The Last Roundup
Pony's Log Number 214: No matter how honest a pony you are, you can't run away from your problems just to avoid telling lies...
Somewhere in Sweet Apple Acres, a familiar orange pony was running as fast as her four legs could take her. It wasn't long before a hurdle appeared in her path and she made a clean leap over it. Next came a hairpin turn, which she navigated quickly without losing any of her momentum. After she quickly cleared another hurdle, she approached what appeared to be a double hurdle that was twice the height and surrounded by a pit of mud. Applejack narrowed her eyes as she maintained her speed and made the huge jump. While one of her hind legs hit the top of the hurdle bar, it stayed intact as she made a clean landing and continued on her way. Apple Bloom and Mario were near an old fence, cheering her on. They both gave Applejack a wave as she raced by.
"Whoo-Whoa!" said Apple Bloom, trying to cheer for her sister but she leaned back a little too far and almost lost her balance. Fortunately she managed to regain it and caused the stenson hat on her head to topple onto her face. Actually, that was Applejack's hat. The orange mare was letting her little sister borrow it as she completed her run. Applejack gave both Apple Bloom and Mario a wink as she grabbed a rope that was tied to a nearby hay stack. She tossed the hay stack high into the air and over a predetermined line. Apple Bloom and Mario cheered. The former knocked Applejack's hat off her head again as it softly landed in the dirt.
"Applejack, you're sure to knock everypony's hats off at the Equestria Rodeo competition!" said Apple Bloom excitedly as Applejack grabbed her hat and placed it back on her head.
"Aw shucks, Apple Bloom," said Applejack modestly, "I sure hope so..."
"Hope so?" said Apple Bloom with a hoof pump, "I know so! After all, you're the ten time rodeo champeen of Ponyville! Why, you've got more blue ribbons then anypony in Ponyville ever! And I can't wait for my big sis to win every blue ribbon in Equestria and bring home the title of Equestria Rodeo champeen!" Apple Bloom pointed out a framed wall loaded with various medals on it. Applejack just blushed and looked away with a sheepish smile on her face. Mario chuckled.
"That's what I like about your character the most AJ," Mario told her, "Despite all the success, you still maintain humility and modestly. It's inspiring."
"Aw, thanks Sugarcube," said Applejack, "I just glad I talked you into joining me at the rodeo. You were saying you missed being able to complete again."
"Yeah, I guess shutting myself out wasn't really working out," said Mario, "I just didn't want to get a big ego. Not like I could, even with my running and jumping, this kind of...platforming...takes a completely different skill set from what I'm used to."
"I'm sure you'll do just fine," Applejack replied, "I wouldn't have put ya in if I didn't think you could complete. Just do your best and have fun."
"Will do," said Mario with a smile. Win or lose. He was really looking forward to the rodeo and getting to spend time doing something that Applejack was good at.
(Theme Song)
Today was the day Applejack and Mario would be getting on the train to Canterlot for the rodeo competition. Several ponies had gathered around a small stage in order to wish Applejack the best of luck. Rainbow was busy setting up a banner that had a crayon styled drawing of Applejack on it. Just as she finished putting the banner up a small charge of lightning buzzed past her.
"Huh?" said Rainbow and looked up to see a teal-grey colored filly with a light blonde mane and tail. It should also be noted her hazel colored eyes were cross-eyed. She was just casually bouncing on a small black cloud.
"Now, careful, Muffins," said Rainbow as she flew up the other Pegasus, "Don't want to do any more damage than you've already done!" Rainbow then pointed toward the roof of town hall, which appeared to have been clearly blown off.
"I just don't know what went wrong," said Muffins innocently as she kept bouncing and making lightning shoot off from it. Then Muffins was given a shook when the lightning zapped her and left her dazed and slightly cooked.
"Yeah, it's a mystery," said Rainbow annoyingly and also sarcastically.
"Nice work, Rainbow Dash," said Muffins as she hovered down to examine the banner. But as she did so, she bumped into a nearby pillar, causing it to fall over. Rainbow tried her best to grab hold of it, but the pillar was too heavy for her to carry. Rainbow yelped as she and the pillar are sent crashing through the wooden balcony below.
"You okay, Rainbow Dash?" Muffins asked as she flew down and peeked her head into the hole looking at Rainbow from above, "Anything I can do to help?"
"No! Nothing!" Rainbow pleaded as she quickly flew out of the hole and into the other Pegasus's face, "In the name of Celestia, just sit there and do nothing!" Muffins just planted her flank onto the balcony. This suddenly caused the wood to splinter around her. Just as the wood under her gave way, she grabbed into Rainbow to save herself from falling. In the end, they both tumbled down the newly made hole together with a THUD.
"Oops, my bad," said Muffins apologetically as Rainbow mumbled annoyingly to herself. Meanwhile just a short distance away was a podium that Mayor Mare was standing behind before a crowd of ponies.
"Applejack! Applejack! Applejack! Applejack!" the ponies cheered excitedly.
"Everypony, can I get your attention?" Mayor Mare called out, "Attention please!" It didn't take long before the other ponies settled down.
"Yes, we are all here to send Applejack to compete in this year's Equestria Rodeo competition in Canterlot," said Mayor Mare as she presented the orange pony before the crowd. Everypony cheered and applauded. Then Applejack raised a fore-hoof in the air to quiet them down.
"If y'all would be so kind," said Applejack as she gestured for Mario to come onto the stage beside her, "give some of that cheer over here for my rodeo trainee, Mario. He will be taking part in the competition as well." The others didn't waste time applauding for Mario as well.
"The Flying Unicorn is back!" Pinkie shouted.
"Pinkie, that was in track racing, not rodeo," Mario corrected.
"Oh...The Flying Unicorn is NOT back!" Pinkie shouted, earning her an eye roll from Mario.
"And I want to thank Applejack as well as Mario," Mayor Mare continued, wanting to get things back on course, "in advance for generously offering up their prize money to fix town hall."
"Yeah, Applejack! Yeah, Mario! Whoo-Hoo!" Muffins shouted as she leaned backward and fell back into the hole she had made. Rainbow just looked at the Pegasus and rolled her eyes. The other ponies cheered.
"Um, Mayor Mare," said Mario as the cheering continued, "While our offer to give the prize money would still stand, I could easy summon my mini-pony toys to fix that roof no problem. I'm sure the prize money could be used for some other town project or upgrade..."
"Mario, you and your little "marios" have rebuilt Ponyville twice and we are all very grateful," said Mayor Mare, "I'd like to have Town Hall repaired the traditional way." Mario just shrugged his shoulders as the cheering continued.
"Speech! Speech!" Pinkie shouted.
"Pinkie...no..." Mario groaned as his cheeks blushed.
"Oh shucks," said Applejack sheepishly, "I'm not much for speeches."
"Alright then, no speech!" said Pinkie as she zipped away.
"Buuut!" said Applejack, making the pink pony return with a smile on her face, "This here is the nicest send off anypony could ask for. Y'all have been cheering for me on in every rodeo since I was a little little pony. So it seems only fittin' to use my winnings to fix up town hall. I promise to make Ponyville proud. Got anythin' you'd like to say, Mario?" While Mayor Mare's eyes sparkles as such a touching moment, she smiled at the both of them as Mario cleared his throat. The other ponies were also smiling as well.
"Just thank you for giving me the courage to compete again," said Mario, "The road to learning honesty, humility, and integrity was a difficult one, but I couldn't have asked for a better pony to help me learn just how valuable those qualities are. Who knows? Applejack may come home with all the blue ribbons. Maybe I'll come home with all the red ribbons!" The other ponies laughed and cheered once more. Applejack then tipped her hat to the crowd and then smirked. Mario was then caught off guard when she placed a dark brown stenson hat on his head.
"You've earn it," said Applejack as Mario's eyes twinkled.
