The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000
Pony's Log Number 215: While innovation is a wonderful thing, no amount of commercialism should compromise the love and integrity of a good product...or the family who creates it...
It was very early in the morning at Fluttershy's cottage. So early that the sun had not risen in the sky. Fluttershy was just snoozing soundly in her bed, dreaming peaceful dreams, when some knocking could be heard nearby. Fluttershy just yawned as she heard the knocking again.
"Who could that be?" said Fluttershy sleepily, "It's still dark!" Suddenly, a Rainbow blur came bashing through her window and crashed into the other side of her room.
"C'mon, Fluttershy!" said Rainbow once she recovered and got into Fluttershy's face, "Cider season's about to start!" Fluttershy gave a squee as Rainbow pulled off her blanket. Fluttershy blushed sheepishly and crossed her hooves to cover herself. Rainbow just looked annoyed. Didn't Fluttershy remember that they didn't wear clothes except for fancy occasions? Rainbow didn't think about it too much and Fluttershy shrieked as Rainbow pushed her out of the window at high speed and into the open skies.
"Oh, where are we?" said Fluttershy, still feeling rather drowsy. Since she hadn't fully woken up just yet, she hadn't really heard anything about what Rainbow had said to her, "what's the rush?" The two Pegasi were still flying at high speed, but rather than try to keep up with Rainbow, Fluttershy kept pace by just riding the momentum Rainbow had given her when she was pushed her out of her home. Whether it was cause she still sleepy or not, Fluttershy had adjusted to the speed easily. She had to thank Mario for those speed cookies since she was getting better at being comfortable moving at high speeds.
"The rush?" Rainbow snapped frantically, "Don't you remember what happened last year? Or the year before that? Or pretty much any cider season ever?"
"Uh, well, uh-" Fluttershy stuttered.
"Pinkie Pie," Rainbow retorted with narrowed eyes, "She always ends up ahead of us in line, and then they always run out of cider!" Rainbow then began to push Fluttershy forward so they could go faster.
"I guess I-" Fluttershy tried speak but was cut off again. As they flew by at high speed, a bunny was waking up and stretching when they zoomed past and startled it.
"Well, not this year!" Rainbow said with determination as she rubbed her fore-hooves together, "This year I'm gonna get there before sunrise, so I can drink all the cider I want and laugh when she doesn't get any! It's the perfect plan. Y'know, I might even buy some cider and hold onto it for a while, drinking it drop by drop in front of her...GASP!" Rainbow then came to a stop when she noticed a long line of tents had been formed in front of the stand and it extended for several miles.
"Gee, Rainbow Dash," said Fluttershy as she saw the long line of tents, "It looks like a few other ponies had the same idea." Right at the front of the line of tents was a tent that was decorated in balloons. The front of it unzipped and after some balloons came out, was the pink party pony herself with a messy bed mane.
"Oh gosh, Pinkie," said Fluttershy with a smile, "I love your new style."
"Who are all these ponies?!" Rainbow asked with a worried look on her face.
"Isn't this great?" said Pinkie as she stood on her hind legs, fore-hooves on her cheeks for a moment, causing her mane to stick out before it went to being brushed on its own, "I couldn't sleep last night 'cause I was so excited about cider season, and I had this brilliant idea to come down here and camp out, so I told a few others about it, and they all thought it was a good idea too, and now it's just a big old cider party! Woo-hoo!" She then got between the two Pegasi and hugged them tightly and smiled excitedly. Fluttershy just smiled as Rainbow had a dumbfounded look on her face. It was then she noticed just how many ponies had camped out.
"Oh, gosh, that's alot of ponies," said Pinkie innocently a she walked away, "Hope they don't run out before you get any." Fluttershy just continued to smile as Rainbow growled angrily. It was then they noticed Mario coming by with a train of empty freight cars.
"Hey Mario," said Fluttershy as Mario came running past. Mario smiled and brought his train to a stop.
"Hey, Flutters, Dashie," said Mario, "Here to grab a spot in line for cider?"
"Pretty much," said Rainbow, still annoyed at not being able to find a spot closer to the front of the line, "What are you doing here instead of being in line?"
"Well, I've come to help this year," said Mario, "I'm hoping my efforts will increase quantity this year. In fact, I'm going to collect some more apples to see if I can get another few more barrels worth made before selling begins."
"You seem to be spending alot of time here as of late," said Fluttershy, "especially after Applejack help you recover from your leg injury some time ago." Mario chuckled.
"Can't explain it," said Mario, "But this place just feels like a second home to me and I don't mind the hard work either. I feel physically stronger and I can buck a tree just as good as Applejack. I feel like part of the family..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah!" Rainbow interrupted, "We get it. You're happy here and all that sap. Now get going to make that extra cider so I can get some!" Mario just rolled his eyes at her.
"With that kind of attitude, it's no wonder you don't get any," Mario remarked before pulling his train away as Rainbow growled once again.
(Main theme)
The sun was high in the sky as Mario and the rest of the Apple family were getting things ready to begin selling the cider. Granny Smith was already at the main stand with a visor on her head. Apple Bloom was there as well at the mechanism where they would tap each barrel to pour the cider into wooden made mugs. Big Mac and Mario were with the stack of barrels that were loaded with freshly made cider just waiting to be sold. Applejack was busy setting up the mega-phone so they could announce when selling would begin.
"Need a hoof?" Mario offered.
"No thanks there, Mario," said Applejack, "I've got it. Thanks for helping us make some extra barrels this morning too."
"You're family has been very kind of me," said Mario, "not to mention getting me back into physical shape after my injury. I'm happy to help out." Applejack smiled as several other ponies were now out of their tents and standing in line. Pinkie was right up front while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were a good couple of miles away. Rainbow was fuming to herself at her unfortunate luck. However, Twilight and Rarity were much closer to the stand thanks to both Mario and Pinkie telling them to come early.
"Isn't this exciting, Spike?" said Twilight happily, "Opening day of cider season!"
"Yeah!" Spike replied, "That means it's only thirty more days 'til sapphire season." Spike licked his lips as Twilight and Rarity just rolled their eyes at him.
