36 BNS Chapter 36 - Apple Quest

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At the moment, Alan was sitting on the sidelines, watching the three fillies discussing a candidate for a date with Alan. At some point, they realized that their decision was not enough, as they needed the consent of the chosen pony. That's why, they turned towards Alan, and Scootaloo spoke:

"So, we have a small problem that will take some time to solve. So for now, you can go about your other business for now. We'll need to go around to some of the candidates, and ask their opinion of our scheme."

Applebloom suddenly ran up to Alan with a Polaroid camera and took a quick picture of him. After getting the picture, she looked at the stallion's questioning look and said:

"This is for the greater success of our mission. I'm sure that when the mares see who we plan to set them up on a date with, the chances of rejection will decrease by threefold!""

"Or even by four!" Sweetie Belle couldn't help but notice, with a slight blush.

Realizing that nothing more was required of him, Alan sighed, and rising from the floor, said:

"Okay. If you think this will help me learn the meaning of my cutiemark, then fine. Let me know when you've finished your survey of candidates to help with my 'talent' check. I really do have plenty more things to take care of."

"Sure, rely on us!" Scootaloo happily saluted with her hoof.

After stroking all three mares' manes, Alan left their treehouse, and wondered where he would be heading next. Looking around, Alan realized that he was essentially next to the Apple farm. Remembering Applejack's words about a major apple harvest, he decided to stop by, and offer the mare his help.

After walking down the path for a few minutes, Alan came out into an expansive apple orchard. It was the first time he had seen so many apple trees in one place, so he was quite surprised. The plantation really did cover a huge area, and it was amazing to think that all those apples were being harvested by the efforts of just one family of 4 ponies. one of whom was too old to do any physical labor.

Finally reaching the fence surrounding the farm, Alan passed the gate, and began to walk towards the barn until he heard familiar voices from outside. Turning around, he noticed Applejack and Big Mac arguing about something, while Granny Smith sat nonchalantly in a rocking chair, oblivious to the youngsters' conversation.

As Alan pondered whether this was the right time for him to show up, he noticed that several carts filled with apples were not far from them, while another cart was already half full. Deciding to find out what was going on, Alan headed towards the arguing relatives.

After getting close enough, Alan was finally able to make out their speech:

"I'm telling you again, stop worrying about my hooves! I can easily pull two or even three carts at a time!" Applejack sounded rather annoyed and disgruntled.

The red stallion, on the other hand, simply shook his head and in a bass voice replied:

"Nope. You already burned out last time when you took on too much. So I'm not agreeing to a repeat of last time's problem."

"At that time ah worked all week in a row, and this time it hasn't even been three days!" Applejack still didn't give up.

"Maybe, but this isn't the kind of workload you normally go into, which means the consequences will be different." The red stallion kept the red-haired mare from trying to make her way to the apple carts.

Watching this spectacle, Alan couldn't help but think:

"What the fuck are they doing? All they're doing is wasting time." Sighing, Alan shook his head.

Not wanting to watch their strange argument any longer, Alan decided to make himself known, and spoke up:

"I apologize, but perhaps I can help you with your problem?"

The arguing duo turned around, and looked at Alan in surprise. It only took Applejack a second to realize as she quickly walked over to him, and said:

"Ah, so you actually came!" the blonde mare seemed a bit relieved, "well, you're just in time. We had a problem delivering the apples we picked." the mare pointed towards the full carts, "usually Rainbow Dash helps me at times like this, but since she's helping Twilight with the griffins this time, we're left without an extra pair of hooves."

"Yep," Big Mac confirmed succinctly.

Nodding his head, Alan replied with a smile:

"I see. Well, as I promised, I'm willing to help you with any work on your farm."

"Well, sorry cowboy, but your help will be leaving the farm. Those apple carts need to be delivered to Philthy Rich in Ponyville. He must be expecting our delivery by now, and we're already delayed in figuring out how to get all these carts to his place of business."

Raising an eyebrow, Alan asked:

"And why not send them one at a time?"

Sighing, Applejack replied:

"Well, at the time we signed the contract, we were still quite young, and underestimated the volumes of apples we had specified for one-time deliveries. And Philthy Rich himself proved to be very meticulous about such matters. If you're delivering product, you've got to be in full compliance with the terms of the contract." She said the last part in an obvious parody of Rich.

After smiling at the strange circumstances and other inconsistencies, Alan didn't argue and said:

"Alright, then, let's get these apples to their destination. As long as I promised to help, it doesn't matter what, or where."

Smiling at his words, the mare farmer nodded, and said:

"Very well, partner! Then we'll harness three apple carts on us at once, and head for Ponyville," here the mare turned to her brother, "Big Mac, will you help with the collar and girth?"

"Yep!" the stallion replied with a calm smile.

At that moment Granny Smith woke up, and seeing a new face next to her granddaughter, she said with a smile:

"Oh, Applejack, you didn't tell me you knew such a stately stallion! Is your timing finally kicking in?"

