//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1 
// Story: Epic Discoveries: Zap Apples 
// by Strong Shield 
//------------------------------//


Epic Discoveries: Zap Apples


It was a warm autumn morning, and the sun had just cleared the beautiful Equestrian skyline. Just as the air began to hum with the sound of life, a burnt-orange pony came in to view at the edge of town. There was a slight breeze which blew his mane gently in the wind, giving him a slight air of destiny as he strolled slowly in to town. Welcome to Ponyville he noted, reading a sign as he passed by, taking everything in with great attention to detail.
As he began to settle back in to his own thoughts, he bumped in to another pony walking the path, knocking her flat on the ground. 
“Oh! So sorry, I really should pay more attention to where I'm going,” the male pony said, extending his hoof to the most recent victim of his wandering mind. She was a young orange filly with a flowing yellow mane. 
“Aw shucks, wa'n't  your fault,” the filly replied, “I was distracted too.”  “Never seen ya around before, is this your first time in Ponyville,” the filly asked as she was lifted to all fours.
“Well, yes,” the colt replied, sounding almost embarrassed, “I've been doing a great deal of traveling, but somehow I haven't made it here until today. My name is Epic, Epic Tale.”
“Nice to meet ya Epic, my name is Applejack, and ya couldn't have picked a better time to visit Ponyville.” the filly said with a  grin, “the Zap Apple trees have just got their leaves and they'll be ready for harvest in no time!”
Suddenly, Epic was very confused, “what apples now?”
Applejack was taken back, “ya gotta be kiddin' me! You've never heard of Zap Apples?”
Once again, Epic was embarrassed, “Nope. I seem to be more out of the loop than I thought.”
“Follow me,” she said,  beckoning with her hoof.
While following the young filly, Epic fell deep in thought once more. How is it that I've never been here before. You'd think that after traveling for thousands of years, I'd have surely come across this place at least once. Epic realized he would have to research Ponyville more thoroughly once this brief encounter was over. The two trotted briefly past a sign which read Sweet Apple Acres then suddenly, an unusual sight roused Epic from his deep reflections. Before him were the strangest trees he had ever seen. The branches looked as though the tress had died many years before, but they bore the most beautiful leaves. They were a wonderful shade of deep purple and everything about these trees screamed magic. The odd appearance was a bit unnerving at first glance, almost sinister. But upon looking at them for a moment, one became entranced. They had a macabre beauty wholly unique. They were the most beautiful things Epic had seen in several millennia.
“These,” began Applejack, “are Zap Apple trees.” She seemed to grin proudly as she said this. For a moment, Epic was speechless, still blown away by the wonderful (albeit slightly dark) appearance of the orchard of trees before him. 
“They're...astounding,” Epic replied, finally composing himself enough to form words, “I've not seen something this wonderful in a long time.” He glanced over at them again, only to quickly turn away. He was afraid that if he continued to gaze upon the trees, he would be drawn in to his certain doom, like a sailor lead astray by the song of a wicked siren.
“If ya think they're purdy now, just wait until they bloom,” Applejack replied with a beaming grin. For a moment, Epic let his mind roam once more, imagining these enchanting trees loaded with blossoms.
“That's a sight I might just have to see,” he replied, trying not to let on just how excited he was.
“The trees should blossom by tomorrow, and we should have Zap Apples by the followin' day.”
“Well then, maybe I will see you tomorrow. Unfortunately, I must take my leave now as I have some things to attend to in town before setting up camp,” Epic replied, bringing himself back to reality once more.
“Ain't ya got nowhere to stay,” she shouted after him.
“I prefer to sleep under the stars,” he said, “helps to quiet my thoughts after a long day.” Applejack looked slightly confused at this, but said nothing.
“If you say so,” she replied, nodding to him as he trotted away.
