Author's Notes:

Sorry for the long wait :( but hey, the length... makes up for it?...

I had to debate... like REALLY hard on how to write Applejack's dialogue, because of her accent, I've always felt it was more subtle, then full on country folk, personally. I opted to just write it, mostly normal, unless I absolutely have to accent it. Also since this IS Applejack, as you can imagine, she won't be coming quietly, or easily, much to Gilda's torture, heh heh.

Thanks again to any first time readers, or any who tuned back in. Also once again, thanks for being patient, what with my injury and all, and like always, if there are any errors, let me know and I'll try to fix them as soon as I can... like please do. I pulled an all nighter (or two) to finish this, so there WILL be a screw up or two XD
Anyway, read on friends!

Rarity was doing better than I thought she would, a little behind on profits, but that's to be expected considering she started just under two months ago. Recently, I've been searching for the next perfect addition to my fleet of women, someone who contrast Rarity and Twilight, who already contrast each other. Guess Twilight didn't make a good first impression, cause the two of them never speak to the other. Good thing too, don't need anyone conspiring against me.

That was a concern that was slowly growing on me, Twilight can't keep her brother in the dark forever, and it's only a matter of time until Rarity most likely cracks, and spills the beans to her sister, or just anyone. I figured I was over-reacting, but given the positions I put them in, they could potentially give me one hell of a problem... I already had a system, one that worked. When I'm not there everything gets locked, and all cameras are on. I never put any in the rooms, I figured the very least I owed them was privacy... in their rooms anyway.

Well, what mattered most is that Griffon is still kicking ass and taking names! I think I decided on exactly how many "Main Attraction" girls, the Griffon would have a max of; I had settled on four at most. I tossed around five, maybe, but I never really bought into the whole "five's a round number" business crap, it'd work great, I'd have my own, "Fab Four" of sorts.

But before I could... keep talking to myself in my head, I got a hard knock at the door to the office, made me jump a bit.

"Easy on the door buddy!" Well I made an awesome first impression.

"Sorry bout that! Are you Gilda Hof in there?" That accent... southern? Wonder which state it is. Yeah check this out, each state in the south has its own personal accent, tone, inflection, and/or dialect. It's weird...

"That I am. You looking for work?"

"Yes ma'am... but could I trouble you to invite me in?" Oh yeah... I probably need to see what she looks like.

"Oh, uh, yeah, come on in." The door finally opened and as she walked in, I came face to face with the textbook definition of a cowgirl.

I'm not kidding man, she had everything, a generic plaid button up shirt, some, almost ratty looking jeans, cowboy boots, and a hat that would do Lynyrd Skynyrd proud. Also of course she she had a pretty good looking body, she had that kind of tan you could only get from the sun, a few freckles, meadow green eyes, and tone. Muscle tone; she's done labor before.

Me super likey. She also had some seriously long blonde, ponytail style, hair underneath that hat. Actually speaking of the hat, it was just about the nicest thing she was wearing, her clothes were worn out, had holes, and tears in them. Just by that alone, I was already more curious about her story then Rarity's.

"Thank ya kindly miss." She even tipped her hat. Oh, this was too good, it was like everything I'd seen on TV, be in my office at once.

"No problem. Nice to meet you, misses?..." I stood up, offering my hand to shake.

"Name's Applejack." She shook my hand, with a firm shake. "Applejack Apple."

She had quite the grip, and her hands felt rough to the touch. Normally that's be unappealing for a woman's hands, but it suited her just fine.

Wait... Applejack... Apple?? Is... is that an oxymoron? In her own name?

"Um... I'm sorry, 'Apple'?" She let go of my hand, and turned tilted her head with a confused look on her face.

"Well, yeah. You ain't ever heard the name before?" I sat down, gesturing with my hand for her to do the same.

"Can't say that I have. You famous or something?" She gave a short laugh as she sat down, crossing her arms.

"Shoot, no! The name 'Apple' is the name of my family's company, 'Apple Family Farms'".

"That like Pepperidge Farms?" She raised en eyebrow.

"Who?"

"Uh... nevermind. So your families famous huh? Well honestly I never heard the name before, so you'll have to excuse my ignorance." She dismissed my sorta-apology with a wave of her hand.

"Aw, don't fret it none. I just assumed we shipped retail out this far." Retail... I assumed that meant that her family was a small-chain food processing company or something.

"'This far'? Where you guys based out of?" She got a prideful smile, as she answered me.

"Straight outta good ol' San Antone!" Antone... as in Antonio? Texas? "Sure as sugar ma'am!"

Oh shit, I said that out loud...

"Oh, uh, that's pretty cool for you. Oh! I should probably introduce myself about now huh? Formally, I mean." She gave a half shrug.

"Not unless ya like being called 'miss', or 'ma'am' all the time. You don't look the type, honestly." Ooo perceptive! Wait, am I that obvious to read?...

"Well you'd be right to assume that. Name's Gilda Hof. Call me Gilda."

"Can do, Gilda. Nice little office ya got here. Gotta be honest though, I thought this looked like an old warehouse or somethin' when I got here." Damn, good eye.

"It was actually. I purchased it, and turned it into the business I run now. Not that cheap of a venture, but well worth it, I feel." She leaned back in the chair, relaxed a bit, as she spoke again.

"I was gonna ask you about that. I was told you do this sorta thing for free a charge. Well, if ya don't mind me askin', how exactly do ya turn a profit here?" That's... a good question. I hadn't thought of any girl would asking me this. Her family owns a business though, so she probably knows a thing or two about companies and such.

"Turn a profit?"

"Well, yeah. Being from a 'business' family, one thing I learned real fast is that, there are very few things in this world that are non-profit if any at all. You don't hafta answer, if ya don't wanna, I was wonderin' was all." I didn't wanna look suspicious, so I made something up; pretty fast too, I was... getting just a little bit to good at this...

"I get paid through the people I set you up with. A portion of the profits you make for your first several pay-periods are sent to me." She leaned forward, arms uncrossed, a frown on her face.

"So if I heard that right, ya take a portion of my paycheck?" Shit, came out wrong!

"N-no, no! I mean the company's profit, for a short period." That, just make her more persistent.

"So you take money from the business itself then. Around how much we talkin' here? I don't wanna be shiftin' nobody here." I think she has this whole "interview" thing backwards. I guess it's only right she'd want to know her future conditions, probably just being cautious is all.

"Well you'll understand that I can't tell you an exact sum, but it's enough to where I stay in business, and your business, turns a respectable profit. So no one get's uh, 'shifted', out of any money. Well, none that would majorly affect either party, that's you, me, and the other business." God, how many times am I going to have to say the word "business"? Now it sounds all weird...

"I see... sounds fair I s'pose." She leaned back again crossing her arms back together, crossing her right leg over her left horizontally. Well at least she's out of que- "So, what kind of work could ya'll set me up with here?" Dammit! Why did a professional have to walk in today!?

"Well, I've lived here for about four, five years now-" Damn, that long already? Griffons third birthday was coming up too. "-so naturally I made a few friends here, during my stay. Before I opened this establishment of mine, I offered them, well, what I just told you, and most of them accepted. Since we've know each other for years, they trust my judge of character, and business, well, this office has been open for almost a year, so yeah, do the math." She raised her eyebrows, I think I impressed her.

"No kiddin'? Well that's a mighty impressive set up you got goin' for yourself, interesting story too." I figured now I could try to actually get this interview started.

