What am I?

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Apple Bloom's hooves dangled off the side of her bed while sunlight came through the bedroom's clean windows. Light glinted off the frame of a small picture on her bedside table. Her right front hoof trembled, soon steadied by her left front hoof. The filly's eyes gravitated toward the small green stain on the floorboard near her bed. She sighed then kicked her back hooves, flopping back onto the bed.

"Why?" She said, staring up at the ceiling.

The rooster's crow waking her up earlier that morning, the sun just peaking over the horizon, Apple Bloom had leapt out of bed. She hurried downstairs. Granny Smith, in a stern tone, told her granddaughter to calm down and eat slower. The elderly mare's words went unheeded until Apple Bloom had to slug down some apple juice with her pancakes. Apple Bloom stopped and looked at the front door after a firm knock. With her breakfast consumed, she darted outside to see Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle standing ready. Today would be the day the trio earned their cutie marks.

"Will you hurry up." Scootaloo said with a shout. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle galloped behind her. Rows of trees whizzed past them. Several tree stumps littered the landscape. Axe Head's lumber mill came into view, and a unicorn mare stood outside the door. The tan colored pony glared at the three fillies near her strong front hooves when they approached. Scootaloo smiled and said, "Sorry we're late. My alarm clock didn't go off."

Axe Head gritted her teeth. Her hoof slammed against the door's sign. The glare relented, and she moved away from the door. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo entered the mill. "Seven AM sharp!" Axe Head shouted with the stallions and mares inside wincing, "Scootaloo, you're with Splitter. You'll give him lumber when he needs it. Sweetie Belle, you're on sawdust detail with Cart. Hope that mane of yours has insurance."

Sweetie Belle's mouth dropped. Her eyes traced Axe Head's hoof that pointed toward a mountain of sawdust near a cheery pony with a wheelbarrow for a cutie mark.

"Problem?" Axe Head raised an eyebrow, receiving a quick headshake from Sweetie Belle. She faced the last filly in front of her as Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle moved towards their respective partners. "Good. Apple Bloom, your partner isn't here today, so you'll be workin' with me. Listen," she towered above the filly, " because I'll only say this once. Do as I say. When I say it. Understand?!"

Apple Bloom let out an audible gulp, the other ponies in the mill gazing at her with blank expressions. She nodded, followed Axe Head into a corner of the factory, and then raised a hoof to shield her eyes. The bright flash of light relented. Several axe blades hung against the walls; their freshly sharpened, silver colored edges glinted in the sunlight. She lowered her hoof and backed away from the large, circular saw blade on the table that sat in the middle of the room.

"Hey, come on. Ah'm a big pony." Apple Bloom said.

"I need workers. Not whiners. You want your bits and a chance to earn your cutie marks? You work. That axe is plenty big for a filly your size." Axe Head said.

"Ma'am!" Splitter said before entering into the workshop, "we got a slipped band saw blade on station five."

"Anypony hurt?" Axe Head said.

"No ma'am. Darndest thing. It just snapped right in half. That Scootaloo filly is a little frazzled. That's it." the stallion said.

"Don't. Touch. Anything." Axe Head said in a stern voice. She pulled a box off the shelf, "I mean it, filly."

Apple Bloom nodded. Her eyes focused on the axe in her hoof then squinted at it for a second. "Cutie Mark Crusader Lumber Mill Workers, great idea Apple Bloom. Ah can't believe I thought of this one --"

The axe slipped out of her hoof. Its sharpened end embedded itself in the wooden floor. Apple Bloom tugged on it. The axe refused to budge. She tugged on it harder. It refused to budge.

"OW!" Apple Bloom bellowed. After a final tug of the axe, its handle slipped out and her hoof grazed the side of the circular saw blade. "Sweet Celestia that hurts."

A loud clang resonated inside the main room. Axe Head looked at Apple Bloom, pulled down the medical kit from the side wall, bandaged her wound, and then escorted Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo outside.

"What I get for using fillies." Axe Head said to herself. She whistled. A pegasus stallion with a crane hook for a cutie mark landed near her.

"Hoist, get Apple Bloom back to Sweet Apple Acres. I'll notify Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle's relatives."

"Yes Ma'am!" Hoist said.

The pegasus stallion latched onto the filly with his right hoof. He extended his wings then power ascended into the sky. Little time passed before Apple Bloom found herself back at Sweet Apple Acres with Applejack at the front door. Applejack examined her little sister then took her inside. In her room, Apple Bloom apologized to the stallion. After a swift pat to the filly's head, Hoist went outside and made a power ascent into the sky.

Heavy hoof steps echoed down the hallway before Applejack entered Apple Bloom's bedroom. She opened her mouth and raised her hoof. The cowgirl shook her head, and then closed her mouth. Her hoof slammed into the floor.

"What were ya thinkin'?" Applejack said in a harsh tone. Her hoof slammed into the floor once more, "No, don't say anythin' Bloom. I'll stop mah self right there and answer mah own question. Ya weren't thinkin', were ya. What possessed ya'll ta think workin' a lumber mill was a good idea? Haven't ya seen Uncle Apple Tree's left hoof? That scar ain't a birthmark, sugar cube. He nearly cut it off."

Granny Smith stopped in the hallway. She popped her back and eyed Apple Bloom's hoof. "That's enough child. Apple Bloom will be fine."

"What's goin on!" Apple Bloom said. Green, viscous liquid oozed out from the bandage's top. With the cloth bandage removed, she bolted for the bathroom. Her left hoof rubbed against the wound several times under the faucet. Apple Bloom turned off the faucet. She sat on her bed, "What's goin' on?"

Big Macintosh looked at the bandage on the floor then at Granny Smith. He nodded to her. After grabbing the bandage, the stallion patted Apple Bloom on the head. He let out a slow, saddened sigh. In a quiet voice he said, "Granny..."

The elderly mare closed her eyes, sighed, and then turned around. She moved down the hallway lined with family pictures. In the living room, Granny Smith opened the lower drawer on the bookcase. Her hooves touched the sides of an ornate wooden box, lifting it out of the small compartment with care. Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Apple Bloom joined her.

"Ya'll best promise to keep this a secret. This goes double for you Applejack. Keep it a secret from that princess friend of yours." Granny Smith said, eyeing Applejack. She rubbed a nervous hoof against the box. "Apple Bloom... child, ah sincerely hoped this day would never come."

Granny Smith's hoof steadied on the box's top; the top's emblem was in the shape of an apple with a tree carved into it. She pulled her hoof away. The knot on her scarf loosened. With her teeth in, a thread was pulled from around a bulge in the cloth. A wooden locket fell into her lap. Granny Smith opened the locket and clutched the key close to her chest.

Inside, four small pictures withstood the test of time. The first picture showed three ponies, a proud mare and stallion beside Granny Smith. A happy colt with a harness around his neck stood by the three proud ponies in the second. In the next, three ponies smiled as they stood near the colt with a small filly alongside him.

"Ma. Pa." Applejack said as her ears lowered, "Why are these locked away?"

Granny Smith closed her eyes. Her head lowered. She pulled the forth picture out of the box. Applejack and Big Macintosh stood near a small filly. An apple tree stood in the background, not present in the other pictures. The elderly mare raised her head, "Ah honestly hoped to never think about this again. Your parents, they were a beautiful couple meant for each other. Ah never seen a love more powerful than theirs. It devastated me beyond belief when they passed away."

"Granny, what are ya sayin?" Apple Bloom said.

"Apple Bloom, you're a part of this family. You're an Apple no matter what. Ah just..." Granny Smith said, fighting back her tears. She steadied herself. Her hoof pointed at the tree behind the ponies in the picture. "Your Ma, she passed away before you were born."
The air remained still. In the kitchen, the clock continued to tick on. Apple Bloom's eyes remained fixated on the picture while Big Macintosh stood near Granny Smith.

"It's... it's a little late for April Foals jokes Granny Smith. Besides, this ain't funny." Applejack said. Her hoof brushed against the picture then pulled it back. She faced Big Macintosh, "You knew about this? How could you keep secrets from me!"

Applejack moved toward her brother. Big Macintosh maintained his stoic demeanor.

"What. Am. Ah?" Apple Bloom said, examining her hoof once again.

"Dryad." Big Macintosh said, receiving a stern scolding from Granny Smith. "Granny, this isn't some recipe you can fix by addin' just a tad of sugar."

"Dontcha sass me, youngin. Ah might be old but Ah ain't too old to tan that hide of yours redder than it already is, Big Mac. " Granny Smith said. Big Macintosh sat down, the house shaking for a second. Granny Smith faced Applejack and Apple Bloom. "Ah know it don't make much sense. Heck, even I don't understand it mah self. Regardless. Applejack, Apple Bloom is your sister just as much as she is Big Macintosh's sister."

Applejack hugged Apple Bloom, "Ah already knew that. Ah want to know what's goin' on. Is she gonna be alright?"

"Eyup." Big Macintosh said.

"Ah need more than just a darn 'Eyup' from ya, 'Big Brother.'" Applejack said. She placed a hoof over Apple Bloom, "Is mah little sis alright?"

Big Macintosh held his hoof up. He went to the front door, placed a firm hoof on his forehead, opened the door, and dragged Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle inside, both fillies wiping away their tears. The door locked the door behind him.

"April Foals!" Granny Smith said before trotting away. Applejack stood in her way. "It's time for mah nap, youngin. "

"Granny Smith! Ya'll best not be tellin tales here. What happened up there in that bedroom wasn't some joke to pass off. I've never seen it happen to her." Applejack said.

Big Macintosh glared at Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom stepped in front of them, and he relaxed. "That promise applies to your friends, Bloom."

"Big Macintosh. Granny Smith. Applejack. What am ah?" Apple Bloom said, gawking at her healed wound. "What is a dryad?"

Shaky, slow hooves guided Granny Smith to her rocking chair. The others gathered around her while Big Macintosh stood near the door.

"Ya'll know about the princesses? How they're unicorns, pegasi, and earth pony all mingled into one like some kinda weird apple jam? Ah don't know much, but, one thing ah know for certain, dryads have a deep connection to the soil beneath their hooves. They have the strongest bond any pony can have with the land of Equestria itself." Granny Smith said.

"Wait, does that make dryads like alicorns. Does that make Apple Bloom a princess?" Sweetie Belle said.

"Ah'm sorry, youngin. It would be great if things were nice like that." Granny Smith said. She gathered the pictures. "Ah only know of one story passed down from our great, great, great, great, great, great ancestor, Apple Seed. Princess Celestia doesn't view dryads with kind eyes, and that's about it. Ah don't know why."

Apple Bloom rubbed her hoof against the floor boards of the family room. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sat near their friend.

"Did ah cause --" Apple Bloom said.

"No. Dotcha ever think that again. Your Ma and Pa loved ya with all their heart, Apple Bloom." Granny Smith said. She placed the pictures inside the box, locked it, and then put it back inside the cabinet. Her hooves creaked and groaned as she meandered up the steps towards her room. "Ah need to fix this dang scarf. Such a pain in mah flank. Always have to sew this key box back in so ah don't lose it. I'd lose mah darn head if it weren't attached to mah body."

Applejack squinted at Big Macintosh and Granny Smith. She patted her sister on the head then faced the stairs. "Our Granny and Big Brother have some serious questions to answer. If ah have to fight all of Equestria, ah'll do it to keep ya safe little sis. Sweetie Belle. Scootaloo. Ya best promise to keep this a secret. Rainbow couldn't keep a secret to save Equestria. Rarity's a gossip mare."

"We promise." Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo said.

Apple Bloom made her way up the stairs. She sat on her bed and buried her head into her hooves then got off her bed. Her eyes focused on the orchard. "Two hours. They just, just -- what do ah do?"

"Dryad, Filly, or spooky monster, you're a cutie mark crusader, Apple Bloom." Sweetie Belle said.

Scootaloo's wings buzzed before she gave a cheery smile, "Ya. Whatever the case, we'll stick by ya."

Allies

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Ponies, Gryphons, and Minotaurs passed by the quaint shop. The shop's medium-sized, front glass window pane displayed a potion graphic on it with an apple on the potion's bottle. Intricate cupboards lined the walls inside. Potions swirled, bubbled, and glowed behind the cupboards' doors; their vibrant hues illuminated the small shop with beautiful light for brief seconds when the doors were opened.

The small bell above the front door chimed when it opened. Soft hoof steps landed on the marble floor inside the shop.

A slender hoof latched onto a pink ribbon, pulling it off the table where a small alchemy lab sat. With the ribbon tied around her mane, the mare emerged from her office. Her hooves latched onto the rolling ladder near the shelves. In a cheery tone, Apple Bloom said, "Be there in a minute."

"Thank you, my dear." A voice said.

Apple Bloom stopped. The potion in her hoof slipped from her grasp then floated back to its place on the shelf. She shivered. Her eyes glanced at the customer's reflection off the shop's window. Apple Bloom turned turned towards the mare. On trembling hooves, Apple Bloom walked toward the counter and pulled up a stool.

"P-P-Princess Celestia --" Apple Bloom said before she calmed her nerves with a deep breath, "-- what am ah so nervous about? This is just a dream. It ain't real."

"Right you are, Apple Bloom." Princess Celestia said in a gentle voice. Her mane flowed in the windless room while she peered behind the counter, "Are you alright?"

"Just strange to see ya here is all. Not ta mean ah don't want ya here or anythin'." Apple Bloom said. She dusted herself off. On her hooves, Apple Bloom pulled the stool out and sat on it more. "Sorry if Ah'm bein' rude."

"It's quite alright." Princess Celestia said. She pulled a chair over and sat down. The mare's eyes focused on Apple Bloom while her jovial demeanor faded. "My sister is quite talented with how easy she makes this look. It's one of the duties I had to fulfill in her... 'absence' from Equestria."

Apple Bloom got off her stool. Princess Celestia sat up from her chair. The slender mare turned into her filly self, and then backed away while the princess maintained her eye contact. Voices faded from the world. Potions vanished from the store's shelves, one-by-one. The shop disappeared. An ethereal realm surrounded the two. After a quick head shake, Apple Bloom turned and galloped away.

Princess Celestia appeared in front of Apple Bloom. The princess disappeared then reappeared once more in front of her target. Apple Bloom continued to bolt towards open areas, only to see the pony tower over her a moment later. Thick beams of light jutted from the ground toward the infinite sky, blocking Apple Bloom's path; they encircled the filly then bent into the formation of a cage. A shadow lengthened on the ground, and Apple Bloom's prison rose into the air. Princess Celestia grew into a giant, her eye the size of a tall stallion.

"..." Apple Bloom whimpered. Her hooves pushed against the cage's bars. She cowered in the small prison's back while Princess Celestia eyed every inch of her. The air remained still with a heavy, crushing silence.

"What are you?" Princess Celestia said in a calm voice before she bellowed, "I command you to answer me."

"Why are ya doin' this to me?!" Apple Bloom said while she cowered, burying her head into her hooves. The small prison -- hurled to the ground by Princess Celestia, shattered with its luminescent bars turning to glowing dust. The princess slammed her hoof to the ground. A gale force wind rushed passed Apple Bloom.

In a strong determined voice, Princess Celestia said, "At all costs, I will protect Equestria."

"Stop!" Apple Bloom said as she closed her eyes, raising a shaky hoof at Princess Celestia. She opened her eyes. Her mouth dropped. "No..."

Thick roots protruded from her raised hoof. The tendrils changed as a heavy layer of bark covered them. They wrapped around Princess Celestia's neck and wings; the roots crushed the princess with intense, vice-like pressure. Princess Celestia leered at Apple Bloom. A powerful aura enveloped the regal mare's horn. Apple Bloom raised her hoof toward the sky. The aura dissipated. Its light traveled along the roots with the aura soon surrounding the filly.

Apple Bloom shook her hoof then slammed it into the ethereal realm's floor, the gigantic Princess Celestia turning into white glowing dust when she hit the ground. The roots snapped, and Apple Bloom ran toward the endless horizon. The filly's hooves slipped out from underneath her body. She flailed about.

