Brotherhooves Social
Pony's Log Number 517: I bet Shenran never expected to help my big brother for something like this...
One day at Sweet Apple Acres, Granny Smith was busy fussing about in the barn's attic. She also had Big Mac and Shenran for extra help.
"Oh, snickerdoodle!" Granny Smith remarked annoyingly as she walked about an area that was filled with dusty boxes and even a few cobwebs, "Where is the darned thing?" She groaned as she climbed down the top of the box she was standing on and walked about the attic.
"I wish for once I'd remembered to label these boxes!" Granny Smith grumbled to herself as she continued searching about. Big Mac and Shenran just stood nearby since the latter had no idea where anything was upstairs.
"Remind me how I got mixed up in all of this?" Shenran asked Big Mac. All he could remember was stopping by with his wife to pick up some chicken feed and milk when Granny Smith asked Shenran for some help. Before he could even respond, Fluttershy had volunteered for him and he was soon dragged into the attic.
"'Cause you're wife made ya come help," Big Mac remarked in a hushed tone.
"Right..." Shenran remarked with an eye roll and sighed, "Well, at least we can to hang out while we work."
"Eeyup," Big Mac remarked. Not too many ponies knew that Big Mac and Shenran had become good friends. Since Shenran had retired from royal duty, the Pegasus had been trying to keep busy with odd jobs and helping out at the farm. Big Mac was surprised to find that he could open up with the Pegasus as easily as he could with Mario. It probably helped that he and Shenran both had issues speaking up for themselves and being considered by the public masses to be strong, but silent stallions.
"Could you be a dear, Shenran, and help me get that box way on top," Granny Smith asked before straining as she tried to grab it with her fore-leg, "Just...can't...reach..."
"I got it, Granny Smith," Shenran called out as he hovered over to the designated box and set it on the ground. Even dusting off some of the
"Oh thanks, dearie," said Granny Smith as she opened the box to search through it, but didn't find what she was looking for.
"Uh, Big Mac," Granny Smith called out, "be a dear and help me move those...Uh, maybe it's in that one on the bottom." Big Mac walked up and picked up the two boxes that were on top of the bottom box and carried them with his nose. Shenran was rather impressed.
"How do you do that?" Shenran asked as he hovered nearby, "Even I need to use my hooves to pick up heavy boxes."
"Just skill, my friend, just skill," said Big Mac as he put them down with ease. Shenran just smiled as Granny Smith opened the bottom box and found that it was filled with old toys.
"Oh, dagnabbit," said Granny Smith, "it's not in there either!" Granny Smith then stomped off to another part of the attic, "Move it, Shenran, ya never know when a fine lady like myself will need your muscle!" Shenran just smirked and hovered over to the experienced pony. It was then Big Mac heard some giggling from outside. He looked out an open window to see Apple Bloom and Applejack just playing outside together.
"You can't catch me!" Apple Bloom taunted with what looked like a bowling pin on her mouth and Applejack was chasing after her.
"Woo-hoo!" Applejack laughed as she caught up to the yellow filly and tagged her.
"Hey!" Apple Bloom called out as she dropped the bowling pin and ran off.
"You trickster!" Applejack laughed as she chased after Apple Bloom once. Big Mac just watched the two girls play with a rather sad look on his face. He couldn't remember the last time he and Apple Bloom had played together. In fact, he couldn't remember the last his sisters had invited him to have fun with them. It didn't help that Applejack and Apple Bloom seemed to invite Mario to play with them all time these days and never himself. The more he thought about it, Big Mac couldn't help but feel a little resentful of Mario.
"Ever since Mario came back into our lives," Big Mac muttered under his breath, "It's like I've been replaced. Whenever they have a problem or need a big brother, they chose him over me. They always chose him over me. It's like I'm not even needed anymore..."
"What's up?" Shenran asked since he could hear Big Mac muttering but couldn't hear exactly what the red stallion was saying.
"Sisterhooves Social is right around the corner," Granny Smith told the two stallions and prevented Big Mac from speaking up, "Thought it'd be a nice award the winner of the big race the ribbon from when we hosted the very first Social! If'n of course I could find the darn thing."
"So that's what you're looking for up here," Shenran remarked as Big Mac just stayed where he was and continued to watch his sisters playing outside. Granny Smith then knocked a box over that held some of Apple Bloom's baby toys.
"Oh, would you looky here!" said Granny Smith as she pointed toward a dragon fly on a stick, "My, how Apple Bloom used to love watching you make that thing fly. It's like she thought it was magic." Big Mac smiled at the memory.
"Ah right, enough reminiscin'," said Granny Smith, "Gotta find that ribbon!" It was then Big Mac quickly grabbed the dragon fly toy and headed out of the attic.
"Big Mac, where you going?" Shenran asked as he hovered after him. Granny Smith hadn't noticed that the two stallions had left.
"If you two would just help me-" Granny Smith continued as she tried to stretch herself to grab another box, "...pull...this...box, then maybe I can...Uh, Big Mac? Shenran?" It was then that Granny Smith noticed that the two stallions had disappeared. Before she could react, the top of the box she was standing on caved in and she fell into it. She quickly popped out with a blue ribbon on her eye and caused the box to topple to the side when she fell over. She then noticed the ribbon when it landed in the floor in front of her.
"Found her!" Granny Smith called out in a strained tone, even thought nopony was around to hear her.
(Main theme)
Later on, Apple Bloom and Applejack were doing a little cheer together outside.
"S-I-S-T-E-R-S!" the two sisters cheered as they clapped their fore-hooves together, "Which two sisters are the best? We are! Apple Bloom and Applejack forever! Yee-hoo!"
"We're gonna win every competition at the Sisterhooves Social!" said Apple Bloom, "Those other fillies aren't gonna know what hit 'em!" It was then Applejack noticed both Shenran and Big Mac approach. The latter carrying the dragonfly toy in his mouth.
"Oh. Hey there, Big Mac! Shenran!" said Applejack, "Did you want somethin'?"
"Eeyup," said Big Mac.
"Hold that thought," Apple Bloom interrupted before Big Mac could speak, "Applejack, you are the most awesome sister ever!"
"Aw, gee-whiz," Applejack said as she blushed and chuckled, "Well I think it's sweet that you hold the opinion, but-"
"It's not opinion!" Apple Bloom interrupted, "It's objective fact! You save Equestria like a gazillion times, you're smart, funny, strong..." As Apple Bloom continued, Big Mac looked more and more irritated. Shenran took notice.
"Uh...Apple Bloom..." Shenran said gently but Apple Bloom wasn't listening.
"...Why you're the best sister of all time!" Apple Bloom continued, "Probably the best Apple of all time! Well you and Mario are the best Apples of all time. I still can't believe that I'm related to one of the coolest stallions in all of Equestria! He's smart, fast, funny, and can do so many different things! And he's so caring too and such a great listener! He is the coolest brother ever! Right Big Mac?" Apple Bloom turned around to face Big Mac, but if she had turned around two second earlier, she would have noticed the bitter and jealous look on the red stallion's face.
"Eeyup," Big Mac replied, masking his negative feelings for the moment. Though Shenran gave him a concerned look that went unnoticed.
"And with you by my side," said Apple Bloom as she ran around Applejack, "I'm guaranteed to taste sweet, sweet Sisterhooves Social victory! Go, Apples, go, go, go, Apples go!" Apple Bloom didn't resist jumping into the air and posing as she finished her cheer.
"Uh, Apple Bloom?" said Applejack as she noticed Big Mac just rubbing one fore-hoof against the other foreleg and waiting patiently, "I think Big Mac's got somethin' he wants to show you."
"He's been waiting very patiently too," Shenran added. Apple Bloom gave Big Mac her attention. He then rubbed the stick to the dragon fly toy so it hovered into the air and then landed near Apple Bloom.
"Oh, hey," said Apple Bloom in a rather disinterested tone, "Is that the toy we used to play with when I was little?"
