The balloon slowly returned to earth, the two pegasus ponies flanking it. Nopony spoke for a few moments, each of them trying to find the best response to what they'd learned.
Applejack, being quite practical and not fond of awkward silences, was the first to express her feelings. “Well, don't matter how far away it is. It's gotta be closer than three weeks worth o' waitin' for a potion. I say we go for it.”
“It's definitely not three weeks away,” said Dash, touching down gently on her hooves. “In fact, at top speed I could probably make it there and back in two days.”
“Now hold up, Rainbow,” said Applejack, stepping out of the balloon and trotting down the stairs. “I don't think it's a good idea for one pony to go all that way by herself.”
“So, what, you want me to round up more pegasuses?” Dash said. “I could definitely do that. Hmmm,” she pondered, “who owes me a favor... there's Red Comet, I helped him win that hoof-wrestling match with White D-”
“I thought all of the pegasi” Rarity emphasized the correct plural, “were preparing to help with the planting tomorrow?”
Rainbow Dash blinked a few times. “Oh yeah, that's right,” she said.
“How did you forget?! That's what Plowpony's Day always means! The start of the second round o' Spring plantin'!” Applejack yelled. “They can't spare more than a few pegasi- more than a few of anypony for that matter!”
“So, what, you want me to go along with some earth pony?” Dash said.
“And what is so wrong with earth ponies?” Applejack growled, trotting up right into the sky-blue pegasus' face.
“Well, they can't fly, for starters,” Rainbow Dash growled back. “Zecora says Twilight's got two weeks- two and a half, if we push it. I don't want to push it. I want to get that Beneviolet as soon as possible, and I can't do that if I have to hang back and wait for some wingless pony to climb a mountain the hard way!”
“And what if you got there and you couldn't find any Beneviolets?” the orange earth pony retorted. “You ain't the gardenin' type, Rainbow; you don't know the first thing about lookin' for flowers.”
“They're bright purple, how hard can they be to find?”
“And another thing! Outside Equestria means outside Princess Celestia's magical protection!” Applejack said. “We're right at the edge of it here in Ponyville, and we still get our fair share o' monsters! Out there,” she motioned with her hoof to the west, “who knows what kinds o' horrible things are out lurkin'?”
“Oooo, yeah!” Pinkie Pie chimed in, bouncing between the two ponies. “There could be basilisks and bunyips and balrogs and even world snakes!”
“What's a world snake?” Apple Bloom asked.
The pink earth pony gave her an enormous smile. “It's a snake as big as the world, silly!”
“Are you saying I can't handle myself out there?” Dash continued, pushing her snout into Applejack's.
Applejack pushed right back. “I'm sayin' that you got a bad habit o' jumpin' hoof-first into situations without knowin' what you're getting' into! You oughta at least take somepony with you who's more careful.”
“Who? You?”
Applejack stepped back a little. She noticed all her friends were looking at her. She honestly hadn't been expecting the conversation to go this direction. Her? Leave Ponyville? Leave Equestria? That's not what she had been thinking at all! Applejack had spent her entire life in Ponyville. Except for one trip as a foal to Manehattan, she'd never traveled more than forty miles away from Ponyville in any direction. The thought of galloping off into parts unknown was... daunting. She almost couldn't wrap her mind around it. “Well... uh... maybe not me-”
“You gotta go, Applejack!” Apple Bloom said. “You'll be able to find the Beneviolets in no time!”
“I just... what about spring plantin'?” the orange pony found herself fishing for excuses. “I gotta stay behind and make sure... we were gonna be expandin' the south orchard...”
“Bic Macintosh and I can do all that, or we can wait until you get back!” the small yellow pony said, now hopping excitedly on her hooves. “Applejack, you're the toughest and most dependable pony in Ponyville! If anypony can get to the Beneviolets in time, it's you!”
“In time?” Rainbow Dash repeated. Her voice held none of the mocking superiority that should have laced it; she was deadly serious. “I don't think she can do it in time. I don't think any pony can do it in time without wings. We have two weeks, and in that time whoever goes has to get to the Archback Mountains, find the flower, and come back. That's a week to get there and a week to come back, assuming the Beneviolet is easy to find.” She glared at Applejack. “Think you can run that fast, Applejack?”
