//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1 
// Story: Studying Earth Magic 
// by Richer19 
//------------------------------//

	"What do you mean you have to go to Canterlot?!" Applejack proclaimed as she watches her brother Big Mac pack for his trip. He is going to attended an event that is something he had to go. The thing is that said event will be going on through the Applebuck season and he wouldn't be able to help.

Knowing this, he knew that he couldn't leave his sister to take care of the whole acre so he asked some of her friends if they were free to help like last time. However, all but one already had plans during the two weeks he would be out of town. Exhaling he replies "And I told you that I have to go."

Applejack lets out a small grunt before saying "I just don't understand why you have to go to some fancy event up in Canterlot." The thing was that Applejack knew she wouldn't convince her brother to not go. She had already lost that argument a while back. What she was more angry with was the fact that her help would be in the form of Twilight Sparkle. Now Applejack had no issues with Twilight but for some time now the she had noticed her friend was doing a lot of observations on the various earth ponies in town. When asked, she simply responded with something along the lines of doing research and wouldn't elaborate.

Now she was going to be helping her out with the harvest and Applejack wasn't sure if her friend was up to the task. Sure Twilight wasn't the most athletic pony she knew but she did have two additions that Applejack didn't which would be a great assist to have. Thinking along those lines, Applejack started to see the silver lining that was presented before her. With Twilight offering her magic and flight, it would make harvesting apples faster and allow the two ponies to get done faster.

With that in mind, Applejack at last relents and says "Alright I understand. Who knows, we might even get done with the harvest before you come back big bro."

Big Mac didn't reply to his sister's comment though there was a look of uncertainty that flashed in his eyes; like he knew something that Applejack didn't know and he was unsure as to how to bring it up. He knew he should tell her about what he saw when he went to ask Twilight but Big Mac wasn't the best with explaining his thoughts. Besides, Applejack would find out soon enough...hopefully by the time he was in Canterlot.

So Big Mac went to finish the rest of his packing with the help of Applejack and it was then that the two made their way over to the train station so that not only would Applejack see her brother off but it was also where she was going to meet up with Twilight.

The two reached the station just as the first train to leave for Canterlot was boarding. Big Mac, already having his ticket, gave his sister a final goodbye hug before boarding along with a few other ponies who had business at the capital. Applejack watched as the train let out a final whistle before rolling along the tracks and away from the station.

"I never get tired seeing the Ponyville Express leave. There are just so many good memories we have shared on it." Twilight said in a musing tone. Though Twilight's intention wasn't to startle her friend; it still caused Applejack to let out a sudden gasp of surprise and do a one-eighty turn to face her.

Applejack took a few moments to calm her racing heart before saying "Geez Twilight how long have you been standing there?"

Twilight merely tilted her head to the side a bit before saying "Oh since Big Mac boarded the train. I actually got here before you two but I didn't want to interrupt."

Applejack calmed down and gave Twilight a friendly smile "Well thanks Twilight, not only for that but also taking some time to help me with the harvest."

"Oh it was no trouble at all." Twilight replied as the two began their walk back to the farm "In fact, I had thought about if I could help out around the farm earlier but I've been rather busy of late. So when Big Mac came to me with that offer...well it was the perfect time."

Now that made Applejack a little curious and she turns her head to look at her magically gifted friend "And why would you want to help out around the farm anyway. I mean, not that I wouldn't have minded the help but don't you have a lot of research to do?"

Twilight waved her hoof in response to the question "That is true but let's just say that I do have my reason for helping you out on the farm. Besides when Big Mac told me how our other friends were too busy to help I knew I couldn't leave you to do all that work like last time."

Even though it was a long time ago, Applejack still felt her cheeks redden in embarrassment about the last time she tried to do the harvest all by herself. The two friends reached Sweet Apple Acres and the smell of fresh apples was making them both hungry. Realizing that she hadn't had breakfast yet, Applejack asked "Hay Twi, how about we get some food before we get to work. After all a good breakfast is the best way to start the day."

Twilight nodded in agreement and followed Applejack to her house. To be polite, she waited for her friend to open the door to her house before stepping inside even though Twilight could have just opened it with her magic. Once the two were inside, they both made their way to the kitchen so they could get breakfast.

Applejack began making some pancakes while Twilight helped with collecting ingredients that she needed. However, as the cooking went on Applejack began to notice an unusual manner in which Twilight was acting. Despite having wings and magic, Twilight seemed insistent on getting items by hoof which more often than not resulted in said items falling on the floor. Every time that happened, Twilight would apologize and start cleaning the mess up yet she would do so without the use for her wings or magic.

It took a lot longer than Applejack had anticipated but in the end there were two plates filled with pancakes. Unable to ignore the observation for much longer, Applejack waited for Twilight and her to get settled before asking "Hay...um...Twi. Can I ask you something?"

Twilight looked up after an intense stare on the utensils in front of her "Sure AJ. What is it?"

"Well I don't mean to pry but has something happened to you?"

Twilight gave a soft hum "Not that I can think of. Why do you ask?"

Applejack rubs the back of her head "Well it's just you don't seem to be using your wings or magic that is all."
Now realizing what was up, Twilight simply replied "Oh that is because I've decided that I wouldn't use my wings or magic while I was helping you with Applebuck season." The way Twilight said it in such a casual tone left Applejack realizing that her friend was being truthful to her and such a statement would give her a response that she felt was appropriate for the time.

"Huh?"