Back on dry land, Apple Bloom looked at her reflection in the water. Bark covered every inch of her body. Her eyes glowed in a bright green color before they returned to their normal hue. She shook her head. Several times Apple Bloom shouted, "Ah'm a normal filly!"

"Apple Bloom?" A voice said. Water and sand flew into the sky. A sphere formed into the moon with Princess Luna emerging from it. On graceful wings she flew towards the distraught filly, and then landed on graceful hooves. Princess Luna used her wings to wipe away Apple Bloom's tears. "What's wrong?"

Apple Bloom looked at Princess Luna. Her lower lip quivered. She backed away. Strong hooves plunged into the ethereal ground. Tears flowed, hitting the floor while Apple Bloom ran. She stopped. The scene changed to the farm house on Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Granny Smith stood in the family room. Apple Bloom latched onto Applejack, but her eyes widened in horror.

She let go of her big sister and dropped to the ground. Light came through the window. Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Granny Smith remained frozen in place, turned into wooden statues.

"I want to be normal." Apple Bloom said.

Princess Luna floated toward Apple Bloom and patted her on the head. "I assure you Apple Bloom, this is just a nightmare."

"It... it feels so real." Apple Bloom said. She touched Big Macintosh. The wooden stallion fell over and shattered into splinters. "Not real. Ok. Not. Real. Not. Real."

"This is quite the unusual dream. Do you know why you are having it?" Princess Luna said, and then raised an eyebrow to the firm headshake she received. Her eyes closed and opened. The fierce white light blew away the farmhouse with the ethereal realm remaining. The princess placed a gentle hoof on Apple Bloom's back then removed it. "I cannot protect you from these terrors forever."

"Ah can't..." Apple Bloom said.

"Very well. I will not pry into your personal matters. It is your secret to keep, not mine." Princess Luna said. An orange door materialized in front of her. The two passed through it into another dream. "What in Equestria?"

Applejack bucked, kicked, and tossed away ponies left and right. Stallions and Mares assaulted her and Big Macintosh. Fillies and colts restrained Granny Smith while Princess Celestia, Princess Cadence, Princess Luna, and Princess Twilight enveloped Apple Bloom in a magical cage. One stallion was tossed towards Twilight, sending her to the ground.

"Enough!" Princess Luna said. The dream world ended. Applejack looked at Princess Luna, and then Apple Bloom. "Why would have such a dream?"

Applejack bolted between Princess Luna and Apple Bloom. She shook her head. "I ain't sayin' a word. Ya'll aren't takin' my little sis, my family away from me. Not now. Not ever!"

"Why in Equestria would we mean harm to Apple Bloom? She has done nothing to warrant such actions." Princess Luna said.

"Princess Luna? Is that you?" Applejack said. She received a nod. "Sorry. I just had a nightmare is all."

The princess stared at the two ponies. She circled the two then shrugged at them. "As I told Apple Bloom, it is your secret to keep, not mine, and I will not pry into your private matters. For now, I will banish these nightmares to the farthest recesses of your minds. A word of caution, they will not stay there forever."

*** *** ***

Apple Bloom opened her eyes. Fresh sunlight entered her room. She yawned, stretched, and then leapt out of bed. "What a nightmare. Ah don't want any of those any time soon."

"Apple Bloom, ya outta bed yet. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are waitin' for ya." Applejack said, her voice traveling down the hallway.

With her ribbon tied on, Apple Bloom trotted down the hallway. She made her way towards the farmhouse's front door. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle nodded to their friend. The Cutie Mark Crusader galloped toward the end of Sweet Apple Acres.

"What we got planned today?" Apple Bloom said. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle remained silent while they traveled ahead of their friend, the group coming upon the Cutie Mark Crusader club house. "Ah got a great idea."

The door closed behind Scootaloo. She sat beside Apple Bloom while Sweetie Belle approached the podium.

"I hereby call this meeting of the Cutie Mark Crusaders to order." Sweetie Belle said while she tapped her hoof against the podium. Scootaloo got up and joined her. The two looked at each other then at Apple Bloom. "We need to talk."

A chill crawled up Apple Bloom's spine. She plugged her ears then looked at her friends. Her hooves removed, Apple Bloom placed them on the carpet beneath her. She rubbed her right hoof against the carpet's fibers. The filly's gravitated toward the bungee cord that hung from the rafters in the ceiling. The trio decided they would be the best bungee ponies in Equestria that day. In the corner, after being thoroughly cleaned from their adventure, sat the contraption the crusaders cobbled together in their successful effort to fix Princess Celestia's "personal throne room" off from her bedroom. Apple Bloom stood up, made her way to the window, and glared at the piece of 2x4 she hauled back from Axe Head's lumber mill two days ago. She cursed its existence under a quiet, heated breath.

"Apple Bloom. You're our friend, but, after a lot of thought, we decided you're no longer welcome in the Cutie Mark Crusaders." Sweetie Belle said. She nodded to the fellow crusader at her side. "Your too dangerous to be around. Also, how can you be a Cutie Mark Crusader if you can't earn a cutie mark."

Apple Bloom darted outside the club house and slammed the door behind her. Her flank hit the floor. Wind brushed passed her mane. Her nostrils flared. "Princess Luna! Please stop this nightmare."

The sun set, and the moon rose. It turned into a crescent shape. Princess Luna sat on the moon's tip, peering down on Apple Bloom. She gazed at Apple Bloom and said, "Remember what I told you, Apple Bloom. I cannot protect you from these terrors forever. You must face what ails you."

Princess Luna descended towards Apple Bloom. Several doors flew passed the two ponies. The princess pushed her hoof against a door. Inside, the room remained quiet. A dress shop appeared with a mannequin in the back. Several bolts of fabric were organized in several slots, a freshly inked drawing laid on top of the table.

"Apple Bloom. Princess Luna." Sweetie Belle said. She descended to the ground, looked at the two ponies, and then blushed. "Sorry, heh heh. I was just... pretending," Sweetie Belle returned to her normal size with her wings vanishing, "I didn't mean any offense."

"No offense taken," Princess Luna smiled. She whispered to Sweetie Belle, "You're not the only filly who pretends to be an alicorn princess in her dreams."

A door opened in the ceiling with a Princess Celestia sized, alicorn Scootaloo plummeting through. She dusted herself off, snickered, and returned to normal. The fillies smiled at one another before they faced Princess Luna. Around them, the world shifted to that of the club house.

Princess Luna watched the three run about before she cleared her throat. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle stopped and faced her. She raised her hoof toward Apple Bloom, "Your first dream concerns me."

"First dream?" Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle said in unison.

"Please, don't ask." Apple Bloom said, shivering in place.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders apologized for the interruption and remained silent.

"As I was going to say, I thought we had quelled the unease in your heart, Apple Bloom. It seems another visit from your friends is in order." Princess Luna said. Apple Bloom darted toward the back of the club house, took down a picture, and hid it from sight. "Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle. Do you know what ails your friend? Why is she having such nightmares?"

"Sorry, Princess Luna. This is one secret we can't tell." Scootaloo said. Sweetie Belle joined her. The two stood by their friend. "We've sworn our oath to Apple Bloom as fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders to keep her secret safe."

"Thanks, but Ah'm tired of runnin'. Ah'm tired of bein' afraid." Apple Bloom said. She moved away from her friends. Her eyes fixated on Princess Luna. Apple Bloom sat in front of the princess and said, "She's right. Ah can't run away from it for the rest of mah life. Ah gotta face it, here and now."

"Are you sure about this?" Scootaloo said. With a firm nod received, she and Sweetie Belle stood by their friend. "I hope you know what you're doing, Apple Bloom."

"Princess Luna, what's a dryad?" Apple Bloom said.

The dreamscape remained quiet. Moments ticked by while Princess Luna rubbed a hoof against her chin. She lowered her hoof then shrugged. In a calm voice she said, "In all my years I have not heard of such a thing. Why do you ask, Apple Bloom?"

"Please Princess Luna, you have to know. You're the princess of the night and guardian of dreams." Apple Bloom said.

"Though I am a princess, it does not make me an all knowing, all seeing pony. Why does this bother you so? How does it relate to your dream that involved my sister?" Princess Luna said.

Apple Bloom looked off to one side. She rubbed her hoof against the floor. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo remained quiet.

"I see. I will need to ask my --" Princess Luna said.

"No! Ya can't!" Apple Bloom said.

"O?" Princess Luna raised an eyebrow, "I see there is more to this than a simple inquiry. Apple Bloom, I cannot help unless I know more, unless you are willing to trust me. I'm quite good at keeping secrets." Princess Luna said. Apple Bloom lowered her head. "If you refuse to tell me, I will have to ignore your request and talk to my sister."

"Ah am a dryad..." Apple Bloom said through gritted teeth. She winced, and then faced Princess Luna. "Please, please don't tell Princess Celestia. Granny Smith says that she hates em'."

Princess Luna lowered her raised eyebrow. In a stern voice she said, "That is absurd. My sister would never hate a being without just cause or due process. Even then, she is a pony of the highest regard. I assume you have proof to levy such allegations against her."

With permission given, Princess Luna touched her horn to the forehead of each filly. Her eyes glowed in a fierce white light each time.
A green door materialized behind the group. The door opened to a young Granny Smith jumping off a high dive platform into a cup of water. Princess Luna entered the dream while the Cutie Mark Crusaders stayed behind. She returned and let out an exasperated sigh.

Princess Luna sat on the floor and crossed her front hooves. "Unfortunately, your grandmother's mind is too scattered to gain any concrete knowledge about this matter. Though I say that, Apple Bloom's memories leave me little reason to doubt what she has encounter."

"Please don't tell Princess Celestia. I don't want to be banished or sent to Tartarus." Apple Bloom said.

"I can assure you, my sister wouldn't do anything of the sort. This is a delicate matter however, and, if your words do hold weight -- I must get to the bottom of this mystery." Princess Luna said. She stood up. A mark appeared on Apple Bloom's chest. Princess Luna extended her hoof and placed it on the filly's chest, "With this spell, I seal away my knowledge of these events into your dreams. Only when I return to your dreams will these events be remembered."

Apple Bloom breathed a heavy sigh of relief, but her eyes widened. "What about Applejack and Big Macintosh. What about Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle?"

"Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle have sworn their own secrecy through your bonds of friendship. It is a powerful bond, one I doubt they will break." Princess Luna smiled at Apple Bloom's friends then faced the filly, "Big Macintosh does not concern me. Applejack, on the other hoof, might be problematic. Is there a way to swear your sister to an even greater form of secrecy?" Princess Luna said.

"Can't ya use that spell on her like ya did on me?" Apple Bloom said.

"No. It only works on me when I must keep secret what I have seen in a pony's dreams. I've had to use it more times than I would like to mention, but that is beside the point." Princess Luna said, blushing while she turned away from the three fillies. She shook her head when Sweetie Belle raised her hoof, "No, I cannot erase Applejack's memory like that movie you saw at the cinema theatre. Memory alteration spells are forbidden from use, even for a princess."

"Wait, didn't you just use a memory alteration spell." Sweetie Bell said.

"The spell I used is one of my own design that doesn't alter memories. It merely locks away portions of them, and I will need the aid of my spell to keep me from arousing my sister's suspicions. All I will remember from our encounter is the term dryad, to look it up in the Canterlot Libraries, and to avoid speaking about it with my sister at all costs." Princess Luna said. She pointed to the small lock box on the table near the window. "Think of it like writing down an important note and putting it in a place so you don't forget it, like 'your' homework."

Sweetie Belle's mouth dropped. Her hooves tugged at her mane. She pointed a sharp hoof at Scootaloo, "You forgot to remind me to get my homework! Ms. Cheerilee is going to kill me. No, Rarity will kill me. If I fail this test, I won't get to go to Canterlot with her this weekend. She has two tickets for the newest Sapphire Shores concert."

Princess Luna rolled her eyes. The world around them changed to the school house. Sweetie Belle darted to her desk, opened it, and memorized the math equations.

"That will keep her busy," Princess Luna said, ending with a chuckle. Her jovial demeanor changed to its previous stoic one. "Apple Bloom. Regardless of what you saw tonight, you are a pony of Equestria. You have my sincerest promise that I will aid you." Princess Luna stood up with a grim expression coming across her face, "We must to tread lightly as all of us may be on hallowed ground if my sister indeed despises dryads. Apple Bloom. For your sake and the sake of Equestria's royal reputation, do not speak about this with any pony else."

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, joined by Sweetie Belle after she finished memorizing her homework, placed their hooves on their chests. In unison they swore an oath to never speak about the event outside of their dream realms with one another.

Princess Luna illuminated her horn, "Apple Bloom. Now is the time for you to wake, along with your friends. Again, you have my most sincere promise I will be here to aid you in this time of need."

*** *** ***

Apple Bloom's eyes thrust open. The rooster crowed in the distance with the sun barely over the horizon. She laid back down then jumped up. Her hooves hit the floor. Hoof steps echoed down the hallway while she galloped towards Applejack's room. After a gasp, throwing off the covers to see an empty bed then seeing her sister's hat missing from the rack near the door, Apple Bloom darted downstairs. Her eyes darted about until she fixated on Applejack's silhouette in the kitchen.

"Whoa there, sugar cube. Ya alright?" Applejack said, standing at the back door of the kitchen. Apple Bloom pushed against her. While she backed away, Applejack said. "Umm, I need ta get to work. In the southern field. Those saplings ain't gonna replant themselves."

"Applejack." Apple Bloom said, looking around the kitchen.

"Bloom, look, I know you're nervous about what happened yesterday. Our dreams didn't help matters either. They were nightmares, but Princess Luna helped us to deal with em'. Chalk it up to one of Granny's tales. Heck, ah remember the one she told me about a monster living in the orchard in a cave --" Applejack said.

"Please promise me you won't tell Twilight. Pinkie Pie promise you won't tell any pony what granny told us or what happened to me." Apple Bloom said.

The rooster crowed a second time. Applejack's hooves froze in place, Apple Bloom continuing to push against her big sister. The mare turned to one side and closed her eyes.

"You were gonna tell Twilight, weren't ya!" Apple Bloom said with a hushed shout. "Pinkie Pie swear, darn it! It's mah secret!"

"I just... I just can't do it. I've got to know if this is just one of granny's tales or if she's tellin' the truth. I'm rattled worse than a worn out rattlesnake tail cause of that dream." Applejack said, pushing towards the door. Apple Bloom dug her hooves into the floorboards. Applejack continued to push forward, a bead of sweat crawling down from underneath her Stetson. "Sis. Get. Outta. Mah. Way."

"Ahem," Big Macintosh said. He moved Apple Bloom out of the way. His sturdy, strong hooves locked into place as he stood between Applejack and the door. "Ya'll got a choice. Swear to that promise like your little sis wants. Or deal with me and granny."

Applejack glared at her big brother while he looked down on her. She removed her Stetson and placed it over her chest. "Fine, I Pinkie Promise to --"

"Hey. No crossin your back hooves." Apple Bloom said.

"Bloom!" Applejack said in a hushed voice. She sighed after Big Macintosh cleared his throat, maintaining his stern gaze at her. The mare uncrossed her hooves. Her hoof clutched onto the hat she pressed against her chest. Applejack relaxed her firm grasp on her hat. "I 'Pinkie Promise' to not talk to any pony else about Apple Bloom's business. Satisfied?"

Apple Bloom nodded. She hugged Big Macintosh who rubbed her mane while staring at Applejack. The stallion looked down on Applejack, shook his head, and then walked away. "Best not break that promise lest ya have more than your hooves can handle, sis."

"I'd cross my eyelashes if it meant I could get outta one of Pinkie's promises. That mare has a sixth sense about em, and I don't intend to see what happens when I break one for real." Applejack said. She looked at the clock on the wall. Her eyes focused on Apple Bloom. "Hope your happy, Apple Bloom. Twi was our only chance at figurin' this out. Now I'm sworn to this foalish promise of yours."

