Author's Notes:

This chapter has a short prologue from Big Mac's PoV found here. It's not required to understand the events of the chapter but will hopefully give some insight into Mac's view of the world and his work.

Huge thanks to GDQuirm for editing of the opening / short story about Big Mac at the start!

Second huge thanks to Frankie2 for helping me out with edits and turning my scattered thoughts into something readable!

And my third big thanks to the rest of you for putting up with my slow writing of late.

I am currently working on the last scene of the second half of this chapter, but I figured after a month and a half, I owed you all some sign I was still alive!

Please note: This first half of chapter 5 has not been edited by Wrabbit yet, so you will still find errors that me and Frankie might have missed. In fact, as I am posting this while rushing out the door to work, I wouldn't be surprised if more then a few errors crop up just from the importing process from google docs. I will try to fix these when I have time at work tonight, or when I get home in the morning. In the meantime, enjoy the story and PLEASE!!! Let me know what you think!!

Applejack gave a low grunt as her weight shifted back, rolling her hips and in a single smooth thrusting motion, she forced the oak beam across her shoulders into the air. With a massive barrel suspended at each end of the supportive length of oak, the heavy wood groaned a little under the strain of the weight, guessing they must have approached near two hundred forty or so odd pounds, the strain was enough to make even her sweat due to the need to keep them balanced. With the cart only a good ten paces away, she had just enough time to let her mind wander a moment. It took Winona's laughter and playful punch in the shoulder to get her attention back on the work left in their day. "Sorry Winona, what did ya say? I was thinking about harvest hiring. We've got such a rich yield this year we might need more than the normal crew to help."

Standing in the back of the cart with hands outstretched, the canine girl barked a light laugh before shaking her own head and flashing a bold grin. "I asked when Dusk's coming today? If he was a deft hand at chopping wood you might not have to hire nearly as many brutes to clear this deadwood. Right? He just blasts it and then you and Mac can lift the chunks into the cart. No fuss with saws, and you'd have a lot less fights with the labor shop for taking half their hands a week before harvest." As they talked, AJ would settle the heavy oak beam to the ground and with both hands wrapped about the lower third of the barrel she hefted with a single smooth motion to slip it across the edge of the cart and with Winona's help pushed it back to join the other four full barrels.

Judging space with one eye while the process was repeated to get the other barrel into place. Turning her gaze up to the pleading canine, a hand was used to wipe sweat from her brow, while rich grin spread across her lips. "Sure. We can ask 'em. But no pestering him if he says no." Before the pup could start to argue, Applejack lifted a hand and shook her hand dismissively. "No Winona, seriously. He works hard for the princess already. The doctors say he needs a few hours of exercise a day so he spends three with me and two with Dash. And that's before his new job of running the library with only Barb's help. And every week the mayor or Rarity or somebody is having some kind of problem that he is forced to help them figure out. That said, I'm in no rush to give him extra headaches to deal with by making him spend more time here burning through his magic to do work we can hire a couple dozen laborers to handle." A grunt escaped her lips as she leaned back against the cart and crossed arms over her chest, her head turned up with a grin at the young canine who stood over her. "Besides, we pay good money for help before the harvest, and we get them back to town in time for other farms to still get their own pick of the workers. Then we hire half of them back again two days latter to come work harvest with us too. If they can't respect just how much we do for Ponyville, we will just have to try harder next time they need our help!"

While the girls shared in laughter, AJ walked around to the front of the cart and lifted the harness to rest across her shoulders. The effort to take the first few steps was a strain, forcing her to brace her shoulders and her every step drove her heel into the dirt, even while Winona pushed at it from the back. After two seconds of straining effort, the weight forced the cart to wiggle forward, and once it had started rolling, it soon become an easy effort for her to keep it running. As soon as the cart got rolling properly, Winona marched ahead to start leading them after Mac’s sent, while they fell once more to idle chatter. The girls wouldn't hear the noise of a distant crash, nor the scream of pain that followed.

Wandering the fields alone, Apple Bloom wondered if her shortcut home from school was such a good idea. The orchard trees towered over her, and even though she helped out with them all the time, it was still confusing to be alone and with nothing in sight in any direction but endless trees heavy with apples. She knew she was somewhere in the south fields. And she had passed a bunch of deadfall not more than ten minutes ago, but still there was no sight nor sound to suggest what direction Mac had gone after clearing this section. Worried, she considered just sitting at the next fallen tree and waiting for AJ to show up. At least that way she would get picked up, and Winona would be with... "Grroott.... Heelap..."

The whisper dry voice that rustled through the trees made Apple Bloom's spine shiver, the icy chill running down her neck as a harsh, demonic huffing noise began to rise and hiss though groaning lips. Shivering a little and steeling herself, Apple bloom shifted her weight to stand up taller and cross arms before her, voice attempting a proud and gruff tone. "I ain't afraid of you, whoever you are. Just ‘cause you're trying to put on a creepy voice doesn't mean you'll scare me! I'm not no scared little girl!"

For all of her brave talk when the leathery dry voice made a series of grunts, it took all of her willpower not to flee from the scene. And then from under the tree before her a hand thrust free of the branches, while the weak tones of a voice that only made the whole situation worse. "Get AJ. Hurry AB... please..."

Horror dawned on Apple Bloom far worse than what she had been dreading only a moment before. Creeping slowly closer she reached into the branches, and with tiny hand stretched out to grasp at Mac's own extended fingers. A sob started to from in her throat and shaking fingers grasped his own. "I.... I will find her Mac! I don't..." a sob ripped through the tiny girls throat and then she released his grip and bolted to the north only sure of that one fact alone, all the while screaming for AJ at the top of her lungs.

Still drawing the wagon though the orchard, Applejack would only realize Winona had stopped when she started passing the canine. Rock still the smaller woman stood stock still and her normally floppy brown ears extended to stand their full height, tips twitching as she focused on some sound AJ couldn't hear. This was a time for silence; respecting Winona's far keener sense of hearing and ability to sense danger, AJ leaned back against the wagon forcing it to roll to a stop. In silence she reached for her spare bandana to brush sweat from her face, she kept her eyes on every motion the canine took. A worried yip whispered from Winona's lips and she turned bolting into the trees in a sudden hectic flurry of motion, two words from her were enough to make AJ's blood boil. "Mac's hurt!."

