Apples in the Sun
Wiping sweat from her brow Applebloom was on the prowl for shelter from the sultry afternoon amongst her family's orchard. Not that it was a particularly difficult challenge, as per usual the crop was coming along perfectly, providing a mired of shady refuges from the summers heat. Yet the young filly already had a particular spot in mind, and unfortunately it was a decent trots away from the start of her journey. It still wasn't as unfortunate as having to buck apples in this heat, no doubt her older siblings would be deep into the west fields by this time, shuddering at the thought Applebloom was truly grateful that her cutie mark, whatever it may be, would not be in Applebucking during heatwaves.
Following along the familiar path until its end, the yellow filly was greeted by an all too recognizable sight, the Cutie Mark Crusaders Super Secret Headquarters Club Tree House, or CMCSSHCTH for short, Scootaloo was proud of the name. Even when Sweetie and Scootz were away, Applebloom could still find comfort in the building, perhaps it was because of its apparent isolation, or more likely it was due to the hours of hard work she put into rejuvenating the shack from its previous state as an elevated wooden deathtrap. Regardless it was that same comfort which Applebloom truly needed and yet upon further inspection, fretted that she shall not achieve.
When one loves someone or something, they tend to notice every minuet detail, every imperfection, they can also notice blatant pony shaped holes in roofs. Whilst this wasn't the first time the house had been vandalized, the circumstances were already jarringly different, after all Rainbow Dash was quick in apologizing and fixing the broken window before... no this one seemed different, and considerably larger. Similarly Scootaloo and Sweetiebell each haven't been in town since they were invited along with Rarity to partake in some sort of Fancy Pants ball or whatever. Was Applebloom feeling some resentment in not being invited, probably but that concern was minimal when compared to the before mentioned giant pony sized hole in the roof of the CMCSSHCTH.
Approaching the house tentatively, Applebloom was eager to inspect the damage, yet she forced herlself to be cautious as their was no telling how stable the house still may be. Deciding to take each step slowly, she could test her weight and listen to any cracks or splinters which may signify a floorboard about to break, causing the filly to f..”UGGGGHHHHHHH!!! ” The moan came from inside the house and caused the young Apple family member to jump in fright. Whom ever was inside noticed the apparent commotion outside as well and began to cry out. “Ugh hello is their any pony out their, I fear I may acquire some assistance!” The voice was definitely powerful, yet female, also strangely familiar. Not wanting to abandon a pony in need despite more then likely being her pride and joys assailant, Applebloom was quick to offer reassuring words.
“Hold on I hear ya, I just need to make sure the structures still safe” Ok well maybe Applebloom wasn't in such a rush. At this stage it was more then apparent that the CMCSSHCTH was not about to come crashing down any time soon, yet that didn't solve the problem of 'strange pony smashed my houses roof and is now trapped inside'. It also failed to address the similar problem of the same said strange pony identity, this stranger may be hostile hostile, patiently waiting within the confines of the structure for the young filly to enter so that she may strike. The voice did seem powerful and confident, in fact it didn't sound strained at all. “All right Ima come in and help ya, but first I need you to tell me who you are. My older kin don't much like me talking to strange ponies.”
“Applebloom, is that you?, its me Celestia and I highly doubt your sister would object to you helping me” Applebloom couldn't believe it, Princess Celestia in her club house. The ruler of all Equestria had for some reason decided to visit Ponyville, smash up her clubhouse roof, and in the process injure herself so gravely that she needed assistance from a young filly like herself. It was improbable...no imposable... neigh it truly was inconceivable.
“Im sorry miss, I know you may need help but lying to get it wont do you any good. I'm still gonna come on in and give ya a helping hoof, but only because after telling a fib like that you more than likely need it” Applebloom continued her rant as she approached the door. “Now I should have you know that mah sister is only a short hollerin distance away, and if you try anything she will be here lickety split to kick your flank ok” Whilst Applebloom knew the boast wasn't true, and that any pony with any sense of logic could piece that together, after all, if the renown farm mare was anywhere near by she would have already been called. Yet at the same time, any pony which would claim to be Princess Celestia probably wasn't a pony of much sense in the first place. Still Applebloom had to know whom was brazen enough to smash up her perfectly good roof and believe to get away with it, that and the smaller details of finding out how they knew her name, and their was the slight chance they may actually need help. “So I'm coming in no....”