It was a few minutes later when Mayor Mare, Granny Smith, Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and the rest of Applejack and Mario's friends were there at the station. The train rang its bell as it waited at the station for Applejack and Mario to get on board. Both ponies had on a pair of saddle bags for the trip.
"I want you both to show all them highfalutin rodeo ponies what a real rodeo pony's like!" said Granny Smith to the both of them.
"You betcha, Granny Smith," said Applejack.
"I'll do my best, Granny," Mario add.
"And bring back all that money!" Mayor Mare added in a sing sang tune as she shoved Granny Smith out of the way.
Make a bit, make a bit, that's the society we live in unfortunately, Mario thought to himself.
"You betcha, Mayor," said Applejack and Mario together.
"And have fun," said Pinkie as she appeared in front of the two ponies, "And don't be nervous. Or if you are, use that nervous energy to do even better than you already would! And eat peanuts and popcorn and taffy and taffy gives you lots of nervous energy!" Pinkie then presented a sack loaded with taffy candy and munched it before them, causing some ponies behind her to roll their eyes at her.
"Just do your best, Applejack," said Twilight, "Same for you, Mario."
"I'll do my best, Twilight," said Mario a warm smile.
"I'll do better than my best!" said Applejack.
"The train to Canterlot is about to leave!" said the conductor, "All aboard who's coming aboard."
"Guess that means us," said Applejack as Mario nodded in agreement.
"Seeya two in a week!" said Rainbow as she quickly hovered over to the two ponies.
"With lots of new blue ribbons!" said Apple Bloom, "and hopefully lots of red ones from Mario."
"And lots of money!" Mayor Mare added as Mario gave a discreet eye roll.
"Darn tootin'!" said Applejack as she and Mario hopped into the train and peeked out of the window, "See y'all in a week, with a big bag full of blue ribbons!" She and Mario waved at them as the train pulled out of the station. her friends ran alongside the train until they reached the end of the platform, all shouting "Bye" until the train left the station and disappeared into the distance.
"And drink sarsaparilla!" Pinkie called out and making the others look at her, "What? It gives you extra sass." Twilight rolled her eyes at Pinkie and then realized something.
"Actually...Mario loves sarsaparilla," said Twilight, "I'm sure he'll drink his share if they have a stand at the rodeo. He actually told me that he keeps a barrel stashed away at his house." Twilight just giggled to herself, but deep down she found herself already feeling sad.
I miss him already said Twilight to herself, why does being apart from Mario hurt so much? I know he's important to me, but he's coming back. Hmm...
Exactly one week later, the five friends were helping to decorate the barn. Today was the day Applejack and Mario were supposed to return home from the rodeo. Applejack's family had even invited a few other relatives to come and celebrate their return, in Granny Smith's words, both ponies. Twilight found it rather touching that Granny Smith had included Mario as part of the surprise party, even calling Mario her "grandcolt".
"Oh, I hope Applejack is surprised by the surprise party," said Fluttershy as she and Rainbow set up a banner inside the barn.
"Well, that is the point," said Rainbow as a matter of fact as the rest of the ponies were busy finishing the decorations.
"I know, but I hope she isn't so surprised she's startled," Fluttershy explained, "because while being surprised can be nice, being startled can be...very startling."
"Surprise!" said Pinkie as she blew a party whistle, sending the yellow Pegasus into her back.
"Oh, Pinkie," Fluttershy gasped, "you startled me."
"Sorry!" said Pinkie as she helped Fluttershy back to her hooves, "I was just practicing my "surprise!" for when we surprise Applejack with this super cool party for becoming rodeo champeen of Equestria. And for when we surprise Mario for being the second best rodeo champeen of Equestria, or for just being best participant. Big brother needs a little love too after all."
"Agreed," said Fluttershy with a smile as Pinkie bounced away. But then Pinkie blew her party whistle again, startling Fluttershy once more and knocking her to the ground.
"Quiet, Pinkie," said Twilight, "I think Applejack and Mario are coming!"
"Don't worry, Twilight," said Pinkie, "Got my lips all limbered up!" Pinkie then began making various noises with her lips as well as several faces, which annoyed Apple Bloom to no end. Fluttershy and Rainbow hid behind some tall stacks of hay near the ceiling while everyone else ducked behind the tables. It wasn't long before the doors to the barn opened.
"Surprise!" the ponies all shouted except for Big Mac and Pinkie. Big Mac just blew a kazoo.
"Surprise! Shoot!" said Pinkie right after she realized that her timing was off. However, instead of seeing Applejack and Mario, there stood before them a mail pony by the name of Parcel Post.
"Wow, this is the best surprise ever!" Parcel Post replied, "How did you know it was my birthday?" His only answer was Twilight taking the letter he was delivering and rudely slamming the barn doors shut, leaving him disappointed. Until Pinkie popped out with both a slice of cake and a smile to cheer him up and then shut the doors once more.
"Who's it from, Twilight? What's it say?" Apple Bloom asked anxiously. Using her magic, Twilight opened the envelope to read the note inside.
"It's from Applejack," said Twilight, "Family and friends, not coming back to Ponyville..." The ponies in the barn all gasped.
"...Don't worry, will send money soon," Twilight finished as she put the letter down, "That's all there is...and she mentions nothing about Mario either." The ponies all gasped again and looked worried.
"Applejack's...not coming back," said Apple Bloom feeling very sad, "and Mario's...disappeared?"
"What do you mean Applejack's not coming back?" said Rainbow in shock.
"And she loves Sweet Apple Acres!" Granny Smith added sadly.
"And she loves her family!" said Apple Bloom, "and what happened to Mario? He told me about why he doesn't compete anymore...I don't think he would run from the competition if thing got rough."
"You're right about that," said Twilight, "Applejack was supposed to provide some support if the audience even tried to boo him out of the competition. Even if by chance she and Mario had a fight, Mario would have just come home. The idea of him running away doesn't make sense." Rarity then gasped dramatically.
"Something just dreadful must have happened to both Applejack and Mario to make them not return!" said Rarity.
"Maybe they're hurt, or sad, or scared," said Fluttershy worried.
"So, what are we waiting for?" said Rainbow, "Let's go find them!" Rainbow was the first to fly out of the barn as Twilight and the others followed.
"Don't worry," said Twilight to the rest of the Apple Family, "We'll search all of Equestria if we have to. We'll bring them back." The family smiled.
"Y'all are the best," said Apple Bloom.
"Thank you, girls!" said Granny Smith as the girls rushed off into the distance. As they disappeared, Granny Smith turned to Big Mac. Despite keeping to himself most of the time, he found it hard to keep his composure as he sniffled and his eyes watered. He was worried about his little sister. Mario as well, but more for Applejack.
It wasn't long before the five ponies had gotten on the train heading directly toward Canterlot. Both Twilight and Rainbow looked out of the window as the royal city came into view in the distance. Just as the train come to a stop at Canterlot station, the five ponies headed toward the stadium where the Equestria Rodeo had taken place. By now, most of the ponies there were cleaning up and packing things away. Regardless, the five ponies split up and began to ask around to see if anypony had seen Applejack and/or Mario. Rarity approached a young stallion as he was trying to impress a mare in the stands when she showed them pictures of Applejack and Mario. The two ponies just shook their heads in reply. Then a clown pony rolled by on a giant beach ball. Pinkie followed the pony while balancing herself on her own beach ball as she showed the clown pony the pictures, but the clown just shook his head, which left Pinkie sad and her beach ball deflated as well. Twilight then approached two mares sweeping in the bleachers and showed them the pictures with her magic, but both mares just gave her "I don't know" looks in reply. Another colt was the moving barrels when Rainbow stopped him and showed him the pictures. He just shook his head and went back to work. Fluttershy tried to approach a sleeping clown pony to ask him about Applejack and Mario, but was waved off before she could even try to speak up or ask her question.