"Naw, ah got some help." Apple Bloom said.

"You didn't." Applejack said.

"Hey, ah didn't Pinkie Pie Promise anythin'. Besides, it's mah life." Apple Bloom said.

"It's your life little sis, and I promised to protect you from Equestria. I want make sure that day never comes, ever." Applejack said. She stood at the doorway, turned and faced her sister. "Can ah go work the field now? I wasn't lyin' about those saplings needin' to be replanted."

"Yup," Apple Bloom said.

Applejack gave Apple Bloom a devious smile. She said in a calm voice, "Looks like ya'll got your own troubles to deal with, little sis. Ya ain't gettin outta this one squeaky clean."

"Youngin' why was that princess in my dreams, lookin at my memories?" Granny Smith said. She watched her granddaughter whiz passed her, and then dash up the steps. "Dontcha run away from me. Bloom! It'll only make your punishment worse if ya run."

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Soft hooves echoed down the hallway of the farmhouse. Stars twinkled in the sky above Sweet Apple Acres as Apple Bloom pushed the door open to her room with a gentle hoof.

"What your doing isn't right to Zecora. Ya have to help her out, sugar cube. A promise is a promise." Applejack said at the dinner table before Apple Bloom left for her room.

Those words echoed inside Apple Bloom's mind. She leapt onto her bed, kicked her back hooves up, and flopped onto the blanket. Her back hooves drooped off the bed's side. An audible sigh came and went. After sitting up, she reached underneath the bed. Pencil firm in hoof, another slash was made on the calendar.

"Fifteen Days..." Apple Bloom said, soon placing the calendar back into its place. Her hooves rose up and down on the side of the bed while she sat up. She removed the pink ribbon from her mane, and then placed it on the nightstand. "I don't care what Applejack says," Apple Bloom shivered when she looked out of her window toward the Ever Free Forest, "somethin' ain't right. Still, she is right. Ah need to be a big pony and stop messin' around. It ain't fair to keep bailin' on Zecora cause of some 'funny' feelin'."

Apple Bloom slid underneath the covers. After a yawn, her heavy eyes closed. Crickets' played their melodic symphony outside the farmhouse. Serenity graced Sweet Apple Acres, however, the filly's eyes thrust opened.

Rainbow Dash clutched onto Scootaloo in the far left distance, both turned to wooden statues. Rarity and Sweetie Belle clung to each other with a tear crawling down Rarity's cheek. Fluttershy remained motionless to the right with Applejack turned to wood on the left. Pinkie Pie cried as she stood near Twilight, bellowing to the cavernous room for things to be over. The party pony's body turned brown, and then solidified with disconcerted expression frozen in place.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna hung from the limbs of the tree in the back of the room. The two fell to the ground. Thick vines burst through the sturdy rock and entombed them.

"..." Apple Bloom's mouth agape, she struggled to formulate her thoughts. She backed away and stopped. Shining Armor curled around Princess Cadence behind her, the two incapacitated. A powerful glow emanated from Apple Bloom's body, her mane and tail flowing in ethereal light. With her surroundings illuminated, she looked towards the back of the cave to see a large black crystal tree. "What have I done?!"

The last bits of light faded from the Tree of Harmony. Apple Bloom screamed at the top of her lungs. Strong hooves pounded against the floor. Chunks of rock fell. In moments, the once beautiful room lay in ruins with the area caved in.

"Apple Bloom!" A voice said.

"Princess Luna. Stop this, please." Apple Bloom said.

Princess Luna materialized, illuminated her horn, and blew away the nightmare. Applejack entered the dream and hugged her sister.

"From the bottom of my heart, I apologize for that nightmare. If I had known this would have caused you so much distress, I would have added additional safeguards to your mind and dreams." Princess Luna said. Her hoof rose into the air. A dark blue mark appeared on Apple Bloom's chest, and then disappeared. Sweet Apple Acres came into view. Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Princess Luna sat inside the farmhouse's family room. "In all my years of watching over dreams -- that was one of the most powerful I have seen. It almost borders on precognition."

"Please don't let it be real. Ah don't want to hurt mah family, mah friends, mah home...." Apple Bloom said, going quiet while she shivered in place. She looked up to see Applejack's hat on top of her, soon receiving a kind soft smile from her big sister.

Princess Luna remained quiet while she frowned, hanging her head. The air remained still. A melancholic expression was given to Applejack and Apple Bloom when she faced them. In a voice to match her expression she said, "I'm sorry."

"Sorry doesn't help my sister. These nightmare have got to stop, now. This was the worst one ever. Big Mac and Granny Smith have had to take turns watching over her." Applejack said.

Princess Luna and Applejack leered at each other. The ethereal air remained tense.

"This mystery goes deeper than I thought possible." Princess Luna said. Her incensed expression relented as she materialized a book in front of her. Pages flipped by before a gentle hoof stopped them. "Now isn't the time for quarrels. Once again, I do apologize for that nightmare, Apple Bloom. Just as I told you in our dream meeting, we must tread on cautious hooves. There are two theories that exist right now, and I have grave concerns about the latter."

"These pages are blank," Apple Bloom said.

"Yes. That is why I find myself concerned. The first idea was your grandmother playing a cruel practical joke, however, I don't believe that to be the case." Princess Luna said. She pointed at the cover of the book, "What you see before you is the master tome, a compendium of historical events within Equestria. This book is the one from which all other historical books are made from. Shining Armor himself once guarded it from an attack."

"Couldn't ponies have forgotten to take down those accounts? Maybe Princess Celestia didn't write em down?" Applejack said. She shied away as Apple Bloom and Princess Luna stared at her with emotionless eyes. "I guess it would just be a nice thought."

"Remember what I told you about my spell, Apple Bloom?" Princess Luna said.

"You're not sayin' Princess Celestia -- she can't." Apple Bloom said.

"Indeed. Unless I can prove otherwise, there is a chance, a grim chance my sister has committed the heinous act of using a memory alteration spell." Princess Luna said. Another book materialized and glided toward Apple Bloom and Applejack. "Applejack, you spoke about your ancestor to me a few days ago in our dream. What I managed to find were genealogical records for Appleseed. He existed six hundred fifty years after my banishment but three hundred years before my return. This fits almost exactly with the blank pages."

Apple Bloom stood up and pointed a swift hoof at her sister. She stated Applejack had broken her Pinkie Pie promise. After a "not now" from Princess Luna and Applejack, the filly sat back down.

"Isn't there somethin we can do? Is Apple Bloom going to be alright?" Applejack said. Her mouth dropped. "You have no idea?!"

"I am truly sorry, Applejack. Since I was banished from Equestria for a thousand years, my sister's actions are unbeknownst to me." Princess Luna said. She stood up. The books vanished. "Dawn is fast approaching. We will speak later tonight. Again, we must be wary. I fear my sister's suspicions are already aroused by my actions."

Applejack retrieved her Stetson and placed it on her head. She patted her little sister on the back.

"There may be another you can speak with who has knowledge on the subject." Princess Luna said.

"The Ever Free Forest doesn't feel right." Apple Bloom said.

"I have a feeling I know where she'll be tomorrow. I'll go and talk to her. I promise to not speak about ya directly, Bloom. We don't need Pinkie Pie hounding us cause I broke one of her promises." Applejack said.

Princess Luna's hoof neared Apple Bloom. A rooster crowed in the distance. Apple Bloom's eyes opened. She sat up, threw off the covers, and bolted toward her sister's room.

Applejack clutched her covers in a firm grasp. She shook her head in a slow motion at Apple Bloom's question. The filly sat on the floorboards and rubbed a nervous right front hoof against her left one. Apple Bloom's mane shielded her eyes.

"Don't worry sugar cube, it'll be alright. " Applejack said. She got out of bed and combed her sister's mane and tail before helping her put a fresh ribbon on it. The cowgirl mare winked at her sister. "Now you skedaddle back to your room and get ready for school. No matter what, you're getting an education."

"Pinkie Pie is gonna get ya for talkin' to Princess Luna." Apple Bloom said, getting a pillow tossed at her. "Hey."

"Dontcha hey me," Applejack said, snickering at her sister after she stuck her tongue out. She stood up, tidied herself up, and placed her hat on. "Besides, the promise was that I wouldn't talk about 'you' in particular to another pony. I didn't promise anything in regards to talkin' about Appleseed."

*** *** ***

Ponyville bustled with activity. A pegasus mail mare flew overhead while two stallions walked along Mane Drive nearing Stirrup Street. In the market district, Applejack trotted along the dirt pathway. She looked at several figures near the stalls. Her eyes focused then relented several times before she grinned.

"Zecora," Applejack said. She waved her hoof towards an equine, near the back of the district at a small flower cart, that dropped several bits onto the counter before walking away. "Glad I found ya."

Zecora placed her newly purchased flowers into the satchel underneath her hooded cloak. Applejack motioned a hoof towards her. The zebra raised an eyebrow. With her hood back on, Zecora followed Applejack into an alleyway.

"Please Zecora, I need your help." Applejack said, watching her friend back away. "Thanks."

The two proceeded down into the cellar. Applejack glanced around then closed the doors, sliding the latch closed.

"What is wrong, Applejack? I must know the problem, so I know how to act." Zecora said. She looked at her surroundings then faced her friend. "What is that unusual smell. I can't seem to place it too well."

"You'll have to keep this secret from Rainbow. This here is my family's private stash. After a certain little incident, we learned to keep an extra supply." Applejack said. She rubbed a nervous hoof against her neck. The air remained heavy in the underground cellar. Sounds from the ponies outside echoed off the underground storage area's rock walls. Applejack surveyed the area, checking behind several kegs and barrels. "Sorry, I gotta be sure."

"Made a promise with the pink one? This should be rather fun." Zecora said.

"Sorry Zecora, but this ain't no joking matter. What do ya know about dryads." Applejack said.

"..." Zecora remained silent while her eyes closed. The dust near her hooves swirled about, floated upward and formed into the shape of a leaf. She opened her eyes before the dust shaped leave disappeared. "I know about them, indeed. Dryads are an unusual breed. Rumors are few and far between, and there are little tales to be heard and far fewer sights to be seen. Of one account I can speak, Dryads are beautiful and unique. But all isn't well from the other story I can tell."

"Please --" Applejack moved toward the cellar door and pressed her ear against it before facing Zecora once more, " -- I have to know."

"Come by my hut and I will lend you a book. It will give you some insight into the knowledge you've sought. Beware of prying eyes though, as they will know where to look." Zecora said.

Applejack nodded to Zecora before opening the cellar door. She closed it behind her and her friend. The cowgirl mare surveyed the area before wiping away the sweat from underneath her hat.

"Before I leave, if I might ask. How is Apple Bloom? She hasn't returned from her task." Zecora said.

"She's fine. Bloom is just a little out of it for right now." Applejack said. She backed away, soon relieved to see Zecora leave.

"Applejack!" Pinkie Pie said with a shout, watching her friend come from out of the alleyway.

"Pinkie! Don't do that to a gal. Your gonna give me a heart attack." Applejack said. She raised an eyebrow as Pinkie Pie circled her.

"Ya didn't break a Pinkie Promise, did you? Huh? Huh? Huh?" Pinkie Pie eyed her friend.

"Pink, I ain't got time for these shenanigans. Besides, I don't break mah promises." Applejack said.

"okie, dokie..." Pinkie Pie said, slinking down the alleyway.

Applejack took several deep breaths before she trotted down Stirrup Street.

"That girl is a few screws short of a full box." Applejack said.

"I heard that!" Pinkie Pie said, causing Applejack to run. "The nerve. Talking about my boxes of screws, hmph."

*** *** ***

"Apple Bloom," Sweetie Belle said.

"Are you sure about this?" Scootaloo said.

Hisses, howls, and growls permeated the Ever Free Forest. A loud shriek caused the fillies' hooves to quiver. The two Cutie Mark Crusaders stood behind their friend.

"Rarity is going to kill me for skipping class." Sweetie Belle said.

"Rainbow Dash will ground me from flight lessons." Scootaloo said.

"Ah asked ya'll to come. Ah didn't force ya." Apple Bloom said.

"You still have that picture of when me and Scootaloo fell asleep next to each other. That's the pure definition of blackmail." Sweetie Belle said.

"Ok, 'Dictionary,' what's the best way to do this?" Apple Bloom said.

"We should let Applejack deal with it and get back to class." Sweetie Belle said while she backed away.

Apple Bloom shook her head before facing the forest. Wind brushed against the tree tops. Several leaves landed on the ground in front of Apple Bloom. She moved forward, and then stopped. Heavy, guttural-esk sounds came from all sides before the three could take another step toward the darkness.

Steady, semi-nervous hooves guided the trio into the forest along the softly treaded pathway. Apple Bloom remained in front. She breathed a sigh of short lived relief as two lights came into view. The lights multiplied; two became four with four growing into twelve.
The group backed up. Viscous liquid dropped onto Sweetie Belle. She screamed. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo turned.

"Timber Wolves!" Apple Bloom shouted.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders bolted into the woods. Their hooves pounded against the ground. Scootaloo sunk into the mud, soon pulled free by her friends. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle rocketed towards a clearing.

Knocked toward the side, Apple Bloom watched the wolves chase her friends. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle screamed, cornered near a small cliff.

"Stop it!" Apple Bloom shouted. Her hooves sunk into the mud. The ground rumbled. Thick vines jutted forth from beneath the Timber Wolves and strangled them. In a squeamish, soft voice, Apple Bloom said, "No. This can't be happening."

The six wolves turned to kindling under the tendrils' vice-like pressure. An aura enveloped the vines; it traveled into the ground before it surrounded Apple Bloom. The vines rescinded as Apple Bloom pulled her hooves out of the ground and covered her eyes. She curled up into a ball, shivering in place. The Timber Wolves' remains motionless on the muddy area beneath the cliff top.

"That was amazing," Scootaloo said.

Sweetie Belle pulled Apple Bloom's hooves away from her face and brushed a piece of bark away. "How did you do that? Hey, my sis said Timber Wolves regenerate. How come they aren't regenerating?"

Apple Bloom bolted for a nearby, clear pool of water. She eyed herself several times.

"Apple Bloom? Did you do that?" A voice said. Twilight emerged from the forest, Applejack and Zecora behind her. "How?"

"Bloom, I told ya I would deal with this." Applejack said before her ears lowered. She turned away from her sister, "I'm sorry. Twilight ran off, swearin' she heard you and the others screaming before I could stop her. Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle. You best get back to class. Tell Cheerilee to talk to me if she asks where ya'll have been."

Apple Bloom collapsed. Her eyes closed. The sounds around her faded.

*** *** ***

Apple Bloom clutched onto her stomach, a blanket over her back.

"What is this about?" Twilight said. She picked up Apple Bloom's hoof, opened her mouth, and gazed at her eyes. She scratched her head. "What she did was extraordinary. I need to start studying under Apple Bloom if that was one of her potions."

"This should subdue your aches dear Apple Bloom, allowing us to freely talk about this tome. Please, don't be nervous. I can assure you there is safety in my home. " Zecora said. She smiled while the filly sipped on the small elixir.

"Twi," Applejack said.

"What is going on, Applejack?" Twilight said.

"Ya gotta promise me to keep things a secret. I mean really promise me." Applejack said. She remained tightlipped. "Bloom?"

Zecora held her hoof out. She moved her bed then pulled on a gold ring. Creaky hinges for the door groaned. The group walked down a small set of stairs. An underground area came into view with luminescent plants and fungi in small growing beds. Apple Bloom, on Applejack's back, plugged her nose.

"Please forgive the smell. I know it is awful, as you can already tell." Zecora said. With the tome on a pedestal, several pages flipped by before Zecora pointed to one section. "Apple Bloom, please tell us what you know. This will allow our knowledge to grow."

