Leap of Faith
Pony's Log Number 420: Getting old is never fun, especially when you can't do the things you once enjoyed. But one should think twice about using "medicines" to feel young again...
One hot summer day, the Apple Family was enjoying themselves at the local swimming hole. Big Mac and Applejack were enjoying themselves by splashing at each other. The former was also wearing a ducky inner tube.
"Geronimo!" said Mario as he used a rope to launch himself high into the air for a big splash.
"No splashdowns!" Big Mac and Applejack shouted at him.
"Huh? Wuh? Whaaaaaaa!" Mario cried out as he lost control of his moment and head down to the water.
POP!
"Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo..." Big Mac, Applejack, and Apple Bloom, who was standing at the shore with floaties on her fore-legs, cringed when Mario did an unintentional belly-flop and sank under the water. Mario then surfaced a few seconds later.
"Ugh, that hurt," said Mario, "For the record, I wasn't gonna do a splashdown!"
"Sorry, Mario," said Applejack with a shy smile on her face. Mario replied by splashing her back, making the orange pony and Big Mac laugh.
"Just one more time? Please?" Apple Bloom called out, still standing on the edge of the swimming hole.
"Alright, but this is the last one," said Applejack.
"Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo! Woooo!" Apple Bloom shouted as jumped onto Big Mac's back. He then bucked her into the air, which Apple Bloom did a couple of flips before landing on the bottom of Applejack's hind hooves. Applejack then bucked her into the air, which Apple Bloom then landed on Mario's fore-hooves. She was then tossed into the air for the third time before landing in the water with a huge splash. Apple Bloom's big splash hit Granny Smith, who had been just resting quietly in a wooden chair next to a bucket of apples. Granny Smith was woken up with a start, getting a purple fish on top of her head.
"Who done that?!" Granny Smith spluttered as Apple Bloom surfaced from the water and spat out some water.
"Sure wish you'd come swim with us, Granny," said Apple Bloom.
"Uh, sorry, dear," said Granny Smith, "I just can't bring myself anywhere near that there swimmin' hole." She pointed a fore-leg at the water to emphasize her point as the purple fish that landed her head wiggled its way back into the water.
"How come?" Apple Bloom asked curiously.
"Why not, Granny?" Mario asked as well as he floated beside the little filly.
"Well, I wasn't always this way..." said Granny Smith. It was then a telecine started beeping as it did a countdown to what looked like a silent picture film from the 1910s and 1920s. It was then young Granny Smith was seen with her breaded mane and tail wearing a polka dotted bathing suit and cap from that same time period.
"Time was, I was an aquapony all-star!" said Granny Smith as her younger self waved at the crowds, "In fact, I was the only Apple to ever come close to breaking the Equestria high-diving record! Falling six stories into a deep dish pie pan takes a toll on the hindquarters." A bunch of ponies watched in the stands as young Granny Smith made the dive. Then the film strip immediately melted away to bring everypony back to the present.
"Oh, I was so sore, took years before I could even look at the water again!" Granny Smith added sadly, "Just the idea of swimmin' makes my whole body ache! Besides, these old legs can't even paddle fast enough to stay afloat." As Granny Smith spoke, she got out of her chair and walked forward until she suddenly walked into a shallow puddle of water. Granny Smith began to panic as she struggled to get her balance. Apple Bloom and Applejack shared worried looks with each other as Mario teleported over to the experienced mare and helped her from the puddle.
"Oh, thank you, Mario," said Granny Smith, "Water always gets me a little antsy."
"I understand," said Mario, "but if you ever wish to conquer that fear, we'll be here for you."
"Oh, I don't know about that, but I appreciate the offer," Granny Smith replied a she walked away.
"Boy, I sure would hate to be afraid of swimmin'," Apple Bloom told Applejack, "You think I'll ever be scared of the water?"
(Cue Jaws Theme montage)
Apple Bloom and Applejack blinked when they saw a shark's fin swimming in the water. Apple Bloom looked rather frightened.
"AAAAAAAAH!" Apple Bloom screamed as she jumped out of the water. Granny Smith looked worried while Mario just had a straight face. It was then Big Mac surfaced from the water, with the shark fin on his head.
"Nope," he replied to answer Apple Bloom's question. He, Applejack, and Mario just laughed. As Apple Bloom looked indignant.
"Et Tu Mario?" Apple Bloom asked, not liking the fact he was in on the joke too. Mario just rushed over and gave his baby sister a hug and a kiss on her cheek. Apple Bloom made a face, but deep down she loved having Mario as a brother.
(Main theme)
Once the Apple Family had their fun at the swimming hole, they packed up their items into a wooden wagon that Big Mac decided to pull himself and headed for home. Apple Bloom was still feeling rather impressed about Granny Smith.
"Wow, Granny," said Apple Bloom, "I can't believe you were a high diver!"
"The best one in Ponyville!" said Granny Smith proudly.
"Do you think I could be a high diver?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Nope," said Big Mac.
"Absolutely not," Applejack added.
"But-" Apple Bloom tried to protest.
"Now you hold your horsefeathers, little seed!" said Granny Smith sternly, "I never said bein' a high diver was a smart decision! It's incredibly dangerous!"
"I know, but-" Apple Bloom tired to protest.
"But nothin'! It is the riskiest, scariest, darn-fool thing I ever did do!" Granny Smith interrupted as she stood in front of the yellow filly, "That's not to say I didn't wish I was still young and spry and confident, but let's leave that flyin' through the air to the Pegasi." Granny gave Apple Bloom a wink.
"Wow, when you put it that way, it doesn't sound so fun," said Apple Bloom sadly. Applejack then noticed that Mario had been rather quiet.
"I'm surprised you haven't said anything about all of this," said Applejack.
"Well, Granny Smith is right that high diving is dangerous, but I wouldn't say its a fool-pony sport," said Mario, "at least not regulation high-diving."
"Rega-who-wasit now?" Granny Smith asked.
"Regulation diving," Mario repeated, "when swimmers do their dives into a swimming pool that is deep enough to allow them to do it safely without a high chance of injury. The diving you used to do was more like daredevil stunts, which tend to be fool-pony and downright dangerous. It's no wonder your hindquarters hurt. I'd be hurting too after doing something like that."
"I hear you still do dangerous stunts from time to time," Granny Smith said with a skeptical look on her face.
"Wuh...s-s-says who?" said Mario, "I'll admit that I was a bit of a risk taker in my teen years, but I learned my lesson after my accident! Other occasions involved protecting my friends and family." Mario was hoping Granny Smith wasn't refering to his parkour runs. He took alot of safety precautions when he did those courses of his. In fact, the bottomless pits and other pits filled with dangerous elements actually just teleported him to the next one if something went wrong or if he fell in.
"Doesn't Twilight Velvet like to do them dangerous stunts all the time?" Granny Smith pointed out. Mario blushed.
"Granny, you're the one who taught me that when it comes to mares who have strong wills and minds," said Mario wearily, "you just gotta take the punches and make the best of it." Granny Smith immediately glared at Applejack.
