I open my eyes and find myself standing in the grey landscape from before. I look around; the grey pasture appears to stretch endlessly with no distinguishing features to mar it. The breeze is blowing gently causing my mane to billow slightly. It reminds me of the feeling I get when I'm using my magic, like it wasn't a natural breeze. But what is natural in a place like this? Maybe everything is as grey and neutral as the ground I'm standing on. This time no mysterious being demands my attention so I begin to walk out into the landscape. As soon as I take the first step, the previously calm breeze intensifies before peaking as a raging force, and yet strangely I'm not being blown around. It is as though I was at the centre of this gale, as though I was absorbing it. My train of thought is interrupted by the appearance of the light being. It just stands there in the raging wind, looking at me. As we stand there, my eyes begin to study and understand this strange being. My gaze travels over its body taking everything in when I notice something happening to its legs. They seem to be changing from light into something else, solidifying. The change is slow, barely noticeable, though the transformation appears to be speeding up. As the change creeps up the forelegs, I notice that they are purple. It is at this point that I notice an odd tingling sensation in my fore legs. A shiver runs along my spine as I lift my left leg up for inspection and reluctantly shift my gaze from the being. My leg is transparent and made of light.
____________________________________________________________________________________
I open my eyes and find myself tangled in the bedding, dripping with perspiration and breathing heavy. With a sense of unbridled panic and a healthy dose of dread I untangle my left leg from the blankets and lift so that I can see it. Nothing is different. It is most definitely solid and certainly not transparent. Breathing a heavy sigh of relief I flop back onto the bed, sheets sliding onto the cool wooden floor. What had I just experienced? I had read a couple of papers on the nature of dreams and other neurological stimuli, as well as some slightly less credible reports on dreams as vehicles for premonition and viewing the future, but nothing like this. I try and think back to what had happened in the dream, but it is all a haze; all I can remember is my hoof made of light. Scientifically speaking that was not possible. You couldn't manipulate light like that with some kind of apparatus to contain the light. And yet I can't shake the feeling that it had in fact happened, or at least symbolised something very important. I resolved to make time later to investigate later. Now, however, I have work to do and I can smell Spike fixing this morning’s breakfast.
With a little bit of effort I peel my rebellious body away from the comforting softness of the mattress and onto the cool hardness of the floor. Moving with a calm efficiency I levitate the various sheets and remake my bed before heading to the bathroom to take a quick shower. The cold water streams down my back and shocking my system as I levitate a wash cloth and proceed to clean the perspiration of my body. As I finish the task, I give myself a few moments to relax in the embrace of the curtain of water. I feel the issues from yesterday slowly begin to float to the surface; it was time to get out of the shower.
I look around the small bathroom that I have known for the last three years, taking note of its little sparse features. A smooth stained wood cabinet that Apple Bloom had made for me after she discovered her cutie mark. The soft towel with my cutie mark that Fluttershy had given me for Hearth's Warming last year. The old ceramic basin that Spike and I had laboured to fix the leak from two years ago before caving in and hiring a plumber. Some of these I'd be able to take back to Canterlot, others would be passed onto the next owner of the library. However, even with the various bits and pieces that I've accumulated over the years, things would be different. In a month's time I'd be cleaning my teeth and brushing my hair in front of a different mirror. Once again I'll have to make myself at home anew. It was funny, I'd never really placed much importance on the small things like the contents of the bathroom beyond its function. How circumstance can change your perspective on things.
After I finish brushing my mane I cut short the train of thought that was slowly spiralling into mildly depressing territory and make my way down to the kitchen and collect my breakfast. I head over to the table, my bowl of porridge floating in front of me creating an interesting sensation as the hot steam from the bowl contrasts the cool sensation from my magic. I eat my breakfast in silence as I plan my day out. Firstly I need to go shopping to replenish a few essentials. Then resume work on the report. The list is strangely short; I guess it's just one of those days. I try to avoid thinking that everything takes on different priorities when you're running out of time.
Finished with my meal, I clean up and then locate my saddle bags and the checklist I had prepared earlier. Bidding my two assistants farewell, I depart the house and head in the direction of the town centre. It truly is a beautiful day without a single cloud in the sky. The blue vista stretches majestically out to the horizon. Even with such a dark cloud hanging over my mind, I can't help but feel happier and calmer. I must be sure to thank Rainbow Dash the next time I see her.
