//------------------------------// // And See the Fields // Story: Apples and Wheat // by TheAlmightySage //------------------------------// Friend shipping is best shipping, it's only a pain because they charge you by D'aws and Feels. Many thanks to BronyBozly, The Gweat and Powaful Twixie, and Venom0861 for their awesome editing, input, and patience. ---Apples and Wheat--- “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh ---And See the Fields--- "It wasn't that funny," Applejack groaned at the giggling mare beside her. "Oh but it was," Holo grinned as she walked along side the farm pony. "You're expression was quite amusing." Applejack just rolled her eyes at the comment, deciding it was best to just ignore the crazy mare's antics for the time being. After a short walk down the rest of Apple Road, and more teasing than Applejack cared to dwell on, the pair approached the gate to Sweet Apple Acres. "Your family has claimed quite a larger area of land since I was last here." Holo commented as she admired the large apple orchards. "And has tended to it exceedingly well." Thank ya kindly," Applejack replied, beaming with pride. "Most of our crops stay in and aroun' Ponyville, but our apples sell as far as Canterlot and Trottingham." "Canterlot?" Holo asked titling her head as her ears twitched. "That is where the sun nag still dwells, correct?" "Sun nag?" AJ asked in obvious confusion. "Yes, the bossy white Alicorn mare with the colorful mane," Holo explained as she stopped and pointed to Canterlot castle perched upon it's mountain. "Oh ya mean Princess Celestia? Wait, whatcha mean by nag?!" Applejack exclaimed. "Exactly what I said. The last time I met her, she was quite bothersome and she was convinced that I was going to eat her little ponies, as if I were some common beast," Holo complained, sitting down with her hooves crossed indignantly. "She was quite the annoying nag and acted much like an overprotective hen." "How can y'all be so disrespectful?!" Applejack glared at Holo. "I treat others as they deserve to be treated, as judged by their actions. Furthermore, we wolves do not readily trust the sun nag after she had banished her sister to the moon, who was a friend to the wolves," Holo replied sharply to the Apple mare. "Wait, wait are ya referrin' to Princess Luna?" Applejack asked as she turned to look at Holo. "Of course. What other pony would have reign over the moon?" Holo said matter of factly. "Well shoot. She's back from her...well banishment and ruling with her sister again", Applejack explained with a smile. "Hmm... perhaps I should visit then. I have not seen the Sisters in many long years," Holo murmured while she looked at Canterlot in the distance. Applejack was taken aback for moment at Holo's tone. She thought it strange to hear such age carried so heavily in a voice from a body that looked so young. "Well mah friend Twilight Sparkle is Princess Celestia's student and can send her a message if ya'd like," Applejack offered, sitting next to Holo. "No, not yet." Holo sighed. "Perhaps later after I tend to your wheat fields." She sounds awful lonely when she takes that tone, Applejack thought to herself as she looked at Holo. After a long moment, Holo got back on her hooves and stretched as she yawned. Applejack remained seated, watching Holo stretch as she wondered about the strange mare's unspoken past. "Enjoying the view?" Holo teased over her shoulder, flicking her lovely tail's white tip at Applejack's nose. "That ain't.." Applejack exclaimed in protest as she rubbed her nose, but just ended up groaning as she stood up. "Never mind." "I cannot help it if my lovely figure lures the eyes of others," Holo said innocently. "Y'all sure it's only wheat you're in charge of and not mischief?" AJ deadpanned. "I must say, I like your wit dear Applejack," Holo giggled. "Let's just get ta the farm house." Applejack sighed as she trotted off leading the way. --- Apple Family Farm House --- "You're back just in time fer supper Applejack," Granny Smith said from her rocking chair as AJ opened the screen door and trotted into the farm house. "What took ya so long ta get back from town?" Apple Bloom asked from her spot on the floor where she sat, surrounded by multicolored crayons and