Chapter 3: The Quest (Part 1)

Chapter 3

The Quest (Part 1)

“All rise!”

Sitting comfortably on the wood floor of the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ clubhouse, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo proceeded to stand up obediently.

“I hereby declare this CMC meeting, adjourned!” With that, Apple Bloom cheerfully slammed the gavel down onto the wooden podium.

“I still can’t believe we have a free day tomorrow,” said Sweetie Belle.

“With the amount of ponies we helped this past week, I can’t believe it either. I mean, we helped six different ponies get their cutie mark in a single week! That’s a new record for us,” said Scootaloo. “You sure we don’t have any appointments set up for tomorrow Apple Bloom?”

Looking through the agenda book on the podium, Apple Bloom nodded. “Yup. Nothin’ for tomorrow or the next day.”

“Well that’s convenient,” Sweetie Belle said with a smile. “Just so happens that my parents are returning tomorrow from their vacation in Manehattan. They planned to meet up with Rarity and I, but I told them that I might be busy. Guess not!”

“You too huh?” Scootaloo said with a frown.

“What’s wrong?” Sweetie Belle asked with concern.

“Eh. It’s nothing really. It’s just that my parents decided that they wanted to spend time with me as well. Guess I’ll be spending it with them tomorrow.”

“Well what’s wrong with that?” asked Apple Bloom while she stepped down from the podium to join her friends.

“Nothing I guess. It’s just that their definition of 'spending time together' usually means doing whatever they want.”

“Wait, you hang out with your parents?” Sweetie Belle asked with a look of confusion, which was immediately met with a glare from Scootaloo.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing, nothing. It’s just… I never seen your parents before so I always thought that-“

“That I was some poor, sad, lonely little filly who doesn’t have any parents? Well gee, that would be miserable now wouldn’t it?”

Apple Bloom looked down at the wood floor, those words stabbing into her like a knife.

Sweetie Belle swiftly elbowed Scootaloo in the shoulder.

“Ouch! What was that for?” she snapped as she rubbed her shoulder.

With a stern face, she tilted her head towards Apple Bloom, who was still looking dismally at the floor.

Scootaloo placed her hoof over her mouth. “Apple Bloom! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean-“

“Nah it’s ok,” she said, looking up at her with a smile. “I know you didn’t mean it like that.”

She casually walked over to the door, softly biting her lip as she held back tears. “You two have a fun time tomorrow with your family. I’m going to go back home.”

“Wait Apple Bloom," Scootaloo began, “If you want to hang out with my family tomorrow, then you’re more than welcome to.“

“No, that’s alright. I’ll be busy doing chores anyways.”

But her friends didn’t buy into her charade.

“I’ll be fine, really!” she said with another forced smile. “I’ll see you girls later.”

As Apple Bloom walked slowly back home, she couldn’t help but think about her parents. This was something that she would do from time to time, but recently, she would constantly find herself pondering about them, and Scootaloo’s comment made her think about them even more. She couldn’t explain why her mind suddenly decided to wander like that. For some reason, she had a strange urge to find out more about her parents, an urge that she could feel was tugging inside her heart.

She would frequently hear stories from either Granny or her siblings about cheerful memories involving her parents. Those were bittersweet moments for her. Sure she enjoyed those stories along with the rest of her family, but she always felt a bit left out. She would try desperately to search her mind in hopes to recollect her own memories or events yet she could never do so. Sometimes, she would recall something involving her and her parents, however after thinking about it some more, she would find out that it was only her imagination, a made up memory, much to her dismay. It was a piece that was missing, not only in her mind, but in her heart. The only thing she had to remember them by were old family photos, stories, an incomplete lullaby, and, well, her imagination.

She pondered this as she walked through the endless rows of apple trees, blankly observing the beautiful scenery. Birds danced around the air singing their beautifully crafted tunes, while the sun shined brightly in the cloudless blue sky onto the thick canopy of apple trees, casting shadows and silhouettes across the dusty path that led back to the house. A beautiful day indeed, yet it wasn’t enough to lighten her mood.

“Why is my mind wandering like this?” she asked herself, while that urge inside her heart slowly began turning into a burning desire.

She stopped in her tracks, and placed her hoof over her heart, now very confident that she indeed felt something, an indescribable feeling that she had never felt before. It felt sort of like a small flame, gentle and warm. She stood there, closing her eyes, as it lingered there in her heart. She could feel her sadness slowly begin to melt away. After a few moments, however, the feeling faded. What was it? She waited there for a few moments hoping it would come back but it didn’t. Ignoring what had happened, she continued her walk back to the house.

After a few minutes, Apple Bloom finally reached the house and upon opening the door leading to the kitchen, she was greeted with a sweet aroma.

