A series of short vignettes about the friendship between Applejack and Twilight
The Farmer and the Magician. The Earth Pony and the Unicorn. The mystic and the pragmatist. Who would have though that among the Elements these two are the closest of all? (Romantic Friendship)
Out of all the Elements of Harmony their friendship made the least amount of sense. The Farmer and the Scholar. The Earth Pony Farmer and the Unicorn Magician. Twilight, of course, had the uncanny knack for making friends with a diverse range of ponies. Any given day one might find her eating cupcakes with Pinkie, debating Daring Do with Dash, drinking tea with Rarity or helping Fluttershy with her animals. Every Saturday one could almost definitely find her at Sweet Apple Acres. She had no farming experience. She had no farmers in her family. She came from Unicorn warrior stock who had slashed their way into aristocracy. There was not a farmer among them. From a traditional standpoint, she had no business on a farm. Yet, ever since a certain incident involving a bunny stampede and a stubborn farmer every Saturday would find her at Sweet Apple Acres bucking apples with Applejack. Applejack was never quite sure what Twilight got out of it, but she got a helping hoof so she didn’t complain. The rooster crowed and the sun was beginning its trek into the sky, guided by Celestia’s power, when Applejack woke up. She yawned and stretched. Today she had to harvest the south field. She spent several minutes stretching before leaving her bedroom. Applebloom pranced out of her room just as Applejack came from hers.
“Good morning, Sis!” The yellow ball of energy chirped before tackling her “favorite big sister in the whole wide world” with a hug. Applejack smiled tolerantly and hugged her back. The smell of pancake batter wafting through the house told Applejack that Granny Smith had already woken up and started breakfast. Applebloom smelled the pancakes and shot down the hall like a rocket. Applejack broke into a somewhat more dignified gallop. Like every Saturday Twilight was already there seated beside Big Mac. They had started offering her a place at the table a while ago.
Twilight yawned. “Good morning Applejack.”
Applejack gave her a quick nuzzle. “Good morning Twilight.”
Granny Smith laid out the pancakes which were quickly devoured by the five ponies. After breakfast Applejack helped Granny with the dishes. Then she, Big Mac and Twilight went out to the orchards. Granny Smith and Applebloom would care for the house chores. Applebloom occasionally liked helping in the orchard, but last time she had sprained her hoof so she was on clean-up duty for now.
Twilight and Applejack took the south field, Big Mac the north. Applejack surveyed her home as she and Twilight walked among the apple trees. This time of day the world was still. The sweet scent of apples perfumed the air. It was a scent that Applejack had become so used to she hardly noticed it. Beneath her hooves she felt energy coursing through the land. The energy of life flowing through the living soil beneath which were the bones of her ancestors. She could feel the energy in those bones, pulsing like a distant heartbeat beneath the ground. The energy of life flowing through the trees and the birds singing their songs to the sun. Life was all around her. She could feel it in every blade of grass, every branch, every juicy red fruit hanging from the trees. She knew Big Mac could feel it too. It was the magic of the land that Earth Ponies drew upon for their famed strength. She’d tried to explain it to RD once, why RD would never beat her in a contest of strength (hoof-wrestling was another matter altogether, requiring muscle control over raw force. Something an athlete like the brash pegasus had developed.) RD would never be able to break wood with a kick or throw a stone thousands of miles. How could anypony compete with a pony that wielded the power of the earth herself? She looked over at Twilight and wondered if she could at least feel an echo of the land’s power.
She paused at the entrance of the southern orchard, turned and kicked. Twilight caught the apples in her basket. They worked in perfect harmony. The earth pony walked through, turning and bucking the trees. Twilight caught the fruit in the basket she held in her magic. They trotted at a leisurely place through the dense orchard. Applejack paused after bucking a particularly tall tree. The apples fell down like a crimson waterfall. They fell into Twilight’s basket, which was now full.
“Let’s go get another basket.” Applejack said. They had worked for a while and the sun inched steadily towards noon. They left the orchard and walked towards the barn. With a flash of her horn Twilight opened the barn door. Applejack followed her inside and took the basket from her aura, laying it down beside a bale of hay. She picked up a new basket and they walked back towards the orchard.
“Twilight? Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
“Well, does this sorta work tire you out?”
“Sure. At first. I’ve gotten used to it.”
“I appreciate the help, but you’ve been here every Saturday for a year. I feel sorta bad, cause we usually pay our workers. We’ve never accepted volunteers."
“But I like it.”
“How come? I like this work, but it’s my special talent. Bred and born into it. You’re a uni-er-what I mean to say is…how do I put this without soundin’ like a tribalist bigot?”
Twilight giggled. “It’s alright Applejack. I know. Unicorns aren’t known for being farmers. I do want to help you and I do enjoy spending time with you. But there’s something else. The truth is I like watching you work.”
“Pardon?”
“You’re so strong. Watching you work, the intensity, the power in your muscles. I like watching it. I’ve never been strong like that. I admire it.”
“Um, okay.”
Twilight blushed. “Not like that! I’m not like that. I like stallions.”
“I know what you mean, Sugarcube.” Applejack smiled. “Why do you think I’m so popular at rodeos?”
They walked out into the open air.
“I’ve always admired you too, Twilight.”
“You do?’
Applejack nodded before bucking a tree.
“You’re smart. You seem to know so much about everything.”
“There’s a downside to that. Too much knowledge becomes a burden. Ponies stop hanging out with you because you only care about ‘weird things’ like pre-Classical Equestrian architecture.” Twilight said, holding out her basket for the apples.
“Ponies that wouldn’t hang out with a wonderful mare like you for something like that are just plumb dumb.” Applejack said, moving onto the next tree. “I never did that good in school. Something I’ve always regretted.”
“We all have regrets. I wish I’d spent more time trying to make friends.”
“Better late than never. That’s what Granny always says. Still, I would like to do something to show you how much I appreciate your hard work.”
“Well, there is something.” Twilight said. “I, um, I really liked those apple brown betties you shared with us at the last picnic. Any chance you could give me the recipe?”
“Well, it’s sort of a family recipe…ah, Tartarus, you are family. Sure I will.”
Twilight smiled. “Thanks.”
They hoof-bumped once before continuing to harvest the apples.
It was a beautiful day in Ponyville. The sun was at its noontime peak, brightening the little town. The sky was a bright blue, with only a few puffy, white clouds. A warm wind blew through the trees, gently swaying them to and fro. It was a perfect day for a picnic in fact and that’s just where Twilight was heading towards. Her saddlebags were filled with wrapped up cucumber sandwiches. Spike had helped prepare them, but she had made many of them herself. She was trying to learn how to cook. Her skills had improved a lot since the time she was a filly and her mother had tried to teach her.
That time, she had ran crying from the kitchen in the mistaken belief that she had burned the water. Shining was still ribbing her about that. There was a vast meadow outside Ponyville and that had become the Bearer’s customary picnic spot. Rarity was already seated on the checker-pattered blanket. Fluttershy was there as well, sitting beside Pinkie Pie. All three were staring up at something. Twilight looked up. Rainbow Dash was soaring through the sky, doing loop-de-loop patterns. Pinkie cheered as she did a barrel roll and descended to earth. The other four clapped and Dash took a bow.
“Hello, Darling.” Rarity greeted as Twilight joined them on the blanket. “How have you been?”
Oh, I’ve been good.” Twilight said, stretching out on the blanket. “How are you girls?”
“I am all partied out!” Pinkie complained, laying back and snagging a sandwich.
“You get partied out?” Dash asked.
“Hey, I’m allowed to be tired.”
“We all get tired sometimes, Dash.” Fluttershy said. “Angel has been very demanding lately and it’s tiring me out.”
“Give him a smack.” Dash grumbled.
“Oh, no! I couldn’t.”
“He needs it. Don’t let that fluffball push you around.”
“W-well, maybe I could start giving him time-outs.”
“I’m tired too. I’ve been trying to study.” Twilight said. “But I keep getting distracted by the latest Daring Do book. I stayed up late last night reading it. Daring found her long lost-”
“Eep! No spoilers!” Dash said, covering her ears with torn up grass.
“Is there any romance in those books?” Rarity asked.
“No, afraid not.”
“I’ve been looking for a new romance novel.”
Fluttershy whispered something in her ear. Both mares blushed.
“Wings of Lust, you say? Who’s the author?”
“Shutterfly.” Fluttershy said.
Twilight looked around as she munched on a cucumber. She soon realized somepony was missing.
“Hey, where’s Applejack?”
An uncomfortable silence descended. Dash muttered something that sounded violent.
“She’s having a difficult time right now.” Rarity said. “I spoke to her earlier. It’d be best to leave her be for now.”
“I wanted to plan a cheer-up party for her, but she said no.” Pinkie said.
“What’s going on?”
They shared looks with each other. Finally Rarity spoke.
“Surely you’ve noticed that Applejack’s parents aren’t around?”
“I assumed she was an orphan.”
“You’re half-right, my dear. Applejack’s mother passed away some time ago. Her father is still alive, but left the family. I’m sure you understand how important family is to the Apples. I remember when it happened. We were both fillies then. Applejack was beyond devastated. Back then-and now to my great shame-I was a school bully. One day Applejack came to school and I began my normal routine of teasing her. She struck me and then unleashed a steady stream of verbal abuse that left me a sobbing wreck. I didn’t go back to school for days I was so upset.”
