//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 // Story: Becoming Twilight // by RandomGreymane //------------------------------// Becoming Twilight - Chapter 7                by RandomGreymane (Mike Hebel)         After Luna left it took a long time for Twilight to get back to sleep.  When she did though she was still in a field of flowers but poppies this time with not a zombie in sight.  Contented she rested until morning.         Upon waking Twilight could hear that Spike was already up and following the morning routine to open the library.  Twilight finished her morning routine herself and headed downstairs.         Grabbing a well worn book off the shelf she floated it into the kitchen and sat at the table while levitating an apple out of the bowl nearby to chew on while reading.         I’ve read this reference guide on the elements a hundred times now but each time I find something new.  It’s like the guide updates itself on a regular basis.  Huh.  Magick book for magick elements.  Duh Twilight.         Unsurprisingly she once again found something that she had missed before.         “While the main choice for the bearers of the elements depends on their internal characters and spirits there are secondary choices that affect who is chosen as a bearer.         For instance if there were two bearers of loyalty and one was particularly weak in body or magick it would choose the stronger one.  It has nothing to do with sentiment and everything to do with strength.  While the weaker pony could grow into the role of bearer the stronger pony is already able to do the job.         Thus when the elements choose a bearer that bearer is always the strongest in body, mind, and their own individual magick.  This is how the elements protect those around them and defend Equestria.”         Well that makes sense on the surface. thought Twilight But that means that every one of my friends who bears an element is the strongest in their magick.  And Applejack doesn’t have any magick....or does she.         “Spike?”  Twilight spoke up “Could you please bring me anything, and I mean ANYTHING, that references earth pony magick?”         “Say what?” Spike asked “Earth ponies don’t have magick.”         “You are sooo wrong my friend.” Twilight said looking Spike directly in the eyes and smiling.         Several hours of reading later Twilight sat back on her haunches and wiped her forehead with her hoof.           Well that clears up a few things but it creates even more questions.  If earth ponies had magick all this time then why didn’t they use it in the famine?         Thinking about it quickly Twilight actually knew the answer to that.         After years of using it to provide food for everypony else they must have either forgotten that it was truly magick or more likely it was obscured by the hate and anger that rose up between the three pony races.  More likely a combination of all three. Twilight decided closing the book she was reading.         Well...it’ll be interesting she thought but I believe I have a plan for both making a new council chamber AND showing Applejack she’s more than just a plain farm pony.         “Spike?” she called “Mind the store please?”         “Don’t I always?” muttered Spike under his breath.         “What was that?” Twilight asked not quite hearing him.         “I said you go on!  I got this!” Spike replied.         “I promise I’ll get you a break here soon.”  Twilight said catching a slight note of irritation in Spike’s voice and approaching him “Much as I like doing the work here myself I’m also going to try and get you a part time assistant to help you around here when I’m busy on Princess Business so to speak.”         “I get a minion?!” Spike asked holding his claws together in a particularly villain-like gesture.         “Not quite my evil apprentice.” said Twilight chuckling and putting a hoof on top of his head “Someone to work with you not under you.  Patience Spike.  Someday if you want it all this will be yours.  At least until you outgrow it size-wise that is.”         Spike nodded and smiled and resumed sweeping. ==================         Twilight chose as usual to walk to the Apple farm not just because teleporting used energy she liked holding in reserve but because the scenery was always so beautiful.  The apple trees no matter if spring or summer held apples of all colors.         I should have seen that before. Twilight remarked to herself  The Apple farm has always been able to produce apples out of season.  The excuse was always that they just extended the growing season on both ends but this...this is more than just an extension.         Thinking back Twilight could recall amazingly that the apple trees here only bloomed for about a week or two before producing buds then apples followed about two weeks later.  Full sized apples.         I wonder why nopony noticed this before. she thought to herself in wonder.         After some consideration the answer again Twilight found was rather simple.  Because very few ponies came out to see where the apples were grown very few realized that there was anything different that any other apple farm.         