Chapter Ten: Oneiroi
Applejack was on her farm. The trees towered above her, seeming taller than the greatest skyscrapers in Manehatten. The little earth pony trotted happily through grass that reached nearly to her chin. Maybe she was small in the grand scheme of things, but it didn’t matter; the farm was her world. She’d grown up here, this place was in her very bones, and regretted every time she left. The sun wasn’t even visible under the immense and spreading canopy of apple trees. Somewhere nearby she thought she could hear Pa teaching Mac how to buck apples, and Ma was singing to little Apple Bloom, getting her settled for bed. The scent of Gran’s delicious cooking wafted across the fields, but Applejack didn’t feel ready to head in for dinner just yet. She felt like there was something waiting for her in the farmhouse. Something she didn’t want to meet. Besides, her home, her real home, was out here in the fields.
Time was still, until the moon rose inside the orchard. The grey orb snuck under the branches that blotted out the sky, carrying with it its own little patch of night. Applejack grunted to herself and trotted over to the tree on which it hung and bucked the trunk. The moon wobbled a bit, but stayed firm. Applejack frowned. Not only did the moon have the indecency to hang itself from a tree instead of the sky, it wouldn’t come down when she tried to harvest it. Applejack bit down on a hay bale and flung it at the strange fruit. The hay bale flew straight and true towards the moon, but was suddenly arrested in its flight just a few hooves from impact. A strange voice floated down from above. “Hah! Well done, thou art either very lucid, or have quite a strong memory of this place to be able to even try and oust me.” Applejack jumped back in surprise as the moon seemed to both grow and shrink into the spreading night. The gleaming sphere resolved itself into a sinister eye, and the night became the head of an alicorn as massive as the cosmos. A hoof made of stars reached out and plucked up the little farmer.
“Look at thyself. Little Applejack, a wiry earth pony with chipped and gritty hooves. Now look at us. We are the night, the void, the space where real things go to die or disappear. Thou hast no idea of the forces that made thee, that seek nightly to end thee and all thy kin until the end of time. Now thou hast touched them and felt their fire in thy belly. These things are larger than thou canst handle on thy own. Let us teach thee to reach out to the infinite.”
Applejack responded by jumping off of the cusp of the midnight hoof that held her and onto the sensitive frog below, stomping as hard as she could. The Mare of Darkness withdrew, stung. The grassy earth once again spread out beneath the limitless goddess, catching the resolute little farmer. She stomped once upon the earth and a stalk of corn shot forth from it, impaling the night more surely than any spear. She stomped again, and a thousand birds burst forth into the sky, tearing it more fiercely than gunfire. Finally, she stomped a third time, and she herself sprang up, the Worldtree. Her roots reminded the earth of what it was, whispering of vibrant life and stony strength and change like water. Her canopy burst across the sky, like a bloodstain on the night. Heavy and potent fruit hung from her boughs, while her leaves caressed the wind with the colors of fire. The night screamed her rage and retreated for a time, leaving behind the silent sound of things growing. An eternity passed.
The night came again, whispering, “All life ends. All things die. Even the sun in her endless glory will burn herself out one day, immolating herself across the vastness of space in a final assertion of her beauty.” The tree’s boughs bent under the weight of time. Her leaves scattered to the wind and her sap froze within her. But the barren night forgot the trick of life. From the tree, a shining and pregnant apple fell, bursting upon the ground. From its remains stepped an alicorn the color of autumn, renewed and looking towards the rising of the sun. The night laughed. “It is the sun you look to? Yes, you need her, but you need us more. We shall show thee why.” The night once again swept away the earth, pulling the seed through the void and towards the light. “Here is where I cannot go,” proclaimed the night, as she threw the seed towards the fire.