Opening the door Applebloom was shocked into silence at the scene before her. Celestia herself couldn't see the awestruck filly either not that it mattered, given her current circumstance she doubted her own ability to explain the situation properly. As for Applebloom, on one hoof it appeared that the princess's appearance had caused the young mare to faint, yet at the same time she was still standing and quite conscious. As if she stared into a Cockatrice yet was not literally turned to stone. “Umm Applebloom if you are still here I could use your assistance at this moment” Hearing her beneficial ruler seemed to snap the yellow earth pony out of her bewildered trance, immediately rushing towards the Alicorn's side what began was a series of questions asked so quickly, even Pinkie Pie would be impressed.
“How are you?, Why are you? My roof? Are you ok? Ponyville? What were you? Do you need help? Your really Celestia arent you? Wheres your head?” If the first moment of discovery could be compared to a pony's heart stopping, this one would be the defibrillator shocking it back to life. Applebloom's mind was going slightly haywire yet who could blame her after the scene she walked in on. It abundantly clear that Princess Celestia had in fact crashed through her roof, due to the normally flawless alabaster coat having been ruined by debris and minor scratch wounds. Yet that wasn't what broke the filly's mind, rather during Celestias crash she must have gone straight through the ceiling at such a speed that her body continued through a desk and left the princess with her head sticking comically into the tree itself. The rest of her body was then sprawled at awkward angles which not only seemed physically impossible, but mighty uncomfortable as well. To put it simply, the ruler of all Equestria had somehow gotten her head stuck in a tree.
“Applebloom please calm down, let me assure you I am quite alright just slightly stuck, if you would be so kind as to help me out of this.... predicament I would be most grateful” Truth be told Applebloom had no idea how she was supposed to help the deity, or how the deity was even able to speak given the circumstance yet she was not about to allow these minor obstacles distract her sense of duty. “All I need you to do is poke the base of my neck, fortunately this tree appears to have been hollowed out and if I can just get a better idea of how far into the trunk I am, I should be able to teleport out” This left Applebloom even more confused however as an earth pony she doubted if she would ever be able to truly understand the complexities of unicorn magic. Still that didn't stop her from following the simplest of instructions. “Yes there we are, stand back please” with a short and sudden flash Celestia vanished only to reappear in the center of the clubhouse, where she proceeded to vomit and then collapse on the floor. “It appears I may have suffered a mild concussion.”
“Ohh my are you alright?” All of Applebloom's confusion was quickly switched to concern.
“Yes ye.. well no the room is spinning and my head is in quite sever pain, I'm sorry but I may need too take rest in your barn for a moment.” It was clear to Applebloom that Celestia was not all at all ok, or even so-so. Judging from the confused and slightly vacant expression on the Alicorns face it was very clear that her crash was indeed quite serious.
“Umm yea you go ahead do that your highness, I'm just gunna go get my sister ok, she will know what to do” Applebloom was ready to hurry, yet was stopped by the unexpected intruder.
“That wont be needed My Little Pony, one of the many benefits of immortality is the ability to heal all wounds at a much faster rate, no just keep me company a few moments and I shall be on my way” Whilst this left Applebloom more concerned then anything, Celestia spoke of her condition with such confidence and poise that the younger filly couldn't find it within her to object. “Besides I have some questions of my own”
“Well, ummm If ya say so, however Princess or not if you don't appear any better in the next five minutes or so, Ima go get my sister” Applebloom was shocked with how blunt she had been towards the most powerful pony in Equestria, and whilst she intended to sound confident, if Celestia would come to object in five minutes time their really was no guarantee the filly would leave. Celestia's expression at first appeared to be as blank as ever however following a slight shake of her head, or was that a flinch, the Alicorn began to show some facial features which may have resembled a smirk.
