Valhalla

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1: Another Day
Chapter 2: A Strange Unicorn
Chapter 3: The Crossing
Chapter 4: Midgard
Chapter 5: On The Road
Chapter 6: Green Eyes
Chapter 7: Reunion
Chapter 8: The Rainbow Bridge
Chapter 9: Heimdall's Hall

Prologue

Listen.

The wind tells a story. One that took place a long time ago, when the great Yggdrasil, the tree of life, had its roots in the middle of the world, in Asgard.

Land of gods.

Of Odin, the one-eyed, king of the gods, and of Thor, god of thunder.

From all over Asgard, the gods would gather here in Valhalla, the greatest castle of all, to receive the worship of mortal ponies, and to restore their strength.

From Valhalla, the gods surveyed the worlds, and from here the king sent out his ravens, to gather news from lands far away.

In the land of Utgard, lived a race of trolls who mortals called giants, masters of darkness and chaos. Bordering Utgard was Midgard, the land of ponies. Home to those who had met death in the mortal world. Lastly, the mortal world. A world that had by in large, forgotten their old gods.

However from time to time, the gods would travel to these worlds to visit the ponies who worshiped them...

Chapter 1: Another Day

The day had begun like any other: get up at dawn, do the morning chores, breakfast, buck apples, lunch, buck apples, dinner, bed. Depending on the day, sometimes Applejack would go to the market in Ponyville to sell apples, other times she would hang out with her friends.

But most days were spent on Sweet Apple Acres.

It wasn't like Applejack complained about her life, things were good. Apple Bloom and her friends had gained their cutie marks, Twilight had become a princess, her brother Big Mac's relationship to Rainbow Dash was still going strong. Things were good, peaceful.

And yet, Applejack felt restless. It had been four years since Thor left, or, Astral Thunder as they called him, and since then she had longed for him, waited for him.

Though their time was short, Applejack still felt closer to him than any other stallion. She missed him, missed working with him, talking to him. She still remembered his laugh, his smile, the way he carried her after she hurt her hoof. Despite never being a fan of all those romantic novels, she really did feel like a princess when he was around, and he was her knight.

And now, he is gone.

Fighting in his own world, keeping the balance, and keeping the world safe. Applejack was no longer sure if he could return, or if he wanted to. After all, she was just one mortal mare, and he was a god, what did she really have to offer him?

Shaking her head, she pushed the thoughts from her mind, it was no use thinking like that, it didn't help her mood, and it didn't help Thor. While he was off fighting giants, she still had her responsibilities, and no way a stallion, being a god or not, would keep her from pulling her load.

Things have changed a lot since then. Twilight was newly crowned ruler of Equestria, the library was gone, and a friendship school had opened up. At times Applejack would teach there, but mostly her time was spent here at the farm. Apple Bloom was still a foal, a young teenager in fact, and she could be quite the hooffull at times.

Not that she was troubled or any of that, but she was in the middle of becoming a young adult. She was still responsible, hard working, and helped around the farm. However, she was still a teenager with all the teenager problems. Thankfully it was still in the early stages, so Applejack didn't have to deal with any attitude issues for now.

It was at times like this she realized the massive task it must have been for Granny Smith to take care of all three of them. Sadly though, she and Mac were alone now. Granny Smith had passed on, and it had left a hole in the Apple household that had yet to be filled.

Applejack thanked the stars above for her brother, as he had been the driving force behind the business for years now. Without him, Applejack wasn't sure how she would manage it all. They had their friends to help of course, but Applejack didn't like to pull them away from their lives. This was a family business after all, and their problems were not to thrust on their friends.

However despite the trials of the past year, they had come through it together. Harvest was over, and things had calmed down, it was only light chores for the rest of the year. Making sure everything was ready for next year's harvest, and maintaining the farm. It would be a good break, and Luna knows she could use the rest.

At times Applejack felt like she was 30 years older, with all the worries that came with it. Despite this, Applejack was still in her prime, still young, and with her whole life ahead of her. There was nothing she couldn't do if she put her mind to it, or at least, that is how she used to feel.

She had responsibilities now, and now that Granny was gone, she had to step up. Her and Mac had to run the farm together, and rely on everything Granny Smith had taught them over the years. They had a farm to take care of, a business to run, and a teenager to raise.

Letting out a long sigh, Applejack finished up her morning chores and trotted towards the farm house. Mac was sitting on the porch, enjoying his mug of morning coffee. When he spotted her, he sent her a nod, and a small smile. "Mornin', Applejack."

Applejack smiled back. "Mornin', Big Mac. Sleep well?"

"Eeyup."

"There better be more coffee in the kitchen." She said in a mock threatening tone.

Big Mac just chuckled in that deep rumble he had going. "Eeyup, enough for both of us."

"Thanks, Big Mac." She went inside, got herself a mug, poured the coffee and soon enough joined her brother out on the porch. It had become part of their morning routine to sit out here, enjoying the quiet morning, the scenery, and the hot cup of coffee.

"Rough night?" Mac suddenly asked.

Applejack shrugged. "You know me, I'm not one for complaining." She could practically hear the slow raising of her brother's eyebrow as he gave her a look. So she sighed, giving in now rather than waste time. "I didn't sleep well."

Mac nodded a little. "You can't keep doing this to yourself, Applejack."

"I know," she replied. "I just, I don't know. Apple Bloom is just beginning to figure out what she wants to do. You and Dashie are closer than ever. Heck, she has practically moved in."

Mac blushed a little, and Applejack couldn't help but smile slightly. "Which is good," she added quickly. "Big Mac, I'm happy for you and Dash. I guess I'm just thinking too much of what will happen to me. Will I remain here on the farm, alone?"

"Applejack," Mac started, a worried look in his eyes. "It's been four years, maybe its time to." The words died in his throat, he wasn't sure if he could say it. Applejack didn't have that problem as she knew full well what he was going to suggest.

"Move on?" Mac didn't reply, looking more ashamed than firm. Applejack smiled, pushing her body against him to nudge Mac a little. "You don't need to hide it, I understand." She assured him, taking a sip of her mug.

"I know I should, but I just don't know if I can't, or want to." There was a moment of silence, and after a while, Applejack glanced at her brother, finding him looking back at her with a look she could only interpret as concern, or worse, pity. "Don't look at me like that, Big Mac. I can't help how I feel."

"I'm not saying to forget about him," he assured. "However, you should not keep yourself from trying to find some happiness, from meeting somepony."

Applejack smiled at her brother, placing a hoof on his shoulder. "I know, Mac. I'm just not ready to move on yet. It would be as if to give up on him. I just can't do that, not yet."

He nodded, taking a moment to take another sip from his mug. Then before the conversation could continue, the door opened behind them, and out stepped their rainbow maned friend. She yawned, rubbing her one eye with her hoof as she looked at them. "Meh, good morning." She yawned, trotting over beside Big Mac, placed a peck on his cheek, and sat down.

Both Applejack and Mac smirked at her. "You look like you slept well," remarked Applejack.

Rainbow Dash snorted, reaching over and took her coltfriend's mug. He didn't mind it. "His bed is just so big and comfy." Dashie mumbled as she took a sip. "Besides, with all the awesome food I eat here, it is no wonder I sleep well." She chuckled a little. "That, and all the training I do with the Wonderbolts."

"I thought you had vacation time?" Mac remarked.

"Well, yeah, but we do have one last meet up today."

"Well that explains why you're up so early." Applejack teased.

Rainbow Dash stuck her tongue out. "I can't help it, I'm a heavy sleeper." She moved head from side to side, trying to wake up her muscles a bit more, stretching her wings slightly. "Shouldn't take too long, just a few reminders and briefings, that sort of thing."

"Will you be able to make it back in time?" Asked Applejack.

Rainbow snorted. "Pfft, no problem. I'll be back here long before we have to meet the others."

Applejack and her friends liked to meet up in town once in a while. It was more complicated than before, their lives had changed a lot.

Rarity had opened up another shop, Twilight was a princess in training to take over Equestria. Rainbow Dash was a Wonderbolt, Pinkie had opened up a party/joke shop. Fluttershy had her animal shelter/clinic, and Applejack herself had the farm. A lot had changed for them, and they all had responsibilities.

It was why meetings such as these were important to them. They did not meet up with all of them as often as they would like, but they still saw each other enough to not feel like strangers to one another. For those of them who lived in Ponyville, like Applejack herself, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, meeting up was a bit easier. Rarity did live in Ponyville, but she often traveled.

"Anyway, I have to go." Continued Rainbow, and gave Mac his mug back. "I'll see you later." She leaned in, and gently pressed her lips to Mac's in a warm and loving kiss.

She had come a long way, Applejack had to admit. When they first started to date Rainbow wasn't too fond of showing affection in public. However over time, she had become much more accustomed to it. Applejack had no doubt it was partly thanks to Mac, and partly thanks to Rainbow Dash growing more mature.

Rainbow jumped down from the porch, spread her wings and winked at Applejack. "See ya later, Applesmack!" She said, and in one powerful leap flew off into the morning sky.

Applejack chuckled, shaking her head. "I guess some things just never change." She stood up, finishing her coffee. "I'm making breakfast, will you get our sister out of her cave?"

"Eeyup."

The two siblings went inside, Mac moved to the stairs, and Applejack into the kitchen. Cooking was one of the chores she had taken over since Granny's passing, although Apple Bloom was growing into a good cook as well. At times she would help Applejack in the kitchen, which had become their time to just talk filly stuff.

As Applejack got started making their breakfast, Big Mac entered the kitchen and sat down. He looked amused, and applejack raised an eyebrow at that. "What are you smirking for?"

"Nothing, just how similar you and Apple Bloom are."

Applejack narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Just that her room looks like yours when you were her age."

Applejack groaned. "I told her to clean her room yesterday, she promised she would get around to it."

Mac shrugged. "It wasn't that bad, Applejack. If it helps, I think most of the stuff on the floor was from doing homework with her friends yesterday."

"It's school stuff today, then tomorrow it will be clothes, or CDs, then more and more. It is better to nip it in the butt now, before it becomes a problem later."

"I know, and I told her. She is cleaning right now."

"Good," Applejack sighed relieved.

She didn't want to have one those conversations early in the morning. She felt a little bad, Apple Bloom was nothing when compared to other fillies her age. So Applejack knew she got it easy. Apple Bloom was a good filly who did her chores, worked hard, and valued honesty.

"And my room wasn't THAT messy." Mac looked her way with a raised eyebrow. "Well, I grew out of it!" The two laughed, and it was by that time Apple Bloom joined them.

"Mornin'!"

"That was fast." Applejack said with a smile. "How does your room look?"

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, but smiled as she sat down. "Sis, it was just a few papers and such. Only took me a few seconds. I'm going to clean it more thoroughly when I get home."

"Where are you going?" Big Mac asked as Applejack started serving pancakes.

"Scootaloo and I are going to work on a school project. It's pretty much finished, but it just needs a few finishing touches." Apple Bloom explained, putting some butter and syrup onto her pancakes.

"What about Sweetie Belle?"

"She is going out with Button Mash from school. I think he is taking her out for milkshakes." The filly shrugged, eating a bit before continuing. "She's had a crush on him for a while, so me and Scootaloo didn't want to butt in."

"Hm, I see. Are they dating?" Asked Applejack.

Apple Bloom giggled. "They insist they don't, but I've seen them blush and act like two lovebirds when they are together." Then she let out a dreamy sigh, drawing the attention of both her siblings as she said. "I hope one day I'll meet somepony who makes me as silly as Sweetie Belle."

Applejack frowned, not because she was sad or worried. "I had no idea you liked stuff like that?"

Her younger sister blushed, as if only now realizing what she had said. "Oh, uhm, well, Sweetie Belle is just lucky, you know." Slowly she started to draw circles on the table with her hoof. "And you know, I'm not a little filly anymore.."

"You're fourteen."

"Well, that doesn't mean I can't be on the lookout for a cute co-"

"Young filly, don't you dare finish that sentence." Mac interrupted.

"What?!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. "Hey, that's cheating! You didn't ask anypony for permission when you started to date Rainbow Dash!" She then pointed at her sister. "Or you, Astral!"

"That's different." Smirked Big Mac.

"How?"

"Because we love you too much, and no one can take you away from us." Mac stood up, and Apple Bloom eyed him.

"No, don't you dare." She warned.

"We love you so much, so come give me a hug!"

"NO!" Screamed Apple Bloom, laughing as she fled the kitchen, pushing the chair away.

Mac was right behind her, following her inside the living room, and chasing her outside. Applejack watched with amusement, then started to clear Apple Bloom's plate away. She started washing, but then Mac returned, chuckling. Like Rainbow Dash, he had changed too. He was still him, but he could be a bit more spontaneous than before.

"No Apple Bloom?" Asked Applejack with a smirk.

Mac shook his head, grinning as he sat back down to eat. "I think I chased her off the farm."

Applejack sat down with her own plate. "Be careful or one day she might do just that." The two shared another heartfelt laugh. "By the way, are you going to look at the roof today?"

"Eeyup."

"Okay, then I will start working on the barn door. It's stuck again."

The two siblings started to make a list of things to do, which wasn't anything urgent, but something that needed to be done either way. In times such as this, with no harvest, most of the work was maintenance and preparing for the next season. Despite the relative light work, Applejack again thanked the stars for her brother.

Family truly was the most precious thing a pony could have.

Applejack spent the next few hours doing the chores around the farm, and inspecting the orchard. Some trees needed to be trimmed, others removed all together, but it seemed everything was going well, which was a pleasant surprise. It meant less worries, and less worries meant less headaches.

However, her time working was coming to an end. She had to meet up with her friends soon, and so before leaving she took a shower, washing away all the grime of the day. Applejack looked forward to this meetup, it was always fun to see her friend all together. Talk about their adventures, and update each other about their lives.

She made sure her mane was tied by the end again, made sure she looked her best, put on her hat, and went out the door. Rainbow Dash was already waiting for her, she looked clear, although her mane was still ruffled, as always. "About time, come on, I don't wanna be late!"

"Will you relax? We have plenty of time." Applejack said calmly, trotting past her friend and towards the road. "If you wanted to, you could just fly ahead."

Rainbow rolled her eyes, and flew beside her earthbound friend. "Nah, this is fine. You just seem so slow these days. Are you still thinking about Astral?"

"Somepony has been speaking to Big Mac." Noted Applejack, which made Rainbow Dash snort.

"Come on, Applejack. It's not like it isn't obvious."

"Rainbow, it isn't just about Thor, it's about the farm. About Apple Bloom's future, about you and Big Mac's, about mine." At times Applejack envied Rainbow Dash. She was so carefree, and had such an easy way about life. It wasn't that she blamed Rainbow for it, or was angry with her. "I just worry about the future, that's all."

"Hey, Applejack. You know you can talk to me, right?"

Applejack smiled gently. "I know, but talking to you is like talking to a fencepost."

Rainbow barked out a laugh. "Right, but I mean it."

"I know you do, thanks." She looked up at her flying friend. "I know I can count on you, Rainbow. Don't worry, I'm just still getting used to everything. With Granny gone, and Apple Bloom growing it. It's a lot."

"I know," nodded Rainbow Dash. "Well, just remember you're not alone. You have Mac and me." The two became silent for a few seconds, then Rainbow continued. "Well, I think that is enough serious Applejack for today, how about a race to clear the mind?"

Applejack raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Really? But we just cleaned up, or I have at least."

"Hey I showered at the base, and who cares anyway? It is not that far away, and we have looked worse." Rainbow grinned, hovering closer and nudged her friend. "Come on, Applesmack, one little tiny race?"

"Oh all right, from here to Sugarcube Corner?"

Rainbow smirked, nodding. "Right. Ready?"

Applejack rolled her eyes and stopped, getting herself into a starting position like Dash did. "Set."

"GO!"

The two set off in an impressive display of skill, stamina, and speed. Of course Applejack was no match for Rainbow Dash when she was in the air, but on the ground she had a little advantage. Enough so that their races could be interesting. All along the road one could only see two blurs racing towards Ponyville, and the dust cloud that was building up behind them.

Sugarcube Corner had for many years been a small bakery, but it had grown a bit since then. It was the advantage of having had an element bearer living here, and also because some of Pinkie Pie's recipes stuck. It had more customers, but thankfully it wasn't a crowded place, so ponies could still get a relaxing cup of coffee and a cupcake without a crowd ruining the peace.

Today however was a little different. Two royal guards stood guard at the front door, making sure no pony disturbed the her royal highness as she was with her friends. It was one of the downsides being a princess, you had to have security, and there were just some things that were non-negotiable.

They let Applejack and Rainbow Dash pass without a word spoken, and as they entered they found the place almost empty. Of course the Cakes were behind the counter, relaxing, and their friends sitting at a large booth, with Twilight in the center. She had grown a bit, that much was clear, but it came with being an Alicorn.

As the friends spotted each other they all got up, and met each other. "Girls, it's so good to see you!" Smiled Twilight, hugging both Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"Geez, Twilight. It hasn't been that long!" Rainbow laughed, hugging her friend back.

"I know, but it feels like it has been aged." Replied Twilight. "Don't get me wrong," she continued and let her two friends go. "It is very rewarding, and I get to study subjects I didn't even consider before."

"Well you know you're always welcome at Sweet Apple Acres, sugarcube. Even your guards." Applejack smirked.

Twilight giggled. "Flash and Storm are really nice when you get to know them, they just have to be all stone faced when on duty."

The other girls came forward, and they all started to exchange greetings as they made their way over to the table. "I hope we aren't late," said Applejack, noting everypony else was already here.

"Nonsense, darling." Answered Rarity. "We only just got here as well. I only arrived a minute before you did."

Mrs. Cake made her way to their table, and took their orders. "I'll help," said Pinkie Pie, but Mrs. Cake shook her head with a gentle smile.

"It's alright dear. I got this, and you have to watch yourself for the next few months, in your condition and all."

Then she left again, leaving the rest of the girls to look at Pinkie Pie with confused expressions. "What condition are you sick, Pinkie Pie?" Asked Fluttershy, the concern was clear in her voice.

Pinkie Pie just giggled. "No silly head, I'm expecting a foal."

"WHAT?!"

Their shocked expressions made Pinkie laugh. "I knew you would be surprised!"

"Wow, you can say that again, Pinkie." Rainbow said. "How long have you known?"

Pinkie shrugged. "Since last week, it is still in the early stages."

"Why this is wonderful, darling." Rarity smiled. "Congratulations."

"Yes, congratulations, Pinkie Pie. I know you will be a good mother." Added Fluttershy, and the rest soon followed.

Out of all the news, this was certainly the biggest and the most surprising as of yet. Pinkie Pie was going to be a mother, the first out of all of them. Applejack knew that maybe at some point they would all find their special someponies, and one day start their own families.

Still, to hear it for the first time was still a little unreal. Applejack was happy for her friend, but it was a reminder how far they had all come since their first meeting with Twilight. Despite still in her prime and still young, Applejack suddenly felt ancient.

"Do you know if it's going to be a colt or a filly?" Asked Applejack, smiling at her friend.

Pinkie shook her head. "We want it to be a surprise! What's the fun in knowing?"

For the next hour, all they could talk about was Pinkie Pie's foal. They had a lot of questions like, had they thought of any names yet? Were they going to stay in Ponyville?

Did her family know yet? Of course you knew who was going to ask what, like Rarity asking about clothes for the foal, and Twilight asking about education. There were many topics that got touched upon, but since it was still early, the conversations soon turned to other matters.

Rarity talked about her business, how she was doing, and what she was expected to do for the coming month. she had big plans, that was for sure. Fluttershy shared the latest news of her animal shelter, and how helpful Discord had been to make it just perfect. She was very passionate about it, and you could tell she was truly happy, like she had found her place in the world.

Rainbow Dash didn't have so many news to share, however she did have a lot of stories. Rarity tried to get some gossip out of her. Of course, being a Wonderbolt meant that they were the topic of many tabloid magazines and paparazzis. Mac had already kicked off four reporters from their farm.

"So, how is the farm doing?" Twilight suddenly asked, as the attention shifted to Applejack.

"We are doing well, just making sure to run it as Granny Smith would have wanted." Applejack said, a sad smile gracing her lips. She let out a sigh. "We are taking one day at the time."

"Applejack and Big Mac are working really hard." Rainbow commented. "If anypony can do this, it's those two."

Applejack smiled, and nodded a little. "It's true enough, Big Mac and I have been working on this farm for years, and Mac has been doing all the paperwork. He is much better with numbers than me." She chuckled. "But, Apple Bloom is growing into a young mare now, and it can be a bit of a trial when you don't have Granny to ask advice."

"You're doing your best," said Twilight. "And Apple Bloom is a good filly. I'm sure if you stick together, that it will become much easier in time."

"We are also here to help, should you need it." Added Fluttershy.

"Thanks girls, I appreciate it." Applejack smiled, taking a sip of her tea. "So, Twilight. How is royal life treating you? All that fancy stuff in Canterlot must be a big change from Ponyville."

The transition between topics was a bit awkward, but Applejack didn't really want to bring down the mood with her own problems. She met her friends well enough that if they stayed on this topic suddenly they would start asking about Thor, or Astral as they had called him.

Seeming to pick up on her wish, Twilight continued without pressing the topic. "Well, it is certainly a change. Even when I was just studying magic under Celestia, I didn't feel the pressure of Canterlot. Now suddenly I have to hold court, sit in meetings, and decide on laws that can affect all of Equestria." She chuckled a little. "In some ways it is very stimulating to the mind, but in other ways it's very-"

"Boring!" Rainbow Dash interrupted. "Leave it to you to have fun at long meetings and law making. Don't you ever do something fun."

"Rainbow!" Twilight said a little offended. "This is very important work, and I need to take my role seriously. As a princess in training I can't just go off and have fun whenever I want."

"I know, I know!" Said Rainbow, waving her hoof around as if to deflect her rebuke. "I'm just saying Celestia has done it for thousands of years. I'm pretty sure it will become boring in time. So you could at least tell us some of the more interesting parts."

Twilight took a moment to think about, then nodded slightly. "Alright, well, Celestia and Luna showed me the royal armory a few days ago."

"Well now you're talking!" Rainbow grinned, leaning in, suddenly all the more interested.

"There were very old and enchanted weapons and armor, some dating back before the unification." Twilight said, thinking about it. "The world was more chaotic back then, less peaceful. I hope I never have to put on any of that stuff and go to war."

"I'm sure you won't, darling. Equestria has never been more peaceful than it is now. Not to mention you have your brother, and Princess Cadence."

"Yeah, Rarity is right. Besides, if anyone tries to start trouble, you have us to help you out." Added Rainbow Dash with a boastful look about her.

Applejack noticed a flicker in Twilight's eyes, it was subtle, but it was there. She didn't need to ask what it was, nor did Applejack want to say it out loud. However, the truth was that they would not always be here. Having been with a god had put that sort of thing into perspective.

Their lives would be a mere drop in the ocean for Twilight, a simple blink of an eye in her long life. Who knew what would happen in one hundred years, or five, or one thousand. There was no telling, and at that point Twilight would not have many to turn to.

The suddenly opened, and in came a purple male dragon. Rarity squealed. "Spike!" She giggled. "I was beginning to wonder where you were."

Spike had grown a lot too, he was finally tall enough to look them in the eyes. He grinned, and approached the table. "Sorry I'm late, I wanted to swing by the friendship school and say hi to Starlight."

"It's too bad she couldn't come today." Fluttershy noted with a slight frown. "Perhaps we should go visit before you leave Twilight?"

"Then we should not delay it." Noted Spike, finding a spot to sit. "We have a lot to see before we leave for Prance tomorrow."

"Oh, you are going to Prance?" Asked Pinkie.

Twilight nodded. "Celestia and Luna have been invited to celebrate the king's daughter's birthday, and Celestia wanted me to come along for diplomatic practice. There is a lot I want to pack, so we have to head straight back to Canterlot after this."

"Then we shouldn't waste time!" Exclaimed Pinkie Pie. "Let's go see her now!"

After an evening with the girls, Applejack and Rainbow Dash made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres. It had been good to see all their friends again, to talk about old times, about what was going on, and the future. Applejack could honestly say she loved spending time with her friends. Even now, she and Applejack were giggling all the way back to the farm.

As they approached, Rainbow stretched a bit. "Ergh, now that was fun. I think I'm going to take a quick bath, then hop into bed with my stallion."

The farmhouse was completely dark, likely Big Mac and Apple Bloom had already gone to bed. "Sounds like a plan," chuckled Applejack. "I think I'm going to stay out here for a bit, enjoy the stars, clear my head."

Rainbow frowned a little. "You sure? Do you want me to keep you company."

Applejack rolled her eyes with a teasing smile. "No, I promise I'm fine. I just want to clear my head, I'll be fine, go. Go up and cuddle with my brother."

Rainbow Dash shrugged. "Okay, if you say so. Goodnight."

"Night."

Rainbow trotted inside, closing the door behind her and left Applejack alone on the porch. Letting out a relaxed sigh, Applejack sat down, looking up at the many stars. She sat there in silence for perhaps a minute or two, when she smiled and started to speak.

"Hi, it's me again. I don't know if you can hear me, I don't think you can, but it feels good to try. It makes me feel closer to you, despite the distance between us." Her voice was low, soft, and filled with a warmth only lovers would know existed. "I've been working hard on the farm as you know. Harvest season is over, so there is not much hard work to do. I'm sure you're busy keeping order between the worlds, too busy to hear me."

Applejack sighed, looking down for a moment. How many nights had she done this now? She had no way of knowing if Thor could hear or see her. At times, it even felt pointless. Still, she couldn't stop it, she couldn't stop trying, because if she did it would be like giving up on him.

She looked up again. "Pinkie Pie is pregnant, she is going to be a mother. That's wonderful, isn't it? I think she will be a good mom, she had the heart and the love. I already have my hooves full with Apple Bloom, but I think she is doing well. She is growing up to be the mare I know she can be. Big Mac and Rainbow Dash are doing well too. Heck, Rainbow has pretty much moved in at this point. I think their love is still strong."