It was few hours later and the five ponies were looking exhausted. Rarity was just brushing the dust off her coat while Twilight had her face planted into a set up table. It was then a mare appeared, donning a traditional cowboy hat, and walked up to them. She took one look at the photos and smiled, which brightened up the day of the five friends. The mare pointed toward some craggy mountains in the distance as the sound of a hawk cry was heard. While the five friends felt a little uneasy and intimidated, they were determined to find Applejack and Mario at all costs. They wasted no time hopping into the next train so they could head to their next destination, which turned out to be a small town called Dodge Junction. Rainbow just looked at the landscape from the window as Rarity sat next to her on one seat. Twilight and Fluttershy shared the seat across from them. Pinkie was sitting alone in the back making soft grunts and panicking sounds with her hind legs crossed.
"I hope this lead doesn't turn out to be a dead end," said Rainbow with concern, "I don't wanna go back empty-hooved after promising we'd find them."
"I don't know how we'll break it to the Apple Family," said Fluttershy worried.
"I don't know how we'll break it to Ponyville!" Twilight added in the same tone.
"I don't know how I'll make to the next stop!" Pinkie said in a panicky tone, emphasizing the fact that somepony had forgot to use the bathroom before getting on the train. Fortunately for Pinkie, Twilight noticed their stop was approaching.
"This is Dodge Junction, girls," said Twilight as the train pulled into the station, "Applejack and Mario are supposed to have come here after the rodeo ended. Let's fan out and try to find them." Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow, and Fluttershy walked across the platform. Pinkie made a direct beeline to the closest single pony outhouse.
"Oh pickles!" said Pinkie as she was knocking loudly on the door, "Hurryhurryhurryhurryhurry! Hurry it up in there!" With the sound of a toilet flush, the door opened right into Pinkie's face and who walked out other than...Applejack herself.
"Huh, some ponies. Sheesh," Applejack grumbled as she walked away. Pinkie ran inside and shut the door...for about two seconds.
"Applejack!" Pinkie exclaimed as she headed over to her friends as Twilight was showing the pictures to some ponies, "I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her!" Pinkie bounced about as she lead the ponies toward an open part of Dodge Junction where Applejack was just walking slowly with her head low. Twilight and Rarity were the first to approach her with Fluttershy and Rainbow right behind them.
"Oh, Applejack, thank heavens!" said Rarity.
"We're go glad you're safe!" said Fluttershy.
"I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her!" Pinkie jumped for joy until she remembered something and crossed her hind legs as she was in the air, "Be right back." Pinkie then ran back into the outhouse. Despite all the smiles, Applejack didn't make eye contact with any of them.
"Uh, hey, everypony," said Applejack slowly, "what's up?" Rainbow was taken aback by Applejack's casual tone.
"Why didn't you come back to Ponyville?!" Rainbow asked as she pointed a fore-hoof at the orange pony.
"Yes, why are you here?" Rarity asked next as the sound of a toilet flushing emphasized Pinkie had taken care of business.
"Are you okay?" Fluttershy asked.
"Do you have any snacks?" Pinkie asked as she reappeared with the group.
"Tell us what happened?" said Twilight, "and what happened to Mario? Where is he?" Applejack just looked at the ground, unsure of what to say to any of her friends' questions when a mare appeared behind her.
"Applejack," said the mare, "Are these some of your Ponyville friends you and Mario told me about?" The mare was a tan colored pony with a cherry colored mane, which she wore a gold cherry patterned headband in, same colored tail, and a pink scarf around her neck. She also had a country accent that had a bit of a southern flare to it. The five other ponies were surprised, especially since the mare said Mario's name.
"Yes, ma'am," said Twilight as she walked up to her.
"And you are?" Rarity asked as she followed behind the purple pony.
"Why, I'm Cherry Jubilee," said the mare, "boss of Cherry Hill Ranch. Hasn't Applejack told ya? I saw her and Mario compete in the Equestria Rodeo. Never saw anypony win so many ribbons in all my life."
"Aw shucks, Miss Jubilee," said Applejack, "You don't have to go into all that."
"Oh, she's so modest," said Cherry Jubilee, "Anyways, I can always use a pony with quick hooves and a strong back. So, when I heard Applejack was looking for a change of scenery, I snapped her up as quick as I could and brought her back to Dodge Junction." The five friends exchanged curious looks with each other.
"Pardon me, Miss Jubilee," said Twilight, "You mentioned that both Applejack and Mario told you about us and we're wondering where he is." Cherry Jubilee laughed.
"Yes, Mario, quite a handsome young feller if I do say so myself," said Cherry Jubilee, "He came along with Applejack to help me out. He got quite a few ribbons himself. Might have won a few more if not for that accident..."
"Accident?!" said the five pony friends as once.
"When Mario was doing the lasso competition, he sprained his right hind leg during mid-performance," said Cherry Jubilee, "Quite a trooper he was. Despite the injury, he finished the routine, but that would be his last event so he could get his hind leg treated. He was hurting too much to continue after that."
"Where is he now?" Twilight asked.
"He's off gathering some groceries at the general store," Cherry Jubilee answered, "I've been keeping him to light work so he doesn't re-injure his leg. Can't tell you how happy he looked being able to just walk today since he had been forced to just sit around for the rest of the rodeo and stick to just paper work and cooking at the ranch. He's eager to show me just how fast and strong he can be once his leg is fully healed...oh there is he is!" The six ponies looked and saw Mario approaching Cherry Jubilee with some saddle bags loaded with goods. They all took noticed of the white bandages around his right hind leg and the fact he was moving at a casual speed and wobbling about as he walked.
"Not too heavy, dear?" Cherry Jubilee asked gently.
"Not at all," said Mario, "though walking with a recovering leg is really a...drag?" Mario the noticed the other ponies standing nearby. Cherry Jubilee took the silence as her cue to skedaddle.
"Well, I'll let you two catch up with your friends," said Cherry Jubilee, "See you both back at the ranch! And don't rush home, Mario!"
"Yes, Miss Jubilee," said Mario, trying to be respectful, but was growing tired of being told to take it easy. He hated not being able to perform at peak performance, but that was the least of his worries. He could tell Applejack looked very uneasy as sweat dripped down her brow.
""Change of scenery"?"Rainbow asked as she got into Applejack's face, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"S'no big deal, guys," said Applejack bluntly, "I thought cherries would be a nice change from apples, so I took the job and came here. That's it. End of story."
"That's it?" said Pinkie in shock, "Well, that's a terrible story!"
"And why is Mario here with you?" said Twilight, not even hiding the fact her tone had some jealousy and...was that...possessiveness?!
"He wanted to help me out despite his leg," said Applejack, "you know he's always there for a pony no matter what. Besides Twilight, he was just helping me settle down and he'd have returned in a week or so. Besides, I couldn't send him home while he's recoverin'."
"Are you in any pain, big brother?" Fluttershy asked in her gentle and sweet nature.
"It's not as bad as it was a couple of days ago," said Mario bravely, "nothing I can't handle. I last I didn't flat out break my hind leg. That would have hurt alot more." Fluttershy smiled
"Then why didn't you say that in your letter?" Twilight demanded, "You're letter mentioned nothing about him. We thought something happened between you two or that Mario had been heckled to the point that he decided to run away again." Mario blinked.
"AJ, you said you were going to tell them I was here to help you," said Mario, "Besides, if we had been in a fight, I would have returned back to Ponyville right away. As for the latter, there were a few...hecklers out there...but Applejack helped me tune them out...mostly."
"Did they give you a hard time when you got hurt, darling?" Rarity asked.
"Actually, no..." said Mario, surprising them, "since I still finished the routine despite the injury, I was given plenty of applause so...it worked out."
"For you maybe," said Applejack under her breath before clearing her throat, "Look, I'm sorry if I worried y'all about Mario. Part of the letter I sent to you about Mario must have fallen out when I sealed it in the envelope. As you can see, Mario is just dandy despite his leg." Twilight and Rainbow look at the two ponies suspiciously as Fluttershy and Rarity looked rather worried.
