It was mid-afternoon in Ponyville, and a feeling of quiet dread hung over the town. A small group of ponies had gathered outside Twilight's castle and were talking in low tones. Twilight had asked for a week to heal Applejack, and that week was nearly over. It looked like she was on the verge of failure – the first failure she had ever experienced in her career.
“Well, I can't say that I'm surprised,” Carrot Top remarked. “After all, Applejack was clearly dead. There's simply no way anypony could have helped her.”
Roseluck nodded. “I completely agree. Even Princess Twilight isn't all-powerful, you know. She has limits, just like everypony else.”
Lyra frowned. She had a worried look on her face. “But what does this mean for the future of Equestria? There are six Elements of Harmony, you know. Six, not five! With one of the bearers gone, does that mean the Elements are broken and can't protect us anymore? We could be flooded with disasters – disasters that nopony can fix!”
“Or we could stop having monster attacks altogether,” Carrot Top replied. “After all, Ponyville was a quiet place before the princess came to live here. Maybe things will go back to normal and life will be peaceful again.”
“And maybe bits will rain down from the sky and wishes will come true!” Lyra said sarcastically. “Come on, Carrots. This is serious! Who's going to protect us now? The Elements were our first and only line of defense!”
“Oh, you don't need to worry about that,” Bon Bon said confidently. “I'll take care of Ponyville. All I–”
At that moment the doors to Twilight's castle flung open and Rainbow Dash soared out. “She did it!” the pegasus exclaimed excitedly. “Applejack is back, everypony! Can you believe it? Is this awesome or what?”
The crowd gasped. There, standing in the castle doorway, was Applejack. A few feet behind her was Twilight, who had an irritated look on her face.
Applejack looked around and smiled nervously. She raised a hoof and waved at the crowd. “Well, howdy, y'all.”
“It's a ghost!” Roseluck shrieked. She fainted.
“Wait!” Applejack exclaimed. “I ain't a ghost – honest. I'm flesh and blood just like the rest of you. It really is me.”
Applejack walked up to the crowd, which stared at her in amazement. Nopony said a word.
Bon Bon bravely walked over to her, reached out a hoof, and touched Applejack's nose. “Hey, cut that out!” Applejack said.
“Sorry,” Bon Bon replied. “I just had to make sure you weren't a ghost. I guess you are real after all! I can't believe it. The princess found a way to bring you back from the dead. That's – remarkable, actually.”
Twilight was still standing in the castle doorway, scowling. “I don't want to hear about it,” she grumbled. She walked over to Applejack and frowned. “C'mon, let's get this over with. We need to get you to Sweet Apple Acres. I can't wait to hear what complaints your family is going to have about all this.”
“Complaints?” Carrot Top said, confused. “What complaints?”
But no one responded – Twilight had already teleported herself and Applejack out of sight.
Rainbow Dash facehoofed. “Aw, really, Twilight? I thought you were tired of using magic!”
The pegasus was about to race off to the Apple family farm when Carrot Top called out again. “Rainbow, what's going on? Why is Twilight upset? How did she fix Applejack? Who is complaining?”
“Beats me,” Rainbow called out as she soared away. “If you ask me everything is going great. Applejack can just be weird sometimes, you know?”
Before anypony could say anything else, the blue pegasus streaked across the sky and disappeared, leaving a rainbow trail behind her.
Lyra looked at Bon Bon. “She didn't answer the questions.”
“Not even close,” Bon Bon agreed. “But I bet we don't want to know the answers. This situation has trouble written all over it. If everything was fine then the princess would be happy – and the princess is most definitely not happy.”
Carrot Top looked up at the rainbow that still hung in the afternoon sky. “Does this mean that the princess knows how to raise the dead? Is she a necromancer now? Is that good, or bad?”
Lyra shrugged. “Who knows? Personally, I think this would be a great time to leave Ponyville and go on an extended vacation. If Twilight just opened a portal to the afterlife then we could be on the verge of a zombie invasion! There's no telling what terrible things will happen next.”
“Not zombies!” Roseluck shrieked. She fainted again.
* * * * *
Twilight and Applejack appeared on the dusty road that led to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack looked around, confused. “Why are–”
The alicorn immediately lit up her horn and teleported them again. The pair reappeared further down the road. The farm was visible now in the distance.
Applejack tried again. “Hold on just a minute. Why are–”
Twilight ignored her and teleported them once more. This time they appeared just outside the ruins of the Apple barn.
“– you doing this?” Applejack finished. “We could have just walked, you know. You look dead tired. In fact, I'm kinda surprised you're even able to stand, what with all you've been through.”
“Walking would take too long,” Twilight replied. She was clearly irritated, and her bad mood had not improved. “I just want to get this over with.”