“Hey there Sugarcube!” said Applejack cheerfully, seeing her baby sister enter the house. She then opened the oven, the delicious smell becoming even stronger.

“Smells good sis!” Apple Bloom said in delight, sitting down at the dining table. “Let me guess…”

“Applefritters!” they said together.

“Freshly baked! Although they’re usually fried, I decided to try a new method of preparing them!” Applejack said proudly while placing the hot pan on the kitchen table in front of her sister. “Let it cool for a minute and then…” she began to look around, “let’s hurry up and eat it before Big Mac does!”

“Eeyup! He does have a big appetite!” said Apple Bloom jokingly. “But wait, aren’t we going to eat dinner soon?”

Applejack gave her a little wink. “I think a few before dinner wouldn’t hurt anypony. Just don’t tell Granny I let ya, ok?”

Applejack took her seat across from her, while Apple Bloom couldn’t help but stare at the delicacies lying just a few inches in front of her. She could feel the heat emanating from the pan, accompanied by a sweet, delightful aroma. She could also hear the soft crackling of the pastries as it sat there sizzling on the table.

After letting the fritters cool off for a bit, the two sisters began to eat the freshly made pastries, happily munching away.

“So how was your meetin’?” asked Applejack, taking a pastry from the pan.

“It went really well! We ended up helping six different ponies get their cutie marks. A new record!”

Applejack stared delicately at her.

“What?” she asked as she stared back, her mouth filled with fritters.

“Oh nothing... it’s just that… I’m just so proud of you. You’ve grown so much and have accomplished so many things since you got your cutie mark. I know I said it before but, if Ma and Pa were here, they would be so proud too.”

Hearing this, Apple Bloom looked down at the table, her mind beginning to think about her parents once more. Seizing the moment, she looked up at her sister.

“Hey, Applejack? Could you tell me more about them?” she casually asked.

Applejack happily placed her half eaten fritter down onto her plate and wiped her mouth with a napkin.

“What do you want to know Sugarcube? I have plenty of stories, not as much as Granny of course but-“

“Actually,” she began hesitantly, “I was wondering if you could tell me… what happened to them?”

The cheerful, kind look that Applejack had moments before slowly turned into a sad, disheartened one.

“I know it’s a topic you don’t like discussing, it’s just that I feel like I have the right to know. I mean, you, Big Mac, and Granny share all these wonderful memories about them, which I appreciate and all, but I just wondered-“

“Isn’t that enough?” asked Applejack as she looked at her with sorrowful eyes. “All those happy memories and stories we share with you, isn’t that enough for you to know about them?”

“Applejack…”

“What made you ask this anyway?” she snapped.

“I… I can’t explain it. Recently, my mind has been wandering off and I just can’t help but think about them. I also have this strange feeling in my heart, pulling me towards them. Please Applejack, I just need to know."

Applejack turned away. “That feeling you have is just curiosity. Nothing more.”

Apple Bloom stared at her. “I see,” she said disappointingly as she got up from her chair.

“Where are you goin’?”

“I’m going to turn in for today. Not feelin’ so well,” she said sadly, slowly making her way back to her room. “Just tell Granny and Big Mac that I’m not really that hungry.”

“Apple Bloom…”

“Sorry. I just need some time alone,” she said as she climbed the stairs.

As Apple Bloom laid in her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, she couldn’t help but cry, feeling as if she would never get the opportunity to find out the truth about her parents. She could feel that peculiar feeling return, this time more prevalent. She laid there, holding her hoof over her heart as that burning feeling began to grow. Rather than ignore it, she allowed it to fill her up with happiness and comfort. What it was, she could not explain, however she didn’t care. Her mind began to fill with stories that her family shared about her parents, like the time when Applejack hid for almost an entire day from Ma and Pa after she almost burned the entire kitchen down trying to make a surprise dinner. Or the time when Pa had to rescue Big Mac after he fell down a well while trying to save his stuffed animal that he dropped, which, funny enough, he still carried around today. But probably her favorite story was the one her sister told her, about the time when their mother sang that lullaby to them when she was a baby. She still remembered that moment, up in the hay loft, the moment when her sister sang that song which carried her away into a deep sleep…

“Apple Bloom?” echoed a gentle voice.

“Apple Bloom?” said another in the same tone.

Opening her eyes, she could see two ponies, one with a peach coat and a golden, curly mane, and the other with a fair colored coat with a red mane, just like hers. They stood over her bed, smiling as she laid there.

“Ma? Pa?” she said in disbelief as she stared at them.

Without any words, her parents nodded their heads, smiling.

“You’re… you’re here! You’re both here!” she exclaimed, jumping from her bed and into her parents’ loving arms. “I… I can’t believe it… how are you here? Where have you guys been?”

