chapter 1View Onlinethe magic island surrounded by mistchapter 1It was a sunny morning, the sky was clear as usual, birds were singing, and each of the ponies in Ponyville was starting their day. A little on the outskirts was a farm, whose main structure looked like a barn, though it also served as the home of a family. Inside the house, there was a cowgirl pony wearing an orange jacket that matched her blonde hair. She was eating an apple, as usual, alongside her older brother and grandmother. The blonde pony chewed her breakfast while staring off into space, thinking about her schedule for the day, as she often did. But a voice pulled her out of her usual routine it was her grandmother. "Applejack, have you seen your sister?" she asked kindly. The blonde pony just shook her head while chewing. "Maybe she overslept..." the elderly pony muttered to herself. That was odd, considering her grandmother was always the first to wake up; it was hard to do anything without her noticing. Applejack turned her head toward her brother, who was just watching the scene. Although from the context, there might have been an unspoken question lingering between them, the stallion simply shook his head. “I’ll go wake her up. Maybe… that affected her a little” Applejack finished her apple quickly and trotted lightly toward her younger sister Applebloom’s room. Once there, she didn’t hesitate to be polite and knocked on the door. "Sugarcube?" ... ... nothing "Sugarcube, you’re fixin’ to be late for school," she said, her worry slowly showing on her face. "I know it’s tough as a boot seeing your friends already have their cutie marks, but that don’t mean you’re gonna be ridin’ solo... Please, open the door." Nothing. Applejack sighed and started to walk in, expecting to be met by a pillow flying at her face at high speed or something like that, but... the bed was empty, messy, and missing its usual blanket. With tunnel vision, she rushed to the bed and started searching the rest of the room. “Applebloom? This is NOT funny. Where are you?” she called out to the air, moving through the house. With empty hooves, the orange-jacketed pony went to her brother and grandmother. Almost as if she had telepathy with her brother, they both dropped their plans and began searching for their little sister all over the farm. The barn? Empty. The vast apple fields? Not a trace. Worry was slowly turning into desperation. Her heart was pounding with genuine fear. Maybe a creature had swallowed her up, she was kidnapped, or maybe… She sighed. She needed to think clearly if she didn’t want to miss something important and find her too late. She regrouped with her brother. “Anything?” “Nope.” "She must’ve hightailed it to school, or maybe one of her friends’ places… I’ll head to the school, you go check her friends’ houses" she said, trying to keep it together, but the worry was still there. ... ... “Applebloom? No, I haven’t seen her. She should be here in about ten minutes with the others,” suggested the dark purple mare at the school entrance, which was sadly as empty as it should have been. “For the love of Celestia” Applejack muttered, trying to stay strong and not break down, rubbing her forehead. “And you haven’t heard of... I don’t know, any plan to get her cutie mark or something?” she asked, trying to grasp at anything that might shed some light. But the teacher’s negative response only made the middle Apple sibling more anxious. “But if I hear anything, I’ll do everything I can to help” she promised, as Applejack noticed a herd of colts and fillies arriving in the distance—but none of them was her sister. Maybe she’s with her friends... she thought, but that sliver of hope was shattered when she saw a small-winged pegasus and a white unicorn walking toward her with concern. “She’s not here, is she?” asked the latter. Their teacher had to shake her head. “Maybe... maybe she’s at our clubhouse,” the orange pegasus suggested. “Alright, I’ll excuse this absence” the teacher quickly declared, looking at the two students before raising her gaze to the missing filly’s sister. “If you find her, don’t worry about bringing her back here.” “Thank you” Applejack murmured before heading off with the two fillies, using them as guides to their ‘base of operations.’ Meanwhile, far from Applejack, farther than she could imagine, a train moved steadily along the tracks. Its metallic, rhythmic sound blended with the soft whisper of the wind that caressed the fields. On both sides of the tracks, grassy plains stretched like a green blanket, rippling in the breeze as birds flew in flocks. The dark smoke emerging from the locomotive dissipated into the air, leaving a fleeting trail that quickly vanished. Occasionally, the train crossed small iron bridges over silver streams, and in the distance, a mountain range loomed like a distant shadow, promising changes in the landscape. Everything was in motion, yet the surroundings seemed to remain in eternal calm. “And tell us, young lady, where are you headed?” The voice was laced with age, belonging to one of two elderly ponies—specifically, the earth mare of the pair. Her coat was a soft lavender, which had begun to lose its youthful shine, streaked with silver strands that marked the passage of time. Her once deep blue mane was now almost entirely white, always tied up in an elegant bun. Her warm amber eyes still held a glimmer of kindness. Next to her sat what appeared to be her life companion, a robust, elderly pegasus. His brown coat, once strong and vibrant, had faded to a more grayish tone, though his posture still reflected strength and discipline. “Uhm… Calm Tides, ma’am,” the red-maned filly replied confidently as she glanced at the two elderly ponies who had become her travel companions on the train. Beside her, she carried a stick with a cloth tied around it, holding just the basics for a one- or two-day trip. “Calm Tides?” her husband repeated, raising an eyebrow with a curious tone. “Never set hoof in that town, not even while I was in service. All I heard is that the fog there’s so thick, its residents have the best vision in all of Equestria. Pretty eerie, if you ask me.” “I know… but I have to go there” she replied, faking confidence, though she avoided eye contact so they wouldn’t catch her small lie. She didn’t know why she felt drawn to that town. “Is it for the fishing? I hear it’s fishing season and the griffons will be paying a good sum for the catch,” the elderly mare mentioned. “Uh… yeah, that’s it. I need to... uhm…” She fidgeted with her hooves, laughing nervously. “I need to practice for a contest, I’ve got family there, and see if that’s my special talent,” she said, showing that she didn’t have a cutie mark yet, with a nervous smile. “If you say” the elderly pegasus said, letting the filly’s excuse slide. For her part, the little filly let out a big yawn, settling into her seat instinctively to sleep. Her eyes fixed on the moving landscape outside the train, slowly beginning to close... "I didn’t find anything, Applejack" said a pegasus with a peculiar hair color as she landed from the air in the middle of town. Meanwhile, inside Applejack’s head, desperation was eating away at the farm pony. She wasn’t alone though, as her friend Rarity was by her side. "Don’t worry, darling, we’ll find her," Rarity said with her elegant, feminine tone as she approached Applejack. Applejack weakly lifted her gaze to meet Rarity’s eyes, trying to keep her composure, but it was hard. Her heart was pounding constantly, and her mind couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened years ago with her beloved parents... one day, they simply vanished without a trace. "Please, I don’t want to lose anyone else" she murmured as her vision blurred. She was barely standing, her legs trembling under the weight of her own body. The muscles along her flanks tensed with every attempt to stay upright, while her knees seemed to buckle slightly, threatening to give out at any moment. Her head hung low, and her eyes, clouded from the effort, betrayed a silent struggle to remain standing, as if a single gust of wind could knock her over. "A.J. you’re not gonna lose anyone. She’s strong," Rainbow Dash said, trying to reassure her friend as she noticed Applejack’s strength fading fast. "We’ve been searching all morning for Applebloom. Get some rest, we’re not gonna lose her. While we think things through, we could ask Twilight for help. You know, she’s a ruler now, and her help would come in handy." Without wasting any time, Dash hoisted her weak friend onto her back and started walking toward Sweet Apple Acres. Naturally, Applejack tried to squirm free, but her body betrayed her, leaving her staring at the ground, fighting back tears. "Applejack" it was Rarity, following her two friends. "Don’t cry, darling, we’ll find her. It’s not going to happen again. And besides, you have us." "Do you promise?" Applejack asked weakly, making eye contact without lifting her head much, sniffling a bit. "Pinkie promise" Rarity said, offering a comforting smile to calm her friend. The journey was weighed down by a heavy silence. When the three friends arrived at the Apple family farm, they entered the house and saw Big Mac with his girlfriend, who had arrived when only Granny Smith and Fluttershy were home. Fluttershy had accompanied the big red stallion into the woods to search for the youngest of the family. "Applejack, are you okay?" her older brother asked as he approached her, concerned by her condition. But all he got in return was a sigh. After that, Big Mac gently guided her to a chair and sat her down. The room fell silent, or at least it would have, if someone hadn’t spoken up. “Where’s Granny Smith?” Everyone started frantically looking around the room, fearing the worst... but before another alarm could be raised, Granny Smith slowly entered the room. But there was something interesting about her—she had a rolled-up piece of paper in her mouth. All eyes in the room were fixed on Granny as she slowly placed the paper on the table. Big Mac was the first to pick it up, his eyes scanning the letter. As he read, surprise, relief, and understanding washed over his face. “What does it say, Big Mac?” Applejack finally broke the silence. Her brother barely reacted before handing her the letter to read aloud. Dear family, I’ve been having some very strange dreams this week. I don’t know how to explain it, but there’s an island that seems to be calling to me. I feel a pull toward it, I can’t stop dreaming about this place. In my dreams, I’ve been shown how to get there, and I’ve decided I need to follow this call. First, I have to go to a place called Calm Tides. Applejack, I love you so much. You’ve always been a great example for me, and though I know you’ll worry, I promise I’ll be fine. Big Mac, thank you for always being there for us, silently but with a strength that says it all. I love you so much, brother. Granny, thank you for taking care of me all this time. I know your bones aren’t what they used to be, but you never stop giving us your love and wisdom. I appreciate you more than I can say. Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. I just need to follow this path that my dreams have shown me. With all my love, Applebloom ... Applebloom stood at the bow of a ship sailing across a sea so calm it seemed like an infinite mirror, with nothing in sight on the horizon. The gentle waves rocked the boat from side to side, creating a strange, all-encompassing sense of tranquility. There was no land in view, no sky visible, just the vast ocean stretching out as far as the eye could see. Then, before her, a floating sphere appeared—a light red orb, glowing warmly, radiating with an inner light. “How’s the journey going?” asked the sphere, its voice echoing in the air with a comforting familiarity. They’d had this conversation many times before. Applebloom nodded, her eyes fixed on the sphere. “It’s going well” she replied, her tone a mix of certainty and unease. “But I can’t shake this strange pull... like something out there is drawing me in, tugging at me. At the same time, I can’t help feeling excited. I want to get to that island.” Applebloom furrowed her brow slightly, the sea breeze brushing her face as she thought about her next step. “What should I do when I get to the town?” she asked, her eyes returning to the red orb, seeking a clearer answer. The sphere floated silently for a moment, its light pulsing softly as if considering the question before responding. “Go to the docks” it said at last, its voice as calm as the sea that surrounded them. “There, ask for a boat. A pony will ask you a very simple question: ‘For what purpose?’. You must tell the truth, Applebloom. Tell them you’ve been dreaming about the island.” Applebloom felt a shiver run down her spine. Talking about her dreams with a stranger wasn’t something she’d ever considered before, but somehow she knew it was the only way. “Is that all?” she asked, unsure. “That’s all,” the sphere repeated, drifting a little farther away as its soft glow began to blend into the horizon. It floated in silence for a moment longer, its light flickering gently before it spoke again. “I don’t have much time” it said, its tone urgent, almost distant. “You must wake up.” Before Applebloom could respond, the sea and the ship began to fade around her. A second later, she opened her eyes abruptly. She was no longer in the dream. She blinked several times, disoriented. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks reminded her that she was in a train car. She sat up slowly, noticing that the elderly pony couple who had been sitting across from her were no longer there. Only the echo of the empty seat remained in front of her. She looked around, but the car was empty, leaving her with a strange sense of loneliness. With a sigh, she grabbed the stick with her belongings tied up in a bundle and stood up. The train was slowing down, announcing its arrival at her destination. Calm Tides. Stepping off the train and onto the platform, the first thing she felt was the dense air. A thick fog blanketed everything, so heavy that the shapes of buildings in the distance were barely discernible. The coastal town had a heavy, oppressive atmosphere, loaded with moisture. The stone streets wound through old, run-down houses, their windows like watchful eyes peering through the mist. The lampposts, unlit, only cast warped shadows in the fog. The place felt unsettling, almost as if the town itself wanted to remain hidden, far from prying eyes. The waves of the sea crashed against the nearby docks, though they could hardly be seen through the gray shroud that covered everything. Applebloom felt a chill run down her spine. There was something in that cold air that reminded her of the stories Granny Smith used to tell her as a filly, the ones where ghosts and sea creatures lurked in the darkest corners of Equestria. She took a deep breath and began walking toward the docks the place where her search was supposed to begin. Author's Note Hi, this is my first fanfic here on fimfiction! before you wonder, yes, English is not my native language, so forgive me if the Texan idioms of the apples don't appear often. and yes, pinkie pie is going to show up, don't worry.