The Sun swallowed up the night and filled the eons with light. It was vision and potency made solid. The seed writhed in agony as it felt itself being torn open and laid bare by the endless flame. The Sun took no notice of the tiny invader. She burned against the night, pressing it back invincibly, but giving it meaning. She burned against the seed, offering only pain for weakness, but giving it strength. The seed made a single revolution around the sun before being returned to the void. The night was gone, having been touched by the dawn. Luna caught the seed and cradled it in her hooves, resting it and shading it against the fierceness of the sun until it became Applejack again.
“I am sorry, Applejack. For a moment we lost ourselves. Can you see us now?” Applejack nodded once. Luna sighed. “Dreams are frightening things, Applejack, even for their Mistress. I knew it was a risk to seek thee out in a vision, especially a true vision, for me as well as thee.” She gazed off into the stars, into herself. “It is so easy to get lost out there. In the emptiness. Sometimes I forget that the night is also cooling winds and refreshing dew, the touch of a lover and the peace of solitude, a force of renewal as well as one of ending.”
Applejack merely gazed at the distracted goddess. Her look was one of pity and confusion. Finally, she turned away and shaped herself back into a seed. Inert and hidden, she slipped deep into the earth where she could hide until she awoke.
***
Bright dawn broke over Applejack as she stirred from her slumber. Her ears perked at the sound of wingbeats in the distance. Startled, she glanced up to find Luna already approaching her hideout at low speed. Her ears flattened against her head. “Hay! HAY! Y’ALL HAD YER CHANCE TA SPEAK YER PIECE LAST NIGHT! NOW GIT!”
Luna frowned as she replied, “BUT, I THOUGHT MAYBE WE COULD MAKE PEACE, PREHAPS TALK ABOUT THE DREAM? I AM TRULY SORRY FOR WHAT HAPPENED.”
“THA DREAM? THE ONE WHERE Y’ALL ABDUCTED ME FROM MAH FARM AGIN AN’ TRIED CHUCKIN’ ME INTA THE SUN?”
“Uh, YES. THAT WAS THE DREAM…”
“FERGIT IT!”
And with that, the race was on again.
***
Many hours later, an utterly exhausted pegasus touched down in that very same oasis. Merry May had only needed to follow the trail of decimated trees to this unusually verdant and lush desert pool. She drank deeply of the water, and helped herself to the tangy desert grasses. She collapsed into the sand wearily, gave a prayer of gratitude to Applejack for the sanctuary and rested a few minutes. When she woke from her nap, something in the sand caught her eye. Trotting sorely up to it, she pulled it free from where it had fallen. On the back was the seal of the Apples. On the front was a letter. Merry May’s eyes widened. Finding a few broad leaves, she wrapped them protectively around the paper. She bit down on the makeshift bundle, determined to deliver it at all costs. Her mind and body renewed, she continued her quest.
Apologies for the delay. Real life kicked me in the pants this weekend. Good news is I got to spend veterans day with a veteran. Bad news is it's my gramps and we were in the hospital. He's on the mend, but remember the people in your life who have given their best for your safety.
On another note. Primitive guns do exist in my headcanon. Equestria simply eschews them. Simplest way to explain all the bullet/tank analogies.
Finally, you all rock. Your comments are as a cool breeze in a hot desert, and a gentle rain on a parched field. Er... Sorry, still in purple prose mode.
Blue, I think you're letting this miscommunication gag run a little too long. I think it's high time somepony sat everypony down and had a nice long discussion about what's going to happen. Probably Twilight, with Celestia's help.
1610655 I am a-ok with introducing guns.
Loving this story!! You are a talented writer, the dream section was wonderful!
1607664 1610681 I swear, I'm going somewhere with this, there is a fundamental disconnect in their experiences that Luna simply doesn't understand and Applejack, so far, refuses to explore. There will be reconciliation, but this is necessary to set it up. Hang in there with me, ok?
1610683 Eh, it won't really make a huge difference in this story other than this analogy.
1610696 Thanks! It's my secret shame that I love writing these sorts of mythic sequences.
By the way what do all of these strange chapter titles mean?
You, sir, are rocking turning Applejack into a living metaphor of life and the Earth. Artfully done.
Good job so far, can't wait for the next chapter!
