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[Satyr] Appleoosa Fair

Jul 15th, 2015
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  1. "C'mon, Momma; please!?"
  2.  
  3. You bite back a laugh as your son does his best to plead with your firebrand of a wife. You're not really sure what the two of them are talking about, but from the way Hotshot's whining, he must be on the losing side. You strain your ears to hear.
  4.  
  5. "I'm just not sure that it's a good idea. Appleoosa is just so far away."
  6.  
  7. Appleoosa? It's been a while since you heard that town tossed around. What's the boy got planned way out there? Peeling yourself out of your chair, you walk towards the kitchen and glance inside.
  8.  
  9. Hotshot's standing with his back to you, though you can still see his cheeks puffed out in protest on his profile. The young boy seems intent on standing his ground, with his feathers slightly ruffled and lips set into a frown. You catch Spitfire's eye for a moment, and watch her lip curl into a bigger smile. She's humoring the boy and hearing him out, but he doesn't really have a chance of convincing her. May as well put a lid on this.
  10.  
  11. Clearing your throat, you see Hotshot stiffen, turning his head so that both you and his mother are in his line of sight. He gulps, and you smile.
  12.  
  13. "Hey sport, what's going down in Appleoosa?"
  14.  
  15. To his credit, the young satyr doesn't flinch as he responds, "Mac invited me out to the Appleoosa Fair."
  16.  
  17. Ah, Mac. That is, Little Mac, one of Hotshot's best friends. A lot like his father, quiet, dependable, but still growing into his britches. There's no way you'd let a couple of preteens run around at a fair three towns over. But Hotshot's a smart kid, he'll figure it out on his own if you drag this out long enough.
  18.  
  19. "Appleoosa, huh?" you whistle low for effect. "That's a ways away. How were you planning on getting there?"
  20.  
  21. "Train." Curt and to the point, boy is he heated.
  22.  
  23. "Mhmm, and where would you be staying?"
  24.  
  25.  
  26. "Mac said him and me could stay with his cousins." Noting your disapproving stare, the boy scrunches up his face and tries again. "I mean, Mac said we could stay with his cousins."
  27.  
  28. "So, you two would be out there all alone for a night?"
  29.  
  30. "N-No." He stammers, but still the colt doesn't look ready to back down in the slightest. "His cousin Braeburn lives out there. You met him, remember?"
  31.  
  32. Ah, right; he rolled into town when Cider was born. Seemed a little loose in the horseshoes to be honest. You glance at Spitfire, who gives a tired sigh and forces a smile before drawing your son's attention with a cough.
  33.  
  34. "Well, Hotshot, I'm not so sure that it's a good idea for you to be staying overnight with somepony we don't know that well."
  35.  
  36. "But mo~om! It's Mac's cousin! The Apple's're go-"
  37.  
  38. "The Apples are good ponies," you finish for him. Reaching down, you ruffle his hair and earn a sour glare from the boy. "But I don't feel safe sending you out, even if it is with Mac."
  39.  
  40. The boy huffs and puffs a few times, before his eyes light up. "Then you come, Poppa! You love the Ponyville fair, and Mac says Appleoosa's is even better; they got extra-large funnel cake!"
  41.  
  42. You flinch. Hotshot notices and smiles. So does your wife, and you can see her eyes narrow as you stammer out a response.
  43.  
  44. "Uh, well, you're still young-"
  45.  
  46. "I'm almost ten, Poppa."
  47.  
  48. "-and, ahem, did you say funnel ca-"
  49.  
  50. "Sötnos," the usually affectionate term seems especially chilly this time as it rolls of Spitfire's tongue, "don't forget that we have a state dinner."
  51.  
  52. The fair is starting to look a lot more fun. You hem and haw a few moments more before shaking your head. Hotshot's face drops like a stone even as you open your mouth.
  53.  
  54. "Sorry bud, but it doesn't look like-"
  55.  
  56. The back door clatters loudly, accompanied by the loud hooffalls of your daughter as she scampers into the kitchen. The wild-eyed teen grins as she rounds the corner.
  57.  
  58. "Poppa, you'll never guess what just happened!"
  59.  
  60.  
  61.  
  62. "Ace," your wife warns, "we're trying to have an important discussion here with your brother."
  63.  
  64. But it's already too late. Ace's train of thought has left the station, and is currently spilling out of her mouth as she grabs your hand.
  65.  