"Never meant for ya to take that literally, sonny," said Granny Smith, "But with this family, I can see why you have to." Applejack blushed and looked away. Big Mac and Apple Bloom just exchanged unamused looks, they knew exactly where Applejack got her stubborn pride from. The train of thought was interrupted when the group found several ponies walking through and around the family. An important note of interest was the fact that many of the ponies looked like they were dealing with injuries or illnesses.
"Wow, I wonder were everypony's headed," said Applejack curiously.
"You're guess is as good as mine, Sis," said Mario. It was then they heard some distant fairground music. Applejack, Mario, and Big Mac shared skeptical looks with each other. Then Applejack and Mario noticed that Granny Smith and Apple Bloom started following the crowd.
"Now where in Ponyville do you two think you're goin'?" Applejack asked.
"Aw, quit bein' such a worry-worm and follow your ears!" said Granny Smith as she looked back at the rest of the family.
"Come on, Applejack," Apple Bloom added, "Aren't you curious?" Then she and Granny Smith continued on their way. Applejack and Big Mac shared skeptical looks with each other. They then looked Mario.
"Well?" Applejack asked, "Do I have a right to be worried right now or am I just being a worrywart?" Mario looked at his little sister with a blank look on his face before looking rather serious. He did appreciate the fact she considered his feelings regarding the situation.
"I sense trouble," said Mario, "We better go see what all this fuss is about." Applejack and Big Mac nodded before they followed Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, and the rest of the crowd. Soon they saw a large fairground tent had been set up. Applejack, Mario, and Big Mac wasted no time peeking inside of the tent as they saw the huge crowd of ponies had sat down before a set up stage. Apple Bloom and Granny Smith had made their way to the front of the stage as the lanterns inside darkened. It was then a glow appeared on the crank connected to the wagon contraption that was set up in the middle of the stage. Two spotlights shinned from opposite sides of the stage. As some steam puffed out of the pipes, two familiar silhouettes appeared.
"Thank you, one and all, for your attendance," said the first voice, "and we guarantee that your time here will not be spent in vain!" Two larger and familiar shadows of the ponies then appeared on the stage.
"That voice, where have I heard that voice?" Mario pondered aloud.
"In fact, we think it will prove to be the most valuable time you've ever spent," said a second voice as the two unicorns appeared on stage. Applejack and Mario blinked before the two ponies and Big Mac glared at them.
"I knew I recognized those voices," said Mario.
"The Flim Flam Brothers!" Applejack exclaimed, "This should be interestin'."
"Eeyup," said Big Mac sternly.
"Wonder what their angle is this time?" Mario thought irritably.
"What does angles have ta do with anythin'?" Applejack asked. Mario glared at her.
"Angle, in this case, is another word for scam," said Mario blankly. Applejack blinked.
"I knew that! I knew that!" Applejack retorted snootily. Big Mac and Mario exchanged glares and then rolled their eyes at their little sister.
"Welcome, one and all, to the demonstration of a lifetime!" said Flim.
"A demonstration of a better life!" said Flam as the two brothers swapped places on stage. It was then the poster on the center of their contraption showed a pony in deep thought.
"A demonstration of a better time!" said Flim, "And if we haven't captured your interest just yet, by the time we've finished, an unfortunate phenomenon practically guarantees that we will!"
"A phenomenon?" Flam asked as he zipped over to his brother, "What's that?"
"It's a circumstance perceptible by the senses," said Flim as he tapped his head and both brothers began to ponder as the poster changed to show child-like drawings of germs and other diseases, "but in this case, it's a simple fact that."
[Flim - Put a fore-hoof over his forehead dramatically]
There's ailments all around us in everything we touch and see
[Flam - Once he finished his statement, he put his fore-hooves around his neck to look like he was gasping for air. A poster showed germs coming out of a pony's mouth.]
A sickness that lies waiting there in every breath you breathe
[Flim - showed the crowd a poster of germs conquering the land.]
Disease will up and grab you as it crawls from land and sea
[Flam]
It's amazing how infected that the natural world and all its things can be
"Now I understand that some of you don't think you're sick," said Flim to the crowd.
"But twisted hooves and aching joints don't heal all that quick," said Flam as he examined a stallion's bandaged hoof and an elderly Pegasus's bandaged wing.
"Consider just how dangerous this world is!" said Flim as he gets into the face of a mare, who falls over and knocks over two ponies standing nearby, "You might..." An elderly stallion gets tipped over and falls, but gets caught in Flim's fore-hooves.
[Flam]
Slip and fall, break or sprain something here tonight
[Flim and Flam - As they return to the stage, they present to the crowd a bottle of a their new product. They both leaned into each other and winked as they finished singing the next part of their song.]
But luckily for you, we've got the thing you need
And it's easier when all you need's the cure
The Flim Flam Miracle Curative Tonic
Is just what the doctor ordered, I'm sure
"Now I know our claims seem fantastical," said Flim.
"Impractical," added Flam.
"Improbable," said Flim as he got into the face of mare with a tall hairdo covered in parasprites.
"Impossible," said Flam as he poked his head from the middle of the crowd.
"Try downright ridiculous and exaggerated," Mario muttered with a heavy eye roll, but wasn't heard.
"And magical!" said the two brothers as they reappeared on stage from a pink dust cloud and two bird flew away in opposite directions as the cloud faded.
"So we welcome every suffering pony to make their way up to the stage," said Flim as he and Flam approached the front of the stage.
"Now don't crowd," said Flam as he put a fore-leg to his brow and scooped the audience.
"And we'll prove our tonic's effectiveness before your very eyes," said Flim and pointed a fore-leg to somepony in the crowd.
"You there!" said Flam to a pale grey colored pony bluish-gray mane and tail who was wearing overalls, thick black rimmed glasses, a brown hat, and holding crutches with his fore-legs, "Come up here, good sir." The pale gray pony smiled and went up to the stage and stood between the two ponies.
"I'll wager you're tired of those crutches, my friend," said Flim.
"Try taking a sip of this!" said Flam as he used his magic to offer the pony a drink of their new tonic. The pale gray pony made a face after drinking it as the crowd watched with their mouths open wondering what would happen. Mario just glared and raised an eyebrow skeptically. The stallion's forelegs wobbled as he dropped his crutches and stood on his own without them, making the crowd gasp and smile happily. Even Granny Smith and Apple Bloom were smiling in amazement. Big Mac and Applejack were also stunned as Mario just remained skeptical as the three ponies stood beside the experienced mare and the little filly.
[Flim and Flam - they stood between the smiling stallion and mirrored each other as they danced. The pale blue stallion picked up his crutches as the two brothers wrapped a fore-leg around him they did the can-can together. Then the stallion did the can-can alone as he headed off the stage. Then the curtain opened to reveal several bottles of their tonic waiting to be sold.]
That's why you're so luck we've got the thing for you
Just come up, we've always got some more
Of the Flim Flam Miracle Curative Tonic
[the pale blue stallion - He tossed his crutches aside, spin about, and danced out of the tent on his hind legs.]