She became silent for a few more minutes, thinking, considering. "Sometimes I wonder if you were still here, would It have been us expecting? Would we have begun a life that was our own? Sorry, I don't mean to sound selfish or anything, I know you have responsibilities, so have I." Applejack sighed once again. "I just want you to know that I miss you, and I still love you. Please, don't keep me waiting, I don't think my heart can take it."

Raising a hoof to her mouth, she kissed it, then blew it towards the sky. "Goodnight, my love. My heart belongs to you, always.."

Chapter 2: A Strange Unicorn

It was yet another morning in Ponyville, and Applejack found herself making breakfast for the whole household. The sun was shining, and Applejack felt very good. She hummed as she moved around the kitchen, having found her rhythm in there, and gotten used to her extra chore.

Mac was the first to arrive at the table, as usual. He'd been out taking care of his morning chore, along with some of Applejack's. It was only fair, if Applejack cooked breakfast, then she should not have as many morning chores. Not that it bothered Big Mac, he could handle it just fine.

"Mornin'." He greeted his sister, sitting down at his usual seat.

Applejack trotted over and filled his mug with fresh morning coffee. "Good mornin', did you sleep well?"

Mac yawned, which he did not often do in the morning. "Eenope."

"It's because you've gotten used to having somepony sleep beside you." Applejack giggled. Rainbow Dash had the day before flown to Cloudsdale to visit her parents, so she hadn't slept at the farm. "She'll be back at lunch, I'm sure she will. Then you can take a nap with her."

Mac chuckled, and moved his head as if to loosen up his stiff neck. "Are you going to the market later?"

Applejack nodded. "We might as well sell the last cases of Apple jam, no reason they sit here and gather up dust."

"Mind picking up something for me?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Just need some nails, we are running low."

Applejack nodded. "I'll get them for you."

The two ate breakfast, talking about this and that. Apple Bloom didn't join them this morning, as she was at a friend's house. When breakfast was over, and Applejack finished with the washing up, she went to the barn and prepared a wagon. She had already prepared the crates with jam and other treats the day before, so she just needed to load up.

Saying her goodbyes to her brother, Applejack moved down the road and towards Ponyville. She felt well rested, and with a beautiful day like this, Applejack couldn't help feeling good. Already she was starting to think about what she should make for dinner tonight, something they would all like of course.

After 10 minutes, Applejack entered Ponyville. All around the ponies were going about their daily routines, and some even waved and greeted her on the way to the market. It really was a great town, one that had been through quite a lot over the years.

She passed the square where Twilight's old library had been. She had lived in Ponyville all her life, and saw the tree every time she passed here. So seeing it not there still seemed out of place to her. She doubted she would ever really get used to it. Still, there were a lot of other places that thankfully still remained, like Rarity's boutique, or Sugarcube corner.

As she passed the boutique however the door opened and out came her sister and her two friends, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. The three fillies looked excited about something, and stopped as they spotted Applejack. "Heya, Applejack!" Greeted Apple Bloom with a smile.

Applejack stopped, smiling at the three fillies. "Good mornin' to ya. Where are you all going?"

"We are going to the theater." Grinned Scootaloo.

Sweetie Belle nodded. "My sister got us tickets."

"Theater, this early?"

Apple Bloom shrugged. "Well, it doesn't actually start before a few hours, but we thought we would go to Scootaloo's place for a bit, drop by Sugarcube Corner to pick up something to eat too."

Applejack nodded. "Alright, you girls have fun now, and don't fill up on sugar."

"We won't!" The three promised and went on their way.

Chuckling, Applejack went on, moving down the roads until she arrived at the market. She and her family had a permanent stall set up, they just needed to open it up and put out the products. Applejack did just that, setting up everything so they were ready to open. As she did so she got to greet some of the other stall owners. Some she knew quite well as they were regulars like her. Others were newcomers, merchants that traveled and passed through towns such as Ponyville to sell more special wear.

Applejack had seen all sorts, from ponies, Griffons and Diamond Dogs. Some had exotic wears brought from far away lands, others had special treats, while others just had junk. It was always fun to browse, listen to their pitches and learn their stories. Applejack was always wary of new merchants.

Not that she distrusted them per say, but you always had to be careful with newcomers at the market. You never knew what they might try and sell you. Some were regular travelers, meaning they could show up at one time, then show up again months later. Those who did show up again could typically be trusted. Scammers did not like to show up to the same town twice.

"Hi, Applejack." A mare greeted as she approached.

Applejack turned around and smiled. "Howdy, Roseluck." She replied, tipping her hat to her. "How are you doing?"

"Pretty well, it is a little dead today."

"Oh? How so?"

Roseluck shrugged. Like Applejack, she was a regular trader here, selling flowers by her small and colorful stall. "Not that many traders out, at least not many new ones. Nothing really interesting, well, except for that one stallion. He has some interesting things in his stall, a bunch of old things. You should check it out before it's all gone. If nothing else, it's at least pretty to look at."

Applejack chuckled. "Doesn't sound too interesting, perhaps later."

"If it helps, he is pretty handsome." Roseluck giggled, winking at her. "Just remember, I saw him first."

Applejack laughed, waving her off as she finished setting up the stall. Didn't take long after she finished that ponies started to make their way into the market, doing some shopping, or just browsing around. Like Always Applejack found her selling a lot of goods. It helped be known around town, and had a good reputation for fair pricing.

For the next few hours Applejack worked to sell off their stock, it was a good way to connect with the community. Most of her customers were regulars, and it gave Applejack a chance to catch up on local news, and talk to ponies she had a good relationship with, which were most.

However as she worked, she kept hearing about this cute, or handsome stallion at this new stall, selling all kinds of strange objects. It wasn't unusual when a new trader came to town with something exotic that ponies would talk about it. It was always interesting to see something new after all. However it did seem to stick with ponies, or at least leave an impression.

Enough so that when Applejack decided to take a small break, she wanted to see this mysterious trader. Wasn't hard to find, there was a small crowd in front of this new stall, so it was easy to spot. As she approached a voice called out to the crowd. It was smooth, somewhat elegant, but not fancy like Rarity's.

"Dear friends, dear ponies, please. There is enough for everypony." Applejack made her way closer, until she finally managed to get close enough to see this new merchant. The pony was slender, had handsome features, a gray mane, and rose colored coat. His eyes were emerald green, and were very captivating. He smiled charmingly. "Please good friends, I need a moment to rest and bring out more wares for you to see. Please, come back later."

He flashed them a smile, and the crowd all smiled back, chuckling as they started to depart. The stallion turned to close off his stall, but as he did, Applejack got a look at his wares. Her eyes widened, and she found herself trot closer to the stall. Displayed were several talismans, small carved wooden pieces, and small figures and trinkets. Normally stuff like this never caught her interest, but these, these had runes on them.

When Applejack first met Thor, she had seen runes such as these on his honor mark. Twilight had later managed to translate their meaning, and she found out it was a language that was thousands of years old, pretty much forgotten. To see them here and now, it stood out to her like a forest fire.

"Ah, I see you have an eye for quality." The silky smooth voice said, and Applejack turned around to face the smiling merchant.

Applejack was taken aback, she wasn't sure what to say. "I, well." She looked back at the many trinkets, wondering if it was even worth investigating. "I just wanted to know what these things are."

The merchant chuckled. "Why, they are the symbols of the old gods."

Applejack's ears stood up, and she turned sharply to him. "What do you mean?"

"Well, these things are not old as such." He said and gestured to them. "How what they represent is older than you can imagine. Before the times of princess Celestia and princess Luna, our tribes worshiped the old gods. They were heroes, flawed, terrible at times, but great. Wielding power to shape the world as we now know it."

Applejack narrowed her eyes, unsure how this pony could know so much. Twilight had told her what little she could from the old texts she had borrowed from Celestia, but she had never really gotten too deep into it. "So what can you tell me about these old gods?"

The merchant smiled. "I would love to talk to you about it, but how about we go around back and talk instead of out here? Do you want some tea?"

"Uhm," Applejack hesitated. While he seemed genuine, there was something deep inside her that stirred. She could not put her hoof on it, but something felt off about him. Like his smile, his eyes, the whole way he acted was too genuine, not too nice, but too forthcoming in some way. Despite this, Applejack found herself nodding. "Alright then."

"Splendid, this way."

He took her behind the wooden table that acted as his counter, and moved into a tent behind it. Traveling merchants often had a tent that could act as a backroom, and a home. The tent was very dark, not much light, only a few candles here and there provided Applejack with enough light so she did not trip on anything. The floor was covered in blankets and pillows, and above them hung several strings and chains with wooden rune carvings attached to them.

There were boxes with scrolls and books, and jars with stuff Applejack did not dare to try and describe. In the middle of the tent was a small wooden table, wooden cups already waiting for them. There was a strange smell hanging in the air, thick, heavy, but not unpleasant.

"So," the merchant suddenly said, and Applejack seemed to snap back to the present. She found herself sitting at the table, tea already in front of her. She could not remember sitting down, although she knew she had entered and looked around. Sitting across from her was the merchant, still smiling. "You wanted to know more about the old gods?"

"I.." Applejack hesitated, trying to gather her thoughts and focus her mind. "Yes. Who are they?"

"There are many gods, but of course one cannot know one if one does not know their king, Odin, the all-father. He was the one to build the worlds as we know them today, along with his brothers." His voice was soft, and spoke in a sort of natural cadence. Applejack found her mind wandering, and yet she was focused on his voice. Soon enough the steam from the tea seemed to take on shapes before her.

"Odin and his brothers slayed the giant Ymir, and from his body created the worlds. His blood became the oceans and rivers, his brains the clouds in the sky, and his flesh the earth. From there Odin created the first mortal ponies. Odin and his brothers gave them something special. One brother, Vile, gifted the first pair with horns to harness magic. The second brother, Ve, gifted the second pair wings so they could fly. Odin however, did not grant the last pair anything. Wanting the last pair to find their own way in the world, as they were how he wanted mortals to be."

Applejack thought she could feel herself sway, but she did not fall. Instead she listened, watched the steam and smoke make figures for her. It was like she could see the three brothers carve the logs into three tribes, giving them gifts, and breathe life into them. The merchant continued, his voice almost hypnotic to listen to.

"Odin fathered many children, but the most powerful of them all was Thor, god of thunder. He was born to command the heavens above, and protect the worlds from the giants. He was gifted with the greatest weapon, Mjölnir, the lightning bringer, which bonded with him and his honor mark, making him one with his hammer."

She could see him, see Thor running across the sky, lightning and thunder following in his wake. Her heart started to pound faster and faster, it was like heavy and powerful war drums in the back of her mind. The merchant continued to speak, his voice seeming almost as slippery as a snake in the grass. Then suddenly before she knew it, it all stopped. Her mind seemed to come into focus, the visions stopped, and everything became clear.

"Everything you need to know." The merchant said, placing an old looking book on the table.

Applejack blinked, it felt like she had just woken up from a strange dream. "I, what? Sorry, I blanked out for a second."

The merchant chuckled. "Sorry, I do go on and on sometimes. I said this book should have everything you want to know about the old gods." He gestured to it. "I have studied it for years, and so it is no use to me anymore. Perhaps it can give you the answers you seek."

"I don't know." Applejack answered, looking down at the book.

"This book is something special, it describes certain rituals that it says were used to communicate with the gods. Even let their seers travel to the other world to meet with them."

Now that caught Applejack's attention, but also suspicions. She looked up at the unicorn, her eyes narrowing. "Why would you give me something like this? Isn't it valuable?"

He just smiled, his green eyes looking into hers. "I know it by heart, and your needs seem greater than mine." The way he looked at her, the way he spoke, for some reason it put her mind at ease. Applejack couldn't explain why. "Your need is greater than mine." He repeated. "You should not let such a chance go to waste. Who knows if you will ever get such an opportunity ever again."

His words seemed to worm their way into Applejack's mind, sticking with her as she thought about the four years she had waited for Thor to return. Had she not been loyal? Of course she had, and if this book could help her contact him just speak to him for five minutes, wouldn't that be worth it? Yes, yes it would. What if this book could bring her to him? Yes, yes it would be worth it, and more, it all made sense now that she was told as much.

She smiled, grateful. "Thank you, I will take it."

The merchant smiled. "Please, it is a gift."

Then Applejack simply left. She had no idea how long she had been in there, or how she had really been talked into it, but she went from the stall with this old book, and right now that was the only thing on her mind.

Macintosh Apple was no stranger to hard work, in fact, most of his life had consisted of it. From a young age, Macintosh had to leave school and start helping out at home. Apple Bloom was no more than a few weeks old, and Applejack was still too young to do any of the heavy lifting.

Of course they had family arriving from all over Equestria, but when everything was said and done, Macintosh was the one who had to fill out his father's horseshoes. It had been hard for him, and Macintosh remembered many nights when he was just too exhausted to read or play. He never complained however, Granny Smith was all alone with him and his sisters, and despite never doing it in front of him, Macintosh clearly remembered her crying when she was alone.

Macintosh had to grow up fast, he had to take care of his family. Whatever feelings he had, whatever sorrow or anger he felt, he expressed it in his work. He was pretty sure that by now there was more than enough blood, sweat and tears that the farm was a part of him.

He ran this farm on Granny Smith's instruction, she was alone with him and his siblings, and with a farm to run. He did it because it was the right thing to do, because it was expected of him, and because he needed to. He had never regretted it, but it meant giving up a normal childhood. Granny wasn't blind to the demand she had put on him, and later Applejack.

In fact, he could still remember her telling him how proud she was of him. It was a moment between them and them alone, and it was a memory that would stay with him always.

Macintosh let out a small sigh, placing the flowers by the grave of Granny Smith, removing some leaves from the grave. He came up here at least one time a week, sometimes with Applejack and Apple Bloom, and other times alone. This time however he wasn't alone. Rainbow Dash, his marefriend of five years.

She stood back respectfully, remembering Granny Smith as the nicest and coolest grandma in Ponyville. As Mac stepped back, she placed a hoof on his shoulder, and he smiled, looking back at her. "She would have been proud of you." Rainbow said.

Mac nodded, pulling her closer. "I'm lucky to have you by my side."

"Of course you do, you big log." Said Rainbow, and moved in and nuzzled her stallion. "I'm here for you."

They remained for a few minutes, just in silence, respecting the memory of Granny. After a while, they decided to say their goodbyes, and head back towards the farm. Mac let out a relieved sigh, as if a visit had gone well. Rainbow smirked, trotting closer and nudged him with her body. "Don't go all silent on me."

He raised an eyebrow, smirking back at her. "Nnope."

She rolled her eyes. "Very funny."

There was no way around it, she loved this stallion. She had seen him at his highest, and she had seen him at his lowest when Granny Smith passed away. It has shown how strong he was, thinking about his sisters and their grief before his own. She had been there for him, and she had seen him break, only to pull himself up again. Their bond had really grown stronger, even Rainbow Dash had not expected him to stick with her for so long.

"I love you.." She suddenly said.

Mac stopped and looked at her, maybe surprised, but also pleased. "I love you too, Dashie. I'm lucky to have you with me, thank you."

Dashie lightly punched his shoulder. "Don't you get all soft on me," said Rainbow, blushing. "You know it makes me blush!"

"But I like it when you blush, it makes you look adorable." Mac teased, and leaned in, biting her ear.

Rainbow let out a startled yelp, and jumped. "Stop that, you dork!"

The two continued to tease one another and laugh as they made their way back to the farm. However when they did, they noticed something peculiar. The wagon was back in the barn, and the doors had not been closed as they normally did. Mac looked up at the sun, then back at the barn. "Applejack is early." He said in confusion.

Despite not working on the farm regularly, even Rainbow knew how out of place that was. "Perhaps she sold everything?" She said, not sounding convinced of her own suggestion. Even if that was the case, Applejack would not just have left the barn open like that.

The two exchanged glances, and soon enough they were both trotting towards the farmhouse. As soon as Mac opened the door, he called out. "Applejack?"

"Hm? In here." Applejack's voice responded almost instantly.

Mac and Rainbow followed the voice into the living room, and there was Applejack, sitting on the couch reading some dusty old book. She didn't look up as they entered, instead seeming to study the large book intimately. "Uhm, Applejack?" Rainbow ventured carefully.

"Hm?" Was the only response from the orange mare.

"You're home early, is everything alright?"

It took a moment before Applejack seemed to register that she had been asked a question, and when she did, it seemed it took her longer to find the words. "Uhm, yes, I'm fine, just reading."

Rainbow looked back at Big Mac, who looked back at her with the same concerned look. "Applejack," said Big Mac, looking her way. "You don't usually come home this early."

"I know," she replied. "But I found something I need to study."

"Alright, I'll bite. What do you need to study?" Asked Rainbow,

For the first time since this conversation began, Applejack looked up at her friend. "A way to find Astral."

Rainbow blinked in confusion. "What, Thor?" Applejack nodded. "Wait, I thought he was in another world, fighting those troll things?"

Applejack nodded again. "He was, I mean, he is, but this book can help me find him."

"Wait," said Mac, making his way over to them. "What is this book, and how did you get it?"

"I got it from one of the merchants down at the market."

Rainbow and Mac exchanged worried looks, then returned their attention to Applejack. "So some new trader shows up and simply gives you this book? Don't you think it sounds kind of shady?"

Any other time, Applejack would have agreed. "No, you weren't there. This book can help me, I know it can."

"Applejack, even if it's true." Rainbow started, glancing at Big Mac. None of them wanted to burst her bubble, but this sounded way too strange for comfort. "How are you even going to make it work? Doesn't something like that require magic?"

"Eeyup," agreed Mac.

Applejack seemed to digest this for a few moments, and Rainbow thought this would calm her down a bit. Instead Applejack stood up and moved towards the front door, carrying the book with her. "Wait, where are you going?" Asked Rainbow Dash.

"You're right, Rainbow Dash." Replied Applejack as she put the book in one of her saddlebags and put them on. "I need to make sure this is real."

Mac frowned, trotting closer to his sister. "How are you going to do that?"

"I need an expert in magic."

Rainbow tilted her head. "Twilight? Isn't she in Prance by now?"

Applejack nodded. "She is, but she isn't the one I'm talking about. I'll see you later!" And before any of them could stop her she was gone.

Mac looked at Rainbow Dash, who had the same worried look in her eyes. "Do you think Discord is playing a trick on her?"

Rainbow's eyes narrowed, a flash of anger crossing her face. "He better not be. It's cruel if its a joke." She thought for a moment, then nodded. "I'm going to look for this merchant at the market, see what his deal is."

"Right," Mac trotted outside the farmhouse with her. "I'm going to see Fluttershy and Discord, ask him directly if this is his work."

Before each of them took off, Rainbow paused and looked at him. "Mac, what if the book is real?"

Mac paused as well, considering for a moment. "If it is real.." He repeated in a thoughtful mumble. "Then we'll figure out what to do by then." They looked at each other one last time, each considering the possibility and what it could mean. Then without another word, they took off. Her towards Ponyville market, and he towards the home of Fluttershy.

It was a hard job to be the headmare of the School of Friendship, however it was also quite rewarding. There was nothing more satisfying than seeing her students succeed and learn valuable lessons. Sure, it could be challenging, but that just made it all the more rewarding.

The job also had its perks, like a massive library in the crystal castle, a place for Starlight to research magic, not to mention the comfortable salary. Chuckling to herself, Starlight took a sip of her tea, and enjoyed a quiet moment in her office.

At least until the door was almost slammed opened, making the mare jump. She had expected Trixie to strode in with that confident smirk of hers, but to her shock it wasn't Trixie, but Applejack. Starlight sat up, smiled, but looked confused. "Oh, Applejack. What a nice surprise, what can I do for you."

Applejack trotted right up to the desk. "Starlight, I need your help with something important."

"Oh?" Her expression turned serious. "What do you need, my friend?"

She watched as Applejack moved her head back, opened her saddlebag and pulled out a dusty old book. When it was placed on the desk, Starlight reached out, looking surprised as she ran her hoof over it. "What is this?" She asked, never taking her eyes off it.

"I need to know if this is legitimate." Answered Applejack. "If it is true magic, and if I can do it."

Starlight looked up at her, frowning. "Wow, slow down, Applejack. Magic?" She tilted her head. "I don't understand. Perhaps it would be best if you told me everything from the beginning."

And so Applejack did. From the very moment Astral dropped into her life, to when she learned he was really the thunder god Thor, right up until now. She even told her things she had not counted on, like how alone she had felt for the past four years, how much she missed Thor in her life. Applejack wouldn't normally share this much about her most personal feelings, but what other choice did she have? It was like she finally had the chance to go see him, and the spark had just been lit, she could not put it out. She needed to take action, she could not waste this maybe only opportunity.

"I need to know if it can be done." Applejack finished, looking at Starlight with a serious expression.

The mare nodded, turning some of the pages, and studied them in fascination. "Well, one thing is for certain, these are real rituals. Ancient, but real."

"Can you do it?" Asked Applejack bluntly.

Starlight looked up at her with concern. "You want me to perform one of these? Applejack, these are.." She paused, looking down at the inscriptions. "Complicated, and one needs to be a master of magic before you should even attempt them."

Applejack sighed, asking again. "Can you do it?"

"I.." She looked up. "I don't know. Perhaps it would be better if we waited for Twilight to return."

"Twilight is in Prance for the rest of the month, I cannot wait that long." Applejack couldn't calm herself, she felt as if she didn't do this now, her chance would forever be gone. She couldn't explain it, her eagerness burned inside of her like a forest fire. "Please, Starlight, I need to do this."

"I don't know.." She looked down at the pages again running her hoof over them. "It's not just about sending you to another world, Applejack. You won't even end up in the land of the gods."

"Asgard." Applejack put in.

"Right, Asgard. I will be sending you to the world between theirs and ours, uhm, Midgard." Starlight explained, squinting her eyes as if double checking if she got that right. "You will have to travel through it, and who knows how long that will take." She looked up at her friend, not sure if she understood the risks. "And even if you manage to get through Midgard, you would have to cross something called the Bifrost, something only the gods can grant access to."

"I have to try, Starlight."

Starlight sighed. "Why?"

"Because I love him," she answered honestly. "I have not seen him for four years, I feel lost, lonely. Each day I wonder if he even remembers me, if he's dead, or found another. My heart won't let me believe it, but still these thoughts pains me and hunt my dreams. Please Starlight, help me."

Starlight frowned, she knew she should really wait for Twilight. However, seeing the desperation in Applejack's eyes, she could not find it within herself to refuse her. She let out a sigh, and nodded. "Alright, I'll do it."

Applejack smiled, tears appearing in her eyes. "Oh thank you, Starlight, thank you so much."

Starlight smiled a little. "I'm keeping the book here, I got to study up. You should prepare for a journey in the meantime. If this works, and that's a big if, you need to be prepared for anything. Food, shelter, anything you can think of."

"I will, thank you."

"Oh, don't thank me yet. Twilight won't be happy when she finds out, and so far I'm still not sure I can do it." She ran a hoof through her mane, looking down at the book. "You should go home and rest up. I'll see you tomorrow."

When Applejack returned home, she found her older brother and Rainbow Dash waiting for her in the living room. They looked at her with worry, and Applejack didn't need to think very hard to guess why. Her behavior had been rather odd, even though she could see it. However that still didn't change anything, she was going to do this.

"How did your meeting go?" Mac asked.

"Good." Applejack replied, trotting in and sat down on the couch.

"Applejack. That trader you talked about," started Rainbow. "Whoever gave you that book, he isn't there anymore. He's just gone."

Applejack frowned, not sure what to make of it. "I've talked to Discord," continued Big Mac. "He promised me he had nothing to do with this."

Applejack nodded. "I didn't think so." She sighed, knowing full well they came from a place of concern. "I'm sorry I worried you, both of you. But the book is real."

Rainbow Dash frowned. "So what does that mean?"

"It means I can go see him, Thor. I can find him. It will take time, but I have to try."

"Wow, wow, wow." Rainbow jumped off the couch. "What do you mean you can go see him?"

"It means that Starlight can use the book to send me to the world beyond. From there I can travel to Asgard and find Thor." Applejack explained, feeling a knot forming in her stomach. "It's the only way for me to be certain."

"Applejack, don't you think all of this is really shady? Why would you put yourself at risk like that? I like Thor, he is a great guy, but it's been four years."

Applejack glared at her, and stood up. "That's easy for you to say, Rainbow. The one you love is here with you." Rainbow flinched, as if she had been slapped. "Tell me honestly, if Big Mac had to go away, would you just give up on him after four years? If you knew what he had to do was important, was necessary, could you just forget?" She didn't answer, instead just looked away, her ears low. "I know the risk, but it's my decision, and I have to do this."

Mac sat and listened to his sister speak, taking in every word. When she was done, he nodded to himself and got up. "We can't stop you, AJ. If this is what you want to do, then we won't stand in your way."

Applejack sighed, relieved. "Thank you."

"But," he continued. "We can go with you, make sure you stay safe."

"What?"

"If you're going to do this, we are coming with you." He repeated. "That is our decision to make."

Rainbow Dash sighed, then nodded. "I'm not letting you do this alone. If you insist on going on some crazy adventure, then you better bring me along to watch your back."

"But the farm, Apple Bloom, what about work, the animals?"

Mac waved his hoof. "We'll figure something out, and Apple Bloom can be trusted. It's the light season, so we can make do."

Despite remaining unsure, Applejack smiled, moving in and hugged them both. "Thank you.."

As Applejack started to explain what their journey would entail, a dark figure watched them through the window, hidden by the evening shadows. He chuckled to himself, making his way towards the orchard, ready to leave this sad world behind. However an elegant voice stopped him.

"Didn't think you would leave without saying hello first."

The unicorn chuckled, turning around. "Discord," he smiled. "I wasn't sure if you had sensed me or not."

Discord leaned against one of the apple trees, looking down at the pony figure. "I did smell something foul in the air this morning, but it wasn't until one of my friends turned up that I put it together. To think, someone actually gave his sister instructions on how to get to Midgard."

The unicorn shrugged. "Oh well, she wanted to go. I simply helped her."

"Hm, but that idea did not just pop into her head out of nowhere. What did you do?" Discord asked, crossing his arms, narrowing his eyes. "And for the sake of the all-father, reveal yourself, father."