"Eeyup!" said Big Mac happily.
"Neat," said Apple Bloom plainly.
"Care to share any memories with us, Apple Bloom?" Shenran asked.
"Maybe later," said Apple Bloom dismissively and bounced away as she continued speaking to Applejack, "Alright then, let's get back to practicin'! One more run-through of our jugglin' routine, make sure our harmonies are tight in our song, and see if we can't beat our best-pie eatin' time!" Big Mac just looked stunned at Apple Bloom writing him off so quickly and walked off, but not before shooting Applejack a glare as he made his way toward the barn. Applejack just looked worried as Apple Bloom was speaking, holding three bowling pins on her nose before dropping them, and then held a pie with her fore-hooves. Shenran was giving Apple Bloom a disapproving look that went unnoticed by the filly but was seen by the orange pony.
"Hold on, sugarcube," said Applejack, "I need a minute to talk with Big Mac. Come on, Shenran."
"But I was..." Shenran tried to protest.
"I could use your help with my brother, sugarcube," said Applejack, "I can deal with Apple Bloom later." Shenran just conceded and followed Applejack into the barn.
"Mind if I go ahead and start eatin' this pie?!" Apple Bloom asked. When she didn't get an answer, she just smashed the pie into her face and started eating it. Inside the barn, Applejack and Shenran found Big Mac near an anvil as he was working on something with his hammer. Or he was possibly just banging the hammer against it out of frustration. Neither pony could tell.
"Hey, Big Mac, you all right?" Applejack asked.
"Yup," Big Mac answered with a huff and gave her a glare, which looked rather intimidating since he still had the hammer in his mouth.
"You sure?" Applejack asked with concern, "You seem a little down back there."
"Nope," Big Mac scoffed as he grabbed a pitchfork and laid it against the side of the barn wall.
"Big Mac," said Shenran gently, "You're not very good at hiding your feelings. Take it from somepony else who likes to let his actions rather than his words speak for himself. Something's bothering you and AJ and I can tell. We're here to listen if you wanna speak up." Big Mac just sighed and said nothing.
"Come on, you can tell us," said Applejack as she and Shenran walked up to him, "You feelin' a little left out? Apple Bloom and I have been spendin' alot of time together gettin' ready for the Social." Big Mac was about the speak when the three ponies heard a chime and they noticed that Applejack's cutie mark as pulsing.
"What in the...?" Applejack gasped when out of nowhere Apple Bloom appeared.
"Your cutie mark!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, "You're being summoned, Applejack! This is so cool!" Big Mac sighed loudly and annoyingly.
"Eeyup," he remarked bitterly.
"Apple Bloom, think you could cool it with all the..." Shenran remarked.
"Wonder where you're bein' called to," said Apple Bloom, not hearing a word Shenran was telling her, "Wonder what you're supposed to do when you get there. Obviously to somethin' awesome because you're awesome!" Apple Bloom couldn't help but get into Applejack face because she was so excited. Shenran discreetly rolled his eyes to the little filly's insensitivity to Big Mac's feelings. Then Apple Bloom realized something.
"But...But if you're bein' summoned to solve a friendship problem," Apple Bloom realized, "that means you'll have to miss the Sisterhooves Social! And if you have to miss the Social, then I'll have to miss the Social, which means I won't be able to taste sweet, sweet victory!" Apple Bloom then sat a short distance away and started to hyperventilate. Applejack and Big Mac shared worried looks with each other.
"Wow...Mario wasn't kidding when he said he and Apple Bloom both suffered from anxiety," Shenran remarked. Applejack just walked up to the still panicking Apple Bloom.
"Now calm down," said Applejack, "Let me just go over to Twilight and Mario's castle and see what's what! Maybe it's just a false alarm." Apple Bloom just smiled and felt better as Shenran just sighed.
"You're only getting the filly's hopes up for nothing, AJ," Shenran muttered quietly to Big Mac. who just nodded in agreement. True to Shenran's words, Applejack had returned to tell Apple Bloom she was indeed going to be missing the Sisterhooves Social and the yellow filly wasn't hiding her disappointment.
"But you said it was a false alarm!" Apple Bloom complained as she tried to block to doorway.
"I said maybe it's a false alarm," said Applejack, "Well, it's not. Rarity, Mario, and I have to go to Manehattan."
"Can't you just tell the map it'll have to wait a couple days?" Apple Bloom pleaded.
"No can do, sugarcube," Applejack replied, "When duty calls, I gotta answer right away." She pulled Apple Bloom in for a side hug, "What kind of example would I be settin' for my little sister if I didn't?"
"This can't be happening!" Apple Bloom shouted dramatically and then ran off, "Your extreme awesomeness is backfiring on me!" Applejack just watched the yellow filly run off with a sad look on her face.
"I'm sorry, Apple Bloom," Applejack called out but didn't get a reply. She turned to Big Mac, who had just entered the doorway. He had seen and heard everything.
"Try and cheer her up, won't you?" Applejack asked her big brother as she grabbed her little sack on a stick.
"Eeyup," Big Mac replied as Applejack headed out. She had barely reached the edge of the farm when she saw Shenran flying in her direction.
"Shenran!" Applejack called out, "I've got a favor to ask ya!"
"If it's about keeping Apple Bloom company while you're gone," Shenran replied, "I bumped into Rarity when I was at the market getting some groceries for Granny Smith. She told me everything. I just need to pick up Sweetie Belle first and I'll head to the barn right after."
"Thanks Shenran," said Applejack, "Apple Bloom isn't taking the news too well. Big Mac said he'd cheer her up...but I'm sure he wouldn't mind some extra help."
"No problem, AJ," said Shenran as he landed before the orange pony, "I might not be as popular as Mario, but these little fillies do enjoy my company, especially Sweetie Belle. Don't worry about Apple Bloom. She's in good hooves." Applejack smiled as the two friends shared a hug and the orange pony headed to the train station to meet up with Rarity and Mario. Shenran then flew off back to barn.
The next morning at Sweet Apple Acres, one could hear the sound of a triangle being rung from the barn.
"Breakfast, come and get it!" Granny Smith called out. Apple Bloom was already seated at the dining table looking very depressed when Granny Smith served the little filly some food. Apple Bloom just looked away to say she wasn't hungry. Big Mac looked at his little sister sadly and pondered for a moment. He then got an idea and quickly smashed his food from his plate onto his face create a silly look made up of his vegetables and wiggled his eyebrows. Apple Bloom just ignored him, shoved her plate of food aside, and face-planted the table.
"Oh, it's no use, Big Mac," said Granny Smith sadly, "If I know my Apple Bloom, she won't come out of a funk this funky 'til her sister gets back." Granny Smith then removed the plate of food. Big Mac just felt disappointed as his food mask started falling apart. It was then there was a knock on the door before it opened to reveal Shenran.
"Morning Apples," said Shenran as he walked inside, "I brought some friends for Apple Bloom!" Behind the Pegasus was Sweetie Belle and behind the marshmallow filly was Scootaloo.
"Hey, Apple Bloom, the Social's gonna start in a few hours," said Sweetie Belle, "thought you might want to go with us."
"Since Rarity and Applejack are out of town," Scootaloo added, "you and Sweetie Belle can cheer on me and Rainbow Dash instead!"
"Pretty great they're letting you participate even though you're not technically sisters," Sweetie Belle remarked.
"Well, the Social's always had a pretty loose definition of what consti-ma-tutles a sister," Granny Smith explained, "As long as you share a bond that represents the spirit of the Social, you're in!"
"Just too bad us stallions can't fill in for the Social," said Shenran, "I know Mario tried to enter once on behalf of Sweetie Belle when she thought Rarity refused. The judges said no. So I'm figuring I couldn't enter either..." Shenran sighed.
"Don't worry about it, Big brother," said Sweetie Belle as she nuzzled his fore-leg, "Getting to spend the day with you is a nice alternative to competing."
