Chapters Twilight Sparkle sat surrounded by books in the Ponyville library, when she let out a defeated groan, “It’s not here Spike! I can’t find any mention of what lies beyond the Everfree forest.” Twilight stood while levitating her current read to the pedestal by the window.
“Maybe you aren’t looking in the right place?” Suggested Spike helpfully. “Which book are you reading now?”
“The History of Equestria and its neighbors,” replied Twilight, “It just refers to whatever’s behind or inside of the Everfree Forest as Everfree. So is it just a continuation of forest?” Spike opened his mouth to reply, and let out a belch of green flames.
“A letter from the Princess!” Exclaimed Twilight as she opened the scroll and began to read.
My Faithful student Twilight,
I have come across some unfortunate and urgent news. Please gather your friends, and come to Canterlot as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia
“Woah,” said Spike, “I wonder what could be so urgent?”
“I am not sure,” replied Twilight nervously, “but if she is asking me to gather the Elements of Harmony, it must be serious.”
Once the mane six had gathered in Canterlot, Princess Celestia began to explain a story similar to that of Hearths Warming Day.
“In the land to the north of Equestria, past the Everfree forest, there is an evil queen. She has taken control of the villages in Everfree, the first few years of her reign went by smoothly, but recently she has begun to abuse the power of the throne. She has divided families and friends. One village now only has Earth Ponies, another with just Unicorns, and a third in the sky with just Pegasi.” Celestia paused to make sure the girls were following. “Now that the Queen has all of Everfree divided, there is strong belief that her next goal is going to be to take over Equestria, and do the same.”
The girls let out a collective gasp.
“What!” Exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “There is no way we would let that happen!”
“Which is why I would like the six of you to go into Everfree, and defeat the Queen before she has the chance to enter Equestria. Queen Gardenia draws her power from uniformity. Now that they are successfully divided in Everfree, it will be more difficult to defeat her. This is going to require the Element’s of Harmony at their best. Will you girls be able to help me?” Princess Celestia asked.
“Of course!” Rainbow Dash replied, obviously ready to go.
“You can count on us, yer majesty,” Applejack followed.
“We won’t let you down Princess,” Twilight stated confidently.
“Just one question,” interjected Rarity. “How are we going to get there? It must be several days walking just to get to the Equestrian border.”
“You are quite right Rarity. I will not be able to get you into one of the villages,” Celestia explained, “but I will be able to teleport you to just outside one of them. Are you ready to go now?”
The group gave collective nod, while Fluttershy looked at all of her friends and swallowed before timidly nodding too.
“Princess?” Twilight asked, “would you mind looking after spike? I don’t want him to get hurt.”
Spike began to object. “of course,” Celestia answered, “any other concerns?”
Five shook their heads no, and Fluttershy meeped.
“Very well. Good luck, and return safely.” Celestia’s horn began to glow. There was a bright flash, and the six vanished from the castle.
Six ponies opened their eyes to trees. Gnarled, twisted, and on all sides.
“Well now which way do we go?” asked Rarity.
“Uh…” Twilight spun in a circle looking for an exit. “Dash, can you fly above the tree line?”Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.
“Who do you think you’re talking to? Of course I can fly above the tree line. I’ll be back in ten seconds flat.” They all watched as she darted between branches, making her way to the treeline. She disappeared from view for a few moments before pinkie pie started bouncing around.
“What do you see up there Dashie?” She asked eagerly. Rainbow Dash slowly returned to the ground.
“If we go right, the trees become orange trees.” She answered. “I can’t be sure, but it looked like there was a town a little further.”
“Right it is then.” Twilight said as the six started their trek.
Soon they came across the orange orchard, where they saw an earth pony. He didn’t notice the six so Applejack spoke up.
“Excuse me?” The earth pony was blue with an orange mane, similar to the color of the orange slice he had as a cutie mark.
“Hi! I am Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie said bouncing around the group.
The earth pony turned with a smile on his face. “What can I do ya fer?” he asked. His happy expression quickly became puzzled. “You’re not from around here are ya?”
“Nope!” replied Pinkie, “ How can you tell?”
The earth pony chuckled, “First off it’s been almost 15 years since Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth ponies have been seen together. The Queen even has separate Galas for each race. Second you don’t have these.” he motioned to the brown ring around his hoof.
‘Sorry, I don’t believe I caught your name. I, am Rarity. What exactly are those… things?” Rarity questioned with disdain evident in her tone of voice.
“The name is Orange Julius, and these are tracking bracelets. The Queen uses them to make sure everypony is in their place. For example, mine is brown, so during work hours I should be in the Orchards. It also has my ID number, so if somepony is in the wrong place, they know who, and can provide the correct disciplinary action.”
There was a gasp followed by, “That’s not right! How do you take your cupcake breaks? Or visit your friends?”
“We don’t really get many chances to make friends. The Queen feels it encourages rebellion.” Julius explained.
“I am Twilight Sparkle. Do you think there is a way you can get us all inside?”
“Pinkie Pie and… I am sorry I didn’t catch your name,” he said looking at Applejack
“Uh, sorry, the name’s Applejack. This here is Fluttershy.”
“And I am Rainbow Dash, the fastest flier in all of Equestria!” Rainbow said proudly, puffing out her chest.
“Nice to meet ya’ll. As I said it will be pretty easy to sneak in Applejack and Pinkie Pie. You’ll just need a fake tracking bracelet. As for the rest of ya’ll, the horns and wings will be a dead give away that you aren’t earth ponies.”
“They can be hidden. Twilight and I can wear hats, and Dash, and Fluttershy can wear a dress to cover their wings.” Stated Rarity. “Although I have to admit that hiding my glorious horn is simply a crime against fashion!
“It won’t be comfortable, but that should work.” Added Rainbow Dash, giving a downcast look at her wings.
Orange Julius thought for a moment. “Let me see what I can find.” He turned and took off at a gallop.
“Do you think we can trust him?” Applejack asked her friends.
“Of course we can. Don’t be so paranoid.” Answered Rainbow Dash.
“Um, you guys,” Fluttershy spoke up.
“Whats wrong sugarcube?”
“Orange Julius is almost back,” She answered.
They turned to see him running down a row of trees. One straw hat on his head, another in his mouth. He had two plain dresses draped over his back. He deposited the clothes in front of the girls.
“I know they aren’t anything fancy, but fancy would make you stand out, and that’s the last thing we want.”
Rarity looked at the hat with disgust. “Let me see,” she muttered pensively. She used her magic to snatch a few orange blossoms off a nearby tree, and arranged them on the straw hat. “Much better.” She said before promptly placing the hat in a way that it wouldn’t ruin her perfectly styled mane.