The unicorn chuckled, and a green glow surrounded his body. His gray mane seemed to become longer, slowly changing its color to black. His features became bigger, but no less elegant. His rose colored coat became gray like his mane before, and he seemed to grow taller. Once fully revealed, Loki shook his body, as if he had just been in the water.

"Feels good to be out of that puny body."

Discord rolled his eyes. "Impressive trick."

"You should know, I taught it to you."

"Enough with these verbal games. What did you do to Applejack?" Discord repeated, standing up straight. "I know her, and she is annoyingly honest and hard to trick. Even you would have a hard time lying to her."

"Is that what you think, Discord? I told her no lies, only the truth. I simply gave her a push in the right direction." He grinned. "And if I did lie, do you really think those toys of theirs could make her see through whatever web I cast? You give these mortals too much credit, son."

"You did something. Applejack would not trust you that easily, and certainly not trust some random book filled with spells and rituals. What enchantments have you put on her."

Loki laughed. "I did nothing but increase her desire for action. It really was no trouble at all, I hardly had to try."

"Whatever you are planning to do here father, I will put an end to it. I've become rather fond of this world and the ponies. Fluttershy would be most sad if her friend went missing in the other world."

"You will do nothing of the sort, son." Loki warned, his smile vanishing, and his voice filling with menace. "You may have forgotten the old ways, but you are still bound by the same rules as I. You will not go against my will."

Discord glared at his father, wanting nothing more than to strike him down. However, as he said, he could not. He felt the threat was real, and should he betray his father he would suffer. "What are you hoping to gain here?"

Loki shrugged, his smile returning. "Nothing but entertainment, and nothing you need to worry about, my son. Instead, stay here and play your silly little games. Enjoy your time in this world, play with your pets." He turned around. "Remember Discord. the all-father would still very much like for you to answer for your crimes. I would be more than happy to deliver you to him, should you betray my trust." Discord glared after his father as he moved in between the trees. "It was good to see you. Let's catch up some other time." And with a fading chuckle, Loki was gone.

Discord was alone, angry, and worried. He looked towards the farm, frowning. Whatever his father had done, whatever his father was planning, it could not be good. He could not interfere directly, but he knew he had to do something, anything.

If he did not, then Applejack would likely not survive the journey to Asgard.

Author's Note

Is it Macintosh or Mclntosh? :rainbowhuh:

Chapter 3: The Crossing

"But it isn't fair!" Exclaimed an upset Apple Bloom. "It isn't fair, and you know it!"

Applejack frowned, letting out a sigh. "Apple Bloom, I know it doesn't seem that way, but we have no idea what is over there. It could be dangerous." This argument had gone on for at least an hour now, and Applejack felt more exhausted with each minute that passed now. Mac was there too, trying his best to calm their younger sister down.

"All the more reason to take me with you!" The filly argued. "We're family, we need to look out for one another."

"That's true, but you're only 14, and we-"

"So I'm old enough to look out for the farm then?"

"You've looked after the farm before, Apple Bloom." Applejack noted. "This is no different."

"It's totally different," she argued. "The last time you were not in danger, at least to my knowledge. This time, not only are you going away, but you don't know for how long, and you are heading to another world different from our own!"

"Apple Bloom, we understand w-"

"No you don't!" Yelled Apple Bloom. "First we lose Granny, and now I may lose you two?"

Applejack and Mac glanced at one another, both frowning. Without a word, they both trotted to her younger sister and pulled her into a hug. For a minute or two they did not speak, instead taking comfort in one another. Finally Apple Bloom let out a sigh and stepped back, wiping her tears away.

"Look, I'm not a little filly anymore. I get it, I miss Astral too. So if you're going to do this, then at least bring me along."

Mac looked from Apple Bloom to Applejack, while Applejack looked right back at him. None of them liked to do this, and it wasn't fair to Apple Bloom no matter what. Still, they had agreed, this trip was far too dangerous for her. They needed somepony they could trust to stay at the farm, and they wanted her safe.

"Apple Bloom.." Applejack began, but Apple Bloom wasn't having it.

"Fine.." She mumbled bitterly, then without another word she ran out.

"Apple Bloom, wait!" Applejack tried to catch up with her, but she only got as far as the door before seeing her vanish into the orchard. "Apple Bloom!" It was no use, she wasn't coming back. Applejack sighed in frustration, leaning against the door frame. "Well, we screwed that up pretty well."

Mac nodded. "Eeyup."

She looked at her brother, frowning. "Mac, you really don't have to come with me. You and Rainbow Dash could stay here, look after the farm and Apple Bloom."

"Nnope." Replied Mac with a shake of his head. "If you're going, I'm going. Apple Bloom will be safe here, me being here won't do much of a difference. She also has her friends, Starlight, and the whole of Ponyville. I'm not worried about her if she is here. However, you will be in danger when you cross over, and I don't like that."

"It's not fair to Apple Bloom."

"It had nothing to do with being fair, it's about safety. Apple Bloom will be safe here, and Fluttershy can help her, and dare I say it, Discord. We cannot guarantee that in that other world."

Applejack sighed again, rubbing her forehead with her hoof. "I know, I know.. I just don't like leaving her alone."

"She'll be fine." Promised Big Mac. "Come, we should get ready."

As they both walked out they noticed Rainbow Dash flying towards the farm. Once close enough she dived towards them and landed elegantly. "Right, so Starlight will come over this afternoon and perform the ritual, we have until then to get ready." She explained, then noticed their expressions. "I guess Apple Bloom didn't take the news very well?"

Both of them shook their heads. "I don't even blame her." Said Applejack.

"She'll be alright, she is a strong filly. She's an Apple after all." Rainbow grinned. "She might not like it, but it is the better choice to keep her here."

The siblings both nodded, then Mac took the lead. "We should get packing, load up the wagon with whatever we need." He started to trot towards the barn, and the two mares followed suit. "We have no idea what to expect, and I for one would rather be safe than sorry."

So the day continued with preparation. They packed a small wagon with supplies of all sorts, making sure they could deal with anything they could imagine. Only problem was they were heading to a world where there were things they had never imagined before existed.

As they prepared and talked about what they might face, and how they should deal with threats, Applejack kept looking for Apple Bloom to return. So far there had been no sight of her, and Applejack imagined she would have run to one of her friends for support.

Morning turned to midday, and midday turned to afternoon. Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Big Mac all sat in the living room, all silent, all waiting. None of them spoke of their own doubts, as they all just waited for Starlight. Apple Bloom had still not returned, and it made them feel more anxious. Then suddenly a figure appeared by the farm house, and they all got up.

It was Starlight, carrying her saddlebags and looked quite nervous herself. "Alright then, so you all want to go through with this?" She asked, and they all nodded. Starlight sighed. "Applejack, are you sure about this? Once you are there, the only way for you to get back is if the gods sent you back. At least according to the book."

Applejack felt a moment of hesitation, but that damn desire to go still raged inside her, and she could not make herself stop, not now. Instead she turned to her brother and her friend, giving them one last chance to back out. She wouldn't blame them if they did so, after all, this was something she wanted to do. Only she stood to gain anything, this should only be her risk. However they did not back out, instead looking back at her with determined eyes.

"We're sure."

Starlight nodded. "Alright, then get ready and gather your stuff, this will take some time to prepare." She took off her saddlebags and started to get all sorts of things out.

Applejack looked to her brother, who looked back at her. "Still no sign of Apple Bloom?" She asked, and he shook his head. Applejack sighed, looking towards the house. She didn't want to leave without saying goodbye, but they could not keep Starlight waiting either.

They still had some time, and with Mac pulling the wagon, and Rainbow helping him with whatever he needed, she decided to head inside. She already knew Apple Bloom wasn't inside, but she couldn't leave without being sure. Applejack walked through the house, taking her time when passing the pictures that hung on the wall. Each picture reminds her how lucky she was to have such a great family. It reminded her of joy and sorrow, and it only made it hurt more when knowing Apple Bloom wasn't here.

She looked into her room, and of course as she expected, Apple Bloom wasn't there. Applejack sighed, trotting inside and looked around. The room was pretty neat, as expected. However, it seemed to hold the last traces of a vanishing childhood. The toys seemed to be more packed away, almost hidden. The teen moving in, and the foal vanishing.

Applejack had hoped she would get more time with her younger sister, but every foal had to grow up sometime. She didn't want to leave on a sour note, so Applejack took her time, writing a letter for Apple Bloom to read when she got home. she doubted it would do little to cheer her up, but hopefully it could make her understand somewhat. Once done, she placed it on her bed, and left the room.

Outside Starlight was busy at work. She had drawn two large circles in the ground, then drawn all sorts of runes between the inner circle and outer circle. At certain points she had placed thick candles, and at others left certain objects, like some gold, silver, amber, even something that looked like bloody meat.

Inside the circles waited Mac, hitched up to the wagon, and beside him stood Rainbow Dash. They looked her way as they heard the door close, and both frowned as they could tell by Applejack's expression that Apple Bloom had not been inside. They had expected as much, but they had hoped nonetheless.

Trotting towards Starlight, Applejack noticed she had the book open, and frequently checked it and re-checked it. When close enough, Starlight paused, giving Applejack a nervous smile. "It is very fascinating, but this is not a small feat of magic, Applejack. Now, are you really, REALLY, sure you want to do this?"

Applejack nodded once more. "Yes I am." Then she sighed. "While we're gone, will you make sure to look after Apple Bloom? I'm sure Fluttershy will help with the animals too."

Starlight nodded. "Of course." They remained in place for a few seconds, when Applejack moved forward and embraced her.

"Thank you again." Applejack said, stepping back.

"Just be careful, and remember what I said. The only way for you to get home is for the gods to send you back. You will have to travel to Midgard and find this Bifrost bridge to reach them." Starlight repeated. "I wish I could tell you more, but the book isn't any more specific about how to reach them."

Applejack nodded, and turned, about to enter the circle when suddenly someone poked her back. She turned and looked, and was surprised to find Discord standing over her with a smile. "Discord?"

He smiled at her. "Applejack, always a pleasure." Pause, he seemed uneasy. "Listen, when you cross over, you will need to pass the great ocean dividing us from Midgard."

Both Applejack and Starlight looked startled. "What? But I thought I was sending her to Midgard?" Starlight asked, looking through the book.

"You are, but one does not simply appear in Midgard." Discord said almost dismissively. "You will need to cross over."

"How?"

"There is a ship, and a guide. He can help you cross over safely, but he will need payment."

"Payment? What does he want?"

Discord looked around, then sighed, smiling slightly. "Well, he is rather fond of apples." He smirked, then stepped back. "Well got to go, be careful while traveling through Midgard. You will need to find a high up place when you get there. Good luck!" and with that, he was gone, leaving Applejack stunned, and Starlight frustrated.

"Stupid book, why doesn't it say stuff like this?" She sighed looking at Applejack. "Are you still s-" She stopped when Applejack sent her a look. "Alright, moving on. Step into the circle and we will get started." Applejack did so, trotting into the circle, careful not to step on any of the drawn lines as she took her place next to Big Mac. "Right, let's get started. If this works, we should be able to tell. The whole incantation circle will light up, and if that happens you are not to leave it under any circumstances, is that clear?"

The three nodded, and Starlight began the ritual. It wasn't like anything she had done before, the words were foreign to her, and it felt more like chanting than an actual spell. At first she was slow, pronouncing the words in the old tongue with care and precision. After the first minute, Applejack started to believe they could not do it. Then suddenly, the outer ring started to glow orange. The air seemed thicker around them, and looking at Rainbow Dash and Big Mac, they must have noticed it too.

As blue light started to appear in the inner ring, Applejack noticed Starlight's chanting had become less careful, and faster. However his pronunciation did not suffer, in fact, it seemed it was getting better. Looking her way, Applejack was shocked to see Starlight's eyes glow, her body swaying as if she was in some sort of trance. Her chanting became faster and faster, and at some point it seemed her voice surrounded them, almost echoing within the circle itself.

The wind started to pick up, moving around them in an unnatural way, almost as if it was following the circle. The dust started to move up, circling around them, creating a sort of tunnel. The colors within the circles started to flare up like flames, and everything seemed to pick up in power and speed.

For a moment it felt hard to breathe, and the way everything moved made it hard to see. It was like standing in the middle of a tornado, one that was filled with strange lights, and sounds. It got so intense that soon enough they could not see because of all the dust flying around them, and soon enough all three of them had to shield their eyes. As Applejack did so, she could have sworn she heard her name being called from somewhere, and just before she shielded her eyes, she noticed a group of ponies approach in great haste.

However before they could even get close, the air suddenly changed. It got colder, and the wind and colors seemed to die down. The fresh smell of apple trees and summer was suddenly replaced by a cold salty air, the smell of the sea. The wind that had surrounded them vanished, and as the three of them looked around they were not met with a sunny sky, or the green of the apple orchard.

Instead the blue sky was hidden by dark gray clouds, the orchard gone, replaced by thick pine trees, and the cold air was filled with a thick fog. The three of them looked around, all amazed yet tense. Starlight had really done it, she had sent them to another world.

"Is this Midgard?" Asked Rainbow Dash.

"No," answered Applejack. "Discord said we should cross the sea, so we should head to the sea."

Mac frowned. "This place, it doesn't feel right."

None of them needed to ask what he meant, they could feel it, sense it. One thing they quickly noticed was the lack of life, no sound of birds or animals of any kind, just the very gentle breeze that carried the cold air between the thick trees. Applejack shook, feeling as if the cold tried to attach itself to her.

"Let's keep moving." She said, her ears standing upright, listening. There was a faint sound of gentle waves, and the sea air was stronger when she turned in the direction of the faint sound.

With no other plan, the three started to move between the trees, staying close so as not to lose one another in the thick fog. Mac hauled the wagon, but the uneven ground beneath them made it hard, and the wagon bounced around every time they cleared a tiny patch of dirt.

They kept looking around as they trotted through the pine forest, the smell of the ocean getting stronger as they did so. "What's that?!" Rainbow suddenly exclaimed, and they all stopped.

"What?" Asked Mac. When they looked, no one was there, no sign of anybody.

Rainbow frowned looking into the fog. "I thought I saw.." She hesitated, then looked at them. "A pony."

The group remained silent, looking around to make sure they hadn't missed anything. There were no sounds to indicate somepony was trotting around out there, but this was not their world, so none of them wanted to take any chances. Mac gasped, and the two mares turned his way.

"There." He said almost in a whisper, pointing into the fog. They looked just in time to see a figure vanish out of sight.

"Over there." Rainbow then said, pointing in another direction, and this time they managed to see more. It looked like a mare, trotting through the forest with a calm expression, as if the forest did not bother her. "Hey!" Called Rainbow. "Hey, you!" She vanished into the fog, never stopping or reacting to her call. "Did she not hear me?"

The three looked at one another, exchanging worried looks. "I think they are heading the same way as us." Mac suddenly said, looking around again. "We should keep moving."

"Good idea, it's creepy out here." Agreed Rainbow Dash, and tried to casually trot closer to her coltfriend.

So the group continued on their way, and as they did so they spotted more figures moving through the fog. It wasn't just ponies, but Yaks, Diamond Dogs, Changelings, Griffons, Deers, Lovelings, Zebras, Hippogriffs, Kirins and others. The only race they did not see though was dragons. They all came in different age groups, some were young, others old. Some looked sickly, while others looked normal. They didn't seem to pay each other any mind, as if they did not even see one another. Neither did they even glance their way.

They didn't speak, but they could hear whispers in between the trees. Applejack frowned, wondering who they were, and what they were all doing here. The forest suddenly ended, and after a few meters of nothing but grass, they suddenly stepped onto a beach. It wasn't the kind of beach you wanted to visit in the summer. It was rocky, its soft sand hidden beneath pebbles and rocks. It stretched as far as the eyes could see, vanishing into the fog like everything else.

The sea was calm, its waves not making huge splashes, only against the larger rocks which were few and far between. The beach was not empty, instead several long ships all lined the beach, all seeming to just wait to be pushed out to sea. The ships were graceful, long, narrow and light, with a shallow-draft hull designed for speed. They were double-ended, the symmetrical bow and stern allowing the ship to reverse direction quickly without a turn around. In the middle of the ships were a single mast with a single rectangular sail ready to be unfolded and taken away.

It was quite a sight to behold, and the three of them found themselves staring at the many ships. The figures they had seen move between the trees did not stop to look however. Instead they walked onto the beach, and made their way to the ships. No one guided them, instead they just found the ship they wanted to board and got in. There was no pushing, arguing, or any words of any kind. They just lined up, and waited their turns to board the ships.

"Should we get on one of those ships?" Mac asked, stepping onto the beach, dragging the wagon with him. As he did though, there was a loud snap, and the wagon seemed to fall to the side a little. The crack was a surprise, but what was an even bigger surprise was the slight yelp that followed it.

Mac looked to the mares, they had heard it too, and one of them had been the one to do it. "Did you hear that?"

Applejack nodded, narrowing her eyes. As Rainbow Dash helped Big Mac to get unhitched, Applejack moved up behind the wagon. In it were their supplies, protected from the elements with sacks. One of those sacks twitched, and it wasn't tied in the top like the others.

Applejack got closer, reached in, and pulled on the sack. It twitched again, but in doing so made more of the sack come down, revealing, "Apple Bloom?!" Applejack exclaimed in both shock and horror. "What are you doing here?"

Apple Bloom blushed, looking both embarrassed and stubborn. "Well I told you I wanted to come along, so I hid in the wagon!"

Both Mac and Dashie came up to Applejack, and they looked equally as surprised as Applejack. "We told you to stay at the farm, it could be dangerous over here!" Scolded Applejack.

Apple Bloom didn't budge. "Family stick together, Applejack."

"I can't believe you disobeyed, this is no place for you!"

"Well you're here!" Apple Bloom argued, getting out of the sack, and stepped out of the wagon. "You decided to leave me alone, and I decided to come along."

Applejack sighed. "Of all the stubborn.." She mumbled, looking both frustrated and angry. "You're in big trouble missy."

Apple Bloom was not the type to talk back to adults. She didn't do it to Granny, and neither did she do it to her older siblings. However this time she could not help rolling her eyes and saying, "don't you think we have other things to worry about?" She looked around, looking amazed like the rest had. "Like how we are going to cross that?"

Mac looked at Applejack, then sighed. "It's not like we can send her back, Applejack."

She nodded. "I know.." She looked at her sister and shook her head. "This isn't over, Apple Bloom. We will talk about this later, for now, you just stay close to us while we figure this out." Apple Bloom nodded, knowing not to push the issue any further.

Rainbow took Apple Bloom to the side, while Applejack and Big Mac tried to see if they could get the wagon moving again. Apple Bloom shook, the breeze was cold, and she did not dare to imagine how cold the sea was. She looked at the many creatures, all seeming to board a ship that only had creatures like themselves in them.

"Why don't we ask one of them for help?" Asked Apple Bloom.

Rainbow Dash shrugged. "They don't seem so interested in talking much, at least not to us."

Applejack let out a frustrated groan. "It's dead."

"Eeyup." Agreed Big Mac. "Better take what we can carry and move on."

"Good idea." Applejack went into the wagon and started to divide their supplies, hoping to make them easy to carry with them. The others followed suit, all carrying something.

"So, what is the plan?" Asked Rainbow Dash.

"Well," said Applejack as she took the last sack over her back. "Discord said there would be a ship with a guide. He will help us over if we pay him, Discord suggested with apples."

"But how will we find this guide?" Big Mac asked, carrying most of their supplies.

Apple Bloom spoke up before anyone else could. "Why don't we ask that guy over there?"

They all looked at Apple Bloom, and then at the direction she was pointing. Away from the rest of the ships was a dark cloaked figure, a unicorn by the looks of it. However his size suggested he was far from any ordinary pony. He was the biggest pony any of them had ever seen.

The figure didn't do anything, just stood by a very large ship. There were no lines near him, and none of the creatures they could see was making their way over to him. Instead he just stood there, and Applejack got the uneasy feeling he was looking directly at them. It was hard to see with the hood shrouding most of his face in darkness.

The group hesitated for a moment, as if afraid of making the first step. However it was Rainbow Dash who pushed them on. "Well, we might as well see if he can help us."

So the group started walking along the rocky beach. Apple Bloom stayed close to her brother, glancing at Applejack once in a while. With every step they took the figure seemed to grow in size. At first they did not slow down, but once they got so close that they could tell Big Mac only reached up to his knee, they started to slow down.

The figure sat at the edge of the beach, the waves reaching up around, soaking the bottom of his long black cloak. He didn't seem to sense the water, nor the cold air around him. The same couldn't be said for them, and as they approached, their blood seemed to turn into ice.

They stopped, all of them looking pale as they looked up at the tall figure. Not only was the unicorn taller than any pony back in Equestria, but what stood out was the fact he had no flesh to speak of. No coat, no mane, no muscles, only bones. At a distance it had seemed the unicorn had a white coat, but now they could see he was nothing more than a skeleton, a living one at that. He had no eyes, but deep within those dark sockets of his skull, there were tiny blue glows that seemed to follow them, acting like his eyes.

"Approach." A deep dark voice said. It was the figure who had spoken, but it had not opened its mouth to speak. At first, they didn't react, so the figure repeated itself. "Approach." This time the group obeyed, moved slowly closer until they were forced to look up. "What do you offer?"

It took a moment for Applejack to realize what the massive pony was asking for. She had been so stunned that her mind had simply frozen. She looked back at Big Mac, gesturing for one of the sacks. "Mac, give me the sack." Macintosh didn't even look at her, nor respond. Instead he simply did it, keeping his eyes on the figure. As soon as the sack was down, Applejack pushed it forward carefully. "We bring you this!" She said, then opened up the sack.

The figure leaned forward and tilted his head. They could hear the large bones move and turn, it sounded like wood groaning and cracking. A deep hum came from the figure, as he reached out with his hoof, took the sack, and in one put the whole thing into his muzzle.

They all watched with amazement as the heard all the apples get crushed and chewed by the large pony. Juice flowed from between the holes, and teeth, dripping down into the water and stones below. He then tilted his head back, and it sounded like he swallowed. Applejack half expected to hear the apples fall through his non-existent throat and fall into the water, but they did not. Somehow he had actually eaten the apples, leaving nothing left.

The figure looked down at them again. "Your offering is accepted, I will grant you passage on my ship. I am Vragi, the one who guides." His right hoof came out of the cloak, and gestured to the massive ship that looked nothing more than a fishing boat for him.

It was no easy feat to get up over the side of the ship, but they would have to do it. Rainbow flew up, placed her things on the deck, and then reached over the side to help Apple Bloom up. Macintosh lifted her up from below, and once she was over, they did the same thing with Applejack. When they were over, Mac made sure to toss their things into the boat before he did his utmost to get in. It took Rainbow Dash and Applejack working together in order to pull the large stallion up, but they did it.

They had just barely gotten into the large ship before the whole thing started to shake and move from side to side. It was almost violent to the point that they were thrown around up on deck. Then it just stopped, and the ship was gliding out to sea, and sitting at the rudder was none other than Vragi himself. He sat calmly at the rudder, wrapped in his cloak, which hid most of his body. The sail fell from the mast by itself, and they started to pick up speed.

Apple Bloom shook her body, still feeling the cold, but she was too in awe with everything to really be bothered. She trotted to the side, looking out at the other ships. "Be careful not to leave the ship." Vragi warned, which made them all look. "If you do leave this ship, you will never be able to return."

This made them all frown, but they were not about to argue. Not to mention the sea looked unforgivingly cold, so none of them had any intention of leaving. Still, Rainbow Dash kept her wings tightly to her sides, feeling more safe to stand on the ship, than floating above it. Apple Bloom looked out again, looking at the other ships.

They were all similar in design, but still very different. Some ships looked brand new, the wood almost shining. Others looked older, but still well kept, enough to still be able to take you across the sea. The last ones however looked like they could break apart at any moment. They were cracked, and the wood looked rotten, the sail was full of holes, and it seemed like a disaster waiting to happen.

Despite Vragi's scary appearance, Apple Bloom still looked his way. "Mister Vragi, why are they boarding those broken ships?"

He didn't look, but he still answered. "Those ships are for the souls who have lived a life of dishonor. Thieves, murderers, rapist. Those who cannot be redeemed, those whose souls are stained red by the blood of the innocent." Apple Bloom felt a cold shiver running down her back, but she kept listening. "Their ship will not make the journey. It will sink into the cold dark ocean and take them to the underworld, to the land of the damned, to Hel's domain."

Apple Bloom gulped, not wanting to imagine sinking into this gray dark water and vanishing. Still, she could not help but ask, "and those other ships?"

"The second is for souls who had a chance of redemption. Those who have lived a life of crimes, but are not stained with blood. Those who have broken their oaths, but have lived as best they could. It is for souls who want to do better, but cannot." Vragi explained. "Their journey will be long and harsh, those who make it will be redeemed and allowed to enter their afterlife. Those who cannot will fall into the ocean, drown, and make it to Hel's domain."

"So all those creatures we saw." Rainbow Dash mumbled, trotting up to the railing along with the others to look out at the ships. "They are dead?"

"Souls travel to their afterlives. For those who live a good life, one with honor, just actions, and good deeds, they will take the last ship. For them the sea will be calm, the journey easy and pleasant." Vragi continued. "Most will go to Midgard, while others will find their way back to their world of origin. Kirin shall return to Vanaheim, the deer to Alfheim, and Diamond Dogs to Svartalfheim."

They kept watching for a while, right up until they vanished from sight, gliding into the heavy fog. By now they could not even see the beach anymore, or anything for that matter. Applejack looked over at Vragi, and asked. "What about us? How long will we be at sea?"

"It will take as long as it needs to." He simply said. "Your journey will be harsh, as you are mortals, and this world is not meant for the living. We will pass through the ice fields, then the great sea where Jörmungandr lurks and hungers."

This did nothing to calm the ponies, as they all looked his way in alarm. "Who lurks?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Jörmungandr, the Midgard serpent, spawn of Loki. He will sense you are here, souls in living bodies. He will grow restless and try to make you fall overboard into the cold ocean. There he will swallow you whole, and you will be forever lost." His head tilted down, and those two blue dots in his eye sockets seemed to glow. "He cannot smash us, but he can make the waves as high as mountains, and the wind as powerful as a hurricane."

