Burdy's perspective...

We all made our way out the front of the castle, save for Celestia who was tending to her sister's breakdown.

As I stepped out into the sunlight, I noticed something I wasn't fully sure how to take. “Cadance?” I asked curiously. Lassie chuckled.

“Somepony... left me behind,” my canine companion mentioned, nudging into Twilight who just blushed nervously. AJ spoke up and broke my thoughts.

“Hate tah mention it, but we all gotta hurry tah the station. Err, at least ah gotta. Gots tah catch the next train tah Appleloosa tah meet up with muh folks... speakin' a which, yah still comin'?” she asked me and I nodded before rubbing my chin.

“Well... I mean, I'd hate to split up the crew but... AJ, me and you could take my truck to Apple-wherever... I mean, it'd probably be faster... if that's okay with everyone else?” I asked, turning to the others. Dash just laughed.

“Break up the group? Sorry but Pinkie already beat you to that one,” she said, pointing down the streets were Pinkie bounced along energetically, picking up various treats from different stores faster than the laws of physics should allow.

“Oh... uhm... okay. Lassie, you coming with?” I asked, whom shot me a stupidified look.

“You mean to say: Hey Lassie, wanna come along, shovel manure, carry around loads of apples and perform other back breaking tasks? Yeaaaaaah... no. I'll pass,” she replied and I just rolled my eye with a laugh, kneeling down to give her a good rub to the head. “Okay. Then keep the library in order, okay?” I asked, trying my best to give a wink to my mom.

Lassie chuckled. “I'll make sure to keep your bed warm for you too,” she joked. I nodded and with that stood up and gave my farewells to the group before heading off with AJ. I keyed the truck and started her up without my 'naughty' play.

As the truck rumbled to life, AJ began a subject Twilight had brought up earlier. “Yah feelin' alright?” she asked and I nodded. “Like... hundred percent?” she asked and I shrugged.

“Close to it,” I replied. She took a closer look at me as we puttered through the streets at a cautious pace.

“Yah had some pretty gruesome scars on yer face when yah was sleeping,” she commented and I shrugged with an 'ah dunno' look.

“All I know is... okay, you're gonna hate it but we gotta stop by Flim and Flam's,” I mentioned and she groaned. “Don't worry. You don't gotta even get out of the truck. Just gotta talk to them and get some extra fuel for the trip,” I informed her...

Sometime later...

The truck came to a stop by Flim and Flam's warehouse, dust fuming up as we came to a stop. They were usually at their garage in the desert but I told Applejack we had to see them just in case they were here. The big Texas Longhorn bull horns protruded off the hood like a testament of terror. The engine kept rumbling as I stepped out, my wook boots setting down onto the ground.

We had stopped by the library briefly so I could pick up some clothes, namely my duster coat and my now black trousers along with some other things for the week ahead. I whistled and called out for the brothers.

“YO! Flim, Flam!” I paused for a moment, not getting a response. “Huh...” I looked to AJ who sat in the truck. “Guess they're not home,” I told her. I needed to not only fill up but get extra fuel for the ride, meaning I'd need some kinda jerrycan.

I went to apporach the warehouse but a shiver went down my spine as I remembered the last time I was here. “Rats...” I grumbled as I went to the toolboxes and fished out Applebloom, my SKS rifle.

'Heh... Applejack's younger sister is named Applebloom,' I thought to myself and looked to the rifle. The two had nothing in common, or nothing to my knowledge. I fed ten rounds into the rifle's magazine before approaching the warehouse. Applejack knocked on the window as I passed by. I opened the door briefly to address her.

“Just stay here. I don't think anything's wrong but... just in case, stay in the truck,” I told her as I shut the door once more. I walked into the building and spotted dried blood from my confrontation here, but no bodies. They had either made off with their tails between their legs or... were dragged off by predators while unconscious... that'd be a helluva way to go.

After a quick scan of the area and finding nothing suspicious, I inspected a few fuel canisters and grabbed four of the best looking twenty liter cans. I carried them out and made quick work to fill them up, setting them in the back and scrunching my nose as I realized I had no way to fasten them down.

With a roll of my eye, I quickly shut off my truck before starting to fill both tanks of the vehicle. I'd hate to run dry out in the desert planes somewhere. I didn't even know how far this place was. Hell, it could be across Equestria for all I knew.

After filling the truck and hanging up the pump, I unloaded my rifle of ammunition and set her back in her case in the toolbox before heading to the little station booth. “Just gotta write the F brothers a note,” I said with a nod to AJ who still sat impatiently in the truck.

I guess I can feel where she comes from. If some guys tried to swindle my family's lot from us I'd be a little T'd off too. I walked into the booth and grabbed a notepad and pencil, scribbling down a note to the brothers that I had been here and was in Appleloosa for a while before I'd return to Ponyville.

Just as I went to leave, my stomach grumbled and my nose caught wind of food, although faint. I looked to the desk and spotted a stale, probably outdated, chocolate doughnut. “Oh hey, yum. I ain't eatin' in... a while,” I said, making note I had been out for over twenty-four hours. I grabbed the doughnut and took a chomp, immediately gagging at the rather nasty taste. “Blah... gross,” I grunted in a gruffy tone. Quickly coming to thought I was rather hungry, I remembered something gravely important. I had Twinkies in the back of my truck.

“OH BABY YEAH!” I shouted as I tossed what was left of the horrid doughnut aside, rushing back to my truck. I hopped into the driver seat but didn't even shut the door as I began fishing through the back seat.

“What are yah doin'?” AJ asked curiously, but was quickly answered as I pulled out a box of my delicious morsels.

“Super food. Will never go bad. Stuffed with so much preservatives it'll probably kill you before giving you any nutritional benefits... my favorite,” I told her as I shut my truck door and started the truck, the box of Twinkies resting on my lap.

“Oh man...” I trailed off, using one hand to steer the truck as we pulled away and using the other to rip open the Twinkies box. “Ah ain't had one a these since... probably since I met your sister all those months back when I gave her a ride to school on that rainy day...” I said, putting one of the yellow bars in my mouth and downing it quickly.

There would be no way these things could tide over my hunger but oh god they tasted so good. I looked to AJ and offered her one. “No thanks. Got muh stuff packed in the back,” she said, reminding me that we had picked up a few things from her place before coming out here. I didn't quite know what they were but thinking on it now, I hopped she was a smarter traveler than me and packed some proper food.

The truck picked up speed on a trail not far from the railroad tracks as we booted along towards where Appleloosa was supposed to be, according to AJ. Not long into the ride, I had the window down, arm on the windowsill, cowboy hat on and sunglasses covering part of my face. We had stopped by my house briefly so I could change out of my suit and into something more... work appropriate. I had my duster coat and a couple extra pairs of pants, underwear and socks... to bad I hadn't thought of food for the trip.

I tipped my cowboy hat just a little, so the brim blocked out the sun's glare. 'Struttin' yer shit?' my conscious asked and I nodded.