“But what’s that have to do with Applejack not being here?”
“Her father has decided to come back to town and attempt to patch things up.” Rarity said. “Applejack has taken it poorly. And when she gets upset she can say hurtful things she doesn’t mean to friends that are trying to help her and I’m certain she’ll apologize about later when she sees how foolish she’s being.”
“She needs to have her head banged into a tree a couple hundred times to see if she’ll get any sense in it.” Dash said.
“Dash, you’re certainly being violent today. Is something wrong?” Fluttershy asked, placing a hoof on Dash’s shoulder.
“I wanted to go racing with her and she called me a stupid featherbrain that needed to mind her own damned business when I asked her why she cancelled.”
“That doesn’t sound like Applejack.” Twilight commented.
“She gets aggressive when she’s upset.” Rarity explained.
“Kind of like an injured animal.” Fluttershy said. “They don’t want anyone to see they’re hurting so they’ll bite and scratch at you.”
“Exactly. Applejack prides herself on strength. She’ll tolerate weakness in others, but she refuses to accept any weakness in herself.” Rarity said. “If she accepted help, it would mean she was weak. That’s how she sees it anyway.”
“I see.” Twilight said.
“I know what you’re thinking, Darling. You want to try to help her, right?”
Twilight nodded.
“I do too. But maybe you can help her best by leaving her alone for now.”
…
Twilight couldn’t stop thinking about Applejack as she made her way back towards town from the picnic. Every lesson in friendship she’d learned told her she needed to help her friend. But according to the girls, Applejack didn’t want to be helped. She found herself walking towards Sweet Apple Acres. Just as she approached the fence of the apple orchard she heard something rather unusual for the normally serene farm. Upraised voices and shouting. Twilight trotted closer. Granny Smith was shouting at an orange-coated, red-maned stallion with a boot cutie mark.
“How dare you! How dare you come back after all these years and upset the poor young’un!”
“I just wanted to make up-”
“We were fine! I don’t care what you wanted to do! Get out of here and don’t you dare show your face in town again!”
“Miss Smith-”
“Ge before I send for the constable!”
The stallion sighed and began to trot away. Twilight walked up. Granny tried to smile at her, but the smile seemed flat and lifeless.
“Hello. Are you lookin’ for Applejack?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t know where she is. I would suspect she’s at the cairns. When she’s upset that’s where she normally goes.”
The cairns were Earth Pony burial mounds.
“Thank you.”
“Twilight?”
“Yes?”
“My grand-daughter’s not in a good place right now. I don’t know what you can do to get her out of it, but it’d be nice if you could try.”
“Understood, Ma’am.” Twilight said. She began her trek out of town, far beyond the orchards to where vast mounds rose up from the earth. Someone might think they were hills, if it weren’t for the ring of stones that separated them from the rest of town and the openings that led into them.
With some trepidation of treading on holy ground Twilight entered the burial place. There were a few other ponies walking around. None paid her any attention as she walked through. She heard sniffling and just-barely held in sobs which wasn’t unusual for a cemetery. Coming from one of the cairns was muffled words, almost a chant or prayer in Applejack's voice. Twilight entered. The cairn was dark, only narrow shafts of sunlight illuminating the walls. The walls themselves were painted with ancient symbols, spirals, the cutie marks and images of long-passed ancestors. A large number of cutie marks in the passage were apples or other fruits like oranges and pears. In the far back of the chamber an orange cowpony was shuddering with sobs. A half-empty whiskey bottle was laying at her side.
“Oh, Mama, Mama, what am I supposed to do?”
Twilight stopped. Applejack’s ears perked up and she turned. Then she stood, swaying on her hooves. Her eyes were bloodshot.
“What the hell are you doin’ here?” She asked.
Twilight stepped back. “Applejack, I was worried about you.”
“You don’t need to be worried about me. I’m fine!”
“No, you’re not.”
“Yes I am! What the hell is wrong with you girls?” She slurred. “Don’t ya know when’ta leave somepony alone?” Her thick accent, exaggerated by alcohol, was nearly indecipherable.
“Granny Smith asked me to help you.”
Applejack lifted a hoof. “You tell mah busybody of a grandmother to mind her own damned business. Leave me alone!”
Twilight sat down. “Alright. I’ll leave you alone. But I’ll stay right here just in case you need me.”
“Don’t test me, Twi. I’ll buck you into next week I swear to Epona.”
“I believe you.”
“Then leave!” She turned and bucked. Her hooves struck nothing but air. Twilight teleported and appeared in front of her. Applejack gaped.
“Combat Magic, two years, Graduated head of my class.”
“You learned to fight from a class? RD’s right you are an egghead.”
She threw a half-hearted right hook that Twilight swatted away.
“Why won’t you just leave me alone?” Applejack asked. She threw several more punches, all of which were similarly deflected.
“Because I want to be here for you.”
“I don’t want your help.”
“No, but you need it.” Twilight said. She trotted to the front of the corridor and sat. “If you need to talk, I’ll be right here, okay?”
Applejack sighed. “Fine. Fine, Sugarcube. Do whatever you want.”
She moved to the end of the chamber and began to recite what was either a chant or a prayer. It was in ancient Equish, a haunting and sad melody that lifted up from Applejack’s voice. The farmer lifted her head and the rhythm rose and fell, filling the small chamber. Twilight listened in silent awe. The melody tapered off and finally stilled.
“What was that song?” Twilight asked.
“A prayer. A very old prayer probably as old as my tribe. Just a prayer, that’s all. Have I ever told you about my mama?”
“No, you never have.” Twilight said.
“My mama was the most beautiful mare in the whole wide world. Red mane, gorgeous yeller coat. Kindest mare in the world too. When I was a young’un I thought she was as old as the world. She was kind. So kind. Forgiving. When I was sad, upset, throwin’ a tantrum, whatever, she’d take me in her hooves and hold me. Sing to me.” Applejack swallowed a lump in her throat. Twilight moved closer and tentatively placed a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder. Applejack didn’t move away. “I wish my mama was here to hold me.”
Twilight nearly said, “I’m here” before she realized how patronizing it sounded. Applejack leaned into her.
“When Mama got pregnant with Applebloom I was so happy. I was goin’ ta be a big sister. So, so happy. Somethin’ went wrong. My mama…she didn’t make it. I hated Applebloom when she was born. Couldn’t even look at her.”
Twilight waited for her to continue.
“My daddy left after Applebloom was born. Dirty, rotten coward. I needed him. I needed him and he wasn’t there. Coward, stupid, yeller-bellied coward. I turned into a terrible, terrible filly. I said terrible, hurtful things.”
“Rarity told me-”
“Whatever she told you, she was bein’ too nice about it. Well, one night Applebloom was cryin’ up a storm. Granny couldn’t calm her, Big Mac couldn’t calm her. I thought, well I’ll give it a try. Granny put her in my hooves and I held her close, sang her the lullaby Mama sang to me. She calmed right down. Don’t know why. To this day I can calm her down just by singing to her. Right then, right there I promised I’d start bein’ a better pony. That I’d be the mother she’d never have. I’ve tried to keep that promise. I don’t know if I have. Do you think I’m a good pony, Twi?”
“Yes.”
Applejack nestled closer to her side. “I know I ain’t bein’ fair to nopony. I know everypony just wants to help. I just…I…I don’t know what to do. Seein’ Daddy again. It just made me so confused. I don’t know what to feel. What to think.”
“That’s alright.” Twilight assured her.
“Could you hold me, Sugarcube?”
Twilight wrapped her hooves around Applejack. Applejack buried her muzzle into her fur and began to cry. Twilight stroked her mane while she wept. Eventually Applejack’s cries died off. Twilight still held her close. Applejack held her back and they stayed that way for a while.
“Twilight?”
“Hm?”
“You’re a good friend.”
“You are too.”
“I’m sorry I tried to kick ya. I have a feelin’ I’m gonna be sayin’ that a lot today.”
She reluctantly left the warm confines of Twilight’s embrace and both mares stood.
“Feeling better?” Twilight asked her.
“I do actually. But I do need to talk to the Ancestors in private. Just for a bit.”
“Alright, I understand.”
They shared one last hug before Twilight left.
…
Applejack woke up surrounded by stone and the stern visage of long-passed relatives. She wasn’t sure when she’d fallen asleep, but she didn’t feel drunk anymore. A whiskey bottle was beside her and there was a snoring violet unicorn at the very opening of the chamber, far out of hearing range.
'Of course. Respectin’ my privacy, but too much of a busybody to leave altogether. Dang it I should be mad, but you’re a good friend Sugarcube.'
The fading sunlight told her that it was late in the evening. She picked up the bottle, poured out the last drops as an offering and then nudged Twilight awake. They walked away from the consecrated land.
“I’m sorry. I know I should have left, but I was still worried about you.”
“That’s alright, Twi. Any good friend would have been. I need to visit some of our friends.”
“I’ll see you around. And if you need me-”
“Don’t worry. I really am better now.”
Twilight nodded, though Applejack could see she still had some doubts.
The first pony Applejack went to see was Rarity. She was sitting at the counter looking bored. Upon hearing the door open she bounced up.
“Welcome to Carousel Boutique-oh, hello Darling. How are you feeling?”
“Better than I was.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” She said, smiling.