Throwing off the harness for the wagon might have only taken her a few seconds but in that time she had already lost sight of the canine through the dense branches of the trees, but right now that was far from a concern. Abandoning the cart and following the canine though the heavy branches, the sound of barking from the guard dog her only guide... until she realized she could hear at last what Winona had already picked up. It was the screaming voice of little Apple Bloom. Smashing her way though every tree before her now, AJ ignored the bruising and cuts that quickly layered her face and arms; desperation growing thick in her throat, until at last she crashed into a new aisle where Winona stood clutching the little filly close, the tiny girl weeping into her shoulder. No time to pant for breath she rushed to the girls’ side, her voice was short, and sharp with her own panic as worry for her brother overrode her concern for the filly. "Mac??? Where???!"

Turning in Winona's arms, the filly showed her strength, and stood up again, grabbing AJ's hand and guiding her through the trees her own voice quick in answer to her older sister's question. "South edge of the Orchard. Near the trail to town." Even as they ran on, the canine was quick to join them, a worried whimper and hand on AJ's shoulder. Her touch was just enough to pierce through the panic that clouded her mind, and halted their mindless rushing.

"Winona, go to town, get ... get... Get anyone who's on duty at the clinic, I don't care who! Get them all! If they argue get Dusk, tell them..." and she stopped, realizing she didn't really know what had happened. She turned to Apple Bloom who was shivering where she stood. Kneeling low and cupping her little sister’s hands she drew her close, and forced herself to speak in a calmer tone. "Apple Bloom, what do we tell them? What happened to Mac?"

The little filly drew strength from her older sister’s grip, her calm words and the clear need for information. Swallowing back tears, she spoke as carefully as she could muster. "A tree. He is under one of the deadfall. Sh.... should we send for Carrot Top too?"

About to bolt the second AB spoke, Winona took a half step then paused at that question, twisting her head and quirking an eyebrow at the boss mare, ears half lifted again in concern and confusion. Swallowing once sharply, AJ shook her head and stood picking up her little sister and placing the girl on her shoulder voice firm. "She doesn't need to know right now, the Doctor's are what is important. Guide me to Mac, AB. Winona please... hurry!"

It was well past midnight when someone from Ponyville Clinic came to retrieve AJ and Dusk. Apple Bloom had been left sleeping in Dusk's bed curled up with Winona. So, only the two of them stepped into Mac's recovery room. Bruising covered half his face, running down over his chest and most of his ribcage. Standing over his bed, a weary Nurse Redheart poured over a clipboard, her voice tense but calm. "So no Mac, you can't help with the harvest. You’re lucky Dr. Horse is letting you go home so soon." When he moved to speak she crossed her arms and leveled a glare at him, and spoke sharply. "No Mac. Don't even think about it."

Storming up to Redheart's side AJ gave her a single sharp nod before slipping into almost the exact same posture, arms also crossing and glare matched by her curled lips. "Damn right you're lucky Mac. You know I hate it that you do deadwood duty alone! This kind of accident is just what I was warning you about! You’re lucky your fool head wasn't crushed! I can't believe I let you work alone today, if it wasn't for Apple Bloom cutting through that part of the orchard..." Her voice became ragged as she forced herself to swallow and attempted to continue. "You'd have bleed out you damn fool! Then where would me and Apple Bloom be?!" her tirade was silenced when Dusk gripped her shoulder, but it could also have been the glare from Nurse Redheart at the volume her voice had reached.

Without really moving, resigned acceptance settled over Mac's form. His head slumped and his eyes drooped, even his cheeks deflated and he offered a single slow nod to their words. Turning his head to face his little sister he spoke up at least, his voice leathery, still dried out from the harsh day. "You win AJ." his voice was quiet and he spoke only briefly, keeping his eyes on her, one hand slipping out from under the blankets reaching out and forcing its way to grip AJ's elbow since she refused to uncross her arms. "Visit the Labor Board in the morning. Two jobs, deadwood and --"

Cutting him off and shifting her hands to at least uncross and clutch up his own hand with both her own. "And the Harvest workers as well. I know Big Mac, it's practically a standing quota we have with them at this point. I can handle it." Prideful, the mare let her gaze sweep once over his form putting on a hard look that reminded Dusk of her brother's own normally quiet resilience. Her voice was level and calm when she spoke up again. "I know you've let me handle more of the work these last few years Big Mac, but I'm ready to take care of it all. And you're gonna need time off to heal them ribs, not to mention all the cuts that tree left after it tried to hug ya." Bending down and leaning in, she stroked her open palm across his right cheek, one of the few places that had not been scrapped or punctured by the collapse. "I'll stop at the labor shop in the morning, and then bring Apple Bloom and breakfast. Alright?"

Mac's soft nod, and half smile at his sister's firm approach to take control of the situation would stick with Dusk long after that night. It was powerful, the trust the Apple family shared. Their visit ended shortly afterwards, with Nurse Redheart ushering them out of the Clinic as politely as she could, but she was firm on them going, the small clinic now really felt cramped compared to the two story hospital that sat nearly completed across the street, it's shadow swallowing them as they walked back to Dusk's Library; keeping busy with random chatter about the upcoming harvest.

Even as Dusk unlocked the front door he knew Winona would be waiting on the other side, the small canine lass had keen ears and yet knew when to be quiet. Even as he nodded to her and moved into the library hall with AJ close behind. Once he was sure the three of them were far enough away from the staircase that their voices would not carry he turned and waved to the recliner behind his desk. "I will sleep down here AJ, you and Winona might as well join Apple Bloom in the study, no reason to wake the lass up just to walk home and come back in an hour or two when the sun comes up, right?"

The guard dog was chipper, even on a day like today and this late at night. Standing to her full height she turned to face AJ, offering a small shrug but a slight nod. "I can go back to the farm, Granny doesn't need to be alone out there... and it wouldn't take me more than fifteen minutes to get home." The keen pup's tail twitched, half way between freely wagging and a nervous twitch. Dusk realized the girl was far more worried then she let on, simply masking it with her helpful nature while staying keen.

AJ let go a single sigh, at last nodding a little. "It's been hours since I got Pinky to take Granny Smith some dinner... I suppose if you're sure you feel safe walking home alone it would be safer. And if you don't heaven knows what Granny will do. Probably try walking to town herself when she gets up in the morning and finds us still missing.”

