//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 - Honesty Lost // Story: Even a Goddess Can Cry // by runner2 //------------------------------// Chapter 1 – Honesty Lost Winter was fast approaching the small town of Ponyville. All of the leaves on the trees had already fallen after the annual Running of the Leaves race and the weather was beginning to cool. All of this was nothing new for Ponyville’s resident princess. But times had become quite hard on her. Twilight Sparkle, the town’s librarian, event organizer, bearer of the Element of Magic, and longtime princess had been staring out her bedroom window for hours now, evidence of her recent crying still showing on the fur under her eyes. Yesterday was the fifth hardest day of her life. She attended the funeral of the last of her five closest friends, Applejack, after she passed peacefully in her sleep in her house that still stood on the Sweet Apple Acres land. This devastating news came barely a year after laying one of her other longtime friends to rest. ---------- The funeral yesterday had one of the largest gatherings due to the size of the Apple Family. Many ponies from out of town as well as the whole town of Ponyville had come to pay their respects to the passing of a great friend and relative. The proceedings had been a sad and quiet affair. The pallbearers had been Applejacks remaining family as well as Princess Twilight Sparkle. Having been training as a princess for the majority of her life, Twilight had been taught to hold her feelings in during such tragic events so she could provide an air of comfort to anyone that needed it. This was understandably difficult for her seeing how she had just lost the last of her best and first friends. The funeral went on while several family members and friends spoke about Applejack’s accomplishments through life. Telling of how she had protected Ponyville from an attack by a pack of timberwolves during zap apple season some years back, to her advice in dealing with farming or even family problems. To how she was the best sister ever. After several more ponies said their parts about the dearly departed farmpony, Twilight Sparkle slowly made her way to the stand. “Thank you all for attending this sorrowful occasion. As you all know, Applejack was a great farmer, a loving family member, and a dear friend.” Twilight began, obviously fighting very hard to keep from falling apart. “Applejack was one of the first ponies I met when I came to Ponyville all of those years ago. And she became one of my best and closest friends. Applejack was the most honest pony around. You could ask her nearly anything and, although she could be blunt, she would reply truthfully and honestly…” After Twilight had finished a few more ponies took to the stand to pay their respects as well before everypony slowly started to leave. Twilight and Apple Bloom were among the last ones to go. Slowly making her way back to the library, Twilight had let her tears begin to fall. Nearing the library she was beginning to tremble from her suppressed emotions. Stepping through the door and locking it, she barely took two steps before collapsing onto the floor in tears. The pain was great after having lived through the passing of her friends. Her training to control her emotions had prevented her from breaking down after the passing of her other friends, but this was her last. She could no longer contain the pain and was finally letting it out. She was lying on the floor for hours like that before finally standing and making her way to bed. --------- Twilight had been alone in the library for nearly a decade now. Spike had to go and start his 100-year slumber as part of his natural growing phase. Their parting had been painful and Spike knew that this would be the last time he would see his friends again. Princess Celestia had found a suitable cave near Canterlot where he would be safe and not cause any problems for the residents. She also offered to look after him when he awoke. ---------- Twilight awoke the next morning with tear stained cheeks. She had barely managed to sleep last night and was struggling with writing to Celestia about Applejack’s passing. After many failed attempts, she finally managed to write the letter without messing up or getting tear stains on it. After Spike had left for his slumber, Twilight had been taught the spell to send letters to the princess herself. A brief burst of flame later and the letter was sent. Not even 5 minutes had passed when Twilight noticed the sun noticeably dim. A sign that Celestia felt her pain as well. Anticipating the reply soon, Twilight walked over to sit at her desk. After a short wait, the familiar glow of magic appeared followed by a scroll popping into existence in front of her. Twilight caught it in her magic and opened it on the desk to read. Dear Twilight Sparkle, It pains me greatly to hear of this terrible news. Applejack was indeed a good friend to us all and she will be greatly missed. I do hope you are doing well and I am always here to talk if you ever need it. Please take care of yourself. When I find the time, I will try to visit you soon. Until then, take care and know that I am also feeling your pain over this loss. Sincerely, Celestia Placing the scroll onto the desk, Twilight