As Epic headed back in to town he began pondering Ponyville once more. How have I not been here before. After millennia of traveling Equestria, I must have come through here at least once. So engulfed with this quandary, he stopped dead in his tracks in the middle of the road and pulled a map from his saddle bags. As he traced his path through Equestria, he smiled as his hoof landed on places which held fond memories. That time I almost set the castle on fire, he thought, chuckling as he traced over Canterlot, brushing his horn in embarrassment. As he came to Ponyville, a sudden realization came over him. Epic began digging frantically through his saddle bags. “I know it's in here somewhere...” he trailed off, mumbling a string of what were likely profanities. Then he found it. He pulled an incredibly old tome from his saddle bags and brushed the dust off with his wing. The Complete History of Equestria, the cover read. He opened the book to examine a map just beyond the front cover. It was, without a doubt, a map of Equestria; but this map was incredibly old. As he traced the same path over this antiquated map, he confirmed the theory his previous realization had proposed: he had been here before.
Long ago, Epic Tale had made his way past this very place. In fact, he began to picture this place as it had been that many years ago. However, there was one significant difference: Ponyville. All those years ago, when he had first come through this beautiful land which bordered the Everfree Forest, Ponyville did not exist! Have I really been away for that long? He thought to himself, swept by a wave of sorrow. In his absence, a whole new town had risen up from this once vacant patch of land. Epic decided he would have to do further research to see exactly what else had changed during his absence. After all, there must be a library in town which he could make use of.
After a brief walk, Epic arrived at the center of Ponyville. It was a quaint little town, but to him it seemed as busy as a bustling metropolis. It had been some time since Epic had any real interaction with other ponies. In fact, for a while, he had been wandering from place to place, living off the land instead of stopping for actual supplies. First and foremost, he needed food. As he scanned the buildings, he quickly came across what appeared to be a bakery. The sign out front read Sugar Cube Corner. “Well, maybe someone there can tell me where to get a bite to eat,” he said, trotting toward the door.
As he got closer, Epic caught the smell of wonderful baked goods, as well as the sound of numerous instruments all playing in unison. “Must be a celebration,” Epic said to himself with a smile. As he crossed the threshold, things suddenly became slightly more confusing. Expecting to see a small band playing for some sort of special occasion, Epic instead found himself staring at a bright pink pony with a curly mane playing half a dozen instruments by herself. Among them were a drum, cymbals,  harmonica, an accordion, and a horn. She bounced around the room with more energy than Epic thought any one pony should ever have. Epic shook his head as he walked toward the counter, hoping that he could catch the attention of whoever happened to be working. 
As he got to the counter, the music suddenly stopped and a loud “Hiya!” pierced the air. “Ummm....hi,” Epic said, hoping he hadn't interrupted the pony's 'playing'. “My name's Pinkie Pie. I haven't seen you around here before. Are you new here? What's your name? Did you like my music?”
Epic's eyes widened, he wasn't sure how he understood all of what was said; let alone how to respond or which question to answer first. “I'm uh...I...uh...It was uh...Epic Tale. My name is Epic Tale.”
“That's a funny name,” Pinkie began again, “you must be new here then. I would've remembered a name like that. So, welcome to Ponyville! And welcome to Sugar Cube Corner! Did you need something?”
Once again, Epic was at a loss for words, “I uh...I was looking for some food. Is there some place around here a pony can get something to eat?”
“Sure there is silly! You're in a bakery! We have cakes and pies and cupcakes and apple fritters and doughnuts and apple brown betties!”
Epic shook his head, “No, I meant real food.”
Pinkie suddenly looked very confused, “What do you mean? They're all real, see,” she said taking a huge mouthful of baked goods all at once.
“I um...a salad? Where can I get a salad?” Epic asked, slightly disappointed.
“Oh! That kind of food. There's a little restaurant just down the road,  you can't miss it.” she said, pulling out all of her instruments once again to begin her one-pony-band act.
Leaving Sugar Cube Corner, Epic couldn't help but shake his head, “What in the name of Equestria...” He felt incredibly sorry for that pony's employers, although he was certain they were never without a good laugh. After a short trot, Epic arrived at the local diner. Numerous tables sat beside the quaint little building, surrounded by a small wrought-iron fence.
