A Clone Gargoyle's Equestrian Tale

Next Lessons: Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000

S2 E15 Everypony! Read It and Weep is up next!

....

It was pretty early on the Apple farm, Malibu snoozing away in his bed after having fed his bat last night. Shadow was still living the dream of being a pet, loving his new house. But Malibu nearly forgot that cider season was soon going to happen today when he felt his blankets removed by Applebloom.

He yelped from the cold morning air, turning sleepily to see the little filly who bounced in excitement. "What? Wha..." slurred Malibu, still in sleep mode, rubbing his eyes. "Ya can't be late for cider season, Mal! I wanna give you the first mug since we're pratically siblings... in a way... but I still wanna give you the first batch!" Malibu instantly brightened at the thought of drinking cider, which had been a while. He hated having to wait for the right season but Granny Smith always said it was to help the quality.

"I'll be right there, AB," He called to her, yawning and somewhat slowly getting out of bed, following her down to where the cider stand. Upon being outside, he gasped at what was happening: there were multiple tents out there camping out just for the cider.

"Whoa, ponies are really committed to this drink," Malibu exclaimed, Applebloom nodding while he saw Rainbow Dash looking rather angry for not getting there early, the first tent being Pinkie Pie's. "It's a big old cider party! Woo-hoo!" She squealed, jumping into the air then falling down. Applebloom tugged his hoof again. "Come on, let's get set up." She said, Malibu coming with her, sending an apologetic glance at Rainbow Dash.

The sun rose higher in the sky while the ponies were finally in line, Malibu there at the stand with Applebloom, feeling honored to help with the cider. Twilight, Rarity and Spike were in the line behind 9 others. "Isn't this exciting Spike? First day of cider season!" Twilight said in excitement and rightfully so. Malibu himself tried a fresh mug and it was the crispiest cider he ever had. Even better than last years batch. Spike agreed. "Yeah! That means it's only thirty more day 'till sapphire season!" He stated. Malibu grinned at his words. Spike and his gems.

Applejack tapped the megaphone. "Attention, everypony! Cider season is now officially open!" The alicorn gargoyle saw everypony cheer in excitement, watching them all come up to get their cider. However, Rainbow Dash was usually the unlucky one to be last in line for it. Applebloom and Malibu both helped fill up the cider mugs, giving them to the customers. Pinkie being first dumped a whole bag of bits into the box, stunning the two, but ended up giving her nearly 6 mugs.

How could she even carry them all? Malibu pondered, eventually remembering never to question Pinkie Pie about anything. Soon, finally, it was Dash's turn after such a long line. But when Applebloom tried getting the cider out, only a couple drops came. Malibu lowered his ears, thinking he could've saved some for her but forgot. Some coltfriend he was.

"Heh, sorry, everypony! That's it for today!" Applejack proclaimed, the crowd groaning in disappointment. Rainbow Dash looked downright furious. "Surprise, surprise! You ran out again!" She hissed. Malibu heard the other ponies complaining about the lack of cider. He wished he could conjure some out of thin air but that just wasn't how it worked.

Fluttershy smiled timidly. "For the record, I don't mind—." Dash interrupted, looking desperate. "Why can't you make enough cider for all of us? Or at least for me!" Malibu's ears fell. "Easy Rainbow, we—." He couldn't finish, nearly being mobbed by the crowd, knowing they had to make themselves scarce soon.

Applejack held up a hoof. "Hold on, everypony. We've done our best to approve supply this year," She stated. A stallion who Malibu recognized as Caramel glared. "You always say that! And why doesn't he make more with his alicorn magic?!" He demanded roughly, pointing sharply at Malibu who winced, backing up. "I... I..." He stuttered in fear.