Out of guilt, Applejack made Fletcher search for Applebloom, suspecting she has been sent to a school for a deaf. Weeks later, he came back with Applebloom and a teacher Applejack will pay to teach her sign. When Applejack saw Applebloom, she was overjoyed and began kissing and hugging her. To celebrate their reunion, Applejack took her to a very fancy restaurant. However, they were both very frustrated, for their own reasons. Applejack tried to tell Applebloom that all she needs in an expensive meal, but received nothing. Applejack ordered two special salads and whisky. Applejack tried telling her about the deal they made with Union, but again, nothing. Applejack was mad. "CAN. YA. HEAR. ME?!" she cried to her, "Are ye even looking at me and really ya can't hear?". They sat in silence, Applebloom just staring confused. Applejack said, "Well, we got that teacher. She'll take of ya. 'Cause I need ya..... I need ya help for this company.... For our famil-" until she noticed, sitting away from them, was Tilford from Standard along with some associates. She stood up and trotted angrily towards him. Tilford noticed and was noticeably disturbed at her presence. Applejack came to him and said, "I want ya to look righ there..." and pointed at Applebloom. Tilford replied, "Look, Appleja-" and Applejack said, "Jus' look. See my sister..? SEE HER?! Don't ya ever, ever, tell me how to take care of my family...? You see now...?'. Tilford tried to say he was happy that things were working out, but was interrupted by Applejack, "I've made a dear with Union... Applebloom is safe and happy and is bein' taken care of by ME. Don't you look like a damn fool Tilford...?". Tilford saw he had no option but to agree. Applejack said, "...I told ya what I was gonna do....." and headed back to her table.

The teacher proved very valuable to Applebloom. She began to learn sign with great speed. She began to learn how to sign objects around the oil derricks and orchards. The teacher also allowed Scootaloo to keep Applebloom company, and soon, even she began to learn sign. Se said she wanted to know so that she could be able to speak to her best friend. As she began to learn more and more, Applebloom began to understand and see the joy in the oil business, believing like her sister, that the apple business was archaic. She told Scootaloo that she wished to have her own oil company someday. Scootaloo, being a novice signer, tried to tell her that would mean going against Applejack. Applebloom understood, and merely signed, "I know...."

Applejack had work to do over at the train station many weeks later. There, Twilight, dressed and packed for a journey, came to her and said hello. Applejack asked if she was going somewhere. She said, "Oh, yes. I'm in a mission now, to spread Her word.... Dodge Junction, Manehatten," she gulped and said nervously, "E-e-even Tartarus... But, since it is for Her glory and to spread my congregation, I must.....". Applejack said, "I'mma sorry ta see you leave.", but Twilight snapped back, "No you're not....". She paused and said, "It's a good thing.... Applebloom is back with you.... She's a fine filly...". Applejack had nothing else to say, so Twilight said, "And may Celestia bless you and Applebloom..." and left onto the train, silently praying that she would never see Applejack again, for she sensed they will cross roads another day....

Next Chapter: Chapter XIV: 17 Years Later Estimated time remaining: 12 Minutes