A Family Rivalry
“Cm’on Big Mac, we got to be at the train station by six thirty if we wanna make our train to Appaloosa” Applejack walked up the stairs and into Big Macintosh’s room, his large suitcase was sitting there ready, but her bother was nowhere to be found. “Well ah need to get Applebloom, maybe he’s helpin’ her get packed.” Applejack made her way down the hallway and opened the door, there was Big Macintosh with his reading glasses on with Applebloom standing next to him, looking at sheets of paper filled with X’s and O’s and arrows pointing in everywhich direction. Big Macintosh looked up with a guilty expression as Applebloom jumped behind the pile of things supposed to be packed by now.
“Big Macintosh are you still trying to figure out how ta beat Braeburn this year? Why can’t you just accept it as a friendly Thanksgiving game? Why d’ya have ta go and make it into this big thing every year?”
“Cuz Pa always won, and Braeburn is such a boaster sis’. This year we’ll show ‘em. Ain’t that right Applebloom?” Big Macintosh carefully placed his glasses in a case and then put the case away.
“That’s right bro! We’re gunna teach cousin Braeburn a thing or two!” Applebloom said bouncing up and down punching and kicking the air. She bounced up and down on the bed before crashing into her suitcase spilling its contents all over the floor.
“Big Mac! Now you’ve gone and got Applebloom tied up in this rivalry nonsense?” Applejack rolled her eyes as she began putting all the various debris back into Applebloom’s suitcase.
“But it ain’t nonsense Sis! It’s the annual grudge match started between pa and uncle Spartan! Winner gerts the hat of victory! No way were gunna lose this year are we Big Mac?” Applebloom began piling her thing into her trunk.
“Eeenope.” Big Macintosh closed the suitcase and carried it out the door for his bouncing and excited younger sister. He walked down the hallway grabbed his own and tossed it onto his back and the two happily walked down the stairs.
“If ah live to be as old as Granny Smith ah still won’t understand a thing that goes on in this family.” A bewildered Applejack said to herself as she followed her siblings down stairs. Granny Smith and Applebloom were sitting in Big Macintosh’s wagon, as he loaded the last of the luggage in. Big Macintosh walked around hitched himself up and began walking towards the train station. Applejack followed along side with Winnona yipping happily after. Applebloom spotted Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle on the street.
“Bye Girls! See Ya next week! Try not to go get Cutie Marks without me!” Big Macintosh ignored the chatter going on and focused on remembering his way to the train station. He didn’t get out much, and since the train station was relatively new in Ponyville he wasn’t exactly sure where it was. Thankfully a helpful sign prevented a wrong turn and the wagon came to a stop, and Big Macintosh and Applejack began loading the luggage onto the train. Applebloom helped Granny Smith to their room. Big Macintosh carried his bag full of papers onboard and set to work in his room. He pulled the table over and laid out several plans. Some were yellowed with age crinkled up, others were fresh sheets of paper. Big Macintosh went over team rooster again.
Red Gala
Red Delicious
Caramel “Hmm… He always has had trouble, but I’m sure he’s due for a good performance this year.” Big Macintosh said to himself
Apple Fritter
Golden Delicious
Uncle Orange
“This is the only time Uncle Orange ever gets his hooves dirty. Thank goodness he’s on our side, he’s a tough stallion no matter how much he tries to hide it.”
Honey Crisp
Sundance
Applejack
Applebloom
“Well its her first year on the team we’ll see how she takes her trial by fire, and finally me.” Big Macintosh looked over all his plans, he picked up his glasses and put them on. He continued committing his playbook to memory. He came across the oldest one of all of them he remembered pa teaching it to him right before the first game he had ever played in. That was the first year they lost, and ever since Big Macintosh had stated playing they had an unfortunate winless record. He should have done the play right, but he messed up and Pa lost his hat to Uncle Spartan for the first time in years. Big took out a framed picture of him and pa, it was old, from long before he even had his Cutie Mark, but he loved it. He remembered how proud he was when he had the same Cutie Mark as Pa.
