Applejack discovers that she has a aunt she never met and goes in search of her. She finds not only her aunt but her cousin the Fixer.
Applejack discovers that she has a aunt she never met and goes in search of her. She finds not only her aunt but her cousin the Fixer. His name is Ace High and his job is to fix problems for a small fee. He is a diplomat, bartender and Fixer.
The Fixer's Family: Book 1 in the Poison Apple Saga
Chapter 1
An orange freckled mare wearing a worn brown Stetson sighed as she sat on her front porch. She watched the fireflies flit about as she thought about the day's work she had completed. It was headed toward cider season and that meant less apple bucking with a slight rest over the winter. Her thoughts then turned to a conversation with Granny Smith earlier that night.
(Flashback)
She was walking through the house on her way to the kitchen for some cool cider to sip while unwinding on the porch. She had paused, she had heard crying coming from a room around the corner. Applejack peeked into Granny Smith's room and saw the old mare staring at two photos on her dresser. AJ recognized one as her mother, though the other one was of a mare AJ had never seen before. She was pretty but something about her, even in a photograph, made her look restless and mean. She pondered this a moment, hesitating on her decision to turn around.
"Come in here young'un." Granny had apparently caught her.
AJ walked into the room and came up next to her grandmother's rocker. Before she could speak, Granny began. "She's yer Aunt Sour Apple. Meh oldest daughter."
AJ was a little taken aback "I ain't got no Aunt Sour."
Granny smiled and laughed sadly, "Yea you do, but you ain't met her 'fore we had a fallin' out years ago. She ran off to Neigh Orleans to prove she didn't need any of us. I was just thinking how it's been such ah long time since she ran off. I wish I could make up for those lost years" Granny sighed sadly and kept staring at the photo. "You go on ta bed child, or out on the porch... I wan ta be alone"
(End flashback)
Applejack sat there thinking she wished there was a way to help Granny. Then it struck her like a ton of bricks. She would go to Neigh Orleans and talk to her aunt she was sure Aunt Sour missed Granny and the rest of the family. She walked inside and began packing.
….The Next Day…
Applejack headed out to the library to see Twilight Sparkle to ask the purple alicorn if she had a travel guide to Neigh Orleans somewhere. She knocked on the door, and waited for a response. Just as she turned to leave, Spike the little purple dragon answered the door and waved her in, "Oh hi AJ! What do you need?" He grinned at her.
Applejack walked into the library slowly, "I was jus' wonderin' if Twilight was around Spike."
He shook his head, "Nope, sorry! She's in Canterlot on royal business. Something about a treaty with the Minotaur or something." He just shrugged, "Do you think I can help you with something?"
She looked at him. "I need a travel guide of Neigh Orleans. I'm ah goin' there for a few days to look up some relatives."
He nodded and thought for a minute before scampering off. He brought back a small book. 'Neigh Orleans a Pocket Guide' "Here we are, a pocket sized guide to Neigh Orleans. So which members of your family live down there?"
She has just turned to walk out when he asked this. "A Lost one," She said softly over her shoulder. With that, she walked out and headed for home.
She reached the Acres, and looked at the farm her grandmother ran. Her resolve to find her aunt steeled as she saw the orchard, bearing the fruits of her family's labors. She headed in for her room, only to be met by Big Mac and Applebloom.
"So where ya going?" Asked her younger sister, watching her curiously.
AJ looked at them "I'm going to go speak with our aunt about coming to talk with Granny."
Applebloom looked confused, and Big Mac only frowned, "How ya gonna find her AJ? Granny or anybody ain't heard from her in years and Neigh Orleans is a big town."
AJ looked up at him, a bit shocked. "Ya knew about Aunt Sour?"
Mac nodded slowly. "Eeyup,” His deep voice rumbled, “I met her when I was real little. She was a bit hard on the other adults but nice ta me."
Applejack looked shocked and then nodded "I will find her. No matter what, I'll be back in a few days."
….at the station…
Applejack was waiting for the train to arrive when her friends Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie showed up, both with saddlebags slung over their backs. "What in tarnation are you two doin' here?!"
