Chapter 16

Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

Applejack flopped on top of her bed, burying her face into a pillow. She wasn’t crying but simply wanted to hide from the world. The farm mare wasn’t one for mellow drama but even in this instance she felt that Rarity’s signature phrase: “This is the WORST possible thing!” fit the situation like a glove. Of all the stallions she could have run into, it had to be Briar. She had been crushing on him for years with the tiniest sliver of hope that he felt the same way as her. Now her already slim chances were shattered due to a silly bet she made. Any stallion that went through what Briar did would think she was a cheap two-bit whorse. AJ slammed her head into the pillow repeatedly, cursing her stubborn pride.

Molly, in the meantime, had just finished her cider and decided to let AJ know exactly what she had gotten herself into with their little bet. While locked doors might be a problem for normal ponies, she was quite gifted in teleportation. Despite never being inside AJ’s room, the alicorn could faintly sense the aura of harmony leaking off of the mare so it was only a matter of pinpointing the source. With a purple flash she appeared next to AJ’s bed.

Molly bit her lip upon seeing the distraught earthpony. The poor mare’s mane was messy and unkempt, more so than usual. The alicorn placed a wing gently over AJ’s back and was surprised that she didn’t swat it away.

“Applejack, I have a tendency of taking things too far so if you…”

Applejack sat up. “Nah it’s mah fault. Ah let mah pride get in the way again. I’m ready ta accept any form of punishment fer loosin’ the bet.”

“I can tell you’re still upset but don’t worry I have good news.”

“Ah sure could use some right ‘bout now.”

Molly grinned. “I fairly certain Briar likes you, and I have an idea to help you progress your relationship with him.”

“Ya really think so?”

“Mhmm, he wasn’t angry…just confused. In fact, he may have wanted to apologize.”

“B-but why? He didn’t do anythin’ wrong!”

“Perhaps not but you were upset and if he wanted to make you feel better, then that means he cares about you.”

AJ blushed. “Well…maybe he really does like me.”

Molly’s horn glowed, producing a pair of plain looking amulets. One of them was onyx, the other jade. While the stones themselves were plain, the bindings that held them were not. The ropes were a sort of off white color but reflected all the colors of the rainbow, when the light hit them.

“These amulets belong to my dear sister Luna. The bindings are crafted from the silk of the rare Everfree glow-worm, said to only appear every five hundred years from hibernation.”

“They are mighty pretty, but what else makes ‘em so special?”

“These are no ordinary amulets Applejack. They are enchanted to make whoever wears them form an emphatic link, which results in a special relationship between the bearers. The onyx represents strength and dominance, while the jade represents submission and obedience.”

Applejack’s ear twitched. “Are you sayin’ that these amulets are just hyped up S&M toys?”

Molly sighed. “Not quite dear. They are far more special than that. They are tools to test the strength of a couple’s relationship, and in some cases they were used by ancient generals to help control their subordinates. I guarantee that you will improve your relationship with Briar, if both of you wear them.”

“Ah dunno it seems like quite an invasion of privacy ta me.”

“You’ve known Briar since foalhood correct? So are you really entrusting yourself to a total stranger?”

AJ’s ears flattened. “Well uhh no but…”

“Then I don’t see the problem. Yes, I understand that you both haven’t seen each other in quite some time but it is not as if your bond has decreased has it?”

“We’ve been writin’ back and forth but ah haven’t actually seen him in years. It’s just…awkward is all.”

“Applejack now is your chance, if you don’t seize it Briar may lose interest. Who knows, he might even be willing to move to Ponyville to be with you.”

“Ah couldn’t ask ‘im ta do that! Not yet anyway…”

Molly flexed her wings. “Then consider it a test, to see if he is truly loyal to you. If he isn’t willing to stay, then he isn’t a stallion that’s worth your time.”

Applejack sighed. “Alright…I’ll wear the blasted amulet. It’s ‘bout time ah got me a special somepony since everypony else seems ta be getting’ one.”

Molestia placed the jade amulet upon AJ’s neck. “Right now the magic won’t affect you, because the other side of the link has yet to be established. There are rules to these artifacts, which I must explain.”

“Ah don’t like the sound of that.”

“The one who bears the jade amulet becomes more submissive to the suggestions of the one who bears the onyx amulet. Now before you start to complain, there are rules. The onyx bearer cannot under any circumstances force murder, rape, theft or unwarranted violence. If you are unwilling to have sex with Briar, then you shall not be forced to do so.”

AJ blushed heavily. “Ah wasn’t even…”

“Shush I know you were thinking it. It is a simple game of trust. If I see that Briar is unfairly taking advantage of you, I shall sever the link…but I don’t foresee that being a problem.”

