Big Mac's Big Storyby Brony_Jay_1983ChaptersPart One: ApplejackPart Two: Big MacConclusion Part One: The Search BeginsConclusion Part Two: The ReunionProloguePart One: ApplejackPART ONE: APPLEJACK “Gave you all I had to give, found a place for me to rest my head. While I may be hard to find, heard there’s peace just on the other side” If I could recall correctly, it was quite the scorcher the day I had interviewed Ms. Applejack. Her and her family were quite the gracious hosts, might I add. I was stuffed before I even made it to the barn to interview Applejack! Anyways, the interview went off with her being somewhat reluctant to give out information, which I thought was quite contradictory. You know, with her and the apple family agreeing to the interview, and yet being reluctant to give out information. Though once she warmed up to my presence, she was more than relentless with the information. “So, Applejack. Why don’t you start off from the beginning?” “Well, ah don’t remember much of mah past as a young, young filly. All ah really do remember is the first thing I was seein’ soon as ah could start comprehendin’ things was mah brother. From that moment on, we were like two peas in a pod. I was always there for him whenever he needed me. We never really knew our maw n paw that well neither. So we didn’t exactly have ‘em around ta help. Just me, him n Granny Smith. He wasn’t always so quiet, ya know? In fact, ya could hardly get him ta shut his trap!” She chuckled loudly at the joke she made, reminiscing of the past. “Anyways, that big ole lug wasn’t the smartest neither. Ah remember way back when we was young’ns, he always wanted ta play in the orchard. On the heavy equipment, to be exact. I always told him he’d hurt himself he ever tried ta run the ‘quipment.” Her tone of voice then dropped to a more serious, low tone as she explained Big Mac to me more. “Ah remember him comin’ home one day after school, bawlin’ like a little foal. I asked him what was wrong, and he told me everypony kept bein’ mean to him. I asked him why they was bein’ mean, and he told me it was ‘cause he answered a question wrong in class. Now, why would anypony pick on a poor colt for answerin a question wrong?” She scoffed at the memory, obviously digging up old wounds “He told me he answered a question the teacher asked ‘bout life. I was so confused I couldn’t barely keep up. Apparently the teacher asked, ‘what makes yeh the happiest in life?’ n he answered by sayin’ apples. The kids wouldn’t hardly ever leave him alone. Poor Big Mac came home every day bawlin’ ‘cause them kids was bein’ mean. This went on for a couple months I think. Anyways, he came back one day just bouncin’ off the walls happy! I ain’t ever seen him that happy. So Granny had asked him what he was so happy ‘bout. I member he kept tellin’ Granny ‘bout another little colt he met that was pretty much zactly like him. His name was Ivy Vine, I think it was. Ah only remember very little of him, to be honest.” “Applejack, have you any fond memories of Ivy?” “Beg yer pardon?” “I mean what do you remember of Ivy? I mean, from the way I see it, he must have been around a lot if he was Big Mac’s best friend, am I right?” “Well, I guess yer right sugarcube. I can only remember so much of him to be honest. What I do remember was he was one of the most modest, humble ponies ah’ve ever met. I coulda swore he was an angel. And yer right, he did come around a lot. I was still a little filly at the time, and I hardly ever paid attention to anythin’. Ah gotta tell ya, he had quite the green thumb. If ya needed somethin’ grown, him and his family was the place to take it. Come to think of it, that one drunken pony was his sister, if ah can remember. He didn’t have a very big family was what he told us. That’s all ah really know ‘bout the pony. Big Mac loved him like a brother, though. Shoot, Ivy was always over helpin’ us out n playin’ with Big Mac. That is, till that one fateful day……..” You could almost feel the heaviness in the air as she said that last sentence. I’ve done my fair share of sad interviews, but this has to be the second most touching interview I’ve ever done. I’ve only seen sadness like this in one other interview. That interview being Big Mac’s. “Applejack, what can you tell me about that day? I mean, if you wouldn’t mind disclosing that information to me” She let out a sigh that could have caused a hurricane “Well, Mister Nib, ah don’t mind it none. We’ve all gotta explain sad things in life sometimes. It was in the winter, and Big Mac came back with some blood on his coat. He was horrified somethin’ fierce. He burst in the barn like a bat outta hell, bawlin like a foal, screamin’ n hollerin’. Me n Granny Smith didn’t know what to do, so we followed him to the lake. Luckily it wasn’t that far from the orchard. We got there n there was a big ole hole in the ice. When we got there, Ivy was layin’ on the edge, covered in blood. Ah was horrified somethin’ fierce too at the sight. He didn’t look right, Feather. His body was all mangled n cut up.” She grew silent as she pictured the image. “We managed to get him to the hospital, but the emergency doctor told us he was dead before we got him there. It was then I looked Big Mac in the eyes, and it looked like all joy left his eyes.” She shed a single tear, wiping it away instantly. “I ain’t never seen a smile on his face since.” “I’m so sorry, Miss Applejack. It must have been pretty hard on you to have seen such a sight. I think I’ve gotten enough information today. I’ll stop by tomorrow to interview Big Mac.” “Hey Mr. Nib?” “Yes?” “Even after it all, ah didn’t feel like he was gone.” “What do you mean?” “Usually you can feel it when somepony’s died. Ah never felt that. Ah still feel it in mah bones to this day that he’s still out there. Why he’d fake his death, I’d never find out. Even the body didn’t look like his.” I remember the look in her eyes to this day. That of hope, fear and sadness all in one. I even felt it, too. I could honestly say I caught the same feel. The feeling that he was still out there. That’s enough of the story for now. I must return to my quarters to prepare Big Mac’s interview. Part Two: Big MacPART TWO: Big Mac “The tears come streaming down your face, when you lose something you can’t replace” “When you love someone but it goes to waste, could it be worse?” The day had come when I had to interview Big