Chapter 10 - A Helping Hand at the Farm
A few days had passed since Mina had started her first training schedule in making sure that she was fully prepared in case of another Heartless attack on Equis. In that time, the brunette and Twilight often went to the old castle of the royal sisters to train not only in combat but also to learn magic.
Mina's training in the art of Magic was yielding less than satisfactory results, unfortunately. She was only able to conjure smoke and sparks thus far. The brunette teen was disgruntled by the results and decided to leave 'Magic Training' for the foreseeable future until she could determine just what exactly she was doing wrong when casting the spells.
As for combat, she was able to learn a couple of new skills that could be used in a fight against the Heartless or other opponents that might appear… such as Nobodies or Unversed. Although she would have to see if the little buggers would appear and attack the world of Equis.
For the moment, all she wanted was some food and to take a shower. Nothing like having a huge energy rush to get the day started… Plus, she had the whole place to herself!
After waking up an hour ago, she found a note waiting on her bed from Twilight and Spike respectfully. Apparently, the Princess of the Night was in need of the Element of Magic to settle a small matter of dispute between Equestria and its neighboring kingdoms. Though Twilight planned to invite her friends to help her out, she decided to let them stay because she wanted to be informed of any action that Celestia undertook against Mina. A reasonable motive although it annoyed Mina that she was being babysit.
The note mentioned that the trip wouldn't be long… just two weeks in advance which hopefully was the truth. Mina and the girls could easily handle the Princess of the Sun but she would rather if either Luna or Twilight were here to avoid starting a conflict due to misunderstandings. The wielder of the Crescent Key was going to have to wait until they returned.
Pouring herself a bowl of chocolate-flavored cereal and milk in a bow, she began to eat her breakfast quietly without her moment of silence being interrupted… until she heard a knock on the door.
Sighing heavily, Mina stood up and climbed up the stairs to the library where everything was in its place and organized. One of the things that Twilight requested on her list was to make sure that the library was protected along with everything organized in a perfect symmetrical order.
Another knock on the door interrupted the brunette's train of thought. Shaking her head, she walked over and peeked in the porthole to see Applejack from the outside. Hmm, what exactly brings her here?
Opening the door, she made a casual face. "Morning, AJ."
"Mornin' to ya, Mina. Is Twilight around? I wanted to ask her about borrowing a book on carpentry and cookin'. Some of the fences around the farm are worn out and the Apple Family cookbooks only have apple recipes… Plus, the farmhouse needs fixin too." AJ explained it.
"Taking culinary to a new level, eh?" Mina questioned with an amused look.
AJ shrugged. "Can't spend all my time making new apple-related things in the kitchen after all."
"True to that… unfortunately, you don't have any luck in getting Twilight. Princess Luna asked for their assistance on settling some… matters. Neighbors quarreling and all that." Mina explained.
"Oh… wait, why didn't she take us though?" AJ wondered with a confused expression.
"She wanted you all to stay behind in case Celestia decides to do something stupid against me… basically, she wants you all to babysit me." Mina finished with a deadpan look.
AJ couldn't help but snort with a grin. "Doesn't seem like a bad idea, sugarcube. Gotta protect ya from the princess after all."
Mina rolled her eyes and then stepped aside to allow AJ to enter, which she did. As soon as the brunette closed the door, she stretched her arms and then blocked a yawn. "I gotta go and finish my breakfast. You just let me know if you need something and I'll come running, kay?"
AJ nodded and got to work in searching for the books she needed while Mina went downstairs to continue eating her breakfast. The cowgirl would no doubt take a while to find the reading materials that she so desperately craved… it would give the teen enough time to at least finish up her morning routine before getting on with the rest of her tasks for the day.
(A little later after a small shower…)
Having finished showering and putting back her casual attire on, Mina went upstairs to see that AJ was still looking around the library much to the surprise of the brunette. She must not be having any sort of luck with finding the books that she was looking for.
"Nothing found yet?" Mina questioned as AJ sighed heavily and looked down. Yep, she can't find the books she needs.
Deciding to assist her, Mina checked the shelves and kept a close eye on the food prep. And then she had found what she was looking for: 'Carpentry - Designs and Creations'; 'Culinary Perfections - A Book with all the delightful recipes you could truly wish to Make'.
"Here we go. These books should be able to help you out with your cooking and farming problems." Mina handed the books to AJ.
"Thanks, sugarcube. I think that'll be all fer today… what ya gonna do now?" AJ questioned her.
Mina shrugged. "Not sure… don't have any other plans except for reading. I might train again… but we'll see."
"Ah… well, if you don't have any plans… wanna come and help me out at the farm?"
"Oh?" Mina raised a brow. That was an unexpected request.
"Yea'. I mean… beats around sittin and just readin books all day. Plus, I might need some help with tha farmhouse… my older brother got his back hurt and well…" AJ trailed off as Mina nodded. Now she understood.
Well… truth be told, she didn't have anything to do besides keeping the library safe and clean. Some fresh air could do her good and plus she would be helping out a fellow friend in need. Helping around the farm was something that she had never done before though and she was willing to give it a shot.