"Is that all you two have to say?" Rainbow retorted.
"Sorry, but that's all there is to tell," said Applejack bluntly, "Thanks for checkin' on me and Mario, but y'all can go home now. Tell my family hi, and that I'm doing a-okay."
"I made a promise to Applejack to help her get settled in," Mario added bluntly, "and I intend to keep it. I'll be home once I feel like I can leave Applejack on her own." The five friends couldn't believe Applejack and Mario had literally told them to leave. They also couldn't believe that Mario didn't even try to stop Applejack from staying either. Rainbow rushed in front of them.
"Excuse me, AJ, Mario," said Rainbow sternly, "but we didn't travel all over Equestria in search for you two to come home without you!"
"Well, I didn't ask you to come lookin' for me, or Mario for that matter!" Applejack retorted angrily, "There is nothin' to tell and I am not going back to Ponyville!"
"Mario?" Rainbow asked as the colt gave her a stern glare.
"You heard Applejack," said Mario sternly, "I made a promise and I'm gonna keep it despite my hurt leg! So leave us alone. I'll be home soon enough!" Mario and Applejack both stomped away, but not before they could hear Mario scolding Applejack over the fact she didn't double check the letter before mailing it, which left the group even more suspicious.
"I don't care what she and Mario says," said Twilight as she glared at the two ponies, "Applejack is not telling us something and I can't believe Mario is letting her get away with it!"
"Um, Twilight," said Rarity, feeling a little uneasy, "She might have...asked...him not to...if you recall your birthday and my dealings with the Canterlot elite..."
"UGH, darn it, Mario!" said Twilight irritably, "Do you have to be so loyal?"
"Either way, Twilight's right," said Rainbow, "If Mario won't talk because Applejack asked him not to, we gotta get her to spill the beans."
"What?! She had beans?" Pinkie exclaimed as she got into Rainbow's face, "Ugh, I told her I was snacky!" Rainbow just rolled her eyes at Pinkie's randomness.
It was the next day when Applejack entered the working barn wearing a white apron and a hair net on her head. Her apron also had two saddle bags on it. Mario was also there wearing the same attire.
"You ready to put your back into it, Applejack?" Cherry Jubilee asked.
"Sure am, Miss Jubilee," said Applejack.
"If she's gonna do the wheel," said Mario, "What am I going to do?" Cherry Jubilee chuckled.
"Patience, Mario," said Cherry Jubilee, "I know you're eager to work, but you still gotta make sure that you don't strain that leg of yours and get hurt again."
"Yes, ma'am," said Mario, not hiding the sadness in his tone.
"Don't you worry there, big brother," said Applejack as she jumped inside of the wheel, "I'm sure you'll get to do something to help me out. All set to go!"
"Terr-ific," said Cherry Jubilee as she headed towards the front of the barn, "Come on in, girls!" Applejack and Mario gasped in shock before looking away with an irritated look on their faces. Their five friends all walked inside wearing the same attire and ready to work.
Should have known they wouldn't give up so easily Mario thought, Well, I've got nothing to hide, so it's up to Applejack to speak up.
"What are you all doing here?" Applejack asked interrogatively.
"We're your cherry sorters," Twilight answered as she and the rest of the girls got started, "Shall we get started?"
"Fine," Applejack said bluntly.
"Before you do," Mario replied, "If I'm not sorting, than what is my job today?"
"Supervise of course," Cherry Jubilee answered, "You'll also swap the bins when they get full so the others can get the cherries ready for market or for baking. Just be sure to use your magic and not your hind legs to move them. Is that clear young man?"
"Yes, ma'am," said Mario plainly, not liking the fact he couldn't use his strength yet.
"Haha," Cherry Jubilee chuckled sympathetically before facing the other girls, "red cherries go in one bin and yellow cherries go in the other. Simple as cherry pie. Uh, just one teensy thing to remember - have fun!" That got everypony, minus Applejack, smiling as Cherry Jubilee took her leave.
"What are you five up to?" said Applejack.
"Well, uh, you made working on a cherry orchard sound...so delightful," Rarity answered.
"Right," said Mario skeptically, "I'll believe that when you walk out of your Boutique, throw yourself in mud, and stay covered in it around town for a day." Rarity snorted to herself.
"Uh-huh," said Applejack, "Well, just remember. No talking about Ponyville."
"Hey, I wanna know when I get my Mario back!" Twilight snapped. Everypony stared at Twilight as Mario's jaw dropped. Twilight had a long face of disbelief at what had just left her mouth.
"Did you just say I was your Mario?" the colt asked. Twilight just buried her face into the conveyor belt and refused to speak or look at anypony. Mario rolled his eyes, not even noticing that Twilight's face was literally as red as a cherry of the same color.
"Twilight, I appreciate it if you would quit teasing me," Mario said sternly to Twilight before turning to the others, "But you heard Applejack, no talking about Ponyville. I'll be home when I feel like heading home! End of story!"
"Fine!" Rainbow snapped and faced Applejack, "Why don't you quit talking and get walking?" Applejack just glared as she began to slowly walk the wheel, which made the gears turn the conveyor belt as the cherries began to make their way out of a chute. The five ponies did their best to push the right colors into the two bins. Despite the slow speed, the five friends still felt rather overwhelmed at making sure they didn't miss any cherries. Rainbow then glanced over to Applejack who was just keeping to herself as she walked the wheel. She then looked at Mario, who seemed focused on making sure the cherries were being sorted properly. She gave Twilight, who had finally got the red off her face, a wink to initiate their "Master Plan".
"So, AJ, Mario, how was Canterlot?" Twilight asked, making Applejack and Mario's eyes pop out for a second as they both glared at her.
"Not talking about Ponyville," said Twilight, "talking about Canterlot. Totally different town."
"Canterlot was fine," said Applejack once she recomposed herself.
"It was okay," said Mario, "Despite the leg injury."
"How did you injure yourself, darling?" said Rarity, "I mean, what were you doing in the lasso competition."
"I was dancing and twirling two lassos at once while standing on my hind legs," said Mario, "My leg simply tweaked in the wrong direction when I was dancing."
"Ouch," said Pinkie, "I've done that before. It's no fun when it happens and it's not the type of surprise anypony wants either." Mario hummed in agreement.
"Aside from that, was the rodeo fun?" Twilight asked.
"Yes," said Applejack and Mario together bluntly.
"Did you meet some nice ponies there?" Twilight asked, now standing next to Applejack as she continued to walk the wheel.
"Some," said Applejack since she knew more about rodeo celebrities than Mario.
"Really? Did you see Wild Bull Hickok? What about Calamity Mane?" Rainbow asked as she hovered nearby.
"Yes, we saw 'em both," said Applejack. Rainbow just smiled excitedly, wanting to hear more, but all she received from the orange pony was a long pouty face. Rainbow then glared and crossed her forelegs indignantly.
"And how did you and Mario meet Miss Jubilee?" Rarity asked as she stood behind Twilight, leaving just Fluttershy and Pinkie to handle the conveyor belt.
"Um, well, Miss Jubilee had a cherry stand at the rodeo," Applejack answered with an eye roll, "Real good treats."
"Um, excuse me?" said Fluttershy softly. As Applejack was talking, she had subconsciously picked up her pace, making the conveyor belt go faster and making it harder to sort the cherries.
"Cherry winks, cherry cheesecake, cherry tarts," Applejack continued with her nose in the air, "we struck on a conversation, me and her being orchard folk and all. Nearly thought Mario and I were a couple, but I put that to rest real quick. Twilight, I'll admit that I love Mario, but it's the same way I love Big Mac." While Twilight was inwardly relieved about that part, she still wanted answers and the rest of her friends felt the same way.
"So you told her about Sweet Apple Acres?" Twilight asked next.
"Yes," Applejack answered.