The four ponies looked at one another, and quickly decided the safest place was in the middle of the large ship. There they started to set up a camp of sorts. It was cold, the weather was wet, and they were hungry. They moved around the thick mast, and for the next hour Mac and Applejack worked on creating a shelter around it. It was pretty tricky, but after a bit of trial and error, they managed to create a round tent around the mast.

It wasn't perfect by any means, but it would protect them from the elements, and it would give them a place to rest, and a place to dry. The four of them ate, all too tired to really talk. It was hard to tell how much time had passed since they got here, not a whole day, but with everything that had happened they all felt exhausted and mentally drained. Soon after they laid down, covering themselves with whatever that could keep them warm, staying close to one another to share heat.

It was maybe a few hours later when Apple Bloom woke up, sensing something, or somepony, was missing. Slowly she opened her eyes, poking her head out of their heavy fort of blankets. Her brother and Rainbow Dash were still there, cuddled up close, both sleeping. Applejack however, was nowhere to be seen.

Apple Bloom frowned. She carefully made her way out of the warm blankets, careful not to wake her brother or Rainbow. She passed the tent sheets, and stepped onto the deck. Vragi was still at his post, unmoving, and unbothered by the freezing air that made Apple Bloom shudder as soon as she stepped out.

The air had changed, and the fog had vanished. The sky above them was clear, and Apple Bloom found herself smiling despite the cold. Above them were hundreds and thousands of stars. It was an amazing sight, as it was way more clear than anything she had seen back in Equestria. It really made her feel small.

She took her eyes off the sky, noted Vragi at one end, and then turned to the front of the ship. Applejack sat there, looking ahead with a single blanket wrapped around her. She hadn't heard Apple Bloom stepping into the open air, nor did she hear as Apple Bloom trotted up to her.

"Applejack?"

A shudder moved through Applejack as she turned her head to look at Apple Bloom. She let out a breath, which showed as light steam in the cold. "Apple Bloom," she chuckled. "You startled me."

"Sorry," she said, trotting up beside her. "What are you doing out here?"

Applejack shrugged, looking forward again. "I needed some air, some time to think."

They were passing large slabs of eyes, mini mountains of smooth ice. Some were no bigger than a ball, while others were as big as houses. Vragi however masterfully guided them past any of the icebergs that might be a threat to the ship. you hardly felt the shifts and turns, they were gentle and smooth. The water was very calm, it reflected the stars sky above, it was almost like sailing on a massive mirror.

The two sisters enjoyed the sight for a bit, then Apple Bloom looked at her sister. "Applejack, are you still mad at me?"

Applejack looked back at her sister, almost looking surprised. She smiled, then shook her head. "No, Apple Bloom. I'm not mad at you." She sighed, looking forward again. "I'm more mad at myself."

"Why?"

"Because leaving you behind is unfair to you." She then admitted. "Safer," Applejack quickly added. "But unfair." She let out another sigh, this time longer and sounding more frustrated. "These last two days, they have been like a blur to me. I have not felt like myself. I don't know what's gotten into me, and it is like I've only now started to wake up."

Apple Bloom frowned. "Have you been lonely without Astral?"

Applejack looked at her, smiling slightly. It was a sad smile, Apple Bloom thought, and for a moment she thought her sister was going to cry. It did not come to that though. "Yeah, I have been lonely." She admitted. "Maybe that's why I've been so rash lately." Applejack shook her head. "I put you and your brother in an impossible situation, and that ain't right."

"But you would have gone anyway?"

Applejack didn't answer right away, she considered her answer carefully. Would she have gone alone if she could? "I think I would." Applejack admitted, giving her sister an apologetic look.

Apple Bloom smiled. "Then we would have come too."

Applejack smiled a bit more, then shook her head. "I'm sure you would." She opened up the blanket. "Come on, you must be freezing." Apple Bloom nodded, and scooted closer to her sister, who wrapped the blanket around them both.

The trip continued, the coming days were long, and slow. For someone like Rainbow Dash, being stuck on a boat without being able to fly was pure torture. It felt like ages, weeks and months were passing them by, but in reality it was only a few days. They did their best to pass the time, trying to play games, look out at the vast sea, reading what few books Big Mac had brought, which wasn't much.

The weather was harsh. At times it could be sunny, but at others it was so freezing cold that the whole ship got covered in ice. At other times, it was raining so hard that each drop felt like a tiny little slap. The sea was mostly calm, a few waves here and there, but so far nothing they could not handle.

All that changed on the fifth day.

The day started with a sudden crash, and then a huge amount of water spilling onto the ship. The sudden stop, then turn, made all four of them roll over, and almost went through their own tent. They all woke up, and heard how the wind was picking up, and how the ship seemed to move at random.

All of them went out on deck, and stepped at the sight of the waves around them. They were tall, crashing against the ship with such force that the whole thing shook violently. Applejack looked towards Vragi who looked perfectly at ease. However, he was holding the rudder with both of his hooves now, something he had never done on this whole trip before.

"It is time, mortals!" Vragi said, his voice sounding strained, as if he was really having difficulty keeping the ship steady. "Steady your hearts, and stay on the ship. He cannot break us, but you can be tossed off, or swallowed by the waves!" He called over the sound of the roaring sea.

Another wave splashed across the deck, almost making Applejack trip and slide. She quickly looked back at the others, her mane waving in the strong wind. "MAC!" She yelled over the wind. "GET THE ROPE!" He nodded, getting to their makeshift shelter, which was shaking struggling in its restraints. Applejack went to Dash and Apple Bloom. "WE HAVE TO STAY TOGETHER! HUDDLE UP NEAR THE MAST!"

Another crashing wave made its way over them, and this time Applejack did fall. Rainbow Dash managed to hold onto Apple Bloom, just barely staying on her hooves. Applejack got up, spitting some of the sea water out of her mouth. "APPLEJACK!" Called Apple Bloom. "YOUR HAT!"

She looked up, noticing she was right, her hat had washed away, or blown off. She cursed herself for not thinking of it before, but there was no time to worry about it now. Instead she quickly made her way back to them. The whole ship moved from side to side, making it hard to keep her balance. "RIGHT, HUDDLE UP, COME ON!"

"RIGHT!" Rainbow Dash nodded, guiding Apple Bloom back to the tent.

Mac was already inside, having tied the rope to the mast, making sure it was secure by several rounds around it. He'd already secured himself with a safety line, so when he helped Apple Bloom and the others, he didn't need to worry about himself. As Mac helped Apple Bloom, the two mares helped one another, making sure to tie the rope tightly around their barrel.

The heavy rain was coming in through the cracks in the tent, and the strong wind was only making those cracks larger. Some of the lines snapped, and one of the tent flaps got ripped off, and flew off into the storm. "HUDDLE UP!!" Yelled Mac over the storm, and the group did so.

The ship seemed to sway, riding on the waves, and crashing into others. Mac made sure to hold onto the girls, and to the mast, trying to be their anchor. Another wave crashed into them, the water moving all around them, and washing some of their possessions around the deck and overboard.

Rainbow screamed in frustration. "THIS IS THE WORST!!"

"JUST HANG ON!!"

The waves grew bigger and stronger, the wind seeming to roar and howl, the rain almost feeling like tiny ice drops. The only one who didn't struggle in his place was Vragi. He sat at his post, keeping the rudder steady, guiding the ship through the storm. At some point when the storm seemed to hit its peak, he called into the storm. "YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THEM, FOUL BEAST! GO BACK TO THE ABYSS!!"

A low rumble made the whole ship shake, a deep growl Apple Bloom thought, and despite her fear, she opened her eyes just a little. She saw something pass them by in the water. At first she thought of a whale coming up to the surface, but it was too big, too long, and too scaly.

"APPLEJACK!" Called Apple Bloom. "SOMETHING IS OUT THERE!"

"DON'T LOOK AT IT, APPLE BLOOM! JUST HANG ON!!" Applejack called back, sounding almost desperate.

But despite her sister's advice, Apple Bloom could not help it. Once again, she looked out into the sea, and saw something she would never forget. Something massive rose up from the sea, something so big that it defied all description. At first it seemed like an entire mountain was rising from the depths, but as it rose higher and higher, Apple Bloom realized she was looking at the head of a massive serpent.

Despite it being far away, it was so huge that she could see the head in almost every detail. She doubted the ship itself would even be half the height of one of its teeth! The serpent opened its huge mouth, roared in anger as the ship would not break to its will!

Vragi seemed to roar back at the monster, showing no fear at all. "BEGONE, SPAWN OF LOKI! GO BACK TO THE DARKNESS FROM WHERE YOU DWELL!"

The serpent opened its mouth again, and a strange sound could be heard over the storm. Apple Bloom couldn't help but watch in horror, listening to what she realized was the serpent. It was speaking! Its words were long and slow, and the sound was horrifying. Then it roared again, and seemed for a moment to dive towards them.

Apple Bloom screamed in terror, and only then could she look away, hiding her face in her brother's soaked coat. A massive wave swept across the ship, and Apple Bloom almost slipped this time. She could feel her grip loosen, but just in time, Rainbow Dash took a hold of her, almost screaming in effort as she used all her strength to keep the filly in place.

"HOLD ON!!" A voice screamed.

"JUST HOLD ON!!"

Author's Note

I will be stealing a little from Greek mythology in this chapter, and one trait from the anime Death Note. Let me know if you can spot those two things. :ajsmug:

Also, it is pretty hard to cross Norse Mythology with MLP, but I am doing my best to mix those two worlds, and create my own spin on it. Some of that you will see in this chapter, like how the afterlife works.

Sorry if it seems overly detailed, but I am a sucker for such things. :twilightsmile:

This chapter was inspired by the great scene in the series Vikings.

Chapter 4: Midgard

Author's Note

I'm sorry if this chapter felt a little short, in terms of stuff happening. However I had a few troubles with this one, but I think it does add to some of the background. I still hope you enjoy this chapter and later chapters to come. :twilightsmile:

I'm still looking for an experienced editor/proofreader. I know there are mistakes in my chapters I simply do not catch, and there are things that sounds right to me even if they are wrong. So if any of you have good experience, please shoot me a PM if you like to help out. :derpytongue2:

Chapter 4: Midgard

The wind of the sea gently moved across the water, and up onto the beach. Applejack could feel stirred from her slumber. She didn't feel sore, or really exhausted, instead she calmly opened her eyes, as if just waking up from a light nap. Sitting up, she found herself on a sandy beach, the sun was gone, and the sky was filled with stars.

Her mind was clouded the first few seconds, as if she was trying to remember what she was doing here. The sound of a crackling fire caught her attention, and she looked to her right. A camp fire was burning, and on the other side sat a unicorn wearing a cloak and a dusty old hat. He had a large gray beard, and looked slightly burned out, as if having spent too many days working to near exhaustion.

"You have traveled far." The old stallion said. "You must be tired and cold, come, sit by the fire."

Applejack wasn't sure how she was here, she could not focus her memory, it was all jumbled up. Still, she got up, moved closer to the fire and sat down. The old stallion didn't look at her, his eyes hidden by the wide brim of the floppy hat. He looked into the fire, poking it with a stick now and again.

"Where am I?"

She asked, looking around. She could not look far, it seemed now that she had gotten closer to the light of the fire, the shadows grew stronger around her. She couldn't even see the sea, although she could hear the gentle waves and smell it.

The old stallion didn't look at her. "You are where you are supposed to be."

Applejack frowned, her mind seeming to slowly come around. "Am I dead?"

"We would not be talking if you were."

Then she gasped, "what about my family?"

"Safe." He simply answered calmly. "They are asleep, do not worry."

Strangely, Applejack believed him. She couldn't put her hoof on it, but when the stallion spoke he seemed to hit some part of her that made her relax. Trust may be too strong a word, but right now, she felt safe by his side, and she believed it when he said her siblings were safe.

"You are a long way from home," the stallion said. "Or perhaps it is the other way around?"

"What? No, I'm from Ponyville." Applejack corrected. "This world is not my home."

"And the next?"

Applejack let out a half pained and annoyed grunt, placing a hoof to her head. "I don't understand."

"Your home is where your heart is." The stallion answered, poking the fire again with his stick. "Is your heart in Ponyville?"

"What?" Applejack frowned. "All my family and friends are in Ponyville."

"All your friends? All your family?"

"Well, no. Some have moved, others travel a lot, and my entire family lives throughout Equestria." She clarified, getting a little frustrated at the stallion.

"Does your heart lie with the one you love?"

She didn't hesitate in her answer, however she did feel like an animal being led into a trap. "Of course it does."

"Then does your home not also lie with him?"

"I.."

"Or do you love the memory of the stallion you knew as Astral, but not the stallion he really is?"

"Stop.."

The old stallion did so, but seemed to study her. She still could not see his eyes, or see if he looked her way, but she could feel his eyes on her. "The life of a mortal is like a drop in the ocean for the gods. A mortal is born, grows old, and dies. While a god is bound by his duty, and lives to see a thousand mortals live and die. Could you live like that?"

"I.." She hesitated, then looked down into the flames. "I don't know."

"Then why continue? Why put yourself and your family through such a long journey when you don't even know what you want?"

Applejack sent him an angry glare. "I need to see him, I need to know."

The stallion didn't budge. "And when you find out? If he loves you, if you love him, what will you do?"

She looked away, trying to focus on anything else than this old annoying stallion. However a part of her could not deny the doubts. She loved Thor, she knew she did, but what exactly did that mean for them? Would she stay in Asgard? Could she stay in Asgard? If so, would she be willing to leave Equestria behind? If she couldn't stay, could she keep tying herself to him? All of these thoughts and scenarios made her head spin, and all she wanted to do was lay down and sleep.

Finally she let out a sigh and looked at him again. "I don't know what I'll do. I only know I need to see him, I need to find out what is the right path for me. I can't find out by staying in Ponyville."

The old stallion hummed thoughtfully. "Then your journey must continue. You must cross the Bifrost bridge, and reach the home of the gods. Only then will you find the answers you seek."

Applejack looked up at him. "Who are you?"

He still kept looking into the fire, but he did smile slightly. "I go by many names, but you can call me Fjǫlnir."

"Fjǫlnir?" She repeated, never hearing of such a name before. "Why are you here?"

"I am here because you are here." He simply said. "But now our encounter must come to an end, the road is long, and you do not have time to waste."

"What do you mean?"

Fjǫlnir poked the fire again, and this time the flames seemed to grow stronger, rising up and consuming the wood within moments. "You must follow your roots back to the halls of your ancestors." The flames started to die, and the darkness started to close in around them.

Applejack rose up. "Wait! What do you mean?! Where do I look?!"

"It is time to wake up.. Wake up." His voice grew fainter, and the darkness closed in.

"Wait!"

"Wake up.. Wake up. Applejack, wake up."

"Applejack!"

"Huh?!" Applejack's eyes shot open, although she quickly shut them again as the bright morning almost blinded her. Apple Bloom was standing above her, smiling relieved. "Apple Bloom?" Applejack groaned, shielding her eyes with her hoof as she looked.

"You worried us." Apple Bloom said, helping her up.

"Wha? But, the ship?" As she sat up, she saw they were on a sandy beach. Unlike the one they had arrived at, which was stony and gray. This one was sunny, sandy, and warm. The sea was so blue and clear, unlike the cold gray water they had gotten used to. "Where are we?"

"In Midgard." Answered a raspy voice. As her eyes got used to the bright sunny day, Applejack looked over and saw Rainbow Dash trotting towards them. "Hey, how are you?"

Applejack sent her friend a tired smile. "I'll live. What happened to the ship?"

Rainbow shrugged. "Honestly we're not sure. Mac was the first one to wake up, and he says he saw Vragi vanish in the horizon."

"So he left us here?" Asked Applejack. "Wait, how do you know this is Midgard?"

Rainbow smirked a little. "Well, where else would he leave us?"

Apple Bloom giggled. "That, and Big Mac asked the two ponies over there."

"Ponies?"

Applejack looked behind Rainbow, and just as Apple Bloom had said, Big Mac was talking to two ponies. They looked friendly, a stallion and a mare, both of them carrying fishing poles. It was a bit of a strange sight, after having seen grand ships filled with the souls of almost all creatures, and crossing the vast sea dividing the worlds, it almost made Applejack laugh to see such a normal thing.

"They will take us into town," continued Rainbow. "It's not far from here."

"Right," sighed Applejack and stood. Her legs wobbled a bit, and she found herself swaying.

Rainbow hurried to one side and supported her. "Wow there, take it easy, you just woke up."

"Where's Fjǫlnir?" Applejack asked, feeling slightly dazed.

"Who?"

"The old stallion with the floppy hat and big beard."

Apple Bloom looked at Rainbow, who looked back at her with the same confused look. "Applejack, no one else has been here." Said Apple Bloom. "Maybe you were dreaming?"

"Probably about Starswirl." Rainbow Dash chuckled. "You're exhausted, come on, let's head to town."

Applejack nodded absently. Her eyes moved around the beach, hoping to see some evidence of the fire she had warmed herself at, or anything that could suggest she had been up and talking to somepony. However she saw nothing other than two ravens sitting in a tree.

As they approached Mac and the two ponies, the large stallion turned to them and smiled relieved. "Glad to see you're okay."

Applejack chuckled. "You too."

Mac chuckled back, and then turned to the two ponies. "This is Spring, and this is his wife Lily."

The two ponies nodded. Lily was a cream coated earth pony with a white mane and tail. "Your brother told us you were lost and slept out here tonight." Applejack eyed her brother. It wasn't a lie, they had no idea where they were, or where to go, and they had slept on the beach. "We can take you back to town."

The stallion nodded. He was a light blue unicorn with a black and blue mane. "We'll show you to the local inn. The owner is a good friend of ours, I'm sure he'll help you."

"Thank you kindly." Smiled Applejack.

The group started to move along the beach. What came after the beach looked to be grassy plains, and in the distance some forest. Everything around them was so clear, so healthy, so beautiful. The air itself felt fresher in a way, kind almost like when Applejack found herself in the middle of the orchard back home.

It seemed so much more alive than what they had seen when they arrived, almost bright. They continued to trot for maybe twenty minutes, when they could see the first cottages appear from around a hill. As they came around, a town came into view. The moved up from the beach itself and up on more solid ground, a small dirt road leading directly to the town.

The town was made up of cottages, straw roofs, thick wooden beams, logs, planks and stone. It was smaller than Ponyville, but it almost felt the same. Ponies moving around, going about their daily business. Stalls spread out here and there, merchants calling out for potential customers.

Near the beach were several long wooden jetties that stretched out into deeper waters. Along those jetties were several boats of varying sizes, secured to thick poles with rope. Some ponies were sitting on the jetties, some were preparing their boats, while others were already heading out.

There were foals jumping into the water, splashing their friends, while others played in the streets or helped their parents with the stalls. Something that quickly stuck out was that they could spot no old ponies, nopony who looked as old and thin as Granny Smith had been in her last years. There were elderly ponies, but in a more dignified way, like they could still handle themselves quite well. Ponies seemed to be either very young, in their prime, or gracefully old.

The couple took them down one of the streets, and moved towards a door with a sign hanging over it. Applejack looked up at the sign, and saw a golden apple painted on it. Under it was written with golden letters, The Golden Apple. Already before the three Apple siblings approached the door, a familiar aroma caught their attention.

Apple Bloom stopped, sniffing the air. "Is that..?"

Big Mac nodded, sniffing as well. "I think so."

Applejack's stomach growled. "Apple pie."

The door opened, and the wall of aromas hit them. The smells of familiar foods and pastries, it took them right back to Granny's kitchen. The group stepped inside into a large room, filled with tables and chairs. At the far end of the room was a big fireplace, although it wasn't burning at the moment. To the right side of the room was a bar, and a side door leading into another room. On the left side of the room was a stairway leading to the floor above.

The great room was pretty much empty, except for a couple of ponies scattered around. Suddenly a voice boomed from the right. "Spring! Lily! What brings you two around this early in the morning?" A stallion as big as Mac was standing by the door next to the bar, a large grin plastered onto his face. His coat was golden, and his mane blonde, just like his beard. "And who are your friends?"

The two ponies who had escorted them trotted closer, gesturing to the rest that they should follow. "Good morning, Pippin," said Lily. "Our friends here are a bit lost, and they slept on the beach. I think they could use a place to rest just until they have gotten back on their hooves."

The large stallion, known as Pippin, nodded. "Say no more, I'll get some food in ya, and I'll find you some rooms." He then pointed at Mac. "You there, you look big and strong. You can help me out as payment for your lodgings."

Mac nodded, taken aback a bit, but didn't complain. "Eeyup."

"Good, now why don't you all find a table. Me and my wife will fix you right up." Pippin grinned, reaching out and patted Apple Bloom on the head. They were just about to do as he said when he paused for a moment. "Wait," he suddenly said. "Are you from the Apple family?" He gestured to their cutie marks.

The three apple siblings looked at each other, then back at him, nodding. Pippin grinned. "Well I’ll be, I had no idea I had family in town!" He laughed, then without warning pulled all three of them into a massive bear hug. "It is good to see you!" Pippin grinned, then looked at Rainbow. "And what about you?"

Rainbow took a step back. "Oh, well, I'm with him." She said and pointed at Mac.

Pippin barked out another laugh, then released the three siblings. "You like them with feathers then?" He teased Mac, who turned even redder. "If you find the spot right between their wings, she will sing like a-"

"Pippin Apple!!" A voice suddenly interrupted. A mare with a blue coat and blonde mane trotted out from the door with a stern look about her. "You have been listening to gossip again, haven't ya?"

Pippin shrank for a moment. "No, my little buttercup.." He chuckled. "I would like you to meet my wife, Lucy Glow."

Lucy trotted up to them, eying the four ponies. "Well howdy, and welcome to The Golden Apple." She eyed her husband. "They're family?"

Pippin nodded. "I know an apple when I see one!"

"Well," Lucy mumbled, then eyed them again. "They don't look from around here. Something feels different about them."

Applejack looked at her brother, then Rainbow Dash. They had no idea where to go, and if they went off on their own, there was no telling how long they were going to be searching. Instead Applejack decided to take a chance, she didn't know if it would be a good idea to tell them the truth, but if they were family, they would be able to figure out a lie sooner or later.

"Well, that's because we're not." Applejack said, looking back at them.

"Then where are you from?" Asked Pippin.

"Well, it's a long story." Applejack admitted, feeling more tired than before.

Spring and Lily nodded. "Well, we should get going. Looks like you have a lot to talk about." Said Spring, turning to the door with his wife. "We'll see you tonight!"

Pippin and Lucy both said their goodbyes to their friends, and turned their attention back to the group. "Before you begin," said Lucy. "We can at least fix you some breakfast. You all look like you haven't had a proper meal for days."

"Thank you," said Rainbow, feeling a wave of relief coming over her.

In true Apple family tradition, the table was filled up with all sorts of dishes. This was no mere breakfast, this was the Apple hospitality breakfast with no expense spared. Applejack hadn't realized how hungry she was, and the same went for her siblings and Rainbow Dash.

It was only about 45 minutes later that they had slowed down enough to talk about it. Letting her companions go on, Applejack started to explain. "If I'm being honest, I'm not sure where to start."

"Try from the beginning, hon." Lucy said, sitting next to Pippin.

And so Applejack did, or at least the basics. She told them about how Thor had landed in their world, how his memory was lost, and how he stayed with them. She told him how close they got to him, and how he defended him from three Jotnars when they showed up to hunt him down. It was hard to avoid the topic of her becoming the lover of the thunder god himself, and despite speaking the truth, she could see that neither Pippin or Lucy had been prepared for that kind of story.

She continued to talk a little bit about how much she had missed him, and that now that she had the chance that she wanted to see him again. "And so we ended up here in your world." She finished, looking at them both as if expecting them to yell and throw them out.

Instead they just sat there, Lucy narrowing her eyes as she studied Applejack. "Well I be, have you really met the god of thunder?" All four nodded, and Lucy leaned back. "Well call me crazy, I believe you."

Pippin finally managed to close his shocked open mouth, looked at his wife startled, then back at Applejack. "So you are from the living world?" They nodded again. "Well, no wonder you look so different. You still have your mortal bodies."

Apple Bloom looked up. "What do you mean, mister Pippin?"

Pippin chuckled. "You don't need to call me mister," he said and patted her again. "But what I mean is, you all arrived here in your mortal bodies, you didn't die, right?" They shook their heads. "We all arrive here as souls, nobody. How to explain it, we have this energy around us you see."

Applejack nodded. "You mean the way you almost glow?"

Pippin nodded. "Exactly, it is faint, but it is there."

"And we don't have that." Mac finished.

"Exactly," Lucy said. "You kinda stand out."

"Wait, is that why ponies look so, I don't know, young?" Rainbow asked, putting down her mug of apple cider.

Lucy nodded. "Every soul arrives here as they see themselves, all in their prime. So ponies who died during old age will arrive here looking younger, but still with the beauty and graze of age, you could say."

Pippin grinned, scratching the back of his head. "It is kind of hard to explain. Some foals arrive as they are, finding their families here in Midgard. Other foals are reborn in the mortal world, while others are reborn here in Midgard."

Apple Bloom frowned. "So Granny Smith could be here," she suddenly said, looking up at her siblings. "And Ma and Pa."

Apple and Big Mac looked back at their sister, both startled. How come they had not thought about this themselves?? It seemed so silly that it hadn't crossed their minds. Of course their parents would be here, of course Granny would be too. If this was the afterlife, then surely they had to be here somewhere.

Lucy and Pippin looked at one another, a concerned look about them as they looked back at them. "You lost your family?" Pippin asked.

Applejack nodded. "Years ago, we were raised by our grandma. She passed away a year ago."

"I'm so sorry to hear that," said Lucy. "But your sister is right. If they have passed away, then they should be here."

"Are they in town?" Apple Bloom asked hopefully.

Lucy shook her head. "I'm sorry, hon. We are the only ones from the Apple family living in this town."

Pippin thought for a moment, then looked at his wife. "They could go to Apple Hall, if anypony knows where their parents are, it's them."

Lucy shook her head. "They can't waste time looking around Midgard if they are to reach the gods."