'Like always,' I replied back. I looked to AJ, my only companion for the trip. “So... AJ...” I tried to bring up conversation. She looked to me but remained silent for the most part. “Uhm... your family... what are they like?” I asked. She blinked, twitched her lip then spoke.

“All different ah suppose. Were all apple farmers, the most of us anyways. Ah dunno, what dah yah wanna know?” she asked and I shrugged. “Well... iffen yah wanna know it all... that's a loooong story,” she mentioned and I smirked.

“It's one looooong ride,” I replied back with a smile, not looking directly to her but smiling in her direction.

“Well sugarcube, ah'll warn yah... might not be as excitin' and thrillin' as yah hope,” she mentioned with a slight smile. I grinned.

“Aww, come on AJ. Ah'm sucker fer small talk. Lay it on me...”

Third person,

Ponyville...

Lassie mingled along slightly ahead of Twilight, Spike and Owlowiscious as they arrived home at the library. She swung the door open but her mouth went agape as the group was met by a terrible mess.

Things lay on the floor in disarray, some bookshelves were knocked over, mucky water along with dozens of dirty bath towels resided on the floor...

Lassie groaned. “Uhhh... heh-heh... guess my crew... encountered technical difficulties beyond their control,” she chuckled nervously as the three fillies came into view dressed in cooking aprons.

At this point Lassie took note that there was a bit of smoke coming from the kitchen, along with the stench of something burning. She, along with Twilight, rushed into the kitchen to be greeted by the sight of a large frying pan that had something burning on it, most likely cooking oil.

“GAH CRAP!” Lassie swore as she grabbed a pair of oven mitts, retrieved the burning pan and rushed it outside where she proceeded to toss it into the street, the still flaming pan scaring away several ponies.

Quickly retrieving the chemical fire extinguisher, Lassie made quick work of the still blazing pan. In seconds the fire was out. Lassie looked at the mess on the ground and sighed to herself. “Dammit... I liked that pan.”

She wandered back inside, setting the spent extinguisher aside as she and Twilight began opening windows, Spike and the three fillies blinking in shock. After all was accounted for, Lassie looked to the group of fillies. “Okay minions... as of this time I have no further use for you. Depart,” she told them with a chuckle.

The three fillies left and Lassie dipped her head with a sigh. “I know... I'll clean it up,” she groaned. Twilight spoke up.

“Lassie, what would have happened if we hadn't showed up when we did?” she asked in a somewhat annoyed voice. Lassie shrugged and looked back to her with an equally annoyed look.

“Ah dunno. What woulda happened if you had've taken me along with you instead of leaving me behind?!” she snapped. Twilight blinked.

“Well... I... I uhh... I told you to stay here...” she bit her lip then dropped her head in defeat. “Alright... I know. I shouldn't have left you behind. But you also shouldn't have tasked the library to a group of fillies, Lassie,” Twilight mentioned and Lassie rolled her eyes.

“It was either them, that wannabee dentist, that green mare and her friend Bondo-” Twilight cut her off.

“It's Bon Bon,” she interjected and Lassie rolled her eyes.

“Like I was saying, them or... all your friends' pets... I think I made the smart decision,” she mentioned and Twilight just groaned as they began cleaning the place up. Hours past and the group finally had the place looking like it was before, now even having a glistening tone to it.

Twilight stepped up beside Lassie and spoke an apology. “I'm sorry for leaving you behind. I guess he's your friend as much as he is mine-” but Lassie cut her short.

“Nah... he's not my friend. He's family. I mean, come on, let's face it... we're all a little bit more than just friends here,” she said and Twilight groaned.

“Oh goddess please don't tell me you're going to start thinking I'm your mother too,” she commented and Lassie groaned as she dipped her face into her front paws.

“Oh god... for an intelligent princess you are sooOOOooo dumb,” Lassie mentioned, perking Twilight's attention. Lassie pawed her owned face, rubbing her snout irritably. “You still haven't found out? Haven't you asked him about it?” she asked but Twilight shook her head. Mumbling to herself, Lassie groaned inwardly. “You're as much to blame as he is.”

Twilight didn't hear the last part and spoke up. “I tried... several times. But he... well he starts to break down and I don't want to lose him,” she replied and Lassie sighed as she waved the princess towards the basement.

“Follow me... minion,” Lassie motioned, 'Yah dunce,' she didn't add in. They walked down to Evan's room, formerly Twilight's laboratory. Lassie began to rummage through Evan's things.

“Uhm... Lassie, maybe we shouldn't go through his personal belongings-” Lassie cut her short.

“Sssh, he wouldn't mind. Besides... I guess I kinda forced you into this prematurely,” she mentioned, perking one of Twilight's brows. “Remember Mother's Day?” she asked and Twilight nodded.

“Of course. How could I forget our first time together?” she replied and Lassie groaned.

“Hopeless romantic... ahem, anyway, remember how I kinda... foolishly... forced you into it,” she replied and Twilight didn't answer immediately.

“Well... you were just joking about what you'd do though,” she stated and Lassie groaned.

“Yeah but... ugh, I was so stupid. It kinda drove me insane how you'd bring up the topic then just drop it... so, I dunno, I was young, horny and stupid-” she cut herself short as she pulled out an envelope. “AH-HA! HERE IT IS!” She announced, opening up the envelope. Twilight walked up to Lassie's side and took a look. Lassie fumbled out several photographs and handed them to the princess. “Take a look,” she offered.

Twilight took grasp of the photos in her magical aura and began sorting through them. Photo after photo had pictures of what she presumed to be his family, some including him and some not.

Lassie stopped her at one photo where there was a young child giggling as a dog licked his face. “That one's my favorite. That was him a decade ago with his dog Ally,” she said and Twilight looked to her.

“How do you know that?” she asked and Lassie rolled her eyes.

“Because he's showed me these and told me the history behind each one,” she replied. Twilight was about to ask but Lassie intervened. “He never showed you because... well, he's probably scared. On the flip side, I'm his dog... you know the old saying: 'Man's best friend'?” Lassie asked but Twilight shook her head, having never heard that phrase before. Rarity had once said a gem is a mare's best friend though Twilight begged to differ.

Lassie broke Twilight's train of thought. “Listen... I'm not gonna tell you his entire story cause... it's his life and it's his privacy but... seeing as he's... well anyway, and you're too shy and scared to bring it up... what do you notice about those photos?” she asked.

Twilight sifted through the photos but came up with nothing. “I don't know... what's the secret?” Twilight asked.

“Find one with his mother,” the dog replied. Twilight quickly sorted through the photos and found one with Evan sitting beside an older, larger, looking woman and showed it to Lassie.

“Figured you'd do that. See, that's not his mother. That's his grandmother...” Lassie trailed off. Twilight sorted through the photos trying to find a picture of Evan's mother but came up with nothing, only finding more of his grandmother, male relatives and some more with his dog.

“I... well...” Twilight mumbled as she again went over the photos. After a few minutes past, Lassie put her paw over top of the photos, making sure not to scratch them.

“It's no use. You won't find one,” she commented and Twilight looked to the canine.

