Chapter 15: Brotherhooves Social
One day at Sweet Apple Acres, Granny Smith was busy fussing about in the barn's attic. She also had Big Mac and Sokka 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 Sokka just stood nearby since the latter had no idea where anything was upstairs.
"Remind me how I got mixed up in all of this?" Sokka 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 Sokka for some help. Before he could even respond, Fluttershy had volunteered for him and he was soon dragged into the attic.
"'Cause your wife made ya come help," Big Mac remarked in a hushed tone.
"Right..." Sokka remarked with an eye roll and sighed, "Well, at least we can hang out while we work."
"Eeyup," Big Mac remarked.
Not too many ponies knew that Big Mac and Sokka had become good friends. Since Sokka and Clay had retired from royal duty, the Pegasus had been trying to keep busy with odd jobs and helping out at the farm with his Earth Pony friend. Big Mac was surprised to find that he could open up with the Pegasus and his brother-in-law as easily as he could with Chase. It probably helped that he and Sokka 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, Sokka, 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," Sokka 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. Sokka was rather impressed.
"How do you do that?" Sokka 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.
Sokka 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, Sokka, ya never know when a fine lady like myself will need your muscle!"
Sokka just smirked and hovered over to the experienced pony. It was then Big Mac heard some giggling and laughing from outside. He looked out an open window to see Apple Bloom, Clay, and Applejack just playing outside together.
"You can't catch me!" Apple Bloom taunted with what looked like a bowling pin on her mouth as Clay and Applejack were chasing after her.
"Woo-hoo!" Applejack laughed as she and Clay 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!" Clay laughed as he and Applejack chased after Apple Bloom once.
Big Mac just watched the two girls and Clay 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 time his sisters had invited him to have fun with them, especially since Applejack and Clay got married as Big Mac's brother-in-law kept them busy. It didn't help that Applejack, Clay, and Apple Bloom seemed to invite Chase to play with them all time these days and never himself, even when he was practicing jiu jitsu. The more he thought about it, Big Mac couldn't help but feel a little resentful of Clay.
"Ever since Clay came into our lives, it's like I've been replaced." Big Mac muttered under his breath. "Whenever they have a problem, they chose him over me. They always chose him over me. It's like I'm not even needed anymore..."
"What's up?" Sokka 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," Sokka remarked as Big Mac just stayed where he was and continued to watch his sisters and brother-in-law 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?" Sokka 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? Sokka?"
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 though nopony was around to hear her.
*Main theme*
Later on, Apple Bloom and Applejack were doing a little cheer together outside as Clay was sharpening his kusarigama chain.
"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 Sokka and Big Mac approach. The latter carrying the dragonfly toy in his mouth. Clay noticed as well.
"Oh. Hey there, Big Mac! Sokka!" said Clay, "Did you want somethin'?"
"Eeyup," said Big Mac.
"Hold that thought," Apple Bloom interrupted before Big Mac could speak, "Applejack, you and Clay are the most awesome sister and uncle ever!"
Clay blushed from that and smiled at his niece.
"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 my 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. Sokka took notice.
"Uh...Apple Bloom..." Sokka said gently but Apple Bloom wasn't listening.
"...Why you and Clay are the best sister and uncle of all time!" Apple Bloom continued, "Probably the best Apples of all time! Well you and Clay are the best Apples of all time. I still can't believe that I'm the niece of 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 Sokka and Clay 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," Sokka 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?" Sokka 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 and Clay 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. Sokka 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, Sokka and Clay."
"But I was..." Sokka tried to protest.
"I could use your help with my brother, sugarcube," said Applejack, "I can deal with Apple Bloom later." Sokka just conceded and followed Applejack and Clay 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, Clay, and Sokka 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?" Clay 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 Sokka 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, Clay, and Sokka 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 and Clay's cutie marks were pulsing.
"What in the...?" Applejack gasped when out of nowhere Apple Bloom appeared.
"What the heck?" Clay gasped as well
"Your cutie mark!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, "You're being summoned, Applejack and Clay! This is so cool! Clay never gets summoned before!" Big Mac sighed loudly and annoyingly.
"Eeyup," he remarked bitterly.
"Apple Bloom, think you could cool it with all the..." Sokka remarked.
"Wonder where you're bein' called to," said Apple Bloom, not hearing a word Sokka 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's face because she was so excited and Clay just chuckled in amusement. Sokka 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! Neither will Clay be there to watch us!" Apple Bloom then sat a short distance away and started to hyperventilate. Applejack, Clay, and Big Mac shared worried looks with each other.
Applejack just walked up to the still panicking Apple Bloom.