"Did you tell her why you weren't coming back? I'm assuming Mario knows, but won't tell due to the old code of loyalty," asked Rainbow sternly.
"No, 'cuz it was none of her business!" said Applejack angrily, "And leave Mario out of this. He's just being a good friend and being respectful of my decision!" Mario would have smiled in gratitude, but at the moment was trying to pick up the slack since Applejack had increased the speed of the conveyor belt again and Fluttershy and Pinkie were really having a hard time keeping pace.
"Ooh...Can you please slow down?" Fluttershy pleaded, but wasn't heard by anypony other than Mario.
"Applejack, slow it down! We're not running a race!" said Mario, but was ignored.
"Is it because I made it rain on you that one time?" Rainbow asked curiously.
"No!" Applejack snapped and started running even faster.
"Help!" Fluttershy called out, now panicking since she could no longer sort the cherries. Even Pinkie started scooping up large amounts of cherries into her saddle bags and pockets and even on top of her hair net. She even dumped a bunch of cherries on top of Fluttershy's hair net.
"Applejack! Slow it down!" Mario yelled.
"Is it because you were insulted when I gave you that book on organized orchards?" Twilight asked worried.
"NO!" Applejack shouted as she started sprinting on the wheel. Now Fluttershy and Pinkie were getting buried under cherries. Without his speed, Mario couldn't keep up with the cherries either and was getting buried as well. Pinkie even tried to stuff as many cherries as she could into her mouth.
"Hey, no eating the profits!" Mario shouted, "Applejack slow down!"
"Is it because you were insulted when I insulted your hair?" Rarity asked.
"No, no, NO!" Applejack yelled angrily, "I'm not telling you why, so just-"
"STOP!" Fluttershy and Mario shouted. As Applejack finally put on the brakes, she realized her mistake. Because she stopped so fast, the cherries went flying off the conveyor belt...and right at Applejack.
SPLAT!
Applejack opened her eyes and found that she was covered from head to hoof in cherry goop. The barn area was also covered in cherry goop. Everypony gasped, except for Pinkie since her mouth was still loaded with cherries. Mario wobbled over to her.
"Are you okay?" Mario asked worried, "I was trying to warn you that you were going too fast." Applejack just glared before jumping off the wheel and making her exit. Mario just sighed before turning to face the others. They didn't need long to see he was angry as well.
"Mario-" Twilight began.
"Listen," said Mario sternly as he wobbled over and gathered as many un-smashed cherries into their proper bins with his magic, "Some wise ponies once taught me that you can't force somepony to talk about something they don't want to talk about. Just back off of Applejack and in time, she'll talk. For now, get this place cleaned up while I go make sure Applejack is okay."
"Who put you in charge?" Rainbow retorted as Mario narrowed his eyes at her.
"Miss Jubilee, that's who!" said Mario firmly, "I normally don't say this to any of you, but...just do what I say. Please?" Mario then wobbled away to catch up with Applejack as the others just looked at each other.
"Should we do what he says?" Rainbow asked, her tone showing she was hoping nopony would.
"Well, he did say please," Fluttershy pointed out and that seemed to be the consensus, much to Rainbow's annoyance. With some brooms and cloths at hoof, the five ponies got to work cleaning up splattered cherry goop.
"Well, girls, we seem to be striking out," Twilight said to everypony else.
"That's 'cause we're playing too nice," said Rainbow.
"Yes. Desperate times do call for desperate measures," Rarity added as she used a cloth to wipe the conveyor belt, "But I did notice that Mario was actually trying to answer our questions so it is clear the one keeping secrets is Applejack.
"Fine, we'll leave Mario alone...for now," said Rainbow, "it's time to call in the big guns." She turned to look at Pinkie, who was simply using her tongue to clean the conveyor belt. The fact there was a triple zoom on her face just emphasized the fact that Applejack was in BIG trouble.
Later that afternoon, Applejack was just bucking the cherry trees in the orchard. Mario was there to help, but was simply setting up the baskets so Applejack could fill them up. While Mario was allowed to carry the cherries back, he still had to wait for Applejack to fill them up first and carry only one basket at a time. Fortunately, Applejack was just as fast filling cherry baskets as she was filling up buckets of apples. Mario then picked up a basket with his magic and wobbled away to the edge of the orchard where Cherry Jubilee's other workers would store them up. It was once Applejack was alone that Rainbow executed her...weapon of mass destruction (shutters inwardly). Applejack then heard a strangle sound nearby.
"Hey, Applejack," said Pinkie as she appeared out of the blue, "Need some help?"
"You promise not to ask me any questions?" Applejack requested upfront.
"I promise," said Pinkie with a smile. They began to collect cherries together. Applejack just eyeballed the pink pony suspiciously when she bucked a tree.
"Have you ever had a cherrychanga?" Pinkie asked but then retracted a bit, "Ooh! Sorry, that was a question."
"That kind of question is fine, Pinkie," said Applejack, "No, I-I never had a cherrychanga."
"Well, no wonder," Pinkie answered as she pushed her nose into Applejack's face, "because I made it up myself. A cherrychanga is mashed up cherries in a tortilla that is deep fried. Cherrychanga. Great name, huh? Oh, maybe I should call it chimicherry. Ooh, that's good too. Which do you think sounds better? Cherrychanga or chimicherry? Or what if I combined them? Chimicherrychanga. What sounds the funniest? I like funny words! One of my favorite words is "kumquat"! I didn't make that one up. I would work in a kumquat orchard just so I could say "kumquat" all day! Kumquat, kumquat, kumquat! And "pickle barrel"! Isn't that just the funnest thing to say? Pickle barrel, pickle barrel, pickle barrel! Say it with me! Pickle barrel, kumquat, pickle barrel, kumquat, pickle barrel, kumquat, chimicherrychanga!"
As Pinkie continued to talk non-stop, Applejack tried her best to ignore her and continue her work. Applejack could feel her patience starting to slip as Pinkie seemed to keep on talking without end and was also bouncing around her constantly. It didn't take long before Applejack's irritation turned into discomfort as one thing began to cross her mind:
Why. Won't. She. Stop. TALKING?!
Pinkie then got right in front of her, still talking away as if she never needed to breathe. Applejack just looked from side to side. As strong as she was, Pinkie's endless talking was just too much.
"NOOOOOO!" Applejack shouted at the top of her lungs with her fore-legs in the air and standing on just her hind legs before crouching to the ground with her fore-legs on her hat, raising one fore-hoof in the air as she pleaded desperately, "Make it stop, make it stop!" It was then Rainbow arrived and used a fore-hoof to cover Pinkie's mouth. Pinkie was still talking despite having her mouth being covered and Rainbow had earplugs on.
"The only way to make it stop is for you to spill the beans," said Rainbow.
"Never!" Applejack replied. Despite the ear plugs, Rainbow heard Applejack's reply and removed her fore-hoof from Pinkie's mouth.
"Speaking of beans," Pinkie continued at a fast pace, "did you ever realize how many words rhyme with "beans"? Lean, mean, splean, unclean, bean..." Applejack began to panic as she found herself back against a tree.
"Alright, alright!" Applejack retorted as she found herself surround by her five friends, "I'll tell everypony what's goin' on! Just please stop talkin'!"
"Applejack!" called a voice as they all turned to see Mario hobbling as quickly as he could and looking out of breath.
"Heard...you...scream..." he panted heavily as he got next to her, "Had...to...see...if you're...okay..." Applejack just sighed as the others looked at him sympathetically. They could tell he had to work extra hard just to move quickly due to his sore leg.
"She's fine," Rainbow answered, "Applejack was going to tell us what's really going on."
"But...can't it wait 'til tomorrow at breakfast?" Applejack asked as she rubbed the back of her head, "I'm plum tuckered out."
"Tomorrow, huh?" said Rainbow as she looked at the orange pony suspiciously, "I don't know."