"But Apple Hall is on the way to the mountain, it wouldn't hurt." Pippin said back, frowning.

"Uhm, excuse me," said Big Mac. "What is Apple Hall?"

They both looked at him, then at the rest of their group. Lucy sighed. "I'm sorry, that was rude of us. Apple Hall is a massive orchard in the north. It is a place where all from the Apple Clan can gather."

Their mouths hung open as she explained. "Do we have a place like this?" Applejack asked.

"Some of the larger families do," answered Pippin. "We Apples gathered and built that place hundreds of years ago. We ship apples all over Midgard. They know where every member of the Apple family resides."

"But," interjected Lucy. "This would not be made for the living, you should not linger here for too long. You can't waste time traveling Midgard in search of your parents, you might not have time."

"Wait, what will happen if we stay too long?"

Again, Lucy and Pippin exchanged glances. "Well, you die."

A heavy silence filled the large room. After a while, Lucy continued. "You will be stuck here, and if you do, you won't be able to go home, or to Asgard, you will be here forever."

Applejack frowned. "How long do we have?"

Lucy quickly waved her hoof, smiling. "Oh, you don't have to worry! It won't happen for quite a while, but what I am saying is if your parents and your granny are far away, you may not have the time to go to Asgard, or home."

The tension vanished a little. "So how long then?"

Pippin thought about it. "Well it has been a long time since any mortals came to Midgard, long before our time here. I think you have about two weeks. Plenty of time to get to Apple Hall and the mountain of the heavens, but Lucy is right. It will be too short a time to have you go explore all around Midgard."

Applejack let out a long tired sigh. The day seemed to have barely begun, and in that time it seemed so much had happened. Lucy picked up on her thoughts, and smiled. "Listen, how about your four get some proper rest. I can fix you up in a bath, and then you should sleep. We will have plenty to talk about later."

Rainbow Dash could have kissed them both. "That sounds amazing," she admitted, stretching a bit. "I feel stiff all over."

"No wonder if you slept on the beach." Chuckled Lucy and got up. "Come, I'll show you to your rooms, and afterwards I get you all a nice hot bath ready."

To Applejack and the others, nothing seemed more inviting right now than a hot bath, and a soft bed. Without a word, they all just accepted their hospitality. There was a lot to process, and right now Applejack couldn't keep her thoughts straight. The realization that her parents were here along with Granny should have occurred to her much earlier, but it simply hadn't. It was like it was only now sinking in that she was in another world, in what they considered to be the afterlife. She had so many questions, and whenever she felt she got an answer to one, three more would pop up in its place.

For now all her worries could wait, she simply did not have the energy to go over it. She, Rainbow and Apple Bloom went into a large side room, where Lucy had prepared a very large wooden bathtub. It was filled to the brim with warm water, and the whole room felt like a sauna.

As the three of them slipped into water, they all let out a long, relieved sigh. To sink into the warm water, feeling it wash away the remains of the sea stuck in their coats. It was pure heaven, and for the first three minutes, they did nothing but relax. Mac wasn't in there with them, he had his own bath in the room next to theirs. If the wooden tub was as big as theirs, he could almost go for a mini swim.

Rainbow dunked her head under the water for a moment, coming up after a few seconds with a large smile. "Ahhhh, much better.. I'd forgotten what a proper bath feels like."

Apple Bloom giggled, letting herself float in the large tub. "It's so big."

The three laughed, and soon enough they started to clean their manes, and help each other scrub their backs. As Applejack helped her sister, Rainbow looked over at them. "So what's the plan now?"

Applejack eyed her friend, then sighed. "As much as I want to find our folks, I don't want to risk getting side tracked, not if we risk getting stuck here."

"But if you can see them, if you have time, would you?" Rainbow pushed.

Applejack didn't hesitate. "Of course I would. However if they are too far away from us, then we shouldn't risk it. I feel bad for getting you all here, to go through that crossing. I won't let you all be stranded here."

Rainbow chuckled. "I appreciate it.."

"Applejack?"

"What is it, Apple Bloom?"

The filly hesitated, moving her hoof around in the warm water as she considered her words. "Do you think they would remember me? Ma and Pa?"

Applejack frowned, Rainbow did the same, but kept out of it. "Of course they would, Apple Bloom." She reached out, wrapped her hooves around the filly and pulled her into a big sister embrace. Apple Bloom didn't answer, she just hugged her sister back tightly.

The rest of their day was mostly spent in their rooms sleeping. As interesting as this world was, they all felt exhausted and broken. Through most of the day they slept, only getting up once in a while to get something to drink, which their family gladly provided them.

However by evening the place seemed to get more lively, and the large main room they had sat in this morning filled up with ponies that just came through, or just wanted a drink. The noise didn't bother them, and as Applejack left her and Apple Bloom's room, she went downstairs to get something to drink.

She made her way through the crowd towards the bar, and to her surprise she found her older brother sitting there. Without a word of greeting, she trotted up and sat down beside him. Mac still looked tired, but otherwise okay. In front of him he had a wooden mug filled with what Applejack could see was apple cider.

"Is it any good here?" She asked.

"Eeyup," he replied, taking a swig of his mug. "Just like we make it."

She smiled, looked over at Pippin who worked behind the bar. When their eyes met, he knew exactly what she wanted, and he brought her mug. She thanked him, and took a sip. She let out a short laugh. It really tasted like the cider they made back home, it was almost uncanny.

"So what do we do now, Applejack?" Asked her brother. "We can't stay here forever."

He was thinking the same thing she was. Although she knew her brother did not blame her, she still felt guilty for bringing them all here. "We have to find this bridge that will take us to Asgard." She thought back at the dream she had before they woke up in this world. She thought back on what Fjǫlnir had said. Follow her roots back to the halls of her ancestors. She bit her lip, not sure if she was crazy or not, but they had very little else to go on. "We should go to Apple Hall."

Mac looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

She nodded. "Pippin said something about a mountain of the heavens, and that Apple Hall is on the way anyway. Perhaps the Bifrost bridge is there."

"Oh it's there alright," said Pippin who'd overheard their conversation. "Listen, if you really are trying to get to Asgard, then you need to go to that mountain. It's the highest known point in Midgard. It is not always there, but it is the most frequent place for the bridge to appear."

Applejack and Mac exchanged glances, and then looked back at him. "What do you mean appear?"

Pippin grinned. "You didn't know? The bridge is a rainbow, you can walk across it if the gods wills it, and once over, you should be in Asgard. At least, that's what the stories say."

Mac frowned. "Has anyone done it before?"

"Sure they have, but the dead are not allowed to cross it. Mortals used to do it way back when Equestria still believed in them." He shrugged. "They should know more about it at the family estate. I could take you there if you want."

"Excuse me?" Lucy said as she approached the bar with a tray. "Pippin Apple, will you please think before you open that big mouth of yours." She said and rolled her eyes. "Don't forget we have an Inn to run."

Pippin grinned at his wife. "We both know you can take care of this place blindfolded. Besides, would you rather I stayed behind and tended the Inn while you showed them to Apple Hall?"

Lucy adopted a stern expression, and her lips pressed into a thin line. "Point taken," she sighed. "Alright, but only because they're family."

"Well then, what do you say?"

Applejack looked from him to his wife and back again. "If it is no trouble."

Lucy shook her head. "None at all. This world is bigger than you could imagine, and if you are heading out, I would sleep easier knowing my husband is out there with you. He will get you to Apple Hall safely." Then her expression turned stern, and her eyes moved to her husband. "That said, I expect you to head straight home. I know you Pippin Apple, no surprise visits to your cousins and then show up a week later stinking of rotten apples and cider." She turned with a huff, and returned to her work.

Pippin chuckled. "She acts stern, but she loves me. Silly mare.." He let out a dreamy sigh and then smiled at Applejack and Mac. "Well then, we agree. Tomorrow morning I shall take you to Apple Hall! The home of our family, the hall of the Apple Clan."

Chapter 5: On The Road

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Chapter 6: Green Eyes

The following days of travel were made with ease. The weather was good, and they had a good time. While it did seem Apple Hall was a bit farther away than what Pippin remembered, they did make good time, and should arrive soon enough.

On the way, they passed some farmsteads, the ponies living there were always kind. Whenever they wanted a rest, the ponies living there often bid them welcome, and offered them food. They saw many travelers, and sometimes, for those who were not in such a hurry as they were, they often traded. A few days rest in the barn, in exchange for helping around the farm.

Of course they didn't have time for that sort of thing, and the farmers understood. Making them a few sandwiches, and offering them coffee, tea, or juice. One could almost mistake this trip for a vacation, and despite the need to tick off as many miles as they could, it was an enjoyable trip for them all.

While it could be tiring to walk for so long, the group took turns pulling the wagon. Pippin, Mac, Applejack and Rainbow Dash all took turns pulling it, making sure everypony could get a rest in the wagon, without the need of stopping.

They met a few interesting creatures on the road, some ponies, who were always kind enough to trade goods with them. They met a pair of griffons, traveling to a wedding, and seven Diamond Dogs who were visiting from Svartalfheim. Even that surprised Pippin, as usually souls did not cross between their worlds, but it happened on really rare occasions.

On the fourth day, Pippin was convinced they would reach Apple Hall late evening, or at least early morning on the fifth day. By the afternoon they came to a large hill, followed the road up, and stopped. Pippin smiled, looking across the land ahead. "We're not far now," he said, then looked to the side and pointed. "See that Apple Tree? It means we will reach the lands of the Apple Clan in just a few hours. If we are lucky, we can get to the Spring Peak village, and spend the night at the inn. Then tomorrow we can go directly to Apple Hall."

Apple Bloom smiled excitedly, not just because the view was amazing, but because there was a chance she could finally see her parents again. Both Mac and Applejack had spent precious years with them, and managed to get many memories with their parents, which stayed with them to this day. Apple Bloom only had small flashes of impressions, feelings, nothing she could directly recall.

In the distance, they could see a massive mountain, it was so large, that it seemed to dwarf Canterlot Mountain. It was still very far away, it almost seemed to blend in with the horizon. "Come now," smiled Pippin. "If we hurry we might even get to Apple Hall this evening, but if we are really lucky, we might even partake in the great feast they have each night."

"What about those clouds?" Asked Mac, nodding towards the south. As he said, there was a blanket of dark angry clouds heading over the land.

"Ah, yes..." Pippin conceded. "Might slow us down."

"Then we better get a move on." Said Rainbow Dash, and they all nodded and started to move again. "If they get too close I'll just move the rain clouds."

Pippin chuckled. "Good luck with that."

"What do you mean?"

"Clouds are not as agreeable here as they are in your world." He told her. "The weather is not controlled by us, but by nature."

"So how do Pegasi live here?"

"They usually live high up, like in mountains, or in tree villages. It's actually quite amazing to see their cities. Some live by the coast I know. Not that it matters, Pegasi are still Pegasi, they are not defined by where they live. They can still use clouds to sleep on and all that, but those clouds there." Pippin said and pointed to them. "Forget it, they are too wild to be controlled by Pegasi."

Rainbow Dash wasn't sure how to feel about that. Then again, Pippin did have a point, they were not defined by their homes, their homes were defined by them. Still, it did bum her out that those clouds could not be kicked like back in Equestria. Although, these ones did not look as.. Fluffy, or easy as those back home. This looked like one massive cloud, and it seemed to come over the land like a tidal wave.

"It's going to rain..." She then said, happy to know her senses about the weather was still the same here as it was back home.

A low rumble could be heard far away, and Applejack looked towards the clouds, seeing small white flashes every now and again. "Thunder..."

"We better hurry," said Pippin. "There are some cloaks in the wagon, we better put them on in case we get caught in the bad weather."

Barely two hours later, the dark clouds had covered the otherwise blue sky, and before they knew it, rain covered the lands. The drops were many, and fat, soaking everything around them. Thankfully Pippin had some green cloaks with hoods, and it kept them relatively dry. Mostly it kept their manes and water away from their eyes.

Their progress had become so much slower now. The wagon felt heavier, and some places there were pools of water, or slippery mud that made their progress that much harder. Apple Bloom was the only one sitting in the wagon, covered in her cloak, and an extra blanket.

It didn't help when the sun started to go down, making it harder to see. Pippin lit two to three lanterns, hoping it would help. All five of them were tired, cold, and hungry, most of all they longed for a warm bath. Around them were nothing but forest, and while Pippin had a general idea where they were, he had no idea how close they were to the village.

"Shouldn't be that long!" Pippin called over the loud drumming of the rain.

"How much farther?" Asked Applejack.

Pippin shrugged. "I'm not sure, maybe half a mile or something?"

"This weather sucks!" Called Rainbow Dash. "Why don't I try to fly ahead? Maybe I can see the village."

Looking up at the sky, it was clear no one could see very far in that weather. "I doubt you would be able to see far," replied Pippin. "Let's take a look at the map." The four of them unhitched and made their way to the back. Apple Bloom was sitting there, shaking slightly, a small lamp by her side. "Apple Bloom, can you reach those saddlebags there and pass me the map?"

She nodded, scooting closer to the bags he had pointed out and rummaged through them. A short while later, she pulled the map out and gave it to Pippin. "Thanks,. honey. Alright, let's see now." The four of them leaned over the map, Mac holding one of the lamps higher so they had more light.

"So where are we?" Rainbow asked, moving a little closer so she could see.

Pippin hummed thoughtfully. "Alright, this is my best guess.. I think we are somewhere in this area, so we should be maybe half an hour away from the village."

Applejack pointed to a map. "Do we have to cross the river?"

"No, it's a small stream, once we've passed that, we should be able to see the village and get to an inn."

"Isn't it just easier to set up camp here? We have a tent, don't we?" Big Mac asked, looking over at Pippin who shrugged.

"In this weather it will take time to set up a tent, and it will likely be soaking wet when we finally have it up. By the time we have it all set up and we are inside, we could have reached the village."

"But we could be farther away," argued Mac. "You said so yourself, you don't know exactly where we are."

As the four of them were discussing their options, Apple Bloom just happened to look towards the tree line to the right of the wagon. For a moment, she thought she saw something move, something big. Her ears lowered, and she leaned forward a little, narrowing her eyes hoping to spot something, or rather hoping there was nothing to see.

A branch cracked, and Apple Bloom sat back down. "Applejack! Applejack!" She called, gaining the attention of the four adults.

"What is it, Apple Bloom?" Her sister asked, trotting a bit closer to the wagon.

Apple Bloom moved closer to the edge, leaning down towards her sister. "I think something is out there."

The four adults looked towards the woods, trying to listen for anything, or spot anything that should not be there. With the sun already down, and the thick rainy clouds, it made it hard to see anything. Pippin turned away, looking at Apple Bloom. "Maybe it was just a bird?"

Apple Bloom shook her head. "No, it was bigger."

Just as she said that, another branch was broken, this time on the left side of the wagon. They all looked just in time to see two big green eyes looking back at them. Barely had their eyes met it before suddenly something large leaped out of the woods.

"WATCH OUT!"

They barely managed to jump aside, Pippin very nearly crashing into the wagon itself. The huge figure stood right where they had all been just moments ago. The creature growled at them, its eyes glowing a darkish green. A timberwolf, but seemed somehow more nasty, filled with thorns, and almost a sort of unnaturally cruel look about it.

Apple Bloom backed away, moving farther into the wagon, careful not to make too much sound. A flash of lightning crossed the sky, lighting up the area in just a split second, revealing the timberwolf in all its glory. A split second later, the timberwolf turned towards Applejack, leaping forward, trying to plunge its teeth in her.

Applejack was no stranger to these beasts, and so saw the signs of its attack. She managed to dodge out of the way, but she just barely made it. Timberwolves were fast, but this one seemed even more so. "Quick, the weapons!" Called Pippin over the rain and thunder.

Rainbow Dash jumped, and with a strong flap with her wings, managed to extend her jump so she landed in the wagon with the terrified Apple Bloom. "Stay here!" Rainbow Dash told the filly, taking the three spears, throwing one to Pippin, and one to Big Mac. "Catch!" She couldn't see Applejack, but in no way could she lose sight of the beast.

The timberwolf turned, snarling at Mac who approached carefully, holding out the spear while Rainbow Dash took to the air. "Careful!" Pippin warned Mac. "Try to guide it towards the forest!" He hoped they could convince the timberwolf they were not worth the problem, but the look it gave them sent chills up his spine. It was like it was evaluating them, as if it was looking for ways to hurt them.

Suddenly it leaped into the air, snapping its jaws at Rainbow Dash who just managed to fly out of the way. As the timberwolf came down, its front paws hit the wagon, making the wheels collapse under it. Apple Bloom let out a scream, causing the beast to turn its eyes towards her.

"Apple Bloom!"

Applejack screamed in horror, and without thinking ran up behind the beast before anypony else could react. She turned just in the last moment, moved her hindlegs up, and bucked the wolf in its thick leg. The wolf roared in anger, and turned its attention towards Applejack, who was now flanked by Pippin and Big Mac, both holding their spears up.

With the wolf distracted, Apple Bloom hurried to crawl over the side of the wagon, landing on the muddy road with a splash. The wolf once again shifted its attention, its eyes finding Apple Bloom within a few seconds. Rainbow Dash saw it before anyone else did, and so swooped down to get Apple Bloom out of the way. She just managed to fly down, grab Apple Bloom, and push them both out of the thorny claws of the wolf, who leaped at the filly.

However their luck did not last, Rainbow might have gotten Apple Bloom out of the way, but she was too close to the ground, and thus crashed into the mud just as they got out of the way. The wolf noticed this, and started to creep towards the two crashed ponies. It was like it was internally going after the filly, ignoring the larger threat of three ponies in front of it, two of which holding spears.

Rainbow tried to get her bearings, she was soaking wet, and both of them covered in mud. She could hear the wolf come closer, and tried to stand in order to defend herself and Apple Bloom with her spear. Only, she had no spear. She had dropped it during the dive, leaving her unarmed!

For a moment, Rainbow Dash thought the wolf was going to sink its razor sharp teeth into her body, when both Mac and Pippin came up from behind it. They thrust their spears into its body, making it roar, turn, and almost hit Rainbow Dash and Apple Bloom with its tail.

Applejack moved around the wagon on the left side, while Mac and Pippin kept the wolf busy on the right. Rainbow and Apple Bloom came to meet her half way, having gotten out of the way. The two sisters embraced, while Rainbow wiped some mud off her face.

"I lost the spear!"

Applejack thought for a moment. "Get the rope, we can try to trip it up for them!" Rainbow Dash nodded, running to the back of the wagon. "Apple Bloom, I want you to stay back."

"But-"

"No buts! This is too dangerous, so you just keep yourself out of danger, okay?" At first there was no reply, not until Applejack repeated herself. "Okay?" Apple Bloom nodded. "Good..."

"Watch out!" Yelled Pippin, keeping himself moving, trying to be ready to dodge. When he saw the beast get ready to launch again, he yelled out. "Mac, watch out!" Macintosh side stepped, just avoiding the claws. Pippin tried to take advantage, and moved close to hopefully kill the beast with his spear. Before he knew it though, its tail slammed into him from the side.

Pippin's cry in pain made the wolf want to turn around, but Mac kept it distracted by growling at the beast. It fixed Big Mac with an angry look, and tried to get in close to bite him, but Mac kept his guard up, slowly retreating while keeping the spear up. The two kept their eyes fixed on one another, Mac knew if he blinked, or even as much as looked away, even for a second, the wolf would close the distance faster than he could react.

"Mac!"

Rainbow yelled from behind the wolf, but he didn't dare look. The wolf however did, and without thinking Mac took the opportunity to lunge forward, only to be stopped by its paw. It held it up, breaking the spear upon impact. Mac froze in shock, and suddenly found himself looking directly into the glowing eyes of the Timberwolf.

Mac felt certain this would be the death of him, his attack had failed, and now this creature would kill him. However, quite unexpectedly, the wolf did not kill him. Not for the lack of trying though, but just as it had turned its ugly head to do just that, the wolf fell into the mud, as if it had slipped.

For a moment it seemed the wolf itself was just as shocked and confused as Big Mac, at least until it looked behind itself. Mac did not see what had happened at first, but the wolf did. Its hind legs had been tied together, and the ends of the ropes held onto by Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

Lightning flashed across the sky, and just as the thunder roared in the sky, so too did the timberwolf. With unreal strength, it pulled, making both mares loose their grip on the rope, and fall onto the ground. The wolf turned with such speed and force that its tail hit the wagon, causing it to fall onto its side.

It let out a fierce howl, and lunged at Rainbow Dash who only barely managed to jump aside. She would have flown away, or even run away, if the wolf would have given her time to do so, but it attacked again, making her scream in terror as it seemed intensely focused on killing her.

"DASH!"

Mac cried out, running towards the wolf, and with every muscle in his body, he slammed into the massive timberwolf, causing it to stacker. Mac glared at the beast, then let out a cry of anger, which almost seemed like a howl of his own. Without fear, or any concern for his own safety, Mac lunges forward, and starts to tackle the beast. The wolf was so shocked that it did not even bite out after him as he slammed his hooves into it.

"YOU WILL NOT HURT MY FAMILY!!" Mac yelled in anger, slamming his hooves into its wooden body, beating it without any concern for himself.

He managed to hurt the wolf, but it would not take this lying down forever. Before anypony could warn him, the wolf reached with its neck, and bit down on Mac's left hind leg. Mac screamed in pain, as he felt the teeth sink into his flesh. He could feel them hit the bone, and he felt the warm blood quickly flowed from his wounds.

Everypony around them screamed in horror and shock, expecting they would have to fight the wolf in order to get Mac free. This however was not to be, with Mac wounded, and no longer fighting, the wolf seemed content with itself, let go of Mac's leg, and fled into the dark woods, never looking back.

"MAC!" Rainbow flew to the side of the red stallion. "Mac, oh no no no! Please, Mac, please be okay!"

"Argh! It hurts!" Mac winced, trying to keep down his cries of pain. Both his siblings came to his side, and Applejack looked at his leg.

"Get the lamp." Applejack told Apple Bloom, and she quickly complied.

"Argh.." Pippin got up from the mud, trotting slowly towards them, holding his side. "How does it look..?" He asked, focusing on Mac.

As Apple Bloom got some light to the bloody leg, Applejack examined it. "We have to bandage it up. He got lucky, he won't die from the wound if we take care of it, but something is off about it."

Pippin got closer. "Let me see." He leaned in, examining the bites. The blood did not stream out thankfully, so he wouldn't die of the wounds, but something was not right. There was some green flowing in the blood, and seemed to infect the wounds themselves. Pippin let out a curse. "He's been poisoned."

"What? But Timberwolves aren't poisonous." Applejack said in confusion.

"I don't know, but we can't stay here, he needs a healer." Pippin took off his cloak, and ripped it several places until he had several improvised bandages. "Here, tie them around his leg, we need to get him to the village."

"Right!" Without arguing, Applejack tied the bandages around Mac's leg, stopping the worst of the bleeding. "WE are going to get you help, Big Mac, I promise."

"Apple Bloom, you take the lamp, Applejack and I will carry Big Mac." Pippin instructed. "Rainbow Dash." He turned his attention to the Pegasus, but she didn't look at him. "Rainbow Dash," he said again, this time a little louder, gaining her attention. "We are going to get him help, but I need you to make sure we won't get attacked again." He gestured to the spear in the mud.

Rainbow Dash looked at the spear, then at him. She nodded, taking the spear, and tried to compose herself the best she could. Pippin doubted the wolf would attack them again, but he needed Rainbow Dash to stay with them. She would be no help if she broke down, and at least this gave her something to do, and it was good insurance.

"Ready, Applejack?"

"Ready."

"Right, alright Mac, let's get you moved. Come on big guy." Taking position on each side of him, they helped him up, doing their best to support the big stallion. "We should not be far, we just have to follow the road. Apple Bloom stays close."

And so they continued into the dark rainy night, not knowing if that wolf was still out there or not...

The rain was coming down hard, but it did little to bother the guests of the Spring Peak Inn. The crackling fire was warm, and spread a level of comfort and calm over the entire inn. It was a quiet evening, the weather keeping many ponies at home, leaving only a few travelers and determined regulars.

Some were having conversations about their day, others drank or ate in silence. Other than the rain and occasional thunder, it was a peaceful evening. That was until the front door slammed open, letting in the cold air, and some of the rain. All conversation stopped, which normally didn't happen just because the door opened. However the force of which it opened, and the fact it opened up all the way, brought a change to the atmosphere that no one could ignore.

As the conversation stopped, and everybody looked towards the door, they were met with a shocking sight. A group of soaking wet ponies trotted inside, two of them holding a third, who looked wounded. A filly stepped forward, her eyes red from crying, looking out into the room.

"Help, please help my brother! He's hurt!"

Applejack let out a tired sigh, she had been sitting outside Big Mac's room since they arrived. The innkeeper had been so nice to let them take the room for free, and another had brought the town doctor, or healer. Apple Bloom hadn't been able to sleep alone in her room, and insisted on waiting with Applejack outside of their brother's room.

However after the adrenaline started to wear off, she had leaned into Applejack and fallen asleep either way. She would wake her once there was news, but for now Applejack let her sleep.

Rainbow Dash was the only one allowed inside the room, other than the doctor. Pippin had done all he could in describing the timberwolf, the attack and so on. After which it was up to the healer and Mac himself. Pippin was sitting on the floor right across from where Applejack was sitting.

It had been maybe two hours since they arrived here, and neither of them had spoken for a while. The innkeeper had given them some food, but they hadn't really been able to eat anything, even though they were exhausted and cold, the hunger simply did not occur to them.

"I don't understand..." Pippin suddenly said. "Timberwolves usually hunt in packs, and they usually don't attack so aggressively."

Applejack could tell Pippin was feeling bad, as if he somehow was responsible for what had happened. "You did tell us we gave off a certain scent..." Applejack replied after a few seconds of silence. "It's not your fault..."

Pippin looked at her, clearly grateful for her words, but he clearly still felt a lot of guilt about what happened. He was just about to say something when the door to Mac's room opened, and out stepped both Rainbow Dash and the healer. Pippin stood, and Applejack gently nudged her little sister.

