//------------------------------//
// The Beginning 
// Story: Pure Imagination 
// by SYNTH4 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Many ponies in Equestria love the sweet taste of a piece of candy. The luscious flavor and the feeling of it overwhelms the mouth. Now Princess Luna may want ponies to start eating healthier, but it won’t stop ponies from enjoying their favorite sweets. Some ponies have even got their cutie marks because of them. 

But there has to be ponies in Equestria to make all this candy. Some of the most popular brands are the Hoofies Chocolate Factory on Hoofies Ave in Manehattan, or the Lunar Incorporated Factory in Canterlot. 

However, every candy company falls below the lines of one particular company. For you see the most popular Candy Factory in Equestria, situated just outside of Ponyville, it the Pinkie Pie Chocolate Factory. 

Now this wasn’t an ordinary Chocolate Factory. No…for you see this factory was the largest in the World. It was a good fifty times as big as any other. Built by the strongest of ponies, on the flattest land in the area, the factory was built to be dazzling. 

It was thanks to this factory that Ponyville had grown as much as it had over the years. More and more ponies came to live in town as to be closer to the factory. They were all thrilled to be working in such an interesting place. 

…But that was some time ago. 

Now I do believe we should meet the pony who will lead us on our wonderful journey.

*************************

“And with that, Princess Luna was banished to the moon. There she stayed for one thousand years before…” 

The school bell range, cutting off the purple/pink pony at the front of the room. Freezing, she looked up at the clock. 

“Oh my, it seems I’ve been talking for too long. Now remember to have chapter 18 read by Monday class” she said as the students began to pack up their supplies. 

Soon all the students had scurried out of the room…all expect for one. At the back of the room, at the far right, sat a small earth pony. She had a bright red mane, which was tied with a bow, and a yellow pelt. 

The foal was still packing her things into her saddlebags. But unlike all the other foals, she was taking her time. All her pencils and paper were carefully put in their proper place. 

The pink pony at the front, who was now sitting at her desk, looked over at the foal. 

“Apple Bloom, aren’t you going to head home. Not that I wouldn’t mind if you’re staying. It does get lonely sifting through papers alone all evening” she said. 
“Don’t worry Miss Cheerilee; I’m heading out. I just wanted to make sure everything was in the right spot” said Apple Bloom. She tossed her saddlebags onto her back, and headed for the door. 

“Do be careful walking home, the snow will make things slick” said Cheerilee. 

“I will. See you Monday Miss Cheerilee” said Apple Bloom. And with a swift motion, she was out the door. 

*************************

Apple Bloom walked through the crowded hallway on her way to the front doors. Many foals were either walking to different locations in the school, or getting things out of their locker. Thankfully Apple Bloom had all of her stuff with her, so all she needed to get from her locker was her scarf. 

Reaching her locker, located just around the corner from the front door, Apple Bloom began to swirl the dial to the right numbers. 

“10…10…10” said Apple Bloom. She kept thanking herself that she got the easiest combination in the school. 

Pulling the locker open, she pulled her scarf down from the hook, and flung it around her neck. 

“Hey Apple Bloom” said a voice. 

Turning around, Apple Bloom saw a foal with a curly red mane, an off white pelt, and two candy canes in the shape of a heart as a cutie mark. 

“Oh, hey Twist. What’s going on” asked Apple Bloom, giving her locker a buck shut as she did so. 

“I was about to head home, and was wondering if you’d like to come with. Your house is a little further along, so you wouldn’t have to walk that much farther” said Twist. 

Apple Bloom’s face became questionable. “Would we go down Hoof Street or Buck Ave” she asked. 

“Hoof Street, it’s the fastest” said Twist with a big smile. 

Apple Bloom rubbed the side of her leg. “Oh, well you see Twist…I have to go down Buck Ave. Applejack wants me to pick up some stuff for the farm” she said. 

Twist showed a face of disappointment. Looking down at the floor, she gently moved her hoof in circle. “Oh, okay then. Maybe some other time” she said. 