Macintosh. It was quite the unusual day, to be honest. The morning was quite calm, with not much going on other than a few ponies moping about. In the time I’ve spent here in ponyville, I’ve never seen any group of ponies mope around like these ponies were. It was as if they could just sense the sadness that was about to come. It was quite unusual, really. In the afternoon everypony was just……happy again. It honestly bothered me to tell the truth. Just seeing everypony so upset and feeling the wetness in the air of the sadness about everypony in the morning, then seeing this! It was quite bothersome. As I crawled out of my cozy cot in the morning, I was quite bothered by what Ms. Applejack had said to me the previous day. All this time and she had never told Big Mac how she felt? Maybe she just didn’t want to provide him with false hopes on the pretenses she could possibly be wrong. Aside from this feeling, I managed to drag myself out of bed and prepare for this interview. I started my morning off as usual: coffee and cinnamon sugar toast. Quite the delicious combination, I might add. I then gathered my things, but something out of place caught my eye. I noticed a green envelope sealed with a very fragrant wintergreen sap. The envelope appeared to have been made out of leaves. Upon further investigation of this envelope, it turned out it was composed of Sourwood leaves. I had never seen such a thing! I figured the letter could wait until after the interview, so I decided I would put it in the fridge in a small baggy with a wet napkin, so the leaves wouldn’t dry out. Sourwood leaves make a tasty snack! I had arrived at the barn on Sweet Apple Acres, where Big Mac had been waiting. He was very silent at first, knowing what I was about to interview him about. There was a somewhat comforting sense in the air; I couldn’t really specify what it was. “So, Mr. Macintosh, shall we begin?” “Please, call me Big Mac. Or Mac fer short” “Alright then, Big Mac. Well, how about we start at the incident in school that made everypony treat you so badly? Is that a good starting place for you?” “Eeeeeyup” There was quite the long moment of silence before he broke it. “Well, ah had Miss Sugarcube for mah teacher then. She asked us one day, ‘What makes you the most happiest in life’ after everypony’d gone, ah stood up n said ‘Apples’ then everypony started laughin’ at me. I got called country bumkin, big dumb-mac, an all sorts a names! The name callin’ never stopped” He took in a deep breath, obviously having hit a nerve. “Then there was Ivy. He stepped in while ah was gettin’ my plot handed to me. I wasn’t the most vi’lent colt, so ah didn’t fight back. He scared ‘em off n we was friends since” He took a sip of his own coffee, obviously being unsettled somehow. “We was the best a pals. Couldn’t keep us apart. Every day he’d come home with me n we’d play in the orchards. He was the only pony who could take a likin’ to me. Ah wasn’t always quiet, ya know?” He chuckled deeply, trying to relieve the thought from his mind I chuckled along with him “So I’ve heard, Big Mac” “Right. Well, ah was quite the chatterbox. Ponies could hardly ever get me ta shut mah trap. Ah was always goin’ on ‘bout apples, the family n the orchard. Ivy was the only pony who found it interestin’. After that fight, I knew we was gonna be best pals.” He swallowed what seemed to me to be the biggest lump in anypony’s throat I’ve ever metaphorically seen “Till that one fateful day in winter time.” He started choking up, trying hard to fight the tears. Sad to see such a gentle giant hurt so much after all these years “Big Mac, it’s alright. You don’t have to discuss this with me if you’re uncomfortable” “Nah. I gotta get it off mah chest some time, right Mr. Nib?” “Please, call me Feather. And yes, you’re right” “Well, ah remember it as if it were yesterday. In fact, his birthday is next Friday.” He sighed deeply, as if he had the world on his shoulders at this very moment “We was at the pond in the back of the orchard. If ya’ve ever seen it, the Everfree ain’t too far from the pond, so we usually stay away. Back then ah was pretty dern bull-headed, so ah wasn’t thankin. Me n him went back there ta test the ice on the pond.” He looked me dead in the eyes and sighed “But the pond wasn’t what killed him. It was a manticore.” He sat back down on his haunches “Ah was walkin’ off ‘cause nature was callin’, ya know? Ah remember only bein’ gone for a couple seconds before ah heard the bone chillin’ scream of Ivy. Ah don’t think ah’ve ever ran so fast before. When ah got there, the Manticore saw me n tossed Ivy on the pond, instantly crackin’ the ice. I knew I didn’t have much time. So I ran around him n bucked his knees in, sendin’ him to the ground. After a few swipes, he managed to hit me. That only made me angrier, so I lost control. Ah can only member the first few hits. The crunchin’ a that bastard’s teeth. Ah member feelin’ his skull crackin. After that, ah only member comin’ to n seein’ a dead manticore n Ivy in the pond.” “So that would explain all the blood on you?” “Ah guess so. Good thing ah was so scrawny back then.” He choked up again “Ah slowly made mah way out to the hole where Ivy crashed through. Luckily I got him out ‘fore the cold got him. He was banged up purdy bad. Ah member pullin him out, seein how bad he was mangled…….it….it made me break down…..” He started sobbing deeply “He was fadin’ fast, ah just knew it. Ah member him sayin’ ‘Big Mac……please…..it….it hurts…..’ Ah’ve never cried so hard in mah life…. ’Ivy, ah….ah know……hang in ‘ere….please don’t leave me…..’ ‘Big Mac…..I…I can see…..a light….’ ‘IVY DON’T!! Don’t go to the light!’ ‘Big Mac, I can see my mommy…..she’s calling me….I…..feel…..happy…..’ ‘Ivy no……please don’t go! Ah….’ ‘Big Mac……..I’m scared……I don’t want to go…….mommy…..Big Mac….’ ‘Ivy………please stay! Ah’ll take ya to the hospital…..don’t go!’ ‘Big…..Mac…..’ He hugged me then n there……” This point in time, he broke down. I’ve never seen anypony so upset before. It was like watching somepony die right there……. “.....ah ran even faster back to the house……ah knew it was pointless….he died in mah arms…..” “Big Mac, have you ever gotten the feeling he’s still out there?” “No sir, ah can’t say ah have……..ah ain’t never said much since then. The funeral did me in……the only joy ah’ve felt since then was from Applebloom bein’ born n mah sister Applejack……” “Your sister told me she felt he was still out there. That she knew his spirit was out in the world still.” “She tried ta tell me, but ah know he’s gone…..with his momma” He shed a single tear and walked out of the barn. Needless to say, I hate to have caused him such pain. I’ll continue with the report some other time. I think I know who that letter was from now. Conclusion Part One: The Search BeginsCONCLUSION PART ONE: THE HUNT BEGINS “I will never let you fall; I’ll stand up with you forever I’ll be there for you through it all, even if saving you sends me to heaven” Feather Nib here. It’s been some time since I’ve reported Big Mac’s story. More or less so because it’s been haunting me, and I’ve been trying to get it out of my mind. I’ve made a few trips every now and then to Ponyville, and it seems that every time I’ve gone back, sadness has plagued the town like an irreversible curse. Quite the sad scene, to be honest; to see such a bustling, happy town turn into a somewhat post-apocalyptic state. Nopony out on the streets during the day, nopony with a smile on their face. Aside from the crippling sadness of Ponyville, I’ve yet to read the letter mentioned in the previous entry on this case. It’s been morbidly haunting me until I can barely stand it. For some odd reason, the envelope stayed crisp and fresh; which is rather unusual, seeing as how its mid-winter and way past the length of time for Sourwood leaves to stay green. I remember leaving it out on the veranda of my abode for quite some time on the nice little patio table I had. It was a cold afternoon, in the low 30’s I think. I had been out that morning enjoying my morning coffee and cigarette. The envelope’s deep green color and sour, citrusy aroma had caught my attention. Upon opening it, I had encountered a parchment made up of Birch bark, with ink composed of what seemed to be sumac fruit. “Dear Mr. Nib, My name is Ivy Vine. Yes, I am alive and well. I read your published interviews in Ponyville Daily, and knew I had to find you. I have a subscription to Ponyville Daily to keep tabs on matters from my hometown. I saw these interviews with Applejack and Big Mac, and I just knew it was the right time for me to reveal myself to Big Mac. You see, obviously I didn’t die that day. The body was a fake, constructed of leaves and mud. My specialty is earth magic, so it was fairly easy for me to make a golem composed of leaves and mud. I’ve been hiding, for the fear of Big Mac being upset at me for leaving him and faking my death. Please contact me as soon as you’ve read this Signed, Ivy Vine” This letter took my breath away; as if the cigarette wasn’t enough. So I wrote him back as soon as I possibly could. As soon as I entered my home, to be exact. “Dear Ivy, Thank you for contacting me. I would love to interview you as soon as it is convenient for you. I am currently at my home in Fillydelphia, the address enclosed. I have so many questions to ask of you! It would be marvelous to hear from you as soon as possible. My contact information is enclosed in this envelope. Work hours, addresses and available dates for interviews Yours truly, Feather Nib~ February 6th 5:00 P.M. It wasn’t much longer than a few days until I had heard back from Ivy. We had spoken through letters for a few days afterwards and we had set up the interview for this upcoming weekend. February 10th 1:25 P.M., Central Square, Canterlot I have arrived in Canterlot, Central Square to be exact, to interview Ivy as planned. I arrived at the small coffee and tea shop to see Ivy patiently waiting for me inside. As I walked in, his face turned to an expression of regret, deeper than any I’ve ever seen. “Mr. Vine; a pleasure to meet you” “As to you, Mr. Nib” “So. Where should we start? The day you ‘died’?” “I guess. If I could recall correctly, it was on a day much like today. A very cold, bitter day. I knew nothing good was to come of that day, the minute I awoke. But as usual, Big Mac always seemed to make it better. There was just such a bright exuberance behind his deep emerald eyes.” He stopped to take a shaky sip of his herbal tea “He had asked me to come with him to the deepest corner of the orchard, which I immediately disagreed to. You see, he was quite the bull headed colt when he was younger. Never really listened to reason from anypony else.” He took another long sip of his herbal tea “He just kept badgering me about it. So, I eventually agreed after not wanting to argue. Things started out smoothly, until he had to go to the bathroom.” His voice became very quiet and low “Then the manticore attacked………Big Mac I can assure you tried to say he was only gone for a few seconds, which he wasn’t. It was more like a few minutes. The Manticore pounced on me and immediately attacked, claws bared.” He took another sip of his tea, unusually calm for telling such a horrific story “He got a good chunk out of my side and flank” He then stood up to show me a large scar running down the length of his side, running from shoulder to flank “Luckily, he didn’t get too deep. So I screamed out in pain to alert Big Mac……then I dove into the pond…..” He started choking up “I couldn’t let Big Mac see me like this……so I made up a golem from the muck in the bottom of the pond, accompanied by some leaves from the bottom as well. That was what Big Mac pulled up, instead of me” “Please forgive the interruption, but where in that situation was faking your own death?” “I know what I did was wrong…..and living with that my whole life……I’ve…..its haunted my every single dream, knowing what I’ve done…….Mr. Nib, could you possibly imagine the torture? Could you imagine the hell of knowing that every time you close your eyes, you feel the pain of the only pony you ever cared about?” He started sobbing “I framed my own death……there was no right……I caused all the joy to leave his life…..I never felt his heart anymore…..you know how friends can feel each other’s hearts? Their mere existence? I couldn’t feel that, even knowing he was still alive, I couldn’t feel his existence.” By this point in time, he was in tears “Ivy, what would you say if I told you I could reunite you and Big Mac?” He was dead silent for a good minute, tears streaming down his face “You…..you mean it? You can actually bring me back to Big Mac? He’s…..he doesn’t hate me?” “Ivy, he misses you. Even Applejack knew you were still out there. Ivy, I can