Author's Note
Hello again! This story takes place sometime during Season 3 of Friendship is Magic. This story is a sequel to my previous stories, "Royal-Tea for Two," "A Shallow Pool," and "The Worst Night Ever," so I would highly recommend checking those out first. The human in this story is the same as in those stories, AKA you, though this time the story is told from Twilight's perspective. As always, I appreciate any and all feedback!
One Tree Orchard
One Tree Orchard
“What do you mean no one has seen them?!”
“I mean that no one knows where they are! Nopony has seen them all day! I asked pretty much everyone in town. They never went to any stores, never visited any of our friends, they aren’t in their room, and I even sent a letter to Princess Celestia and she hasn’t seen them either! I don’t know where else to look, Twilight!”
My name is Twilight Sparkle. I’m the top student of Princess Celestia, and I’m currently living in the Golden Oak Library in Ponyville studying the magic of friendship. Unfortunately, I might not be fulfilling that role very well today. You see, two of my closest friends live in the library with me. One is Spike, my personal assistant and confidant, who also happens to be a baby dragon. I also may or may not be having a slight argument with him right now. The other is my newest friend, a human who appeared in Equestria in a freak accident some months ago. They gave everypony a real scare, being the first and only human on our planet as far as we know, but Princess Celestia gave them a chance and arranged to have them live with Spike and I while they adjust to their new life. This turned out to be a good call on her part, as they are not only a wonderful friend, but they also helped save Equestria from a terrible beast! They’ve really made a name for themself since, getting a job, making friends, and between you and I, I think they have something going on with the Princess.
Despite this adjustment, I have taken it upon myself to watch over them. For all intents and purposes, they ARE an alien, and they seem to get hit with culture shock fairly regularly. Most recently, the Running of the Leaves really got them confused. Apparently, in the human world, the weather controls itself, the sun and the moon don’t have to be raised magically, and even the seasons change all on their own. Thankfully, they have me to educate them on our “foreign” ways, and I generally make it a point to look after them in general. Today, however, I have failed. They have gone missing. They woke up for breakfast as they usually do, but right when I stopped paying attention, they just... disappeared. As far as I’m concerned, the worst-case scenario may as well have already occurred.
“What if they got themself lost? What if some unseen villain got to them? What if another magical surge happened and they’re gone from Equestria forever?!”
“Twilight, try to calm down! For one thing, they’ve been living here for months, they certainly know their way around by now. Even if some 'villain' decided to show up, let’s not forget that they’re just as capable as us at defending themself, if not more, especially with all the magic lessons you’ve been giving them. And come on, you know that the odds of a magic surge happening in the first place are so astronomically low that it may as well be impossible, especially for it to have the same effect on the same creature as it did the first time.”
“That’s just it, Spike! ‘It may as well be impossible’ and ‘impossible’ are two different things! And I’ve been keeping a close eye on their progress, while they are definitely improving, their magic isn’t nearly reliable enough for any form of self-defense!”
“Come on, Twilight, don’t you trust them by now?”
“I…” Well, he’s got me there.
“You can’t keep babying them. They’re a grown adult, they can take care of themself.”
Just as I’ve been practicing, I took a deep breath. In... and out.
"You're right. But I'm still worried. Ponies don't just disappear like that."
"Well, what other possibilities are there?"
"Okay, how about this, then? Let's assume the worst has not happened. You said nopony has seen them, correct?"
"Well I can't say I asked literally everypony in Ponyville, but at the very least, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and even Pinkie said they haven't seen them, nor has anypony in the market or the other ponies I spoke to."
"If even Pinkie hasn't seen them there might actually be some trouble. If they didn't go towards the market, they either went towards the Apples' farm or the outskirts of town, over by the train station, the Everfree Forest and Fluttershy's cottage."
"I already asked Big Mac and Granny Smith, and they obviously said they haven't seen them either, and as I said earlier, Fluttershy said the same thing."
"Then we can assume that they didn't go towards the Apples' farm at all and that they at least didn't make it to the cottage, either... You don't think they got on the train, do you?"
"Where would they go? Can't they just teleport to Canterlot now?"
"I'm not sure, but it can't hurt to at least check it out. Let's go, Spike!"
I quickly gathered up my saddlebag and levitated Spike onto my back. He adjusted himself to get comfortable as I jogged out of the library. Let's hope I'm right about this, this could be life or death and oh I think I forgot to lock the door hold on.
The jog to the train station was uneventful. For a late autumn day, it is quite warm. I can feel the sweat beginning to collect under my bangs and the dragon on my back isn't doing me any favors, but that's the least of my concerns right about now. I can see why, even in spite of being a tall human, nopony has seen them. After all, there are very few ponies outside today.