"Sure… I can help out. What exactly needs fixing though?" Mina wondered.
"The barnhouse and the fences… we'll just hafta cut down sum planks and then replace 'em. Simple and easy, yea?"
"We'll see… Never helped out on a farm before so… couldn't hurt to try it out at least. When do we leave?" Mina asked with AJ answering on the double. "Right now. Gutta get them boards fixed up before the barnhouse starts crumblin'."
With a nod, both girls left for Sweet Apple Acres to begin work on the double but not before closing the library in case anyone tried to do something stupid like steal a book or rob the place even though that was highly impossible to do… unless they were professional robbers, of course.
(Later - the Apple Trees near the Barnhouse…)
Per AJ's orders, Mina was given the task of cutting down boards in two-by-fours for the fence while the cowgirl was collecting a couple of downed apples on the ground. When questioned what she'll do with them, the Element of Honesty stated that she might cook up an apple tart or apple casserole.
"Sounds like a yummy dessert." Mina complimented with a grin while cutting down another two-by-four with the saw.
"Whatever feed 'em, it's worth it. So… how ya enjoy our world so far, Mina?" AJ questioned and collected another apple.
"It's peaceful… and colorful. Maybe a little bit of both… can't really complain though. Between this place and Earth… I'd choose my destination to be here."
AJ couldn't help but frown as she gave Mina a sympathetic look. "That bad, eh? How exactly did your planet end gettin' all messed up exactly?"
Mina sighed. "Technology, upgrading our arsenal, humanity being either good or bad… plus, a numerous amount of wars. A tale as old as time. That being said, most of mankind did their best to keep our planet safe but the idiot side sadly disagreed with them and tried their best to fuck it." She finished after cutting down another two-by-four.
AJ cringed. "Sympathies to ya, sugarcube… My folks taught me that all life is precious and we must defend it no matter the cost. Hence our roles as the Elements of Harmony."
"Is it hard?" Mina asked only to receive a shrug from AJ.
"It's both a blessin' and a curse. But it's not all that bad… It's like we're super-heroines!" She declared while Mina couldn't help but suppress a grin. In a way, AJ and the rest were like superheroes.
"Say, Mina… can I ask ya somethin… that might be personal?"
"Depends… NOT too personal, I hope." Mina warned in a slight tone that indicated that she wouldn't accept any deep questions.
"Nah, sugarcube. Ain't t nuthin like that… just wonderin' what yer girlfriend is like." Was the question from AJ's mouth.
"Ah… well, her name is Sonya and she means the world to me. We both love and care for one another… Well, more like I'm the one that shows the most care and protection towards her. Also, she's anything but a small flower that people can stomp around… inside of her is strength unlike any I've ever seen… at least that's what I believe." Mina finished and continued to cut with the saw.
"Sounds like she's a stand-up gal… although, ya gotta give her some space since love is built on trust and mutual respect. Don't go protecting her too much, yea?"
Mina sighed. "It's… a bit more than that… I'm worried that something bad might happen to her one day… just like… with Clio." She finished with a slight hint of hesitation.
"Clio? Who's that?" AJ wondered.
Mina paused for a moment as she felt memories… both good and bad. Moments that she had with- No… best not to think that.
"Sugarcube?" AJ asked worriedly and wondered if she had pressed the wrong buttons in that question. Mina's silence didn't help make things better… it was a sign that she shouldn't have asked anything about the name.
Following the small silence, Mina spoke. "It's… It's hard for me to answer. Can we… can we drop it please?"
AJ gave her an apologetic nod and went back to picking up apples while Mina continued to cut down two-by-fours. Soon, the farm girl had checked her work and gave an approving nod. "That should be enough fer now. I've got them apples in mah basket… so, the first part of the tasks are done."
"Great… what are we doing next?"
"We're gunna start work on the barnhouse and replace all of the boards that are worn out… and probably repaint it. If yer up to tha task, that is."
"Depends on how much it needs to be repainted." Mina questioned and AJ quickly replied with. "All of it."
"Oh… oh, boy." Mina deadpanned.
The entire thing!? That would take all day! Granted, she didn't have anything else to do… but still!
AJ couldn't help but crack a sly grin. "Won't judge ya if ya decide to back out now. I mean… I can probably handle everythin'... PROBABLY."
The brunette deadpanned and crossed her arms. "Really? Sarcasm is unbecoming of you, Element of Honesty."
AJ chuckled. "Sorry, sorry… just a joke, sugarcube."
"Uh-huh." Mina didn't believe her, looked her head down at the ground and released a sigh. Raising it, she continued. "Well, best get to the barnhouse and start repainting the entire-"
Unfortunately, her sentence was cut completely when they overheard a massive explosion in the distance followed by a wave of fireballs coming from the sky. Both AJ and Mina gasped in shock as they quickly dodged the oncoming hellfire without much trouble. Once that was done, they looked at what had almost hit them… broken shards of wood from the looks of it that were now nothing more but simple charcoal.
AJ gasped. "T-that's… that's from the barnhouse!" She concluded and then heard a scream. A young girl's scream! APPLEBLOOM!