Epic decided he would sit down at one of these outdoor tables, and he selected the one furthest from the road as not to be bothered during his meal. He sat his saddle bags down then trotted over to the diner counter, “I'll have a couple of salads please,” he asked the filly behind the counter.
“Sure, coming right up,” she replied, as Epic handed her a few coins, “I can bring it to you at your table if you like.”
Epic smiled, gave a slight nod, then headed back to his table to fall back in to his deep contemplation. His thoughts were plagued by the hauntingly beautiful trees he'd encountered on his way in to town, as well as the slightly disturbed pony he'd met at the bakery. He was curious as to how he'd managed to stumble across this town just in time to witness this rare occasion, but he figured it was bound to happen eventually. After all, when you wander for thousands of years, you're bound to see anything at least once, he thought.
Just then, the filly arrived with his salads, “Dining alone?” she asked, seeming almost saddened by arriving with lunch for two to find a table of one.
“Yeah...” Epic replied, half confused and maybe even a little offended, “I'm new in town.”
“Oh! Well, welcome to Ponyville,” the filly replied with a smile.
“Thanks,” Epic replied, mouth half full of salad. Smiling once more, the waitress walked away, leaving Epic to quietly enjoy his lunch.
After putting away two salads, Epic wiped the remnants of his lunch off his face and left two large rubies on the table for the waitress. He packed up his saddlebags and trotted off in search of a place to set up camp for the evening. After a short stroll, Epic came across a stream which crossed the path just outside of town. Following it for short time, he found a small clearing a little ways away from a woodland cottage. He decided this was the perfect place to pitch his tent for the night; there were few others around to disrupt him and he would have an unobstructed view of the night sky. Epic pitched his tent, unrolled his bedroll and removed a small firefly lantern from his saddlebags. Once this was done, he once again pulled the old copy of The History of Equestria from his bag and began reading it once again. Just as he reached the midway point he shut the book, which shot a cloud of dust right back in to his face. Epic had a brief sneezing fit, after which he shook his head and settled in to his bedroll and stared deeply into the heavens. If there was one thing that never failed to comfort him, it was the vast array of lights in the night sky which Princess Luna ignited every evening when she raised the moon.
Staring off into the night sky, Epic felt his consciousness melt away as he slowly drifted off. The next thing he knew, Epic woke to the gentle voice of a filly.
“Excuse me,” she said in what was almost a whisper.
“Huh? What? Who are you? What do you want?” Epic replied, startled and still half asleep.
The filly backed away quickly, covering her face with her hoof slightly, “Oh. I, uh...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you.”
Epic could see she was blushing, “Oh no, I'm sorry. It appears I may have startled you as well. My name is Epic Tale, and I'm just passing through. I just needed a place to rest for the evening and thought I'd make camp here.” Now that he was awake, Epic was able to process the appearance of the filly before him. Where before there had only been a silhouette, now there was a pale yellow pegasus with a very timid look about her and she had a pale pink mane which flowed gently in the evening breeze.
“I'm Fluttershy,” she replied softly, “I uh...I live just up the stream. I suppose, I mean if you want, you could -well what I mean is...” The filly stumbled over her words as if she was too afraid to speak, but after a deep breath she continued, “you could stay with me for the night if you like.”
Epic couldn't help but chuckle a bit, “ You're very kind, but I'll be fine right here. Thank you all the same.” He smiled as he spoke, hoping that the timid young pony didn't take offense to him declining her offer.
She smiled back, still hiding her face behind her hoof, “Oh, ok. Sorry to bother you then.”
Epic chuckled again, “No, it's quite alright. Good night.” As she walked away, he couldn't help but laugh to himself a bit, he had never known anypony quite as timid as the pony who had just left his presence. He found it sweet, yet funny that innocence such as this could exist in a place which had endured the things like those Equestria had endured. With a smile on his face and a gentle breeze blowing his mane, Epic stared into the stars and once more fell asleep.