a drawing of an apple tree. "Well Ah would've been back sooner, but Ah had to walk this one back ta the farm," Applejack explained as she stepped aside from the door. "Who'd ya bring..." Granny Smith started but trailed off mid sentence, eyes widening when she saw her. Holo hesitantly walked across the threshold and looked up at the gathered Apple family with a smile that barely hid her own apprehensions. Granny Smith held a hoof to her mouth in shock. Big Mac dropped the newspaper he had been reading. Apple Bloom stopped coloring, the crayon dropping from her mouth, as she stared at the tan mare with a golden wheat stalk cutie mark. "Holo? Is that really you?" Granny Smith asked in disbelief as she got up from her rocking chair. "Yes," Holo answered, her voice cracking a bit as she smiled and walked up to Granny Smith hugging her tightly. "Ya came back," the old Apple mare smiled as she hugged Holo firmly in her old grip. "I've missed you my dear friend," Holo whispered as tears ran down her face. --- 65 years ago --- "It seems as though your family is going to be prospering quite well from your discovery of the zap apples," Holo commented, laying on the warm spring grass beside a fifteen year old(1) Maria Ann Smith(2) from the small hill where they were overlooking the orchard of twenty zap apple trees that Maria's family was finishing up harvesting. "With the money Pappy is making off them zap apples we'll be able to keep more of our crops for our own food," Maria said as she smiled at her friend. "Though we wouldn't have made it through the first few years without the help you've given ta us Holo." "Tis no great trouble to go through for a friend as genuine as you, my dear Apple mare." Holo smiled. "It is too, especially fer a lazy mare like y'all," the young Granny Smith replied with a smirk. "You dare accuse the god of wheat and bountiful harvests of laziness?" Holo said in mock indignation as she rose up to her hooves. "Why I should smi...Ah!" Holo exclaimed as dizziness hit her like a hail stone, her legs giving out from underneath her. The world blurring and spinning, before a strong pair of earth pony hooves caught her. "Ah gotcha. Ah gotcha, Holo," Maria said, as she caught her dizzy wolfish friend, carefully laying her back down onto the grass while Holo winced, holding her head between her hooves. "Oh my head swims," Holo groaned with her eyes tightly shut, gingerly rubbing her head. "That's twice today ya've nearly fallen over dizzy and the fifth time in less than two weeks," Maria Smith said, her face etched with worry. "Holo what's wrong with ya?" "I fear I made a miscalculation," Holo sighed as she opened her eyes and looked up at her friend. "And I must confess that I did much more than merely help the wheat that your family needed to survive grow." "What did ya do, Holo?" young Miss Smith asked as she laid down beside her best friend. "I explained to you how my knowledge of the soil and of wheat allows me to influence and turn a good harvest into a bountiful one. However, I can do much more than place a simple blessing," Holo explained as she stroked the small pouch of wheat grains that hung around her neck. "With my wisdom and power, I can cause wheat to grow from even the most barren soil. However, the weaker the soil is the more of my power I must dedicate to the wheat, in the soil's place, so that it may be bountiful." "But Holo there's all the grasses, the wild berry shrubs, and those wild apple trees that grow here. Surely that means the soil is good," Maria said her worry slowly turning into dread. "Crops from certain places grow well there, because that is were they belong. They wither if planted else where," Holo explained, frowning. "The soil here had no hope of producing even two bundles of wheat from the seeds your family brought here." "But...but that means." "That I had to give over half my power to the planted wheat every season for the past five years," Holo finished with a weak smile. "Holo, ya didn't have ta..." Maria croaked, her eyes brimming with tears. "No, I did not have to," Holo sighed. "However, when you first asked me to help your family, I already knew the soil here was too weak and I intended to merely grant what was needed for survival through one