"You two ready for cider pick-up?" Mario asked since he decided to see how they were doing.
"Sure are," said Rarity, "I hear you had a hand in the cider making this year. I'll bet this year's batch will be absolutely scrumptious!" Mario just smiled sheepishly, making Twilight giggle until she remembered something.
"Are you getting any cider?" Twilight asked.
"Applejack is giving me an entire barrel of cider for helping out," said Mario, "But don't worry. I plan on sharing it with my friends, especially Rainbow. I hear the poor girl's been lucking out these past few years." It was then the sound of a megaphone being adjusted was heard.
"Attention, everypony," said Applejack, "Cider season is now officially open!" The ponies in line all cheered and chattered about excitedly. Apple Bloom and Granny Smith smiled to each other as Pinkie approached the stand. She wasted no time dumping two large sacks loaded with bits into their treasury box. With a nod from the elderly pony, Apple Bloom pulled a lever to pour some freshly made cider into a wooden mug. Pinkie took the mug and drank the cider greedy before walking down the road with about nine full mugs filled with delicious cider. Rainbow noticed her walking by and began to feel worried once more. As time went by, pony after pony came up the stand, paying their bits and getting their mugs of delicious cider. The process was simple: a pony would put 2 bits into the treasury, Apple Bloom would pull the lever to pour the cider into the mug, and the pony would take the mug and drink up. Ponies afterward would look rather satisfied or have foamy lips with their tongues hanging out. Then the moment would come in which Apple Bloom would pull the lever and the tap would clink, showing the barrel was out of cider. Mario would then grab a barrel and set it on top of Big Mac's back. Big Mac would then replace the empty cider barrel with the new one.
Rainbow could feel her worry grow as time went on. Even as she seemed to get closer and closer to the cider stand. She could see the barrels of cider were disappearing one by one. Then Mario gave Big Mac the last barrel and Fluttershy had managed to get herself her own mug. Rainbow had finally reached the cider stand at last. She eagerly put her two bits into the treasury and was nearly drooling as a mug was placed under the tap, but...the tap clunked. Rainbow had been just one pony too late. Rainbow's eyes watered and her lips quivered.
"Don't cry Dashie," said Mario, "We'll just use my barrel. I got it for helping out. I don't mind sharing if it means you and a few more ponies can get some cider." Rainbow's eyes sparkled with new hope.
"Mario, have I told you how much I love you?" Rainbow replied in an over the top cute tone.
"Good grief," Mario remarked, rolling his eyes. He knew fake cuteness when he saw it, "Hey Big Mac! Where did you set aside my barrel of cider?" Big Mac's eyes nearly popped out as sweat formed on his brow.
"You did remember to set a barrel 'side for Mario right?" Apple Bloom asked with a glare. Even Applejack was glaring as well. Big Mac just chuckled sheepishly. Mario just face-hoofed himself.
"Sorry, Dashie," said Mario as Rainbow literally as her happiness shattered and was replaced with anger and she grunted bitterly.
"Heartbreaker!" Rainbow shouted.
"Yeah, thanks for getting our hopes up!" Some other ponies behind Rainbow shouted and Mario was at the receiving end of several boos and grumbles. Mario felt very small and was literally on the verge of tears.
"Lay off Mario, will ya?" Applejack said sternly, "I'm sorry, everypony, but that wasn't Mario fault. He really wanted to share his cider with y'all but we just ran out of supply. That's it for today!" The ponies just awed once more.
"Surprise, surprise!" Rainbow retorted angrily.
"Yeah, you always run out of cider!" said Caramel angrily.
"For the record," said Fluttershy, wanting to make peace, "I don't mind-"
"Why can't you make enough cider for all of us?" Rainbow yelled as she jumped in front of the yellow Pegasus, "Or at least for me! You had Mario helping you out for crying outloud! Some help he turned out to be!" The rest of the ponies agreed with Rainbow and began to complain and grumble. Some were even calling Mario out for being, in their words, "a disappointment". Applejack was nearly surrounded until she jumped into the stand in front of Apple Bloom and Granny Smith.
"Hold on, everypony," said Applejack, "We've done our best to improve supply this year-"
"You always say that!" Caramel retorted, "And Mario proved to be useless help!"
"Mario is not useless help," said Applejack, "And what I said about supply is always true. But Apple family cider is made with love and integrity, and only the highest quality apples in Equestria. Sorry, but that recipe takes time. As for Mario, he worked harder than any of us and he also respects our traditions and customs to make the cider the right way. Nopony, no matter how talented, can learn to make our cider the right way at the speed of sound!" The rest of her family nodded in agreement. The rest of the ponies just continued to grumble and complain. Only Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy looked worried.
"If y'all just be patient, we'll have plenty more tomorrow," said Applejack as the other ponies walk away. Applejack then looked behind her and saw that somepony was missing.
"Where's Mario?" she asked as Big Mac pointed toward a tree where Apple Bloom seemed to be comforting somepony behind it. Applejack sighed to herself as she went to see if Mario was alright. She was fully aware that Mario still had issues with being publically criticized.
Rainbow turned to leave as well with a huff, but was then stopped by Pinkie.
"She's right, y'know!" said Pinkie, "You can't rush perfection. And this year's batch was perfection."
"Uh, Pinkie Pie-" Fluttershy warned, but Pinkie just wrapped a fore-hoof around Rainbow.
"I'll never forget the cider I just drank," Pinkie continued as she leaned against Rainbow's back, "It was a moment in time that will never exist again." Pinkie sighed contently as Rainbow began to growl and tremble angrily. She may have done something to the pink pony that might have raised the rating to this story when...
HONK-HONK!
Pinkie and Rainbow both turned their heads in the direction of the honking. It was then they noticed some sort of motorized contraption coming down the road as some others ponies took interest in it as well. Many of them looked in awe as Applejack and Mario, who had calmed down from crying earlier, stepped aside to get a good look at the machine. As the machine continued to make electrical sparks and noises, Pinkie and Rainbow looked at it excitedly and approached it. Apple Bloom, Big Mac, and Granny Smith were examining the machine now as the machine came to a stop by the fence. Correction. A corner of the fence was damaged as the front of the machine crashed through it, which angered Granny Smith.
