Lost Legacies

by AkibaWhite

Episode 05: The Buck Stops Here

THEN

[Night of the Harmony Storm - Five Months Ago]
Twilight Sparkle screamed. It was a howling wail, frustrated and desperate. It was unlike any sound she'd made in her life, and she continued to make it until her breath failed her at last.

Twilight's mane was frayed and unkempt. Her coat had been singed black in a dozen places Those by her side—Applejack, Fluttershy, and Iron Will—had fared no better. Iron Will in particular had gotten the worst of it. Fluttershy looked up from wrapping bandages around his charred hands, her eyes wide with alarm.

Applejack was the first to speak when the unicorn's voice gave out. "Twi?"

Twilight put a hoof between her mane and the Element of Magic resting atop her head. "This thing is worthless!" She tore the golden coronet from her scalp and threw it to the ground. The Element twanged as it hit the dirt but remained unbent and unblemished. The amethyst jewel at its apex reflected a sight that did not belong in this world or any other.

Just a few yards away, a dome made of raging fire burned with all the colors of the rainbow. It rose over ten stories into the night sky, a sky that flickered back and forth between its natural star-laden darkness and a transparent hexagon pattern of pale green. The dome might have resembled an earthbound sun if not for its prismatic hue. Its center resided somewhere in the depths of the Everfree Forest. The edge now stretched across the border of Ponyville and consumed the horizon, tongues of its iridescent flame licking and leaping across a deep trench that just moments ago had been the town's last line of defense. Ponyville's residents had been evacuated as far away from the fire dome as the magic barrier that encapsulated the surrounding countryside would allow. The nearby buildings stood empty. Only Twilight, four of her friends, and their respective Elements remained.

Iron Will looked at the patterns seared into his open palms by the Elements of Generosity, Laughter, and Loyalty. "Rainbow Dash and the others will see the Elements," he said with a voice that exuded rugged calmness. "You have to keep tryin', Twilight. We know they're in there."

"I can't reach them!" Twilight shouted. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks, leaving bright lavender streaks in her soot-stained fur. "I can't feel any connection at all! They're . . ." She shuddered visibly. "They're already . . ."

"Don't say it, Twilight," Fluttershy pleaded in a quiet voice. "Please don't . . ."

Twilight dared not face her loved ones at that moment. Instead, she turned her angry gaze on the Element of Magic. "This fire sphere is a storm of harmonic energy. The only weapon in Equestria that can cancel it out is the Arc Prism from the Elements of Harmony."

Applejack walked up beside her. "But we cain't use it if we're all divvied up like this. We gotta think of somethin' else, and fast."

Twilight whirled on her friend, the light of the fire dancing in her eyes. "There is nothing else! What do you think I was looking for while you were out here digging the trench?!" She shut her eyes and turned away, unable to continue looking into Applejack's honest emerald orbs. "Why is this happening?! Why are there six Elements? Why do they have no power when they're not together?" Twilight drew in a sharp breath only to cough and sputter on the smoke in the air. When she looked to Applejack once more, the anger in her expression had been replaced by utter hopelessness. "What good are the Elements of Harmony if they do nothing when my friends are in danger?"

Applejack looked down at the apple-shaped citrine gem of her own Element. She had no answer and, in truth, feared that there might not be one.

It was then that a familiar voice sounded loud and clear above the roaring blaze. "Do not despair, Twilight Sparkle!"

Twilight's ears pricked up and cast about. Her eyes went wide. "Princess?" She turned left and right. "Princess Celestia? Where are you? I thought you couldn't get past the barrier in time!"

Celestia's regal voice rang forth once more. "I haven't, Twilight. Look to your discarded hope."

In this situation, the princess could only have meant one thing. Twilight turned back to the Element of Magic. The amethyst gem shone with brilliant inner light, a light that pulsed brighter with Celestia's every word.

"Do you see it, Twilight Sparkle?"

Applejack removed her singed Stetson. "Whoa Nelly."

Twilight approached the fallen Element, her eyes full of questions. "I see it, Princess. Why didn't you tell me that the Elements could be used like this?"

"The Elements of Harmony hold many secrets," said Celestia's voice. "Secrets that I have kept from you for your own good." She paused. "There is a greater power within the Elements, power enough to deliver your friends and all of Ponyville from this crisis, power that can be used even when the Elements stand apart."

"Tell me!" Twilight blurted out as the flames drew closer. "Tell me how to use it!"

The princess's voice came back sterner than before. "This is not a decision to be made in fear, my student."

Twilight winced at the criticism and did her level best to attain some sort of composure.

"To release this power is to become one with the Elements," said Celestia. "You will never be able to discard them as you did moments ago. Their destiny will become yours and they will be with you wherever you tread. This is an oath that cannot be undone."

Struck with sudden uncertainty, Twilight looked to her friends. Although their eyes wavered for a moment, each of them returned a nod of acceptance.

"Will you accept this burden, the weight of friendship's true power?"

Twilight did not hesitate. "I understand the consequences, Princess, but I've got a promise to keep. My friends are waiting for me, and I won't fail them!"

Silence followed, backed only by the dull roar of the Harmony Storm. Twilight wondered for a moment if she'd said the wrong thing when, to her surprise, Celestia began speaking to the Element.

"Magic, enable audio input, authorization Prime Aspect."

Everypony present recoiled a bit when the Element replied in a flat masculine tone, its words appearing in midair just above the surface of the gem as it spoke.

"PRIME ASPECT CONFIRMED. AUDIO INPUT ENABLED."

"Release limiter. Open all related function arrays to First Aspect and display activation key." With that, Celestia's voice regained its characteristic warmth. "You have proven many times over that you believe in the bonds of friendship, Twilight. Now, take that belief and turn it into power."

The Element of Magic's core gem receded slightly into its golden crest, exposing a tiny sliver of shining circuitry beneath. "LIMITER RELEASE," it said and displayed at the same time. However, the next words to appear had no voice to accompany them.

ACTIVATION KEY READY
SHOUT NOW

The key the words referred to appeared not in midair, but in the midst of Twilight's swirling thoughts. Her heartbeat quickened and her voice threatened to seize up with fear of the unknown. However, the thought of her friends still in danger erased all doubt. She took hold of the Element of Magic and set it once more atop her head.

The Harmony Storm drew closer. The searing wind from its rapid rotation buffeted and battered at everything in its path. Twilight Sparkle stood her ground. With one deep breath, she shouted at the top of her lungs.

"All Crests Open!"

The gems of Honesty, Kindness, and Magic flashed and spoke in unison.

"OPEN UP."

NOW

~

My Little Pony: Lost Legacies
"The Buck Stops Here"

[Morning of Day 23]
Derpy quickened her already brisk trot as she rounded the stretch turn of the Sweet Apple Acres racetrack. The dull, steady thumping of her hooves on the dry dirt formed a strange rhythmic beat with the clattering of the wagon that she had in tow. The sun shone down from a clear blue sky, warm but not overbearing. In fact, to Derpy's great surprise, she'd barely broken a sweat during the entire exercise.

Her initial reaction to the news that she'd be working for the esteemed Applejack on Ponyville's original farmstead had been one of optimistic curiosity. That had transitioned to apprehension earlier this morning when she realized that everypony who wanted to work at the farm, even those hired for temp jobs, had to pass a physical test. Sports had never been her forte, but this particular form of evaluation had turned out to be nothing short of enjoyable.

A cool breeze whipped through Derpy's mane as the finish line came into view. Even strapped to the breast collar and harness needed to pull the apple cart, she still felt nearly weightless as she charged forward. Her heart was clear of worry and doubt. A carefree smile adorned her face. Had the simple act of running always been this fun? Derpy thought on that for a moment as she entered the final stretch. Actually, she couldn't recall the last time she'd tried something like this. Had she ever?

The question left Derpy's mind when her hooves crossed the white chalk line. She came to an easy stop and tossed her mane back with a short chuckle. "How's that, Applejack?"

The orange-hued earth pony mare in question stood on her hind legs, leaning against a nearby fence post. She tipped her signature Stetson back over her blonde mane and lifted up a stopwatch strung about her neck. Her green eyes looked first down then up at Derpy A cocksure grin formed around the hayseed that she held between her teeth. "Better than some."

Derpy raised an eyebrow, not sure what to make of the comment before she became aware of the sound of ragged breathing. She turned to her right to see Twilight Sparkle, similarly bound to an apple cart, trudge painfully across the finish line. The normally composed unicorn mare collapsed into a sweaty, exhausted heap, an action that tilted the cart forward and sent a few wax apples tumbling down on top of her.

"There," Twilight gasped. "I did it."

Applejack's grin grew wider. "That you did, Twi." She put all four hooves back on the ground and sauntered toward the two cart-pulling candidates. "One solid lap 'round the track to Derpy's, uh . . ." Applejack counted out the number with hooftaps, but it was clear from the look on her face that she knew the answer already. "Fourteen." She nodded briskly. "That's actually pretty good for you."

Twilight cast a withering glare at her friend as she used her magic to undo the harness. "Bite me, AJ."