When he awoke once more, it was in the light of a late morning sun. It had risen right over the peak of his tent and fell softly on his face, just as he'd intended. He liked to think this easily-reproduced phenomenon was Celestia's way of making sure he'd never sleep later than he wanted to. As he stretched out, his hooves bumped in to something above where his head had been that night. As he turned to look, he noticed a bowl sitting there not four feet from him. He picked himself up enough to see what was inside, and quickly realized it was a bowl of soup. Now who...? Fluttershy... Epic chuckled to himself once again. That pony might even be too kind for her own good. But, at least now he had something for breakfast. He packed up his tent and lantern, leaving his bedroll there to sit on while he ate his breakfast. The soup was very good, and he quickly found himself staring at the bottom of an empty bowl. I'll have to find a way to thank her some day, he thought. He then packed up his bedroll and the bowl (which he took the time to carefully wash in the nearby river), and headed back toward town.
Walking through town, Epic thought to himself about where today might lead him. Then he remembered: Applejack said those trees would bear fruit soon. Maybe I'll head back to Sweet Apple Acres. He decided this was as good a plan as any and began walking back down the path toward Sweet Apple Acres. As the farm and surrounding fields came in to view, the orchards once again had a surprise in store for Epic Tale. His eyes were drawn instantly to the enchanting trees which had mesmerized him the day before, however this time something had happened which made the trees even more beautiful. Contrasted by the deep purple leaves, each tree now bore several pale blossoms which looked like the stars which shone beautifully in the sky every evening. Epic stood in awe, mouth gaping as if an invisible being stood before him, making sure the breath continued to pass in and out of his body. It was only after hearing a familiar voice that he was finally freed from his trance. 
“Had to come back for another look, did ya?” It was Applejack. Apparently, she'd come upon him during his plunge in to the beautiful oblivion that lay before him. In fact, had she not come, he might have been lost forever in the depths of space, at least, that was the feeling which came over him. 
“Oh! Um, yes. I've just never seen such beautiful trees. Wherever do they come from?” He replied, trying to regain his composure.
“Ya know, I don't really know,” said Applejack, “ Granny Smith planted 'em years ago and I don't think I ever heard her tell anypony. Only thing I do know is that they're magic.”
Epic was slightly disappointed by this, but he was sure he'd be able to find out with a  little research. “You know, the trees get infinitely more beautiful when they bloom,” Epic said, smiling as he stared at he trees once more.
Applejack began to stare at the trees before responding, “I know. Sometimes I wish I didn't have to work so hard buckin' apples during Zap Apple season. I'd just spend all night starin' at these trees.”  The two of them stared at the Zap Apple trees for a moment and sighed heavily. Applejack then shook her head and finally broke the silence, “Well, I should be getting' back to work. Gotta go set up all the bushel baskets for the harvest tomorrow.”
“I'm not doing anything important today,” Epic replied, “would you like some help?” 
“Are ya sure?” Applejack questioned, “This year's harvest is lookin' to be the biggest one in years. It's gonna be a lot of work. Besides, Big Mac and Apple Bloom are supposed to help out anyway.”
Epic shrugged, “I don't have anything better to do. Where do I start?” Applejack shrugged back, pointing him toward a stack of barrels, “Just put two at the bottom of each tree and we'll be all set for tomorrow!”
After hours of running (and in Epic's case, flying) back and forth, Applejack and Epic had finally finished. They collapsed to the ground, panting violently.
“Finished. No thanks to Big Mac or Apple Bloom. Where are those two anyway,” Applejack said, her frustration showing even through her heavy breathing. Epic shrugged, either the question was rhetorical or Applejack forgot that he was new to town and had yet to meet either of these ponies.
Applejack looked around for a moment, then let her head fall back to the ground, “I guess it doesn't matter now either way. Thanks for all your help...Epic, right?”