I won't need these crutches to dance out the door
"Now how do ya like that?" said Granny Smith, clearly impressed. So was Apple Bloom.
"I don't," Applejack remarked as the lights darkened in the tent again, "There's somethin' funny about this whole thing."
"I agree," said Mario, "Something about this doesn't feel...honest..."
[Flim - A spotlight appeared as he wore a handkerchief around his neck. He approached an elderly stallion holding a cane. He pointed at his wobbly knees, flicks his gray mane.]
Now some of you may suffer from feelings of despair
You're old, you're tired, your legs won't work, there's graying in your hair
[Flam - He walked up to the same elderly stallion. Flim then pointed to what will be fixed and pulled back on the stallion's eye lids while standing behind him before zipping off.]
Just listen and I'll tell you that you don't need to fear
Your ears will work, your muscles tone, your eyes will see so clear
[Crowd - As the crowd sang, the two brothers matched about the crowd. The two brothers then smiled at each other as they held up the bottles of their tonic with their magic. They were soon surrounded by singing ponies who were eager to buy the tonic.]
Luckily for us, you've got the thing we need
The answers to our problems in a jar
The Flim Flam Miracle Curative Tonic
Is the greatest ever miracle by far!
"It cures the reins, the spurs, and the Clydesdale fur blight," said Flim as he showed other medical conditions that tonic "would" cure.
"Hooferia and horsentery cured in just a night," said Flam.
"You've got swollen hooves and hindquarters or terrible bridle-bit cleft," said Flim as he showed one pony with swollen hooves, another pony with swollen hindquarters, and one with bridle-bit cleft.
"Saunter sitz and gallop plop will give your tail some heft," said Flam as he showed a pony with a tail that had no hairs.
"Mane loss, hay fever, or terrible tonsillitis," said Flim as he showed a pony with no mane, another with hay fever, and another with a blue spotted tonsillitis.
"You heard it here, folks," said Flam as both brothers hopped back on stage, "this is the only place in all of Equestria you'll find it."
[Flim - the two brothers showed a pony getting shorter, taller, and older.]
It can make you shorter, taller, or even grow old
[Flam - gets in front of the poster.]
But who'd want that?
[Flim - gets in front of his brother.]
When with one drink
[Flim and Flam]
You can be young again-
"SOLD!" said Granny Smith as she held up some bits with her fore-hoof. The rest of the family was stunned. Mario's jaw dropped in shock.
"Congratulations, Granny Smith!" said Flim as she handed her the bottle with his magic and collected the bits, "You just made the purchase of a lifetime!"
"Are you as worried as I am?" Applejack asked to Big Mac with a worried tone.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac in the same tone.
"Uh-huh," Mario whimpered, as the two siblings noticed that Mario was trembling.
"Easy there, Big brother," said Applejack gently, "no need to get yourself into a tizzy." Mario just held his little sister to feel better. But both siblings were wondering why Mario would suddenly get a panic attack over this.
The next day, the apple siblings decided to head to river to do some fishing from a ledge a few feet above the water. Big Mac was glared at Mario as he casted his line, then a few seconds later he would get a bite and pulled up a decently sized fish.
(Cue Animal Crossing "Got fish" fanfare)
Mario couldn't help but pose with each fish he caught before setting it into a bucket. Big Mac growled inwardly. He was still trying to get his first bite and using an apple for fish bait. Mario then caught another fish, posed to cue the fanfare again, and Big Mac growled bitterly. Mario then flinched before sadly tossing the caught fish back into the river and put his rod away.
"Hey, no need to stop fishing," said Applejack, "It's not your fault your better at it than Big Mac." Big Mac grumbled to himself.
"I don't want Big Mac getting jealous of me," said Mario, "It's bad enough Twilight gets that way with me just because I picks things up easily." Big Mac softened as he pulled Mario into a side hug.
"Does that mean we're cool, big bro?" Mario asked.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac as he casted his line again as they rest of the siblings just got comfortable. It was then Apple Bloom decided to talk about Flim and Flam's special tonic.
"Boy, I just can't believe all the things that Flim Flam Tonic can do!" said Apple Bloom in amazement as she held a small pebble in her fore-hoof. Mario then smirked.
"I also heard it can make your cutie mark appear," Mario told her.
"Really?! I gotta get some for me and..." Apple Bloom then went from excited to very irritated, "Oh ha, ha, ha! Very Funny! If they're saying it does that, then it sounds a little too good to be true."
"When somepony says somethin's too good to be true," said Applejack, "it usually is."
"You got that right, dear sister of mine," said Mario.
"You mean Granny wasted her money?" said Apple Bloom sadly as she tossed the pebble over the edge.
"I feel like she did," said Mario, "But I doubt she would have listened if I had said anything."
"Eeyup," Big replied in agreement.
"Well, I don't know about that," Applejack remarked, "but I don't think there's a tonic in Equestria that can make an old pony young again."
"It feels like such a cruel joke to even say such a thing," said Mario, "Granny knows she's no spring chicken. She doesn't need the obvious shoved in her face and given false hope about retaining her youth. I mean sure. She needs to be more careful because her body has limits, but that doesn't mean she has to stop living life and doing things. After all, she's proven to us countless times that age is just a number."
"Well said, little brother," said Big Mac, "Granny might be...experienced...but she's always had a way of surprising us all." Applejack and Apple Bloom just stared at the red stallion. They still got baffled at seeing Big Mac say more than one or two words with Mario around.
"Howdy!" called a familiar voice, making the four Apple siblings look to see Granny Smith, wearing her 1920s bathing suit and cap, was swimming casually down the river.
"Granny!?" Apple Bloom exclaimed.
"Like you said, big brother," said Mario in a shocked tone, "Granny Smith loves to surprise us."
"Eeyup," said Big Mac in the same tone.
"Hang on!" said Applejack, "We'll get ya!"
"I'm on it!" said Mario as he jumped into the river and took off swimming at high speed. Apple Bloom looked in awe at seeing Mario wiggle under the water at high speed, getting within just a couple of yards of Granny Smith in just a few seconds.
"Wow, he's even fast in the water too," said Apple Bloom. While Mario swam up to Granny Smith quickly, the experienced mare showed why she used to be an aqua pony. Mario couldn't pull her to shore because she kept slipping away from him.
"Granny, would you hold still so I can...UGH!" Mario was then cut off when the current sent him smacking into a rock, leaving him dazed and unable to move as he leaned against the rock.
"Ugh," Apple Bloom and Applejack cringed. Big Mac then removed his work collar and tossed it at Granny Smith to grab since it floated in the water like an inner tube, but the experienced aqua-pony just swam past it without a second thought. Applejack then ran further alongside the river as Granny Smith started doing the butterfly stroke. The orange pony bucked a tree into the river so Granny Smith could grab it and climb out. Granny Smith, now doing the backstroke, just swam around the tree. Mario, who had recovered, just swam past the tree and grabbed hold of it.