Applejack shook her head. "No thanks, Twi. You're lookin' a mite overcooked there." She tapped the stopwatch and turned to a concerned-looking pegasus. "Derpy, on the other hoof, did mighty fine. Even managed to break one o' my old apple cart'n records."

The smile returned to Derpy's face. "Really?"

Applejack looked back over the course to see Big Macintosh, Snips, and Snails collecting wax apples in bushels. "Or ya would have if you'd actually kept the apples in the cart."

Derpy looked back into her empty cart and then back to Applejack, her face the very picture of shocked innocence. "I was supposed to keep them in the cart?"

The good-natured Applejack shook a bit with silent mirth. "Well, we'll have to work on your list'nin skills but you've definitely got the speed 'n endurance we're lookin' for." She gave Derpy a playful shoulder punch. "'Course, that's no surprise given your line of work."

Derpy tilted her head in confusion. She didn't see the wide-eyed alarm that crossed Twilight Sparkle's face behind her.

Applejack coughed. "Oh, ah mean, you havin' been a mailpony 'n all."

A haggard-looking Twilight stepped between Derpy and Applejack and laughed nervously. "Could you give us a moment, Derpy?"

"Sure."

As Twilight pulled her new employer for the week aside, Derpy fiddled with and eventually started to loosen her harness straps. She was glad that Twilight had chosen to accompany her to Sweet Apple Acres and even gladder that her unicorn friend had gone out of her way to share the experience. Still, Derpy thought as she slid out from under the loosened harness, I wonder what she's been so worried about all morning. Did she think I was gonna screw up? Derpy looked down at the dirt. I guess that wouldn't have been a big surprise. Her ears pricked up as the two mares' conversation increased in volume.

"Maybe I should stay after all," said Twilight in an earnest tone. "You know what will happen if—"

Applejack interrupted her friend with a hoof across the shoulder. "Twilight, ah got this."

Twilight continued as if she hadn't heard. "And the best idea for her Cutie Mark that you could come up with was some half-rumped thing about morning dew—"

"Twi!"

Twilight stopped mid sentence.

Applejack looked her dead in the eye and flashed a confident grin. "Ah. Got. This." The firm statement resulted in a moment of honest reassurance made evident by the calm that descended over Twilight's expression. However, Applejack ruined it one moment later as she turned back to Derpy and gave a swish of her tail. "Now why don't you get yourself back to the ol' book fort before you strain somethin'? Derpy, you good to go?"

"Yeah!" Derpy replied in chipper fashion, letting the collar, harness, and shafts fall to the ground.

At the moment of impact, the entire apple cart fell to pieces. Every single bolt, plank, spoke and wheel came apart from one another, leaving naught but a pile of unassembled cart components and a cloud of dust where the final product had once stood.

Derpy's jaw simply dropped open at the sight.

Applejack struggled to keep her composure. "T-that's okay, Derpy." She shook her head, eyes wide open. "Impossible, but okay." A somewhat bashful tone entered her voice. "Uh, Twi? Wanna give us a magic helping hoof here?"

Twilight smiled and backed away from the scene in the direction of the library. "Oh, I don't see why. You've clearly got this handled, A.J." She turned about and walked off in confident stride. "Good luck, you two!"

"Thanks, Twilight!" Derpy Hooves shouted after her. "See you later!"

Applejack pulled her Stetson low and grinned ruefully. "Me 'n mah big mouth." When she raised the hat once more, her smile had never looked brighter. "Well, Derpy, it's like Granny always says—ain't no use cryin' o'er spilled milk."

The torrential rain fell in sheets on the roadside ditch, visibly only where it reflected the flickering torchlight in the dead of night. The crumpled body of a brown-and-white border collie lay still in a shallow mud puddle. Its red collar matched the shade of the blood that flowed from its broken jaw and fatal wounds. That same blood adorned the hooves of the orange farmpony Applejack. She stood quivering in the downpour over the dog's fallen form, her face a mask of terrible anger.

A massive red stallion stood by her side, his face solemn and unyielding. "Are you all right, A.J.?"

The hatred in Applejack's eyes was only rivaled by the murderous intent in her low, rasping voice. "I will be."

"Derpy?"

Derpy Hooves blinked hard and flinched at the sight of Applejack's honest green gaze.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," Derpy replied with a smile on her face.

"Well, come on then," said Applejack as she turned toward the orchards. "We got plenty o' work to get done 'fore sundown."

Derpy followed after the farmpony, doing her best to ignore the pounding of her rapid heartbeat.

What the hay was that?

~

[Night of Day 24]
Twilight Sparkle pushed the book in front of her down from its vertical position and peered over the brim with a suspicious glare. "What the hay was what?"

Derpy thumped a hoof lightly on the dining room table and returned Twilight's expression with an air of utter seriousness. "You know, what they did with the weird barrels." She paused before cocking her head to the side. "Are you listening, Twilight?"

The unicorn in question nodded slowly. "Yes, I'm listening. You're trying to tell me that Applejack . . ."

Derpy nodded.

Twilight's right eyebrow began to arch. " . . . the living Element of Honesty . . ."

Derpy nodded again.

Twilight's eyebrow climbed higher. " . . . and her whole family are lying to us about what they do at the farm?"

Derpy nodded vigorously enough to shake her mane about.

Twilight's eyes narrowed. "This sounds like Spike's department."

Spike the dragon approached the table at that very moment, carrying a tray with three steaming bowls of a vegetable stew commonly known as Hoofton Hotpot. "My department?"

The aroma of choice vegetables and savory herbs was so delicious that even the marginally perturbed Twilight couldn't deny herself a few whiffs. "Yep, this theory sounds just right for File 13."

Spike shook his head and began setting the bowls on the table, careful to slide them around the towering stacks of books and parchments. "I don't know about any 13th file."

Twilight reached out a hoof rendered dexterous by years of intense study and maneuvered one bowl through her literary defenses. "Sure you do, Spike. You'll find it in several tin buckets throughout the library, including the one next to my desk."

Spike brought a thoughtful claw to his chin as the implication sailed just over his head. "Huh, never thought to look there."

Twilight propped her book back up against its stacked counterparts with a swift thump. "Get to it, department head."

"Right!" said Spike. He puffed his chest out proudly and withdrew the tray behind his back. "So, Derpy, what's this 'theory' that you were telling Twilight about?"

Derpy drew in a breath, unintentionally sampling the powerful fragrance of the Hoofton Hotpot and the apple fritters in the oven an the same time. Her eyes glazed over and her jaw went slack.

Spike fidgeted in the awkward silence. "Uh . . ."

Derpy's eyes suddenly refocused. She leaned forward over the table. "It's not a theory! There's some seriously creepy stuff going on at Sweet Apple Acres."

"Uh-huh," Spike responded with more than a little doubt evident in his tone. A possibility dawned on him. "Derpy, are you causing— I mean, having problems with working for A.J.?"

Derpy's eyes searched the ceiling for a moment. "I don't think so. She says I'm 'doin' a mighty fine job.'"

Spike's eyes went wide. "She does?"

Derpy thumped her hoof down once more. "Yeah, but I think she's saying that just so I won't get suspicious."

Spike looked away. "I dunno. That kinda makes me suspicious."

Derpy pointed the hoof at him. "See what I'm talking about? And from what I've seen, you should be."

Spike gulped. "Should I?"

A low groan emanated from behind the stacks of books.

Spike coughed nervously. "Um, maybe you should tell me what you saw. I bet it's nothing too crazy—this is A.J. we're talking about here."

"That's what I thought at first," Derpy replied in the same manner that Rainbow Dash would impart a ghost story. "But then I realized that being the Element of Honesty is a perfect cover." She paused for effect, though a slowly straying iris thwarted her effort. "For evil."

Spike's voice exuded genuine wonder. "What kind of evil?"

"Well," said Derpy. "For one thing, there's these funny barrels with letters I can't read on them. They're stacked by the barn when I leave at sundown, but they're always gone when I go to work in the morning."

"Barrels with strange markings leaving under the cover of night," Spike paraphrased. His eyes widened. "You're thinking some kind of contraband?"

Derpy smiled confidently. "I'm thinking alien cow milk."

A sputtering noise came from behind the book fort.

Spike raised a single claw and opened his mouth to respond but found himself quite speechless.

Derpy nodded. "I checked one of the barrels—they're full of milk from the cows in the barn. There's no way that they can move that many barrels with just the ponies who work there, and the Apples won't give away stuff they make for free. It was confusing at first, but then I remembered this one book that Rainbow Dash gave me. Farm stuff with weird letters that disappear in the night? It's gotta be aliens with a flying saucer—they could move those barrels, and they probably need it to survive or something."

Spike found his voice and a smidgen of skepticism along with it. "And they pay in bits?"

Derpy shook her head. "When they invade, the Apple family lives."

"I—" Spike began to say before falling silent. He scratched absently at his dorsal spines. "I've got no idea what to say."

"Oh, it gets worse," Derpy continued. "I talked to Snips and Snails about it. They say that sometimes, when they have to work past sunset, they hear loud noises and see lights coming from the barn."