bring you back to Ponyville” As I put my hoof on his shoulder, he broke down crying “Hey….no need to cry Ivy…..” “These….these aren’t tears of sadness Feather! I’m overwhelmed with joy knowing that Big Mac misses me! That he doesn’t hate me!” By this point, he was almost hysterical “Ivy, please stay in my home with me while I can get things set up for the reunion. I’ll need to contact Applejack, and that one pink party pony to get things set up.” I only got a nod and some more hysterical crying from Ivy. We had returned back to my home in Fillydelphia after he had calmed down a respectable amount. I immediately got to work on the letter and planning for Ivy’s return to Ponyville. I had discussed it with him that I would rent him a suite in Cozy Stables Inn until he got his own place, and he agreed after being rather stubborn about the whole offer. “Dear Applejack, I have found Ivy in Canterlot. After some close discussion, he and I will return to Ponyville in a few days. I am writing to you because I would like to plan a surprise party for Big Mac. So please keep this on the down low for a while. If you could contact that pink party pony I’ve heard so much about, that would be nice. Please respond as soon as possible, for I would love to start planning soon. Your friend, Feather Nib~ Conclusion Part Two: The ReunionCONCLUSION PART TWO: THE REUNION I had awoken with quite an unusual feeling on the morning of the reunion. I remember getting the feeling that everything was in its proper place. As if everything was right; like it was a day made especially for this event. The birds melodies were especially somber, as if they were trying to relax everypony. Even the air had a certain aroma about it, though I could not pinpoint the exact aroma. It would have even been more perfect had Mozart’s Serenade in G major been playing on the speakers at the café. As I gazed out from the veranda, I could not help but to smile wide at the sight before me. Everypony about their business as if they were being conducted and they were the instruments! The shoppers would have been the brass section, going about in a calmly hectic manner. The merchants would be the ever so quiet strings, sitting there going about business and making miniscule conversations with customers. The children would have been the percussion because they were just sporadic and just ever so alive with energy! It was a most marvelous sight! I had then been cut off from my view as I caught what looked like a green flame in my room. As I rushed in, the flame had dissipated and a letter was sitting on my wardrobe. Upon reading it, I had been put in an even better mood than before, watching the beautifully composed life outside. “Dear Feather Nib, It is I, Twilight Sparkle who is writing to you at the moment. I am writing to you to let you know that we have everything ready for the reunion. Please come to the Orchard as soon as I have my assistant send the letter. Big Mac has been sent out for most of today, and probably will not arrive until later in the evening. We would all love to get acquainted with Ivy, so please do show up as soon as you get this Mr. Nib. Sincerely, Twilight Sparkle” The excitement was so unbearable, I had actually giggled and shouted out to Ivy! His reaction was one more of confusion than anything. “Feather, what are you so happy about? “Ivy! Guess what!” “Yes?” “Everything is ready for the reunion! We must go now!” His reaction then was rather, unexpected. He was actually saddened at the news. After a brief conversation as to why he was so upset, he had told me he was afraid. He was afraid of Big Mac’s reaction to him leaving and being gone for so many years. The look in his eyes was that of sadness and fear. It had taken some comfort and coaxing to get him out of the room and into ponyville. Luckily, Big Mac had been sent away for most of the day, so by the time we had exited the hotel, it was already midday. “Feather, I’m much too nervous to be around other ponies right now.” “Ivy, don’t worry. The ponies in this town are much different than you remember” After a short conversation, we had both reached the Orchard, where everypony had been waiting for us. Applejack was the first to greet us with a warm welcome and a magnificent, fresh Apple Pie. “There y’all are! Here have some pie!” “Oh, thank you Ms. Applejack” Ivy had stayed quiet before being pulled from behind me by Applejack “Ivy, ah knew all along you was still alive!” She had wrapped him in a tight hug “Ap…..applejack? You….you look so different” “Ah guess ah could say the same fer you” “Alright everypony, shall we go to the barn to get acquainted like Ms. Sparkle had asked of me?” Without much hesitation, we had all headed back to the barn. When we arrived, that pink party pony had almost caused poor Ivy a heart attack. It was quite a funny sight, to be honest. That pony has to be the shyest I’ve ever encountered. We had both gotten settled down in the barn, and started getting acquainted with everypony there. Ivy had taken quite the liking to a very, very shy yellow Pegasus. I can’t quite remember the mare’s name, to be honest. I had made my way back over to Ms. Sparkle to make sure that everything was in place. I had to make sure Big Mac did not find out about this before he arrived. “So, Ms. Sparkle, nopony except everypony who’s here knows about this, correct?” “Of course, Feather. And please, call me Twilight” “Okay, Twilight. So tell me, what would it take for a reporter like me to acquire a place in Ponyville?” “Well, there is an old studio in town somewhere you may be able to rent. The last time I checked, the local paper could use a new reporter” She chuckled lightly “Ours is rather……..in need of retirement” She chuckled lightly at the thought and gave me a warm smile. For some odd reason, I could not help but to blush. Confound these ponies here, they drive me to be embarrassed. “Ahem……well, Twilight, I would love to talk to the mayor about it” I remember looking back at Ivy and seeing him having a very detailed conversation with that yellow Pegasus, and seeing him smile. Right after noticing Ivy, I had been tackled by that pink party pony. “AGH! WHAT THE HAY?!?!” “Hehehehe, well you’re a new pony and I saw you talking with Twilight, so I had to introduce myself. I’m Pinkie Pie!” She had to be the weirdest pony I’ve ever met, to be quite honest. Never have I met anypony who