"You know," said Mario, "I don't think Granny is in any danger." But the others weren't listening as Mario climbed out of the river and ran off to catch up with his brother and sisters. Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Applejack had just found a slope and slid down it to reach a shore line as Granny Smith approached it. Big Mac was sliding down the slope a little too quickly when he bumped into Applejack and Apple Bloom, sandwiching the little filly between himself and Applejack. Mario then slid in front of the three as they tried to get Apple Bloom some personal space. Granny Smith casually walked out of the river and shook herself dry. The four siblings rushed up to her.
"Granny, I thought you were too afraid of the water to swim!" Apple Bloom said to her, "And, and what about your hip?!"
"I'm just as curious about that too, Granny," said Mario, "unless your joints weren't as damaged as you had thought."
"Well, I reckon it might have been a problem before I had myself a dose of that there Flim Flam Tonic!" said Granny Smith as she showed the four siblings the bottle.
"I'm not so sure that tonic really does anythin'," said Applejack.
"Yeah, I think you just realized that your body is just as capable of swimming as it was when you were a filly," Mario added.
"Doesn't do anythin'?!" said Granny Smith, glaring at the two ponies, "What d'you call this?" She then took a drink of the tonic, tapped danced while humming a tune and then twirled about hip-hop style and posed as she winked at the four siblings.
"Wow..." said Mario in a shocked tone, his mind blown after seeing that display of dancing skill and agility. The other three siblings had stunned looks on their faces as well.
"I'm glad you're feelin' good," said Applejack gently to Granny Smith, "but how do you know it's from the tonic?" Mario nodded in agreement once he had recovered from his stock.
"I looked out at the water this mornin' and I felt the same terrifyin' aches and pains I always do," Granny Smith explained before she took a sip of the tonic, "But one sip of that magic elixir and it all went away! Why, I might even get a head start on my chores! What do you say Big Mac-a-doo? Up for a little afternoon applebuckin'?" Granny Smith then energetically nudged Big Mac's side and then bucked the air beside the red stallion.
"Uh, no," Big Mac answered nervously.
"Oh, quit your bellyachin'!" said Granny Smith as she grabbed Big Mac fore-leg and pulled him away before he could protest.
"Gee, it looks like that tonic works after all!" said Apple Bloom, "I wonder what's in it."
"I'm afraid to guess," said Mario dreadfully.
"I think maybe it's time we found out," said Applejack.
Later that evening, Apple Bloom, Applejack, and Mario headed back toward the fair tent. They could hear the background music for the two brothers' little advertisement song was being played.
"So you're just gonna walk up and ask them how it works?" said Apple Bloom asked Applejack.
"I guess," said Applejack, "Though if it's a genuine cure, I don't suppose they'll be too keen sharin' the recipe."
"Then maybe the direct approach might not be the best idea," said Mario, "It's just sounds too Rainbow Dash to charge in there all gung-ho. We need to investigate and gather some evidence that we can use against them. Otherwise, all we have is our word of mouth."
"But everypony knows I'm the Element of Honesty," said Applejack, "they would listen if I found out the tonic is a hoax and told them."
"True," said Mario, "But still..." Mario was then interrupted when they noticed a familiar pale gray stallion dancing out of the tent singing his part of the song.
"-out the door!" the stallion sang as he landed back on all fours and sighed as he removed his hat.
"Wait a second!" said Apple Bloom, catching the stallion's attention, "That's the same pony from before!"
"You're right, Apple Bloom," said Mario as he narrowed his eyes at the stallion.
"Hey!" Applejack called out as the stallion ran away. Mario rushed ahead to cut him off and made his horn glow.
"Let'sa go!" said Mario as he summon himself the stallion into a turn battle.
(Cue favorite turn battle theme)
Mario stood ready for battle as the pale gray stallion just looked rather stunned.
"Okay, do you wanna do this the easy way...or the hard way?" Mario asked calmly, showing that he was willing pass his attack turn if the stallion was willing to talk. The stallion took advantage of the opportunity...
...and fled the battle!
"Hey!" Mario called out as the battle ended.
(end battle theme)
The transition gave the pale gray stallion the opportunity he needed to put some distance between himself and the three Apple siblings. The stallion headed down a narrow passage just outside the performance tent. He then slid into a corner and bumped into some barrels before he took off again. Mario took the corner with ease and caught up to the stallion as Applejack and Apple Bloom slid into the barrels and knocked them down. Mario had already pinned the stallion into a corner near the music wagon when his two sisters caught up to them.
"Now hold it right there, Mister...?" Applejack asked but hesitated when she realized when she didn't know the stallion's name.
"Shill. Silver Shill," he replied nervously as he backed himself into a large tent pole behind him, "Ooh, what do you three want?"
"For starters, we're not going to hurt you," said Mario calmly, "That little scenario we were just in was for self-defense. We just have a few questions to ask you."
"I see..." said Silver Shill, not relaxing at all and still shaking a bit.
"Our Granny took some tonic and we want to know how it works," Applejack asked as she and Apple Bloom stood beside Mario.
"Granny couldn't swim before, and now she can," said Apple Bloom, "Just like you couldn't walk and now you can. But what are you doin' back here? I mean, if the tonic cured you and all..." Silver Shill just gulped.
"...Because maybe the cure is only temporary unless taken regularly?" Mario asked with a skeptical tone. Applejack glared at the pale gray stallion and then looked around to see the crutches and several hair wigs. She then figured out what was going on.
"...Because he's part of the act!" said Applejack, "It's time for you to tell the truth! You never needed crutches at all, did ya?"
"Did Flim and Flam put you up to this?" said Mario firmly but then softened to show him some empathy, "Are you in need of a job or something?"
"I, uh..." Silver Shill trembled before he quickly pulled a lever that made the music box give off steam, causing the three siblings to cough and splutter from all the smoke. Applejack and Mario worked together the clear the smoke, but by the time they did, Silver Shill was gone. The three siblings then reached the edge of the tent when Applejack gestured for them to all split up. It wasn't long after they had split up for the search when...
"AJ, over here!" Mario called out as the orange pony saw Silver Shill duck into the main tent as the other ponies were leaving it. Applejack and Mario opened the curtain.
"Hey! Huh?" the two siblings said together when they saw Flim and Flam standing next to two large sacks filled with bits, Silver Shill peeked timidly from behind the two unicorn brothers as the two Apple siblings have him a glare.
"Well, if it isn't our most favorite Apples!" said Flim casually. Mario was slightly stunned. How did they know he was an Apple?
"What brings you back to our humble abode?" Flam asked in a similar tone.
"You two charlatans sold our Granny a bottle of tonic," said Applejack as she walked up to the two brothers with Mario beside her, "and now she's off actin' like a filly again."
"What so bad about that?" Flim asked innocently as the two brothers smiled at each other.
"If she keeps gallavantin' around like a yearlin', she's apt to drop from exhaustion or worse," said Applejack sternly.
"I've always believed that staying youthful keeps you healthy and active," said Mario, "But even Granny is acting a little too active that is considered safe or appropriate!"