“I have a feeling I might have said a few things I didn’t mean. I don’t remember what with bein’ too drunk to stand and all, but I should still apologize.”
Rarity dismissively waved a hoof. “I understand. You were under a lot of stress. Besides, we all know you’ve forgiven me more times than I deserve.”
“So, are we good?”
“Of course.” Rarity said, giving her a gentle nuzzle. Applejack nuzzled back. After sharing some tea with her Applejack went in search of Rainbow Dash. She found her lounging on a low flying cloud.
“Hey, RD! I wanna talk to ya.”
Dash rolled over. “Oh, now you wanna talk. I see how it is, AJ! I’m not your personal doll! You can’t just put me on a shelf and ignore me!”
“Oh, c’mon don’t be like that. I want to apologize.”
Dash flew down and landed in front of the apple farmer. “Fine. Talk.”
“First off, I was drinking since noon. I don’t rightly know how I’m even standin’ up right now. I have no idea what I might have said.”
“You cancelled our race and then you called me a stupid featherhead.”
“Aw, RD, you know I didn’t mean it.”
She pouted. “It still hurt. You know, you’re one of my best friends. You’re one of the few that can actually keep up with me. I know we have this little rivalry, but I thought you respected me.”
“I do respect you. I just got angry so I lashed out. I didn’t mean it. I just hope you can forgive me.” Applejack nervously scuffed a hoof on the ground. “Please, RD.” She felt tears come to her eyes.
“Oh, c’mon don’t cry about it.” Dash said, throwing her hooves around her neck. Applejack hugged her back.
“Does this mean you’ll forgive me?”
“On one condition.”
“Name it.”
“Can we have a race? I haven’t raced with you in forever and I’ve really missed it.”
“Right now?”
“Yes, right now!”
Applejack chuckled. “Sure.”
Dash separated from her. “I’ll race you to that tree!” She took off.
Applejack chuckled again and took off after her. Tomorrow, she’d have to talk to her father. There was no avoiding it. She couldn’t let that remain unresolved. But for now, she’d race with her friend and try to forget her troubles.
Twilight loved the early morning hours when the world was young and still and the sun’s gentle beams colored the sky a rosy pink. It was, unfortunately, rare that she ever got to see those hours. Normally, she fell asleep late with her nose in a book and was awoken by Spike’s cooking at around nine.
Today however she had woken up a few minutes before sunrise. She had been practicing magic the day before and been so exhausted that Spike had had to tuck her in at around ten. While certainly a role reversal Twilight was pleased by the caring concern of her dragon assistant/brother/surrogate son and would give him three extra bits for his allowance. She yawned and left the confines of her bed. Opening a window, she gazed out at the still-sleeping world.
A few stars were in the sky, but the sky was even now growing light with the first hints of dawn. Twilight watched the sky as the stars faded and the moon set, making way for the golden light of the sun. Deciding to leave Spike in bed she made way for the kitchen and put on a pot of tea. Using her magic she got a book down from the shelf and sat down at the table.
Just as she got caught up in The Decline and Fall of Unicornia, a book chronicling the last rulers of the ill-fated, pre-Equestrian Unicorn Empire which Princess Platinum had tried to rebuild in Equestria, the kettle whistled. Laying down the book she trotted to the kitchen and poured herself a cup. She sat back down, sipped the rich chamomile and returned to her book. Princess Rarity had just led an army to crush the Reekaite Heretics when she heard a knock on her door. That was more than unusual. Nopony ever visited her this early. She sat down the book and tea, then walked to the door. To her pleasant surprise it was Applejack that greeted her.
“Good morning, Applejack. It’s a bit early.” Twilight commented as she yawned.
Applejack laughed. “This is mid-morning if you work on a farm.”
Twilight stifled another yawn. “Well, it’s nice to see you. Is this a social call or a crisis?”
“Bit of both.” Applejack said as she walked into the library. “You remember I told you about my dad coming back?”
“Yes.”
It had been two days since Twilight had comforted Applejack back at the cairns. She trotted into the kitchen and poured Applejack a pot of tea which she gratefully accepted.
“I’ve decided to pay him a visit. He’s been stayin’ at a hotel. He told me to visit him when I was ready. I think I’m ready.”
“That’s great news.” Twilight said, laying a hoof on Applejack’s.
“And I want you to come with me.”
“Me? Why?”
“Lots o’reasons. You got a good, solid head on your shoulders for one.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow at that.
“I mean when Celestia ain’t involved. Don’t know why you’re so scared of her. She seems nice and I know she’s sweet on you.”
Twilight’s eyes widened and she blushed crimson. “What? What did she say?”
“She doesn’t need to. You’re special to her.”
“I’d like to think so.” Twilight said, sipping her tea. “I just wish I could know if she sees me as more than another student.”
“I reckon she does. By the way, how strong is your magic? I mean raw force.”
Twilight set her tea down. “I prefer using magic in subtle ways. I do not like losing control and the more raw force you put in the more you risk loss of control.”
“I mean, how much could you carry or restrain?”
“Up to six-hundred pounds by my last calculation. Why?”
“Could you restrain a homicidal, one-hundred and forty-five pound Earth Pony mare on a rampage?”
Twilight drank deeply from her drink and even more deeply considered the question.
“How much do you weigh?”
“About one-hundred and forty-five pounds.”
“Is there a reason that you’re wondering if I could use my magic to restrain you?”
“Last time me and my father spoke it ended with me tryin’ to punch him. He makes me lose control. It’s like he knows the exact wrong thing to say to me. I might lose it, Twi. That’s why I want you with me.”
“Alright. For you, I’ll do it.” Twilight told her.
“Thanks, Twi.” Applejack said, nuzzling her.
“So, did you and your father always have a bad relationship?” Twilight asked.
“No. If we had him leavin’ wouldn’t have hurt so much. The truth is…” She sighed and sipped the tea. Her stomach growled. “You got an orange ‘round here?”
Twilight went and fetched two from the kitchen, one for Applejack and one for herself. She peeled both with her magic and then returned with the fruit. “I’d assume you would want an apple.” She said as she sat back down.
“Sugarcube I love apples, but sometimes I want something different. Besides I'm half-Orange. Pa was an Orange 'fore he married into the Apples. ” She said as she bit into the sweet fruit. “As I was sayin’, me and Pa used to have a good relationship though we were never as close as me and Ma. He used to play with me, take me fishin.’ He spent an entire summer teachin’ me how to buck a tree. Don’t laugh, but I wasn’t very good at it at first. Then Mama died and he left. I didn’t have nopony left. Of course I had Big Mac and Granny, but it just wasn’t the same. Big Mac was never the same after he left. He used to talk more.”
“Have you ever thought about why he left?”
“It don’t matter why, but I do want to, maybe, try to repair our relationship.” Applejack answered her as she finished off the orange. “You don’t got nothin’ planned today do ya? I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“No, nothing that I can’t do later.”
“Good. I don’t want to put this off any longer.”
“I understand. I’ll leave a note for Spike. He worries if I go anywhere without telling him."
… The two friends walked side-by side through town. The town was just now waking up. Merchants were setting up their stalls. Ponies wandered through the streets on their way to work or to grab a quick breakfast. A certain white unicorn stood outside her dress shop and changed the sign on the door to open. She waved as Twilight and Applejack walked by. They waved back, then continued on their way. Twilight could see the tension in Applejack’s muscles, the tightness in her back and powerful hamstrings. She placed a hoof on Applejack’s back.
“Are you going to be alright?”
“That’s why I have you here.”
“I’d rather not have to restrain you from killing your father. Maybe you can do some breathing exercises?”
“Don’t know any.”
“You could learn. Just breathe and focus.” Applejack closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. It didn’t make her feel better.
“I can’t focus. Sorry, Sugarcube. Maybe you can show me some of that stuff later.”
“I have several books on the subject.”
Twilight prattled on about the various schools of meditation. Applejack tried to listen, but it coalesced into an ocean of white noise. All she could think about was what she would say to him. The hotel where her father lived came into view. She stopped.
“Hey. You can do this, Applejack. I’m here for you.” Twilight assured her.
Applejack nodded and they walked to the front desk.
“Can I help you?” Asked the bored looking orange pegasus at the desk.
“Yeah. Which room is Apple Runner staying in?”
The clerk spent several seconds checking her records. “He’s in Room 307.”
“Thank ye kindly.”
They walked up the stairs leading to the room. Applejack counted the room numbers as they walked by.
303.
'I wonder if he’s even here?'
304.
'Do I really want to see him again?' '305.'
'Why am I even here? I oughta tell Twilight we’re goin’ back. We can go to Sugarcube Corner for breakfast. No, I can’t do that. He’s kin.'
'306.' 'He stopped being kin when he turned his back on you.'
Applejack stood before the door. All she had to do was lift her hoof and knock on it. It seemed simple enough. Twilight placed a hoof on her shoulder like she’d done before. As if she were trying to soothe a potentially dangerous animal.
“Applejack, you don’t have to do this.”
“Yeah. I do.”
She lifted her hoof and knocked. A few seconds passed and they heard shuffling from inside the room. A groggy looking Earth Pony opened the door.
“Applejack?’ He asked, immediately becoming alert.
“Hi, Pa.”
“Runny, who is it?” A female voice asked.