“Yeah, Epic Tale,” he said, “and it's really no problem. However, I think I'm going to go grab something to eat in town. I'll see you tomorrow Applejack.” And with that, Epic pulled himself to his hooves and wandered back toward town.
Epic reached town just as the sun began to set. The sky was beautiful, and had he not been afraid the shops would be closing soon, Epic probably would have sat down right there and watched the sunset. But as it was, he was starving, so Epic hurried through town toward the diner hoping he would make it in time to grab a quick meal before he laid down for the evening. As he galloped toward the diner, Epic heard from behind him, “Allons-y!” Epic quickly dropped to the ground, drawing the attention of several ponies nearby. Unfortunately for him, one of them was the pink pony he'd met in the bakery the day before. “Are you ok? What was that all about? Was there something shiny on the ground? Can I see it?”
Epic's head hurt at how fast the words rolled from the pony's mouth, but he knew he wouldn't get away without saying anything. “I'm fine. Just got scared for a minute, that's all. The last time I heard those words, I was hit in the head by a colt flying by in a hot air balloon.”
Pinky stared at him for a moment, either confused or still processing what had been said. Then a smile came across her face, “Oh! Ok,” she exclaimed before hopping off. Shaking his head once more at the oddity of this filly, he then took off again toward the diner.
He arrived at the diner counter, gasping for air. “I need...cheese...witches please,” he panted to the waitress.
Her eyes widened, “You what now?” “I need two cheese sandwiches please,” he repeated, finally catching his breath.
“Oh! Yeah, not a problem,” the waitress replied, still slightly confused by what she'd heard earlier. When she returned, Epic put a hoof-full of gems on the counter, thanked the waitress, then headed back to the riverbank where he'd camped the night before. When he got there, he noticed the filly from last night entering the cottage just up the river. He figured he ought to return her bowl before he forgot all together. He trotted up the path to the cottage, trying to find the words he could use to thank the pony without scaring her. Now...what was her name again. F...F...Fl...Flutter-Fluttershy! That was it! As he got to the door, Epic pulled the bowl out of his saddlebags with one hoof and knocked on the cottage door with the other.
As the door swung open, the two ponies began to greet each other in unison. “Hello-” they both stopped, realizing what had happened. Fluttershy covered her face with her hoof once again, while Epic began to laugh aloud.
“Oh, hi,” Fluttershy whispered from behind her hoof.
“Hi there,” Epic replied, “ I was just coming by to say thank you for the soup. It was very good. I even washed the bowl for you.” He held out the bowl, which Fluttershy reached for with her other hoof before realizing the other was still held up to her face. She began to fall before catching herself with the hoof she was holding in front of her.
Blushing, she took the bowl from Epic, “Thank you. I'm glad you liked it,” she said.
Epic smiled back, “Oh yes, it was wonderful. Thank you so much.” The two stood there silently for a moment; Epic trying not to laugh at the clearly embarrassed pony in front of him, and Fluttershy too scared to move, let alone speak.
“Well, I should probably get some sleep,” Epic said, trying his best to break away from the awkward silence.
“Oh, well...good night then,” Fluttershy replied, half covering her face with the empty bowl this time. And with that, Epic walked back toward the riverbank clearing where he pitched his tent and faded back into his peaceful slumber amongst the stars.
Epic awoke the next morning as he had the morning before. The strategic placement of his tent let the sun pass over the peak of his tent and shone brightly upon his face. He had made sure to wake up slightly earlier this morning, as he wished to rush over to Sweet Apple Acres and see the Zap Apples as they appeared on the trees. He quickly packed up his tent and bedroll before galloping down the path to town. He sped past the diner where he'd taken two of the last three meals he'd eaten. The bakery seemed a blur as he rushed by, barely noticing the strange music and shouts coming from inside (no doubt coming from Pinky Pie after her latest sugar binge). Epic was running so fast, he nearly sped right passed the path which lead to Sweet Apple Acres. He quickly turned the corner, nearly falling over, and continued down the path.