"What in Equestria is that?" said Applejack curiously.
"Some sort of machine I guess," said Mario, "quite an elaborate machine at that."
Several others ponies were also looking at the machine with curiosity as two unicorn stallions climbed off of the contraption. They clearly appeared to be brothers, each with the same pale yellow coat with red and white stripped manes and tails. The brother on the left donned a mustache while the brother on the right was clean shaven. They also wore matching blue and white striped shirts with large black bow ties and straw boater hats. Their names were Flim and Flam. (FYI: Flam has the mustache.)
[Flim -addressed Flam before zipping up to a mare whose face was hanging out. He closes her jaw as he looked back at Flam with a smirk on his face.]
Well, lookie what we got her, brother of mine, it's the same in every town
Ponies with thirsty throats, dry tongues, and not a drop of cider to be found
Maybe they're not aware that there's really no need for this teary despair
[Flam]
That the key that they need to solve this sad cider shortage you and I will share
[The other ponies gasp and chatter excitedly.]
[Flim and Flam - begin to sing together, waving their hats before zipping apart]
Well you've got oppertunity
In this very community
[Flam]
He's Flim
[Flim]
He's Flam
[Flim and Flam - began to dance and mirror each other]
We're the world famous Flim-Flam Brothers
Traveling salesponies nonpareil
"Nonpa-what?" Pinkie asked puzzled.
[Flim - he then heads to the other ponies as he answered Pinkie's question, he also lifted up Apple Bloom and kissed her forehead. Mario took notice and growled defensively at him.]
Nonpareil, and that's exactly the reason why, you see
No pony else in this whole place will give you such a chance to be where you need to be
And that's a new world, with tons of cider
Fresh squeezed and ready for drinking
[Flam - uses his magic to make a giant vacuum tube appear]
More cider than you could drink in all your days of thinking
"I doubt that," said Rainbow Dash skeptically with her fore-hooves crossed.
[Flim and Flam - one brother begins to can-can]
So take this oppertunity
[Flim, Flam, and Crowd - both brothers are singing and dancing in sync]
In this very community
[Flam]
He's Flim
[Flim]
He's Flam
[Flim and Flam]
We're the world famous Flim Flam Brothers
Traveling salesponies
[Flim, Flam, and Crowd]
Nonpareil
[Flim - gets into the face of some ponies as he pointed back at he and his brother's contraption.]
I suppose by now you're wondering 'bout our peculiar mode of transport
[Flam - stepped in front of his brother]
I say, our mode of locomotion
[Flim - stood before a podium]
And I suppose by now you're wondering, where is this promised cider?
[Flam]
Any horse can make a claim and any pony can do the same
[Flim - stands between some mares]
But my brother and I have something most unique and superb
Unseen at any time in this big new world
[Flim and Flam]
And that's opportunity
[Flim]
Folks, it's the one and only, the biggest and the best
[Flam]
The unbelievable
[Flim]
Unimpeachable
[Flam]
Indispensable
[Flim]
I-can't-believe-able
[Flim and Flam]
Flim Flam Brothers' Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000
"What d'you say, sister?" Flam offers to Rarity, who is so bedazzled that she fainted and Spike caught her before the marshmallow mare could hit the ground. Twilight just looks worried as the crowd was now singing.
[Crowd]
Oh, we got opportunity
In this very community
Please, Flim, please, Flam, help us out of this jam
with your Flim Flam Brothers' Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000
"Young filly," said Flim to Applejack, "I would be ever so honored if you might see fit to let my brother and I borrow some of your delicious and might I add spellbindingly fragrant apples for our little demonstration here?"
"Uh, sure, I guess," said Applejack reluctantly as Mario gave Flim a suspicious glare. Big Mac and Granny Smith looked both worried and skeptical about the two unicorns. Apple Bloom was the only pony eager to see what their contraption could do. Applejack just looked at Granny Smith afterward.
[Crowd]
Opportunity, in our community
[Flam]
Ready, Flim?
[Flim]
Ready, Flam?
[Flim and Flam- use their horns to activate the machine]
Let's bing bang zam!
"And show these thirsty ponies a world of delectable cider," said Flim.
[Crowd - some ponies were showing desperation on their faces and even Rainbow had her tongue hanging out. The giant vacuum sucked up some apples from the trees. The apples then headed into a large barrel. The barrel then rotated at a high speed. ]
Cider, cider, cider, cider...
"Watch closely, my friends!" said Flim.
[Flam]
The fun begins!
"Now, here's where the magic happens," said Flim quickly, "Right here in the heaving, rolling, cider-press-boiling guts of the very machine, those apples plucked fresh are right now as we speak being turned into grade-A, top-notch, five-star, blow-your-horseshoes-off, one-of-a-kind cider!" The ponies, now including Twilight, Rarity, and Spike were now chanting "cider" with the other ponies.
[Flam - pulled a level showed off a display window as several ponies gathered around to take a peek.]
Feel free to take a sneak peek!
[Granny Smith - gets in Flam's face before walking away once she finished her stanza]
Now wait, you fellers, hold it!
You went and over-sold it!
I guarantee that what you have there won't compare
For the very most important ingredient
Can't be added or done expedient
And it's quality, friends, Apple Acres', quality and care!
[Flim - approaches Granny as he sang and even offered her a sample of their cider, which she sampled. She nearly smiled before quickly retracting it and flinched when she hears a crunching sound.]
Well, Granny, I'm glad you brought that up, my dear, I say I'm glad you brought that up
You see that we are very picky when it comes to cider if you'll kindly try a cup
[Flam - showed a display of the apples at they go through a conveyor belt. Good apples pass without fuss while bad apples are disposed of.]
Yes, sir, yes, ma'am, this great machine lets just the very best
So whaddaya say, Apples?
Care to step into the modern world
And put the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 to the test?