"Well thanks Applejack, I'm pretty proud of it myself. Not to sound rude, it's been cool talking to you-" More like frustrating. "but I think we should get this interview underway." She sat up straighter, and lost her relaxed attitude.

"I agree Gilda, enough beating 'round the bush." She even lost a bit of her accent. She was ready to do business... this one was going to be tough.

"Alrighty then, I guess I should get the obvious question out of the way, do you have a resume for me." Instead of freaking out like the last two, she answered with a level head.

"I'm afraid I don't, but I can answer anything you need to ask, in regards to my qualifications, and prior work experience." I was actually a little excited. I never got a chance to conduct an actual interview before.

"That works too. So tell me then Applejack, where have you worked at before, and what were your positions?"

"Ever since I was just a young buck, I was put to work on my family's farm; Sweet Apple Acres, on the outskirts of San Antonio, like I said. I started working in the fields; picking the raisins, corn, or whatever was in season at the time, I learned how to toss hay before I was even eleven, and could break in a horse before I was sixteen. When I did turn sixteen, I was taught how to handle accounts, taxes and stocks, even learned a few things about distribution."

That's impressive, judging her appearance, I just assumed she was just some hick, but holy crap, she had brains! Working since a kid huh? Sounds rough to be sure, parents were probably tough on her throughout childhood.

"Damn... that's one hell of an upbringing! Couldn't have been easy." She shook her head, but for some reason smiled.

"Oh believe you me Gilda, it wasn't, had plenty of good, and bad times I did, but through it all, my family and I were happy. We kept each other 'safe and sane' as my Daddy called it, 'while driving each other up a Goddamn tree!' ha!." She laughed to herself a little, then continued.

"Sorry, I-I didn't mean to reminisce. Caught up in times past for a second there, you got any other questions for me Gilda?"

Oh believe me, I have all the questions, Applejack.

"Actually, I'm rather quite curious on your family business. While I have never heard of it, I'm quite interested on how it was founded, i-if you don't mind me asking of course." She did that thing where you flicks your nose with your thumb... for some reason.

"Aw it ain't a bother ta me, it's only natural for ya to be curious. Around..." She rolled her eyes up in thought. "Nineteen twenty-eight I'd say-" She looked back at me. "- one of my great-great grandparents migrated all the way from Missouri to where my family makes Earth to day, San Antonio."

"Wait, nineteen twenty-eight... that means-"

"Yup, he was right smack in time for the depression to hit. I can't say for sure what hardships the poor man faced, but from what I was told, any normal person would've been crushed. After the war, ole Mother nature got off her rag, and finally crops were a growin' again, making living possible for him again."

'Mother Nature got off her rag'... that woman was a poet, I-I seriously think I genuinely liked her.

"Eventually he moved out of the workers camp he was contracted to, and moved to the future location of our family's home for the next several generations. Built everything himself; barn, house, stables you name it, that man had his hand in creating it." Gotta give respect when it's due, that's pretty cool.

"According to the legends, great-great Grandpa Golden, was said to have had the freshest, juiciest apples this side of Washington."

Did... Washington have really bomb apples or something?

"Little bit of an ol' wives tail bout Sweet Apple Acres, but rumors fly about saying somethin' like the lands 'magic', or 'enchanted' somehow, considering anything we've grown always was fresh, never bruised, or rotten; when we sold it anyway. Our cattle and other animals we sold were always healthy, it rained precisely when it needed to, never to scorching of heat when we worked. I tell ya what, while it sure ain't enchanted by witchcraft or nothin', it sure is a nice patch of land." She sure seemed proud showing off her family's history, she must have a lot of love and respect for it's legacy, hey I'd be too!

"So how did your grandfather rise to fame? Actually real quick, what's his name? I'm gonna want to Google him after were done talking."

"His name was Golden Apple, an inspiration to a whole generation, and many others since then."

'Golden'... 'Apple'... who the fuck names these people! Kids used to make fun of my and Dash's names in school, our names got nothing on the dames I've met and their weird families!

"Interesting... but, how did business take off for him? Obviously nothing just happened and *poof* he's popular. How'd 'Apple Family Farms' get as big as it is?" While I was minimally interested at best, I figured this would be a good way to get her to open up, I could tell though, she'd be one tough nut to crack. I'd have to be patient.

"Well, I don't know everything, just that at some point somebody asked him to sell his stock to them, and Granddaddy make a killing off it. Over time his food, and livestock was being requested by folks and establishments in town, then eventually out of town, and near the end of his life, out of state. At some point in-between all that, he met my future great-great Grandma, and the family line started from there. That's all there is to it really."

Ok that didn't work...

"Well either way, I think it's kinda cool. So, yeah, you pretty much won me over when it comes to working, and hard labor, that alone could be enough to land you a job somewhere in town."

"Anything else ya need to ask me?" Ok then... guess I'll get straight to the point then.

"Uh, *cough* tell me a bit about yourself." She raised an eyebrow, suspicion in her eyes.

"Myself?"

"Yeah, so I know a little bit more about who I'm dealing with, believe me, it makes finding work easier, if I can fill them in a bit about who I'm helping." She let the brow drop, but still was in a questioning mood.

"Where'd ya'll say I'd be potentially workin' at again?" Shit, I didn't really did I?... I kinda just answered it without answering it.

"Well if you want specifics, there's plenty of different stores, restaurants, theaters, et cetera. I can try to get you a job in like, one of the bars, red light district, car shops, anywhere I can find wherever would be most profitable for both of us, but something that suits your skills, and personality." I was hoping she wouldn't question when I said 'red-light district', her glare softened a bit, but I could see her guard was still up.

"I get it, I think, your inquiring about me to find the best suitable work place for me, but also would leave you broke in the process, is that it?" Kind of what I just said, but sure.

"Yep. I like to think it works out for everybody, besides, I don't want to just know my clients as workers, I want to know them as people too. I have to like who I'm giving a hand to after all, cause if I don't they probably won't either." Was I being to forward with my subtle goading?

"Hmm... well, I'm not exactly one to give out all my life's tales, even with some of the friends I made in my time. It's normally family, maybe a close friend... I can't promise full answers, or any at all... but I'll try to answer what I deem I should. That sound fair?"

Frustrating is more like it...

"Yeah, of course."

"... Ok then. Ask what ya need to."

"Well, for starters, I'm wondering how was working on the farm? Was it just you and your parents, or did you guys employ workers, or have friends help you?"

"Nope, no friends or workers to help us, after a while anyway, mah Daddy was very picky on who worked for him, after a point he only trusted himself, Momma, myself, and my siblin's." I don't think she meant to say that last part, cause her eyes came close to bugging, but she restrained herself.

"Oh, siblings huh? I'm going to assume... two brothers?" She let a single 'ha'.

"Naw, one big 'un, and little sister, little only referring to her height and age, that little beast could supplex Big Daddy Ritch!" Um... cool?

"What're their names?"

"Macintosh, and Applebloom Apple respectively."

That can't be coincidence, I-I just had to ask.

"That's kinda funny."

"What is?"

"Well... I'm sure you know, but all your names are some how apple related. 'Applejack', is, well you know a drink, 'Applebloom' is-" Applejack looked almost pissed at my unfinished analogy.

"I'm fully aware of the double-meanings of our names, and I don't take kindly to someone laughing at mah family." Christ, I thought she was going to pull a twelve-gauge out of... somewhere!