But her parents did not say anything, their silence sending an uncomfortable, ominous feeling through her.

“What's the matter? she asked in concern.

With sadness in their eyes, her father and mother gave her a kiss on the forehead, as they hugged her in a warm embrace.

Without warning, her room began to shake violently. The windows began to shatter, picture frames and shelves, which were hanging on the wall, crashed down onto the floor, creating a deafening noise. The walls of her room then started to crumble while the wooden floor beneath them began to break away. Looking down, Apple Bloom could see nothing but complete darkness.

“Ma! Pa! What’s going on!?” she screamed, tightly holding her parents while she shut her eyes. She couldn't see anything, her fear preventing her from opening her eyes. She could feel her parent's warm touch, and at the same time, she could feel herself falling as well, feeling as if she was being dropped from a tall roller coaster.

After the feeling had faded, she opened her eyes and found herself sitting on a gravel road, a road high up in the mountains. She frantically looked around, but nopony was in sight. The mountain trail was slightly covered with mist, preventing her from seeing what lied beyond the trail. She cautiously made her way towards the road’s edge looking around periodically to ensure nopony was sneaking up behind her. Looking down into a deep, seemingly endless valley, she could see something. Lying at the foot of the mountain was a horse carriage, smashed to bits, barely recognizable. She had seen that carriage before, but she could not figure out where. She quickly turned away from the unsettling sight and began to slowly walk along the road.

“Where am I?” she asked herself as she continued to look around. There was no sound, except for the howl of the strong winds that flowed across the mountainside.

“Apple Bloom..." echoed a voice.

Turning around to the sound of her name, she could see her parents standing only a few yards away from her with fear in their eyes. Suddenly, her father jumped in front of her mother, as if he was protecting her from something. Confused, she turned around once more, only to be surrounded by a large crowd of ponies.

“Who are you?” she cried in fear.

But the ponies ignored her. With malicious smiles, they began to slowly make their way towards her and her parents. Suddenly, each of them began to glow, a mysterious green aura surrounding each of them.

As she stared in horror, the green aura slowly engulfed them and quickly disappeared. In their place stood a horde of black, insect-looking creatures: Changelings.

The Changelings hissed with their snake-like tongues, their sinister eyes glowing as they slowly made their way towards her and her parents.

“Pa!” she screamed as she scurried away.

The Changelings, however, began to sprint towards her. Tripping, she tumbled down onto the rocky road, the rough gravel sending a stinging pain through her as she laid there helplessly.

“Get away from us!” she cried as she saw the horde quickly approaching her.

She closed her eyes and placed her hooves over her head, bracing herself for her appending doom. She continued to lay there, eyes closed, waiting to feel a bite or a scratch, but nothing happened. Mustering up a little courage, she opened her eyes and was surprised to see the horde leap over her and charge towards her parents, leaving her unharmed. She quickly turned around, and gasped.

“No! Stop!" she cried, seeing her father fight off the swarm of Changelings that surrounded him and her mother.

She sprang to her hooves and quickly dashed towards them, seeing a few of the Changelings managing to hold her father down onto the ground.

Just as she was about reach them, she noticed that a large shadow began to loom over her. She stopped and looked up towards the sky and could see a large dark being with long transparent, insect-like wings that glistened in the sun, and a large crooked horn on its head. Its pale blue mane flowed from its black body with menacing green eyes, accompanied with a mouth filled with sharp fangs and a serpent-like tongue.

“Queen Chrysalis!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.

But the Queen flew passed her and flew to where her parents were. With a distasteful smile, her crooked horn began to glow, a green magic illuminating it.

“Fight all you want!” sneered the queen, “But either way, you’re mine!”

The light from her horn began to shine brighter than before and soon, a large beam of energy shot out, creating a blinding light.

“Ma! Pa! No!” cried Apple Bloom, squinting her eyes.

“Apple Bloom!” echoed a familiar voice. “Apple Bloom!”

Still blinded, she frantically began looking around for the voice, but could see nothing.

“Who's there?” she called out.

“Apple Bloom, please, concentrate on my voice. Concentrate!”

Closing her eyes, she obediently began to focus on the sound of the mysterious voice until the noises around her ceased. Opening her eyes, she found herself standing in a cold sweat, back in her room.

“How the hay did I get back here?”

“Because of me.”

Turning around, she could see a tall, dark colored mare, approaching her. Her beautiful midnight blue mane flowed majestically in the air as she smiled gently at her.

“Princess Luna!” she exclaimed, hugging her in relief. “Where did you come from? Wait...” she began to say as she looked around. “Where are my parents?”

“Apple Bloom,” the alicorn began, placing her hoof on her shoulder.

“It was only a dream, wasn’t it?”

“Indeed. Although, you are still dreaming.”