As Winona turned to head for the door, Dusk followed to intercept her. From his desk he had taken a small pouch of herbs he had to buy from Fluttershy, Nurse Redheart’s reaction to his request had been very negative. Voice soft he pulled one of the small inner pouches out, offering it to the canine. “This is Dawn Blossom. If you suck on the petal it will keep you alert and reduce fatigue.” A hand lifting to interrupt AJ’s stern look, he offered only one to the canine then pushed the rest back into the large pouch, then spoke to AJ in soft tones, hoping to keep the noise down and avoid waking Apple Bloom. “I keep them only for when something important comes up AJ. It’s legal, but if you are worried, I can give the rest back to Fluttershy.”

Applejack’s face contorted between a broad mixture of emotions, as she started to form a sentence three times, before at last giving up and allowing it to drop. “If Fluttershy thinks you’re safe with them, then you’re safe. But the second she thinks you have been using too many, you’ll find me and Rarity kicking down your door. Redheart might even get an invite if we feel like sharing the beating you’ll have earned.”

Even as she growled out the last few words; Dusk leaned forward, fingers holding the pouch out to her. “I took one while Cadence was here, but I will admit, the temptation is dangerous. Here, if you hold onto these it means I have to walk to the farm before I can take some more.” He paused, winking playfully to her and closing her hand around the thin pouch of herbs, his voice dipping to a more seductive tone. “Besides. That just means I have all the more reason to come visit you more often for the other herbs. The ones for headaches and the like.”

Applejack’s blush at his words was fierce, yet the warmth of his grip on her hand made her want to linger, every factor, even the whisper of his breath on her throat brought back powerful feelings; the reminder that her heat had only been over for a few weeks was strong every time she and Dusk got so close, driving her back into those feelings with the smallest touch and his growing familiarity. Cheeks deep red she at last offered him a small nod, drawing her hand away and shoving the pouch of herbs into her belt beside one hip. “S… sure thing sugar cube. I’d always welcome your company at the orchard.”

This conversation lead her mind wandering back a few hours while trapped in memories, an excuse to have Dusk visit more? Winona had left them at some point in their conversation, yet her request was fresh on AJ’s thoughts now. “Dusk… with Mac hurt we really need all the help we can get this year. Do you think you could spare the time, and use your magic to help us speed the process of dealing with deadwood up?”

Dusk would not even take the time to pause, and consider her question. With a light smile, and an easy nod he shifted to step behind her, hands on her shoulders and pushing her towards the stairs despite her towering over him. “Then I will have Barb tell Dash in the morning that I’ll be missing our workouts. When I explain it’s all for the greater good of your family, she will understand. Besides it will give her more time with Scootaloo.”

Pausing as she half turned to face him on the steps, AJ’s brow lifted, her voice harsh. “That trouble maker from Apple Bloom’s class?” Applejack questioned in a harsh, yet low voice, “Why is she studying under Dash? Isn’t she a bad influence for a filly who had to be taken away from her parents?”

Shaking his head, Dusk returned to pushing her to go to the bedroom upstairs. “We can talk in more detail on the farm tomorrow. You gotta go to the labor board early in the morning. And Dash might be a lot more casual, but you know she takes her responsibilities seriously. Scoots thinks of her like Dash thinks of the Bolts.” When AJ at last relented, Dusk would turn and head towards the Library again, softly finishing his thoughts to himself. “Or how most of the farmers who aren't simply jealous look up to you and Mac, working the biggest farm in the region yet hiring help only for seasonal work, despite easily producing enough to hire half of Ponyville, yet alone just those who work at the labor board.” Applejack released a proud snicker, even as Dusk wandered into the library, and made his way to the comfortable chair to catch a few brief hours of sleep. Dawn would be here soon, and no emergency request for Celestia to push it back a few hours would change that.

“Wait one apple picking moment!” AJ’s fist slammed violently down upon the counter, the half complete paperwork she had been writing smearing as still wet ink on the second page was mashed against the paper she had just put back on top to let the labor board manager consult. “The Apple Clan pays near double what everyone else does for emergency work like this because we don’t normally require the help and we want to make it up to everyone for pulling their labor away so suddenly!” Fuming, Applejack lifted her fist pointing one finger to the belligerent mare behind the counter, eyes narrowed. “Now you're telling me all those years of making your pocket fat don’t count for anything? Come on Ginger Gold!”

For all of AJ’s rage and fervor, Ginger Gold leaned back in her chair and sternly crossed her arms. When the taller mare at last calmed down a little she cocked an eyebrow, and then, at last fired back her own ice cold retort. “And I told you three times. Its a week before nine tenths of the farms crop comes into season. I got four people working on town hall. Six on the new hospital with another thirty out of towners stealing all the other jobs related to that project for the last two months. The Weather patrol picked last week to tell me part of the reservoir needed to be reinforced, so thats another eight. Filthy is getting his house and shop both reshingled, and he booked months in advance.” Ginger paused as she glared back, while letting that settle in. “That’s another three. Then two days ago Carrot Top let us know their harvest was ready early. She took twelve to get it done before anyone else needed extra labor. Even with the out of towners arriving early for harvest season, that’s thirty three of our local freehands busy with jobs. Even If I gave you all the remaining locals and half the townies, that would only make seventeen. I can’t give you twenty five for a week, even if you payed triple fees for the next five years.”

With a grunt she leaned over the counter and tossed the labor sheet for the week before AJ, her voice worn from the argument. “You can check my numbers. Just ‘cause Mac’s hurt,” and here her tone became softer, more sympathetic. “Bless Celestia that he is ok, that doesn’t mean I’m going to break contract with someone else. Maybe, and this is a big one, but maybe a few extra out of towners will show up over the next few days while the opening crew of local workers get started, you might start harvest two or three days late. So yes AJ, you can have seven today. But I’m keeping all the townies in case someone else has a disaster and drops it on my desk today.”

Seething, Applejack’s gaze dropped to the chart, her eyes roaming the lines and hunting for any mistake, some loophole or a simple fix that would make the numbers work out in her favor in some way. Only one did, and the math on that matter made her mouth bitter. But it was for the farm, and bits could be earned back from the harvest far quicker when the dead wood was removed. Swallowing her pride, Applejack’s hand pulled her coin sack from her hip. “Then I’ll pay triple fees for the out of towners, disaster relief as the Apple Clan contract states, right?”