chapter 2View Onlinethe magic island surrounded by mistchapter 2"I don’t know what you’re talking about, filly," remarked a stallion at his outdoor fishing stand, his appearance and markings clearly showing he was from that creepy town. "Anyway, I wouldn’t recommend setting sail on your own. Don’t know what happened but the fog rolled in out of nowhere, and from personal experience, it’s a nightmare trying to cross the waters in fog like this," he said as he shifted in his stand, glancing at the filly. "Yeah, but… sir, I was told someone would give me one. Don’t you know who? I’ve been looking for like an hour now…" she pleaded, causing the stallion to sigh and point to his right, seemingly gesturing at nothing. "Look, Salt Woods should be over that way, but I’m warning you, he’s not gonna let you buy or even step on a piece of wood, especially not a filly like you," he said with certainty, inspecting one of the fishing rods like it was something he did regularly. "Thanks si—ouch!" her gratitude was cut short by a sudden bump, making her hop a few inches from where she stood. She quickly gathered herself and turned to see it was just a local from the village. "Oh, sorry, didn’t see ya through all this… fog," the villager commented automatically out of courtesy. "It’s fine. Now, thanks again, sir," and with her thanks complete, Applebloom started walking off, carrying her things. Though the path was hard to see, the lanterns around helped guide her, but she still had to dodge a few grown ponies who didn’t seem to expect a little filly. After a few minutes of walking, the yellow filly reached a shop near the sea with ship symbols and text. She squinted her eyes and barely managed to read, ‘Best Boats and Ships for Sale in Town.’ Without hesitation, she walked in. Inside, Applebloom was greeted by a dark and somewhat gloomy atmosphere. The place smelled of damp wood and salty sea air, with old shelves full of ship models and fishing nets piled up in a corner. The windows were covered in a layer of dust and salt, barely letting any light in, which made the interior feel even more somber. The wooden floor creaked under her hooves, and a faint light from a couple of hanging lanterns barely illuminated the counter. Behind it, a shadowy figure seemed to be waiting in the dimness, making the small space feel a bit intimidating. "I think this is the place," the filly murmured, swallowing nervously. As she approached the counter, the shadowy figure came into view: a stocky unicorn in his forties, reminding her of her brother but older, with a light blue coat and white hair. "Uh… do you sell boats here?" The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow. "And they’re for rent… Who sent you?" he asked, suspicion lacing his tone. The outsider was giving him a bad feeling. "Well..." the filly fidgeted with her front hooves, glancing briefly in another direction. "Lately, I’ve been having dreams about an island, and in them, I was told that to get there, I’d need to ask someone for a boat. And since you’re the only one who, you know, gives out boats..." She made eye contact again, smiling with a goofy little laugh. The shopkeeper let out a slow but heavy sigh, closing his eyes before looking back at the filly. "Look, kid, I don’t know where you got the idea that I give away boats, but I swear by Celestia, if I had a coin for every time some crazy pony with a story like yours came in here asking for a free boat, I’d have like, eight coins, maybe more," he said, lightly tapping the counter, making the young red-maned filly nervous. "Besides, I wouldn’t give a boat to a kid, especially not when it’s this foggy, and even less so to someone who’s not from here. Got it?" he finished, narrowing his eyes in annoyance. Applebloom swallowed hard. "O-okay sir, I’ll go. Sorry for the trouble." She let out a nervous laugh before backing away and exiting the shop. Once outside, she sighed... now she was out of leads, out of help, alone. Is all this just for a cutie mark? she thought as she started walking aimlessly. That pull, those dreams… is it just me or… Slowly, before her eyes even noticed, she was closer to the sea, the sound of the waves giving it away. She took a few more steps and found the edge. It looked like she was standing at the edge of the dock, exhausted. That’s when she decided to sit down on the very edge, gazing at the little bit of water she could see. "This place stinks," Applebloom muttered. "It’s not like I can’t go back, but… everyone would be mad because I ran away, and I’d be known as the dumb kid who ran off in another stupid attempt to get a cutie mark." Regret, guilt, and frustration welled up in her chest. "What’s a filly like you doing at the edge of the harbor?" asked a weak, trembling voice—a voice that almost reminded her of her grandmother. Applebloom quickly turned around, a bit alarmed, and saw the source of the voice: an old mare. She wore a gray coat, and her hair was white with age, just like most of the elderly ponies Applebloom had come across since she left. She had a frail build and seemed to urgently need something to help her move. "Just… trying to figure out what brought me here," Applebloom stood up, still unsure of what to do as she looked at the old mare. "Don’t you know what brought you here, young lady?" the old mare asked, her voice curious. "Yes and no… it’s just that… I needed a boat, but no one wants to give me one, apparently." "Uh-huh?" The old mare raised an eyebrow at the filly’s words. Then, she rubbed her chin with her hoof, her leg trembling slightly as she did. "What exactly for?" The mention of that question made Applebloom look directly into the old mare’s eyes for a moment. Her mindset was shifting, and it didn’t take long for her to open her mouth and start spilling the details like a bird singing. "Well, I’ve been having these really… vivid dreams about an island. And on that island, I met this… sphere? And it started talking to me about how magical and special it was. In the end, it invited me to go there and gave me instructions on how to get there. Only thing is…" she paused, unsure if the old mare knew that she was supposed to be the one to give her the boat. Finally, she sighed, acting a bit. "I don’t have a boat," she finished, though part of her wondered if all of this was just an illusion. After hearing the brief but strange story, the old mare just chuckled to herself a little. Then, she looked at the young filly with a kind expression. "You’re in luck, young one. I have a boat that can take you there." "Are you serious?" Applebloom asked, her heart racing a bit at the offer. When the old mare nodded, Applebloom couldn’t help but throw her arms around her and exclaim, "Thank you!" in a loud tone, earning a soft groan from the elder pony. "Oops…" "Don’t worry… you’re not the first to forget I’m an old lady," the mare said with a smile as she stretched her back a little, making it crack. "Alright, young one, follow me." And so the old mare led the filly through the docks, barely needing any light, as if she knew the path by heart. They arrived at what seemed to be a pier with boats, likely belonging to the locals. Some were in better shape than others, at least from what little Applebloom could see. "Oh wow, which one is yours?" Applebloom asked, glancing at the boats, some wider and in better condition than others. The old mare slowly raised her trembling hoof and pointed to an old boat that was gently swaying in the water next to the dock. It was small and worn, with most of the paint peeled off, revealing the dark wood underneath, which had turned grayish over time. The mast was barely standing, and a few ropes hung loosely off the sides, clearly showing signs of having weathered many storms. "That’s the one," the old mare said with a faint smile. "It may not be the prettiest, but it’ll take you where you need to go." Applebloom stared at the boat, a mix of uncertainty and wonder in her eyes. It wasn’t exactly what she had imagined when she thought of a boat to take her to a mysterious magical island, but… she was already here, and going back home without even trying to find what had been calling to her in her dreams was unthinkable. "Are you sure it’s safe?" she asked, a hint of doubt in her voice. "This boat has carried many travelers, and now it will carry you. Get on, young one. You’ve come this far, haven’t you?" Applebloom stood still for a moment, eyeing the boat with a bit of distrust. Part of her wanted to turn around, head back to the train, and forget all of this, to return to Sweet Apple Acres, to her family. But… she had come so far. And she knew she couldn’t go back without answers, without knowing what was calling to her from that island. Finally, she swallowed hard and took a step forward. "I'm already here… there’s no point in turning back now," she muttered to herself, as if trying to convince herself. She stepped onto the boat carefully, feeling the gentle sway of the water beneath her hooves as she placed her stick with her few belongings in a safe spot. The cold harbor air surrounded her, and the sound of the waves was the only thing breaking the silence. The old mare, still smiling, approached slowly, helping Applebloom get settled. "Good choice, little one," the old mare said as she untied the ropes holding the boat to the dock. "And don’t worry about steering. This thing will take you where you need to go without any rowing. And don’t bother returning it either—it always comes back." Applebloom glanced down at the floor of the boat, then looked back up at the old mare. "Thank you, ma’am," was all the filly could manage to say, her voice filled with warmth and gratitude. "No need to thank me. Just make sure you don’t do anything foolish on your journey. It’ll take you about… three hours." With those words, the old mare gave the boat a gentle push into the water. Applebloom watched as the dock and the town slowly began to fade into the fog... Applebloom carefully settled herself into one of the seats, and in the midst of the silence, she grabbed an apple from what she’d brought from home. She took a bite as she waited to reach the island. Meanwhile, in the nearly abandoned Castle of Friendship, in the meeting room… "There’s no such place as Calm Tiades," a purple alicorn declared, floating too many maps in the air—maps of all kinds. There was an undertone of unease in her voice. "The intelligence service hasn’t found it, and no map lists that coastal town..." With her magic, the alicorn showed all the maps to Applejack. "But it has to exist, Twilight! Applebloom wouldn’t have done something this stupid without thinking it through! Isn’t there an old map? Don’t Celestia or Luna know something?" Applejack said in desperation. If her friend, the princess with access to all the information in Equestria, didn’t know where that 'cursed town' was—as Applejack had dubbed it—what hope was there? "I'm waiting for their answers. You need to be patient, Applejack. Getting worked up won't help here," Twilight replied, trying to calm her friend. "Whatever happened, your sister is brave, Applejack. She’ll come back..." The farm pony fell silent, taking a moment to look at her friends, who were all gathered there. "...I'm sorry..." she finally said, lowering her head. "Why, Applejack?" Rainbow Dash replied quickly, being the first to step closer to her friend. "For... all of this. My desperate attitude and... this whole situation..." Slowly, her nose started to run as her eyes began to well up with tears. Dash quickly wrapped a wing around her, trying to comfort her. "It's okay, Applejack. We're here," the rainbow-maned pegasus said, gently trying to soothe her friend. In the quiet that followed, Applejack wiped her tears away with her hoof and looked at the rest of her friends. They gave her a reassuring smile, and to her relief, she managed to smile back. … Meanwhile, somewhere in Ponyville… Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle walked in silence toward the train station, their hooves echoing on the streets of Ponyville as the sun slowly climbed toward midday. They had spent the entire morning asking every pony who worked with passengers, hoping to find some clue about where Applebloom might have gone. The Ponyville train station was their last stop. "I wish we had a better idea of what to do," Sweetie Belle said, breaking the silence as she glanced sideways at her friend. Scootaloo didn’t respond right away. Her expression was dark, and her wings were tucked tightly against her body, a sign of the discomfort she was feeling. Finally, she let out a long, heavy sigh. "I think it’s our fault," Scootaloo mumbled. Sweetie Belle frowned in confusion and stopped, making Scootaloo halt as well. "Why would you say that?" she asked, tilting her head in concern. Scootaloo avoided her gaze, kicking a small stone down the path as she struggled to find the right words. “It’s just… I think maybe she left because we already have our cutie marks. You’ve got your shining musical note, and I’ve got my scooter,” Scootaloo said, pointing to her flank. “But Applebloom... she still hasn’t found hers. Maybe that made her feel... less, or like she didn’t belong.” Sweetie Belle blinked, surprised. She knew Scootaloo was worried, but she hadn’t imagined her friend was carrying so much guilt. She stepped closer and placed a hoof on Scootaloo’s shoulder, trying to comfort her. “Scootaloo, if Applebloom left because of that, it wouldn’t make any sense,” Sweetie Belle said softly. “You know she’s not good at hiding her feelings. If she’d been upset or jealous, we would’ve noticed. And the truth is, she wasn’t. Sure, she seemed a little strange the past few days, but not angry or anything like that.” Scootaloo stayed quiet, staring at the ground. Sweetie Belle continued. “And besides, remember what Rainbow Dash said?” Sweetie Belle added, trying to lift her friend’s spirits. “Applebloom’s been having those weird dreams, and Dash thinks that’s why she left—to follow whatever those dreams were showing her. It has nothing to do with us.” Scootaloo let out a sigh, still not fully convinced, but nodded slowly. “I guess you’re right. I just... I hope Rainbow Dash is right, and it wasn’t because of something we did.” They kept walking in silence until they finally arrived at the Ponyville train station. The small ticket booth was dimly lit, and the clerk inside was busy looking over some papers. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stopped in front of the booth, exchanging a glance before stepping forward to ask their next question. The two fillies approached the tiny window of the ticket booth. The clerk, a tired-looking pony, sat behind the counter, completely absorbed in a magazine. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stood there for a moment, waiting for him to notice them, but the pony didn’t look up, too engrossed in what he was reading. Scootaloo frowned and, with a bit of impatience, knocked on the glass with her hoof. The sound echoed loudly, making the clerk jump a little, dropping his magazine to the floor. He looked around, confused for a moment, before finally noticing the two young fillies standing in front of him. “Oh, uh… didn’t see you there,” he said with an awkward smile, scratching his head. “How can I help you, girls? Looking to buy tickets?” Sweetie Belle shook her head. “Actually, we wanted to ask you a question. Do you remember seeing a filly younger than us this morning? She has a red bow and she’s yellow. Her name’s Applebloom." The ticket clerk leaned forward a little, squinting like he was trying to remember. “Hmm… This morning, you say?” he asked, still confused. “Yeah, it was really early,” Scootaloo added, sounding anxious. “She was probably alone and had some luggage.” The pony thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Well, hang on a second. Let me see if anyone else remembers. Hey, Mild Storm!” he yelled, calling another pony from the back office. A younger pony, wearing a train cap, came up to the counter, looking at the two fillies with curiosity. “What’s up, Quick Eye?” Mild Storm asked, throwing a quick glance at the girls. “These two are looking for a filly who came through here early this morning. Red bow, yellow coat… Ring any bells?” Mild Storm frowned and, after a quick exchange between the two of them, finally turned back to the fillies. “Yeah, now that you mention it, I think I do remember a filly like that,” he said, scratching his chin. “She paid the exact fare for a ticket. What was the name of that town again? It was…” He paused, trying to recall. “I don’t really remember, but it was one of those small towns, somewhere by the coast.” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle exchanged a look, a mix of hope and anxiety on their faces. “Could it have been Calm Tiades?” Sweetie Belle asked. The pony raised an eyebrow, then snapped his hooves. “Yes, that’s it! Calm Tiades. I sold her a ticket there early this morning. She seemed pretty determined to go.” Scootaloo swallowed, feeling a mix of relief and worry. At least now they knew where Applebloom was headed, but they didn’t have time to waste. “Okay, thanks a lot!” she said before turning and taking off at a gallop. Sweetie Belle, a bit confused, hesitated for a second but quickly followed her friend. “What are you doing?” the white unicorn called out to her. “We’re gonna tell the others. This might be useful!” Scootaloo shouted, racing straight toward the Castle of Friendship. Applebloom sat alone in the boat, surrounded by the stillness of the calm sea. There was no wind, no strong waves, only the thick mist wrapping around her like a blanket, hiding everything from view. She could feel the boat slowly moving forward, but impatience was beginning to grow inside her. She was eager for answers, desperate to understand more about the island and why she felt such a strong pull toward it. Her eyes darted back and forth, trying to spot something through the fog, but everything stayed the same—gray, heavy, and empty. Until, suddenly, she glimpsed a vague figure in the distance, barely visible in the mist. At first, she wasn’t sure what it was, but it was coming toward her fast. Before she could react, her boat collided with the object ahead. Applebloom lost her balance and, with a startled cry, fell to the floor of the boat. At the same time, she heard another yell from the direction of the mysterious figure, followed by a loud thud as they crashed together. Dazed and her heart racing, Applebloom sat up, rubbing her head as she tried to process what had just happened. In front of her, in a small boat much like hers, was something she had never seen before: a bipedal creature with hands. It wore a tattered fisherman’s hat and dull, weathered clothes that looked like they had braved the salty sea breeze for years. Its worn leather boots creaked as it moved, and a scruffy beard framed a face marked by the sun and the sea. The man leaned slightly toward her, observing her with an amused smile. Then he chuckled softly when he noticed her alarmed expression. “You alright, little one?” he asked in a deep, friendly voice, as if he was used to calming those who stumbled upon him for the first time. Applebloom, still stunned and her heart pounding in her chest, could only manage a shaky nod. Her words came out hesitantly, tripping over themselves. “What... what are you?” she murmured, her wide eyes studying him in disbelief. The human straightened up and smiled at her, clearly entertained by her reaction but without a trace of arrogance. “You can call me Tom,” he replied casually, as if that was a question he often received. “And you… are you headed somewhere called Mistwatch?” Applebloom frowned, her confusion growing with every word. She had never heard of such a place, not in her dreams or otherwise. “Mistwatch?” she repeated, searching her mind for any connection. “What is that?” Tom leaned slightly to the side, pulling an old-looking compass from his pocket. The compass wobbled slightly as its needle sought its north. "It's a small town on an island not too far from here," he said, vaguely gesturing through the mist. "Just a few minutes away, according to my compass." Applebloom's heart skipped a beat. An island. That was exactly what she was looking for! She immediately stepped forward, unable to contain her excitement. "That's where I need to go! Because..." she started but trailed off when Tom raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile on his face. "The island called to you, didn't it?" he asked, his tone suggesting he already knew the answer before he asked the question. A chill ran down Applebloom's spine. How did he know? It was as if this strange fisherman had been expecting her. "Yeah..." she admitted, hesitating. "How do you know?" The fisherman chuckled again, though this time his laugh was softer, almost conspiratorial, like he was sharing a secret. "You're the first one to come in a long time," he said, leaning on an oar as the fog thickened even more around them. "The last one moved there about three years ago." "Moved" was the word that briefly echoed in Applebloom's mind, but she decided not to dwell on it. She was too focused on her own mission to worry about the details. "Could you take me there?" she asked, her voice full of urgency, though she tried to sound polite. Tom nodded without hesitation, a smile forming on his weathered face. "Hop in." He motioned with his arm for her to jump into his boat. "I'll take you." With a small leap, Applebloom landed in Tom's boat. As soon as she touched it, the boat she'd been in before started drifting backward. Without any warning or help, the small boat that had brought her here was sliding away, slowly disappearing into the thick fog. "The old mare wasn't lying..." Applebloom murmured to herself, remembering the words of the elderly pony who had helped her earlier. Tom began rowing with smooth, steady strokes, mastering the waters with the ease of someone who had spent a lifetime at sea. "Mistwatch has a bit of everything," he commented as he rowed. "Ponies, zebras, griffons... even the occasional dragon. Don't be surprised if you see something you weren't expecting." Applebloom looked at Tom, feeling a strange mix of nerves and excitement. If the island was full of such a variety of creatures, what else could she expect to find? But before she could ask anything, Tom muttered under his breath: "It’s always the same. Ponies always get scared when they see a non-pony..." Applebloom chose to ignore the comment, focusing instead on what awaited her in Mistwatch. The thick fog surrounding the boat only added to her curiosity, and a faint sense of nervousness. Still a bit unsettled by everything, Applebloom couldn’t hold back her curiosity and asked: "So, what were you doing out here, in the middle of nowhere?" Tom, with a calmness that seemed unshakable, replied without stopping his rowing: "Fishing. It’s what I do. I catch fish and sell them in town or, if there’s no buyers, I trade them for what I need. It’s simple." As he spoke, the fog that had wrapped around them began to slowly lift, revealing a landscape Applebloom hadn’t anticipated. What was once a vast, mysterious open sea was now a river winding through a swampy area. The banks were lined with gnarled trees, their roots jutting out of the water, and the surface was dotted with floating leaves and aquatic plants that gave off a thick, earthy smell. The air grew heavier and more humid, and the sound of the calm waters echoed among the low-hanging branches. Applebloom could hardly believe that just minutes ago, she had been in the open sea. Everything seemed to shift and change constantly in this strange place. Noticing her gaze, Tom broke the silence: "When we get there, they’re gonna ask you some questions. Best thing is to be honest and give them whatever they ask for. They don’t much care for secrets around here." Applebloom looked at him with a hint of unease. "And what about you?" she asked, worried that things might be more complicated than she thought. "Do they ask you questions too?" Tom chuckled softly, shaking his head with a carefree smile. "No, little one. I’ve got free access by now. I’ve been coming and going for years. I’m the town fisherman, everyone knows me." He paused, glancing at the narrowing river. "But newcomers... well, they like to make sure you’re not bringing any trouble." As they moved a little farther, Applebloom and Tom spotted a dock slowly emerging from the mist in the distance. The wooden structure, though not impressive in size, seemed to signal the end of their journey. The dock served its purpose clearly as a port. Just behind it, a wooden wall stood a few steps away. It wasn’t tall or particularly menacing, but its function of guarding what lay beyond was obvious. What stood out the most were the lamps lining the dock and the wall. They shone with a warm, steady glow, doing what the rest of the place couldn’t: partially dispelling the thick fog. While the air remained cloudy, the lights created a small refuge of clarity in the midst of the gray, misty surroundings. As the boat finally touched land, Applebloom hurried to step off, feeling a slight nervous flutter in her stomach. Barely had she set hoof on the dock when two figures materialized almost instantly from the gloom. They were guards: one, a bulky, dark-coated pony, and the other, a zebra whose stripes seemed even more defined under the lamplight. Both were dressed in formal yet archaic attire. Their outfits, though simple, exuded authority. They wore buttoned-up jackets with wide lapels and metallic adornments on their shoulders that gleamed under the light. Their low-brimmed hats concealed part of their expressions, but the spears they held firmly in their hooves made it clear they were no ordinary civilians. Together, they appeared dignified and watchful, as if always prepared to defend the place from any threat, but without resorting to intimidation. One of the guards, the pony, stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Applebloom. "The filly?" he asked in a deep voice, more of a statement than a question. Tom, still maintaining his usual calm, leaned slightly toward them as he secured the boat. "Found her sailing this way," he replied, gesturing to Applebloom with a subtle nod. The guards exchanged glances and nodded solemnly, as if this were part of a familiar routine. After a few moments of silence, the pony spoke again. "Follow us." The zebra, who hadn’t spoken until now, motioned with her hoof toward the path they should take. Applebloom swallowed hard and did as she was told. She followed the guards down a short hallway until they arrived at a small room. The atmosphere shifted completely; the air was heavier, and a faint smell of ink and paper surrounded her. The walls were decorated with maps of the area and various fishing tools hung in the corners. In the center was a worn wooden table with two chairs on either side. The zebra sat in one of the chairs, casually setting her spear aside. She pulled a paper from a drawer and a quill, ready to write. She glanced up at Applebloom, who remained standing, feeling a slight nervousness build in her chest. "First, your name," said the zebra, her voice deep and methodical. "Applebloom," she answered, trying to stay calm while the zebra wrote it down. "Age." "Uh... I'm eleven." The zebra nodded as she scribbled, then asked the next question. "Do you have your cutie mark?" Applebloom felt a small knot in her stomach, and with a sigh, she answered sadly, "No, I don't have a cutie mark." The zebra continued writing, her expression serious, but her eyes showed a hint of understanding as she went through the paperwork. "And how did you get here?" Feeling a little vulnerable, Applebloom explained, "Through dreams. They led me to a coastal town, and there an old mare gave me a boat." The zebra jotted down more notes, her face still composed, though her gaze softened slightly. Then she asked a question that made Applebloom pause. "What happened before you felt like you had to come here?" Applebloom went quiet for a moment, feeling emotions welling up in her chest. She remembered the sadness of being the only one in her group of friends without a cutie mark, but she didn't want to let that hold her back. "I just... felt different. My friends all have their cutie marks, and I don't, but it's not something that haunts me. I just wanted to... satisfy my curiosity," she said, trying to sound confident. The zebra tilted her head, considering her words before making another note. "Well, maybe that's what brought you here. You never know what the island needs," she said thoughtfully, scribbling down the last bit of information. Finally, she looked at Applebloom and said, "Now, I need you to give me all your bits." Applebloom hesitated for a moment but knew it was part of the process. She took out her small pouch of bits and handed it over. "Don't worry, we'll give you the equivalent in francs, the currency here," the zebra reassured her, making sure Applebloom understood she wouldn’t lose her money. "Alright, now we'll take you to our mayor. He’ll be happy to talk to you while we figure out where you'll stay and what you’ll be doing here," she said as she stood up and grabbed her spear, walking to the door and opening it, allowing Applebloom to exit first. "Welcome to Mistwatch, Applebloom."