“That is quite all right young one, now tell me why is it that this tree is hollow? Are the tree's in this orchard unwell?” Celestia's tone appeared to be one of concern and not antagonistic, however as any member of the apple clan can tell you, to speaking ill of Apple Family crop is always a guarantee way to extract a strong emotion of some sorts. Fortunately for Celestia, Applebloom took towards the defensive and not the attack.
“What, our trees, sick?!?! of course not, in fact I found out a way myself how to hollow this tree without actually harming it. Granny said it was part of my earth pony sense, I just did what came natural, after all I only needed a little wood to fix the floor up a bit, but no none of our trees are sick!, in fact you wont find more healthy apple trees in all of Equestria!” Applebloom was practically beaming with pride at this point, as any true Apple Family member would when drawing recognition towards their famous orchards.
“So not only are you telling me you have discovered a way to hollow a tree without killing it, but you also constructed this floor as well” As Celestias senses were recovering so too was her intrigue and curiosity. The notion presented by Applebloom seemed so far-fetched, yet not impossible, still something seemed strangely amiss.
“Well not exactly...” Indeed the Alicorn was not surprised to hear there was more to the story. More than likely Applebloom was helped by her sister or bro..... “I also built the walls, deck, ceiling, observatory, yep I pretty much built this whole thing myself” Applebloom was not sure how much of Celestia's surprised expression was due to her injuries, even so that wouldn't take away this moment for the young filly. She could see it in her Princesses eyes, her achievements had actually made an impression on the ruler of Equestria.
“You must have had some aid from you siblings?”
“Nope... well kinda, I mean I had watched Big Mac build a barn before and I guess you can say Applejack built the foundation, but really I tore most of that down, and whilst my friends offered to help I had already finished by the time they arrived the next day” It was now Celestia's turn to be truly speechless, these achievements, to be completed in one day and night, by a filly with no previous experience, it was unheard of. Yet whilst the Alicorn did not doubt the words from the filly's mouth, she was shocked to see that this was not the apparent special talent of this young pony as she still had no cutie mark. That only meant their was more to this filly, something which was currently unknown to everypony including Celestia herself, and that left the Princess intrigued. Perhaps this wasn't as dramatic as the last time such skill was displayed by one of Applebloom's age, yet its hard to present an honest comparison between construction and making a baby dragon the size of a presentation hall. However Twilight's episode had earned her a cutie mark, whilst Applebloom was still blank. Also the tree, it was undeniably hollow, and Applebloom claimed she had done this without harming the tree itself, another truly astounding feat no Pegasus nor Unicorn would be able to complete.
“If you don't mind me asking Applebloom, have you constructed anything else that I may inspect?” The question caught the youngest Apple off guard.
“Ummm no I cant say so, really only this. Why? Do you think it could be better? I had been hoping to expand the deck a bit but Big Mac wont let me near his power tools after the cow milking incident"
“No no that's not it all, to be quite frank to see a filly as young as yourself construct an amazing structure such as this in one night is truly admirable” Applebloom could sense the Alicorns sincerity as she spoke those kind words. It wasn't as if a part of Applebloom's pride didn't already accept this fact, she had always been proud of her work, it was just nice to hear it from somepony else. Her friends did compliment her on it, once, and it was more out of kindness then anything, but her siblings well they never even acknowledged the amount of work that actually went into the structure. At the time Applebloom was sure Big Mac at least would nod his big ol' head in approval, yet none of that seemed to matter anymore after it had left Celestia impressed. Applebloom was starting to see why everypony who had spoken to Celestia truly seems to adore her, it was as if the Alicorn was reading into Applebloom's mind and stating the exact words the filly wanted to hear. A gift which her friends and family seemed to lack.