Even as AJ started to count out her bits, one at a time, Ginger remained silent… until the gleam of the platinum hundred bit pieces reflected on her counter. She did the mental math and nodded slowly, speaking in a shaky voice. “That would make it twenty seven bits a head a day for the out of towners. Round it down to twenty five.” At AJ’s harsh glare at the sudden generosity in the face of so much money, Ginger waved her hand. “For Mac’s sake AJ. And because you Apple’s are always payed up with your annual fees two years in advance.”

Giving a firm nod, while still trying to suppress the trembling rage that grew with every beat of her heart, Applejack rounded her numbers down and spoke in a low, calm tone. “Then for the eighteen out of towners to make it the full twenty five hands I need, we will call it three thousand, one hun---”

Blushing, Ginger shook her head one hand and attempted to reach out and touch AJ’s hand to stop her. “I gotta keep a few hun.. please, at least leave me five? You know, for an emergency?”

Snapping her own hand back before the labor board mare could touch it, AJ rechecked her numbers a third time. She barely kept her anger in check, as she spoke in a sharper tone, the new sum fixed in her mind. “Thirteen out of towners for seven days. Twenty percent in advance and an extra ten percent for food and lodging fees. Makes it six hundred eighty two bits. Another 88 for the locals in advance.” Eight of the fat platinum coins were pushed across the counter to lay with their eyes all turned to stare accusingly at Ginger. “Get them to the farm before noon, Or I’ll demand half that fee back. And you know the boards rules are on my side.”

Even as Applejack stormed out, Ginger snapped up the coins and started yelling orders, the unfinished paperwork forgotten on her desk. Three lead hands were summoned and received their orders: once breakfast was finished, they were to bring their crews out to the Apple farm to pick up the slack caused be Big Mac's injury.

It would be a week before anyone found that half finished paper, the Apple’s harvest labor request would not be filed this year.

Dusk had taken the time to search the library that morning, hunting for the best maps the town had of the Apple’s orchard, and quickly making a copy so he could bring one with him. He also used his magic to float a book about apple harvesting practices so he could study up on them as he headed out to the farm, all the while forming mental checklists of things to take account of as he went. He muttered to himself as he walked down the lane to the farmhouse, Dusk tried to account for everything he had gathered from his swift skimming. “Depending on the size of the tree, six to eight full-sized barrels can be gathered from each tree. Empty, an average stallion can pull a cart with thirty barrels stacked two by five and three layers deep. Assuming the Apple’s follow the national average standard of between one hundred sixteen to one hundred forty two trees per acre, let’s assume that means approximately six hundred ninety six to one thousand one hundred thirty six barrels per acre. Considering the Apple orchard comes in at eighty six acres that gives us a range of fifty nine thousand eight hundred fifty six to ninety seven thousand six hundred ninety six. Let’s reduce that by -”

Dusk stopped, cutting himself off as he lifted a hand to wrap knuckles upon the door, the sturdy wood echoing the sound into the house. While waiting for an answer, he would pick up his train of thought. “-making that an average seven point six barrels per tree, one hundred thirty two trees per acre. Gives us a solid and reliably accurate estimate of eighty five thousand one hundred forty barrels to cover the whole orchard. Meaning two thousand eight hundred thirty eight cart loads to set up all the barrels. At six days that means we need to average four hundred seventy three cartloads a day to insure a one day buffer on getting everything set up.”

“At seven and a half minutes to reach the farthest corners of the field if they can maintain an average walking pace while pulling a wagon, then make it twenty minutes to delivery a load and return from the farthest corners. Given fourteen, no make that fifteen with AJ helping them doing barrels, makes thirty two loads per day per person. Means approximately ten point six repeating hours to complete said loads without breaks. Make it a solid twelve to include a full hour break for lunch. Start every day around six or seven in the morning and finish no later than seven or eight at night, allowing plenty of time for rest and dinner before the next days shift. And that still leaves me with six others to help with the trees.” At last realizing that Granny Smith had opened the door some time ago and was staring wide eyed at him, Dusk could feel his cheeks darken, and quickly attempted to apologize. “Err sorry Granny Smith. I was just trying to work out the numbers to make sure we can get everything set up before the harvest starts.

As elderly as the old mare was, a grin snuck over her lips. “We don’t normally have everything set up before harvest starts. Don’t know if we even have half that many barrels, but boy? You’re gonna do just fine ‘round here.” The old mare said warmly, leading Dusk into the house.

Dusk channeled his magic into a pale raspberry beam, that ripped the deadwood into virtually even strips. When Apple Bloom offered him a mug of cider, he gladly accept it, threw his head back, and chugged down another mouthful of the thick herb laced brew, as he thought about getting home after his first day at the farm helping with the harvest.

Nurse Redheart had been waiting at his door after that first day. That heated argument had continued until Fluttershy showed up and offered her own brand of assistance. Dusk’s ears still rang from the Nurses objections, but in the end she had relented.

It had been four days since that fight and thanks to his help, they were all but finished with the worst of the work. AJ was working with the rest of the crew, currently most were busy setting up barrels beneath every tree in the orchard, a major time saver when the bucking started.

Even as the filly took his mug back, the last bitter drops of the lingering herbs tormented the tip of his tongue. The drink had been Redheart's compromise, a vitality boosting concoction from Fluttershy's collection of medicine with low supplements for his magic. It wasn't until the second time Apple Bloom spoke up that her words cut through his own thoughts. “Please Dusk, won’t you talk to AJ? She is making me go to school tomorrow, but I can still help out so much with this work.”

Pulled back into focus, Dusk would swallow down the last of the bitter flavour that lingered on his lips.His gaze shifting down to the young filly, he inspected her eyes for a minute before his playfully said. “Sure Apple Bloom. I’ll just go march up to your older sister, and tell her I think you are ready to skip school for a few weeks to help with harvest.” He rolled his eyes, yet it wasn’t until he looked down and saw the hopeful look in her eyes, that he realized the filly clearly hadn’t mastered sarcasm.