When Epic finally arrived at the farm, what he saw was so much more than he had expected. Once again, his eyes fell upon the deep purple leaves and pale blossoms of the Zap Apple trees, but this time something else made the sight even more astounding. Scattered about the tree were several unusually shaped apples, however the shape wasn't the only abnormal thing about these apples. Not only were these apples larger and more oblong than traditional apples, but they were rainbow colored! Once again, Epic found himself staring, slack-jawed, in awe of these mysterious trees. For a moment, he stood completely still, staring at the trees. Suddenly, he felt terrible. For the last few days, he'd been so mesmerized by the trees that he'd completely overlooked somepony who he rightly ought to be helping. While everypony in town was chattering about Zap Apple jam and the sweet treats to come, they'd overlooked dear Applejack who had been going non-stop in an effort to prepare for the harvest. Epic quickly scanned the orchard, searching for the poor filly whom most of town had not even thought about offering a hoof to. There she is he thought, spotting her off in the distance. He took one last brief look at the beautiful trees which had entranced everypony around and began to gallop toward Applejack.
After a fierce gallop, Epic came up to Applejack who was wiping her hoof across her forehead. Looking behind her, Epic noticed she'd already bucked about one fifth of the orchard, but the signs of fatigue were all over her face.
“You...look like you...could use a hand,” Epic panted, still catching his breath.
“Oh, but I couldn't ask ya to do that,” Applejack replied, slightly out of breath herself, “you're just a guest here in Ponyville.”
“Pfft! Hardly,” he replied, “ I've been here two whole days, been wholly anti-social and done nothing but exploit the kindness and generosity of everypony I've met.”
“Shucks, I don't think you've done nothin' of the sort,” Applejack said, recalling the kindness Epic had shown her the night before.
“Agree or not, I'd like to help. Where should I start,” Epic asked, planting his hooves in the soil defiantly.
Applejack chuckled, “If you insist...” she'd gathered by now that this colt was just about as stubborn as she was. She thought for a moment, “How about you start at the other end of the orchard, and we'll work our way to the middle. That work for ya?”
Epic smiled, “Sounds good to me.” And with a nod, he bolted off once more for the far end of the orchard.
Thinking of the quickest and most effective way to clear fruit from the trees, Epic decided he would fly through one row of trees (one at a time) while shaking the tree next to it with his magic. This proved fairly effective; at least Epic, this being his first time harvesting apples, thought it worked out fairly well. He quickly made his way up and down the rows of trees, using his makeshift harvesting method to get through two rows at a time.
After several hours of flying and tree shaking, the entire orchard was cleared. Once again, Epic and Applejack found themselves laying on the ground, panting from exhaustion.
“I....I do not...envy you Applejack,” Epic chuckled, still trying to catch his breath.
Applejack chuckled, “Well...'t ain’t all bad,” she paused to breathe, “and it's much better with somepony to lend a hoof.” The two chuckled once more before pulling themselves up to all fours. It was then that Epic noticed two ponies in the distance. One was pulling a wagon, which the other loaded with the barrels full of Zap Apples.
“I suppose those must be Big Mac and Apple Bloom?” Epic asked, hoping he wasn't witnessing a theft; or worse, hallucinating.
Applejack had been staring at something else, but snapped back when she heard Epic talking, “Where? Oh, yeah, that's them. Takin' them Zap Apples to Granny Smith to whip up some Zap Apple jam.”
Then, Epic realized she was staring at him, more specifically, at his mane. “Did I get something in my mane,” he asked, quickly brushing at his mane with his hooves.
Applejack reached over and pulled a Zap Apple blossom from his mane, “Ya look real purdy with that flower in your mane,” she laughed.
Epic took it from her and looked at it for a moment, “You know, I don't really think it's my style,” he reached over and place the flower in her mane, “ but I think you could pull it off.” Epic chuckled for a moment, “ Think of it as a gift, for the unsung hero of the Zap Apple harvest.”