"Do you Pinkie promise?" said Pinkie. Applejack just sighed.
"I will tell you the whole truth at breakfast," said Applejack, "Pinkie promise." The five girls smiled to each other before leaving to let Applejack have her space. Once Applejack stood up, Mario gave her a hug.
"I'm proud of you AJ," Mario told her with a smile, "This is the right thing to do. They will understand. Just trust me." Applejack just said nothing as Mario hobbled on his way to catch up with the others.
The sun was just minutes away from rising into the air as Applejack was busy packing up her saddle bags. Despite her Pinkie promise, all she had on her mind was to get away from Dodge Junction as fast as possible. Applejack carefully tucked a note in her stenson hat to explain her departure to Cherry Jubilee and went to leave her room when...
Mario was standing right outside her door and he was not happy to see her.
"Somehow I just knew you would try to turn tail and run," said Mario as he glared at her.
"Step aside, Mario," said Applejack, "I'm in no mood to talk."
"This isn't like you!" Mario retorted angrily, "The Applejack I know and love doesn't run away from her problems. She faces them head on, no matter how painful the truth might be. That's why you're the element of honesty!"
"I said move!" Applejack demanded.
"No!" said Mario sternly and stood his ground, "I'm not letting you run away from this. Either you tell our friends the truth or I'm going to tell them!" Applejack gasped and narrowed her eyes at him.
"You promised me you would keep quiet about this!" Applejack retorted angrily.
"I know I did," said Mario, "because I thought we could settle this problem quietly, but that isn't an option anymore. AJ, our friends are here now and they want to help you. No matter where you run, they will keep coming after you. And I'd hate to see you run so much that you lose all your friendships because you keep pushing them away. I won't let you do that to yourself. They need to know! Don't make me go over your head because this time I will!" Mario continued to stare her down as Applejack groaned and lowered her head.
"It's going to be okay," said Mario as he reached to give her a hug, but that was a mistake as Applejack pushed him out of the way and made a run for it. Mario winced as he put his weight on his sore leg before using his magic to grab her.
"You're not going anywhere!" Mario snapped angrily, but then made his second mistake. As he pulled her back into the room, she was still facing away from him. His magic wasn't strong enough to contain such a strong earth pony for too long. So when Applejack broke free...
POW!
CRASH!
She bucked her hind legs...right at Mario's head.
The impact sent Mario flying into the back wall and knocked him out.
(Lose a life fanfare)
Applejack gasped when she felt her hind legs make contact with something and turned around to see the now knocked out colt laying against the wall of her room. Applejack began to panic as she saw a bruise forming on the side of his head.
"What have I done?" Applejack whimpered as she panted heavily, "I...I gotta get away from here!" The sun had barely began to rise as Applejack dropped off her note downstairs and then left the Cherry Ranch as fast as she could. Applejack hadn't gone too far as the rest of her friends were heading toward her room to meet her.
"I'm glad we're finally gonna get some answers from Applejack," said Twilight happily as the rest of the girls smiled, except for Rainbow.
"Yeah, maybe," Rainbow answered skeptically.
"Don't worry, Rainbow," said Pinkie, "She's gotta fess up after making a Pinkie promise." Twilight then knocked on the door, but then grew worried when there was no answer.
"Good morning, Applejack," said Pinkie as she peaked into the room, "You ready for br-GASP!" Pinkie was then shocked to see that the room was empty and Applejack was gone. As Twilight and the others walked inside, Twilight turned to see Mario still leaning against the side of the wall knocked out.
"Mario!" said Twilight and Rainbow went over to him as Rarity and Fluttershy gasped.
"Oh my goodness, look at that bruise!" Rarity exclaimed as Fluttershy covered her mouth. Fortunately, Twilight always carried a spare green and white mushroom for emergencies.
(Extra Life fanfare)
It was few seconds before Mario finally woke up, groaning due to the bruise on his head. Rainbow was furious.
"Did Applejack do this to you?!" Rainbow demanded angrily.
"...Tried to stop her...but she...bucked me in the head and I was knocked into the wall," Mario said wearily since his head hurt, "still...can't race after her..." The others were horrified.
"Are you in any pain?" Fluttershy asked as Mario glared at her.
"What do you think?!" Mario snapped softly, "AJ bucked me in the head...hard! Now I'm dizzy and woozy and I have short term memory loss...and I have short term memory loss." The others rolled their eyes at this since they couldn't tell if Mario was serious about the memory loss issue. Pinkie just stood in place as the sound of a kettle boiling could be heard.
She had FURY.
"You hurt my big brother!" Pinkie shouted, "but worse than that...Nopony breaks a Pinkie Promise!" Pinkie then zoomed out of the room as high speed. Rainbow and Fluttershy decided to work together to help carry the still woozy Mario as they followed Pinkie out of the barn.
At the train station, Applejack was literally bouncing with anxiety. She needed to leave now, but today had to be the day the train was late. She had to get away before...
"APPLEJACK!"
Too late...there not too far away were all six of her friends with an enraged Pinkie leading the charge.
"You hurt my big brother!" Pinkie shouted and then added in an enraged and distorted tone, "YOU PINKIE PROMISED!" Applejack yelped, making the quick decision to forget the train and just run for her life.
"Applejack, come back here!" Pinkie yelled. Applejack then saw a coach hooked up to four strong stallions.
"Giddy up, fellas," said Applejack as she climbed aboard and whipped the reins, "I gotta get the heck out of Dodge!" The coach ponies just neighed as they began to take off just as the six ponies arrived and Rainbow and Fluttershy set Mario down.
"Oh no you...GAH!" Mario tried to take off but his sore leg prevented him from accelerating.
"Mario, don't," said Twilight, "You're leg still needs to heal." Mario gave an irritated growl, making Twilight step back a bit.
"She's gonna get away!" Pinkie shouted, reminding them of the stage coach that was getting away.
"Oh no, she won't!" Twilight remarked, "Look, you guys!" Twilight pointed over to find a two pony wagon nearby. Rainbow and Fluttershy each hooked up to a harness while the others piled inside the wagon.
"Fluttershy!" Mario called out as he tossed not one but three horseshoe cookies to her. Fluttershy tucked two inside of her mane and consumed one to give her a much needed speed boost.
"Follow that stagecoach!" Pinkie shouted as the two Pegasi began to accelerate as fast they could. As the four stallions to the stage coach picked up their speed, Applejack looked back and noticed that she was being followed. It wasn't long before Rainbow and Fluttershy had caught up to the stage coach.
"Oh, we have you now!" Pinkie shouted as Fluttershy and Rainbow got alongside the stage coach. Suddenly, a grey bunny appeared in the middle of the road. Fluttershy gasped as she began to break. The cart came to a screeching halt as it nearly turned 180 degrees, but it managed to stop just in time to prevent the back wheel from hitting the bunny. The bunny just sniffed the wheel and hopped away. While Fluttershy was relieved, Rainbow glared and rolled her eyes at her.
"Rainbow, could you live with yourself if we had run the bunny over?" Mario asked as Rainbow just accelerated before Fluttershy was ready to continue. It didn't take long for Fluttershy to notice that her speed boost had worn off and used one of her fore-hooves to poke her hair for the second cookie. Once she ate it, the two Pegasi were able to built up speed once more. Applejack just laughed as her coach made their way in the outskirts of town and into the desert wastelands. But her relief was short-lived as the six friends were able to catch up to her once again. Applejack was shocked that they had managed to catch up and was even more shocked when her coach was given a violent bump.
"Whoa! What the hay?" Applejack exclaimed.
"Pull over!" Rainbow shouted as she and Fluttershy rammed the side of the stagecoach again.
"Hey! Cut that out! Whoa!" Applejack retorted when they rammed her coach again, sending her into the air for a second before the landed inside.
"I'll pay you double to outrun them!" Applejack told the stallions, who increased their speed.