The two ponies looked around. There was nopony in sight. The barn was still in ruins; it was clear that no one had touched it. Even the tree was still lying where it had fallen.
“I can't believe you beat Rainbow Dash here,” Applejack commented. “She's the fastest pony I've ever seen. You know, it's ok if you want to take a minute and rest. There's no rush.”
Twilight ignored her. “Your family is probably inside the house. I'll go get them.”
The alicorn teleported to the door. She lifted a hoof and banged on it. “Hello? Anypony home? Are you there?”
Applejack shook her head. “You know, you could just open the door and go inside. I'm pretty sure they'll be happy to see you. You're not a stranger, Twilight.”
“You mean I wasn't a stranger. But things are different now, aren't they?”
Twilight waited for a few seconds and then banged on the front door again. A moment later there was a commotion in the house, and a small filly raced to the front door. The door flew open and Apple Bloom looked up. “Oh, howdy, Twilight,” she said in a quite voice. “So what–”
Apple Bloom glanced behind Twilight and saw Applejack walking toward the house. The filly's eyes lit up, and a look of wonder and joy appeared on her face. She dashed over to her sister and jumped on top of her. “I can't believe it! I really can't believe it!”
Applejack grinned and hugged her back. “It's good to see you too. I hope you haven't been getting into any trouble while I've been gone! I'm sorry for giving y'all such a scare.”
“I've missed you so much,” Apple Bloom said, as she held onto her sister tightly. “I was beginning to get worried that Twilight wasn't going to be able to fix this. I didn't want you to be gone.”
“You don't need to worry about that anymore,” Applejack replied. “I'm right here and I ain't goin' anywhere.”
By now Big Mac and Granny Smith had reached the front door. “Well, I'll be,” Granny Smith said. “That's Applejack! She's back.”
“That's what I've been trying to tell everypony!” Twilight exclaimed, her voice full of frustration. “That is Applejack. Can't you see that? Is this really so hard?”
“Nope,” Big Mac replied. A big grin appeared on his face.
As the rest of the Apple family rushed over to Applejack, a blue pegasus streaked across the sky and landed on the lawn. “I can't believe you beat me here, Twilight,” Rainbow Dash panted. “You're a lot faster than you look!”
Twilight said nothing. Even though the Apple family was clearly overjoyed about Applejack's return, the princess was unable to share in their delight. Twilight just sat on the ground and stewed in her anger.
Applejack was talking to Big Mac now. Her big brother wasn't saying much, but he was obviously pleased.
Rainbow Dash nudged Twilight. “You did it! I knew you could do it. You've made everything right again.”
“I wish,” Twilight said sourly. “Applejack doesn't believe that she's real. This isn't a triumph; this is a disaster. I never dreamed she would react that way.”
“Eh, just give her some time. She has been dead, you know. She probably just needs to get her head on straight. I wouldn't worry about it.”
Apple Bloom had been listening to their conversation. “What do you mean she was dead? Is that right, sister? Is Twilight tellin' the truth?”
Applejack nodded. “I was dead all right. But as you can see, I'm here now. I'm all better now.”
“Did you say dead?” Granny Smith exclaimed. “Tarnation, child, that ain't good! Once a pony is dead they stay dead. Coming back from the dead just ain't natural! There's dark magic involved in that. Nothing good can come of it.”
Twilight's anger instantly turned into rage. “This is the last time I'm doing the Apple family a favor!” she said bitterly. “Next time you can raise your own dead.” The alicorn lit up her horn and teleported out of sight.
Applejack lifted a hoof. “Now just hold on, everypony. Let me explain. First of all, I ain't a resurrected corpse. Twilight hasn't been doin' any funny business and no dark magic is involved. You ought to know better than that! What happened was–”
Big Mac spoke up, cutting her off. “It don't really matter,” he said gently. “You're home.”
“See?” Rainbow Dash said. “My point exactly! She's home and everything is right again. That's what matters!”
“You bet,” Apple Bloom agreed.
In the distance, ponies were running down the road to the farm. Word had spread that Applejack was alive again – and the whole town wanted to see her.
* * * * *
In Celestia's castle in Canterlot, a royal guard burst into the throne room. The armored stallion galloped down the long red carpet and past the giant stained glass windows, and approached Celestia's throne as quickly as he could. “Your majesty,” he panted. “I bring urgent news from Ponyville.”
Celestia looked surprised. She put down her white teacup and turned her attention to the guard. “Is something the matter? Has there been an attack?”
“No, your highness. It's Princess Twilight. She has brought Applejack back from the dead! Applejack is with her family now, at Sweet Apple Acres.”