They grinned simultaneously, then Rainbow spoke, "We're going with you to find your aunt."
Applejack looked at them her mouth hanging slightly open in shock, "Now how do ya know about that?"
Pinkie was hopping up and down, "Well Spike told Rarity about your trip and we were there and just happened to hear. So we went out to Sweet Apple Acres to talk to you when Granny Smith told us what you were doing and that we should go with you."
Applejack winced. Granny knew and was sending back up to keep her out of trouble. As much as it annoyed her, she knew she couldn't argue with it- this was a direct order from the head of the Apple family. "Ok so is it jus' you two comin'?"
Pinkie nodded, "Spike has to watch the Library, Rarity has a massive order to fill, Fluttershy has several sick animals and Twilight plain isn't here. Dashie and I are the only ones with a little free time on our hooves.” She shook and twitched before squealing, “It's the three of us, best friends, boldly going where we have never gone before! All on an epic quest to find a long lost relative!"
Applejack smiled at her friends, it would be nice to not be alone. The three glanced up as the conductor called for all aboard. The three friends got onto the train headed to one of the most mysterious cities in all of Equestria.
….On the train….
As they sat, watching the scenery go by, Rainbow Dash watched AJ. "So what do you know about this relative of yours?"
Applejack sighed, "Next to nothin'. She is my mother's older sister and I have a picture of her. Tha's about it." She looked back out the window as RD thought for a second.
"So we only have a picture and a name... Walking into one of the largest cities in Equestria..." Rainbow's tone was almost unbelieving.
AJ nodded and turned away from the window to face Rainbow, "Eeyup. That about sums it up."
Rainbow nodded as she thought, "Ya know this is completely crazy, right? Crazy enough... It might just work." She grinned at Applejack before she laid back and dozed off.
It was mid-afternoon when three friends stepped off the train into a world that seemed alien to them. Neigh Orleans was the third largest city in Equestria. It was famous for three things: Parties, being the home of the Marefia, and being the largest port in Equestria. This city was different than anywhere else in Equestria, even the air was different. It was thick and hot, like breathing in some kind of tainted steam.
Pinkie Pie was bouncing in a circle around her friends, "Can you guys believe it?!? We are in the party capital of Equestria! I mean this city has entire CITY WIDE parties for just about everything! They even have a week long party devoted to the celebration of sin and debauchery."
Applejack frowned, "Why do they celebrate sin and debauchery? I mean tha' don't seem friendly, if you ask me." She looked around her, watching everypony lazily walk along on their business. They sure didn't seem like the kind of people Pinkie was describing.
Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, looked quite excited, "Yeah they also have some really great cider here! Or so I've heard. I've only had some once in Cloudsdale, and it was some of the best I've ever had." She licked her lips slowly, drool forming at the prospect of getting some more.
AJ frowned at that, "As good as Sweet Apple Acres cider? Wait, that don't matter. We ain't here on vacation, we're here to find ma aunt. First we need to find a place to stay... Come on." She hitched up her saddlebags and started walking down the street.
About an hour and six inns later, they were all looking somewhat grungy and dejected. Pinkie's hair was beginning to droop, AJ looked annoyed and Rainbow looked downright mad that they couldn't find anywhere to stay.
Rainbow groaned, "What's the bucking deal with all these places being full?" She flopped over onto a nearby bench.
Pinkie nodded, "Yeah it's like they are having some great big secret party and nobody invited us." She frowned and sighed, her hair drooping a bit more.
"What are three pretty ladies such as yourselves lookin' so dejected for? You're in the party capital of Equestria!" The three friends looked up to see a stallion standing not too far away. He had a red coat, which contrasted sharply with his silver mane. He wore a white overcoat that covered up his cutie mark, and a pair of silver shades which covered his eyes. "Are you ladies having trouble finding a place to stay?"
AJ looked at the rather oddly dressed stallion, "Well yeah, we are. ya wouldn't happen ta know a place to stay would ya Mr..."
He grinned at the little orange mare, "Names Ace High. Just Ace to you pretty ladies. Yeah I know someone who might give y'all a roof to crash under as long as you need it and toss a few bits her way." He turned and called over his shoulder, "Follow me."