  66. "So I was down at Sweet Apple Acres with Darcy and she said that she's going down to Appleoosa for the weekend, and she wants me to come along!"
  67.  
  68. "Ace, I don't-"
  69.  
  70. Not one to miss an opportunity, Hotshot lunges forward and grips your waist. Chin to your stomach, he looks up at you with those big brown eyes of his and smiles. You look to your wife for support, But Spitfire shakes her head and tosses her mane in frustration.
  71.  
  72. "Poppa, please!" both children chime.
  73.  
  74. By Celestia's mane...
  75.  
  76. ===
  77.  
  78. "You've got your toothbrush?"
  79.  
  80. "Ugh, yes Poppa," Ace says with a smile. "And soap, and all the other things that you insisted I pack."
  81.  
  82. "Me too," Hotshot says as he bounces along behind her. "I'm all set!"
  83.  
  84. You give the kids a once over before smiling and hugging them close. Ace returns the affection with her full, impressive force, while Hotshot makes a mock choking noise. After you step back, Spitfire, that irritated swish still present in her tail, hugs the kids as well.
  85.  
  86. "Remember to behave," she says, giving her son a pointed look. "Obey your sister and Darcy."
  87.  
  88. "And remember to represent the family well to the Apple clan out there."
  89.  
  90. The locomotive hisses as the children nod. From inside one of the cars, you can see Little Mac peeking out, watching the four of you intently. No doubt his sister is beside him, probably with her nose in a book. The silence lingers into an uncomfortable state before you finally clap your hands together and smile.
  91.  
  92. "All right, family. We're all going to have a great weekend." The kids cheer, and Spitfire rolls her eyes, smiling. "Remember to stay safe, and be smart."
  93.  
  94.  
  95. "We will; bye Momma, bye Poppa!" Hotshot says, hopping onto the train and hustling into the car with his things. Ace stays about a moment more before smiling at you both.
  96.  
  97. "Thanks. Have fun tonight."
  98.  
  99. "Oh, I'm sure we will," you smile, reaching down and placing a hand on Spitfire's rump.
  100.  
  101. The two of you smile and wave as Ace climbs on board. A few seconds later, you see both your children pressed close to the glass, smiling happily and waving as the train whistles and begins to make a chugging sound.
  102.  
  103. "You realize this could end horribly," Spitfire says through her teeth as she waves her hoof.
  104.  
  105. "Or, it could be really great for them," you quip back without dropping your grin.
  106.  
  107. "Maybe. So how long are you going to leave your hand on my flank?"
  108.  
  109. "Not sure, it's a very nice flank, and my hand would be comfortable staying here all night."
  110.  
  111. The train begins to work its way down the track as you and Spitfire stand on the platform. Once the kids disappear from view, the mare looks up at you. "We've got that dinner tonight."
  112.  
  113. "But not for another hour."
  114.  
  115. The tip of Spitfire's tongue darts out as she adopts a thoughtful expression.
  116.  
  117. "That leaves us about ten minutes once we get back to do whatever we please."
  118.  
  119. "More like four." When she raises her eyebrow, you grin. "The other six are for you to get feeling back in your legs."
  120.  
  121. “Is that how it is?” a sly grin crosses your mare's face as she pushes her rump back into your hand. "In that case, what are we standing around here jawing for?"
  122.  
  123. And so you and Spitfire go home and have a wonderful ten minutes together, which turns into the better part of an hour and a half because she's a wonderfully selfish girl. She doesn't cut her best figure at the dinner that night as a result, with rubber legs wobbling about everywhere, but this isn't a story about that.
  124.  
  125.  
  126. ===
  127.  
  128. Despite the excitement about being far removed from both of their parents for the first time, the excitement of the train ride is quick to wear off for Ace and Hotshot. Flying is so much more entertaining than riding after all. Thankfully, the company is good, and the two sibling pairs make small talk and games for the whole trip, pulling into the station as the sun begins to approach the horizon. The train hisses steam as the foursome step off with the rest of the ponies, but they are quickly greeted by a friendly yowl.
  129.  
  130. "Hey cousins!" Braeburn grins as he rears up on his hind legs. "Welcome to AAAAAAA~ppleoosa!"
  131.  
  132. Darcy smiles, trotting over and place an arm around the still standing stallion. "Cousin Brae, it's good to see you again."
  133.  
  134. The clatter of hooves interrupts the pony before he can speak, and an orange-blonde blur rockets through the air, aimed straight at Darcy's middle. A childish squeal erupts from the satyr missile as she wraps her arms tight around the dusky skinned girl.
