Blame Game

Chapter 2

XOXOXOXOXO

Author's Note: Wow, guys, thanks for the awesome feedback and faves!

Oh, and since someone asked me who I favor out of the main six, it's Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Outside of them are Princess Celestia (of course),Spike, Soarin, Spitfire, Sweetie Belle, and Sapphire Shores.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy! This time Luna will be properly introduced to Applejack and Fluttershy.

XOXOXOXOXO

"Wow, what a huge farm! This has got to be at least seventy acres," Luna marveled as they rounded the top of the hill overlooking the Apple Family's cherished farmland. It was still as magnificent as Celestia and Luna remembered it: hundreds upon hundreds of apples decorated the vast expanse of trees, looking good enough to eat right from their branches. "I've never seen anything like it."

"It's quite impressive, isn't it?" Celestia said as they walked towards the main barn. "It's been quite a while since I've paid this farm a visit. Last time I did, it was to see my old friend, Emily Smith."

"Is that who we're seeing?" Luna asked, watching a butterfly flutter about.

"Oh, no," Celestia giggled. "It's been years since then, and I'm certain she's a lot older now. In fact, she's had colts of her own, and those colts have had colts. We're meeting her eldest granddaughter, Applejack."

Celestia was about to knock on the front door when she heard a loud conversation from the nearby garden. Luna cast a nervous glance to Celestia before the pair made their way over to see what the commotion was about. Celestia was relieved to find that it was only Applejack and her siblings (or, at least, who she assumed was her family). The young mare was scolding a tiny filly who somewhat resembled her, while a large, red colt stood watching them from a little ways off.

Luna rubbed her front legs together nervously. "I think we should come at another time, Celestia."

"Oh, I'm sure they'll finish soon," Celestia said, smiling. "Let them finish."

"They're strange," Luna said bluntly, raising her eyebrows. "Earth ponies always did worry me a bit."

"Luna!" Celestia gasped. Luna was never one to look down on others, so this really took the older princess by surprise. "Don't be discriminate."

"I-I didn't mean it like that, I'm sorry," Luna said quickly. "It's just, with that Pie girl -"

"Pinkie Pie?" Celestia cut in with a chuckle.

"Yes, her," Luna said with a playful roll of her eyes. "I just hope she's not as... er, energetic."

"Don't be silly," Celestia said, softly nudging her. "I hear that Applejack is actually very level-headed."

"Applebloom, I can't believe you ate all of those strawberries!" Applejack said, fuming. Celestia and Luna's attention was drawn, yet again, to the trio. "Those were meant for the strawberry pies! What did I tell you about doing that?"

"Sorry," Apple Bloom said, shuffling her hooves. "I can't help it, sis!"

"Oh, that's what you always say," Applejack snapped. "You said that the last time, and the time before that..."

The large, dark red male sitting a little ways off suddenly noticed the two princesses, his sprig of wheat falling out of his mouth in surprise. He quickly walked over to Applejack.

"Er, AJ?"

"Not now, big brother," Applejack said, lifting a hoof up to hush him. "I'm busy talkin'."

"But -"

"Now, Applebloom," Applejack said, turning her back to her brother. "You have got to learn to stop that, you hear? We need that produce for the shop, not for you to just go eatin' willy-nilly!"

"Okay," Apple Bloom said, hanging her head sadly. "I won't do it again."

"That's better," Applejack said, her voice and expression softening. "Now, run along and go play with your little friends."

"Thanks sis!" Apple Bloom said, bouncing off to join her friends.

"AJ!"

"What?" Applejack yelled, losing her patience. "What is it, Big Macintosh?"

"We have company," he said, pointing to the pair.

Applejack looked around and nearly jumped out of her skin when she spotted Celestia and Luna standing a few feet away. She immediately galloped over and bowed respectfully.

"Gracious, I am so sorry!" she apologized, her cheeks a light red. "I didn't mean for you two to see that."

"Not at all, Applejack," Celestia said politely. "And please, it's really no trouble at all. I can understand how busy you are. I hope we're not interrupting anything?"