“Why not?” she asked and Lassie shrugged.

“Well... see... Evan's mom was hardly around in his childhood, and when she was around she wasn't... well let's just say his real mother undoubtedly loved him... she probably just didn't show it very well,” she commented and Twilight stood in silence. “You see... ever since before he can remember, his grandmother raised him. Even though he had people who loved him, he strived to impress his mother... probably figuring that was the way to have her love him...” Lassie began to sort through his things but after a few moments, swore to herself.

“Shit... they're Cadance's glove box... rats. You know those medals he has. The ones from school?” she asked and Twilight nodded.

“Of course! The ones he received for academic achievements. When he told me I wasn't readily sure but when he showed me it was unbelievable. He had the highest grades of anyone else in two of his courses along with honor role statistics... I'm so proud of him. He really is a gifted student, even if he won't admit it,” she appraised the man and Lassie nodded.

“See that... right there...” Lassie mentioned and Twilight blinked, unsure of what she had meant. “You probably said the same thing when he told you and showed you the medals and awards, right?” Twilight nodded. “Yeah, well that's more appraise than his mother ever showed him his whole life.”

Twilight's expression went a little sour. “Well that's not very nice of-” but Lassie cut her short as she rummaged through his belongings and pulled out a muscle magazine, the cover having an intensely large man on it with a beat red face while he lifted weights.

“That's him,” Lassie said as she handed the princess the magazine.

“That's!... That's not Evan,” she commented and Lassie groaned.

“Sorry, got ahead of myself. You know that dumb accent and those crappy puns Evan's always using?” she asked and Twilight nodded, remembering his somewhat goofy shenanigans and that ridiculous accent and those equally silly puns. “Yeah well that's the guy that originally used them. Arnold Schwarzenegger.”

Twilight flipped through the magazine. Most of it was advertising for muscle protein shakes or workout routines, fitness gyms and the like. “Sometime if you want you can read the article about that guy. It's somewhere in the middle of the magazine. It goes on about that guy and how his parents didn't believe in him. How he wanted to be something more. How he went from nearly nothing to a superstar... guess maybe Evan idolizes him for more than just his big muscles and shitty puns,” Lassie mentioned.

Twilight rolled up the magazine, making note to read it later as she got back on track to the subject at hand. “So about Evan's mother-” Lassie cut her short.

“No more about that. You wanna know more you're gonna have to ask him directly. Thing is... he began to forget about her but... I guess somewhere down the line he began to strive for motherly attention. At one point he even accepted a cow as his mother because she'd groom him and show him affection. A FRICKEN COW, TWILIGHT!” Lassie yelled out the last part.

Twilight blinked. “Like... he actually-” Lassie again cut her short.

“Yes. A cow. A bovine animal-” Twilight cut her short.

“But surely he-” Lassie wouldn't let her speak.

“JUST SUSH, AND LET ME SPEAK!... Haaa...” she let out a sigh. “I'm sure somewhere deep down, harbored away from his thoughts, heavily supressed... he knows that you're truly not his mother but... Twilight, you've shown him love, comfort, affection... you've given him shelter when he no other place to go. You've brought him into this world... in a way... that's what a mother is. Yeah you're a different species... yeah you're the same age, but in his mind that's irrelevant. You've shown him the motherly compassion he's strived for most of his adult life. That's why he calls you mother and considers you so.” Lassie paused for a good long while. “I don't know what to say. I'm sure that's what the princesses were trying to find out by invading his dreams... trying to find out why he considers you his mother...” Lassie trailed off and sighed before smirking.

“What's so funny?” Twilight asked in a serious tone.

“Well... heh-heh... I've never had a father. I mean, yeah, I'd have to cum from something but... I mean... he's raised me since before I can remember...” Lassie trailed off.

“Oh please don't tell me you're going to start calling him dad,” Twilight groaned and Lassie scoffed.

“NO! I'm just saying... it's strange you know... how he'll break down like he does yet... you know, I won't. I dunno what to say Twilight. Evan's as complex as they come... heh, cum,” she chuckled and Twilight gave her a sour expression. “Hey don't look at me like that. I know you like it,” she laughed and Twilight began to trot away.

“If this is where the conversation is going, I'm leaving,” Twilight mentioned and Lassie just rolled her eyes.

“Toodles princess.” Lassie pulled out a smut magazine and took a seat as she began to read the filthy pages in peace.

Evan's perspective,

Appleloosa...

We arrived at the small town a little late in the day. I let out a chuckle. It looked more or less like something from a stereotypical wild west flick. “So...” I trailed off and looked to Applejack. “Where to now?” I asked curiously.

She rubbed her chin. “Well... ah did say ah'd meet 'em at the station but... ah think we're a bit early.” She looked around and fiddled with the window switch. I had shown her how to use the electric windows but she wasn't exactly good at operating anything in the vehicle thus far.

I used the driver side master controls to roll the window down for her. “Thanks,” she mentioned as she looked out to the town which was still bustling. We got several stares, no doubt because of Cadance.

I took my hat off for a moment and used it like a fan. Before I could speak, Applejack shouted out. “COUSIN BRAEBURN!” She yelled, squirming out the window and rushing out to a stallion in western garb... come to think of it, everypony in town, myself included, was wearing western wear.

The two embraced in a loving hug before conversating about something. Applejack pointed over to the truck and I figured that was my cue. I shut Cadance down as Applejack and her cousin approached.

Setting my aging cowboy hat atop my head, I swung the door open and set just my left foot down, pivoting my heel in the dirt to get that action hero movie-like entrance. I stepped out of the vehicle, the cowboy hat covering most of my facial features. Braeburn hadn't quite seen me just yet, the door covering my figure.

I stepped out into view just as he was a few feet away, still conversing with AJ. My duster coat flapped a little as I gently shut the door and turned to him. “Hey there, welcome tah...” he began as his head turned to my direction, but he became silent and his expression went from a happy joyful look to one that was a bit more... of a fearful look.

Applejack, having already been accustomed to my look, introduced me. “Brae, this is Evan... err as he says, Burdy if yah fancy,” she said. I tipped up my hat with a smile.

“Howdy Brae... like she said, Burdy if yah fancy.” I offered my hand to him. “Applejack's told me a lot about you. Honor teh meet yah,” I told him. He gulped nervously as he timidly shook my hand.

“A-A-AJ told me... told me about yah too... fancy meetin' yah... sir,” he stammered and I rose a brow.

“Uhm... okay I know I tried for the classic movie styled entrance but... was it too much?” I asked, wondering just what exactly had him so frightened of me. I mean, sure I was taller than him and sure I had an imposing frame but... “Is it the hat thing? I mean, you guys have hats too so...” I trailed off and he gulped.

“I-i-it's the... the coat. Ah only see lawpony an' outlaws wearin' them an'... well... ah don't see a badge...” he trembled and I rolled my eyes as I took off the coat and tossed it into the back seat of my truck.