"Just remember you gotta share me with Apple Bloom," said Shenran firmly to Sweetie Belle, "I don't want any jealousy. I've got plenty of love to share with the both of you."
"Thanks...I guess," said Apple Bloom sadly.
"What about me?" Scootaloo asked, feeling a little left out.
"Oops, my bad," said Shenran, "I meant the three of you." Scootaloo smiled as Apple Bloom just sighed. Sweetie Belle then smirked as she got an idea.
"Cheer up Apple Bloom," said Sweetie Belle, "You know...you're always saying that you feel left out that Scootaloo and I have our little crush on Mario. Shenran isn't related to you. Don't you think he's attractive?" Apple Bloom looked him as Shenran gave her a smile.
"He's totally attractive," said Scootaloo, "and he's very smart, brave, handsome, and cute..." Shenran blushed and Sweetie Belle giggled.
"Sounds like you've got a quite a crush on Shenran there, Scootaloo," said Sweetie Belle. Scootaloo's cheeks were now deep red.
"Heh...I...uh...heh..." Scootaloo stuttered and giggled.
"Please say yes so I can have Mario all to myself, please say yes so I can have Mario all to myself!" Sweetie Belle prayed aloud.
"You do know we can hear you right, Sweetie Belle?" Scootaloo asked irritably. Now it was Sweetie Belle's turn to blush as she chuckled nervously. Apple Bloom just groaned and face-planted the table again. Shenran just sighed.
"I'm not you're type, Apple Bloom," Shenran remarked plainly.
"Sorry, I'm too depressed to get a crush on a cute stallion right now," Apple Bloom said sadly. Shenran just rubbed her back supportively.
"Getting back on topic here," said Sweetie Belle to Apple Bloom, "We're here about the Social and cheering Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash on. So what do you say?"
"You coming?" Scootaloo asked.
"You do get to hang out with me," said Shenran, "I wanna be good friends with you just like I am with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo."
"Why not...?" said Apple Bloom, "Got nothin' better to do...Lemme wash up and I'll meet you all in a little bit." Apple Bloom then face-planted the table again and Shenran winced at the impact.
"Hey can you girls give me some time alone with Apple Bloom?" Shenran asked the two fillies, "I'll meet you two at the Social."
"Sure, big brother," said Sweetie Belle as she and Scootaloo headed outside. Shenran just pulled Apple Bloom in for a light hug. Apple Bloom just accepted the gesture as a pair of tears left her eyes.
"Such a shame we don't live closer to all your second cousins," Granny Smith sighed, "You could maybe do the Social with one of them instead." Big Mac then blinked and smiled.
"What is it, Big Mac?" Granny Smith asked curiously, "Y'all got an idea?"
"Eeyup!" said Big Mac confidently.
"What?" Apple Bloom asked as she jumped into him, "What is it?!" Big Mac just smiled deviously, leaving both Apple Bloom and Shenran feeling rather worried. Big Mac then set Apple Bloom down and headed out of the kitchen. He then looked at Shenran and waved a fore-hoof for the Pegasus to follow.
"So...what's this idea of yours Big Mac?" Shenran asked, not hiding his concern as Big Mac whispered his idea to the Pegasus. The red stallion had barely finished telling Shenran his plan when Pegasus's eyes nearly popped out.
"Are you insane?!" Shenran hissed in a loud whisper.
"How else will Apple Bloom be able to get to compete in the social?" Big Mac replied in a hushed tone.
"Do you even know how to even act...like that?" Shenran asked.
"You're not the only quiet stallion who's got a few hidden talents up his sleeve," said Big Mac.
"I don't know about this..." said Shenran wearily.
"Look Shenran," said Big Mac angrily, "You saw what happened yesterday. Apple Bloom looks up to Mario and Applejack! She think of them as her heroes! What does she think of me? Absolutely nothing!"
"That isn't true Big Mac and you know it," Shenran retorted sternly.
"Well, this is my chance to be her hero for a change, even if it's only for a day," said Big Mac sternly before adding sadly, "I want my sister to look up to me again. I want to know that I'm special to her...just like when she was a little foal..." Shenran sighed. He sympathized with Big Mac's situation, but he wasn't sure if the earth pony's idea would solve his problem.
"Well...I've seen Mario do some crazy things for our friends and things tend to turn out okay," Shenran said aloud, "So...let's give this a try!"
"Eeyup," said Big Mac.
"You...are gonna tell Apple Bloom what you're gonna do right," Shenran asked with concern.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac.
"Well...I'm no Rarity, but...let's see how we're gonna do this..." said Shenran.
"I think I've a few things that can help you both out," said Granny Smith as she chuckled. Big Mac just smiled for the extra help as Shenran had a nervous smile on her face.
"I so scared of what I'm about to do," Shenran said to himself.
Soon the time for the Sisterhooves Social, several sister teams were already on the ground wearing identical gear like a handkerchief, a headband, a baseball cap, tee shirts, or a ribbons. It was then Scootaloo and Rainbow appeared on the grounds. They didn't have any matching gear or outfits. If one had asked Rainbow, she would have mostly likely said they were too awesome for something like that.
"Today is our big day!" said Scootaloo.
"We have so got this," said Rainbow Dash confidently, "I'm gonna go sign us in."
"I guess I'm just a little jealous you two get to compete and I don't," Sweetie Belle admitted as she walked up to the orange Pegasus, "But at least I get to be here to cheer you on! And I get to spend the day with Big Brother." Scootaloo just smiled widely in reply.
"I thought Apple Bloom was gonna be here too," said Sweetie Belle.
"Guess she changed her mind," said Scootaloo.
"Still find that a little unfair, at least to Shenran," said Sweetie Belle, "I mean if you don't want to have a crush on him, fine, but at least he's sweet enough to spend time with you, Apple Bloom. He's so much fun to hang out with!"
"Glad you enjoy my company little Sis," said Shenran as he arrived.
"Hey, Big Brother," said Sweetie Belle as she nuzzled his fore-leg, "Is Apple Bloom with you?"
"Yes she is," said Shenran and then turned to see that the yellow filly wasn't next to him, "at least she was..." Shenran didn't need long to find Apple Bloom just a short distance away with a nervous look on her face.
"Hey, there you are!" said Scootaloo as she, Sweetie Belle, and Shenran walked up to the yellow filly, "You ready to cheer on me and Rainbow Dash to victory?"
"Uh, not exactly," said Apple Bloom in a rather hesitant tone, "Seems I'm gonna get to participate after all." Sweetie Belle gasped excitedly and pounced the yellow filly.
"Applejack and Mario are back from Manehattan already?" Sweetie Belle said excitedly, "That means Rarity is back too!"
"No, our sisters are still gone, so is Mario," said Apple Bloom as she shoved the marshmallow filly off of herself, "But it, uh...turns out my long lost cousin...Orchard Blossom was able to make it last minute." Apple Bloom laughed nervously. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked rather stunned. Shenran just looked away with a weary look on his face.
"Your cousin who what now?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Cousin Orchard Blossom," Shenran replied and was sweating slightly since he was a little nervous himself, "She...kind of showed up out of the blue while I was bringing Apple Bloom here and offered to be her partner for the competitions. Heh...great timing huh?" It was then Big Mac appeared, wearing a large blonde wig, make up, a light blue apple print dress with a dark pink ascot, and dark blue heeled shoes on all his hooves.
"Well, I do declare!" Big Mac said using a falsetto to sound like a mare, "It's hotter today than the business end of a corncob pipe!" Big Mac then tried to do a girlish giggle. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle just stared at the stallion turned mare with their faces hanging out. Apple Bloom just tried to hide behind the two fillies as Shenran groaned and face-hoofed himself.
"Sweet Celestia, I've created a monster," Shenran groaned as quietly as he could. Big Mac continued to be in character and batted his eye lashes when he noticed the three fillies nearby.