"Wow," Spike said in a small voice.

Derpy sat up straight on her stool, her head held aloof. "I'm not saying it was aliens . . ."

Spike swallowed audibly. "But it was aliens?"

Derpy nodded with great severity.

"Holy cow, Twilight," Spike exclaimed. "I think she's onto something. I mean, what if—"

"Spiiiike," came a singsong version of the dragon's name from behind the mountain of manuscripts.

"Yeah?" he answered.

The front book fell forward to reveal Twilight Sparkle smiling dangerously from behind her reading glasses. "You're demoted."

"Oh," Spike groaned sheepishly.

Twilight tipped over a book on top of the stack to her left. It fell open to reveal a symbology chart.

"Hey!" Derpy shouted in astonishment. "These are the letters on the barrels."

"That is Ancient Equestrian," said Twilight. "It's common for farming families that have their roots in Equestrian pre-history to use the old icons for marking produce—it uses less ink. As for how the barrels leave the farm, the milkstallion and his crew pick up the milk before dawn so they have time to package and deliver it during the day."

"Well, what about the—"

Twilight tipped another book over the edge to reveal the contents of a Farmer's Almanac & Planting Guide. "Winter wheat is harvested in the spring, and I heard from Big Macintosh that the crop yield is nearly double what they expected. The Apple family grinds their own flour for homemade bread products that they use in a lot of different ways, like those apple fritters in the oven. With that kind of overabundance, they're probably having to work into the night to get it all processed. The grinder is noisy, and as for the lights . . ." She waved a hoof at the oil lanterns around the room. "It's nice to have light when you're working."

Spike pointed at the almanac. "Why did you even have that at the table?"

Twilight cast him a withering glare. "The point is that nothing strange is going on. Especially not aliens."

Derpy shuffled her hooves and looked at the table. "Well, that does sound a lot simpler than what I came up with."

Twilight nodded sagely. "The truth usually is."

Derpy raised her head and looked Twilight in the eye. "But what about her dog?"

Twilight's mouth fell open in shock.

Even Spike hesitated before speaking. "You mean Winona?"

"Yeah," said Derpy. "Something bad happened to her, and I'm pretty sure that Applejack had something to do with it."

A rattle from the other side of the table caught Derpy's attention. Twilight's body began to shake ever so slightly. Her teeth were gritted. Her eyes were alight with anger. Derpy felt her own body recoil as an instinctive response, even though she was sure that her unicorn friend wouldn't harm her. She was proven right a moment later, but when Twilight spoke, her voice was nearly a full octave lower than Derpy had ever heard it.

"Why do you know about that? You weren't even there."

Derpy felt a lump forming in her throat. She hadn't thought about a way to explain what she'd seen. Twilight's question was one that she hadn't found an answer for either. "I . . . uh . . ."

Twilight closed her eyes and focused on calming herself down. It was several seconds before she spoke again. "If you'd asked anypony in Ponyville you would have known better than to say something like that. Let me make this clear: what happened to Winona was not Applejack's fault, and if you say that it was, or if you even say that you think it was to anypony again I . . ." The statement had been leading to some sort of threat, but the powerful anger behind it had already left Twilight. She slumped back on her stool and shook her head, seeming almost ashamed of her outburst. "I just don't know what I'd do."

Derpy was uncertain whether or not to voice a question considering Twilight's mood, but she chose to risk it anyway. "Then, what did happen?"

Twilight began to reorganize the books. "Ask Applejack."

That idea caused a chill to run through Derpy's form. "But what if—"

"It's what you should have done to begin with," Twilight interrupted in a measured tone. "You cooked up these hare-brained alien theories because you're scared of the truth and you want us to ask her for you."

Derpy chafed at the criticism. "I'm not scared."

Twilight poked her head over the reborn book fort. "Then do us all a favor and ask the Element of Honesty for the truth, okay?"

~

[Night of Day 25]
The next day brought a sheet of gray clouds that covered the sky from end to end. They lent a depressing air to working outdoors, but provided near-total darkness with the fall of night. Derpy couldn't have asked for better. It was the perfect night for reconnaissance.

She pressed her back against a line of shrubbery that provided ample cover and touched a nervous hoof to the borrowed camera at her side. True to her suspicions, flickering lights shone through the windows of the Sweet Apple Acres barn and the clanking of machinery clashed against the chirping of crickets in an unnatural cacophony. Derpy swallowed hard. The cool night air and perfect cover did nothing to calm her pounding heart nor stem the flow of adrenaline through her veins.

"I'm not scared," she whispered. "I'm right is what I am. There is something fishy going on here." She kept her hoof on the camera so as not to lose it in the darkness. "All I need is a picture. Just one. Then Twilight'll understand and help me put a stop to it." The self-reassurance wasn't working, but Derpy pressed on regardless. "Why be scared? What's the worst they could do?"

An image flashed through Derpy's mind. She saw a little filly fall dead in the midst of a crowd with not a single wound on her body. Her heart skipped a beat. She drew in a sharp breath as it resumed. "W-what's the worst that they could be hiding?"

Another image placed itself over Derpy's vision. A black stallion clad in regal finery stared down at her as floating papers filled the air. The troubled pegasus began to have difficulty breathing. What is this? she thought. What's wrong with me?

"Who goes there?!"

Derpy froze. She recognized the voice as Granny Smith's, and it was close. She dared not look and she wanted to flee, but her body simply wouldn't obey. Her apprehension had turned to ice-cold terror.

"Come on out! I's seen ya already. It ain't no use tryin' t' hide."

Derpy's mind considered doing so, but her terrified form remained rooted to the spot. Seconds passed that seemed like minutes. If they were minutes, they might as well have been hours. Derpy began to lose herself to the hollow feeling in her chest. She wondered if this was what it felt like to pass out.

Finally, Granny Smith spoke once more, though her voice had changed direction. "Well, I guess it was nothin'. Good night, you two. Make sure y'all git to bed in'n hour or so, y'hear?"

Somepony gave a muffled response from inside the barn, but Derpy couldn't identify the speaker. The heavy barn door creaked shut, followed soon after by the receding sound of uneven hoofsteps and a wooden cane on the hard-packed dirt. Blessed relief washed over Derpy's senses as she let out a long exhale.

Maybe I really am sca-

"Wow. That was close, huh?" whispered a voice right next to her.

Derpy tried to scream but found herself pushed back against the bush by a hoof jammed against her muzzle.

A melodic giggle emanated from the assailant. "Don't do that, silly. Granny Smith'll hear you."

Derpy's left eye spied the curly silhouette of the other pony's mane against the dark gray sky. "Ponky Puh?" she managed to mumble around the hoof.

It withdrew, and its owner giggled once more. "Nope. It's just regular old Pinkie Pie. Whatcha doin' here so late?"

Derpy wiped a forearm across her lips to rid them of the grassy taste left by the pink pony's appendage. "Boy am I glad it's you, Pinkie. I'm just trying to get a picture of what's going on inside the barn."

"Ooh," Pinkie exclaimed quietly with a subdued bounce. "Is it for the Apple Family photo album?"

"No, not exactly."

Pinkie's head tilted to the side. "Aw, that's too bad. I'm pretty sure they don't have one of Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle with their Cutie Marks."

Derpy's ears pricked up. "It's just those two in there?"

"Yep," said Pinkie Pie before leaning in. "Can I help?"

Derpy gave the idea a moment of thought. She actually felt a bit foolish for being afraid of two ponies younger than herself. "No. I'll probably be fine. Thanks though."

"Okie-dokie-lokie," Pinkie whispered in response. She'd already started to bound off down the line of shrubbery when Derpy called after her.

"Hey, what are you doing out here?"

Pinkie Pie glanced back. "Picking some special mushrooms for Gummi. I have to come get 'em at night 'cause A.J.'s being stingy. She thinks they're no good for him, but what does she know? Gummi's gotten a lot bigger since he started eating them."

The thought of a ten-foot perpetually-tweaked alligator gave Derpy mixed feelings. "Are you sure that's a good thing, Pinkie?"

"I don't see the harm," whispered Pinkie. "He'll probably just shrink back to normal if he gets hit."

Derpy's follow-up question was cut off by a sudden silence from the barn.

"Gotta go," said Pinkie Pie as she turned about to leave. "See ya later, Derpy."

The interruption caused Derpy's mind to return to the task at hand. She couldn't think of any reason for the noises to stop unless the two ponies inside were finishing up.

Ponies? thought Derpy. Truthfully, it hadn't been long at all since Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had come of age. No matter how Derpy looked at them, they still seemed like foals to her. That line of thought came with the smell of burning muffins. Could that smell be coming from the barn?

Which pony would you hate to see judged the most?

Derpy's eyes narrowed. Whatever the smell's origin, she didn't like it any more than the thought of the Apple family involving children in their schemes. Brimming with newfound confidence, she draped the camera's strap around her neck and marched swiftly toward the barn.