The Princess of the Sun immediately stood up. “Back from the dead? But that's impossible! Are you sure?”
“Positive. The whole town is there now, and there are numerous confirmed reports. Applejack is no ghost – she is real and she is alive again.”
“But that's not possible. It's never been done before. It can't be done! Even magic cannot raise the dead.”
“Yes, your majesty. I do not disagree. But apparently the princess has found a way.”
Celestia thought for a moment. “I must see this for myself. If Twilight has engaged in necromancy then this could be very bad for all of us. I will head to Ponyville immediately.”
The guard nodded. “Of course. What should I tell Princess Luna?”
The princess glanced outside and saw that it was still mid-afternoon. “Let her rest. I'll talk to her myself later, when I return.”
Celestia then vanished in a burst of yellow light.
* * * * *
Twilight wearily dragged herself to the entrance of her castle. She had only been able to teleport part of the way home before she lost the strength to cast another teleportation spell, and had to walk the rest of the way. By now she was so tired that she couldn't even fly. Every bone in her body ached and she had a splitting headache. All she wanted to do was rest – rest and put this whole ugly business behind her.
She was intensely angry at Applejack for being so ungrateful. I brought her back from the dead – back from the dead! – and all she could do was complain about my methods. Just see if I ever do her a favor again!
The walk back to her castle was difficult. It was also lonely; nopony stopped to help her. As Twilight struggled down the road she was passed by a stream of ponies who were all hurrying toward Sweet Apple Acres. None of them paid her any attention or offered to help. They were all focused on one thing – going to see Applejack. Twilight even thought she spotted Rarity and Pinkie Pie in the massive throng.
But Twilight didn't care. In fact, she was long past caring. The last thing she wanted was more ponies yelling at her. She just wanted to get home. Yet, when she finally reached the entrance to her castle, she collapsed outside the door. She was just too worn out to go inside.
For a long time she just laid there on the ground, panting. She found it hard to concentrate on anything. The more she thought about Applejack the more her pain deepened. How could Applejack do this to me? Doesn't she know I was trying to help her?
A voice interrupted her thoughts. “Are you ok? Do I need to call a doctor?”
Twilight turned her head and saw that a white stallion was staring at her. “Oh, it's you. What do you want?”
Frosted Arrow hurried over to Twilight. “I heard that you were just lying here, so I closed up shop and came over. What's wrong? Are you sick?”
“No, I'm ok. I'm just tired, that's all. Tired of casting difficult spells. Tired of doing the impossible. Tired of doing favors for ponies who just get mad at you. I am so very, very tired.”
“I can understand,” Arrow said gently. “You've had a big day today. Let me go get Spike for you. He can help you inside and put you to bed.”
Twilight shook her head. “Just leave me here. I'll be fine.”
“You are not fine! You look half dead – and judging by the look on your face, that's the least of your problems.”
Frosted Arrow hesitated. “Look, it's none of my business, but I don't understand this at all. I mean, I can understand why you're tired – you have been working really super hard. But I can't understand why you're so depressed. This should be your moment of triumph! You defied the odds and brought Applejack back to life. The whole town is happy, but you don't look happy at all.”
“Just give them time,” Twilight muttered. “I'm sure in a few hours there will be an angry mob here with pitchforks, ready to burn the castle down to the ground.”
“Your castle is made of crystal – it can't burn,” Arrow pointed out. “It's not like the Golden Oak Library, which was actually made of wood and was therefore able to catch fire and, um, burn down.”
“My library,” Twilight breathed. She looked off into the distance. She couldn't see its ruins from where she was lying, but she would never forget it. “You know, thanks for reminding me of that painful loss. That's really what I needed right now.”
“Oh, right,” Arrow said, embarrassed. “I am so, so sorry about that! I didn't mean to bring that up. It's just that – well, sometimes I forget that you're real.”
Twilight glared at him. In spite of her complete exhaustion, she struggled to her hooves and looked him in the eye. “And what is that supposed to mean?”
“Oh, um, sorry! I am so sorry. I really didn't mean that the way it sounded. But you have to realize that to most ponies you're a legend. Ponies read about your adventures and hear all the amazing things you've done, but they never get a chance to actually meet you. To pretty much everypony you're an abstraction. You are the Element of Magic – and the Princess of Friendship too, I guess. Nopony really thinks of you as being real. You're too big and legendary for that. You're more like a force of nature. The closest most ponies get to interacting with you is owning your line of action figures.”
“But I am real,” Twilight said. “I am very, very real – and so is Applejack.”
“I know you are, and I'm sure Applejack is too. Now, I haven't seen her or anything since you raised her from the dead, but I've heard what ponies have been saying. I want to see her – I really do – but I've been working.”
