5/4/2014

9:00AM    

The very next morning, Aaron woke up surprisingly from a good night’s sleep.

He didn’t have his recurring nightmare, or any dream at all. This didn’t concern him at all, because he felt more livelier than he ever felt before during his time serving on the Express.

One reason for his sudden restful night could be the light atmosphere of the interior of the castle, and the comfortableness of the room and bed. Of course, the nightmares could’ve gone away on their own without the need for a new place to rest.

When Aaron got out of the bed, he made sure to remake it to the way it was before, because that was one of the routines all soldiers had to follow after a period of rest--plus it was showing courtesy to their pony hosts. There was no need to be disrespectful by expecting them to do their work for them. He also made sure to turn on the beacon feature on his COMM watch to signal his activeness. This way he could be found anywhere and anytime when he is needed by Kenwood, or any other UNSC personal.  

As he stepped out into the hallway, he was greeted by AJ and Zeke who apparently seemed ready to enter his room. Like Aaron, they were both wearing the usual plain white t-shirt with baggy military pants and black boots. The dog-tags were exposed in sight in front of their chests.

“Morning guys, how did you sleep?” Aaron asked.

“Better than I have in a long time,” Zeke said. “Those beds can beat those raggedy old cots onboard the Express anyday.”

“Same here, but what about you, Jensen?” AJ asked. “Did you have your usual nightmares?”

“Thankfully and strangely, no,” Aaron replied. “I’ve gone an entire night without a nightmare, or any sort of subconscious vision.”

“Well that’s quite good. Hopefully that means you're ready for your task today,” AJ said.

“What task?” Aaron asked, raising a brow.

“You have to make amends with that country pony that you pissed off yesterday. Boy, you're lucky she didn’t decide to knock your nuts off,” Zeke said shaking his head while smirking. “Princess Sun-Ass has requested your presence in the castle’s courtyard.”

He then began to chuckle, “A chariot is waiting for you, m’lady.”

Aaron just rolled his eyes, “Ha ha, real funny. But what of the captain? What are his orders?”

“None so far,” AJ replied. “He went back to the corvette to keep a lookout for anything suspicious above atmosphere. He understood the dilemma you’re having, and has given you the temporary freedom to mingle with the inhabitants of the town. Small parties of UNSC personnel currently in Ponyville are already busy doing that, but first you should settle your issues with Applejack, and her family."

Aaron nodded, “I understand. But just which way is the courtyard?”

“Don’t worry, the princess sent us to retrieve you. Follow us,” AJ reassured, and began leading the way.

When AJ and Zeke finally got Aaron to the courtyard, a chariot was prepped for his arrival with two pegasus drivers already hitched up. Celestia was also present as well, with a neutral expression on her face.

“Thank you for retrieving Aaron, you two. You may be dismissed.” she said.

AJ and Zeke just saluted before heading back into the castle. Celestia then focused her sights on Aaron.

“Have you found a solution to help complete your task?” she asked him with an emotionless tone.

Aaron may not have had any dreams throughout the night, but at least that gave him the opportunity to think things through. He had a solution, and it only required his memories of farming.

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied.

Celestia smiled a bit. “Good. Now go at once. I wish you well with Applejack, and the rest of the Apple family.” she said, while giving a slight nod.  

“Yes, ma’am,” Aaron replied, nodding before climbing aboard the chariot.

Aaron wasn’t sure how he felt about riding in a chariot though, because it was way too different from flying or riding in a Pelican, which would’ve been preferable, but at least this was a way of feeling fresh air blow against your face instead of being in a stuffy atmosphere. The only worry was falling out, or swallowing bugs. That’s why Aaron kept his mouth sealed shut the entire time.

The chariot dropped him off at the front gate of Sweet Apple Acres.

“Thanks for the ride, guys,” Aaron said to the two pegasus guards.

They only replied with a proud snort before taking off back toward the castle. It’s then that Aaron faced the direction of the farmhouse, took a deep breath, and started on his way.

Aaron knew he wouldn’t get any good reception from any members of the Apple family, because he was sure that Applejack told them of his failure to pay his debt to them. Hopefully anyone of them would be willing to listen to what he had to offer.

When he reached the front door of the farmhouse, he took another breath before giving the door a few knocks. He then waited for somepony to answer.

Within moments, the door opened up just a crack to reveal a disapproving green eye that was attached to a red coat of fur.