~

[Morning of Day 26]
The dawn of the following day revealed a clear sky of royal blue and lavender hues that made the memory of the cloudy night seem more distant than it really was. The first hints of red and yellow on the horizon irritated Derpy's eyes. She hadn't gotten much sleep after her encounter in the barn, but aside from slightly bloodshot eyes her body showed not a hint of lethargy. She turned her gaze to the farmhouse in an effort to spare her vision. The movement felt insubstantial—almost weightless. Derpy was filled with a nervous energy and her feelings about what she'd learned the night before had coalesced into an unreadable mess. She didn't know how to feel about something like this, but she did know exactly what to do about it. And so she wore a practiced smile. After all, having a sense of direction was something to be happy about, wasn't it?

At long last, her target emerged. Applejack closed the front door of the red farmhouse with a stifled yawn and turned to walk down the porch steps. She froze in place when she saw the pony waiting for her on the lawn. Her eyes widened in shock for a moment before a warm smile lit up her homely face. "Well good mornin' to ya, Derpy."

"Morning, Applejack." Derpy responded cheerily.

Applejack yawned once more as she walked forward. "You're here pretty early, y'know? The part-time shift don't start for another couple o' hours."

Derpy continued smiling. "I know what's going on."

"Do ya now?" said Applejack as she gave Derpy a playful nudge. "Okay, lay it on me. What's goin' on?"

Derpy decided that it was time for her smile to go away. "You're lying to me, Applejack."

Alarm crossed Applejack's features but was soon replaced by a questioning stare. "Now who told you somethin' like that? Did Apple Bloom—"

"Sweetie Belle told me everything when I went to the barn last night."

This time the look of alarm stayed. Applejack pulled the brim of her Stetson down and grimaced. "Oh."

As Derpy continued, her tone never once ventured into anger—only disappointment. "Apple Bloom was gonna keep lying because you told her to, but Sweetie Belle was mad at me. She said it was all my fault that they were having to work so late. They were making flour, just like Twilight said, but not 'cause they have too much wheat." Derpy's throat started to tense up. "You said I was doing a good job here, even though I make a lot of mistakes. But Sweetie Belle says that your family doesn't have time to do all the work you need to get done during the day because you're too busy cleaning up after me."

Applejack pulled her Stetson lower.

"And that's not all. Sweetie Belle had to come help out because you can't stay up that late—you need a good night's sleep to work the way you do. And even with her help, my screw-ups are still cutting into your . . . you know, the money your family makes."

"Profits," mumbled Applejack.

"Right, prophets," said Derpy with an affirmative nod. "Everypony's having to pay for my mistakes, you're losing money on me, and you even had me thinking that y'all were makin' deals with aliens or something. Why would you tell me that I'm doing fine?"

Applejack raised her hat a bit. "Aliens?"

Derpy stared back unblinkingly.

Applejack sighed heavily and pulled her hat back to its normal position. "Okay, okay. Ya got me. I'm sorry I told ya a fib, Derpy. I just . . ." She paused, uncertain of how to say exactly what she wanted to. "Well, I heard about the hard time you had workin' for Spike n' the Post Office and I didn't want ya t' feel like ya couldn't do nothin' right." She waved a hoof out at the rest of the farm. "Everypony else who's got a job here works hard, but they have a pretty fun time doin' it too. That's just the way we do things the way it's supposed t' be on Sweet Apple Acres and . . . I just didn't want you to feel bad, Derpy. It didn't seem fair, especially since you're just lookin' for what your talent is."

At that moment, Derpy was glad she'd given the issue a lot of consideration last night. "And what if I ended up thinking that this was my talent? Would you hire me or would that force you to tell the truth?"

Applejack looked at the dirt. "Honestly, I hadn't thought that far ahead."

Derpy read the farmpony's body language incorrectly and nearly turned her head upside down as she attempted to look her temporary boss in the eye. "Applejack?"

"Yeah?"

Derpy held the position, no matter how uncomfortable. "What Sweetie Belle said last night really hurt. Part of that was 'cause I felt silly for thinking you and your family were up to no good, but it mostly hurt because I had to hear it from her. Finding out what I'm good at is really important to me, and I'll never find out if other ponies don't tell me the truth about how I'm doing." She drooped her own head low. "I've been causing problems around here, I get that now." Derpy angled her head so that only one eye and a slight grin was showing. "But if you're up for it, I've got an idea."

Applejack grinned in return and straightened up. "All right, let's hear it."

Derpy snapped to attention. Her grin transformed into a bright smile. "Give me a real shot at this. If I'm doing the work wrong, then teach me how to do it right. If I do my best, and I still mess up too much, then I'll know this farmin' stuff's not for me. Deal?"

Applejack snorted and began to snicker.

Derpy tilted her head to the side. "Did I say something funny?"

Applejack waved a hoof. "Nah, it's just that you said you had an 'idea.'" She recovered from her mirth but still had a wide smile on her face. "That's not an 'idea', Derpy. That's what ah shoulda done in the first place!"

"Hm," replied Derpy. She didn't understand what Applejack meant by that, but she didn't see any reason to worry about it. She put her right hoof forward. "So, deal?"

Applejack pressed one of her own front hooves to it. "You got it, sugarcube."

~

[High Noon of Day 28]
"Rainbow Dash!"

The pegasus pony in question lowered her hammer and pricked her ears up. She stood on a ladder inside the eight raised walls of the town hall's newly-built third story, just under a half-affixed "M" truss that would soon support the currently-missing roof. Rainbow Dash groaned and wiped her face with the towel around her neck. She knew that voice. She let the seconds pass in silence.

"Rainbow Dash! Look outside!"

Seeing no way out of the encounter, Rainbow Dash slid down the ladder and trotted to the closest window space. "Derpy, if you're gonna— AAH!" She recoiled and fell on her rump. Derpy Hooves was hovering right outside the open window. If Rainbow Dash had taken one more step she would have knocked heads with her.

"Hi!" Derpy managed around the basket handle in her mouth.

Rainbow Dash coughed and got back on her hooves. "You could try using the stairs next time." She fully intended to carry the criticism further but was distracted by the contents of the basket. "Wait a minute. Are those . . ." The tangy yet savory odor of the fluffy treats inside was unmistakable. "Are those redcurrant pancakes?"

"Uh-huh," said Derpy as she set the basket on the floor. "I helped Spike make them. He said they were your favorite."

"He was right," Rainbow Dash said in awe. She approached and laid a grave hoof on Derpy's shoulder. "You have no idea how much I need a good lunch right now. You're a frikkin' lifesaver!"

"You're welcome, Rainbow." Derpy smiled and reached back to pull a thermos and picnic blanket out of her saddlebags. She paused with the thermos handle in her mouth. "I don't have any syrup, but you like them plain, right?"

"You bet your rump I do!" Rainbow Dash reached forward and gave the top pancake a mighty flip. She watched it as it soared into the air, tilted her head back, opened her mouth wide, and made a perfect catch. A noisy, almost herculean chewing effort followed and ended with an audible swallow. A look of intense satisfaction played havoc with Rainbow's face before transforming into her usual cocky grin. "Syrup's no good for the feathers of a true athlete, you know?"

Derpy fixed the last corner of the blanket and smiled. "Nope, but now I do."

Rainbow Dash did her part by lifting the basket onto the blanket, but looked up from the task with a puzzled expression. "Uh, I really appreciate this, Derpy. It's just that . . . uh . . ." She scratched at her mane nervously. "Is there a special occasion that I'm forgetting or something?"

Derpy shook her head and lowered it a bit. "No, I'm just trying to say that I'm sorry. I shouldn't have called you a jerk before."

Rainbow's face flushed red. "I-it's not that big of a deal."

"Yeah it is," Derpy responded as she twisted open the thermos cap, "'cause you're not a jerk. You're a good pony—I was just mad." She poured a cup of ice-cold water and pushed it toward her companion. "Will you forgive me?"

Rainbow's face was beet red. She laughed and waved a hoof. "C'mon, Derpy! You're killing me here! Of course I forgive you—quit bein' so mushy!"

"Oh, that's a relief," sighed Derpy, clearly happy not to have the deed tugging on her conscience any longer.

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash uttered awkwardly. She very much wanted to snag another pancake, but decided to keep her hooves where they were for what she needed to say. "Actually, I kinda owe you an apology too."

"Huh?" asked a wide-eyed Derpy. "For what?"

Rainbow avoided Derpy's gaze. "Well . . . You see, I . . ." She let out a frustrated groan, stood up, and pointed a hoof at the gray pegasus. "Okay, look. I don't do this . . . 'feelings' stuff, so open up your ears 'cause I'm only sayin' this once!"

Derpy sat up straight with a smile. "Okay."

Rainbow's hoof wavered. "Y-you were right. I was being a jerk. I mean, don't get me wrong—I was pretty steamed at you when you left, but . . ." She lowered the hoof and looked away. "The more I thought about it . . . you were just standing up for Spike. I mean, a year ago that might've been me yelling at Rarity or something. Anyway, I totally get where you were coming from and . . . I kinda respect you for it. Heck, I intimidate most ponies around here, so standing up to me is pretty . . . I dunno, heroic or something." The hoof came up once more, accompanied by a welcoming smile. "So, we cool?"