“Right, some other time” said Apple Bloom. As she began walking towards the corner, she looked back at Twist. “See you around Twist. I promise we’ll walk home together some day” she said. 

“Yeah, okay” said Twist, and then she walked down the hallway. 
Apple Bloom turned the corner and headed for the door. “Sorry Twist, but I just really wanted to go by it” she said to herself. Reaching the door, she swung it open and walked outside. 

*************************

The strong just of cold wind blew on Apple Bloom’s face. Snow picked up off the ground and swirled around her. Not even her scarf could keep her as warm as she wanted. 

“Sweet Celestia, why is it we have school on days like this” she asked as she walked down the steps of the school. 

Once at the bottom, she turned to the left and started walking down the sidewalk. Every once in a while a stallion pulling a cart would pass by on the street, spaying snow everywhere at the same time. 

Ponies wearing winter halts and scarfs would also pass by; carrying packages and parcels. No doubt these would be gifts for Hearth's Warming Eve in a month’s time. 

But as Apple Bloom walked along the sidewalk, her mind was only on one thing. 

Once she reached the intersection of Hoof Ave and Buck Road, she walked across the street and took Buck. 

Nothing seemed particularly special about Buck Ave: The houses were normal, the shops were normal, and the ponies were normal. But one thing made it very special. 
For halfway down the street, in full view of Ponyville, was Pinkie Pie’s Chocolate Factory; the Largest Chocolate Factory in HISTORY!!!!

The many chimneys that protruded from the rooftops puffed out smoked that swirled through the air. And the sweet smell of fresh chocolate could be smelled for miles. 

But the whole factory had dull grey color to it. Not that it detracted from the splendor of the factory. Even the wall around it, with the large iron gates at the front, looked amazing. 

And as Apple Bloom walked beside the front wall, she looked up at the chimneys, taking in the smell of chocolate as she did so. 

But before she knew it, she was standing right in front of the main gates. Turning to the right, she looked through them towards the three large front doors. 

“Why is it that I never see anypony going in or out” she asked herself. 

However Apple Bloom couldn’t look long, because now she had passed the gate and had to turn left; this was the right way home. 

Walking across the street, she headed down the sidewalk that would take her out of town. 

************************

Once Apple Bloom had left Ponyville, she walked down a small dirt road. The snow was covering most of it, but it wasn’t deep enough that she was having a hard time getting through. 

And soon a large, red, snow covered barn came into view. 

“Thank Celestia, it seems to get longer and longer every time I walk down here” she said as she walked through the front gates. 

Besides a few odd buckets and racks, the yard was completely empty. The trees were so barren that you could see for miles behind them. 

Reaching the door, Apple Bloom gave it three hard knocks. 

“Coming, Coming” said a voice on the other side. 

Suddenly the door flew open, basking light over Apple Bloom and the surrounding area. 

And in the doorway stood an orange earth pony with a blond mane, a cowboy hat, and three apples as a cutie mark. 

“Apple Bloom, good to see you made it home. What took you so long” asked the mare as Apple Bloom walked past her. 

Rubbing her hooves together, Apple Bloom threw her saddle bags into a nearby chair. “Sorry Applejack. I went a different way this time” she said. 

“Well I’d suggest going the faster route next time. We don’t want ya being out there in this kind a weather” said Applejack. 

“Yeah, I know. But right now all I want is to get warm. Is there a fire going” asked Apple Bloom as she hanged her scarf on a hook. 

“Yep. Granny should be sitting by there to, but I think she’s taking her nap” said Applejack. 

But Apple Bloom wasn’t listening. She was already out of the kitchen and in the living room. Almost immediately warmth came around her. 

The fireplace sat on the wall to her right. Pictures of a baby Big Mac, Applejack, and Apple Bloom could be seen. A few others of Hearths Warming Eve days and birthdays were also hanging around the room. 

In front of the fire place was a rocking chair, which currently held an female earth pony. She was a sour apple green, with a grey mane, and an apple pie as a cutie mark. 

Her head was slopped down, and she was snoring loudly. Not even the sound of Apple Bloom walking beside her could wake her up. 