Before Aaron could at least say something, a deep male voice uttered, “Nope,” and practically slammed the door on Aaron’s face.

Aaron knew his presence would not be praised at all, but he was determined to make reason. It would take more than a simple door close to the face before he decided to step down. Actually; he wouldn’t let up no matter what.

Aaron knocked the door again, and this time more firmer and persistent. The door then swung wide open to reveal an agitated Big Mac!

“Didn’t Ah give ya the impression ta scram?” Big Mac seethed.

“Yes, you did,” Aaron replied maintaining a calm composure. “But I’m not going anywhere until you can hear me out.”

“For what?” Big Mac demanded. “It’s already perfectly clear tah us that you an’ yer fellows can’t owe us squat because we don't have the same kind of barter systems or somethin' like that!”

“Which is why I’ve thought of a compromise that can make up for that issue. Now please, if you will just listen to me, we can put this behind all of us.”

“That sounds nice, but Ah think you’ve caused all of us enough trouble and disappointment as it is--now beat it!” Big Mac ordered, and began to shut the door on Aaron again once more, but this time Aaron caught it before it completely closed on him.

The result was a pushing match between Big Mac and Aaron as both guys struggled over which way the door should go.

Aaron had three times as much more strength as Big Mac so he could easily win this fight, but he held back in fear of damaging the door, or injuring Applejack’s older brother which would make things even more worse!

Hearing the grunts of struggle, Granny Smith followed by Apple Bloom and Winona. When Winona saw Aaron at the door, she began to growl and bark at him.

“What in tarnation is goin’ on here, Mac?” Granny Smith demanded. When she saw Aaron, she then knew what was the cause.

“What are you doin’ here?” she asked Aaron suspiciously.

“He jus’ trying tah offer us somethin’ he can't own,” Big Mac replied instead, still struggling with the door.

“Let this boy speak fer himself, Mac.” Granny Smith instructed.

“But, granny,” Big Mac pleaded ,but was cut off when Granny Smith shakingly rose up a hoof.

“Whad’ Ah say, Mac?”

Big Mac just sighed, “Yes, granny.”

Seeing that he was free to speak, Aaron took his chance, but he had to make it count.

“Look, ma’am. I’m fully aware of the errors I have made,” he began. “I know I’ve failed to keep my word about owning my debt to this entire farm, and I regret it deeply. All that I ask is to share an alternative option that involves only me without charge, or any sort of catch.”

Granny Smith took quite a moment to think things over. She didn’t trust Aaron like the rest of them did, but she believed in second chances.

“Mac, let the boy in,” she finally stated.

Big Mac’s mouth hung open as he kept struggling to get the door closed. He couldn’t believe that his grandmother was actually going to invite a distrustful alien into their farmhouse!

“Ya can’t be serious, granny. Nope!”

“Ah’m completely serious, Mac. The boy has an honest face showin’ thanks to the lack of that metal coverin’ it. Now do as yer told, or Ah’ll send ya tah work without any brunch!” she ordered.

Big Mac hesitated for a bit at first, but decided to follow his grandmother’s request. He just hoped she knew what she was doing.

He loosened his grip on the door so Aaron could steadily make his way in.

“Will you please take a seat?” she asked indicating to the chair that was nearest to him.

“Of course, ma’am,” Aaron replied taking his seat.

As the three Apple family members went towards their seats, Winona began whimpering.

“It’s okay, girl,” Granny Smith reassured. “Just relax and stay calm. We jus’ wish tah have a little chat with this human. Why dontcha go check up on Applejack to see if she’ll let you in to comfort her.”

Winona was unsure at first to follow this command, but went along with it anyway and trotted up the stairs.

When the border collie vanished from sight, Granny Smith focused her attention back on Aaron.

“So tell me….what’s yer name again?” she asked.

“Aaron.”

“So tell me, Aaron. What is this offer of yours? We’re listenin’.”

“Well; I was thinking that instead of owing money, I should take the liberty upon myself to replant the damaged crop, along with repairing the soil and making it fertile again. I used to be a farmer after all,” Aaron explained the best way he could. Sure it seemed like a casual solution, but when it came to farming--nothing was really that impressive.

The Apples were quite unsure of what to make of Aaron’s statement, and if it was true. Anyone could say they used to be something and get away with it. It was a very easy lie to tell.