"Oh, my!" said Big Mac in his new persona Orchard Blossom, "I'm so delighted to meet your little friends, Apple Bloom. Would these be your dear and beloved Cutie Mark Crusaders?" Apple Bloom just sighed annoyingly, even Shenran couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, cousin Orchard Blossom," said Apple Bloom, "You've already met Shenran."
"It is my extra-ordinary pleasure to make your acquaintance," said Orchard Blossom. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle shared unamused looks with the "mare" and then looked at Apple Bloom.
"That's Big Mac in a dress," said Sweetie Belle in a deadpan tone. Apple Bloom just smiled sheepishly and taped her fore-hooves together while avoid eye contact. Sweetie Belle noticed that Shenran was also trying to play innocent as well.
"Big Brother," said Sweetie Belle sternly, "Isn't that Big Mac in a dress? Are you the one responsible for this?" Shenran began to sweat.
"Uh..." the Pegasus stallion stuttered and cringed when Sweetie Belle gave him a stern glare.
"If you lie to me, I'm telling Fluttershy," Sweetie Belle warned. Shenran bit his lower lip, unsure of what to do. This was certainly one incident he wanted to make sure Fluttershy would never know about.
"Big Mac?" Orchard Blossom intervened and decided to confront Sweetie Belle himself, "Why, as charmed as I am that you find me in the slightest to such a-a-a fine and noble product of the Apple clan."
"Pushing, pushing..." Shenran warned discreetly, "GAH!" Shenran yelped as Orchard Blossom shoved him out away.
"I am astonished and equal measure," Orchard Blossom continued, "However, I shall take this startling observation under advisement given that it's from such an astute and perceptive filly as yourself, Sweetie Belle." Orchard Bloom just leaned into the marshmallow filly's face and gave her a smirk. Sweetie Belle just smirked back. She didn't need any more evidence to know she was right. Apple Bloom was just feeling rather embarassed.
"That's awful nice of you to say, cousin Orchard Blossom!" said Sweetie Belle, now playing along and leaving Apple Bloom dumbfounded, "I've been told before I'm pretty observant."
"I haven't the slightest doubt," Orchard Blossom replied smugly and walked off. Apple Bloom just followed a short distance away from him. Sweetie Belle kept smirking until the red stallion/mare was out of hearing range before stomping up to Shenran.
"What in Equestria made you want to turn to Big Mac into a mare?" Sweetie Belle demanded as Scootaloo glared at him. Shenran just sighed.
"It was his idea," said Shenran honestly, "He didn't want Apple Bloom to miss out on competing at the Social today. So...what you saw was the result."
"That was the ugliest mare I've ever seen," said Scootaloo bluntly.
"Well it was the best I could do," said Shenran in his defense, "I don't have Mario's fashion sense. Big Mac really wanted to help Apple Bloom and he's my friend. I had to help him with this...crazy idea of his..." Sweetie Belle stared and then a small smile appeared on his face.
"Well at least your heart was in the right place," said Sweetie Belle as she gave the Pegasus stallion a hug. Shenran chuckled as he returned the gesture.
"Hey, Sweetie Belle," said Shenran with a little uneasiness in his tone, "If you really want to complete, I guess I..." Shenran was cut off when the marshmallow filly put her fore-hoof to his mouth and gave him a cute smile.
"You don't have to do something that crazy for me, Big Brother," said Sweetie Belle, "I can just wait til next year. Having you to hang out with is enough for me. Besides, I think we can all agree. Mario is the only stallion who looks good in a dress." Scootaloo and Shenran snickered loudly in reply and agreement.
Meanwhile, Big Mac, as Orchard Blossom, approached the registration table. One of the two registration mares dropped her pencil in shock.
"Pardon me," said Orchard Blossom as Apple Bloom, stood beside her, "My dearest cousin Applejack is regrettably unable to be here as planned, so I, her cousin, Orchard Blossom, will accompany Apple Bloom in her stead. I trust that's acceptable to all concerned?" All the registration ponies just stared at the red stallion. The registration stallion was so fooled by Big Mac's disguise that he was smitten by "Orchard Blossom".
"Cousin Orchard Blossom, huh?" said Rainbow to the red stallion as Scootaloo stood nearby with a fore-hoof on her mouth to avoid snickering, "I know Applejack and Mario have a lot of relatives, but I feel like she would've mentioned you."
"Why you must be Rainbow Dash," said Orchard Blossom, "You're Scootaloo's...say...how are y'all related again." Rainbow didn't need long to figure out that Big Mac was telling her to back off as she and Scootaloo gave the stallion funny looks.
"Hm. Why don't I just let you finish signing in?" Rainbow replied before adding in a hushed tone, "But don't think me and Scootaloo are gonna take it easy on you just 'cause you're a stallion!" Orchard Blossom managed to chuckle and keep his falsetto.
"Now where were we?" Orchard Blossom asked as "she" leaned against the edge of the table, only causing that side to collapse.
"Um, excuse me," said Apple Bloom, "I have to...go to the bathroom." The yellow filly then ran off as fast as she could as Big Mac watched her disappear.
"You mean "powder your muzzle", don't you, dear?" Orchard Blossom pointed out, "Such a more, uh, feminine-like reference to nature's call, don't you agree?" The two mares just looked a little disturbed while the stallion judge just smirked. Shenran just face-hoof himself once again.
"Seriously, Big Mac?" Shenran said to himself, "Even Rarity doesn't say that!"
"I better go see if Apple Bloom is okay," said Sweetie Belle. It was then she felt something being tucked inside the upper part of her ear.
"Huh?" Sweetie Belle asked as she felt something metallic in her ear.
"Mini communicator," said Shenran, "Mario isn't the only one who carries one so we can keep in touch."
"Cool!" said Sweetie Belle since he had seen Mario used one before, "Just...how does it work?" Shenran chuckled and quickly showed Sweetie Belle how to use the communicator. It was in no time at all before Sweetie Belle was on her way in search of Apple Bloom. It didn't take her long before she found the yellow filly timidly hiding behind a set of barrels.
"Have they called your brother's bluff yet?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"No, but they're about to!" said Apple Bloom as she face-hoofed herself, "I can't bear to watch!" Sweetie Belle just looked at her sympathetically before tapping the communicator in her ear.
"This is Sweet Sis to Big Bro, Sweet Sis to Big Bro, do you copy," Sweetie Belle said aloud as Apple Bloom gave her a funny look. The yellow filly was then shocked when she heard some static and Shenran chuckling.
"This is Big Bro, I copy you," said Shenran, "Did Sweet Sis find Cute Apple?" Apple Bloom blushed.
"Did he just call me cute?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Yeah," said Sweetie Belle, making the yellow filly blush deeper, "I dunno if you heard, but, yes, I've found Cute Apple."
"Yoo-hoo! Apple Bloom!" said Orchard Blossom as she walked up to the two fillies, "They've approved us as a pair!" Orchard Blossom giggled, which made Shenran groan since he could hear the "stallion" from Sweetie Belle's communicator, "Hurry now, precious!" He then walked away, leaving Apple in shock.
"I can't believe they bought it!" said Apple Bloom in surprise.
"Neither can I," said Shenran from the communicator, "I know being...experienced...leads to sight and hearing loss, but I didn't think being clueless was one of the characteristics of getting older."
"Either way, you two get to compete," said Sweetie Belle, "It's sweet Big Mac wants to help you out like this. Weird, but sweet."
"I'm surprised you didn't ask Shenran to do that too," Apple Bloom remarked.
"Apple Bloom, as I told Scootaloo," said Sweetie Belle in a serious tone, "Mario is the only stallion who would look good in a dress." Apple Bloom stared, then snickered loudly and laughed.
"That is so true!" Apple Bloom chuckled. Sweetie Belle soon joined in, happy she made her best friend feel better.
It wasn't long before the signing competition had begun and two sisters were singing a duet together.
