MLP: The Heart of Friendship

Once upon a time in the mystical realm of Equestria.

The lands where full of life and magic. And living in these lands were equine great and small. All species had unique magic gifted to them by the realm. Unicorns with their spell casts, Pegasi with their wind crafts and Terrahoofs with mastery of the earth beneath them. With these powers in hoof, the many equines use their skill to usher in a time of peace and harmony.

But there was one group that this time was not kind too. Though their name was lost to time they are remembered as chaos ponies. Their magic was unpredictable, unnerving, unharmonious. Their kin were unloved and desired acceptance with the other species. Though time and time again they could not fit in. after many attempts of unity, some chaos ponies came up with a simple idea.

Instead of trying to please others with their way of life, how about they show how great chaos can be through a marvelous display. So, the chaos ponies when to work to create the perfect gift. It was decided they will make a chaotic creature with magic surpassing any that which has ever been seen in Equestria. They hope that its supreme power will awe any who look upon it to revel in how wonderful chaos is. But when their creation Discord was born, the chaos brought upon the land was not what the chaos ponies had envisioned.

Discord toyed with Equestria its laws abandon for his whims. Land quaked, sky dazzled, day and night had no meaning. And when all seemed at its lowest; it sank deeper. With the wall of reality weakened, outside entities from between realms descended upon the land. The dark beasts sow corruption all in their wake. Their void forms, snuffing out all attacks to them. Not even Discord could hold them back and so he fled towards his creators. Equestria fell into a darkness so thick that the unmoving sun could not penetrate the miasma below.

Hope seemed lost for all creatures. Except curiously for three species of ponies. Throughout their recent hardships, the unicorns, Pegasi, and Terrahoofs showed courage and determination. They learn to rely on each other, treat another with respect, and teach and grow with your comrades. Ironically in this darkest time, these ponies shine the brightest. And a fateful day will shower them in legend.

After a raid on one of the main camps of united ponies, they were forced to flee to the base of a great mountain. Cornered on all side by enemies one would think to give in to despair. But not one pony let it overtake them. Standing firm, the ponies were fully united in their will, minds connected, there goals completely in harmony. This act awakened a burst of magic within them. Their raw magic coalesced into their leader Aurora and in a benevolent light she transformed. With horn, wing, and legs beset with mighty magic the first Alicorn was born.

Bellowing with light, Aurora showered the land around her. Dispelling the taint of darkness and chaos towards the west. The power of the light was so great that when it impacted the void creatures, it filled their abyssal cores with substance. Transforming them corporeal and defeatable. The battle soon fell in the pony’s favor.

United under their new ascended leader, all foes were either vanquished or fled to the still corrupted lands. With the east now spared of darkness, Aurora created a barrier to prevent the approach of darkness once more. Now with the threat gone, the ponies embark to reunite all remaining species together. With the hope of embarking west to save the remainder of Equestria.

Then, crawling from beyond the barrier came the chaos ponies seeking refuge. Not seen since Discords reign, Aurora questioned their intention to prove their commitment to redemption. Sadly, the chaos ponies grew angry with their interrogations and boastfully proclaimed no wrongdoing on their part. They declared that the guilty party had already been punished. For when Discord reunited with them, they mercilessly ripped all the chaos from his heart and transformed his body into stone.

The tale horrified Aurora. Seeing that not only have the chaos ponies not admitted to their part in all of this, but had acted cruelly and cold to their own creation. So, with a heavy heart, Aurora denied sanctum in these reconquered lands. Angered by this outcome the chaos ponies lay bare a trap they had left. For in crossing the barrier, they had left a hole in it for monstrosities to crawl through.

Though the battle was quickly resolved it left a fear in the hearts of the ponies. For anypony who wishes to cross the barrier will evidently allow passage for hungry foes. Aurora with a heavy hoof commanded that a wall of stone and iron be built. Separating the lands in two forevermore and declared that the chaos ponies shall be remove from there land immediately.

Before their exile a chaos pony declared a warning, “You may send us away this day, but our hatred will remain for the next and the next and the next. We will never forget what you did this day. Are revenge will come one day when you least expect it.”

With that declaration the chaos ponies were never seen again. The ponies continued on with the decision and constructed a wall across the barrier. Finally after many battles a peace had somewhat returned to Equestria. A peace that continues on until this day.

“A peace that continues on until this day.”

The orange coated mare closed the storybook and sat it on the bed. The little foal under the covers shifted and spoke.

“Wow, was that all real mom?”

The mare chuckled. “Well, it is called the legend of Equestria. Legends tend to be a little more interpretable.”

The filly then looks her mother in the eyes. “But was it true?”

A sigh escaped the mother’s mouth. “Applejack, I don’t think you’ll like me reading you a history book to bed.”

“But why would you lie about the past. That seems silly.” Countered the small one.

The mother then moves her hoof to caress her child. “That’s what a story is sugarcube. A past that everypony knows is a lie. But filling that lie is a lesson that will teach each reader.”

Applejacks eyes lit up in understanding. “I get it, that book wasn’t lying. It just has a crummy lesson.”

A chortle sounded from the mother. “And what was the lesson?”

The filly instantly answered. “That you should give up on other ponies after they make a mistake.” She snorted. “Like I said, crummy lesson.”

A hopeful smile grew across the older pony’s face. “You would have defended the chaos ponies?”

AJ’s face grew worried. “Was that wrong? Am sorry mom I just don’t think sometimes.”