Apple Bloom nodded to Applejack, and then relieved her of the Pinkie Pie promise.

Unbound from her contract, Applejack glared at Twilight. She moved towards her friend. The cowgirl mare adjusted her Stetson. "Twilight, I need ya to place a barrier over us. I need to be absolutely sure nothin' can be heard outside of this room."

"What's going on? Why are you so distrustful of me?" Twilight said.

"Will ya do it or not?" Applejack said. A magical sphere of light surrounded the group while Twilight rolled her eyes. "Sorry Twi, but I need to go one step further. Pinkie Pie promise you won't talk about Bloom except with us here. Don't tell Rainbow Dash or that gossip friend of ours, Rarity. This goes double for Princess Celestia."

"Ok, ok. I 'Pinkie Pie' promise not to tell any pony else about Apple Bloom that isn't here." Twilight said. She leered at Applejack, "Now, will you 'please' tell me what in Equestria is going on?!"

Applejack took her Stetson off. She sat beside Apple Bloom. After checking on her sister, Applejack stood up and faced Twilight.

"We've got a serious problem. I'm worried somethin' fierce for Apple Bloom's sake. She's a dryad pony, a dryad, or whatever ya call em." Applejack said.

"A who what now? Why not tell Princess Celestia?" Twilight said.

"Cause Granny Smith says she hates em." Apple Bloom said. She laid on top of a box, eyeing Twilight. "Please don't tell her. Ah don't want Princess Celestia to send me away from mah family and friends. Ah don't want to be banished to Tartarus."

Twilight shook her head. Before she could speak, Zecora held out her hoof. She listened near the cellar's hatch before coming back to the group.

"Princess Luna is helpin' us with the details, but we're worried something happened a long time ago that gave Princess Celestia reason to hate em. With that little display out there from Apple Bloom, I'm worried things might become worse. Her dreams haven't helped either." Applejack said.

"Nightmares are just manifestations of troubling events into dream form. I was worried my brother hated me when I botched up a surprise present for Cadence." Twilight said.

"Twi, this ain't some botched up present!" Applejack snarled before relaxing, "Sorry Twi, that was outta line. Look, even Princess Luna said Bloom's last dreamed bordered on 'precognition' or however ya say it." Applejack said.

Twilight extended a foreleg out, "Ok, ok, calm down. Help me understand what's going on."

Applejack exhaled a deep breath. Untold minutes passed while the cowgirl mare went over the story in fine detail. She recounted the story to Twilight and Zecora, what Granny Smith had told her and Apple Bloom, and the dreams the two of them encountered. Twilight froze when she heard about her assaulting Sweet Apple Acres with an army of ponies to capture Apple Bloom, and Apple Bloom's own story of Princess Celestia attacking her in a dream.

"Wait, what book did Princess Luna show you?" Twilight said. She watched an infinity symbol being drawn into the dirt. "..."

"Twi?" Apple Bloom said.

"The Equestrian History Compendium..." Twilight said before she gritted her teeth. She reinforced the shield around the group. "There are several blank pages that no pony has yet to understand. It's unthinkable for Princess Celestia to use dark magic to wipe the minds of ponies."

"Well, didn't Spike find that book in the old castle? That book full of dark magic that let Rarity start changing things?" Applejack said.

"... yea," Twilight said after a long silent pause. She erased the mark in the dirt. "I refuse to believe Princess Celestia would use dark magic on her own subjects. Still I don't -- there has got to be another explanation."

"Please hurry, we must finish this story." Zecora said.

Twilight looked at herself. She extended a wing, looking at them then her friends.

"I believe you Applejack. Before I came to Ponyville, I was granted full access to the Canterlot library's contents. That book you described, I've seen it before. When I tried to ask Princess Celestia about it, she evaded my questions." Twilight said.

"She bribed ya with cookies." Apple Bloom snickered.

"They were good cookies." Twilight said.

"I meant it as a joke, Twilight." Apple Bloom said.

Twilight smirked then went back to her previous melancholic expression. Her eyes focused on Apple Bloom. "I 'Super Pinkie Pie Promise' that I will never take you away from Applejack. Zecora, the book doesn't mention much about dryads."

"The same goes for you that I told Applejack. I need to know more, so I know how to act." Zecora said.

"Yea, yea... we're fresh out of ideas. Zecora said there are rumors, but they are few and far between." Applejack said.

Zecora raised her hoof. Twilight ceased her spell. The zebra looked around before exiting the cellar with the group behind her. Zecora's front door opened.

"There you are, Zecora." A pony said. She smiled, "Remember me, Blue Rose? I need a potion for my floral arrangement."

"That's not all ya need." Apple Bloom said, waving her hoof in front of her.

"Bloom! Be nice. It ain't proper or nice to insult a mare's choice in perfume." Applejack said.

Twilight caught a glimpse of the mare from the corner of her eye before leaving the hut.

"Twi?" Applejack said. She followed her friend outside, and then nodded to her. A magical pair of glasses floated in front of her.

"Let me see," Apple Bloom said before silencing herself.

The trio made it out of the forest. Twilight faced Apple Bloom and Applejack, "Why didn't you trust me. Aren't we friends?"

"Listen, sugar cube. I trust ya with my life, the same as you trusted me in that there forest when we first met. This, this is a delicate family matter, and I didn't know how to go about dealin' with it." Applejack said.

A tear crawled down Twilight's cheek. She looked down to see Apple Bloom near her hooves. "Don't you trust me."

"Ah asked Applejack to not tell ya. You're like family, but ah know Princess Celestia is like family to you since she's your teacher and all. Ah'm just... ah'm scared." Apple Bloom said.

Twilight's ears lowered. She smiled at Apple Bloom, receiving a smile in return.

"Ok Bloom, what are we doin?" Applejack said.

"Twilight, do you have any books to look through?" Apple Bloom said.

"I'll do some research. I lost a good amount of my books with Tirek 'destroying' my home, but I have some new ones that might help out." Twilight said. After a nod, her horn illuminated, she vanished in a flash of purple light.

Applejack eyed Apple Bloom, placing the filly on her back. "By-the-by, you're grounded for skippin' school. As for Ms. Cheerilee, we'll tell her that we were getting some information from Zecora about a relative, and it'll be left at that."

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"Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor. Princess Twilight Sparkle," Princess Celestia said in a soft determined tone, "I call this meeting to order of our respective kingdoms."

Prince Shining Armor stood near Princess Cadence. Twilight stood between her brother and Princess Luna. Inside Canterlot's war room, a slight glow came from the strange marble table near the ponies. Princess Celestia raised her hoof, and the others went silent. She placed her hoof on the table. Princess Celestia's gentle smile faded, growing into a stern expression.

Twilight raised her hoof and received a nod from Princess Celestia. She pointed at the empty space between Princess Celestia and Princess Cadence. "Who sits at the fifth seat?"

"Canterlot is hard to Navigate. Forgive me for being late." Zecora said.

"Zecora," Twilight said with a smile. She got up and moved towards her friend. After raising an eyebrow and cocking her head at the zebra, soon giving a sheepish grin to Princess Celestia, she resumed her place between Prince Shining Armor and Princess Luna. "You're a princess, Zecora?"

"She is but isn't, if that makes sense, Twilight. Zecora is the successor to the ruler of her tribe in the southern most part of Equestria, near the border with our neighboring country. Zecora's mother and I are friends." Princess Celestia said. She gave Zecora a deep nod, Zecora bowing in return. "Thank you for coming."

Zecora assumed her place between Princess Celestia and Princess Cadence. Several crystals floated slightly above their placeholders in the chandelier above the table. Five layers of powerful magic protected the war room, each cast by a different princess and Shining Armor.

The crystals descended into their placeholders, their light dimming. A magical, holographic map of Equestria floated above the table; the map -- in delicate detail -- displayed every part of Equestria.

"What is this about, Princess Celestia?" Princess Cadence said. Shining Armor stood close and scanned the map along with his wife. Their eyes traced a trail from Canterlot to the Crystal Kingdom and back. Both ponies widened their search.

Shining Armor pointed his hoof just south of Canterlot, "Is that the danger?"

A green blip rose into the air from the Ever Free Forest. It formed into a sapling that twitched about. Its roots shot forth towards each part of the room and latched onto the stone walls.

"What I tell all of you must remain in this room. Twilight, you are the exception to that rule. I ask that you use your best judgment in disseminating this information to the others." Princess Celestia said. The room remained dim as the sapling turned back into a green sphere, vanished, and the magical map returned. The princess illuminated her horn. An image of ancient Canterlot hovered above the table. "Three-hundred-fifty years before my sister's return, I battled a powerful foe. Without the aid of the Elements of Harmony, it was a hard fought battle that injured many of my little ponies."

The ancient visage of Canterlot vanished as brown colored roots jutted forth from the table. Two green eyes formed. They illuminated the tall, slender silhouette of a wooden pony. Three more figures materialized. The silhouettes of the pegasus pony, unicorn pony, and earth pony floated around the creature in a triangular formation.

"As all of you know, alicorns are an embodiment of the three pony races within a single individual. Though we differ amongst ourselves, with some of our traits being more prevalent than others, we are identical at our cores." Princess Celestia said. She pointed a hoof at the illusionary image, "Dryads -- the pony you see before us -- are similar to alicorns. Within them are the traits of Unicorn, Pegasi, and Earth," Princess Celestia lowered her hoof, "but that is where our similarities end."

Twilight's eyes focused on the silhouette in front of her. Shining Armor conversed with Princess Cadence before he whispered to his sister. The ponies went silent.

"Unlike alicorns, the earth pony trait of a dryad does not appear to be in harmony with their counter parts. Instead, it seems to be the dominant one. The most dangerous fact of all is the appearance of that side being bolstered by powerful, alicorn-like magic, giving dryads the strongest bond a pony can possibly have to Equestria itself. Sadly, I do not know all of the details as there is little historical text to go on. Star Swirl was studying them just before he..." Princess Celestia went silent. Her delicate wing tip wiped away a tear. She cleared her throat, and then steadied her hooves. Princess Celestia's determined gaze looked at each face in the room. "Star Swirl's last entry indicated a connection between Equestria and Harmony."

The wooden pony dematerialized. As the map of Equestria returned, the blue crystals resumed their prior intensity. Princess Cadence spoke with Zecora. They went silent with Princess Celestia holding her hoof up and soon lowering it.

"After Tirek's defeat and subsequent reincarceration in Tartarus , I asked Fluttershy to have Discord create this table for Equestria's protection. Purged of its quirks," Princess Celestia rolled her eyes, "it has the ability to detect magical disturbances. I am sorry to have deceived you Zecora. My motive wasn't retrieving a potion from you, but to study the disturbance the table detected in the Ever Free Forest."

"I know of the disturbance you speak. Here, I will give you a peek." Zecora said. She waved her hoof over the table. An image of the swamp in the Ever Free Forest appeared. Several bundles of sticks lay strewn about the area, one pile being consumed by a bubbling pit of mud. "Timber Wolves regenerate from an attack, but something is off as you can see. Their power is gone after this attack. This is quite distressing, indeed."

Twilight tapped a gentle hoof against her chin. She squinted at the image then faced Zecora, "This is odd. How could their energy be drained."

"Much like a divided house that cannot stand, the powers of a dryad are in flux. Though Star Swirl's texts are incomplete, one tome did speak of the Dryad's abilities. These powerful creatures can drain energy from everything around them, be it flora or fauna. Unlike Tirek, they are not limited to just magical energy." Princess Celestia said with a grim expression. "Again, I am going off incomplete text and my own experience."

"Sister, about your experience." Princess Luna said.

The lights dimmed once more. Princess Celestia placed her hoof on the table. Time was irrelevant with the story Princess Celestia once kept secret. The table's image changed several times. The princess faced those in front of her, biting down on her lip before she relented.

"It destroyed part of me to realize a dear friend of mine was the dryad. When I discovered Oak's ruse, she cast off her illusionary form and headed south of Canterlot." Princess Celestia said. The image shifted to the Ghastly Gorge. "Do you all know the 'true history' of that landmark?"

"Sister?!" Princess Luna said.

"Indeed, Princess Luna." Princess Celestia said.

A bright flash of light came from the table. Princess Celestia's mane maintained its calm flow in the violent storm outside the yellow sphere enveloping her and the target. The slender dryad, as tall as the princess who faced her, was several wingbeats away from her foe. Both ponies floated in the air. A green aura surrounded the dryad while a yellow light radiated from Princess Celestia's body. Darkness came to the room after a final bright flash of light.

"I used a good portion of my strength to fight Oak tooth and hoof. In the end, I had no choice. My friend was beyond redemption." Princess Celestia said.

The table's image returned to the present map of Equestria. Twilight leaned closer to Princess Luna, whispering into her ear.

"Is there a problem, Twilight?" Princess Celestia said.

"I understand what happened, but I'm unsure about the dryad's full abilities. Is it possible that Oak went into a slumber and revived herself?" Twilight said.

"No. Before our battle began, I used a powerful spell to sever her connection to Equestria." Princess Celestia said. The prior image of the dryad and the three ponies materialized above the magical, marble stone table. "Remember that dryads are similar to alicorns. As a result, it's not impossible for there to be more than one, and I believe this one is in its infancy. Despite that fact, we must take great care when facing this threat and stop it at all costs, for the good of Equestria and its inhabitants."

Princess Celestia pressed her hoof against the table. The semi-opaque dryad image disappeared. A hole formed in the table's center with a hand springing out from it. The pie in the hand landed a direct hit on Princess Celestia then returned to its home in the table. Several snickers came from the room with Zecora cracking a sneaky smile.

As the pan fell to the floor, Princess Celestia said, "I see more work must be done to purge Discord's ridiculous gimmicks from this thing. Besides, I'm not a fan of bananas."

Twilight snickered to herself before turning away. Shining Armor and Princess Cadence stood up. The two nodded to Princess Celestia before departing in a flash of light. Zecora bowed to Princess Celestia before she exited through the door she came through. Princess Luna and Twilight moved to a secluded part of the castle, leaving Princess Celestia alone with her thoughts and a mess to clean up.

In a dark, secluded hallway of Canterlot Castle, a blue hoof mark appeared on Twilight's chest with a purple mark on Princess Luna's chest. Both marks faded away.

"That was close. It took me forever to memorize this spell." Twilight said.

"Yes... 'forever.' I spent one hundred years of my time to create it. You spent an hour's time to memorize it." Princess Luna said.

"But. You're such a good... mentor." Twilight said with her ears back, her eyes closed, and a coaxed smile. She opened her eyes to see Princess Luna's stoic expression unchanged.

"Remember my words of caution, Twilight Sparkle. That spell borders on dark magic. It can and will corrupt the user if used beyond its intentions, however, that is beside the point right now." Princess Luna said.

Twilight glanced around the corner then faced Princess Luna. With a dejected tone and expression to match, she said, "I can't believe it. Your sister -- the mentor I trusted to guide my magic -- has used a dark magical spell on those around her to keep this secret."

Princess Luna held out her hoof. Two guards stood at attention and saluted the two princesses. Dismissed, the guards proceeded with their patrol. Twilight and Princess Luna entered the small room to the hallway's right and closed the door.

"So," Twilight's ears lowered, "what do we do now?"

Princess Luna let out a sigh. She moved toward the table and sat down on the couch near it.

"Until we have evidence to the contrary, we must conclude my sister has used a forbidden spell to purge this event from Equestria's history." Princess Luna said. Her eyes focused on the room. A dark blue sphere grew from Princess Luna and encompassed the room. "We will speak with our minds using this spell. I'm not sure if Zecora can be trusted."

Twilight Sparkle scratched her head before her eyes widened. "Amazing. I read about telepathy magic's possible existence, but I didn't know it could be done. This is neat -- wait, I trust Zecora. Why shouldn't you?"