[Crowd - continued to chant as Applejack, Mario, and Big Mac look uncertain. Apple Bloom was on her hind legs cheering them on.]
Cider, cider, cider, cider...
"What do you think folks?" said Flim, "Do you see what the Apples can't? I see it as clear as day! I know she does! So does he! C'mon, Ponyville, you know what I'm talking about!"
[Flim and Flam - mirror each other as they dance]
We're saying you've got
[Flim, Flam, and Crowd - now cheering and even Rainbow was dancing happily on the background]
Opportunity
In this very community
He's Flim, he's Flam
We're the world famous Flim Flam Brothers!
Traveling salesponies nonpareil
[Flim and Flam]
Yeah!
As their little singing promotion came to an end, Apple Bloom rushed up to them.
"You got a deal!" said Apple Bloom and the crowds began to chatter excitedly in agreement.
"Not so fast!" said Granny Smith as Applejack, Big Mac, and Mario stood behind her with blank faces. It was then the four Apple family members huddled up. Umm...correction, make that five family members since Granny didn't hesitate to pull Mario into the huddle, "No way no how that machine matches up with the care we put into our cider!"
"But if it really does work, we could make everypony in town happy!" said Apple Bloom.
"I just don't know, y'all," said Applejack, "We've always made cider the same way."
"Eeyup," said Big Mac in agreement.
"Your cider might hit the marks in quality," said Mario, "but you do have a serious problem with generating enough quantity to meet demand. If we don't find a solution soon, it could hurt cider sales in the future."
"Since when did you start talkin' like Filthy Rich?" Granny Smith asked skeptically.
"I did graduate with a Business degree in Canterlot," said Mario, "and a few other degrees thanks to Twilight. Besides, I do work part time with Filthy Rich and Rarity so I do have business experience."
"And I thought it was 'cause you played Monopoly all the time," Apple Bloom remarked as she and Big Mac snickered.
"Very funny," Mario remarked.
"Huh?" said Big Mac when he noticed two uninvited ponies had joined the huddle.
"We'll sweeten the deal," said Flim, "You supply the apples..."
"Then we split those sweet-sweet profits," said Flim and Flam together.
"...seventy-five..." said Flim.
"...Twenty-five," Flam finished.
"Deal-" Apple Bloom nearly agreed.
"Hold on," said Applejack, "Who gets the seventy-five?"
"Why, us, naturally," said Flim.
"And, we'll throw in the magic to power the machine for free," said Flam. Mario snorted indignantly.
How dumb do they think we are? Mario thought, Lucky for me, I know how to negotiate a business deal... Mario began to ponder an idea as Applejack spoke.
"Cider sales keep our business afloat during the winter," Applejack told the others, "We'd lose Sweet Apple Acres if we agreed to this."
"True," said Mario, "What if we offered to buy your machine outright? I've got enough magic to power the machine myself!"
"What?!" said Applejack, "Mario are you plum crazy?! We can't afford that contraption!"
"I'll pay for it," said Mario, "I made alot of bits from those children's books I published and the second volume is just about ready to be published and sold. This might hurt a bit for the next few years or so, but if it helps you out then it will be worth it. What's your price. Flim and Flam?" The two brothers huddled together and whispered an offer.
"How about...500,000?" they offered as the family and the others gasped.
"What about 400,000 with a 10% profit share for the next 10 years?" Mario countered.
"Make it 30% profit share and you have a deal!" they replied, "So? What'll it be?" Applejack just looked at Mario, who nodded to take the deal, but Applejack just shook her head.
"Mario, you are a very generous friend," said Applejack, "But in all honestly, I can't let you spend your hard earned money like that."
"No deal," said Big Mac firmly to the two brothers.
"Hmph, very well," said Flim as she got into Applejack's face, "If you refuse our generous offer to be partners or to buy our machine, then we'll just have to be competitors."
"You wouldn't dare," Applejack warned.
"Oh no," said Flim.
"Don't you worry, everypony!" said Flam as he stood by a podium near their machine, "There'll be plenty of cider for all of you!"
"Once we drive Sweet Apple Acres out of business," Flim said quietly to Applejack. The Apple family, and Mario, all gasped.
"What?" said Apple Bloom agape. As if the quantity shortage wasn't enough of the problem, two more competitors just entered the cider market and were looking to...ahem, this is a real word...monopolize the market.
"Things just got more complicated," said Mario to himself before getting back to work helping the Apple Family restock for tomorrow.
The next day, it was business as usual and of course Pinkie had gotten first in line again and Rainbow was grumbling miles away. While the routine was the same as yesterday, Mario didn't bother speaking to anypony other than the family. He was still hurt over being critized yesterday and just continued his work. As the cider was being sold and the tap was clunking about, Twilight came to approach the orange pony, along with Spike, as they each held their own cider mugs in their fore-hooves.
"Still worried about Flim and Flam?" Twilight asked.
"Granny Smith says they were just blowing hot air," said Spike.
"I'm not so sure," said Applejack, "They sounded mighty serious when they threaten to run us out of business."
"No way," said Mario as he came by with a stern look on his face, "I won't rest until we figure out a way to get them out of Ponyville for good." It was just then the final barrel of cider was emptied.
"That's it!" Apple Bloom announced, "Last cup!"
"Oh, for Pete's sake!" Rainbow yelled from her spot in line, which was much farther away then yesterday. The rest of the crowd just sighed in disappointment.
"C'mon back tomorrow," said Apple Bloom, trying to say cheerful, but the rest of the ponies just walk away complaining and grumbling once more. Mario was grateful nopony was blaming him this time around, but it still didn't solve the cider quantity problem. Then a dark shadow appeared behind Applejack. It was then the Cider Squeezy 6000 came clunking back to the stand. Granny Smith had just finished repairing the damage to the fence when the contraption crashed into it again. Mario groaned.
"Ugh, I gotta hand it to those two," Mario said to Applejack and Twilight, "they knew when they would have the competitive advantage. Right when we run out of cider!"
"What seems to be the problem here?" Flim asked in a smug manner.