winter and then continue my travels, but your honest friendship from that first day endeared you to me. I did not wish to see you suffer my dear Apple mare," Holo explained as she looked away from her friend. "Oh Holo," Maria sniffed, pulling the wolf mare into a tight embrace(3). "I can..not breathe!" Holo wheezed as she struggled in the affectionately crushing hug. "Oh sorry.." Maria said as she loosened her grip looking down at her friend with watery eyes. "Save your tears my friend," Holo said with a chuckle. "I am not going to die." "But ya said you've weakened yourself for us." "Weakened? Yes. To the point of death? No," Holo said, flicking Maria's bonnet playfully as she laid back down. "I am Holo the Wise Wolf. Do not think I am so frail." "So you'll be okay?" Maria asked her voice ringing with hope. "Yes, but I must rest and soon," Holo said with a despondent sigh. "Ah'm sure Ma and Pappy wouldn't mind settin' ya up with a spare bed in the house," Maria said with a hopeful smile plastered across her face as she helped Holo onto her hooves. "Even if they are still a bit skittish with ya." "It is not that simple, my friend. A wolf must rest in the forest," Holo explained, shaking her head softly. "Well..Ah can visit ya," Maria said, her eyes sparkled with hope. "Ah can bring ya some of my apple pie that ya like so much." Holo looked at her earth pony friend sadly. "The sleep that I need will last for years and the Everfree is too treacherous for you, my dear apple mare." "Ah've been through the Everfree forest before ya know, " Maria replied stubbornly. "True, but timberwolves would not let you escape their fangs a second time, if they knew I was not with you to deter them," Holo said somberly. "You're scared of somethin'. What is it Holo?" Maria asked as she nudged her friend. Holo paused and looked at her friend, carefully weighing her words before she spoke. “I have no fear of watching you grow old while I remain young, my friend. I'll even watch you on your death bed. I am no stranger to death. But your heart is innocent. From the first day you met me in the fields it has always accepted everything about me, without hesitation. Because of that I am very afraid.” Maria hugged Holo saying, "Ah ain't goin' nowhere. Ah'll be here at the farm fer a long time." Holo had no words and merely sighed. "You're my best friend Holo. Ah don't want ta lose ya, but Ah'll do whatever Ah can ta help ya." Maria sniffed, looking down at the tall grass swaying gently in the spring breeze. "Then wait and I will return," Holo said, hugging her dear friend. "I promise I will come back Maria." "Ya better otherwise Ah'll...Ah'll shave that tail of yours off in your sleep." Maria joked sadly. "Such a bold mare," Holo chuckled as she stepped back and looked at Maria. "I still say there is wolf's blood somewhere in you, my friend." The two friends shared a laugh at the old private joke before lying back down on the grass under a warm spring sun.. "When will ya have ta leave?" Maria asked with trepidation in her voice. Holo sighed deeply. "I shall have to depart after the wheat is harvested this summer." "Fer how long?" Maria asked fidgeting nervously with her braided mane. "I am...I am uncertain, but it shall be many years. At least twenty years...perhaps even fifty years." Holo answered hesitantly as she looked to the Everfree. "Ah'll set aside a basket of apples fer ya every year just in case ya wake up early." Maria said as with a faint smile. "Knowing you they shall be the sourest ones you can find." Holo snorted. "Only the best for you sugar cube." Maria laughed despite her heavy heart. The pair of friends, who were closer than sisters, laughed as they laid in the warm grass, enjoying each other's company despite the coming separation. --- The Present --- "Look at ya. All these years and ya haven't changed one bit," Granny Smith commented, looking at Holo from across the dinner table with a smile. "My lovely figure is a curse I fear," Holo smirked as she winked at Big Mac, causing the red stallion to fumble with his fork. "Ah meant y'all are still skinny as a bean pole," Granny Smith deadpanned, causing Holo to nearly choke on her cider with laughter. "I can see where Applejack get's her wit from," Holo replied