.buck//Moment

Applejack blinked rapidly, momentarily blinded by the transit. Her ears rang and her mind was trudging along as it tried to process the last few minutes. The empty, black sky above did wonders to calm her, and as she drank it in her hearing returned to a level where she could vaguely detect the ambience of a town, the flickering of lights and gentle sloshing of waves on a distant shore.

“Applejack!”

She was pulled from her trance by the shout, and blinked one last time, tilting her head back and looking up into Ardent's worried face. She grinned drunkenly and giggled.

“Y'all look pretty funny upside down.”

Ardent smiled back and let a small chuckle out, before standing and holding a hoof out to Applejack, who now realised she was lying on her back on cold stone. It was quite uncomfortable. Grabbing onto the hoof, she was slowly pulled up to all fours, wobbling momentarily as the blood rushed from her head. Shaking it clear, she looked around.

The port town was even quieter than before, though the lights were still lit. There were maybe two or three ponies now, keeping to themselves as they wandered the streets. She scratched her head, something niggling at her mind and telling her it was important, without actually revealing itself. The only memory after she'd entered that room was of that alicorn, and that infinite abyss. A shiver ran down her spine, then a hoof wrapped around her neck. She turned to look at its owner, seeing Ardent's face, a warm smile putting her at ease, but she could see concern in those glistening eyes. Applejack smiled herself.

“Ah'm fine.”

Her friend shook her head. “You didn't even know what I was going to say.”

“Ah know, but Ah can see yer concerned. But honestly, Ah'm fine.” She stretched one of her forehooves out and waved it around experimentally. “Jus' a little rocked by yer idea of travel.”

Ardent nodded knowingly. “Mm, it certainly can be shocking the first time.” She looked thoughtful for a moment, then her expression hardened and she stared at Applejack worriedly. “What happened back there?”

Applejack looked confused for a moment, trying to recall. Bits and pieces of that room filtered in, of a ghostly mare who talked to her, although about what, she couldn't remember. That alicorn still dominated her memories.

“Ah... Ah talked with that mare, and she told me somethin'...” she frowned, “but Ah can't remember what.”

“Applejack, you were glitching out badly.” Ardent's voice was deadpan, serious. “Whatever happened was bad for your character, and possibly”, she jabbed a hoof into Applejack's chest, “you.”

“Yeah Applejack!” She clenched her teeth as she prevented herself from leaping into the air at Party Time's surprise appearance as she jumped over her gracefully and landed next to Ardent. “You were going all pretty colours and stuff. It was really cool.” She caught Ardent's look of disapproval, and her face darkened slightly. “Although, it was really scary. We didn't know what was happening to you.”

“Yeah, you were talking to yourself. Something about somepony named Aura, and then you started shouting, then...” she froze, licking her lips nervously, “then the zone started falling apart around you. We barely got out of there.”

Applejack couldn't keep eye contact with her friends. Instead, she cast her view across the stone cobbles, thinking deeply about that name.

“Aura... Aura...”

“Yeah, that was her name!” Party nodded gleefully.

“What was she...” suddenly it clicked, and she shot up, staring confidently at Ardent. “Ah need ta see Twilight.”

“Well, that won't be too hard,” a calm voice behind her echoed around them.

Applejack turned to the newcomer, gasping slightly in response. Leaning against a nearby wall was a unicorn mare, form illuminated by a gem set in a leather-bound tome strapped to her side. Her coat was a pale lilac, with a short, messy mane that stuck in the air, looking as though it was on fire. Sharp, amber eyes regarded her with intrigue, but gave a feeling of excessive experience. A plain, unassuming brown robe with shimmering golden trims covered most of her body, hiding her away. Grinning, the unicorn approached and held out a hoof in a friendly greeting.

“Applejack, I presume?”

“Yeah, that'd be me.” Applejack bumped hooves with the stranger, earning a short nod. “Ah'm assumin' yer Twi--” she stammered, catching herself, almost feeling Ardent's glare pierce through her skull, “u-uh Ah mean... Violet Blaze?”

The unicorn nodded, smiling softly. “Indeed I am. And I see that you've already been given the lesson on not using ponies' real names.”

Applejack frowned. “Y'all could've at least told me 'bout it b'fore Ah made mah character.”

Violet coughed awkwardly, looking away. “Yes well, I kind of assumed you'd already know. My bad. Sorry Applejack.”

She shrugged. “S'okay, not like Ah mind bein' mahself.”