“Uhh one more thing sugarcube…ah look like a wrestled with a manticore. Do ya mind if ah clean up a bit?”

Molly levitated AJ and with a brilliant flash, AJ’s mane was straight and styled. She had even added two green bows to accent the farm mare’s eyes. Applejack looked in the mirror and whistled, liking her new mane-do and appreciating the shiny gloss of her coat.

“Ah you look marvelous. That’s what I love about you Applejack, you’re a natural beauty. You hardly need any make up to look ravishing. Let’s see if we can’t get ahold of Briar hmm?”

As the two mares trotted down the stairs, Granny Smith was busy making some applesauce in the kitchen. The elderly Apple matron stopped stirring and walked up to them. She licked her lips and stared at Applejack.

“Well now yer all gussied up today! Goin’ in ta town ta meet some nice fellers?”

AJ blushed. “Maybe…”

Granny Smith snorted. “It’s ‘bout time one of you youngins got off yer plot and started datin’. Ah want to be around ta see some grand-foals ya know.”

“Ah don’t think I’m ready ta be married yet…”

“Pfft. I’m not talkin’ about getting’ hitched yet ya silly mare! Ah bet yer thinkin’ that ya have ta be married in order to enjoy foolin’ around and make foals ‘n such. Bunch of hooey ah tell ya!”

“Umm…what?”

“It was your pa wasn’t it? That foolish son o’ mine was always the old fashioned type! Ah told ‘im there was nothing wrong with ponies enjoyin’ a good roll in the hay. Marriage, foals and responsibility all come with a stallion ya trust…eventually. Don’t let all that hang ya up!”

AJ fiddled her hooves. “Ah had no idea ya liked ermm…foolin’ around so much.”

“Darn tootin’ I do! Why if ah wasn’t so damn old, I’d fuck half the stallions in town. Especially that Filthy Rich…mmmm. Now go on out there and git some!”

Molly laughed. “Oh your grandmother is so precious! I revel in her elderly wisdom.”

AJ face-hoofed. “Ughhh c’mon let’s go.”

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Sugarcube Corner, Ponyville

Briar Rose sat at one the tables quietly sipping on a cup of Pinkie’s famous Mocha Java Meltdowns. It was a plain looking coffee drink, but the flavor was anything but. Briar was surprised that only Pinkie was present at the store, but thought that perhaps the Cakes were off on break somewhere. He sighed trying to think of a way to apologize to Applejack.

Pinkie bounced over to the stallion. “Are you sure there isn’t anything else I can get you? Not even advice to apologize to a friend?”

“Huh how did you…?”

“I have my Pinkie sense but anypony can see you’re all mopey with all the sighing and looking into the distance. Yepers you’re one depressed pony!”

“You’re right Pinkie. I just have no clue how to say sorry.”

“Well, you just say it silly. It’s not that hard! But even if you embarrassed AJ, she’s pretty easy to please. She looooves pie. Especially apple pie.”

“I guess I could bake an apology…pie?”

Pinkie waved her hoof. “Nah, you don’t need to do any baking at all. I have a pie right here!”

“Is that an apple pie?”

“Kind of. It’s my super special crumbly caramel apple pie. Baked it yesterday.”

“Umm right. How much do you want for it?”

Pinkie giggled. “Nothing, it’s on the house. Oh oh here comes Applejack!”

Briar nearly spit out his coffee when he saw the aforesaid mare walking down the street towards Sugarcube Corner. Something was different about her, her mane was straightened out and tied with cute little green bows sans the trademark Stetson. He noticed she was also wearing a simple but beautiful jade pendant, which he thought went well with her emerald eyes. With pie in hoof Briar bolted out the door, leaving an amused Pinkie behind. Applejack and Molly were as equally surprised to see the stallion as he ran out into the street. Molly took the opportunity to levitate the onyx amulet onto Briar’s neck.

Briar stared at the necklace. “What’s this?”

Molly grinned. “Think of it as a gift that shall help you and AJ kiss and make up…as it were.”

“It’s beautiful but I don’t see how else that helps me.”

“Oh you’ll see my little pony, you’ll see. I bet you’re hungry aren’t you? Go on ask for a piece of pie, Briar.”

Briar scrunched his eyebrows. “Ok…I guess a piece of pie would be nice right now.”

AJ’s amulet glowed as she trotted towards the pie and tore off a piece. She crept closer to Briar and lovingly fed him some of it. The surprised stallion blushed but chewed the delicious pastry anyway.