"What's more," Applejack added, "we know for a fact that your friend here is dressin' up as a different pony every night so he can pretend to be cured!" Silver Shill sunk behind Flim's hind legs to try and make himself less visible as the two Apple siblings glared at him again.
"Well, well, well, that's quite an accusation," said Flam.
"We found the crutches and several wigs behind the tent," said Mario bluntly. The two brothers didn't seem phased by the alicorn's remark.
"But let's say that it's true..." said Flim as they both zoomed away.
"Hypothetically..." said Flam as he cleared a table that had some bits on it.
"Theoretically..." said Flim as he set up a mini squeezer onto the table.
"As I understand, your Granny was a famous aquapony," said Flim.
"The star of the show, once upon a time," said Flam as Applejack and Mario wearily approached.
"But hasn't set so much as a hoof in the water since," said Flam.
"Should I be nervous that they even know about that?" Mario asked quietly to his sister, "I mean...they know we're related!"
"I'm plenty nervous hearing that if it answers your question," Applejack answered back as they stood before the table and she spoke to the two brothers, "Until today, that's right."
"Well, then even if our tonic were nothing more than a mixture of apple juice and beet leaves," said Flim.
"Hypothetically..." Flam said as he juggled some apples.
"Theoretically..." said Flim as he grabbed an apple and the leaves and made the tonic before the two ponies.
"One hundred percent accurate," Mario muttered under breath with an eye-roll.
"The fact is that Granny is happier now than before she tried it," said Flam.
"I guess..." said Applejack.
"Perhaps..." Mario added slowly.
"Do you really want to be the pony who takes all that happiness away?" Flam asked as he stuck the bottle of tonic in their faces.
"Oh, you would love if we kept quiet, wouldn't you?" Mario asked darkly. Applejack took the bottle and looked at it, looking unsure about what to do.
"Sis?" Mario asked with concern.
"I..." Then Apple Bloom appeared before Applejack could answer.
"There you two are!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, "I've been lookin' all over! Did you find out what's in the tonic?" Applejack and Mario noticed the two brothers smirking at them.
"The tonic..." Mario began.
"Mario, step over here for a sec," said Applejack as she put a fore-hoof over his mouth.
"What's up AJ?" Mario asked in a whisper.
"Mario, you've seen how happy Granny is right?" Applejack replied in the same tone.
"Yes I have..." said Mario slowly.
"She's not exactly doing anything reckless," said Applejack, "After all its just juice..."
"True..." said Mario, "are you suggesting we..."
"...She's not harming herself by drinking it," said Applejack, "in fact, it seems to have boosted her self-confidence and she's more active. Even you always tell me that keeping her active will help her live a longer and happier life."
"I see your point," said Mario with a smile, "As long as she isn't hurting herself, I guess she doesn't need to know what the tonic is made of. The juice is organic." The two siblings then shared a nod and face their youngest sibling.
"Honestly, Apple Bloom..." said Applejack slowly, "as long as it works, I...don't suppose it really matters."
"Granny is happy and more active, so..." Mario added with a slight hesitation, "...that's what's important." Apple Bloom was stunned for a moment, but then smiled.
"Well, if it doesn't matter to you," said Apple Bloom, "then it doesn't matter to me either. That fact you and Mario agree says what that tonic is made of isn't important." The three siblings just smiled to each other and left the tent. They didn't notice that Flim and Flam were waving them goodbye as Silver Shill quietly peeked out from behind them again.
The next day, the Apple family was back at the swimming hole. Applejack was just sitting on a swing with Mario sitting beside her as the rest of the family was playing in the water.
"Hey Granny!" Apple Bloom called out, "Think you can buck me over the water?"
"I don't see why not!" Granny Smith replied happily, "Come on, Big Mac, toss her this way!"
"Granny, wait!" said Applejack and Mario together, as the former jumped off the swing and they both rushed to the edge of the swimming hole.
"Woo-hoo-hoo!" said Granny Smith as she used her hind legs to make Apple Bloom spin about in the air. Applejack and Mario rubbed their eyes in shock as Granny and Apple Bloom laughed together happily.
"Uh, what were you sayin', dear?" Granny Smith asked Applejack and Mario.
"Granny, don't you think you should take it kinda easy?" Applejack asked as she sat back on the swing.
"We don't want you to overdo it after all," Mario added as he sat beside his sister once more.
"I've been takin' it easy for too long!" said Granny Smith as Apple Bloom sat on her shoulders, "And now, thanks to that Flim Flam Tonic, I don't have to!" Then Apple Bloom tumbled into the water.
"Granny, you think I could be an aquapony like you?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Of course you can, sapling," said Granny Smith, "There's nothin' to it but to do it!" Applejack and Mario were rather stunned by her response.
"Not even two days ago, she was saying being an aquapony was fool-pony," said Mario, "Now that she's back to swimming, she just says to go and do it? Talk about a paradigm shift."
"A para-what?" Applejack asked puzzled.
"Paradigm," said Mario, "it means a complete change in their view about something."
"Well, that certainly describes what we're seein' that's for sure," Applejack replied as she pondered to herself. It was then Apple Bloom and Granny Smith got out of the water.
"Well, the Ponyville swim meet is comin' up," said Apple Bloom to Granny Smith, "We could enter together! A legendary water pony like you? We'd be a cinch to win!"
"Mm, ee, uh, I don't know..." said Granny Smith as Big Mac climbed out of the water and shook himself dry, "Bein' back in the water is one thing, but a competition is a pony of a different color. I mean...wouldn't Mario be a better choice." Mario perked up when he heard that.
"I'm more of a speed swimmer, Granny," said Mario, "I'm not exactly a technical swimmer."
"Oh fiddlesticks!" said Granny, "I've seen you learn so many skills faster than the apple seed can sprout into a tiny sapling. I'm sure you could learn a swimming routine without a problem."
"True," said Mario, "But let's face it, Granny, I'm still an amateur. You're the master."
"That is true," said Granny, "but I'm not sure if I'm ready to compete."
"Oh, okay," said Apple Bloom sadly as Granny lifted her chin. She didn't like the idea of disappointing Apple Bloom. Applejack and Mario exchanged sad looks with each other as the former held up a tonic bottle. Then they smirked and exchanged nods with one another.
"I don't know, Granny," said Applejack as she jumped off the swing and walked back to her, "A swim meet sounds pretty safe. And after all, if that tonic lets you swim in a river and a swimmin' hole, a pool should be no problem at all."
"Yeah," said Mario, "if you want me to learn how to be a technical swimmer, why not have the master show me how it's done?"
"Well, I'll be a tart turnover," said Granny Smith as she pulled out a bottle of tonic from her swimming cap, "you both are right! All we need now is more tonic!" Granny Smith then took a drink from the bottle as Applejack and Mario just shared sheepish smiles with each other.
Later, a large crowd of ponies were standing in line before the fair tent. Flim and Flam were outside and had set up a table with lots of bottles of their tonic on top of it.