“Nopony, go back to bed.” Runner chuckled nervously, closing the door as he hurriedly cantered out. Applejack glared at him.
“Runny?”
“I’m a grown stallion, Jackie.”
“Jackie?” Twilight wondered.
“Don’t call me that. I know it’s early, but I came here to say that I’m sorry I tried to hit you.”
He shrugged. “No big deal. You’re hardly the first mare to try.”
“And I would like to try to rebuild a relationship with you.”
“That’s great.” He leaned forward to nuzzle her. She stepped back.
“I really don’t think I’m ready for that.”
He sighed. “I’m sorry. Do you have any idea how much I regretted leaving you?”
“Ten years. It’s been ten, long years. What made you even come back?”
“One of my best friends just had a foal. A daughter. Orange coat, just like you. I guess I got to thinking about things.”
Applejack’s expression softened. “I reckon we’ve all done things we regret.”
“By the way, who’s your cute friend here?”
“Oh, I’m Twilight. She just wanted me to be here.”
“Y’all had breakfast yet?”
“Not a particularly big one.” Twilight said.
“I know that old pancake place is still open. Why don’t we go there?”
“That sounds nice.” Applejack responded.
They left the hotel and walked out on the street.
“So, what have you been up to, Pa?” She asked.
“Oh, I’ve been travellin’ around Equestria. Never stayin’ anywhere for too long.” He answered as they strode through the market. “How about you?”
“I went to Manehattan soon after…you know.”
“Oh? What was that like?”
“Didn’t too much care for city life. The farm’s where I’m meant to be.”
“Tell ya the truth, I never cared much for farm life. I would have moved earlier. But then I met your ma. The rest, as they say, is history.”
Applejack fell into a sullen silence till they reached the pancake shop. The three took a seat. A brown Earth Pony took their orders and returned a few minutes later with their pancakes.
“So, you only stayed around on the farm cause of her?” Applejack finally asked.
“Pretty much. My own pa and ma weren’t very supportive of us. I grew up in Phillydelphia, ya know. My family was rich businessponies. I met your ma when she came to our town on a delivery. My parents didn’t like us gettin’ together so we ran away. Then after she died…” He trailed off. “There wasn’t any reason for me to stay.”
Applejack visibly twitched before she felt soft bands of magic shackle her hooves.
“You asked me to.” Mouthed Twilight when Applejack glared at her.
“What about me, Pa? What about Big Mac and Applebloom? Weren’t we reason enough to stay?”
“My head was all messed up after her death. I wasn’t thinkin’ straight.”
“I understand. I wasn’t either. But ten years is an awful long time.” She shook her head. “No. No, I’m tryin’ to move past that. Twi, would you please?”
Her horn lit and the bands disappeared.
“It is a long time and I owe you an explanation. You see, I went back home and my pa, well, he offered me a substantial amount of money to stay away from y’all.”
Applejack’s voice got dangerously low. “Are you tellin’ me that the reason I haven’t seen hide nor hair of my own father for ten years, the reason Big Mac’s the way he is, the reason Applebloom grew up without a father is cause you were PAID to stay away from YOUR OWN DAMNED FAMILY-TWI, I SWEAR TO GODS, LET ME GO, I NEED TO KILL HIM!”
Strands of mystic energy coursed along her body, holding her in place.
“Applejack, that’s not the reason!” Runner said, defensively holding up his hooves.
“Then what was? What was the reason you left us? Please tell me it wasn’t for money!”
“It wasn’t. Not entirely.”
“C’mon, Twi. I know I asked you to, but I changed my mind.”
“Sorry. Friend’s don’t let friends commit murder.”
“I did take the money. I sent half of it to Granny Smith.”
“I see. That must have been the last bit of money you ever sent us.”
“It was. I took the rest and started travelling around.”
“Travelling around. While I was stuck on the farm, scrounging out a living for my siblings.”
“I know what I did was wrong, Jackie.”
“I TOLD you not to call me that. Twilight, I promise I won’t kill him. Element of Honesty's honor.”
Twilight let the strands vanish, freeing Applejack.
“When you were gallavantin’ around the world did you ever think about us?”
“All the time.” He reached out a hoof and placed it to her cheek. She didn’t move away. “I never forgot about you.”
“Yeah. Sure.”
“I mean it.”
“So, I guess you’re movin’ back to town?”
“Well, no. I’m movin’ to Canterlot to open my own business.”
“I see. At least talk to Big Mac and Applebloom.”
“I will. Promise. And I’ll visit you.”
“It isn’t right.” Applejack muttered.
“Jackie? Something you got to say?”
“I’m grown and Big Mac’s grown. But Applebloom’s still a filly. And she’s growin’ up. She could use a dad.”
“I’m sure you and Big Mac-”
“She’s your foal, Pa. Don’t fuck this one chance up. Be in her life. Be a stallion for once.”
“She’s gotten along in her whole life without me.”
“She obsesses over gettin’ her cutie mark, her identity, her sense of self. Why do you think that might be? I ain’t no scholar like my friend here, but why do you think she might have such an obsession with knowin’ who she is? Might have somethin’ to do with havin’ never known her father.”
“She might be on to something, Sir. I’ve read that fatherless foals do tend to have identity problems. Many even go into ultra-nationalist political parties like Tribal Supremacy Movements or Haytlerism because it gives them a sense of identity.” Twilight said.
“Ya don’t say? I got into Earth Pony Supremacy for a while. Mainly cause I was pissed at Rarity after she dumped me.”
“You and Rarity used to date?”
“We’re getting’ off topic. I don’t want Applebloom getting’ into any nonsense like I did. More than that she has a right to know her father.”
“I’ll visit her. I do want to get to know her.”
“Damned straight you’ll visit her. I will drag your ass over to visit her if I have to.”
“You won’t have to. I do want to see here. I don’t know if Granny Smith will like it though.”
“Let me deal with her.” Applejack said.
“I will visit her, Jackie.”
“I just wish you’d do more. That you’d move back with us. That maybe we could be a family again. That you’d actually be a father to Applebloom. Is that too much to ask?”
He didn’t respond, suddenly finding an interest in his pancakes.
“I guess it is, huh?”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Whatever. Let’s go, Twi.” She stood and cantered away. Twilight stood and followed her. She found Applejack slumped against the wall of the pancake house. Twilight sat next to her.
“I’m pathetic, ain’t I Sugarcube? Why do I keep fallin’ apart like this?”
“Because this kind of situation is bound to bring up negative feelings especially with how much you value family. Tell me, how do you feel about your father?”
“I think he’s a cowardly, yeller-bellied traitor who turned his back on his kin and oughta be tarred-and-feathered and kicked outa town. And…” She covered her face. “I love him. Damn it. He’s my father. Of course I love him. I just wish he’d act like a father.”
Applejack trotted through town till she reached the library. Her quarry was nowhere in sight. Nopony had seen her for a week. She had asked over town. She hadn't been spotted at Sugarcube Corner, Rarity didn't know her whereabouts, Dash hadn't seen her and she hadn't visited Fluttershy.
Something was very wrong. Twilight had told her she was going to be working on an experiment. Something about thaumaturgical something-or-other. Applejack knew very little about unicorn magic so she didn't know what that was. You'd think that she would know something having been friends with Rarity for years, but her other unicorn friend knew only the basics of magic. Twilight was known for getting caught up in her experiments, but usually she at least took a morning walk around town. That nopony had seen her was very alarming.
Of course, her other friends had tried to see the unicorn. They all reported Spike coming to the door with a bleary-eyed look and telling them Twilight wasn't accepting visitors. Dash had told Applejack that she'd tried to drag Twilight to a rodeo, but Twilight had refused. According to Dash her mane was a mess and her right eye and left ear was twitching. Applejack knew that when Twilight's ears were twitching it meant trouble. So she stood at the door to the library and firmly knocked.
"Twi! I know yer in their and I ain't gonna take no for an answer!"
There was no response. Applejack sighed and tried to open the library door which was locked. "Sugarcube, don't make me buck this door down!"
There was a scurrying of claws over wood and an exhausted-looking purple dragon came to the door. He forced a smile.
"Hey AJ. 'Sup?"
Then he collapsed. Applejack caught him and cradled the young reptile in her forehooves.
"You okay there, Sugarcube?"
Spike got out of Applejack's hooves. "Me? I'm good. It's all good."
The smile on his lips was painfully forced.
"What in tarnation is goin' on here?"
"Nothing. Nothing's going on. Why would anything be going on?"
The Element of Honesty stared at the young dragon.
"Where's Twilight?"
Spike produced a handkerchief and patted his forehead. "Twilight had to go...do a thing....at a place..."
Applejack raised an eyebrow. "You know honesty's the best policy, right?"
The baby dragon's lower lip trembled.
"What's Twilight gone and done now?"
Tears filled his eyes. Guilt hit Applejack, but she kept her iron stare fixed on the dragon. Then she sighed and nuzzled him. Spike leaned into her.
"I'm Twi's friend, Spike. I just want to help her if she's got herself in trouble. We don't want another Smarty Pants incident do we?"
Spike vigorously shook his head.
"Spike? Who is it?" A worn sounding voice asked. Twilight dragged herself into the room. Her mane was a tangled disaster that would have made Rarity faint. Even Applejack was a little disturbed. Her eyes were bloodshot and her coat was dull.
"Twilight? What in the world?"