Looking around I find the various shops and stands that I will need to visit. Wasting no time I head off to fill the checklist. As I go about my various tasks, I greet the many familiar faces and chat idly with the few that I'm closer to. As I near the end of the list, I decide that perhaps I should make Spike something nice for dessert. I'm sure the situation is a lot harder on him than it is for me. He always did enjoy Apple Crumble, but I will need to buy more apples for that. I don't however see Applejack or Big Mac with their apple cart today, so I'll have to make a trip up to Sweet Apple Acres then. Quickly collecting the last few items on the list, I head towards the apple farm on the edge of the town.
After walking for about fifteen minutes, I reach the outskirts of the property and walk under the lovingly carved wooden sign that had stood there since the farm's founding so long ago. The hard, beaten dirt road kicked up small puffs of dust as I followed the well-established routine. The narrow road eventually splits off into a narrow stone path leading up to the Apple family's house. I leave the old road and walk the relatively short distance to the front porch to stand in front of the well-aged door. I hadn't seen Applejack at any point along the walk here, so she must be either in the house or one of the other sections of the orchard. I feel the familiar coolness as I levitate the metal knocker. Three loud bangs sound as I rap the piece against the door.
I stand back from the door as I wait for someone to answer. While I wait I play my eyes across the familiar sight of the porch. Granny Smith's much loved rocking chair sat motionless in the late morning warmth, and an apple bucket lay discarded on the far side just waiting to be given purpose once more. Before I can look around further, the door opens and the most dependable of ponies appears before me. A light sheen of sweat mattes her coat; a testament to the daily vigil of a career farmer. Yet despite this, the earth pony before me looked happy to see me. Even though I was apparently interrupting the morning break. It was moments like these that reminded me what friendship really means and how lucky I was to have such good friends.
“Well, how have you been, Twilight?” asked Applejack as she stood in the open door. “What brings you out here this early in the morning?”
“I've decided to make a special treat for Spike's dessert tonight, but for that I need some apples,” I reply pleasantly as I adjust myself to face her directly.
“Well, we sure can set you up with some! Why don't you come in for a drink? I just went on my morning break," she suggested, a warm smile gracing her otherwise somewhat rugged appearance as she stepped aside with a welcoming hoof inviting me in.
"I'd love to," I reply. It's not like I am in a big hurry to complete the report, and I certainly have enough time to spare for a cup of tea. As she follows me into the hallway I remark, "So, I guess the new worker out there is doing a good job if you're taking these breaks."
We head into the living room, passing the dinner table and the entrance to the kitchen. Compared to my library, the Apple family's house is quite open and inviting. The room opens up on the left of the short hallway. In it, two large lounge chairs corner a low lying stained wooden table. Opposite the far right lounge is another rocking chair. The room is decorated with a couple of paintings. On the two outer walls of the room, large windows sat open, allowing a cool breeze to gently waft through.
“That he is. I haven't seen a stallion work as hard as Big Mac in all my years on this farm,” replied the mare. “Now why don't I go and put a kettle on for us while you grab a seat.”
“Ok, sure,” I say as I make my way towards the far lounge, taking in the cool aesthetic of the room. I never get tired of the vividly landscapes captured on canvas; they really display the unfettered beauty that this region has. One only has to look out the window and take in the orchard, the vibrant green leaves dotted with splashes of colour that are the Apple family's namesake. I raise my voice so that my host can hear me in the kitchen, “So how is young Solid Core's life on the farm? Is he all settled in now?”
“Yeah he's really got in the swing of things now. Didn't take as long as I expected considering he isn't from a farming family,” answered Applejack loudly from the other room, her voice carries nicely down the hall. I hear the sound of the kettle whistling, followed by the eventual sound of a small trolley rolling down along the floor. Arriving in the lounge room, I levitate a cup over to my position and take a long smell of the fragrant drink. “I won't lie that I'm enjoying the time off that he allows me. It's not much, but it means that I'm not working as hard all the time.”
“Well I'm glad that you followed my advice and hired him,” I say conversationally before taking an experimental sip of my tea. It's still quite hot, so I place it on the nearby table.
“Well I couldn't very well turn him away, he needed a place to live. The fact that he was looking for work was simply a bonus,” replied Applejack, ever so slightly incredulous at the idea of turning away someone in need of assistance. “But enough about me, how are you and Spike handling the library? It's been awhile since I've seen the little guy.”
