Chapter 4

Alan bruises an Apple

Alan and Rainbow Dash approached the huge house where Apple Jack lived "So, all you really have to do to stay off her bad side and not insult what her family has been doing for a few generations, then you'll be ok" Dash said and motioned Alan up the steps. The Marine sighed "Fine, I hope this is quick because I really don't want to be doing chores for Twilight Sparkle all day. I mean, come on, shooting at soldiers is WAY better than doing this"

Rainbow Dash nodded "I know what you mean, that's why the sky wasn't cleared until you came along… and I tackled you" Dash rubbed her arm "still sorry about that Alan" Alan shook his helmeted head "I said I don't care Dash, I was going to die of boredom anyway" Alan knocked on Apple Jack's front door. They waited for a minute but got no response. Alan shrugged "well that makes it easier on me." He started walking away but then spotted a huge orchard of apple trees nearby.

He looked at Dash "would she mind if I took an apple?" Alan looked at one of the plump, red apples. Rainbow Dash trotted next to him "I don't know actually, I've never stolen anything before. I'm sure she'd beat you into the ground though" Alan grinned "good pony, you shouldn't steal." Alan patted Dash's head "Don't follow my examples" He dropped his M4 and jumped into the tree in search for the perfect apple. He climbed up to the very top of the tree and grabbed the best apple he could find. He was about to climb down when he heard someone else's voice.

"Rainbow Dash? What're you doin here? I thought you didn't like apples"

Alan swore silently and gripped the apple he was holding in his teeth. He looked down and saw an orange pony standing next to Rainbow Dash. She moved past the Pegasus and had her rear pointed at the tree. The next thing the Marine knew, he was lying on his back with the apple still in his teeth. Apple Jack pinned Alan down with her hoof "What do you think you're doing taking mah apples?"

Alan grabbed the apple and ripped a piece out. He moved it to the left side of his mouth "I am eating your apples, that's what I'm doing" he rolled away from Apple Jack and stood up "What are you going to do about it?" Apple Jack trotted to Alan "this" she said sweetly and quickly turned around and kicked Alan in the chest as hard as she could. Alan saw stars as he flew through the air and impacted a tree, causing apples to pummel him. The Marine stumbled but quickly stood straight again "Alright, you wanna start a physical fight? I've got two guns that'll blow you away" Alan held up his fists

Apple Jack tried to attack Alan, but Rainbow dash bit her tail "shtop! Heesh a friend!" Dash said through a mouthful of tail. Apple Jack looked back "let go of me!" she said and tried bucking Rainbow Dash off, but the teal pony held strong. Alan grabbed Rainbow Dash, causing her to squeal and let go. "stop! Before this gets ugly!" He said and put Rainbow Dash down. Apple Jack huffed "It's already ugly enough with you here"

Alan glared at Apple Jack "what's that supposed to mean you rotten little shit?" He asked angrily and once again balled his hands. Apple Jack shook her head "nothin. Why are ya here?" she asked in an irritated voice. Alan pulled his list out and checked Apple Jack off it "I'm here to see how the snacks are doing for the 'rising of the sun' ceremony thing"

Rainbow Dash trotted around Alan and faced Apple Jack. "Well, why didn't ya say so? Come this way" she said and walked towards her house. Alan poked Dash's side "I have a feeling we're not going to get along very well" He whispered. Rainbow Dash nodded "yeah, I can see that"

Alan scooped up his M4 and slung it onto his back "I also don't know if I want to go inside her house in close quarters… God only knows if she has a huge, ass kicking father or brother that'd pound my face in." Rainbow Dash shook her head "Don't worry; Big Macintosh is a real softie inside. If you know how to get to his core" Alan nodded. He was completely unsure if he trusted the name 'Big Macintosh' very much. (Aaand because I can't remember all of Apple Jack's family's names, I am SKIPPING that part)

Apple Jack showed Alan and Rainbow Dash their ENTIRE Apple Family and their inventory of apple-based snacks and desserts. Once she was finished making the two eat at LEAST 1 sample of every desert, she pointed them in the right direction for the lead of the music for the ceremony. "Now, don't be too quick with her Alan! She isn't the kind likes loud, annoying, and ugly people!"