The three friends looked at each other before nodding and following the strange fella. He led them down some streets and stopped in front of a old Plantation-style house that looked like it had seen better days. He pushed open the gate and walked up to the front door, pushing it open. "You still alive in here old mare?"
The three girls frowned and AJ walked towards Ace, "That's awful rude shouldn' ya be nicer?"
A loud bawdy laugh echoed through the house, and floated out the front door where the mares were standing, "So you brought somebody with manners with ya did ya, colt?" A rather large and chubby Zebra Mare stepped out from the kitchen. "Where's ya manners boy? Making those poor girls stand out on the porch when you brought 'em by?" She scolded the young stallion like he was no more then a colt.
He just grinned at the old zebra before turning to the group of friends, "Come on, ladies, let me introduce you to the love of my life." He led the girls into the kitchen behind the old mare. "Momma Nack this is.. is.. Well damn, I done forgot to ask your names ladies... Ow!" The old zebra had smacked him upside the back of his head with a large wooden spoon.
"No cursing in my house, boy, or you'll be feeling my spoon across yer backside. I didn't teach ya to say them things. Ya probably get from that good fer nothing yer momma married." She scowled at the Stallion sitting in front of her. He only grinned sheepishly up at her like a kid who'd been caught doing something bad.
"Why don't you ladies introduce yourselves?" He shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
Pinkie Pie grinned and waved spastically at Momma Nack, "Hi! My name's Pinkie Pie! I like parties! Maybe I could throw you a party one day! Maybe a 'We met Momma Nack' Party! Yeah!!!"
Momma Nack burst out laughing, "I like this one, she's got spirit. Maybe one day Baby Pie" The old zebra turned to the next girl.
Rainbow Dash smiled, "My name's Rainbow Dash and I'm the fastest flier in Equestria and a future Wonderbolt." She puffed out her chest proudly, making Momma laugh again.
"Well she sounds just like you when you were a young'un Ace," She grinned and Ace shifted nervously.
The awkwardness of the motion made Rainbow stare, “You're a Pegasus?"
He shifted again, "Yeah I just hide my wings under my coat. Anyways... moving on," He motioned towards AJ.
Applejack had been watching everything with interest, and smiled at the old zebra, "Ma name is Applejack, it's nice to meet you Miss Momma Nack."
"Well now, since we all know each other, why don't ya tell ol' Momma Nack what ya brought these pretty things over for?" The old zebra leaned against the counter, watching the four young'uns in front of her.
"Well you see Momma Nack. They needed a place to stay while they are in town and you got all this extra room." Ace scratched the back of his head and looked at the old zebra, who just sighed.
"Boy ya don't fool me one bit.” She shook her head before smiling, “Fine, these girls can stay. Ya git now, boy, ya momma's bar well be openin' up soon and ya got ta go do your little thing." She turned back to the sink, resuming washing a sinkful of potatoes.
Ace looked up at the clock on the wall and jumped up, "Well, gotta go, bye! You girls should come by the bar later. It's called The Sour Cider Room," He turned and galloped out of the house at top speed.
The girls just stared after him for a moment, frowning slightly. The old zebra just smiled, "That boy has way to much on his plate for one so young." She sighed, "To think it was only a short time ago I was bandaging his scraped legs and telling him stories about faeries." She turned to look at the girls, "So what brings three good girls like y'all to the city of sin?"
Applejack sighs and sits delicately on a chair, "We came lookin' fer my aunt. Her and my Granny had a fight years ago and she left to come here." She looked down and sighed, "But we have no clue where to look, or even how to begin."
Momma Nack smiled, "Well why don't ya start by telling ol' Momma Nack here her name, maybe I know her." She faced the young mare, waiting patiently as Applejack rummaged through her saddlebags and pulled out the old photo.
"Her name is Sour Apple. This is a picture of her." Applejack showed her the photo.
The old zebra took the photo gently and looked at it. Momma Nack nodded and began to laugh, "Child ya already found her." She wipes her eyes as the three at the table looked at her in shock.
Pinkie piped up, "What in Equestria are you talking about Momma Nack?" All of the girls watched the zebra with curious faces.