moved to look out the window. The skies were still overcast and the town seemed much less lively today. The loss had affected everypony. Twilight decided she at least needed to make an appearance in town today to show everypony that she is still there to help if they need it. Walking into the bathroom, she fixed her mane and washed up some before going. Stopping in front of her mirror, she picked up her crown and placed it on her head before continuing downstairs. She slowly descended the stairs from her room and made her way to the door. Picking up her saddlebags and taking a few bits with herself, the walked out. The air today was cool. It was certainly getting close to winter and the pegasai were busy preparing for the first snowfall that was scheduled to happen in a few days. Twilight made her way through town, greeting the ponies out wandering the streets going about their daily chores. Heading toward the market, she noticed the Sweet Apple Acres stall was absent. Knowing that Apple Bloom was probably taking this very hard, she could understand its absence. Sparing a silent glance toward the space, Twilight continued walking, a single tear falling to the ground as she passed. A short walk later she arrived at Sugarcube Corner. Twilight had many happy memories of this place. With all of the parties that were thrown here and all of the good times spent with her friends. After Pinkie Pies passing several years back, it had never regained that sense of overwhelming joy that just entering the bakery had provided. Twilight entered and made her way up to the counter where Pound and Pumpkin Cake were waiting on customers. They were both looking worse for wear after yesterday’s events. “Welcome to Sugarcube Corner, what can I get you Miss Sparkle.” Pound Cake asked in a much sadder tone than normal. “Hello Pound. I will just take a cup of coffee and a small plate of muffins.” Twilight replied, noticing the sadness in his voice. “How are you and your sister doing?” With a sigh, Pound replied, “We have been better. Yesterday’s events have been hard on everypony in town. But we are managing alright I suppose.” Pound walked into the back and returned with a cup of coffee, placing it on the counter. He then reached below the counter and slid three muffins onto a small plate before placing them on the counter as well. “Here you are Miss Sparkle.” He said as Twilight placed some bits onto the counter and collected her purchase. After a short pause he said, “How have you been doing?” Twilight let out a sigh. “I have been taking it kind of hard. But I will be fine.” Twilight replied giving a sad smile. Pound returned the smile and gave a nod before walking over to help the next customer. Twilight walked over and sat down at one of the corner tables near the windows. After getting comfortable she started eating her meal. Time went by as she sat in silence watching the ponies come and go. She had long since finished her meal when somepony approached her table, drawing her attention. It was Pumpkin Cake. “Hello Pumpkin, can I help you with anything?” Twilight asked. Giving a slight bow, Pumpkin replied, “I was just coming over to ask if you are alright. You have been sitting here for the past several hours and haven’t said anything.” Twilight was a little surprised at that, she glanced outside and realized that the sun was indeed setting. “Oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize how late it was getting. I am fine. I was just remembering good times from the past.” Pumpkin knew that Twilight was probably still quite sad about yesterday’s events. “If you want I can leave the shop open for a while if you need some time.” Pumpkin said. “That’s fine, you don’t have to. I need to get back home anyway since I’m sure I have some returned books to reshelf.” Twilight said as she got up. “Thank you for the meal.” “You’re welcome princess.” Pumpkin said with a small bow. Giving a small chuckle, Twilight stated, “You know you don’t have to call me that. Just Twilight is fine.” “I-I know. I have just never been very good around any of the royalty.” Pumpkin said while nervously glancing to the side. “It’s fine. You don’t have to be so formal around me.” Twilight said softly, “I should probably be going now. You and Pound take care of yourselves now.” “We will your highn-I mean Twilight. You take care as well.” Pumpkin said. With a smile and a nod, Twilight exited the shop and began to make her way back to the library. It had gotten a fair bit colder since she had arrived. The pegasai had finished preparing for the year’s first snowfall and had all left work for the day. The market was already packed up and only a few ponies were still around at this time. Walking by the market on her way back, Twilight spared another glance toward the Sweet Apple Acres space. Her eyes grew wide and she stopped at what she saw. There in the space were numerous flowers and cards that had seemingly come for nearly every pony in Ponyville. Knowing that she should contribute to the memorial as well, Twilight walked over to a nearby flowerbed and picked out a few nice blooms. Using her magic to weave them together, Twilight made a small wreath and placed it in the center of the space. Shedding a few more tears, she turned and made her way back home.