"Bravo, bravo!" said the pony in charge of singing competition, whose name was Booth Barker, "Weren't those two sisters great?" It was then Orchard Blossom and Apple Bloom arrived.
"Here we are!" Orchard Blossom called out to inform Booth Barker that they were next. Apple Bloom froze stiff and didn't want to move but Orchard Blossom pushed her forward until they were both on stage. Booth Barker then pushed a box filled with records inside of it. Orchard Blossom searched through the box as Apple Bloom nervously headed to the front of the stage.
"This one, please," said Orchard Blossom, trying a little too hard to be charming and weirded out the judge.
"Excellent choice...ma'am," said Booth Barker as he took the record and went to set it into the player off screen as Orchard Blossom joined Apple Bloom at the front of the stage.
"You sure you know all the words?" Apple Bloom asked in a hushed tone, "'Cause it took Applejack a pretty long time to get it down."
"Did it now?" Orchard Blossom replied smugly with an over-confident smirk on her face. Apple Bloom just gulped as Booth Barker started cranking the music so their song could play.
[Apple Bloom and Big Mac/Orchard Blossom - Apple Bloom sang rather nervously at first but then relaxed once she saw that Big Mac did know the words and they wrapped a fore-leg around each other. Big Mac continued to sing in his falsetto and was able to stay in tune for the most part.]
We all love our brothers
And our fathers and mothers
We honor them like every family should
But there's somethin' that's quite unique
When my sister's there with me
And we share that special bond of sisterhood
[Apple Bloom]
Sisterhood
[Big Mac/Orchard Blossom]
Sisterhood
[Apple Bloom]
Is a special kind of friend
Sisterhood
[Big Mac/Orchard Blossom - Big Mac started dancing on twinkle hooves in the background as Apple Bloom continued singing in the foreground.]
Sisterhood
[Apple Bloom and Big Mac/Orchard Blossom]
It's not always perfect
You might fight or be misunderstood
But together you'll always have sisterhood
[Big Mac/Orchard Blossom]
Sisterhood
[Apple Bloom]
Sisterhood
[Big Mac/Orchard Blossom]
Sisterhood
[Apple Bloom]
Sisterhood
[Big Mac/Orchard Blossom]
Sisterhood
[Apple Bloom]
Sisterhood
[Big Mac/Orchard Blossom - he then slide to the foreground on his hind knees...and sang in a deep bass instead of a falsetto!]
Sisterhood
[Apple Bloom - joined at the end with a very embarassed look on her face.]
...ood
Once the song had ended, ponies were just staring and chattering with each other. The elderly stallion judge, who still hadn't figured out that Orchard Blossom was actually Big Mac and not a real mare, just looked love sick. Shenran groaned and looked away in embarrassment.
"Just hope nopony other than Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle figure out I had anything to do with this," Shenran murmured to himself.
"Is that so?" said Rainbow with a smug smile on her face. Shenran winced when he saw Rainbow beside him. She had heard everything.
"You're never gonna let me forget this are you?" Shenran remarked annoyingly.
"Nope," said Rainbow plainly, still smirking as Shenran hid his now blushing face behind his wings. Rainbow just chuckled. She actually wasn't planning on tormenting Shenran about this. She knew very well why Big Mac was doing all of this, but seeing Shenran squirm just made her day. Back on stage, Apple Bloom was trying to do some damage control.
"Are you okay Orchard Blossom?" Apple Bloom asked with a nervous laugh as she noticed that Orchard Blossom was still posing, "You sounded like you were catchin' a cold or something else that would make your voice sound totally different right at the end of the song." Apple Bloom chuckled nervously again as Orchard Blossom's eyes popped out for a moment.
"Just a frog in my throat, dear," Orchard Blossom replied once "she" had recovered, "Probably just need to get a sip of water. If you'll excuse us, we've another event in which to participate." The two ponies then walked off the stage, still leaving the audience stunned and at a loss for words.
"Oh, my, that certainly didn't go as I had planned," said Orchard Blossom once they were off stage, "But don't you worry. Well get you a blue ribbon yet, Apple Bloom."
"You sure about that?" Apple Bloom asked skeptically.
"As sure as my name is cousin Orchard Blossom," the red pony replied and walked off.
"But that isn't your name!" Apple Bloom remarked angrily to herself as Shenran walked up to her with Sweetie Belle at his side.
"Calm down, Apple Bloom," said Shenran, "You know Big Mac is only trying to..."
"You and yer bright ideas!" Apple Bloom snapped, "I should've just said forget it than deal with all this embarassment!"
"Hey! I was only trying to help!" Shenran retorted, "Mario isn't the only problem solver you know and he's not the only stallion who's looking out for you! I care about you too!"
"Well, next time, maybe you shouldn't care!" Apple Bloom yelled before running off. Sweetie Belle just watched Apple Bloom disappear.
"I'm sure she didn't mean that," Sweetie Belle told the Pegasus stallion, but Shenran looked rather hurt as a small tear left his eyes.
"Hey, don't cry," said Sweetie Belle, "Come on. Big Mac can handle himself...or herself...for now. Let's just have some fun together." Shenran wiped his eyes and smiled bravely as Sweetie Belle gave him a warm hug, but Apple Bloom's words still stung his heart.
It wasn't long before Apple Bloom and Big Mac/Orchard Blossom were the cheerleading competition.
"C-O-U-S-I-N-S!" Apple Bloom and Orchard Blossom chanted as they tried to cheer together, "Which two sis-uh, cousins are the best? We are! Apple Bloom and Appleja-I mean, Orchardjack-Blossom forever!"
"Whee!" Orchard Blossom cheered as "she" gave her hind legs a firm kick...and sent Apple Bloom flying.
"Whoaaa!" Apple Bloom screamed as she went airborne and crash landed into a nearby bucket of apples. She soon popped out of the apples and spat out an apple that had gotten stuck in her mouth.
"Yay," Apple Bloom said in a deadpan tone.
Next was the jumping rope competition. Rainbow and Scootaloo didn't hesitate to show off their tricks. They did a jump facing each other, another with a hind-leg high five, then both mirrored each other as they did a back-flip, and then a double high-five with their hind legs. Apple Bloom and Orchard Blossom were a different story. Orchard Blossom seemed afraid to even make a small hop while Apple Bloom had no problem jumping. Orchard Blossom then smiled as "she" simply stepped over the grounded rope. Apple Bloom just glared, knowing that didn't count as jumping rope.
After that, Orchard Blossom and Apple Bloom were busy trying to do some juggling. Apple Bloom was doing her movements effortlessly but Orchard Blossom was rather tense as "she" managed to keep "her" bowling pins in the air. Then came the time for the routine to change as the two ponies laid down on their backs so they could pass the bowling pins to each other. Orchard Blossom soon found herself being quickly overwhelmed. Apple Bloom just closed her eyes and relaxed, but her relaxation soon stopped when she found that the bowling pins weren't coming back to her. She sat up to find that Orchard Blossom had gotten tangled up in "her" dress.
Once Orchard Blossom had gotten "herself" untangled, Apple Bloom couldn't help but just glare at her so called cousin. Shenran and Sweetie Belle were with them.
"Oh, I don't know why I didn't choose to wear something more casual," Orchard Blossom complained, tugging the collar of "her" dress as Shenran glared at him, "Why I knew that juggling routine like the back of my hoof!"
"Didn't I tell you that when you picked that dress in the first place?!" Shenran snapped as Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes in agreement.
"But never you mind," said Orchard Blossom, waving Shenran off with a fore-hoof, "There is still the race to be run!" She adjusted her wig definitively. Apple Bloom just softened her glare, especially when she noticed that Shenran was avoiding eye contact with her.
"I really appreciate all the effort, Big Ma-cousin Orchard Blossom," said Apple Bloom, "But maybe we just skip the whole obstacle course thing and call it day."
"I think it's a good idea," said Shenran softly as he looked at the stallion on disguise, "I think it's time you quit while your ahead." Orchard Blossom gave Shenran a stern snort and glare in reply, making Shenran flinch.