Twilight Sparkle was unsettled by this formulation. “Well... when you put it that way... maybe it would be better-”
“Actually,” Spike said, “I think I can help with that.”
Everypony turned around and glanced at the small purple dragon. They had quite forgotten he was there, and he'd helped them in that regard by remaining silent when he'd gone up in the balloon with them. “Spike, whatever do you mean?” Twilight asked.
“Come on,” he said, motioning them with his arm and setting off back into town.
Spike ran as fast as his stubby legs could carry him, which wasn't much faster than a fast trot for the ponies, but they obliged him by keeping pace in his wake. He led them back to the library, and then proceeded through the piled stacks of books up the staircase, leading to the room he shared with Twilight. The lavender unicorn followed him up the stairs; the rest of the ponies hung back, glancing at each other and wondering what Spike was up to.
“Spike?” Twilight called, coming to the top of the stairs. “What are you doing?”
“Just...” his voice came from deep in the room, it sounded like the closet, “looking for... something... AHA!”
He suddenly vaulted out of the doorway to Twilight's room and bounded past her down the stairs. She followed him down and out into the main floor of the library. He turned around to face the ponies, grinning. “I can give you all more time with this!”
He held up a small glass bottle with a cork stopper.
“An empty bottle?” Fluttershy asked.
“Not for long!” Spike said. He pulled off the topper, put the bottle to his lips, and breathed. A burst of gleaming fire shot into the bottle, the swirling flames quickly filling the small space. He pulled his mouth away and placed the lid on the bottle, pushing it down tightly. Then he held it up for them all to examine. The fire washed and bounced off the bottle's interior with a nervous energy. It changed color depending on when and from what angle it was viewed, sometimes appearing purple, other times bright green. “This,” he said, “is the special fire I use to send messages to Princess Celestia. She also uses this fire to send her messages back to me- she has a repository of it in the Palace of the Sun in Canterlot. I've changed the magic in this flame to make it more like the stored fire the Princess has: instead of traveling to her, it will come straight back to me. Anything that this fire burns will be sent back through my mouth, just like the letters the Princess sends from Canterlot. So if... when you find a Beneviolet, just open this bottle and make sure the fire comes out right on the flower. It'll send the flower right back here to me!”
“That means whoever goes won't have to rush to come back!” Twilight said. “Oh... Spike...” she was overcome with emotion. She nuzzled the small dragon so hard she nearly knocked him off his feet, her violet eyes blinking back tears.
Spike laughed, wrapping his arms around his friend's neck. “You're welcome.”
“That means y'all can spend the full two weeks gettin' to the mountains!” said Apple Bloom. She turned once more to her sister. “Applejack, you can make it in two weeks! You gotta go now!”
“But... I...” Applejack noticed that not just Apple Bloom, but Twilight Sparkle was now looking at her. The lavender unicorn had an eager, pleading look in her eyes; she was still struggling not to cry. But she smiled in relief as well; the thought of Applejack going on the journey clearly lifted her spirits. Applejack was surprised and humbled. How could she say no now? If Twilight has that much faith in me... “All right! I'm goin'!”
“Hooray!” Apple Bloom cried with a leap.
“Thank you, Applejack,” said Twilight Sparkle, smiling.
Rainbow Dash narrowed her rose eyes. “Fine,” she said in a low voice. She trotted up to Applejack and once more stuck her nose into the orange earth pony's face. “But if thirteen days go by and we haven't reached the Archback Mountains at your pace, I'm going to fly the rest of the way at top speed and look for the Beneviolets myself.”
Applejack nodded. “That sounds fine to me- it's probably a good idea, just to be safe.” She gave the rainbow-maned pegasus a smug look. “Assumin' you're comin', of course.”
“What?!” Dash exclaimed, drawing back. “Of course I'm coming! I have to come!”
“I haven't heard you officially volunteer...”
“Well I'm officially volunteering right now!” she cried, hovering off the ground. “I'm going to the Archback Mountains with you!”
“Okay.” Applejack looked back at the assembled ponies and Spike. “Zecora, would you be willin' to keep an eye on Twilight while we're gone?”
“At my home in the forest I must stay,” said the zebra, “but I'll be sure to stop by at least once a day.”
“Good enough,” said Applejack. “With Spike here too, I reckon two more of us oughta stay behind and help look after Twilight. That'll leave three of us to go.”