Derpy giggled and gave her the high-one she may or may not have been looking for. "Yeah, we're cool, Rainbow Dash."

"Okay, good," Rainbow declared as she flopped back to a sitting position. "Touchy-feely time is over. Pancake time starts now!" She reached over to her cup and paused, looking at the object inquisitively. "Say, that's actually pretty impressive."

"What is?"

Rainbow pointed at the thermos. "Half the ponies I know ask me to get those caps off for them. You did it on your own and poured two cups."

Derpy nodded. "Uh-huh."

Rainbow smiled brazenly. "No offense, but you're usually a walking disaster, especially with delicate stuff."

"I was just being careful," said Derpy as she reached for a pancake. "Applejack thinks that the reason I make so many mistakes is 'cause I don't think enough when I do things. So, I'm practicing being extra-careful all the time."

"Sounds like everything's workin' out over there."

"Mostly," Derpy replied with a half-yawn. "I just get really tired toward the end of the day. I'm working twice as long now."

Rainbow waved a hoof at the wooden trusses. "You still got energy for this, right?"

Derpy wolfed down half a pancake and imitated Rainbow's grin. "I won't know until I try."

Rainbow's grin got noticeably wider. "That's what I like to hear."

~

[Afternoon of Day 30]
Applejack leaned against one of the many trees of her orchard and stared off into the bright oranges and pinks of the sunset. It was a sight that she'd never tired of—not once since her youth—but she couldn't stop her eyes from drifting to the lonely stone edifice on the far-off hillside. She took a sip of cider from a nearby mug and frowned a bit. Her thoughts didn't get far before they were interrupted by the sounds of heavy trotting and gasping breaths.

A sweaty Derpy Hooves approached from the side, swaying back and forth with an unsteady enthusiasm. "H-hi, Applejack!" she blurted out around ragged breaths. "T-they told me come meet you here." Uncertainty arose in her expression. "After work. To meet you here after work, that-that's what they told me."

Applejack smiled and held up a front hoof. "Hold up a minute, Derpy. Sit down and catch yer breath—nopony told ya t' bust a lung gettin' over here." She cocked her head toward the mugs of cider at her side. "You're not on the clock right now. It's just you n' me relaxin' after a hard day's work."

Derpy followed Applejack's instructions to the letter, plopping herself down under the apple tree and pulling over a mug of liquid refreshment.

"Slowly now," cautioned Applejack. "Don't want t' make yerself sick."

Derpy took a few moments to calm down from her headlong sprint across the farm before asking, "Am I really just here to hang out?"

"Eh, not exactly," replied Applejack. She pulled a small stack of papers from the grass and let them fall to her lap. "Yer results are in."

Derpy's face lit up with excitement. "Oh my gosh. How'd I do?"

Applejack sifted the papers with a cursory hoof. "Huh."

Derpy leaned forward. "What's 'huh?'"

Applejack raised an eyebrow, her gaze locked on the papers. "It's funny. If you'd told me a year ago that we'd have official Sweet Apple Acres Stationary ah woulda looked at you like ya had three heads. This was all Apple Bloom's idea, of course—"

"Applejack!" Derpy whined.

Applejack turned to Derpy with a wise-guy grin. "Just kiddin'." She tossed the top paper over to Derpy.

The pegasus mare looked down at the report, but the various charts and graphs meant little to her. "So, is this good?"

"I'd say so," replied Applejack. "You broke even, sunshine. Maybe even made a little on top."

The words were as indecipherable to Derpy as the paper before her. "Um . . ."

Applejack leaned toward her, making her tone bright so that her companion was sure to understand. "You were costin' us money before, remember? Well, now we're back up to just a tiny bit o' profit for this week. There ain't nopony else around here changin' work habits anymore, so that's all you." Seeing an ever-widening smile on Derpy's face, Applejack decided to temper the good news. "Now don't misunderstand—that don't make ya a farmpony all-star. Still, with that kinda improvement over just a few days of good solid effort, it really is somethin' to be proud of." She leaned back against the tree once more. "Heck, if ya want to stay on, I wouldn't mind hirin' ya."

Derpy's mouth fell open. "Really?"

Applejack tipped the brim of her Stetson up. "Is that what you'd like to do?"

The inquiry reminded Derpy of a similar question that Twilight had once asked of her. She thought hard for a moment or two, but it didn't take very long. "Thanks, Applejack, but I don't think this is my talent. I'd really like to find that out while I've got the time."

Applejack smiled at that answer. "Well, you're welcome anytime." She took a sip of frothy beverage from her mug. "And remember, that's an Apple family rule—friends are always welcome."

If the smile that appeared on Derpy's face had been made of sugar, Applejack would have contracted a case of diabetes on the spot.

Applejack cast her earnest companion a sideways glance. "I know ah said t' take it slow, but that cider ain't gonna drink itself."

"You're serious?" asked Derpy as her train of thought careened right past her new friend's advice. "You and me are . .."

"Well why not, sugar? I've taken a likin' to ya—don't need t' be more complicated than that." Applejack looked Derpy right in the eye. "Less'n that don't meet with your approval."

Derpy looked genuinely shocked. "Of course it does. I just don't really get it. All I did was work hard and be careful."

Applejack's smile took on a wistful quality. "See that headstone on the hill over yonder?"

Derpy looked in the direction of Applejack's gaze to find a single stone monument silhouetted against the setting sun. "Yeah."

"That's where I laid my first friend t' rest."

Derpy felt a sudden knot form in her throat. "You mean . . ."

"Winona," said Applejack. "That dog was right by my side ever since I was no bigger than a watermelon, and I loved her just for that. It was only when ah went t' get my schoolin' done that I understood somethin' about that love. The other fillies and foals didn't know any better, but they could be as two-faced n' cruel as a starvin' hydra. Winona was different. From the tip of her ears to the tip of her tail there wasn't a single lie t' be found." Applejack gave a light chuckle. "Now that's not too unusual as far as dogs go. Still, she was the one who taught me that bein' honest is worth a whole lot more than just doin' what your granny tells you." She turned her gaze back to the intently listening Derpy. "It's been two months since I had t' say goodbye, but I didn't realize just how much I missed that kind of unfailin' honesty comin' from somepony besides me."

Derpy's face flushed at the compliment, but the knot in her throat stayed and wouldn't allow one question to go unasked. "How did it happen?"

Applejack's smile faded away. She turned back toward the grave in the distance. "I lost sight of Winona when we were out herdin' cattle one evening. Didn't worry me too much at first—happens sometimes when there's a wild stray. It was already dark and pourin' down rain by the time I realized she was gone. I went lookin' for her even so, and when I found her . . ." She bit at her lower lip. "She wasn't my dog anymore."

Derpy whickered in response. "What?"

The fading red of the setting sun reflected in Applejack's eyes. "Timber wolves carry somethin' that acts like rabies at first—turns a perfectly good dog into a bloodthirsty monster. Give it a few more days and there won't be any difference left between your little pal and a real timber wolf." Applejack sniffed and pulled the brim of her hat low. "Once I saw Winona like that . . . There ain't no cure, y'know?" She paused before saying, "Ah did the only thing I could."

Derpy bowed her head, ashamed for her earlier suspicions. "I'm sorry."

Noticing her friend's somber mood, Applejack quickly restored a smile to her features. "Ain't nothin' for you t'be sorry for, sunshine. It's just hard for me to let go, 'specially when what happened don't make no sense."

Derpy looked up. "It doesn't?"

Applejack took another swig from her mug. "Y'know that stuff that got to Winona? The wolves carry it in their blood--well, sap really. Now how would Winona get that in her? They don't bleed out their snouts, and their skin's made o' wood. She'd have to chew on one of those wolves for a good half-hour to get down t' the veins." She shook her head. "Winona knew better than that anyhow. I lost count o' the number of wolves we'd tangled with over the years." A moment of silence followed, but Applejack soon dispelled it with a dismissive sigh. "Well, I didn't figure it out then and I aint' gonna figure it out now sippin' cider under the apple trees." She cast a playful glance at Derpy. "Would you take a sip o' that mug I saved for ya before I have to force it down your gullet?"

The enraptured Derpy had completely forgotten her thirst. She wordlessly lifted the cider off the ground and began to drink. Several seconds later, she was still going.

Applejack's eyes grew wider with every gulp. "Are you really gonna--"

Derpy planted the empty mug on the ground and wiped the froth mustache from her face.

"--finish the whole thing?"

Derpy beamed a smile back at the now-redundant question.

Applejack exhaled sharply through her nose. "Good, ain't it?" She quickly finished off the last of her own cider and stared at the Sweet Apple Acres logo on the mug. "We found a way to serve it year-round after Apple Bloom got her Mark. The farm's been goin' through a lot of changes thanks to her."

Derpy suppressed a small burp. "Good ones, right?"

Applejack looked surprised by the question. "Course they are—came from my little sister, didn't they? She's always been a brighter bulb than most ponies gave her credit for." Her eyes drifted downward. "Still, the way it's all happening so fast . . ." She looked back at Derpy. "Do ya ever feel like you're waitin' for the other horseshoe to drop?"