tackles somepony to the ground as an introduction. I must say, that afternoon was quite the unforgettable one. Later on, we had all gathered around while Applejack had left to go get Big Mac and bring him to the barn. We had all hid in complete darkness for a while before she had returned. Ivy’s face (when I could see it) was completely colorless, as if he had just died right then and there. If it weren’t for his shaky breathing, I would have thought he died. He was terrifyingly nervous about seeing Big Mac. I had to get up to take him to a different spot. It had to wait until the right moment for Ivy to show himself. It was more or less for his mental well-being. We had waited for quite some time hidden behind some hay and apples when they had arrived. Big Mac was somewhat upset from being taken so soon. It was quite funny to hear them bickering from outside. When they approached and opened the door, I told Ivy to stay where he was. As they entered, I greeted Big Mac with a warm smile. “Good evening, Mr. Mac.” “Howdy Feather” “I assume things went well on your trip?” “Eeeeyyyuuup” “So Big Mac, I have a surprise for you. Please close your eyes” As he did so, I had trotted over to Ivy and told him to come up to Big Mac. As he did, Big Mac kept his eyes shut. I whispered to Ivy, telling him to speak to Big Mac. He nodded and did just that, and got a surprising reaction. “Hello Big Mac” Just as he said this, Big Mac’s eyes shot open and he paused for a moment, taking in what he is seeing. “I…..Ivy? Is……is…that….you?” “Yes, Big Mac. It is I, Ivy” He smiled and stood there “No…..this…..it can’t….ah….you….” His big green eyes immediately swelled up with tears and he fell to his haunches. “But….ah watched you die! Ivy…..you’ve been alive this whole time?” “Yes, Big Mac. I was too afraid to confront you……I was afraid you’d be mad” “Ivy, ah…..” Big Mac threw his arms around Ivy and started bawling like a little foal “Big Mac, it’s okay…..I’m moving to Ponyville!” He said with a gigantic grin. Big Mac remained unmoving, still in his hysteric crying state. “Big Mac, please look at me” As he said so, Big Mac lifted his head up “Big Mac, you’re the only true friend I’ve ever had. I’ve been everywhere, looking for places to hide. It wasn’t until Feather had done that interview with you that I realized you still cared” He started to tear up “I promise I will never, ever leave this place. I’ve got to make up for lost time” He was crying as well by that point in time. Applejack had walked over to console her brother, but he wouldn’t respond. It was as if he was frozen in time at that very moment, shedding tears of pure joy and excitement. It was almost eerie as well as tear jerking, like watching how one would react after seeing a loved one rise from their grave. “Ivy……ah…..ah can’t believe it’s you….” He looked up at him with big, teary eyes. “All happiness ah felt’s been long gone…….you took a piece a mah heart…….you was the first pony who ever cared…..” He broke down again, then tackle hugged Ivy, bawling his eyes out. I had walked over to him to console him, but only to be stopped by Applejack and her friends. “It’s better if he does this on his own, sugarcube.” Twilight and her white-coated unicorn friend approached me “Feather, dahling, he needs to calm down on his own” I had nodded in agreement “You two are right. It’s just…….I’ve never seen such happiness before in anypony’s eyes. Regardless of Big Mac’s tears, I can see pure happiness and love that only two friends for life can share” “Mister Feather, ah kin see that look comin’ back in his eyes” Applejack had given me the warmest smile I’ve ever seen in anypony before. As I watched the rest of the day unfold with those two, I could not help but feel upset for my past. Though these two were the happiest they’ve ever been, I’ve never felt so upset. I guess you could say I just need a friend like Ivy. I’ve seclude myself from the rest of everypony at this party to complete this report on the magic of friendship. My conclusion would have to be this: Always, and I mean always listen to your heart, for it is the true compass in your life that can guide you in any direction, for it knows what is truly right. ((Thank you all for your comments and your interest in my story! I plan on continuing Feather's story in the future, but for now this is all I have. Again, thank you for so many views)) ProloguePROLOGUE “Now I think I understand how this world can overcome a man. Like a friend we saw it through, in the end I gave my life for you” Ace reporter Feather Nib here. I’ve recently done some work in Ponyville with one of their most noted residents, Big Mac. Everypony always wondered why he was so quiet, so they came to me for assistance. It took some digging and prodding, but I got what everypony was lookin’ for. It was a warm summer’s afternoon the day I had arrived in Ponyville and arrived to my room at Cozy Stables Inn. Nothing much had been going on that day, just the usual I suppose. Everypony going about their business, carefree in a sense that they knew what they had to do, but they had a sort of……….eccentric way of doing so. It’s nothing like here in Phillydelphia. Ponies going about their days in a monotonous way that just made the place so unbearable. I really did enjoy my stay there. Everypony was so kind and enjoyable. Heh, I think I may just make my residence permanent there. Got a job offer from Mayor Mare, but I respectfully declined. Told her I was going to think about it. That’s quite a move, you know. Anyways, I had arrived that day and instantly began to prepare everything for the big interview with one Applejack. It was quite a somber day, when I had first set everything with Applejack. We had agreed to send Big Mac on a vacation to Foalrida while we were doing the interview. Little did we know, he absolutely refused. For a gentle giant, he sure was adamant about staying in Ponyville for reasons I will explain later. Again, it was on this somber day I had gotten to know the Apple family before the interview. Oh my ‘Tia I’ve never eaten so many apple related dishes in my whole life! Okay, back to the story. We had agreed to do the interview with Big Mac actually involved. They told me from the start it would have been painful for him, again for reasons I will explain. Now, on to the interview. We had set it up a week after I had arrived, due to Apple bucking season. I’ve never seen a family work so hard and coordinated before either. The day of the interview had come very abruptly and was somewhat rushed, if you ask me. I had barely enough time for breakfast and coffee! It was only noon! Anyways, they had rushed me out of my comfy bed into the cold morning air. Let me tell you, that was no fun at all. So it had taken me some time before I had calmed down enough to do the interview. Once I was ready, I set up my equipment. I have here with me the tapes from the interview, along with written monologue. Please do enjoy the tale of how Big Mac became quiet!