  135.  
  136. "Cousin D', Mac! You made it!" the girl laughs, bright green eyes dancing as she glances about. "This is so great!"
  137.  
  138. Little Mac plods forward, giving both his Appleoosian cousins a hug as Darcy steps away and looks to the rather out-of-sorts siblings.
  139.  
  140. "Ya'll know Braeburn, but this is his daughter, Ambrosia."
  141.  
  142. The filly-satyr's face lights up as she gives the strangers a once over before extending her hand. "Howdy!"
  143.  
  144. "A pleasure, I'm Ace, and this is my brother, Hotshot," the older of the two doesn't hesitate, taking it and giving a shake as she smiles. Ambrosia bounces a little, exchanging polite nods with the winged boy before Braeburn rounds them up and makes for the orchard.
  145.  
  146.  
  147. It's no Sweet Apple Acres, but the farmhouse is cozy enough even with the six of them, plus Braeburn's 'missus'. It's always a little strange to see human women in Equestria, even though Darcy and Mac's mom is one too, but she's nice enough and cooks a mean green bean casserole. The kids get settled in with ease, and then the foursome, along with their ever excited local green-eyed guide, make their way down to the fair.
  148.  
  149. The vibrant glow of multicolored bulbs seem to fill the air with excess electricity, further compounded by the dings and whistles of carnival rides and games. Callers stand outside their booths, demanding attention and cheering for the competitors at their stations. An ever present breeze carries the scent of fried everything to the noses of the young satyrs. Mac starts visibly drooling out of the corner of his mouth. Hotshot fares a little better, though he finds himself wiping on the back of his hand more often than usual.
  150.  
  151. Not that the girls are immune either, Ace is unable to keep her eyes fixed on a single point for more than a few seconds, while Darcy's tail flicks each time she hears someone shout near her. The only one who seems at ease is Ambrosia, who hustles around to the front of the group.
  152.  
  153. "All right, city slickers," she says with a teasing laugh as her older cousin rolls her eyes, "tomorrow's the big day, but we got a time tonight for a few stops."
  154.  
  155. "What's there to do?" Ace asks, grinning as wide as the country girl.
  156.  
  157. Ambrosia purses her lips, then shrugs. "Well, I reckon we still got a hog race or two before they shuffle everyone out, lotsa games on the midway too. We could go to some of the rides, or get something to eat."
  158.  
  159. The four visitors look at each other and grin.
  160.  
  161.  
  162. "Games," the girls say, even as Hotshot responds with, "Rides!" and is accompanied by a quiet, halfhearted echo from Mac.
  163.  
  164. The second tick by as the siblings stare at one another. Then Ace smirks.
  165.  
  166. "Well, I guess that settles it, we're headed to the Midway."
  167.  
  168. "What?" Hotshot squawks. "But it's an even two-two split!"
  169.  
  170. "Yeah." Lifting a finger, the smarmy sister bounces it back and forth between herself and Darcy. "But Momma and Poppa said that you have to listen to us."
  171.  
  172. The boy's jaw drops as Mac sighs and stares down at his hooves. Ambrosia bites her lip, looking between the two groups before stepping in with a smile.
  173.  
  174. "C'mon now Ace, don't be like that." With a smooth motion, the satyr throws her arms over her younger cousin and his friend. "How about you two head off to play yer games, and leave this pair to me?"
  175.  
  176. The winged satyr's smile falters a little as she furrows her brow. "I don't think that's a good idea. I'm supposed to keep an eye on Hotshot after all."
  177.  
  178. Ambrosia smirks, leaning forward but keeping her arms snug around the two boys' shoulders. "Okay, you know as well as I do that it ain't gonna be no fun to drag your brother around if he's in a funk. I know the fair better than anyone, so why don't we all go have fun how we like?"
  179.  
  180. After a moment, the still distressed Ace gives an uncertain nod. With a whoop and a cheer, the blonde drags the two boys off in the other direction, leaving the older sisters to watch them as they go.
  181.  
  182. "Don't those three look like trouble brewing?" Darcy asks with a laugh. Seeing Ace wince, she smiles and takes her younger friend's hand. "It's just an expression. My cousin might look sweet, but she’s a stickler for keeping things orderly and can rumble with the best if push comes to shove. Now come on, there's prizes with our names on 'em."
  183.  
