//------------------------------// // Just Take A Deep Breath And Stop To Smell the Apples // Story: Book 1: A New Element of Friendship // by Medley of MLP //------------------------------// A New Element of Friendship Just Take A Deep Breath And Stop To Smell the Apples         This morning was an unusual one. I say that as I was waking up to a stampede of cows heading towards Ponyville and the collective noise functioned as my alarm clock. “Why did it have to be today of all days?” I groaned as I rolled out of my bed onto the floor. “Ow, that hurt.”         I flew upward to land back on my hooves and quickly got the doors and windows shut down, as was everypony else. I waited out the stampede until it was either farther away or it had stopped, I couldn’t tell. However, from the sounds of cheering going on, I figured it was Applejack taking care of the stampede, diverting them back to their part of the field, considering this would be something right up her alley. Since she saved Ponyville and all, it was a good idea to throw a celebration for her. Well, it was Pinkie’s idea, but we went along with it anyway. The mayor also decided to give her an award for her troubles as well. We had set down the remaining pieces for Applejack’s celebratory party when Twilight was checking on everyone.         “We all ready?” Twilight asked Rarity.         “Just one last thing,” Rarity answered, using her magic to lift a big banner done entirely with apples for Applejack. “Now we’re ready.”         “Is Applejack all set?” Twilight asked me. “I think so. The only problem is that I don’t think any of us have seen Applejack this week,” I explained the small dilemma. “I know this about our good ol’ buddy Applejack,” Rainbow Dash interjected. “Applejack is never late!” “I would have to agree with you there, Rainbow,” I answered to her. After a while, the Ponyville residents were gathered in front of the stage and were waiting for the ceremony to begin. I decided to sing a little song to ease any tensions on this ceremony/party. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCWet3x2A5M         “My word, darling! I know that you said you had a good voice, but it sounds absolutely splendid! Though, what song were you just singing? I have an idea if you can let me use it,” Rarity exclaimed once I had finished singing.         “ I made up this song completely on my own. It is meant for a 4 part acapella, but I just loved the bass part. I can give you the sheet music in case you want it. It would be interesting to hear some other ponies sing it for once. For now, though, we need to focus on the ceremony. It looks like it’s about to start,” I promised her, trying to segue into what we came here for in the first place. Rarity and I saw Twilight walk up to the stand, straighten her flashcards, and begin the ceremony properly.         “Welcome everypony! Today we are here to honor a pony we can always count on to help on in matters great and small. A pony whose contributions to-” Twilight was interrupted in a whirlwind of her own notes by Rainbow Dash. This started a line of fellow friends all trying to get their speeches done as well, as Rainbow was then replaced by Pinkie, who then was taken over by Fluttershy, all ending with the mayor stopping Twilight from advancing any further. “All I can say is that I was going to patiently wait for you to be done. Though it might be better off next time to cut down on the flashcards. After all, almost all your friends had one quick speech. You don’t need to give a soliloquy for one of your best friends,” I tried to calm her down as she fumed a bit in her spot. I think the glare I got in return signified that it was not very successful. “And so, without further ado,” Mayor Mare started the ball rolling on the party aspect and ending the ceremony part. “It is my privilege to give the Prized Pony of Ponyville award to our beloved guest of honor, a pony of utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Ponyville’s most capable and dependable friend: Applejack!” The curtains were brushed aside to reveal… a blank space. Wow. I swear that stage curtains are alive and hate us because I’ve now rarely seen a time that when the curtains were going to reveal someone important, they’re not there for some reason or another. I believe Spike said it best after a long pause. “Awkward,” Spike said. “I’m here!” We all heard Applejack yell from the back of the audience. Her trip up was something that only irony could’ve had a huge hand in, as she was tired as all Tartarus, kept on yawning all the while carrying overflowing baskets of apples. Have to say, this would be a terrible first impression for anypony. It didn’t help that she was out of it as well, messing around with the trophy before dragging it with her back to her farmhouse. “Was it just me, or did Applejack seem a little..?” Twilight was forming a question. “Tired?” Rainbow Dash tried to fill in. “Dizzy?” Fluttershy added. “Messy?” Rarity tried her hoof at it as well. Her explanation to the stares we gave was just, “Well, did you see her mane?” Pinkie, however, said, “She seemed fine to me. Woooo! Woooo!” She then ended with the noises while trying to move in front of the shiny trophy. “I would actually agree with Rainbow Dash on this case,” I threw in my own two bits.         