Part One: ApplejackPART ONE: APPLEJACK “Gave you all I had to give, found a place for me to rest my head. While I may be hard to find, heard there’s peace just on the other side” If I could recall correctly, it was quite the scorcher the day I had interviewed Ms. Applejack. Her and her family were quite the gracious hosts, might I add. I was stuffed before I even made it to the barn to interview Applejack! Anyways, the interview went off with her being somewhat reluctant to give out information, which I thought was quite contradictory. You know, with her and the apple family agreeing to the interview, and yet being reluctant to give out information. Though once she warmed up to my presence, she was more than relentless with the information. “So, Applejack. Why don’t you start off from the beginning?” “Well, ah don’t remember much of mah past as a young, young filly. All ah really do remember is the first thing I was seein’ soon as ah could start comprehendin’ things was mah brother. From that moment on, we were like two peas in a pod. I was always there for him whenever he needed me. We never really knew our maw n paw that well neither. So we didn’t exactly have ‘em around ta help. Just me, him n Granny Smith. He wasn’t always so quiet, ya know? In fact, ya could hardly get him ta shut his trap!” She chuckled loudly at the joke she made, reminiscing of the past. “Anyways, that big ole lug wasn’t the smartest neither. Ah remember way back when we was young’ns, he always wanted ta play in the orchard. On the heavy equipment, to be exact. I always told him he’d hurt himself he ever tried ta run the ‘quipment.” Her tone of voice then dropped to a more serious, low tone as she explained Big Mac to me more. “Ah remember him comin’ home one day after school, bawlin’ like a little foal. I asked him what was wrong, and he told me everypony kept bein’ mean to him. I asked him why they was bein’ mean, and he told me it was ‘cause he answered a question wrong in class. Now, why would anypony pick on a poor colt for answerin a question wrong?” She scoffed at the memory, obviously digging up old wounds “He told me he answered a question the teacher asked ‘bout life. I was so confused I couldn’t barely keep up. Apparently the teacher asked, ‘what makes yeh the happiest in life?’ n he answered by sayin’ apples. The kids wouldn’t hardly ever leave him alone. Poor Big Mac came home every day bawlin’ ‘cause them kids was bein’ mean. This went on for a couple months I think. Anyways, he came back one day just bouncin’ off the walls happy! I ain’t ever seen him that happy. So Granny had asked him what he was so happy ‘bout. I member he kept tellin’ Granny ‘bout another little colt he met that was pretty much zactly like him. His name was Ivy Vine, I think it was. Ah only remember very little of him, to be honest.” “Applejack, have you any fond memories of Ivy?” “Beg yer pardon?” “I mean what do you remember of Ivy? I mean, from the way I see it, he must have been around a lot if he was Big Mac’s best friend, am I right?” “Well, I guess yer right sugarcube. I can only remember so much of him to be honest. What I do remember was he was one of the most modest, humble ponies ah’ve ever met. I coulda swore he was an angel. And yer right, he did come around a lot. I was still a little filly at the time, and I hardly ever paid attention to anythin’. Ah gotta tell ya, he had quite the green thumb. If ya needed somethin’ grown, him and his family was the place to take it. Come to think of it, that one drunken pony was his sister, if ah can remember. He didn’t have a very big family was what he told us. That’s all ah really know ‘bout the pony. Big Mac loved him like a brother, though. Shoot, Ivy was always over helpin’ us out n playin’ with Big Mac. That is, till that one fateful day……..” You could almost feel the heaviness in the air as she said that last sentence. I’ve done my fair share of sad interviews, but this has to be the second most touching interview I’ve ever done. I’ve only seen sadness like this in one other interview. That interview being Big Mac’s. “Applejack, what can you tell me about that day? I mean, if you wouldn’t mind disclosing that information to me” She let out a sigh that could have caused a hurricane “Well, Mister Nib, ah don’t mind it none. We’ve all gotta explain sad things in life sometimes. It was in the winter, and Big Mac came back with some blood on his coat. He was horrified somethin’ fierce. He burst in the barn like a bat outta hell, bawlin like a foal, screamin’ n hollerin’. Me n Granny Smith didn’t know what to do, so we followed him to the lake. Luckily it wasn’t that far from the orchard. We got there n there was a big ole hole in the ice. When we got there, Ivy was layin’ on the edge, covered in blood. Ah was horrified somethin’ fierce too at the sight. He didn’t look right, Feather. His body was all mangled n cut up.” She grew silent as she pictured the image. “We managed to get him to the hospital, but the emergency doctor told us he was dead before we got him there. It was then I looked Big Mac in the eyes, and it looked like all joy left his eyes.” She shed a single tear, wiping it away instantly. “I ain’t never seen a smile on his face since.” “I’m so sorry, Miss Applejack. It must have been pretty hard on you to have seen such a sight. I think I’ve gotten enough information today. I’ll stop by tomorrow to interview Big Mac.” “Hey Mr. Nib?” “Yes?” “Even after it all, ah didn’t feel like he was gone.” “What do you mean?” “Usually you can feel it when somepony’s died. Ah never felt that. Ah still feel it in mah bones to this day that he’s still out there. Why he’d fake his death, I’d never find out. Even the body didn’t look like his.” I remember the look in her eyes to this day. That of hope, fear and sadness all in one. I even felt it, too. I could honestly say I caught the same feel. The feeling that he was still out there. That’s enough of the story for now. I must return to my quarters to prepare Big Mac’s interview.