"Twilight, get back to bed!" Spike shouted running to his caretaker whom he was apparently taking care of. "You've already made yourself sick!"
"I'm not sick." Twilight protested as she swayed. She sat down. "Good morning, Applejack."
"It's five in the afternoon."
"Oh is it? I'm sorry. I'm a little tired."
Applejack walked over and sat beside Twilight. "Twilight? Is there something goin' on I should know about?"
"It's nothing. Really."
"Then why don't we go on down to Sugarcube Corner?"
"I can't."
"Why not? Pinkie would love to see you."
"The experiment. I need to keep working on the experiment. I've almost made a breakthrough." Her eye twitched.
"Um, tell me about this here experiment."
"It will fundamentally alter how we view magic. How we view our world."
"Yes, but what is it? Remember, I'm just a farmer."
"Where does magic come from? What is it?"
Applejack blinked. "I don't rightly know. I guess unicorn magic is in y'all's horns. Pegasii magic is in their wings. And our magic is in our bodies. Right?"
"That is the traditional view. But what about wild magic? The Everfree Forest, Discord, minotaurs. They all have magic."
"I ain't followin ya, Sugarcube."
Spike made significant circular motions around his ear with his claw.
"I'm not crazy. Magic is in LIGHT. That's why the strongest magic users in our world are connected to orbs of light." She rose. "I'm not crazy! Magic is one of the properties of light! Not blood, not wings, not horns, not some mythical component of DNA nopony's ever seen! It's in LIGHT! Imagine if ponykind could harness it! Imagine the things we could do! Bridges of light connecting entire continents! New healing properties of solar and lunar energy! So many things we could do with light!"
Applejack didn't know enough about science or magic to object, but something about what she said made sense. "I know sunlight helps the plants grow."
"If ponykind could harness light itself...we would be as gods."
"...Right."
"And Celestia would be so proud of me!"
"She already is." Applejack said, putting a (she hoped) comforting hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "This actually does sound interesting."
"But she'd be even more proud! She might even elevate me to her right hoof, Court Adviser or Regent even!"
"You can always hope." Applejack said, smiling. "When was the last time you slept?"
"She stayed up for four days straight, passed out three days ago, just woke up." Spike helpfully explained.
"AND YOU DIDN'T THINK ABOUT TAKING HER TO THE DARNED HOSPITAL?!" Applejack demanded.
"I'm too small to carry her."
"You could have gotten one of us." Applejack scolded.
Spike pawed at the floor. "She looked so peaceful. Besides, it's not like she hasn't done this before."
"Well, whatever, because I feel great now!"Twilight said, hopping in place. "Back to the experiment!"
She turned to go, then felt teeth on her tail. She turned.
"Um, Applejack? Could you let me go?"
Applejack spat out her tail. "Girl, when was the last time you took a shower?"
Twilight blushed and her ears folded back. "I don't remember."
"Look, my granny always told me that doin' somethin' without takin' at least occasional breaks is a good way to mess things up."
"But I just took a nap."
"A three-day nap. I think you need to go do somethin' else then come back when you're mind is fresh."
Twilight thought about it. "Well, the last time I studied something for four days without stopping I did end up making a B- on a quiz. You might be onto something."
"Besides, ain't you hungry?"
As if on cue, Twilight's stomach growled. Applejack chuckled. "You sit down. I'll make you some soup."
Twilight sat on the couch. "Can you make me tomato? I'm sure we have them. It's what my mom made me anytime I was sick."
"Awww. You never talk about your mom." Applejack said.
"Really? That's strange."
Applejack went to the kitchen and found the tomatoes. She chopped them up and soon she had some soup on. Twilight trotted in and sat at the table. Applejack poured two bowls and sat down, giving one bowl to Twilight. Twilight practically devoured hers while Applejack sipped her own.
"I think I miscalculated. Made a mistake with the equations." Twilight said. "I've been redoing them in my head. Something feels off."
"You don't say."
"If light had as much thaumaturgic-magical-energy as what I'm thinking apples would be as big as houses. Maybe it's more like magic is a fundamental property of nature. I think that's what I was originally going for. I can barely remember my actual hypothesis."
"I'm sure you wrote it down somewhere."
Twilight levitated a manebrush and began running it through her hair. "Thanks for the soup, by the way."
"Anytime."
"By the way, how's your dad?"
"Eh. He did see Applebloom. Maybe there's hope yet. Big Mac won't talk to him."
"Who will he talk to?"
"Good point. Say, Twi you ever been grazing?"
"No. I know some ponies do, but I've never done it."
"It's peaceful. Relaxing. When things get too be to much for me I like finding a rolling valley and getting back to my ancient roots. I'm thinkin' about doin' it tomorrow. Would you like to come? Maybe it'll help you clear your head."
"I might try it."
... The next day they met on the Plains of Epona. Twilight smiled as she trotted up. There was a spring in her step and her mane and tail were looking more straightened.
"I made a breakthrough! I made a breakthrough!" Twilight exclaimed as she hopped around her friend.
"I'm glad to hear it." Applejack said, nuzzling her.
"All I had to do was carry the one." Twilight looked out at the vast ocean of grass surrounding them. "So, what do we do?"
Applejack pressed her muzzle into the earth.
"Don't talk. Just feel the land around you."
She nibbled on the grass. Twilight leaned down. The scent of clover and wild grasses surrounded her. She took a tentative nibble. She realized what she was eating was lemongrass. The flavors of the sweet and bitter plants danced along her tongue. She decided she liked it. Minutes passed by slowly as the two grazed upon the land. The constant storm that was Twilight's head began to still as she focused on the grass. There was sweetgrass and lemongrass, clover and even a few dandelions. She moved to where the dandelions were and began to nibble their golden heads. Applejack followed her. Twilight let her eat some of the dandelions.
Applejack began to nibble at her coat which Twilight realized she had neglected to brush. Applejack continued to nibble at Twilight's coat, straightening stray hairs. Every now and then she would lick Twilight's fur. Twilight nearly drew back, but stopped. Strange, primal instincts began to surface. Long before all of civilization's notions of proper and improper. As Applejack licked and brushed Twilight's coat, Twilight turned and began to return the favor. For a long time-minutes, hours? Time had no meaning-they slowly groomed each other. Finally they drew apart. Twilight felt something flicker in her horn. Some sense of connection. Their eyes met.
Applejack blushed. "It just, um, felt right?" She offered.
"It felt right to me too." Twilight said. "So, uh, want to go see what Rainbow Dash is up to?"
It was a rare, but precious, occurrence that Applejack got a day off. True, she loved her home, loved her farm and family. Working the land her family had held for generations was not just a duty it was a joy. But there was no denying that it was a lot of hard work. There had been many times when she had spent hours harvesting apples, carrying buckets filled with the fruit and then returning to harvest yet more trees. Those moments left her exhausted and there were times she nearly crawled back to the barn. When she'd been younger Big Mac had had to carry her home on his back when she got tired out. Sometimes, more often than she'd admit, that still happened. Big Mac got tired too, but when he took a nap in the fields everypony just had to wait for him to wake up.
Twilight was also a very busy pony. She did receive an allowance from Celestia, but that was only in exchange for Twilight's position as a researcher. Every month Twilight had to produce an article to send to various government departments. Last month had been a study of light magic that was sent to the Equestrian Scientific Research Committee. This month she had just published a study on parasprites. She was still sending preliminary reports on the magic of friendship. Also, she was taking classes by letter with Celestia. Every three months she had a test. She enjoyed every bit of this and could write a full report in a matter of days, sometimes hours if fueled with coffee. She soaked up the praise from her mentor when she passed a test, drinking it in like it was the water of life.
Nonetheless, every pony has limits and Twilight had met her limit after sending in an extensive research paper on the mating habits of swans requested by the Department of Wildlife. She had also gotten in her report card and was in a happy, Celestia's-praise induced state of relaxed bliss. Applejack had finished up the harvest and had some time to herself. Like Twilight, she was happy and content. Seeing the fruits of her long labor tended to do that to her.
So, with nothing else to do she headed over to Twilight's. Twilight was sitting at her desk engrossed in a book. She looked up when Applejack walked in.
"Hi, Applejack!" She greeted, hopping up.
"Hi, Sugarcube. What you up to?"
"Nothing much. I'm reading this great book, Dam Bovary about this mare in 19th century Prance. It really is an excellent study of Realism."
"Oh, what's it about?"
"If I told you it'd spoil the story. You'll just have to check it out yourself."
Applejack chuckled. "Trying to get me to read fancy books again?"
Twilight shrugged. "I got Dash into Daring Do. She still want get near any book that's older than she is."
"That's Dash for ya. She might come around. I might too."
"Come to think of it where is Dash?" Twilight asked. "I haven't seen her all day."
"She's in Cloudsdale visiting some old friends of hers. So, I got nothing to do since I'm done with the harvest. You done had lunch?"
"Yeah I'm full. Haven't had dessert yet though."
"Wanna go get some ice cream?"
"Sure. Oh, that's right!" Her horn glowed and she floated over her report card and her saddle. She slipped on the saddle bag and put her report card in it. "That's what I was meaning to do."
"Um, okay. Let's go then."