“Oh. Well. Um, he's doing okay.” I fumble out, a nervous giggle straining it's way out. To compensate I quickly grab my tea, a warm breeze mirroring my emotions and blending smoothly with the tea's heat flows over my forehead. I can sense Applejack looking at me, I guess now would be as good a time as any to address the situation. “Speaking of myself and the library, I received a letter from Princess Celestia yesterday.”
“Oh you did, what did she want?” interrupts my host, this is my last chance to stop, no I have to deal with this.
“I'm being recalled to Canterlot. My studies in friendship are over. I leave in a month.” I state bluntly. To say that my host was surprised would be an understatement, unlike Rarity she wasn't inclined to mask her emotions, honesty in all but name it would seem. “I've already talked to Rarity about it yesterday, we decided that it would be best if I talked to everypony about it as soon as possible. The apples are to help take Spike's mind off the whole situation.”
“Well I won't lie Twilight, I did not expect that one. Did the Princess give you a reason?” She asked following a brief, though awkward period of silence as my statement was processed.
“There was nothing in the letter, though I've considered sending a response asking for the reason. Admittedly I will still be returning regardless.”
“It just won't be the same around here without you Twilight. So much has been changing, not all at once but I've been noticing it a lot lately.”
“Still, it's not like we won't be friends anymore and we can still get together from time to time.” I suggest.
“Twi, don't kid yourself. You know how far it is to the capital, even by train and we both know how hard the Princess works you. Not to mention how hard you work yourself when nopony's around to pull you out of the library from time to time,” retorts Applejack. Her tendency to cut through to the core is making itself readily apparent. It was true though, I was just kidding myself. Even here in Ponyville I frequently find myself studying something for days on end before someone comes around to sort me out. Take that away and I'll likely just go from one topic to another, punctuated only by shopping and the occasional visit to the family.“Have you considered asking the Princess if you could leave her tutelage?”
“No I haven't considered it, nor will I entertain the thought. The Princess has given me the opportunity of a life time.” I replied, what I didn't say was that I could always make new friends later in life. Friends by their very nature were replaceable something that can obtained with some effort anywhere in life if you make the effort. Such a depressing thought even if it was true, but it raised another question. Were my friends more important than the opportunity of my dreams? The chance fulfil my insatiable hunger for knowledge under the guidance of the Princess?
“Well I trust you'll make the right choice when the time comes. Now let's go and grab you some apples.” Said Applejack a little dryly, she understood what this meant to me and how hard the situation was on me but couldn't help but feel that I was selling out so to speak. As we left the relaxing I can't help but feel that I could have handled the situation better. We walked into the orchard and located the section being bucked today. Solid Core was busy making his way through the trees towards us with a cart of apples attached. “Hey Core! Take a break for a while me and Twi here are going to take over for a bit.”
“You know I've never bucked a tree before don't you?” I ask the mare beside me as we approached the nearest tree laden with apples.
“I know, but perhaps you should give it a go. Consider it another memory. Besides it isn't that hard, just” stated Applejack as she turned to face me, raised her hind legs off the ground and “kick. Now you try. Go on it’s everyday a pony gets to buck one of the famous Apple family trees.”
“Okay, okay. I'll give it ago.” I say as I fend her off good-naturedly. I position myself in front of the adjacent tree before closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. Apples. The air smelt of fresh, crisp apples along with the earthen smell common on farms. As I raise my hind legs, I feel myself focusing. It's not everyday I buck something unless I'm in a hurry, surprisingly it feels harder aim the kick. My muscles bunch up as I tense, ready to unleash the pent-up force. I take in another breath, I am perfectly balanced and everything seems to stand still though I can't see the world though my closed eyes. The cool breeze is no longer, I feel the breeze on my face though it no longer calms me nor does it carry the local scents.
I kick back at the tree as hard as I can to try and make up for the lack of earth pony strength. I feel my hooves connect with the trunk of the tree, it is hard if only for a moment before I lower my legs to the ground. Opening my eyes I look around to see a dumbstruck Applejack, eyes glued to the tree behind me, I wonder how badly I did if she's that stunned. Turning around I feel the cool breeze again along with the scent of tree sap. What I see is unbelievable. There is no way that I could have done that. In front of me was the tree that I had tried to buck. Broken in half, the top half lying three metres away having been stopped by the next tree, the last tree having been hit hard enough that it had dropped its own apples. Something was very wrong here and I don't know what.
“I did this?” I ask nopony in particular. Applejack has snapped out of her brief shock and is looking at me strangely, or perhaps curiosity. Not that I'm surprised I had just kicked a tree in half, that wasn't something that happened everyday if ever.