“I am?” she asked as she gazed around her room.

“Yes. You had a terrible nightmare. I had to quickly transfer you into another dream, for it began to severely damage your psyche. It was truly one of the worst nightmares I had ever seen, although I must say, in my many moons, I have never encountered a dream like yours before,” she said as she began to pace around the room.

“What do you mean?”

“What I mean is, your dream, was not necessarily a dream. Rather, it was more of a memory.”

“A memory?” Apple Bloom asked with confusion. “But I was too young to remember my parents. I was only a baby when they-“ She stopped and looked down at the floor. “Actually, I don’t know what happened to them,” she said sadly.

Princess Luna lifted her chin with her hoof and let out a comforting smile. “You are correct. This was not your memory,” she said softly as she looked delicately into her eyes. “This memory belonged to somepony else.”

“Who? None of my siblings, nor Granny, was there during-“ Apple Bloom stopped herself once more. “Princess Luna... It can’t be my parents’ memories… can it?”

“It appears that way,” said the princess. She continued to pace around the room as she contemplated about the strange phenomenon that occurred, trying to piece together the puzzle. She then ceased her pacing and looked directly at Apple Bloom.

“Tell me, have you experienced anything strange recently? Heard anything, seen anything, felt anything?”

“Actually, I have felt something odd,” Apple Bloom began saying. Lifting her hoof, she placed it over her heart. “Recently, I’ve been having this strange feeling. It feels like it’s in here, in my heart. I can’t explain it. It sort of feels like a small fire that’s burning, however it doesn’t hurt. It’s gentle, peaceful, and calm, sort of like sitting near the fireplace on a cold winter’s day, and yet it’s more than that. It fills me up with so much happiness and joy and I can feel it pulling at me at the same time. I never experienced anything like it.”

Princess Luna stared at the floor, thinking about what she had said. “It seems as if your parents are calling out to you.”

“So they’re alive!?”

“I am not exactly sure,” said Luna, “But one thing I do know, is that this call is an act of love.”

“Love?”

“Yes. Not the love you would find in some mare’s tale or storybook. No. This is a different kind of love, a stronger, more genuine kind. That feeling you have within your heart, is love’s call,” said Luna as she began to make her way to Apple Bloom. “Love, unlike magic, is capable of transcending distance, time and space. Although simple, it is very complex as its power is immeasurable.”

“But why do I feel this call all of a sudden? And how come no pony else can feel it, like my sister?”

“Tell me, have you been thinking about your parents recently? And not just thinking, but rather, yearning, desiring to learn more about them?”

Apple Bloom nodded.

“A wise pony once told me that love is ever-present; it is always around us, even when we do not know it. It waits patiently, making itself known to only those who desire it. I believe that in your quest to know more about your parents, you inadvertently opened your heart, allowing love to enter. On the contrary, pain, sorrow, guilt, prevent love from entering and prevent it from working fully, as is the case for your family. As I mentioned before, love is always present and is made available for those who seek it. Yes, your family continues to love your parents even till today, however they have ceased to open their hearts, unable to hear love’s call. Unfortunately, they hardened their hearts, calloused by that tragic night. Indeed I sense it has left a large scar on all of them, especially your sister.”

“I… I had no idea they felt that way,” Apple Bloom said with tears in her eyes. Wiping them away, she looked at the princess, filled with determination.

“What must I do?”

“It is simple,” Luna said smiling, admiring her courage. “You must answer love’s call. But be cautious little one, for the quest you take, will be dangerous. There will be many obstacles, but you must trust in yourself and in love’s power, to overcome them.”

After saying this, Apple Bloom's room began to illuminate in a white light, slowly growing brighter by the second. At this, the Princess of the Night began to spread her wings and fly away, fading into the light.

“Princess Luna! What’s going on?” called out Apple Bloom.

“It is time for me to depart Apple Bloom. Remember what I said.”

“Princess Luna!?” gasped Apple Bloom, awaking abruptly from her sleep.

She looked around, and found herself lying in her bed. Looking out her window, she could see Celestia's morning sun rising as its light began to flood the room. With her encounter with Princess Luna still fresh in her mind, she quickly jumped out of bed and sprinted down stairs to tell her sister what had happened.

Upon arriving in the kitchen, she found Granny Smith and Big Mac busily preparing breakfast.

“Mornin’ Apple Bloom!” Granny said in a cheery voice. “Yer up early. Why don’t ya help me and your brother out with breakfast? We’re fixing to eat soon.”

“Actually Granny,” she began frantically, “I need to talk to Applejack. Where is she?”

“She’s out in the east orchard bucking apples. She wanted to get started early so that she could-“

“Okay! Thanks Granny!” she said hurriedly as she bolted out of the kitchen door and out into the cool morning.