chapter 3View Onlinethe magic island surrounded by mistchapter 3Applebloom followed the zebra guard outside the small base, her heart racing with a mix of nerves and curiosity. As soon as she stepped out, the humid air wrapped around her like a heavy blanket, clinging to her fur. The environment was unlike anything she had ever seen in Ponyville. The ground was dotted with murky puddles, and in the distance, the landscape stretched out into a swampy terrain, with small wooden bridges connecting the different parts of the town. The houses in Mistwatch were made of dark wood, old but sturdy, similar to those in Ponyville but looking much more rundown and damp. Moss covered the rooftops, and the windows, many fogged over from the moisture, barely gave a glimpse of what lay inside. There were shops scattered here and there, with faded signs, but unlike Ponyville’s cheerful bustle, everything here felt dull and somewhat gloomy. As they crossed one of the wooden bridges, Applebloom noticed how the boards creaked beneath her hooves, and the swamp water below barely stirred. All around her, the town was full of life, but something about the townsfolk made her feel out of place. Griffons, zebras, and ponies moved through the streets, but as they passed her, Applebloom could feel their stares—some subtle, others more brazen. Their eyes reflected surprise, as if they'd never seen a new face in this corner of the world before. Some whispered among themselves, their voices low but filled with curiosity. "Who’s she?" one murmured. "Is she the new one? She looks familiar…" another said, trying to hide his interest. Applebloom lowered her gaze, trying not to look uncomfortable, but she couldn’t help noticing how familiar the locals were with each other. There was a sense of closeness between them, and the arrival of someone new, especially an outsider filly, seemed like a rare event. The zebra guard led Applebloom to a building that, despite the town’s humble nature, stood tall, suggesting this was where important matters were handled. The structure looked better maintained than the rest of the village, with less moss on its walls and an air of formality that Applebloom couldn’t ignore. When they reached the door, the guard knocked firmly, and shortly after, a voice called from inside. "Yes?" someone asked, their tone curious but authoritative. The zebra peeked inside, exchanging a few words Applebloom couldn’t quite make out. Finally, the response came. "Let her in and return to your post. Good job." The guard turned to Applebloom with a calm expression and gestured for her to go inside before quietly walking away. The door remained open, and with her heart racing from anxiety, Applebloom took a step forward and crossed the threshold. The room’s interior was surprisingly dry, considering Mistwatch's swampy surroundings. There was a cozy warmth to the place, which seemed well-kept and organized. The walls were decorated with framed photographs, showing the faces of ponies, zebras, griffons, and even a dragon. Each picture had birth and death dates, sending a chill down Applebloom’s spine, as if the room held a story she wasn’t yet meant to understand. As she studied the images, a friendly voice broke her train of thought. "Over here, young one, have a seat." Applebloom turned toward the source of the voice and saw an elderly griffon seated behind a tidy desk. His feathers were gray, showing signs of age, with a few white ones crowning his head. "Don’t be afraid," the griffon added with a soft smile. "I just want to talk. Please, sit." Still a bit nervous but curious, Applebloom walked over to the chair in front of him and sat down. "So... welcome to Mistwatch!" the griffon exclaimed, letting out a light laugh that echoed through the room. "We haven’t had a new member in years—three, to be exact. The last one was a unicorn." He accompanied his words with gentle motions of his claws, as if trying to keep the conversation light. "Uh... sir..." Applebloom began shyly, glancing around the room as she tried to remember his name. "Tusk," he interrupted in a calm tone. "Call me Tusk. Or, if you prefer, you can call me mayor." He paused briefly, tilting his head with a smile, attempting to ease the mood. Applebloom frowned, still confused by something that had bothered her since she arrived. "Why do you keep saying 'new member'? It’s the second time I’ve heard that someone thinks I came here to stay…" she asked, her voice reflecting her bewilderment as her eyes nervously drifted to a corner of the room. The atmosphere shifted suddenly. Tusk, who had been relaxed and cheerful up until now, let his smile fade. His eyes darkened slightly as he sighed, lowering his gaze as though burdened by something difficult to share. He shifted his posture, resting his talons on his beak in a thoughtful gesture, and remained silent for a moment, seemingly searching for the right words to deliver bad news. After a few seconds of palpable tension, Tusk lifted his gaze toward Applebloom, his expression now heavy with seriousness. “What’s your name?” he asked softly, his voice low but not harsh, seeking empathy in his words. “Applebloom…” the filly replied, almost whispering, her heart starting to race a little more with each passing second. Tusk nodded slowly, looking at her with a mix of compassion and sorrow. “Applebloom…” he began, taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but those who come to the island… can’t leave.” The silence that followed was almost tangible. His words hung in the air, settling over Applebloom like a weight, trapping her in a reality she didn’t yet know how to process. Applebloom let out a nervous laugh at the mayor’s words. At first, she couldn’t take him seriously, thinking maybe it was some kind of strange joke or that, somehow, she was misunderstanding things. But the heavy silence that followed, and the fact that Tusk’s beak remained still, not even attempting the faintest smile, quickly snuffed out her laughter. The weight of the truth hit her, making her feel small and trapped. “No… that can’t be,” Applebloom said, shaking her head as her heart began to beat faster. “That can’t be true!” Tusk kept his gaze on her, his eyes filled with deep compassion, but there was no room for lies or empty hope in his expression. “It’s true, Applebloom,” he repeated, his tone gentler but firm. “When the island calls someone, it’s to protect them from something. It’s not a punishment, it’s a form of refuge.” “I don’t care about that!” Applebloom cried, her voice breaking as she felt tears starting to rise in her eyes. “I have family out there! Friends! I have a life! I can’t stay here!” The mayor let out a deep sigh, closing his eyes for a moment before continuing. He had known this moment would come, as it had so many times before with others. Each time it was the same, but never any less painful. “I know, little one…” Tusk said in a low voice, almost as if speaking to himself. “All of the first generation feels the same.” He paused, letting his words sink in. “Those who came here from outside, like you. They had lives too, loved ones.” The griffon shifted in his chair, his expression filled with regret. “Though I was born on the island, I’ve heard those stories many times… the pain of leaving everything behind. I share it, though I didn’t live it. But I understand.” Applebloom, with tears streaming from her eyes, struggled to grasp what she was hearing. The pain was tangible, like an invisible hand squeezing her chest. Her mind kept searching for an escape, some way to undo what had happened, but Tusk’s calm voice brought her back to reality with every word. "Don’t worry," the mayor continued, trying to offer a glimmer of hope. "Here in Mistwatch, everyone finds their place, something to do. There will always be a community for you. It may not be what you expected, but you’ll have a purpose here." Applebloom shook her head, unable to process the truth Tusk had revealed. The tears flowed freely, soaking her face as she tried to hold back the sobs tearing at her chest. The mayor, without saying another word, got up from his chair and sat beside her, silently watching as the filly crumbled under the weight of despair. Applebloom began cursing her instincts between sobs, blaming herself for everything. “If I’d just gotten my cutie mark…” she muttered through clenched teeth, filled with powerless anger, "I wouldn’t have left home… I wouldn’t be so stupid… and now… now I’m alone…” Tusk let her speak, his expression calm but attentive. He knew there was no soothing her with mere words at that moment. Then, in a soft, almost paternal tone, he said, "That’s not true, Applebloom. Something out there, in your life, brought you here. You may not see it now, but the island doesn’t call just anyone. I know this seems like a tragedy—and in many ways, it is—but there will always be someone willing to give you a home here. You’re young, and you have a life ahead of you. We won’t abandon you." With those words, Mayor Tusk carefully wrapped his wings around her, his rough but warm feathers enclosing the filly in a comforting embrace. At first, Applebloom tensed, but the hug was sincere, offering warmth in the middle of her pain. Something inside her gave way, and with a flood of emotions, Applebloom returned the embrace, clinging to the mayor as though he were the only anchor in a world crumbling around her. She held him tight, almost desperately, as her sobs began to fade, turning into quiet gasps. She wasn’t crying as much anymore—just sniffling, her face still wet—but the storm of emotions she had felt moments before was slowly subsiding. The embrace didn’t solve everything, but it gave her a small reprieve. The room was silent, broken only by the sound of Applebloom’s uneven breathing. Tusk, without saying a word, waited patiently, giving her the space to process what she’d just learned. The filly, still trembling, thought of her family, of what she was about to lose. The feeling of loneliness became overwhelming. Everything around her seemed so desolate, so foreign. Suddenly, a memory pierced through the darkness of her mind: The day had been long and exhausting on the farm, but one of those days where everything seemed in harmony. The sun was low in the sky, and shades of orange and pink painted the horizon as the Apple family prepared for dinner. Applejack, with her hat tipped back, gazed out at the hills from the porch, enjoying the sunset after a day’s work. Applebloom, on the other hand, was keeping her company, but mostly because something was eating away at her curiosity. “Applejack…” she called softly, almost as if she didn’t want to bother her. “What’s on your mind, Applebloom?” Applejack replied, turning to her with her usual calm smile. Applebloom hesitated for a few seconds, nervously fiddling with her hooves. “Do you think I’ll have to leave one day?” she asked, her eyes still fixed on the horizon, though her tone was full of uncertainty. Applejack raised an eyebrow, genuinely puzzled “Leave? Leave where?” “Like Mama and Papa…” Applebloom whispered. The silence that followed was heavy, and it took Applejack a moment to process the question. Applejack sat down beside her sister on the porch, removing her hat and gently placing it on the little filly’s mane. “No, sugarcube” Applejack said, carefully choosing each word as she looked at her tenderly. “That’s not something you need to worry about. It doesn’t just happen like that, you get what I’m saying?” Applebloom stared at the ground, her big yellow eyes full of doubt. “But… what if one day you have to go, like they did?” she insisted, her voice trembling. “What if I’m left all alone?” Applejack let out a long sigh, knowing the right words were important now. Finally, she lifted her hoof and gently placed it on Applebloom’s chest. “Look, sugarcube… If the day ever comes where I’m not here physically, where I have to leave for some reason…” She paused, making sure Applebloom was looking directly into her eyes. “You’ll still have me right here.” She gave a soft tap to Applebloom’s chest. “Right here’s where I’ll always be. As long as you’ve got a little piece of me in your heart, you won’t ever be alone. Not for a second.” Applebloom, still a little confused, placed her own hoof where Applejack had touched her. "But... how will I know you're still there?" Applebloom asked, her voice cracking just a little, still afraid of losing her. Applejack smiled with that familiar warmth of hers, leaning over to give her a playful nudge on the shoulder. “You’ll know because you’ll always remember how much I love you, how I’ll always be here for you. When you feel it in your heart, you’ll know I’m with you, even if you can’t see me. And no matter what happens, your family will always be with you.” “Thanks, Applejack…” Applebloom murmured, clutching the hat with both hooves, feeling a little more secure. “You’re welcome, sugarcube,” Applejack replied with a smile, wrapping her hoof around her, as the evening shadows wrapped them in a warm sisterly embrace. That memory felt so vivid, so warm. Applebloom placed a hoof on her chest, mimicking her sister’s gesture, but this time, with a deep ache. Even though her siblings weren’t here and the emptiness was overwhelming, there was a small comfort… “Come on, Applebloom, we’ll get you a little place to stay while you get settled,” Tusk said as he moved to the door, grabbing the handle before opening it. The filly let out a heavy sigh, and as if her hooves were weighed down, she slid off the chair and followed the mayor... In the bustling Ponyville train station, the Mane Six, Big Mac, and Spike gathered at the ticket booth. Twilight was in charge of purchasing the tickets. The pony behind the counter, slightly distracted, eventually handed them over, saying, "Train will be here in about 15 minutes his majesty." As the group moved to the benches to wait, Pinkie Pie, with her usual boundless energy, broke the silence. "You know, Applebloom is *really* good at hiding! I mean, I even lifted up a few houses thinking maybe she was hiding under there!" Big Mac raised an eyebrow at that, but before anyone could comment, Fluttershy softly added, "Oh... I went for another walk in the Everfree Forest to look for her. This