“Pa was awful disappointed when he lost to Uncle Spartan. And we kept losing.” He looked at the picture tears welling in his eyes “Don’t worry Pa this year ah’ll make ya proud.” He wiped the tear from his eye when he heard a knock on the door. “Come in”
“Hiya Big Bro! We gunna work on the battle plans some more!” Applebloom was excited. Big Macintosh couldn’t blame her. They rarely got to spend time together, seeing as he worked the fields most days, while she went to school. This was a rare bonding time between brother and sister. The two reviewed plays and what Applebloom’s role would be in the big game. Big Macintosh enjoyed his littlest sister’s company, she didn’t need to be in charge like Applejack always wanted to be. The hours went by and the two happily planned the family grudge match, when a knock was heard at the door.
“Applebloom time for bed. You’ll need to be rested for tomorrow.” Applejack had entered and as usual was making herself known.
“Aw sis’ can’t ah stay up till we reach Manehattan and Aunt an’ Unca Orange get on board?” Applebloom looked at Applejack with big pleading eyes. Batting her eyelashes in attempt to guilt her sister into letting her stay up a little longer.
“Nothin’ doin’ AB Manehattan is another hour away at least. Bed now!” Applebloom lowered her head and walked back to her own bunk. Big Macintosh began pacing and doing a few stretches to make sure that he was in tip top shape for the big game. He heard a knock on the door. He stopped his stretches and went to open the door.
“Hiya cousin Mac!” Caramel walked into the room before tripping over his hooves and crashing into the floor. Big Macintosh helped his cousin get up before questioning him.
“Caramel where have you been? You’ve missed important strategy sessions. I’ll get you up to speed” Caramel sighed Cousin Macintosh always took this game so seriously, he always seemed frustrated when he messed it up. Not this year Caramel vowed, this year he won’t mess up this year they were going to beat Braeburn’s team. He could feel it. Big Macintosh was so engrossed in explaining his master plan that he did not notice Caramel’s little daydream. Big Macintosh explained his plan late into the night, he only stopped when the train came to a slow halt.
“Manehattan! All Aboard!!!” shouted the Conductor against the still night air. Big Macintosh walked past the tan conductor pony with a big stop watch and a curly white mustache, to Uncle Orange on the platform retrieving luggage. Big Macintosh galloped over embracing his uncle causing him to drop his suitcases. Uncle Orange laughed and embraced his nephew. Big Macintosh helped him carry his luggage into the room he and Aunt Orange had.
“Where is the lil’ fella?” Big Macintosh asked eagerly hugging his Aunt. Big Macintosh wanted to see his newest cousin. Applejack and Granny Smith had made the trip to Manehattan leaving him in charge of the farm. Aunt Orange gave a grin and motioned to a basinet with the curtain drawn. Big Macintosh moved it aside to see a young colt with a rich orange coat and a short green mane, he was wrapped up in a blanket with small oranges on it.
“Can ah hold him?” Big Macintosh had always loved foals, he doted on them and spoke in nonsense. It made him glad Applejack wasn’t old enough to remember when Applebloom was born.
“Of course you can sport!” Uncle Orange lifted his infant sun and handed him to his nephew. Big Macintosh very carefully cradled the infant rocking him back and forth as the train wheezed out of the station and gathered speed. The little foal opened his eyes, and became nervous at the sight of the strange face. Big Macintosh could see he was about to cry and began making silly faces. The foal was confused for a moment, but then decided he liked his older cousin and began laughing. Big Macintosh continued playing with his cousin and Aunt and Uncle Orange looked on and smiled.
“Come for a walk with me won’t you Mac?” Big Macintosh reluctantly handed the foal over to his Aunt and left with his Uncle. The two trotted to the observation car. Uncle Orange checked his watch and then turned to the night sky.
“Princess Luna sure has outdone herself tonight.”