Mina wasted no time in summoning Equinox. "Let's go and see how bad the situation is!"
"Right! Mah sister is out there!" AJ stated in a worried tone.
Both girls took off for the large fire over the hills while unaware of the black-coated figure sitting one of the tree branches and watching them with an expression between amusement and interest. "This should definitely liven things up a bit… Let's see how our dear Keybearer handles this next trial. Should be amusing to watch…"
(In the burning barnhouse…)
Crushed underneath some wood was the youngest member of the Apple Family and AJ's younger sibling, Applebloom. Her mane of red hair was never without her signature pink-colored bow. She was wearing a simple lime green t-shirt, blue jeans, and orange rain boots. Her gamboge eyes were displaying nothing but fear in them as she watched the mysterious creatures continuing to lit everything on fire while she was perilous to escape from the debris.
The mysterious creatures that attacked the barnhouse were wielding fire which made things very scary for her. They had round potbelly bodies with wings on the side, lavender cracks on the body, two legs dangling underneath, and fiery eyebrows over its eyes. Its top jaw wasn't attached to the rest of itself like she noticed and it wasn't just one… but a couple of them.
"HELP! HELP!" She screamed yet it was no use since entire place was completely on fire and the flames made everything impossible for her-
Then she got a surprise in the form of the barn doors opening and two individuals entering as the dark creatures saw them. "APPLEBLOOM!"
"BIG SIS!" Applebloom screamed as AJ ran up and started moving around the already charred up pieces while a brunette-haired girl with red eyes began to fight off the creatures using some sort of key-shaped sword.
"Hold on, Bloom. I'm gunna get ya out of there!" AJ promised as she continued to move away the wooden debris off her little sister. In the meantime, said brunette had sliced off another creature in half as the fire continued to spread all around.
Eventually, AJ was able to rescue Bloom and drag her out of the debris just as the brunette had finished eliminating the last of the creatures. Unfortunately, the entire place was beginning to collapse and the fire was escalating fast… VERY FAST!
They quickly made their exit with AJ holding Bloom and checking on her to ensure that she wasn't injured. Once they were outside, the entire place collapsed completely and they were able to catch their breath. Thank god for that…
AJ began to examine Bloom from top to bottom and sighed in relief. Apart from a few scratches along with some open wounds, she seemed to be perfectly intact. The poor thing must have been so scared being in that barn when it was lit up. Damn those blasted Heartless…
"Ya okay, sis?" AJ questioned and stroked her hair.
Bloom nodded. "I'm fine… that fire though… and the barnhouse…"
"Sshh… don't think about it… I'm glad yer okay, little sis. But what were ya doing over there though?" AJ wondered.
"O-oh… well-" However, Bloom couldn't complete her sentence as the ground shook up a bit.
"Whoa!" AJ was shocked at the sudden shaking. What's going on!?
Mina also was feeling the effects and then looked up only to gasp. "OH, SHIT!"
Taking AJ's hand, Mina ran a few feet away just as something crashed onto the location where the barnhouse used to be… when the smoke died down, it was revealed to be a massive Heartless!
It took the form of a giant in iron armor with it consisting of several metal plates fastened with rivets and openings through which the faces of other Heartless within him can be seen. There were a couple of red control valves on both arms along with a drill attached to the end of where the left hand was supposed to be. On the right one, there was a blade with a purple color.
"Looks like the little mongrels brought in the big guns… AJ, get Bloom to safety! I'll deal with this one myself!" Mina declared while AJ looked uneasy at leaving her friend to deal with the massive Heartless in front of her.
"Are ya sure?" AJ questioned but she only received a stern look from the brunette. Getting the message through her head, the Element of Honesty took off to a safe location quickly.
All that remained was the Iron Giant Heartless and Mina herself… but they were soon joined by those flame-like Heartless that had burned the entire barnhouse. Wonderful…
"Well, this is gonna be a challenge. Time to see just how strong you are, iron head!" Mina declared and prepared herself for what would probably be the most difficult fight.
It was time to burst this little bastard's iron head and destroy it completely!
Author's Notes: I have returned to this writing piece after a long while and have given you all the next chapter! But first, let me check the date... *last update was in September 2021*. Oh... that was a long while ago. Sorry about that!
But points aside, I'm glad people are enjoying the stuff that I write. Though I make mistakes (a lot of mistakes in writing), I will do my best to take people's criticism and fixing mistakes... Also, don't hesitate to tell me how I'm doing so far in the reviews box. Your comments and criticism helps me improve a lot as an author and it will help me out when writing my book!
Also, I did mention that in the last chapter that this one will be a light-hearted one... well, the helping hand around the farm was the light thing... so I guess the arrival of the Heartless is where the adventure starts. Maybe... might have to wait and see how it turns out. As for the Heartless boss, I choose an Iron Giant Heartless from Union Cross. It has an interesting design plus it looks badass as a robotic knight. We'll see how our girl handles this one in the next chapter!
The tower will return soon and it will be the start of something big!
I salute you all and I wish you a good reading... until the next chapter! Adieu and goodbye!