“Applejack,” Twilight protested, “I do not need that many ponies playing nursemaid...”
“Oh, Twilight,” said Fluttershy, “with something this serious, you're bound to get worse. You shouldn't be afraid to take help.”
“The Horn Rot will worsen, and strike you down. In two weeks' time, you'll do far more than frown,” Zecora added.
“Fluttershy, would you be willin' to stay? I don't mean to say you wouldn't be a help on the road, but you're so good at takin' care o' critters...”
“I understand, Applejack,” said the butter-yellow pegasus. “I'll gladly help take care of Twilight.”
“So we need one more pony for the trip,” Applejack said. She considered the remaining two choices. She sighed. “Welp, I guess you can come, Pinkie Pie.”
“Oh boy!” the pink earth pony cried, bouncing on her legs like they were springs. “A real honest-to-real adventure! A perilous journey across dangerous lands with unknown terrors! A bold step beyond the familiar and into the extraordinary!” She cocked her head and grinned. “I guess I wouldn't mind going.”
“Actually,” Rarity said, “I'd like to go- if you don't mind, Pinkie Pie.”
The rest of the group stared agog at the white unicorn. “Why do you want to go?” Dash asked. “It's not some shopping trip!”
“It is gonna be dangerous, Rarity,” said Applejack.
“Well... I know that,” Rarity said, looking not at all pleased with what she was saying. “But I feel that I must go. Twilight is in the danger she's in now because she was trying to help me. I feel I need to make it right.”
“Oh, Rarity, I said it wasn't your fault,” Twilight told her.
“But it is- at least indirectly. I have a debt I must repay, darling, and I won't be dissuaded. Besides,” she added with a smile, “nopony in Ponyville has my eye for color. I'll pick out those beautiful flowers with no trouble at all.”
Pinkie nodded. “Okay, Rarity, you can go! I'll stay here and keep the home fires burning!”
“Now that I think on it,” Applejack said, “it might not be a bad idea to have you along, Rarity. Your talents could be useful- not to mention your magic.”
“Just so long as you don't slow us down,” Dash said.
“I assure you, Rainbow, I'm more than capable of keeping up,” Rarity answered.
“Okay, then- it's settled!” Applejack stomped her hoof on the floor. “Rarity, Rainbow Dash and I will go to those Archback Mountains and get that Beneviolet, in less than two weeks!”
Twilight Sparkle smiled. Her heart was in her throat. Today had been such a wild ride of emotion- peaceful, then violent, then tragic, and now, from her despair, a flame of hope had been kindled. She was still frightened, of course; she wasn't used to placing a problem into somepony else's hooves to solve. It was always she who tried to solve the problems of others- with her magic, with her intelligence, with the knowledge she acquired through study. Now she had to trust others to help her, and if they failed, she could pay the ultimate price. They won't fail, she told herself. They're my friends, and they've never let me down before. “Thank you all so much,” she said. She looked over her friends' heads to the hole in the library's trunk, and the sunlight streaming through it. All the rest of Ponyville was out there, relaxing and having fun. She envied them. “But... I was wondering... do you think we could go back to the festival? I really did want to see it.”
Applejack nuzzled her. “Sure thing, sugarcube; I can do my packin' tonight. Let's go enjoy the sun while she's still up.”
The orange earth pony led the way to the library's door, the lavender unicorn by her side, and all their friends followed them into the afternoon light.
My only problem with this plot is that you don't seem to have anything occupying the Princesses so they can't swoop in and perform deus ex machina. I mean, it's only the third chapter of twenty, but is there any reason they can't help? Would attempt to use magic to heal it make things worse? Why can't they teleport directly there and spare Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash the trouble of walking?
Of course I'll feel like a monumental idiot if this is explained in the next chapter, but oh well. I really like it so far, and wish I had bothered to read it two years ago.
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I was thinking the exact same thing actually. Celestia is all like
4240807
This was written during S1. Celestia's long-distance teleporting was first demonstrated in S2, during Lesson Zero, as I recall.
I don't remember the details of the story well enough to offer further insights (which is why I'm re-reading).