"Sorry, sorry! I-I meant no offence Applejack, I was just pointing out an observation, was all..." She almost looked sorry for what she said, but she sure didn't voice it.

"I understand that, it's just a touchy subject for me is all."

This was going nowhere, her brother and sister for sure weren't here in Carson anyway, I was tempted to just send her away right there, why employ someone who's so difficult?

I think that's why I liked her in the first place actually, the fact that she wasn't just some pushover, dimwit cowgirl; a blonde no less! She had this natural fire about her, a "just try me" attitude, could maybe kick Flim and Flam's assess; shit I wouldn't fight her! Plus that natural protection of her family, was both respectable, and possibly usable. While she wasn't that certain sexy or beautiful like Rarity or Sparkle, she was... rugged. Tough, almost bad-ass, she was so different from the other two, almost polar opposite.

I loved it.

"Well, I apologize if I seemed insensitive." She crossed her arms and shrugged.

"Ya'll weren't intentionally, just didn't know was all." So... she accepts?...

"Well, to move one." Shit, what else did I have? If she was this much trouble now, think of what she'd be like on part two of this... oh God help me. Oh yeah, I know! Why is she here in Nevada, Texas isn't nearly as far away as Michigan, but it's still a length distance.

"If you don't mind me asking... why exactly are you here in Nevada? N-not to say its really weird or anything, I've helped girls from just about all four corners of the country-" Just about, is not too far off from the truth honestly. "-and each person always has an interesting tale to tell. And comparing you to the last person I had in here, I'm pretty interested in what your story is, Applejack."

What I said as a compliment, she took as something personal I think? Eyes lowered, then shifted, posture slouched, she must be a doozy of a basket case!

"I'd... rather not speak of it, i-if its all the same to you." I didn't care how scary this chick was, I was going to learn her story, no matter how many baby steps I had to take!

"What killed someone?" Black humor always works for situations like this right? Well it did this time, she let out a bemused laugh. A laugh nonetheless.

"Hell no! I've met some real snakes in my time, but I've never met one who I disliked enough to cut it's head off with a shovel, 'nd bury it."

"..."

"You can cut a snakes head with shovel, but it can still live for a while, some can even grow'em back! The same thing can be done with people, course we can't grow our heads back, but the decapitated heads can live for up to fifteen minutes." Why was she- "Course you wanna spare the head what little discomfort, and not to mention the obvious confusion it must be seeing, so you bury it. Like a snakes head, it's a literal metaphor." That... makes...sense?

"Oh, I-I get it... I think. Well wait then, if its literal, than it's not actually a meta-"

"My point is, no, I have not killed a man, woman, or child. Or snake... today." Honest to God, I have almost no idea what was just said.

"Good uh... good to know, Applejack. I still would like to know what happened to you. I mean San Antonio is a long ass ways from here." She lifted up her left arm to scratch the back of her back, just a little more badgering, and I think I got her.

"L-listen Gilda, y-ya'll seem... nice enough, but I would just rather we move on with. It's got nothing to do with what we're talking 'bout anyway."

Oh but Applejack... it means everything.

"Remember how I said, 'get to know you as a person'? Well this is part of it. Cause look if you're in trouble, I need to know, that way I can get you whatever help you need." Now to feign some concern to lay the guilt on. "Have you injured recently? Is someone after you? Are you a returning military-woman?" Now she was getting pissy again...

"None of the above! I just don' wanna talk about it!."

"I'm not asking for every single, microscopic detail Jack-" And the glare I got for that killed that particular nickname "APPLE jack. I just want to help you... Look, I understand where your coming from, I wouldn't want to tell the person who's trying to get me hired somewhere my entire life story, and I don't want that! I just want to know why- no scrath that- how you got here, and besides a job, what I can do to help you." For good measure, I added in one last crucial phrase.

"Honesty is the best policy after all."

Her eyes bugged out at me, I'd thought I pissed her off again, but once I think my words set in, she looked down, considering my 'confessional' offer. I didn't bother her, considering I at least owed her the privilege to take as long she wants to decide. It was here that a thought occurred to me:

When did it become so easy to lie?... I still remember my first encounter with Sparkle. The nervousness, the fear of messing up, and having the cops, or Sombra, on my ass. The lies... the fake care, and concern... the artificial sympathy. Of course a degree of me still felt sympathy for Twilight, I mean come one, her parents died, brother died, fake-brother acted like a dick, and I forced her to sell her body for me.

And yet... I find myself not caring.

Rarity; while not nearly as traumatic experience as Twilight, still had her own serious shit. I faked most interest I had in her life, but she hooked me with her obvious dedication to Sweetie Belle. To be all alone like Rarity is, for her, must be truly maddening, I guess part of the reason I numbed myself to that is cause I hoofed it in this state alone for two years. Everyone's wired different of course, but to top of her regret, and the losing of her big career opportunity, I made her sell her body for me, while threatening both with violence, but with Rarity, harm I'd inflict myself.

But... I don't care... in these few minutes I had to think, the past four, five months made me think how I just didn't care... i-its so difficult to explain, so many things rush in and out of my head. Every lie I told, as time went on, affected my conscious less and less, while each success those lies brought me felt... good. I figured it out that there was no going back. I had become a pathological liar. It's Second nature now.

I'd have time to think about this later though, Applejack interrupted my thoughts, all I knew at this point were two things. I wasn't afraid of liking what I do anymore. Second, unlike Twilight and Rarity where I had a shred of guilt when I learned about them, then eventually betrayed them, this time...

I was just excited.

"Gilda?..." She inquired hesitantly.

"Hmm? Have you made up your mind yet?" It was amazing how much of her strong womanly 'umph' left her. Was it solely because she didn't want to talk about it, or my subtly jab at her honesty got to her? Interesting person, this Applejack.

"I have yes... I-I'll come clean with you, but-" turning her head up, she looked me dead in the eyes. "do I have your word, not just as a business runner, but as a woman, that whatever I disclose, will remain completely confidential?"

"Well yeah, of course. How could I consider myself a professional if I did otherwise?" Visibly tensing up, Applejack leaned forward in her chair.

"A-alright then. Just keep in mind, I didn't necessarily say I'd tell you everything. I-I'm only tellin' ya what I think you should."

"I do remember saying I didn't want any tiny tiny details Applejack. Just take however long you need, I got all day." She was silent again for a time, she then slouched over, resting her arms on her knees.

"Ok... well to help paint ya a picture, Imma tell ya a bit about my Father to give you an idea of the situation I was in alright? Don't go tellin' anybody none a this ya hear?" I nod, how could not? She'd probably break my arm or something.

"My daddy was a hard workin' man, woke up everyday at six-a-clock, tended to the fields and animals, let momma and us sleep in. He never missed a bill, and never let us go hungry, however I can remember a few times he did, so we wouldn't have to... remember how I said we never had hired help?" I nod again.

"He always wanted everything done just right, so he never trusted anybody except us to work his farm, Daddy wasn't invincible though... he was gettin' older, tired, slower, and one day out in the corn stalks... everything just... caught up with him." Was she implying?... Oh man... "Momma... never recovered, none of us did really, but she loved him more than anything, second only to her kids. A broken heart claimed her one night."

Not... unlike Twilight...