Part Two: Big MacPART TWO: Big Mac “The tears come streaming down your face, when you lose something you can’t replace” “When you love someone but it goes to waste, could it be worse?” The day had come when I had to interview Big Macintosh. It was quite the unusual day, to be honest. The morning was quite calm, with not much going on other than a few ponies moping about. In the time I’ve spent here in ponyville, I’ve never seen any group of ponies mope around like these ponies were. It was as if they could just sense the sadness that was about to come. It was quite unusual, really. In the afternoon everypony was just……happy again. It honestly bothered me to tell the truth. Just seeing everypony so upset and feeling the wetness in the air of the sadness about everypony in the morning, then seeing this! It was quite bothersome. As I crawled out of my cozy cot in the morning, I was quite bothered by what Ms. Applejack had said to me the previous day. All this time and she had never told Big Mac how she felt? Maybe she just didn’t want to provide him with false hopes on the pretenses she could possibly be wrong. Aside from this feeling, I managed to drag myself out of bed and prepare for this interview. I started my morning off as usual: coffee and cinnamon sugar toast. Quite the delicious combination, I might add. I then gathered my things, but something out of place caught my eye. I noticed a green envelope sealed with a very fragrant wintergreen sap. The envelope appeared to have been made out of leaves. Upon further investigation of this envelope, it turned out it was composed of Sourwood leaves. I had never seen such a thing! I figured the letter could wait until after the interview, so I decided I would put it in the fridge in a small baggy with a wet napkin, so the leaves wouldn’t dry out. Sourwood leaves make a tasty snack! I had arrived at the barn on Sweet Apple Acres, where Big Mac had been waiting. He was very silent at first, knowing what I was about to interview him about. There was a somewhat comforting sense in the air; I couldn’t really specify what it was. “So, Mr. Macintosh, shall we begin?” “Please, call me Big Mac. Or Mac fer short” “Alright then, Big Mac. Well, how about we start at the incident in school that made everypony treat you so badly? Is that a good starting place for you?” “Eeeeeyup” There was quite the long moment of silence before he broke it. “Well, ah had Miss Sugarcube for mah teacher then. She asked us one day, ‘What makes you the most happiest in life’ after everypony’d gone, ah stood up n said ‘Apples’ then everypony started laughin’ at me. I got called country bumkin, big dumb-mac, an all sorts a names! The name callin’ never stopped” He took in a deep breath, obviously having hit a nerve. “Then there was Ivy. He stepped in while ah was gettin’ my plot handed to me. I wasn’t the most vi’lent colt, so ah didn’t fight back. He scared ‘em off n we was friends since” He took a sip of his own coffee, obviously being unsettled somehow. “We was the best a pals. Couldn’t keep us apart. Every day he’d come home with me n we’d play in the orchards. He was the only pony who could take a likin’ to me. Ah wasn’t always quiet, ya know?” He chuckled deeply, trying to relieve the thought from his mind I chuckled along with him “So I’ve heard, Big Mac” “Right. Well, ah was quite the chatterbox. Ponies could hardly ever get me ta shut mah trap. Ah was always goin’ on ‘bout apples, the family n the orchard. Ivy was the only pony who found it interestin’. After that fight, I knew we was gonna be best pals.” He swallowed what seemed to me to be the biggest lump in anypony’s throat I’ve ever metaphorically seen “Till that one fateful day in winter time.” He started choking up, trying hard to fight the tears. Sad to see such a gentle giant hurt so much after all these years “Big Mac, it’s alright. You don’t have to discuss this with me if you’re uncomfortable” “Nah. I gotta get it off mah chest some time, right Mr. Nib?” “Please, call me Feather. And yes, you’re right” “Well, ah remember it as if it were yesterday. In fact, his birthday is next Friday.” He sighed deeply, as if he had the world on his shoulders at this very moment “We was at the pond in the back of the orchard. If ya’ve ever seen it, the Everfree ain’t too far from the pond, so we usually stay away. Back then ah was pretty dern bull-headed, so ah wasn’t thankin. Me n him went back there ta test the ice on the pond.” He looked me dead in the eyes and sighed “But the pond wasn’t what killed him. It was a manticore.” He sat back down on his haunches “Ah was walkin’ off ‘cause nature was callin’, ya know? Ah remember only bein’ gone for a couple seconds before ah heard the bone chillin’ scream of Ivy. Ah don’t think ah’ve ever ran so fast before. When ah got there, the Manticore saw me n tossed Ivy on the pond, instantly crackin’ the ice. I knew I didn’t have much time. So I ran around him n bucked his knees in, sendin’ him to the ground. After a few swipes, he managed to hit me. That only made me angrier, so I lost control. Ah can only member the first few hits. The crunchin’ a that bastard’s teeth. Ah member feelin’ his skull crackin. After that, ah only member comin’ to n seein’ a dead manticore n Ivy in the pond.” “So that would explain all the blood on you?” “Ah guess so. Good thing ah was so scrawny back then.” He choked up again “Ah slowly made mah way out to the hole where Ivy crashed through. Luckily I got him out ‘fore the cold got him. He was banged up purdy bad. Ah member pullin him out, seein how bad he was mangled…….it….it made me break down…..” He started sobbing deeply “He was fadin’ fast, ah just knew it. Ah member him sayin’ ‘Big Mac……please…..it….it hurts…..’ Ah’ve never cried so hard in mah life…. ’Ivy, ah….ah know……hang in ‘ere….please don’t leave me…..’ ‘Big Mac…..I…I can see…..a light….’ ‘IVY DON’T!! Don’t go to the light!’ ‘Big Mac, I can see my mommy…..she’s calling me….I…..feel…..happy…..’ ‘Ivy no……please don’t go! Ah….’ ‘Big Mac……..I’m scared……I don’t want to go…….mommy…..Big Mac….’ ‘Ivy………please stay! Ah’ll take ya to the hospital…..don’t go!’ ‘Big…..Mac…..’ He hugged me then n there……” This point in time, he broke down. I’ve never seen anypony so upset before. It was like watching somepony die right there……. “.....ah ran even faster back to the house……ah knew it was pointless….he died in mah arms…..” “Big Mac, have you ever gotten the feeling he’s still out there?” “No sir, ah can’t say ah have……..ah ain’t never said much since then. The funeral did me in……the only joy ah’ve felt since then was from Applebloom bein’ born n mah sister Applejack……” “Your sister told me she felt he was still out there. That she knew his spirit was out in the world still.” “She tried ta tell me, but ah know he’s gone…..with his momma” He shed a single tear and walked out of the barn. Needless to say, I hate to have caused him such pain. I’ll continue with the report some other time. I think I know who that letter was from now.