"Not at all," Applejack said, giving her a bright smile. "We were just finishing putting away some apples in the cellar. What can I do ya for?"

"If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to introduce you to Princess Luna," Celestia said, watching as Luna stepped forward to greet her. "You've met before, but it was on short terms, unfortunately. I think she'd benefit by having a friend like you, Applejack, a pony of honesty."

"Aw, shucks," Applejack said, grinning. "You're mighty kind, Princess. Howdy there, Miss Luna," she greeted, tipping her large cowboy hat. "It's a real pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise!" Luna said with a bright grin. "You have a great farm here, Applejack."

"Thank you kindly," Applejack said, puffing out her chest proudly. "It's the Apple Family's pride and joy, I'll have you know. It's run by me and – oh! Wow, sorry there, Big Macintosh," she added with a sheepish smile when the colt gave a small cough. "This is my big brother and hard worker, Big Macintosh."

"Howdy there, ladies," he said, nodding to each of them before bowing his respects. "Welcome to our humble farm."

Celestia smirked when she saw Luna shyly shuffle her feet.

"G-Good evening," she stuttered, a light blush on her cheeks.

"It's very nice to meet you," Celestia said, smiling down at him.

"And the young'un who just dashed off was our little sister, Applebloom," Applejack said. "Oh! And there's Granny Smith, comin' over yonder!"

Celestia gasped and walked over to the elderly, light green mare. "Goodness! Emily, is that you?"

"Hm? Whassat?" the old mare said, squinting her eyes at Celestia. Her face brightened when she recognized the female in front of her. "My stars and garters! That wouldn't happen to be Celestia, would it?"

"That's right!" Celestia said, carefully giving her old friend a hug. "Oh my, it's been ages. How have you been?"

"Oh, I've been just fine, honey!" Granny Smith answered. "Nothing to complain about, really. Well, I would like a new hip, but we're working on that too," she added with a goodhearted laugh. "It's been going out a lot more lately. But look at you! You haven't aged at all since last I saw you all those years ago. It must be nice to look so young and beautiful after all these years!"

Granny Smith laughed, making Celestia shake her head at her silly nature. Although time had, naturally, taken its toll on her old friend, she still had a strong and youthful spirit.

"You haven't changed at all, Emily," Celestia said warmly.

"Oh, you two know each other?" Applejack asked, looking between the two of them. "Granny, why didn't you ever tell us?"

"Oh, I suppose I forgot," Granny Smith said with a small shrug. Applejack and Big Macintosh gave her exasperated looks, making Luna laugh. "Or rather, I didn't think it was so important! Celestia and I never made a big deal of her being royalty and all."

"But still, that's a pretty good story to tell your grand-babies!" Applejack protested. "That sort of thing needs to be passed down, you know?"

"It would be a nice thing to pass down, Miss Smith," Luna offered. "Not many people can say they know Celestia personally!"

"You're right, I reckon," Granny Smith said. "Now you know! Oh, and who is this pretty girl? Your daughter?"

Celestia cleared her throat. "Oh, no! Not at all. This is my little sister, Luna. I have no children of my own."

"Oh my, beggin' your pardon!" Granny Smith said, looking embarrassed. "I didn't mean to offend you."

"It's okay," Luna said quickly, stepping closer to her. "It's only natural, me being so small. How do you do, Miss Smith?"

"Oh, you can call me Emily, darlin'!" Granny Smith said. "I hope you're enjoying your stay here in Ponyville?"

"I am," Luna said sincerely.

Applejack walked over with a bright red apple, carefully holding it by its stem. "We're mighty happy to have you here, Luna. Today I'm a bit busy, but tomorrow or some other time we should hang out! I'm sure we'll find something fun to do!"

"I'd like that a lot, Applejack!" Luna said happily, gratefully accepting the apple. "Maybe I can help around your farm!"

"Thank you kindly!" Applejack said. "You don't have to, but that's mighty sweet of you."

"Emily," Celestia whispered as she steered Granny Smith away from her grandchildren. "Can we talk?"

"Sure, honey!" she replied cheerfully. "What about?"