Applejack smiled, “Aw, shucks, well thank you.” Then, Applejack and Epic trotted over to the ponies rounding up the bushels of apples and began helping them load the rest of the harvest.
By the time the apples had been loaded on the cart, hauled back to the house, then unloaded for Granny Smith the sun had set once more. “How'd ya like to stay an' have supper with us here Apples,” Granny Smith asked Epic.
“No ma'am, I couldn't possibly impose,” he replied, feeling he'd intruded enough on the Apple family for one day.
“Then at least let us send ya off proper with a meal fer the road,” Granny Smith replied, handing him a glass jar full of stew, “an' please, just call me Granny.”
“Thank you Granny,” Epic said with a smile, hoping he hadn't offended the Apples.
“Thanks again Epic,” said Applejack, “you were a big help today.”
Epic smiled, “Really, it was nothing Applejack, I'm glad I could help.” With that, Epic took his leave of Sweet Apple Acres and headed back to his quiet riverbank campsite.
After setting up his tent once more next to the quiet little river that ran along the edge of Ponyville, Epic began to ponder everything that had happened over the last couple of days. He'd met some interesting ponies, made a new friend, had some wonderful food (much like the delicious stew he was eating at that moment), and of course he'd found those hauntingly beautiful trees. Those trees which transformed from dying and decayed, to  a stunning night sky littered with rainbow-colored clouds. Over all, Ponyville seemed to be a wonderful place. In another life, I might have even settled down in a place like this, he thought to himself, staring vacantly into the night sky. Epic let out a long sigh, “Alright, time for bed.” He laid down once more, looking up into the ocean of stars as if searching for some kind of release from the sorrow in his heart which made him wander as he did. After a few moments, he found a temporary relief which allowed him to drift off to sleep.
The next morning Epic awoke not to the warm light of the sun on his face, but to the sound of voices outside his tent. He rubbed his eyes with his hooves and looked in the direction he heard the voices coming from. There he saw Applejack, and she'd brought Fluttershy and Pinky Pie. “Well,” he yawned, “good morning to you girls too.” The girls stopped talking and looked over at the once sleeping colt.
“Oh, I'm sorry,” Fluttershy began, “we didn't mean to wake you up.”
Epic chuckled, “It's alright Fluttershy. Did you three need something?”
"Applejack had something to give you! A present! Wait, why don't I get a present? I love presents!” Pinky Pie shouted in one long stream.
Epic was slightly confused, in part by Pinky's chain of half-understood words, and also at the thought of receiving a gift from someone whom he'd only met three days before.“Well, uh,” Applejack began, “ I wanted you to have these,” she said holding out her hooves. One contained a small seed, the other a jar full of some kind of jelly. Epic gathered that the latter must be a jar of Zap Apple jam, but, he had no idea what the either might be. “This is from Granny Smith,” Applejack said, holding out the jar of jam, “she figured ya might like a jar seein' as ya did help harvest the apples.” Epic took the jar as Applejack began again, “And this is from me,” she said holding out the seed, “it's a Zap Apple seed. I know ya thought the trees were so purdy, I figured ya might like to grow your own. Bring somethin' beautiful to someplace that needs it.”
Epic smiled, “Thank you Applejack. I will treasure it forever.” They smiled at each other for a moment before Epic felt compelled to break the silence, “Unfortunately girls, I'm leaving town today.” Pinky and Applejack both gasped.
“What? How come? I didn't even get to throw you a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party and now I have to plan a goodbye party too?!” Pinky shouted, once again challenging everyone to decipher the jumble of words which rolled out of her mouth.
“I have some things I have to take care of Pinky, that's all,” Epic replied, a hint of sadness in his voice.
“Will we ever see you again?” Applejack asked, hoping this wasn't the last time she would speak to her new-found friend.
“You might, Applejack, you just might.” And with that, Epic packed his things and trotted out of Ponyville and in to the Everfree Forest. With a heavy heart, he sighed, and once again began wandering the Equestrian countryside.