That seemed to reassure Violet, who met Applejack's gaze with a sincere smile. “Good. Now, what was it you needed me for?”

Applejack paused, thinking for a few moments. “Ah was told ta give ya somethin'.” Applejack brought up her inventory screen, glancing over it before finding the new entry.

The Book of Twilight

Pressing on it, she was slightly surprised as the item materialised in her hooves. She actually got a chance to look at it properly this time, taking in its appearance. It was a large, black tome, with golden bands along its spine. The cover had images she'd recognize anywhere; the six elements of harmony, five spread evenly around magic, which took up the centre of the book. A large, shimmering lock sealed the text from being opened, with an ornate and complex keyhole that looked far more advanced than any key she'd seen.

Nodding, she held it out to Violet. “Here ya go.”

Silence reigned for a few long seconds as Applejack cast her eyes around awkwardly, feeling uncomfortable as it pressed in. Nopony moved, and all eyes were on her hoof. She swallowed nervously and fidgeted. “Well, y'all gonna take it?”

“Applejack...” Violet started, slowly, “there's nothing there.”

She paused, then looked down at the book. “Well, Ah can see it, so it's there.”

Armour subtly rustled as Ardent and Party Time came up beside Applejack, staring at her still outstretched limb. They both shared a concerned expression as they glanced at one another, then to Violet.

“I don't see anything Applejack.” Ardent stated simply. “Sorry.”

“Yeah, me neither.” Party's face had a look of worry planted on it, rather than her endless smile. The orange mare pulled her hoof back, eyeing the book carefully. It seemed pretty real to her, and she experimentally tapped the lock, which clinked but otherwise didn't move. She sighed, the book fading as it returned to her inventory, placing a hoof on her forehead as she scratched it thoughtfully.

“Alright, Ah don't know what Ah'm supposed ta do then.”

“Actually...” Ardent spoke up, cautiously, “I really want to know what happened. Maybe Violet--” she turned to the unicorn, who was sitting behind dozens of shining menus, tapping away furiously. “Figures.”

Violet spoke, not looking up from her work. “What's the item called, Applejack?”

Her brow furrowed for a moment before she responded. “Book o' Twilight”

Violet paused for a moment, glancing to her companion, then began tapping away again. “Strange name.” A few moments passed, where nothing but soft clicking and Violet muttering under her breath was audible, when she looked up, frustrated. “I can't find it.” She pointed to Applejack. “That item doesn't exist. How does that item not exist?”

Party popped up behind her, staring at the menus over her shoulder. “Maybe it's an event item!”

Violet shook her head. “No, everything gets datamined from the PTR. We'd know it was an item a month before it appears in game.”

Party's face scrunched up. “Well then maybe it's a secret event?”

“They don't do secret events anymore. Remember Toxic Beach?” Ardent replied, joining her in staring at Violet's rapidly shifting screens. Applejack looked blankly at them before sitting on her haunches. While she understood barely anything of what they'd said, she got the idea. Bringing up her own inventory, she glared at the book's entry, willing it to reveal its secrets. Her companions were now discussing some kind of controversy that occurred several weeks ago or something, but how that tied into her and her item didn't make sense.

Racking her brains for some kind of hint, she recalled the demon that had chased Aura. Maybe that was relevant.

“Hey, Violet,” she glanced up to see the unicorn staring at her through a haze of blue. “Where do alicorns appear in this game?”

She blinked, shaking her head rapidly. “Alicorns?”

“Yeah, alicorns.”

Violet paused in thought for a moment, though her eyes never left Applejack. “They don't.”

“Oh. See, Ah know that's wrong 'cause Ah saw one.”

“But...” she began, thrown off. “Alicorns aren't in the game. At all. There's no code for them. They can't exist.”

“And yet, Ah have a book right here in mah inventory that don't exist neither.”

“We can't see it! It doesn't exist!” Applejack almost jumped, eyes wide with shock at her companion's sudden angry outburst. “It can't exist!”

“Violet!” the armoured pegasus snapped commandingly. She seized up momentarily, before sighing and looking downtrodden at Applejack, who was still slightly shocked at the change in her friend's demeanour. “This is Applejack you're talking to. The Element of Honesty. Remember that.”

Violet glanced at her, before meeting her gaze. “Sorry Applejack. I just... Nothing like this has happened before...”

Applejack couldn't help but smile, a she trotted over and wrapped a hoof around Violet's neck. “S'alright sugarcube. Ah can understand yer concerns.”

