued to hug her sister with a smile. “Love ya, sis.” She nuzzled the filly, sighing.

“Bleh, when did you get so sappy?” Apple Bloom protested, but held onto the hug anyway.

Applejack just laughed. “What, your big sister can’t be motherly at times?” She gave the filly a noogie, inciting another fit of giggles. The two then made their way back to the farm house, Apple Bloom telling her sister about what the Crusaders got up to the other day.

Upon entering the farm house, Big Mac turned from the kitchen counter, waving. “Good to see you back, Applejack,” He greeted, cutting up some pie for them. “I assume things went well?”

Applejack took a seat, smiling happily. ‘Yeah, it went great. I feel much better now,” She took a bite form her slice of pie and smirked. “I bet you use that Smarty Pants doll to feel younger.”

Big Mac blushed, which was hard to see past his coat. “W-what?! no!”

Apple Bloom laughed a little. “Oh, that explains why I saw ya doin’ a tea party with some plushies.”

Applejack instead of laughing, awwed and moved over and gave her brother a big hug. He looked down at her as they exchange looks in silence. “I’ll explain later” was plastered across the mare’s muzzle. “So once Granny Smith is awake, who wants to look at some old family photos?”

As the two nodded in agreement, Applejack couldn’t but help feel joy in the bliss of this simple, bonding moment. With a newfound outlook on the past and a promise for the future, she felt she could take on anything that could come her way. Being little for a while hadn’t been so bad.