time, Discord came with me to help." Her voice was gentle, but the mention of Discord caused all eyes to turn to her. Fluttershy blinked at the sudden attention, shrinking slightly. "D-did I say something wrong?" Twilight smiled reassuringly, shaking her head. "Not at all. But, Fluttershy... why didn’t you ask Discord to just bring Applebloom back?" A look of realization crossed Fluttershy’s face, and she gasped softly. "Oh my... I didn’t even think of that!" Quickly, she called, "Discord?" In an instant, the draconequus materialized in the middle of the station, striking a grand pose. "At your service, Fluttershy!" he declared with a dramatic bow. Fluttershy gave him a warm smile. "Could you bring Applebloom back here, please?" Discord gave a confident grin. "Ah! A simple task!" With a snap of his fingers... nothing happened. His grin faltered, and he snapped again. And again. And again. Still nothing. Applejack’s face started to pale, and her heart pounded at the lack of results. "What’s goin' on, Discord?" she demanded, her voice shaking. "Is—" Discord raised a paw to stop her before she could continue. "No no, Applejack, relax. She's not... uh, gone," he said, avoiding the heavier words, his tone more serious. "I can sense her, but something's blocking me. It’s like she’s under a blanket I can’t lift." Rarity, with her flair for practicality, tapped her chin. "Couldn’t you just *go* to where she is, darling? See what’s going on directly?" Discord brightened. "Now that’s an idea!" With a snap, he vanished. The group waited in tense silence until Discord reappeared, but this time he was different. His usual confidence was gone, and he had a faraway look in his eyes, like he had just seen something unsettling. "Discord? What happened?" Twilight asked, concern creeping into her voice. Without a word, Discord floated over to Fluttershy, wrapping his mismatched arms around her tightly. "I’m never doing that again," he murmured, still clutching her, as everyone looked on in bewilderment. After Discord's confusing failed attempt to bring Applebloom back, the group continued waiting silently for the train. Fluttershy, ever attentive, sat beside Discord, gently consoling him while Spike and Big Mac tried offering supportive words. Discord, however, remained mostly quiet, his usual energy replaced by an uncomfortable silence. Twilight stood nearby, her gaze lost on the horizon as her mind raced, trying to piece together what could be going on. Finally, she let out a sigh and murmured, "This is going to be harder than I thought..." Applejack, standing closest, overheard and approached with resolve. "It will be," the farm pony admitted, "but when I set hoof in that coastal town, I won’t leave a door unopened until I find answers." Twilight looked at her with a mix of understanding and caution. "Applejack, violence isn’t going to get anyone talking," she said, her tone calm but firm. "Especially if they’re as secretive with outsiders as the little I could gather from the sparse information suggests." Applejack frowned but didn’t argue. She knew Twilight was right, though the frustration of not knowing where her little sister was ate at her. Minutes passed, and still, no train. Growing impatient, Twilight approached the ticket booth again and asked the clerk, "Is there a problem? You said the train would arrive in 15 minutes." The pony behind the counter nodded with an apologetic expression. "There was a small issue at the previous stop. It’ll be about 30 more minutes." The group sighed, resigned to waiting. After the half-hour dragged by, they were still sitting on the platform when, finally, the train arrived. Without wasting a second, the Apple siblings were the first to board, nearly bumping into one of the train staff in their rush. Big Mac, embarrassed, quickly apologized with a simple, "Sorry," while Rarity, who followed behind, added with grace, "Forgive them, they're very... focused." With everyone on board, it seemed the train was finally ready to depart. Or so it seemed. Just as the engines were supposed to start rumbling, everything stopped. A staff member appeared with a frustrated look and announced, "Sorry, but we’re having a technical issue. We’re not sure when we’ll be able to get moving." Everyone in the carriage froze. It was as if bad luck were following them… or was it something else? It was a gray, cloudy morning in Mistwatch. The fog covered much of the island, creating an almost ghostly atmosphere that enveloped everything. At the dock, Tom, the human fisherman, was adjusting the ropes on his boat, preparing for what seemed to be another routine day of fishing. The sound of his boots echoed against the wooden planks when suddenly, the boat rocked slightly. “Whoa!” Tom exclaimed, grabbing the edge of the boat to steady himself. He quickly turned his head and saw Applebloom, who had snuck up on him silently. The filly looked a bit nervous. “Sorry,” Applebloom quickly said, lowering her ears in apology. Tom, still recovering from the shock, let out a soft laugh. “You gave me quite the scare! Don’t usually see a filly this early around here,” he said with a smile, setting aside his initial fear. Applebloom looked up at him and replied, “Well, at this hour, I should already be eating breakfast... but…” Her voice wavered for a moment before she pulled herself together. “Actually, I came because I had a question.” “Oh yeah? Well, fire away,” Tom responded while continuing to adjust a net. “I wanted to know…” Applebloom looked out at the fog-covered horizon before continuing. “What happens if someone wants to leave here, from the dock, and go back to the outside world?” Tom’s expression shifted slightly. He lowered his hands from the ropes and turned to face her. “Leave? Never tried it,” he said, scratching his beard. “But I’ve seen some who did.” Applebloom frowned, intrigued. “And what happened?” Tom paused before answering, as if searching for the right words. “From what I heard, if you try to leave, the fog catches you. You can row or sail for hours and hours, but you always end up right back where you started. It’s like the island won’t let you go.” Applebloom stayed silent, absorbing what she’d just heard. The idea of being trapped there with no way out made her heart sink a little more. “What about you?” she asked suddenly, looking at Tom intently. “How did you get here?” Tom stopped moving altogether, as if the question had hit him in a deep place. He stared at the fog for a long second before replying. “Truth is… I don’t remember.” “You don’t remember?” Applebloom looked at him in disbelief, waiting for him to explain more. The fisherman sighed. “All I know is one day I woke up on this dock, with the same fog all around me. I have no idea how I got here or what happened before I passed out… It’s like everything before that day is a blurry dream. But when I woke up, I knew one thing: I knew how to fish. I knew how to tie knots, handle the boat… basic stuff. Not much more.” Applebloom looked at him, both confused and surprised. “You don’t remember anything about your life before this?” Tom shook his head. “Nothing clear. Just fragments, and none of them make sense.” Tom sighed deeply and, with a somewhat forced smile, said, “Doesn’t matter, though, it’s fine.” He shook his head, as if brushing off any attempt to dig deeper into his own story, and added as he gathered his things, “I’ve got to go. The sea doesn’t wait.” He climbed onto the boat, giving the bow a few friendly taps, like he was talking to an old friend. “I’d recommend heading to the community hall. They serve some pretty good apples there, just right for a pony like you.” Applebloom, still processing what she had just heard, nodded slowly. “Thanks, Tom.” “See you,” he said, lifting his hand in a wave before rowing off into the fog, leaving her alone on the dock. The filly stood in silence, watching as the boat gradually disappeared into the thick swamp mist. Thoughtful, Applebloom looked down, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions swirling inside her. She turned slowly, heading in the direction of the community hall. She knew she had a lot to do, a lot of questions to answer, but first things first: she needed to fill her stomach and maybe clear her head a little. Applebloom walked through the village, observing as the locals went about their daily lives, lost in their routines. The townsfolk were a mix—some sold food for the various species that lived there, others offered clothing and accessories, and some specialized in tools and construction equipment. One of the latter caught Applebloom’s attention, as she found herself staring at the sign, intrigued by what seemed to be a carpenter’s shop. Just then, without realizing it, she accidentally bumped into a young zebra, who looked a couple of years younger than her. The small zebra was carrying some planks on her back and had a makeshift pack of nails. She wobbled a bit but quickly recovered, letting out a playful giggle before apologizing with a carefree smile. “Oops! Sorry, I didn’t see ya,” the zebra said, her cheerful attitude shining through as she continued on her way, balancing the planks as she trotted off. Applebloom didn’t give the encounter much thought, though for a brief moment she wondered if that zebra had also arrived because of the island’s call. Shaking her head, she refocused on her goal and kept walking. She finally arrived at the “community hall,” a simple building with wooden tables and a humble but welcoming atmosphere. The place was fairly empty, except for a few older ponies and a couple of injured ones who seemed to be recovering from some accident. Applebloom felt a slight knot in her stomach, not just from hunger, but from the strange, slightly melancholy vibe that filled the air. Taking a seat at one of the tables, she watched as an older pony served apples on a plate in front of her, offering a kind smile. Without saying much, Applebloom began to eat… After finishing her meal, Applebloom stood up from the table with a strange feeling in her gut. The apples had tasted familiar, like the ones she ate at Sweet Apple Acres, but there was something slightly different about them—maybe it was the island’s soil or the climate that affected the quality. Still, they filled her hunger, and that was enough for now. As she walked through the streets of Mistwatch, heading toward her temporary home—a small house the mayor had assigned to newcomers—she thought about how she was going to adapt to her new reality. It was a simple place with three rooms, each reserved for those who had just arrived. For now, she was the only occupant, which only deepened her sense of loneliness. When she was approaching the entrance of the house, Applebloom heard a male voice breaking the usual silence of the area. It sounded anxious, filled with worry and desperation. “What do you mean you don’t know where she went?” The voice was desperate, as if he had been searching for someone for hours. Applebloom stopped, hiding behind the corner of the main entrance, and peeked just enough to see the scene. In front of the door, a pony was speaking with the housekeeper in the main hall. He had a similar coat pattern to hers, but she couldn’t make out the details clearly. He was looking at the mare who supervised the temporary house, her expression calm but tired as she gently shook her head, not appearing too concerned. “I’m telling you, I don’t know,” the housekeeper replied in a steady voice. “She left early this morning, but she didn’t tell me where.” That’s when Applebloom stepped into the room. “Were you looking for me, sir?” As soon as she finished the sentence, the stallion turned to face her. His green eyes, the same shade as her sister’s, locked onto her, and he froze, staring at the filly. The corners of his lips trembled for a moment before he finally spoke. “My little girl…”
chapter 4View Onlinethe magic island surrounded by mistchapter 4It was a day like any other for Applebloom. She was heading home from school, long before she’d formed her famous group with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. The afternoon sun bathed the fields of Sweet Apple Acres, and she stepped into her home as usual, greeting whoever would listen with a cheerful “Howdy!” She expected to find her siblings busy with their daily chores, but instead, she saw them sitting together, focused on something Applebloom couldn’t see from the doorway. Both wore expressions of nostalgia she didn’t recognize. Frowning a little in curiosity, she moved closer. “What’re y’all lookin’ at?” she asked, but got no answer. Both Big Mac and Applejack seemed lost in their own thoughts. Applejack, noticing her little sister’s presence, blinked in surprise. “Oh, Applebloom… didn’t see you there” she said, trying to put on a smile. “What’re y’all lookin’ at?” the little filly insisted, moving closer to the table. Finally, she saw what had them so absorbed: an old photo album, its edges worn with age. Applebloom glanced at the pictures, puzzled, realizing she didn’t recognize any of them. “Who’re they?” she asked, a mix of curiosity and innocence in her voice. Applejack exchanged a look with Big Mac, who simply nodded slowly. With a tenderness only an older sister could have, Applejack ran a hoof over the photos before replying. “They’re our parents, Applebloom” she said in a whisper, her eyes glimmering with a blend of pride and sadness. “Bright Mac and Pear Butter.” The image showed a sturdy pony with pale yellow fur and a tousled orange mane, grinning with an energy that seemed to fill the room, even through the photograph. Beside him stood a mare with a creamy coat and a deep red mane, looking just as happy and complete. Applejack continued, her voice soft, “This album’s been lost up in the attic for years. We found it a couple days ago. It’s… somethin’ we couldn’t replace with all the bits in the world.” Applebloom stayed quiet, processing what she’d just heard. She knew she’d never known her parents, but she’d never paused to imagine what they were like. Back in the present, Applebloom stood motionless, frozen by what she’d just learned. In front of her was a stallion who looked just like her in so many ways the same yellow coat, the same red mane except for his eyes. His eyes held a liveliness tempered by years of experience. Then her gaze drifted down to his flank, and she saw his Cutie Mark: a pair of green apples, split in half. Everything started to make sense, but at the same time, it was impossible to process. He’d just called her “daughter,” and that word echoed in her mind over and over. Memories of old photos, conversations with Applejack, and the stories they’d told her about her parents—those two ponies from the pictures—came