  184.  
  185. Darcy tugs Ace towards the Midway, the plucky girl still shooting glances back until her brother and the two cousins are long out of sight. But her friend is right; they're here to have fun. As the redhead refocuses they approach their first booth, and the smarmy, smiling stallion calling to them.
  186.  
  187. "Step right up, my pretty fillies and try your luck in a challenge of strength!"
  188.  
  189. The two girls glance at one another. And then they smile.
  190.  
  191. ===
  192.  
  193. On the other side of the fairgrounds, Hotshot throws his hands in the air and lets loose a might roar.
  194.  
  195. "AHHHHHHHHHHH!"
  196.  
  197. The burlap sack under his haunches skids along the slick slide, sending him bouncing and rolling at an exciting clip before crashing into a hay bale at the bottom. With a cheery laugh, he spits straws out from his mouth and grins up at the seated Ambrosia.
  198.  
  199. "That was great!"
  200.  
  201. The blonde giggles, before looking up and offering her hand down to him. "C'mon, you best get up before my cousin gets down."
  202.  
  203. Glancing over his shoulder, the colt yelps a little as the sizable mass of Little Mac comes barreling down the slide, causing the plastic and steel structure to tremble each time he gets a little bit of air and slams back down onto it. The two new friends laugh, yelping as they jump clear of the haystacks right before Mac has a chance to squash them. Still, if the boy's dimpled cheeks as he pops back up to his hooves are any indication, he's having at least as much fun as they are.
  204.  
  205. The trio dash about the grounds, whooping and laughing as they hit as many short lines as they can. Time, after all, is a precious resource. Unfortunately, that means that most of the mechanical rides are out until tomorrow morning at the earliest.
  206.  
  207.  
  208. Some fifteen minutes later, the three fall breathless against one of the vendor stands. While the giddy Hotshot and wheezing Little Mac recover, Ambrosia excuses herself and comes back with three bowls of shaved ice with green syrup.
  209.  
  210. "Hope you don't mind apple-flavored," the blonde teases as she hands one over to Hotshot. Little Mac slurps noisily at his, finishing well before the other two and sighing in mild contentment.
  211.  
  212. "Why you hungry all the time, Mac?" Hotshot laughs, earning a small sneer from his friend.
  213.  
  214. "Momma says I got a high metabolism, so I need to eat a lot in order to keep going."
  215.  
  216. The winged boy rolls his eyes and sticks out his tongue, to which his plump pal responds in kind. Ambrosia gives a small snort, kicking her hooves up in between them from her spot on the top of the picnic table.
  217.  
  218. "Simmer down, boys," she teases, "we still got time for one last stop before we meet up with the others."
  219.  
  220. The trio's eyes scan the surrounding area, before Mac perks up and points off towards the corner. "What about that one?"
  221.  
  222. Ambrosia's eyes light up as she jumps to her hooves, leaving her mostly eaten ice on the table. "The haunted house? You sure?"
  223.  
  224. Mac's face blanches a little, but Hotshot has already grabbed him by the hand. Ambrosia does likewise, and the two prove to be too much for the young boy. Unable to dig in his heels, he trudges along with their quick pace, hoping to get this over with as quickly as possible. The three pay the attendant in tickets before stepping inside.
  225.  
  226.  
  227. Now, Equestria is not an especially scary place, outside of a few choice locations. But boy do ponies love a good scare, and it shows when they get it in their heads to be spooky.
  228.  
  229. Where the air outside the building is festive and almost fattening with all the tastes and smells, inside it's moist and clammy. Mac's hands tremble, though if it's from fear or the chill, neither of the other two are certain. An eerie melody plays in the distance, quiet and meticulous in nature. Hotshot gulps, gripping Mac's hand tightly as the three young satyrs make their way through the twists and turns of the house.
  230.  
  231. Thunder rumbles as bright, momentary flashes of light serve to guide their way. In one particular rapid series of lights, something creeps along the path perpendicular to them, causing Mac to whimper in distress. The shapeless thing turns towards them, beady red eyes staring even in the darkness before vanishing.
  232.  
  233. "I-I don't like this," the cowardly colt mumbles, trying once again to dig his hooves into the ground, but finding no purchase.
  234.  
  235. "C'mon you scaredy-cat," Ambrosia chides, a faint quiver in her voice as well. "I reckon we're already halfway through, so it's easier just to keep going."
  236.  
  237. "I don't wanna" the boy grumbles, but is dragged along for the ride anyway.