“Apple Bloom! What about breakfast!? You didn’t even eat dinner last night!" Granny called out to her.

“Sorry Granny! I’ll eat later though!” she shouted back as she sprinted towards the east orchard. Although she had not eaten for some time, she was not hungry. The only hunger she had was the hunger to find out what had happened to her parents on that mountain trail all those years ago.

She finally reached the east orchard and began to look for her sister. After searching for some time, she could hear the sound of hoofs kicking a tree. She followed the sound and after a few moments, saw her sister, busily bucking an apple tree.

“Applejack! Applejack!” Apple Bloom called as she ran over to her.

Ceasing her bucking, Applejack turned around. “Sugarcube! You’re up early. What’s wrong?”

“It’s… It’s…” Apple Bloom panted, unable to find her voice.

“Slow down Sugarcube,” Applejack said, patting her lightly on the back. “Take a deep breath.”

Taking a deep breath, like she had said, she finally found her voice. “It’s Ma and Pa!” she belted out, “They’re alive!”

Applejack backed away in disbelief. “What did you say? How in Celestia’s name do you know that?”

“I had a dream. Ma and Pa were up in a tall mountain on a road. They were in trouble and-“

“What road!? How do you know that!?”

“I told you!” Apple Bloom said sternly as she stomped her hoof. “I had a dream about them and they were in trouble! They were taken by Changelings!”

“Changelings?” Applejack said with a scoff, turning her back against her. “Now you’re just talking silly. It was a dream Apple Bloom! Nothing more! Now quit bringin’ this topic up!”

“I’m serious! Princess Luna came to me in my sleep and explained that it wasn’t really a dream I had, it was a memory! Their memory!”

“That’s enough,” Applejack said.

“And that feelin’ I told you about? It was a call from them! Love’s call!”

“I said that’s enough!” she shouted, turning around to confront her, tears filling her eyes. “I don’t understand why you have a sudden interest in our parents, but it needs to stop!”

“You may have given up on them, but I won’t! They’re out there! I know it!”

Applejack began to walk slowly towards her, rage now fully consuming her.

Apple Bloom backed away, intimidated and frightened, for she had never seen her sister so distraught, almost to the point where she was unrecognizable.

“They’re gone Apple Bloom! Gone! They’re never coming back! Do you not understand that? Do you want to know why I went up to that hay loft every day for all those years? Because I was a stupid little filly who waited for her Mama and Papa to come back! I waited and waited, thinking if I waited long enough, I would see them come back over that hill and guess what? They never did!”

“But you?” she continued to say, “You have it so easy! You were only a baby when they passed. You’ll never remember that tragic night, a night filled with sadness, despair, and mourning! You have cheerful, happy memories about them, nothing sad or depressing. Me? I don’t have that luxury!”

“A luxury!?” Apple Bloom exclaimed in disbelief. “I have no memories of them Applejack! Those memories, that you keep bringing up, are nothing but stories! Stories told by you, Big Mac, and Granny! They’re events that I never got to experience! Tell me, how is that a luxury? Do you want to know what a luxury is? A luxury is actually remembering them, remembering that precious feeling of when they held you, embraced you, hearing their sweet, gentle voices as they comforted you when you were sad or lonely, telling you that everything was going to be okay, or remembering the feeling of when they tucked you into bed and sang you a sweet lullaby. That’s a luxury!”

After allowing her to pour her emotions out, Applejack stared at Apple Bloom with a cold glare.

“It’s time to grow up Apple Bloom,” she said coldly. “Don’t be the same filly I was. They’re gone. Accept it.”

Apple Bloom turned away, her sister's words piercing her heart like a spear. “Princess Luna was right,” she began, tears pouring down her face. “You have hardened your heart."

She galloped away, fleeing from the bitter sorrow that surrounded her sister. She needed to get out of there, for if she didn't, that same sorrow would consume her and she refused to let herself go down that path. She continued to run, eyes still filled with tears, through the endless fields of apple trees. She sprinted out through the front gate and onto the dirt road in front of Sweet Apple Acres. She stopped, and looked back at her home.

She stood there, silently staring at the farm. She knew, after her argument with her sister, that she was alone. There was no sense in telling Big Mac or Granny about her dream. If Princess Luna was right, then they too will have the same reaction. She knew, deep down, that she had to do this on her own. It hurt knowing that her family had allowed pain and sorrow to enter their hearts. She was the only one who truly believed that they were still out there somewhere.

She began to walk towards town. She was determined to answer love’s call, find her parents, and bring them home. To do that, however, she needed to speak to a Changeling first. Luckily, she knew of one.

After walking through the bustling streets of Ponyville for some time, she finally reached her destination at the edge of town. She approached a large castle door and knocked loudly. She waited there, listening to the sound of her knocking, as it echoed through the castle corridors inside.