"Oh my, oh my, out of cider again?" Flam replied over-dramatically, making Mario and Applejack glare. Flim then leaned against the machine as a barrel loaded with freshly made cider was deposited on the ground.
"What have we here?" said Flim, "Who'd like a cup?" The other ponies began to chatter excitedly as Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, Applejack, and Twilight look worried. Suddenly a large crowd of ponies rampage past them toward the Super Cider Squeezy 6000. The brothers just leaned against the barrel smugly as the crowd gathered around them. Flam then handed Rainbow a mug filled with cider, which she took eagerly and went for a drink. Then out of the blue, Applejack used her lasso to grab the cider barrel and pulled it away from them. At the same time, she knocked the mug of cider out of Rainbow's hoof making it spill onto the ground in front of the blue pony.
"You can't sell that cider," said Applejack as Mario hugged the barrel defensively, "That's made from Apple family apples!" Mario nodded in agreement. Poor Rainbow was so devastated over her lost cider that she went so far as to shove the dirt the cider had soaked into her mouth.
"Is this some kind of cruel joke?" Rainbow asked with her mouth covered in dirt and eyes filling with tears, but nopony was paying attention to her.
"Don't worry, everypony," said Flim, not phased at all by what Applejack had told them, "there are plenty of apples in Equestria. We'll find some others and make more cider than all of Ponyville can drink!" The crowd gasped.
"We'll make more cider than you could ever imagine!" Apple Bloom challenged and the crowd gasped a second time, but Flam didn't seem to impressed. Big Mac then carried Apple Bloom away by her tail as Apple Bloom pouted despite the fact she was now dangling upside down.
"Now it ain't about the speed, young'un," Granny Smith pointed out, "it's about quality." The crowd just sighed in disappointment.
"Who cares how good it is if I never get to drink any?" Rainbow yelled angrily.
"Oh, look at these poor, dissatisfied ponies," said Flim as he grabbed Rainbow's face to make her cheeks puffy and obviously use her as a sympathy case.
"Ponyville is Sweet Apple Acre country," said Apple Bloom waving her fore-hooves about until Big Mac dropped the little filly on her head.
"Our cider speaks for itself!" Applejack added sternly.
"Let's put it to the test!" said Flim.
"Anywhere, anytime!" Apple Bloom called out. The crowd was shock and began to mutter to each other.
"Well, that's enough now," said Granny Smith, trying to make peace.
"With our machine, we can make enough cider in one hour to satisfy this entire town!" said Flam.
"We'll do it in 45 minutes!" Apple Bloom shouted. Mario just groaned, this just reminded him just how much she had in common with Applejack. If provoked, they would get defensive and start talking without even thinking.
"Wow, really?" the crowd muttered as well as other comments that showed that they were interested in a challenge.
"Easy, Apple Bloom, easy," said Granny Smith gently before she began to walk away.
"What's the matter, Granny Smith?" Flim taunted with smirk, "chicken?"
That made Granny freeze in her tracks as a stern glare appeared on her face. Big Mac and Mario felt a cold chill on their backs as they exchanged fearful looks. They knew Flim had crossed the line, but the unicorn didn't seem unnerved about it.
"What did you call me, sonny?" Granny Smith asked in a slow but stern tone.
"If you're so confident in your cider, than what's the problem?" Flim asked smugly.
"Tomorrow mornin', right here!" Granny Smith yelled in Flim's face.
"But I'm afraid we haven't any...apples," Flam pointed out in mock concern as he spat just before saying apples.
"You can use our south field," said Granny Smith as she shook her fore-hoof at them, "It'll be worth it to teach y'all a thing or two about cider making!"
"Excellent; we have a bet," said Flim, "Whoever produces the most barrels in one hour wins the exclusive rights to sell cider in Ponyville." Applejack then began to sweat and her eyes shrank. She hoped that Granny Smith knew just how much was at stake right now if they accepted their challenge. Flim and Flam just smiled smugly.
"And after we beat ya," said Granny Smith, making it clear she accepted the terms and conditions, "I don't ever want to see you bambahoozlers around here again!" The crowd continued to chatter as Granny Smith exchanged a hoof bump with them.
"Until tomorrow," said Flam before their Cider Squeezy 6000 drove off and out of sight.
"Don't worry, Applejack," said Twilight, "I know you'll win tomorrow."
"We'd better," said Applejack as the crowd began to disperse, "'cause if we don't, we're gonna lose our farm." Applejack walked away feeling rather worried as Mario walked up to her.
"Applejack..."
"Mario, you gotta help us!" Applejack pleaded, "We'll lose the farm if we don't win and I need your speed more than ever tomorrow!" Mario leaned back for a moment before looking at her sadly.
"I'm not a real Apple through," said Mario, "I don't think I..."
"Enough about all them formalities and what not," said Granny Smith as she walked up to him, "I said I consider you like my grand child and that's the end of it! Anypony whose got a problem with it can answer to me! Now y'all gonna help your family or not?" Mario blinked at what Granny Smith said sank in.
Family.
He was family.
Mario narrowed his eyes in determination.
"Who am I...to turn my back on my family?" said Mario sternly, "Those two are going down tomorrow one way or another!" Applejack and Granny Smith hugged him as Mario continued to glare down the road the two brothers had disappeared to.
The next morning, everypony was getting themselves ready for the competition. The Flim Flam Brothers and their Cider Squeezy 6000 were at one end of the cider stand while the Apple Family was on the other. At least the Apple family, now including Mario, were warming themselves up for the competition. Big Mac had put on some goggles and was jogging in place. Granny Smith was examining some apples while wearing her glasses, even giving a few apples a sniff. Applejack was busy kicking a sand bag in order to work out the muscles in her hind legs. Apple Bloom was just riding the sand bag for both fun and to give her big sisters some encouragement.
"Applejack?" said Twilight as she approached her, "Are you sure this is such a good idea?"
"Me 'n' the family are...one hundred percent confident...in our cider making abilities," said Applejack as she continued to buck the sand bag.
"I hear you got the okay to let Mario help," said Twilight as she looked around, "where is he anyway?"
WHOOSH!