"Applejack!" came a masculine voice from some distance away.

"Oops," said Applejack as she jumped up from her sitting position. "Looks like they sent out a search party."

"A party?" Derpy asked with obvious confusion.

Applejack chuckled. "Nah, it's just Big Mac."

The well-built red stallion named Big Macintosh closed the distance quickly, coming to a skidding halt just short of the two mares' position.

"Hey, Mac," Applejack offered in greeting. "I'm not due back already, am I?"

"Timbersign," Macintosh grunted out between breaths. "South orchard."

All traces of joviality disappeared from Applejack's face. "Same pack?"

Macintosh nodded gravely.

Derpy rose to her hooves as well. "What's going on?"

Applejack turned to her and explained the situation in a calm voice. "We got a pack of timber wolves in the south orchard, Derpy. I think me and Mac can handle 'em, but this could be dangerous." Her eyes moved back and forth in thought for a moment. "Can I ask you for a favor?"

Derpy nodded.

"Apple Bloom is inspectin' an old wheat field just north o' here that we're gonna burn down in a couple o' days. I need you to go there, find her, and get yourselves back to the farmhouse." Applejack laid a solemn hoof on Derpy's shoulder. "I'd go myself, but Mac's gonna need some help with a whole pack down there. Can you handle this, Derpy?"

Derpy's heartbeat began to quicken. The sense of danger was palpable, but she was familiar with the layout of the farm by now. "I can do it," she responded.

"All right," said Applejack. "I'm trustin' you. When y'all get back to the house, lock all the doors and windows. Don't open 'em for anythin' till me n' Mac come for you, got it?"

"Got it."

Applejack pulled her Stetson tight on her head and flashed a grim smile. "Okay, Mac. Lead the way."

~

Minutes later, Derpy Hooves charged across the dirt paths between towering fields of wheat that blocked her vision. A chill wind whipped about in the dim twilight, filling the air with the sound of rustling leaves.

"Apple Bloom!" Derpy shouted above the noise. "Apple Bloom, where are you?!"

She arrived at a four-way crossroads and suddenly realized that she'd lost her sense of direction. Each of the paths through the near-solid walls of wheat looked identical under the sky of pale lavender. Derpy spun about in place, unsure of where to go next or how to stop her slowly rising sense of panic.

"Apple Bloom!" she shouted even louder than before.

"Hey! Is that you, Derpy?"

Derpy Hooves swiveled about to see Apple Bloom emerge from one of the walls of wheat, her cream-colored coat and fire-red mane easily visible even in the low light. She stood about six inches shorter than Derpy, but very nearly had the proportions of a full-bodied mare.

"Whatcha doin' up here?" asked Apple Bloom in her countrified cadence. "I thought you were meetin' A.J. after work."

"Apple Bloom!" Derpy exclaimed as she rushed to the earth pony's side. "There's timber wolves on the farm!"

The younger mare looked a bit skeptical. "Seriously?"

"Come on," said Derpy, prancing in place. "She said to go back to the farmhouse and lock the doors."

Apple Bloom giggled. "Aw, calm down, Derpy." She gave a powerful kick with a rear hoof. "Just show me where A.J. and Big Mac went. I'll help 'em give those doggies a good clobberin'."

Derpy's mouth fell open. "No, Apple Bloom. Applejack's trusting me to get you to a safe place. If something happens to you then . . ."

Apple Bloom looked a bit disappointed, but a tiny smile crept across her face. "You forgot the way back, didn't ya?"

Derpy looked away. "T-that too."

Apple Bloom gave a light chuckle. "Well don't you worry. I'll get ya t' the farmhouse in one piece." She strode confidently past Derpy for a few steps before stopping in place and looking about. "Wait, what the hay is this?"

"What's what?"

Apple Bloom continued casting about, her expression growing more frustrated by the moment. "I know this field like the back o' my hoof but . . ." She turned to Derpy. "The paths are all pointed in weird directions, like somepony jumbled them up." She squinted. "Hey, is it getting dark a lot quicker than usual or is it just me?"

It was true—the sky had transitioned from lavender to dark gray in a matter of minutes. Derpy was about to agree verbally when another voice interrupted her.

"We meet again, Ms. Hooves."

An earth pony mare materialized out of the wheat fields. She seemed unfamiliar at a glance, but recognition began to dawn on Derpy when she imagined the mare in uniform. Her magenta coat, crimson mane, and stern blue eyes brought her name to the forefront of Derpy's mind. "Ms. Strike?"

"Strike?" asked Apple Bloom. "You mean Three Strike?"

Three Strike ignored the inquiry and sauntered forward in haughty fashion. "You're a hard pony to reach, Ms. Hooves, but I told you that this wasn't over. No matter what these ponies have told you, you're nothing more than a burden on each and every one of them."

"That ain't true!" shouted Apple Bloom.

Three Strike frowned. "It would be wonderful if it weren't, but we both know the truth. Don't we, Derpy?" Her eyes narrowed, bright blue even in the dim light. "You can either continue to bother them and be reviled behind your back, or you can come with me."

Derpy had never expected to see the unpleasant mare again. The words hurt more than Derpy thought they would, and she could only stammer in response. "I . . . I uh . . ."

Apple Bloom leaped between the two mares. "Don't you listen to her, Derpy! She ain't no agent o' the crown—she's a fraud! Twilight told me so!" She glared daggers at Three Strike. "You ain't nothin' but a common crook. Now git off my farm before I have to buck you off it!"

Three Strike sighed heavily. "Well, Derpy? What will it be?"

Derpy's words were failing her. She began to move behind Apple Bloom to indicate her decision, but stopped as something caught her eye. "What's wrong with your mane?"

Three Strike pulled her red mane into view. Deep orange streaks were starting to run through it like water pouring down a rock face. Her eyes closed and a smile played across her lips. "Had to run out sooner or later, I guess." Then she began to laugh.

Derpy and Apple Bloom backed away slowly as Three Strike's laughter vacillated between sniggering fits and maniacal cackling. When the strange pony's eyes opened once more, the laughter ceased. The round pupils had narrowed to reptilian slits, and her blue irises gave off an intense ethereal light. A black cloak swirled through the air above and descended like a cascading wave over Three Strike's form. In the next moment, it pulled tight around her neck and covered everything but the tips of her hooves, muzzle, and a few wisps of her now-gray mane. Her coat had changed to a shade of royal blue, and the light of her eyes shone from under the cowl over her head.

A droplet of yellowish discharge escaped from her lips as she smiled. "Hi there."

Derpy had gone slack-jawed at the surreal sight but quickly clamped it shut and covered her nose. "What is that smell? It's awful!"

Apple Bloom coughed and covered her snout as well. "That smells like sulfur." She coughed once more and stared at the pony that looked more like a living shadow than anything else. "What the heck are you?"

The cloaked pony's voice had changed completely from the stern authority of Three Strike's pronouncements. Her next words had a guttural, uneven tone. "Sissy says I'm an Emissary." She giggled and blew at the brim of her cowl. "But you half-lifes like to call me Screw Loose. Take your pick."

Derpy felt a pressure growing in her head and chest. A primal fear rose within her, unlike anything she'd felt before. There was no suspicion this time--she knew that Screw Loose was dangerous. She wanted to warn Apple Bloom, but the words stuck in her throat.

Apple Bloom kicked at the dirt. "I don't much care for either one. Now I warned ya once, I won't do it again. Git off my farm!"

Screw Loose advanced on the pair with a malicious grin. "Or what?"

Apple Bloom wasted not a second. She turned and lashed out with a powerful hind leg in one swift motion. No creature standing where Screw Loose did could have avoided the blow. However, Apple Bloom's hoof caught nothing but thin air. Screw Loose's form dissipated into black smoke on impact, causing the young farmpony to overbalance. Within the breadth of a second, Screw Loose's cloaked form reappeared at Apple Bloom's vulnerable flank and punched hard. The attack caught Apple Bloom full across the face with enough force to send her skidding across the dirt in a cloud of dust.

Derpy looked to where the dust cloud stopped in shock. Apple Bloom was splayed out on all fours, clearly knocked out of consciousness. She turned back to Screw Loose to find the unearthly pony leaning into her face.

"Gosh, I've been wanting to do that for two whole months."

Derpy recoiled with a yelp, but Screw Loose stayed right with her.

"Playtime is over, Derpy Hooves. You're coming with me, one way or the other." She stopped moving forward and looked around Derpy at the fallen protector. Screw Loose grinned wickedly. "In a minute, anyway." With that, she moved toward Apple Bloom.

Derpy felt as if sirens were blaring inside her head. She turned about and forced her vocal chords to cooperate. "W-what are you doing?"

Screw Loose let out a harsh laugh. "Just a little fun before we go. I'm gonna leave dear old Applejack a present." She looked back at Derpy. "I can make monsters y'know. I can make 'em out of anyone or anything." She tilted her head up. "That's why I have so many friends."

