A Balance of Fire and Light

“Awful nice to be back.” Applejack commented as she walked through the hallway of Twilight's Castle, the early morning sunlight shining in brightly through the open windows. She took a deep breath as a breeze wafted in, enjoying the familiar smells with a wide smile.

“It's surprising just how much you can miss home once you realize you're on a completely different planet.” Starlight added.

“Oh, hi everypony.” Spike casually said as he walked out of a nearby door. “I thought you were going to be away longer.”

“We asked James to bring us back earlier so we wouldn't miss anything important,” Twilight explained, her mind drifting slightly as she thought about the letter she'd received just before leaving. “We didn't miss anything important, did we?” She quickly asked, her tone shifting as her anxiety bubbled to the surface.

“Oh, nothing.” Spike answered, backing slightly towards the door, clearly trying to block it.

Twilight watched Spike shuffle uncomfortably before moving him out of the way with her magic. “What happened Spike?”

“Nothing!” Spike stammered, clearly lying.

The door opened, revealing the fantastical realm that Discord had clearly created – a vibrant landscape of vivid colors and impossible geometry. Twilight suppressed a chuckle as she smirked at what was obviously the setting for a game of O&O. “Guys night?

“Guys week.” Discord corrected as he emerged dramatically from a nearby potted plant, bowl of orange juice soaked cereal in claw.

“Week? You've been playing all week?” Starlight asked, astonished.

“That sounds so fun!” Pinkie said with a mixture of jealousy and excitement.

“We were going to play longer, but now that we don't have the castle to ourselves …” Discord said, sipping directly from the bowl.

“Oh, well you can finish up your game.” Twilight said, her mind set on her office at the school where the first letter had been found. “I should take a walk around Ponyville anyway.”

“Is Big Mac with y'all?” Applejack asked, “James did say he'd be part of the next group. After he spends some time with his family that is.”

Discord waved his claw dismissively in the air, his cereal bowl disappearing as he did, “No, Sir McBiggin only joined us for one night. Apparently his wife couldn't do without him for a few days.”

“His wife and the farm, Discord.” Applejack commented. “Without me there it's just him, Granny, and Apple Bloom. Sugar Belle ain't been there long enough to pick up that kind of slack.”

“Speaking of which, I should get Sweetie Belle ready.” Rarity commented, trotting forward as Applejack and Discord spoke. “I do hope she doesn't have to go through what we did while we were there.”

“Duh.” Rainbow Dash said with a grin as she hovered in the air, “We took down that whole guild and Twilight just made peace with those Shishi guys.”

The talk of Twilight making peace caught Discord's attention as she slithered up behind her. “Ooh, did you actually take charge and do something as Princess? All on your own?” His voice was smooth, almost challenging Twilight to answer.

Twilight couldn't quite tell if the sinister tinge to his voice was intentional, but she had no reason to hide this, even from him. “Uhm – no.” Twilight hesitantly said, “I was asked to be at the peace talks, I didn't actually do that much.”

Discord gave an interested hum, “Are you sure about that? Maybe you were more important than you realize.” Discord asked, his tone even more sinister than before.

“Discord,” Fluttershy calmly said, immediately drawing his attention, “Why don't you go finish your game with Spike and you can tell me about it at tea later. I really missed our tea parties while I was away.”

Discord's entire presence changed as he gave an excited smile, snapping as a day planner appeared in front of him. “Well, I did have that appointment with the Smooze,” He tutted before eagerly scribbling it out with a peacock quill. “But somethings have to take priority.” He continued to draw in the planner for several seconds, before folding up the quill and throwing the planner away. “There we go, I have us down for the usual time. See you then.” Discord gave a friendly wave to Fluttershy as he walked into the room being used for his game.

***

“Now be sure to listen to Big Mac while you're gone,” Applejack said as Apple Bloom fidgeted with a sack of bows on her dresser. “And don't forget yer bows, I know it seemed like I was only gone a week, but it was a lot longer.”

“Applejack.” Apple Bloom groaned, rolling her eyes. “I've got 'til Monday to pack! I'll be fine.”

“That's right, you've only got three days to pack for more than a month. Now James wouldn't let you go without, but we don't want to take advantage of his good nature.”

Apple Bloom's jaw dropped. “A whole month away from Ponyville?!”

“More than a month,” Applejack corrected. “And there's no jumping on a train to come home, either. When you're out there, you stick to Big Mac and Sugar Belle, no wandering off –“ She stopped mid-sentence as she noticed Apple Bloom's far away look. “You alright, Sugar Cube?”

A giant grin spread across Apple Bloom's face. “I'm going where nopony's gone before!” She squealed, bouncing around her room until she landed in her half packed suitcase.

Applejack chuckled at her sister's excitement. “Not quite. My friends and I just came from out there.”

“Almost nopony.” Apple Bloom happily amended, her eyes shining. “Do you think there'll be cutie mark problems for the Crusaders?”

“I didn't see any other ponies around.”