"So now it was only my brother, Macintosh, and my little sister, Applebloom, Mac decided to keep Daddy's tradition alive, which as you can imagine left very little room for any kind of, well, life. We all made a simple, but highly important pact between us: The family comes first, we tell each other everything, and in no way betray the trust and love of the Apple household... I'm here in Nevada because, I failed all three tenets."

She did? Either her brothers a dick, or she really fucked up.

"W... what did you do" She frowned at me.

"What'd I do? I tried to actually have a life! Mac never let Applebloom and I do anything, always 'farm farm farm'! He was so-..." She stopped herself, and regained control of her emotions... dammit.

"Sorry, I don't meant to bad mouth someone when they ain't here to defend themselves... to make this story a hell of a lot shorter, I'll summarize. The only thing we were aloud to do outside the farm was our schoolin', Mac being several years my senior, finished High School a long time ago, I dropped out so Applebloom could have a fair chance at a future. At the time I figured better her than me, don't regret it either, and I don't blame her for my being cooped up all the time."

She sacrificed her foreseeable future... for her little sister? That's what Rarity was going to do... this was getting weird.

"Close with your sister?" I thought she'd dodge the question, but this time she actually answered me.

"I'd like to think we were, yeah. Not attached to tha hip or anythin' but I can tell you we confided a lot more in each other than Mac. I always tried to make life less of a struggle for her, but there was only so much I could do, I wasn't her Mother, and I never tried to be. Poor kid was to young to really know them, like I and Mac did."

So Applebloom didn't know her parents... just like... Spike. I was honestly starting to get freaked out by how similar these completely different people are... not to mention, Rarity's parents owned land as well, maybe not an actual farm farm, but still... just who are these people?

"Something wrong Gilda? You're looking paler than a marshmallow in the snow." Not sure what that means, but yeah the color was leaving my face, cause all these similarities were freaking me out!

"S-sorry Applejack, your stories just really hitting the feels ya know?" She quirked a brow.

"Uh... 'feels'?"

"It's- nevermind, continue."

"Alright then... where was I?... Oh ok, so you got a understanding of the kind of environment I was in right?"

"Tense and melancholy?" She shrugged.

"Basically. Well one night, I had just come home from a little get together with some of mah friends from town, I came home at about eleven-ish I think, but I had made one critical mistake. There was a... certain someone I'd had mah eye on for a while, and thanks to a bit of alcohol in my head, I thought it's be a good idea to take said person home." Oh boy... I sense an overreaction coming on.

"See... how do I put this... when it comes to... certain beliefs, mah family is what ya'll might consider 'old fashioned'. Well Mac, either heard us or heard me come in, and wanted to scold me for being out so late, either way, he walked in. That's when, as the saying goes, all hell broke loose, threw my friend out tha door, I'm not kiddin' bout that neither, and we had our selves a shouting match that lasted for what seemed like eons. Any complaint, or ounce of frustration we had, we just threw at each other, the worst part to me is the fact that Applebloom heard all of that..."

"Man... that, that really sucks Applejack... but, how did that get you here in Carson?" She let out a very sorrow-coated sigh.

"I'm gettin' to that. When all was said and done, Mac told me that if I wanted to live life so bad, I could just walk out the door and not comeback, because apparently, I didn't give enough the farm, and its legacy. So being as pissed of as I was, I did just that."

"Just like that!?"

"Exactly like that, I wasn't about to take my kin yellin' lies at me anymore! Course... I didn't exactly think that through, I left right after the fight, without grabbing any cash or clothes. I waited until it was night the next day, and snuck back in to take at least a few things with me..." She got all quite for a bit again.

"What's up?"

"Nothing I... I was just remembering somethin' rather unpleasant is all. The hardest thing I've ever had to do...

"... Which was?..."

"I had to say goodbye to my lil sis... a-anyway, to finally answer your question finally, I hitchhiked my way here." I had to bug my eyes out at that.

"Hitchhiked? All the way here? Why to Carson City of all places?" She shrugged.

"Aw hell, I was just going wherever I could, and I happened to wind up here on my latest journey, just scrapping to survive. I've been just about all over these western states, reason I ain't dead yet is cause, I know how to take care of myself, and if necessary, defend myself, never know who you'll meet. Naturally I couldn't just live off the few things I shoved in my backpack, so whenever I stay in a city a spell, usually sleeping on a bench somewhere, or if I can sneak in without a hitch, in someone's yard, then look for some work."

"Damn... that's a tough life you lead Applejack... can't imagine how rough it's been for you."

"Aw don't fret it none, I ain't complaining much, the life's rough, but it's mine ya know? Can't lie though, the road get's might lonesome, and if you ain't careful you'll go mad, I always gotta be on my guard, never know who someone'll turn out to be, and it's been... about two, almost two and a half years since I seen home. Worked just about any kinda job you can think too, restaurants, janitorial, chauffeurin', mixed in with my personal background, believe me, I ain't no pantywaist." Any job huh? This was just to good of an opportunity to miss.

"...Have you ever worked a more... physical type of job?..." Clearly not getting my question, she raised an eyebrow at me.

"Like what, physical labor? Well yeah, I told ya I've work in a variety of fields..."

"Well... it's physical sure... a-and a type of 'labor', yeah." Damn I suck at subtly.

" I'm afraid I don't fo...llow." Now she got it. "Oh... oh! N-no! W-well I-I mean nothing against women who do, but... that particular career choice... it ain't for me." That makes you just perfect for the job AJ, heh heh.

"Sorry, I-I meant no offence. Well to be honest with you, I think I got all the info I need, we're pretty much done here. You got a cell phone?"

"Afraid not."

"Hmm... alright how 'bout this, you come by at like... ten tomorrow, and I guarantee, I'll have something for you." She bugged her eyes out at my promise.

"What!? No place I ever been to could promise me that."

"Well... I can. I told you I got friends in town, you're almost one-hundred percent gonna get one, the point of the interview is so I can get a vague idea on what kind of person you are, I relay this to various businesses, then I get you the best job opportunity. What? You think I just throw a dart at a wall or something?" She shook her head almost frantically, guess I brightened her day.

"No, course not! I just figured you were... well come on, a lone woman, in a single office in a moderate sized town, able to get someone work, free of charge, guaranteed? Mighty sorry, but I thought you were some kinda scam artist, wantin' to sell me somethin'." I let out a small laugh, although was mildly worried how she wasn't to far off.

"Good to know I proved the rumors true, and laid your doubts to rest. You got anywhere safe to stay tonight?" Almost offered her a place to stay on the couch I got in here, but I didn't want to risk her finding anything out.

"Eeyup, I met a mighty kind gas station owner who said I could bunk in the back of his store for a night or two."

"Oh really? What's his name, I probably know him?" She lifted her eyes in thought.

"I think he called himself Brad..."

"Either way, at least I know you'll be safe. So yeah... that concludes our introduction to each other, I'll see you tommorow yeah?" She got up, and offered her hand again for one last shake.

"Thank you mighty kind Gilda, I'll do my darndest to pay you back one day." I rose as well, and shook her hand.

"Aw don't worry about it, it's my pleasure." She said some more pleasant goodbyes and thanks you's and I saw her out.

I didn't need to call the kind-of-twin(s) assholes, so it was just me and my thoughts for the rest of the day.

'Applejack... she didn't tell me that much about herself, way less than Rarity was willing to. She's a strong woman no doubt, anyone with visual receptors could see that, I wonder how much of a fight she'll put up? How much of a fight will I have to dish out? I'm... I'm excited to find out. Pumped even! The thought of actually- wait!'