It was then that Derpy noticed them. Red eyes situated on snarling wooden faces littered the walls of wheat--they were completely surrounded by timber wolves, or at least, what had once been timber wolves. A black sludge oozed from their joints and odd antler-like growths stuck out from their otherwise smooth skin at crazy angles. The creatures waited patiently, apparently at their master's beck and call. Conscious thought began to fade from Derpy's mind. Every fiber in her being was screaming at her to run like the wind.

Screw Loose cackled madly, her voice dripping with mirth. "Oh Applejack was so broken up over what happened to that stupid dog! Just imagine how she'll feel when she has to kill her own little sister!" She let out a squeal of delight. "I can't wait to see the look on that bumpkin half-life's face!"

Screw Loose's words came together in Derpy's terrified thoughts. She gasped. "You did it. You made Winona sick."

"Duh," remarked Screw Loose as she neared Apple Bloom's fallen form. "It was either that or let her lead the Apples right to me. But that was sloppy improv. This . . ." She giggled. "This is gonna be a work of art!"

The fluffy filly named Sleepy Pie stumbled forward from the edge of the crowd. Cross watched in stupefied horror as her wide tearful eyes gave him one last pleading look before glazing over. Her small body toppled forward into the grass, never to rise again.

The vision caused Derpy's body to move. She threw herself between Screw Loose and Apple Bloom, standing her ground in silence.

Screw Loose smiled. "What's this?"

"I'll make you a deal," said Derpy. "I'll go with you, and I won't cause trouble." She withered a bit under Screw Loose's glowing half-gaze but steeled herself for whatever was to come. "Just don't hurt Apple Bloom."

"Aww," cooed Screw Loose. "That is so sweet of you." She gave a tilt of her head. "But it's really no trouble for me to knock you out and do what I want."

WHACK!

Screw Loose's hoof hit Derpy's cheek so hard that she felt her jaw loosen. Pain seared through her head and her body lurched to the right, but Derpy forced herself to remain standing. When the taste of copper filled her mouth, she simply swallowed and stared back at her assailant.

"Wow," said Screw Loose. "You're tougher than you look." The glow from her eyes shifted from blue to a nearly black shade of violet. She raised her hoof once more. "Lucky for you, I love doing things the hard way."

A familiar voice rang out over the wheat field. "I'd put that hoof back where it belongs if I was you."

Both Derpy and Screw Loose turned to see Applejack trotting her way along the dirt path past growling rows of timber wolves waiting for instruction.

"A.J.!" exclaimed Screw Loose as she lowered her hoof, her eyes returning to their previous blue coloration. "I left you at the south orchard. Now how'd you get here fast? I was sure that I had at least a few minutes to play."

Applejack smiled as she neared their position, looking for all the world as if she'd happened upon a Sunday picnic. "I gotta give ya credit, Screwy. Magic'n yourself up as Big Mac and teleportin' away after gettin' me surrounded was pretty clever." Her smile arched up to show her teeth. "For a scumbag."

Derpy Hooves could only give a teary-eyed smile at her friend's arrival. She felt sure that she would vomit if she dared to open her mouth.

Applejack laid a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. "Thanks, Derpy. Now stand back, y'hear?"

Derpy nodded and stuck close to Apple Bloom as Applejack stepped forward.

"This is touching," quipped Screw Loose. "You're like a hillbilly knight in shining armor, or at least you would be if you could actually do anything." She waved at the canine faces in the wheat fields. "Why don't you get out of my way before I let my friends turn you into a chew toy?"

Applejack looked left, then right, and whistled. "So, lemme guess. Your plan's to get me tangled up with more timber wolves while you run over to Derpy, grab her, and then teleport outta here while I'm occupied." She swished her tail mockingly. "Right?"

Screw Loose snorted. "And if it is?"

Applejack's expression took on a malicious quality. "Too late."

Flickering lights began to appear at all points on the dark horizon. The wheat fields were completely surrounded by distant flames with an odd tinge of crimson.

"Well, go on," said Applejack. "Try to 'port outside of it. You could always just come right back."

Screw Loose sighed. "Only for you, A.J." Her blue eyes flashed brightly, but nothing happened. The flashed once more, producing nothing at all. She gave Applejack a sideways glance. "How did you—"

"Anti-magic barrier," answered Applejack with obvious pride. "The recipe's been in our family since before anypony cares to remember, and when Twilight warned me about you havin' weird magic, I figured it might be nice to set the table in case you came by t' visit." She made a counting motion with a front hoof. "Works on ponies, works on monsters," She pointed the hoof at her adversary. "And I guess it works on you, stinkbreath. You'll never get outta here before the royal guard shows up."

The timber wolves began to move onto the dirt paths. Screw Loose threw a forearm to her brow in mock despair. "Oh no, I suppose you're going to put me in hoofcuffs now."

"Depends," Applejack replied, letting the smile fade from her face. "What you said you did to Winona, is it true?"

"It sure is," Screw Loose shot back. "And the same's gonna happen to—"

"Now that's a problem for me," Applejack interrupted. She stepped forward slowly, ignoring the danger all around. "See, Twilight wants ya alive, but you got a lot to answer for. On top of all the stuff the police are after ya for, ya bring a pack o' timber wolves on my farm, threaten my whole family, and ya even try to cast some crazy voodoo on my sister." At this point, she was inches from Screw Loose's face. "I mighta been able to swallow all that, but you took my dog from me too." Cold light danced in her emerald eyes. "I don't care if I have to bust through ev'ry timber wolf in the Everfree Forest--you are not leavin' this field in one piece."

Screw Loose stared right back at her in unrepentant mirth. "You and what army?"

"Who needs one?" Applejack whispered. She took one step back and shouted at the top of her lungs. "HONESTY!"

Derpy had no idea what her friend was thinking. One pony against all this? She trusted Applejack, but all she could think about were the innumerable timber wolves moving all about and their unfathomable mistress. It was in the midst of this hopelessness that she saw it. The ground beneath their hooves rumbled and split open, revealing a night sky beneath filled with stars, auroras, and swirling rainbows. At its center of the abyss that could not possibly exist where it was, there stood a single ivory monument that shone forth in stunning radiance.

Derpy's lips moved of their own accord. "The White Spire . . ."

The wondrous crevice closed as quickly as it had opened, but not before a single object rocketed up from the depths. It flew through the air and latched itself around Applejack's neck, revealing itself by the golden crest and citrine gem as the Element of Honesty.

The gem blinked twice with an inner light and spoke in a flat, masculine tone. "READY."

"Really?" Screw Loose laughed. "What good will that do?"

Applejack ignored her and shouted once more. "Crest Open!"

The gem blinked three times. "OPEN UP."

As Derpy watched, the apple-shaped core gem receded slightly into its crest. Swirling orange lights escaped from within and surrounded Applejack in a glowing whirlwind, followed by two pieces of the crest that broke off and sailed behind her head. The two fragments of golden alloy realigned themselves into a pair of apple-shaped ornaments that dove into the midst of Applejack's floating mane and began to restyle her hair. Aided by the glowing lights, they fashioned a pair of braided ponytails and snapped themselves to the tufts at the ends in the breadth of a second. And, as the orange lights began to fade, an inner light shone forth from Applejack's green irises, an unmistakable sign of the magic power that now coursed through her body.

Screw Loose recoiled from the spectacular display and moved into the walls of wheat, flashing a devilish grin as she did so. The timber wolves closed in from the rear only to raise their heads in alarm at the sound of thundering hoofbeats. The heroic form of the real Big Macintosh barreled across the dirt path from one wheat field to another, busting some of the wolves to pieces with the force of his impact and scattering the rest like ninepins.

Applejack turned her glowing gaze to Derpy Hooves. "No matter what happens, stay right there, sugarcube."

Awestruck and feeling completely out of her depth, Derpy could only nod briskly in return.

Applejack moved back toward their position as smoke from the spreading fires at the edge of the wheat fields drifted in all around them. Nearly half of the timber wolves raced off to deal with Macintosh while the others filed in to get at what looked like the easier targets. Upon seeing the pony with the glowing eyes look away, the most courageous of the group leapt at Derpy and Apple Bloom, who were both to Applejack's rear. The farmpony struck out and scored a clean hit on the assailant without looking in his direction.

Normally, Derpy would have expected this kind of blow to send the wolf reeling. Instead, the wolf exploded into chunks and splinters on impact, as if he'd swallowed a lit stick of dynamite.

Several more wolves rushed forward at the vulnerable Derpy only to meet grisly ends. Applejack's movements were almost too quick for the eye to follow--she was effectively defending their position from all angles with only two back legs. Stranger still, Applejack wasn't looking at the attackers when she struck. Her radiant eyes seemed to be searching for something else, even in the midst of battle.

When another wave of vicious canines advanced on the three ponies, there was an explosion of black smoke overhead. It was Screw Loose, whose teleportation ability within the barrier seemed to work just fine. There was no delay at all between the appearance of the smoke and Screw Loose dropping down for the kill. Even so, Applejack proved faster. She dropped onto her back and lashed out with both hind legs at a timber wolf aiming for her flank. The wolf's limbs shattered with a resounding snap as the body shot up and hit Screw Loose like a cannonball, knocking the wind out of her. She vanished into another puff of smoke as the two timber wolves coming from the front raced forward to take advantage of the prone Applejack. The farmpony used the momentum from her kicks to stand up on her two front legs, striking out at the would-be killers and hitting them both in faces that turned to sawdust before their bodies hit the dirt.

