Determination of the Strong

Chapter 6: Apples To The Core

While Shadow was delivering the letter to Rainbow, Applejack couldn't help but ponder about

her chances with Shadow. She had to admit though that she was very highly impressed with

his abilities. When the Mane 6 and Team Sonic went off to fight Discord, she didn't really keep

track of Shadow. Not because she held the same prejudice against him like Rainbow Dash

did, but because her main focus was on trying to help save Equestria. She did get to know a

few of Sonic's friends on the adventure, however. The main 3 of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles

were the ones she got to know the most, initially. But as for Shadow, he seemed to be on a

totally different league from everyone. Not just a whole lot more powerful; but also a whole lot

more edgy, dark, and mysterious about him. She couldn't quite put her hoof on what exactly

made her feel so strangely about him, but what she did know was that he was unlike a lot of

other creatures she had ever seen; yet so similar to her in determination, power and courage.

Unlike most of her friends (with the exception of Twilight Sparkle), she wasn't prejudicial when

it came to Shadow. She just couldn't help but wonder why she was so into him, especially to

the point of downright challenging the Ultimate Lifeform to a one-on-one duel to prove that

she was worthy of him.

More appropriately, she knew why she liked him; but why couldn't she just

shake the fact that he didn't want things to get too close and let his opinion be his opinion like

with so many other colts? She was thinking about this when she heard some familiar

snickering going on behind the barn. She sighed in annoyance and then snuck up close to

where the familiar noise was coming from. "I still think Shada should give her a chance

though." the obviously higher-pitched voice of Apple Bloom squeaked out from behind the pig

trough. "He really was nice and kind like Applejack told me he'd be." Applejack hid behind

some feed barrels that were next to the barn as to catch what they were saying, but not that

close as to get caught. "Yeah well, back in my day we've learned quite quickly how to judge

others by the sense of their heart instead of the thick of their hide." spoke the obviously, (very)

old-timey (no, seriously, think "World War 1 survivor" old) voice of her grandmother, Granny

Smith. "And that's exactly the reason I decided to bring him over here. I knew that Rainba

Dash woulda tried to tell me he was a bad feller, but I just knew that my sister saw something

different in him." Apple Bloom shared, with keen observation. "Eeyup." Big-Mac agreed

happily. It was clear that everyone was happy for a supposed "relationship" that didn't happen

yet; but Applejack also knew that Apple Bloom (along with her group of friends known as the

Cutie Mark Crusaders/CMC) have tried matchmaking other fillies with stallions before (and

mostly with embarrassing and humiliating results). So, she decided to calmly step away from

her hidin place, er I mean, hiding place (Dang it, this franchise!) to break up the

conversation that now became fits of giggles. "Alright y'all, what's goin' on ovah he-ah?"

Applejack asked, politely yet matter of factly. The three other members of the Apple family

simply snickered in response, trying not to laugh. "Come on, y'all; I heard the whole thing."

Applejack calmly notified her family. The family remained silent, wondering who was going to

be the one to speak up. "So, when are you and Shada gonna leave on ya trip?" Apple Bloom

finally asked. "A little sooner than you think." a naturally edgy voice spoke out from behind the

Apple family. They turned to see Shadow right behind them, as fired up for the adventure as

ever.

A few minutes later…

Shadow was then seen dumping some various contents out of a enormous saddle bag and

onto the wooden floor of Applejack's room in confusion. The contents: 1 mile-long rope (ok, it

was actually 96 fifty-five foot long Western style ropes knotted together), her idea of a defense

knife (apparently, the only knife she could find was an old kitchen knife), two can openers, two

large mason jars of applesauce, two pickaxes, a tent, a couple of flint stones, a leather strip

(as a rag), about 12 boxes of toothpicks, a first-aid kit, soap, (I could go on all day with these

supplies, but we'll skip to the end…) and about 6 gallons of water. "I was gonna fit more, but I

needed to pack the rest of our supplies in here too." Shadow was too busy analyzing the

equipment to really hear her, so he just nodded nonchalantly. "So, she knows how to pack

essentials. I'll give her that." Applejack was rambling about other miscellaneous things while

Shadow was observing a pattern that took place amongst some of these things. Pairs of

socks, pairs of sleeping bags, two things of apple juice (with one straw). Shadow sighed in

frustration, he already knew what all this fancy Lady and the Tramp packing style was for.