with a smirk, after catching her breath. They act like the closest of kin, Applejack thought with a bit of wonder watching Granny Smith and Holo trade remarks and smiles. "Um Miss Holo?" Apple Bloom asked hesitantly as she looked up at the wolfish mare. "Please there is no need for such formalities between us," Holo said with a smile at the youngest Apple. "Oh ok," Apple Bloom said, returning the smile. "Are ya really the goddess of wheat?" "I am not so grand, not as a god. I am Holo, and Holo is all that I am," Holo answered as she ruffled Apple Bloom's mane. "But Granny said y'all can make wheat grow with yer magic," Apple Bloom giggled out. "I am Holo the Wise Wolf. My knowledge of the soil and wheat is greater than that of any other's and that is why I can help wheat grow," Holo explained before she ate half an apple in one bite. "Is that how ya got your cutie mark? By learnin' as much as ya could about wheat and soil?" Apple Bloom asked enthusiastically. "Apple Bloom, mind yer manners," Applejack chided softly. "But Applejack," Apple Bloom whined with big pleading eyes. "Listen to yer sister," Big Mac said cutting off the rest of Apple Bloom's whiny plea. Apple Bloom just scowled rather cutely as she took a spoonful of mashed potatoes into her mouth. "Sorry about that Holo. Apple Bloom is a bit excitable when it comes to learnin' about cutie marks," Applejack explained apologetically. "It's quite alright," Holo giggled. "But alas I cannot tell her of how I came to have my mark, for I had it when I first took this pony form." Apple Bloom just pouted at this news. --- Later --- It was early evening. That pleasant time between Celestia's day and Luna's night. As per tradition after supper, Granny Smith sat in her rocking chair on the porch, but this time with Holo sitting beside her in a regular chair. Holo had declined a rocking chair, the wolfish mare had a sever distrust --not a fear, but a distrust-- of rocking chairs after her magnificent tail was once painfully caught under one. "It's good ta see ya Holo." Granny Smith smiled at her old friend. "I am sorry I could not awaken when you first called to me those twenty years ago, my dear apple mare," Holo said with downcast eyes and drooping ears. "It's alright. Y'all are here now," Granny Smith said, smiling as she patted Holo on the back. "It seems as though I've missed quite a number of events," Holo said looking over her shoulder at the door to the farm house. "Three grandchildren eh?" "Heh they're darlings ain't they?" old Miss Smith chuckled. "Forgive me, but I must ask what of their parents?" Holo inquired cautiously. Granny Smith sighed and looked at the rising moon and stars for a long moment. Holo waited patiently. "Their Ma passed after complications from foaling lil' Apple Bloom," Granny Smith explained with a tired sigh like one would give as they traced old scars, causing Holo to wince inwardly, "She was a kind soul. Apple Bloom has her features. Her name was Jasmine and their Pa, Cortland, was my son. He was a hard working colt, had a sharp wit, and a knew more about wheat than anypony else. Y'all would've liked him Holo," Granny Smith sighed deeply. "We lost him in an accident on the farm a number of years ago."(4) "That was the last time your family planted wheat, correct?" "Yeah it was." the old Apple Matriarch replied somberly. "How'd ya know?" Now it was Holo's turn to heave a miserable sigh. "During my long sleep, I dreamt of many things and on occasion glimpsed the world as it passed me by. Ten years ago, I heard the wheat scream as blood touched it," Holo explained in a quiet voice as she held Maria's hoof. "I am sorry I was not here for you my dear Apple mare. No parent should have to bury their child.