I suppose ponies should know where their food comes from but I’m betting plenty in Manehatten or Canterlot only know that it comes from a store or food cart. mused Twilight Something sad about that but I suppose nopony can be aware of everything around them.         Lost in thought Twilight did not notice she had strayed off the path and walked blindly into one of the nearby trees causing a few apples to fall around her.         “Ow!” Twilight exclaimed rubbing her head with her hoof.         This tree...I walked right into it and it dropped what?  Maybe two apples? Three? she thought to herself wondering Applejack drops an entire tree full of apples with one buck.  That means either the trees don’t hold onto their apples like other trees or Applejack’s magick is specifically knocking them down.         Thinking back Twilight could never recall any of the apples that Applejack bucked being bad.  Maybe one in a thousand.  The rest she’d seen either falling off the tree when rotten or strangely falling to the ground when the leaves fell in autumn.  One thing was for sure she knew there was definitely magick at work here.         As she approached the barn she could hear Applejack grunting as she moved hay bales into a stack off to a nearby fence.  Smiling she waited patiently until Applejack stopped to wipe the sweat off her brow and noticed her.         “Twilight!” exclaimed Applejack smiling “What brings you ‘round these parts?  Wait...sorry...” Applejack switched to her Manehatten accent “To what do I owe the pleasure of  a visit from Princess Twilight Sparkle.”         Applejack had to quickly duck the dirt clod Twilight threw at her in mock frustration.  “Careful princess” she said grinning now “Y’all might get yer hooves dirty.”         “You’re impossible” responded Twilight also grinning “do you know that?”         “I heard tell sum’n like that once or twice.” Applejack said with an odd amused expression on her face “Still...question stands, what kin I do fer ya?”         “I discovered something about the earth ponies that I think you aught to be made aware of.” said Twilight carefully “Can we go somewhere private and talk?”         “Sure think sugarcube.” Applejack said “Let’s grab some drinks and head fer the hills fer a spell.  You eaten yet?” she asked eyeing Twilight as Twilight’s stomach rumbled slightly.         “Actually I’d love some cherry pie.” Twilight said.         It was her turn to dodge a flying dirt clod this time. ===========         After collecting food and drinks from the kitchen and saying a passing hello to Big Mac and Grannie Smith the two mares headed out down one of the dirt paths towards a large sunny hill crowned with a ring of Red Delicious apple trees.  Each of them making small talk until they got to the grove and spread a blanket to sit on.         “So Twilight...” said Applejack pulling a still steaming apple pie from the picnic basket “what’s this all about anyways.  It’s not something to do with the elements again is it?  So far I haven’t changed my mind.”         “This time it’s not about the elements.” Twilight reassured her “At least not directly.  This time it’s all about you as a pony.”         In short order Twilight explained to Applejack what she had learned about earth pony magick.  At first Applejack just shook her head in disbelief but as Twilight furnished example after example from only her farm Applejack couldn’t help but come to the same conclusion.  That didn’t mean she liked it though.         “Well I can’t say as I’m thrilled to know I’ve got magick in my blood.” Applejack said “But there ain’t one dern thing you’ve said that I ain’t seen with my own eyes.”  Suddenly Applejack was silent.  She took off her hat and stared into it with a pained expression on her face.         “Applejack? What’s wrong?” Twilight asked getting worried herself.         “You.” said Applejack “When you first came to Ponyville and wrapped up winter with us all.”         “Umm...yeah...so...” said Twilight confused a bit.         “I...I tore inta yer about using magick.” Applejack continued “And here I am the most magickal of earth ponies.  Twilight that means I ain’t done anything without magick!  It means my whole life is a lie!”         “Oh Applejack...” Twilight said sighing “That’s not what this means at all.”         “I don’t see how yer can make a good fritter outta a rotten apple on this one Twi.” said Applejack.         “Well try these apples on for size.  Yes you’re magick.” Twilight said “But...so is Big Mac.  And Grannie Smith.  Probably Applebloom too.  And very likely every earth pony in the Apple family let alone in Equestria.”         Applejack was so stunned she dropped her hat and sat up straight.         “And you among them are the strongest.” Twilight continued “Just like you’ve always been.  Does that make things a little clearer?”         “I...yeah....yeah it does.” Applejack said closing her eyes a moment to clear her head “Dammit Twi you sure know how ter shake a gal up!”         “Well if ya like that you’re going to love this!” said Twilight with a grin on her face “I need you to help me with a little ‘princess project...”         Carefully Twilight related her plan to Applejack as the smile slowly returned to Applejack’s face. ============         The next month passed blissfully without incident.  Twilight resumed working out with Scootaloo in the mornings, running the library during the days, and receiving a visit from Applejack every evening.         By the light of moon and stars Applejack and Twilight would leave the library for several hours and return exhausted.  Each time walking to a plot of land on the outskirts of Ponyville that Twilight ordered Papyrus to procure the purchase of.  By the second week of this cycle Twilight put a perception filter around the area so nopony would bother what was going on there.  By the third week though she could no longer make everypony look the other way and had to construct an opaque dome over the area which of course set everypony talking.         By the end of the month she had Papyrus arrange a press conference and opening ceremony in front of the large dome.         “Fillies and Gentlecolts!” said Twilight as she stepped up to the podium “I want to welcome you to the grand reveal of the Twilight Council Building.”         Cheers and stomps erupted from the crowd.  A very tired Applejack in the front row following suit.         “When Princess Celestia and Princess Luna told me I would  be holding my own council I honestly fainted. *ahem*” Twilight coughed slightly before continuing “Frankly it was a lot to take in.  But as a princess of Equestria I would be remiss if I shirked my duties.  That being the case the first order of business was to get set up with a place where you all could bring your requests before the twilight council to have them heard.  To that end I have been working with one of the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony to get this done.  Applejack could you please come here?” Twilight motioned and Applejack hesitated but moved to stand by her side “Applejack has been helping me construct this building but in a very particular way.”         “Twilight no!” hissed Applejack out of the side of her mouth.         Not hearing a word Twilight continued unabated “Applejack has been helping me research earth pony magick.”         Applejack put her hoof to her forehead then quickly hid behind her hat.         The crowd said nothing for a moment then started grumbling a bit.  Mutterings of “What the hay?” and “Is she serious?” could be heard throughout the crowd.         Twilight continued regardless.  “Now I know most of you don’t believe in earth pony magick but when I reveal what’s behind this dome I can tell you that you will all be pleasantly surprised.  With my help and guidance Applejack GREW...this!”         With a burst of magick the opaque dome slowly started to dissolve from the top down revealing what could only be described as an enormous purple and green tree similar in construction to the Ponyville library but much much larger.  The color of the tree started as a dark purple at the base and gradually lightened to a lavender color when it reached the leaves.  The doors were highly polished but simple with Twilight’s mark upon them and wide enough to admit four ponies side-by-side.         The crowd was stunned to say the least.  But slowly they started stomping and whistling and shouting in approval.         “Everyone if you could please calm down.” said Twilight using a touch of the Canterlot Voice spell “Now.  This facility serves several different functions.  The first and foremost is the Twilight Council.  That will be held usually between the posted hours but may run short or long as needed.  The second function this building will have will be magick research.  Beneath this building is a first rate magick research and containment facility.  It shall only be operated before and after normal business hours as it is secondary to the Twilight Council’s work.  Finally this place shall be a sanctuary for anyone who feels threatened or is in danger.  Just as Canterlot Castle is.  The princesses have held that tradition longer than I’ve been alive and I see no reason not to hold it myself.  While the inner offices and rooms will be locked after hours the main chamber is open to anypony and will stay brightly lit at all times.  Celestia has agreed to station a number of royal guards here until we assemble our own over time.”         Taking a moment to breathe and size up the crowd Twilight continued “I’m sure you’ve all had enough of my talking now.  How about a tour?”         Moving to one door Twilight opened it with her magick as Applejack held the other open with her hoof.         The crowd shuffled into the main chamber as Twilight handed off holding the door open to another pony and followed them in.         Applejack tried to keep a low profile but some of the other ponies, particularly earth ponies, shied away from her and moved to pass quickly less they make eye contact accidentally.         