“Eeyup”
“Mac I’m going to ask you an important question, and I want you to listen. Will you hear me out?” Big Macintosh noted the change in his Uncle’s demeanor, he had become much more serious, Big Macintosh nodded and Uncle Orange continued “Well little Tangerine is almost a yearling now, and its time we made some big decisions. We still haven’t decided who his godfather’s going to be. In part we dropped the ball, but the other part is well you’re my in-laws and Aunt Orange isn’t as close with the family since your mother died.” Big Macintosh looked sorrowfully up towards the sky, he missed his mother “but you’ve always impressed me Mac. You’ve always had this strength of character, a silent fortitude about you.” Uncle Orange lowered his voice to a whisper “Don’t tell Applejack or my wife, but I wanted you to come to Manehattan and live with us that summer” Big Macintosh snickered at his Uncle’s remark “Any way I’m impressed with the fine young stallion you’ve grown up to be” Big Macintosh felt himself get a little flustered, he was never good at accepting compliments “which is why I wan’t you to be the godfather to my little Tangerine”
Big Macintosh was stunned and then began beaming happily
“So what do you say sport, be the godfather to my little son?”
“Eeyup”
“That’s the spirit! Come on lets go to the dining car. I feel like celebrating!” Uncle Orange lead the way with a spring in his step. The entered the dining car, which was relatively empty except for a pair of young lovers, some unruly pegasi playing cards, and a unicorn washing the floor.
“Table for two please.” Uncle Orange said to the unicorn, who put his bucket and mop aside and led the two of them to a booth in the middle of the car. The unicorn levitated a notebook and a pen out of his pocket, and produced a pair of menus for the two gentlecolts.
“Anything we can start you with?” The waiter asked. Uncle Orange perused the wine list.
“The Hoofington Pinot Noir please, we are here to celebrate. Have you eaten yet Mac?” Big Macintosh shook his head “and two spinach quiches” Uncle Orange handed the menus back to the unicorn who seemed a tad disgusted at Earth Ponies grabbing things with their mouths. He levitated the menus away and scribbled down the order and made his way to the kitchen. Big Macintosh eyed the two Earth Ponies, playing hoofsies under the table, and engaging in mild conversation. He couldn’t help but feel a little bit envious, it had been ages since he had a filyfriend. His recent attempts to ask mares out had gone abysmally, and he usually just ended up feeling embarrassed.
“What’s on your mind sport?” Uncle Orange always knew when Big Macintosh was getting in a melancholy mood, and he knew how to bring him back to Earth as well. Big Macintosh jolted back to his senses looking around before shrugging his shoulders. The unicorn returned and placed the two quiches on the table before depositing two bowls and pouring the wine into them, leaving straws. He let out a humph in disgust as Big Macintosh lifted the quiche with his hoof. Uncle Orange laughed as the unicorn went back to cleaning. The two made light conversation, talking about the weather the differences between apples and oranges, and how one couldn’t really compare the two. Between the two stallions the wine was finished within the hour. Big Macintosh despite his massive capacity for it did not drink often and enjoyed the finer alcohols only once and a while, unlike his little sister who would tend to have a beer or two with dinner. The unicorn returned with the bill, which Uncle Orange paid, and then left the car. The two stallions would have left then, if they hadn’t heard a scream. The three pegasi had a little too much to drink and were becoming aggressive with the two lovers. Big Macintosh scraped his hoof against the ground and snorted. He had always been unable to stomach bullies, and he tended to let his temper get out of control.
“What about that fine necklace the lady’s wearing?” One Pegasus said as he muscked the green earth pony standing between the frightened mare behind him and the three pegasi.
“It’s not for you. Now please leave us alone” The green earth pony talked a big game, but Big Macintosh felt worried seeing his abacus cutie mark.
“No I don’t think we will. See me and the boys are having a little party tonight, and that fine young things invited.” The three pegasi had now taken to the air and were encircling the male Earth Pony.