That dream scene was awesome, I really enjoyed it a lot. Applejack was so small and Luna was the mare of night quite literally so. I loved this chapter and I love this story
1610655 Bullets are useless against the force fields projected by the guards' enchanted armor, and it'd be prohibitively expensive to enchant the *bullets*. So, while some old-fashioned earth pony farmers might have a shotgun lying around to deal with invading monsters, or a cannon to fling party decorations around, ranged weaponry in general has fallen by the wayside as far as actual military forces are concerned due to its ineffectiveness.
1610681 - I agree, Celestia needs to come down and bop em both on the head. Point back to the farm and be like.. 'Go, Sit, and behave!'
You sir earned a watch... To be honest I would of began following you earlier but I forgot to I only realized I wasn't watching you there now x)
Funzies.
1610715 Glad you asked. Each title has something to do with what goes on in that chapter. They are Greek titles pulled from my knowledge of the Greek bible and Greek mythology that deal with aspects of God/The Gods. It seemed appropriate to the subject and adds a bit of gravitas to a story sorely lacking it. The titles are as follows:
1: Pneuma = Breath or Spirit
2: Gnosis = Knowledge, esp. Hidden Knowledge.
3: Hypsos = Height or Altitude
4: Euchomai = Prayer or Supplication
5: Theophaneia = The Presence or Manifestation of a God
6: Dunamis = Miracle or Show of Power
7: Aisthanomai = The Faculties of Sense
8: Thumos = Wrath or Forcefulness
9: Pheugo = To Flee
10: Oneiroi = Dream or Vision
1610763 You know what's goin' down.
1610723>>1610729>>1610734>>1610747>>1610748 Squee! Thank you!
1610741
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1610655
Basically, they've got flintlocks and muskets, but not anything more advanced than that?
I stand by my notes as an editor, and I hope you got my review of chapter 11 alright.
The story is coming along wonderfully, and I even have a song for this chapter:
Overbearing childish deities. Get off my lawn!
Truly enjoyed how Luna described everything.
Just noticed a certain character tag...
I can't help but think of one of Luna's lines from one of my stories:
Now that that shameless plug is out of the way, I have to say that the dream combat was fantastically done. Now if only Applejack would just give an inch for once...
1610745
//dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/lolface_Celestia.png The Both of you should be ashamed of your selves! Now What Do you have to say!
//dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/sillyfilly_Applejack.png //dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/Luna_lolface.png Bu...
//dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/lolface_Celestia.png No buts! Luna, you are much older and more experienced then her and should not have let your emotions get the better of you. If you had stayed calm and actually listened to her this whole stupid chase would never have happened! Applejack, you should not have kept antagonizing her, and running away was never the right decision. you cannot keep running from your problems, and when the ceasefire was offered you could have ended this whole fiasco before it escalated into its current state. You two are grounded! Applejack, no apples, or apple related foods for a month. Luna, No Moon Pies, and I am confiscating Abacus. Now you will both apologize and then go to your rooms!
Yes Ma'am...
//dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/shrug_Luna_apple.png Fiiine...
1610807 Something along those lines. It's not gonna come up that much in this story.
1610812 Thanks, I did get it. Stay tuned for more.
1610831 I posted a sign and everything, but deities theses days...
1610865 Spoilers!
1610965 Something's gotta give.
1610713
You shouldn't be ashamed of writing mythic sections. They're quite fun. This style of writing, what you termed "mythic", is very personal in the way it shows your private metaphors. It's very easily misunderstood. I applaud your bravery in posting such work.
It can be done to the point of being tiresome, but you don't seem to be doing it more than required by the narrative. You would've passed the line of overdoing it by now if you wrote in such a flowery manner for a down-to-earth story, but this isn't a down-to-earth story. This is a story about what is divine. Abstract visions are expected. You would have been remiss not to include a chapter like this.
I'm still not sure what Chrysalis has to do with anything, or why she's tagged
1610741
I see you enjoy ponywank. Ponywank is always the most hilarious of wanking.