Once they all were finished dressing, Orange Julius pulled six brown bracelets out of a backpack that had been hidden by the dresses. “These are real tracking bracelets.” Julius explained, “Until they have been activated for tracking, you can remove them.” He began to hand them out to the six. “If you don’t mind me asking, why would you ever want to enter Mountreal? The people here have been trying to get out for more than a decade.”
“This town is Mountral?” Julius nodded and Twilight began to explain, “We are from Equestria to the south, just past the Everfree forest. Our Princess asked us to investigate a possible attack on Equestria in the near future.”
“Queen Gardenia needs to be stopped. She wants to fit the world into neat little boxes. She decides who is wealthy and who is poor, and then showers the wealthy with benefits for their loyalty. Please let me help you.” Julius pleaded.
Six wide eyed ponies looked at Julius. “We would be simply delighted to have your help darling.” Rarity answered after a brief pause.
“The first thing we need is to get inside unnoticed,” stated Twilight.
“No problem. Follow me.”
There were a few ponies out on the cobbled stone streets, and most walked quickly, and alone: avoiding anypony with a white tracking bracelet.
Rainbow Dash shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t want to be here long,” she mumbled, “my wings are killing me.”
“Ok girls, spread out and try to act like you belong,” instructed Twilight. She took a deep breath and stepped out onto the street turning left to make her way to a stall selling old books. The salescolt was preoccupied with another pony. Twilight tried to listen to their conversation to pick out any useful information, but instead became engrossed in a book titled, the history of Gardania. She turned to table of context, and looked at the chapters. They were only from the last 15 years since Queen Gardania came to the throne.
“Excuse me?” she asked the salescolt, “Do you have any books with history from before Queen Gardania?”
The salespony’s eyes grew wide. “Shhh!” he hushed her putting a hoof to her mouth, “I’ll speak with you in a minute.” He returned to helping the other customer.
A few minutes later the salescolt returned his attention to Twilight. “I’m not supposed to have this, so I cannot sell it to you. Consider it a gift.” He said with a wink. “It’s so nice to see young ponies with an interest in the past.” He handed her a thick, old book covered in dust.
“Thank you very much. I will take good care of it.” Twilight blew the dust off the cover and read the title. “The Complete History of Everfree.” Twilight softly read aloud. She thanked the sales colt again and started off to find a secluded spot to read.
Rarity also went left after spotting a fashion booth. One particular lilac hat kept catching her eye. She stared at it for several minutes before the salespony approached her.
“Hello, may I help you?” she asked
“Who made this fantastic hat?” Rarity asked.
With a smug look, the salespony motioned to the purple tracking bracelet around her hoof, “I did of course.”
“You simply must show me how you made the stitches so fine!” Rarity begged.
The sales pony looked at Rarity’s fake tracking bracelet. “I can not and I will not. What are you doing here anyway? You and ponies like you belong in the orchards.” With that she walked away in a huff, leaving Rarity puzzled.
Pinkie Pie bounced off the porch. She hopped toward a warm chocolate scent. “Mmmmm! Cupcakes!” She chirped. She stepped inside the restaurant. “Hello everypony!” she shouted. Several heads turned to look at the strange newcomer.
“Shh!” The mare behind the counter warned.
“Why is everypony so serious?” asked a puzzled Pinkie.
The mare approached Pinkie and spoke quietly, “There are guards in here. When people are too loud or too happy, they get suspicious. The Queen doesn’t give us much reason to be happy.”
“Oh! Ok I see!” Pinkie acknowledged, nodding enthusiastically.
The other pony laughed softly, “You aren’t from around here are you? My name is Apricot Jam, but you can call me Apricot.”
“I am Pinkie Pie,” Pinkie whispered back. “And you’re right, I am new to this town.”
Apricot nodded. “I figured as much, but how did you get in? I am assuming a farmer must have helped.”
Pinkie nodded eagerly. “That’s right! How did you know? I can’t tell you who though, I don’t want them to get in trouble.”
Apricot nodded in understanding. “That brown tracking band must be fake. You don’t seem like the kind to work as a farmer. What did you do back where you live?”
“I baked at Sugarcube corner. I love making cupcakes, and cakes, and pies, and all sorts of yummy desserts! Especially cupcakes!” Pinkie replied.
Apricot nodded again. “Come with me.” She smiled slightly and pulled Pinkie into the back room. Pinkie followed, her head darting around as she eagerly took in her new surroundings. They ended up in a back office. “Take off your tracking bracelet.” Apricot requested. Pinkie did as she was asked. “Here try this instead.” Apricot handed over a yellow bracelet that matched her own.
“Thanks! Where did you get this? Why is it yellow?”
“Each company owner gets a set. Yellow means food service. When we turn 12, we move into a juvenile home and are assigned a job. We live in a juvenile home until we are 18. You see, new workers report to the owner of their assigned workplace, and then the owner is able to provide them with a band. They don’t have any tracking bracelets, and their new tracking bracelets aren’t activated until all of the new workers report to the capital on tracking day each year, where the Queen’s unicorn advisor installs all of the tracking bracelets. After bracelets are activated, they can never be taken off. Not even by the unicorn advisor. I’m not even sure that Queen Gardenia could do it.”
“You own this place? That is amazing!” Pinkie Pie said, louder than before.
“Yes, I own it. This band isn’t activated, so you can remove it. In return for the band, why don’t you help me here for a little while?”
“Okie dokie loki!” Shouted Pinkie.
Apricot lead her into the kitchen and explained where things were before Pinkie went crazy, increasing productivity by 50%.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash took off toward the neighboring orchards. They arrived at another large building and knocked. A tall, teal stallion, with a yellow mane answered the door. He stood above them, looking down. He didn’t say a word.
“Hiya,” Applejack started, “We were just wonderin’ if ya needed any help?” She paused for an awkward moment. “In the orchards ah mean.”
The teal colt exhales through his nose.
“We finished today’s work early. The boss told us not to slack off, and sent us in your direction.” Rainbow Dash covered.
He thought for a moment, before letting both the equestrians inside. “Just buck as many trees as you can. Apples are heavier than the other fruit, so I don’t expect weaklings like you to be much help.” The stallion ordered gruffly.
Dash began to talk, but found Applejack’s hoof over her mouth. “We’ll do our best sir.” Applejack answered.
They both started out into the orchard and began to applebuck.
Rainbow Dash gave an exasperated sigh. “All we are doing is working. We’ve been too busy to ask questions.”
“Ah know yer upset sugarcube, but gainin’ trust is a part a gettin’ honest answers.”
Rainbow Dash groaned and looked up at the sun. A dark shadow dashed over head, and that’s when she noticed the clouds moving. She caught a glimpse of a dark mane.
Dash gasped and rushed over to Applejack. “AJ! I just saw a pegasus.” She nodded toward where she saw the pegasus. “Keep watch for me, I’m going to check it out.” With that she turned and galloped off into the Everfree forest.