"Now calm down," said Applejack, "Let us just go over to Twilight and Chase's castle and see what's what! Maybe it's just a false alarm."
Apple Bloom just smiled and felt better as Sokka just sighed.
"You're only getting the filly's hopes up for nothing, AJ and Clay." Sokka muttered quietly to Big Mac. who just nodded in agreement.
(Scene changes)
True to Sokka's words, Applejack and Clay 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, Chase, Clay, 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, Clay and 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?" Clay asked his big brother-in-law as Applejack grabbed her little sack on a stick.
"Eeyup," Big Mac replied as Applejack and Clay headed out. The Earth Pony couple had barely reached the edge of the farm when they saw Sokka flying in her direction.
"Sokka!" Applejack called out, "We've got a favor to ask ya!"
"If it's about keeping Apple Bloom company while you're gone," Sokka 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, Sokka," said Clay, "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 and Clay." said Sokka as he landed before the Earth Pony couple, "I might not be as popular as Chase, but these little fillies do enjoy my company, especially Sweetie Belle. Don't worry about Apple Bloom. She's in good hooves."
Applejack and Clay smiled as the three friends shared a hug and the Earth Pony couple headed to the train station to meet up with Rarity and Chase. Sokka then flew off back to the barn.
(Scene changes)
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 to 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, they won't come out of a funk this funky 'til her sister and uncle get 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 Sokka.
"Morning, Apples." said Sokka 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 Sokka, "I know Chase didn't want to enter once on behalf of Sweetie Belle when she thought Rarity refused. The judges said they agreed and they let him watch. So I'm figuring I couldn't enter either..." Sokka 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 Sokka 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 Sokka, "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 Chase. Sokka isn't related to you. Don't you think he's attractive?"
Apple Bloom looked at him as Sokka gave her a smile.
"He's totally attractive," said Scootaloo, "and he's very smart, brave, handsome, and cute..." Sokka blushed and Sweetie Belle giggled.
"Sounds like you've got a quite a crush on Sokka 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 Chase all to myself, please say yes so I can have Chase 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. Sokka just sighed.
"I'm not your type, Apple Bloom," Sokka remarked plainly.
"Sorry, I'm too depressed to get a crush on a cute stallion right now," Apple Bloom said sadly. Sokka 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 Sokka, "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 Sokka winced at the impact.
"Hey can you girls give me some time alone with Apple Bloom?" Sokka asked the two fillies, "I'll meet you two at the Social."
"Sure, big brother," said Sweetie Belle as she and Scootaloo headed outside. Sokka 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 Sokka feeling rather worried. Big Mac then set Apple Bloom down and headed out of the kitchen. He then looked at Sokka and waved a fore-hoof for the Pegasus to follow.
"So...what's this idea of yours Big Mac?" Sokka asked, not hiding his concern as Big Mac whispered his idea to the Pegasus. The red stallion had barely finished telling Sokka his plan when Pegasus's eyes nearly popped out.
"Are you insane?!" Sokka 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?" Sokka 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 Sokka wearily.
"Look, Sokka," said Big Mac angrily, "You saw what happened yesterday. Apple Bloom looks up to Clay and Applejack! She think of them as her heroes! Especially when she talks about when they fight off the Quinkan and Zhao! What does she think of me? Absolutely nothing!"
"That isn't true Big Mac and you know it," Sokka 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..." Sokka 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 Chase and his family do some crazy things for our friends and things tend to turn out okay," Sokka 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," Sokka asked with concern.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac.
"Well...I'm no Rarity, but...let's see how we're gonna do this..." said Sokka.
"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 Sokka had a nervous smile on her face.
"I so scared of what I'm about to do," Sokka said to himself.
(Scene changes)
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 Sokka," 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 Sokka as he arrived.
"Hey, Big Brother," said Sweetie Belle as she nuzzled his fore-leg, "Is Apple Bloom with you?"
"Yes she is," said Sokka and then turned to see that the yellow filly wasn't next to him, "at least she was..." Sokka 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 Sokka 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 Clay are back from Manehattan already?" Sweetie Belle said excitedly, "That means Rarity is back too!"
"No, our sisters and Clay are still gone, so is Chase," 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. Sokka just looked away with a weary look on his face.
"Your cousin who what now?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Cousin Orchard Blossom," Sokka 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 Sokka groaned and face-hoofed himself.
"Sweet Celestia, I've created a monster. Chase is gonna kill us if he finds out about what we have done." Sokka 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 Sokka."
"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 Sokka 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?" Sokka 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 and Chase," Sweetie Belle warned. Sokka 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..." Sokka warned discreetly, "GAH!" Sokka 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 Sokka.