"Welcome friends, and step right up!" said Flam, "The next show starts in five minutes!"
"But why not buy your tonic now and avoid the rush?" Flim suggested as Silver Shill tried to fake a purchase to make the other ponies do the same.
"Right this way, good sir," Flam replied to Silver Shill.
"We'll take the whole case!" Granny Smith shouted, stunning the audience and the two brothers as the experienced pony dropped a huge sack of bits before them. Mario winced at the sight. Applejack also had a worried look on her face.
"I tried so hard, but she was determined to buy that junk in bulk," Mario whispered to Applejack.
"We'll figure out a way to help her recover the funds," said Applejack, "I do recall you being good at making profits too...the honest way." Mario just hummed but the two siblings both had weary looks on their faces, especially when the two brothers smiled excitedly.
"Are you saying this stuff actually works?" asked a pony named Jinx.
"It seems to work for Granny," said Applejack and Mario nodded slowly.
"But...uhh...that doesn't mean..." Mario tried to add, but was cut off.
"You heard it here first, folks!" said Flim, "Flim Flam Miracle Curative Tonic is Granny Smith Tested and Applejack and Prince Mario approved!"
"Wuh?" Mario said in shock, even Applejack winced, "but...but...but...we never..."
"If Applejack and Prince Mario says it works," said Jinx, "that's good enough for me!" The crowd of ponies chattered excitedly and went to buy their own bottles of the tonic, raising their fore-hooves into the air with bits on them.
"Oh, horses-apples..." Mario squeaked as Applejack looked just at uneasy. They couldn't believe that their own words had been used against them.
The day of the swim meet had finally come and several ponies had come to participate in various swimming competitions. One pony then attempted to do a high-dive from the middle diving board. The three ponies who were judging only gave them a seven, a three, and an eight. The pony then climbed out of the pool as the crowd in the stands clapped for them. Then another group of ponies jumped in succession to begin their synchronized swimming routine as Apple Bloom and Granny Smith stood at the edge of the pool on their hind legs.
"Hoo-ha, hee-hee, ha-hoo-ha!" Apple Bloom and Granny Smith chanted as they did some stretches together. It was then Applejack and Mario had arrived. A few things should be noted about Mario. One, he choose not to take part in any the speed swimming competitions because of, two, he had been dealing with alot of anxiety the past couple of days.
"Just remember, you two," said Applejack, both she and Mario donning a nervous smile on their faces, "The most important thing is to be safe and have fun, right?"
"Fiddlesticks!" said Granny Smith, "With the routine we've been working on, I'll be a plum puddin' if we don't win this thing!" Granny Smith then gave Apple Bloom a wink, making the filly smile excitedly.
"I hope you're not planning on doing anything too reckless..." Mario added nervously.
"Now don't you go gettin' all overprotective of me like your sister here!" Granny Smith scolded, "you're supposed to be the reasonable one of this family! You wanted me to try swimmin' again and I did!"
"I know, but..." Mario stuttered.
"No buts or hindquarters about it!" Granny Smith snapped, "Now git! We've got a competition to win!" Mario just walked sadly away.
"Uh...good luck, then!" said Applejack bravely.
"Luck? Pfft," said Granny Smith, giving off a raspberry and waving her off. Apple Bloom waved her sister off as well, "We got tonic on our side!" Granny Smith pulled out a bottle of the tonic as Apple Bloom nodded in agreement. Applejack then noticed that Flim and Flam had set up a stand to sell the tonic to ponies who had come to either watch or participate in the swim meet. She took note that they had added hers and Mario's faces to their advertisement posters.
"Get your Applejack and Prince Mario-approved tonic!" said Flim, "Granny Smith drinks it - why shouldn't you?" The ponies cheered as Granny Smith drank her own bottle. Applejack just sighed.
"Right..." the orange pony said wearily.
"Now if'n you'll excuse us," said Granny Smith as she and Apple Bloom smiled at Applejack, "we got some swimmin' to do!" Applejack then walked away to watch their performance. As she walked over to Mario, she looked concerned once she saw that he was crying.
"Easy there, big brother," said Applejack gently, "You know Granny Smith can be a little brash..."
"You remember that I didn't get the luxury of growing up with her right?" Mario croaked, "I want all the time I can get with her!" Applejack blinked but then smiled.
"No wonder you've been so nervous lately," said Applejack in understanding tone, "If Granny Smith hurts herself or worse, it means you don't get to make up for lost time. The loss would hurt you more than me." Mario just sniffled in reply as a few more tears streamed down his face.
"Guess my feelings don't matter to her," said Mario quietly.
"Don't say that, Mario," said Applejack as she gave him a hug, "She knows that you mean alot to her. She means alot to all of us. I'm sure whatever she and Apple Bloom are going to do is safe enough." Mario just sniffled again.
"You're probably right," said Mario, "Guess I know how you felt when you left Apple Bloom alone for the first time."
"That just means you love your family as much as I do, probably even more," said Applejack, getting a smile from Mario. It was then the music started and Granny Smith and Apple Bloom waved their fore-legs a bit before they dived into the pool together. The two then swam to the center of the pool and then dived under the water so only a single hind leg was visible. Then they surfaced, posed, and flipped backward to dive under the water. They looked like they were doing individual handstands while twirling their bodies upside down as the rest of their bodies went under the water. Applejack and Mario were stunned and amazed. When Granny Smith and Apple Bloom resurfaced, they were holding hooves as they waved their fore-legs about and danced on the water. The three judges smiled as the two ponies floated on their backs, still holding fore-hooves while lifting the other into the air, mirroring each other. The two ponies then lifted a hind leg and connected them while swimming a short backstroke before breaking hold and reconnecting them as they mirrored each other as they swam on their backs moving 180 degrees and then back to normal position. The audience was mesmerized by now as Granny Smith twirled in the water while holding Apple Bloom up in the air. Flim and Flam couldn't help but smirk as Apple Bloom stood on Granny Smith's shoulders and squirted water while posing. Then the two did their finishing pose as the audience cheered. The left and right judges gave them both a ten, but the middle judge only gave them a...one?! The left judge gave the middle judge a glare. The middle judge then realized she was holding her score card upside down and quickly corrected it with a sheepish smile on her face. So Apple Boom and Granny Smith got three tens for their routine.
"Well, I'll be..." said Applejack in amazement as she held her hat against the chest.
"That was pretty cool," said Mario with a smile on his face as Granny Smith and Apple Bloom surfaced from the water and climbed out of the pool. Then a unicorn off screen used his magic to hand them the winner's trophy. The two ponies were then swamped by three reporter ponies. Two ponies were taking pictures and another unicorn used his magic to write down notes.
"That was some of the most amazing aquabatics I've ever seen!" said a pony named Snappy Scoop, "How in Equestria did you do it? Hard work? Lots of practice?" He then took a picture of them.
"Yeah, but mostly it's the tonic!" said Granny Smith.
"That's Flim Flam Miracle Curative Tonic, to be precise," said Flim as he and Flam appeared beside Granny Smith and Apple Bloom.