Once in a thicker area of the forest, plenty far away from the oppressive ponies keeping watch over the orchards, she shed the plain dress. Rainbow let out a sigh of relief as she stretched her wings. “Much better.” She muttered to herself. She leapt into the air going straight up, so as not to be seen by the earth ponies below, before heading out in search of the mysterious pegasus.
Rainbow Dash Few over to a cloud in the general area where she remembered seeing the dark mane. “Hello?” Dash looked around.
“Who are you?” was the harsh reply.
Dash looked around the cloud, looking for the pony to go with the voice.
“I asked you a question.” The voice said demandingly.
Rainbow Dash jumped, and her voice took on a defensive tone. “Who are you to ask me who I am?”
The other pony laughed and rose out of the center of the cloud. His body was pure white, allowing him to blend in with the cloud perfectly. His blue mane was as dark as the night sky.”
“What’s so funny?” Rainbow Dash said, slightly offended.
“Nothing.” He tried to keep a straight face. “I’m Storm Chaser. Sorry if I came across as mean or rude, I just wanted to make sure you weren’t with Gardenia.”
“What makes you so sure I’m not?” Rainbow asked, sending Storm Chaser a questioning glance.
“You have too much personality, and your retort was too witty.” Storm Chaser looked Dash up and down, eyes landing on the brown tracking bracelet. “Brown? I’ve never seen a pegasus wearing a brown tracking bracelet before.”
Dash glanced at it sheepishly. “That’s probably because it’s borrowed” she explained.
“An Earth Pony farmer?” Storm Chaser’s eyes widened and then his expression grew puzzled. “But you’re a pegasus, how did you manage to meet an Earth Pony, and get one of their tracking bracelets??”
“Well,” Dash explained, “when we first came to Everfree --”
“Gardenia.” Storm Chaser corrected her
“Gardenia?”
“The Queen renamed the country after herself. It’s Gardenia now, not Everfree.”
“Okay, Gardenia, not Everfree, got it.” Rainbow Dash continued. “ When we first arrived in Gardenia, my friends and I were in an orange orchard. There we found Orange Julius, who helped disguise us.”
“Wait, there are more of you? Why were you on the ground instead of flying?”
“Well we aren’t all Pegasi. Applejack and Pinkie Pie are Earth Ponies, Rarity and Twilight Sparkle are Unicorns, and Fluttershy is another pegasus, although she doesn’t really like to fly much.”
“How did you all start traveling together?” asked Storm Chaser intrigued.
“We’re friends. We have been for a long time. We all live in Ponyville together.”
“Ponyville? Where is that? I know it’s not in Gardenia.”
Rainbow Dash nodded, “It’s in Equestria. It’s south of here, on the other side of the forest.”
Storm Chaser nodded in acknowledgement. “But why would you ever come here, if you live in Ponyville with your friends?”
“Our Princess asked us to prevent Queen Gardenia from orchestrating and carrying out an attack on Equestria.” Dash explained. “Where are the rest of you?” She looked around, not finding any other Pegasi.
Storm Chaser grinned. “The clouds here were put in position this morning, and the bulk of what’s left over are over Unicornicopia right now. If hit just right my tracking bracelet stops transmitting. When there are a lot of us in the same area at the same time, nobody can tell that one tracking bracelet stopped transmitting.” He winked.
“But won’t your co-workers be upset with you for slacking off?”
“Nah, we get in trouble if we aren’t constantly working, andI tend to finish too quickly. I usually return when the rest of the pegasi controlling the weather get to the capital.”
“Rainbow Dash smiled. He reminds me of me.
“Besides, I’m working on a way to get my family out of Gardenia. I have several people anxiously waiting for the information.” Storm Chaser said smugly..
“Why not try to overthrow the Queen? That way you can keep your home.”
“Its not that easy. I am just one colt. People talk about wanting things to change, but so far they’re all talk.” He looked at the ground. “ Probably because they don’t think we can really do it. I can’t hold group meetings, because anytime more than four ponies are together, there have to be guards. They can’t reinforce each other, and everypony thinks that they’re all alone. I still try to talk to them individually, but it seems I’m not really getting anywhere.”
“You need a guard on your side then, somepony to oversee these meetings.” suggested Rainbow Dash, “ Do you know anypony who might be able to help you?”
Storm Chaser thought for a moment. “ I think I might. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that!”
Rainbow Dash snickered.
“Let me get you some blue tracking bracelets, for you and your Pegasus friend. Meet me back here at the same time tomorrow. With blue bracelets, you should be able to come and go as you please.” Again he added a wink.
“That would be AWESOME!” Rainbow exclaimed. She gave a small wave before returning to her dress in the Everfree forest.
Rainbow Dash dressed quickly, and returned to Applejack in the orchard. “Hey AJ,” She said beaming.
“Why are you so happy?” Applejack asked cautiously, keeping her voice as low as possible.
“I met a colt,” Dash said, grinning from ear to ear. “He’s going to get me a blue bracelet, so I can go to see the pegasi.”
“Really?” Applejack kept her tone cautious. “You found another pony that wants to help?”
“Yup, he’s very eager. He had already been trying to get people to help him.” Dash said growing more excited, “Did you know that in order to have four or more ponies together you have to have a guard present?”
Applejack shook her head no, and bucked another tree, knocking the apples into the buckets surrounding its base.
“Storm Chaser is trying to find a guard to help. It’s going to be SO AWESOME!”
Applejack stopped, and grinned at her excited friend. “Are you excited fer an ally, or fer the colt?” She joked. Rainbow Dash blushed, but went back to bucking without another word.
Fluttershy was the last to leave the group. She watched as her friends head off in different directions.
She stepped first to the left, and then turned to her right. She saw a line of young colts and fillies. She decided to follow them, and found herself in the care district.
Most ponies she passed wore red or no tracking bracelets. She passed an orphanage and an animal care center. She stopped to see the animals and found it almost deserted.
“Um, Excuse me?” she quietly asked the pony behind the desk. “Where are all of the pets?”
The pony looked up from the magazine she had been reading. She looked around. “It doesn’t look like there are any here,” She said in a mundane tone, and returned to her reading.
Right then two ponies rushed by carrying an injured colt on their backs. The colt’s leg was twisted and he was moaning in pain.
“Oh dear,” Fluttershy said as her hooves led her after the injured pony. She walked into the care center after them and watched as madness erupted. Two nurses rushed forward and helped the colt into a bed while a third went in search of the doctor.
Fluttershy sat in the waiting room patiently until the doctor let the colt’s room with a sigh.
“Uh, excuse me,” Fluttershy interjected meekly. “Is he going to be ok?” she asked the doctor.