"Zecora may be your friend, but she was too forthcoming with that information. She has made no promises, and I cannot gain access to her dreams to see her thoughts. I fear she may tell my sister." Princess Luna said. She shook her head at Twilight, "No, do not forcibly use the spell you have been taught."

A loud ping entered into Princess Luna's ears. She dropped her spell.

"Sister, is there a problem?" Princess Luna said.

"Zecora may not be dependable." Princess Celestia said. She illuminated her horn with a yellow sphere enveloping the room. "I will speak with my mind to the two of you."

"Wow, this is neat." Twilight said before she looked at Princess Luna.

”I did not mention it, but Star Swirl encountered a dryad pony on his final journey to study the world of Equestria. Among my departed friend's research, there was a note in regards to the dryad's essence. When dryads receive severe physical damage, they secrete a green liquid that has extremely powerful regenerative properties. If one were to combine that liquid with other reagents through various alchemical processes, the resulting potion can nourish a land for generations." Princess Celestia said.

"Wait, you're saying Zecora might take the dryad for herself?" Twilight said.

"As I said, Loa and I are good friends, however, the Zebra tribe lives in troubled times. The southern area of Equestria is a malnourished land, almost barren of life. Loa has refused assistant from Canterlot, feeling it's better for her tribe to go it alone. After some persuasion, she agreed to let her daughter come to Equestria as a test to see if ponies' would acclimate well to outsiders living within our borders. As you saw Twilight, Ponyville wasn't too welcoming." Princess Celestia said.

”I know." Twilight said with a sigh. She moved toward Princess Celestia, "I have to get back to Ponyville and talk with the others. We will need to prepare if a threat is coming."

Twilight moved toward the door. Princess Celestia extended her wing. Twilight stopped and faced her former mentor.

"Twilight, before you go, I saw you, Applejack, and Apple Bloom in Zecora's hut. Why were you there?" Princess Celestia said.

"I was assisting Applejack and Apple Bloom with an errand." Twilight said. She maintained an expressionless stance toward the mare that towered over her. "If you'll excuse me, I need to think this over and discuss it with my friends. We need to be ready if this threat comes."

Princess Celestia raised an eyebrow. Her spell dissipated. She looked at Twilight, and then Princess Luna. The princess lowered her wing.

"I'll teach you that spell sometime, Twilight. It lets others communicate with their thoughts vs. spoken words. Another powerful attribute of the spell is its ability to act as a lie detector." Princess Celestia said. Her eyes followed Twilight as the pony moved towards the door. "Remember to disseminate this information to the others as you see fit, Twilight. I believe that you will do the right thing and protect Equestria from this threat at all costs."

Twilight nodded to Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, and then illuminated her horn. She vanished in a flash of light.

*** *** ***

Applejack tapped a nervous hoof against the crystal floor of the castle in Ponyville. She sat in her chair, got up, and resumed her nervous tapping. The sound resonated in the quiet assembly room.

"Twi?" Applejack said, witnessing the bright flash of light. She wiped several beads of sweat from her brow. Her eyes followed Twilight. "Well?"

With her horn aglow, Twilight waved her hoof across Applejack's chest. With the purple hoof mark on Applejack's chest vanishing, Twilight brought both hooves to her face and pulled down. She sat in her chair, her eyes glancing at the cold floor.

"What happened?" Applejack said. Her hooves shook against the cold floor as she heard the tale being retold. She gazed at the map of Equestria on the table. "So, Princess Celestia knows."

"I wasn't crazy about doing things like this, but Princess Luna was right. It was a good idea for me to learn her spell." Twilight said. Soft hoof steps entered into her ears. Apple Bloom came from behind Applejack's seat and sat down near her sister. "Princess Celestia knows alot, and I don't know what to do. Her suspicions are already aroused," Twilight smiled Apple Bloom, "however, the good thing is Princess Celestia doesn't know everything. What concerns me is the fact both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are distrustful of Zecora."

Quiet hooves guided the filly towards Twilight. Apple Bloom looked at Applejack then toward Twilight. In a nervous tone she said, "Are you gonna turn me in, Twilight?"

Twilight maintained her gentle smile towards Apple Bloom. The filly levitated into the air and settled into her sister's lap.

"Until I met all of you, I believed in the quote I read from a book that stated 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few,'" Twilight said. She shook her head before her friend could answer, "However, that idea, that philosophy is wrong. If any sane ruler were to follow it, they would know that notion will cause a cascade towards the point where the needs of the few will outweigh the needs of the many. My friends, the ponies in Ponyville, the inhabitants of Equestria, all of them are precious to me. I will forsake none of them."

Apple Bloom, Applejack, and Twilight stood up. Twilight motioned towards the two ponies.

The group proceeded down a crystal hallway. They stopped at a crystal door with the image of a potion flask embedded into it. Inside, alchemical formulas were written on pieces of parchment paper and chemicals swirled around in flasks while some glowed in plugged containers behind a glass case.

At a small table, Twilight donned a pair of goggles.

"With your permission Apple Bloom, I would like to know more about what happened to you. This is rather disgusting, but where is that bandage?" Twilight said.

"Seriously, Twi? Big Macintosh tossed that bandage into the garbage. It's been three weeks since that happened. It's already gone." Applejack said.

"Sorry. Princess Celestia says that dryads have a 'green liquid' that comes from their wounds. I need to run a test on it." Twilight said. She looked at Apple Bloom and received a firm headshake after levitating a syringe from a drawer. "Apple Bloom, please. I need to know. I promise that I will be as gentle as possible."

Applejack stood in front of her little sister. She raised a stern hoof and targeted Twilight with it. After a slight tug came to her tail, she lowered her hoof.

"Your Life. Your Choice. "Applejack sighed. She glared at Twilight who swore once more to be gentle.

"Just... just make it quick." Apple Bloom said. She extended a hoof. She yelped. After a nervous, sheepish grin, she flinched. "Yea, real gentle there Twilight."

Apple Bloom, Applejack, and Twilight gazed at the small liquid in the syringe. Apple Bloom came closer. The green liquid glowed in a brilliant, luminescent light. The powerful glow ceased when the filly backed away.

"There are no words to describe this." Twilight said.

"Twilight. I'm givin' ya one warnin' and one warnin only. My little sis' ain't some experiment. Hear me?!" Applejack slammed her hoof to the ground, the crystal floor beneath it cracking.

"Applejack, Apple Bloom is your sister. I give you my most sincerest promise that I will not experiment on her. She won't be treated like some piece of data." Twilight said. She looked behind Applejack and raised an eyebrow, "In fact, I could use some help to run some tests. You willing to give me a helping hoof, Apple Bloom?"

Applejack watched the two work near the table. Apple Bloom smiled at Twilight, the filly soon donning her own goggles. Applejack's eyes grew heavier with the two ponies talking about formulas, concentrations, ratios, and other "fancy" speak. Apple Bloom examined each sample, and then gave Twilight a clipboard with data on it.

Day turned to night with Applejack sleeping in the corner, however, she leapt up. Her eyes widened at the scream entering her ears. She bolted towards her little sister.

"Bloom! You alright?" Applejack said.

Small claw-like roots came from Apple Bloom's hoof. She backed away from Twilight, shielding her from the roots.

"What's going on?" Applejack said.

"Here," Twilight said, giving Apple Bloom a planted tree in a pot. The tendrils wrapped around the tree; it turned brown before withering away. "Princess Celestia was right."

The small tendrils rescinded back into Apple Bloom's hoof.

"Twilight. You promised not to experiment on her." Applejack stared down Twilight.

"It's alright Applejack. Seriously, it just happened. Twilight hasn't tested anything on me." Apple Bloom said.

Twilight's ears lowered as she faced Apple Bloom, "Actually, that was a test. I needed to know. It's the only one. I promise."

"Twilight..." Apple Bloom said.

Applejack scooped up Apple Bloom. She carried her sister towards the meeting room. Twilight galloped after the two.

"I am so, so sorry. Please, believe me when I say I didn't do anything else." Twilight said.

"We're out of here." Applejack said. Apple Bloom leapt off her back and onto the floor, facing the two ponies. Applejack glared at Twilight, Granny was right. You're a princess after all. You'll report my little sis to Princess Celestia, but not before ya treat her like some darn infernal rat in a maze."

"No." Apple Bloom said.

"Don't you 'no,' me little sis." Applejack said.

"This is mah life. Ah'm scared, but Ah have got to know what's goin' on. We can't do that if all of us prance about like a bunch of scaredy foals." Apple Bloom said.

Applejack's sigh echoed throughout the castle. She stepped in front of Apple Bloom. Twilight backed away on shaky hooves, her head hung towards the ground.

"Bloom. You're not mare. Not yet. As my little sis, I intend to protect ya, even if it means protecting you from yourself." Applejack said. She scooped up Apple Bloom and placed the filly on her back. "We're going home."

Twilight's ears remained low. She faced her departing friend, "Applejack, what do you want to do about the others? What about Princess Celestia? If she finds out --"

"You're a princess, Twilight. Figure it out!" Applejack slammed the door shut behind her, taking Apple Bloom home.

Twilight's lower lip quivered. She sat at her place near the table. Her watery eyes gravitated toward the tree roots above the room's magical table. Several tears crawled down Twilight's cheeks before they hit the cold stone floor of her castle. Through her teary eyes, she glanced at her sides then her horn.

"Some princess of friendship I am." Twilight said as she buried her head into her hooves. She wiped away her tears. In the end, her heavy eyes lost the battle and closed after she curled into a ball in her chair. "What do I do? I don't... want to lose... any pony...."

Knowledge pt1

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Twilight's right ear twitched several times while she slept in her chair. The pony's eyes crept open. Her ear perked up, focused on a sound, and laid back down. Several voices bellowed outside the crystal tree castle in Ponyville. Soon, loud booms echoed down the castle's hallways; the sounds came in rapid succession from the front doors. A few seconds passed and silence greeted to the castle, however, Twilight's eyes shot open at the sound of an enormous, boisterous bang.

The bellowing voices resumed their cries. Twilight galloped down the hallway, tripping for a second before she made it to the end. The castle's front doors busted in, the doors' broken pieces strewn about the floor of the castle's main entrance, ponies poured into the foyer. Mares, stallions, fillies, and colts raised their hooves at Twilight Sparkle: they demanded action.

"Please every pony, calm down. What is going on?" Twilight said.

"I told you," Diamond Tiara said, ending with a snide grin.

"Told you what?" Twilight said, rubbing her eyes. Her eyes gravitated toward the soft left hoof pressed against her right side. She froze after following the hoof to its owner at her side. "Apple Bloom?" Twilight paused then stared at Apple Bloom's right hoof, "no...."

"Please. H-Help me." Apple Bloom said.

"See. See. I told you so, Princess Celestia. Apple Bloom is the Dryad you've been looking for, and Princess Twilight Sparkle was hiding her." Diamond Tiara said. She glared at Apple Bloom before being pulled aside by Filthy Rich.

Twilight latched onto Apple Bloom. She flew herself and the filly into the air. A yellow aura enveloped her. She fell.

Apple Bloom flew out of her hooves and landed near a collapsed Applejack. Twilight plummeted to the ground, sliding several hoof steps away from the crystal tree castle. She struggled back to her hooves. Nervous eyes focused on the mare that marched forward on slow, heavy hooves. A ring of light materialized, surrounded the weakened pony, and then faded. Small spurts of magical energy erupted from Twilight's horn.

Princess Celestia's mane and tail flowed while her piercing eyes looked at Twilight. Her unyielding gaze turned towards Apple Bloom. With a single spell, Princess Celestia surrounded the filly with a cage of brilliant white light.

"Twilight Sparkle," Princess Celestia turned her infuriated sight back toward the pony before her, "you have betrayed me. Above all else, you have betrayed the subjects of Equestria's crown." Princess Celestia said, every resident in Ponyville standing behind her. She glanced at Twilight, the princess's eyes following the pony who backed away from her. Four powerful chains made of pure sunlight descended from the clouds. Princess Celestia guided the shackles with her horn and locked her former student's hooves in place. The chains' ends burrowed deep into the ground. "I will not allow your misguided actions to continue, former Princess Twilight Sparkle."

Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle ran towards their friends. They stopped. Discord materialized in front of them in a blinding flash of light. He turned towards Fluttershy, and then hung his head. The god of chaos emitted a single, slow, disheartened sigh. Without a word, Discord snapped his eagle's claw. Another flash of light illuminated the area. Twilight's wings and horn vanished.

Rainbow Dash held Scootaloo back. Rarity shielded Sweetie Belle, both turning away from Princess Celestia.

"Th-This is a bad joke. This isn't funny," Pinkie Pie said. Her troubled eyes closed. She fell to the cold ground, remaining motionless after she hit it.

Fluttershy squinted at Discord who refused to face her. He snapped his talon for a final time. The group disappeared with Applejack left behind.

Freed from the shackles of light, Twilight wobbled for a few seconds before she stood on her hooves. After pulling herself together with the strength she could muster, Twilight grabbed a nearby rock, broke the magical cage open after several hits, and tossed the rock to the side. She scooped Apple Bloom up into her hooves and carried the filly away. Twilight's hooves skidded against the dirt road before she came to a stop. Apple Bloom and the cage reappeared behind her.

Princess Celestia marched towards her student once more, and towered above the pony.

Twilight, steadying her hooves, said in a firm tone, "I won't let you harm Apple Bloom."

"She is a threat to Equestria. You must forsake her." Princess Celestia said.

"I won't!" Twilight shouted.

"You must, and you will." Princess Celestia said.

After a defiant, ardent "No," Twilight dug her hooves in.

"Twilight," Apple Bloom said in a calm tone, "Twilight it's alright. This ain't real."

"A dream?" Twilight rubbed a shaky hoof against her eyes, "It was only a dream. Perhaps nightmare would be the more appropriate term." Twilight said. As the last remnants of the nightmare faded away, the pony gazed at the ethereal plane. She tapped a hoof against the road made of stars and light. A tug came to her tail, "Apple Bloom? Princess Luna?" Twilight squinted at Apple Bloom before her eyes widened," No. You better leave, Apple Bloom. I don't want to hurt you again."

"Twilight, it's alright. Ah asked for Princess Luna to bring me here. Ah need help." Apple Bloom said.

"What's wrong? Are you ok? Is your family alright?" Twilight said.

"We're fine. But," Apple Bloom said, turning to Princess Luna. The regal mare nodded to the filly and brought forth an image from Apple Bloom's mind. "Applejack took me back to Sweet Apple Acres. On the way, Ah latched onto one of the apple trees. Ah... Ah hurt it. This green light came from the tree and traveled into mah hooves and mah body. Ah darted into my room so Applejack couldn't touch me. Please, ya gotta help me. Ah don't want to hurt mah family or mah friends."

The filly winced and kept her heavy eyes shut. As she sat there, Twilight came closer and sat beside her while Princess Luna sat on the other side.

"Apple Bloom. Though what has transpired is a grave matter that shouldn't be taken lightly," Princess Luna said in a soft voice before she raised the filly's head with a gentle hoof, "you needn't fear it. We have the pieces to this puzzle. All that needs to be done is assemble them."

"What about Princess Celestia. Isn't she onto us?" Apple Bloom said after a sniffle. She looked at Twilight, "About Applejack --"

Twilight held up her hoof, and then shook her head. In a calm voice she said, "Apple Bloom. What I did was wrong. You trusted me; Applejack trusted me; and I betrayed that trust. I'm not infallible, but I give you my most sincere promise to learn from this mistake so I never make it again."

"Wise words indeed." Princess Luna said as she faced the two ponies. An orange door opened behind her. "Applejack. What do you have to say on this matter?"

Applejack glared at Twilight before looking at Apple Bloom. She sat beside her sister.

"With my little sister's life at stake, we don't have time for a quarrel amongst ourselves. That doesn't mean I forgive you for what ya'll did back there, Twilight. You got to prove yourself before I trust ya again." Applejack said. She turned away from Twilight and faced Princess Luna. "I heard what ya said about these so-called 'pieces' we have. What are they? What do we do?"