Applejack on the other hand, kept excitedly yammering away like there was no tomorrow.

"...and of course, all the things are kinda paired off in a weird way because hopefully we

could, you know, share them togeth-" she was cut off when Shadow whipped back like a

rattlesnake and gave her a stare that could have been mistaken for the familiar rattling sound

of the snake. "Don't, get any ideas." Shadow authoritatively demanded. Applejack gulped,

smiled and nodded nervously. "Right, of course Shadow." she said, still secretly hoping that

something, anything would be between them. "No need to overpack, we'll get gear on the

way." Shadow stated. As he exited the room, Applejack couldn't help but think to herself;

"Someday, Applejack. Someday."

A few minutes later…

After giving Applejack a quick lesson in Chaos Control, the two were finally up and loaded

(with not as much supplies, obviously) and ready to go. Shadow and Applejack then nodded

to each other, a Chaos Emerald each in hand. "Chaos CONTROL!" the duo shouted. And

soon enough, a portal opened up. Shadow then immediately picked up Applejack, bridal style,

and leapt into the portal towards Mobius. Where their great adventure will begin.

What's up everybody, this is LoveandEdify. I guess this is what you could call my "I'm Not

Dead" chapter. I have no excuses, rather just to make sure that my stories and their chapters

are the best they are. Life is naturally busy for all, so that's not even close to an excuse (and if

you think it is, take a look at yourselves. I'm pretty sure some of you have been to busy to

write too. BOOM, Roasted!) Anyhow, I heard that FIM is doing its final season today, so if

you're wondering why this chapter seems more rushed, that's why. There will be another

chapter soon, then the next chapter for "Love In The Open: Infinity Rising". If you're looking

for Pinkie, she's…

Pinkie: Right HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERE! :-D :-D :-D

Me: Evidently. So, what brings you here?

Pinkie: (singsong) I've got a nice little surprise for you!

Me: (nervous) Uh…

Pinkie: Re-laaaax, it's not for right now. It's for the next chapter. But I'm sure you're

still gonna love it.

Me: Oh, alright then. Uh, I don't have to worry about this one, do I?

Pinkie: Oh, pshaw. Do you really think me, Pinkamena Diane Pie, would do anything to hurt

you? I mean, you're LoveandEdify. My best friend,...

Me (interrupting): What about the Mane 6?

Pinkie (not even paying attention): My one true lover,...

Me (interrupting): Aren't you taking your analogies a little too far?

Pinkie (not even paying attention): L'amore De Ma Vie? :-D :-D :-D

Me: Have you been taking French with Rarity?

Pinkie: Nope. Just a fun little romantic saying I found online.

Me: So what does that mean?

Pinkie: Just wanted to show you how much I love you.

Me: No, not that, I already knew that. I meant, what does L'amore De Ma Vie mean.

Pinkie: Look it up. :-D :-D :-D :-D

Me: Oh great.

Pinkie: Anywho, gotta run over to a super secret place to get everything ready for your big

surprise soon, ok? Don't go too far. I'll see you later LoveandBuddy! :-D :-D :-D :-D

*Pinkie happily hops out of my house and on her way to wherever it is she's going*

Me: Oh well, this will be fun. Anyhow, thanks so much for enjoying my work and always

remember; Keep Loving, Keep Edifying, Keep LoveandEdifying! :-D :-D :-D Have a Way

Past MagiCool sort of day. :-D :-D :-D