Derpy could barely keep up as Applejack whirled about like a pony gone mad, attacking and defending in all directions with lightning speed and flawless accuracy. Screw Loose continued to teleport into the battle from odd angles only to be smacked back into a cloud of smoke as quickly as she'd appeared. Throughout the lunatic dance of death, not a single wooden claw touched the crouching Derpy or the unconscious Apple Bloom.

It wasn't long before Screw Loose began to run out of "friends." When she observed that only a few timber wolves remained, she reappeared on the edge of combat with the dark violet glow once again present in her eyes. Five flames of the same color sprouted in the air around her. "Burn pretty for me, A.J.!" she screamed as the flames shot out in different directions before lancing toward Applejack.

As with the other attacks, Applejack saw them coming. She thrust out mightily with both front hooves at the last two timber wolves, impaling them both. She then swung the unfortunate creatures at the oncoming flames and rolled into a nearby wheat field. What was left of the wolves collided in midair with three of the violet flames in a thunderous explosion and brilliant fireworks. The other two splashed upon the near-solid carpet of wheat, only embers reaching the ground below.

One second later, a bright-eyed Applejack emerged from the field and advanced on Screw Loose. "I'm as good as my word, Screwy!" she yelled. "Let's see if you go 'crunch' the same way yer pets do!"

A confidently-smiling Screw Loose, battered though she was, thrust her right arm out to the side. "Sorry that I won't be here for the beating, A.J., but I know when I've overstayed my welcome." A ball of violet flame appeared at her side, growing larger by the moment.

Applejack halted her charge and prepared to dodge the projectile. "How's that gonna help?!" she shouted. "You can't bust through the barrier with magic!"

Screw Loose sneered through her bruises. "I know." The ball of flame had grown to the size of an apple cart. She lifted her right hoof high in the air and brought it down, pointing at the now-exposed Derpy Hooves and Apple Bloom.

As the orb of fire shot through the air, Applejack realized that she'd made a fatal mistake. There was no way to get to her charges in time. "Apple Bloom!" she shouted in desperation. "Derpy!"

Derpy saw it coming, and as the flaming violet projectile began to fill her vision, everything seemed to slow down. If I jump to the side now, she thought, I'll probably live. But Apple Bloom will . . . With the time for only one swift action left, Derpy threw herself bodily over Applejack's sister. Applejack trusted me to keep you safe. She felt the heat of the descending spell, and yet felt sure of herself and at peace. I don't care what happens to me, I won't break my promise!

At the moment of impact, Derpy did not feel pain. Instead, she felt a curious sensation. Something left her body, something that was both part of her and not part of her at the same time. Everything else began to fade away.

Somewhere in the distance, she heard the roar of a lion . . .

~

[Night of Day 30]
When Derpy regained consciousness, she found herself on a cot surrounded by doctors, police officers, and even a few royal knights in full armor. From the pungent smell of burning wheat and the night sky above, it seemed that she wasn't too far from where she'd been. Twilight Sparkle and Spike were nearby, both looking very worried. Twilight was talking to one of the doctors while Spike fidgeted nervously with his sword.

The doctor nearest to her noticed her open eyes and immediately called over his colleagues. The next few minutes were filled with medical instruments moving back and forth and a battery of questions from the physicians. Derpy nodded and shook her head in response, but her vocal chords felt like they were caught in a vice. Not painful, just not working either. When the ponies in white coats were at last convinced that she was in no danger, they allowed her to sit up. Twilight and Spike rushed to her side, each expressing concern and regret that they hadn't been there, but that seemed silly to Derpy. After all, they couldn't have known that something like this would happen.

Those around her kept talking and gesturing, but Derpy started to tune them out. Her thoughts about what had happened were a jumbled mess. She wondered whether the place that was burning was called Sweet Apple Acres or Sunny Stables. She saw Applejack and Apple Bloom in the care of other doctors, both apparently none the worse for wear. It made her glad to see that they'd both made it, but she couldn't stop worrying about Silver Cross. Had he escaped his brush with death as well? The more she thought, the more it hurt to think.

How did I live? That thought survived her confusion. She focused on it and found no answer. She felt fine. The doctors said that there was nothing wrong with her aside from bruises and a dislocated jaw. Then what happened to the ball of fire? What happened to Screw Loose? A chilling fear crept back into her senses. I almost died. She felt cold and hollow at the thought and drew her limbs about her. Spike grabbed a blanket from a supply cart and draped it over her, but it did nothing to stop the feeling.

It was then that a brown earth pony stallion in a tan trenchcoat made his way through the crowd. He greeted Twilight and Spike before sitting down to bring his gaze level with Derpy's. Derpy stared back at him, transfixed by his blue eyes. They were the same color as those of Screw Loose.

"Hello, Derpy," he said in a calm voice, as if nothing unusual had transpired. "My name is One Liner and I'm a detective with the Canterlot Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit." He pulled a legal pad out of his coat and set it on the ground. "I need to ask you a few questions about what happened here tonight, but I'm not sure if you're ready yet." He placed a comforting hoof on her shoulder. "Will you be all right?"

Derpy stared at him unblinkingly, images of the violence in the wheat fields flashing through her mind. "I don't know," she whispered.

SOON
Amethyst 3A: "Down Under"

Comments

[Rough Boulder]

*sees word amount*
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

[Chalice Longshot]

"All Crests Open!"
The gems of Honesty, Kindness, and Magic flashed and spoke in unison.
"OPEN UP."

I think you have the wrong text there. Here Ill fix it.

Mastodon! Pterodactyl! Triceratops! Saber-Toothed Tiger! Tyrannosaurus!

:trolololol:

[AkibaWhite]

1953111
Clearly, you need this more than I do, Challice.

[RazgrizS57]

Everything/10

[DreadedCandiru2]

Yowza!! Kidding around is not being done here.

[Dracon_Pyrothayan]

I thought for sure she'd be Nightmare Moon. I came to that conclusion before the transformation sequence, but after, I have no friggin' clue what's going on.

[Csquared08]

Welp, that confirms it. I desperately need to reread this. If only because this story is quite excellent, and I have some crazy, insane theories I need to concoct!

[Sporkz]

SOON
Amethyst 3A: "Down Under"

Anyone else thinking of Australia here?

[sopchoppy]

This story is AWESOME ;) really very well done, completly sucked me in. Thanks for writing and sharing, can't wait until the next chapter.

[Ponky]

I have mixed emotions about this chapter... because it was so freaking awesome, and it rose so many (exciting) questions, but since I'm leaving on my mission in less than a month, I'll be in the dark for two years!

Oh, well. Maybe the story will be finished by 2015 and I'll get to enjoy it from start to finish. Until then, you have my admiration and fondest wishes.

[Alondro]

>>>The Element of Magic's core gem receded slightly into its golden crest, exposing a tiny sliver of shining circuitry beneath. "LIMITER RELEASE," it said and displayed at the same time. However, the next words to appear had no voice to accompany them.

ACTIVATION KEY READY

SHOUT NOW>>>

CAST IN THE NAME OF GOD, YE NOT GUILTY!!!

I'm getting a major 'Big-O" vibe all of a sudden...

[Alondro]

>>>The thought of a ten-foot perpetually-tweaked alligator gave Derpy mixed feelings. "Are you sure that's a good thing, Pinkie?"

"I don't see the harm," whispered Pinkie. "He'll probably just shrink back to normal if he gets hit.">>>

I wonder how many other readers caught that.

Go to 11:30 in this DBZ: Abridged episode to see yet another humorous way to use this trope!

[Jake The Army Guy]

YES! Go, AJ!!!

Always love seeing the villain's plan foiled. And AJ being a badass.

Now, the important question is, are we going to have to wait another three months for an update after the next chapter?

[Firebirdbtops]

Stealth mario reference, Nanoha vibes (movie the second is out by the way) and the inability to read the words open up without hearing Blade's sound effects in my head are making this a story worth reading!

[Mooncalf]

Welp. The Elements of Harmony are Devices. Pardon me, my jaw seems to have fallen to the ground here.

So yeah. That is awesome. AJ is being awesome. Not quite sure how she erects a barrier before summoning her Element, but that's Earth pony magic, I guess. The kind that make Canterlot scholars curl up in the corner and cry. Also, Apple Bloom has a really great cutie mark.

Interesting bit with AJ's past regarding Winona. When I got to that part, I got a nasty vibe that something truly sinister was going on. Really made me worry.

I love that despite this being a Derpy story, it's not just about her, and everypony else has their events unfold on their own, all very natural.

Many week's late error check: Near the end, the text describes One Liner as a mare.

[Dawn Darkling]

2324768
You say that like you recognize this phenomenon. What in the world are 'Devices'?