"It's quite different to show a story vs. telling it to another." Princess Luna said. She stood in front of the ponies. Her eyes glowed in an otherworldly light. Apple Bloom and Applejack closed their eyes, and then open them, the princess's memories of the meeting in Canterlot being transplanted into their minds. Both Apple Bloom and Applejack rubbed their foreheads for several seconds. The group of four faced each other in a circle, the light from the ethereal world growing dim. "Just like you have learned your lesson Twilight Sparkle, so shall I. The mistake of the past will not be repeated again," Princess Luna pressed her hoof to each pony's chest, "and I will be sure to seal away this knowledge. Apple Bloom, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, you know of our lead. Pursue it at all costs, however, you must be cautious."

The light from the dream realm faded to darkness just as Princess Luna finished with Apple Bloom.

"I must bid all of you goodbye. I cannot assist you any further lest I give away Apple Bloom's secret." Princess Luna's said, her words echoing in the darkness.

"..." Twilight groaned. Her groggy eyes opened, "Spike?"

"Jeez Twilight, that must have been some bad dream. You were crying all night long." Spike said. The little dragon pushed on his friend until she awoke.

Twilight stretched her wings, and then her hooves. Out of bed, the pony let out a deep yawn, soon succeeded by an even louder noise that resonated off castle's crystal walls and ceiling.

"Let me guess. You had a late night of studying new magic, history, or whatever, and you forgot to eat something." Spike said, crossing his claws across his chests. Before Twilight could answer, Spike waved a claw in front of her, "Tsk, tsk, tsk," Spike lowered his claw, "what would you do without me?"

Twilight chuckled to herself and rolled her eyes after looking in the mirror of her dresser. "Ok, 'number one assistant,' I'll take some pancakes."

Spike walked towards the door and stopped. "Hey, just curious. You kept mumbling about losing Applejack as a friend. What's going on?"

"I was just having a nightmare." Twilight said, receiving a raised eyebrow from Spike. "What? I had a nightmare. Besides, don't 'you' have some pancakes to make?"

"Yea, yea. I'm on it." Spike said.

Twilight looked at the room around her. She gazed out her window and towards the horizon. Her eyes fixated on Canterlot. "What did she mean by we know the lead to pursue?"

*** *** ***

Night descended on Equestria with the sun setting in the distance and the moon peaking over the adjacent horizon. In Canterlot, four hooves clung to the ceiling of the hallway near the Star Swirl the Bearded wing of the Canterlot Library. Two ponies stood at attention near the locked door. Multiple guards passed by. A hoof inched closer towards the locked door. The hoof retracted quickly. One guard looked up. He levitated a torch at his side towards the ceiling with his magic. After a guttural grunt, the stallion resumed his post.

"Hey!" A voice shouted.

The guards' vision narrowed. They darted towards the sound. A clang resonated in the darkness. Hoof steps came closer to the once guarded library. Two guards entered the library, scanned it with their magic, and then called for reinforcements. A small platoon of guards came, alongside two bat ponies.

Sands in the hourglass trickled down from the top. The guards left the library, one-by-one, until two bat ponies remained with the two original guards

"Anything?" A guard said after a final sweep.

"No." A bat pony said.

"Princess Celestia wants this area sealed off. No pony allowed in." A guard said.

"Why?" A bat pony said. A dark blue cloak, with a lunar emblem embroidered on its face, hung close to her body.

"Our duty is to guard the library, not ask questions. If you want to philosophize, go join those addlebrained philosophers in that school. Those dimwits couldn't light a torch even if they had a book of matches." the guard said, ending with a chuckle.

"I'll take them over understanding the mind of a princess, and why they want this place locked up." the bat pony said, receiving a coaxed chuckle from her colleague. "What?" she retorted after receiving a stern gaze from the guard, "fine. I'll stay here and patrol the perimeter. That good enough for you?"

"You guys are more obnoxious and arrogant than those featherbrained Wonderbolts. Don't come crying to me when Princess Celestia has both your flanks." the guard said. He closed the door, "last chance... fine. I'm sealing it too. No way in or out, heh heh, unless ya can teleport out."

The latch to the door made a final loud clang. Both bat ponies nodded at each other before they went into the furthest corner of the library.

"Wow Twilight, Ah can't believe ya could do this." The bat pony said. The illusionary form vanished, the pony turning into Apple Bloom.

"I know. I always wanted to use this spell." Twilight chuckled to herself in a quiet tone, her illusion vanishing. She moved closer towards Apple Bloom and whispered, "Ok, we need to find Star Swirl's notes. Applejack will kill me, but I feel this is the right thing to do having you come along. Also, remind me to talk to you about 'understanding the mind of a princess.'"

Apple Bloom gave a sheepish grin. Twilight's raised eyebrow lowered. The filly looked around the room, and then faced the pony in front of her, "Any idea what Ah'm looking for?"

"..." Twilight scanned the library from bookshelf to bookshelf before she focused on the large hourglass in the library's center. "I have no idea."

"Aren't you the expert on this guy?" Apple Bloom said.

"Hey, Star Swirl the Bearded had a lot of stuff." Twilight said. A gentle hoof glided through the air as the pony pointed at several different sections. "He's the most powerful unicorn to ever live. Star Swirl the Bearded was well known as an adventurer, an adviser, a practitioner and creator of over five hundred different kinds of spells with each having their own subcategories of seven hundred additional areas, and lived the longest life a pony could ever possibly live, passing away at over four-hundred-seventy-five years old."

"We gonna keep up the history lesson or start searchin'?" Apple Bloom said, and then ended with a sly smirk.

Twilight brushed Apple Bloom along with a gentle wing.

The grains of sand in the hourglass continued their descent. Twilight and Apple Bloom remained quiet. Several scrolls were brought to Twilight by Apple Bloom, each being rejected. Time continued on with the once small hill of sand tripling in size and height.

"This is impossible," Twilight said in a hushed shout, combing through what felt like the hundredth or so scroll. She pulled then pushed on another scroll. "Apple Bloom? Anything."

"..."

"Apple Bloom?" Twilight said. Gentle hoof steps resonated in the room silent room. Twilight illuminated her horn, casting a quick spell. She peered from behind the bookcase. "No. Princess Celestia is here?"

Twilight's eyes darted about. They focused and relented several times. She smiled, crept along the floor, and moved to the top of a bookcase. Her hoof reached around Apple Bloom's mouth. Apple Bloom struggled then relaxed. The invisibility spell surrounded the filly.

"We'll have to be quiet --" Twilight said in a hushed voice.

Two beams of magical energy shot towards the two. Twilight and Apple Bloom gulped. They looked up to see two scorch marks on the ceiling two hoof steps away from their position.

Princess Celestia walked towards the bookcase and looked up. She squinted at the area above the bookcase.

"Star Swirl. My dear friend. I wish you were here." Princess Celestia said. She moved towards a small bust of Star Swirl the Bearded, which sat in the middle of the library near the large hourglass. The princess sat near the statue of her departed friend. As her head hung low to the ground, several tears landed near the statue's base. "Why? Why couldn't I do it?! I'll never forgive myself for what happened to you."

Princess Celestia looked toward the hourglass. After a final tear, she illuminated her horn and teleported away.

Twilight and Apple Bloom dropped down to the floor. The two gazed at the statue of Star Swirl the Bearded and followed its gaze towards the hourglass.

"The sands --" Both said before plugging each other's mouths.

"The sands must be his notes." Twilight said, ending with an ecstatic grin. "Incredible. Only a genius could come up with something like that, hiding them in plain sight."

"We can't keep waitin' like this." Apple Bloom said.

"Not so fast, Apple Bloom. If we rush this, it could destroy the notes. They'll be lost for future generations study, and we'll lose our only hope of figuring out what is going on with you." Twilight said. Her eyes glanced towards the hourglass, and then focused on the bust of Star Swirl. "Apple Bloom?"

Apple Bloom ran her hoof across the statue. She pointed at its eye.

"Of course, the fundamentals of magic. A keen sight, a strong mind, and a balanced horn." Twilight said.

The statue's eyes, hat, and horn glowed in a bluish-white light. Three points formed in the front of the statue. As the three points combined into single circle, a stone tablet emerged. The ancient relic floated towards the table surrounding the hourglass.

"Th-this can't be right. I already know this spell." Twilight said. She skimmed over each character, each word of the spell. The pony looked at Apple Bloom, "I learned this spell in my third year of studying under Princess Celestia. It's the teleportation spell. We must have missed something."

Twilight headed towards the statue while Apple Bloom stared at the stone tablet. Her eyes focused on each word of the spell, reading it in her mind.

"Apple Bloom?!" Twilight said in a hushed voice.

Green sparks dripped from the center of Apple Bloom's forehead. She shook and bolted away from the tablet. The eruption of sparks stopped.

"Did you just..." Twilight said, her voice trailing off. She raised eyebrow and brushed part of Apple Bloom's mane to the side, "There's no visible horn. How could you cast a spell without one? This isn't good. Perhaps all that energy you've siphoned off is finding a way out. If you're starting to manifest the ability to tap into magic -- I'm getting you back home. Having an untrained magic user in a room full of dangerous spells isn't a good thing."

"We have to keep looking," Apple Bloom put her hooves together, "please. This is our only lead."

"No. It's too risky." Twilight said.

"Twilight, please." Apple Bloom said.

"I brought you along to help find a clue. That was before I knew you had the potential to cast magic." Twilight said.

"You said you need help, but Ah saw you were nervous about it from the beginnin'. This is mah choice. Ah can do this. Ah can't be afraid forever." Apple Bloom said. Her hooves remained firmly pressed together. The hill of sand in the hourglass continued to grow. Twilight's ears lowered as she nodded at the filly. Apple Bloom moved forward while Twilight backed away from the tablet. "Ah know Ah can do this."

"Ok, let's calm down. What were you doing before I interrupted you?" Twilight said.

"Ah was thinking about how we needed to find Star Swirl's notes. Ah looked at the words, and... Ah don't know. The words just came off the tablet and rolled against mah mind." Apple Bloom said.

Twilight looked at the room and back towards the hour glass. Her eyes widened, "Of course. The grains of sand are the notes, but they aren't. Sweet Celestia, how did he do it?"

"..." Apple Bloom shrugged. A cold twinge crawled up her spine, causing her to shiver. "Twilight?"

"I promised that I would never betray your trust again, Apple Bloom. I'm sad to say that right now, you're the only one who can help you out right now. " Twilight said, placing her hoof on Apple Bloom's back. "I'm sorry Apple Bloom."

"It's alright, Twilight. Ah have to know. " Apple Bloom said. The filly exhaled a quick deep breath. She opened her eyes, the tablets words reflecting off them. Green sparks dripped from the center of her forehead. Twilight moved closer. Apple Bloom's eyes closed and soon shot open. The green, luminescent light from her eyes brightened the dark room. "What's happening?!"

Papers, scrolls, and tombs swirled about the area. Several loud noises came from the library's door. The door burst open with three guards coming in.

"Who's in here?!" One guard said in a bellowing tone.

The area remained silent. Scrolls, Books, Tomes, and tablets lay scattered about the library. The unicorn stallion guard crept closer towards the center of the room. His eyes gravitated immediately towards the scorch mark between the statue and the hourglass.

"Nothing here," he said with a nervous expression, returning to his post. The stallion looked at his colleagues, both of them nodding emphatically at him. "There's nothing here. We report it, we have to clean it up."

Knowledge pt2

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Apple Bloom groaned, and her sluggish hooves twitched. After a final groan, her eyes creeping open, she said, "Twilight?"

Twilight pulled Apple Bloom closer and clutched the filly in her hooves. Nervous minutes ticked by before Twilight breathed a heavy sigh of relief. She used a kind, gentle hoof to brush Apple Bloom's mane away from her eyes. In a hushed, awestruck tone, Twilight said, "We're here."

The ringing in Apple Bloom's ears ceased, and her vision cleared. As she and Twilight stood up, the brilliant world reflected off their eyes.
The sound and smell of water permeated the area. Beyond the ornate marble archway, a gleaming fountain stood in the center of the room; pristine, crystal clear water jutted into the sky where it formed a thinly veiled curtain that floated into the fountain's base. Large lush trees sat in each of the seven corners of the room. The world appeared endless while being illuminated by an ambient, non-existent source of light.

"Star Swirl the Bearded's most prized library." Twilight said as she passed beyond the archway with Apple Bloom at her side.

"Uhh, Twi. You're droolin'." Apple Bloom said.

"Pardon me," Twilight said, wiping away the drool from her mouth. Her enthralled eyes and mind drifted from bookcase to bookcase, column to column, and room to room, each time coming back to the fountain. "That wing in the library must be a small fraction of his knowledge. Oooo, I want to take all these books with me. There's no telling what's in them. A pony could spend their entire lifetime here, and they wouldn't even touch a tenth of what's in this place. Sorry..."

Apple Bloom smirked at Twilight. She gazed towards a room where several hats sat on top of several busts of Star Swirl the Bearded. A sign labeled "ceremonial hats" floated near the ajared door.

Both ponies continued their unguided tour of the library. The towering marble columns and bookcases reflected off Twilight's eyes. Apple Bloom nudged Twilight, the mare wiping the drool away from her mouth a second time.

"Clarity shall guide the knowledge seekers of the world to their destination. Speak your desire for knowledge, and it will be fulfilled."

The ponies' faces reflected off the marble plaque that stood near the fountain. Twilight scratched the side of her head, and then shrugged at Apple Bloom.

"Uhh, can ah get some info about dryads?" Apple Bloom said. Four, marble sized drops of water drifted away from the fountain. The pristine drops of water into a thin sheet, which soon solidified. After the sheet of water turned white, invisible letters became visible as lines in the formed parchment paper turned black. "Wow. What does it say, Twilight?"

Twilight scanned the paper. She sighed, and then, in a quiet voice, said, "We already know this. Maybe we didn't --"

"Ask the right question?" A voice said. Soft hooves guided Princess Celestia from behind the fountain and towards the two ponies. The princess looked at Twilight before she turned her gaze towards Apple Bloom. Princess Celestia faced her former pupil, "Why are you in Star Swirl's private library, Twilight? I did not teach you how to access it."

"I'm doing research on the dryad to assure Ponyville's safety. Apple Bloom was caught in my attempt to access more information. She's trying to find information about herbs for her potions." Twilight said.

Princess Celestia's mane and tail flowed in the windless room. The princess turned away from Twilight and Apple Bloom. A melancholic expression reflected off the water as Princess Celestia stared at the world around her. Her eyes turned towards a small portrait of Star Swirl the Bearded that resided on a table towards the back. The princess glanced at Apple Bloom, "My sister is quite talented. Wouldn't you agree, Apple Bloom?"

An audible gulp overshadowed the trickling water of the beautiful water fountain. Apple Bloom's hooves shook. Her ears lowered. She began to quiver.

"Apple Bloom?" Twilight said, watching Apple Bloom move behind her. She faced her former mentor, "Princess?"

Princess Celestia tapped a gentle hoof against the marble plaque.

"May I please have a tome on Star Swirl the Bearded's research pertaining to amniomorphics." Princess Celestia said in a calm voice. Water from the fountain coalesced into the visage of a book. "Please, do not disturb my reading."

Apple Bloom bit down on her lip. She moved forward, "Princess Celestia, Ah got to know..."

Princess Celestia's melancholic expression changed as she glanced at Apple Bloom, giving a stern eye towards the filly. The book floated away from the fountain. The princess's graceful hooves made no sound against the unusual road while she moved towards the table in the back with Star Swirl's portrait. She placed the book on the table.

With the cover open, the noise of the pages turning grated against Apple Bloom's ears. Her lower lip quivered. She turned towards Twilight, "What's goin' on?"

"Shh," Princess Celestia said, placing a hoof near her mouth. She continued her reading.

"Why won't she talk to me? Why won't she answer mah question?" Apple Bloom whispered to Twilight, struggling to control her voice.