"God... what happened to me? I... I-I could bitchy in the past but... now I'm reaching the level of, o-of borderline psychopath! When did I find it ok to ruin people's lives like this? Why do I even feel bad for any of this anyway? I-I knew what I was getting into when I started this, what I was going to do, so why do I still give a shit!?" I slammed my hands on the desk in pissed off frustration... makes sense.

"No! I don't regret what I'm doing, o-or anything I've done to get where I am today. I don't I don't I don't!!!" I slammed by fist on the table with each exclamation. "Tomorrow, everything will go down, just like it did before, Applejack won't have any special treatment, and if it comes to blows, I'll knock her ass down. Yeah... just like the other two..."

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I barley slept that night, my nagging thoughts wouldn't stop bugging me the whole time. I was still able to be somewhat presentable for Applejack by the time she got here, I was never much of a trendsetter with my wardrobe anyway, so my appearance wasn't that big a deal. She arrived more or less on time, but I didn't care, I was dreading asking her the last three/four if you think about it, questions, just had to play it cool, and hope she loosens up around me. She knocked, saw herself in, then sat down in front of me, like yesterday. I noticed she was wearing the same outfit from yesterday, I wondered ho long she'd had to wear that, but I didn't pester her on it.

"Howdy Gilda, I'm not to late am I? Mighty sorry, but I overslept quite a length."

"Aw don't worry about it, it doesn't really matter, what's important is that you're here. You sleep ok?" Figured small talk was a good way to break the ice.

"About as comfy as a closet can be, but yea I slept ok."

"Oh good I was worried about you being out there." A frown crossed her face.

"Then why didn't ya offer me a place ta spend the night?" Wait, what!?

"What!? W-well, I, uh..." Than she laughed at me!

"I'm just pullin' you're leg Gilda, I wouldn't impose on someone like that, that Brad guy I mentioned practically made me stay in the back." Oh you cheeky...

"Oh, you're, you're funny Applejack..."

"Heh heh, sorry bout that, I didn't mean no offence." I wave her off.

"I'm not, I'm not... course, that attitude could've been a decisive factor in whether or not you got work or not." I saw a look, clearly of fear in her eyes.

"W-what? Gilda, I really didn't mean-"

"Gotcha."

"I... oh you-!" We shared a mutual laugh.

"Had ya going for a second there Applejack! I was worried you'd just up and leave."

"Aw, I knew you was fibbin', I just let you think you'd fooled me."

"Suuuuure."

"I did though!" Another small section of laughs followed; ice successfully broken.

"Not to cut this short, but, are you ready for the last qualifying... qualifications, to see whether or not you qualify for a job in town?"

"Long as ya don't say 'qualify' again, I'm more than ready." I roll my eyes in mock annoyance.

"I won't, as long as you don't speak one of those secret languages that the south has like, eighteen of." She cocked a brow and smirked at me.

"Why ah plum don' know you be talkin' bout young'n."

"Ha! You' know, you're a riot Applejack. Bummer we couldn'tve met outside of the working world, I bet you're pretty cool to chill with." She crossed her arms, as a faint blush and a small smile crept onto her face.

"Aw shucks Gilda, that's mighty nice of you." Sad part is, I meant it too.

"Well without further ado, let's finish this business of ours yeah?" Smile left, replaced with a serious face, arms un-crossed, as she gave a firm nod.

"Yessir Gilda."

"Alright, what's gonna happen now is I'm going to ask you several questions on behalf of your future employers behalf, that ok?"

"I don't see a reason why it wouldn't be, go ahead. I still however, keep to what I said yesterday, I will not divulge everything. That still clear?"

"Crystal."

"Inquire away then."

"Ok then." I pulled out the pre-planned questions from my pocket. "Question one: are you prepared to fulfill whatever tasks your boss may present you with?" I re-worded it a bit, seeing how she is a professional and all.

"As long as it remains within the confines of the law, I ain't exactly keen on going to jail for anybody." She is really scary when she losses her accent in case you were curious.

"Of course, and don't worry, I can promise you that everything they may or may not have you do is completely legal. Next question-" I decided to drop the question about extended leave from home, seeing as how she was homeless, and I thought she'd find it too suspicious. "- what's your opinion on homosexuality?" Like that's any less suspicious right? She raised her eyebrow, probably the tadest bit baffled.

"And why would they wanna know that, Gilda?"

"Just so on the off chance they hire a gay person, or someone is working there who is gay, they know where you stand, so they know where to put you, or schedule you. Productive work environment and such." Her eye's deadlocked onto mine.

"Well speaking honestly then, I think it's wrong against nature, and a sin in the name of our lord to engage in such activities with the same sex."

"... Uh... wow, ok, well if that's how you feel then-" Than she fucking laughed at me again!

"Ha ha ha ha! I'm only kidding ya, I made it sound mighty convincin' though didn't I?"

"Don't do that!"

"I'm sorry, really, but being from where I come from, it's extremely easy to fool people into believing that, 'specially you yanks up here, ha ha." Her and Dash definitely would've hit it off...

"Oh you... you did alright... can you tell me your real opinion on the subject though? This is kind of important after all." She smirked at me.

"Alright, I'm done messin' with ya. To be honest if that's what's someone's into then hell, go do what ya want I say, it ain't my place to judge someone." Is she just overall a decent person or something?...

"Alright, that's cool." Gonna go out on a limb here. "By chance, what are you into?"

"Pardon?"

"In to... like 'people' wise?"

"Are you... are askin' me if I'm... I'm sorry, what?" Aw shit...

"I was just wondering was all, you don't gotta answer if you don't want to."

"That's a mighty personal question considerin' we just met yesterday, Gilda." She was getting suspicious, I wasn't going to get an answer out of her, I figured, screw it.

"I really didn't mean to offend you, I over stepped my boundaries, and I apologize. Wanna just move on?"

"I'd appreciate it." I was at an impasse now. If she had that bad a reaction to me askin' that, then how would she react when I asked her if she'd had sex before? I could just assume she has, and make sure she only gets men, but what if she's not? Then I'm a rapist, that's what. That's the last thing I need to be labeled as right now. I could just make up some half-assed excuse, but again then I already dropped the 'are you gay' question... Shit... this sucked.

"Alrighty then, last question..." Please God, don't let her punch me in the face. "Are um... a-are you?... have?... *ahem* You ever have sex?" Fuck.

"The hell you just say?" Man I swear green eyes are the scariest when pissed off.

"T-that came out... wrong?"

"No, no, I think it came out loud and clear, you just asked me if I ever had sex!? What logical reason would you have, they have whatever, to ask me that!?"

"They, um... well, you see-"

"You better give me a damn good reason, or else, no matter how bad I need a job, I'm walking out that door. This is gettin' way to awkward, and way too weird." Shit... Flim and Flam are probably outside, I could get them in here to deal with her... no, I need to do this how I have been, if not for adequate dirt on her, then just so I know I could.

"They do have a good reason, well at least they see it as such-"

"What job asks that though? I like you Gilda, don't be making your word sour now." She tacked on almost threateningly.

"They feel the need to ask to test the applicant's..." Fuck, I don't know. "honesty. Yeah, honesty, that's what you want in a worker right? Up front, blunt honesty? That normally means a productive, trustworthy employee." Ok, ball is in motion, time to use my kinetic energy to lie my ass off.