"Finally, the platform. Let's ask the ticket seller if he's seen anything."
I walked up to the usual train ticket booth, and the hardworking stallion greeted me with a tired smile.
"Ah, Twilight Sparkle! How can I help you today?"
"Hello! I'm sorry, but I won't be purchasing a ticket today, I was actually looking for someone. Have you seen a human walk by here recently?"
"A... human? Are you referring to that ape-looking creature that moved into town?"
"Yes, that's exactly who I'm talking about!"
"Well I certainly did. They walked right into the Everfree Forest, they did. I tried calling out to them but they didn't so much as glance in my direction. I figured they were out there on your behalf or something, but judging by how increasingly worried you're looking as I'm talking, I'm guessing that's not the case. I sure hope they're alright."
Oh no. Oh no oh no oh no. The Everfree Forest is possibly the most dangerous and scary place in Equestria! Tons of ravenous creatures live in there! Even the flora can be dangerous, just by walking through it! The weather CONTROLS ITSELF! That's not natural!
"Come on Spike, we have no time to lose! Who knows what kind of danger they might be in!"
"This time, I actually agree with you. I think it's officially time to start worrying."
"We'll head to Zecora's and ask if she's seen them. If we're lucky, they haven't made it very far."
It's a little past noon, and they've been missing for the better part of four hours now. I just hope we aren't too late. At the very least, the path into the Everfree Forest is safe, at least compared to the rest of it. The path eventually leads to the Castle of the Two Sisters where my friends and I first united and defeated Nightmare Moon, though there is a side path that leads to Zecora's hut in the middle of the forest. She's very in-tune with this section of the forest, so I can only hope that she will be able to help us.
It takes about twenty minutes to reach Zecora's hut, even when jogging. Climbing over fallen logs and avoiding Poison Joke plants tends to slow a pony down, and the dragon passenger doesn't help either. Finally, however, we have reached the cottage. I can only try to steady my shaking hoof as I reach out to knock on the wooden door.
Thankfully, the door creaks open, and a friendly striped face greets me. Zecora is a zebra that once freaked out Ponyville. She's actually very nice and is extremely intelligent when it comes to medicines as well as the arcane, though her manner of speech can be a bit odd.
"Ah, dearest Twilight and Spike, how do you do? Not well, judging by the look of you."
Spike actually managed to speak up before I did.
"Hey, Zecora. Sorry, but we're kind of in a hurry. Did you happen to see a human pass through here lately? You know, kind of tall, furless, bipedal?"
Zecora glanced to the side and actually looked a bit conflicted. She thought for a moment before she met my gaze once more, visibly worried about something.
"Yes, your human compatriot, I did see. Though if I were you, I would leave them be."
That's a bit worrying, but at least we know that they're okay!
"So you DID see them! That's very relieving, actually. That said... why shouldn't we see them?"
She hesitated once more. It seems like she's torn about whether or not to say something to us.
"Come here before, the human has. Truly, they are a great friend to have. But pleasant visits are fairly rare, for your friend is seeking emotional care."
Once again, Spike got a few words in before me.
"Emotional care? Like, a therapist or something? I didn't know there was anything wrong with them."
Neither did I. Oh, I hope they're okay. Zecora continued to hesitate, before looking a bit more determined. I guess she made up her mind about what she wants to do.
"Ask them yourselves, I must implore. I do not wish to keep secrets anymore. Perhaps when they see you they will share what's on their mind, but until then, do your best to be kind."
That doesn't sound good. Is it our fault that they're upset? Is it MY fault that they're upset? I attempt my breathing exercise once more, but I'm finding it hard to keep my breaths steady right now.
Zecora pointed us where to go. A small trail leading from the back of her hut will apparently lead right to them. At the very least, we know that they're not missing. We thanked Zecora and started walking down the trail. It was a bit more overgrown than the main trail, but it was still clear enough to navigate, likely from frequent use by Zecora (and, apparently, our resident human). Innumerable trees and thick branches shrouded the path in darkness, with only the smallest slits and gaps in the canopy allowing sunlight to show our way through. To be safe, I cast an illumination spell as we walked. For what it's worth, the forest is beautiful this time of year. The leaves are many different hues of yellows, reds, oranges, and browns. Several fall to the ground when the wind begins to pick up. If it wasn't so dangerous through here I might consider making this a regular hiking spot.
