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Chapter 2: Applejack
06/23/11(Thu)18:19 No.27097771
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 Tender, ripe fruit ready for the picking dangled tantalizingly on the branches of the old apple tree.
A more apt image Rarity could not imagine, as she crouched hidden amongst the dense foliage, peeking through the leaves of the great old tree down to the orchards and farmhouse beyond. She watched from her covert spot as the young orange filly below paced from tree to tree in a nearby plot, coming to each in turn and delivering a sharp blow, bucking the trunk to harvest the fruit.
Applejack reared forward, and kicked the nearest tree. A rain of hearty red apples showered down from above her, each ripe fruit landing neatly in a wooden bin which had been positioned precisely just below, all laid out with care to catch the harvest. Rarity smiled without quite knowing why.
The unicorn watched for a while, as Applejack made her way predictably through the plot, until its last tree had been shaken free of fruit. Then she began to haul the bins back, lining them up outside the nearby hay barn.
It wasn't long before three distant figures appeared on the horizon, cresting one of the many hills surrounding Sweet Apple Acres. Rarity saw them long before Applejack. The earth pony just kept on toting those bins as they approached. Closer still, and no sign of recognition. It wasn't until they actually reached the fence Applejack noticed them.
Three tall, pure white stallions. Squared features. Almost statuesque. Golden armor. Blue manes done up in crests over gilded helmets.
Princess Celestia's Royal Guard.
Applejack paused, staring across the field to them from her barn, but quickly remembered herself and trotted over. She nodded, respectfully, and offered a warm smile. She was always so hospitable. So welcoming to everypony. And the Royal Guard certainly warranted an extra special welcome, didn't they?
Rarity grinned wider, watching the scene beyond.
The trap was springing.
Not even Applejack could get out of this one. |