“Perhaps you should send a letter to the Princess.” She suggested as she picked up some nearby apples from the newly felled tree and placed them in a sack and handing it to me. “Maybe she'll have some idea as to why you're suddenly as stronger than Big Mac.”
“I think I will, thank you for the apples and really I'm sorry about the tree. Would you mind not telling the others about my situation? I want to tell them myself.” I ask as I add the bag of apples to my already heavy saddle bag. Applejack waves off the apology with a hoof saying that there was no way I'd have known this would happen. I apologise anyway then bid farewell and start to make my way out of the orchard, leaving only mystery and destruction in my wake.
As I walked down the dusty road, saddle bags sitting heavy on my back, I pondered the events that had transpired at the orchard. They were curious at the very least and a cause for concern at the worst. I think the best course of action would be to research the phenomenon and if I my search should fail to produce results I’ll send a letter to the Princess. First things first though I need to get home and check on Spike before I get stuck into this research.
Suddenly I hear a rip and feel myself pitch forward, face planting. I hear someone call my name and made their way over to me as I started to get up, rubbing my hoof at the base of my horn. I look up at the pony that was just reaching my side now. It was Dr. Hooves the town doctor. I feel a little dizzy as I look at him and don't process much of what he said. I shake my head and the fuzziness clears and I look back to where I'd tripped and discovered that my saddle bag's harness had ripped, apparently the missing weight had cause me to over compensate and face plant. I know that I've had that bag for a long time but even so, I'm surprised it snapped under so little weight. I notice the good doctor trying to get my attention and focus back on him.
“Twilight, are you okay? You seemed to space out there for a moment.” pressed the doctor concern edging his voice.
“Yeah, um. Sorry about that I guess I hit my head a bit hard, I'm fine now though. Nothing feels broken or strained.” I replay as I shift and start to stand up, as soon as I do though I feel a wave of nausea and my vision swims. I open my eyes to find myself on the ground again. I lift my head before vomiting on the ground in front me.
“Twilight! Are you all right?” He asked rushing to my side as I collapsed on the ground again, “Looks like you might have a concussion, we need to get you to the hospital. Will you be all right if I go and get them to bring wagon.”
“No I'll be fine, I don't need to go the hospital. I've just had some minor head trauma, all you could prescribe me is bed rest. Which I can receive at home.” I stop to catch my breath before struggling to get to my feet. I'm successful this time, only swaying slightly as my body tries to re-orientate itself after the unexpected fall. “I appreciate your concern, but if you could just give me a hand back to my house that would be great.”
“But you really shoul-” Dr. Hooves started to object.
“I said no, I'll just pick up my bags,” I reply as I start to reach out for my broken saddle bags. My vision begins to swim and I have to shuffle to keep my balance, my bags remain on the ground. “Woah! Ok so maybe you should carry them for me, it would seem that the concussion is interfering with my ability to control my magic.”
The doctor gives me a worried, if reproachful look as he moves to collect the broken bag and sling it across his back. However as he picks the buckle strap he strains for several moments before releasing it.
“What have you got in there? I can't hardly lift it, not without breaking something that is”
“Well I picked up a few books from the post office, they were heavy didn't seem that heavy.”
“Twilight, I can't hardly lift that. Now I might not be the strongest earth pony around but still is exceedingly heavy. I'm rather interested in how you managed to pick that up let alone carry it,” stated the brown pony a look of concern and professional curiosity conflicting upon his face. What on earth is happening? I can only think that it must be connected to the strength my legs had when I bucked the tree. I think that a letter to the Princess might be in order sooner rather than later. I need to get home as soon as possible.
“Okay, well just grab the bag of apples from the left bag, I'll organise someone to collect it later.” I deflected smoothly. Sweet Celestia my head's pounding, I need to lie down. Get home. Send letter. Go to bed. I start walking once the doctor has found the apples. It doesn't take us long to reach the house, I fumble with the door handle before managing to open it. I thank the doctor and tell him that I'll come for a check-up just in case tomorrow. Once he left I find a scroll and pencil, normally I'd have had Spike take the letter but it would seem that he's gone out at some point. Picking the pencil up in my mouth thanks to my inability to use magic at the moment, I begin to outline the day's events in fairly neat mouth writing. It would seem that I still have the same knack for it that I did as a filly before my magic matured. When I finish I write a short note telling Spike to send the letter to the Princess when he gets home and place both on the table before heading up to my room. I lay down and instantly fall asleep, the stress of the recent events finally over taking my body.