My Cousin Apple Storm
Part 4: The Intervention
by Neoraichu
This story takes place after the events of 'The Saga of the Great Kingdom'.
...
"So what can I do fer ya?" asked Applejack pensively of the Princess.
"I think it's more of what I can do for you," Celestia replied, "I would like to apologize for the actions of the Cloudsdale Weather Bureau. Overwatch overstepped the bounds of her authority in this matter, and caused suffering by it."
"That's mighty kind of ya ta say, Princess," she replied.
"Having said that," continued the Princess, "There is a matter of Apple Storm and her biasing of the weather towards apple growing at the expense of other crops and wild plants in the Ponyville region."
"What would y'all have her do?"
"I don't mind if she manipulates the weather over the farm, but she does modulate the weather over a much larger region than just the farm. She could exercise a measure of restraint in these matters that I would greatly appreciate."
"I'm sure I can talk her into making her weather thingies smaller. She really wants ta git along with everyone as much as she all can."
"Thank you."
"Jus doin mah duty as a good citizen of Equestria, your Highness."
"I know."
"So y'all plan ta take them thar chains offen my Big Brother an my Cousin?"
"Yes, the chains shall be removed. I don't think there was truly any need for them."
Attendants came running when she clopped her hoof, and she announced to them, "Please take all the chains off the Apples and remove them from my presence as soon as possible. Take the IV drips away as well, as long as you're at it. Those aren't needed either."
The head attendant answered, "It shall be done."
Applejack watched as Apple Storm and Big Macintosh were unchained, and the chains and IV drip bags were removed from the room.
"Your big brother and cousin shall awaken soon enough."
Apple Bloom ran into the room being chased by a Nurse, saw Applejack and ran crying to her forelegs.
"I'm scared, Big Sister," she cried as she hugged Applejack. She held her little sister close to her barrel as she looked at the Nurse.
"I'm sorry," said the Nurse, "She just ran past us. I couldn't stop her."
"Do not worry," said the Princess, "We shall take care of this matter. Please return to your duties."
"As you command," said the Nurse, who turned and left the room.
"Is you alright?" asked Applejack.
But Apple Bloom was too busy crying to answer. Applejack used her hoof to gently rub her little sister's back, trying her best to calm the small pony. She lifted the crying pony off the floor and laid her on top of herself, letting her use Applejack's body as her cot. Apple Bloom's head was pressed against Applejack's chest so she could hear the calm beat of her older sister's heart in her chest.
"Y'all had a real bad day," she cooed into Apple Bloom's ear, "jus sleep on me. I swear I'll keeps ya safe from all harm."
Apple Bloom slowly stopped her weeping, and then drifted off into a light sleep in her Big Sister's forelegs.
"I'll go now," said the Princess, "and make sure you aren't disturbed."
Applejack nodded appreciatively as she ran her hoof lightly down Apple Bloom's mane.
"It wasn't as bad as it could've been," whispered Applejack to no one in particular.
Rainbow Dash quietly entered the room, stopping short of Applejack's bed.
"How are things in here?" she asked.
"Tis good," replied Applejack.
"I'm sorry I didn't support you more earlier," she said quietly.
"I know y'all was under allota pressure not ta git involved," said Applejack amiably, "so I ain't mad at ya or nuthin."
"Thanks, Applejack. You're my best friend. I wish I could do more."
"All friends come up short now an then," she replied, "and I hope y'all fergivs me if I don't always do all I can fer you."
"I will. I promise."
Applejack smiled at Dash, who slowly came closer.
"Is Apple Bloom alright?" asked Dash.
"She just a little shaken an all," replied Applejack quietly, "I'm sure she'll be her old self when she wakes up."
"I'm so glad of that."
"Me too."