"That is one of the thing's I personally would look for, that ain't the problem. The issue is, is the extreme nature of questions they are, I see no reason why- ok, the homosexuality thing, that threw me off, but in hindsight, I could see why they'd ask that. Last thing they need is a confrontation on beliefs and such after all, that's fine, I get that. But why on God's Earth, would they wanna know if I've been intimate or not?"

"So they know they can trust you in any 'extreme' circumstances. The people I tried to convince hiring you, I've known for years, like I've said before, and this arrangement of ours wouldn't work without two things: Profit obviously, but most importantly, is trust; I trust them, as they trust me. And I don't mean we're best friends or anything, just that they trust my judge of character, thereby sending them good workers, and one way I gauge someone, is how honest I can tell they're being. You don't wish to talk much about yourself, that's fine, but what you have answered, I can tell you're being truthful with me." I let the words sink in for a bit, and waited for her to respond... this seems to happen a lot, it's kind of annoying honestly.

"... 'Trust' and 'honesty', huh?... What you say makes sense, but I still see no reason why they should know that. I mean, I haven't even met them, I understand them wanting trustworthy employees, who trust them, but why such oddly personal questions?" I might as well answer mostly honestly.

"... I don't know. I ask the questions for them, I don't write them out. I truly don't mean to pressure you Applejack, but they do need an answer. If you have/haven't it doesn't matter, it does not affect whether or not your hired, they just wish to establish a system of trust, that way when they meet you, they know what, or rather who to expect." She ran her hand over her face, then, rather begrudgingly I might add, answered me.

"*Sigh*... yes." What?

"What?"

"Yes I have... rolled around in the hay a few times, is that satisfactory?" Hells yeah it is! I knew I could get her, no one can beat me! Well, she didn't know about any of this, but whatever, I won!

"You bet it is! Now that you've answered all their final qualifying questions, it's time to sign on the dotted line now, so to speak." I opened the drawer, and handed it to Applejack, like I did the others.

"What's this, a contract? Why'd they give it to you?" I shrugged and answered cockily.

"They trusted me to convince you."

"Hmph... Well good job, ya'll sold me. So what's on this here piece of paper anyway?" she asked as she began to read it to herself.

"Well all it says really is, it's reaffirming what I asked you, addressing how anything they have you do is within the confines of the law, how you'll get paid at either the end of every pay period, or task completion. All that's left, like I said, is to sign that dotted line." After I finished, she was still reading it for quite sometime, it was starting to get awkward.

"Uh, Applejack? You alright?" She removed her eyes from my even better written contract, to answer me.

"Hmm? Oh yeah, this thing, sorry, I was just having a time readin' it." Oh God, what now?

"Why? Too short? Spelling errors?..." She shook her head.

"Naw nothin' like that, actually it has honestly too much detail! I think it could have been shortened quite a lengths, I mean it's almost comin' off the page. I don't know who wrote this up, but they need a re-teachin' in basic arithmetic." SIGH, guess back to the damn drawing board again with this stupid thing...

"I'll be sure to let them know..." I mutter as I hand her a pen. She signs her name, and hands it back to me, and now my favorite part of the job.

"Well alright, we're all set Applejack! I think it's about time you met your knew boss, who's that sound?"

"It sounds like this took a little long, but I'm excited all the same, where're we headed Gilda?"

"Close by."

"..."

"..."

"... Um... heh heh, we uh... gonna go now?..." Shake of the head...

"No. There's no need to."

"But why wouldn't... NO." She caught up a lot faster than the other two did, gotta give her credit for that.

"That's right Applejack, you're looking at her. I'm you're new boss!" A look of relief, I think, came across her face.

"Well I'll be! That don't sound to bad at all! Why the false pretense of a third party though?"

"It was mainly to see how honest I could get you to answer the questions. I do this with every person that comes through here, helping out my friends business's that was no lie, but if I find a candidate suitable enough, I have them come work for me."

"Kinda clever, gotta admit. Risky, but I assume it's effective, how many other people have gotten this 'pristine' position you set them up for?"

"Currently... you're number three." She let out a whistle.

"Dang, must be some top notch business you own... wait so you pulled the wool over my eyes about this being your only kinda income?" I nonchalantly shrug.

"Afraid so. It's a necessary white lie, I can't just hire any random dude that comes through here after all. My business brings in quite the substantial income monthly, it wouldn't be in my best interest if I hired someone I didn't think I could trust, or is too wet behind the ears. Get what I mean?" She nods in understanding.

"I getcha. It's a little, I think the word I'm lookin' for is, 'cold', but that's business, so I can understand what you're saying. Well seeing as how we'll be working together now I might as well ask, what kinda business you run?"Oh here it comes!

"Ever heard of that Cathouse that's in this town?" Her finger goes up to her chin in thought.

"I... think so... yeah actually! When I was coming into town not to long ago, I saw the lights to the place glowing in the moonlight... it was 'Greg's' I think?..."

"Nope, 'Griffon's'; it's mine. I want you to work there." Here comes the freakout!

"Well alright, that don't sound too bad." What!?

"Huh?"

"Yeah, I can do that. What do you need me to do? Clean the place up? Work in the kitchen?"

"Uh, no... I want you to be one of my girls. Work for me. As in have sex for money. For me." Eyes went wide, mouth went agape, it was time for the fun to begin.

"You want me to what!?" I shrugged at her.

"Honestly, I thought it would've been pretty obvious after I asked if you'd heard of the joint-"

"You askin' me about my orientation, thought's on gays, the subject of my virginity-"

"Honestly, I thought I was terribly un-subtle. Cool to know I successfully pulled the wool over your eyes, Applejack." I think the situation fully hit her, cause after I finished she shot up from the chair, looking pissed as ever.

"Well you can forget 'bout alla that, I'm getting outta here!" She turned around and stalked for the door in one motion.

"Ay! We have a contract- a signed contract no less, you aren't-" She stopped just at the door and snapped her head back at me so fast, I'm surprised she didn't strain something.

"Oh-ho no you don't missy. You ain't no 'official' business, and I can only assume you made up that bull about your 'friends'." I stand up to try and win this stare down.

"Well duh! Who the fuck would agree to idea as stupid as the one I told you we did? It's both improbable, and very very stupid."

"Tch. Yeah, 'specially cause of the fact someone like you ain't got any friends. This conversation's over, you can't and won't make me work for your deceiving self."

"That is where you are wrong young seed." I didn't even notice those two slip in, but hey, at least I got backup now. Their sudden appearance made Applejack jump, and turn around.

"What in the-!?" The two took a bow, and proceeded to introduce themselves.

"I young madam, am named Flim."

"I am his brother, you may call me Flam."

"I don't give a damn who you are, what the hell are you doing here?" Flim stepped forward as he answered her.

"Well you see miss Apple, we are mere associates of Gilda here, assisting her in anyway we can."

"Such as dealing with coercing troublesome women like yourself, into working for miss Hof here." Applejack snapped her head back at me.

"Is this what you implied, by how I'm the 'third'?" I use my nod and smirk combo.

"Now you got it." Then Flam, in what I have to say was a ballsy move, walked behind Applejack, and set his hands on her shoulders.

"The rest of them failed to resist, and now, they comply to Gilda's whims, as if it were second nature. With mild attitude of course... but they come through none the less." Applejack gritted her teeth at the contact.