flooding back. The pieces were coming together, but the bewilderment was still too overwhelming. With a trembling voice, barely able to speak, she whispered, “D-dad?” The stallion, whom she now recognized as Bright Mac, nodded, his eyes filled with tears that sparkled with barely contained emotion. “Yes, it’s me” he said softly, his voice heavy with feeling. Applebloom couldn’t believe what she was experiencing. Everything around her felt like a dream, something impossible, but her memories and what she was seeing left no room for doubt. She moved forward slowly, wanting to make sure he wouldn’t disappear if she touched him. When she was close enough, she looked at him intently, and then, unable to hold back, she threw herself into his arms, wrapping him in a tight hug. “Dad!” she cried, as tears she’d held back for so long began to flow uncontrollably. Bright Mac held her close, hugging her with all the tenderness he had, letting his own tears fall too. He looked at her with a soft, proud smile as he pulled back a little, like he wanted to take in every detail of her face. “Look at you, you’ve grown so much,” he murmured, his eyes tracing over her with wonder. The last time he’d seen her, she’d barely been a baby, and now here she was, a brave young filly. “You have no idea how happy I am, and your mama… well, she’s gonna be just as thrilled when she sees you.” Those words made Applebloom smile again, and when she realized her mother was also on the island, fresh tears welled up, mixed with laughter and relief. It was all so unreal, but her eyes sparkled with uncontrollable emotion. After a moment, once they’d calmed down, Bright Mac asked gently, “What brought you all the way out here, little one? Are your siblings okay?” His voice held a warm note of concern and care. Applebloom nodded, wiping the last of her tears from her cheeks. “Yes, Dad, they’re all fine… Granny too. I… I’m not exactly sure why I came. It was strange… like a dream, or maybe a calling I couldn’t ignore. It felt like a magnet, something that wouldn’t let me be until I decided to follow it.” Her voice wavered a bit as she recalled the pull of that unknown force, and Bright Mac let out a sigh of relief, as though a great weight had lifted from his shoulders upon hearing his family in Ponyville was safe. “It’s alright, my dear. We’ll talk all about it once your mama’s here too,” said Bright Mac, ruffling her hair in a fatherly way with a smile. “For now, let’s go gather your things and head on over to your new home. How does that sound?” She nodded eagerly, a mix of excitement, curiosity, comfort, and other emotions hard to explain. “Great! You’re gonna love the farm we’ve got” "Wait… a farm?” asked Applebloom, puzzled. Bright Mac nodded and explained that they’d been given a piece of land on the island with a farm to grow apples and other crops needed by Mistwatch’s residents. Applebloom frowned, thinking of the swampy terrain she’d seen. “And how do you plant anything in a place so… damp?” she asked curiously. “You’re right about that; it’s not ideal soil,” her father admitted. “But here in Mistwatch, there’s an alchemist who helped us adapt the trees. With her help, we managed to cultivate varieties that can actually grow here.” Applebloom’s eyes lit up. “An alchemist? Like Zecora, then…” she murmured, making a mental note to herself for later. When the filly and her father arrived in the room, she started gathering her few belongings, the ones she’d managed to bring from Ponyville. She carefully packed her blanket and small bundle of jars, then turned to her father. “How did you find out I was here?” Applebloom asked, looking up at Bright Mac with curious eyes. He gave a small, amused smile, as if remembering something recent and a bit funny. “It was the mayor who came by the farm first thing in the morning,” he explained. “He asked if we knew a little filly who looked a lot like me and had a ‘very Apple’ name. The moment I heard that, I didn’t hesitate for a second—I ran straight to town to find you.” In the brief silence that followed, Applebloom fell into thought, recalling all the questions she’d asked herself for so long. Finally, she looked up at her father, her tone a mix of curiosity and something like reproach. “Pa, why did you… leave home? Why listen to that voice and leave everything behind?” she asked, her gaze lowering. “Didn’t you think of Applejack, of Big Mac… of me?” Bright Mac sighed, a gesture Applebloom had never seen from him before, carrying years of weight in his eyes. He moved closer to her, placing a hoof on her shoulder. He lowered himself slightly to be at her eye level and, with a softness meant to soothe her unease, he said, “It’s something we’ll talk about as a family when your mama’s here too. It wasn’t an easy decision… but it was for your safety and for your future.” After a few seconds of silence, Applebloom’s look of mixed anger and confusion made Bright Mac drop his gaze, his eyes filled with a sadness and regret that even Applebloom could recognize. He looked back up at her and said, his voice breaking, “I’m so sorry, Applebloom. For leaving you like that… without an explanation, without a goodbye. But when the island offered us its help… I just couldn’t refuse.” Bright Mac paused, his words hanging in the air. Noticing his discomfort, Applebloom gave him a tender smile, extending her small hoof to hold his, large and warm. “It’s okay, Dad,” she said gently, her gaze filled with affection. “If it was as serious as it sounds, I’ll understand when the time comes. And if you need Mom here to tell me, I’ll wait. What matters now is that… you’re here with me, right?” Bright Mac felt his eyes well up as he returned her smile, and, without saying more, he pulled her into a deep, warm hug the kind of hug that seemed to mend the lost years. The faces of those gathered showed a mix of surprise and frustration. Applejack scowled, impatient. “What do you mean it broke down?” she exclaimed, her eyes blazing with that well-known determination. The train conductor swallowed hard, nodding uneasily. “Yes, ma’am, a part of the train—just installed, mind you—just… gave out. Nobody understands how, but we’ll have to suspend service until we get a replacement. Hopefully by tomorrow or, if not, the day after,” he explained, trying to calm the furious farm pony. Applejack turned to Twilight with hope in her eyes. “Twilight, use your teleport spell. We’ve gotta get to that town right now!” Twilight sighed, her eyes narrowing as she mentally calculated the risks. “It’s not that simple, Applejack. I don’t know Calm Tiades, nor how far it is from here. And even if I did, teleporting us all at once is incredibly risky. A spell that big, without a clear destination… we could end up in the middle of nowhere, or worse.” Fluttershy stepped closer, gently patting Applejack’s shoulder in an attempt to calm her. “Applejack… I know this is hard, but Twilight’s right. We need a safe plan. Maybe we can figure something else out while they work on fixing the train…” Applejack, still frustrated, clenched her jaw and let out a growl. Without a word, she stormed over to a nearby trash bin and, with a surprising burst of strength, kicked it against the opposite wall. A loud crack echoed through the station as it left a small dent in the bricks. Big Mac stepped forward to soothe her, placing a hoof on her shoulder. “Calm down. This won’t help.” But she pulled away, her eyes still blazing with worry and anger. “I don’t understand how y’all can ask me to wait when my sister could be out there in danger, who knows where… This is ridiculous!” she exclaimed, breathing heavily, trying to control her emotions. Spike, looking concerned, approached Twilight. “Isn’t there another way, Twi? Maybe if we could find more information about Calm Tiades, you’d have better control over the spell,” he suggested, trying to offer an idea. Twilight shook her head again. “I can’t. As soon as I found out your sister ran off to that town, I went to my library and found nothing. I checked Canterlot’s library—nothing. When I asked the librarian, she said there was a book, but when we went to get it, it was gone. Records on coastal towns—empty. Maps—erased. It’s as if that island is trying to avoid us…” She said the last part slowly, staring into space as her mind pieced together a theory. “Avoiding us…” she repeated quietly. Twilight lowered her gaze, almost whispering to herself as she tried to make sense of what she'd just said. “It’s as if… that island is trying to keep itself a secret, out of any record.” The idea seemed so absurd she could barely believe she was considering it, but something about all this didn’t add up, and the gaps in information were too strange to be mere coincidence. Applejack, still restless, exchanged a look with Twilight and stepped closer. “Are you saying that island is… alive? Or that someone’s hiding it on purpose?” Twilight sighed, her frustration evident in her eyes. “I’m not saying that’s the case, but it seems like someone or something wants us to know nothing about Calm Tiades… not even where it is exactly.” Rarity, who’d been listening silently, placed a hoof to her chest, worried. “But who would do something so… sinister? And why?” Twilight swallowed, unsure how to answer. The possibility that Calm Tiades was intentionally hidden opened a flood of questions, yet it explained the strange void she kept encountering in her search for information. Rainbow stepped forward hesitantly. “So… what do we do now? If everything’s blocking us, how do we find Applebloom?” “What if… we just pretend we’re not looking for her?” The unexpected idea made everyone turn sharply to see who had spoken… and there was Spike, a serious and thoughtful expression on his face. Applejack was the first to break the silence. “Spike, what’re you getting at?” Spike shrugged, but his gaze was steady. “Just… if Calm Tiades is doing something to avoid us, maybe if we stop acting like we’re searching for her, the island will… I don’t know, let its guard down or something.” Twilight, who’d been piecing together the theory of the elusive island, looked at Spike with a spark of understanding in her eyes. “Spike… that could work. If Calm Tiades responds to intent, then maybe we could slip under the radar if we approach it more… casually.” Rarity frowned, concerned. “But how do we ‘casually’ travel to a place we don’t even know the exact location of?” Twilight sighed. “That’s the problem. Without the train to get us to the nearest town, we’re stuck here… unless we find another way to travel without the purpose of seeking the island…” After a few minutes of silence, Twilight spoke up again, her voice filled with determination. “I have a plan.” The sky over Mistwatch looked the same as always, and the air had that constant humidity that seemed to embrace everything. Applebloom and Bright Mac walked steadily along the dirt path, the ground soft but not too muddy, leaving light footprints behind with each step. Around them, the landscape showed dense vegetation and tall trees, with roots stretching and twisting across the earth, nourished by the swampy environment. Every so often, the croak of a frog or the flap of a bird’s wings broke the silence, giving the place a sense of peaceful, mysterious life. At the end of the path, Applebloom spotted the farm. Though it was surrounded by puddles and vegetation typical of the swamps, the place had the essence of Sweet Apple Acres: a couple of sheds, an old windmill turning gently in the breeze, and an orchard of apple trees that looked a bit different—more twisted but filled with bright red fruit. Bright smiled proudly, stretching out a hoof in a broad gesture. “Welcome to Swampy Apples, sugarcube. It may not be the farm you’re used to, but we’ve made a home here.” Applebloom smiled, amazed by how familiar it all felt. “Did y’all really plant all this yourselves?” Bright Mac nodded with a chuckle. “Yup, it was a challenge with the soil and the weather, but with a little help, we got these trees to grow. It’s not quite Sweet Apple Acres, but… even swamps can give good apples.” Applebloom looked at the orchard, noticing the resilience of the trees—a resilience that reminded her of her own family. “It’s amazing, Pa. I guess… like Granny used to say, this is part of bein’ an Apple too, huh? Puttin’ down roots wherever we are.” “Exactly,” Bright said, placing a hoof over her shoulders with a proud smile. After a moment of silence, he spoke again. “Well, let’s head inside. Your mom’s probably eager to see us.” Bright gently opened the door, gesturing for Applebloom to go in first. She stepped forward slowly, as if crossing that threshold was something deeper than just entering a house. Inside, the soft morning light filled the room, giving it a warm, cozy feel. The worn wooden furniture looked old but well cared for; there was a small living room with chairs she imagined her mother might’ve sewn, and a handwoven rug covered the floor. She made her way to the kitchen. It was a humble space, with a polished wooden table in the center and a small stove in one corner. The shelves were lined with glass jars and small bags, filled with ingredients and spices that seemed gathered from the island itself. But what really caught her attention was the figure she’d only ever seen in photos, looking a bit different with time… It was her. Her mother stood by the window, looking out at the foggy landscape as if it somehow mirrored what she felt inside. She seemed lost in thought, as if there was something on her mind she couldn’t quite say out loud. Then she sensed who was in the room; her shoulders tensed slightly, and she turned slowly. When she saw Applebloom, her eyes filled with emotion and surprise, and a trembling smile crossed her face as she murmured in a choked voice: “My baby…” Applebloom took a step toward her mother, her smile full of emotion and relief. Her heart pounded, her eyes bright with pure joy. Standing there was Pear Butter, her mother, the one she’d only known through pictures and family stories. Without hesitation, in one quick, spontaneous move, Applebloom threw herself into her mother’s embrace, wrapping her in a tight, sincere hug. For a moment, Pear seemed frozen, with a weight of old doubts and a trace of fear in her gaze. She’d feared that her daughter might look at her with resentment or anger for leaving without warning, without a goodbye. But as she felt Applebloom’s arms wrapped around her with such warmth, something inside her began to soften, to fill with a nearly forgotten love. Slowly, realizing her daughter had come to her with an open heart, the orange mare lifted a hoof and wrapped it around her daughter gently, returning the hug with a tenderness that grew stronger and deeper. It was their first true, complete mother-daughter hug. Applebloom closed her eyes and nestled closer, feeling the warmth and protection she’d always imagined. A new feeling of home washed over her in her mother’s arms, and, in silence, they let their tears flow. Pear gently stroked her daughter’s back, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at her face. With a trembling smile, she whispered, “You’re here… I thought I’d never see you again, my little one. It feels like only yesterday you were just a baby in my arms, so fragile, so perfect.” Her voice broke a bit, and she held Applebloom tighter, as if afraid she might vanish at any moment. “You’ve grown into a fine young mare,” she went on, looking at her with a mix of pride and nostalgia. “There’s so much I want to say to you, so much I want to know… You don’t know how long I’ve dreamed of this moment.” Applebloom nodded, her eyes shining with a blend of joy and sadness. “I feel the same way, Mama… Granny Smith and my brothers would be thrilled to see you, but…” Her voice trailed off, and her shoulders drooped at the thought of the distance that now separated them. Pear gently caressed her face, wiping away the tears that were beginning to fall. “Shhh, don’t be sad, sweetheart,” she whispered softly. “We’re here, together. We might not be with them right now, but we have a new chance here. And I promise you’ll never be without support… or love.” Pear hugged her again, giving her the warmth and security that only a mother could provide. Bright joined in the embrace, wrapping both of them in his strong presence and giving them a warm squeeze. After a few moments of peaceful silence, he let out a small laugh and murmured, “Just wait till Zahir hears about this…” Applebloom frowned, looking up at her father in confusion. “Zahir? Who’s that?” she asked, not understanding. Just then, the door to the house opened, and in walked the same zebra she’d bumped into before. His eyes widened at the sight of Applebloom in her parents’ arms. Blinking, he shot them a puzzled look and asked, unable to hide his confusion, “Ma, Pa... Who is she?”