“But you're not working now,” Twilight pointed out.
“Um, well, actually, I'm supposed to be working,” Arrow admitted. “It's not technically closing time yet. However, when I heard that you had collapsed I came over to see how I could help. To be honest, I kind of expected your friends to already be here. I guess they're all at Sweet Apple Acres with Applejack, then, right?”
“I guess,” Twilight said. Her tone softened. “So you closed up the comic book store and skipped out on your job just to come and see me? Why would you do that?”
“Because I care about you! The whole town does. We might not show it that often, but you have saved Equestria several times. All of us owe you our lives. It was the least I could do.”
“Thanks,” Twilight said. “Really, I'll be ok – eventually. Probably. I just need to rest. Bringing Applejack back from the dead was really taxing, and the way she reacted didn't help matters.”
“The way she reacted? How did she react?”
“Very poorly.” Twilight sighed. “She thinks that just because I used the magic from an enchanted comic book to bring her back to life, that means she isn't real. She thinks she's just a comic book character. I tried to explain to her that she is one-hundred-percent real, but she won't believe it.”
“Wait a minute,” Frosted Arrow said. “You mean you were actually able to use our comic books to pull this off? That means you must have found a way to take items out of the enchanted comic and bring them into the real world. But that's impossible! Nopony has ever been able to do that – and believe me, they've tried. It just doesn't work that way.”
“It does now,” Twilight said.
“Really? Oh, wow. The implications – why, this will change everything! You must have somehow infused her genetic material into the book, then copied her memories, and then extracted her. This is huge! This is going to change everything. Do you have any idea what this means?”
“I certainly do. It means I have a friend who believes I made a mistake in raising her from the dead. She will never believe that she is real.”
Frosted Arrow hesitated. “I suppose it's a matter of perspective. From your point of view you made a perfect copy of Applejack. She has Applejack's body and mind, and is completely identical in every way. Mathematically, if two things have the same value then they are equal. Therefore, since there is no difference between the copy you made and the original, what you created is the real Applejack.”
“That's exactly my point!” Twilight said, exasperated. “Why can't she see that?”
“Because she has a different perspective. You are an alicorn and you deal in the world of magic. Applejack, though, is an earth pony. She deals with the physical world. In Applejack's farm, a copy of something is just that – a copy. If you take a book and copy it then you have two books. If you have a barn and build another one, you have two barns. If you then tear down the first barn you have lost it. It's gone. The first one isn't there anymore because it wasn't repaired – it was replaced. From Applejack's point of view, all you did was build a replacement. You didn't repair the first one; you created a second one. And that weighs heavily on her.”
“But it shouldn't! Just because I used magic to create her doesn't mean she isn't real.”
Frosted Arrow nodded. “I know. I understand where you're coming from, but think of it this way. Suppose that you were trapped in a cave somewhere and nopony could find a way to rescue you. So Celestia used magic to create a perfect copy of you, and told your friends that since she had created that copy, it was ok to let you remain trapped in the cave and die. Would you be ok with that, since you had been duplicated?”
“Of course not!” Twilight exclaimed. “The duplicate may be a perfect copy of me, but it isn't me! They–”
She suddenly stopped. For a long time she said nothing at all. She just looked out in the distance. “Oh,” she said at last.
“Exactly,” Frosted Arrow said. “And that is why Applejack is upset.”
“But I can't do anything about that! I can't repair the original. Nopony can. It's impossible. This is the best that anypony can do.”
“And it is better than nothing,” Arrow said quickly. “I'm sure that some ponies wouldn't even give it a second thought. It just happens that Applejack is the Element of Honesty, and she cares about details like that. But I think even Applejack is glad that she exists. Equestria needs her, and her family needs her too. Over time I'm sure she'll accept who and what she is.”
Twilight looked at Frosted Arrow. She had a look of intense pain on her face. Frosted Arrow realized that he hadn't made her feel better; if anything, Twilight now felt much worse.
“What have I done?” Twilight asked him. “I was just trying to help.”
“And you did help. There's just – limitations, that's all. No solution is perfect. There are always trade-offs and costs.”
The two ponies were interrupted by a brilliant flash of yellow light. Princess Celestia appeared a few feet away from them. She was large, regal, and alone.
When Twilight saw her she winced. “And of course Celestia found out! Why wouldn't she? This is a perfect ending to a perfect day. What else could go wrong?”
Celestia looked surprised. “Excuse me?”
Frosted Arrow glanced at the ruler of Equestria, and then back at Twilight. “Um, I think I'll go now,” he said hurriedly. “You take care of yourself, Twilight. Get well soon.” He turned around and ran for his life, as fast as his hooves could carry him.