The doctor scanned Fluttershy for a few moments. Fluttershy could almost see the wheels turning behind his facial facade. “He will be fine in a few weeks.” The doctor waved a hoof to dismiss her concern. “I don’t believe we have met.” The doctor looked over Fluttershy’s dress, noticing the slight bulges where her wings were hidden. “I am Doc Vigor.”
The doctor had a brown coat the color of tree bark, and a sandy blond mane. “I’m Fluttershy,” was the barely audible reply.
“So Fluttershy, what brings you to Mountreal?” Fluttershy’s eyes grew wide. “Don’t worry,” He laughed “I won’t report you. Follow me.” he said ,tossing his head to indicate the correct direction.
Silent and downcast, Fluttershy followed. He lead her into an office, and motioned for her to take a seat on the opposite side of the desk.
“So how did a pegasus like yourself end up in an Earth Pony town? And where did you get a brown tracking bracelet?”
Fluttershy let out a timid squeak in reply.
Doc Vigor laughed softly. “Calm down sweetheart,” He paused, allowing her to regain composure.
“Orange Julius helped us get in.” She whispered. timidly. “My friends and I were supposed to find you. We went separate ways, so we wouldn’t look suspicious.” Fluttershy stopped talking abruptly.
“Ah, Julius. I should have guessed. That explains the brown bracelet.” Fluttershy nodded. “You said there were more of you?” Fluttershy nodded again. “It was a good idea to split up. One pegasus might not get noticed but a group would.”
“Oh, we aren’t all pegasi.” Fluttershy gently corrected the doctor. “Two unicorns, two pegasi, and two earth ponies.”
It was the doctor’s turn to nod. “I see. I assume you are from Equestria? The previous doctor told me stories about the land to the south where all ponies live in harmony.”
“That’s right. Our Princess wants to make sure your Queen won’t try to take over Equestria too.”
“She isn’t MY Queen. I remain loyal to the old King, or at least his family now that he’s gone. There is even a rumor that the old King has a son that is still alive.” Doc Vigor began to explain what he meant. “The king had a child with a mare that wasn’t the former Queen, but a normal unicorn. Their son together is possibly alive. He would be in Unicornicopia, where all of the unicorns live. The best way to ensure the Queen won’t attempt to take over is to get the rightful King on the throne.”
Fluttershy listened intently. “But won’t it be difficult to get into Unicornicopia?”
“If you have the right tools it isn’t as terribly hard as one might think. I wouldn’t suggest you all go, but with horns and tracking bracelets native to the town, it shouldn’t be too difficult.” He thought for a moment. “Tell me about your friends, and I’ll see if I can get more suiting bracelets.”
It took a while for Fluttershy to explain each of her friends. Once she was finished, Doc Vigor gave his conclusion: “Ok, Rarity is into fashion - purple for her. Twilight loves books and magic - definately green. I don’t think I can get one for Rainbow Dash, she would need to find a way to contact a pegasus, Applejack would be best with brown, and Pinkie Pie needs a yellow.” He was silent for a moment, lost in thoughts about how to procure the correct bracelets. “Apricot for yellow, Hide for green, possibly Milly for purple...” He muttered pensively. “I can get those three no problem. As for you,” he said digging through a drawer in his desk. He pulled out a red bracelet identical to his own. “The red represents care. Doctors, Nurses, Veterinarians, and Teachers all wear red.”
“Ok, thank you very much for your kindness,” Fluttershy put on her new red tracking bracelet.
“You should go now, it’s already 7:30. Curfew will be in less than an hour. I assume you’re staying with Julius?”
Fluttershy nodded. “Ok then. I will try to make my way over for a house call tomorrow.” The Doctor said as he stood, and walked Fluttershy to the door.
Fluttershy waved and made her way back to the orange farm.
Just before eight pm, all six ponies met back on the doorstep to the orange orchard. At eight pm the door opened and Orange Julius let them inside. “So what did you fillies do today?”
All six simultaneously launched into a description of who they met and what they learned.
“Woah, woah, woah,” Julius laughed, “One at a time.”
“I made a new friend!” Pinkie Pie started, bouncing in place, “Her name is Apricot. She got me a yellow bracelet, and let me work in her shop.”
“Well, I met a pegasus colt on one of the clouds above Mountreal,” Rainbow Dash boasted. “He said he has been trying to recruit people to help bring down the Queen, but it’s difficult with the restrictions the Queen has placed.”
Julius nodded acknowledging Rainbow Dash’s statement. “How about you Fluttershy?” He asked.
“Huh? um, well, I went to see Doc Vigor.” She answered meekly. “He told me a story about the former King’s son. Supposedly the King had a son whose mother was a unicorn, not the former King’s wife. Since he is only a unicorn and lived with his mother, he might still be alive,” she paused, “or at least that’s what Doc Vigor said. He also said he can get us better suiting tracking bracelets.”
“That’s similar to the story I read in the large book I was given. It was about the history of Everfree.” Twilight added. “It confirmed that the King did have a son with another mare, and that the son was a unicorn.”
“Well if that’s true, we need to get someone in contact with this unicorn prince.” Julius addressed the group.
Twilight nodded, “We should stay in pairs, and since Rarity and I are already unicorns, it makes sense for us to go.” She reasoned. “How far is Unicornicopia?”
Orange Julius answered, “I don’t know walking, but just about five miles direct. To get in undetected you would have to leave through the forest.”
“Oh goodness!” Exclaimed Rarity mildly, “I couldn’t walk all that way. It’s much too far. Can’t I just stay here? You know, rally the troops? I am sure Julius needs help.”
“OK, then who wants to go to Unicornicopia with me?” Twilight asked.
“Me! pick me! I wanna make some new friends!”
“Ok, Pinkie it is,” Twilight said somewhat defeated. “Rarity, can you fashion a horn for her?”
“Ooo! Ooo!” Pinkie bounced around Rarity. “Can it be pink?” she asked.
“The group chuckled. “Of course! I wouldn’t have it any other color!” replied Rarity. “I know just the shade.”
“Then Fluttershy will come with me to meet Storm Chaser tomorrow, right?” asked Dash.
“Well... I, uh. I told Doc Vigor I would be here to meet him when he brings the tracking bracelets tomorrow.” Fluttershy looked down and kicked the ground.
“I guess that means I am going alone.” Dash shrugged.
“Ah don’t think that’s a good idea sugarcube,” Applejack said, slightly concerned.
Twilight had the solution. “I perfected the spell that gave Rarity wings,” She said happily, “I know where it went wrong. If you are willing I can give you pegasus wings. Then you can watch out for Rainbow.”
“Ah don’t know, you guys. Ah’m not one to mess with nature.” AppleJack looked concerned.
“Ahh, come on AJ. Can you honestly say that you never wanted wings?” Dash asked.