AJ looked confused. “What the hay just happened? Ah was aware of what ah was doin’ but…it was like ah wasn’t too. I’m not sure if ah like this…”

Molly bounced up and down. “See I told you, the amulets work through the power of suggestion. You weren’t unwilling to feed him the pie, so it happened.”

Briar gulped. “So basically what you’re saying is that Applejack will do whatever I tell her?”

“Not quite dear. Applejack must be willing, even if it’s on a subconscious level, to perform the task. Certain acts cannot be enacted for sake of free will and safety etcetera.”

Briar blushed looking at the ground. “Applejack I’m sorry if what you went through was embarrassing. I’m not angry about it. In fact, if it makes you feel any better it actually…was ummm….really hot. I uhh…kind of liked it.”

AJ looked like she got hit by a train. “Well…ermm that’s swell ah reckon. Yer forgiven ah suppose. No harm done?”

Briar let out a sigh of relief. “Thank Celestia, I was worried that you were hurt. But yeah I hadn’t really intended to say all that stuff about you being…hot out loud. It’s strange, it was if I was compelled to say that. Since the cat’s out of the bag, all of what I said is one hundred per-cent true. I’ve wanted to say if for so many years, but I didn’t think you liked me…”

“No harm done sugarcube. Ah was bein’ a mule ‘bout the whole thing. And I’m glad ya think that I’m good-looking…since ah think yer a-a hot piece of stallion plot!”

“Oh wow really, you noticed that I worked out huh?”

AJ squeaked. “Damn it! Ah…well ya really do like mighty fine, but ah didn’t mean ta say it that crudely.”

Briar grinned. “I’m so happy you noticed, I could kiss you right now!”

Both of their amulets glowed, propelling them forward inch by agonizing inch. AJ grabbed the back of Briar’s mane and roughly pulled him into a kiss. Rather than be embarrassed, Briar wrestled his tongue with hers in a battle of dominance leaving them both struggling for air. Rivulets of drool ran down each of their coats, forming a small puddle beneath them. Many of the ponies who were going about their business stopped to look at the display of public affection. Almost all of the said townsponies blushed and averted their eyes. AJ finally broke free feeling slightly embarrassed. However, she was not unsatisfied or displeased.

AJ panted heavily. “Whoa nelly…ah need a second ta catch mah breath. That was one of the best kisses I’ve ever had.”

Briar panted as well. “I’ll say! Sorry, I couldn’t help myself I guess I should be more careful about what I say from now on.”

AJ sauntered over and nibbled his ear. “Don’t ya dare apologize fer that. Now you’ve got me all riled up. Ah can’t believe ah missed out on this, Granny was right!”

“Your Granny was right about what exactly?”

AJ drew a circle in Briar’s chest. “Havin’ naughty fun with stallions.”

“N-naughty fun are you sure…”

AJ licked his neck. “Eeyup, never been more sure.”

“I never really had a mare-friend, so I wouldn’t know what to…”

“C’mon now sugarcube it ain’t real hard ta think of somethin’. Go on, what’s the first thing that comes to yer mind?”

“Heh well now that you mention it a blow…SWEET CELESTIA!”

AJ wasted no time in using her hoof to massage Briar’s cream colored balls. This had the intended effect of making him stand at full attention. AJ grinned noting that big stallions had big legs…all three of them. She gently kissed the bottom of his balls and continued to pepper him with little kisses all the way up his stallion-hood. Using the tip of her tongue she wrapped it around his head and made small swirling motions, making Briar gasp. She continued her motions until a nice shiny glob of pre-cum formed on the tip. Applejack lapped it up, noting it’s slightly tangy flavor before spreading it all over the rest of his shaft.

“H-holy s-shit AJ! Are you sure we should be doing t-this in public?”

Applejack didn’t answer with words, instead she took his length into her mouth and began to massage it with her tongue, bobbing her head up and down. Briar would have cared about being embarrassed but the waves of pleasure he was experiencing, put a stop to such thinking. AJ increased her pace relishing the salty taste of Briar’s smooth cock. She could feel his dick starting to tighten up, signaling that he was near his limit. With a deep grunt of pleasure she felt warm stallion cum fill the back of her throat. She let go of him with a slick pop, swallowing all of his seed. The panting stallion lay on his back with a look of pure bliss as AJ nuzzled his chest. While the new couple were certainly enjoying themselves, the rest of the town’s folk fled in embarrassment…not accustomed to such vulgar acts in public.

AJ sighed. “You’ll have ta take care of me next time sugarcube. But fer now let’s snuggle.”