“Same old Granny; taking a nap during the day” said Apple Bloom. But right now she was more focused on getting warm. She happily rubbed her hooves together in front of the fire. The heat coming off it made her hooves feel good. 
“Apple Bloom, can you go get some apples from the cellar. I need some for dinner tonight” called Applejack from the kitchen. 

“Can do” Apple Bloom called back. Then she picked herself up and walked off to the cellar. 

When she came back, with a bucket of apples on her back, she found something surprising. Granny Smith was awake and staring happily at the fire. 

“Nice to see you’re up Granny” said Apple Bloom as she approached the fire. 

Granny turned and looked at the young foal. “Why hello there dearie. What are you doing with all those apples” she asked. 

“Applejack asked me to get them. She says she needs them for tonight’s dinner” said Apple Bloom with a smile. 

“Well I hope she doesn’t use too much. We don’t want to go through all our apples too fast” said Granny, sounding like she was annoyed and concerned. 

“I’ll be sure to tell her that” said Apple Bloom, and she turned away from Granny and walked towards the kitchen door. 

*************************
“Thanks for bring the apples” said Applejack after putting the bucket of apples on the counter. 

“No problem sis. But can I go back to the fire now, I’m still a little cold” said Apple Bloom. She was beginning to feel cool in her hooves again, and wanted to warm up more. 

“Go ahead. In fact I might join you; takes a little while for the stove to heat up” said Applejack. 

“Alright” said Apple Bloom with a smile. 

But before the two could even turn towards the living room, the back door burst open. Gust of cold wind blew in, throwing lose snow all over the place. Then a big earth pony walked in, before shutting the door behind him. 

The pony was a dark red color, with a blond mane, an apple cut in half as a cutie mark, and was wearing a large brown collar and green scarf. 

“Nice to see you made it home without turning into a popsicle Big Mac” said Applejack. 

“Eeyup” said Big Mac as he put his scarf on a nearby chair. 

“Well since you just got out of the cold, you should come and join us bro. We’re going to warm up by the fire” said Apple Bloom. 

Big Mac nodded, and the three of them walked into the fire lit room. 

Granny heard them come in, and looked around as they neared the fire. “Aw, so you’re all coming to spend some time with your granny” she said as they sat down in front of the fire. Big Mac threw a few more logs on to keep it hot. 

“Just until the stoves warmed up Granny. Then I have to get back to making dinner” said Applejack. 

“That’s fine. So, what yall want ta talk about” said Granny. 

“I’ve got something to ask actually” said Applejack, then she looked at Apple Bloom. “Care to explain why you were so late today”? 

Apple Bloom looked at the fire, keeping her gaze away from her sister. She had this sense were she could tell if someone was lying or not, so there was no reason not to tell the truth. 

“I was late getting home because…because I…went down Buck Ave” said Apple Bloom. 

Applejack smiled smugly “Aw, so you went by the factory hu” she said. 

“Yeah. I just really like the taste of Chocolate, and it smells like chocolate every time I walk pas there. So I took a detour so I could get a whiff” said Apple Bloom. 

Applejack chuckled “I can’t blame you. When I first had some of Pinkie’s Chocolate, I felt like I was in heaven. Every time I could I would by one of her chocolate bars. Of course…that was before that happened” she said, her voice suddenly turning sad. 

Apple Bloom looked confused “What do ya mean? What happened” she asked. 

The faces of Granny, Applejack, and Big Mac scrunched up; as if they wanted to say something, but didn’t know how to. 

“Go on and tell her, but start from the beginning” said Granny. She to sounded sad and serious. 

Applejack took in a deep breath, and then let it out. “Alright. This is what happened”. 

*************************
“About twenty years ago, a small shop opened up here in Ponyville. Now this wasn’t strange at all, since lots of people decide to set up shop here. But this wasn’t no ordinary shop. 

It was a sweet shop, going by the name of “Pinkie’s Sweets”. And as its named suggested, it was run by a mare named Pinkie Pie. She was young for a candy maker, but that didn’t stop her. 