Releasing a sigh, Dusk let a hand pat the filly’s head and spoke in a warm voice. “First of all Apple Bloom, school? It’s really important. Your sister is smart to order you to class even through harvest.” The filly wilted instantly like a flower, her shoulders drooping. Dusk would try to continue with his explanation, hoping the young filly would pick up a little of what he was trying to express. “Secondly, I spent a few hours with your sister mapping out the work we need to do before we start harvesting on Tuesday. Even with allowance for breaks, and keeping to an eleven hour work day, we will still have Monday to let the emergency crew AJ rounded up enjoy a day off before we have to start up the work crew for harvest itself.”

Groaning, Apple Bloom finished for him. “And Filthy Rich’s family pays good money to keep the school up to snuff in partial payment for the Zap Apple harvest, as tradition states. I know schools good for me, but I wanna help more!”

Unable to resist laughing openly at the fillies youthful ambition, Dusk would fluff her hair, careful to avoid dislodging her ribbon. “Now now Apple Bloom, you can help. You can keep helping me with the harvest today, and you can go to school tomorrow without worrying your sister and forcing her to spend the day concerned about you. Deal?” Offering the filly a grin and lightly elbowing her in the ribs, the stallion stood, walking with ease to the next tree. Already the five most powerful earth stallion’s had returned from delivering their last load of deadwood logs to the storage barn and were waiting for him after his extended break to talk with Apple Bloom.

She nodded and scampered to follow him, then sighed in a tone full of disappointment, “Ok Dusk. I promise.” She then quickly realized that there were supposed to be six wagons, not five. She called up to one of the stallions that just arrived, as she jumped onto a wagon and used it to boost herself to the seat just behind his shoulders. “Meadow Song, where is Bulk Biceps? I know he is only a pegasus, but he should keep up!”

Shocked at the girl’s agility, the stallion stopped his wagon and leaned back against it, leaning back to look up at her. “Well young lady, maybe if you were keeping up, you’d notice this tree isn’t split yet anyways. Besides, your sister said something about getting him to bring lunch out for the other crew who are setting up barrels.” His eyes lingering on the young filly, the stallion stood a little taller, straightening his collar. “You know, if you’re not busy during lunch it’d be nice to have some company of someone who isn’t in their thirties.”

Watching over his shoulder to keep an eye on the young filly, Dusk drew up his magic, forming it into a tight band, wrapping it around the trunk of the tree and then in a single smooth motion, he drew the band up from the base, slicking though all the branches while constantly tightening the loop to a smaller smaller circle as he went, leaving the core trunk of the tree spotless while at the same time piling all the branches into two even pools, piled up on each side of the trunk. “The boy must be what? Sixteen? Seventeen? Only four or so years older than Apple Bloom, but still. It would be best to warn AJ”

While the five stallions and Apple Bloom stepped up and pushed the thick log to roll it over the pile of branches, Dusk took up position again, his watchful eye following the way the filly and young stallion talked between work, collecting up the branches and filling Meadow Song’s cart with the lighter load. Dusk spent his time slicing the bulk of the trunk into even sized chunks. Each five feet long, quick and easy work, and soon enough he and the majority of the cart stallions were ready to move on to the next tree, Meadow Song heading back in to deliver his load. Apple Bloom would wave to the stallion before turning and came running with quick strides to catch up with Dusk again.

Applejack eyes went a little wide, her gaze turned back to Dusk while her dinner plate was put back on the cart. “I. Err. Oh Dusk. You sure he was flirting with her? She is so young!”

Dusk’s own half eaten dinner was put back onto the cart as well so he could pick up the bitter tasting herb blend, sipping at it again. Giving a sigh he lowered the cup again, voice as weary as his body from the days work. “She is thirteen Applejack. I might have been a little more innocent at her age, but I understood what Princess Celestia was suggesting to Sunset Shimmer, even thought I was around the same age.”

Suddenly overwhelmed, Applejack would turn away from Dusk and lean back against the cart, one hand pulling sharply down at her hats brim. Her voice a whisper, Dusk had to strain to hear her. “I knew I would have to at some time. But… what with everything that has happened. I just wanted her to be safe and innocent for a few more years.”

Stepping in close, Dusk slipped his hands to rest on her hips, leaning in against the mare’s towering frame and resting his cheek to her neck so he could whisper into her ear. “Do you want me to ask Nurse Redheart? Or maybe Rarity? I’m sure both would have good-”

Shifting her weight back against the stallion, AJ laughed a little, “No Dusk.” she interrupted, her voice stilted and low but still warm. “She is my sister, and I ain't going to let anybody else talk to her about something this personal.” A pregnant pause hung in the air, broken only when AJ tilted her head back, and planted a brief kiss on his cheek, her red cheeks spread in a grin. “Now you finish your dinner and head back to town before Barb gets worried you're so late getting home. Thanks for letting me know Dusk.”

For the longest moment in his life, Dusk hesitated before leaning in closer to the mare, keenly aware of how much he had come to grow accustomed to her close presence and the soft scent of fruit that always hung in the air when she was around. But Applejack would break the moment, stepping up and drawing away as she moved to look out over Sweet Apple Acres. Quickly finishing his dinner, Dusk cleared his throat, voice hunting for an excuse to offer help. “It is a pleasure to help Applejack. You are a good friend, and Apple Bloom is a smart filly. With Granny Smith and Big Mac’s help, you have quite the team to keep an eye on her.”

The mare laughed a little at his words, shaking her head and turning to face him again. “Thanks Dusk. Now go back to town. We don’t need a worried dragoness out alone at night hunting for her missing brother.”

For a long time after Dusk left, the mare stood alone on a hill, watching the sun set and the stars bloom in the summer sky. Watching, and waiting for a familiar pair of stars to join the night sky.

The floorboards creaked under her feet as AJ stepped to the flight of stairs, old wood groaning in complaint to the weight of her steps. She had watched the night sky too long, asking for guidance, and now it was late, Winona had meet her at the door as she started her evening patrol of the farmland.

At the top of the stairs, Applejack hesitated for a moment. To her right lay Big Mac’s open door, the stallion’s light was on and she could hear him flipping pages of some kind or another. A book? Possibly, but more likely it was the farm ledger. He had been so firm about doing something when he got home, now he was going over the last decades ledgers, for fun! “Don’t bother me with your fancy mathematics Big Mac. We go over the ledger ever year. You aren't going to find something new just because you spend a lonely night rereading it.”

The mare still lingered in silence for a moment, despite herself, her mind fell to… her. “Would Mac still be with her if it wasn’t for me and Apple Bloom? If we hadn’t come home so young to help with the farm, would he still be happy? Not stuck a single stallion too busy looking after his kin to make his own family?”