"Your hip," Celestia tilted her head at her flank, her tone and expression suddenly serious. "Why didn't you tell me about that? I could have it fixed in no time, you know that!"

"No, no, Missy," the old mare replied adamantly. "The Apple Family can round up enough money to fix this old hip up in no time. It's our problem, so we have to fix it. Besides, it's not like it's killing me! I've still got a lot of fight in me in my old age! I've had a long, happy, and blessed life, and I'm sure I'll have more ahead of me. This hip isn't going to stop me."

"Emily, please," Celestia said with a twinge of impatience in her voice. "You'd feel so much better if I just gave you a new one!"

"Celestia," she said firmly, stomping her front hoof. "I know it's hard for you to understand, but my family was raised to do things on our own. It's not that we don't appreciate help, but if there's any way we can get'er done by ourselves, we will," her face softened at the conflicted expression on Celestia's face. "Now, chin up, darlin'. I just didn't want to trouble you with this, that's all. You've got so much to do, and this is so little."

"Will you promise me you'll come to me if it gets any worse?" Celestia asked. She could understand her wanting to be independent, but she was a dear friend! She couldn't live with herself if she knowingly let her suffer. "Promise me!"

"Alright, I will," Emily agreed, spitting on her left hoof and holding it out. "Let's shake on it to make it official."

Celestia made a face as she reluctantly spit on her own and shook. "I can't believe we still have to do this! It's so disgusting!"

"Aw, but you still did it," Emily pointed out. "You always were a softie!"

"To those I like, maybe," Celestia smirked, giving her a playful nudge. The two walked back to Luna, Applejack and Big Macintosh. "I should come and visit more often. Or have you brought to the castle instead!"

"Oh, I'm much too busy," Emily laughed. "But we should definitely catch up sometime soon."

"Of course!" Celestia smiled. She spotted Luna and Applejack in a lively conversation. It seemed Luna was slowly coming out of her shell as they met the girls. She watched with pride as she saw Luna begin to stand tall and talk to people without stuttering and fidgeting. Celestia almost didn't want to interrupt their chat! "I'm sorry, girls, but I want Luna to meet all the others today. Applejack, I'll be sure to let her come and see you tomorrow."

"Oh, pardon!" Applejack laughed, rubbing the back of her head. "Time sure flies! I didn't mean to hold you gals up! Ya'll come back anytime, you hear?"

"We will!" Luna said, waving at her new friend before catching up with her older sister. "They're really nice! I'm glad I didn't judge them."

"See?" Celestia said, playfully ruffling her hair. "You can't judge a book by its cover."

"Who are we visiting next?" Luna asked as she swatted her away, smirking.

"Fluttershy," Celestia replied. "She's a rather timid girl, but very sweet. I think you two will have a lot in common, actually."

"What's she like?" Luna asked, curious.

"Just wait and see!"

XOXOXOXOXO

The last thing the duo expected to see was utter chaos. The small tree house and accompanying chicken coop was cluttered and disarrayed, with various species of animals running around in a panic. Rabbits, ferrets, birds, lizards, and even a few snakes were scattered all around!

Luna shrieked in terror when a rattlesnake slithered by. She clung to Celestia's front leg, trembling.

"Sister, what's going on here?" Luna asked, looking ready to bolt at any moment.

"I'm not sure," Celestia said uncertainly, lifting her free hoof as a squirrel scurried past. "Don't worry, I think I can fix this."

Closing her eyes, Celestia concentrated. A small spark came from her horn and a basketful of nuts, carrots, kibble, and seeds appeared in the middle of the fray. The frenzied animals came to halt, surprised at the sudden appearance of the basket. However, they soon got over the initial shock and grouped around it, nibbling at their respective foods.

Luna sighed in relief. "Thank goodness."

"I wonder what happened here," Celestia wondered, stepping over a chicken. She suppressed a laugh when Luna made no move to remove herself from her leg. "It's usually very peaceful here. At least, that's what Twilight told me."

"You sure talk about this Twilight a lot," Luna pointed out, glancing up at her. "It kind of seems like you're bragging about her, in fact."