"Why, Apple Bloom I wouldn't hear of it!" Orchard Blossom replied, "Your cousin Orchard Blossom may be many things, but she is not a quitter."
"I'm sure she's not," Apple Bloom replied, "but it's like Applejack said! There'll be more Sisterhooves Socials down the line, and I'm sure she'll help me get a blue ribbon next time around."
"B-but you wanted to win it this Sisterhooves Social," Orchard Blossom protested, "And no matter what, I am gonna get you that win! Why I simply have to." Orchard Blossom had a dark look on "her" face as Shenran looked at "her" disapprovingly.
"Big Mac..." Shenran said in a low but stern tone when the red stallion in disguise got into his face.
"I'm gonna get Apple Bloom to stop blabbering about how amazing Applejack and Mario are and start blabbering about me for change if it's the last. thing. I do!" Orchard Blossom said in a stern, fierce, but also hushed tone. "She" then walked off in a huff. Shenran just sighed as Apple Bloom approached. She didn't know what Orchard Blossom had said, but she could tell that Shenran was very upset.
"Ugh, now I understand how Mario feels when nopony listens to him," said Shenran and sighed sadly, "So much for being the hero." Sweetie Belle hugged him sympathetically.
"You are a hero," said Apple Bloom softly, getting Shenran to look at her, "I'm sorry for snapping at you before, Shenran. I was just upset cause I knew this plan wasn't going to work. I should've just said I'd wait next year and just do it with Applejack. This has been nothing but downright embarassing."
"Apple Bloom, I can accept your apology and sympathize with your feelings," said Shenran, "But you need to understand that..."
"Apple Bloom, move your caboose!" Orchard Blossom called out, "The race is gonna start!" Apple Bloom sighed.
"Talk to you later Shenran," said Apple Bloom sadly, "No offense to you, but I wish Applejack or Mario were here right now." She walked away as Shenran gave a long exhale.
"I'm not the one who's feeling offended with you for saying that," Shenran muttered.
"What do you mean by that, Big Brother?" Sweetie Belle asked. Shenran just gave her a gentle smile.
"I'll tell you once we find a seat in the bleachers," Shenran replied, "Wanna ride there?" Sweetie Belle just giggled excitedly as she hopped onto his back. She couldn't help but laugh happily as Shenran gave her a very short ride into the sky.
It wasn't long before the sister teams gathered at the starting line for the obstacle course. Rainbow and Scootaloo were one of the teams.
"Alright, Scootaloo," said Rainbow, "remember the parts where teamwork really comes into play!"
"How could I forget?" Scootaloo replied, "We've been training all week!"
"Okay, hot stuff!" Rainbow replied, "What's out move on the grape squish?'
"The alley-oop," Scootaloo answered.
"Apple toss?"
"Flip-flop"
"Egg carrying?"
"Flutter-bomb"
"Yeah!" Rainbow and Scootaloo shouted together as they jumped into the air and high-hoofed each other as a red eight pointed star backdrop appeared behind them. Once they landed, they squatted before the finish line. Orchard Blossom had been watching and listening to them.
"Oh, dear," Orchard Blossom muttered to "herself".
"Competi-sis-tors!" Granny Smith announced from the megaphone, "Take your positions!" Orchard Blossom snorted, dig the ground a bit with a fore-hoof, and leaned down to get ready. Apple Bloom put on a determined look as well. Shenran and Sweetie Belle just watched from the stands. By now, Shenran had told Sweetie Belle everything.
"Do you think they can win the race?" Sweetie Belle asked the Pegasus stallion.
"With Big Mac still in that stupid getup, nothing is certain," said Shenran, "Maybe we get lucky."
"And a-ready, and a-set, go!" Granny Smith shouted and the teams were off and running. As expected, Rainbow and Scootaloo took an early lead and they jumped over the mud easily.
"Nice jump, Scoot!" Rainbow shouted to the orange Pegasus filly. Then the two sisters headed to the bucket step. The instant Orchard Blossom reached the mud puddle, "she" skidded to a stop. "She" ended up stopping right into the mud and getting "her" shoes stuck in it. "Her" momentum ended sending up flying right out of "her" shoes. As "she" got to the bucket step, "her" hooves got stuck in the buckets. "She" quickly shook the buckets off once "she" cleared the area to catch up with Apple Bloom. The yellow filly had just reached a giant stack of crates and jumped over them with ease.
"Thank you Mario for showing me that I can jump super high too," Apple Bloom said to herself as she headed to the pie eating contest. Orchard Blossom, in an attempt to catch up with the filly, bashed through the crates instead of trying to jump over them. Apple Bloom took notice when Orchard Blossom had caught up, but hadn't noticed any of "her" struggles or the fact she smashed through one of the obstacles. Apple Bloom gave her "cousin" a smile. Orchard Blossom just smiled back and had a determined look on "her" face.
"So far so good," said Shenran as he and Sweetie Belle watched from the stands. It was then Apple Bloom and Orchard Blossom arrived at the pie eating part of the contest. As they started munching down, Orchard Blossom let out a loud belch. "She" quickly pulled off the ascot around "her" neck and continued eating, belching again as she finished her pie. Apple Bloom, with her face full of pie, used her tongue to clean her face and the two ponies were on their way. They were easily able to outrun two teams. It was then Rainbow looked and saw that Apple Bloom and Orchard Blossom were catching up to them. Rainbow and Scootaloo reached the part where they needed to push a heavy hay bale to a designated area. Apple Bloom and Big Mac overtook them easily, but as they took off. Orchard Blossom launched their hay bale behind them high into the air. "She" didn't notice that by doing so, the hay bale just barely missed landing on top of another sister team. The two sisters looked at the fallen hay bale in shock. Apple Bloom and Orchard Blossom quickly turned a corner as Rainbow and Scootaloo started catching up to them. Then they arrived at the grape squish. Orchard Blossom tossed all the grapes into the giant bucket. Apple Bloom climbed into the bucket and started stomping around to fill the jar with juice. Orchard Blossom noticed Scootaloo and Rainbow arrive and that the blue Pegasus started stomping with Scootaloo. Shenran and Sweetie Belle were stunned.
"I didn't know you could ask your older sister to help with the stomping," said Sweetie Belle.
"Now you know for next time," said Shenran, "though..."
"Yeah...you're right," said Sweetie Belle, "Rarity might not be as picky about getting dirty, but she'd never risk grape juice all over her coat." Orchard Blossom then got an idea. Before Apple Bloom could act, a dark shadow appeared above her.
"POINT OF IMPACT!" Orchard Blossom cried out as "she" body slammed into the bucket, smashing all the grapes instantly. This filled all the surrounding jars with grape juice and Apple Bloom found herself leaking out of the pipe and into a spare jar. Shenran and Sweetie Belle cringed at the sight.
"Yikes! You almost squished me!" Apple Bloom retorted to Orchard Blossom once she had recovered. Orchard Blossom quickly put the filled jar onto a stool, but did it so quickly that it was in danger of tipping over. Apple Bloom made sure their jar didn't tip over and they were on their way. Apple Bloom ran as fast as she could, but Rainbow and Scootaloo easily outran her and Orchard Blossom. Orchard Blossom then arrived at the chicken coop, which caused a bit of a ruckus until Rainbow and Scootaloo headed inside as well. Orchard Blossom peeked out to see that Apple Bloom was falling behind.
"Pick up those hooves, Apple Bloom," Orchard Blossom called out, "Why, you're barely movin' at a mosey!" Rainbow and Scootaloo then exited the chicken coop from the other door and casually walked forward with eggs on their noses and set them into the basket before zooming away. Orchard Blossom then came out next, getting the doorframe stuck around "herself" as "she" carried her egg.
"Come on, junebug," Orchard Blossom called out, "it's...like you've never carried an egg before!"
