Deathbed Confession

by Dreadnought

Chapter II

Twilight Sparkle sat in her crystal studying chair. Around her lay stacks of books calling out to be read. But she ignored them all, her face instead buried in Magical Derivations. She studied the complex formula filling two whole pages, composed of all sorts of constants, variables and dimensionless units. Frequently she turned back to earlier chapters to reread important passages or flipped ahead to consult the appendices.

Knock! Knock! Twilight lowered the book to find a familiar stallion standing at the door. “Big Mac!” she greeted, masking her surprise by his unexpected visit.

“Mornin’ Miss Twilight,” he said in a slow drawl.

After a long pause, she asked, “Is everything alright?”

Big Mac's face darkened. “Nnope.”

Twilight immediately cast the book aside and motioned him to her comfy chair. “Please tell me what’s wrong.”

Stopping to inspect the chair, he at last took a seat, his large frame barely able to squeeze between the armrests. He sat there looking at Twilight, apparently attempting to decide what to say. Finally, after an uncomfortable stretch of time, he confided, “Ah’m worried ’bout Applejack.”

Twilight’s eyes went wide. “Applejack? What’s wrong with her?”

“She’s not actin’ like herself... not since the funeral.”

“It has hit her pretty hard,” she noted.

Big Mac shook his head. “No. Ah remember how she was after our folks died... an’ when Grand Pear passed. This is different.”

Leaning forward, Twilight prompted, “What do you mean?”

“She’s hardly said two words the last three weeks. Ah talk more ’n her, an’ that’s sayin’ somethin’. An’ she’s always out workin’ in the fields or the orchards. ’Cept for breakfast an’ supper... when she feels like eatin’.”

Twilight gasped, “She’s not eating?”

“Some meals she eats, others... she just pokes at her food an’ says she ain’t hungry. Ah don’t think she’s starvin’, but she don’t eat like she used to. But after dinner, it’s real strange.”

“How so?” urged Twilight, now perched upon the edge of her seat.

“She always used to spend time wit’ her family – readin’ a book, playin’ the fiddle or helpin’ Bloom wit’ her homework. But now she goes straight ta bed. Or...” he trailed off.

“Yes?” pressed Twilight.

“Or she’ll go out an’ watch the sunset then stare at the stars ’til late.”

“That doesn’t seem like Applejack at all,” thought Twilight out loud.

“Nnope.”

“Have you tried talking to her? Let her know you’re worried about her?”

Big Mac nodded. “Both me an’ Bloom. But she says nothin’s wrong. We cain’t get anythin’ from her, even when she does talk.” He shook his head in frustration. “It’s like she’s closed herself off from us.” He looked at Twilight, desperation written upon his face. “You bein’ one of her best friends, ah was hopin’ you might’ve heard somethin’.”

“No, she hasn’t told me anything.” Twilight leaned back, reflecting on her interactions with Applejack over the past few weeks. “I’ve spoken with her a few times. I’ve invited her out to several things me and the girls do, but she always says she’s too busy.”

“That ain’t an excuse. It’s not much busier than before.”

“I thought she just needed time to grieve. How could I have not noticed?” She slumped in her chair.

Big Mac asked, “What are we goin’ ta do?”

Twilight thought for a while, then sat up straight with a look of determination. “I’ll talk with the other girls and ask if they know something or if they’ve seen anything.” She reached over and put a reassuring hoof on his. “Trust me, we’ll get to the bottom of this and help Applejack.” Big Mac returned a weak smile. “You’ll be the first to know when I find out something.”

“Thank ya kindly, Miss Twilight.” He rose from his chair and headed for the door.

“Thank you for coming. I– I just didn’t realize how serious things were.”

Big Mac merely nodded then left the room.

Author's Note:

Before I discuss this chapter, I just wanted to say thank you. Serving in the military is... hard. Not because of the enemy, but because of the toxic leadership. I have found writing to be one of the few activities that helps me unwind and get my mind off of things, if only for a little while. It means so much that you have taken a little of your precious time to read what I have published. Thank you.

This was a somewhat challenging chapter to write. Big Mac hardly talks in the show, so there wasn't too much to go off of. Then there's the fact that Twilight and Big Mac only interact in a few episodes. And finally, with Big Mac being worried about Applejack but not having many details to provide Twilight, this chapter ended up being short. But if the length disappoints you, you'll thoroughly enjoy Chapter III. So come back the day after tomorrow for the third installment.

Dreadnought

Comments

[Dreadnought]

8930716
Maybe.... You'll just have to keep reading.

Dreadnought

[badninja]

8931535

Nah, I bet she told Applejack that she was adopted.

[SuperPinkBrony12]

Hm, I wonder when we're going to find out what Granny Smith told Applejack. It has to be something really serious for her to take it to her death bed.

[Sunset_Shimmer83]

good ol big brother Big Mac

[Aatxe360]

8931543

I have a feeling you're thinking in the right direction. However, that's a terrible thing to admit on the deathbed unless some shenanigans were involved. I was told in the middle of puberty. Also a terrible time.

[Charlie_K]

Calling it now, Applejack is actually a changeling.

[Christs Disciple]

Hmm... Was Granny her real mom? Was Granny the reason her parents died?
Did Granny die because she was ashamed of AJ!? Oh, I'll find out later.
Also, I think you did decent with Big Mac. Can't wait for more.

[Dreadnought]

8932975
I cant' wait to publish more! I get an emotional high from finally publishing something on here. But since my productivity is low, I try to stretch it out a little bit. But seeing as writng is one of the few things that makes me happy, while the military grinds you down everyday, can you blame me?

Dreadnought

[Striving for Harmony]

8933380
I hope you'll forgive my presumption, but judging by the vessel in your profile picture...
Permission to hear sea stories?

I'm also keenly aware of toxic leadership in both the public and private sector. I'm sad that it's so corrosive, but I'm also glad that it motivates you to write. It also helps that you have a great storyteller's voice and narrative here. After finishing with what you have here, I'll check out your other works.

Stay strong, my friend, and strive for harmony.

EDIT: Forgot to say, upvoted and following.

[Dreadnought]

8963831
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I honestly don't know how much longer I'll be serving. I'd originally planned on staying in until I was too old and forced to retire. I've only been in a couple, and already feeling... spent. I like serving, but the leaders who have no clue, or even worse.

Dreadnought

[Baineblade]

... Aaah, leadership issues. I know so many friends who don't miss those days. You have nothing but my sympathies. God rest ye weary soldier.