//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 - Applejack. // Story: Ghosting // by Lucy_Marigold //------------------------------// ~Chapter 3 - Applejack.~ 01:05 PM, September 5th, 2 C.E. Canterlot High. “Come in. How may I help you?” A voice echoed forward as Twilight shakily opened the door. Chrysalis stood out in the hall, watching. “Um, uh... Whew. My name's Twilight Sparkle. I-I'm new here, and... Well, I understand that Fluttershy found a crown this morning and gave it to you.” She awkwardly muttered, stepping into the ornate office. It reminded Twilight a little bit of her Celestia’s study with the rows of books lining the walls and the oak wood desk. “Yes. I've had Vice Principal Luna put it somewhere for safekeeping. No idea how it ended up in the front lawn. Were you interested in running for Princess of the Fall Formal this year?” This Celestia spoke.  Twilight had noticed quite quickly that nopony here possessed a horn, let alone wings. This Celestia seemed unnatural and alien to her. “Uh, no. Not exactly. The truth is... Well, the truth is I... You see, the crown is actually- Princess of the Fall Formal?” She began but spluttered, tilting her head in confusion. “It's Canterlot High's big Fall dance.” “Like the Grand Galloping Gala?” It was Celestia’s turn to be confused. “Uh, Grand Galloping Gala?” “Oh, uh, it was a big deal at my old school.” “And was there a princess?” She questioned. Twilight found herself fiddling with her fleshy claws. “Yes, but she wasn't exactly a student. “Here at Canterlot High, the students select one of their peers to represent them. She receives her crown at the Fall Formal.” The younger one paused, thinking. “Hmm. You asked me if I was interested in running for Princess. Can anyone run?” “Yes. You just need to let the head of the Fall Formal planning committee know you'd like to be on the ballot. Was there anything else?” Celestia lowered her quill, glancing back up at Twilight. “The planning committee should be in the gym.”  “Um, nope! That was it!” “Well, if you do need anything else, my door is always open.” With that, Twilight took her leave and left the small office. Chrysalis was waiting outside. “Did you ask her for it back?” “Uhh.. I was going to, but imagine if one of them showed up in Equestria saying they came from a place filled with tall, fleshy, two-legged creatures with these? We'd think they were crazy!” “What’s your point?” Her friend narrowed her eyes, scowling. “Look, if I want my crown back, I'll have to become Princess of the Canterlot High Fall Formal. So that’s what I’ll have to do.” “That is a terrible idea.” “I know! But it’s the only one I have.” “I take back what I said earlier, you are most definitely not one of the smartest Queens.” Chrysalis smirked. “Hey!” “Just telling the truth, am I not?” And then they laughed. 01:32 PM, September 5th, 2 C.E. Canterlot High. “Celestia said the committee was meeting in here.” Twilight pushed the doors open, being greeted by an assault of balloons. “Incoming! Oh! Twilight, Chrysalis! What brings you here?” Pinkie greeted them, pushing the balloons aside. “Celestia said this is where I'd find the head of the Fall Formal planning committee. I’m here to be on the ballot.” “Waited a bit to get your name on the ballot, huh? Dance is day after tomorrow.” “I told her it was a terrible idea.” Chrysalis grumbled, sitting down on the nearby stands. “I'm brand new here, remember.” “Oooh! Yeah! Though, now that I'm really lookin' at you... Do you have a twin sister who lives in the city, has a pet dog named Spike?” Pinkie Pie tilted her head, smiling. “Uh, maybe?” “Thought so. Anyhoo, just need to fill this out and you are officially up for the coveted Princess of the Fall Formal crown.” She withdrew a clipboard from her mane of hair, passing it instantly over to Twilight.  Hesitantly, Twilight left the pen and attempted to write down her name. By Celestia, it was difficult. She’d certainly have to practice when she returned home. “Wow! You have really bad handwriting. It's like you've never held a pen before.” “Is it?” She nervously chuckled. She rubbed the back of her neck, earning a look from Chrysalis. “Somebody order a dozen cases of fizzy apple cider?”  Twilight felt her stomach drop, eyes darting over to the figure in the entryway. The world became blurry as her breath quickened. It couldn’t be, could it?  Applejack, although visibly different, stood there. She lowered a crate of cider to the floor before her gaze darted over to her. Twilight felt tears welling her eyes. How long had she been crying? “Are you okay?” Pinkie’s voice questioned. Someone’s hand-that was the word for it. Someone’s hand grasped her own.  Applejack darted from the room, leaving a startled Pinkie behind. “It can’t be real. She-” Twilight muttered under her breath. “Hey! AJ, wait up!” Pinkie chirped as she ran out of the room. Twilight grasped onto Chrissy’s shoulder as her eyes wandered upwards. Concern, worry and regret littered her friend’s face. “I’m fine. Just… overwhelmed.” “Are you sure?” “She’s alive. How is she…?” “You alright down there?” A voice stated from above. Gracefully, a figure descended from the ceiling with a series of flips and movements. A cyan blue girl smiled, her untamed rainbow mane instantly giving away who she was. “Now the question is, what are you doing here, Twi’?” “Uh…” Rainbow cocked her head, smirking. “Last I checked, you weren’t here. Now isn’t this an interesting development.”