"Buy it now while supplies last," said Flam. Ponies standing nearby began to chatter excitedly as they gathered around. Mario rolled his eyes.
"Big hams..." he muttered. Applejack just looked nervous until she noticed something nearby.
"Hey, big brother," said Applejack in a soft tone, "Take a look over yonder!" Mario looked and noticed a familiar pale gray looking stallion wearing a stripped referee's shirt, blue baseball cap, and a tray around his neck with bottles of the tonic on it. Another stallion had just approached him to purchase a bottle. The two siblings exchanged stern looks with each other before they decided to approach the pale gray stallion. The stallion had just collected a bit for his sale when the two siblings stood before him with narrowed eyes.
"What are you doin' here?" Applejack demanded.
"Oh, things are going so well," Silver Shill replied with a smile, "Flim and Flam gave me a promotion!" He then showed them the bit, "Just made my first bit as a salespony. No more costumes for this pony. This is more of a uniform." He then tucked the bit into his shirt pocket.
"I see..." said Mario in a disapproving tone.
"If you say so," said Applejack slowly as she glared at him.
"I used to wonder if I was doing the right thing," Silver Shill said further, "You know, pretending to be cured, basically lying to folks about this tonic. But thanks to you two, I realized that sometimes honestly isn't the best policy." Applejack and Mario were deeply shocked when Silver Shill said that.
"Thank to...me?" said Applejack sadly.
"That isn't exactly what we were..." Mario stuttered.
"With Flim Flam's magical Curative Tonic," said Apple Bloom, "my Granny can do anything! Just ask Applejack and Mario!"
"Apple Bloom please!" said Mario, "We...ack! Hey! Ack! Ugh!" Mario was cut off when the camera ponies started taking pictures, quickly overwhelming the two Apple Siblings. Finally, both Mario and Applejack had had enough.
"No! Everypony stop!" Mario snapped angrily, his wings opening to emphasize the fact he had had enough.
"Yes," Applejack added firmly, "This has gotta stop! If ponies keep believin' that tonic can do things it can't, who knows what could happen?"
"That tonic may have helped Granny," said Mario, "But there a nasty side-effect. She's become rather reckless. Who knows what she might do next?" Applejack nodded in agreement when Silver Shill tapped both of their shoulders.
"Maybe something like that?" Silver Shill asked as he pointed in the air.
"GASP!" Mario and Applejack exclaimed when they saw Granny climbing the top of a very tall high-dive, "Granny!" The two ponies quickly ran for the high dive. Apple Bloom pushed a small little dish of water below the diving platform before looking up at Granny Smith with a smile on her face.
"What in blazes does she think she's doin'?!" Applejack asked as Mario looked up at Granny Smith with a worried look on his face.
"Granny's gonna break the Equestria high divin' record!" said Apple Bloom excitedly.
"Land sakes!" Applejack snapped before taking off.
"She'll break more than the record if she tries it!" Mario added before heading after Applejack, but the orange pony was already on the ladder and making her way up, leaving Mario stuck behind her as they both made their way up. By now, Granny Smith was already at the top of the diving board. She quickly took the bottle of tonic and gulped down a large amount of it. Granny then got ready to make her jump when Applejack reached the top, out of breath, with Mario just behind her. But before Applejack could speak and Mario could climb up, Granny Smith closed her eyes and jumped! The two apple siblings gasped in horror.
"Granny NO!" Mario screamed as he tried to burst forward and grab her but was too late. He whimpered frantically for a moment before he noticed some rope nearly, "AJ!" Applejack noticed the rope and immediately knew what to do. She quickly created a noose, twirled the rope and tossed it down. Mario opened his wings and used his magic to hold the noose of the rope so he could secure it on one of Granny's hind legs. Mario struggled to slip the noose at first, but at last...
"Got her!" Mario shouted. Granny Smith was just a few feet short of the dish when the rope finally slowed her descent to a halt, leaving the experienced pony dangling in the air as Applejack held the rope with her teeth to keep Granny hanging safely above the ground. Mario landed gently nearby.
"Now what in tarnation did you two do that for?!" Granny Smith asked angrily. Mario flinched from her harsh tone.
"That was the most fool-pony thing I've ever seen anypony do in all my life!" Applejack shouted as she made her way down the ladder, "You can't do a dive like that!"
"Oh quit your fussin'!" Granny Smith retorted indignantly, "I had enough tonic to do a dive ten times as high!"
"Twenty times, by my count," said Flim.
"Thirty, with a favorable breeze," said Flam. Applejack glared at the two brothers. It was then Granny Smith held a bottle of the tonic, which shinned a bright light into Applejack's eyes. When she looked at the bottle again, a rainbow flashed over her eyes before she narrowed them in determination. Then everypony, including Applejack, was caught off guard when they heard sobbing. Granny Smith's firm expression softened when she saw that Mario had started crying.
"Oh my..." said Granny Smith quietly as she walked up the sobbing alicorn, "I...I knew what I was doin'! I didn't mean to scare you, sonny..." Mario said nothing and just kept crying. Granny Smith then took his fore-leg and saw that he was shaking a little.
"Oh, it's alright, Mario," Granny Smith gently as she gave him a hug, "I'm just fine. No need to get all shakin' up."
"It's not just that," Mario hiccupped, "I...Granny...I..."
"Calm down, big brother, I'll tell 'em," said Applejack before she walked up to the crowd and pointed at an empty bottle, "I hate to disappoint everypony, but there's no way Granny could have made that dive, because this tonic is a fake!" Several ponies gasped in shock.
"But you and Prince Mario gave it your stamp of approval!" Jinx protested.
"Are you saying you both lied?" Rainbowshine asked in disbelief. Mario managed to calm himself down as he and Applejack shared sad looks.
"...we are," said Applejack and Mario together. The crowd gasped a second time.
"We didn't mean to!" said Applejack, "But everypony seemed so much happier, we couldn't bring ourselves to tell you when we found out the tonic wasn't real. We both know it was wrong. The fact Mario is crying just shows how sorry he feels about lying to all of you. I just hope in time, we can earn everypony's trust." Applejack then removed her hat to show additional sincerity to her words.
"We are very sorry everypony," said Mario as he tried to recompose himself, "but in our honest defense, we never said we gave the tonic our approval. They did!" Flim and Flam looked rather annoyed but then looked rather sheepish as the audience gave them glares.
"But if the tonic is fake, then how come Granny can swim again?" Apple Bloom asked, "and what about all that aquabatics stuff we just did?"
"I reckon sometimes you can forget what you're capable of," said Applejack, "and it just takes a little confidence to remember that it was inside of you all along. But tellin' ponies your tonic can do things it can't is just plain wrong!" Applejack and Mario both gave Granny Smith a hug before they both got into the faces of Flim and Flam.
"I agree," said Mario, "It's nothing but false advertisement!"
"But you just said it boosts confidence!" said Flim, trying to do damage control.
"And that's not all it does, folks-" added Flam.