Moving stealthily to the stallion’s bedroom door, she peeked inside her eye adjusting to the soft light of a lamp. Mac lay in bed, a light sheet across his chest. A book in his fingers… but not the ledger. It was a thin pink jacketed novel, with hearts on the cover. “Maybe Mac isn’t so alone. Or did Carrot Top visit him when we were busy?”

The mare resolved to leave messing with her brother’s life for another day. She had a harder conversation ahead. Stepping down the hallway to the far end, she had expected to find the light out this late after sunset. Instead, Apple Bloom sat on her bed, her loose red hair hanging wildly around her shoulders, while a badly abused quill lay lodged in her teeth. Still dressed in her blue jeans from the afternoon of helping in the field, the filly was scowling down at the paper that lay before her, jumping when Applejack’s voice shocked her from her stupor. “Apple Bloom? Up so late? Surely Miss Cheerilee didn’t give you homework during the summer for your first day of class.”

Shooting up in bed and looking over to her sister, the filly laughed a little, shaking her head at the question. “No Applejack, she just asked us a question and I’m having trouble answering it. She wanted us all to think about what we wanted to be when we grew up. Twist couldn’t stop talking about how much fun she and her aunt Bonbon had making sweets this summer, but I ain't got any stories that good to share if she asks me.”

School life, something so normal and simple. Something far easier for Applejack to handle her little sister mooning over at night then a boy. The mare would step half up onto the bed and looked down over the paper, inspecting the scribbled out ideas that were scattered over the page. Of course, the real reason for the assignment was to keep the foals busy thinking about things that would direct them towards discovering their cutie marks. These kinds of things always did end up being done with some subtle effort. Picking her favorite, Applejack pointed to the scratched out line. “You did help Rose out in town in the spring when her first flowers were in bloom and she needed a good pair of hands to pull her wagon while she made deliveries. I remember you being really excited when you got home because she had liked some flower arrangements you made to pass the time when she got busy talking. Don’t you think that makes a good story?”

The filly stared for a minute at the words she had scribbled out hours ago, a slow smile dawning on her lips. “You’re right AJ! Roseluck did say she enjoyed them so much, she offered me more part time work when the farm calms down after harvest.” Now a world full of grins, the filly would put quill to page again, scribbling notes quickly on the page. “You’re a genius sis!”

Grinning despite herself, Applejack would find a comb on her sister's bedside table, and started to stroke it though the mess of red hair. Trying to keep herself casual, even while her fingers shook with nervous. “Well, I try to be level headed about good idea’s like work. And your flowers were a nice sight.” A brief lull in the conversation, passed as the younger girl scribbled notes. “Now or never.” Thought Applejack, before breaking the silence. “So down on the farm today, Dusk says you were talking with some young stallion? A boy called Meadow Song?”

Giggling at the way AJ’s brushing tickled at her head, the filly would shiver, her tail’s lazy sway rocking from one side to another from the attention. “What? Who?” She paused a moment in silence, before grinning. “Oh him! Yea well he invited me to eat lunch with him and two of his friends who were helping with the work today. Said it was nice having some good company instead of the grumpy out of town workers who have been showing up at the labor board the last few days.”

Faking a smile when her sister looked back up over her shoulder at her with her own warm grin, Applejack tried to push just a little further. “A nice boy? Good enough to keep on for harvest? Or maybe I sh-”

The coy filly burst out laughing and rolled over so she could look up at her older sister, eyes bright with humor. “Applejack! Were you going to suggest inviting him for dinner? Just cause I talked with some stallion, doesn’t mean I wanna bring him home and show him off to Big Mac!” Bawling with laughter, the younger filly was handling the situation far better then Applejack, who was now dark red with embarrassment.

Stammering to find her voice and get the conversation back under control, AJ would put the brush down, and looked worriedly into her sister's eyes. “It’s not that Apple Bloom. I just worry for ya. I’m not the world’s best big sister, too busy with the farm to look out for you proper, and I don’t want some young stallion taking advantage of you when you're too young to understand when your bodies doing to you when your heat strikes.” Stammering over herself and losing track of her train of thought, the mare ended up staring down at her little sister, frustrated and embarrassed.

The filly would smile, and leaned in to gently hug AJ about the ribs, head resting on one knee. “Applejack… I um…” Suddenly, her own embarrassment began to well up, Apple Bloom’s own cheeks were deepening red. “I know about mares and stallions. And how a mare goes into heat and gets all wobbly in the legs. Just this summer Twist got all gaga over Snips when we were talking with him at the Summer Sun Celebration before everything went wrong, and for a few weeks afterwards she kept wearing this funny perfume. After that I made her tell me what was wrong with her.”

Realizing some of this had been answered for her helped Applejack relax, the mare calming down and looking to her younger sister once more. “You did? You do? And just what did Twist tell you? I don’t want you to misunderstand this kind of thing. It’s important to know the truth Applebloom, not just schoolgirl rumors and romantic nonsense. Misunderstanding this kind of thing can get a filly in a whole heap of trouble.”

The filly frowned a little, looking up to her sister, voice more worried now, but more honest. “Like Rarity and-”

Applejack would cut the filly off with a soft hug, stroking the girl’s hair and holding her close. “Exactly Applebloom. Now let’s start over. What do you know about a mare’s heat?”

The two sisters had talked for a few hours more, leaving one sister educated, while the other found some peace of mind in having the full topic discussed properly, even if only after it was all over. In her own room some hours later, Applejack found herself looking out the window, one of her sister’s questions lingering on her mind. “How do you know who is the right stallion? There are so few of them, and it seems every good guy already has a few girls who get all his attention.”

Her eye falling to the picture sitting on her bedside table, the silver frame an heirloom Granny Smith had dug up for her from the attic. Someone had taken a snapshot of Dusk and her after Princess Luna and Celestia had left. He was so happy, and had leaned in close to her, a bold grin on his face. She still couldn’t remember what he had said to her, but when AJ saw the picture a few days later while visiting Rarity, she had made an excuse to take the page from the paper. A finger stroked the stallion’s face inside the frame, in a soft, low voice she spoke to herself now, hours later and alone. “Because Apple Bloom. Sometimes, the heart just knows.”