4240807
I had thoughts along this line just now. Twilight Sparkle is an important pony even by season 1, and probably deserves the assistance of the Royal Sisters. Even if they couldn't teleport to the mountains, they could send some Pegasus guards to go fetch the plant or guard Rainbow Dash as she travels there (at least ONE of them has to be good with plants, right!?).
Still, I'm probably making an ass of myself by tearing at one of the most venerated MLP fanfics known to bronykind, so I'll just shut up and enjoy the ride.
4244502
I believe it was mentioned that the Archback Mountains were beyond Equestria's borders. While the Princesses might want to help directly, there is the possibility that they simply can't due to diplomatic fallout. That would cover both the Princesses trying to recover it themselves as well as sending any Royal Guards.
That said, the only real thing that I feel is missing is for them to at least consult the Princesses before deciding anything. They could probably offer some indirect help, such as directions, supplies, and fast transport to at least the borders.
Then again, I could be getting ahead of myself. Onward to the next chapter!
And so begins one of the funniest running gags in MLP fanfiction history.
Balrogs. Like in Lord of the Rings. Basilisks could be from Harry Potter too.
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Remember that just because it is highly liked doesn't mean it is perfect. You shouldn't feel bad for talking about this story and its shortcomings.
And so the trio go to Mt. Doom to get rid of the ring of power. Oh. Wait...
This is a pretty good story so far. I'm impressed and I've heard a lot of good things about it. I wonder though if this story is the source of the infamous "Lavender Unicorn Syndrome"
4270078 Or World Snakes from.... Well World Snakes. Trust me.
Interesting so far. The only thing I thought of, is why not send a message to Celestia? This is somewhat the sort of thing that happens in actual canon too, but why couldn't Celestia send a squad of Royal Guards to get the flower? Surely, for her prized student she could do at least that much. But again, this same sort of problem arises in canon too. Why send Twilight and her friends to take care of Sombra when a squad of Royal Guards could do it? Or Celestia herself since she clearly had enough time to teach Twilight Sombra's dark magic? All in all, it's a very minor plot hole and if canon refuses to deal with it then I don't see why this fic needs to either.
You know, I think you may very well be the first person I've seen to actually use the correct plural of this word. I know that the show uses pegasi, which sounds like it should be correct, but no, you know what's up. Kudos.
Oh... Darn, I really thought you were different.
After much deliberation, the most logical team has been assembled. As much as I'd love to read about Best Pony on such a grand adventure, I am pleased that she will be staying behind to help out Twilight. Smart thinking on (your) Spike's part as well. I just hope that his magical fire isn't either simply absorbed, or incinerates the poor plant.
Total occurrences of "sky-blue/cyan/rainbow-maned pegasus" so far: 5
Total occurrences of "the lavender unicorn" so far: 9
Total occurrences of "the white unicorn" so far: 4
Total occurrences of "the butter-yellow pegasus" so far: 4
Total occurrences of "the orange (earth) pony" so far: 6
Total occurrences of "the pink (earth) pony" so far: 4
Total other occurrences of descriptions of characters by ways other than their name: 12
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I always just imagined Twilight's pride got in the way. You know, not wanting to admit to Celestia that she messed up over such a minor thing and it backfired that considerably. But that's just me. And I'm probably way off target anyway .
So I love this story already. I only realised now how distracting and somewhat annoying Lavender Unicorn Syndrome can be, but I'm enjoying the story nevertheless.
-Spirit
4554353 What's funny is that there actually isn't any "correct" plural, since there was only ever one Pegasus; the rationale some use for "Pegasuses" is that it's a proper noun, and so should be pluralized in a non-standard way, but since in Equestria that can't possibly be the case, and "pegasi" is a more logical derivation for their situation. (It may not be strictly correct, but there aren't any strictly correct forms, as noted, so one that just sounds sensible is preferable.)
You know, I didn't even notice the LUS in this story until I looked at the comments. Generally, I find that if the pacing is okay and the word choice isn't terrible I don't even notice the words I'm reading. Reading is like watching a movie in your mind!
Applejack's was really cold in this chapter. She actually had to be persuaded to go on the journey that would save her friend's life. "But the plantin' at home" is just... wow. The town full of mudpo–I mean earth ponies won't be totally lost without you, Applejack. The adventure is going to be starting soon, and I look forward to reading it.
~SolidFire
Spike in top form with that bottle trick!