“Ah can honestly say that ah’ve never wanted wings,” Applejack answered.
“Never thought about beating me in a race on my own turf?”
“Ah like the sound a that, but how safe is this, Twi? If ah get hurt what would happen ta Sweet Apple Acres? Applebloom, Big Mac, and Granny Smith need me.”
“It works fine. I tested it on myself last time I was in Canterlot. I stayed a week longer than I intended because I had wings. I wanted to test it with the Princess’ supervision after what happened last time.”
“Every pony nodded in amused understanding, while Rarity sulked.
“Fine, Ah guess ah’ll give it a try. It only lasts three days, right?”
“Actually the pegasus wings last longer. About a week total.” Twilight bragged. “But lets wait until tomorrow, so you don’t have issues leaving.”
“Ok, now that that’s settled, let me show you to your room.” Julius instructed them to follow. “I know it’s not much, but it should work out well enough. I’m just glad that we house workers in groups of six.” He led them into a plain white room with six beds with grey wool blankets. “Sleep well.” he said, “The Bathroom is down the hall on the right.” He left them alone to prepare for bed.
Fluttershy removed her dress and slowly pulled herself into bed beneath the heavy wool blanket, and sang softly as she drifted to sleep.
The rest followed suit. Quietly falling into bed and quickly to sleep, dreaming of their friends and families back in Ponyville, and how their lives would be affected if they couldn’t successfully stop the Queen.
They tossed and turned as their dreams became nightmares. Thinking of Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake being separated from not only from their parents, but from each other as well, brought tears to Pinkie Pie’s eyes.
Futtershy whimpered as in her dream she was forced to live in Cloudsdale away from most of her furry friends.
Rainbow Dash tossed as she dreamed of missing the running of the leaves, of never running with Applejack again. She thought about the Apple Family Cider she wouldn’t be able to have.
Rarity appeared at ease while sleeping, but in her nightmare she was just as dramatic as ever. She designed beautiful dresses for each friend, but being separated, they couldn’t wear them. Eventually Rarity lost all inspiration to design. Her designs slowly became rancid. The Colors were terribly ugly, and out of style. They clashed. The shape was outdated. Rarity knew she could never let her dresses look like that.
Applejack dreamed that it was Zap Apple Season and watched all five signs pass. When she and Big Mac began to buck, each tree came to life. They took on the voices of her friends. “How could you abandon us?” They asked.
Twilight trembled and shook her head violently. She dreamed of Fluttershy looking longing at the ground. She thought of the missed picnics, and the galas they wouldn’t attend. She imagined being unable to support Rainbow Dash in her first performance with the Wonderbolts. Her heart twisted when thinking about the cakes, and Ditzy and Dinky Doo. The Cutie Mark Crusaders would be forced to split.
Why couldn’t Queen Gardenia see how she was hurting people... or why didn’t she care?
Rarity awoke to hoof steps outside the room. She groaned and threw her pillow over her face. After a few more moments of hoof steps, she rose and approached the door. She opened it as Orange Julius walked by.
“Good morning, Rarity.” Orange Julius greeted her warmly. “You’re awake awfully early.”
“It was not my choice.” she snapped at the blue and orange Earth Pony. “Sorry.” Rarity immediately apologized, rubbing her eyes carefully with a tired hoof. “I am not a morning pony.”
“Could of had me fooled.” Julius laughed.
Rarity laughed along, “Why are you awake so early Julius?”
“Well when working in the orchards we start our day as early as possible. It’s best to get most of the work done before the sun gets too high in the sky.”
“That makes sense.”
“What do you have planned for today, Rarity?”
“Well, I need to make a horn for Pinkie Pie. I also want to make a more comfortable wing cover for Fluttershy, and if I have spare time, possibly modify my hat.”
Orange Julius’ smile faltered slightly, but was quickly restored.
“It should not talk long to get those done. I will probably be bored to tears most of the afternoon.” She continued.
His smile grew, “Well we can’t have that can we?” Julius asked rhetorically, “I will do what I can to make sure you are entertained this evening.”
“That would be delightful,” Rarity replied bowing her head to hide the faint blush coloring her cheeks.
If her head had been up she would have noticed the color on Julius’ cheeks as well. “I must be going.” He said. “The orange trees won’t buck themselves.”
With that Orange Julius turned and left. Rarity looked up and watched him make his way down the hall, and around the corner.
Once he was out of sight, Rarity returned to bed, and snuggled into the covers with a deep and content sigh.
The six awoke around eight am. First was Applejack with a loud yaw, followed by Pinkie Pie, who sprang out of bed.
“Good morning everypony!” she shouted, ensuring everypony else was awake too.
“Yeah? What’s so good about it?” Rainbow Dash asked before rolling over and hiding her head beneath a pillow.
“Silly Dashie! You can’t hear my answer if your head is under the pillow.” Pinkie Pie went to stand at the head of Rainbow Dash’s bed, before proceeding to yell: “It’s great because the sun is up, and I’m with my five best friends in all of Equestria!” She paused for a moment. “And all of Gardenia too, now that I think about it.” She giggled happily, bouncing around the room.
Rarity rubbed at her eyes with her hooves. “Pinkie, Darling? Be a dear and settle down a bit. It’s still too early for such energy.”
“Oopsie! Sorry Rarity, I’ll try to be calmer.” Pinkie Pie took in a deep, exaggerated breath, and sat at the end of the bed; holding it in.
“Pinkie!” Twilight Sparkle chuckled. “Rarity didn’t say you couldn’t breathe.”
Pinkie Pie exhaled and gasped for air. “Thank goodness! That was hard to do.”
Fluttershy rose silently and stretched. First her forelegs, and then her wings, extending them careful of her surroundings. Her wings rebelled. They were stiff from being confined the day before. Once she was able to fully extend her wings, she pulled herself into the air. ‘They need the exercise.’ She thought.
Applejack stood and placed her hat back on her head. “Ah haven’t slept this long since I was just a filly.” She said, shaking her head. “Ah’m as well rested as a bear after hibernatin’ season.”
Twilight looked around at her friend’s varying states of disarray. “Fluttershy?” Twilight asked, “Did Doc Vigor say what time he would make that house call?”
Fluttershy shook her head, “No.”
“Rarity what do you need to make Pinkie Pie’s horn?” Twilight aimed her sights at Rarity.
“Well, mostly ribbon. Although some pink cloth would help. I’ll need a needle and some thread as well. Fabric glue would be beneficial as well. “Rarity nodded with each item she listed.
“Okay and Rainbow?” Rainbow Dash’s head was still buried under the pillow. “Rainbow?” No answer. “Rainbow Dash!” Twilight hollered.
Rainbow Dash re-awoke with a start. “Wha?” she mumbled only half awake.