AJ couldn’t believe how well the pre harvest work had gone. With Dusk’s help they had finished so quickly, and now with a full day off to relax and recharge before the worst of harvest starts. Somehow she had convinced both Granny and Apple Bloom to go get Mac something special from Sugar Cube Corner to cheer him up, leaving her and Dusk alone on the porch after dinner. Sitting together on the porch swing, already she could feel her cheeks burning as she gazed over at him, while he continued to ramble on about the deal he had made with Filthy Rich to get the extra barrels they needed to finish setting up the rest of the orchard. The stallion’s normally smooth shaven jaw was covered in short stubble as he hadn’t taken the time in days to shave.

“... So when his shareholders come to town next month, he asked for me to make some silly speech of some kind or another. Apparently my name carries some decent weight thanks to that silly interview I did. Still not a bad deal for the loan of so many extra carts and barrels.”

Dusk’s words fell on deaf ears as AJ felt her weight shifting to the side, until her head found its way to a resting place upon the shorter stallion’s shoulder. Gazing up into his eyes she would grin, and lift her left hand to cross over his body while cupping his jaw. Turning it a little to the side and up so she could gaze into his own eyes. For a second she thought he was working to form his mouth and to speak new words, and she wasn’t in the mood for anymore tonight. Turning her own head up from her slouched posture, planting her lips against his own and letting them linger, while her fingers stroked softly across his cheek.

For a moment she felt the pressure of his own lips pushing back against her own, and she savored the pressure, even while Dusk’s lips began to split open and his tongue pushed forward to stroke across her lips. The weight of one of his hands snuck into her hair, while the other slid up her ribcage, slipping slowly higher as their linked kiss lingered, until it at last it clasped and rested across her heavy breast. Her nipple tingled in pleasure, as the pressure of his hand pushed down against the cloth of her shirt and stroked over her tender flesh. Moaning caused her to part her lips in pleasure and give his exploring tongue full access. Then the pressure of his hand slipped down from her breast and across her ribs, and between her thighs, stroking across--

AJ shot up in bed, panting for breath while her body shivered in warm sweat soaked blankets, and a moisture that leaked between her thighs, leaking a sweet smell she knew all too well. Memories of the arousing dream still lingered, and as she compared it against the simple conversation she had with Dusk, she began to wish she had leaned in to press for the kiss, rather than simply leaning against his shoulder and holding hands for so long…

Forcing her mind back into the here and now, AJ moved to stand up and walked to her bedroom window, lifting the curtain and gazing out at the pre dawn sky. It was early, likely four in the morning, still hours before dawn proper, yet a nervous energy tingled under her skin and spurred her to life. Harvest proper would start today, and Dusk had promised to pick up some apple, peach and cherry tarts from Sugar Cube Corner on his way out this morning. No time like the present to get up and get started with her day.

AJ worked fast, and as she walked out into the chilly predawn air, her hair was still damp from the rushed shower she had taken to wash the richer scents and lingering sweat that had tried to cling to her body. As she walked, her long blond hair was twisted into a single long braid that stretched past her shoulders and well down her back. A song upon her lips, as she marched from the house, her second favorite stetson settling in placed on her head, as she crossed the farm.

Dusk had insisted they leave the spare carts scattered across the farm, towards the outer perimeter of the orchard. His goal, he explained simply enough to her the day before. “If we start at the outer edges of the orchard on all sides, it means the carters can transport their loads in from the farthest regions to the barn while those bucking keep up their work at a steady but casual pace, meaning that by the time any cart returns, those bucking will be four to seven trees ahead. The buckers can then load the cart, letting the carters rest while they load. After that, half the buckers can rest while the other half continue working. This way when the carter returns again, the rested half can load the cart again, while the other buckers can start their own rest. Keeping this method up and rotating the pattern of what half gets to rest, and you can keep them working for twelve, maybe even fourteen hours a day without anyone breaking down, avoiding exhaustion and accidents with the extra rest periods.”

Thinking about Dusk made her lips curl slowly up, and a happy train of thoughts distracted her as she crossed the field. Just like Dusk had claimed, it took her about seven minutes to reach the far edge, picking out a cart and a good tree at the edge of the orchard. Stopping to take a few minutes to stretch and flex, bending her legs to ready them for a long day of bucking. Even now, in the early predawn sun her powerful legs gave a few quiet murmurs at the opening stretches, but nothing the mare had never dealt with before.

Four swift steps brought her to the first tree on the very south edge of her field, a talented eye roaming the trunk for that sweet spot, the one that would cause all the apples to fall in a single blow. First making sure the seven barrels were in position, then checking her posture and distance from the trunk, AJ drew a deep breath and shot her right leg out in a smooth roundhouse kick, her steel reinforced shoe heel pinging the sweet spot with flawless precision. The vibration twitched up the trunk while the branches danced in turn. And soon a rain of apple’s fell from the branches, all but a half dozen landing square in the carefully positioned barrels.

Grinning to herself, AJ admired her work, arms crossing her chest in pride. “Dusk, you might be able to do the math, but let’s see you buck a tree in a single kick.”

Two more trees were beaten in a single blow, tossing their load into another thirteen barrels. And that was followed with loading half of those barrels into a cart. It wasn’t until she was locking the hatch in place that AJ head Winona’s arrival. At a light jog, the canine would grin as she stopped to lean against the cart at her side, grinning up to the older woman. “You’re up early boss lady. Is this just ‘cause you're far too excited by Dusk bringing you breakfast to sleep properly?”

Jabbing her guard dog in the ribs for her snark, AJ tried her best to avoid showing her own deep blush to her dear friend. “And you? Took you long enough to arrive. Were I an apple thief, you’d have been twenty minutes too late to stop me from snatching everything in this cart. You busy off daydreaming about some handsome canine lad?”

Even as she took up the cart’s harness, she could hear the canine taking up position to help push off the carts heavy load. Offering light banter all the while, Winona never lost her own keen grin. “Maybe I was. But if I was, my lad had a good beard, not some patchy mess like you’re unicorn suitor.” The girls banter would continue, as the day carried on.

Dusk would arrive with his promised breakfast of fritters, still steaming from the ovens. Pinkie Pie had given him the sugar glazed treats and refused payment, only planting a quick kiss on his cheek. Her words still teasing his memory. “Don’t worry about payment Dusk, Sweets for the Sweet! and if AJ argues, tell her that’s what I said!” Then she had bullied him out the door, stating she needed to get back to work for the Cakes.