Momma Nack grinned and smiled, "Ace, the boy who brought you here, is her son. His momma runs The Sour Cider Room, like he said. She ought to be there tonight."
The three mares looked at each other with renewed shock.
"Well girls, looks like we ARE goin' to a bar tonight." Applejack stood up to hug the old zebra, "Thanks Momma Nack."
Momma Nack walked with them upstairs, showing them to the spare rooms, “Y'all take your pick.” The old zebra smiled and headed back to the kitchen. As she turned to begin chopping potatoes, she smiled to herself, “That boy may finally get a real family after all."
…...Later that night outside The SCR (Sour Cider Room)...
The girls walked up to the door. Applejack sighed and tried to relax "Well this is it y'all." They walked into the bar as a blue mare stepped onto stage.
"OK colts and fillies! Up next is a song from our favorite stallion here at the SCR- Ace High!" She moved off stage as Ace stepped on stage. He grinned and stood on his hind hooves, moving the mic stand closer. "How are you tonight SCR?" He called out to the crowded bar.
The bar roared with cheers and the stomping of hooves in response. The girls made their way to a table near the bar, and took a seat. They began to watch Ace work the crowd. "Well then lets get this party started! Hit it!" He began to dance as the band started up the music. "I was just a colt workin' for the mare for the first time she said 'Listen boy, you'd better hear my advice: Treat 'em like dirt, they'll stick forever to the bottom of your shoe
Oooo
I said "Ms. Mare, that ain't nice You gotta treat a filly right Take her out, wine and dine her, always be polite 'Boy, all good- just do you but soon you'll see she don't want no goody two shoes”
A few mare back-up singers danced onto the stage around the silver haired performer and began to sing as well.
“Boy, you're just a goody two, goody two shoes You're just a goody two, two shoes!”
Ace spun the mic stand and continued to dance, the words flowing out of him,
"You got style, you got grace But boy you try so hard she just laughs in your face Yeah you're a nice stallion With the wrong attitude She want a bad boy (bad boys, bad boys, all we want is bad boys!) I treat her bad, she loves me good And I just hate to have to tell you Cause you're a nice stallion But that just won't do She want a bad boy (bad boys, bad boys, all we want is bad boys!)”
Ace danced, the crowd raving and probably believing he was truly as the song portrayed him.
“Listen boy, you hear them sirens comin' for me? But when I get downtown she will already be postin' bail in her favorite dress Smilin' at me because I'm no good.”
He grinned and pulled off his shades, revealing striking silver eyes. He smiled and winked at a Mare in the audience, making her swoon as he gyrated and danced across the stage.
“You can buy her everything she likes And I'm sure she'll be obliged to let you steal a kiss, maybe even spend the night Boy, all good-just know that She'll be thinking of me even when she's with you
Boy, you're just a goody two, goody two shoes You're just a goody two, two shoes!
You got style, you got grace But kid you try so hard she just laughs in your face Yeah you're a nice stallion With the wrong attitude She want a bad boy (bad boys, bad boys, all we want is bad boys!) I treat her bad, she loves me good And I just hate to have to tell you Cause you're a nice stallion But that just won't do She want a bad boy (bad boys, bad boys, all we want is bad boys!)”
He held his mic towards the crowd. "Whoa, alright now Single mares (yeah) I'm gonna need your help now (Tell us what ya want us to do now) I need help girls (You're a bad boy) I say I need help now (help now) So bad (so bad) So good (so good) So bad (bad) Good (good)”
He grinned and jumped down into the crowd, singing the last bit of the song while flirting with different mares all over the bar.
“God damn, you got style, you got grace Kid you try so hard she just laughs in your face Yeah you're a nice stallion With the wrong attitude She want a bad boy (bad boys, bad boys, all we want is bad boys!) I treat her bad, she loves me good And I just hate to have to tell you Cause you're a nice stallion But that just won't do She want a bad boy (bad boys, bad boys, all we want is bad boys!)
Boy, you're just a goody two, goody two shoes You're just a goody two, two shoes!”
With the last line he jumped back onto the stage, and bows. "Thank ladies you have been great tonight!”