Suddenly, the large door began to open. Standing in the doorway was a short, purple and green dragon.

“Oh! Hey Apple Bloom!” he said happily. “What brings you here?”

“Hey Spike. I was wondering if I could speak to Twilight about something.”

“Yeah sure! What for?”

She began to hesitate. She tapped her hoof on the crystal steps as she started to think of a compelling lie.

“I was uhh… hoping that Twilight could help me with uhh…” stammered Apple Bloom, her voice beginning to trail off.

Spike raised an eyebrow as she tripped over her words.

“I was hoping that Twilight could help me... write a school report,” she finally said with a fake smile.

Spike immediately shrugged off his suspicion. “Oh! Of course! You came to the right place! If anypony knows how to write an A-worthy report, it’s Twilight!”

He then opened the large castle door fully, creating a loud creaking sound that echoed through the hallways. “Right this way! She’s in the library.”

Apple Bloom walked through the castle doors and into a vast, crystalline hallway. Every square inch was covered in shimmering crystal rocks. The floors, walls, and ceiling glistened, so much so that they seemed to be emanating a sparkling aura.

After walking through the hallway, the two finally reached the doors leading into the large library, filled with numerous shelves that were jam-packed with books.

Upon entering, Apple Bloom could see the purple alicorn busily reading a book while seated behind a large crystal table.

Twilight looked up and immediately let out a gleeful smile. “Apple Bloom!” she said happily as she placed down the book she was reading. “What brings you here?”

“She’s writing a report for school,” said Spike as he began to pick up books from the table to return back to the shelves.

“Ooo! A report? How exciting! Lucky for you, I’ve written thousands of reports and essays, many of which became published. Just last week, I finished writing one on the theory of inter-dimensional travel while utilizing quantum physics based on simple theories of relativity! Isn't that exciting?” she said with a smile.

Spike and Apple Bloom looked at her with dull faces, her intellectual remark going completely over their heads.

“Yeah… I don’t think Apple Bloom’s report will require anything complex like that,” Spike said rolling his eyes as he continued to carry the books.

“Oh… of course,” said Twilight, blushing from embarrassment. “So what’s your report about?

“Oh. Umm… just a report on Changelings,” said Apple Bloom as she rubbed her arm with her hoof.

“Changelings?” she said surprisingly. “Really?”

“Yeah, you know… basically a report on their recent developments, being that they recently reformed from being creepy insect creatures that fed off love, to beautiful creatures that now share love.”

“That sounds like an interesting topic. Unfortunately I don’t have any books or scrolls about that since it did just happen recently.”

“I know. I was actually hoping that you could possibly… teleport me to the Changeling Kingdom? So I could interview Thorax?” she asked subtly, letting out a smile.

Twilight looked at her with intent. “Hmm," she said as she started to pace around the room. "It just so happens that I just perfected my long-distance teleportation spell with Starlight. However, it would be tricky, being that I’ve only been to the Changeling Kingdom once. Plus, it’s a bit trickier teleporting another pony with me.”

She suddenly stopped pacing and looked at Apple Bloom suspiciously. “Wait, is Applejack okay with this?” she asked as she raised her eyebrow.

Becoming nervous, Apple Bloom began to tap her hoof on the floor once more. Just like her sister, it was difficult for her to lie, especially to her friend, but she knew it was for the best.

“Yeah of course she is!” she said with another forced smile. “She actually suggested that I come to you for help.”

Like Spike, Twilight’s suspicion was quickly dropped. “Ok!” she exclaimed happily, “As long as she’s okay with it.”

“Yup. She sure is,” she mumbled under her breath.

“Alright. Now, be sure to stay close to me.”

“How close?” she asked.

Before she knew it, Twilight had her in a tight hug.

“Umm… Twilight? Is this necessary?” she asked, barely being able to breath.

“Sorry,” Twilight said loosening her grip. “It’s just that we have to be careful. Long distance teleportation with another pony can be tricky, as I mentioned before. I just don’t us to be separated."

She then turned to Spike, who was busy placing the last set of books back onto the shelves. "Spike! We’ll be back! Oh and tell Starlight that I’ll be gone for awhile.”

“Yup! Sure thing! See ya guys!” he said happily as he waved goodbye.

Twilight’s horn began to glow with a purple light, a magical aura beginning to surround them.

Apple Bloom watched in amazement as the aura soon engulfed them in a sparkling veil. And then suddenly…

Poof!

Before she knew it, she found herself standing in a near-desolate wasteland. There were however, a few green trees that were spread throughout the plains, along with some small patches of green grass that were beginning to sprout across the land. In the distance, she could see a blue river, its waters gently reflecting the sun, causing the river to gleam beautifully.