"Argh!" Apple Bloom groaned in frustration, "I'm goin' as fast as I can!" It didn't help that the other teams seemed to be outpacing the yellow filly. Shenran looked at her sympathetically.
"And here I thought Rainbow was going to be the over competitive one," said Shenran.
"Same here," said Sweetie Belle, "Big Mac is so focused on winning that he's stressing Apple Bloom out!" Orchard Blossom was waiting anxiously for Apple Bloom to drop her egg into the basket. As soon as the yellow filly was able to do so, Orchard Blossom picked up Apple Bloom and rushed to the finish line. As they reached a set of hurdles that required jumping over, Orchard Blossom decided to just plow right through them, making the other teams in front of them scream as they moved out of the way.
"AAAAAAAAAAAH!" Apple Bloom screamed as Orchard Blossom charged through the hurdles. Orchard Blossom then noticed that Rainbow and Scootaloo were quickly approaching the finish line. "She" decided to plow right in between them. The two ponies yelped as they were knocked away and Orchard Blossom and Apple Bloom crossed the finished line first.
"Woo-hoo!" Orchard Blossom cheered in "her" normal voice and started dancing on "her" hind legs while holding Apple Bloom under her fore-leg and then posed. The other ponies were just staring at them. Shenran and Sweetie Belle just exchanged unamused looks with each other.
"I mean," said Orchard Blossom as she cleared her throat, "victory is ours, sweet Apple Bloom!"
RIP!
It was then Big Mac's disguise completely fell apart. Shenran groaned loudly and slapped a fore-hoof to his fore-head.
"That's done!" Shenran remarked.
"Uh-oh," Big Mac remarked.
""Uh-oh" indeed!" said the registration mare as the second mare judge and several angry ponies stood behind her.
"I should've known you'd eventually get busted for bein' a stallion!" Apple Bloom scolded angrily.
"Oh, no, we've known all along," said the registration mare.
"OH COME ON?!" Sweetie Belle squeaked, "You mean I could've entered the competitions with Shenran and he wouldn't have had to dress up like a girl? Why doesn't anypony tell me these things?!" Sweetie Belle then panted angrily.
"Hugs, Sweetie Belle," said Shenran as he used a wing to hold her close and rub her back to calm the marshmallow filly down.
"The Sisterhooves Social has always had a loose policy when it comes to what counts as a "sister"," the registration mare explained, "But we do have a strict policy when it comes to sportsponyship! In your "sister's" desperation to win, he used brute strength to physically take out the competitors." Several areas where shown to display the damage Big Mac had caused. Even two chickens were hugging each other from the damages done to the coop.
"Uh, that kind of behavior is not just unbecoming of a lady, but quite frankly, of anypony!" the registration mare continued, "And for that, you two are hereby disqualified!" The registration mare walked away, leaving Big Mac and Apple Bloom disappointed. It was then Rainbow recovered.
"Hah! Looks like we win, squirt!" Rainbow said excitedly.
"Woo-hoo! Yeah!" Scootaloo cheered as she recovered. The other ponies cheered as they held the two sisters in the air and carried them away. Apple Bloom was upset.
"I told you I should've just waited until the next Social to win with Applejack," Apple Bloom retorted. Big Mac just sighed in disappointment as they walked away. It was then the registration stallion appeared hoping to speak to the so called "Orchard Blossom". He then noticed the remains of the costume just looked puzzled as a balloon popped in the background. Shenran and Sweetie Belle took notice.
"Should we..." Sweetie Belle asked.
"Nah, let's not break his heart," Shenran replied as they went to catch up with Apple Bloom and Big Mac. While Apple Bloom was fuming, Big Mac was the one who looked the most upset.
"Big Mac?" Shenran said gently when tears started leaving Big Mac eyes and he ran off as fast as his four legs could take them. Apple Bloom saw her older brother take off.
"Big Mac?" she asked curiously, "Was...was he...cryin'?"
"Yes he was," said Shenran as he and Sweetie Belle stood behind the yellow filly, "He knows he let you down." Apple Bloom looked in the direction Big Mac had taken off too.
"I...I didn't mean to hurt his feelings," said Apple Bloom sadly, "I didn't mean to make him cry. It's just a competition after all."
"It's not the competition he's upset about," said Sweetie Belle quietly.
"What do you mean?" Apple Bloom asked curiously.
"As much as we could tell you," said Shenran, "I think it would be best of Big Mac told you himself." Apple Bloom just looked worried, but she knew what she had to do.
Later that evening, Big Mac was just sitting alone under an apple tree on a hill, watching the amber colored sky. Apple Bloom hadn't wasted much time searching for him.
"You know I'm...not mad, right?" Apple Bloom told the red stallion as she took a seat beside him.
"Eeyup," Big Mac replied bluntly.
"I mean...let's face it - you dressin' up as my cousin Orchard Blossom was a pretty crazy idea in the first place," said Apple Bloom, "even if Shenran had gone to so much trouble to help out with it."
"Eeyup," Big Mac replied in agreement.
"And it's not like you got me disqualified from the Social forever or anythin'," Apple Bloom added, "I can participate next time with Applejack. Everything's fine."
"Eeyup," Big Mac said again, but Apple Bloom noticed that the last "eeyup" was coated in sadness.
"I just don't understand why you went so crazy there at the end of the race," said Apple Bloom, getting straight to the point, "I mean, I know you like to win an' all, but...you wanna tell me what's goin' on?"
"Nope," said Big Mac firmly.
"Alright," said Apple Bloom since she was unsure about how else to get him to speak up, "Well, it's getting late. You comin'?"
"Nope," Big Mac replied. Apple Bloom was worried but she didn't know what else to say.
"Okay," said Apple Bloom sadly, "See you later, I guess..." Apple Bloom then walked sadly away. Big Mac looked back, seeing how sad Apple Bloom looked.
"Apple Bloom?" Big Mac called out.
"Yeah?" the yellow filly replied as she turned around and walked back to the red stallion.
"When you were little, you used to look up to me," Big Mac explained in a very sad voice, "thought I was the best thing since zap apple jam. Things are different now. Applejack's the hero of the Apple family, always rushin' to save Equestria. Mario is now the better brother. He's also a hero, always saving' Equestria as well. He's smarter, he's stronger, he's more skilled, and he's a prince. Everythin' I could never hope to be. And I'm just here on the farm, doin' chores, helpin' out the way I can, nothin' special, nopony's hero. I guess I just thought...oh, never mind. Here I am about to start blabberin' about my feelin's. You don't wanna hear this." Big Mac waved the filly off with his fore-leg.
"Yes, I do!" Apple Bloom protested.
"I guess I just thought if I could...fill in for Applejack at the Social and get you a blue ribbon," Big Mac continued, "Well, I could be somepony you looked up to again. Be your hero again. Even if it was for just a day. It was foolish and I'm ashamed. Please, I just wanna be alone right now." Big Mac then scooted away from Apple Bloom and turned so he was facing away from her.
"Yeah, well too bad, you big goof!" said Apple Bloom. Big Mac looked down to see Apple Bloom smiling cutely at him, "'Cause I'm not goin' anywhere. And I know that you're always gonna be here when I need you. Heck, you'll do a whole obstacle course in high heels if you think it'll help me get somethin' I want. You're my big brother. You've always been a hero to me, Big Mac, and you always will be. I'm real sorry I haven't been lettin' you know that's how I feel. Guess both of us have been holdin' back when it comes to expressing ourselves, huh?"
"Eeyup," said Big Mac in agreement as the two siblings shared a hug.
"And I'm sorry if spending more time with Mario made you jealous," said Apple Bloom, "I just want to make sure he feels like he's part of the family."
"I know, Apple Bloom," said Big Mac, "Still hard to believe that's the same foal I saw when I was just a little colt. Who knew Mario would be so special?"
"You're special too, Big Mac, in your own...uhh...special way," said Apple Boom. The two chuckled with each other.