“Come on. You think your cousin AJ would hang around an outlaw and bring him out to your town?” I asked with a heartwarming laugh... or at least what I tried to pass off as a heartwarming laugh.

He stayed silent for a moment and AJ spoke up. “Oh come now Brae. Didn't nopony tell yah not tah judge a book by it's cover?” Applejack mentioned, only making Braeburn gulp again. “Now come on then. Show 'em the town like yah showed muh other friends. He don't bite none,” she assured him.

I brought up a topic I was hoping would ease his stress. “Oh come on. Haven't you read about me in the papers? Burdy, legendary hero who helped a sick mare climb to the top of Mount Tia so she could complete her dying wish?” I asked.

“Musta... musta missed that one,” he stuttered. I sighed with a deep exhale.

“Well... okay. We'll take it slow. Applejack convinced me to come out and give yah all a hand with chores and such. Add an extra pair of hooves... hands, to the mix. Whatta yah say...” I offered. “I won't wear the coat.”

He nodded. “Okay... well uhh...” he looked around town. “If yah follow me this way, ah'll show yah The Salt Block...”

Third person,

Ponyville...

Lassie mingled through the house, bored as ever. Only a matter of two days had passed since Evan left with Applejack to Appleloosa. The day was now Tuesday, Spike had gone out to play with Sweetie Belle and Twilight was busy with her studies, leaving her all to her lonesome.

Flipping through Evan's trench coat pockets, she retrieved a few coins before stepping out of the house and looking to the town. It was early in the morning and only a handful of ponies were out and about. Taking the handful of change with her, she proceeded to Sugarcube Corner where the ever energetic pink mare greeted her.

“HIYAH LASSIE, HOW'S IT GOING?!” She blurted out, bouncing around and getting things ready for the day.

Lassie just mumbled things to herself, now wishing she had gone along with Evan. “Ah dunno... tea an' a biscuit,” Lassie ordered but before she could turn to look, Pinkie already had the beverage and treat set out in front of her. However, much to her dismay, the biscuit was a dog treat.

Giving her a frown, Lassie spoke up again. “A regular biscuit... you know, like a tea biscuit,” Lassie muttered and Pinkie giggled.

“Whoops, ahah, silly me.” But before she said much else, she zoomed away and was back in a flash with the biscuit. “HERE YAH GO!” she chimed in her usual bubbly voice. Lassie took a sip of the hot beverage and immediately flinched, the tea a little too hot.

Giving it a gentle blow, she instead turned to her biscuit, taking a chomp out of it and sighing to herself. Pinkie spoke up. “So whatcha up to?” she asked, taking a seat across from the dog. Lassie shrugged and as she looked up, noticed everything was clean and ready for the day, a massive difference to what it had looked like just moments ago.

'Wow she's good,' Lassie thought to herself before shrugging. “Ah dunno... probably mingle around uselessly. Evan's outta town with Applejack, Spike's off with Sweetie Belle, Twilight's reading...” she complained grumpily to herself.

“Well, you wanna know what I do when I'm down with a frown?!” Pinkie asked excitedly. Lassie groaned, figuring it to be the beginning of a musical the town's ponies had a tendency of breaking into.

“No, not really,” she sighed.

“Well, when I'm down sometimes I play pranks on my friends,” she mentioned. Lassie sat there for a moment, her chin resting atop her paws currently on the tabletop. Moments past before she realized it wasn't a song, but rather just a statement.

“That's it?” Lassie asked and Pinkie rose a brow.

“What do you mean 'That's it'?” Pinkie asked with a look of confusion.

“No... break down into a musical that entices the whole town. No... pull out random things from thing air and blast confetti in every which direction... just... pranks?” Lassie asked, still not sure if this was some kinda joke.

“Do yah want me to sing you a song?! Cause I have songs for song emergen-” Lassie cut her short.

“NO! No, it's okay. No songs. Just... kinda shocked is all... so... a prank you say?”

Minutes later...

A ring at the door sprang Rarity from her perch at the sewing machine. She rushed downstairs, calling out for them to wait just a moment. As she arrived at the door however, she was only greeted by the sight of a large pink box with a big heart colored on the sides.

Rarity cocked a brow but thought nothing of it, knowing full well she'd need to get back to fulfilling orders. Levitating the box and its contents inside, she set it aside for the time being to get back to her task.

There was a long pause before the top of the box opened up. Pinkie and Lassie hopped out discreetly, stopping dead in their tracks at the sight of Opal. Luckily for them, the cat was napping peacefully.

Lassie whispered to Pinkie. “Okay... Sweetie Belle is out with Spike so there shouldn't be anypony else around... let's go.” Lassie and Pinkie crept through the house silently, cranking up the thermostat to full blast as they made their way upstairs and to the washroom.

Entering the washroom, Pinkie closed the door while Lassie removed the shower head nozzle. Pinkie looked to her, with a risen brow. As carefully as she could muster, the canine placed a few colored hard candies into the shower head and screwed it back on. Turning to the towel cupboards, she pulled out a few lint towels and placed them on the towel rack.

“Okay. Come on, this way,” Lassie ordered as they slipped out the bathroom window undetected. The crouched down and waited.

Inside Rarity continued to work as things started to heat up. She grumbled to herself, complaining that the pegasus should bring by some rain clouds every once and a while. She used one of her hooves like a fan for a brief minute before beginning to sweat.

“Hmm... I have been working all morning. Perhaps a shower is in order,” she commented. Briefly contemplating a trip to the spa, she brushed away the thought in reminder that she'd like to complete these dresses by nightfall.

Slipping into the shower, Lassie and Pinkie peeked through the window. Lassie nudged Pinkie. “This is the best part,” she commented. The duo waited for another few minutes before hearing the grumbled complaints of Rarity, commenting about how sticky she had become from sweat due to the heat.

Lassie snickered then tugged Pinkie along. “What next?” Lassie asked Pinkie, now the mare's choice for a prank.

Minutes later...

Lassie climbed up secretively to the balcony of the library and peeked into Twilight's room, where she still resided reading her study books. Looking down to Pinkie, Lassie gave a nod. The pink mare rapped on the door, gaining Twilight's attention. As soon as the alicorn princess left her domain, Lassie snuck in and taped an air horn to the bottom of Twilight's office chair.

Scampering back out the balcony doors, she made note to leave everything the way it had been, save for the new addition. She gave a nod to Pinkie who gave her goodbyes to Twilight, having just brought up a rather irrelevant topic.

With an unsure shrug Twilight proceeded back towards her room, while Pinkie also snuck up to Lassie's perch in the tree branches, just beneath the balcony but still with ample view of the princess's quarters.

As Twilight returned, she first retrieved her book before taking a seat. As her weight depressed the office chair's seat, it also set off the air horn. Twilight jumped in shock, tossing her books and notes into the air while taking flight. Her flapping wings blustered several other objects away.

Lassie and Pinkie both howled in laughter, gaining the princess's attention. Noticing they had been made, the duo zoomed off. Twilight looked under her chair and just rolled her eyes with a giggle.