Looking for AJ, it was only when he noticed fresh wagon tracks leading to the barn that he figured out what was up. The mare was up already and at work, even now as the dawn was only just now rising. As he approached the massive barn doors, the sound of the mare inside and hard at work carried on the air, the bang of a massive barrel of fruit being lowered into place among the rafters.

Winona shot up as Dusk stepped through the door, grinning warmly. “You’re finally here. Good, that means I can have dinner and go to bed. You can deal with her.” The canine lift a hand to gesture into the depths of the massive barn. “Two hours we’ve been at it, and she is annoyed she can’t keep pace with your calculations even though she is working solo. Keeps muttering twenty minutes per cartload.” Swiftly, the canine lass snatched the sack of fritters from Dusk’s relaxed grip, and pulled out two of the peach fritters before pushing it back to him, while she ate them in rapid bites. “Thanks for dinner!” The canine called over her shoulder as she was walking away, offering Dusk a wolfish grin.

Getting his balance back, Dusk took a few light steps forward, making his way to the cart and peeling open the sack of fritters, laying it across the seat and picking one of the hot apple treats and nibbling in quiet joy while he waited for AJ’s return. Return she did, walking fast and puffing for breath at her own forced pace. He had to laugh as she realized he was there, stopping to step behind a pillar. When she stepped out again, her hair smoothed and clothing straightened. Walking to his side and leaning in against the cart in profile for his gaze, she would snatch up another of the fritters, wolfing it down in a few swift bites. Speaking up in the end only after a thumb brushed crumbs form her teeth, her voice low but warm. “Thanks Dusk, Pinkie and the Cakes really are the only people I’d trust to make a fritter half as good as my own recipe.”

Breakfast over the rich treats was healthy, and conversation was light and playful. It wasn’t until conversation returned to the fitters, that Dusk really realized how well Pinkie had set him up. AJ’s voice was playful and warm as she asked him. “Now Dusk, I already owe you for all this labor. Let me make some payment for breakfast.”

Flashing back to Pinkie’s words, Dusk grinned, leaning in and tapped her lightly on the nose. “No no, it’s quite alright. Sweet treats for the sweet. No charge” While he had altered Pinkie's words he was rewarded with a deep blush and warm smile in return. The mare offered a nod in her thanks and moved off form Dusk’s side to avoid any continued embarrassing flirtations. Soon enough they returned to the field, Applejack pulling her cart, while Dusk walked quietly behind, leaning against the cart and pushing it a little to AJ’s own swift and easy pace.

But as they worked on, Dusk realized that AJ was endlessly watching the rising sun. Even as time passed the mare’s own nervous nature began to infect him too. By their fourth trip in after sunrise Dusk’s watch of the sun had become constant, yet so far none of their workers had yet arrived. By their sixth trip, Apple Bloom was waiting in the Barn and would help them with the barrels before AJ chased her younger sister off to school.

When they returned sixteen, maybe seventeen minutes later with the the seventh load Mac stood watching on the porch, and walked slowly to meet them at the barn door, a sour look twisting the towering stallion’s lips. His gaze was filled with worry, and before he could speak, Applejack asked the question. “Have the labors already arrived at the other farms?” Mac simply gave a sharp nod, worry screaming in the weary stallion’s eyes. Snorting in her building rage, the mare turned shoving the wagon into the barn and bellowed back to Dusk. “We are going to the labor board. They are hours late. And Ginger better have a damn good reason to be holding out on us.” Seething with rage the mare tore off without waiting for Dusk’s answer, bolting to town at a flat out run.

Running as fast as he could in an attempt to catch up with Applejack’s own impressive pace, Dusk quickly realized just how quickly the mare could run. Even with his training with Dash as of late, and his own athletic history, it was shocking to realize that he would have to push himself to keep up with the furious mare. Together, they made the three mile walk to town in only ten minutes

Applejack didn’t slow, forcing her way though those few who were hanging around town. Harvest season was a busy season for so small a town, likely of the thousand residents of the town only a good one hundred thirty or forty people were left in town. They found the labor board office was locked up even though it was long past eight am.

Out of breath, Dusk would step up behind AJ, a hand reaching out to rest on her shoulder. “Slow down for a second Applejack. Catch your breath. I’m sure there must have just been some mistake, once we talk to Ginger, I’m sure that we will-”

While Dusk talked AJ was panting for breath, but she refused to halt, still beating on the door. Right up until a voice from behind them stole her attention. “What in tarnation? Applejack? Why are you here? Did something happen to your crew?”” Turning, Dusk and AJ wound up face to face with a sleepy eyed Ginger, still sipping at a cup of coffee. Yet, Dusk could pick up small signs of worry already altering her sleepy disposition, her keyed small signs dusk picked up, the twitch of a hand and her tail frantically sweeping behind her hips. “It’s… it isn’t Meadow? He’s a good worker, I just got him on last week for my sister and I promise he will shape up soon…”

Enraged, AJ would stomp up to the smaller earth mare, snorting in response. “We ain't got a clue about your nephew Ginger. None of my workers showed up this morning. What did we do to piss you off so much? Just cause I had an emergency a week before Harvest is no justification to delay our Harvest crew. Where are they? When are they gonna show up??”

Ginger’s face fell and the hand gripping her cup released its hold, the mare suddenly shoot between the two of them, pulled out her key, and frantically tried to unlock the labor board door. Her frantic voice panicked even as she charged inside to her desk. “Nonononononono! We did the numbers! Four times!”

Realization dawned on both Dusk and AJ, the pair rushing to follow Ginger inside even while the mare rushed across the room and throwing chairs out of her way, until she reached the big board on the south wall. There they had been keeping a display of the harvest breakdown for every farm, business and the few local projects still needing workers. The second Dusk spotted it, numbers started running through his head, recalculating the totals written in chalk across the board and hunting for some error.

He found it before AJ reached Gingers side, and his shoulders fell. Applejack’s voice was frantic as she grabbed the smaller earth mare by the shoulder, panic had filled her eyes. “Come on Ginger. It’s a joke right? A prank to get back at me for being so rude last week. Something?”

“Applejack…” Dusk called out gently to her, his third recalculation of the numbers on the board leaving no doubt. “It’s no jest. The Apple farm isn’t even on the board.”