They trotted out the door together. It was a beautiful day. The noontime sun was shining in the clear, blue sky. A gentle breeze whistled through the trees and the birds were happily chirping. They passed by Rarity's boutique. Applejack invited the unicorn to come with them, but she had several dress orders to fill. Leaving the boutique, they continued on their way to the ice cream store. Applejack whistled to herself and Twilight joined in. It was a tune Applejack had made up on the spot. Twilight got the tune of it and soon she was whistling it too. They continued for a while till they got to the ice cream store. Twilight happily hopped inside and Applejack followed her.
"You're awful happy about getting ice cream, Sugarcube."
"I'm going to get a free scoop."
"How come?"
There was no line and Twilight bounded up to the counter. Applejack followed after her. The bored, tan Earth Pony colt working there stared at the two.
"Welcome to Dairy Princess, what can I get you?" He asked in the voice of a weary retail worker too used to his job.
Twilight used her magic to pull out her report card. "According to that advertisement there if somepony comes in with an A on their report card they get a free ice cream. So can I have a chocolate oat-"
"Um, Ma'am." The colt interrupted her. "That doesn't apply to you."
Twilight pouted. "Is it...is it because I made an A- in Thaumaturgical Biochemistry? Because I worked really hard on it even though it's always been my worst subject and the advertisement said an A not all A's."
"No, it's a good report card. What are you, a college student?" The observant colt asked. "Cause you don't look like a highschooler."
"Yes, I'm getting my PhD."
"Look, you have to be a colt or a filly to get that deal."
Twilight looked at the advertisement. She trotted over and carefully examined it. Then she placed her hoof on it and read out loud. Then she went over it again just to make sure. Applejack watched, not sure whether to laugh or intervene.
"I've read it very carefully, Sir. I even read the fine print. It doesn't specify what grade you have to be in for the deal to be valid."
"There's a picture of a happy filly on it holding her report card?"
"Irrelevant. Pictures have not been valid in contracts since the widespread development of literacy in the Late Grazing Era."
"It's not a contract."
"Yes, but it is an agreement. Advertisements are considered contracts for purposes of Equestrian tort law. I could probably sue your establishment for breach of contract."
The colt gaped. "You'd seriously sue us over an ice cream cone?"
"I worked my rear end off for those grades!"
"Your rear end still looks attached to me."
Her eyes narrowed. Applejack had spent enough time around Dash to know what that expression meant. She put a calming hoof on Twilight's back. "Look, can't you just give her the danged ice cream cone? She's right. The advertisement don't say nothing about the offer only applying to colts and fillies."
"I can't. I'll get in trouble with my manager."
Twilight sniffled. "I worked really, really hard. I just want an ice cream."
"Aw, look you done made her cry."
"I-i'm not crying! *Sniffle.*" She wiped her eyes with a hoof. "But I worked really hard and I just wanted an ice cream to reward myself. Is that too much to ask?"
"Ma'am please..." He lowered his voice. "My manager's an asshole. Don't pull that crying filly act and force me to give you ice cream."
She looked right at him with wide, pleading eyes.
"Damned protective stallion instincts. I'll go get my manager." He walked away, cursing nature itself and those beautiful purple eyes he'd be seeing in his dreams tonight.
"Twilight, you know I have enough money to buy ice cream for both of us."
"So do I. It's the principle of the thing."
"I can understand that."
A few moments later the colt came back with his manager, a big, burly, red mare. She stared at Twilight.
"How old are ya?" She asked in a thick Manehattan accent.
"Twenty-two."
"And youse is still in school? What are ya, a retard?"
"What did you just call my friend?!" Applejack demanded, stomping a hoof.
"I said is she retarded?"
"She most certainly ain't! She's the princess's personal student!"
"Applejack! You know I don't like to boast!"
"That ain't boastin', it's the truth. And if she wants a gosh-darned free ice cream for the grades she earned and YOUR sign promised her she DANGED WELL deserves a free gosh-darned ice cream!"
"What are you, one of them thespians? She your marefriend?"
"It's lesbian and what's it to ya?"
"Could I just have my free ice cream please?" Twilight asked.
"Fine." She growled and muttered 'retards' under her breath.
The colt apologetically scooped up two ice cream cones, chocolate oat swirl for Twilight and strawberry for Applejack. They sat down at a booth.
"Why do I keep coming back here? Every time I do I get insulted." Applejack said, licking the strawberry ice cream. The flavor exploded on her tongue.
"Because they have the best ice cream in town?" Twilight offered, licking the chocolate oats. For a while the two friends sat together, letting the flavors dance along their tongues.
Her hooves pounded upon the bare earth, her legs were burning, her lungs begging for air. Beside her, her rainbow-maned eternal rival. For what felt like an eternity, but was probably only an hour, they had been racing over the hills. The hills around Sweet Apple Acres ranged from gentle slopes to high, nearly mountain-like obstacles. Dash's wings were bound so that she couldn't use her natural advantage. To handicap herself and make things even more fair Applejack had filled her saddlebags with rocks. If she was going to win it would be on her own merits. The sweat stung her eyes, but she kept on racing. They chased each other down the hill, then up another one. Their goal was the lake. It was several hundred feet away. They came down the last hill and barreled into the apple orchard. Dash was so focused on her goal she didn't even see the rock which she tripped over.
"Dash!" Applejack shouted. The pegasus was sent sprawling into the water. Applejack ran to check up on her. Dash dragged herself from the lake, her hair dripping and wet. She sputtered and spat out some water. Then she gave Applejack a cheeky grin.
"I won!"
"Oh of all the-you danged fool pegasus! You oughta watch where you're goin'!" She extended her hoof. Dash took it and Applejack lifted her from the water.
"What are you my mom?"
"You could've been hurt. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Could you untie me?"
"Sure." She walked around and freed the pegasus' wings. Dash flared them outward and gave them a few shakes.
"So, you wanna go get a hayburger in town?" Applejack asked.
"Sounds good. I am STARVING after beating you at everything."
"I won the rock toss, the game of horse shoes and the javelin throw. Where'd you even find javelins?" Applejack asked.
"I bought them when we were in the Crystal Empire." Dash answered. She flew into the air. "It's too bad you don't have wings. Maybe we could get Twilight to cast that spell she cast on Rarity on you. We could have a flight race!"
"This pony likes her hooves on the ground. Besides, you'd have the advantage." She shook off her saddlebags then poured the rocks out of them. They started walking towards town. It was afternoon and the market was in full swing. Dash and Applejack made their way past the pushy vendors to the Hay King. Applejack hadn't been too interested in the idea of a fast food joint, but Dash had convinced her. Now she couldn't get enough. The friendly rivals sat down in the chairs.
"Oh, hi girls!" A cheerful voice announced. Twilight was sitting at a table near their own.
"Oh, howdy Twilight!"
"Hey Twilight! Come and join us." Dash said.
Twilight took her burger and coke in her magic and sat down.
"So, what have you been up to?" Dash asked.
"Oh, I've been studying up on thaumaturgy."
"What?"
"Thaumaturgy. The use of pure energy in magic. It's considered the most difficult kind of magic because it doesn't use any magical mediators."
"Uh-huh. So, did you finish the last Daring Do book? It was AWESOME!"
"It was." Twilight agreed. "I'm so glad Yearling brought back Inky Night."
"I loved the scene where they fought all those ninjas."
"That was a good part."
The waiter came up and Applejack and Dash ordered.
"So, I'm thinking of one more contest to top off the day." Applejack suggested.
"What?" Dash asked.
"Drinking contest. You, me, tonight at the Randy Stallion."
"Oh, yeah." Dash grinned. "My favorite bar."
Twilight blinked in confusion. "A drinking contest? What's that?"
They stared at Twilight.
"You seriously don't know what a drinking contest is?" Dash asked.
"I was really sheltered and I was only of legal age last year. So, I can gather that it's a contest involving alcohol. What are the rules?"
"Whoever passes out last wins." Applejack explained. "Come to think of it I ain't never seen you at the Randy Stallion."
"Oh, no. I prefer drinking alone. Though it does get the library messy sometimes. I get wild when I drink and sometimes just pass out on the floor with books scattered everywhere."
Dash raised an eyebrow. "Wait one minute. So that time you invited us over to clean up your library after a 'crazy night of studying...?""
Twilight blushed. "I WAS studying and I thought vodka would relax me, but I'd never shot vodka before and things got a bit wild. No more vodka for me. Royal Edict."
Dash frowned. "But drinking's more fun with friends."
Twilight thought about this. "But I'm afraid of embarrassing myself."
"Look, Sugarcube, the whole point of the experience is having fun with friends who have all their barriers down. You might embarrass yourself, but you'll have friends to laugh about it with."
"Huh. It does sound like it could be nice. And I've never had any friendship lessons about drinking with friends. I bet Celestia would be interested in a letter like that."
"Er, ain't the kind of thing you write home about."
"But it sounds fascinating."
"Trust me on this one. Still, you oughta come with us tonight." Applejack said.
"I think I will."
... They met that night at the Randy Stallion, a dive at the edge of Ponyville. Twilight wrinkled her nose at the garbage strewn around it, the slightly-broken red-tinted windows and the thumping beat of the hard rock music. A group of brawny stallions and rough-looking mares were hanging around outside.
"It's part of the atmosphere, Egghead." Dash said, giving her a pat on the back. "It's really a nice place."
"If you say so." Twilight said. Apprehensive, but trusting her friends she followed them inside. Red light filtered through the window onto barstools and a pool table. Pinkie Pie was sitting at a table. She waved enthusiastically at Dash.