The two of them proceeded on the day, playing mostly harmless pranks. As the day came to a close, Lassie got a grin on her face. “I think... I just got a wonderful idea...”

An hour later...

The duo lay in the tall grass outside Fluttershy's home. Pinkie nudged Lassie, having no idea what the canine had done. “We really shouldn't prank Fluttershy. She's too shy and timid and it might scare her,” she commented but Lassie just waved a paw.

“Wayyyy ahead a yah... trust me. It's nothing sinister... ah, perrrrrfect,” Lassie mentioned as Fluttershy returned home down her trail. Pinkie Pie nibbled her lip, contemplating whether or not she should warn her friend. For all she knew, this could be the worst prank yet. Lassie was completely unpredictable.

Pinkie Pie continued biting her lip as Fluttershy trotted ever closer to the door. “We shouldn't do this. We have to stop her. She'll take it too seriously,” Pinkie mentioned but Lassie shook her head.

“No, it's too good!” She giggled. At the last possible moment, just as Fluttershy was turning the handle to her home, Pinkie jumped up.

“FLUTTERSHY WAIT!” She called out. “IT'S A TRAP!” But it was too late. The door opened and several googly eyes looked to Fluttershy. At first she gasped but to her utter surprise, the googly eyes were glued to animal shaped balloons.

The helium inside lifted the balloon animals out the door and into the air. A wide smile came across Fluttershy's face as she watched the balloons float away, being one of the most beautiful things she had seen all day.

Looking back to Pinkie who was rushing forwards with Lassie close behind, she smiled and grabbed Pinkie into a hug as she reached her. “Oh thank you so much Pinkie. That was a wonderful surprise,” she thanked her friend, taking the pink mare completely offguard.

“Wait... what?!” Pinkie gasped and Lassie snickered.

“Gotcha! I said there was one pony in town I had yet to prank. I didn't tell you who. I knew for sure I couldn't do Fluttershy cause she'd be mortified if we did anything worthwhile... but I knew if I said I was going to get her, you'd break down...” Lassie revealed her plan and Pinkie blinked in disbelief while Fluttershy took them both into a warming hug.

“Oh thank you both so much. That was a wonderful surprise,” she said in a genuinely happy tone. Pinkie was left baffled but ended up giggling while Lassie squirmed a bit in Fluttershy's overly loving hug...

Evan's perspective...

The group of us sat out around a campfire we had set up for the night. It was a fine night out and realistically... pony sized beds were a little small for me. For the past few nights I had just tossed a bunch of blankets and cushions in the back box of my truck and slept there, since the weather was permitting.

This night however, Braeburn, Applejack and a few others decided to camp outside in the pasture fields. The family told stories of past and present, sharing a laugh over some kinda special family brewed cider.

Braeburn had come to be relatively calm around me, no longer fearing me as some outlaw or something rather. The stallion offered me a mug of the bubbly substance. I took a sniff. It kinda smelt like cider. Maybe this was the special brew Mac had talked about.

“Careful, it's got some bite,” Brae warned and I rose a brow.

“Bite?” I asked.

“Yeah... yah know... might make yah a tad bit wobbly iffen yah drink too much,” he chuckled and I looked to the drink. I dipped my pinkie finger in the liquid and took a taste. It was bitterly sweet but had a tangy aftertaste kinda a little like hard liquor.

With great courtesy, I offered the drink back. “Uhh... sorry, I don't drink,” I replied and Brae blinked.

“Really? If yah don't like it, yah can just say. It's alright,” he offered but I shook my head.

“No, it's not that. I just don't drink. But if I was a drinkin' man, I'd love to have some,” I replied, much to his shock. Granny Orchard spoke up. I kinda liked her, she reminded me a little of Granny Smith.

Her voice now however was a little slurred, no doubt due to the hard cider. “Well... ain'th that somethin'. Applejack sweetie, thisssh one's a real keeper. Strappin' young stallion an' don't even drink none,” she commented and Applejack spoke up.

“Uhh... no granny. Ain't what yah think. He's just-” she was cut off by a hiccup. “Just a friend,” she replied. Orchard laughed heartily.

“Oh... Ahhhh seeeeeen it all before. You youngin's are luckier than yah know. Gettin' that warm fuzzy feelin' inside when yer around them. Blushin' and such. The butterflies in yer belly,” the older mare replied. I rose a brow.

'What is she goin' on about?' I thought to myself. Applejack shook her head. “No-no Granny Orchard, really. He's just a-" she was cut of by another hiccup. "Friend,” Applejack said surely. Orchard just laughed.

“Oh what I'd do tah be young again. That's what yah'll say. Just a friend. Fact is though, stallion 'n' a mare spend nuff time around one another they's start tah multiply,” she giggled and I gulped, starting to get what she was hinting at.

“UGH! NO! Applejack's right. We're just friends. Actually, she's my boss!” I stammered. I mean, sure I liked Applejack. In fact the past few days we had gotten to know each other better but neither of us saw each other like that and that was the end of the story.

Orchard just laughed. “OoOOOOOooh, Applejack... goin' fer the employees are yah! Teh-hee-hee...” she giggled. “Yah know... iffen ah was younger... ah'd have a good ruttin' on yah, let me tell yah. Though yah'd break muh hipssh these days,” she mentioned and I shuddered.

Braeburn gulped, realizing this was getting a tad bit wierd. “Uhm, granny... ah think yah done had enough teh drink tahnight,” he commented, nodding to two of his other cousins, who in turn helped Granny Orchard to her hooves and off to bed, however reluctant she was to go.

I shuddered from the image of the elder mare in bed. I needed that image gone, and fast. “Hey Brae... ah'll take that drink now,” I mentioned. He handed me another mug and I pounded it back, ignoring the sudsy, bitter aftertaste.

AJ chuckled. “WOAH! Slow up there Burdy. Gonna hit the ground hard yah don't take it easy, specially iffen yah don't drink often...” she commented and that was really the last thing I remembered for the night...

Hours later...

The warmth of the sun prickled the hair on my arms and chest. A slight shiver went down my bare back. I felt the soft grass brushing up against my body, along with a pair of hooves wrapped around my chest. My vision was blurry at best and I couldn't make much out.

But regardless, the hooves were soft, gentle... with a touch of loving feel to them. I placed one of my hands over them and snuggled tightly. I felt soft breath against my face and cracked open my left eye. It didn't help that my left eye was damaged and I could only make out blurred images.

Whomever it was... they had blonde hair... and I think a somewhat medium built frame... and was just a few inches from my face. “Uhmph... muh... huh?” I asked drowsily. My concsious spoke up in a chuckled tone. 'Got an old coat for a pillow... and the earth was last night's bed...'

“Ugh.. shut up,” I grunted then realized I was missing more than just my eye patch. My shirt, socks and boots were gone too, leaving me in just my pants.

I lifted my head so I could open my right eye, only to see it was Braeburn resting with me. “GAH!” I gasped in horror. I had slept with a dude last night!

