Living in a time of Autumn

Chapter 4.

Eating a quick lunch, Applejack and Apple Bloom returned to the forest to continue their exploration. This time, they followed the stream of water flowing. “Too bad its not warmer, then we could go in for a dip. I always loved jumping off the waterfall during the summer. Maybe when it’s spring, we can go for a swim. But that’s not why I brought you along” Said Apple Bloom.

“That sounds like fun. Too bad its Autumn.” Said, remembering the season Applejack.

“Anyway, we are here.” Said Apple Bloom. Together they climbed down and made their way towards the bottom of the waterfall. Climbing down was even more difficult for Applejack, as she didn’t know how much upper body strength this form had, and she had never tried balancing on her front arms. Apple Bloom reached the bottom first and helped her sister down.

“It can get super slippery during the rainy season, so you will have to be careful not to fall as we climb.” Said Apple Bloom.

“Thanks.” Replied Applejack.

Reaching the bottom, they both shuffled around to the other side of the waterfall. Reversing their course, Apple Bloom started to climb up the side of the waterfall. Applejack was a little more anxious of climbing up, rather than climbing down. Eventually Apple Bloom reached the point of wherever she was going and passed through the vines that were growing in the middle of the rocks.

Sticking her head out again, Apple Bloom encouraged Applejack to climb up. Finally finding the courage, Applejack attempted the climb. It was much harder to climb upward then downward. She had a much higher fear of falling now, than she did when she was coming down.

Getting closer to her goal, Applejack was just about to hoist herself up and over when one of the rocks below her gave way. Letting out a short shriek, she lost her footing and nearly fell all the way back onto hard stone when a hand shot out and grasped her arm. “I got ya Applejack.” Said Apple Bloom. She then quickly grabbed Applejack’s other arm and helped her up over and into the cave.

“Thanks, I guess I am not as good at climbing as you are.” Said Applejack out of breath.

“It’s all good Applejack. Anyway, here is the cave that I wanted to show you. It’s a shrine I made for Big Mcintosh.” Said Apple Bloom. “I know it’s been two years since the car accident, but I still miss him.”

“Oh yeah. It’s been pretty sad since he’s been gone.” Said Applejack remembering what Twilight said about going along.

“Yeah, everyone has their coping mechanisms, right? I built this because he was so smart about nature. He and I would go exploring for hours on end. We used to have some of the best adventures. I really miss him.” Said Apple Bloom, tears coming to her eyes.

“Hey, it’s OK. You still have me, right? Bad things happen in our past, we lose loved ones, but we have to move on.” Said Applejack comfortingly.

“When did you grow up so fast Applejack.” Sniffled Apple Bloom.

“We all have to grow up eventually. But that doesn’t mean we can’t forget about our past. Don’t be sad because he’s gone, be happy he was here, and you gotta grow up with him.” Said Applejack.

“Your right, maybe I should put away my childish things, and move on. Thanks Applejack.” Said Apple Bloom.

The two of them just stared out of the hole that was the cave. Watching the sun slowly lower in the sky. “You know, your brother had the most creative mind of us all. Me and him used to sit here, talking for hours about our lives, and what we would grow up to be. We used to think about some of the craziest and coolest stuff here.” Said Apple Bloom.

“That’s cool, what did he think about it?” Said Applejack.

“He used to fantasize that this waterfall was a gateway into another world. A world of magic and friendship. A world of dastardly villains and fantastical power. Beings that could control the sun and moon.” Said Apple Bloom.

“Interesting. That sounds like fun, at least that world does.” Said Applejack.

“If only it was real, and this world was fake. I would love to live in a world of magic and fantasy.” Said Apple Bloom.

“Do you believe that magic is real?” Asked Applejack.

“I mean, I know magic isn’t real, but it would be pretty cool if it was. Think of all the cool things we could do with magic!” Said Apple Bloom.

“Oh, that’s cool.” Said Applejack.

“Cheer up Applejack, real life is way cooler than any fantasy you can create. You can fall in love, have a loving husband. Start a family of your own. The world is your oyster.” Said Apple Bloom.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Said Applejack.

“Well, I guess you are right. We should put the past behind us. Come on, it’s getting late and we need to set up camp.” Said Apple Bloom. Climbing down again, Applejack was more careful of where she would put her feet this time. Getting down safely, Applejack helped her sister down.

They eventually made their way back up the waterfall and trudged back home. As they were heading back, Applejack thought about all the things that Apple Bloom said. Whatever world Twilight had made was fantastic, but it was too realistic. Applejack was never a great philosopher, so when she thought, this place seemed like a real life. The thoughts and experiences of these creatures was gripping. She also came to the realization that if she spent enough time here, she would lose herself in this world.

Coming to this conclusion, Applejack had to continually remind herself that this wasn’t real. It was just some figment of Twilight’s imagination gone crazy. Yet, the experiences she had, when all five of her senses were used, Applejack found that she enjoyed it. The freshness of a world so foreign, yet so set in real experiences was gripping. If she were to continue into this, she would either go mad, or grow to live in this wonderfully beautiful world.

Eventually, Applejack’s train of thought got derailed when they arrived back at their little house. Before entering, Applejack took a good look at the humble abode she, or at least these creatures, called home. It was a nice cabin structure with a brick chimney with a steady stream of smoke coming out. Not wanting to have everyone waiting on her, Applejack quickly went inside to eat the prepared meal.