“I still want to figure out what's going on though.”

Applejack nodded. “You and me both. And Ah reckon our first step is findin' this Aura girl...” she slowly trailed off as a loud yawn interrupted her thoughts, earning giggles from her companions.

“Applejack, you should probably get some rest. You've had a long and eventful first day.” Ardent smiled softly, ruffling her hair.

“Don't Ah know it.” Applejack stretched, rubbing her eyes, too exhausted to be annoyed at her friend.

“Mm, good idea,” Violet agreed, nodding once. “I'd best get back to bed or Spike will be worried. Sorry for not meeting you on time Applejack, I'll explain tomorrow when we're more awake.” With the last word, she waved goodbye, then was surrounded in energy as her character dissolved into glowing blue dust.

“Huh.” Applejack's brain was running too slowly to really react to it, finding it mildly interesting instead. An intense yawn surprised her, and she turned to see Party Time stretching herself like a cat.

“I should go too, I promised the Cakes I'd look after the shop tomorrow. Good to see you, Applejack!” She too, faded into light.

Now it was just the two companions alone in town again. Silence fell for a few moments before Ardent spoke up. “Enjoying the game, Applejack?”

She nodded. “Yeah, far more than Ah expected. Even with all tha weird things goin' on.”

Ardent's brow furrowed as she thought deeply. “Hmm, I hope we can figure out what it all means,” her expression lightened somewhat as she continued, “but at least you're enjoying yourself, and that's the important bit.”

“Yeah, I s'pose so.”

The two stood facing each other awkwardly for several moments, before Ardent stretched herself and yawned quietly. “Well, I'd better hit the hay. See ya around, Applejack!”

Applejack nodded, then paused for a few moments and snapped up. “Wait!”

Ardent looked down at her friend, curiously. “What's up?”

Averting her eyes, she spoke quietly, a subtle blush forming on her cheeks.

“How do Ah log out?”

*****

Applejack casually wandered through Ponyville, watching ponies go about their day around her. She passed through the market, greeting friends as they strolled by. The noontime sun warmed her face as pegasi cleared the clouds overhead. Good weather was apparently supposed to be scheduled for the next week, which would certainly make a nice change from the constant rain they'd been having. Gazing up, she caught a glimpse of a rainbow trail shooting overhead, and chuckled to herself. Rainbow was going to be busy the next few days, and she'd probably never hear the end of it.

Soon she reached her destination, the large tree that doubled as a library. Knocking firmly on the door, she waited patiently for a few moments before the door was opened and she looked down at Spike.

“Oh hi Applejack. What brings you here?”

She tilted her hat. “Howdy Spike, Ah'm jus' here ta see Twilight.”

The dragon nodded, beckoning for her to come in before disappearing down the stairs to the basement. Applejack took a few steps inside, closing the door behind her and settling in, leaning against the wall. The room was clean and orderly, as Twilight preferred, although a few books were scattered across her desk, one of them open in the centre. Curiously, she trotted over and checked the cover of the open tome.

Harald and Emma

She read a few pages, but it was just an anthology of random poems. Nothing particularly interesting, so she returned it to the desk. Stretching, she felt her bones click satisfyingly and sighed. Standing upright for so long had made her legs ache, but then she supposed that's why they did it, to stop you playing for too long. By the time Ardent had finally stopped laughing at her incompetence and she been shown how to log off, light was beginning to trickle into the barn as the sun rose. Fortunately, the farm was quiet at the moment, so she just got a little rest in front of the computer.

When she'd awoken she'd decided to see Twilight and find out what she thought of all this weirdness going on, but not before looking in the game's box for this so called 'manual'. It was a short book, full of diagrams and strange words, but she made a point of remembering to read it when she got home.

At that moment, hoofsteps caught her attention as Twilight emerged from the basement, followed by Spike, who was berating her.

“Twilight, you can't just stay up all night like that!”

Twilight trotted into the kitchen, eyes barely open, and immediately went for the coffee machine. Setting it up, she yawned loudly and turned around, leaning against the counter with her eyes closed.

“It was important Spike. Important... Research...”

Slowly her head began to nod. Spike gave her a look, then glanced at Applejack, who shrugged and stepped over.

“Twilight?”

Her eyes shot open. “Huh wha-- Applejack? What're you doing here?”

“Ah thought Ah'd come visit after what happened last night.” She gave Twilight a concerned look and shook her head. “Y'all didn't sleep after, did ya?”