"I've never seen Princess Celestia this unsettled. Wait, she asked for Star Swirl the Bearded's research. "Twilight said. She looked at the fountain, "May I have Star Swirl the Bearded's last notes?"

The fountain's water continued to flow. Twilight rubbed a hoof against her chin. She raised an eyebrow then made a similar, but different request. The fountain obliged and materialized two books. Twilight moved towards the opposite corner of the library, placed the books on the table, and began to read one with Apple Bloom reading the other, both making sure not to disturb Princess Celestia.

Water flew into the air and descended. Twilight skimmed over her book, soon glancing over the one Apple Bloom had begun to read. After a quick "hmm," Twilight returned to the fountain and made a second request. With the request fulfilled, the pony came back to Apple Bloom with two more books. Her eyes poured over each word, each page of the tome.

"Apple Bloom..." Twilight said in a soft voice. She closed the book in front of her, "Apple Bloom, I'm sorry. There's no... 'gentle' way to put this. It appears as though Star Swirl made contact with the first dryad to ever exist in Equestria, and it didn't go too well. Though he managed to study the dryad, it siphoned off a good portion of his magic and life throughout the research process. Let me --" Twilight returned the first book then came back to another, "-- see if this answers our questions."

"Entry forty... or is it entry eighty? Ninety-two? ... Celestia, my dearest friend, it is with regret that I must leave you in your time of need. Before you lies a difficult path, one that must traveled alone. Please, do not blame yourself for what has happened to this inquisitive unicorn, nor should you blame yourself for having to banish your sister. Despite the heavy burden that rests upon your brow, I know you will succeed. There are times that come when we must do what is right for the sake of others. For your sake and the love of the others around you, do not let that dark seed burrow into your heart --" Twilight said.

"-- for if it does, what blooms will mar you forever." Princess Celestia said, returning her book to the fountain. The princess passed by the two ponies. She moved along the soft pathway of clouds towards the marble archway. Her eyes focused on the tome in Twilight's hooves before giving a final glance towards Apple Bloom. She turned away. The princess fought back her tears, moved through the archway, and vanished in a flash of brilliant light.

"What do I do?" Apple Bloom said, burrowing her head into her hooves. She looked up, "Why are ya smilin', Twilight? I'm totally dead. Either I'm a monster or there's a monster inside me. Princess Celestia is gonna do somethin' worse than banish me."

Twilight shook her head, "If Princess Celestia truly meant you harm, she would have done it long ago. She could have done it back in the library in Canterlot. I believe she saw right through my invisibility spell. At least, she's seen through it when I used it to get cookies out of the kitchen when I had a slumber party in the castle."

"And?" Apple Bloom said.

"Getting to the 'heart' of the matter, Princess Celestia decided to ignore you because of Star Swirl's wishes. I guess 'the mind of a princess' is hard to understand." Twilight said, ending with a slight chuckle. Her jovial smile soured, and her ears lowered. She looked at the archway, "Star Swirl was one of her closest and dearest friends. When I asked about him, Princess Celestia would give me the kindest, warmest smile. Even the tone in her voice was happy when she reminisced about him. She's fighting herself. In the end, Princess Celestia is the ruler of Equestria, and she has to be prepared."

"Sorry to sound selfish here," Apple Bloom said in an annoyed tone," but what about me?"

"I'm concerned about you too. I can multi-concern -- Pinkie Pie is wearing off on me." Twilight said, placing a firm hoof on her forehead. She and Apple Bloom groaned while looking at the book. "It looks like we need to do a little research."

The water in the fountain continued its elaborate waltz. Twilight requested several more books. She grinned at each new book the fountain materialized. Soon, the table where she and Apple Bloom sat became a small book fortress.

Apple Bloom flipped over several pages of the first book before moving to the second. With the second book in hoof, her head bobbing several times. After the third, her heavy eyes closed.

"I got it!" Twilight said.

"Wha!" Apple Bloom said, falling off of her chair. "Hey, this is kinda comfy. I should have slept on the floor."

"Ponyfeathers, I thought I had it." Twilight said. An ornate, black covered book was pushed towards Apple Bloom. "Star Swirl's journal, well one of his journals since he had a lot to write about. I knew there had to be one here. Why can't I make sense of this?"

Several words glowed in a green light as Apple Bloom skimmed her hoof across the page.

"Twilight, didn't you say he studied dryads?" Apple Bloom said.

Twilight's eyes lit up. She nodded at Apple Bloom, "It looks like every seventh word is lighting up. Apple Bloom, this is a hunch. Star Swirl used his left hoof as his predominant hoof. Go check that tree."

Apple Bloom tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. She followed Twilight's hoof, moved towards the tree, peered behind it, retrieved a small box, and returned to the table.

"What in the hay. I've seen this symbol before. It's the one on Granny's key." Apple Bloom said after she came back to the table and placed the box in the middle.

"Wait a minute. This box is over six hundred years old, maybe older. Did Granny Smith tell you where she got the key?" Twilight said. The ebony colored box levitated in front of her as Apple Bloom skimmed over the journal. She scanned the box several times, arriving back at the symbol on top. Twilight picked up the journal and moved towards the exit, but found herself stopped at the door by an invisible force. The books floated back toward the fountain and dissolved into the water. "No, that was our only lead."

"And Applejack says I'm not a good student," Apple Bloom said. She presented a small scroll to Twilight, "Made sure to right down every word that lit up from the journal on this here scrap of parchment paper while you were fiddlin' with that box."

Twilight rubbed Apple Bloom's mane. She levitated the scroll and box in front of her, soon cringing as she neared the archway. Her sigh of relief echoed throughout the room.

"Ok, let's get out of here. I have a feeling this box is our biggest clue yet." Twilight said.

"..." Apple Bloom stopped, letting out a slight groan.

"It might be best if I teleport us out of here," Twilight said before her eyes widened, "Apple Bloom."

Apple Bloom froze in place. Green Sparks dripped from her forehead. Her eyes lit up in the same green color as the sparks. A sphere enveloped her and Twilight, both ponies vanishing in a flash.

*** *** ***

"Ow," Apple Bloom said.

"Ow," Twilight said. She stood up and illuminated her horn. "Farm Equipment? Are we in the barn at Sweet Apple Acres?"

"How? I just thought about it. Twilight, what's going on?" Apple Bloom said.

"O dear, this isn't good." Twilight said, rubbing a nervous hoof against her neck before she rubbed it against the dirt floor. "How do I put this... you're a unicorn foal right now."

"Hey, Ah ain't a baby!" Apple Bloom huffed before raising an eyebrow, "and what do ya mean by that anyways?"

"Unicorn foals can have a spike in magical energy. It's quite interesting, but it can also be quite dangerous. Putting my own interest aside in your ability to cast magic, the first spell you've latched onto is the teleportation spell. I'll have to do some serious research on how to contain your magical abilities till we can get this resolved." Twilight said. She scratched her head, " I don't even know where to begin on that one."

The doors to the barn opened.

"Bloom?" A voice said. A lantern was raised. It fell to the floor as swift hooves scooped up Apple Bloom. Applejack latched onto her little sister with a monstrous hug, "Don't'cha ever run away again. Ya hear me!"

"Ran away?" Twilight said, glaring at Apple Bloom.

"Whoops," Apple Bloom said.

The crickets continued their serenade with the moon starting its descent into the horizon. Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Twilight moved towards the farm house. After a final scolding from her big sister, Apple Bloom thanked Twilight for the help before heading to her room.

"That filly is gonna have chores to last her until she's as old as Granny Smith." Applejack said. She turned her furious gaze towards Twilight, "And where, might I ask, did you take her?"

Twilight's ears lowered, "Canterlot."

"Get out." Applejack said. She got up and opened the door, "Get out right now before I forget my manners and buck ya outta here so hard ya fly towards that castle of yours without the need of them wings of yours."

"Applejack, please. You need to see this." Twilight said, levitating the scroll and wooden box onto the table. "Please."

Applejack slammed the door shut. She adjusted her hat, and then trotted towards the table. "Before we go any further, does Princess Celestia know about Apple Bloom?"

"She already knew. That one in mah dream was the real Princess Celestia." Apple Bloom said, coming from behind the corner. The clock in the corner continued to tick on, "Twilight and Ah met her in this weird place. Ah don't know what's going on, but Twilight insists she's ignoring me. All of it is givin' me the creeps."

Apple Bloom's front hooves shivered. Applejack placed a hoof around her little sister, bringing her closer. Twilight pushed the box towards the middle of the table.

"Same emblem and everythin'," Applejack said. She examined the scroll and scratched her head. The cowgirl pony moved quietly up the steps, and then came back down. She pulled the box out of its hiding spot in the family room and returned to Twilight and Apple Bloom. "Ok Granny Smith, time to see what secrets you're hidin' here."

Applejack placed the key into the lock. She turned it. The first box opened with the pictures dumped out onto the table. After a nervous gulp, the key was placed into the second box's lock.

"What in the hay?" Apple Bloom said, watching the key refuse to turn. Twilight tried and failed. The key's end firm in hoof, the filly forced it against the lock. "Wow..."

The lid to the ebony colored box slid open. Applejack placed the pictures back into a first box and looked inside the second. A dark, forest green colored book lay inside with a note on top.

"Apple Bloom, your notes," Twilight said after she flipped through the book's pages. She took the note and laid it on top of the book, and then placed Apple Bloom's note on top of it.

Apple Bloom, Applejack, and Twilight wiped the sweat from their brows. Their eyes locked onto the pages. The letters on Apple Bloom's notes vanished.

"Well," Applejack and Apple Bloom said in a unison voice.

"Harmony is a powerful force within the world of Equestria. It's what binds all ponies together. Without the unicorns, the sun and moon cannot be raised. Without the pegasi, the weather and its intricacies are lost. Without earth ponies, all will go hungry and starve. Within Alicorns exists all three races, unified into a single being." Twilight said in a quiet voice. Her eyes followed each word in a fluid motion while her wings twitched against her sides, "What intrigued me was the notion of other, Alicorn-esk races. What if there were other races that represented unified beings of the unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies. This dryad proves my theory, yet it is a saddening tale. There is no harmony in her body...."

Time ticked by while Twilight read the pages to Applejack and Apple Bloom. The moon neared the horizon's end.

"... I'm sad to say that my research is at its end as my own idiosyncratic nature has gotten the better of me, in my old age. The dryad's power is in such flux that it needs energy to survive, however, this can only sustain it for so long. I believe a dryad needs 'harmony' to permanently sustain its existence." Twilight said. She flipped to the final page over, "There's just a bunch of ink blotches. The last page is just some weird scribble."

"A tree?" Applejack said.

"Looks like your castle, Twilight." Apple Bloom said.

"No, it's different. Perhaps he means the tree of harmony. Maybe its energies can balance everything out." Twilight said. She looked at Applejack and Apple Bloom, "We'll need the help of the others if the tree of harmony is involved."

Apple Bloom shook her head. She leapt off her chair, "No, mah dream. Even Princess Luna said it bordered on precog-whositz. Ah don't want to hurt mah friends or mah family."

"I said it before and I'll say it again. I'm going to do my darndest to make sure you're safe. Won't force ya to do something that will hurt ya, sugar cube. Right... Twilight?" Applejack said.

"It is her choice, however, I do fear that without this, she will eventually harm every pony." Twilight said. She relaxed, "Apple Bloom. This is all theory, so take it as you will. I believe your dryad side is starting to mature. You've already casted a spell, a powerful one at that. That side of you will need energy and trees won't be enough."

"Ah'm scared," Apple Bloom's ears lowered.

"I know. I'm scared to, sugar cube. You're my family, my little sis'. Remember that we'll all be right by your side to make sure everythin' goes accordin' to plan." Applejack said, giving a heavy nod. "It's still your choice."

The rooster crowed. Apple Bloom shook. She gazed at the farm house, and then Applejack and Twilight. The filly wrapped her hooves around her big sister and received a firm hug in return. Twilight wiped away a tear as Apple Bloom was released from Applejack's hug.

"We'll have to be cautious. Princess Celestia knows about Apple Bloom, but not our lead. If she learns about what we are attempting, I fear she may attempt to stop us." Twilight said.

"We've got no choice. I promised to protect my little sis." Applejack said. She leered at Apple Bloom, "By the way, your triple grounded for sneaking off."

Apple Bloom sighed before she let out a deep yawn. Twilight levitated the filly in front of her as she and Applejack ascended the stairs towards Apple Bloom's room. The covers were pulled over Apple Bloom where she nodded off.

In a hushed voice, Applejack said, "Thanks Twi. You went above and beyond helpin' me out with Apple Bloom on this one."

Twilight smiled at her friend. In a quiet voice she said, "Ok, I'll get the others for an emergency meeting at the... 'table of friendship.'"

"Pinkie?" Applejack said.

"Pinkie." Twilight said.

Turmoil

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A gentle breeze blew across the land of Equestria, cresting up the mountain where Canterlot resided then down it. The same calm wind soon passed through Ponyvile and into the crystal-tree castle's spacious hallways. As the tapestries, hanging close to the walls, wafted from side to side, the gems, above the ornate crystal table, dangled on their strings from the Golden Oak Library tree stump.

In the meeting room, Apple Bloom curled her tail around her hooves. She rubbed a nervous hoof against her neck as she sat near Applejack's chair. The filly closed her eyes, and then opened them to see her friends staring at her. Apple Bloom gave Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo a coaxed smile before it faded to a melancholic expression. In a hushed voice, she said to herself, "Can she make it?"

"You alright, Apple Bloom?" Scootaloo said, sitting near Rainbow Dash's chair.

"This is nerve wracking to think about some monstrous power inside of her." Sweetie Belle said while she sat near Rarity's chair. She placed a hoof over her mouth then lowered it. "I mean--"

The Cutie Mark Crusader's ears perked up. Once silent voices grew louder. Both doors to the meeting room flung open. One voice's owner bounded into the room and darted for her chair.

Pinkie Pie stuck her tongue out at Rainbow Dash. The athletic pony rolled her eyes before she demanded a rematch. Fluttershy giggled to herself, walked to her chair, sat down, and watched Applejack and Rarity sit in their respective seats.

"Ok, is every pony ready?" Twilight said. Her eyes glanced around the room. She sat down. "I'll call this meeting to order."

"First things first," Applejack said in a determined tone before giving her little sister a wink, "I need each of ya to swear not to talk about this with any pony else. That goes double for you, Rainbow."

Rainbow Dash snorted. She turned away, "I'm not promising anything until I know what's going on. You and Twilight just show up out of the blue, say there's a meeting, and run off? We have things to do, ya know."

"You shouldn't be napping so much, darling. Eight hours of beauty sleep is more than enough." Rarity said.

While the ponies conversed with each other, Rainbow Dash arguing with Applejack, Apple Bloom's withers twitched. The filly pressed her hooves against her ears. She went behind Applejack's chair.

"This meetin' ain't gonna happen lest I get a promise from all of ya. I'm talkin' a 'Pinkie Pie Promise' ta boot." Applejack said. Her stern eyes glanced at each pony in the room. Fluttershy swore her promise, Rarity and Twilight followed suit, and Pinkie Pie gave her deepest promise not to tell. After Applejack swore her promise, she nodded to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo who swore theirs. All eyes stared at at the last unsworn pony with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle gazing at her as well. "Well?"

"Fine. I 'Pinkie Pie Promise' not to tell any pony else about what's said here. Happy?!" Rainbow Dash said, giving an audible huff. "Now, what's going on?"

Applejack looked to her left. She looked behind her seat. With a few hushed words of encouragement given, Apple Bloom stood beside her big sister's chair. Applejack resumed her place in her seat. "Ok little sis. It's up to you how ya want to ask em for help."

"Is there a problem, Apple Bloom?" Fluttershy said.

Apple Bloom inhaled a deep breath as all eyes focused on her. She exhaled. The filly crept toward a potted sapling in the corner. She pressed her hoof against it.