“You were going to take Applejack to meet Storm Chaser today. What time are you going to leave?”
Dash rubbed at her eyes with a lazy hoof as she thought. “Uh, we didn’t set an exact time. So I guess whenever I see the other Pegasi are leaving.”
“That will make giving Applejack wings difficult. What do you think AJ? When would you like to gain your wings” Twilight asked.
“Uh, well Ah’d still rather not, but if Ah have ta', now would be good. Ah’d like some time ta’ get used ta’ them, Ah ‘spose.” Applejack answered, still unsure of the whole idea.
“Ok Applejack. As soon as we get out to the orchards.” Twilight replied. “Pinkie, what are you going to do today?” Twilight’s tone became cautious with her last question.
“Well, you see, I was thinking I’d make my way back to Apricot’s store. I figured I could help her bake more cupcakes before I go with Twilight. I mean, she has the most amazing kitchen, and so many pots and pans and bowls and cupcake tins! Yesterday I started banging the pots and pans together and I came up with a song! Wanna’ hear it?” Pinkie took a deep breath and began to sing.
“Ting tang crash bang go the pots and pans! They sing like me-”
“Pinkie!” Twilight stopped the pink pony mid-song. “That song was lovely. Did you show Apricot?”
“Oh my goodness! I didn’t!” Pinkie exclaimed. “I bet she would love it! I’ll go show her right now.” Pinkie gave a brief wave and hopped out the door.
Rainbow Dash giggled. “I see what you did there.”
“Now get out of my bathtub!” Pinkie poked her head back into the room, and disappeared again.
The group burst into a fit of giggles.
“Ah sure would like to know where she gets all that energy from.” Applejack chuckled, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.
“Hehe, have fun on your trip to Unicorn Town.” Rainbow Dash teased Twilight.
“Unicornocopia.” Twilight corrected.
“Whatever.” Dash finally pulled herself from her bed. She hovered in the air for a moment before slowly lowering her hooves to the floor.
“Let’s get this over with.” Applejack sighed, heading for the door. Rainbow quickly threw on her dress from the day before, and followed Applejack.
While delicately placing her hat over her horn, Twilight turned to Fluttershy and Rarity. “Will you two be okay here alone until Doc Vigor gets here?”
“Oh yes, I will be just fine.” Fluttershy answered quietly. Twilight could tell that she already missed Angel, and her other animal friends back in Ponyville.
“We will be just fine Twilight. I will keep Fluttershy entertained, and I welcome her companionship.” Rarity escorted Twilight to the door. “Do not worry.”
“Okay, well, I’ll be back as soon as I get Applejack airborne.” With that said, Twilight rounded the corner, and left their sight.
Inside the Everfree Forest, Applejack and Rainbow Dash waited impatiently for Twilight.
Applejack stood in one spot as Rainbow Dash circled her from above. “Will you cut that out?” Applejack snapped at Rainbow Dash.
“You are going to love flying AJ! I just know it. It’s so AWESOME!” Rainbow gushed, completely undeterred.
Applejack nodded absently, while looking for Twilight in the dense foliage.
As Twilight breached the entrance to the Everfree Forest, Applejack rushed over. “Are you sure you want to do this?” Twilight asked Applejack one last time. “I’m sure Pinkie Pie could do it if you asked.”
“Nah, Ah’ll do it. Ah’m already here, let’s just get this over with sugarcube.” Applejack answered.
“Alright, I’m going to start now. Here I go.”
Rainbow Dash watched from nearby as Twilight’s horn glowed purple as Twilight removed her hat. Applejack grimaced as the glow engulfed her.
Applejack was lifted into the air. She felt her limbs start to grow lighter and lighter. There was a prodding sensation on her back, followed by a quick stabbing pain that subsided into a dull ache as her wings stretched her coat, and began to grow.
Applejack didn’t notice that she had been grinding her teeth, until she collapsed in a heap on the leaf strewn floor of the Everfree Forest.
Dash rushed over quickly. “Applejack! Are you okay?” Rainbow looked genuinely concerned to see her rival, and friend collapse on the floor. “Did it work alright?”
Applejack slowly stood, and showed Rainbow Dash her new wings. “It worked alright, but it was about as fun as apple bucking with my face.
“I am so sorry Applejack.” Twilight said guiltily. “I should have warned you about the pain. It doesn’t last long though. They shouldn’t even ache ten minutes.”
“Well, test them AJ. Lets see what ya’ got!” Dash taunted.
Applejack leapt into the air and landed on her face.
“Bahahaha!” Rainbow dash erupted in laughter.
“Hey, Dash; think you can teach Applejack to fly before you go to meet Storm Chaser?” Twilight asked. “I told Rarity and Fluttershy that I wouldn’t be long.”
“Of course!” Go ahead. We will see ya’ around egghead.” Rainbow Dash said confidently.
“We’ll be fine sugarcube. Ah trust you and Pinkie will be safe, and ah hope Julius and Doc vigor can help Rarity and Fluttershy. Ah’m afraid we’ll all need plenty of help.
After a short wave, Twilight left, leaving Rainbow to train Applejack in the ways of the Pegasi.
“Before flying, try expanding your wings as far as you can.” Dash instructed.
AppleJack followed Rainbow’s command. Her orange wings shook with effort, and she felt the release of tension throughout her body. It was as though she were stretching after sleeping curled up for a long period of time. In other words, it was bliss.
“Okay, good. Now try flapping them.” Rainbow said, demonstrating. AppleJack rapidly flapped her wings, only stirring up dirt and leaves. AppleJack’s hooves stayed firmly planted on the ground.
“AJ, if you move your wings that fast, you push the air out sideways. You need to push the air towards the ground.” Rainbow Dash approached AppleJack to show her how to hold her wings. “If your wings are perfectly straight, you push the same volume of air up as down, so you stay in one place.”
AppleJack stared, open mouthed at Rainbow Dash.
“What?” Dash asked skeptically.
“You sound like an egghead yourself!” AppleJack chuckled.
Rainbow Dash began to laugh too. “Well, I didn’t get to be the best flier in Equestria by sitting on my butt!” Rainbow Dash thought for a bit, before explaining it to AppleJack in a different way. “Think of it this way AJ. Try to push as much air toward the ground as possible. Just like when you swim, you push water behind, and try to put as little in front as possible.”
AppleJack did her best to follow Rainbow’s instructions. She soon found herself so focused on putting air below her, that she didn’t notice she was hovering about six inches off the ground.
“That’s great! You’re doing really well!” Dash encouraged.
AppleJack stopped focusing and came crashing to the ground.
“Oops! Sorry AJ. I didn’t mean to distract ya’.” Rainbow Dash apologized. “But if you bend your wings slightly, so that the tips are toward the ground, it will help you get more air.”