“Are ya sure you can pull this off, or even get it completed in time?” Granny Smith asked suspiciously.

“Yes, ma’am. Celestia has planned the UNSC to stay for three weeks. I can get the job done way before then. The skid is only a mile long.”

Granny Smith shook her head in skepticism, “There’s no way in Tartarus that you can do all that work on yer own. Ah’ll get a few hooves around here tah help ya out,” she said.

Aaron was completely puzzled now.

“But, ma’am. The damage was completely my fault. Surely I should be the only one to do this alone,” he insisted.

“Oh don’t be foolish. Ah know yer gonna need help with this, and ya will get it whether ya like it or not. Ah swear you and Applejack are almost the same. Both tryin’ tah do more than what is asked in order tah please. We already know where that can go,” Granny Smith explained.

“Eeyup,” Big Mac agreed indifferently remembering the time Applejack tried to buck every apple tree during Applebuck Season. She became so tired, that she became delirious and ditzy.

Aaron couldn’t tell if that was a compliment or an insult, but decided not to think about it too much. Instead, he thought about Granny Smith’s advice. He immediately realized how right she was. It would save him a lot of trouble and time if he had some backup. He remembered that when you are a SPARTAN-IV fireteam member, going lone wolf never had any good reasons. It would practically be a suicide mission!

“I’d appreciate the help. I’ll get started right away since I don’t have any orders from command,” Aaron said.

“Um..Mr. Alien?” Apple Bloom asked shyly. “Do ya think you and my big sis are ever gonna get along?”

Aaron looked down at the little filly whose eye pupils were wide with sadness and concern.

“I hope so,” Aaron replied unsurely. “Speaking of which, where is she?”

Granny Smith stared down at the floor solemnly, “The poor dear has isolated herself in her room since last night, refusing to come out. Me and Mac haven’t seen her like this since the passing of my daughter, and her husband.”

Aaron immediately knew what she meant.

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” he said sympathetically. “How did it happen?”

“We agreed to never speak of it again,” Granny Smith replied, shaking her head.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be invasive.”

“It’s alright dear. Ah’m glad yer curious an’ all, but its somethin’ that’s been hauntin’ this family ever since. Applejack was the one who was broken the most. She never came out of her room since that day.”

“Did she at least eat?” Aaron asked, concerned for Applejack’s heath. He worried that his influence has once again triggered an emotional and traumatic experience for the poor farm pony.

“We did deliver her meals, but she only opened the door and took them in when nopony was around,” Granny Smith said. “It’s like she didn’t want anypony tah see ‘er in the condition she was.”

“How long did this go on?” Aaron asked.

“After a week was up, we decided this was the last straw. We needed her to come out and see the family again, and to get back tah work on ‘er chores. Me an’ Big Mac got ‘er the one thing that could possibly mend any broken heart.”

--

1999

“Careful, Lil’ Mac. Don’t let that box slip off yer back,” warned  sixty-eight year-old Granny Smith to a ten year-old Big Macintosh, who was carrying a medium sized present that was decorated with a platinum white and purple checkered pattern. There were a few punchered holes on all sides of the box, including the top.

Little Mac was a strong colt, but steadying a fragile gift while walking up the stairs proved to be quite a challenge. One false move, and disaster would happen.

When he finally did manage to make it up the stairs to meet Granny Smith, he sighed with relief.

Both of them went to Applejack’s room and Granny Smith knocked a hoof on the door.

“Applejack, me an’ Lil’ Mac have somethin’ fer you!” she called.

“Ah ain’t interested. Please jus’ go away,” replied Applejack indifferently from behind the door. She was a six-year-old filly at this time.

“It’s been a week. You can’t stay in there fer the rest of yer life!” Granny Smith insisted.

“Ah can, an’ Ah will. Now jus’ leave me alone! Ah don’t need anypony alright, an’ Ah certainly don’t need ya!” Applejack retorted.

“Please, Applejack. Me an’ Lil’ Mac got this present jus’ fer you. We know that this is a very difficult time fer you, an’ ya have the right to grief; but ya can’t be like this forever. Yer Ma an’ Pa would’ve wanted you tah move on without them. Their both watching over all of us as we speak.”

There was a moment of uneasy silence before Applejack opened her door a crack to reveal only half of her face. Her expression was quite disdainful.

“How do ya know what yer talkin’ about?” she asked coldly. “They never told me anythin’ like that at all.”