"... How did you and your brother get these women for 'miss Hof' exactly?" .

"A simple use of rubbing alcohol, just takes a woman's breath away, every time." Her fists clenched.

"These women who came to you for help... after being drugged... have their bodies sold...."

"Well yeah, I thought that was glaringly obvious by now." Pupils shrank... I don't like where this is going.

"It is a very profitable business Applejack... my brother and I have benefited greatly from working with Gilda, the women get payed handsomely... and get to live. Hm hm hm..." I could feel her clenching from where I was standing.

"Besides-" I spoke up. "-it's not like the other two put up much of a fight anyway, one managed to elbow me in the gut, but that's about it. You'll be no different Applejack, complying with us, is your only real option." I heard her breath in and out, eyes glancing back and forth between me, and Flam in her peripherals.

She looked me straight in the eyes again. "That's what you think, Hof."

Before I could get one syllable out, she swiftly brought her head forward and bashed it into the brim of Flam's nose. On instinct, he covered his face, releasing his grip on her shoulders, executing a quick one-eighty, she slammed her knee into his stomach, bringing Flam to his knees from the pain. Before Flim or I could react, Applejack slammed a right hook on Flam's jaw, knocking his light's right out.

Flim rushed Applejack, who locked eyes on Flim immediately after KO'ing Flam, before he reached her she lifted her left leg and planted it right in his balls. She hit him with such a force, he keeled over in pain, to the floor, Applejack wasn't done with him yet though, she grabbed him by the shoulders, forced him to his feet, and shoved him back, hitting the door to the office. She then proceeded to charge forward, and with incredible force, took her size nine-looking boot, just trucked Flim through the door, into the hallway.

Applejack turned back to me, stared me down with those venomous green eyes of hers, a scowl present on her mug. then out of nowhere, she cruelly smirked at me, then tipped her hat. "Pleasure doin' business with you Miss Hof." Then proceeded to sprint out of the room.

Just so you know, this all happened in a span of almost twenty seconds, I couldn't do much, except stare with my mouth wide open.

I couldn't process what I just saw, she single-handedly handed Flim and Flam their asses, breaks my door, and taunts me!? In that moment, any fear I had of that woman was instantly quashed, but a new sensation coming over me. A potent mixture of anxiety, fear, anger... the kind of feelings that can make a person do... rash, and desperate things. She kicked Flim and Flam's collective ass, that scared me, she could blow open my whole operation if she escaped, that terrified me, she laughed at me, looked at me like I was a joke, not even worth her time...

That enraged me.

I was not going to take being looked down on like that, and even if she beat me into submission, I would not let her walk away without a few scars. So I ran after her.

I caught up to her into the parking lot, luckily I wasn't too out of shape, although admittedly rusty. "Hey!" I called out successfully getting her attention. She stopped running, and turned around looking at me with that stupid look on her face again.

"Where *huff huff* do you think you're going!?"

"*pant* Ha, seems like that little run done tuckered you out Gilda, aha ha. I didn't run that far."

"*Huff* Fuck you! We aren't done yet!" As if to further piss me off, she put her hands on her hips.

"Now Gilda, I think I made it abundantly clear that our business has officially concluded." The way she spoke to me, plus her current stance, I felt more like a kid getting scolded than a threat!

"Not until I say we have, hick!" I stalked towards her, and she still kept smirking at me!

"Well now that's just plain rude there, ma'am. What's got your hog a-squealin'?" I stop right in front of her, so I can look her in the eyes. It's here I see I'm at a height disadvantage, by about four inches.

"What's got me pissed is the fact that I don't think you realize the danger you're in! Y-You act like you don't even care!"

"Well why should I? If the 'infamous' Flam and Flam can get trampled on so easy, why should I worry 'bout little ol you?"

"Why!? I convincingly lied to you, and alluded to your life being at risk of ending. I'm trying to force you to work as a playmate at my bitching brothel, and you mock me!? I'm honestly offended!" I guess that was a poor choice of words, considering most of her cocky demeanor left.

"You're offended!? Did ya'll miss the part where ya tried to kidnap me!? Why the hell do you want me in your damn little clubhouse, or whatever, anyway?"

"Why? Why?? Dude. You kicked the asses of two of this generations most lethal mobsters, kicking one of them through my door! I already thought you were an attractive specimen, but honestly seeing that just made me want you in my business more! You got this wear-and-tear look to you, you have muscles that look good, and to top it off, you're a blond Texan! Are you aware of how fucking hot that is!? I would make so much money off of you, i-it'd be unreal!"

"If that was meant to be flattering you failed miserably, I fell more disgusted now, than anything." I wave dismiss her with a wave of the hand.

"Irrelevant! My point is, is that, I don't care what I have to do Applejack-" I poke her in the shirt with my index finger. "-you are coming with me." Her mocking nature was gone now.

"Unless you plan on takein' a lickin', I ain't-" She poked me back. "-goin' nowhere with you." I had no choice; ultimatum time.

"Alright then, let's make a 'friendly' wager then shall we?" I back up, giving her and I some space. "You much of a betting gal, Jack?" As I ask the question, I begin to circle Applejack.

"I only make bet's I know I can win, that being said, what are you offering, Hof?" She extended, starting to circle as well.

"Something simple... simple and quick. You fancy yourself an ass-kicker yeah?" Applejack shrugged.

"I can hold my own decently with the average of them."

"Then how bout this... we throw down. Right here, right now." An eyebrow quirked up.

"Ha! You wanna fight me? Pardon my observation here Hof, but ya'll look about as strong as wooden shed in a typhoon."

"You have no way of knowing that for sure... unless you agree to fight me.'

"... If you win?..."

"Well you'll be super knocked out, but you'll come work for me at The Griffon."

"And when I win?" Oh you cheeky little bitch...

"IF you win... I'll let you turn me in. You can squeal to the cops about my entire operation. That's only if you win of course... what do you say Jack? Think you like those terms?" Stopping, she turned her head down slightly, I could see she was weighing her options, I stopped walking as well.

"All I gotta do to bring your sorry ass down, is kick it. If you want me to whore myself out for you, all you have to do is beat me..."

"Exactly. Look around. No one will get in our way here, and those two'll be out cold for while, 'specially Flim, so whoever wins will be put over clean. Deal?" Applejack looked up, pure determination in her eyes.

"Ya'll sure you really wanna do this? Think about this Hof, you're really willing to fight me, just to fulfill you're 'whore all-star' fantasy? Is this all honestly worth it to you!?" I didn't even have to think.

"You bet your ass it is."

"I haven't known you long Gilda Hof, but believe me when I tell ya this... you're batshit insane."

"Do we... or do we not, have a deal!?" She was making me think about it to much, I needed her to stop before I seriously considered stopping all of this. Applejack just shook her head at my desperation.

"...Deal then." Yes!

Oh fuck... I actually have to fight Applejack now.

She put her fists up, and spread her legs out slightly, I noticed her hands were opened instead of clenched. I loosened myself up, putting up my dukes, ready to bruise this belle.

"Brace yerself Gilda." She rushed me.

Cocking her right arm back, she brought it forward, coming straight at my face. I quickly side-stepped to the left, now delivering a right hook of my own, her reaction time was sharp though, as she quickly brought her left arm to block the punch, while using her right fist to collide with my jaw. The force was a shock at first, and obviously painful, forcing me to stumble back a few inches, instinctively, I brought my hand to my chin, upon removal I noticed a small amount of blood on my hand. I thought, 'I'm bleeding already!? This isn't good, I need to step it up!'.