Green light flowed from the tree and enveloped Apple Bloom's body. Several seconds passed. The once lush green sapling withered into a decayed state. After a slight twitch, Apple Bloom moved back toward the table.

"What just happened?" Rainbow Dash said. Her brow furrowed at the decayed plant. She looked at Apple Bloom, back towards the potted plant, and then back towards Apple Bloom.

"Ah wasn't sure about the best way to tell ya all about it. I'm... a dryad." Apple Bloom said.

"A what now?" Rarity said. She rubbed a slow hoof against her chin. "You're a 'dryad?'"

Fluttershy raised an eyebrow at Pinkie Pie who shrugged in return.

"I will field that one," Twilight said. She levitated the ebony colored box onto the table. With the lid open, she produced the small green book. An enlarged, holographic, magical image displayed the book's text to the room. "To elaborate, but keep it short since we have little time, dryads are similar to alicorns. Sadly, there's a problem. Their unicorn, pegasi, and earth pony traits aren't balanced. What you saw was a demonstration of how they try to maintain that balance. They need --"

"Please, ah need help. Ah need to get to the tree of harmony." Apple Bloom said.

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened, "What?! No way. There's no way in Tartarus we're letting Apple Bloom near the tree of harmony on a 'hunch' from some dusty old book. If she destroys the tree, how will we protect Equestria? Isn't this 'Rainbow' thing tied to it?"

"Rainbow Dash, please listen to what Twilight has to say. Apple Bloom needs help." Scootaloo said. She pressed her hooves together, pleading with her mentor to listen. "Thanks."

"Apple Bloom, why didn't you tell us about this? Though Rainbow Dash does have a valid concern, we're more than happy to help." Rarity said as she faced Applejack and Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom bit down on her lip and turned away. "I take it there is more to the story."

The room's light grew dim. The doors slammed shut.

"Indeed," Princess Luna emerged from Apple Bloom's shadow, "and I believe it best to show you. Do you object if I enlighten the others?" Princess Luna said. Apple Bloom smiled at the princess before nodding to her. "I will start by saying that this event unfolded over the course of several weeks. It was during one of those events that Apple Bloom had a powerful dream; the dream's contents -- coupled with its vivid nature and imagery -- caused her to fear events that had yet to pass."

"Apple Bloom, are you going to be alright?" Pinkie Pie said.

Tears ran down Apple Bloom's cheeks and hit the floor. Through a strained voice she said, "Ah wish... Ah wish Ah -- Ah'm really, really scared."

Applejack hugged her sister. She placed her hat on Apple Bloom's head. Applejack leered at Rainbow Dash, "You gonna deny this here filly, mah little sis a chance to be normal?"

"No. I'm not 'denying' her anything. It's just... well -- fine. I better not hear any whining if the tree gets destroyed, and we can't protect Equestria." Rainbow Dash said.

Princess Luna gave a gentle smile, "Fluttershy, thank you for enlisting Discord's services in keeping my sister busy. Without him, I doubt I could aid Apple Bloom right now."

"It was no trouble. Discord seemed rather happy to assist." Fluttershy said.

"Princess Luna, do ya know for certain if we have to worry about my sister's dream? If we have to worry about Princess Celestia?" Applejack said.

"Apple Bloom's dream is an uncertainty, much like my sister." Princess Luna said. Her mane flowed in the windless room while all eyes locked on her. The princess's ears perked up. She flew to the window after hearing a loud thud, scanned the outside area, and came back to the others. Princess Luna's once kind smile faded away. In a stern voice she said, "Though Princess Celestia and I govern Equestria as equals, my sister will do what she believes is necessary to ensure Equestria's safety."

"O my..." Fluttershy said, slinking down into her seat.

The room remained silent as Princess Luna looked towards Apple Bloom. She placed a gentle hoof on the filly's shoulder then faced the room.

"Star Swirl the Bearded was a precious treasure to my sister, and he was harmed by a dryad, either intentionally or unintentionally. She blames herself for what happened, for not protecting her dearest friend." Princess Luna said.

Pinkie Pie wiped away a tear, "This is so sad...."

Rarity levitated a tissue towards her friend then tapped a hoof against her chin. "Apple Bloom isn't the one who harmed Star Swirl the Bearded. Why would Princess Celestia be angry at her for something she couldn't have done?"

"I do not understand myself, but I do know that event is a painful scar, one that has plagued my sister for some time." Princess Luna said. She looked at her hooves and sighed. "I know all too well about invisible scars. All of you might remember the Tantabus."

All of the ponies in the room nodded towards Princess Luna. Rarity shivered in place, and then murmured to herself.

"Right now, it is my firm believe that my sister is torn between a great desire retribution, and her duty to help a subject in need. Perhaps it might be better to say a great battle is ensuing within her as we speak." Princess Luna said.

Twilight and the others gave a polite bow towards Princess Luna. She glanced around the room at each of her friends. Her eyes focused on Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, and then on Apple Bloom, "Apple Bloom isn't just Applejack's little sister. She is a dear friend," Twilight smiled at the filly, "and we cannot abandon her. No matter what, no friend will ever be turned away in their time of need. No friend gets left behind."

Rainbow Dash snorted to herself before erupting into a loud chuckle. She waved her hoof at Twilight. "That was sappy, even for you Egghead."

"Hey, I thought it was pretty good." Pinkie Pie said.

"Anyways Twilight, you're right. I can't call myself the element of loyalty if I turn my back on a friend. We're the elements of harmony. We'll protect Equestria with or without the Tree of Harmony." Rainbow Dash said. She bolted from her chair and towards the window. After a shrug, she returned to her chair. "Feels like some pony is spying on us. Whatever, enough with the mushy stuff. What's the plan?"

"..." Twilight remained silent as she tapped a hoof against her chin. The ponies and fillies focused on the magical, holographic map of Equestria now coming from the table's center. Silent minutes ticked by while Twilight scrutinized the map. "This will be tricky. I don't believe it's wise for Apple Bloom to teleport to the tree. Her magic is too unstable, and I --"

"Apple Bloom can use magic?!" Pinkie Pie, Sweetie Belle, Rainbow Dash, and Scootaloo said in a unison tone.

"This filly has the capability to use teleportation magic at such a young age?" Princess Luna said.

"Twilight. We were gonna keep that one between us, remember?" Apple Bloom said.

Twilight placed a hoof on her forehead then apologized to Apple Bloom. The filly gave a sheepish grin to the wide eyed gazes she received from her friends, and the raised eyebrow from Princess Luna.

"I'll get back to the point. I can't teleport all of us to the tree. Not to mention the fact that the tree of harmony has powerful magical defenses to keep itself safe. I found out the hard way I can't teleport anywhere near it." Twilight said. She smiled, "I got it. We'll teleport to Zecora's hut. We can head to the tree from there."

"Okie, dokie, lokie. We go to the cave, get to the tree of harmony, cure Apple Bloom, and head on back to Ponyville. After that, we're gonna have. A. Par-tay! I'll throw you one great, perfect, Pinkie Pie Party Parade, Apple Bloom! I'm talkin' streamers, confetti, the whole town of Ponyville will love it." Pinkie Pie said. She sunk into her chair, "Or... maybe we'll just have a little party. Just have it between all of us."

"We'll definitely have something to celebrate when this is all over." Applejack said.

Princess Luna moved towards Apple Bloom's shadow. She looked behind her, towards the ponies with a concerned gaze, "Heed my words every pony. My sister is a cunning mare and may know of your plan. If she believes Apple Bloom poses a threat, she will try to stop her."

"I've got a backup plan in case of emergencies." Twilight said.

"Got a backup for the backup?" Pinkie Pie said.

"Actually, I do." Twilight smirked.

"From the bottom of this cowgirl's heart, I thank ya'll for the help." Applejack said, placing her Stetson over her chest. "It really means a lot."

"Whatever," Rainbow Dash said after landing near the door. She grinned at Applejack. "You can pay me back with plenty of cider."

"She's not the element of generosity, that's for sure." Rarity said, ending with a quiet giggle to herself.

"If I might have a word alone, Apple Bloom?" Princess Luna said, watching the others leave.

The room remained silent between the mare and the filly. Apple Bloom looked at her hooves. A kind, gentle hoof raised her head.

"Apple Bloom," Princess Luna said.

Apple Bloom gulped. "Yes, Princess Luna?"

"I ask you this not as Princess Luna, co-ruler of Equestria. I ask you as a friend. Please, free my sister of this guilt and sorrow. Allow her to overcome the pain she has endured for so long." Princess Luna bowed to Apple Bloom.

"How?" Apple Bloom said.

"That is for you to decide." Princess Luna said. Soft hooves guided the mare onto Apple Bloom's shadow. "I am sorry, but this is indeed the last time I can directly render you aid in such a manner. I will resist the call to arms if my sister commands it, however, I cannot go against her. It will cause too much strife amongst Equestrians to see its rulers fighting amongst themselves."

"Please Princess Luna..." Apple Bloom said.

"The others believe in you, as do I. I know you will free my sister of her struggle, and end this difficult chapter in her life. Just remember that your actions are not set in stone." Princess Luna said before she vanished.

Apple Bloom sighed, "No pressure."

The audible sigh resonated off the crystal walls of the meeting room. Apple Bloom looked at the map. She steadied her hooves, adjusted her bow, and then galloped down the crystal hallway after the others.

*** *** ***

"Hey. What were you and Princess Luna talking about?" Scootaloo said, seeing Apple Bloom catch up.

"She wants me to help Princess Celestia." Apple Bloom said.

"How?" Sweetie Belle said.

"The mind of a princess..." Apple Bloom said to herself, her friends shrugging at each other.

The group proceeded down the main hallway of the crystal castle. Rainbow Dash darted in front of Pinkie Pie who groaned at her. The two raced each other down the hallway, both neck and neck.

"What in the hay is going on?" Pinkie Pie said, coming to a quick stop with Rainbow Dash behind her.

The castle's doors flung open. Mares, stallions, fillies, and colts shouted at Twilight. Apple Bloom's withers twitched. She backed away before falling onto her flank. Her shaking hooves pressed against her ears.

"Please every pony, calm down. What is going on." Twilight said.

"They're going to kill the tree of harmony," Diamond Tiara said. She pointed a swift hoof at Apple Bloom. "Apple Bloom is a dryad. She's evil. It's just like you all heard from the meeting I recorded on my newest, greatest toy Daddy bought for me."

"There's no way in Tartarus we're letting Apple Bloom near the tree of harmony on a 'hunch' from some dusty old book. If she destroys the tree, how will we protect Equestria?" the recorded voice said before being silenced.

Twilight took a deep breath then exhaled. She came forward, "I can assure every pony here, that is not the case at all. As with all stories, there are two sides to this story. I am more than happy to explain --" Twilight ducked as a pot whizzed past her, "-- hey, who threw that?!"

"How can you call yourself a princess if you plan to destroy our one source of protection, Twilight Sparkle." A voice said.

"Yea. You above all others should know the gravity of the situation." Another voice said.

"HEY! That voice may be mine, but there is more to it than that." Rainbow Dash said. She looked behind her, "Apple Bloom needs help. We can't call her our friend if we just turn our backs on her!"

"You said it yourself. How will Equestria be protected if the tree of harmony is destroyed?" A mare came forward, shaking her hoof.

"No. Well yea, I said something along those lines." Rainbow Dash said.

"Get Apple Bloom!" The mob shouted. They pressed forward, "Turn her over to Princess Celestia!"

"Send the dryad to Tartarus!" One voice said.

Twilight shut the doors to the castle. Two heavy bars came down, locking the doors. A bead of sweat rolled down her forehead as she reinforced them.

Applejack sat near her sister. Rarity and Rainbow Dash comforted Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

"The voices stopped." Fluttershy said.

As the others listened in, the heavy bars to the castle levitated up. The doors opened.

"P-P-Princess Celestia," Apple Bloom said.

Princess Celestia stood outside of the castle, her main flowing. She looked at the others around her, and then into the castle.

"May I come in?" Princess Celestia said.

The ponies of Ponyville remained quiet. Twilight's wings twitched at her sides. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo backed away. Pinkie Pie brought a small piece of cake towards Princess Celestia, the cake placed on a small table in the foyer.

"These ponies have a grievance, and I was notified about it by Mayor Mare. May I come in?" Princess Celestia said.

"Princess Celestia. Apple Bloom is a dryad. You'll protect us, won't you." Diamond Tiara said.

Apple Bloom furrowed her brow and raised her hoof, "What is it that you have against me, Diamond Tiara? What did I ever do to you!"

Thick roots shot out from Apple's hoof. Her eyes widened in terror with her angered expression vanishing in an instant. The filly froze, and then shouted "no."

Princess Celestia's horn glowed in an ethereal light, and a magical shield formed around Diamond Tiara. Time froze for the princess and Apple Bloom, both of them gazing at the roots just inches away from Diamond Tiara.

"N-No... No." Apple Bloom said. The roots quickly retracted, her hoof back to normal. Green sparks dripped from the center of her forehead. "Not now."

Princess Celestia's horn glowed in a fiercer white light. The small shield around Diamond Tiara grew, engulfing the crowd. The yellow shield swallowed the last pony as a green blast of magical energy blew against it. Diamond Tiara's tape recorder, outside the shield, burst into flames before turning to ash.

Twilight lowered her own magical shields around her friends. She collapsed to the floor, panting heavily.

"What was that?" Rainbow Dash said.

"If I. Had to guess. It was. A compressed, extremely focused beam of pure magic." Twilight said through her heavy breathing. She stood up. "This isn't good."

"Now do you see my concerns, Twilight." Princess Celestia said. She moved forward on steady hooves, stopping in the foyer of the crystal castle. Her eyes met her former protégé's. "What are you going to do?"

Apple Bloom hung her head. She moved passed the others. Before she could pass Twilight, two wings and hooves stopped her. Twilight held out her wing with Scootaloo holding her wing out. Sweetie Belle held her hoof out with Applejack doing the same.

"You've made your choice." Princess Celestia said.

Green Sparks dripped forth from Apple Bloom's forehead. Her eyes glowed in green light, illuminating the area. Princess Celestia leapt back and out of the way. A large green sphere enveloped the others, the castle now empty.

"Princess Celestia, what do we do?" A voice said.

"I know where they are going, my little pony." Princess Celestia said. She scanned the crowd, "Mayor Mare?"

"Yes, Princess Celestia."

"I want you to keep Twilight Sparkle's castle under watch in case she returns. Notify me if she does." Princess Celestia said.

"What are you going to do my youngins?!" Granny Smith said, eying Princess Celestia. "For a princess, you ain't got nothin to say? What're ya gonna do to mah family?!"

"..."

Big Macintosh stood beside Granny Smith, his mane wafting in the slight breeze that brushed against it. Both ponies eyed the tall mare while she remained silent.

With her horn aglow, Princess Celestia vanished in a brilliant flash of light. The mob stared at Granny Smith and Big Macintosh. Both ponies stood their ground.

"Every pony, we must remain calm. For right now, we will follow Princess Celestia's words and watch for the return of Princess Twilight Sparkle and the others. Give word to me if you see them, and I will convey the message to Princess Celestia herself." Mayor Mare said. As the ponies dispersed, she turned to Big Macintosh and Granny Smith, "I am sorry, but I must ask both of you to return to Sweet Apple Acres for now."

"Ah ain't leavin until I see mah granddaughters come home." Granny Smith said.

"Eyup." Big Macintosh said.

"Remember, your actions have consequences." Mayor Mare said.

Big Macintosh placed a gentle hoof over Granny Smith's side. The stalwart stallion glared at the dispersing mob before he turned away from Ponyville and headed back towards Sweet Apple Acres with Granny Smith.

Full Bloom

by DouglasTrotter

What am I?

Allies

Sprout

Disclosure

Knowledge pt1

Knowledge pt2

Turmoil