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Fluttershy’s Cottage, Ponyville

Fluttershy was busy tending to the chickens in the coop, harvesting eggs for the rest of the week. She was humming a song that she heard a few days ago on the radio. It was called Crystal Eyes by Sapphire Shores. While the pegasus usually enjoyed classical music, she would sometimes listen to the more catchy pop tunes if they had the right flare. She flew over to one of her oldest and hens. The chicken’s name was Beatrice.

“Hello Beatrice do you have any eggs for me today?”

The chicken clucked and kicked the dirt, bowing her head. “Baaawwk…”

Fluttershy hugged the chicken. “Oh you poor thing, don’t worry I’m not mad. I know it’s tough getting older. You’ve been a good hen to me. I think you deserve some new corn feed. How’s that sound?”

Beatrice nuzzled Fluttershy’s neck. “Ok now I’m going to get the feed so you wait here and look after the rest of the girls, I’m counting on you!”

Fluttershy trotted back to her cottage into the kitchen to retrieve a bag of grade A corn feed. The dainty pegasus struggled to drag it outside the door. Harry the bear was nearby trying to get some honey. Noticing the mare’s discomfort he headed over to help. He tapped Fluttershy lightly on the shoulder so as not to startle her and was greeted with a smile.

“Urrrghh…hi….urgghh…Harry. *Pants* Oh my, this bag is sooo heavy! I’m sorry Harry but I can’t talk to you right now. I have to feed the chickens.”

Harry grabbed both the feed bag and Fluttershy with one arm, slinging them both onto his furry shoulder. The mare squeaked in surprise and quickly landed on the ground. Within a minute the bear dumped the corn feed near the coop, dusting off his paws.

Shy gave Harry a hug. “You’re such a sweet heart, carrying that for me. I would have never been able to carry that all the way to the coop by myself. I don’t know how I can repay you…”

Harry waved his paw signaling that it was no big deal. When Fluttershy began to get upset he held his paw over her mouth. With a defeated sigh he slumped to the ground in thought. The bear carefully placed her on his back and headed into the cottage. When they made it to the kitchen he pointed to the uppermost cupboard.

Fluttershy giggled. “So you want honey, well that’s easy enough. But…are you sure that’s all you want?’

Harry nodded, then Shy flew up to the top and got a giant jar of honey. Harry’s eyes widened, while his tongue flopped out of his mouth. The bear greedily drank the golden nectar in a state of unadulterated bliss. He patted his stomach and belched loudly in satisfaction, making his way back to the woods.

As Fluttershy was waving goodbye she heard a loud explosion. She looked around and could find nothing unusual, until she looked in the sky. Up above her was a small silver dirigible. The aircraft’s right propeller had blown out and was smoking more than a sleeping dragon. It was sinking towards the ground at an alarming rate, and Shy feared for the safety of whoever was piloting it. She flew as quickly as her wings would allow towards the ship, unfortunately it crashed before she could get to it. The pegasus was worried that it might catch fire, but such was not the case. Whoever had designed the blimp, had filled it with a non-explosive gas. Fluttershy desperately searched the wreckage hoping to find survivors.

“Um hello is anypony here? I saw your ship crash and I thought you might need some help.”

Fluttershy heard some rustling and a few coughs. She flew over to the source of the sound and saw a pile of rubble move. Out of the rubble popped a…fluffy head? Whatever the creature was, it had a pair of pointy ears not unlike a pony’s. It managed to move some of the debris to free it’s hoof. Shy grabbed onto it with all her might, pulling the creature out. Once the pegasus got a good look at it, she realized the creature was in fact a sheep. She stared at it in curiosity, since sheep were extremely rare in Equestria.

The sheep flattened it’s ears and blushed. “H-hello could I please get some help? I seemed to have crashed my ship. I’m afraid I don’t have much in the way of Equestrian currency since I came all the way from the Fleece Islands. I’d be grateful if I could have some water…if you don’t mind that is.”

Shy wasn’t sure why but she felt the irresistible urge to hug this poor sheep. “I don’t mind helping you out, it wouldn’t be any trouble at all. You can keep your money, it isn’t important. What’s important is that you get some rest and recuperate.”

The sheep practically groveled. “Oh thank you kind stranger! I promise I won’t be a bother. I can cook and clean and all sorts of things.”

Fluttershy sighed. “You shall be doing nothing of the sort. YOU NEED TO REST!”

“Umm…ok whatever you say Miss…?”

“My name is Fluttershy and I live in that cottage over there. I take care of all the animals around here. What’s your name?”

“M-my name’s Ariadne, nice to meet you Ms. Fluttershy.”