“Of course they didn’t darlin’, but Ah know my daughter all too well,” Granny Smith explained. “She told me that if anythin’ had happened to her, she would always be lookin’ over me.”

Tears then began to flow down Granny Smith’s face as Lil’ Mac pulled her close in a hug.

“It didn’t seem logical though because Ah thought I’d go before her, but it looks as if fate had other ideas.”

“Oh don’t use that fate hogwash with me, granny!” Applejack carelessly snapped, startling Granny Smith and Little Mac. “Ya know Ah don’t believe in that. They died because of me, alright? How can ya help me feel better if yer gonna lie tah me? Ah’m the one who normally does that, so why should you?”

“Apples never lie, young filly,” Granny Smith stated firmly. She was getting fed up with her granddaughter’s stubbornness. “And neither shall you. What Ah want tah know is why ya do it? All this dishonesty, an’ self-blame”

“Because the truth hurts me! Alright? There, Ah said it! Y’all happy now?!!”

The noise of Applejack’s yelling caused a cry of a one month old foal to emit from another room that was a door away from Applejack’s room on the opposite side of the hallway.

“Great, now ya woke up Apple Bloom. Now me an’ Lil’ Mac have to go an’ calm ‘er down. Hopefully this will give ya sometime tah think about yerself, an’ yer actions,” Granny Smith scoffed and headed for Apple Bloom’s room, followed by Little Mac. They, however, left the present at Applejack’s door.

Applejack gazed down at the present, not really impressed by it, even though it did look appeasing--but Applejack knew she would be disappointed.

Before she shut the door again, she heard a strange sound coming from the present. It sounded like some kind of whimper.

Applejack, now curious, opened the door wider and brought herself closer to the present to listen for the strange sound. Sure enough, it happened again, but slightly louder.

Applejack then swung the door wide open to step out into the hallway while looking out for her grandmother and older brother. They were thankfully still in Apple Bloom’s room trying to subside her wails.

Being quick on her hooves, Applejack trotted to the other side of the present to push it into her room before once again closing, and locking the door behind her.

Applejack stared at the present at first, not knowing if she should open it or not, but her inquisitiveness always got the better of her--also it always got her into trouble.

Feeling brave, Applejack gently unwrapped the wrapping paper which contained a brown cardboard box with holes in the exact locations of its wrapping paper.

When Applejack got the box opened, she peered inside. What she saw completely vaporized her anger and troubles.

Huddling in the corner of the box was a brown and white border collie puppy staring back at her with sad eyes. It appeared to be shaking a bit with its ears down and tail in between its legs. It apparently got scared by all of Applejack’s anger and negativity.

Applejack stared back at it with surprise and astonishment, but there was something in her heart that was waiting to get out. It was joy.

Applejack gently reached for the puppy with both of her hooves, but it whimpered some more and tried to make itself smaller from her grasp.

“Oh no. Please don’t be scared, doggy. Ah ain’t gonna hurt ya,” Applejack cooed gently.

The puppy relaxed a little bit, but it still seemed uncomfortable.

Applejack slowly extended her hooves, and used them to carefully and slowly take the puppy from the box.

“See. That wasn’t so bad,” Applejack said with a small smile. An expression she thought would never come back.

“My name is Applejack. Do you have a name, doggy?”

The puppy stared at her as if it didn’t know what Applejack was talking about.

“Oh, you don’t? Ah guess that means Ah have tah name ya, huh? Hmm, let’s see. How about, Sparky?”

The puppy responded by putting its ears back and emitting an annoyed growl.

“No? Okay. How does, Chester sound?”

The puppy still showed no signs of enthusiasm. It’s then that Applejack realized the puppy was female.

“Oh, my mistake.” Applejack blushed. “Ah’ve been given ya boy names when you were a girl all along. Here. Give me a moment tah think.”

Applejack thought of every possible female dog name. It somehow didn’t take her long to think of the perfect one.

“How about if Ah called ya, Winona?”

This time the puppy’s ears perked up and a happy smile formed on her face. She then gave a happy bark and began to lick Applejack’s cheeks enthusiastically.

Applejack began laughing as if she’s never done it in years as Winona mercilessly licked her non-stop. All the dread and agony were washed away with a newfound feeling of happiness and light.