Alan stopped and slowly turned around for dramatic affect "You're not too good looking yourself! You look in a mirror lately?" He said and grinned. Apple Jack's face turned from orange to nearly 'My face is so red it could be lava right now' color. "WHY YOU-!" Alan looked at Rainbow Dash "I gotta go Dash…" Rainbow Dash nodded and flew into the sky "I'll meet you at Fluttershy's" she said just before Alan took off running.

Alan hadn't run so fast in his life. Not even when there were Russian tanks rolling down his neighborhood streets in New York. (In case anyone wants to know, these are MW3 references) Apple Jack flew down the dirt path after the lone Marine. Alan looked back and saw Apple Jack's rage filled eyes right behind him. He laughed and pressed himself to run faster. Apple Jack started panting by the time they reached ponyville and Alan was only half way out of breath. "What's wrong? I thought you were supposed to pound me into the ground A J!" Alan said and leapt over a stand full of cabbage and other veggies.

Apple Jack didn't have time to steer around the stand because she was so close to Alan. She ran into the stand destroying it. She tumbled and landed on her side then slid a few feet before stopping. Alan stopped and turned around when he heard the crash and burn. He ignored the looks of all the other ponies and stallions and made his way to Apple Jack, who was starting to stand up. "Holy shit Apple Jack, are you alright?" Apple Jack responded with a little grunt. She stood up and gave Alan a good look at the damage. It wasn't too bad, but there were small rocks stuck inside some of the open cuts and scratches. Alan winced. You have to admit, that hurts like a mofo, no matter who you are.

Apple Jack tried to walk but her strong limp caused Alan to stop her "Apple Jack, we have to get you to a medic or something" he said and started to lift Apple Jack up. She struggled and hit Alan in the ribs but the Marine didn't let go. "Put me down! I'm fine!" Apple Jack protested as Alan started walking towards what would count for a pony 'hospital'.

Pony ville Infirmary

"Alan, really, I'm fine" Apple Jack said through spikes of pain as Alan pulled a splinter from her hind leg. Alan looked her in the eyes "no. you're not. I can see it in your eyes, I know what pain looks like" He said and pulled a small white needle from his backpack. He pulled the cap off "this'll only hurt a little A J" He plunged the needle into her sensitive leg. Apple Jack made a short squeak and tried to move her leg away but Alan kept it still. He pulled a few more chunks of dirt out and grabbed his roll of bandages.

Apple Jack felt her leg go numb and put her head down on the pillow she was given "I'm still not happy about what you said to me" Alan looked at her "Oh yeah… I'm sorry, it's just, you know…" Apple Jack sighed and adjusted her head "I know what you mean. When I was a small filly I was constantly made fun of. People called me 'Blank Flank' a lot and they didn't even care if I was hurt by it." Alan sighed and lifted Apple Jack up with one arm and looped the bandages around her body multiple times.

Alan nodded and patted Apple's side "I know how you feel. I was made fun of in school too… I wasn't the strongest or 'coolest'… I was different. I still am different. WAY different than you think you know" He finished wrapping Apple Jack's leg and torso with bandages "alright, I need you to stay in bed until you feel better" he said and stood back to admire his work. Apple Jack took it the wrong way. "Why are you staring at me?" She asked. Alan shook his head "I wasn't looking at 'you' specifically"

"You were still staring at me though"

"Making sure those bandages would stay"

"Riiight" Apple Jack rolled her eyes and shifted her position on the bed. Alan put his helmet back on and walked to the doorway of Apple's room "Which way to 'Fluttershy's' house?" Alan asked and picked up his M4 and his backpack. Apple Jack looked up "Just take a left and follow the lone path that leads to a huge tree-house" she said and closed her eyes "Don't scare her away with your ugly" Apple Jack said in a joking manner. Alan shook his head and grinned "I'll try not to" He said and walked all the way to Fluttershy's house. He heard Apple Jack laugh a little.

'I swear, Fluttershy better not have to do something with her name. If she runs away from me I'll just turn around and leave' Alan thought as he found the dirt path...