  238.  
  239. Taking the lead for the moment, Hotshot feels his breaths grow thick in his throat, as though the air itself were trying to choke him. Shaking off the unwelcome thought, the winged satyr guides his friends through the sharp turns of the corridor. Past the cackling witch that sends shivers down his spine. Beyond the hall that casts lights onto vivid images of wild beasts when you get too close. All the way to the illuminated exit sign.
  240.  
  241. "W-We made it," Mac heaves a sigh of relief. His hands slip free and he begins to jog towards the door. Ambrosia smiles and looks to Ho-
  242.  
  243. "AHHHHHH!"
  244.  
  245.  
  246. The blonde's attention immediately turns back to her cousin as another flash of light reveals a massive pony, bigger even than the satyrs themselves, towering in front of the exit. Only...
  247.  
  248. "He, he ain't got no head!" Mac squeaks.
  249.  
  250. "The Headless Horse!" Hotshot says in an entirely unmanly way.
  251.  
  252. Even Ambrosia can't stop herself from squealing, despite the hands slapped over her mouth.
  253.  
  254. The creature lumbers forward, menacing the trio with a manic cackle. At least until Mac barrels into it with a scream of terror.
  255.  
  256. The Headless Horse flops to the side. A grunt of pain escapes the monster's mouth as Mac slams into the door with his entire bulk, nearly taking it off its hinges as he all but sobs his way down the metal stairs to the grassy fairgrounds below. Not wasting any time, Ambrosia and Hotshot bolt by the quietly cursing carnival pony in a suit, following their friend with breathless terror giving their hooves wings.
  257.  
  258. It takes a good ten minutes and half of an extra-large funnel cake between them before Mac's sniffling subsides. Just in time for the trio to meet up with the older duo.
  259.  
  260. "Hey ya'll," Darcy grins, hoisting her many prizes in a satchel; which she also won. "Did you have a good time?"
  261.  
  262. "The best," Hotshot laughs.
  263.  
  264. "We sure did, cousin," Ambrosia adds, Mac managing a sniffle and a nod. A look of concern dances across Darcy's features, but when her brother gives a powdered sugar smile, she can't help but giggle.
  265.  
  266. "Well, all right then," she sighs, reaching out and plucking a bit of the fried dough for herself. "We didn't do too bad either."
  267.  
  268. "You can say that again." Ace chuckles, coming up with her own prizes. Giving Ambrosia a wink, she adds, "Although, your cousin's a bit of a cheat."
  269.  
  270.  
  271. With a toss of her hair, Darcy smirks at her friend. "I ain’t a cheat, you're just not as good at arm wrestling as you think."
  272.  
  273. Ace bristles. "That poster was mine and you know it!"
  274.  
  275. The tan girl laughs, waving a rolled up piece of parchment at her friend. "This is a winner's prize, and I won. But if you're really set on it, maybe we can trade..."
  276.  
  277. The two girls banter back and forth as the fivesome head back to the farm. The two older girls are, naturally, sharing a room together, and Hotshot can hear them talking long into the night as he lies awake on his sleeping bag.
  278.  
  279. Mac is already out like a light on the top bunk, but Ambrosia shifts from time to time, suggesting she's not quite ready to sleep yet. After several long minutes of silence, the blonde rolls over onto her side. Bright green eyes catch the light of the moon as it peeks through the window, drawing Hotshot's attention to the country girl.
  280.  
  281. "Hey, Hotshot?"
  282.  
  283. "Hm?"
  284.  
  285. "Didja have fun?"
  286.  
  287. The boy nods. "Yeah. But tomorrow's going to be even more fun, right?"
  288.  
  289. "Yup," Ambrosia grins, and Hotshot can't help but do the same. "But, lets not do the haunted house again. I think Mac might've hurt the Headless Horse."
  290.  
  291. Both satyrs giggle before falling back into silence. The gentle, almost snore-like breathing from Little Mac fills the room with a comfortable, rhythmic sound. At last, Ambrosia whispers, "G'night Shot."
  292.  
  293. "Night, Ambrosia."
  294.  
  295. "Gnighff," Mac mutters in his sleep, earning another quiet laugh from his cousin and friend. Then, they settle in for the night, full of the hopes and dreams that will carry them across the fairgrounds come tomorrow.
  296.  
  297. As Hotshot closes his eyes, a small part of him can't help but hope that this weekend never ends.
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