Rolling her eyes, the red-haired mare sighed and replied:

"Granny Smith, this is Alan, he just came to help out on the farm. At least I hope that's what it is, right?" the mare squinted at Alan.

Smiling, Alan replied:

"Yeah, I've heard about the famous Apple Farm, so I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to participate in the apple picking process. As it turns out, though, help is needed with transportation at the moment."

"What in Tarnation? Granny!" Applejack was extremely confused by her grandmother's behavior, "first of all, I'm not picky, and secondly, I've already had a city loverboy once who thought his clumsy attempts to help out on the farm would make me pay attention to him. So my suspicions are justified!"

"Oh, honey, with such suspicion you'll repel all potential suitors," Granny Smith shook her head.

Finished harnessing the cart to herself, Applejack snorted, and replied:

"I don't need any mattresses, Granny," then tensing her thigh muscles, Applejack stretched her taut legs, and said, "it takes a special breed of stallion to hold a mare like me, and as you already know, those aren't going to be easy to find in Equestria."

Having said so, the farmer turned to Alan, who had also finished harnessing the carts to him, and was listening to their conversation with amused interest. Seeing his cheerful look, the mare sighed, and said:

"Don't listen to her, Alan. She just wants to live to see her great-grandchildren. Just ignore her teasing if you keep coming to us after today."

"Whatever you say, Captain," Alan replied with some amusement in his voice.

Rolling her eyes, the mare smiled nonetheless, and waving her head at him, began to move forward. Alan also began to move in parallel with her until the harnessed carts began to move. Catching the right speed and rhythm, they headed for the exit of the farm.

As they walked, they heard Granny Smith's voice shouting in their wake:

"Good luck to you guys. Hope you get along!"

"What a hayseed... Ah!" the farmer held back her displeasure, "Like I said, ignore her," she looked a little nervous as she said this.

Chuckling, Alan thought:

«Even though she says so, she's the one who pays the most attention to it. Hehe.»

At that pace, they left the farm and headed towards Ponyville. On the way, Alan decided to ask:

"So, after we deliver these apples, will my help still be needed on the farm?"

"Well..." the blonde-haired mare thought for a few seconds, "we have a total of two shipments of apples to deliver today, three cartloads each. So if you're really interested, when we get back you can help us pick and haul the second shipment."

"Sure, no problem. I don't think I'll get tired just from hauling apples," Alan looked up confidently, as he knew he wasn't short on physical attributes.

Chuckling, Applejack replied cheerfully:

"Well, it's good if this is so. I hope you're not only good with words, but also with deeds, sugarcube. Otherwise we're not likely to get along."

"Same goes for you," Alan returned her grin, looking at her hips, "I hope you really are as tough as you say you are."

Raising an eyebrow, Applejack smirked playfully and replied:

"Oh, you shouldn't doubt these beauties, partner," she pointed to her feet, "I may not look as big as my brother, but I have almost as much strength in me as he does!"

"Well, then I hope we won't both be disappointed when we get to know each other better," Alan playfully nudged the mare with his shoulder.

"Indeed," Applejack responded with an equally playful nudge.

After a bit of laughter, the pair of ponies with carts continued on their way. Trying not to overturn the carts on the turns, and not to drop any apples.

Although it wasn't a long way from Apple Farm to the main part of Ponyville, it seemed much longer than usual with the carts full of apples. As time passed, Alan finally began to feel an unusual strain in his hooves. As strong as he was, this unusual strain on a body to which he was not yet fully accustomed was quite dangerous. That was why he tried to listen to the sensations of his body, to improve the distribution of weight on his hooves, and to align his gait to a more correct one for such a task.

Applejack, who was watching him, couldn't help but notice that the stallion walking beside her was pulling his weight rather tentatively at first, but as time went on, he began to gradually improve, smoothing out his gait. This indicated that Alan was at least capable of adapting to heavy tasks, which was a good sign. Considering that his insecure weight pulling was the only problem, it was safe to say that he definitely had no problem with physical strength. Still, his surprisingly trim body was clearly not for show.

Remembering how she'd accidentally glared at him at the party, the mare quickly shook her head, and decided to distract the silence with conversation:

"So, Alan. After all this weird business with the map, the friendship quest, and the griffins, what are you going to do in Ponyville?"

After thinking for a moment, Alan replied:

"Well, I have a plan to start a business. Not me to be exact, but 'us'. Maude is my partner."

Blinking in surprise, Applejack asked:

"Are you talking about 'that' Maud? Pinkie's sister?"

"Yep, she's the one," Alan replied, slightly amused at her reaction.

Raising an eyebrow, Applejack said:

"Well, I don't know her very well of course, but as far as I know, she's not interested in anything but rocks. So is it possible that your business is related to them specifically?"

"Well... Halfway." Alan replied thoughtfully, "I came up with one magical artifact that, with Maud's help, I was able to bring to fruition. So I plan to start producing it, and selling it throughout Equestria. The main thing is to get approval from the princesses."