If AJ has the power of an Alicorn, she should just put it to go use and increase the efficiency of her farm a hundred fold to provide for her family.
1611001 Not the Abacus!
1611212 There are really two arcs to this story. She figures in a little later.
1611267 Seems reasonable.
1611475 It's generally considered in bad taste among most deities.
1499394 I was certain you ment this
Party with an infinite amount of Pinkies
1611004
Alright! Can't wait for chapter 12.
The story is looking great so far!
If you found me here, on the 5th page of a fanfiction, then you probably lost me "up there".
That applies to everypony but the author.
You're awesome!
1611528 Such a fun fic.
1611543 I'm gettin' it done ASAP.
1611565 lol, I've actually seen you do this on other fics. You really get around. It's kinda your thing innit?
I'm actually expecting Luna's badly thought out attempts at connecting is just going to send Applejack to turn into a Nightmare. Sometimes, a gentle touch is needed. A royal proclamation that the farm is off limits to the general populace, give her time for things to calm down. Then slowly start working on it. Heck, if it takes 60 years, it doesn't matter.
1611565 losing something does require you to have it to begin with ...
I'd have to say you're wrong in my case
I like the tenacity of Merry May. I just hope that AJ can mentally come to terms with her new responsibilities.
Well... this is new.
I'll read it later...
I can say so far this is gonna be "interesting"
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Random fact of the day: Come back later, I'm busy!!!!
More Like Lazy!
Shut Up you!
So close, Luna. You almost had her with that dream, but...
Damn it, Merry May. What makes you think she didn't already read it if the seal is broken? As Applejack would probably say, that girl is dimmer than a soot-covered firefly.
This story has piqued my interests.
I would join the crowd in asking for more.
This is why having followers sucks.
1611218
It is indeed rather hilarious. And annoying. The exact ratio varies from case to case.
1611212
Presumably she's going to show up later.
1611267
She's been trying to, but all these crazy ponies keep following her around and bothering her!
1612132
In this case, I'd say hilarious, because the author's response to that wank was basically "Hahahaha, no."
It's when it gets treated seriously (like in TCB), that it gets annoying.
1611667
Yeah.
I'm also an editor, but that's not as fun
1612300 clearly you need more fun things to edit then:P
Really loving this so far, I can appreciate the need for setup between AJ and Luna. keep on!
1611703 Yeah, AJ's immortal, there's no rush.
1611733 Whew, good, she's a little sympathetic then. Merry May has weird motivations.
1611854 When all you have is a bullhorn...
1611862 Yeah, Luna is not known for the gentle touch.
1611878 Um? I don't know what to say...
1611918 Yep, not the sharpest cheddar on the cheese-rack.
1612031 I shall do my best to oblige.
1612063 Hah! AJ only has to deal with one...
lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qTjvcuB18zI/UKMMimjzH0I/AAAAAAAAAHg/8Vp-mqGmc58/s400/Followers.jpg
PS, if you're following me, and you are reading this, that is in no way a slight. You rock!
1612132 Tryin' ta horn in on mah post answerin' territory? Just kidding.
1612157 TCB? I am unfamiliar with this acronym...
1612300 Challenging though, I do a little of that too.
1612523 Thanks! I'm gonna keep it comin'.
1612548
TCB = The Conversion Burea. I'm specifically referring to that subset of the genre popularized by Chatoyance. If you don't know what I'm talking about, don't look it up. You'll be happier that way.
1612548
Yea, I have that affect on people.
If your confused... then I've done my job.
th09.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2011/250/c/5/mlp___what_the_f___by_maru_sha-d497pk9.png
Well done good sir keep up the great work
1611001
This comment is epic.
Oh my... Well, I'm sorry to hear that your grandfather is in the hospital, but at least he's hanging in there!
Anyway, this story is awesome, keep up the awesome work!
Ah ygdrasyyl! Also Luna is still being a bitch.*twitches* STOP RUINING BEST PONY!!!!!!!