After a solid ten minutes of walking, the trees suddenly stopped. A circular clearing lay before us, a good hundred or so feet in diameter. In the center stood a marvelous tree. The trunk seemed to twist around itself as it stretched to the sky. The bark was a light brown, but it looked fairly smooth to the touch. A couple of thin vines wrapped around the trunk all the way to the branches, which did not start until about three-quarters of the way up the tree. Despite the season, the leaves were still a bright, vivid green. The tree stood about seventy-five feet tall, but the most incredible part was the fruit. Specifically, the variety of fruit. Hanging from the branches were apples, peaches, pears, oranges, cherries, lemons, you name it. Along the vines grew several large bunches of grapes, both green and purple in color. At the base of the tree, watermelons and pumpkins seemed to be blooming, and next to those, sitting with their legs crossed and their back hunched forward, is our "missing person." They seem to be staring quite intently at the base of the tree, and apparently they haven't noticed us yet. I drop the illumination spell and Spike hops off of my back with a little grunt. I notice our human friend's head turn quickly, and just as quickly they are on their feet. They reach one hand into a pocket and quickly point that same hand at us. It took me a moment to realize what had happened, but the reflective glint from the sunlight made it clear.
They brandished a knife, and it is pointed right at us.
My jaw drops and I want to say something, anything, but nothing comes out. Thankfully, their frightened look turns to one of ease, and they put the knife back in their pocket.
"Twilight? Spike? Uh, sorry about that. You can't be too careful in these parts."
Their voice is trembling. We walk forward to meet them. Their eyes are only half opened, and they seem a bit red. Have they been crying? I guess we're about to find out. I don't want to push them too hard, but the time for questions is now.
"I'm sorry we spooked you, but we had no idea where you went! We thought the worst had happened to you, and then Zecora was being a bit cryptic about how you were doing, and I just wanted to know that you were okay!"
They gave me a confused look before speaking again.
"Well, I think Zecora took it upon herself to be cryptic about me, but I don't know why you were so scared. Didn't you see the note I left on your desk?"
The what now? The note on my desk? There wasn't a... huh. I guess I never actually thought to look in MY room. For whatever reason, they never really go up there. If I had to guess, I'd say they're trying to respect my privacy, but that's just speculation on my part. They seem particular about others not entering their room without any warning, so I imagine they're just trying to give me the same courtesy. Regardless, no, I did NOT see the note. Oops.
Spike, cut it with the look. Staring at me like that won't change anything.
"No, I, uh, didn't think to check in my room. But, since we're already here... would you mind telling us what's going on?"
They let out a deep sigh before slowly turning around to face the tree once more. They take a few steps toward the tree and motion for us to follow. We oblige until the three of us are right below it. Spike and I both look at them as we wait for them to start speaking. It was a few seconds of silence before they sighed once more. They closed their eyes before finally speaking up, a single tear dripping down their cheek. When they did speak, it was barely audible.
"Can... can you get rid of it?" They reached out to touch the tree. "The tree, I mean."
"I'm sorry, what do you mean?"
"With, like, a spell or something. This tree doesn't belong here. It shouldn't exist in the first place."
"Well, I guess I MIGHT be able to. But more importantly, why? What are you talking about? What is it?"
Another sigh. "I... made this tree. But not on purpose. I tried to get rid of it, but I don't think my magic is strong enough. My... my magic pool isn't big enough yet."
Spike spoke up this time. "Wait wait wait, you MADE this tree? But I thought your magic was still weak! I don't even think Twilight can do something like this! And why would you want to get rid of it? Look at all of the different fruit! It's incredible!"
"The 'incredible' belongs in Ponyville, not here!" Oh dear. They kind of snapped at Spike there, but they still haven't really said what's got them so upset! They took a deep breath, just like I do when I'm nervous. I'm glad they're picking up some of my healthier habits, at least. "Um, sorry for raising my voice. It's just that the Everfree Forest is supposed to be, well, 'free.' This place doesn't abide by Equestria's rules. Nobody needs to move the clouds, nobody needs to change the weather, nobody needs to go for a run to make the darn leaves fall. It's just nature. And this tree goes against all of that. This was made using magic. It's not even a real species of tree! I'd be excited if this was anywhere else, but not here. And to be honest, I'm not really sure HOW I made it."
"I guess I see where you're coming from, but why do you care so much? What does it matter if this tree is here?"
The tears continue to flow from their eyes. Not quite enough for them to be bawling or anything, but enough for their voice to be a bit raspy.
"I've been coming here for a while. To meditate, I guess. After you brought me to come see Zecora some months ago I realized how much I like it here. Don't get me wrong, Equestria is a wonderful place, but the Everfree Forest? It actually feels like home. I know you all think it's some wild and dangerous place, and frankly, you're right. But you know what? So was home. You couldn't just ask the weather team to change where the clouds were. You didn't have to make the leaves fall or clean up the snow in the spring. Your neighbors weren't always going to be friendly, and you could very well have to defend yourself, either physically or emotionally, on any given day."