“We’re here!” Twilight exclaimed. “Welcome to the Changeling Kingdom!”

Apple Bloom began to look around intently. “So this is it?” she asked.

“Yup. Although, it does look a bit different since the last time I was here. It was a barren wasteland, with nothing but dead trees. And there definitely wasn’t grass or a river here before… but never mind that.” Twilight then turned her attention to a large structure with tall rock-like towers that sat in the distance. “That over there is the Changeling nest. Follow me!”

After walking through the wasteland, the two ponies finally made their way to the foot of Changeling nest where they were greeted by two Changeling guards.

They looked very different from their previous forms, as seen in Apple Bloom’s dream. She gazed in awe at these creatures, admiring what love's power had done to them. They still looked like insects, however their bodies had unique, yet beautiful bright blends of colors, along with sparkling wings and majestic horns on their head.

“Greetings Princess Twilight!” the two Changelings said as they bowed. “What brings you to our beloved kingdom?”

“I have a little filly here who needs to speak with your king, Thorax. She’s doing a school report.”

The two Changelings smiled. “But of course! Right this way!”

Twilight and Apple Bloom followed the two into the nest. Apple Bloom observed in wonder at the numerous openings and passages that lined the ceiling and walls. It was like a bee-hive, however the passages sporadically sealed itself closed, while another one opened simultaneously. Dozens of Changelings buzzed overhead, busily traversing through the nest's network of tunnels. They seemed to know where and when an opening was going to appear, an intriguing sight to see.

“Be sure to follow close to us,” said one of the Changelings. “It’s very easy to get lost in here.”

“Did you bring a pen and paper?” asked Twilight with concern, noticing that Apple Bloom wasn't recording her observations. “I think it would be a good idea to be taking notes right about now.”

“Oh! Yeah. Don’t worry about it,” Apple Bloom said as she looked around. “I got all of it in my head.”

Twilight, however, was not keen with this answer. “Okay,” she said pettily. “If you say so.”

The two ponies followed the Changelings through an opening, which led out to a large balcony that overlooked the entire wasteland below. Towards the edge of the balcony was a large, regal, stone-like throne. Seated on it was a tall, beautifully colored Changeling, with majestic horns. Its purple wings were spread out and glistened in the sunlight.

“This here was the throne room,” Twilight said, resuming her history lesson, “It unfortunately blew up after the last showdown with Chrysalis, but I see they decided to make it into an outdoor balcony. Pretty neat right?”

Uninterested, Apple Bloom began to follow the Changeling guards towards the Changeling king.

“We have guests for you King Thorax,” said one of the guards as they bowed their heads.

“I can see that," he said, smiling as he saw the two ponies enter. "Princess Twilight! How are you? What brings you here?” he said with excitement as he flew down towards them.

“Hello Thorax,” Twilight said happily. “I see you did a little yard-work outside?”

Thorax began to laugh. “It’s funny. After we defeated Chrysalis and transformed, the land around us started to slowly change as well! Before we knew it, trees, grass, and even flowers began to grow. Oh and that river over in the distance was dry, up until recently.”

“Really!?” exclaimed Twilight,” That’s so fascinating! Do you think-“

“Ahem.” Apple Bloom said subtly, clearing her throat.

“Oh! This is Apple Bloom! Applejack’s little sister," said Twilight, nudging Apple Bloom towards Thorax. “She’s here because she’s doing a school report on the recent events that transpired here.”

“Is that so?” he asked intently. “I’m guessing you want to ask me a few questions?”

“Well, yes your majesty, but-“

“Please, just call me Thorax,” he said with a smile.

“Well, Thorax, I do want to ask you some questions, but not for a school report. I’m actually here for… umm… family business,” Apple Bloom said nervously, knowing that she had to finally reveal her true intentions.

Thorax looked at Twilight, who was just as shocked as him. He then returned his attention to Apple Bloom. “What kind of family business?”

“I’m here because of my parents. You see, they disappeared when I was only a baby. Everyone, including my family, believe that they’re gone… for good. However, I have reason to believe otherwise."

“What?” Twilight exclaimed. “You mean you lied to me?”

“I’m sorry Twilight, but I needed to talk to Thorax! I knew that you wouldn’t teleport me here willingly, so I sort of… lied.”

To Thorax, Apple Bloom resumed her explanation. “I had a dream last night. It was very vivid and detailed. It showed my parents. They were traveling on a gravel road, high up in the mountains somewhere.” Apple Bloom stopped, and closed her eyes, not wanting to recollect those haunting images of her nightmare.

“Go on,” Thorax said as he placed his hoof on her shoulder.