It was then Mario zoomed by at high speed as he used his magic to create some targets. Mario spin jumped into the air and began to launching himself at each target one at a time in quick session. Twilight was rather impressed.
"Woah, Mario's really gotten better at those spinning dive attacks," she remarked.
"He's renamed them "Homing attacks"," Apple Bloom corrected, "but we can do this. And besides, nopony calls Granny a chicken." Just then Applejack bucked the sand bag so hard that Apple Bloom went flying off of it. This was also the moment when Mayor Mare, the overseer of today's cider challenge, chose to speak through the microphone.
"Attention everypony," Mayor Mare called out. Twilight looked back before facing Applejack once more.
"Well, good luck," said Twilight as she took her leave.
"Thanks, Twilight," said Applejack when right behind her, Apple Bloom wobbled before the orange pony before falling onto her back and passing out.
(Lose a life fanfare)
"We'll need it," said Applejack wearily once she saw her little sister knocked out.
"I got this," said Mario as he rushed over and fed Apple Bloom one of his green and white mushrooms.
(Extra Life fanfare)
Apple Bloom immediately sat up like she was never woozy at all.
"I'm okay!" she exclaimed with a wide smile. Applejack just rolled her eyes.
"The teams have one hour to make as much cider as they can," said Mayor Mare through the microphone, "after which the barrels will be counted and the winner will be named the sole cider provider for all of Ponyville." Flim and Flam just simply smirked as they sat comfortably on a red sofa that was a part of their contraption. The crowds just gave some shocked gasps and murmured to each other.
"Are both teams ready?" said Mayor Mare. Granny Smith just snorted to herself as Mario did a quick spin jump and smiled.
"Ready!" said Applejack as she blew the front of her bangs out of her face.
"Ready!" said Flim and Flam, clearly showing their confidence.
"Then let's...go!" said Mayor Mare as another pony turned over a giant hourglass and the sand began to pour into the opposite side of it. The Apple family, Mario included, took off to get to work. Flim and Flam simply yawned and used their magic to activate their machine, which made the giant vacuum tube extend over an apple tree to gather up the apples for their cider. As for the Apple family, Applejack was gritting her teeth as she bucked the apples off the trees. Apple Bloom was nearby so she could catch the falling apples into a bucket. Once the bucket was filled, she would rush the apples to Granny Smith, who began to check the apples for their quality.
"Ugh, bad 'un, Good' un! Bad 'un..." said Granny Smith aloud as she checked each apple one at a time. The good apples were then tossed onto a chute where they rolled into a stone press that was powered by Big Mac, who was now wearing the goggles over his eyes, was racing on a treadmill. As the apples were pressed, they turned into cider which a tap filled up a nearby barrel. As for Mario, he was pretty much helping Applejack buck the apples from the tree and taking them to Granny Smith. Instead of bucking, he was using his new "homing attack" to knock the apples from the tree and then he would dash around the tree to catch them before they hit to ground. He had wanted to handle the treadmill, but Big Mac was too stubborn to give his position up, saying Mario would break the treadmill by running too fast. Getting back on track, it wasn't long before the first barrel was filled and Big Mac quickly sealed it, replaced it with another empty barrel.
"Great job, y'all," said Applejack, "We've already filled our entire barrel!"
"I'll bet you those guys don't even have-" Apple Bloom remarked when...
"GASP!" Apple Bloom, Big Mac, Mario, and Granny Smith said at once. They turned to see that the Brother's machine had already produced six full barrels loaded with cider in the same amount of time.
"What?!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. It didn't help that Flim and Flam were still reclining and just waved at the Apple Family.
"We're...in big trouble," Mario said with dread. Applejack just gulped as she made a face that showed that she was literally panicking inside.
As the challenge continued, Flim and Flam's machine was hard at work collecting apples, checking quality, and filling up barrel after barrel with cider. The rest of the family, except for Applejack and Mario, were feeling rather discouraged and their cooperation was suffering.
"C'mon, Apple Bloom, focus!" said Applejack as she bucked another tree, "We gotta forget those guys if we're gonna have a chance of winnin'!" Apple Bloom had missed the apples from the tree when she shook her head to recompose herself.
"Sorry, Sis!" said Apple Bloom as she collected the dropped apples and sent the bucket over to Granny Smith, who was overwhelmed by all the buckets of apples surrounding her.
"Granny, we're fallin' behind," said Apple Bloom worried before she headed back to the orchard. Mario had arrived with another dozen or so buckets filled with Apples.
"Egh..." Granny Smith groaned, wiping sweat from her brow as she sniffled another apple, "Good 'un...Ugh, Bad 'un." Mario then got an idea.
"Applejack," Mario called, "Granny Smith needs some help with quality control. I'm going to help her out."
"You sure you know how to indentify high quality apples?" Applejack asked as she continued to buck the trees. Mario smiled as he sat down, grabbed a bucket of apples, and put on his working glasses.
"I learned from the best," said Mario as he used his magic to make the apples float in front of him single file, "Plus I am a bit of a perfectionist. Now let's see...Good, good, good, bad, good, bad, bad,..." While this helped to get more apples into the press, Big Mac was sweating heavily and finding it hard to keep pace.
"Rest when it's over, Big Macintosh," Applejack called out, "Ride! Ride!" Big Mac then got the energy he need for a second wind and picked up the pace, which allowed him to fill the cider barrels much more quickly. Twilight and the rest of their friends were still worried.
"This is just dreadful," said Rarity, "Even at top speed and Mario's help, they are only making one barrel to the twin's three!" Twilight pondered to herself before she got an idea.
"Um, Miss Mayor," said Twilight as the other four ponies stood behind her, "Are honorary family allowed to help in the competition? Or should I say...other honorary family members since Mario is already helping?" Mayor Mare blinked for a moment.
"Well, I'm not sure..." Mayor Mare pondered before turning to the two brothers, "Flim, Flam, would you object to honorary family members helping?" The two brothers just smiled smugly.
"Are you kidding?" said Flim.
"We don't care if the whole kingdom of Canterlot helps," said Flam, "It's a lost cause."