Celestia looked down at her, frowning. "I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention. It's just that she's a prized pupil of mine. She's just very talented, and shows a lot of promise - "

"So I see," Luna mumbled. "I hear about her the most, it seems..."

Celestia grew quiet. Had she really been talking about her student that much? For a moment, Celestia wondered if, possibly, Luna was beginning to get jealous.

"Luna, you know - "

But before Celestia could respond, a soft-yellow mare galloped out of her small house, her pink hair flowing behind her. She was chasing after a small bunny with a pink bow on its left ear. Luna slid off of Celestia and helpfully held a leg out to stop the bunny before levitating it up with her magic.

"Oh! Thank you very much," Fluttershy said, screeching to a halt giving her a grateful smile. "I've been trying to catch her all day!"

"Good evening, Fluttershy," Celestia said, walking towards the two of them. "Are you busy? Maybe we should come at a later time?"

"No, it's fine!" Fluttershy said quickly, shaking her head. "I'm free – well, a bit anyway," she said, glancing over at her white bunny, Angel. "But I can take the time out, it's no trouble at all."

"What were you doing?" Luna asked, curious.

"I took in a new animal today," Fluttershy said, suddenly perking up. She pointed at the small, caramel-colored bunny floating in the air with its arms folded. "I wanted to introduce Jewel to Angel, but they're not getting along..."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Luna said, gently setting down the irate female bunny. "What's the problem?"

"I'm not sure," Fluttershy said, sighing. "I suppose they just have to get used to each other. But I'm sure they will soon! Now, what can I do for you two? It's an honor to have visitors!"

"I'm glad to see you're doing well! Philomena enjoyed the treats you sent over, I must thank you for that," Celestia said, grinning down at Fluttershy. "That was very kind of you.".

"Oh, it was my pleasure, Princess," Fluttershy blushed with a smile. "I just wanted to make up for that fiasco."

"All is forgiven, dear," Celestia said, waving the notion away. Although she had been a bit worried when her pet phoenix, Philomena went missing, she didn't hold anything towards Fluttershy. After all, even though Philomena was simply playing around, neither of them dreamed Fluttershy would be so sensitive to their pranking. She still felt a little bad, so she made sure to watch her mischievous nature around the timid mare. "I understand, you did it with the best intentions in mind. But I was hoping I could ask you for something else today. My dear little sister, Luna. I'd like her to make some new friends, and I was hoping you two would hit it off."

"Oh, where are my manners?" Fluttershy said. "I'm so very sorry for not properly introducing myself. I'm Fluttershy!"

"Hello, Fluttershy," Luna smiled, extending a hoof. "It's very nice to meet you."

"It's a pleasure," Fluttershy said gently, shyly shaking her hoof. "I-I'm sorry about that whole, um... mess, before. It's usually very calm here."

"All in the past," Luna dismissed, smiling. "It wasn't your fault, after all."

"I still wanted to apologize," Fluttershy insisted, shuffling her legs. "I'm very, very sorry."

"Er, it's okay!" Luna said, laughing awkwardly. Goodness, she's even more introverted than I am! "It's really no problem! Really."

"I'm glad," Fluttershy said with a relieved smile. "I'd invite you both in for tea, but it looks like I've got a lot of cleaning up to do..."

"We can help!" Luna offered, looking up at Celestia. "At least the yard, right, sister?"

"I think that's a splendid idea, Luna," Celestia agreed. "Can you tell us where each animal belongs, Fluttershy?"

"Thank you very much," Fluttershy said, happy that she wouldn't have to work until late nightfall to fix up the mess her pets had caused. "Well, let's see. The chickens belong in their coops, the ferrets in their garden – oh! And the birds in their nests. The mice in their burrows..."

Almost as quickly as Fluttershy could finish her sentences, Luna and Celestia used their powers to lure each animal into their proper place. Celestia urged them into their homes while Luna satiated them with a bit of food from the basket. Before long, there was no evidence of the frenzy that had previously taken place.