"Mh, wha?" Apple Bloom mumbled, slightly confused.

"It's the doctor..." Applejack said in a gentle tone, and it seemed to do the trick. Apple Bloom's eyes widened, and she got up faster than Applejack.

Nopony spoke up, so Rainbow Dash broke the ice with a tired smile. "He's going to make a full recovery..." She was clearly exhausted, the news had made her able to relax, and it all seemed to come crashing now.

Applejack knew how she felt, because as it hit her that her brother was going to be okay, Applejack felt like she could collapse right there and then. The healer spoke next. "The poison was unusual, especially considering it came from a timberwolf. Thankfully it would only have been deadly if left untreated for several days. The wound itself, while bad on its own, did not hit anything vital. He should be fine to travel in a few days, but I would recommend letting him rest until he is fully healed."

"Thank you, doctor..." Applejack said, letting out a long sigh of relief. "Can we see him?"

The healer nodded. "Yes, but he is very tired. I think he does want to assure you all he is okay, but you should let him rest as soon as you have seen him." Then he looked at Pippin. "Pippin, a word in your ear."

Pippin nodded, looking a little surprised, but not alarmed. He glanced at Applejack, sending her a reassuring smile. "Go ahead, I'll see him tomorrow."

Applejack nodded, watching the two stallions trot down the hall and towards the stairs leading down to the inn. Rainbow Dash ran a hoof through her mane. "I'm going to get some food, then head to bed..."

Applejack trotted closer, pulling a shaking Rainbow Dash into her hooves for an embrace. Rainbow didn't struggle, she just hugged her friend back. Neither of them needed to say it, both knew how scared the other one was. They would be okay, as long as they stuck together.

Smiling a little, Rainbow nodded at the two sisters, and trotted down the same way as the two stallions. Meanwhile Applejack and Apple Bloom carefully opened the door, and moved into Mac's room. It was small, holding two beds, a window, and a chest for personal items. Mac was laying on his back, tugged in by Rainbow Dash.

The improvised bandages had been placed in a bucket, they were all red from the blood. Likely the healer had bandaged Mac's leg with some proper bandages, but she could not see because of the blanket. As the two sisters approached, the red stallion opened his eyes, he smiled reassuringly at them, much to their relief.

"Hey there..." He said, his voice a little dry. "Are you two okay?" That was too much for Apple Bloom, she whimpered and trotted close to their brother, burying her face into his blanket. Mac placed his large front leg around her, stroking her red mane. "Hey, it's okay, Apple Bloom. I'm okay..."

She continued to sob, into the blanket, both siblings knowing she just needed to get it out, she would be fine. Applejack could feel her eyes well up too, but she remained still, smiling at her brother. "You really scared me there, Big Mac."

He chuckled. "Sorry, didn't mean to."

She shook her head. "You saved Rainbow Dash, probably all of us."

Then his eyes changed, his face becoming serious. He wanted to say something, but instead turned his attention to Apple Bloom, his face softening. "Apple Bloom, have you eaten yet?"

She looked up, wiping some tears from her face. "No..."

Mac smiled, stroking her cheek. "Then go down and eat with Rainbow Dash, you must be starving..."

She blushed, looking embarrassed. "Can... Can I sleep in here with you." Apple Bloom suddenly looked and sounded a lot younger. She hadn't asked to sleep in the same room with any of them for years now. Applejack couldn't help but feel bad, Apple Bloom must have been so scared.

Mac just smiled, nodding a little. "Sure you can... After you have eaten some dinner, okay?" She nodded, standing up. Apple Bloom smiled, then turned and left the room, leaving the two older siblings alone.

Once the door was closed, Applejack looked at her brother, concern filling her eyes. "What's wrong?"

Mac let out a sigh, sitting up a little. "That timberwolf, it wasn't normal..."

Sighing, Applejack moved over to the other bed and sat down. "You can say that again, I've never seen anything like it before..."

"No," Mac replied, shaking his head. "I mean, I don't think it was a timberwolf at all."

"What?" Applejack said, startled by her brother's words. "What do you mean?"

"Before you and Dashie tied its legs together, I looked into its eyes. They weren't, well, normal." He closed his eyes, as if trying to recall what he saw. "They weren't wild, or instinctual, like you see with a normal animal." Mac opened his eyes again, looking over at his spellbound sister. "It was thinking, like it was trying to come up with a solution to a problem. It wasn't animal instinct. There was some deep intelligence behind those eyes." He sighed, rubbing his head.

"I'm not sure how else to explain it. It looked into my eyes, and it was like it was making a calculated decision..." Mac was not normally a stallion of many words. Although his time with Rainbow Dash had made him more talkative. Hearing him talking like this, it worried her. "Also," he added. "When it bit me, it could have easily ripped off my leg..."

Applejack winced. "Mac..."

He shook his head, his eyes as serious as she had ever seen him. "It made a choice not to kill me, Applejack. It knew just how much to bite. It wasn't luck that it didn't take my leg, it made that decision."

"Mac, what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that whatever happened out there, it wasn't by chance. Something, or someone set this up." He said this, knowing full well he had no proof of it. The only thing he had was this nasty gut feeling, that something out there was watching them, and he didn't like it one bit.

As for Applejack, she didn't need solid proof. She trusted her brother's judgment on this, but had no idea why anyone would attack them. Was someone trying to keep them from reaching Asgard? If so, then why not just kill her brother, that would have put a stop to everything.

Applejack felt her head spin with these thoughts, so much so she never noticed the room going dark, or that her head hit the pillow...

Chapter 7: Reunion

Her heart was pounding fast, she had to hurry, she had to reach him. Applejack ran and ran, but it was like she didn't get any closer, as if she was running under water. All around her there were shapes, shadows of huge creatures on two legs. They were bulky, fat, strong, and disgusting. She couldn't make out the details of their faces, but she knew what they were.

She ran between them, trying to move forward before it was too late. She could hear music, music playing from all around. The more progress she made, the stronger the music became. She called out a name, but she couldn't hear her own voice.

Panic overtook her, and she willed herself forward!

It was then that she saw them, Thor, and some old mare she had never seen before. However she felt cold whenever she looked at her. She had a gray coat, a silver colored mane and a tail. She was thin, almost just bones, and she was surrounded by a dusty brown cloak.

The mare was smiling, dancing with Thor, who looked jolly as he swung the old mare around. Something was wrong, Applejack knew it, and she tried to call out his name, but she had no voice, and the music only seemed to grow louder.

Applejack pressed forward, but the creatures stood more closely around the clearing they had made for Thor and the mare. The closer she got, the more difficult it became to get past the many legs. The music started to pick up, and Applejack felt colder and colder, as if a chill was in the air, sucking up the warmth all around her.

When she looked up towards Thor, she found to her horror that the muscular stallion looked thinner. His blonde mane and beard was turning gray, and his eyes seemed to widen as he seemed to realize something. Thor tried to move away, but the old mare just smiled, holding Thor tighter. With each passing second, Applejack watched as the stallion grew older right in front of her.

His legs started to shake, his muscles vanished, his beard became longer, losing its color as it did so. Gently, almost motherly, the mare laid Thor down onto his back. He just looked at her, his mouth hung open, and his eyes filled with terror.

Applejack cried out, as she tried for one final push to reach him before he lost his life, but suddenly there was no floor. She started to sink, and looking down she saw there was no longer any floor beneath her hooves. Instead there were hundreds of golden shining apples. She screamed, trying to swim out, but she just kept sinking, the apples overtaking her, and finally swallowing her...

With a gasp Applejack's eyes shot open, it was as if she had been under water, gasping for the much needed air. Panting, Applejack sat up, her mind just waking up, trying to order her thoughts. Her heart was pounding, and it felt like she had been running a marathon.

She tried to recall what she had seen, but it was like the images she had seen were floating away. She knew she had seen Thor, and something bad had happened. She couldn't recall, her mind couldn't reach them. As her heart calmed, she let herself drop onto her back, staring up at the ceiling.

It was morning, the sun's rays were shining through the small window, casting beams of light that lit up the room. She didn't even remember going to sleep, or how she got to bed. Closing her eyes, she went over the events of yesterday. They had been traveling, got caught in a storm, they were attacked, and...

"Mac!"

Applejack opened her eyes as she sat up, looking to the bed next to hers. It was empty, no Mac. The bed was made, but the bucket with bloody bandages was still there. She let out a sigh, rubbing her head with her hoof as she tried to recall when she had fallen asleep.

She was just about to get up when she heard a gentle knock on the door. "Come in," she called, her voice feeling a little sore.

The door opened, and in trotted Rainbow Dash. She looked tired, probably still exhausted from the day before, but otherwise she looked like she was in good health. "You're awake," she said, trotting over to Mac's bed and sat down on it. "How are you feeling?" When Applejack looked confused, she continued. "Mac said you just collapsed yesterday. So we didn't want to wake you up."

Applejack sighed. "I don't even remember..."

"It's cool, I think we were all just exhausted." Rainbow Dash chuckled. "Mac and Apple Bloom are downstairs eating breakfast, Pippin went out to see if our things are still in the wagon." At that moment Applejack's stomach decided to make its hunger known. The growl made Rainbow Dash laugh. "Hungry?"

Applejack smirked. "Starving..." She got up, and so did Rainbow Dash. They made their way to the door, when Applejack suddenly stopped, putting her hoof on Rainbow. "Dash, about yesterday..."

"It's fine," Rainbow Dash cut her off. "You don't have to say it." She didn't look at her, she looked at the floor drawing an invincible circle with her hoof. "What happened was no one's fault. We got attacked, Mac was wounded, and we were all scared..." She let out a sigh, looking up at Applejack. "I don't blame you for that, neither does Mac. Okay?"

Applejack was a little taken aback, not sure how to respond. "I..."

Rainbow smirked, nudging her friend. "Come on, Aj, don't go all pity party on me. Let's get down and get some food." Smiling, Applejack nodded and followed her friend downstairs.

The main room of the inn was not very busy, only very few ponies were there, and most of them were eating breakfast. It was pretty quiet, but was still cozy. The fireplace was not lit, and neither were the candles. The only light was the light coming in from the sunny day outside.

Rainbow Dash led Applejack across the room, and it didn't take much searching before Applejack spotted her siblings. Mac looked much better, as he wolfed down small mountains of pancakes. Apple Bloom in the meantime, munched on some toast. Her eyes lit up as she spotted her sister, and she waved at Applejack as they approached.

"Morning, Applejack!" She smiled.

Applejack smiled, happy to see her little sister in a better mood. "Morning everypony." She greeted, and sat down at the table with Rainbow Dash following.

"Mawnin'" Mac said in-between bites.

Looking up at her older brother, Applejack's smile did get a little smaller. "How are you feeling, Big Mac?"

He swallowed, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Don't you worry none. My leg still hurts a little, but I feel much better today."

Her smile widened again, mostly of relief. She was happy to see her brother was doing much better, and it was good to see him eat. The conversation they had yesterday still lingered in her mind, and she did want to talk about it. However she didn't want to worry the others, and she much rather enjoyed the moment of peace for as long as they had it.

Normally Applejack wouldn't have touched the food before she knew who was paying for it, and how. However, she was too hungry not to take a plate and start eating. If they could not pay, she would work off any debt they might have. As they ate, they started some small talk. It wasn't about Midgard, Asgard, gods, giants, or the wolves, it was just everyday stuff. It helped take their minds off the events of the last few days, and the fact they were in a different world.

It was not to last though, as Applejack saw the door open, and Pippin Apple stepped inside. He spotted them, and smiled. Applejack was just about to get up and greet him, but he gestured with his hoof for her to sit down. Pippin made his way over, greeted them, and sat down.

"By the gods, do I have some good news for you all." He said, his grin as big as they had ever seen it.

"What is it?" Asked Mac before he swallowed his last pancake.

"Well first things first," Pippin clarified. "The wagon is gone, it will be too much of a hassle to try and get it anywhere, so I made a deal with the local grocer. We made a deal, and I sold it, along with a few other items. I paid for the healer, and our stay at the inn."

"Sorry about the wagon..." Apple Bloom said, looking a little guilty. She felt as much at fault as any of them, but it wasn't her fault, or anypony for that matter.

Pippin knew this, and waved off her comment with his hoof. "Not anyone's fault, and it is just a wagon after all. Been much worse if it was any of us." He shot Mac a look, but then continued. "In any case, we are on Apple territory now, so we have a few relatives living in this village. I asked a cousin of mine for some help, and he would be willing to take us to Apple Hall after breakfast."

"That's great news!" Exclaimed Applejack, but once again, Pippin held his hoof up.

"When I told him about everything that happened, and who you were, and what we were doing, he told me something more important." They all leaned in, as if he was about to reveal a great secret. He smirked, "I told him the name of your grandma." They held their breath. "And he believes he knows her."

Apple Bloom almost flew up from her seat, her eyes as wide as dinner plates. "REALLY?!"

Pippin chuckled. "He believes so, yes, and the best thing is, it is on the way to Apple Hall, so we can go there after we're done eating." He grinned.

The table became full of smiles and hopeful eyes. Applejack looked happily at her sister, who seemed excited beyond belief. Applejack herself knew exactly how she was feeling, because she could hardly believe as well. Looking at Mac, she could tell he was just as excited.

"I will warn you though." Pippin then said. "There is a chance that it may not be her, however, I strongly believe it is. From what you have told me, I am pretty certain. However, just be prepared that it might be another relative that has the same name." They all nodded, but they were nonetheless excited about the prospect.

"Right then," Pippin said as he stood. "I'll go to my cousin, pick up his wagon, and I'll meet you back here. Mac, you can't fully trot on your own, so you will sit in the back while me and Applejack pull, alright?" Mac made a face, but didn't object, he was hardly in a position to do so after all. "Then I'll see you in 15 minutes."

Pippin left the table, went to the innkeeper, paid for their stay, and trotted out the door. Applejack leaned back in her seat, the prospect of seeing Granny Smith again, it was almost too good to be true. If she was there, would their parents be there too? Looking over at Big Mac, he was clearly thinking the same.

Apple Bloom was more energetic, she had been close to Granny, perhaps even more so than Applejack or Mac had been. She had never known their parents, she barely had memories of them. Applejack wasn't sure how Apple Bloom would react, she could not blame her if their reunion would be a bit awkward.

Breakfast was a bit more quiet after that, Apple Bloom being the one to do most of the talking. She was excited to tell Granny Smith about everything that happened back in the living world. She wanted to tell her how much she missed her, and almost asked if they could stay with her for a few days. She didn't though, knowing that time wasn't really on their side.

Once they had finished eating, they all went outside. Applejack and Rainbow Dash helped Mac to stand and trot outside. Applejack was happy to see he was doing a lot better, but he could trot a little. His leg still hurt though, but he was in good shape otherwise.

They didn't have to wait long for Pippin to show up with the wagon, he came down the road a few minutes later. Once they had gotten Mac up, he and Applejack hitched themselves to the wagon and pulled. Rainbow Dash flew above the wagon, while Apple Bloom was content with trotting beside her sister.

It was a lovely day, a clear blue sky, with only a few fluffy white clouds here and there. One would barely know it had rained heavily the day before, only a few puddles revealed it. The birds were singing happily, and there was a cool and gentle breeze coming from the south. Had this been back home, it would have been the perfect day to work outside.

With the weather so clear, it was their first real look at the village, and the landscape around it. The village wasn't big, much smaller than Ponyville. The biggest building was the inn itself, which faced the main road. The main road cut through the village, which the majority of the buildings were facing. Then there were the smaller roads, which led to smaller cottages. There was a blacksmith, and a woodcutter.

The woodcutter used the river next to the village to move a watermill, which moved a large saw blade that could cut large tree trunks. There was a small shop, and a collection of small gardens next to the cottages. There were a few ponies out and about, most of the adults doing work, while a few foals ran around and played.

The landscape opened up once they came out of the village, large fields, and spread out farmsteads. Pippin explained that most of these farms were run by Apple family members, and they earned good coin in shipping the food to the capital. Applejack would have lied if she said she wasn't impressed, and she never lies.

The main road moved between the great fields and orchards, and it was interesting to see that not all orchards were apple orchards. Pippin explained that after many years, some apple family members liked to experiment with other fruits, and it never hurt to have other things to sell than apples. Pippin was quite proud of the fact that the Apple clan basically had their own lands, and the villages and towns within their borders basically paid their family tax.

It could be a bit confusing, as the Apple clan was big, and there were a lot of family threads and branches. It could get messy when the Apple family had family disputes, as lands, titles, and other such matters could be difficult to figure out, even after a hundred years of trying.

The larger farmsteads were for bigger families, and how long they had been here. Apple Hall was the biggest farm of them all, and was more like a town than an actual farm. Other families lived there as well, as it was a good place to trade. However most inhabitants were from the Apple clan.

They came to a crossroad, and after thinking about the directions for a few seconds, Pippin led them down the west road. As they kept trotting, the quieter they all got, even Apple Bloom had stopped talking, and a sort of hush had spread amongst them. About ten minutes later, they saw a small farmstead. Well, small compared to some of the other farms they had seen. Compared to their own, this farm was quite big, about twice as big as their own, if not a little more.

Applejack glanced at Pippin, and he smiled, giving her a nod to the question she did not ask with words. This was the place...

They moved a little farther up the road, then moved right and passed the wide gate in the white painted fence. Up the small road leading to the farm, the group kept quiet, and their ears up, listening for any familiar voices.

"Well howdy there," A friendly voice said.

The group came to an instant stop, and their heads turned towards the source. A stallion came out of a small shed, he was big like Mac, with brown coat, and red hair like Apple Bloom, although with a few lighter streaks here and there. His cutie mark was of three eaten apples, and his eyes were as green as a spring meadow. He wasn't old, but he wasn't young either, he was however still very much in his prime. Quite handsome, and strong too.

None of them spoke, as they just stared at the stallion. He raised an eyebrow, but still smiled. "Well, you folks aren't from around here, are you? But you're Apples, that much is clear. Well, how can I help you?"

Mac looked over the side of the wagon, stunned like the rest of his siblings. Even so, he gathered courage, and asked, "Are you Grandpa Apple Core?"

The stallion looked confused. "Well, sure my name is Apple Core, but I don't think you..." He slowed down, his voice fading as his eyes examined them all again. Then his eyes widened. "Well I'll be... Macintosh?" Then he looked over the rest. "Applejack?" Then his eyes met the youngest of the siblings. "And Apple Bloom? You're all here?"

Applejack wasn't sure how to react, none of them had ever met their grandpa before, he died long before any of them were born. Even so, her heart pounded fast in anticipation, knowing if he was here, then Granny Smith was here, and if she was here...

Then perhaps their parents were here as well.

The stallion's eyes narrowed. "Now how in blazes did you end up here? You're not dead, are you?"

Mac shook his head. "Nnope."

"It's a long story, grandpa Apple." Applejack sighed, but smiled. "Is... Is Granny Smith here?"

The stallion grinned. "Why sure she is, and she's told us a lot about you three. Mighty proud that mare is, and with good reason too." The three siblings blushed, happy to hear Granny Smith had been praising them. It was a little strange to hear it from their grandpa, who they had never met, but it felt good. Then his eyes turned to Pippin and Rainbow Dash. "Now where are my manners, who are you two?"

"Pippin Apple, sir." Said Pippin. "I am just helping them find their way here."

Rainbow Dash blushed, feeling kind of awkward to meet family and having to introduce herself as Mac's girlfriend again. Not that it was wrong, or she didn't like it. However it was like being introduced to one's family all over again, having to feel she was being measured. She didn't want to make a bad impression after all, especially not if she would spend her afterlife with them.

"Rainbow Dash, sir. I'm... I'm Mac's, I mean, Macintosh's marefriend…" Her face lit up, normally she wasn't so formal. It was much easier when she and Mac told Granny Smith, because she already knew Granny Smith. This stallion was a stranger, and despite this, he held just much importance! Normally she wasn't shy about their relationship, however this time around, she felt kind of exposed.

The stallion grinned. "Pleased to meet you both, name's Apple Core. I've heard about you too, dear." He smiled at Rainbow Dash, which made her feel more at ease. "At any rate, we should go inside to talk, this ain't the place for long stories, and it ain't fair for me to keep y'all to myself."

He led them the rest of the way up to the farm, which consisted of three main buildings. The buildings were long, and stood positioned in a square with a wall missing. At the end of the square was the main farmhouse, then on one side was the barn, and on the other the workshop, or stables perhaps. In the center of this square was the courtyard, and in front of the farmhouse was the front porch.

As they entered the courtyard, Apple Core held up his hoof, signaling for them to stop there. Pippin and Applejack took the time to unhitch, while Rainbow Dash moved beside Mac, ready to help him down. "Let me call ya granny." Apple Core said, a mischievous look glinting in his eyes. Turning his eyes towards the farmhouse, he held up his hoof next to his muzzle and called. "SUGARCUBE, GET YA FLANK OUT HERE!! WE HAVE GUESTS!!"

They all looked at Apple Core with a surprised expression, while Apple Core himself just looked very satisfied with himself. Exactly three five seconds later, the front door slammed open with such a bang one could mistake it for thunder. A mare's voice boomed. "APPLE CORE!! You watch your language, mister! You don't call on me like that when we have guests!"

The mare that had come out of the farmhouse was not what any of them had expected, or imagined. At the same time, there was no mistake, it was Granny Smith! She looked much younger, while still looking like an aged adult. Much like their grandfather, Granny Smith was neither young nor old. She was in her prime, while still gracefully holding on to a few traces of age.

She marched from the door, her eyes glaring at her husband as she came over, and poked him in the chest. Apple Core just laughed joyfully, finding his wife's anger adorable more than threatening. "I am sorry my little apple heart, but I wanted to give you a grand entrance."

Granny Smith raised an eyebrow. "What in tarnation are you talking about, husband?"

"Granny?"

The voice of Apple Bloom made the mare freeze for a moment, then slowly turned to face them. She gasped, seeing all three of her grandfoals. Apple Bloom stood in front, her eyes welling up with tears. Granny Smith looked at them, then at her, her eyes filling up as well. "Kids, is that really you?"

"Granny!" Apple Bloom cried out in joy, running to her in full speed. By reflex, Granny smith knelt down, held out her hooves, and embraced the filly as soon as she came close enough. Apple Bloom cried, hugging her grandma tightly. "I've missed you so much!"

Granny Smith squeezed Apple Bloom, holding her as tight as she could without hurting her. "I've missed you too, sugarcube." Looking up, she saw Applejack and Rainbow Dash help a still wounded Big Mac out of the wagon. She placed a kiss on Apple Bloom's forehead, then stood up. "And what by Celestia's sun happened to you?"

"We were attacked on the road, don't worry, he should be fine, ma'am." Pippin said respectfully. "Pippin Apple, at your service."

"Nice to meet ya sonny, and thank you fer helping my grandfoals." She nodded to him, then returned her attention back to the others. "What are you all doing here? You ain't dead, right?"

"No, Granny. It's a long story..."

Granny Smith nodded, then trotted over to them, and embraced both Applejack and Big Mac. Both siblings hugged her back, feeling almost like crying, however they managed to keep the tears at bay, at least for now. "Well you can tell your story over lunch, I'll fix ya right up." She looked at Rainbow Dash and smirked. "Did I become a great grandma yet?"

Rainbow Dash blushed. "N-no, ma'am."

"Fiddlesticks! Well, I guess I haven't been dead that long." She chuckled, turning to her husband. "You've already met your grandpa, don't let that grin fool you. He's the best apple farmer in the area, even if he is kind of a goofball."

Apple Core chuckled. "You say that, dearest, but you can't resist my charm."

Granny Smith snorted, rolling her eyes which made Apple Bloom giggle. "If you call that charm." She smirked, planted a loving peck on his cheek. "Now come on in, ya parents should be back any minute now." Smiling warmly, she looked at Pippin. "What about you sonny, ya want to stay fer lunch?"

Pippin thought about it for a moment, but then shook his head. "I think I'd better return this wagon to my cousin. Then I should head to Apple Hall and get a new one before returning home." He looked at Applejack and the others. "If you guys are okay now, I think I should get moving."

"Don't you fret, we'll take it from here." Granny Smith assured him.

Pippin nodded, thanking the old mare. "Well then," he said as he hitched himself to the wagon. "I hope everything works out, and you find what you are looking for."

"Thank you, and thank you for everything you and your wife had done for us." Said Applejack, shaking his hoof with her own.

"Think nothing of it," Pippin smirked. "We're family after all." With the final goodbyes, Pippin pulled the wagon back down the road, waving goodbye before vanishing from sight.

Granny Smith and Apple Core led the siblings and Dash into the farmhouse. It was pretty impressive, while their home had been maybe on the smaller side, this house seemed twice as big. Every room was bigger, but as Apple Core explained, there were a lot of memories.

Granny Smith went to the kitchen, where lunch was already being prepared. She had been at work when their grandfather had called, so she asked Apple Bloom and Applejack to set the table. Mac in the meantime was placed on a chair, and Rainbow placed herself next to her.

Both their grandparents were really interested in hearing about everything, but they still needed the final members of the household. They didn't have to wait long before the front door opened, and two voices could be heard chatting. The kitchen became dead silent as they waited for the final members to join them.

"That was mean." A mare said in a mock pouting voice.

A deep voice chuckled in response. "Not my fault you were too slow." The two shared a laugh when the stallion spoke again. "Hey ma, is lunch ready?"

Granny smiled a little. "It's ready, I hope you don't mind, but we have guests!"

"Guests?" The stallion asked, their hoofsteps getting louder as they trotted through the living room and entered the kitchen. "I didn't know we were expecting somepony..." Two adult ponies entered the kitchen. A stallion and a mare, as soon as they entered and spotted the Apple siblings, they froze in shock, just as they did.

For a long moment there was just utter silence. Neither group could find the words for this moment, as this moment had been both anticipated, and had come out of the blue. For Applejack and her siblings, they had anticipated it. They had had time to prepare for it, but now that they were finally looking at their parents, it was like all of that just vanished. She couldn't even imagine what they were going through, to just return home and find their children sitting at the table as if it was just another day.

After a while, Pear Butter stepped forwards, her eyes filling with tears. "Apple Bloom... Applejack... Macintosh... Is it really you?"

