Chapter Fourteen

Starburst had never been to Sweet Apple Acres before. She never expected it to have so many acres of trees...On the other hoof, that was a silly thought. It's just as remote as Fluttershy's cozy cottage, only with apple trees extending as far as the eyes could see. Applejack was instantly taking a liking to the pony's first observations.

"Enjoying the sights?" She asked. "Everything you see here was nurtured by the Apple family and I. It's a lot of hard work, but it's worth it when it comes to having fresh apples on a daily basis."

"It's definitely an expedient business," the pony answered. "So the Golden Apple Harvest is going to cover the entire farm?"

"Yep. My brother Big Mac has the stall plans. The main thing we need to do is section off the land so that the vendors can set up shop. Let me at least introduce ya to my family first before we can get started."

Both ponies reached the barn and were soon to be greeted by a giddy filly.

"Hey there, big sis!" she said as she ran up to the orange pony. "Welcome home! Did you make any sales today?"

"I sure did, Apple Bloom," she answered. "The sales went up a good 40% since the Golden Harvest is comin up. I'm sure some ponies in town are lookin to sell some goods during the event as well."

"Well we know the Golden Harvest isn't always about just sellin apples." The filly glanced over to the ashen pony. "Say, I've never seen you around these parts. By chance, are you preparing for Nightmare Night early?"

"Apple Bloom! Don't you think that sounds sensitive?"

"It's all right, Applejack," Starburst smiles. "I know I'll be getting that for awhile till my colors return." She looks at Apple Bloom. "My name is Starburst. Nice to meet you."

"Likewise! Sorry about that...Applejack did tell me before that we'd be expecting you at some point. I feel bad hearing how you became this way, but surely Applejack will help return your colors in no time!"

"All in due time, I'm sure. Sounds like we have a ton of work to be done for the Golden Harvest."

"That's right, my dear!"

The ponies looked over to an elder pony exiting the barn. A large, red colt followed suit.

"There's plenty to be done! We're happy to have you help us, because we're expectin at least fifty vendors! Ain't that right, Big Mac?"

"Eeeeyep!" the colt smiled.

"The name's Granny Smith. Feel free to call me Granny while you're here."

"Certainly," the ashen pony said. "I'll be sure to do my best here."

"Alright," Applejack said, undoing her harness from the cart. "I'll have Big Mac pull the cart into the barn and help us in a bit. We've already made perimeters for where the vendors will be on a map, so we only have to put posts in."

"Sounds good. Let's get started!"

"Dearies! Dinner time!"

The other ponies were working nearly nonstop to follow the perimeters laid out. They didn't realize it was already dusk, but they could finally wash up and relax now that the final post was stamped into the ground. Taking a minute to look at the current farm as a whole, the land appeared as if it was tilled for a brand new garden patch.

"Well done, ponies," the orange mare says, adjusting her hat. "I was worried we wouldn't get done today, but everythin went by a lot faster thanks to your help, Star."

"Yeah!" Apple Bloom jumped. "I can't wait to eat now. Let's go!"

"Thank you," Starburst replied. "Although are you sure I won't be intruding?"

"Are you kiddin? Applejack has to teach you about the element of honesty, right? It's only fair that you'd be a part of the family!"

"That's exactly what I would say," Applejack said. "I know without a doubt that you mean more to us than you realize. I'm sure Fluttershy was delighted with your success to pass your first trial, so you already have a bright path ahead of you."

She was right. Starburst was surprised that Twilight's friends are taking quite a liking to her, despite showing little caution to what her past could be. It'd be difficult as it is teaching her the elements without keeping that in mind, but she was happy with the way things were now. Why should it matter what her past was like when it's better to keep moving forward?

...This might be what makes friendship and family genuine, and she couldn't help but smile warmly at that.

"...That really means a lot to me," she replied. "I don't know what else to say."

"Just know that the first step to true honesty, is being true to yourself."

"I'll be sure to remember that."

"Speaking of which, you've got to tell us about it over dinner!" the filly said. "I bet it was quite a trial!"

"Eeeeyep!" Big Mac added.

"It certainly was! It felt like the biggest challenge!"

After washing up, the five ponies brought their stories to the table whilst helping themselves to a wonderful feast Granny Smith had prepared. She may be elderly, but she definitely knows how to season things right. Starburst couldn't feel anymore glad to be surrounded by a warm family. Even though it really isn't the place, she can only wonder if her past had something similar.