“Oh.” Apple Bloom's face fell briefly before determination returned. “Well I guess we'll just have to find other problems to solve.”

Applejack's tone grew serious. “Now listen here Apple Bloom. Problems out there ain't like what you're used to. I don't want you sticking yer muzzle where it don't belong – it can get real dangerous out there.”

Apple Bloom sighed, flopping onto her bed. “Fine.”

“Good.” Applejack turned towards the door. “Now get to packing. I'm gonna check on Granny.”

Applejack wasn't surprised to find her grandmother sitting in her favorite rocking chair looking over the farm.

Applejack stopped beside the rocking chair, patiently asking Granny Smith. “Don't you think you should be getting ready, Granny?”

“Getting ready for what? Big Mac and Apple Bloom goin' away fer a while? I figure we're ready enough for that.”

Applejack laughed, and shook her head. “Well, yer goin' with them.”

Granny Smith huffed at the suggestion. “Now why in Equestria would I do that? Outer space, other worlds? That's no place for an old mare like me. Nope, I'm plannin' on staying right here on the farm.”

“Granny, it's just a little doctor visit. And it's gonna …” Applejack said before Granny cut her off.

“I know what it's gonna do, Applejack. James did a fine job explainin' it to me. It's just not fer an old mare like meself.”

“What in tarnation are you talkin' about? It's gonna help you …” Once again Applejack wasn't allowed to finish her thought before Granny Smith cut her off.

“Aw heck, Applejack, I've been around a long time already. I was there when Ponyville was founded, I helped build this farm up from nothin. I've watched you and Big Mac grow into fine ponies anypony would be proud to call their grandfoals.”

“Exactly. Which is why …”

“And I buried my son out there – yer mother too. Nopony should have to see their own child in a coffin. And if I live too much longer I'll be burying my sisters, cousins, and their foals by doin' this procedure you're askin' of me.” Granny Smith stared off into the distance, her eyes watering as she thought of a future that just continued indefinitely. “I don't want to bury my whole family, Applejack.”

Applejack stood silent as the implications of her procedure started to sink in. The only company for her thoughts was the slow steady creak of Granny Smith's chair as she rocked.

“Now don't go fretting, Applejack.” Granny Smith said with a smile as she wiped her eyes, “You've got a long life ahead of you yet. And you'll still have Big Mac, Apple Bloom and yer friends. It's not everypony, but that was always going to be the way of it. And I know you'll remember those of us who ain't there no more.”

Swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat, Applejack spoke with a feint quiver in her voice. “I don't want to lose you Granny.”

“I know, but it was always gonna happen some day.” Granny Smith said as she stopped rocking and gently placed her hoof on Applejack's back. “'Course, I don't plan on that being any day soon. I still got more hiss and spit in me than a sack of wet cats.” With a cackle, she got out of her chair and began walking towards the door. As she passed Applejack, she added with a sly grin, “Sides, somepony's gotta keep an eye on the farm while y'all go gallivanting off to Celestia-knows-where. I don't think I trust Winona to run the place just yet.”

Applejack chuckled despite the tightness in her throat. “Well, you just tell me if she needs any help.”

Granny Smith gave a wink. “Now don't worry Applejack, I'll be here for a while yet with a fresh apple pie waiting for you. Now we've got ourselves some chores to do while yer brother and sister pack.”

***

Twilight sat at the epicenter of the wreckage that was her office. Books were strewn about carelessly, papers littered the floor, furniture was overturned. The only part that appeared untouched was where Twilight sat along with the cryptic letter she had received.

Twilight herself didn't look much better, her mane was disheveled with several sticky notes plastered to her. Not that she noticed, her mind was focused on the cryptic letter like an itch she just couldn't scratch.

Without so much as a knock Starlight opened the door to the office and stepped inside, the door brushing away several books as it swung open. “I thought you'd be in – woah.”

She took a moment to stare in astonishment at the chaos that had overtaken the room. “Did you at least find what you were looking for?”

Twilight sighed as she shook her head. “No. I thought that there might be some hint about who left this letter, but I can't find anything.”

“Do you think that it might have been delivered magically?”

“It's the only option left, I think.” Twilight said, magically lifting the letter off the ground and examining it once more before a memory hit her. “Starlight! You could use that spell you used to find Lina to find who sent this letter!”

Starlight took a step back as Twilight turned to her. “Woah! The scrying spell doesn't work like that. First I have to know something about who it is I'm looking for, and second; that letter's been in your possession longer than whomever wrote it. It's yours, and I can't use your letter to find somepony else. Besides, don't you have a spell of recall?”

“You wouldn't believe how useless that spell is.” Twilight groaned.

“Well, I hate to say it but that leaves us where we were before. We just have to wait for another letter, if one even comes.”

Twilight tossed the letter at her overturned desk as she slumped down once again.

Starlight stepped closer to Twilight and gave a sympathetic smile. “Hey, at least you were able to figure out it was magically delivered.”

“I guess that does mean it had to be delivered by a unicorn.” Twilight said with a shrug.