"We'll pay you triple to slow down!" Twilight offered. The stallions smirked at each other before they did slow down...too quickly as Rainbow and Fluttershy were now running ahead of the stage coach.
"I'll pay you quadruple to leave them in the dust!" Applejack offered as she took control of the reins. With the sound of horses neighing and an engine revving, the four stallions zoomed ahead, leaving a trail of dust that made the six ponies cough and splutter as they all slowed down a bit.
"That was rude!" Rarity remarked.
"I'll say," said Mario, "I was about to offer tenfold!"
"Why not just quintuple?" Twilight asked.
"Get them! Get them!" Pinkie shouted angrily, getting the group re-focused.
"Come on, Fluttershy!" Rainbow called out as Fluttershy consumed the last cookie and they zoomed back up the stage coach once more. Applejack gasped when she saw the six ponies approaching fast.
"Hyah! C'mon, y'all! Go, go!" Applejack called out to the stallions as she whipped the reins. The stallions just glared as the wagon was once again right beside the stagecoach. Pinkie glared as she made the a huge leap from the wagon to the stage coach, landing right beside Applejack.
"Applejack, you broke your Pinkie promise! Apologize!" Pinkie demanded.
"Pinkie, I did not break my promise!" Applejack retorted with an eye roll.
"Wha?" Pinkie said stunned.
"If y'all reckon back, I told you that I would tell you everything at breakfast," Applejack clarified, "But I didn't come to breakfast. I couldn't come to that breakfast, not if it meant tell y'all what happened."
"Well, I...I..." Pinkie stuttered.
"So you did that just you could have an escape route! I can't believe you!" Mario yelled furiously, "I thought you would do the right thing but instead you just wanted to turn tail and run! You're a lair, Applejack! A COWARD!"
"Mario!" Twilight scolded as she put a fore-hoof on his shoulder and shook her head at him. Mario just panted heavily. Twilight then kissed his cheek, letting him know that she understood why he was so angry but now wasn't the time to vent. Mario calmed down a bit, but was still very upset.
"I'm sorry, Pinkie," said Applejack, deciding the ignore what Mario had said for the moment, "but I can't tell y'all the truth. I just can't." Rarity and Twilight just looked at each other as Mario just looked away bitterly.
"Well I heard a "sorry" in there, so that'll have to do for now," said Pinkie, clearly annoyed, "I'll get a real apology later. Rarity, Mario, catch me!" Pinkie then jumped off the stage coach and let gravity do the rest.
"What?" said Rarity.
"Pinkie-" Mario added.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! UGH!" Rarity and Mario screamed as the pink pony came right at them and, with a crushing impact, knocking Rarity and Mario out of the speeding wagon.
"Rainbow go back!" Twilight called out.
"No time!" Rainbow answered, "They knew what they were getting into!" With that, the wagon zoomed away and out of sight. Rarity coughed from the dust left behind as they all sat up. Each of them were covered in scratches and pieces of cactus stuck in their manes. Rarity just glared as Pinkie just smiled innocently. Mario was panting heavily.
"RAINBOW GET YOUR FLANK BACK HERE!" he shouted before grunting loudly, "Some element of loyalty you are!"
"Mario, calm down," said Rarity, "I know getting left behind is upsetting, but no reason to lose your temper over it!" Mario just groaned.
"Sorry, I'm just so...angry with Applejack right now," said Mario, "I don't know what hurts more. The bruise on my head. the ache in my heart, or the fact my sore leg hurts from falling out of the wagon!"
"Don't worry, big brother," said Pinkie with a smile, "You've got me to help cheer you up! How about we come up with funny words to say?" Mario's eyes widened before he made a chasse sofa appear out of nowhere. Then he threw himself into it and broke down crying. Rarity just shot him a dirty look.
"You do know he learned that from you right?" Pinkie pointed out. Rarity rolled her eyes. There was no way she was going to admit to that.
Back to the chase, Applejack started to regain some confidence as the stage coach begin to pull away from the remaining three ponies. Then she heard the sound of some railway crossing bells and saw a railroad crossing up ahead. She noticed that the crossing arms had dropped and a long passenger train was approaching. Applejack titled her hat forward.
"Yes. Hyah!" she shouted as she whipped the reins for the stallions to keep going and not stop. The train just continued to approach the tracks and even the stallions looked worried. Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Twilight were worried as well. But Applejack had made up her mind that she was going to chance outrunning the train or risk one serious accident. The train was approaching fast and the stage coach crashed through the crossing guards and made it across just as the train raced through the crossing and down the track.
"Yee-Haw!" said Applejack excitedly before the stage coach came to a stop and she hopped out.
"Lady, you're trouble," the four stallions remarked annoyed before taking off, not even bothering to collect their "bonus" pay. Applejack just smiled as the train went down the track.
"Ha, try and catch me now," Applejack gloated, but soon regretted it when she saw Fluttershy and Rainbow literally jump right over the train.
"Oh, nuts," Applejack remarked. She had forgotten the ponies pulling the wagon were Pegasi. The wagon landed nearby as Fluttershy panted to catch her breath. She had pushed herself to the limit and used up all three of the speed up cookies Mario had given her. Applejack wasn't going to surrender just yet and took off.
"Not so fast!" said Rainbow as she unhooked herself from the harness and took off after the orange pony. She didn't take long to catch up to Applejack and tackled her to the ground, knocking out the contents from Applejack's saddle bags. Applejack just looked at the scattered ribbons before she finally decided to surrender.
"Fine," Applejack conceded as she covered her eyes, "Now you know."
"Know what?" Twilight asked as she and Fluttershy caught up to Applejack and Rainbow.
"Well, just look!" Applejack remarked, pointing to the various collection of ribbons.
"I am," said Twilight with a smile, "you won an amazing number of ribbons, just like Miss Jubilee said."
"Don't you get it?" Applejack retorted before sitting down, "There's every color of ribbon down there. Every color...but...blue. I came in fourth, third, and even second, but I didn't win one first prize, and I certainly didn't win any prize money!"
"Wait! There's a few more ribbons in here," said Rainbow as she peeked into the other side of Applejack's saddle bag without asking, "There's a red ribbon, three white ribbons, and...there a blue ribbon right here!" The other's smiled as Applejack just sighed.
"That one is Mario's," said Applejack sadly, "I came in fourth in that event and the prize money was used to pay for his medical fees."
"Well that's messed up," Rainbow remarked and then remember, "Wait! But the telegram said you were gonna send money."
"That's why I came here," said Applejack as she walked away a bit, "I wanted to earn some money. Mario felt the same way despite his leg. After that big send off Ponyville gave us, we didn't have the nerve to come home empty-hooved. And I..." Applejack bit her lip before letting the rest come out. "I cried. There I said it! I was so disappointed in myself that I started crying and Mario was there for me so I didn't feel like a fool when I did. In the end, he agreed that he was going to help me raise the money so I wouldn't have to come home a failure."
"Applejack, you're not a failure," said Twilight with a smile.
"And we're your friends," Rainbow added, "We don't care if you came in fiftieth place! You're still number one in our books."
"So...you're not upset or disappointed?" Applejack asked worried.
"Nn-nn," said Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Twilight as they shook their heads and smiled.
"But what about the mayor?" Applejack asked worried as she got into Twilight's face, "I don't think I can face her and tell I didn't get that money to raise the roof."
"Applejack," said Fluttershy sweetly, "we can always find a way to fix that hole in the roof. But if you don't come back, we'll never be able to fix the hole in our hearts." Fluttershy and Twilight each gave her a friendly cheek to cheek nuzzle with Applejack from the side as the three smiled. Hovering above, Rainbow had been rather touched and was even sniffling as a couple of tears left her eyes. She soon realized what she was doing and recomposed herself.
"Darn it! Now you got me acting all sappy!" Rainbow yelled as she crossed her fore-hooves indignantly. Applejack just looked at the blue Pegasus and then back at Twilight and Fluttershy, her smile never leaving her face.