"What in Equestria made you want to turn to Big Mac into a mare?" Sweetie Belle demanded as Scootaloo glared at him. Sokka just sighed.
"It was his idea," said Sokka 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 Sokka in his defense, "I don't have Chase's father 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. Sokka chuckled as he returned the gesture.
"Hey, Sweetie Belle," said Sokka with a little uneasiness in his tone, "If you really want to complete, I guess I..." Sokka 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, maybe we can see if Chase will beat Big Mac for this silly idea."
Scootaloo and Sokka snickered loudly in reply and agreement.
(Scene changes)
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 has 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. Sokka just face-hoof himself once again.
"Seriously, Big Mac?" Sokka said to himself, "Even Rarity doesn't say that!"
"I better go see if Apple Bloom is okay," said Sweetie Belle.
(Scene changes)
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.
"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. "Hurry now, precious!" He then walked away, leaving Apple in shock.
"I can't believe they bought it!" said Apple Bloom in surprise.
"It's sweet Big Mac wants to help you out like this. Weird, but sweet." Sweetie Belle said with a smile.
(Scene changes)
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. Sokka groaned and looked away in embarrassment.
"Just hope nopony other than Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle figure out I had anything to do with this," Sokka murmured to himself.
"Is that so?" said Rainbow with a smug smile on her face.
Sokka winced when he saw Rainbow beside him. She had heard everything.
"You're never gonna let me forget this are you?" Sokka remarked annoyingly.
"Nope," said Rainbow plainly, still smirking as Sokka hid his now blushing face behind his wings. Rainbow just chuckled.
She actually wasn't planning on tormenting Sokka about this. She knew very well why Big Mac was doing all of this, but seeing Sokka 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 Sokka walked up to her with Sweetie Belle at his side.
"Calm down, Apple Bloom," said Sokka, "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 embarrassment!"
"Hey! I was only trying to help!" Sokka retorted, "Chase 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 Sokka 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."
Sokka wiped his eyes and smiled bravely as Sweetie Belle gave him a warm hug, but Apple Bloom's words still stung his heart.
(Scene changes)
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.
(Scene changes)
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. Sokka 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 Sokka 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?!" Sokka snapped as Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes in agreement.
"But never you mind," said Orchard Blossom, waving Sokka 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 Sokka 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 Sokka softly as he looked at the stallion on disguise, "I think it's time you quit while your ahead."
Orchard Blossom gave Sokka a stern snort and glare in reply, making Sokka 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 Sokka looked at "her" disapprovingly.
"Big Mac..." Sokka 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 Clay 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. Sokka just sighed as Apple Bloom approached. She didn't know what Orchard Blossom had said, but she could tell that Sokka was very upset.
"Ugh, I seriously need Chase's expertise of lecturing ponies when they go out of line." Sokka said and sighed sadly, "So much for being the hero."
Sweetie Belle hugged him sympathetically.
"You are a hero," said Apple Bloom softly, getting Sokka to look at her, "I'm sorry for snapping at you before, Sokka. 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 embarrassing."
"Apple Bloom, I can accept your apology and sympathize with your feelings," said Sokka, "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, Sokka," said Apple Bloom sadly, "No offense to you, but I wish Applejack, Clay, or Chase were here right now." She walked away as Sokka gave a long exhale.
"I'm not the one who's feeling offended with you for saying that," Sokka muttered.
"What do you mean by that, Big Brother?" Sweetie Belle asked. Sokka just gave her a gentle smile.
"I'll tell you once we find a seat in the bleachers," Sokka replied, "Wanna ride there?"
Sweetie Belle just giggled excitedly as she hopped onto his back. She couldn't help but laugh happily as Sokka gave her a very short ride into the sky.
(Scene changes)
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. Sokka and Sweetie Belle just watched from the stands. By now, Sokka 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 Sokka, "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, Clay, 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 Sokka 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. Sokka 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 Sokka, "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. "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. Sokka 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. Sokka looked at her sympathetically.
"And here I thought Rainbow was going to be the over competitive one," said Sokka.
"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. Sokka 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!"
It was then Big Mac's disguise completely fell apart. Sokka groaned loudly and slapped a fore-hoof to his fore-head.
"That's done!" Sokka 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 Sokka 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 Sokka 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. Sokka and Sweetie Belle took notice.
"Should we..." Sweetie Belle asked.
"Nah, let's not break his heart," Sokka 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?" Sokka 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 Sokka 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 Sokka , "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.
(Scene changes)
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 Sokka 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. Clay is now the better uncle for you. He's also a hero, always saving' Equestria as well with Chase and the girls. He's smarter, he's stronger, he's more skilled, and he's a martial artist. 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 Clay 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 Clay 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 uncle! 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.