At first the shop had some competition from other sweet shops, but soon ponies were lining the side of the street to get inside. Every time I went there after school, I’d be standing on the sidewalk for half an hour before I got it. 

The shop sold all kinds of candy. Chocolate bars, chocolate ice cream, lollipops, nerds, taffy, rock candy, and much more. We even had a small contract with Pinkie to provide apples for her Candy Apples. 

Soon ponies from all over Equestria were asking for Pinkie to send them her candy. And that’s when Pinkie got an idea. 

Five years after opening her shop, Pinkie announced she was going to build a factory to mass produce her confections. Now all of Equestria could taste her sweet treats. 

Hundreds of earth ponies, unicorns, and Pegasus moved to Ponyville to help with the building of the factory. An area was cleared away outside of town, and four years later the factory was done. But it wasn’t just any ordinary factory; it was the largest chocolate factory in the world. A good fifty times as big as any other. 

And for the next few years, life was pretty sweet. More ponies were hired to work in the factory, drawing more business to Ponyville. Builds were popping up left and right, more than doubling the size of the town.

But nothing good last forever. Pinkie wasn’t the only candy maker in Equestria, but she was the best. This caused the other candy makers to get jealous. They needed to find a way to compete with her…and their answer wasn’t good. 

They decided they needed to get their hands on her recipes so they could either keep up with her, or drag her down. They sent ponies to work in the factory and get her trust. Then they’d sneak the recipes out and give them to the other companies. 

Soon Hoofies started making an Ice Cream that would never melt. Lunar Incorporated made a gum that never lost its flavor. Then a company called Slugworth’s began making candy balloons that would could blow up to incredible sizes. 

The thievery was getting worse and worse. At this rate, Pinkie wouldn’t have anything left. 

Then one day without warning, Pinkie did something strange. She told every single one of her workers to go home. Once they were out she closed the gates, and then announced that she was closing her Chocolate Factory… forever. 

And after that, Pinkie’s shop in town was closed. Letters to the factory demanding it be reopened were piling up in the post office. People sometimes would just stand in front of the factory, looking at the chimneys. But no smoke rose out of them.”

*************************
“But it didn’t close forever. It’s open right now” said Apple Bloom. 

“Well that was a surprise for all of us. The factory was closed for three years. Ponies that had moved here to work at the factory stayed around; hoping that Pinkie would reopen the factory. Then one day, some ponies saw smoke rising from the chimneys; the Factory was open again” said Applejack. 

“Did everypony get their job back” asked Apple Bloom. 

“Nnope, no one did” said Big Mac. 

The family sat in silence for a moment. The only sound that could be heard was the crackle of the fire. 

“But there must be ponies working there” said Apple Bloom. 

“Think about it sis; have you ever seen a single pony going into that factory, or coming out of it” asked Applejack. 

Apple Bloom put a hoof to her chin, thinking. “No, the gates are always closed.” 

“Exactly” said Big Mac. 

“But then, who’s running the machines” asked Apple Bloom. 

“Nopony knows. It’s one of the biggest mysteries surrounding that factory” said Applejack. 

“Hasn’t somepony asked Pinkie Pie” asked Apple Bloom. 

The room was silent again, but not for long. 

“Nopony sees her anymore; she never comes out. The only thing that comes out of that place is the candy; already packed and addressed” said Granny, who had remained quiet while the others spoke. 

“Eeyup” said Big Mac. 

Applejack rose up from the floor. “We I’d better see if the stoves heated up yet. I’ll call when dinners ready” she said. And turning swiftly, she walked out of the room. 

“And I have to get some more firewood” said Big Mac, spotting the small amount of logs by the fire. Then he too got up and left the room. 

Apple Bloom and Granny were left alone. 

“And to think; I was hoping to one day go inside that factory. Now, I guess I won’t be able to” said Apple Bloom, lowering her head to the floor. 

Granny looked down at her, with a warm smile on her face. “Nothing’s impossible dearie. You may just get your chance one day”. 

“Yeah…maybe” said Apple Bloom. 

And until Applejack called them for dinner, the two sat it silence, looking at the fire.