"Hi, Dashie! Hi Applejack! Hi Twilight!" She bounced over to them. "Ooh, I've never seen you here, Twilight!"
"I decided to come."
"Oooh. Try their candytini! I made it for them, it's REALLY good."
"Does it have vodka?"
"Coconut, gin, vermouth, rum, sugar, sugar, but no vodka!"
"I'll give it a try."
Pinkie went to greet another friend she saw. The trio went to the bar. Applejack and Twilight ordered two mugs. Twilight ordered the candytini. She sipped it and smacked her lips.
"Hey, this is good."
Applejack and Dash chugged their beer and ordered two more mugs.
Twilight continued sipping her drink. A happy feeling came over here. She drank some more, finished it and ordered a second. By the second glass she felt a general benevolence for all equinity. Applejack and Dash were on their third mug and neither were about to give in. Twilight's head was starting to swim and her hoof started tapping to the pounding music. She suddenly got the idea in her head that everypony would love to see her dance. She leaped from her seat and began to shake her rear and swing her limbs to the music. All of the stallions and some of the mares stared at her.
"Woo! Go Twilight!" Pinkie cried. She hopped over and began shaking her own pony posterior. They bumped their butts together a few times, then Twilight decided to take Pinkie in her hooves. They moved together, their bodies moved by the beat of the drum. They moved so close that their fur brushed together.
"Hey, that is MY filly!" Dash growled. She laid down her fourth mug, stood and swayed on her hooves. "Pinkie, I wantsta dansh with ya sweetflanks! Be my sweetflank!"
Pinkie giggled and let go of Twilight who continued to dance. Dash possessively took hold of Pinkie.
"Oh, Dashie!" Pinkie cooed, holding onto the pegasus.
The song turned to a slow dance. Dash and Pinkie pressed their lips together.
"Hey! What happened to our durned contesht?" Applejack slurred. She shook her head and nursed her sixth mug. "I won, by the way!"
"Oh, heccksh ya did!" Rainbow Dash said. "Sorry, Pinksh, I gotta put Apple Butt in her place."
"Come back soon. I'm gonna be dancin' all night!" Pinkie shouted. She continued to boogey on the dance floor. Twilight leapt back to the bar and ordered a beer. Dash ordered her fifth mug. Applejack ordered her sixth. They sipped the beer slowly. Both were getting tired, but neither was willing to stop. Twilight laid her head on the table.
"You and Pinkie are sooo cute together, Dashie." Twilight said.
"Don't call me, Dashie. Only Pinks calls me that."
"Dashie." Applejack teased.
"I wish I had somepony to love me!" Twilight whined. "Nopony loves me!"
She bursts into tears. Applejack and Dash patted her back.
"Oh, it ain't so bad, Sugarcube. You just gotta wait to find the right stallion. Or mare. I've been tryin' to get Caramel. That colt's a slippery one. He's fun to hang out with, but the word commitment makes him run in the opposite direction."
"There he is, over there." Dash pointed out, while continuing to stroke the distraught Twilight's mane. Sure enough, the brown stallion was sitting at a table nursing a mug of cider. "Go tell him ya love him!"
"I will. I am!" Applejack stood up and tried to march over to Caramel. Really, she sort of stumbled over.
"I'm-I'm gonna tell'er." Twilight said.
"Tell who what?" Dash asked.
"The princess! I gotta tell'er I love'er! I'm gonna do it!" She levitated a scroll and a feather from her saddlebag.
That was when the sound of retching alerted both of them. Applejack had poured the contents of her stomach at Caramel's hooves. Twilight and Dash rushed over to her and guided her to the bathroom. Caramel just gaped, open-mouthed.
"I'm fine now, really. I jusht got nervous, y'know." Applejack said when they got to the bathroom. "Oh, Celestia, how am I ever gonna face Caramel again?"
Twilight hugged her, then Dash wrapped her in her wings.
"Hey, you're an amazing mare." Dash said.
"Yeah, if a stallion's gonna judge ya for vomiting on them then...well...then that's there problem!" Twilight finished.
"You two are good friends! The besht!" Applejack declared. "Let's get back out there!"
They trotted from the bathroom. Pinkie bounded up to them.
"Hey, Dashie! There you are! They're playing our song!"
She dragged the pegasus back onto the dance floor.
Twilight and Applejack sat back down. Applejack patted Twilight's back.
"In all the years I've known her we ain't never finished a drinking contest. So, ya enjoyin' yerself?"
"Yeah, I'm glad I came."
"I am too. Glad you came. Coulda done without throwing up on Caramel."
"At least you tried to tell him. Unlike me. I need to tell her, but what if...what if she rejects me?"
"What if she doesn't?"
That's when Caramel walked up to her.
"You alright, Applejack?"
"Oh, yeah. I'm fine. Fine. Caramel I-"
"Would you like to dance with me?" Caramel held out a hoof.
Applejack smiled. "Sure would. Twi, think about what I said."
Twilight stood up. I'm gonna do it. Gonna tell her. In person.
Then she vanished in a flash of light.
... Celestia was in her chambers when her student appeared in a flash of light.
"Twilight?"
Twilight pressed her lips to hers. Celestia didn't know what was going on, but kissed back.
... It was mid-morning in Ponyville. A rainbow-maned pegasus flew out the window of the bakery. A sheepish looking apple farmer came out of Caramel's window, looked around and walked away. A royal chariot flew into town and a purple unicorn stepped out. The three met in the middle of the market and grinned at each other.
"Best night ever?" Dash asked.
"Best night ever." The other two agreed, hoof-bumping Dash.
It was past lunch in the Apple household. After Applejack, Apple Bloom and Granny Smith got through collecting the plates and putting them in the sink Big Mac set to washing them as it was his turn to do the dishes. Applejack stretched, a satisfied smile on her lips. She glanced over at a now empty chair and her smile vanished. Even the sweetness of Granny Smith's pie couldn't entirely do away with the bitterness warring with her generally kind nature. Her father had left before dessert was served. Something came up, a business meeting he had planned.
Applejack still hadn't gotten used to him visiting. He would try to make time to see them, something that Applejack gave him credit for. He would also try to make small talk with Applejack and she would more often than not grunt or ignore him. She didn't want to. She didn't mean to. She just didn't know what to say to him. As the sound of rushing water clinking onto plates filled the room, Applejack stalked outside. The endless rows of apple trees greeted her. The sky was mostly clear, though grey thunderclouds loomed ominously in the distance. The juicy, red fruit that was her family's livelihood swayed in the warm breeze. The lush, vibrant carpet of emerald grass wrapped around her hooves like an embrace. She closed her eyes as she went to stand over in the shade of a tree. She felt the energy of the land flowing through her hooves, the singing of the bones of her ancestors resting beneath her.
This was her home just as it was Apple Bloom's home and Granny Smith's home and Big Mac's home and once, long ago, it had been Runner's home. Applejack opened her eyes, gazed out at the tree-covered hills rising up before her and set to walking. She trotted through the dense orchard, apple branches rising over her in a wooden arch. Here the branches were so thick that light only rarely entered. Slants of sunlight danced on the patches of grass and fallen apple leaves. Finally, the farm pony stopped at one particular, ancient tree. She reached out a hoof and placed it to the massive, gnarled trunk. Roots ripped up from the earth, so big that she could stand atop them. Successive generations of apple farmers had bucked this tree until, one autumn, it had stopped giving fruit. The tree was dead, but nopony had the heart to cut it down. It was the mother of the entire orchard, the first tree planted on this land. As the tree had once given birth through its seeds to the entirety of the orchard it now sustained mushrooms that jutted out from its bark. It had been long before Applejack was born that it had given its last harvest.
The tree always reminded Applejack of her own mother. Patient. Ancient (to Applejack when she was a filly. Only now, as she approached her late twenties, did she realize how very young her mama had been). A stable presence there to guard and shelter her. When she closed her eyes and tried very hard to remember, she could recall her mama holding her in her lap and singing to her. Applejack hummed the lullaby to herself and suddenly felt two old forelegs wrap around her. Applejack leaned into Granny Smith's embrace.
"What's ailin' ya, Child?"
For a long time Applejack didn't speak, just enjoying the embrace of her grandmother. She was sure Granny Smith had a secondary special talent that involved knowing just when one of her grandchildren needed a hug. Usually Apple Bloom was the recipient, but sometimes her two older grandchildren needed it as well. There was a peal of thunder and the heavens opened up, rain pouring down upon the earth. The rain dripped from the branches. Applejack didn't mind. It was refreshing. She nuzzled Granny Smith and returned the hug. "Granny...if I can't forgive somepony, even after they've apologized, does it make me a bad pony?"
The question was childish. She winced when she realized how childish it sounded, like something Apple Bloom would say. This wasn't like her. The rain continued to fall around them, the droplets tapping on the grass, falling from their manes and tails. It took Granny Smith a while before she responded.
"It's about your pa, ain't it?"
"Yeah."
Granny Smith chewed her lip. "I've been strugglin' with that myself. He hurt us. He hurt us, real bad. But he's tryin'."
"Yeah. He's tryin'." Applejack looked out at the rain-drenched orchards. "What do you think Mama would do?"
Granny Smith snorted. "Before or after she bucked him in the head?"