I'm stopping on this chapter. The format hurts. I know you, or assume you, "tried" to reformat it for Fimfiction, but I don't see much work having actually been done.
It's a good story. Though the whole "Sorry, Twi, but my apples are more important to me than your life.", kinda kills it a bit more for me.
Ok, I have no idea why so many people like this. The plot has more holes in it than a tennis racket. Allow me to list some.
1. Teleportation Lube is a commercially available thing, but a potion that's easy to make and cures a potentially lethal illness isn't? They probably sell the flowers too somewhere.
2. Twilight's body couldn't contain the magic from an amped teleport, but the ridiculous magic surge she had as a filly had no lasting negative effects? This point regarding her backstory happened in season one, also. Not to mention she's literally the embodiment of magic.
3. Twilight, a very studious pony, immediately comes to the conclusion that sending her friends on a life-threatening expedition is the best course of action without even bothering to check if either option in (1) is available.
In short, I will not be reading any further. You guys must all be really passive readers.
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Actually has it 100% if I remember right.
This journey is literally being made to try and KEEP from bugging Princess Celestia, who shows up in the last chapter going "Why didn't they tell me anything?" after getting a letter about it.
Good read so far, I feel like there is something obvious that they missed
Why not take the balloon? (And yes realize this is just like why not eagles from lotr)
Shall keep reading and find out
Eldritch horror confirmed. I know she throws that thing birthday parties.
Interesting choice for the team. I like that you got the mic of races, which will no doubt come in handy to have the varied talents. I thought they might take a balloon and have Rainvow Dash tow them... it’d have to be faster than walking, but it would wear her out for sure.
I like the fire in the bottle trick, and horn rot.
Ratcheting up the tension, I like it.
5514110
I think it was more like her personal fears. Look how she freaked out over Dash going. I think she has agoraphobia (anxiety when leaving home.)
If you lose it or mess it up, though...
Better bring spares, definitely.
And thus, we have a running gag here. Pegasi vs Pegasuses, one that seems awkward since we do have it as offically pegasi. I really like the fact that this fic addresses that Applejack is a farmer and would be a little nervous walking out on her responsibilities to the town. Something that is not always addressed in fanfics.
Of course, I think it's silly to ask for Celestia's help, why? IT aint her story, it's the girls. I don't think we need mommy to save them every five minutes.
6364128
Ah well, there goes any joy of having predicted it.
9537891
I don't think that Twilight has a diagnosable phobia yet. But she's definitely been put out of set with that horn 📯 rot.
9897506
However the characters are all going to be/already are under a lot of stress because of the situation. It would make a lot of sense to alliviate the stress --or seek guidance-- by calling on a higher power.
But I guess that all these holes in the plot are kind of missing the point. I think this is supposed to be a emotional, irrational dive towards the most immediate solution. Twilight is in charge, and if she feels better that two land lubbers go on the expiditon, that is what will happen.
If we consider that perhaps:
A) Twilight doesn't want to drag Celestia into this,
B) with Spike's flame there should be enough time for Rarity & Applejack o make it, and finally,
C) having multiple specializations in the expedition will dramatically expediate (or perbaps even facilitate) finding the Beneviolet,
then you may be able to get why Twilight would let things happen like they did!
Still, any of her friends should've tried to consider an alternative solution involving the Princesses, or a different source for the Beneviolet.
I think the reason I feel compelled to point out the holes (previously this comment was pointing to the clearly superior All Pegasus Route, and I came to the comments in the first place to make sure I wasn't the only one seeing holes) is that they undermine the tension of the story and annihilate my suspension of disbeleif.
This might just be me, but if I can say, "this isn't necesarry," or "there is an unaddressed and better solution" in a story, then I am not actively engaging with the decisions therein.
What I am engaging with iin this story is its promise of adventure! And the characters are strong too! And thr S1 take on everything about the setting is very interesting, and I like how well it is integrated.
That said! I'd propose that this chapter's premise is not at fault--rather it is the execution. I think maybe if Twilight had been a little more involved in the solution, and the characters had rushed to conclusions instead of pondering to them, then it wouldn't be so inviting to point out where the bullworks are lacking.
Somepony gets it!
Inb4 Rainbow gets brutally injured.
I read this as "eye color," and was very confused.