Drawn by sounds of laughter from Applejack’s room, Granny Smith and Little Mac  decided to investigate the matter with baby Apple Bloom in Little Mac’s tow. She was thankfully calm now, and happy to hear positive sounds.

Both of them noticed that the present that they have given her wasn’t out in the hallway anymore, which meant that Applejack must’ve taken it in.

Hearing the heartwarming squeals of laughter from Applejack, and the sound of a happy Winona barking, Granny and Mac knew that they had a ray of sunshine back on the Apple family household. They decided to leave Applejack with Winona for a bit so she could bond some more with her.

After a while, Granny Smith and Little Mac heard the sound of hoofsteps coming down the stairs. It’s then that they turned to see Applejack out of her room, and coming down the stairs to join them.

She looked bright, but her expression was remorseful.

“Applejack? What’s wrong, darlin’?” Granny Smith asked.

“Ah jus’ wanna say Ah’m sorry fer shuttin’ y’all out,” Applejack began. “Ah should’ve let ya be with me tah help me through my troubles, but instead Ah treated y’all like dirt. Ah wish Ah never said any of those hurtful things at all.”

Applejack trotted over to her grandmother and hugged her while emitting small sniffles and weeps.

“There, there. It’s okay, Applejack,” Granny Smith reassured, while embracing her granddaughter. Little Mac joined in to comfort his younger sister.

“No it ain’t alright. Ah said such awful things to you an’ Mac. How can ya say its alright after the way Ah’ve treated y’all?”

“It’s a lesson of forgiving and forgetting. You may have said horrible things to us, but that doesn’t mean we would stop loving you,” Granny Smith explained smiling.

“R-really?” Applejack sniffled. “Ya really mean that?”

“Really,” Granny Smith replied, hugging Applejack tighter.

“Eeyup,” Little Mac added.

“Thank you both so much. Also fer Winona as well,” Applejack said, and broke the hug as she wiped tears away with her hoof.

Granny Smith and Little Mac were at first confused because they didn’t know what Applejack was talking about, but then they both figured out that Applejack had already given her puppy a name already, and smiled.

“We knew you would love ‘er,” Granny Smith chuckled, who was soon to be joined by Applejack and Little Mac.

It was from that day forth that a heavy atmosphere was lifted from the farm and all its occupants.

Applejack became more mature and responsible for her actions, and she swore by Celestia that she would be more truthful with her loved ones and friends, if she found any since Winona seemed to be her only friend for now.

The challenge of being honest with herself still proved to be a challenge though.

--

Aaron was quite moved by Granny Smith’s story even though he didn’t really show emotion thanks to hard discipline. He was rather intrigued though, because Applejack reminded Aaron of himself when we was at that age. Always rambunctious and hard to handle. Of course it couldn’t mean anything, really. Most young kids are like that.

“Well..uh...thanks for telling me all that even if I didn’t really request any sort of story. But thanks anyway,” Aaron said, smiling a bit.

“Yer quite welcome, dear. Now, when do you wish to begin your work again?” Granny Smith asked.

“I said I could begin now if you want me to,” Aaron replied. “I want to prove that I’m more than just some kind of strange alien that seems selfish when I’m truly not. I may be a soldier, but that doesn’t mean I’m inhumane. I want to prove that us humans aren't all bad beings at all. I’ve made an error that gave me a bad name, and I wish to be rid of it. I just hope your eldest granddaughter can find it in her heart to forgive me.”

“Ah’m sure she will, Aaron. Ya jus’ have tah prove yerself. Ya better get tah work now. Celestia won’t keep the sun up forever,” Granny Smith said.

“Yes, ma’am,” Aaron said and saluted, before making his way out of the house.

Little did Aaron and the rest of the Apple family know, was that Applejack was eavesdropping on the entire conversation, beginning with Aaron and Big Mac fighting over the door.

She sat at the top of the stairs petting Winona, who was fast asleep by her side.

Applejack knew that she would have to forgive Aaron sooner or later for his will to make things right and peaceful. It was part of being a true friend, even if they weren't really well acquainted with each other.

If she and Aaron could make peace, that means she can make up to Fluttershy, and the rest of her friends for the way she behaved back at the park.

She just hoped Aaron would do a good job, and finally fulfill his debt to the farm. It was the only way things could get better for everyone, and everypony in the future.

Of course if the future wasn't dark and menacing as portrayed in Luna's and Aaron's visions, her optimism was at a down low followed by fear.