After two more hours of practice, AppleJack had fallen too many times to count. She was scraped and bruised, and slightly beaten up, but she was able to fly while holding a conversation, and with lots of encouragement from Rainbow Dash, could do a few simple tricks.
Rainbow Dash looked up higher in the sky as she flew with AppleJack. All of the pegasi were headed west. dash assumed they were moving on to Unicornicopia. She spotted a cloud that was sporting a navy blue tail.
Dash caught AppleJack’s attention and motioned for her to silently follow. Dash pointed at the tail, and snickered softly. She flew up directly behind the cloud, while AppleJack looked on nervously from below. Dash snickered quietly to herself again, as she softly grabbed the tail in her mouth.
AppleJack sighed with relief that Rainbow had not been caught. It was too soon to be relieved. Dash grinned through her mouth full of tail, and yanked Storm Chaser out of the cloud.
Storm Chaser floundered for a minute before his eyes landed on his rainbow maned captor. Dash released his tail, and burst into laughter. Reluctantly Storm Chaser began to laugh too.
AppleJack flew up slowly to meet them.
Storm Chaser saw AppleJack approach and turned to greet her. “So, you must be Fluttershy.” Storm Chaser held out a hoof.
AppleJack’s face strained with effort as she slowly held out her hoof to shake. “AppleJack actually.” She corrected him.
“What? AppleJack?” Storm Chaser questioned, looking at Rainbow Dash. Dash nodded. “Aren’t you an Earth Pony?” Storm Chaser was genuinely confused.
“That’s right. Ah’m an Earth Pony. The wings are strictly temporary. Hopefully very temporary.” She said as she faltered, and dropped a foot in the air.
“I don’t understand.” Storm scratched his head with a hoof. “Why send you to Pegasopalous when Fluttershy is already a Pegasus?”
“Ah got roped into it. Fluttershy is very timid n’ Rarity won’t travel well. That left either myself or Pinkie Pie.” AppleJack was worn out from staying airborne. She awkwardly made her way to a nearby cloud. “Ah know, it don’t make sense.”
“Well, if you are going to come with me, you will need these.” Storm Chaser stuck his head back into the cloud where he had been hiding. When he reappeared, he held two blue tracking bracelets in his mouth. “Ear fu wooh.” he mumbled around them.
Both girls removed their brown bracelets, and replaced them with blue.
“So?” Dash asked. “Did you find a guard to help?” She leaned toward Storm Chaser, her eyes were wide with expectation.
“Yeah, I think I did. I think you will really like him. He’s a really nice guy, even if he is one of the Queen’s guards.” Storm Chaser looked up at the sun’s position in the sky. “Actually, I should be leaving to meet him now. Do you two want to come?”
“Yeah! Let’s go!” Dash said excitedly.
AppleJack hesitated before nodding.
“Great. He’s at the front gate right now. His lunch break starts in about five minutes. I told him we would meet him for lunch.”
Storm chaser and Rainbow Dash started North while AppleJack trailed a few feet behind. She didn’t mind not being involved in the conversation. Instead, she used all of her concentration to keep from falling too far behind.
The distance between them grew, and by the time Rainbow Dash and Storm Chaser reached the gate to Pegasopalous, they were specks to AppleJack. She took a deep breath, and pushed harder to move herself forward.
Rainbow Dash and Storm Chaser arrived at the gate laughing and talking. The two were interrupted by an unsure voice.
“Rainbow Dash?”
Storm chaser and Rainbow Dash turned to look into the eyes of a pale yellow pegasus with one outstanding feature. A rainbow mane.
“Rainbow Dash? Is that really you?” The new pegasus grew more excited.
Dash looked at him with her head tilted to one side. She was puzzled.
“Rainbow?” Storm Chaser asked. “How do you know-”
“Prism.” Rainbow Dash said softly. The name tasted unfamiliar on her tongue. She turned to Storm. “I’m not sure how I know him.” She confessed.
Prism laughed. “It doesn’t surprise me that you don’t remember. You were a pretty small foal when you went to live with our grandparents.”
Rainbow Dash stepped back, nearly falling off the cloud they were on. “How did you know that I was raised by my grandparents?”
“Because I’m your big brother.”
Applejack flew up behind Storm Chaser and Rainbow Dash. The first thing she noticed was the silence. “What’s goin’ on guys?” She asked, thoroughly puzzled. She was managing to keep herself aloft.
Applejack took in Rainbow Dash’s shocked expression. She was wide eyed with her mouth open. “What’s wrong sugarcube?” she asked. Slowly Applejack turned to take in the pale yellow guard with the rainbow mane.
Applejack’s mouth dropped open. With all her focus directed at Prism, Applejack’s wings folded and she fell from view.
Dash was too shocked at the new development to notice that Applejack was quickly losing altitude, until Prism dropped from his post. The pale yellow Pegasus controlled his fall, and quickly managed to catch up with Applejack. Prism scooped Applejack up, and returned to Rainbow Dash and Storm Chaser with the orange mare safely in his hooves.
Applejack’s eyes rolled around in her head and she groaned. The former earth pony slowly managed to regain her composure. “Ah beg yer pardon” She apologized to Prism weakly. “The wings are still new n’ Ah’m not quite used to em’ yet.”
Once Applejack managed to steady herself enough to focus, her eyes landed on Prism’s mane.
“What the hay? There really can’t be two Rainbow’s runnin’ around, can there?”
Prism returned to his post, still carrying Applejack. He gently set her down on a nearby cloud.
“It was nothing really.” Prism replied. “And by ‘Two Rainbow’s running around’ I’m guessing you noticed my mane.” He lifted a hoof to his mane while Applejack nodded. “It’s a family trait from our father’s side of the family. It dates back pretty far, all the way to-”
“Wait!” Rainbow Dash interrupted after locating her voice. “You can’t seriously expect me to believe that you’re my brother, that ridiculous!”
“Of course I expect you to believe it. Why the hay would I lie about that?” Prism asked. “And besides, if I wasn’t your brother, and you’ve lived in Equestria all your life, how do I know your name?”
Rainbow dash thought for a moment. “Well, I don’t know why you would lie, but Storm Chaser could have told you my name.” She shot an accusatory look at Storm Chaser.
Storm Chaser held up his forehooves in defense. “Hey, I’m just as surprised as you are, although I did find the Rainbow mane ironic.”
“Okay then, if you’re really my brother, why weren’t you abandoned with me?”
“They didn’t mean to abandon you. I was actually supposed to go live with our grandparents too, but...” Prism bit his lip. “I can’t tell you what happened. Mom and Dad will want to tell you that.
“Mom and Dad?” Rainbow scrunched up her face in concentration, trying to remember her parents. “Are they okay?”