Whistling in response, Applejack replied in surprise:

"Wow, you're quite the handyman, partner. I certainly don't understand this whole magic thing, but what kind of magical artifact is it that requires permission from the princesses?"

Looking around to make sure no one was around, Alan stopped, forcing the farmer to do the same, then he lifted the bracelet and a handful of apples from the cart were suddenly covered in magic and floated into the air, starting to orbit around them like satellites orbiting a planet. Smirking at the shocked look on the blonde mare's face, Alan replied:

"The kind that allows Earth ponies to use magic."

Looking at this with her mouth open, all Applejack could say was:

"Holy guacamole..." shaking her head, the mare quickly regained her composure, and looked at Alan excitedly, "Gee, partner. Ah swear on my hat that I've never seen an Earth pony using magic, and with such stunning success! How long have you been developing this thing?"

Returning the apples to the cart, Alan and Applejack resumed driving, whereupon Alan replied:

"Well, I actually built the first prototype in a couple days. But that's only thanks to Maude's invaluable input, because without consulting with her, and without her extensive knowledge of the conductivity of stone magic, I could have been stuck with it for months."

Looking at Alan with a surprised, yet blank stare, all she could think was:

«I'm certainly no expert in magic, but even I realize that this is too incredible.»

When they finally reached Ponyville, they headed towards Rich's family's estate. Along the way, many ponies stopped to say hello to Applejack, which showed how much she was loved and respected in this town. What was surprising was that Alan was also still being approached by some of the stallions to see what kind of clothes he was wearing, and then each time he directed them to Rarity's boutique.

Watching this, Applejack even joked that he was literally a walking advertisement for Rarity's business. She even suggested that he start charging the white fashion designer, but Alan said that she paid him by creating such a nice outfit.

Finally, the pair also reached Philthy Rich's estate, where they were met by his assistant, who took them to the apple unloading point. At that place, Rich himself was waiting for them, who smiled and said:

"Oh, you've finally arrived, Ms. Applejack. I thought something had happened."

Taking off her wagon harness, Applejack replied:

"Yes, sorry for the delay Mr. Rich, there was a problem and my friend that usually helps me with the transportation was busy. Luckily I was able to find a helper," the mare pointed to Alan who was also removing his harness, "meet Alan. Alan, this is Mr. Philthy Rich, a local businessman, and our main apple client."

Walking up to the brown stallion, Alan raised a hoof, and said:

"Pleased to meet you, Sir. Judging by the quality of my friend's apples, your business should definitely thrive."

Picking up Alan's hoof with his own, Rich also smiled, and replied:

"Oh, of course! My business with the Apple family has made me who I am, and they are my most reliable and stable partners of all," finishing with the introductions, Rich turned to the farmer, "by the way, Ms. Applejack, since you found a helper, does that mean the next three carts will arrive on time?"

Looking at Alan, and receiving an encouraging nod from him, the mare smiled, and looking at Rich replied:

"Of course, Mr. Rich. We'll deliver the next batch faster than pigs running to the smell of feed!"

Alan broke out in a little sweat at her analogy, but Philthy Rich only laughed, clearly used to her farming phrases, then said:

"Great, then I look forward to seeing you at the appointed time today, in the meantime I need to process the current shipment of apples," he turned to his employees, "so, gentelpony, grab a load, and bring it to the sorting department."

Looking at them, Applejack thought of something, and said:

"By the way, Mr. Rich, Alan is also going into business soon, so when that happens, it would be great if you could give him some advice. I'm sure you remember how challenging it is to start doing this."

Looking first at Applejack and then at Alan in surprise, Rich replied:

"Oh, so you're going into business too?"

Nodding, Alan replied:

"That's right, as soon as I get approval, me and my friend are going to start our own business, selling certain things."

"Oh, a company secret, isn't it? I see." Philthy Rich chuckled, noting the concealment of the merchandise, "fine, since I'm being asked by Applejack herself, you're a decent guy. If you have any problems or questions, don't hesitate to contact me. I do have quite a bit of experience, so I'm sure I can share a few tricks."

"Much obliged, Mr. Rich," Alan gave a small nod.

After that, Alan and Applejack started on their way back. It was at this point that Alan asked:

"I'm surprised you decided to help me with my future business. Have your suspicions about me been dispelled already?"

With a hum, the mare replied:

"Not completely. But at least you did well with the carts, so that already gives you a couple points. Besides, we still have a lot of work to do that you'll have to spend a lot of time on. Think of it as a little payback. We'll have to see how you do on the farm, though. Maybe you'll tire quickly and give up at the first sign of fatigue."

"Don't worry, I promise to give it my best," Alan gave his neck a little stretch after pulling the carts as he walked with the mare back to the farm.

"I'll take your word for it, partner," Applejack was quite pleased.

«The main thing is not to tell Granny Smith about it, or she'll give me a hard time about it.» Applejack smirked to herself.

In the end, the fair-haired farmer decided to observe Alan for a while longer before making a final judgment of him. Then she would see where this was going. With these thoughts, Alan and Applejack returned to the farm.

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