“That already rules out two thirds of ponies, so it's not like you didn't figure anything out. Now come on, I'll help you get this cleaned up.” Starlight offered as she magically lifted a stack of books. “And after you should stop by Sugar Cube Corner for a treat.”

Twilight nodded, smiling at the thought of visiting the Cakes and their confections. “Yeah, and it wouldn't hurt to have a distraction either. Did you want to come?”

“Oh, I was going to visit Maude. It may have only been a week for her, but I haven't seen her in at least a month.”

Despite the chaos Twilight had caused, her office was cleaned almost as quickly and she soon found herself walking towards Sugar Cube Corner.

“Hi Twilight!” Lyra happily said as she waved to Twilight. “We need to have dinner again. No need to brings drinks this time, but you know Bonbon and I won't complain if you do.” Lyra suggested with a wink.

Twilight caught herself chuckling at the memory of her last dinner with the couple, even seriously considering the suggestion. “I'll have to check my schedule, but that sounds like fun.”

Lyra smiled as she continued to walk past. “I'll go tell Bonbon and we can start planning. Just let us know when a good day would be.”

Twilight felt comfortable as she walked around the familiar streets of her home of Ponyville, past Roseluck as she Lilly Valley, and Daisy tended to their flower stall. She waved at Berryshine who was examining a large cask too closely to notice the greeting.

Strawberry Sunshine flew past Cinnamon Sticks with her groceries. Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara ran around playing with each other.

As Twilight walked, the comfort was slowly replaced by curiosity. She stopped a moment, examining the market stalls and taking note of the ponies both buying and selling. Everything looked normal, but she couldn't help but notice how few stallions there seemed to be.

Remembering her brother's fondness for hoofball she figured that there must be a game going on somewhere that most of the stallions were absorbed either playing or watching. With a shrug and an amused chuckle she soon found herself walking into Sugar Cube corner.

Twilight smiled as she entered, the warm sweet air practically beckoning her inside with the their enticing smell. The chatter of ponies and happy décor a welcoming invitation since her return from the Galactic Academy.

“Oh hello, Twilight, dear.” Mrs. Cake greeter her warmly from behind the counter. “What can I get for you today?”

“I don't know – it's all so good.” Twilight said, her eyes drifting over the treats. “I think I'll need a minute to decide.”

“Take your time, dear.”

Twilight's gaze wandered to the colorful display case, but her thoughts soon began to drift. “How have things been? I know how much Pinkie helps out, so was everything alright?”

Mrs. Cake laughed lightly, “That's sweet of you to ask, but we managed. Actually, Pinkie just left to do some deliveries for us.”

As if on cue, Pinkie bounced through the door. “I'm ba-a-a-ack!” she sang triumphantly before she hopped over to the counter.

Mrs. Cake blinked in surprise. “You're done already?!” she sputtered.

“Yep yep.” Pinkie excitedly said. “Lyra and Bonbon's cupcakes, Derpy's muffins, Roma's cookies, a cake for Doctor Whooves, two cakes and a dozen cupcakes for Aloha, birthday cupcakes for Cheerilee,” Pinkie rushed over to Twilight and whispered as though she were sharing a secret, “It's Archer's birthday tomorrow.” Pinkie turned back to Mrs. Cake and smiled as she finished the list, “And of course the cake for Flitter and Cloud Chaser.”

Mrs. Cake stood astonished as she heard Pinkie rattle off the list. “You were only gone ten minutes!”

“Yeah, I took a minute to say hi to Maude before I came back.”

Mrs. Cake, still trying to understand how Pinkie accomplished the deliveries so quickly, stood silent as she considered where every delivery was supposed to go.

Twilight chuckled, but hesitated as a thought crossed her mind. “Oh, Pinkie, while you were out did you see any kind of hoofball game or event like that going on? I couldn't help but notice there seemed to be fewer stallions out while I was walking here.”

Pinkie sat and tapped her chin with her hoof as she thought. “No, not that I saw … Ooh! Gimme a second!”

Like a shot, Pinkie rushed to the dutch door and began excitedly looking up and down the streets she could see. “Okay, there's Dr. Fauna, Junebug, Burnt Oak, Mayor Mare, Cinnamon Chai,” She gasped dramatically before continuing, “Bulk Biceps, Zipporwhill, – oh, Ms. Harshwhinney is in town! And Shimmy Shake, and Spoiled Milk.” Pinkie then turned back from the door and finished her list, “And of course, you and the Cakes! … Yep, everything looks normal to me.”

“Really,” Twilight quietly said as she considered Pinkie's assessment. “Huh, I guess it must have been my imagination. I probably just need a snack to clear my head.”

“Ooh! You should definitely try the Double Frosting Brookie-Cupcake Surprise!” Pinkie announced before once again whispering to Twilight. “The surprise is extra frosting!”

Twilight couldn't help but chuckle at her friend before accepting the recommendation. If it is nothing, then why can't I stop thinking about it?