Twilight paused for a few moments, then shook her head. The coffee machine dinged, and the pot was instantly wrapped in a lavender aura as Twilight poured herself a drink. Downing it quickly, she spluttered and gasped as it scalded her mouth, but at least she was awake now. Spike and Applejack both sighed.

“Uh, yeah, I didn't sleep. I was trying to find any kind of information about this mare you found, or the book.” Twilight began to walk towards her desk, picking up the open book.

“Find anythin'?” Applejack followed her companion, looking at the text.

“No, nothing conclusive, although this book does refer to an 'Aura' in one of its poems. Still, it's something, even if it probably isn't relevant.” She sighed, then turned to her friend, who was staring at the open page. “What was she like?”

“Uh...” Applejack paused, trying to piece together the words, “She was kinda like a ghost, white like Rarity but all over, mane and tail. Had this long flowin' robe, done up with some kinda symbol.”

“Really? What symbol?”

Applejack paused, then reached for one of the quills and a piece of parchment, drawing a sideways figure eight in the centre. “Like that, but shinier, and she was almost glowin'.”

Twilight studied the symbol for a mere moment. “Oh that's just a symbol for infinity, nothing complex.”

“Oh and she was flyin'.”

“Huh, okay.” Twilight tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Well, I'm stumped. I've never heard of anypony like that, and none of the books have anything remotely similar.” She scratched her head, straightening her ragged mane a little bit.

“Maybe it's only somethin' in the game?” Applejack posited. “Somethin' new born there. Didya check anythin' on that?”

Twilight stopped for a moment and pondered. “That's... A good point. I'd been assuming it was from some kind of legend, but maybe it's not. I'll ask on the forums” she beamed. “Good idea, Applejack.”

She simply nodded, smiling back. “Glad Ah could be of help.”

They were silent for a few moments until Twilight spoke again. “So how are you finding the game?”

Applejack smiled. “It's more fun than Ah would've expected.”

Twilight sighed in relief. “Good. Wouldn't want you left out of the group if you didn't like it.”

The two grinned, then a low rumbling interrupted them. Twilight looked down and blushed. “I uh... I haven't eaten breakfast.”

“That's okay!” a voice called from the kitchen, “I've got you covered.” Spike soon plodded out, carrying two plates of pancakes that he placed on a table. He turned to Applejack. “Would you like some?”

Applejack had eaten before she left home, but Spike's cooking had already got her licking her lips. His general culinary skill was good, but had certainly improved further after Rarity had begun teaching him, and she quickly followed Twilight's lead and sat down, happily eating away.

“Thanks Spike, yer a true gentle... uh, dragon...” Spike smiled in response before heading back into the kitchen. The distant sound of crunching gems could be heard as he fetched himself a snack. The two sat in silence as they ate, mostly because Twilight was shoving hooffuls of food into her mouth in a distinctly un-princess-like fashion. The food was good, far better than her last meal, and she debated whether or not to just show up eat here every day. Chuckling to herself, she finished her food shortly after Twilight and carried their plates to the sink, beginning to wash up even as she was told not to worry about it.

“It's the least Ah can do ta repay Spike” she'd said, bowing graciously to the dragon, who returned the gesture with a subtle smile, gem fragments covering his mouth. Drying her hooves, she went to put the plates away when a prodding in her side caused her to look down at Twilight's assistant, who held his hands out. Putting the plates in his grasp, she watched with amusement as he clambered up onto the worktop to shelve them. Oh what she'd give to have somebody that useful around the farm.

Thinking back, she retracted that thought, shuddering as she remembered last time Spike had helped. Shaking her head, she travelled back into the main room, seeing Twilight busy scribbling away as she stared at a computer screen. Applejack resisted to urge to jump on her and surprise her, and instead settled down by her side. Twilight barely glanced up at her before continuing writing.

“Found anythin'?”

Twilight set the quill down and groaned. “Nothing on the recent boards. All just complaints about balancing and nonsense. No ghost mares or strange creatures.” Leaning back, she stared at the ceiling. “I'll post something about it later. Maybe somepony saw something but didn't realise what it was.”

Applejack's ears perked up as she thought she heard a quiet whine and distant screaming. Slowly it grew louder, and she stood, trotting over to the window and looking through. Blinking, she sighed and turned to Twilight.

“Might wanna move ev'rythin' valuable outta the way.”

The mare stared at her for a brief moment before placing a hoof on her face. “Rainbow Dash?”