"I don't mean to be rude, but that sounds like a terrible way to live."
"Maybe. But it's all I've ever known. Again, I love Equestria, I really do. But I miss my home. I miss my family, I miss my dreams." They turned to look me dead in the eyes. "I appreciate all you've done Twilight, but it's not easy to just leave everything behind. I... I didn't even get to say goodbye."
NOW they're bawling. They fall to their knees and rest their head on the tree's trunk above a half-grown watermelon. Spike and I attempt to rub their shoulders as they cry. Neither of us can find the words as we do our best to silently comfort them for what feels like an eternity. Finally, they attempt to wipe away their tears and begin to stand back up.
"I asked Zecora if there was a space where I could just appreciate the forest around me. She directed me to this clearing, and I've been coming fairly regularly ever since. Whenever I start to feel homesick, I come here. But about a month ago, I decided to start multitasking. While I was thinking about my home, my life, my dreams... I would also start the magical endurance exercise you taught me."
Yes, I taught them that a few days after we learned they could use magic. Basically, you enter a meditative state and slowly exert concentrated magic from your entire body. You try to do it slowly, and for as long as possible. Doing so is sort of like holding your breath, or sprinting for as long as you can. You slowly use up all of the magic you have in a way that avoids any specific type of spell, and by doing so, you build your magical endurance and slowly but surely increase the size of your magic pool. As I remember teaching them this, they continue talking.
"One day, I opened my eyes after finishing the exercise and saw a little sprout in front of me. I didn't really think anything of it, but the next time I came here the sprout was a bit larger. After I finished my exercise that day, the tree had grown almost twenty feet and fruit starting appearing. Today, I came back to this. It's obviously my fault that this tree exists. Don't get me wrong, it's really neat, but it goes against the very reason I'm here. It doesn't belong." They closed their eyes and starting clenching their fists. "It's just like me."
Finally, it all makes sense. Even after everything, all the friends they've made, the discoveries and victories they've been a part of, they still feel homesick. They still think they shouldn't be here. To them, that magical surge was likely the worst thing that ever happened to them. But to me...
"Ow! Twilight, what was that for?!"
Oops. I, uh, may or may not have hit them in the back of the head. Oh well, here goes.
"Now you listen here. I'm not going to let you speak about my friend like that. You're incredible! You saved Equestria! You became the first member of your species to learn how to do magic! You helped our princess find as much happiness as she's given the rest of us, and you've done all of this with no obligation to cooperate with anypony!"
I stand on my hind legs and use their chest to prop myself up in an effort to meet them at eye level. I'm still a bit too short for that, but it's better than nothing.
"I know you miss your home. I don't blame you one bit, nor am I telling you that you're wrong for doing so or that you should stop missing it. But you've made the lives of everypony around you so much brighter! You've made our already happy library even happier! So please, don't think that you don't belong. Don't start having doubts about yourself."
I let go and end up back on four hooves once more. Spike and I look up at the massive fruit tree, and they follow our gaze.
"And just like this one-tree orchard, you're a real marvel. Sure, you're different. And sure, the environment you're in wasn't really expecting you."
Almost as if on cue, several majestic birds, which may or not be phoenixes (I can't really tell from this distance, but it'd be a lot cooler if I'm right about that) glide down and land in the tree's branches, snacking on some of the fruits growing there.
"But that doesn't mean you don't belong. In fact, it might be right where you're supposed to be."
The three of us watch the avians for several quiet moments before I hear our human friend begin to sob again. Spike and I turn to look at them right as they bend down to pull us both into a tight hug. We return the sentiment, and we stay like that for several minutes. Finally, they let go and wipe their eyes once more. By now the sun is starting to go down, bathing the already brilliantly colored forest in even more color.
"I think we should get you home."
They chuckle. Finally, a sign of happiness.
"Yeah, I think you're right. I'll... keep an eye on this tree for a while. But for now..." They look at me once again. "I don't think I'll need to come here quite as often anymore."
Spike speaks up again for the first time in a while. "Well that's a relief. At least Twilight won't be making me interrogate everypony in town anymore."
They gave a hearty laugh at that. "Twilight, did you make poor Spike do that?"
"Oh, don't give me that! You were MISSING!"
The three of us walk back down the path to Zecora's as the sunset begins turning the horizon a deep violet. I don't know if I'm doing the best job at being friends with this human, and we clearly still have a long way to go, but right now I think I'm just glad to have them in my life. I won't stop them from wanting to go home, but I hope they know just how much they are appreciated and loved.
I can't wait to watch their beautiful life bear fruit.
