**Chapter 4: The Horner Connection**

Big Jack Horner's words hung in the air like a challenge, and Pinkie Pie's eyes locked onto his, searching for answers. "What do you mean, Big Jack? What's going on with Applejack?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. Big Jack's expression turned grave, and he nodded for them to follow him. "Let's talk about this somewhere more private," he said, leading them towards a small, nearby shed. The shed was old and weathered, but it looked sturdy enough to withstand the elements. Big Jack pushed open the creaky door, and they stepped inside. The shed was dimly lit, with only a small window to let in sunlight. The air was thick with the scent of old tools and machinery. Big Jack began to pace back and forth, his hooves echoing off the wooden walls. "It's been a few days since Applejack went missing," he said, his voice low and urgent. "At first, we thought she was just out working on one of her farms, but as the days went by, we realized something was off. Her farm was abandoned, and there was no sign of her anywhere." Tails' ears perked up, his eyes narrowing in concern. "Have you talked to the other ponies in Ponyville? Maybe they've seen or heard something." Big Jack shook his head. "We've asked around, but no one seems to know anything. It's like she vanished into thin air." He stopped pacing and turned to face them, his eyes locked on Pinkie Pie. "But I think I know who's behind it all. There's a pony in Ponyville who's been acting strange lately. Always lurking around, trying to stay out of sight. I think it might be... Cheese Cutter." Diddy Kong's eyes widened in surprise. "Cheese Cutter? The infamous cheese thief?" Big Jack nodded. "The same one. I've heard rumors that he's been working with someone, someone with a lot of power and influence in Ponyville. If they're behind Applejack's disappearance, we need to be careful." Pinkie Pie's expression turned determined. "We have to find Applejack and bring her home. But we need to be smart about it. If Cheese Cutter is involved, we can't trust anyone." She looked at Big Jack, Tails, and Diddy Kong. "We need to work together to uncover the truth and rescue Applejack." As they began to discuss their plan, the sound of footsteps echoed outside the shed. Big Jack's ears perked up, and he motioned for them to be quiet. The door creaked open, and a small, nervous-looking pony slipped inside. "Psst... Big Jack... I think I might have some information about Applejack," the pony said, glancing around nervously. Big Jack's eyes narrowed. "Who are you, and what do you know?" The pony took a deep breath. "My name is Squeaky. I've been working as a delivery pony for the Ponyville Post Office. I saw Applejack arguing with someone... it was Cheese Cutter. They were talking in hushed tones, but I overheard something about a secret meeting at the old windmill." Pinkie Pie's eyes locked onto Squeaky, her expression intense. "Did you see where they went after they left the post office?" Squeaky nodded. "They went towards the windmill. But be careful, Pinkie Pie. Cheese Cutter looked... different. Like he was being controlled or something." The shed fell silent, as they digested Squeaky's words. They knew they had to act fast, before it was too late. With newfound determination, they set out towards the windmill, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead and rescue Applejack from the clutches of Cheese Cutter and his mysterious partner.