I nearly jumped out of my skin as I rolled back, only to remember there was a pony behind me, the one's whose hooves were wrapped around my chest. I nearly rolled onto them as they yelped. “AHHH, HEY!” Yelped a distinctly familiar voice.

Pushing myself up, I turned to the scene where I had slept last night, Applejack waking drowsily from her rest and Braeburn having been woken from the commotion. Their mane's were frazzled and their fur was tuffed in several places. I stroked my face in disbelief.

I had slept with a dude last night. Not in like a tent in separate sleeping bags but like on the ground face to face. “Ughh... please don't tell me anything happened,” I groaned. Applejack spoke up.

“Ahh tolds yah Brae. We shouldn't a been drinkin' so much last night. Ah just knew we'd have headaches in the mornin'.” She looked to me. “Morning Sugarcube. How yah feelin'?” she asked.

“Gay,” I replied and she cocked a brow.

“Why... oh, don't worry none bout that. Nothin' like that happened. Yah passed out early on the ground an we was gonna help yah teh yer sleepin' roll but... well, we had too much tah drink and ended up fallin' over. The ground was cold an'... well, yah'll was warm so we snuggled up teh yah... hope yah don't mind,” she commented and Braeburn nodded.

“Like a darn furnace. Even the ground where yah was laying is still toasty,” he commented. I flumped down to my rump and sighed, feeling a little sick to my stomach. Braebrun placed a hoof on my shoulder. “Dun worry. Ah wouldn't do nothin' like what yer thinkin tah yah, specially the way yah were last night. Ain't right takin' 'vantage a ponies like that,” he commented but still I felt sick to my stomach. The distraught feeling of sleeping with another male had past, thanks to their assurance, but something else was tiding me over.

I leaned away and puked. I had this reminiscent feeling that it burned more coming up than it did going down. “Uhhghhh...” I moaned, puking twice more before wiping my lips and spitting several times to try and get the nasty taste of puke out of my mouth. Applejack groaned as she tried to stand up.

“Told yah. Said yah shouldn't drink so heavily,” she commented matter-of-factly. I kept stroking my face as I dealt with my upset stomach. Braeburn leaned back and basked in the morning sun.

“Ah'm thinkin' we start a bit late tahday...”

Third person...

Lassie grumbled to herself as she mingled along through the desert planes towards Flim and Flam's garage. “Figures... Pinkie has to work today...” she muttered to herself. She licked her dry lips, cursing herself for having not brought water along with her.

She knew Evan wouldn't be back until Saturday, Friday night at the earliest but she figured he'd be too wiped to do anything when he got home. Taking into account her options, she decided the best route would be to bug Flim and Flam.

“No... they couldn't have a map to this place,” she grumbled as she ascended another sand dune. To her luck, she finally found the garage. “Score!” She rushed along through the soft desert sand that spread apart under her paws as she raced along.

As she neared, she began yelling out for the brothers but got no response even as she came to a stop at the shop doors. “Hey... HEY! FLIM, FLAM!” Lassie screamed but there wasn't even a mouse's squeak to answer.

Lassie put her nose to the ground and began sniffing around the shop, and under the fuel station canopy which was in heavy disrepair. Lassie sniffed around and wondered to herself why there weren't pumps here like there were at the warehouse near Ponyville. “Location...” she muttered to herself, figuring it would be a better place for fuel pumps closer to town. “Even then... Evan's the only one with a fuel driven vehicle. Even that dink Fancy Pants drives a magically driven carriage...” she muttered to herself as she searched for signs of life.

Walking into the station itself, which had undoubtedly become the F brother's living quarters, she spotted a soda machine. Walking over, she put a bit into the machine and chose a beverage, only to be rewarded with nothing. “UGH! HEY! THAT'S MY MONEY!” Lassie yelled and tried to shake the machine for her soda, only then realizing there was a paper note taped to the machine that read the dreaded words 'OUT OF ORDER'.

Lassie twitched her jaw to one side in irritation and searched the place for any sort of refreshment, finding nothing. “I do not wanna walk all the way back without something to wet my whistle. It's like above fifty out there,” she mentioned. Looking to the nearby thermometer, she was indeed correct, as the temperature reached above fifty degrees Celsius which was particularly hard on her due to her thick fur coat.

Taking a deep breath, she wandered into the workshop. As she entered, she was astounded by the sight of the light armored custom vehicle Flim and Flam had built. “Juggernaut...” Lassie commented with a smirk.

'With this baby I could make it back to Ponyville no problem... and have some pimpin' as wheels... oh baby!' She thought to herself as she opened the driver side door and hopped in. Rather quickly however, she realized the lack of keys.

“OH FOR FU...” she trailed off and looked around with an annoyed exhale. “No, it can't be scripted that the keys are in the ignition. Make me look around why don't yah... probably cause yah like lookin' at my ass while I'm knelt down lookin' under tables for the keys, yah perv...”

She got out and began searching around the shop, grumbling to herself about her rotten luck. As she wandered around she found her way back into the station area while she searched for the keys.

After what seemed like hours and only amounted to about twenty minutes, Lassie flumped down on a pull out couch. Nearby she spotted a letter on the station counter. Standing back up she retrieved the letter and took a look. It was a message to anyone who stopped by that the F brothers had gone to Mareami to showcase fashion clothes with Sapphire Shores.

“Yes... because a couple a con artists are now fashionistas...” as she trailed off she looked back to Juggernaut. “Fricken looks like something outta some kinda action flick or something. Guy drivin' it would probably shout some pun or have the keys hidden above the ohhh...” A devious grin came across Lassie's face as she was struck by a sudden realization. With a smile, she walked over and back into the vehicle.

Hopping into the driver seat she muttered to herself. “Give me some sugar baby.” She put on a straight face and reached for the sun visor, pulling it down and snatching a pair of keys from midair. “Excellent,” she commented in a blunt voice.

Fitting the keys into the ignition, she gave them a twist and the truck rumbled to life. “AHHH YEAH!” Lassie cheered. No sooner had she, a male voice interrupted her.

“Voice recognition complete. Welcome... Lassie,” the truck voice said in a tone similar to one of the F brothers.

“Woah... you can talk?” Lassie asked but got no reply. “Dammit. For a second there I thought-” the truck voice cut her short.

“Please input command, or switch to manual operation,” the vehicle stated and Lassie scrunched her nose.

“Yeah, manual... go manual... err, nevermind,” Lassie commented as the garage door rolled up on its own. Slipping the vehicle into drive she pulled away, the heavy duty motor chugging away as she drove out, the garage doors closing behind her. “Huh... guess they have this place all wired up electrically huh?” Lassie asked.

The truck spoke up. “I'm sorry. I could not understand your command. Can you repeat the destination?” the truck asked and Lassie groaned as she began fiddling with buttons.

“You're going to be more trouble than you're worth huh?” she asked, finding a power button to switch off the voice control. As she plundered through the desert planes, she rose a brow. “Okay hot stuff... I've seen what yah can do in icy conditions... let's see what yah can do in desert sand...”