Applejack chuckled. "Yeah, she did have a temper. Lucky I was almost never on the receiving end of it."
"Oh, she could never get mad at y'all. Disappointed, maybe, but never really mad."
"I remember."
They leaned against each other in companionable silence. Applejack shook her head. "Wish I could talk to her, just one more time."
"So do I, Child."
Then, Applejack remembered something. Something that Rarity had mentioned to her. Maybe there was a way she could speak to her mother from beyond the Veil.
... It was at midday and Twilight was busy studying. She was at her study desk in the center of the library. She did most of her studying here because that was where she had access to most of her books. The windows were wide open as the storm had passed and sunlight was flooding the room, shining on the hardwood paneling. Twilight was studying the archaeological remains of the ancient Bee Civilization for a paper she was writing. She marked her place in the book and walked over to the door, opening it. Applejack walked inside.
Twilight smiled. "Hi, Applejack. Want some tea?"
"Sure."
They walked into the kitchen. Twilight got a pot out of the counter, filled it with water and set it on the stove. With a shot from her horn she set it to boiling. She retrieved two cups, placing two bags of tea in each one and then pouring boiling water in them. She took the steaming cups in her magic and placed them on the table. Applejack sat down and slowly sipped the tea, trying not to betray the fact that her tongue burned from not waiting for the tea to cool.
Twilight, a more experienced tea drinker, blew on the tea causing wisps of steam to dissipate over the table. She took a slow sip of the black tea.
Applejack placed her tea on the blue table cloth. "So, uh, what were ya working on?"
"The ancient Megan Era Bee Civilization."
"A Bee Civilization? There was a Bee Civilization?"
Twilight raised the cup of tea to her lips. "It flourished around four-thousand years ago and fought a war with the Flutter Ponies. That war actually increased their hostility towards outsiders, though they were already pretty xenophobic."
"So what became of these bees?" Applejack took a sip of the tea, finding that it had cooled. "Don't tell me the Flutter Ponies wiped them out."
Twilight shrugged. "Honestly? Your guess is as as good as mine. They died out sometime before the Great Winter and records of that era are spotty at best."
Applejack placed the tea cup down. "So, uh, Rarity mentioned once that you were an archmage. Got a look at your wallet and saw your membership card."
"Oh, yeah. Yeah, I am an archmage."
"She was might impressed because she says archmages have to master every form of magic, includin' necromancy."
Twilight drummed her hoof on the table. "I am a necromancer, yes. Since it works so closely with ancestor magic, their are way more Earth Pony than Unicorn necromancers. It's rare since it works around death. You have to overcome that natural fear. It's also fairly dangerous."
"Why's that?"
"Applejack, is there any particular reason you might need a necromancer?"
"Is it true you reanimate the corpse?"
Twilight quickly shook her head. "That's a banned practice. Profanes the dead. I would only call up the pony's soul and cause it to have a semi-physical vessel made of ectoplasm."
"I see."
Twilight reached across the table, placing a hoof on Applejack's hoof. "Applejack, why do you need a necromancer?"
Applejack sighed. "This thing with my pa is tearin' me up inside. He's my kin and I want to forgive him, but I can't. Granny is havin' the same problem. I'd just like to know what Mama thinks about it. She's the one I always went to for advice."
Twilight nodded. "I understand. Applejack, necromancy can be a wonderful tool. Detectives use it to call up the souls of victims to gain information from them. Historical figures can be called up to learn about the past-although the odd thing about that is that they lie sometimes which is why nopony trusts Commander Hurricane. But necromancy is also dangerous. It can become an addiction, an obsession where you live more in the past. I knew somepony like that. Her name was Star Shine and she became so obsessed with it she started living on the burial mounds. She lost her future to the past and it took intensive rehab before she recovered. I helped her learn about necromancy, even did summonings for her. After that I vowed to never do it again."
Applejack bowed her head. "I understand, then."
"However, I'll make an exception for you."
She looked back up. "Really? You will?" She squeezed Twilight's hoof. "Oh, Sugarcube, you don't know what this means to me."
Twilight nuzzled her. "I'll need some time to prepare. Meet me at the Apple Clan burial mounds at midnight nine days from now."
... Twilight had fasted for nine days, from sunup to sundown. She felt light, airy, not entirely tethered to the world. She had purified herself at the Temple of the Silver Lady, washing her body in sacred water. She was dressed in her archmage robes, blue for her particular order. The robes were clasped by a pentagram necklace and covered in runes and sigils. They would focus her mind on the coming task and the mystic symbols would ward away unclean spirits. In her hoof she held a staff, a crystal attached to the end of it.
Applejack was waiting for her at the entrance. The full moon shone down upon her golden mane. In the darkness, the mounds rose up. The entrance of the mound looked as if led into an endless darkness.
"Thank you for doin' this for me, Twi."
"Anything for a friend."
Twilight lit up her horn and they walked into the abyss of the burial mounds. Applejack led her to where her mother was interred. Twilight struck the staff upon the ground, drawing a circle. It would keep out any wicked spirits that might try to interrupt her workings. She began to intone the runes in an ancient chant and felt as the veil began to lift. It had been a long time since she'd done this. Her knees felt weak as the sheer weight of spiritual energy in this place nearly crushed her. Spirits were everywhere, pervading the very air.
She breathed, focusing. The spirits were friendly, curious. While she was an outsider, the ancestors of the Apple Clan were no less hospitable than the living Apples.
"Apple Blossom, daughter of Apple Branch and Apple Smith, I call upon you. Return to this world, for we would have your counsel. Apple Blossom, I call you forth. I call you forth. I call you forth!"
She struck the staff three times in rapid succession. Applejack's eyes widened. A warm energy filled the chamber, then a glowing light. From the light emerged a shimmering Earth Pony. Applejack almost fell to her knees. An Earth Pony with a yellow coat and golden mane stood before her.
"Mama?"
The Earth Pony stepped forward, a smile on her face. Her green eyes were the same as her daughters. Applejack stepped forward and threw her hooves around her mother's neck. "Oh, Mama!"
It was real. She could tell it wasn't entirely, her mother's fur felt off, but her mother was there, holding her for the first time in years. Apple Blossom held her as she cried.
Twilight could already feel the struggle to keep the gates between worlds from closing. Apple Blossom wiped away her daughter's tears. "There was a reason you wanted to see me, wasn't there?"
Applejack sniffled. "It's about Pa. I don't know what to do. He's come back and I want to forgive him, but I can't. I just can't! He hurt me so bad."
Apple Blossom wiped away her tears just as she started to cry again. "Not sure why you're asking me. I spent the first five years of my afterlife haunting him."
Applejack laughed.
"But I stopped at some point. I had to let it go so that I could move on to the Otherworld. It's beautiful here, Applejack. I can't even begin to describe what it's like, but I'm happy."
"How'd you let it go?"
"It wasn't easy. Rhiannon helped. She found me haunting his apartment. You know what she told me?"
Advice from a Goddess seemed like it would be useful. "What?"
"She told me that holding onto a grudge is like carrying a heavy stone on your back. It weighs you down. You can't be free. You have to free yourself, Applejack. I'm not going to pretend it'll be easy. It won't be. But I want you to be free." She put a hoof to Applejack's chin, lifted up her face. "Take this heavy stone off your back, Sweetie. It'll be the hardest thing you ever do, but it's worth it."
Applejack nodded. "I can try." She leaned into her mother's warmth. She was already fading. Apple Blossom wrapped her up in her hooves, kissed her forehead. "I love you. And I watch over you and Big Mac and Apple Bloom every day. I'm so proud of every one of you."
She faded away, vanishing back to that place beyond the Dark River which no living mortal can go to. Applejack collapsed and soon found herself in Twilight's embrace. Applejack hugged her. After at least ten minutes of crying and Twilight stroking her mane she calmed down enough to speak. "Th-thank you, Twilight. Thank you so much."
...
Apple Runner sat at his table, eating a hay sandwich. Yesterday, he had had lunch with his children. He looked out the window of his apartment at the high buildings of Canterlot. The ivory, golden trimmed towers were very different from the humble hamlets of Ponyville or the bustle of Manehattan.
There was a knock on the door.
... Applejack walked up the flight of stairs. Runner had told her where he lived. Apartment 3-B. She noted that it was a plain apartment with its brown, painted walls and occasional sad looking plant on a table. Feeling pity for a sickly looking crocus, she placed her hoof on it and infused some of her magic into its roots. It began to perk up. She passed it and knocked on her father's door.
He opened it, jaw dropping in surprise. "Uh, Applejack! Didn't expect to see you."
"Can I come in?"
He ushered her inside. She looked around the sparsely furnished apartment and sat down on the sofa, the only piece of furniture she could see. He sat down and she scooted away, then returned to where she was. "Pa, one of my unicorn friends is a necromancer. She called up Mama's soul and...and she told me I had to free myself of this grudge. I got to forgive you."
He said nothing, waiting for her to continue.
"It's gonna take some time, but I'm gonna try. I got to let this go. So...I...I forgive you." She sighed, closing her eyes. "No, no I don't. But...I think I can if I really work at it."
He held out a hoof, grasping her own. She didn't pull away even though she wanted to. She slowly grasped his hoof. "Jackie...I...don't know what to say."
"Honestly? I don't either. How about we have lunch and take it from their?"