Apple Bloom continued. “I saw my parents. They were surrounded by a large group of Changelings. This was in the past, so this was way before you guys became reformed. Anyways, they attacked my parents and then suddenly, Queen Chrysalis appeared. She said that they were hers, and then she attacked them with a surge of magic. I… I’m not sure what became of them exactly. After my nightmare passed, Princess Luna appeared and told me that my dream was a memory, a memory from my parents. She explained to me that my parents were calling out to me.”

After saying her story, Thorax closed his eyes and began to think about what she had said.

“Apple Bloom,” Twilight began gently, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I wasn’t sure if you would have taken me here,” she said softly. “It was my idea to come to you. Applejack doesn’t even know I’m here. She's actually pretty upset with me.”

Twilight hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry Apple Bloom. You know that you can come to me for anything right?"

"I know," she said with a smile. "Thanks Twilight." She had always been there for her, sort of like an older sister. She felt foolish for ever thinking that she wouldn't help her.

Thorax, after contemplating to himself quietly, began to speak. “There was a story that was told to us by Chrysalis herself that she had had, at one point in her life, possession of the strongest source of love that she had ever encountered, so strong that it was able to sustain and feed the entire Changeling colony for many, many years.”

"What was it?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Nopony knows exactly. There were rumors that only a select few knew about this love source, however they were part of Chrysalis's inner circle and nopony knows where they are now. However, after hearing your story, it all makes sense.”

“What makes sense?” asked Twilight.

“You mentioned that you saw your parents on a gravel road, high above the mountains right?” asked Thorax.

Apple Bloom nodded.

“Before moving here to this nest, we had another nest. In fact, we have several spread throughout Equestria, however all of them are abandoned. The area you described in your dream sounded like High Mountain Pass. Coincidentally, we have a nest near there, which, funny enough, is the one we used to live in before moving here. That’s where we heard Chrysalis tell her story about the all-powerful love source.”

“So you think that my parents are this love source? And that they were taken captive there?”

Thorax nodded. "I have never seen them, nor have any other Changeling to my knowledge. However, Chrysalis did have secret entryways and passages that she alone could access. It is quite possible she kept them in one of those secret chambers without any Changeling knowing about it."

“Then what are we waiting for?” Apple Bloom said impatiently. “Let’s get a move on!”

“Apple Bloom,” Thorax began, “You should know that, that love source eventually… ceased.”

She looked at him fiercely. She knew exactly what he was implying, however she refused to accept it. “No. You’re wrong. If they were truly gone, then they wouldn’t have been able to call out to me!”

“I suppose it is possible…” Thorax began, still filled with doubt.

“I know they’re alive. I can feel it,” she said as she held her hoof over her heart.

“Love’s call,” he said with a smile.

“You know about it?” she asked with surprise.

“Yes. We Changelings started to experience it after our transformation. It’s truly a beautiful thing.”

Apple Bloom reached out her hoof. “Will you help me?”

Thorax let out a smile and held her hoof tightly. "Absolutely."

“Hold on!” exclaimed Twilight, who had been quietly listening to the two talk. “You’re not planning on taking her to High Mountain Pass, are you? That's all the way in the Smokey Mountains!"

“With all due respect, you must let her go princess. She has to answer love’s call. Her parents may well indeed be alive and well.”

Thorax then knelt down, allowing Apple Bloom to climb up on his back.

“I understand that but it’s dangerous!” said Twilight. “Apple Bloom, you can’t go out there by yourself! You have no idea what’s out there!”

“I do,” she said confidently. “My parents are out there and I’m going to get them back. Besides, I’m not truly alone. I have Thorax!”

“I swear to you, I will protect her at all costs,” Thorax said as he began to stand up with Apple Bloom on his back.

“Apple Bloom stop! You can’t go!” cried Twilight.

Thorax, however, began to fly, rising to the sky with Apple Bloom sitting comfortably on his back.

Twilight hurriedly began to fly after them, flapping her wings, the fastest she had ever done before. “Apple Bloom!” she called out, “Please don’t do this!”

“I’m sorry Twilight, but I have to!"

“Hold on tight!” said Thorax as he began to rapidly increase his speed, leaving Twilight hovering in the air as she stared helplessly at them.

With the cool wind rushing across her face, she peered down and could see the landscape below, along with the newly grown trees, flowers, and grass that Thorax had mentioned before.

“You’re right!” she exclaimed, “The landscape is changing. It’s beautiful.”

“All because of love,” he said proudly. “Without it, life would be desolate and barren, just like how the landscape used to be before.”

Suddenly, Apple Bloom felt a warm feeling inside of her. It quickly began to grow, its feeling becoming stronger with each passing moment. Holding her hoof over her heart once more, she let out a tearful smile.

“I hear you,” she said as she looked to the Smokey Mountains in the distance. “I hear you... and I’m coming.”