“Why thank you your highness” The earth pony was struggling to maintain her sense of glee, that was of course until she caught Celestia's eyes wandering back towards the hole in the ceiling. “ohhh right, I forgot about that”
“Tell me My Little Pony, how long would it take you to patch that hole?” Celestia was starting to recover at a faster rate, by this stage most of her scratches and bruises had already healed and her mind was becoming less fuzzy. She was still in no rush to stand up quite yet though as the room did seem content to continue rotating. Besides while she trusted the young filly's anecdote, her re-kindled curiosity was eager to see the young mare in action.
“That well, its a large one but Ive done patch work before, quite a few times actually,” Once again this left Celestia in a silent awe, from the inside the room looked untouched... well the structure looked untouched at least, she didn't want to ask about what appeared to be a pile of hoof clippings in the far right corner of the room, still everything except the hole in the roof made be hers truly, remarkable. “ Id say ten minutes give or take a few”
“Well I appear to be recovering at a much slower rate than anticipated, why don't you provide a demonstration of your carpentry skills for me.” Any and all concern that the young filly may have felt before was now completely lost in the excitement at the opportunity to show off in front of Princess Celestia. With nothing but a slight nod, Applebloom got to work.
The next ten minutes seemed like an eternity for Applebloom, yet somehow they also went to quickly. Whilst she was proud of her work, she had never worked with a pony watching over her shoulder before. She couldn't help but feel as if every action being taken, every decision which was made, each motion undertaken was being judged by her recovering ruler. Yet because of this Applebloom focused in a way she had never before, cutting off all distractions and working with such an efficiency and proficiency that she failed to notice her sole spectator receive a letter from her prize pupil. Regardless the patch work was flawless to the untrained eye and Applebloom finished feeling quite proud.
Celestia herself was surprised to receive a letter from Twilight, as they were scheduled to meet later that day and was at first concerned when it wasn't sealed as a friendship report. Yet upon the notes completion the princess couldn't help but be thankful for the series of coincidence which appeared too truly be making this day something special. It would almost be perfect, the only blemish being crashing her head through a building and into a tree. Still placing down the letter and watching Applebloom work, the Alicorn could not help but respect the young filly more and more. Her attention to detail, her intuition, her outgoing personality, minus the latter these were all things which reminded her of Twilight Sparkle when they first met. As Applebloom finished construction so too did Celestia finish her assessment of the situation.
“I must say that is quite an impressive job you did up there” Celestia felt no need to hide her admiration, besides the filly seemed to flourish in it. Although not in a way that the element of loyalty would, rather the complements just seemed to improve the Earth Pony's mood and hopefully provide her with inspiration to accept what was coming next. “I know a lot of top of the field carpenters who would kill somepony to have the natural talent you have at your age”
“Well shuck's, thank you your highness but really it wasn't much, just patching a hole in the roof is all” Applebloom was trying her best to appear modest but on the inside she was truly excited. Part of her wanted to jump up and shout out in elation however there would be a time and a place for that later. After all Celestia was still recovering, the princess may not even remember any of this conversation in thirty minutes time, “Anyways how are you holding up, still want me to stay or should I get my sister” Celestia was further impressed to pick up on real concern in the young filly's voice.
“Hmmm, I believe I may now safely I say I recovered a short while back when you had just begun fixing my damage, also please call me Celestia, there is no need to be formal in your own domain as it is.” Whilst Applebloom tried to appear stoic and emotionless, the longer the Alicorn stared, the more Applebloom struggled to contain the sense of pure elation. “Further more, I fear I also owe you a very sincere apology and perhaps a more through explanation.” Despite from the grin on Applebloom's face slowly growing larger Celestia began her excuse for wrecking the CMCSSHSTH, and hoped it wouldn't dampen the filly's mood.
“I had actually scheduled an informal visit with all the elements of harmony, too thank them each individually for defeating discord one year ago today. I had intended to meet up with your sister and was flying to great her when I decided to take the scenic route over the orchard. Apparently sometime during that flight I blacked out, how or why I don't remember but when I came to, my head was in a tree, though I had no idea I was in a house as well. I am sorry for the damage I have caused and I hope to make it up to you with an offer.”