At that point there was no holding it back, suddenly Applejack felt the tears run down her cheeks. She felt like a little filly who hadn't seen her mother in ages, she could do nothing else but to get up, and run to her mother, hugging her tightly, just like Apple Bloom had done with Granny. Pear Butter cried as well, stroking her daughter's blonde mane as she finally held her daughter again.

Bright Mac still stood there, still shocked, not sure if he believed his own eyes. "How is it possible, are you..."

"They're not dead, Mac." Granny told him from the table. "They're just passing through."

"Passing through?" He could not wrap his head around it, still feeling the shock of the sudden appearance of their children. Looking to his wife and his daughter, he leaned down and embraced them both, feeling Applejack pressing closer to him. He looked at his son, then noticed the leg.

Seeing his father notice it, Mac held up his hoof and smiled, blinking some tears away. "I'm fine, we ran into a bit of trouble on the road..."

"You're all here..." Pear Butter smiled, wiping her tears away. "But where is..." She looked around for somepony, and soon enough her eyes landed on the filly. Apple Bloom was standing behind Granny Smith's chair, almost as if hiding. Her cheeks felt warm, and she was sure how to approach her parents.

Applejack took a deep breath, pulling away from her parents, letting them see Apple Bloom probably. Both of them sat down, lowering their heads. Pear Butter sent her daughter a warm smile. "It's okay, Apple Bloom..." She wiped a tear away. "You have really grown big since I last held you."

Apple Bloom stepped forward, her ears down, as well as her head. It only lasted a few seconds before she leaped forward, wrapping her hooves around her mother. "Mommy!" She exclaimed, burying her face in her coat. Just like with Applejack, the two parents embraced their daughter, letting her take as much time as she needed.

Rainbow Dash smiled, placing a gentle hoof on Big Mac's. He looked at her, smiling back at her, happy to see his sisters reuniting with their parents. He was the oldest, and so did not mind waiting a little longer. After a while, the two ponies stood up, and turned to their first born, and only son.

Pear Butter stepped closer to Big Mac, placing a hoof on his cheek. "Oh, you've grown into such a handsome young stallion. You look like your father." Then she noticed the bandages around his one leg, and her eyes filled with a worry only a mother could pull off. "What happened, Macintosh, are you alright?"

"Eeyup, I'm alright, ma." It felt good to say that again.

"Big Mac saved us from the Timberwolf!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.

"Did he now?" Bright Mac said with a raised eyebrow, smirking as he looked at his son. Then his smirk turned into a grin, and trotted closer, nodding approvingly. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, son."

Macintosh smiled, feeling a sort of weight lift off his shoulders. His father's proud smile, and his approval meant much more than he remembered. His mother leaned in, embracing her colt, kissing his cheek, as proud as any mother could be at her son.

"Ma, Pa," Big Mac said with an embraced smile. "I want you to meet my marefriend, Rainbow Dash." He leaned a way, letting them see more of the rainbow maned mare, who sat with a bit of a shy smile, which was unusual for her.

Pear Butter almost squealed in delight. "So you're Rainbow Dash?"

"Y-yeah, nice to meet you, ma'am." Rainbow said, a little overwhelmed by all the emotions in the room. She envied how calm and cool Big Mac had been when he met her parents. She couldn't help but feel nervous.

Pear Butter just smiled and shook her head. "Oh please, call me Pear Butter. Granny Smith has been telling us all about you and Macintosh. I'm so excited to meet my daughter-in-law!"

Mac and Rainbow Dash both blushed, but they also didn't bother correcting her. Bright Mac smirked, punching Mac on the shoulder teasingly. "It's good to meet you, Rainbow Dash. Welcome to the family."

Rainbow Dash smiled, nodding a little. "Thank you."

"I hear from my Ma that you are awfully fond of our apple cider." Bright Mac continued with a proud grin.

"Yes, I love it!" Rainbow Dash replied, almost jumping out of her seat, forgetting about her shyness almost instantly.

Bright Mac let out a laugh. "Then why don't we have some to celebrate this family reunion!"

"Awesome!"

Applejack and the others didn't get to travel anymore that day. All of them were still tired, and now they had found not only Granny Smith, but their grandpa, and their parents!

There was so much to catch up on, and while Granny Smith had filled both her husband and their parents in on what had happened during their absence, there was still so much to talk about. Apple Bloom talked about her friends, how they got their cutie mark, and all the adventures she had been through. She was so passionate about everything, and it filled her with joy to see her parents' proud expressions.

Applejack of course told them about Twilight Sparkle, her friends, and everything they had been through together. Rainbow Dash supplied plenty of details, and the two mares had fun going over their many adventures, their trials, and everything that had made their bond so strong over the years.

Macintosh was a little more humble of the bunch. He hadn't gone on grand adventures like his marefriend or sister. He hadn't done crazy things like Apple Bloom and her friends. He talked about the farm, what he had accomplished, how hard he had worked to help Granny Smith keep the farm going. He never complained about it though, and he never spoke any ill word about the life he lived. He talked lovingly about how he and Rainbow Dash found one another, and how much hope he had for the future for them, and the family farm.

It felt good to finally talk about all these things, it was like a huge load was being taken away from them, making them all that much lighter in body and soul. Before they knew it the whole day had passed without any of them really noticing, the sun had gone down, and their stomachs were rumbling.

Granny Smith made them all a huge dinner, with the help of both Pear Butter and Applejack. Apple Core showed Apple Bloom around, he was very fond of his granddaughter, and told her a lot of funny stories about when he and Granny Smith first met. Rainbow Dash had stepped out to get some fresh air, spread her wings and fly a little before dinner.

That left Macintosh alone with his father in the living room, the two stallions enjoying the moment together. Bright Mac leaned back in his chair, examining his son for a moment. Macintosh could feel his father's eyes on him, but didn't say anything. Then Bright Mac smiled, leaning slightly forward again.

"I'm proud of you, son." He said, looking Macintosh straight in the eyes. "I mean it, you have become every bit of the stallion I hoped you would become." Macintosh swallowed, he wasn't sure what to say. "It isn't easy to get through what you had to. Not many colts had to grow up as fast as you had to. You've given up a lot for your sisters, making sure they had time for play and adventure."

"Applejack worked hard too..." Macintosh pointed out, but his father waved off his comment.

"Of course she did, I'm not dismissing all that she has done for the family. I'm as proud as a father can be, but I think it's important to recognize what you have done. Applejack is a hero to Equestria, she is a hard worker, and has grown into a fine mare, no doubt about it. However, she could never have done it without you."

"But-"

"No buts, son." Bright Mac interrupted. "You've been a rock, no matter what, you were at the farm working. It gave Applejack the opportunity to become a hero, without having to fear the farm would not go on without her. You worked together, but it was you who stood as an anchor. Apple Bloom got to enjoy more of her childhood thanks to your efforts, and Granny didn't have to worry as much. No matter what else happened in Equestria, no matter what danger your sister had to face, you made sure there was always a home for her to return to."

Bright Mac let out a sigh. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to support you, to teach you..."

"It wasn't your fault..." Macintosh mumbled.

"No, but I don't feel good about it anyway. You and your sister, you should have had the chance to enjoy life as Apple Bloom did. It wasn't right what happened, it wasn't fair to you, however you stepped up, and did what was needed for the family. I'm proud of you for that, son. You've done well for yourself, and I couldn't be more happy for you."

Macintosh couldn't look at his father, afraid he might lose a few tears if he did. He hadn't known how much he had needed to hear all this, never knew how much it meant to him before now. He had never asked for praise, and never complained about the hard work he was put through. He did it because that was what was needed, because his family needed it. To hear his father not only recognize him for his hard work, but also tell him how proud he was of him, it was almost too much...

He didn't know what to do or say, but his father did. Without Macintosh even noticing his father getting up, he suddenly felt his father embrace him, holding him close, patting him on the back. "You did good, Macintosh, you did really good..." Without a word, Macintosh wrapped his hooves around his father, hugging him back.

How long they stayed like this, Macintosh didn't know, but when Bright Mac pulled back he smiled at his son. "Now let me help you up, dinner must be ready soon, and there is still so much you need to tell us." Macintosh got up, and let himself be supported by his father as they made their way towards the kitchen. "Like I want to know, how did you all get here, and why are you here?"

Author's Note

I'm sure someone has guessed it, but I used Riverwood from Skyrim to imagine the little village. XD

Chapter 8: The Rainbow Bridge

"Where am I..?"

Applejack could see nothing around her. It was dark, and the air was cold, running through her like she had no physical presence. She could hear, but she could not see. The wind was howling, shifting direction, as if it came from all around her. She tried to move, but she wasn't sure if she made any progress in the darkness, she could not feel anything beneath her hooves, nor could she feel her legs moving.

It was as if she was just floating in the void, no physical presence, but a gathering of thoughts, a mind with no body, a thought with no brain. She was here, but in a sense she was not. She felt clear of mind, as if she was awake, but still in a sort of subdued slumber.

Was she even awake..? She could not tell.

There was nothing other than her, or at least she thought so until the wind seemed to shift, and she heard something that the wind carried with it. Thoughts? No, voices. They seemed far away, and without understanding why, she willed herself closer and closer to the source.

The voices became more clear, she could recognize the pattern of words, but still not understand their meaning. She could see light, but they were far above, glittering, like far away flames, or candles. She continued until she felt as if she had entered the eye of the storm, or the center of a heated conversation.

Suddenly, the voices changed, they became clear in one sudden moment, like a lightning strike. A deep male voice spoke out, it boomed across the void, carrying authority, outrage, and power.

"Allfather, this cannot be allowed to continue. As time passes we grow weaker, we must act, and we must act swiftly!"

The light seemed to glow brighter, and suddenly Applejack could see more of her surroundings. She was in a massive hall, so big she could not even see the roof. She could see the thick pillars, to which torches were mounted. They burned like smaller and weaker suns in the night sky, large, but not with the same majesty or glow. They cast their light upon the room, which revealed much for Applejack´s nonexistent eyes.

Along the hall were several thrones, so big she would barely reach halfway up their legs. She could see shadows occupying them, ponies as big as buildings, or palaces. Each time they moved, she could feel the wind shift through her. Each time they stomped their hooves to the thick wooden floor, she could feel the vibrations in the air.

"The mortals owe us a debt, for too many lifetimes, we have received them in the afterlife, protected them from the chaotic forces beyond their worlds, and we have done it without worship. This must change." The deep male voice continued, sounding beyond frustrated, but with a hint of restraint.

"Times have changed..." A female voice replied. Her voice was soft and calm, pleasant to the ear, like hearing a beautiful song. "Our alters have become dust, our priests died long ago, the mortals do not see before they pass the great sea."

Applejack tried, but no matter what, she could not make out the details of the shadows sitting in the thrones talking to one another. At times she would see them move, nod their heads, or lean back in their thrones, but they remained shadows to her eyes.

"It is why I suggest we remind them of the order of things." The deep voice replied. "If this continues we will grow older, we will wither away. The worship of those passed on will not sustain us, we all know this."

"So what exactly do you suggest?" Another male voice spoke up. It was soft, calmer, and thoughtful.

"As I said, we remind them of the order of things. Celestia and Luna have clearly not done their duty." There was a short pause, and the shadow seemed to turn towards the end of the hall. "You granted them the sun and the moon, should they not have continued their worship as thanks?"

"It was never their duty to speak for us. The price for the power the Allfather gave them, the burden they have to carry, they have done so with honor. Their debt to us is being paid each and every day." The mare spoke up, causing other shadows to mumble a mix of agreements and disagreements.

"And they have received the worship of the mortals, taking what rightfully belongs to us." The stallion snapped back. "None of us are blind to what is happening, we all feel the weight of age creeping closer. If we wait too long, we will be too weak to maintain the balance, and so our work shall become undone. Ragnarök, the end." His head turned towards the thrones across from us. "What do you have to say to this, Thor?"

Applejack felt her heart beat faster as she turned to look in the direction the stallion was looking. Sitting in front of her was a massive stallion, as big as a small mountain, his throne wide and tall. He was still a shadow to her eyes, but it was like she could feel the air around him tensing with electricity.

"What you say is true," Thor said. "However, what you suggest would create fear, and not worship. It would send a message to Midgard, and maybe even the giants. Should they learn of this, we may not be able to stop a full invasion."

Applejack frowned, Thor sounded so calm, so exhausted. She wasn't sure what to think of it, but it did make her feel uneasy. The stallion snorted, sounding as if he either didn't believe Thor, or if he was disgusted by his words.

"Have some sense, Thor. I am not suggesting we kill them, or destroy anything, but if we let this go on, they will bring destruction upon themselves." He let out a frustrated sigh. "Your time with in the mortal world has made you lazy, your fire is dying, and you grow weak with indecision."

Thunder boomed across the entire hall as Thor stood, but before he could give his reply, a voice cut in sharply. "Enough!" The shadows tensed, paused, and finally relaxed. "Thor, sit down." Thor did so. The voice speaking was old, no, ancient. It carried an intelligence and calculation that was so clear in the way the voice spoke, that Applejack hardly dared to look.

It was a voice that held complete authority, and held the respect of the many shadows. No, not shadows. There was no doubt about who these shadows were, it was the gods. Applejack knew this in her heart of hearts, she knew it to be true, and she knew this was something she was not supposed to see.

The voice continued to speak. "No god, nor goddess will visit the mortal world. It is forbidden, it is as it needs to be. If their lack of faith causes the end of us, then so be it. However I very much doubt this will be the end of us. We are not yet defeated, nor are we at the end of our journey. So fear not, for soon we shall have hope again." The tension seemed to leave the great hall, or so it seemed until the voice continued to speak. "But we shall talk of this later, when the time is right. For now, we have an intruder among us, someone is watching..."

Instantly the tension rose, and Applejack suddenly had the feeling that they sensed her presence, that they could see her. She stood exposed, and it felt like she would be struck down at any moment!

She screamed, then opened her eyes...

Applejack sat up in her bed, her heart beating fast, her whole body seeming to twitch with nervous energy. She took a few deep breaths, calming her heart as she looked around. The night sky was getting lighter, morning would soon be upon them.

She took a moment to listen, wondering if anypony was coming to her room, startled awake by her screaming. Nopony came, and looking to the other bed, she saw Apple Bloom still in a deep sleep. Had she imagined herself screaming? Was it a dream?

She let out a sigh, unsure what to think anymore. Whatever had just happened, she couldn't go back to bed...

The sun was coming up, the night sky was vanishing, and the rays streamed in-between the many apple trees of the orchard. It was early, but still Applejack found herself wide awake. She sat outside on the front porch, watching as the sun was revealing itself. It was a sight she had always enjoyed back home, and sitting here now reminded her of those many mornings she had sat on the porch, enjoying the scenery.

It was a good reminder of everything that was good in life, it gave her a moment of peace, a moment of peace and reflection. Thinking back on the events that had led her to this point, it all seemed too amazing. A week ago she had been a normal apple farmer, now she was traveling between the worlds of the living, dead, and the world of the gods. She would never have believed it if she had never met Thor.

She had traveled the great ocean, trotted across the land of Midgard, fought a strange Timberwolf, and now she was going to try and walk across the rainbow bridge. Well, not right at this moment, but she knew it wasn't far off in her future. If everything goes to plan, it will happen later today.

Yesterday their guide, Pippin Apple, had managed to track down their parents and granny. It had been quite a reunion, with hours spent on telling pretty much everything about their lives, and what had led them to crossing over. Their parents took it well as could be expected, had it not been for Granny Smith telling them all about Thor beforehand, they might not have believed them at all. Then again, how else were they going to explain them being in Midgard?

Applejack could not have blamed them if they had not believed them, sometimes she even had a hard time accepting all of this was real. However it was real, and they had gotten so far already. Now they needed to cross over via the rainbow bridge, and then, what?

Applejack wasn't sure about what to do or what to say when she finally got there. Assuming they did manage to get across to Asgard, what could she do? She´d already decided what she wanted, certainty. Still, she couldn't imagine how it would all go. Was she scared? Of course she was, but there was no turning back now, and she wanted to know, no, she needed to know.

Their family had agreed to help them on the last leg of the journey, which should only take them a few hours. The great mountain would lead them to the highest point there was for miles, and thankfully the path was easy, having been made by several pilgrims and travelers throughout time.

"I would have thought you would sleep today of all days." Said a voice from behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, Applejack met the eyes of Granny Smith. She looked younger in this world, but her eyes were very much the same. "Mind if I join you for a bit?"

Applejack shook her head, scooting over a little. "Not at all... I couldn't sleep any longer..."

Granny Smith trotted closer, then planted herself next to her grandkid. "It's A big day, no doubt about it. Since coming here I've heard all sorts of fancy stories about that bridge, the gods, and so much more. It's enough to make your head spin.”

Applejack chuckled, nodding a little. "I just hope..." She started, but then stopped herself.

Granny looked at her quizzingly. "Just hope what, dear?"

She sighed. "I just hope that it will be as it was."

"Hm," Granny hummed. "Well, I don't think anything will ever be the same ever again, especially for you, Applejack.
all this talk of gods, mortals, and other worlds, its too much for a simple farm mare like me." She said it with a smirk, which also made Applejack smile a little. "But I think you were meant for something bigger, I can't say what it is, but I don´t think you were ever meant to spend the rest of your days on our farm."

That surprised Applejack to hear Granny Smith tell her that of all ponies. Applejack had never imagined a life off the farm. "What are you saying, Granny?"

"Well, ever since the whole Nightmare Moon thing, and you becoming friends with that nice mare, Twilight Sparkle, your world has become a whole lot bigger. Now I admit, I wasn't too sure about it at first, but you´ve risen to every challenge life has thrown at you so far. Now I might not know anything about grand plans, gods, and all that fancy magic stuff, but I know this. You Applejack, you were meant to do something else, something bigger."

The older mare turned to look Applejack straight in the eyes. "Be honest with me, Applejack. Can you see yourself returning to the farm, pretending nothing has changed?"

Applejack thought about it. She liked family life, she enjoyed working on the farm. However her world had become so much bigger ever since she met Twilight Sparkle, even more so after she met Thor. There was so much out there, and even though she did not like to admit it out loud, she had been feeling restless ever since Thor left for Asgard. Was it purely because she missed him, or was something else calling her now?

Sighing, Applejack looked out onto the orchard again. "I don´t know, Granny. Things have been so confusing lately, I don't feel like I know my place anymore. I love the farm, Mac, Apple Bloom, and now Rainbow Dash too. They're family." Granny nodding, listening intensely. "I only know that I miss Thor, and I can´t wait around anymore. I need to know if he..." She hesitated, biting her lower lip as she swallowed her fear. "If he still loves me... I don´t think I can rest before I know..."

"Then you will have to find out, don´t you?" Granny Smith grinned. "It's okay if you don't have all the answers yet, I have a feeling you will know what you need by the end of this little adventure of yours. Just remember, your family stands by you, no matter what choices you make for yourself, alright?"

Applejack smiled, feeling as if she could breathe a little easier now. The last week had been so hazy, as if her whole world had been surrounded by fog. However that fog had been lifted when she arrived, and ever since then she had doubted everything around her, most of all herself. Granny made her feel more at ease, more sure about what she needed to do. Maybe that was her true special talent?

"Thank you, Granny..." The two of them leaned closer, embracing one another.

Breakfast was a strange, but warm affair. It was strange to be all together again, Granny and grandpa, ma and pa, Rainbow Dash, and of course all the Apple siblings. It felt good, it felt right, and Applejack felt herself let go of all her worries about the future, and just enjoyed the here and now.

It had been late night before they all went to bed yesterday, but there was just so much to tell, so many memories to relive. Despite this, it seemed they would never run out of topics to go over, stories to tell, even now at breakfast.

Big Mac was feeling a lot better now too, he could walk and support himself now, but they all agreed it was better if he did not trot up the mountain by himself. He wasn't too happy about that decision, but with a single stern look from both Granny Smith and his mother, he decided not to press the point.

When breakfast ended, Granny and Pear Butter started to clear the table, along with Rainbow Dash. Applejack went with her father and grandpa to get out of a wagon to help Big Mac. They didn't need a lot of supplies on this trip, but it was best to be prepared. The whole timberwolf attack still worried them all, and Applejack hadn't forgotten what Big Mac had told her.

Rainbow Dash was a little nervous at first, being alone with his mother-in-law, and Granny Smith. Not that she was nervous about helping, but it still felt like she had to prove herself somehow. She doubted Mac´s mother was actually judging her right now, but she still wanted to make a good impression.

"So tell me, Rainbow Dash," said Pear Butter suddenly, her hooves busy with the dishes. "How is your life with my son? Are you happy?"

Rainbow Dash nodded quickly. "Oh yes, ma`am, very happy... Macintosh is a great guy."

Pear Butter smiled, nodding. "That's good to hear..." Rainbow Dash looked at the mare, she didn't look back, she seemed to be far away in her thoughts. She let out small giggle, smiling slightly as she moved her gaze from the water in the sink, to the orchard outside the window. "I wish I could have been there when he introduced you as his marefriend. I´m sorry I missed it..."

"I..."

Rainbow hesitated, unsure how to respond. She couldn't imagine being in her horseshoes, able to live on, knowing your fouls were in another world, growing up out of sight. It must have been so agonizing knowing you were missing important moments in your foals' lives. Birthdays, first crush, first breakup, days of triumph, days of loss. Days and moments you would often find comfort in your family, Pear Butter had missed so many, especially with Apple Bloom.

"For what it is worth," Rainbow Dash said suddenly. "I'm sorry to."

Pear Butter´s smile grew as she looked at her. "I think you two will make a great couple, and I´m happy for my son, and happy to have you as my daughter-in-law."

Rainbow Dash blushed, chuckling, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Sometimes I´m not so sure, I´m lucky to have a stallion that accepts me for me. Mac is great, so I’m not always sure if I'm doing enough for him. If I really deserve somepony like him."

"For what Mac has told us, and from the way he speaks of you..." Pear Butter smiled. "I can tell he is very much in love with you, Rainbow Dash. I can tell you are someone who will stick by my son, be there for him when he is at his lowest, and stand beside him when he is at his best. He will do the same for you."

Rainbow smiled. "I know he will."

The two mares shared a knowing look. In the future they would meet again in this world, and she would be part of the Apple family. To Pear Butter, and every pony else on this farm, Rainbow Dash already was a part of this family.

It was late morning as the Apple Family prepared to leave. Big Mac had been loaded into the wagon, and despite not agreeing with it, he held his tongue, accepting it was what was best, even if he didn't like it. Applejack couldn't help but smile a little, it was almost like they were going on a simple family outing, not to a mountain to cross over to the world of the gods. It was almost absurd, so much so it almost made her laugh.

Apple Core and Bright Mac hitched themselves to the wagon, and with a few basic supplies packed, they went on their way. Down the path to the road, and down the road to the main road. Apple Core had been here the longest out of every pony in his company, and he had a story for every tree, rock, farm and field they passed.

"We will be passing Apple Hall on the way!" He said, "I wish you had time to see its splendor up close, but you will have to admire it from afar."

They followed the road for miles and miles, passing fields and orchards, crossing small rivers, greeting the many farmer ponies out working in the sunny daylight. Many of which were from the Apple Clan, from different periods in Equestria´s history. Some were extended family members, some that had married into other families, which was why they grew other things than just apples. Wheat, pears, oranges, cherries, anything really. Still, apples dominated these lands, filling the landscape with acres and acres of orchards.

They made their way up a more narrow road, which deviated from the main road, leading to Apple Hall. They moved towards the great mountain, following an increasingly rising road that took them further and further up. At a point, Apple Core slowed down, looked out onto the vast landscape below, and pointed.

"There you have it, Apple Hall. Home to all from the Apple Clan, seat of the head of the clan."

He sounded very proud, and when Applejack and her siblings turned their heads to look, she couldn't help but understand why. The landscape below them stretched out into a large valley, with fields covered in apple orchards as far as the eye could see. There were farmsteads spread out throughout the valley, and they were the biggest Applejack had ever seen. They were as big as castles, and some even looked like their own villages, with houses and barns large enough to house a whole community.

However that was not all, in the center of this valley was the crown jewel. An entire town is built around a large hill and rocks. Thick wooden palisades, paved streets, a market, and watch towers. The largest building was the massive keep, or wooden castle that stood above all the rest. Standing as a watcher, and a beacon of hope, and family pride.

There all Apple Clan members would be welcome, it was there no door or gate would be closed to you. It was in those great halls that the entire history of their family was being protected, retold, and kept for future members of the great Apple Clan.

It was a true marvel to behold, Applejack could hardly believe her family had built something so grand. Apple Core looked at their stunned expressions and smirked. "Pretty, ain´t it?" They just nodded, too stunned to really out their amazement into words. "Well, come on," he then said, pulling them out of their trance. "We still have some ways to go. Let's not keep the gods waiting."

They continued up the road, which became less and less steady, and more and more bumpy. The road led up the mountain, and while it wasn't too steep, it still took them farther above the landscape. Along the way they passed statues carved directly into the mountain, small as well as big. Others were carvings depicting great battles between ponies, others between the gods and giants.

Some statues were of the gods, while others were of travelers who had been worthy enough to go to the world of the gods. Scattered along the path were small altars in front of some of the statues, empty mugs that had once contained mead. Some dried fruits, candles, coins, and other such things.

It really spoke to the respect and devotion the ponies had for the gods, and it wasn't hard to understand why. It was clear by the altars scattered around, that the now passed on creatures of Midgard, that the worship and respect filled much of their daily life. The gods had created worlds for them to go to once they met their end in their afterlife, even if they had never worshiped them a day in their mortal lives.

Her thoughts returned to the dream she had the night before. The gods arguing, the powerful voice of the Allfather, and Thor, sounding tired. The image of him thin and grey haunted her for a moment, and she did her best to try and erase the image from her mind.

She wasn't sure of what was real, and what was just a dream. She did her best to tell herself it was a dream, but her gut told her something else. Applejack felt as if she was being watched, used almost like a mere chess piece on a board. Out of reflex she let her eyes dart around, as if somepony was actually watching, but she saw no one, except for two ravens up above them sitting upon a branch.