Prism glanced at the cloud they were standing on. “I’m not going to lie. They aren’t in the best shape, and things aren’t getting better. You might remember our house-“
“Yeah I do.” Rainbow Dash seemed relieved to have remembered something. “It was huge! Way too big for just four ponies. Mom and Dad always seemed to be smiling and laughing.” Rainbow’s smile fell when she asked what Prism had dreaded. “What happened?”
“Mom and Dad…they…they supported the old King. They did everything that they could to keep him in power, but it wasn’t enough, and now…”
“What.” Rainbow demanded.
“They’re some of the poorest ponies in Gardenia.”
Just as Prism finished his sentence, another guard flew over. The grey Pegasus did a double-take when he saw Rainbow Dash’s mane. “Hey, 2212! Morning shift is over. You’re dismissed.”
“Thank you 2184.” Prism waved, and flew from his post while motioned for the trio to follow him. “Stay close. If you get questioned, say that I’m escorting you to a meeting, but only if they ask you. Otherwise just stay quiet.”
“Um, scuse’ me, but why did that other guard call you 2212?” Applejack asked.
Prism held up his hoof, and showed the orange mare a white tracking bracelet. “When guards are on duty, we are known by our ID numbers rather than our names.” When Applejack took a closer look at the hoof, she saw 2212 engraved on the surface of the bracelet. “It makes it easier for Gardenia’s workers to know where each guard is. Funny thing Dash, if you were still in Pegasopalis when Gardenia had taken over, you would have been 2222.”
“Awesome.” Rainbow’s face dropped.
“What’s wrong Dash?” Storm Chaser asked.
Equestria’s fastest flyer stopped and landed on a nearby cloud. The rest of the group followed her lead, and landed as well, all of them looking concerned. “If I had stayed here, I would have grown up with my brother and parents, but I never would have seen the Wonderbolts perform, and I never would have met all my friends in Ponyville.
“Who are the Wonderbolts?” Storm Chaser asked.
`Applejack ignored the white pony, and looked Rainbow Dash in the eye. “Sugarcube, ya’ can’t think like that. Ya’ can’t change the past anyways, so think on the positive, n’ look to the future. When we finish here, ya’ ain’t gonna’ have to choose between friends and family. You’ll have both. I promise.”
“Thank’s AJ. I feel a lot better.” Dash replied, giving a small smile. “We’ll get all this sorted out, and I’ll have it all. My friends, and my family.” Rainbow’s smile grew with each word as her confidence increased.
“Seriously, who are the Wonderbolts?” Storm asked again.
“Rainbow launched into a detailed description of her idols, while she and Storm Chaser fell behind Prism and Applejack, allowing Prism to lead the way.
After a couple minutes of silence, Prism spoke up. “So, Applejack. It is Applejack, right?”
“Eyup. Ah’m Applejack alright,” She answered.
“I’m Prism. Did you grow up in Cloudsdale with Rainbow Dash?” He asked.
“Nah, Ah grew up on Sweet Apple Acres with Big Mac, Granny Smith, and Applebloom.” Applejack replied proudly.
“Wasn’t that an apple farm run by earth ponies?”
“That’s right. How’d ya’ know?”
“Well, fifteen years ago, my family would always stop by during cider season. We always visited my grandparents in Cloudsdale around then.” Prism licked his lips at the memory. “But how did a Pegasus come to live there?”
“Oh, Ah’m not a Pegasus.” Applejack answered.
Prism inspected her wings from a distance. “Your wings say otherwise.”
“Really?” Applejack strained to get a look at her wings. “Twilight did a great job.” Applejack took a deep breath before launching into an explanation. “Ah live on Sweet Apple Acres because my Great Granddaddy built it when my Granny Smith was young. Ah’m an earth pony.
“But your wings look real to me.” Prism looked confused.
Applejack blushed a bit. “Ah have Twilight Sparkle to thank for that. She’s a friend of ours from Ponyville. She studies magic under Princess Celestia, and is very good for a unicorn her age.
“You girls are amazing.” Prism said in awe, subsequently making Applejack’s blush deepen. “Well, here we are.” Prism said, stopping in front of a small shelter made of clouds.
Rarity inspected two bolts of pink fabric. “Twilight, do you think that Pinkie Pie is more of a cupcake pink or a cotton candy pink?”
Twilight rolled her eyes, but looked at the two bolts of fabric anyways. “Probably cotton candy. Cupcake is more like her hair color.”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking!” Rarity nodded. “I’m glad that you agree. Besides, cotton candy will also go well with Fluttershy’s hair.”
Rarity paid for the fabric and returned to Twilight. “I am just glad they take bits here.” Twilight said. “I have no clue how we would make an exchange.” She laughed. “I feel bad for leaving Fluttershy at Julius’ house alone, so we should get going.”
“I agree completely.” Rarity answered. “I do hope she isn’t too terribly lonely.” She said guiltily as the two disguised unicorns hurried back to the Orange Farm.
They followed Orange Julius, making sure to watch out for other ponies. They got a few curious glances from the other workers, but nopony said anything or approached them.
Soon they saw a massive stone wall that ran as far as they could see.
“Woah! That wall is HUGE!” Exclaimed Pinkie.
“It doesn’t end.” Stated Applejack in awe.
They continued on until Orange Julius approached a plain wood door. “This is one of the only doors in Mountreal that doesn’t have guards, and that is because it requires a key,” Julius
“Woah, Julie! You must be important!” Pinkie said, popping up behind the blue pony.
Julius looked away. “Not important enough,” he muttered. Louder he said, “follow me. Don’t stray or get lost.”
He opened the door and they stepped inside. The door reviewed a huge house. Marble floors and high ceilings. The walls were white and lined with expensive paintings of ancient ponies with fancy clothes, and white powdered wigs.
“Wow,” whispered Rarity, “What I wouldn’t give to live in a place like this.”
“Your freedom? Your job? Your friends and family?” asked Julius accusingly.
There was a tense moment of awkward silence, before Pinkie Pie poked her head around the corner of a wall into an industrial sized kitchen. “Look at this kitchen!” She hollered, “Just think of how any cupcakes I could make in here!” she began to bounce from counter to sink to oven.
“What is this place?” questioned Twilight.
“This house belongs to the owner of the farm. Queen Gardenia decided he would be wealthy. So he has this house, and she has his loyalty.”
Julius seemed sad about the statement. He turned and walked out of the kitchen with the rest following.
“I cannot leave the house without being questioned. Look around town, but be very careful. Tell nopony why you are here. I suggest making your way over to the care center. Doc Vigor should be helpful in your quest. If you run into any trouble ask to speak with me. Understand?”
He received a few nods, two said yes, and one enthusiastic “Okie doki loki!”
“Return here by eight pm. That’s curfew. We should have enough beds.” He finished walking the group to the door, and gave a short wave after opening the door.