Applebloom was feeling a strange mix of excitement, amusement, shock, and curiosity following Celestia's piece. So much of the anecdote was strangely bizarre, yet even though the Princess did get kind of sort of knocked unconscious and concussed, it turned out alright in the end. Applebloom felt in this instance it was ok to be thankfull towards the series of mishaps which befell the Princess after all it allowed this entire experience to actually happen. Still convincing Sweetie Bell or Scootaloo, that's going to be another difficult challenge in of itself when the two returned.
“Pri... Celestia, you know I cant be mad at you for this, after all I got to show off in front of the ruler of Equestria, if anything I should be thanking ya.... still what is this about an offer” Ok well perhaps their was a hint of greed in the filly's mind, she did seem to want the attention, and the reward. However until that moment Applebloom had been quite tactful, still as Celestia had explained before to her sister 'My Little Ponies would just not be the same if they all didn't have their own unique features and faults'.
“Yes about that, young Applebloom I'm not sure you noticed but during your work I received a letter from Twilight Sparkle informing me that she intends to take a break as my protege to pursue other newly acquired interests.” Applebloom was in shock at that statement, after all Twilight loved magic, and being Celestia's pupil, what could possibly take precedence over that. She wouldn't get the chance to ask as the Alicorn continued. “Another fact you may not know is that I don't just take magic users under my wing, in fact I have tutored a number of great ponies in various fields ranging from gardening, to cloud sculptures. However their is still one venture which I have yet to undertake mentoring in, architecture.” Applebloom was now getting more confused then ever, Celestia seemed to be alluding too... no that couldn't be it. “I can see your skill as a carpenter, yet also as somepony who can push physical boundaries of what can and cant be done. I had a while to inspect the inside of that tree, and you hollowed it in a very unique way so that it could maintain stature, similarly the design of this house, whilst perhaps not the most unique is still an achievement based on how you are able to maintain its stability using a hollow tree. I can see you subtly applying techniques unused since I designed Canterlot myself. This entire structure is an outstanding display of architecture never seen by built by one your age, at least not without magical aid. With that I must ask Applebloom would you like to be my apprentice in learning how to perfect your skills in architecture. Whilst this offer may only last until Twilight finishes her much deserved hiatus, I feel that only a year under my teachings could provide you with the knowledge to become renown in the field”
Though through following Celestia's speech it wasn't entirely unexpected at first, the over dramatization and offer at the end did leave Applebloom slightly awe struck. After all she had never experience an interest or knowledge in Architecture before, and yet she could guess that's why Celestia would be teaching her. Also whilst its true Applebloom didn't do much work around the farm, would her siblings truly let her go and study with the Princess in Canterlot if that's what accepting the offer entailed, not to mention her friends. Still, an architecture cutie mark did seem plausible, not to mention this offer was far to unique and special to reject, no Applebloom wanted to do this. In just this day alone she had gathered enough respect for Celestia that she felt obliged to accept this once in a lifetime opportunity. It was a conclusion that left Applebloom feeling slightly overwhelmed “Id have to ask my sister?” were the only six words she bring herself to reply with.
“I understand, come now we can ask her together, besides I don't want to be any later to our meeting then I already am.” Celestia was already satisfied with her decision, she could see it in the filly's eyes that Applebloom wanted to say yes right then and there, but familial obligations were holding her back. It was a refreshing sense of restraint which many of her past pupils failed to acknowledge. Indeed their was something to this filly, a sense of duty and respect, yet it was balanced with a sense of curiosity and impulsiveness. Completing these traits off, she was also resourceful and quite smart, a combination which filled Celestia's heart with both a hope and excitement that had not been felt since Twilight Sparkle had accept her role as the Alicorns pupil, perhaps this time it was even slightly more so.