"Dear Princess Celestia," Applejack recited as she, Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Twilight took the train home to Ponyville, "It's a tad easier to be proud when you come in first than it is when you finish further back. But there's no reason to hide when you don't do as well as you hoped. You can't run away from your problems. Better to run to your friends and family." As Applejack continued reciting her letter, she stuck her head outside the window and waved as she saw her family, Mayor Mare, and several other ponies there to give her a warm welcome home. Winona was the first to tackle Applejack to the ground, giving her slobbery kisses in the process. Fluttershy and Twilight just smiled as Big Mac shed some tears and the others smile. Then Big Mac dog piled Applejack and Winona, with Granny Smith and Apple Bloom following pursuit.
"Hey! Where's Mario?" Apple Bloom asked as Applejack's eyes shrunk.
"Oh...boy..." Applejack said wearily, "I think we forgot somepony y'all!" Twilight, Fluttershy , and Rainbow only need half a second before they gasped. They had been so eager to get home that they had forgotten Pinkie, Rarity, and Mario had been left behind during the chase.
"Uh-oh," the three said at once.
Out in the middle of the desert, two Ponies were using their fore-legs to operate a handcart down the track to get home. Usually Rarity would have waited for a train, but she was more determined to get to Ponyville as soon as possible and had suggested their current mode of transportation instead. Since Mario couldn't stand on his hind legs, all he could do was sulk as he sat between the two girls.
And of course it was Pinkie who decided to provide some travel conversation. Oh boy...
"Which do you think, Rarity and Mario?" Pinkie said before asking non-stop, "Chimicherry or cherrychanga? Chimicherry, cherrychanga? Chimicherry, cherrychanga? Chimicherry, cherrychanga? Chimicherry, cherrychanga?..."
"When I get back you're gonna get it, Rainbow Dash," Rarity snarled.
"Applejack is the one whose gonna get it!" Mario added bitterly, "and I'm tempted to give it to Pinkie if she doesn't zip it soon!" Pinkie didn't seem to take notice of Mario's warning or Rarity's threat as they just continued down the track and Pinkie just kept on talking...
The sun was setting when they finally arrived at Ponyville Station and Pinkie had finally stopped talking (that was mostly cause Mario and Rarity pleaded with her to stop in tears). They found that the rest of their friends were waiting for them.
"Thank goodness you're alright," said Twilight as she helped Mario off the handcart.
"We didn't mean to leave you guys behind," said Fluttershy sadly, "We just wanted to get Applejack home." Rarity and Mario's glares softened.
"It's okay," said Mario before he and Rarity glared in another direction, "You're not the ponies were furious with!" Applejack and Rainbow both looked rather uneasy. Rainbow chuckled sheepishly and tried to take off before Rarity used her magic to snag the blue Pegasus by the tail.
"I'll deal with Rainbow," said Rarity sternly as she turned to Mario and Pinkie, "You two can deal with Applejack." Mario and Pinkie nodded as Applejack removed her hat.
"I guess you should know why..."
"Mario already filled us in," said Rarity to Applejack, "It was a long ride home after all. I'm not the one you need to apologize to." Applejack whimpered as she saw the fierce glare Mario and Pinkie were giving her as Rarity dragged Rainbow away. Twilight and Fluttershy watched with worry.
"First of all," said Applejack to Pinkie, "I'm sorry about breaking the Pinkie promise. I just wasn't ready to tell the truth to y'all. I hope you can forgive me for that."
"Now that's a sincere apology," said Pinkie with her cheerful smile, "All is forgiven!" Pinkie then bounced away. While Applejack smiled, it soon faded when she saw Mario didn't chuckle at Pinkie's sudden mood shift. She wasn't sure of what to say.
"Mario..."
"Applejack," said Mario in a low tone, "give me one good reason I shouldn't just walk away right now." Applejack felt her heart break. She knew she had hurt Mario badly, especially physically, but had never expect he would be this angry with her. In fact, she hadn't seen him this angry since the Gala. It scared her to see Mario like this. She knew saying sorry wasn't enough. So she went for the most honest thing she could think of.
"Because I need you," Applejack said as her voice cracked, giving him a very sad and guilt ridden face. Mario just lowered his eyes a bit, not saying anything for a few seconds before looking at her.
"Then tell me Applejack," said Mario slowly, "What am I doing wrong here?" Applejack blinked.
"H-huh?" she asked puzzled and even the others looked stunned.
"What am I doing wrong here?" Mario demanded, "When you broke down at the rodeo, I was there for you and I wanted to do everything I could to help you raise that money despite the pain that's still in my hind leg! Yet when the time came for you to come clean and put your friends' worries to rest, you needed help to find the courage to tell the truth. I wanted to give you that courage and this is how you thank me for it!" Mario pointed to the bruise on his head, "If this is how you value me as your best friend, than maybe I won't care anymore!" Mario panted heavily. The other five ponies just gasped, but then Mario saw something that made his anger melt instantly.
Applejack began to cry...openly.
Mario didn't need long before he pulled Applejack in for a hug and let her shed tears on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry," she whimpered, "I'm so sorry."
"I'm sorry, too," said Mario, "I didn't mean that last part. I was just hurt because you didn't just choose to ignore my advice, but you actually hurt me physically. If you don't want to be my friend, you could just say so instead of trying to knock my head off."
"No!" Applejack croaked, "I never meant to buck you! I was afraid of you telling the others the truth and I acted out of panic. It doesn't excuse that I did that. I still can't believe I just ran and left you either. You're right. I haven't been a good friend to you lately..." Mario just hummed. He didn't feel angry with her anymore since he could see just how sorry she was.
"I can understand that," said Mario, "when you're scared or panicking it's hard to think straight. I know I've made plenty of mistakes when that happens."
"We all have," said Twilight, "at least you didn't nearly cause a riot in Ponyville."
"Or make a fool of yourself in front of others," Rainbow added.
"Or publically disgrace yourself in front of the Canterlot elite," Rarity added.
"Or bring Sugarcube Corner to the ground," Pinkie added as the others just looked at her shocked.
"I'm referring to when I baby-sat the cake twins not too long ago," Pinkie remarked.
"Oh!" the ponies answered and nodded in agreement.
"We all make mistakes," said Fluttershy, "and sometimes we do hurt each other because if it."
"But friendship is always worth fighting for," said Twilight, "wouldn't you agree?" Mario looked at Applejack and smiled.
"Yeah," said Mario, "I don't want our friendship to end."
"Neither do I sugarcube," said Applejack as she wiped her eyes and they exchanged a warm hug with each other. As they pulled away, Mario flinched since he had leaned on his sore leg by mistake again.
"Mario, would you let me take you back to Sweet Apple Acres?" Applejack offered, "You can stay there I can nurse your sore leg. I'm sure Granny's got some ointment to take care of that bruise. It's the least I could do after you've been such a great friend." Mario wanted to decline, but he knew when somepony was pleading with him.
"If it would help you feel better, then I accept," said Mario. Applejack smiled before surprising him by scooping him into her back and started to carry him home. Mario was embarassed at being carried, but still tried to enjoy the ride. The others five girls just smiled until Rainbow felt Rarity tug her mane so they were making eye contact.
"Now about you..." Rarity said with a smirk, making Rainbow gulp.
Let's just say Rainbow would make the cover of several fashion magazines since Rarity made her model her newest fashion designs and got photographed.
Mario knew it would be weeks before Rainbow would find the confidence to leave her house not wearing sunglasses and a trench coat.
Sorry for the long update, but it was the holidays after all.
I hope my alternate take wasn't too dramatic. After all, Mario has feelings too you know and I did make a point at the beginning of season 2 that Applejack seems to have no problem crying on the outside with him, but not other ponies.
Plus I always wondered what Rarity did to Rainbow after being left behind with Pinkie in the desert. LOL
Peace Pony Fans!