“Mac I think we out to-” Before Uncle Orange could finish his sentence the lead Pegasus had knocked the male earth pony aside and Big Macintosh charged in. He leaped and rammed full speed into a grey Pegasus knocking him to the ground. The other Pegasi who had been beating the green Earth Pony turned their attention to Big Macintosh. They kicked and bit at him, but years of farm labor had honed Big Macintosh’s muscles to the strength of near steel. He bucked one of the Pegasi straight in the face knocking him out like a light. The Pegasus he had knocked to the ground before had recovered and grabbed Mac from behind and lifted him into the air, effectively immobilizing him. The other Pegasus began kicking the now helpless Big Macintosh as the Mare screamed. Big Macintosh felt the Pegasus droop him. The Pegasus behind him dropped to the ground. Uncle Orange had broken the wine bottle on his head. The last Pegasus charged Uncle Orange and knocked him to the ground, grabbing the broken bottle he flew behind the mare and held it to her throat.
“Nobody move! Or the fily gets it!” Big Macintosh and Uncle Orange bowed their heads in surrender. The Pegasus began laughing, but it was interrupted with a yelp of pain. The green Earth Pony came too and the three stallions jaws dropped in amazement, as the mare drove her hoof into the Pegasus’ gut then turned and delivered a swift kick to his nose sending a small smattering of blood everywhere.
“Where did you learn to fight like that Honey?” The green stallion rushed up and had embraced the brown mare.
“You don’t grow up on in Filydelphia without learning a few tricks, and you two gentlemen” The mare said addressing Big Macintosh and his Uncle “Thank you for your help. I don’t think I could have taken all three of them.” She moved in and kissed the both of them on the cheek, causing all three stallions in the room to blush “Oh come on you.” She said to the green Earth Pony “Just cause we are engaged doesn’t mean I can’t thank our rescuers.” The green earth pony snorted and the other three just laughed.
A gasp was heard and the four of them turned to see the unicorn re enter the dining car. “Sorry about the mess” and the four of them left laughing back towards the sleeper cars. The four parted ways and Big Macintosh returned to see Caramel had taken the top bunk, a situation which would only end badly, but he was tired and did not want to deal with it right now. He pulled the covers up and let the whistling sound of the night air lull him to sleep.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The train came to a halt in Appaloosa and the majority of its passengers got off. Leaving the station there was a huge cheer as two halves of the Apple family rushed together to embrace each other. Laughs and greetings filled the air. Granny Smith happily showing of her parcel to any who would listen that she had “Brought Pie!” She always brought pie and it wasn’t much of a surprise but everyone laughed and went along with her. Big Macintosh was flanked by Applebloom and the two eyed the crowd searching for Braeburn and any possible weaknesses he might have. Applebloom stood on top of her brother’s head looking for her cousin.
“Ah see him big Bro! Over there!” Big Macintosh could just see the direction his sister’s hoof was pointing and ran off at a gallop. Applebloom held on as her brother picked up speed. They emerged from the crowd of Apples and Big Macintosh found and embraced his cousin knocking his hat from him and giving him a mighty noogie.
“Knock it off there Lil’ Mac” Braeburn was the only one except Pa whoever called him Little Mac. It infuriated him and Braeburn knew it. “I got a Filyfriend I’d like you ta meet”
“A Filyfriend? Where? Maybe Ah can get mah cutie mark in weddin’ plannin’!” Applebloom was bouncing around cousin Braeburn
“Whoah there cuz’. Let’s not get too far ahead of our selves. Ya want to meet her firs don’t ya?”
Braeburn stopped his cousin’s bouncing with one hoof. He motioned for the group to head for the
homestead. The parade of Apples made their way through town, before eventually reaching a large
ranch home. Braeburn lead everyone to their rooms before introducing his most immediate family,
Granny Smith, Apple Jack, Applebloom, and Big Macintosh to his date. “Applejack I know you two
have already met, but for everyone else meet Little Strongheart.” Braeburn gestured towards the stairs
and a young buffalo wearing a teal gown and a head dress with two feathers descended the stairs. Big
Macintosh gave his cousin a playful shot to the ribs.
“Braeburn she’s beautiful” Applebloom had already taken to Little Strongheart and was bouncing
about peppering her with questions.
“Figured since AB was joining your team this year we could use some new blood too.”
“Ain’t gonna help you Braeburn, with Applebloom on our side no way we can lose. Ain’t that right AB?”