She hadn't expected to see anypony, even so, she could not shake the feeling off...

They continued their journey up the mountain, following the old road, which could become narrower, and wider, depending on which point they had reached. The decorations did not stop, and at times Applejack found herself looking at them a lot, and at times she needed a nudge to remind her to keep going.

Mac offered several times to get up and help their father and grandfather, but neither stallion wanted to hear any talk of it. He could walk once they reached their destination, but walking up a mountain path was still non-negotiable. Apple Bloom was the youngest and the smallest of their group, and despite not wanting to admit to it, had to take breaks in the wagon at times.

As they followed the mountain path, the air got colder and colder, low misty clouds surrounded them, and the wind would sometimes be gentle, or even biting cold. Applejack hadn't thought of how far up they had to go, but she had imagined they would have to reach the top. Looking at the sun, and up the mountain she couldn't imagine they would make it today.

So she was surprised when suddenly the elevation of the path stopped, and they reached a nice flat area. At first she didn't notice it, not until she sensed the shift in weight, and when some in their group started to spread out a little. She looked around, and realized they had reached the end of the path. Before them was something reminiscing of a courtyard, a large open area, with paved stones beneath them.

At the mountain wall was a large wooden door, flanked by two massive statues carved from the mountain itself. Their grandfather seemed less enthusiastic now, in fact, looking around, Applejack could make their entire family seem tense. She didn't understand, not until she saw five ponies stand near the gate. They were all armored, all of them carrying spears, and had knives at their sides. They all wore helmets that covered their eyes, leaving only half of their faces exposed.

"Right, everypony, let your grandpa do the talking." Apple Core said to the group, his voice sounding both nervous and serious. "Applejack, be a good filly and help ya brother down from the wagon."

Applejack didn't ask any questions, and did as Apple Core asked her. As she approached the wagon her brother was already making his way out. She helped him to get a more gentle landing, and he nodded a silent thank you. Apple Bloom jumped down, looking up at her older siblings, and asked in a low voice.

"What is going on?"

"I don't know," Applejack whispered back. "Stay close to us, okay?" Apple Bloom nodded back.

Apple Core and Bright Mac had unhitched themselves from the wagon, and came up behind it to get some of the sacks they had brought. Seeing Applejack's confused look, her father winked at her with a nervous smile. "Offerings to the gods."

They all started to move towards the large gate. While Applejack could not see their eyes from this distance, she could feel the ponies eyes on them, following their every move. Rainbow leaned a little closer to her. "There are more of them hiding among the rocks..." She whispered, her eyes moving along the upper parts of the mountains.

As they approached the ponies, Applejack noted they were all mares. They looked well trained, like Rainbow Dash, athletic, slender, yet with the muscles to move fast and swiftly. Apple Core bowed, and the rest of them followed his example, bowing their heads as well.

"We greet you, keepers of the mountain, guardians of the bridge, sisters of the Valkyrie. We come to pay tribute to the gods, and ask for their blessing and favor in our quest." Once Apple Core had said his greeting, he raised his head, and once again the others followed suit.

One of the mares stepped forward, awaited for a few seconds as she measured them all. Then her eyes returned to Apple Core, and she gave him a nod. "You may pass to the altar. Remain on the path, do not stray from it, or you shall be punished as seen fit by the sisters of the Valkyrie."

Apple Core bowed his head again. "You have our thanks, sister."

The mare nodded, then turned, spreading her wings. As if on cue, the doors started to slide open. The mare folded her wings, stepped aside and nodded. "Walk with peace, and act with honor, only speak the truth."

Apple Core looked at the rest of them, and nodded. "Let's go, and stick to the tunnel." He warned as he started to trot inside with the others following close behind him.

Applejack watched as they passed the door, and entered a large tunnel that seemed to lead straight through the mountain. She expected it to be dark, but along the walls were several torches, casting an orange fiery glow upon the path and the walls. Along the walls were several carvings and statues, just like on the trail up the mountain. These were somehow grander, and more beautiful, untouched by the elements outside.

As they moved through the large and long tunnel, they saw more ponies, all of them mares, just like those guarding the entrance. Some wore armor, just like the first ones did. Others wore beautiful and yet simple dresses. They were moving along the tunnel, going in and out small side passages. Some were sweeping the floor, wiping the statues or carvings. Some stood in small groups, whispering to one another, while some chanted in front of the statues of the gods.

"Have you noticed?" Asked Rainbow Dash, leaning closer to Applejack. "They are all pegasi."

Applejack looked startled at her friend, then looked back at the mares around them. She didn't see it at first, but soon enough she saw the wings. They were neatly concealed by the armor and their dresses, by a casual glance, nopony would notice them. Now that Applejack had, she too saw there were only pegasi mares here, no unicorns, no earth ponies.

She looked over at Granny Smith with a questioning look. "Granny, what is this place? Who are these mares?"

Granny Smith glanced at her, then looked around a little, as if afraid some might be listening, or if their voices would disturb the mares praying. "Well, this is the only place ponies have been able to cross over to the world of the gods. The Bifrost bridge never goes as low as it does here, or so the story says. These mares here have devoted their afterlife to honor and worship the gods, hoping to enter the Allfather's service."

"What do you mean by service?" Asked Rainbow Dash, almost a little too loud, because Granny Smith sent her a stern look that was meant to hush her.

"These mares wish to become Valkyries, messengers, warriors, and guides. For those who are killed heroically in battle, they are sent to collect their souls and bring them to Valhalla, to feast with the gods. It's a huge honor to be a Valkyrie, even the gods themselves respect them."

"So are they just waiting to be chosen by the gods?" Asked Rainbow Dash, this in a whisper.

Granny Smith shook her head. "No, not by the gods, by Odin the Allfather, king of the gods. You will be hoof picked by the king himself, enter his personal service."

Rainbow Dash looked impressed. "Has any pony ever been chosen?"

Granny Smith nodded. "Of course they have, but it doesn't happen often. Usually, there is some sort of test they will have to pass. I'm not quite sure how it works, nopony really knows much about them, other than they protect the temple here, and devote themselves to the gods fully."

"Wow..."

Reflexively, Rainbow Dash almost compared them mentally to the Wonderbolts, but there was no real comparison to be had. These were real warrior mares, ready to fight, kill and be killed in order to serve the gods. Rainbow wasn't sure if she was impressed or terrified. A part of her wanted to test herself against whatever they had, but one look at the trained mares told her she would be done before any real test had really begun.

They continued through the mountain, and after about twenty minutes of trotting saw the light at the end of the tunnel. The wooden doors were already open, and they could already feel the gentle cold air streaming in. As they got closer, they spotted a few more armored mares standing guard. None were in doubt that their every move were being watched.

They stepped through the gate, and entered another courtyard, this one smaller than the first. It had no paths that lead anywhere, but at the end of it, straight ahead from them, was the beginning of a stone bridge. It was built into the mountain, and looked like a bridge that had been cut in half, leading only to the open sky.

In the center of the courtyard was a big pyre, surrounded by stone. It was burning, but slowly, as if the flames were lazy, ready to go out at any moment. Below them, they could see the landscape stretch out before them. With clouds hanging below them, and clouds passing above them.

They all took a moment to admire the view, when Granny Smith addressed them all. "Right, listen here youngin'. If this works, we won't have time for a prober goodbye, so better get it over with now." The mare smiled, but it was clear by her eyes she had dreaded this moment. If this worked, they would have to say goodbye, possibly for a very long time.

Bright Mac trotted up to his son, smiling like any proud father would. "Macintosh, you take care of your sisters now, you hear?"

"Eeyup." Macintosh replied, puffing his chest out a little.

"And you treat your marefriend right, and keep an eye on her. I feel like she had a habit of getting into trouble."

Macintosh chuckled, nodding. "I will do my best, pa."

"Good, good..." Mac nodded. He reached over with his foreleg, and pulled Macintosh into a a big fatherly hug. "I love you, son."

Granny Smith was looking Applejack over, mumbling to herself. "Well, if I remember correctly, Astral is a big stallion. So you better know how to handle yourself."

"Granny?"

Granny grinned. "Well, how else are you supposed to drag him back home if he makes trouble?" She laughed. "Go for the ear, it always worked on your grandpa."

Applejack shook her head, but smiled. "Granny, stop kidding around..."

Granny Smith chuckled. "Sorry, I just don't know when I have a chance to tease you again. Just watch out for yourself, and remember to listen to your heart. I feel you have some important choice to make, and it won't just concern yourself." She shivered. "I feel it in my bones." The two went silent for a few moments, when Granny Smith pulled her in. "Just be sure to take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will, Granny, I promise." Applejack replied, hugging her a bit tighter than she normally would. She could handle it now after all.

Pear Butter was holding a sniffling Apple Bloom in her hooves, stroking her red mane. "Shhh, it's going to be fine..." Pear Butter said in a gentle voice. "We'll see each other again one day."

"But that will be a long time..." Apple Bloom said into her mother's coat.

Pear Butter nodded. "I hope so." Apple Bloom pulled back a little, looking up at her mother with a confused expression. Pear Butter just chuckled, stroking her daughter's cheek. "I hope you have a long and happy life, Apple Bloom. I hope you get to have many more memories with your friends. You get to reach your dreams. Experience love, travel, see places, maybe start a family. I want you to get the most out of life before you end up here again. I want you to have no regrets. Promise me you will keep your smile, and live your life to the fullest way you see fit. Can you do that for me, Apple Bloom?"

Apple Bloom nodded. "I promise!"

Pear Butter smiled. "That's my girl. Just remember that mommy and daddy love you very much and we are very proud of you."

"I love you too, mommy!" Apple Bloom hugged her again, burying her face in her mother's coat.

For the next fifteen to twenty minutes, the Apple family took their time to say goodbye. There was so much to be said, and yet so little time. It was Apple Core who brought them back to the purpose, and he had Bright Mac help him with the sacks. They opened them, revealing piles of delicious looking apples.

"When we cast them into the fire, remember your purpose. Remember why you are here, pray." Apple Core said. "We'll soon find out if they are listening." He chuckled, then nodded to his son. The two stallions lifted the sacks, and poured the apples into the pyre.

Almost instantly the flames came back to life, as if the apples fueled the fire. Applejack hadn't been sure what she had expected burning apples to smell like, but the smell that came wasn't exactly what she had imagined. She could smell the orchard, the freshness of the apples, it was something she had smelled often enough to recognize.

Apple Core hummed, mumbling some words Applejack couldn't quite catch. However, seeing him stand close to the fire, eyes closed and head bowed, Applejack decided to do the same. She remembered Thor, she thought of the whole reason why she was here, why she needed to see him.

She had to see him, and without even realizing it, she let out a silent, "please..."

The flames seemed to grow for a moment, and then in an instant later, die completely. It was as if the flames rose, then were sucked into a pit, leaving nothing but ash and black pieces of wood behind. None spoke, and none dared to move. Then it happened, a gentle breeze blew from above, moving through their manes like a gentle stroke from one you love.

Apple Bloom was the first to see, and the first to speak. She looked to the half bridge. "Look!" They did, and their eyes widened in amazement.

Coming sailing towards them was the end of a massive rainbow. The end seemed to stream into existence like water, white mist appearing at its end. As if guided, the end touched the end of the stone bridge, making itself an extension of it. At this point the Apple Family were not the only ones standing and watching in awe, but several of the pegasi mares had come out to watch the rainbow bridge connect with the platform. Some knelt, whispering prayers, while others simply stood there, mouths open in shock.

Pear Butter stepped forward, turning to her children and Rainbow Dash. "I think this is it, you better get on before it vanishes..." Her eyes were full of tears, but she was still smiling. For one final time, the Apple family gathered around, and gave one final family embrace.

Then it was time, with Applejack at the head of the group, she was the first to try to set her hoof on the rainbow. Carefully she moved forward, reached out, and gently stepped down on the floating light. To her amazement, her hoof did not go through, she felt the light carry her hoof. Embolden, she took a leap of faith and stepped freely onto the rainbow bridge. There was a small gasp of anticipation from behind, but she did not fall.

Applejack looked around her in amazement. She was standing on pure light, it was shining and glittering, the colors seemed to move around her like water, as if she was walking on a waterfall without a current. She couldn't help but smile, and took a few more steps before turning around to face the others.

Rainbow was a bit more brave, if she fell she could spread her wings. She stayed close to Mac and Apple Bloom, ready to act if any of them should fall. However, just like with Applejack, none of them fell, and they were able to join Applejack on the bridge. Once they got over the initial shock, they all looked back towards the platform, seeing their family waving at them.

They waved back, calling out to them, but it was like their voice faded in the wind. A strange force seemed to draw them in, and as they started to walk, the platform started to vanish much faster than any of them expected. They seemed to travel for miles and miles with each step they took. The landscape below them changed frequently, they passed mountains, forest, rivers, and so much more until there was nothing around them but stars.

The rainbow they walked on was the only path for them, and as they trotted along it, the light from it moved around, almost like splashing water moving slower than time. The stars glittered beautifully, at times, it almost felt like they could reach out and touch them. Sometimes, it seemed the rainbow bridge would go on forever, leading them into an endless sea of stars.

They hadn't traveled for so long however before they saw something in the distance. A tower, a bright wooden tower, standing tall like a lighthouse in the distance. The closer they got, the bigger it seemed. Before they knew it they could see rocks, plants, they could feel an evening wind running through their coats.

And then they were there, their hooves touching another half bridge that seemed to lead onto the rainbow. They were no longer surrounded by a sea of stars, but instead a whole new world. They could not see far, as it was night time, but the tower they stood beside had such a glow, that it almost seemed to be a source of light.

Exhaustion took hold of them all. It felt like they had been walking for hours on end, even though they had just been standing with the others back in Midgard. Looking around, there was no one to greet them. But a voice did call out to them.

"So, you made it here. You continue to impress me... Welcome my friends, welcome to the land of wonder, land of the gods, to Asgard."

Author's Note

I´m sorry if my writing seems a little strange in this chapter. I am writing on a lap top, which is a first for me while writing stories on this site. So if something seems off, I am putting it down to that.

Not to mention my mind is a bit all over the place with everything going on around me right now. Still, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. :twilightsmile:

Chapter 9: Heimdall's Hall

"So, you made it here. You continue to impress me. Welcome my friends, welcome to the land of wonder, land of the gods, to Asgard."

The voice startled the entire group, despite their heavy legs, and exhausted minds, they became instantly alert. Applejack turned towards the source of the voice, and saw a tall white coated Pegasus. Muscular, but not overly so. There was an elegance to him.

His long blonde mane seemed to almost float, like Celestia's or Luna's back in Equestria. He wore a well trimmed beard, and his eyes were dark blue, and it seemed they were almost sparkling, as if starlight was hidden behind them.

He wore a light blue tunic, and had some light leather armor protecting vital areas, but other than that he was very lightly armored. A short sword hung at his right side, while on his back there was strapped a golden horn. It seemed well polished, shining almost.

He was very handsome, so much so neither Applejack nor Rainbow Dash could stop themselves from blushing a little. His smile was charming and gentle, and his eyes mysterious and kind. Applejack stepped forward, feeling responsible for the others.

"Uhm, howdy there. If you don't mind me asking, but did you say we were in Asgard?" She wasn't sure if she was addressing a god or not, so she did her best in being respectful. She knew it wasn't the same kind of respect she showed to Celestia, but she was tired, and it felt like she had been traveling for many many miles.

The Pegasus didn't seem to mind though. "Yes, I welcome you to Asgard, lady Applejack, as well as your companions. Macintosh, Rainbow Dash, and of course, Apple Bloom."

Applejack and looked at her companions, then back at the Pegasus. "How do you know our names?"

The stallion chuckled. "I've known of you ever since you sent Thor back to us, and watched you ever since. I am Heimdall, sentinel of the gods, I guard the Bifrost bridge."

His observant eyes moved over them, and he nodded. "It is a taxing thing to cross the Bifrost, even gods sometimes need rest when they cross it. Come inside, here you shall have a place to rest your hooves, your minds, and satisfy your appetites."

Applejack looked at the massive tower behind him, then out onto the landscape. She could not see far, but she knew Asgard was right there, waiting for her. Seeing her gaze, Heimdall let out another chuckle. "Tomorrow you will go to Valhalla, tonight you will rest. What you seek is not there, not yet."

She looked at him sharply, her mouth hanging open, she wanted to protest. However, a look to her companions told her as clear as day what the right choice was. Without arguing, she nodded. "Thank you kindly for your hospitality..."

Heimdall inclined his head, stepped aside, and as if on cue, the large gate opened up. He let them through a courtyard, and into his hall. Servants were trotting about, taking care of whatever tasks their lord had entrusted to them. Stepping into the hall, which was spacious, with several tables, and a long fire pit in the middle, they were met with a delicious smell of food.

The servants had prepared one of the tables for them, and the handsome god gestured for them to sit, which they happily did. As soon as they did, it felt like they would never be able to stand again, it felt like their hooves had been filled with lead, and their legs like they had been harvesting for an entire day.

Apple Bloom sat beside Applejack, while Mac and Dash sat opposite them. Heimdall however took the seat at the head of the table, his pleasant and gentle smile never wavering. As if on cue, the servants started to bring them their food, plates with all kinds of dishes.

Warm stew, fresh fruit, freshly baked bread, cool apple juice, and so much more. Seeing their hungry expressions, Heimdall let out a light chuckle, and gestured to the food. "Please do not hold back, eat and drink as much as you like."

Not needing him to tell him twice, they all started to fill their plates, while the servants filled their drinking horns, somehow knowing what each of them wanted. Rainbow downed her drink in one go, looking like she was about to melt with sheer satisfaction as she licked her lips.

"This must be the best cider I've EVER tasted!" She almost squealed, holding out the horn for one of the servants to refill it, which it promptly was.

For a while, nobody spoke, instead just enjoying the delicious meal, filling their bellies, and drowning their thirsts. It was only when the last traces of the food vanished from the plates that Macintosh looked to Heimdall and asked him.

"You have been watching us ever since we came to Midgard?"

Heimdall nodded. "Oh yes. I was amazed you made it here. Not that I ever doubted your will, but it isn't an easy feat to cross the great sea to get to Midgard, then to travel through the afterlife, only to then cross the Bifrost."

"Wait," Rainbow Dash cut in. "So if you knew we were here, couldn't you just have sent this rainbow bridge to where we started?"

Heimdall chuckled once again. "Even if I wanted to, the Allfather would not have allowed me to let you skip your trials."

"Does Thor know we're here?" Applejack asked, her voice lower than the others. Heimdall and the others looked at her. She looked tired, but hopeful. Heimdall's smile faded just a little, his eyes becoming more understanding than amused.

"No..."

"Why the hay not?!" Rainbow Dash asked, managing to summon a little bit of energy to be outraged.

"It isn't my place to say," Heimdall said. "My best guess would be if he knew, he would have gone to you, despite the Allfather's commands."

"So we're being tested," Mac stated, leaning forward a bit as he looked Heimdall straight in the eyes.

Heimdall favored him with a small nod. "I would say yes. No mortal has ever set their hooves in Asgard without proving their worth to Odin first. He has probably watched you this entire time too, probably more closely than me."

Dash let out a snort, crossing her forelegs as she did so. "Some test..." She mumbled.

Applejack let out a sigh. She wanted to ask more, but her mind was too tired, the food and the hot fire only making it worse. "Uhm, excuse me, mister." Apple Bloom suddenly said, drawing the attention of the handsome god.

"Yes, child?"

"I was just wondering, how come no one back home talks about you and the other gods?"

Heimdall chuckled again, his smile gentle and patient, but Applejack thought she could see a hint of sadness beneath it all. "It is a simple question, but the answer is long and complicated, but I would say it is the great passage of time that has made you all forget us. The distance between our worlds does not make it any easier either."

Applejack thought back on her dream, remembering the voices arguing about exactly this question. For a moment, she considered asking, but thought better of it, and decided to wait for now.

"It is late," Heimdall then said, bringing Applejack out of her thoughts. "You have traveled far, and you are all tired."

He gestured to the fire pit, which was only a pile of embers now, glowing so invitingly. Near it had been placed several soft looking blankets and pillows, looking so inviting to them all.

"You shall rest here tonight, and tomorrow you shall journey to Valhalla." All of them rose, and made their way to the blankets and pillows. Dash and Mac quickly snuggled up, while Apple Bloom and Applejack laid on the other side of the fire pit. "I shall tell you a story, to ease you into your sleep."

Heimdall's voice was so soothing. As they all got comfortable, and watched the embers of the fire, small flames started to dance around. The flames did not grow big, but enough that they could feel small waves of heat lick their faces. The light from the flames made the world around them almost vanish into darkness. As their eyes fixed on the dancing flames, that was now taking shape as Heimdall told his story.

"Mimir's well resides in Jotunheim, the land of the giants. The water of the well bubbles up from deep below the ground, and feeds Yggdrasill, the world tree. The wise Mimir knows many secrets, and is very wise. His well holds this same wisdom, and when the world was young he would drink from the well by using the Gjallarhorn. The same horn that I am now carrying."

"In a time when the worlds were in their infancy, Odin disguised himself as an old wanderer and traveled through the lands of the giants to get to Mimir, and seek the wisdom of his well."

The flames took shape, and it was like they could see everything he described in his story. Mimir, his well, and Odin coming to him wearing a cloak and an old hat.

"One drink from your well is all I ask, uncle Mimir. Said Odin, but Mimir only shook his head, as nobody drank from his well but he. My mother was your sister, tried Odin."

"This time Mimir spoke. That is not enough, nephew."

"Then name your price, Mimir. One drink from your well, it is all I ask. One drink, and I will be wise."

"Your eye is my price. Said Mimir, and Odin did not bother to ask if his uncle was joking. Your eye in the pool."

"Odin, having survived a long journey through the land of the giants, was willing to give more, and only said, give me a knife. And so it was, Odin cut his own eye out, and dropped it in the well. The eye stared back at him as it floated in those ancient waters."

They could see it. Odin bargaining with Mimir, cutting out his eyes, and dropping it in the water. For a moment, it was almost like they could hear the echoes from that fateful meeting.

"Filling the Gjallarhorn with the water from the well, Odin drank. The water was cold, but he did not stop until he was sure he had drunk every single drop."

"Odin could feel the wisdom flood into him. He could see better, farther, and clearer with his now one eye, and from then on, Odin the wisdom to rule Asgard, and look over the worlds. From then on, Odin was given new names. The blind god, the one eyed, and the flaming eyed one."

"Odin's eye remains in Mimir's well, even to this day. Still as fresh as the day he cut it out. It sees nothing, and yet sees everything..."

Applejack opened her eyes.

Her night had been peaceful, her sleep so deep no dreams could reach her. Now that she woke, she saw her companions, all still sleeping peacefully.

The sight made Applejack let out a long relaxed sigh, feeling as though her mind was clearer than it had ever been these past few days. Her mind was no longer heavy from the worries that had plagued her mind. They were no longer in a hurry, they had made it safely to Asgard, the hardest part was over.

Or was it..?

She hadn't seen Thor yet, and she could feel her heart flutter with both excitement and worry. What would react when he saw her? How would she?

Apple Bloom's stirring made her shake her head free from any such thoughts for now. Her younger sister stretched on the soft blankets, letting out a satisfied groan as she felt her limbs stretch. Slowly she opened her eyes, and as she sat up and yawned, she managed a weak, "good morning, sis."

Applejack smiled warmly at her sister. "Morning, Apple Bloom. Did you sleep well?"

"Mhm," she nodded, yawning once more before she gave a half tired smile. "Don't think I ever slept that deeply before."

Now that Applejack thought about it, she felt she had just woken up just after the apple bucking season, allowing her to sleep in. Looking over at their brother, who was holding Rainbow Dash close, she could tell it was the same for him, and for Dash.

"Looks like we ain't the only ones enjoying a good sleep." Applejack chuckled and got up.

The large hall was much brighter now. Far above them sunlight came through several shudders that had been opened. At the other end of the large hall, there was a group of servant mares sweeping the floor, talking excitedly.

At one of the long tables, the end nearest them, had been placed a large breakfast. Applejack could smell the freshly baked bread, and see the fresh butter, cheese, jam, and apples. Just seeing it made her stomach rumble, apparently loud enough to make Rainbow snow awake.

"Uwh.. Wha..? Time for breakfast...?" She mumbled, sitting up, her mane a mess, drool hanging from her lips as her mind slowly came around.

Mac grunted, then sat up as well. He was still tired Applejack saw, but he was better at quickly gaining his wits. He looked at both his sisters and nodded. "Morning," he said in greeting.

"Morning, Big Mac." Applejack greeted back, and stretched. "And morning to you too, Dash."

"Mmmr-meh..." Rainbow mumbled, yawning as she trotted towards the table with the food.

"I see you are awake." The warm and almost elegant voice of Heimdall said. All of them looked towards Heimdall, who was coming in through the main door to the hall. He smiled at them, "I trust you're all well rested?"

"Yes, thank you." Mac answered, standing up and bowed his head to you. "It's mighty kind of you to help us."

Heimdall shook his head. "It is only right. You passed your trials, and crossed the Bifrost, which is no easy feat for mortals." He took a few steps closer, and gestured to the end of the long table where the food was. "Please help yourself. You have a long day ahead I'm sure."

Applejack perked up, and couldn't help but smile. "So we can continue to Valhalla?" she couldn't help feeling eager. Everything they had done had led up to this.

Heimdall nodded. "Of course. For now, eat your breakfast. I've brought someone who will take you to Odin, and to see Thor."

They all suddenly noticed a teenage colt around Apple Bloom's age, step out from behind the tall Heimdall. He sent them all a friendly smile. "Well met, everypony. I am Baldur, son of Odin, brother to Thor. Heimdall thought you could use a guide." His smile became a friendly and excited grin.

Beside her, Applejack felt Apple Bloom stir. Glancing down at her sister, she thought she noticed the teenage filly blush.

Author's Note

Sorry for the short chapter, but I didn't want this to be linked to another chapter, and I wanted to keep this section to itself.

I wanted it to be longer, but I struggled for a while, and while I knew what I wanted, I just couldn't justify to stretch it out without it seeming too much.

Anyway, I hope you still enjoyed it. :)