Lassie put the pedal to the floor. The supped up engine, loosely based off Cadance's 7.3L turbo, roared like a wild beast as the straight pipe exhaust fumed. The vehicle easily trudged through the desert sand and soon enough Lassie was taking the truck airborne off several sand dunes. The truck's interior vibrated slightly from the tremendous power the engine was putting out. “Ooooh... I like you... this makes me moist...” Lassie murmered as one of her paws reached down between her legs...

Evan's perspective...

The heat beamed down on the back of my neck. Sweat poured down my face and back. All I kept on my upper body was a tank top. I had my duster coat folded on my shoulder to help soften the feel of the heavy piece of lumber I was lugging around. In my left hand I held the heavy axe, right arm curled up along the side of the log to help keep it steady.

Before putting on a blatant expression, I smirked. 'I feel like John Matrix here...' I thought to myself. Applejack trotted at my side, pulling along a wagon that was loaded with lumber. Lucky girl.

They didn't have any wagons that would be compatible with my body type, and nothing that could hitch to Cadance. Reaching the Appleloosa Apple farm on the outskirts of town, we set aside the lumber and began sawing it in lengths using a two pony saw. When we cut enough lengths, I'd use the axe to split them into quarters or halves.

We had been at this all day, and needless to say it was finally getting to me. “Whew... hey AJ... ah dunno bout you, but how bout a little break?” I asked, wiping the sweat from my forehead.

“Aww, come on. What's the matter? Worn yah out already, yah big lug?” she teased competitively.

“Eh... yah ain't payin' me fer this... reckon ah deserve a little break every now an then,” I replied, not quite noticing the accent I was starting to receive from spending so much time with her folks.

“Well, reckonin' ah ain't gettin' paid neither sugarcube,” she replied. I rolled my eye and flumped down with an exhausted exhale. Man it was hot today. AJ laughed as she flumped down beside me, tossing me a water bottle which I squeezed the contents out in a matter of a second, downing it completely.

“Well shucks. Yah ain't the one with a fur coat yet yer sweatin' like a sieve,” she commented. I rose a brow.

“Well I'm not the one getting to pull the wagon. I have to carry these damn logs on my shoulder yah know... all the way from the pasture...” We sat for a moment and began to laugh hearitly. I leaned my head back as I shut my eye.

The sun beat relentlessly upon me. Huh... bet I had a tan going now. Sweat beaded down and around my eye patch, trickling down my face and to my chin, were it dropped like water to my chest.

I bet I stank some kinda bad... “Ain't worked this hard since... gee, ah guess since ah was cuttin' wood fer my home back on my world... wood fireplace, eh,” I replied. Applejack turned and look to me.

“What was yer home like anyways? Iffen yah don't mind me asking?” she asked and I shrugged. At first I thought nothing of it. I spoke, though due to my exhaustion, my voice was little more than a whisper.

“Log home... secluded in the countryside forests.” With my eyes closed I envisioned my home. I found myself walking down a trail that passed for a lane way which was just short of a kilometer long, stretching down into the deep forest, having a few turns and bends in the path.

Near the end there was a fork in the road. The path to the left led to the welding shop my uncles had set up and the right to our log home. Several wood sheds and larger buildings resided around the home...

A large area had been cleared out, gravel set down for the parking spaces. There was a turnaround that had a tree in the middle, along with another trail that led further into the property but only consisted of swamps and makeshift bridges.

There was a large building with a smokestack chimney. Behind the home was a large expansive garden. The area seemed to have an... almost golden glow... like an aura, surrounding it.

On the porch of the home sat my grandmother, a larger framed woman though out of great respect for her I'd never call her obese. In the yard was an old Black Labrador Retriever... Buddy?

In my memory, I tried to raise a brow but found myself more of just a perspective, not so much a person. I watched as a spiteful old man walked across the yard and to the front door. I could hear the voice of a young child, no more than five years old.

“Friend or foe?” the child asked. The older man chuckled and tried to open the door, letting the child resist and hold the door shut, though several times the older man would pry the door open slightly just to give the young bleach blonde child a thrill.

“Friend or foe?!” The child giggled excitedly. It was at this moment I realized that was me... over a decade and a half ago... 'Friend or foe... ugh!' I thought to myself, remembering the games I would play with my grandfather when he'd come home from work, not having a father in my life.

After a few moments, the old man ended up leaving the front door and walked around to the back side of the house. The child however, was unaware the elder man had left. “Friend or foe?” he giggled, but got no response.

He child stopped for a moment and peaked out the door, but was shocked to find no one there. His grandmother looked to him with a curious look. “Where's grampa?” the young boy asked his grandmother but she shrugged, pretending like she didn't know what he was talking about.

The older man crept up behind the young boy and grabbed him, heaving him into the air and holding him airborne. “FOE!” He laughed, the young boy squealing in delight and thrilled with shock...

I gasped, lurching forwards... shocked and feeling a bit... I dunno.

I choked back a sob, tears flowing from even my damaged eye. I gripped what little hair I had on my head, trying to hold back my crying. Applejack was left a little shocked, I could tell from her voice. “Uhm... yah'll right?” she asked.

Trying to regain my composure, I nodded. “Yeah ah... guh... ah... haa...” I tried to speak through stifled sobs. 'JESUS... THE HELL IS COMING OVER ME?!' I roared in my thoughts, trying to suppress the emotions.

I was strong. Stronger than my emotions. Crying made me weak... and I couldn't cry, especially in front of others. “Guhy... ah just got some sweat in muh eye...” I grunted, my chest feeling heavy. “Gurr... come on... let's... back to work!” I staggered to my feet, still trying to suppress my thoughts... my crying... my emotions... everything.

Applejack immediately shot up. “Woah! Hold up there hotshot... yah dun look so great,” she mentioned but I turned away, making sure she couldn't see my eye that was swelling with tears.

“It's... gah... nothing...” I inhaled deeply, ready to burst.

“Hey... woah, take it easy. What's wrong?” she asked, trying obviously to comfort me.

“Nothing... AJ it's...” I couldn't say much more. Everytime I tried to speak it was like my sobs were trying to escape my body. Even with my eye clenched shut, I could feel tears running down my face.

My heart fluttered and skipped, my breathing uncoordinated. “AJ... nothing... trust me,” I grunted through a stifled sob, my voice barely a murmur.

“Well... ah dun mean tah pry, but it's obviously somethin',” she commented, not dropping the subject. “Come on, take a seat,” she cradled me back down to the ground. I cracked open an eye to make sure nopony else was around. There was nopony nearby... well, nopony close enough to bother us. 'Dammit... I'm so... weak!' I thought to myself. It had been so long since I had thought of home... I guess one really doesn't move on from home sweet home, it's always there in one's heart, no matter how deep.

I began to break into heavy sobs, tears now flowing freely and unrestricted from my eyes. I had to pull away my eye patch so my tears could run freely down my face and not get bottled up and sticky underneath my eye patch.