After her apology she was then embraced wholeheartedly. “No, no AJ. You’re not wrong. There isn’t any wrong or right way to feel about this. You just have such a big heart and I’m so proud of you for that.” The hug intensified. “I don’t want you to lose that heart, okay.” Applejack nodded into her mother’s chest. “Good, now it's high time this little one goes to bed.”

Being released AJ objected. “Just a little longer mom. I’m not going to see you till next week.”

“Even so, everypony needs their sleep.” The mum said while booping the others snout.

“Ok mum, just remember to write please.”

“Oh yes sugarcube, I will.” And with that she left for the door. At it she gives one final goodbye. “I love you Applejack.”

“Love you too mum.” The door to the room then closes.

Years later

Applejack woke up feeling jilted. Sheets haphazardly lay across her form. The pillow was somehow on the opposite side of the bed. AJ was a messy sleeper, but this was beyond overboard.

“Today’s just scaring me silly.” She thought aloud. Getting up from the mess she cleans herself up. She picks out two hair ties for her mane and tail respectfully. And gave herself a onceover.

“Orange coat check. Yellow mane check. Green eyes check. Cutie mark didn’t disappear last night check.” While that song and dance may have been silly. It did calm her down slightly. Today was the day after all.

She grabs a pre stuffed saddle bag acquired with all the necessities. A map of her route is tucked in hoofs reach for when she’ll eventually get lost. Lastly the “story” book her mum read to her that night is stashed in too.

“Nothing’s missing or damaged so no excuses AJ.” With a slap on the cheek to encourage her, she turns to the frame on her desk.

Shown was her eighth birthday. AJ surrounded by her family. Her cutie mark of three apples shone brightly by the flash of the camera. Her brother and farther on the edges trying to squeeze into frame. And her mother embracing her with all her life.

“See you soon mum.” And with that the room was left without its occupant.

Downstairs smelled of breakfast. Pancakes with syrup draped on them. All the family were seated savoring their sugary meals. This meal was special for it will be the last one they'll have together for a while. Nopony talked, just spending their precious seconds in silence.

That silence was cut with the loud gulp of the youngest breakfast being scarfed down. When all eyes move to her, she asked. “Can I go to?” The pin dropped.

“Applebloom, we talked about this!” Replied the young one’s mother. “There's no way you’re journeying that far on hoof!”

“But AJ’s going to hoof it. So why can’t I?”

“You’re a foal Bloom. No way somepony as young as you can make that trek.”

“But I ain't going to be alone. AJ’s mission is a big one so she’ll need all the help she can get.”

Not getting anywhere with this back and forth the mother turns to her betrothed. “Bright Mac, help me reason with her.”

The Stallion swallowed his food to reply. “I don’t know Buttercup. Once Applebloom gets her mind on something she doesn’t let go easy.”

“So, you’re agreeing with her then?”

“Am I?” (Note: this was said sincerely)

The table shook when a green wrinkled hoof stamped down on it. “Whether it’s right or wrong, it ain't our choice to make!” The lifted hoof then pointed across the table. “It’s hers!”

All eyes turned to Applejack still eating away. Simply not engaged with the conversation. In the middle of her bites, she spoke. “You’re not going Bloom.”

“But sis-”

“You’re not going!”

Applebloom shrank back and whispered. “I just want to meet her.”

With Applebloom looking blue, AJ reassured her. “If I do meet her, you’ll be the first one to know sis.”

“All right, (huff) just make sure to write me every week, ok?”

“You just better remember to take it out of Big Mac’s kindling first.” She then glanced at the aforementioned stallion. “His 'fan mail' clogs up our postal service.”

“He he he… yep.” The eligible bachelor had more than once alight a bill when disposing of his secret admirer’s messages.

“Welp, I’m finished eating. Let me wash these dishes and I’ll meet you all at the porch.” Picking up the plate, Applejack left before anypony can argue. While washing the plate she hears hoofsteps behind her.

“Can we talk?”

AJ slightly glances at the golden curls at the corner of her eye. “There's not much to talk about is there.”

“But I just need to tell you that-”

“You’re not going to change my mind, Butters.” The sound of the tap was the only sound in the washroom for a while.

“Am just scared.” Finally AJ looked back. “Scared that you don’t find her.” She then turns her head ashamed. “Scared that you will.” Looking back, she bore deep into AJ’s eyes. “But what I’m most scared of is the safety of my daughter.”

Eyes like daggers stared at each other. “For both of them.” Those eyes a mix of anger, love, and sorrow.

AJ growled in heated breaths. “I ain't your…. “Sigh.” She finally turns off the tap. “I need to do this. Like really need. I fear that if I don’t do this, I’ll have a hole in my heart that can never be filled.”

She fully turns to face towards the mother. “I would be a sad wreck around the farm. All of you will worry about me.” The stare increased. “Especially Applebloom.” Pear winced at that. AJ then walked pass her to the exit.

“Applejack.” She stopped in her tracks. “No matter what happens next. You're still family to me, ok.”

A pause then the other replied. “Just look after them for me.”

“I will.”

With the conversation ended, AJ got ready to leave her home.

The last goodbyes were quick. Just a hug and a farewell from each. Granny did weirdly comment that “It's ok to let the others know about her fear of trains.” Softly cackling afterward. But with a final wave at the gate, she was off on her own. She headed down the long dirt road towards Ponyville.

Each step towards her destination gave her even more assurance that this was right. And she knows if she was ever in doubt of this choice, all she had to do was look down at her sides.

At the cutie mark of an apple traveling into the great blue yonder.

End Chapter 1