"Big Mac! Apple Bloom!" Granny Smith called from the barn, "Your sister's home! So is your brother! They say they've got quite a story to tell about their trip to Manehattan!" Apple Bloom looked at Big Mac before she replied.
"Be there in a bit!" Apple Bloom called out, "I'm spending some quality time with my big brother!" Granny Smith just smiled and headed back inside the barn.
"Hey Big Mac?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Eeyup?" Big Mac answered.
"How do you think Cousin Orchard Blossom would describe this sunset?" Apple Bloom asked the red stallion. Big Mac chuckled as he got back into character.
"Why, dear," said Big Mac in his falsetto, "I do declare this is the most beautiful sunset my eyes have ever looked upon. Though sitting here on these tree roots is a trifle uncomfortable for my hindquarters." Big Mac and Apple Bloom laughed as the two ponies watched the sun set deeper into the horizon.
The sun had set completely by the time Big Mac and Apple Bloom had walked inside. Applejack and Mario were there waiting for him.
"Hey, Big Mac, Apple Bloom," said Applejack as the yellow filly hugged her happily, "Did you and Big Mac have fun?"
"We sure did, right Big Brother," said Apple Bloom as she gave the red stallion a wink.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac, winking back.
"Glad you two were able to have some time to bond with one another," said Mario, "I was getting a little worried that Big Mac wasn't getting his fair share of the sibling love." Apple Bloom chuckled nervously.
"Yeah...Big Mac hasn't been getting his fair share recently..." said Apple Bloom.
"What do you mean?" Mario asked.
"Um...Mario," said Big Mac, "can I speak to you alone for a moment?" Mario just looked at Apple Bloom and then at Big Mac, whom the latter was just smiling. Mario just smiled back.
"Alright, Big Brother," said Mario as he followed the stallion outside. As Mario was exiting the door, Big Mac turned around and gave Apple Bloom another wink. Apple Bloom winked back to say thank you, understanding that her Big Brother had come to her rescue. Applejack just looked puzzled at the exchange.
"What was that all about?" she asked skeptically. Apple Bloom just sighed, seeing Big Mac had only saved her from one pony.
"Let's just say I figured out why Big Mac was upset before you left," said Apple Bloom honestly and briefly, "and we've settled things." Applejack smiled.
"Good," said Applejack, "Then that's all I need ta know." Apple Bloom sighed inwardly with relief.
Outside, Big Mac just lead Mario a few steps away from the door when he took a seat and offered Mario a seat across from him.
"What's up Big Mac?" Mario asked again. Big Mac just sighed sadly to himself.
"I owe you an apology," said Big Mac. Mario raised an eyebrow in confusion, "Ever since we found out you were part of this family, my little brother. I've...been feeling awful jealous of you. You've got more talent and accomplishments than I could ever dream to achieve. You even have the ability to use magic, something...you've seen I wish I could do it too. But I can't...'cause I'm just an earth pony. It's kind of the reason why I don't say much to you. I see how much Applejack and Apple Bloom look up to you, go to you for help, and even give them a shoulder to cry on. I've never seen them ever confide in me as much as they do with you. I might not be good at fancy, comforting speeches and such, but...I'm still a good listener. I know you're not doing any of this on purpose, but I still resented you regardless. I've even wished...that you would disappear." Big Mac felt his eyes water as he lowered his head in shame. Mario just looked at him sadly.
"I am so sorry Big Mac," said Mario quietly, "I never meant to make you feel like this. It's just...before I even knew we were family...Applejack and Apple Bloom were my friends. Friends who accepted me for who I was. Friends who were there for me and cared about me. You care about me too don't you?"
"Of course I do," said Big Mac, "Just 'cause I don't express it doesn't mean I don't care about you at all. I've just...not used to speaking my mind these days."
"I'd like to change that," said Mario, "I don't know what made you think that speaking up wasn't worth the effort, but...I care about what's on your mind. Applejack filled me in on what was up. We could tell that Apple Bloom's constant praise of the two of us was bugging you. You've obviously settled things so I won't bother Apple Bloom about it anymore. It's obvious that things would never have been settled if you hadn't spoken up."
"Well, you try to speak reason to three very stubborn headstrong mares who never listen and tell me if you wouldn't feel like speaking up was worth the effort!" Big Mac snapped. Mario gave him a deadpan look.
"Seriously," said Mario, "I spent the bulk of my time with nine very stubborn and headstrong mares. You don't think I feel that way from time to time?" Big Mac blinked before just giving a loud sigh.
"Then...you tell me, little brother," said Big Mac, "how do you keep speaking up despite knowing that most of the time you'll be tuned out?"
"Well, let me ask you this?" said Mario, "Say Applejack gets herself into trouble despite being warned. Are you still gonna be there to help her get out of trouble, or just let her go down in flames since...she had it coming?"
"Bite your tongue, Mario Star," said Big Mac sternly, "A big brother is always there for his little sister no matter what, even if it's her own stupidly that got her into trouble in the first place!" Mario smiled.
"I agree," said Mario, "that's why I don't stop trying to speak up. Somepony's gotta look after those mares when they do foolish things." Big Mac's expression softened hearing that.
"Plus there's no need to be jealous about me, Big Mac," said Mario, "You have something with Applejack and Apple Bloom that I'll never have."
"What's that?" Big Mac asked.
"Memories," said Mario, "memories of our parents, memories of Applejack and Apple Bloom growing up, memories of growing up together in a family that was filled with love, years of wonderful memories that I'll never have. Memories...that have built strong family and friendship bonds with each other. After all, an apple that's been given tender love and care when it was still a seed is far stronger than a pony who gives it the same love after it's already blossomed." Big Mac just smiled.
"That maybe true, little brother," said Big Mac, "but it takes more than one brother to make sure those apples stay in fine condition. Applejack and Apple Bloom need you just as much as they need me. A little extra love and protection is never a bad thing."
"Does that include me?" Mario asked softly.
"Huh?" Big Mac said in surprise.
"You're my big brother too," said Mario, "I know am an alicorn and all, but...little brother still need his big brother. I hope you'll look out for me too." Big Mac smiled.
"I'm always here for ya, little brother," said Big Mac as the two stallion shared a brotherly hug, "Thanks for hearing me out."
"Anytime, Big bro," said Mario as they pulled away, "Feeling better?"
"Eeyup," said Big Mac as they chuckled.
"Come on," said Mario, "I'm sure the girls are wondering what's up."
"Wait a sec, Mario," said Big Mac, "One more thing."
"What's up?" Mario asked.
"Ma and Pa love you very much," said Big Mac, "and they're very proud of you." Mario was taken aback. He hadn't told anypony that he had some...insecurities about that.
"How did you..." Mario asked.
"A big brother just knows these things," said Big Mac with a smirk on his face. Mario just stared and then smiled.
"Thanks Big Brother," said Mario.
"I'm always here for ya," said Big Mac as he headed inside. Mario just looked at the starry sky one more time before heading inside.
Mario loved his family.
And he loved his big brother.
And that concludes this chapter. Hope you enjoyed that I let Shenran have the spotlight for most of the episode. If you enjoyed, maybe I'll have Shenran have more leading roles in the future.
I originally didn't plan on having Mario show up at all, but when I thought about it. Alot of fans have been waiting for a heartfelt moment between brothers. I hope you enjoyed the tender moment between Big Mac and Mario. When you think about it, Big Mac is kinda like the "Luigi" of the two brothers. Except Big Mac is older and he's stronger rather than more agile.
Next time: An episode I've been excitedly waiting for since I started working on this story! In my opinion, I've haven't been this excited for an episode since Magical Mystery Cure. Be ready for lots of BONUS CONTENT, especially involving the reforming of a certain filly that many claimed the change happened a little too quickly. And Mario will finally face off against a pony he's mentioned time and time again as his own nemesis! And let's not forget that our three favorite little fillies will finally achieve their long time dream!
Peace Pony Fans!