“Sure is big bro! We’ll wipe the floor with you cuz! Big Macintosh has been working on a special play
with me!” Applebloom was excited even more now that the big game was upon them.
“You mean the same play that Little Mac-y here has tried every year?” Braeburn was beside himself with
laughter. “That play’s never gonna work, your pa knew it why can’t you just admit”
Big Macintosh felt the rage growing inside him, he pushed it back down and leered at his cousin.
Big Macintosh left the living room upset when he came across a folder full of plays and a pencil. He
knew Cousin Braeburn couldn’t have committed them to memory. It would be so easy to sabotage him,
he was sorely tempted, but then he thought back to little Tangerine, what his Uncle had said about him,
and the mare who called him a hero on the train. “No.” He thought to himself “I’ll beat Cousin Braeburn,
and I’ll do it fair and square.” Big Mac put the pencil down and called for his team to take the field.
There were the two goal posts set up, and Big Mac overlooked the dusty football field his cousin had
assembled. He called his team out for some quick warm ups. Braeburn and a cohort of other cousins
trotted onto the field with great confidence and began their warm-ups. Big Macintosh took Applebloom
aside and gave her a quick talk
“Don’t let Cousin Braeburn fool you. He knows that play can work, and he’s afraid of you pulling it off.
Now I need you to guard Little Strongheart keep on her she’s an unknown factor. Who knows you might
just get a football cutie mark.” Big Macintosh said with a wink. Applebloom lit up and the two teams
took the respective sides.
“We kick to you cuz, since you were the losers last year.” Braeburn’s team laughed and Braeburn
Launched the ball through the air. Uncle Orange managed to catch it and advance it a few yards before being buried in a pig pile of ponies. They ran the ball and made good progress, until Caramel fumbled it, and Little Strongheart ran it all the way back for a touchdown. The game seesawed back and forth and at the half Braeburn’s team was up 28-13. The second half started slow, but Applejack managed to break free and rush it in for a touchdown. 28-20 Braeburn’s team was leading a great offensive, until Caramel tripped over his own hooves and knocked the ball out of Caramel Apple’s clutch. Uncle Orange jumped on it and the team made little progress. They were forced to kick a field goal, but it missed. 28-20. The clock was winding down. The had stopped Braeburn from scoring again, but there wasn’t much time left on the clock. They had just enough for one play.
“Applebloom?”
“Yes bro?”
“I think its time for our special play. I know you can do it.” The team took formation Applebloom on the far edge of the field. Big Macintosh dropped back and set the ball, and with his full strength bucked it as hard as he could. Applebloom was all the way in the end zone, where she jumped into the air and caught it with her mouth. Braeburn’s jaw dropped.
“Big Deal We’re still winning!” Braeburn was getting a little red in the face.
Big Macintosh said nothing but rather set his team up for the next play. Braeburn was almost falling beside himself with laughter they were gonna let Caramel run the play? Did they want to lose? But surprisingly enough Caramel carried the ball into the end zone tying the game, and that meant one thing sudden death over time. Whoever had possession would be decided by the flip of a coin. Braeburn called tails and hoped it would come up as such, but he would have no such luck Celestia’s visage landed face up. Big Macintosh would get first crack at it. The teams lined up and a hush fell over the ranch. The sound of hike rang through the air and Big Macintosh with the football clenched firmly in his teeth crashed through the initial line. He began galloping harder than he ever galloped before. His feet leaving divots in the ground, Big Macintosh gathered speed. Little Strongheart and Braeburn chasing as fast as they could. They were about to catch Big Macintosh when Applebloom had managed to catch up the grand chase and blocked them from catching her brother. Big Macintosh ran it into the end zone and spat the football out. The ranch erupted into raucous cheering. The team lifting Applebloom up and carrying her off the field. Big Macintosh went over to Braeburn and took his hat and placed in on hos own head.
“Good game cuz. Now how bout some grub?” Big’s good sportsmanship brought a smile to Braeburn’s face and he laughed and responded with a simple “Eeyup”
Author's Note: Happy Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good night