“Easy now... easy sugarcube, just let it all out,” AJ spoke in a gentle tone as she brought me into a hug and patted my back while I wept into her shoulder. I cried for what must've been minutes before even speaking, even though I was still letting out bottled up emotions.

“Ah just... goddess ah just... ah...” I cried, not able to really put together a sentence.

“It's alright... ah'm hear now...” AJ said, still rubbing my back. I held her tight, still crying. The fur on her shoulder became soaked with my tears. Thoughts continued to plague my mind, mostly those of my childhood and that of my home which just made me cry even more.

“Ah just... miss them so much!” I whined.

AJ continued to stroke my back as she held me dearly. “Who?” she asked, and I answered through a sob.

“Them... my family... my home,” I cried.

“Like... Twilight an the library err...” she asked, unsure. I shook my head, not really needing to answer verbally. She understood. “OH! Uhh... yeah... guess one would get real homesick like that... oh, it'll be alright sugarcube... yah'll got ponies that love yah dearly.” She nestled her head against mine, holding me close. “Ah know what it's like tah be away from home... maybe not like what yah'll got but... just let it out, it'll help.”

I cried for the better part of an hour and a half before finally my tears ran out. I sat there, reddened eyes and with one helluva headache. Slipping my eye patch back on, I flumped back against the wagon. “Ah'm sorry,” I whispered, only gaining an estranged look from AJ.

“Fer what?” she asked curiously.

“Fer cryin' like a foal...” I apologized and she just sighed.

“Sugarcube, tain't wrong with cryin', specially bein' what yah'll gone through. Yeah, yah've had it pretty nice with Twilight takin' yah in, but ah dunno how ah'd hold up in yer situation. Bein' sent tah another world and bein' told ah'd never be able tah go home an see muh family ever again... would be shatterin'. Sugarcube, yah'll are one a the strongest ponies... whatever, ah've ever seen, both in speech and physically,” she commented, making me smile a bit.

Taking hold of my arm, she looked to my watch. “Well... seein' as how we've been workin' fer most of the day... what's say we take a break an' get yah down tah the waterin' hole. Yer stinkin' somethin' fierce,” she commented with a chuckle and I frowned.

“Yeah, says the one with fur,” I laughed and she joined in.

“Ahh, see, that's the spirit. Now come on. Ah 'ave tah deal with yer stench any longer ah'll pass out,” she teased jokingly...

Friday, July 11th, 2014...

It was getting on to midday and it was getting time for me to pack up and leave. Applejack needed to get home and I figured I might as well be the one to drive her since... well, we were both going that way and had planned it like this.

I readied up Cadance and looked solemnly to the town. It had been only a week, even if it was a week of work... yet I had grown somewhat fond of the place. It was like a home away from home... away from home, in a way. Braeburn and I even became good friends and promised to write each other, seeing as how he finally got comfortable around me and found out I wasn't at all mean... I guess maybe I made a bad first impression.

As we were getting ready to leave, we gave a few last departure farewells. As I started Cadance, Braeburn stopped for a moment and hollered for me to wait just a minute. I stepped back out of the truck and waited as he rushed away and soon enough came rushing back. “Can't believe ah nearly forgot...” he trailed off as he reached into his saddle bag with his mouth and fetched out a western style vest.

He offered it to me and I took it in my hands. The fabric was soft and velvety to the touch yet felt firm and sturdy like leather. “Had it made specially fer you... yah know, so yah don't look like such an outlaw,” he said with a smile.

My heart nearly melted from the gift. I took the stallion into a hug, lifting him up and onto just his hindlegs. “Thanks Brae.” The hug lasted a few more seconds before setting him back down. “Ah'll always cherish it,” I assured him and he smiled brightly.

“Well... 'till the next time,” he gave his final farewell for now, to which I tipped my hat, slipping on the vest before stepping into my truck with AJ. With a somewhat saddened sigh, I pulled away from the town. AJ chuckled.

“Yah know, if I wasn't sure, ah'd think yah was an Apple, through an' through. Ain't never had none a muh friends get so attached tah this place from a trip of just workin',” she mentioned and I just shrugged as we began to put distance between ourselves and the town.

In my mind, a sad violin tune began to play. A single tear left my right eye. “I like them...” I said, gaining AJ's attention as we pulled away. “Yer family... they're really nice,” I commented. As the violin tune continued to play in my mind, I recalled memories from ages ago of my great grandmother. “My great grandmother played... violin... and she started to teach me the harmonica...” I whispered, though loud enough for her to hear. Though I was sad from the memories I would never get to relive... a sense of loving warmth came over me.

Applejack was a little astounded by the rather random upbringing of my topic. “Oh... uhm... she was good ah take it?” she asked. I sighed.

“Ah can't remember her playing. Ah was too young. Ah just... it's kinda of there... in the back of muh head, yah know?” I told her. With a sigh I rolled my head from side to side. “Ah uhh... ah practiced a lot when ah wasn't around her so ah could show her how much ah learnt since the last time we saw each other. She lived a good half a day's drive north of where ah lived so ah rarely saw her. Meant ah got tah practice a lot and when we finally saw each other, we got had a lotta catchin' up tah do..." I told her.

"Ah never knew yah could play harmonica," AJ said, a little impressed. I sighed.

"Ah stopped playing when she passed away when ah was really young... ah dunno ah just...” I trailed off as AJ set a hoof on my shoulder.

“Ah'm sorry tah hear. But it's alright in a way. They'll live on ferever in yer heart. Yah know that right?” she told me and I nodded, resting a hand on her hoof.

“Thanks AJ... it means a lot, yah know?” I told her and she smiled.

“Anytime... now iffen yah don't mind... would yah mind keepin' yer eye on the road ahead?” she asked and I nodded, focusing now entirely on driving...

Hours passed and finally we arrived home. It was late, that I knew. Actually, according to my watch it was Saturday morning now. As we pulled into Ponyville, I nudged my sleeping companion. “Eh... we're in Ponyville now...” I told her. She woke up and rubbed her eyes.

“Oh uhh... uhm, yah mind stoppin by the library with me before yah drop me off. Just need tah pick up a new cultivating book from Twilight,” she informed me and I gave a nod.

Pulling up as quietly as Cadance could muster, I noticed something most peculiar about the library. It wasn't that the lights were all off, that was a given, it was really late... err, actually, it was really early. The thing that caught my attention was that Juggernaut was parked nearby...

I pulled my truck up to a stop and shut her down for the moment, figuring it might take a bit to wake Twilight up and find the book, unless she already had it out...

Applejack and I stepped out of the vehicle and proceeded towards the library. I took lead but just as I went to open the door, the hairs on the back of my neck prickled up. My hand released its grip on the door handle. Something was off, I could just feel it. AJ's voice nearly startled me. “Somethin' wrong sugarcube?” she asked, my body jolting slightly. Shaking it off as nothing, I decided to proceed inside.

Author's Notes:

Ahhh Lassie, you never cease to amaze me. You know... I think she's probably the one character I like the most. Just someone I can pile random things onto yet it always kind of makes sense cause... she's Lassie.
Cheers everyone... oh and...