Chapter 5View Onlinethe magic island surrounded by mistChapter 5"By Celestia’s love… poor Wagons… We didn’t talk much… such a tragedy" Pear said, still processing the impact of the news she had just received. "And to think they said the mines were safe. I talked to him a bit during the “mandatory training.” I had to escort him, remember I told you about that once, dear?" the red-maned stallion mentioned, looking at his wife, who took a moment but weakly nodded. "But… why did you come here, Mayor Tusk?" he added, raising an eyebrow in suspicion as he looked at their guest. The mayor let out a sigh, more out of exhaustion from the commotion following the miners’ accident and death. He glanced at the couple, searching for the right words, and after finding them, he explained. "Well, unfortunately, they had a foal, and we’re not planning to leave him in an orphanage, knowing the challenges he might face growing up without… a family" he averted his gaze, aware he was treading into sensitive territory for the two farmers. "While looking for potential adoptive parents, I learned you had to leave your children behind" Silence fell heavily. The pair of earth ponies exchanged looks, their expressions uncertain and tinged with pain. After reading each other’s thoughts, Pear was the first to speak. "I’m sorry, Mayor, but… we need to think about it. This… requires a conversation between my husband and me" she said, trying to sound polite, though the memories of her three little ones were fresh in her mind. "That’s fine, though I should clarify you would receive extra stipends for taking in the little one. But if what you need is time to think…" he said as he stepped down from his seat. "I’ll await your answer. Have a good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Apple" the griffon said as he left, escorted by Bright Mac. Once the mayor was gone, the stallion shut the door and looked at his wife, preparing for a long conversation. … … "Still no news, Mayor?" asked an older griffon hen with glasses that hinted at her advanced age. She was gently rocking a cradle where the newborn zebra lay. "No, not many families I can approach. It’s too much responsibility and energy for most" the griffon said with a sigh. "All we can do is wait for a volunteer" They were in a makeshift room at Mistwatch’s school, which served not only as a place of education but also as temporary housing for children without families. Suddenly, a knock came from behind the two griffons. They turned their heads in unison. "Come in" the mayor ordered. Bright Mac and Pear Butter stepped into the room, their presence rekindling hope in the griffon. "Mr. and Mrs. Apple" he said in a tone of surprise and slight optimism. "Uh… Would you like to see the baby?" he offered, stepping aside. The red-maned stallion simply nodded and stepped forward alongside his wife. The mayor fidgeted slightly with his claws until the older griffon placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and motioned for them to leave the room. Once the two griffons exited, they waited silently in the hallway for what felt like an eternity. At last, the creak of the door broke the tension. Bright Mac and Pear Butter emerged, Pear softly dabbing away a small tear. The couple exchanged a glance before turning their attention to the mayor. In the present… Apple Bloom remained frozen in surprise as Zahir approached with light steps, curiosity glimmering in his eyes. The young zebra stopped in front of her, tilting his head slightly as he studied her. After a moment, he spoke naturally "You look just like Pa.” Bright Mac let out a nervous chuckle, while Apple Bloom blinked, still struggling to process what was happening. Pear Butter stepped forward calmly, placing a hoof on Zahir’s shoulder with a warm smile. "Zahir, this is your sister, Apple Bloom" she said gently, "Apple Bloom, this is Zahir, your younger brother. Apple Bloom’s mouth opened, but no words came out. Her thoughts were a whirlwind: Brother. A zebra. Adopted. The pieces swirled chaotically as she tried to make sense of it all. Unbothered by her confusion, Zahir tilted his head further, murmuring to himself: "That explains why you look so much like Pa, but… " he raised an eyebrow, glancing at his parents with an innocent mix of curiosity and disbelief"aren’t they supposed to be babies first? Where’d she come from? Bright Mac burst out laughing, more genuinely this time, scratching the back of his neck as Pear Butter sighed with an indulgent smile. "It’s complicated, son"Bright said, looking at Apple Bloom and then at Zahir" but what matters now is that we’re all finally together. Pear Butter took the opportunity to gently nudge Zahir and Apple Bloom closer to each other, bridging the gap between them. "Zahir, give your sister some time to adjust. Apple Bloom, I know this might be… a lot, but we’re here for whatever you need, okay?" Apple Bloom nodded slowly, still feeling like the pieces hadn’t quite fallen into place. But she managed a small smile, seeing the sincerity in her mother’s eyes. She glanced at Zahir, who was watching her expectantly, and finally said, "I guess we have a lot of catching up to do, huh?" Zahir beamed, his stripes shifting as his tail swished energetically. "Yeah! Although… that still doesn’t answer the question…" Pear Butter, wearing a warm maternal smile, chimed in with renewed energy. "Why don’t you both sit down for a bit? I’m making an apple pie, and it’ll be ready in no time." Zahir quickly hopped onto one of the wooden chairs around the table, while Apple Bloom, still a bit unsettled, took a seat across from him. Her gaze drifted between Zahir and the kitchen, where her mother worked, as she tried to process the new family dynamic. Breaking the silence, the young mare finally asked, "So… how long have you been here?" Her tone carried a mix of uncertainty and curiosity. Zahir shrugged thoughtfully, scratching his chin with a hoof. "I’m not sure exactly… I don’t remember much from when they brought me here. All I know is, I’ve been here for as long as I can remember." He leaned forward slightly, his innocent yet curious gaze fixed on her. "But… what about you? Where did you come from?" The question, asked without malice, landed like a pebble in a still pond, sending ripples through the room. Bright Mac, tinkering with some tools in the corner, glanced up at Apple Bloom, while Pear Butter, holding a wooden spoon in her hoof, paused to look at her eldest daughter. Apple Bloom swallowed hard, feeling the weight of their attention. "Well…" she began, lowering her gaze to her hooves. "I’m not really sure how to explain it." Pear Butter gently sat beside her, leaving the pie for a moment. "Take your time, sweetheart." Apple Bloom nodded slowly, taking a deep breath before continuing. "It all started a few months ago. One night, out of nowhere, I began dreaming about this place. I didn’t know why or where the dreams were coming from, but every time I woke up, I felt this pull… like something was calling me here. At first, I tried to ignore it, but over time… I just couldn’t anymore." She paused for a moment, observing the expressions of her parents and Zahir, who were listening intently. "I don’t really know why, but one day I decided I had to do it. I left Sweet Apple Acres and… I just came here." The room fell silent, the only sound coming from the crackling fire in the kitchen. Bright Mac glanced at Pear Butter, and the two exchanged a look full of emotions that Apple Bloom couldn’t fully interpret. Pear Butter finally spoke, placing a hoof gently over Apple Bloom’s. "That must have been such a hard journey, but what matters is that you’re here, with us." Her voice was warm but carried a faint tremble. Zahir, still processing everything he had just heard, suddenly widened his eyes, a spark of realization lighting up his face. "Wait a second!" he exclaimed, pointing a hoof at Apple Bloom. "Are you one of the 'three siblings' I used to have?" Apple Bloom blinked, momentarily confused. "'Three siblings'?" she repeated before the connection clicked in her mind. Zahir nodded enthusiastically, brimming with excitement. "Yeah! Ma’ and Pa’ told me I had three siblings before I came here, but I never thought I’d get to meet them…" His excitement grew as he continued. "So… is it true that apples taste different there? And that it’s only ponies?" The unexpected question caught Apple Bloom off guard, and she let out a small, nervous laugh. "Well, yeah, the apples there are different, but I wouldn’t say they’re better or worse. Just… different. And yes, in Ponyville, most of us are ponies, though there’s the occasional griffon or donkey." Zahir tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with childlike curiosity. "So there aren’t zebras like me there?" Apple Bloom shook her head gently, offering a kind smile. "No, not many… well, there’s one, Zecora. She lives in the Everfree Forest and is an alchemist. She’s helped us out plenty of times." Zahir’s eyes widened even more, clearly impressed. "An alchemist? That’s so cool!" he exclaimed, then turned to his adoptive parents with a mix of pride and excitement. "See? Maybe I’m one of a kind over there!" Bright Mac chuckled at his son’s enthusiasm, ruffling Zahir’s tuft of mane affectionately. "I don’t doubt that, kiddo. But you’re pretty special here too." Pear Butter, her expression full of warmth, stood up and set the freshly baked pie on the table. "Well, before we dive into more stories, I think it’s time to dig into this pie. I’m sure we could all use a slice." Zahir’s curiosity was momentarily overtaken by the delicious aroma of the dessert. As the young zebra eagerly settled into his seat, Apple Bloom found herself beginning to relax. The pie was a comforting experience, its flavor carrying the essence of home Apple Bloom thought she’d lost forever. Yet there was something different—like the island had left its mark on even the most familiar tastes. As she chewed slowly, her mind began to wander. Looking up, she found herself staring at her parents. Both Bright Mac and Pear Butter noticed the intensity of her gaze, pausing mid-bite and setting their utensils down, a hint of unease flickering in their eyes. Apple Bloom swallowed her mouthful before finally voicing the question weighing on her mind. "How did you two end up here?" Her words landed heavily, rippling tension through the room. Bright Mac and Pear Butter exchanged a significant look, a silent understanding passing between them as they decided who should answer. At last, Pear Butter sighed and gave her husband a slight nod before turning to her daughter. "It’s a long story, sweetheart… but I suppose now’s the time to tell it." She took a deep breath, as though drawing strength for what was to come. "It all started when…" … The setting sun bathed Ponyville in a warm orange glow as Pear Butter spent a quiet afternoon with her longtime friend, Cup Cake, in the cozy sitting room of Sugarcube Corner. Laughter filled the air as they chatted about everything and nothing, a tray of freshly baked cookies resting on the table between them. “Honestly, Pear, I don’t know how you do it,” Cup Cake said with a laugh, pouring more tea. “Three kids, a farm, and yet you still find time to come here and chat with me.” “Oh, don’t exaggerate, Cup,” Pear Butter replied, her warm smile lighting up her face. “It’s only because Bright’s with the little ones right now. But I’ll tell you, the farm doesn’t take care of itself. Sometimes I feel like those apple trees are conspiring to keep me on my hooves.” Both mares laughed, enjoying the moment. But the conversation took a more serious turn as Cup Cake’s tone softened. “Speaking of challenges… have you thought about the election yet?” she asked, folding her hooves together on the table. Pear raised an eyebrow, setting her teacup down with a soft clink. “You mean Mayor Mare and that new candidate… what was his name again?” “Iron Ledger,” Cup Cake replied with a slight grimace. “I caught one of his speeches the other day. He has… big ideas.” “‘Big ideas’ sound fine in theory, but there’s always a cost behind pretty words,” Pear said, her brow furrowing. “Bright read his campaign proposals. Expanding Ponyville to make it a central district? Dropping the ‘ville’ part to make it more… industrialized? That doesn’t sound like the kind of place I want to raise my kids.” Cup Cake nodded, her expression mirroring Pear’s concern. “Exactly. And I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but since his campaign started… strange things have been happening at night.” Pear tilted her head, intrigued. “Strange