Twilight hummed a bit and told us that she would go check on Applejack, just to make sure she was alright. We agreed and went our separate ways to wait for Applejack to help us with our ideas and whatnot. I had actually planned for Applejack to help me learn how to lasso (it looked interesting and get your mind out of the gutter). When she did arrive though, I had a feeling that this was not going to end well for either of us. It looked like her mane was wrung through a tree multiple times and her eyesight looked like it was getting fuzzier by the minute. I knew right then I had to do something or else I might end up getting lassoed upside down a building, bound in just the right way not to be able to fly.         “Hey, Applejack, before we start, do you wanna listen to a song? I want to see how well it gets performed for when Luna re-emerges from the shadows,” I asked.         “I thought you wanted to try your hoof at using the rope to lasso?” Applejack questioned me, a tad suspicious.         “I do. I never said I would sing instead of trying to lasso. I just want to try out my song while I still remember that somepony is nearby to listen,” I replied, trying to ease her nerves.         “Well, OK. But we are going to lasso afterward,” She said as she plopped down to listen.         “Will do,” I finished, starting to warm up my voice. “Now, here’s my original piece of music, in honor of Princess Luna: Children of the Night.” Come, little children, I'll take thee away Into a land of enchantment Come, little children, the time's come to play Here in my garden of shadows Follow, sweet children, I'll show thee the way Through all the pain and the sorrows Weep not, poor children, for life is this way Murdering beauty and passions Hush now, dear children, it must be this way Too weary of life and deceptions Rest now, my children, for soon we'll away Into the calm and the quiet         It looked like my idea had worked. Applejack was starting to really nod off and probably would’ve stayed awake, but my natural talent, it seemed, was starting to win. I noticed that I had built up a good audience listening in to my song and it was starting to affect them as well. I knew the song was about to end soon, so I pushed as much as I could into the lullaby as I could, hoping for Applejack to fall asleep at last. Come, little children, I'll take thee away Into a land of enchantment Come, little children, the time's come to play Here in my garden of shadows         It had worked. Applejack slumped over, fast asleep and not even reacting to the outside world anymore. The flipside is, it also worked on the impromptu audience, putting them into a slumber as well. However, only 5 other ponies were still standing in the crowd and I noticed that they were all my Element friends. They looked stunned, switching their gaze from the sleeping audience to the snoring Applejack to me and repeated.         “That… was… wicked! Is this seriously your natural talent? Awesome!” Figures that Rainbow Dash would be the one to be the one in total excitement.         “This is strange. To be able to put this many ponies to sleep at once just through voice… this is alicorn level amounts of magic,” Twilight stated with a hint of fear in her voice.         “I’m sorry girls. This was my idea on how to get Applejack to stop being so stubborn about needing some sleep. If I were to take a guess, she is probably trying to do the Apple family Apple-bucking Season all by herself,” I tried to soothe their fear.         “That… was right. How did you get all that?” Twilight asked in a dumbstruck voice.         “Lucky guess and a few clues here and there. Now, why didn’t she ask for help instead of trying to do a whole orchard?” I pondered.         “Well, Applejack here thinks she doesn’t need any help and she’s all fine on her own. I swear that she’s as stubborn as a mule,” Twilight answered, then apologized to a nearby donkey.         “Well, she’s probably going to be out of commission for the next few days, so why don’t we just get her home so that she doesn’t end up sleeping on the road for the next few days,” I offered.         We all agreed and got Applejack home. Her family was happy that she finally got to sleep and told us that once she woke up, they’d try and get her to accept some help. We all went to sleep that night with no problem. Our dreams, however, changed to something we normally wouldn’t see.         I knew for a fact that if I suddenly went from performing my concert in front of thousands of ponies to the apple orchard, an intervention from Princess Luna is most likely involved. Sure enough, I saw the rest of my friends as well and we all met up to Applejack, who was still Apple-bucking.         “What in the hay?” Applejack turned in surprise to see all 6 of us there. "How did we get from Med’s place to my orchard in less than a minute? It makes no darn sense.”         “I believe we’re in a dream, darling, and somehow we’re having a connected one as well,” Rarity answered.         “Wowee! A connected dream? Does that mean we can see each other's thoughts and share favorite dreams and see other worlds and-” Pinkie rambled on, being cut off by Twilight.         “I think that Princess Luna is involved somehow. She is the Princess of Night and Dreams, after all,” Twilight deduced.         “No duh,” I reflexively retorted.         “Hey, now. No need to get testy with us,” Applejack snapped.         “Sorry. Though, I have to wonder, who’s mind is this taking place in? After all, someone needed to start the dream and you can’t create a dream out of nothing,” I deduced.         “Hey, everypony! I found a hidden and secret door! It’s even labeled! How strange is that?” Spike shouted off in the distance.         “What does it say?” Twilight yelled back.         It was a long pause before Spike yelled back, “Girls! Medley! You need to read this, immediately!”         It was a mad scramble toward Spike’s voice, but we eventually found him. My heart instantly clenched when the door was labeled ‘Medley’s Human Memories’. My friends all gasped when they realized what that had meant.         “Lands sakes. You mean to tell me that little story of yers was real, Med?” Applejack looked dumbstruck.         “Yes. I’m guessing you girls had doubts over my story about my previous life?” I sighed at all of them nodding their heads, even Applejack. “I had wished you girls had said so so that I could confirm it with verbal words as well as written words. However, I seem to recall you girls pressing for information, so I did what I could to make sure that you got all the information you needed. Now, this may not be humanity as a whole and only how I lived my life, but if you really want to see how a human lived… well, the opportunity is right in front of you,” I pointed a hoof at the door.         They were hesitant about this for a few moments before the most unlikely pony decided to go and visit the realm of humans. “I say we do it,” Fluttershy shyly stated.         To say we were all shocked would be an understatement. Fluttershy, the timidest and shyest of all ponies, who would never harm a fly, was one of the first ponies to volunteer for a journey that would not be at all innocent. With that, the other 5 agreed to go with her.         “Well, since I wish not to re-remember these memories all over again, I’ll at least be polite in letting you all into my memories,” I politely declined the journey, opening the door for them. “Just remember, do not think I act like most of the humans that are frequently heard about but rather the few I knew and talked with.”         They all nodded and entered the door one by one until I was the only one left in the dreamscape. I then felt a strange presence, almost like when I was meeting LaurFastia, land nearby.         “We thank thee for thy song in our honor. But we also ask as to why did you create such a piece?” I heard Princess Luna speak behind me.         “I thought it would be something to appreciate you as a Princess and a pony at the same time,” I answered as I turned to face her. “Why did you create the combined dreamscape, pulling my human memories along with me into what looks like Applejack’s mind?”         Her face tightened a bit and she explained as best she could, “We thought it would help if we could show them that thou art true in your written statements of the human realm. However, that was something even beyond our power as Princess of Dreams, as much as we wanted to help. But then, a surge of power was put into us and we were able to do so. This is… highly unusual.”         “I can only think of one pony who could do such a feat: LaurFastia,” I replied with a note of awe, which I was entitled to, as she was the one who brought me to this world after all.         The expression on Luna’s face was so peculiar. I believe it was some sort of combination of surprise, disbelief, awe, and interest. “What dost thou know about the Mother Creator?”         “All I know is that she’s immensely powerful and the creator of this universe, judging from the fact that she some of this and for bringing me to this world in the first place,” I answered back as best I could.         “He would be correct as well,” Luna and I hear a voice but cannot find its origin. “He has his part to play, so I brought him here. He came here of his own free will as well, so do not think this was a mistake on my part. Remember this well, Princess Luna: Do not interfere with this plan.”         After this was said, a Cutie Mark of the show logo appeared for a few seconds before turning into a small explosion. Well, I can certainly say she had a style for exiting the conversation. It was about that time my friends had returned from my memories, all looking a bit shell-shocked. Before I could even open my mouth, Twilight was the first to tackle me into a reassuring hug before the rest of my friends joined in as well, all saying how sorry they were about how my life was before and how they should’ve trusted me right away. I held my ground until I saw Pinkie with a flat mane and crying. All resolve broke down then and there, not even bothering to hold back my own tears. I know that for some of the memories, they would hit real close to home, as I had the propensity to look up creepypastas and a few involved at least one of each of the Mane 6, the biggest ones being Rainbow and Pinkie. That didn't equate with any knowledge of the show and I knew quite well the difference between the creepypasta version and the genuine article. After we had cried all we could, we eventually turned our attention back to Princess Luna, looking in on this with a small smile on her face, seeing friends bond together.         “Sorry there, Princess. Just wanted to make sure everything was alright,” Applejack apologized for the group.         “We are not offended, Bearer of Honesty. We made this shared dream in hopes that thy friends would help thee see the light, as it were. We, however, are not responsible for the human memories doorway in this mindscape. That will be a discussion for a fairer day. For now, though, let thy friends help make thee see sense,” Princess Luna said before going off into another dream to help some other pony with their nightmare.         “Applejack, you’re Applebucking hasn’t just caused you problems, it’s over-propelled pegasi, practically poisoned plenty of ponies, and terrorized bushels of brand new bouncing baby bunnies. I don’t care what you say! You! Need! Help!” Twilight ranted. My guess is she was planning on saying this to her sooner if not for my involvement.         Apparently, something momentous happened while I was gone, and Applejack relented with a sighed, “OK, Twilight.”         Twilight looked like she was being too harsh with her. “Now Applejack, I completely respect the Apple family ways. You’re always there to help anypony in need, so now it’s time you put away some of that stubborn pride and allow your friends to help you out.”         Applejack smiled a bit at this. “Thank you fer the kind words of yours.” She then gave me a look. “Now, what were you plannin’ on doin’ while I was fast asleep?”         “Well excuse me for trying to get you to sleep so that you could think better and come to a decision. I worked with the talent I had, so sue me,” I complained.         “Oh, yes. About that: Why was it we weren’t affected by your singing yet Applejack and the rest were knocked unconscious?” Rarity asked politely.         “Who can say? My working theory is that since we’re the Elements of Harmony, we must have some kind of basic magic shield against one another’s talents, or at the very least mine. But since Applejack was so tired, the magic wasn’t enough to protect her from my talent. Hence why she fell asleep whilst you five didn’t. This is all just an idea, so don’t take my word on this,” I logically argued.         Twilight had a strange expression on her face that I now will call her ‘testing face’. “Meet me after helping Applejack. I have some tests for you to do.”         I nod. “Now, since we all are sharing a dream, what say we have a little fun?” I grin.         “What do you mean, fun?” Rainbow looked at me suspiciously.         “Well, let's see here. What’s the one thing all of you enjoyed in my memories?”         The unanimous vote was the amusement park Disney World. “Well, then,” I say as the mindscape turned into Disney World from memory and the other 6 get turned into humans. “Let’s have some fun times while we can still dream, girls!” They cheered and immediately set off in many different directions while I stayed behind to relish in one of the few awesome memories I had left.         Eventually, though, all dreams soon come to an end, as the mindscape slowly faded into white and then we were all brought back to reality. We had waited for Applejack to be in good health and help her out with the rest of the applebucking. It was a bit disappointing after the awesome dream, but at least they had enjoyed themselves from my memories and didn’t leave completely against the human race. While they may have scars from the experience, I know that they’ll come to me with any questions they may have left. However, to improve humanity’s good qualities just a bit more, I invited them all over for a quick lesson in the good humanity has done, but somehow Lyra had snuck in as well, most likely hearing the word ‘human’ and getting excited. I think enough of my thoughts have been put down for tonight’s entry. I’ll leave my performance at the end for a little fun. After all, life is not always about the philosophy behind it. Every once in a while, you need to finish on a bright and clear note. The name for this song: Anthropology. Sung by: Me and Lyra.         "Alrighty, mares and gentledragon. Here’s a song for the good in humanity! Hit it, Medley!" Lyra excitedly called out as I nodded. small jazz solo for intro Human beings fascinate me, being just the way they are. Tell me little pony, can you push a cart or drive a car? Lyre is my instrument but humans strum their sweet guitars! It's a mystery. Anthropology! Fingers, toes and tiny noses brownish hair and tannish skin! Would it be too much to ask to see the world they're living in? Everybody tells me that it's old and fake mythology. It's a mystery. Anthropology! Aren't you bored of brushing your coat? Styling your mane with your hooves? I don't mean to butt in our gloat, But ancient history proves humans don't have wings or magic, they don't need it, they don't care, all they got's imagination, new inventions everywhere! Babies, children, teens and elders all alike have clothes to wear! It's so real to me. Anthropology! Albert Einstein, Cleopatra,  William Shakespeare, Elton John! Michael Phelps, Barack Obama. Who's to say that they're all gone? Maybe humans like us too and dress like us at ComicCon? It's so real to me. Anthropology! Yeah, they've had a couple of fights. Nobody's perfect, you see! Still I say I'm born with the rights to study whatever I please! I don't need to horse around now! I can stand on two legs! I would trade my magic powers For a pair of new legs! Grab a camera! Come one, zoom in! 'Cause your favorite mare's a human! ME! That is who I'll Be! Anthropology! Shh!