"Hm, I guess it's okay," said Mayor Mare, "Applejack? What do you think?" Applejack bucked another tree, sweating heavily before giving them a smile.
"I think I'd love to have the rest of my family helpin' out," said Applejack.
"All right!" said the five ponies before Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rarity, and Rainbow stood side by side as Twilight took command.
"Okay, everypony," said Twilight, "we're not gonna let those smooth talkers take our friend's farm."
"Yeah!" the other four ponies replied in agreement.
"Fluttershy, help Applejack with the trees," said Twilight.
"Got it," Fluttershy replied.
"Pinkie Pie, you're on apple catching detail."
"Yessir, ma'am, sir!" Pinkie replied and saluted.
"Rarity, you've got a discerning eye. Help Granny Smith at the quality control station."
"Of course," said Rarity.
"Rainbow Dash, do you think you can help Big Macintosh press?"
"In my sleep!" said Rainbow confidently. It was then a checkered tablecloth was shown with five apples that had each of their faces in them.
"Alright, everypony," said Twilight, "let's save Sweet Apple Acres."
"All right!" the other four ponies chanted as they headed off do their jobs. Applejack continued to buck the trees while Fluttershy flew inside the leaves of a tree, shook all the apples off and then flew to another tree to repeat the process.
"Over there, Apple Bloom! Don't miss them!" said Pinkie as she carried a bucket on her head to catch the apples. Apple Bloom made a dive and caught the apples just in time.
"Right behind you, Pinkie Pie!" Apple Bloom called out as Pinkie did a backward somersault and caught the apples behind her. Rarity had already taken her seat with Granny Smith and Mario at the quality control station.
"Good 'un, bad 'un, bad 'un, good 'un," said Granny Smith.
"Lovely, horrid, horrid, lovely..." said Rarity.
"Good, bad, good, good, bad, bad, bad, good, good..." said Mario, clearly moving much faster. Rainbow and Big Mac were already running side by side as the barrels began to fill up much faster and Twilight was busy sealing up each barrel when it was full, replacing it with an empty one, then stacking the full barrel with the others. With five more ponies, productivity had improved drastically.
"Based on these figures," said Twilight, "we're making five barrels for every three of theirs!"
"If we can get our pace to at least six or seven barrels," Mario pointed out as he kept working, "we can out produce them before time runs out!" The crowd cheered.
"Keep it up, everypony!" said Applejack, feeling her confidence return, "we're back in this!" This change did not go unnoticed by the two brothers as Flim did a spit take at Flam.
"Come on, brother," Flim panicked as he shook Flam, "we've gotta pick up the pace!"
"Right, uh, double the power!" said Flam as he and Flim increased their magic so the machine would operate faster. However, this caused a problem. The increased power was causing the vacuum tube to suck up entire apple trees into the machine, which caused the quality of the apples to suffer. This meant fewer apples were being made for cider as more apples were being rejected.
"We've gotta try something else," said Flim when he noticed the increased number of rejected apples."
"I've got it, brother of mine," said Flam as he disabled the quality control mechanism, allowing apples to be used whether they were good quality or not."
"Well done, Flam," said Flim as they exchanged a high hoof, "We're at top productivity!" The crowd cheered, unaware of the change they had made to their machine. Meanwhile Rainbow had stopped running to see what the commotion was all about, causing Big Mac to trip and was now stuck on the speeding treadmill.
"Come on, Rainbow," said Twilight, "keep grinding!"
"We don't have time for quality control if we wanna win this thing!" Rainbow snapped.
"We're going as fast as we can!" Mario shouted.
"Well it's not good enough!" Rainbow retorted before flying over to grab some apples when Granny Smith yelped as Rainbow hovered above her.
"Get back you!" said Granny Smith, "One bad apple spoils the bunch!"
"She's right!" Mario said sternly as he got in front of her protectively, "Winning without integrity is not winning at all!"
"Applejack, help me!" Rainbow retorted.
"There's no point in winnin' if we cheat," said Applejack, "Mario is right. Winning without integrity ain't winning at all!" Rainbow just pouted to herself.
"We'll just have to work harder!" said Twilight, "Come on, everypony!"
"All right then, double time!" said Rainbow before heading back to Big Mac to help with the treadmill.
"Time to push things to the limit!" Mario added in agreement as he picked up his pace and so did everypony else. Spike grew more worried as time began to wind down and the Super Cider Squeezy 6000 was still producing cider barrels at a fast pace even through the quality was clearly suffering for it. Applejack and Fluttershy were shaking the apples off the trees as Apple Bloom and Pinkie were moving at top speed to collect them. Rarity, Mario, and Granny Smith were moving as quickly and carefully as they could. Flim and Flam seemed just as confident and relaxed as ever. Applejack narrowed her eyes in determination as time was running out. Spike closed his eyes from all the suspense as the last bit of sand in the hourglass dropped.
"Time's up!" shouted Mayor Mare. The mane seven and the rest of the Apple family froze for a second before they all groaned and plopped to the ground in complete exhaustion. The crowds cheered as Mayor Mare got to work counting the barrels.
"I'm proud of you, Applejack," said Twilight softly since she was tired.
"Thanks," said Applejack, still out of breath.
"Integrity like that will always be...rewarded," said Twilight. Applejack then sat up and headed over toward Mario, who was just as exhausted.
"Mario, look at me," said Applejack softly as Mario tilted his head but said nothing. He had no breath.
"No matter what anypony says, you gave me more than your best today," said Applejack, "thank you. Thank you my friend and big brother." Mario smiled as he finally caught his breath.
"I do it all again just to show much I love my family," Mario replied quietly. Applejack smiled as she helped Mario to his hooves. It was then Mayor Mare had finished counting the barrels.
"Flim and Flam win!" said Mayor Mare and the crowd gasped and murmured to each other. Applejack and Mario were just as shocked.
"No..." Mario groaned, feeling heartbroken.
"We...lost?" Applejack added as Apple Bloom looked just as devastated.
"Daww, too bad, Apples," said Flim.