(5)" Holo whispered. Her tears glistened under the moonlit sky, dampening her cheeks as her tears ran down in rivulets. Granny Smith sighed then ruffled Holo's mane, causing the wolfish mare to look up at her. "Partin' is always difficult, but it's best to let go and instead hold onto our memories; both the happy and sad," Granny Smith sighed as she looked at Holo. "Y'all told me that the day ya left and over time Ah've come ta realize how right you were." "You've become almost as wise as me, my dear Apple mare." Holo said with a small smile. "Well Ah couldn't become as lazy as you are. That'd be a hard one for anypony to pull off." Granny Smith chuckled. "Your wit has not dulled either it seems." Holo laughed and leaned over to her old friend wrapping a forehoof around her in a hug. "Maybe so, but look at me Holo," Granny Smith said as she nudged Holo. "Ah'm an old wrinkly mare now and y'all ain't changed one bit." Holo shook her head softly at Maria. "Nonsense, you're even more beautiful now with your age." "Heh how do ya figure that one?" Granny Smith chuckled. "Because it is a testament to a long full life that not even the gods could deny. The gods envy you, my dear Apple mare," Holo said with a voice heavy with ages of experience and wisdom. "They envy you because you are mortal. Because any moment might be your last. Everything’s more beautiful because you're doomed. You will never be lovelier than you are now. And you will never be here again as you are now in this moment."(6) Old Maria Smith looked at her friend in wonder for a moment then chuckled softly. "Ah'd forgotten how much honey y'all dip yer words in." "Tis the price I pay for being wise," Holo said with a grin. "Holo, Ah have a favor ta ask of ya," Granny Smith said with a serious tone. "Name it my friend," Holo replied her ears perked up attentively. "Ah know ya mostly came back ta see me, but like Ah said Ah'm old and Ah've lived a full life", Granny Smith explained with a happy, but tired smile. "Ah want ya ta spend most of the time you'll be here with mah grandchildren." "Are you certain?" Holo asked worry creeping into her voice. "Yes, Ah'm sure. After all Holo we've had our time together," Granny Smith smiled at her old friend as she rocked in her creaky rocking chair. "Plus Ah ain't goin' nowhere. Ah'll be here to talk with ya at the end of each day." "Very well then, my friend." Holo said swaying her long tail idly as she carefully thought over Maria's words. "Ah think it'll do you and them some good to spend some time together," Granny Smith said with a nod. "Besides y'all ain't gonna believe how big the town has gotten." "Hmm Macintosh is a rather handsome stallion. Perhaps he can show me around the town?" Holo asked with a wide grin. "Mind yer paws sugar cube," The old Apple matriarch said as she cuffed one of Holo's ears sharply, causing her to yelp in a less than dignified manner. "I must say, Applejack reminds me of you a great deal," Holo stated, gingerly rubbing her now sore ear. "So Ah've been told," Granny Smith replied as she rose from her rocking chair with a small groan despite Holo helping her up. "She's a good apple, if a might stubborn." "As I said she reminds me of you a great deal when we were younger." Holo snickered. "Y'all are as shameless as Ah remember," Granny Smith grumbled before smiling. "Ah missed ya Holo." "And I missed you, my dear Apple mare." Holo answered as she hugged her dear friend once more. "Ah'm goin' ta bed. The spare room is upstairs at the end of the hall and is all made up fer ya. Ah'll have Applejack wake ya in the morning before she goes into town," Granny said as she trotted off to her room. "Very well then. Good night, my old friend." Holo replied before yawning herself and walking up the stairs and down the hall to a room with a golden wheat stalk on the door. Chuckling to herself, Holo opened the door and looked at the modest sized room with a smile. The room had a rustic homey charm much like the family who dwelt here. There was in the room a good sized bed with fresh sheets, a pair of open windows letting in the cool night breeze, and a small closet that was revealed to be full of winter coats and boots upon opening. Holo's nose wrinkled at the smell of mothballs and she quickly shut the door. Holo then flopped down on the bed and sighed as she clutched the pillow tightly onto her chest. Reviewing the day's events in her mind. "So much has happened since I was last here," Holo sighed, letting her mind wander before she pulled back the covers and snuggled into them. About an hour later, Holo began wriggling and tossing about in the blankets trying to get comfortable. "And to think I missed earth pony beds while I slept in my cave", Holo said flatly, glaring at the ceiling with tired eyes.