"Yes it is!" said Silver Shill as he tossed his hat and glasses aside, "it's not a tonic at all! I know, 'cause I helped make it! Watching Applejack and Mario save Granny Smith, seeing Mario cry because he cares about her welfare, and then seeing both of them admit to lying, well, that made me realize I was making ponies believe in a thing that just wasn't so!" Flim and Flam began to sweat heavily.
"Believin' in something can help you do amazin' things," said Applejack, "But if that belief is based on a lie, eventually it's gonna lead to real trouble." It was during this moment, Flim and Flam exchanged looks and tried to sneak away without being noticed.
"It is good to encourage your friends and help them find their inner confidence," said Mario, "but honest and truthful encouragement is what will help their self-confidence continue to grow and prosper."
It was then a bright light appeared above the ponies. Everypony gasped in amazement as an orange Power Heart floated down before the crowd. Mario sighed.
"How can a Power Heart appear at a time like this?" said Mario sadly, "I still feel awful inside."
"Aw, no need for that Mario," said Granny Smith, "You and Applejack made a mistake, you owned up to it, and ya learned from it! Now go on! You and Applejack should snag that purty littl' heart before it disappears." Mario smiled as he waved a fore-hoof for Applejack to join him.
"Actually," said Mario as they stood under the Power Heart, "Why not collect it with us, Granny Smith?" Granny Smith chuckled.
"If you insist," said Granny Smith as Mario and Applejack squatted down. Once Granny Smith was between them, they jumped into the air and touched the Power Heart.
(Cue "You got a Power Heart" theme)
"Ahhh...yes...haha!" said Mario as he floated by the left side of the heart.
"Well, ain't that somethin'!" said Granny Smith as she felt the Power Heart's magic while floating beside Applejack at the right of the heart.
"Amazin'!" said Applejack. As they both floated around the heart, twirling in the air.
"Wa-hoo!" said Mario as he flicked the Power Heart into the air. As the heart came back down...
"YEEEEEEEEE-HAWWWWWWWWWWW!" the three Apple ponies shouted as they posed behind the Power Heart. They landed gently back on the ground as the Power Heart entered Mario. The alicorn shared a warm hug with both mares as the crowd of ponies cheered and the reporter ponies took pictures. Silver Shill approached Applejack once the excitement and the crowds had settled down.
"Thank you, Applejack," said Silver Shill as he gave the orange pony the bit, "I got this through dishonest means. That was a mistake I won't be making again! I'd like you to have it, as a reminder of how you and your brother helped me finally see the truth.
"I don't know..." said Applejack as she looked at the bit.
"Oh, don't worry," said Silver Shill, "I'll track down the pony I sold that worthless tonic to and give him another bit to replace this one! Honest!" Applejack smiled before she turned to Granny Smith.
"I'm sorry, Granny Smith," said Applejack, "I hope this doesn't mean you'll stop swimmin'."
"Why in tarnation would I do that?" said Granny Smith indignantly, "I just can't believe those two sales ponies had me believin' I could near fly! Where'd they go?" The rest of the crowd noticed that Flim and Flam were nowhere to be found.
"A honest pony stays to admit his mistakes," said Mario wisely, "but a liar flees from trouble."
"Well said, Mario," said Granny Smith with a chuckle, "Well said. And I'm sorry if I frightened you earlier."
"It's okay, Granny," said Mario, "I guess I just want as much time with you as I can."
"What do you mean by that?!" Granny exclaimed, "I've still got plenty of years in me."
"Not if you do reckless thing like jumping into a dish of water," Mario pointed out, "I trying to make up for lost time after all..." Granny Smith's eyes softened.
"How foolish can an ol' mare be?" said Granny Smith quietly, "I was so focused on tryin' to relive the past that I didn't even consider how I would make you or the rest of the family feel. Especially when one family member hasn't had the luxury of growing up with ya. I hope you know that I've loved you long before I even realized you were kin. Honestly, you never needed to be."
"Really?" Mario asked surprised.
"Of course not," said Granny Smith, "I could tell you were looking for a little love and I was more than willin' to give it to ya. Still don't think you're not special to me or our family?" Mario's eyes twinkled before he gave her a cheek kiss and another loving hug in reply. He was glad she thought he was special.
The next day, Applejack was sitting under an Apple tree, her hat removed, as she wrote her entry into the friendship journal with a cup of water next to her. Mario sat beside her for company and so he could include an entry regarding the Power Heart.
"Bein' honest sure gets hard when it seems like the truth might hurt somepony you care about," Applejack recited aloud as she wrote into the journal, "But I think believin' a lie can end up hurtin' even more. Maybe some ponies don't care about that - " Ironically as she recited that part, Flim and Flam could be seen pulling a cart with their props and tonic bottles as they tried to leave Ponyville as quickly as possible, "but I sure ain't one of them. And neither is my older brother."
"Now you take it easy there, Granny!" said Applejack as she spat out the pencil from her mouth.
"Oh, I plan to! Hoo, ha, ha-whee!" said Granny Smith, still in her classic bathing suit and cap, as she stood on the edge of a diving board and jumped into a personally made kiddy pool that Mario had built for the family to play in. She and Apple Bloom began to laugh as they splashed each other as Mario began to write his own part of the journal entry. When he had finished, he and Applejack headed over to the kiddie pool. Applejack left the bit Silver Shill had given her on the page of their entry, which a rainbow shinned across it. As Applejack reached the pool, she noticed a familiar swing nearby.
"How did that get there?" Applejack asked puzzled.
"I set it up," said Mario, "Come on!" Applejack still felt rather confused but followed her older brother to the swing. Mario tapped the seat for Applejack to sit, which she did slowly and was then startled when she felt to swing pull back. She looked to see Mario, pulling her back with his fore-hooves.
"Ain't I a little old to be pushed on a swing?" Applejack asked. Mario sighed.
"Not if I never got push you on one when you were a filly," said Mario. Applejack then understood.
"Well, go on," said Applejack, "let's make up for lost time." Mario smiled and began to push Applejack on the swing. As much as Applejack tried, she couldn't keep herself from giggling as Mario continued to gently push her on the swing and chuckle as well. Big Mac hadn't pushed her on the swing in years and doing it with Mario felt like they were getting back a long lost memory. It wasn't long before Apple Bloom and Granny got out of the kiddie pool, each of them wanting a turn as well. Then Mario, along with Big Mac who figured chores could wait til later, spent the rest of the afternoon taking turns as they pushed the girls on the swing.
Such a simple activity, yet it was enough to create some more lifelong memories.
Memories that Mario would always cherish.
And with this adventure, we've got yet another power heart! Sweet Celestia!? That's makes 6 Power Hearts!
Only 1 more to go!
Hope you enjoyed the more heartfelt ending to this episode! With all Mario's been through, you gotta sympathize with the fact Mario would value his bond with Granny Smith and the rest of his family.
Next time, we shall learn various studying techniques. If you are still in school, feel free to use the technique that best suits you. I believe all ponies are capable of getting that A!
Peace Pony Fans!