things?” “Neighbors have mentioned hearing footsteps in the streets late at night, when no one should be out. Strange lights too. And some merchants claim they’ve found their shops unlocked in the morning, but everything inside is untouched.” Pear Butter shivered slightly, her gaze drifting to the window overlooking the quiet town. “I’ve always felt safe in Ponyville, but this… it’s unsettling. Have you talked to anyone else about it?” “Everyone’s talking about it, but no one’s willing to confront it directly,” Cup Cake admitted with a sigh. “I suppose they think it’s just a coincidence. Maybe it is.” Pear gave a small nod, her smile returning as she finished her tea. “Maybe… Anyway, I should get going. I have to deliver a letter and get back to the kids. Little Apple’s not even six months old, and she’s already a handful!” She chuckled. Cup Cake smiled but added, “Be careful, Pear. Walking out there at night might not be the best idea.” “I’ll be fine, don’t worry. I just need to get this letter delivered and head back,” Pear reassured her as she stood. The baker walked her friend to the door, offering one last wave of goodbye as Pear Butter stepped out into the evening. They parted ways, each with tasks still left to complete as the quiet of Ponyville settled in for the night. As the last light of day faded, Pear Butter walked through the streets of Ponyville, the once vibrant orange sky giving way to the deep blue of approaching night. The cool evening air carried a faint chill, but she maintained her steady pace, a carefully folded letter tucked under her wing. Her destination was her father’s modest pear farm—a place she hadn’t visited in quite some time. As she drew closer, her heartbeat quickened. Maybe this is the chance to make things right, she thought, a mixture of hope and doubt weighing heavily on her mind. The farm looked as tranquil as ever, though signs of neglect were evident. Fallen pear leaves littered the ground in disorder, and the wooden fences showed their age with cracks and missing slats. Pear Butter approached the weathered mailbox, slipping the letter inside with deliberate care. “I hope you read it, Dad,” she murmured to herself, her voice almost lost in the stillness. “Maybe this time… we can leave it all behind.” With a deep sigh, she turned and began her walk back to Ponyville. By now, night had fully claimed the sky, and the streets were quieter than she remembered. The dim light from the streetlamps barely pierced the darkness, casting long shadows that stretched like specters across the cobblestones. Her thoughts swirled around her family, her father, and what the future might hold. But her musings were interrupted by a faint movement in the distance. As she neared Sugarcube Corner, Pear’s eyes caught sight of three figures shrouded in cloaks standing near the back door of the bakery. One of them, a unicorn, had a faint glow around his horn, the light reflecting off the lock he was skillfully tampering with. Pear froze, her breath catching as recognition hit her like a bolt of lightning. The gray coat of the unicorn was unmistakable. As the wind stirred, it nudged back his hood, revealing his face. Iron Ledger. His features were just as she remembered from his campaign posters: a medium build, a slate-gray coat, and a perfectly groomed dark mane streaked with white. His sharp, calculating eyes glinted in the glow of his magic, giving him an air of cold precision. A small gasp escaped Pear Butter before she could stop it. The sound drew the attention of the cloaked figures, and all three turned their gazes toward her, their eyes locking onto the frozen mare. The air grew heavy, time seeming to stretch unbearably as they stared at one another. Pear moved first. With her heart pounding, she spun on her hooves and bolted, the sound of her galloping hooves breaking the oppressive silence. She weaved through the empty streets, her breath coming in ragged gasps. For a moment, there was no sound behind her. Then, the sharp clatter of pursuing hooves erupted, echoing through the night as her pursuers gave chase Pear Butter burst through the door of Sweet Apple Acres, panting heavily, her sweat-soaked face and racing heartbeat proof of her harrowing escape. She pushed the door closed behind her with a loud thud, leaning against it as she tried to catch her breath. She didn’t notice the two figures watching her from the living room. Bright Mac and Granny Smith, seated near the hearth, stood almost simultaneously at the sight of her disheveled state. “Pear!” Bright exclaimed, rushing to her side with a mix of relief and worry “What happened? Are you alright?” Granny Smith also approached, her steps slower but her green eyes filled with concern. Pear looked up at her husband, her wide eyes betraying her lingering fear. She wanted to answer, but the words seemed stuck in her throat. “I’m... I’m fine” she finally said, her voice trembling “It’s just... I don’t know how to explain it” Bright leaned closer, about to press for more information, but Granny Smith’s calm voice interrupted. “Take it easy, sugarcube” the elder said gently, placing a hoof on Pear’s shoulder “Whatever it was, there’ll be time to talk in the morning. Right now, you need rest. Sleep’ll do you good” Pear nodded slowly, her tense shoulders relaxing slightly at the older mare’s reassurance. Bright wrapped her in a soft hug for a moment before taking her hoof and guiding her toward the stairs. “Thanks, Ma” he said with a small nod. Granny Smith offered a faint smile and waved them off, watching as the couple ascended to their room. … In the quiet of their bedroom, Pear and Bright settled under the blankets, the warmth providing Pear with some measure of comfort. Yet her thoughts remained consumed by the events of the night. Bright noticed and turned toward her, his worry evident. “What happened, Pear?” he asked softly, his voice full of tenderness “You really scared me” Pear stared at the ceiling for a moment, searching for the right words, then sighed and turned to face him. “I saw something I wasn’t supposed to” she finally admitted, lowering her voice as though afraid someone else might overhear “I was coming back from leaving a letter at my dad’s place. I couldn’t mail it because the post office was closed, so I went straight to his mailbox…” She paused, closing her eyes as the memory resurfaced. “On my way back, I saw Iron Ledger… that unicorn running against Mayor Mare. He and two other ponies in hoods were breaking into Sugarcube Corner. They didn’t have permission, Bright. They were forcing their way in” Bright frowned, his expression hardening as he listened. “Iron Ledger?” he repeated, his tone more serious “Are you sure?” “Yes, I saw him clearly when his hood fell off” Pear swallowed hard, the knot in her stomach returning “They saw me, Bright. All three of them. I don’t know if they recognized me, but I had to run. I managed to lose them… but…” Before she could continue, Bright leaned in and wrapped her in his strong hooves, holding her protectively. “You’re safe now, Pear. I won’t let anything happen to you. If they try something, they’ll have to get through me first” The room fell silent for a few moments, broken only by the sound of branches brushing against the window. Pear allowed herself to relax in her husband’s embrace, resting her head against his chest. “I love you, Bright” she murmured softly, her voice filled with sincerity. “I love you too, Pear” he replied, kissing her forehead before pulling her closer. Slowly, they closed their eyes, the warmth of their bond offering a temporary reprieve from the chaos lurking in the shadows. The next morning, Bright Mac stepped outside, ready to start a new day. But as he crossed the threshold, something unusual caught his eye. There, embedded in the wooden frame beside the door, was a knife. No note, no explanation, just the cold gleam of metal reflecting the morning light. Bright froze for a moment, his eyes wide as he processed what he was seeing. Immediately, he turned back into the house, carrying the knife in his mouth. “Pear!” Bright called out urgently. Pear Butter appeared quickly from the kitchen, drying her hooves with a cloth. When she saw the knife, her eyes widened, and the color drained from her face. “Bright… what does this mean?” Bright placed the knife carefully on the table, as if touching it would make it more real. “It was stuck in the doorframe. There’s no note, nothing to explain why or who left it there.” Pear was speechless, staring at the knife as if it might offer answers. The conversation that followed was tense. The couple moved to the barn to talk privately, their voices low as if they feared the walls might overhear. “Should we call the police?” Bright suggested, his brow furrowed. “And risk provoking them further?” Pear replied, her tone filled with worry. “You saw what happened last night. If we start spreading rumors, it could get worse.” “We can’t just ignore this, Pear. This isn’t some harmless scare tactic.” They exchanged a long look. After much debate, they reached a bitter conclusion: to stay silent. Acting or speaking up might lead to unpredictable consequences, but they also knew this couldn’t go on forever. “If things get worse… we’ll leave,” Bright finally said firmly. “But for now, I pray to Celestia it doesn’t come to that.” ... Darkness blanketed everything, but this time the air felt different. Bright and Pear walked together along a familiar path, returning home after an ordinary day. Everything seemed normal until they noticed something in the distance: smoke. Their hearts raced. “Is that… our farm?” Pear asked, her voice trembling. Bright didn’t answer. Instead, he started running. Pear followed, her chest tightening with every step. When they arrived, the scene left them breathless: Sweet Apple Acres was engulfed in flames. The fire devoured every board and leaf like a ravenous monster. “Ma! Kids!” Bright shouted, desperately searching for any sign of his family. There was no reply. Only the roaring fire, as if the whole world had turned against them. Before the nightmare could worsen, everything froze. The flames stopped moving, suspended in time like a painting. Then, emerging from the fire, came a figure. It was a unicorn mare with a deep blue coat and a snow-white mane. Her stride was calm, almost elegant, and though her expression was serious, it wasn’t threatening. “My apologies for intruding into your nightmare, if you could call it that,” she said in a firm yet warm voice. Bright and Pear exchanged confused looks. Before they could say anything, the mare clapped her hooves, and the fire vanished. The farm was whole again, as if nothing had ever happened. “Who… who are you? Was this all a dream?” Bright asked, stepping in front of Pear, who had curled up behind him, trembling. The unicorn regarded them calmly, tilting her head slightly. “It’s truly a tragedy that you find yourselves in this position,” she said, ignoring his initial question. “That corrupt stallion is determined to silence you. And I can’t say whether he’ll do it with or without a ‘trigger.’” She gestured subtly toward the house behind them. Bright narrowed his eyes, his frown deepening “What are you saying? What are you trying to do?” The mare sighed softly before continuing. “This place,” she said, motioning toward the now-intact farm, “is a possible future. One that will come to pass if I don’t intervene.” Pear, still huddled next to her husband, looked up. “How… how can you help us?” she asked, her voice trembling. The unicorn conjured a shining object with her magic: a business card, simple yet with a peculiar design that seemed to glow with its own light. “In Equestria, there is no longer any place where you can be safe. Your situation is too dangerous, and the power he wields over towns and cities is a tragedy. But… if you were no longer in Equestria…” She left the sentence hanging as she offered the card to them. Pear and Bright stared at it cautiously. “Take your time to think it over. If you doubt this is real, agree on a word to remember when you wake up,” she said with a small, knowing smile. The unicorn smiled at them one last time before vanishing in a flash of light, leaving the couple in a silence heavier than any words could ever be. Bright Mac woke with a start, his breathing ragged and his heart pounding in his chest. Turning his head, he saw Pear Butter beside him, just as shaken, her eyes wide and her body trembling slightly. For a moment, neither of them spoke, trying to calm themselves and process what they had just experienced. Finally, Pear dared to speak, her voice barely a whisper: “Was… was it a dream?” Bright stared at her, the same question swirling in his mind. But before he could answer, something struck him. “The word,” he murmured, his tone heavy with expectation. “Do you remember it?” Pear nodded slowly, her lips barely moving as she spoke it aloud. The air in the room seemed to grow thicker. Neither of them needed further confirmation. What they had lived through wasn’t just a dream… it was real. They looked at each other, the weight of that truth reflected in their eyes. Pear Butter paused, her gaze fixed on her hooves as she struggled to continue. Her words felt like thorns caught in her throat, and in the end, she couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down her face. “I’m so sorry…” she murmured between sobs, her voice breaking under the weight of guilt. “But there was no other choice. If you… if you all never forgive me, I’ll understand.” Bright Mac, his heart aching at the sight of her pain, moved quickly to wrap his wife in a warm embrace. “Pear… don’t do this to yourself. We did what we thought was best,” he said gently, his voice steady as he stroked her mane, trying to comfort her. Before Pear could respond, Applebloom rose from her seat. Her eyes shimmered with a mixture of sadness and understanding. Without saying a word, she walked over to her mother. With a decisive motion, she threw her arms around Pear Butter, holding her tightly and making it clear there was nothing to forgive. Pear froze for a moment, stunned by the gesture, before carefully wrapping her daughter in her hooves, as though afraid to break the fragile moment. Bright Mac, watching them, let out a small, relieved smile. He glanced at their adopted son, who stood nearby, watching the scene with a look of confusion. Bright picked him up and gently brought him into the embrace, drawing the entire family together in a circle of warmth and love. Author's Note Hi! sorry for the delay, I was a little bit blocked on what to do in this chapter and I didn't know what to do with what I had in the core, but here it is. I hope this doesn't bother anyone