"Guess you'll just have to find a new line of work that doesn't match your names quite so...perfectly," Flam added smugly.
"Now should we tear down all these tacky old buildings and put up new ones, brother?" Flim asked.
"I don't see why not brother," Flam added, "after all, this isn't Sweet Apple Acres anymore. How about Flim Flam Fields?" Applejack took offense to that remark. Poor Apple Bloom looked ready to cry and no one could blame her for it either. Granny Smith placed a fore-hoof on her shoulder to provide some comfort. The two brothers then used their magic to make a banner appear over the cider stand. Mario was furious.
"Do you two realize what you've done?!" Mario bellowed, "You've just evicted the very family that made Ponyville the thriving town it is today! All for your own selfish gains!"
"I ought to press you into jerk cider!" Rainbow added angrily and went for an attack when she felt somepony hold her back. Rainbow turned around to see that it was Applejack who was holding her back by the tail.
"No. Rainbow Dash," said Applejack, "A deal's a deal." The two brothers laughed.
"Congratulations to y'all," said Applejack in a gracious but also very solemn tone, "The cider business in Ponyville...is yours. C'mon Apples. Let's go pack up our things."
"Fear not, everypony," said Flim, "there's more than enough cider to go around." The two brothers began to laugh again, paying no attention to now gloomy mood that surrounded everypony else in the crowd. Many of the ponies in the crowd were now looking very sad, many of them fighting back tears. Mario gritted his teeth before running over to Applejack.
"Wait!" said Mario as Applejack turned around as she saw Mario began to cry.
"You can all come stay with me," Mario offered, "At least it will give you somewhere to regroup and decide what to do next. I can speak to Mom about finding you some new land. She helped you find Sweet Apple Acres once. She can help you again." Applejack and the rest of the family gave some sad smiles.
"We'll consider your offer," said Granny Smith gently, "For now, we've got packing to do." Applejack then addressed the crowd, who were unsure about buying the cider from the stand's new owners.
"Go ahead everypony," said Applejack bravely, but as she turned around a few tears left her eyes. It was then Pinkie began to bawl her eyes out as Rainbow patted her back for comfort. Rainbow and Twilight just eyed the Apple Family sadly. Twilight was also holding Mario for comfort as he cried onto her shoulder.
"Drink up, Ponyville!" said Flam, trying to lighten the mood and fatten their pockets as three mugs of crude looking cider were placed on the stand, "Down the hatch." Three ponies then took a mug of cider, hesitated for a moment, and went to drink it. Then they spat it out at the brother's faces and grunted in disgust.
"I can't get the taste off my tongue!" Cherry Berry grunted.
"Mine's got rocks in it!" said Bon Bon in disgust.
"I wouldn't pay one cent for this dreck!" said a pony named Comet Tail. Flim and Flam suddenly looked uneasy as the crowd.
"You wouldn't pay even one cent?" Flam asked.
"No!" the crowd shouted. Flim and Flam huddled up quickly.
"How about two cups for one cent?" Flam offered.
"NO!" the crowd answered more firmly. Flim and Flam huddled up again.
"Two bits for a barrel?" they asked sheepishly.
"NO!" the crowd yelled angrily.
"It looks like we've encountered a slight...problem in Ponyville," said Flam nervously.
"Nopony wants our product," Flim added, "Next town?"
"Next town. Let's go, Flim!" said Flam as they tipped their hats farewell, removed their banner, and rushed over to their Super Cider Squeezy 6000. The machine chugged its way down the road and out of sight. Applejack smiled since the fact they had left meant one thing:
The deal was off.
"They're gone," said Applejack.
"That means Sweet Apple Acres is still in business!" said Twilight as Mario hugged Applejack happily.
"Plus we have high quality Apple family cider!" said Caramel as he pointed to the huge mountain of barrels.
"Because of this silly competition," Apple Bloom added, "we've made enough of our cider for the entire town!" The crowd cheered as Applejack smiled.
"And we figured out how to maximize quantity," Mario added, "We used our very own, one of a kind, fully-patented: Friendship Cider Squeezy 6000 and one!" The six girls and Apple family blinked for second before they all laughed, including Mario.
"Ain't that the truth, big brother," Applejack replied wrapped a fore-hoof around his neck, "Ain't that the honest truth."
"Dear Princess Celestia," said Applejack as the Apple family was back to selling cider to everypony in town, "I wanted to share my thoughts with you..." Applejack then cleared her throat as she carried a mug of cider on her head, "...I didn't learn anythin'! Ha! I was right all along! If you take your time to do things the right way, your work will speak for itself. Sure I could tell you I learned something about how my friends are always there to help me, and I can count on them no matter what, but the truth is. I already knew that too." As Applejack continued her letter, Rainbow was smiling excitedly about finally getting her own mug of cider. Apple Bloom went to pull the lever and...all gone...again. Apple Bloom just gave Rainbow a worried look as the blue Pegasus was ready to cry. Pinkie then gave her a smile and offered Rainbow a mug of the cider she had paid for. Rainbow smiled as she happily took the mug. Applejack then raised a toast when she noticed that Mario was just sitting by the fence in the distance on his own.
"Did ya get your share of cider, Mario?" Applejack asked him.
"Not yet," said Mario, "I'm still waiting for my barrel..." Big Mac's eyes then went wide as he faced-hoofed himself once again as Applejack glared at him. Mario just sighed sadly.
"Well...always next year I guess," said Mario bravely when Apple Bloom appeared with a mug of cider on her head.
"Not exactly," said Apple Bloom, "I saved this just for you." Mario smiled as he took the mug in one hoof and gave Apple Bloom a kiss on her cheek. Despite being told they were only friends, Apple Bloom went stiff before collapsing into her back in a flush of red hearts and a dazed smile on her face. Mario then joined his friends as they all shared a toast together and Mario took a nice long drink of the cider. The smile on his face was a clear sign the wait had been worth it.
"Delicious," Mario said with a foamy mustache.
Everypony laughed.
I apologize to anypony who is suddenly thirsty for cider after reading this chapter.
Peace Pony Fans!