"Oh, thank you! I really appreciate your help," Fluttershy said with a wide grin. "I can't thank you enough. This would have taken me ages, I'm sure."

"Not a problem," Luna said, watching the last mouse scurry into its home.

Angel and Jewel were now chattering angrily at each other. Fluttershy bit her lip nervously, leaning down to their level.

"Come now, little ones," she said soothingly. "Don't you think you should try and get to know each other better? It would be nice if you two became friends, don't you think?"

Angel stubbornly crossed his arms, glaring at his owner. Jewel huffed softly and stuck her nose in the air pointedly.

"Oh dear..." Fluttershy said with a sad sigh. "Here we go again."

Luna quirked a brow at the two bunnies before firmly stomping her hoof inches away from them. It startled the bickering couple, who looked up at her in alarm with their noses twitching.

"Now, listen here," Luna said, narrowing her eyes. "There will be no more of that, you hear? I want you two to either get along, or calmly separate yourselves until you can. What we will not tolerate is anymore of this nonsense. Am I clear?"

Angel and Jewel's eyes grew wide. They slowly nodded their heads before scurrying off to opposite ends of the garden. Luna, Celestia and Fluttershy waited to see if there would be another fight.

There wasn't even a sound.

"Wow, I could never do that," Fluttershy marveled. "How do you do it?"

"You just have to make your point clearly, and mean it," Luna said, shrugging her shoulders. "There's really nothing to it. Don't let the ones you're taking care of walk all over you."

"It looks like I could learn a thing or two," Fluttershy said. "I'd like it if you'd visit sometime and show me how to be more assertive! If... if that's alright with you, that is," she added with a shy glance to the side.

"Sure!" Luna said, giggling. "It'll be fun!"

"I think you both can learn something from each other," Celestia said with a chuckle. "Luna can teach you how to be more assertive, and Luna can learn how to be more gentle."

"Hey, I'm gentle!" Luna protested with a soft huff.

"See what I mean?" Celestia said, winking at Fluttershy.

Fluttershy giggled as Luna became flustered. "I'd like that a lot. Thank you, Luna."

Fluttershy looked up at the sky, noticing a small group of pegasi begin to move the clouds around. "Oh my, it looks like it's getting late."

"So it is," Luna said. "It'll be time to bring up the moon soon."

"Then we shouldn't waste anymore time," Celestia said. "I'm sorry to cut this short, girls! But we really must be going. There's still Rainbowdash and Twilight Sparkle to see."

"That's alright," Fluttershy said, waving. "Thanks so much for your help! See you later!"

"She's nice," Luna said cheerfully, skipping beside Celestia as they walked towards their next destination. "A little too quiet, though."

"She's very shy, yes," Celestia said thoughtfully. "I remember when Philomena played a prank on her. Goodness, that was a mess!" she added with a laugh.

A large boom made the pair nearly jump out of their skins. They looked around, prepared to defend themselves against... whatever it was that was big enough to make a mini-earthquake! Celestia couldn't find the source of it until Luna poked her in the ribs and pointed up to the sky.

"Look at that!"

Celestia looked up to see a light-blue blur speed through the air, leaving behind a glorious display of rainbow colors. The beautiful formation spread out to all corners of the sky before slowly fading and leaving behind a beautiful shower of sparkles.

"Wow, that was so cool!" Luna said, bouncing. "I've never seen anything like it! Is that what you call a 'Sonic Rainboom?'"

"That is is," Celestia said, nodding with a grin. "And you know who creates those?"

"Rainbowdash!" Luna answered.

"That's right," Celestia said, speeding off towards where she saw her disappear to. "Come on, I'll race you to her!"

"You're on!" Luna laughed as she sped after her big sister.

XOXOXOXOXO

Author's Notes: Wow, guys, sorry for the big gap between chapters. XD

This chapter was just... really hard to make flow right. But I'm finally happy with it and can finally move on to the third one!

Next chapter, Luna and Celestia meet up with Rainbowdash, Twilight Sparkle, and Spike! I'm really eager to finally get to that one.

Thanks for reading and very helpful reviews!