Sighing Applejack handed off the door to a friendly unicorn and made her way elsewhere. ==============         After the opening and the tour Twilight went looking for Applejack and found her sitting glumly in front of Pinkie Pie at Sugarcube Corners sipping on an apple cider with a cinnamon stick in it and whip cream on top.         Giving Twilight an angry glare Pinkie turned and went upstairs leaving Twilight and Applejack suddenly alone.         Like many moments in Twilight’s life she didn’t quite know where to go next.  The silence bore down on her like a cloak of heavy fog that soaked her spirit dampening it with every moment.         Applejack was the one to break the silence.         “Twi...they hate me Twi.” she said tears welling up in her eyes.         “C’mon Applejack you know that’s not true!” Twilight said trying to brighten things “There was not one pony who wasn’t impressed with the new building!”         “Twilight.” Applejack said “I saw no less than half a dozen mares hide their foals from me.  Twilight...I saw fear in their eyes.  Like I was some consarn’d monster.”         Twilight had nothing to say for once.  She was stunned as things she’d seen and heard that didn’t make any sense at the time came together in a flash.         “Twi....” said Applejack almost in tears “I saw them look at me the same way they looked at Nightmare Moon.”         Not saying another word Twilight leaned in and hugged Applejack with a grip so strong it made the nature hardened earth pony grunt slightly.  Twilight held her friend until she heard the tears start to flow and her friend start to sob into her shoulder.  She continued to hold her tightly until the sobbing slowly died away and she felt Applejack relax into her shoulder.         Backing up a bit Twilight asked “Better?”         “A little.” said Applejack wiping the remaining tears from her eyes “Ah’m not sure where this here ‘earth pony magick’ thing is a’goin but if  you think it’s a good thing then ah trust ya.”         “Well you can’t very well deny you have magick now can you?” said Twilight “I mean the proof is right there living large out on the edge of town.”         “That yer right about but Twi there t’ain’t many earth ponies that are gonna believe it without seein it with their own peepers.”         “So let them believe what they want to believe.” insisted Twilight         “That’s all very well for ‘flank-blankers’...” Applejack muttered under her breath.         “Wha?....Do they really call me that?” Twilight asked blinking her eyes in surprise.         “Well I reckon it’s died down a bit but I still hear it from tahm to tahm.” said Applejack taking a sudden interest in a nearby cupcake with a western theme.         “Huh....” said Twilight zoning out for a moment then shaking her heard to clear it “Doesn’t matter.  What matters is you.  We’ll make sure this all turns out for the best!”         “Iffin ya says so Twilight.”  said Applejack “Leastwise I hope yer right...” ===============         The trouble started a week later when the next crop of apples was ready for sale.  Applejack and Big Mac were going over the list of orders.         “Ah just don’t get it.” Applejack said going over the papers in her hooves “We’re about four major orders too full.  How the hay’s that happen?”         Big Mac didn’t answer as his mouth was full carrying a large bucket of Golden Delicious to set next to the barn doors.         “Let’s go over the buyers agin.” Applejack insisted.         “Ok.” said Big Mac patiently waiting for her to name them one by one.         “Penny Apple Confections” said Applejack.         “Eeeyup.”           Checking off a box Applejack continued “Pony John’s Fritters”         “Eeeyup”  *checkmark*         “Big Crate Manehatten Apples”         “Eeeyup” *checkmark*         “Pies ‘R Us”         “Eee-Nope”  *X*         “No surprise there they buy hardly anything from us now that they grow their own....Roundabouts?”         “Eee-nope.”         That one surprised Applejack.  Roundabouts was a large eating establishment just outside of Canterlot that the princesses had directed her to after her sales failures at the gala.  The place had never before not bought a large order of her best and shiniest apples every few weeks.  Their sales were that brisk.         “Yer sure about that one?” Applejack questioned Big Mac “Did they say why?”         “Eee-nope.” replied Big Man “They just never placed the order this year.”         “Okay then...” Applejack continued checking the order list.  In the end she found exactly four places that had not placed their usual orders.         “Well I guess it’s time ah took ta visitin’ some of these here establishments ta find out what’s gummin up the works.” Applejack said with conviction “Ahm too tired right now so ah’ll get sum rest tonight and take the train to Roundabouts in the morning.” =========         In the morning a well rested Applejack headed to the Ponyville station and caught the first train to Canterlot.         Humming to herself as she looked over copies of the order paperwork she failed to notice that on the very crowded train not one pony sat within two seats of her.