Now it was my turn.

I came at her, charging with a left ready to break something. As I launched my fist at her, she deflected it away with an open palm. I sent a short volley of right's and left's her way, none breaking through. Well at least the open palm thing made sense now. Gritting my teeth, I sent another left her way, but instead of deflecting it, she caught it, and gripped it. Hard. A yelp of instant pain escaped my throat, I tried to pry her hand of, but her grip was locked in tight, no way I'd be breaking it.

"Heh. That the best you got Hof?" Eyes open wide now at the insult, instinct took control as I attempted to strike her with my right fist again. Didn't work; caught that one too.

"You ain't gonna last long if ya'll keep this up." Glaring at her, my injured pride was fueling my drive to knock her down.

Seeing an opening, I raised my foot, and planted my size seven converse into her gut. I could tell she didn't expect that, as the wind taken out of her with an exclaiming, "Oof!", was enough to loosen her grip on my hands so I could finish my strike, and nail her right in her cheek, the force pushing her back. I was so stocked, I hit her! I actually got her! My optimism was quickly crushed when she rubbed her, soon to be sore cheek, she did not look happy at me.

"Lucky shot. Last time that'll happen Hof."

"Don't be pissed just because you didn't know I could actually be a challenge Jack!"

"Oh you wanna actually tussle for real? Alright then, I'm done going easy on your ass."

Before I could make a comeback that could stall my inevitable beating, she had tackled me to the ground.

The surprise alone would have been enough to take my breath away. I didn't have time to, you know, breath, cause as soon as my back hit the concrete, Applejack started wailing on me with fast, but painfully precise strikes to the face. I put my hands up to block them the best I could, but as I informed you earlier, this woman was a Goddamn tank. The more she was punching me, the more she was leaning up on me, I was able to lean back, and kick her off me. She stumbled to the ground, having lost her footing allowing me to quickly get to my feet.

Big mistake.

The massive ache that rushed to my head was so sudden, and strong, it nearly floored me. My face was sore, would probably bruise in places, and I was already tired. I didn't have a lot of time to wallow, I had to keep on the offensive.

She started to get to her feet, I ran up and kicked her right in the chest, flooring her. This was my chance to capitalize! Not wasting anytime, I started curb-stomping the southerner, chest, arms, legs, just about everywhere. At this point it was just about having her in my brothel, I just wanted to beat her. For my brothel, and my pride. I wasn't as aware as I should've been, as I was about to deliver one to her head, she sweeped me by the ankle, taking me to the ground.

She was on top of me again, but instead of frantically swinging at me, she straddled me, delivering more precise, less frequent, but more painful, blows my way. I tried to block the best I could, I did a few of them, but each one hurt after the other. She wouldn't let up either, she kept smashing at my arms until I couldn't support them anymore. She launched a particularly crushing one right down the middle to my nose, that's a potential kill shot by the way, I quickly put my arms up, but she was to strong, as soon as she made contact, my arms flopped to the side in pure exhaustion.

Once my defenses were down she followed through with the punch, connecting it... to the ground just next to my head. My eyes widened at the sound of her fist against the ground. She locked eyes with mine, hazel shakily staring at cold, determined green eyes. A particular thought reared it's ugly head into my thoughts: I was screwed... this woman could break me in half, and I'll I've been through and done, would be for nothing.

That thought terrified me, and she saw it too, if she couldn't tell by my borderline hyperventilating, then she could see it in my eyes. I was scared. Scared of her. She lifted her hand up from the ground, I shifted my eyes, watching her fist rise. I could see rocks indented in her knuckles from the impact, blood dripping from the wound. Shaking her hand, the small rock fragments, with some of the blood, flew off. She eased off me a bit, now more sitting on me, I guess beating me down wore her out.

"*Huff... huff*... We... done, yet? *Huff*" I tiredly shake my head at her. "*Huff* Why? Why do ya... want me in that club-a yours so... *huff* so bad?"

"*Huff... weeze* I... gave up...every- *cough* everything to run my business... I'm willing to do whatever is necessary, to keep my dest-... dream alive."

"At the *pant* expense of, o-of conspirin' with known killers? Ruining unknowing women's lives?"

"I don't have to explain myself to you... Jack." My tiny little act of defiance caused her to frown, I could feel her remove herself from me.

"Well then ya'll can 'explain' yourself to the law. Cause we're finished here." She was up and starting to walk when her sentence ended. She had walked in front of me, in a frantic act of desperation, I quickly flipped on my stomach, and grabbed her foot.

"We aren't done yet dammit!" She kicked herself out of my grip and kept walking.

"Give it a rest! You're only embarrassing at this point." In a wobbily fashion, I was making my way to my feet.

"I need you in the Griffon! Get back over here, and let's finish this!"

"Go to hell, Yankee!" I couldn't let her escape, she'd ruin everything I worked for! At this point, I didn't just need her in the Griffon for the killer money I'd make of her, I needed to get Applejack locked up at the Griffon, to keep her quite. Ignoring the pain, I made a mad dash for Applejack. Of course she wasn't going to not hear my charge, so just as I got close, she had spun around with a fist ready to collide with my face. Believe this or not, I'd anticipated this, so just as the fist was making its way, I ducked under it, charging right into Applejack's gut, shoulder first, knocking her back to the asphalt.

It felt really good to be able to do that. Any restraint I had, left me, all I wanted now was two things: this victory, and maybe... a little bit of her blood. Making my way towards her, I could see Applejack was beginning to get to her feet, I quickly ran over, and popped her in the cheek, flooring her. I mounted on top of Applejack, like she did me a few minutes ago, trying to land as many punches as I could on her. I was able to land several before she threw up her block, at lot more durable than mine if I may add, it sucked too, my hands were getting sore.

Thinking fast, I quickly moved my hands to her shoulder and applied pressure, then proceeded to lift my right knee, and land it right in her kidney. A yell of pain broke out of her mouth, successfully, but briefly, breaking her guard. It was here I decided to play dirty. I balled up my right fist, and slam it down on her left tit. Oooh the sound of pure pain that erupted outta her throat was a thing of beauty!

"Aah!!!" Instinctively, she brought a hand up to cover it up, that's when I slammed my fist on the other one. I didn't care to much, as long as her clients have somewhere to put something, that's all I give a fuck about. Giving her one last knee to her stomach, I quickly hopped off her. I, very slowly, made my way to Applejack's top half, she was on the ground still very much in pain, clutching her rack. Those things are sensitive after all, it's not unlike hitting a dude in the balls honestly.

I stopped my stalking when I reached the front of her head, to add one last insult, I squatted down, poking her shoulders so she'd look over at me, eye's being closed due to pain and whatnot. This was the first time she glared at me and I wasn't terrified. Checkmate, hick.

"Any last words? Jack" In one last act of 'fuck you' she spat on my chest, then mumbled out:

"Go to hell, Hof..." I wiped the spit off, rising to my feet.

I gave her one more cocky smirk for the road. Raised my leg. And slammed it down, right center on her face, finally KO'ing this southern-warrior.

"No one likes a sore loser, Applejack. Ha ha."

Now all I have to do is haul her carcass to the Griffon... and my ride is currently sleeping.