“Yup.”

Shaking her head, Twilight mumbled something about 'best flyer' then motioned to Applejack. “Open the window please; I don't want to have to pay for another replacement.”

She did so, throwing it open and stepping back as a cyan streak shot through, followed by a rainbow trail. It slammed into the far bookcase with a loud THUD, as Applejack closed the window again nonchalantly and strode over, joining Twilight in admiring the pile of books and now empty bookshelf. A scaled head popped out of the kitchen and groaned loudly, heading over and beginning to pick up books and order them.

After a few moments, Rainbow's head popped up from the pile and gave them a sheepish grin. Applejack and Twilight returned it with unimpressed expressions. The librarian coughed and gestured to the books and the dragon picking them up, then glared at the newcomer, who rolled her eyes and pulled herself out of the wreckage, helping Spike with ordering them, begrudgingly. Applejack couldn't help but smile at the sight, winking at Twilight.

With the two of them it didn't take long to get the tomes in order, at which point Twilight just levitated them all onto the shelves. Applejack in the mean time pranced over to Rainbow, who was sulking the the corner, with a wide grin on her face, and ruffled Rainbow's mane. In return, she got a glare that would kill a lesser pony, and laughed.

“Aww what's wrong sugarcube? Upset that ya ain't taller than me no more?”

Rainbow turned away, frowning. “Don't treat me like a filly.”

“Ah'm just getting' revenge fer last night is all.” She grinned wider. This was going to be fun.

Twilight finished shelving the books and turned to the two. “Don't encourage her Applejack. She's likely to go on a rampage and throw more books on the floor.” She was smiling as well as she trotted over to them. “So what brings you here Rainbow? Or was it just on impulse that you decided to undo all of Spike's hard work?” she teased, waving a hoof in the general direction of her assistant, who had his arms crossed and his face locked in a frown.

Rainbow Dash muttered a few comments before looking at Applejack. “I was going to ask about a guild meeting. And kind of had a run in with a rogue pegasus on the way here...” she flexed a wing and rubbed it tenderly.

Applejack looked between them blankly. “Guild?”

“Go read the manual Applejack.” Rainbow stated simply.

“Well, Ah'm goin' ta when Ah get home.” The two ponies glared at each other.

Twilight coughed politely, getting their attention. “It's basically a group of the five... well now, six of us. We go adventuring together sometimes, but often just meet up and hang out.”

“We also get our own guild house.” Rainbow added, triumphantly.

“Yes, we get our own guild house, thanks to one particular mare,” she gave her a look, “who won't let anypony forget about it.”

Rainbow winked and grinned widely. “You know it.”

Rolling her eyes, Twilight looked back at Applejack. “We're planning on meeting up tonight actually, and we'd like for you to join us.”

“Sure. What time d'y'all need me?”

Twilight scratched her head idly. “I think we usually agree around 10, right Dash?” She looked to her companion for confirmation and got a nod in response.

“Yeah, Rarity's got a full day so she won't be on until then.”

“Okay. I'll send everypony a PM and we'll meet up in Mac Anu, by the bridge. Sound good?”

“Fine by mine”

“Ah'm good with anythin'. Least Ah know where that is.”

“Hooray!” Twilight clapped her hooves a couple of times, earning a curious look from her friends. Settling down, she looked around awkwardly. “So uh... Now what?”

Applejack glanced between the two. “Ah dunno about y'all, but Ah'm gonna go read this manual thingy.”

The three laughed, Rainbow standing and tapping her on the shoulder gently. “Good idea. Best you know what we're actually talking about huh?”

Applejack glanced out of the window at the clear sky, then turned to the door. “Ah'd best get outta yer hair Twilight. See y'all later!” Showing herself out, she heard a few goodbyes as she trotted down the main road.

She only managed to get about a dozen steps before she heard soft wing-flaps nearby, and turned to see Rainbow following her in a pathetic attempt to be sneaky. At the sign she'd been caught she smiled sheepishly and dropped down beside Applejack.

“Can Ah help ya sugarcube?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I don't have anything to do and I thought maybe I could keep you company. Help you understand anything you don't get or something.”

Applejack's eyes narrowed, attempting to discern some kind of ulterior motive, but Rainbow's overly innocent grin gave nothing away. Shrugging herself, she agreed. “Sure, why not.”

And so the two headed off through town to Sweet Apple Acres, the afternoon sun beaming warmly down on them.