Conclusion Part One: The Search BeginsCONCLUSION PART ONE: THE HUNT BEGINS “I will never let you fall; I’ll stand up with you forever I’ll be there for you through it all, even if saving you sends me to heaven” Feather Nib here. It’s been some time since I’ve reported Big Mac’s story. More or less so because it’s been haunting me, and I’ve been trying to get it out of my mind. I’ve made a few trips every now and then to Ponyville, and it seems that every time I’ve gone back, sadness has plagued the town like an irreversible curse. Quite the sad scene, to be honest; to see such a bustling, happy town turn into a somewhat post-apocalyptic state. Nopony out on the streets during the day, nopony with a smile on their face. Aside from the crippling sadness of Ponyville, I’ve yet to read the letter mentioned in the previous entry on this case. It’s been morbidly haunting me until I can barely stand it. For some odd reason, the envelope stayed crisp and fresh; which is rather unusual, seeing as how its mid-winter and way past the length of time for Sourwood leaves to stay green. I remember leaving it out on the veranda of my abode for quite some time on the nice little patio table I had. It was a cold afternoon, in the low 30’s I think. I had been out that morning enjoying my morning coffee and cigarette. The envelope’s deep green color and sour, citrusy aroma had caught my attention. Upon opening it, I had encountered a parchment made up of Birch bark, with ink composed of what seemed to be sumac fruit. “Dear Mr. Nib, My name is Ivy Vine. Yes, I am alive and well. I read your published interviews in Ponyville Daily, and knew I had to find you. I have a subscription to Ponyville Daily to keep tabs on matters from my hometown. I saw these interviews with Applejack and Big Mac, and I just knew it was the right time for me to reveal myself to Big Mac. You see, obviously I didn’t die that day. The body was a fake, constructed of leaves and mud. My specialty is earth magic, so it was fairly easy for me to make a golem composed of leaves and mud. I’ve been hiding, for the fear of Big Mac being upset at me for leaving him and faking my death. Please contact me as soon as you’ve read this Signed, Ivy Vine” This letter took my breath away; as if the cigarette wasn’t enough. So I wrote him back as soon as I possibly could. As soon as I entered my home, to be exact. “Dear Ivy, Thank you for contacting me. I would love to interview you as soon as it is convenient for you. I am currently at my home in Fillydelphia, the address enclosed. I have so many questions to ask of you! It would be marvelous to hear from you as soon as possible. My contact information is enclosed in this envelope. Work hours, addresses and available dates for interviews Yours truly, Feather Nib~ February 6th 5:00 P.M. It wasn’t much longer than a few days until I had heard back from Ivy. We had spoken through letters for a few days afterwards and we had set up the interview for this upcoming weekend. February 10th 1:25 P.M., Central Square, Canterlot I have arrived in Canterlot, Central Square to be exact, to interview Ivy as planned. I arrived at the small coffee and tea shop to see Ivy patiently waiting for me inside. As I walked in, his face turned to an expression of regret, deeper than any I’ve ever seen. “Mr. Vine; a pleasure to meet you” “As to you, Mr. Nib” “So. Where should we start? The day you ‘died’?” “I guess. If I could recall correctly, it was on a day much like today. A very cold, bitter day. I knew nothing good was to come of that day, the minute I awoke. But as usual, Big Mac always seemed to make it better. There was just such a bright exuberance behind his deep emerald eyes.” He stopped to take a shaky sip of his herbal tea “He had asked me to come with him to the deepest corner of the orchard, which I immediately disagreed to. You see, he was quite the bull headed colt when he was younger. Never really listened to reason from anypony else.” He took another long sip of his herbal tea “He just kept badgering me about it. So, I eventually agreed after not wanting to argue. Things started out smoothly, until he had to go to the bathroom.” His voice became very quiet and low “Then the manticore attacked………Big Mac I can assure you tried to say he was only gone for a few seconds, which he wasn’t. It was more like a few minutes. The Manticore pounced on me and immediately attacked, claws bared.” He took another sip of his tea, unusually calm for telling such a horrific story “He got a good chunk out of my side and flank” He then stood up to show me a large scar running down the length of his side, running from shoulder to flank “Luckily, he didn’t get too deep. So I screamed out in pain to alert Big Mac……then I dove into the pond…..” He started choking up “I couldn’t let Big Mac see me like this……so I made up a golem from the muck in the bottom of the pond, accompanied by some leaves from the bottom as well. That was what Big Mac pulled up, instead of me” “Please forgive the interruption, but where in that situation was faking your own death?” “I know what I did was wrong…..and living with that my whole life……I’ve…..its haunted my every single dream, knowing what I’ve done…….Mr. Nib, could you possibly imagine the torture? Could you imagine the hell of knowing that every time you close your eyes, you feel the pain of the only pony you ever cared about?” He started sobbing “I framed my own death……there was no right……I caused all the joy to leave his life…..I never felt his heart anymore…..you know how friends can feel each other’s hearts? Their mere existence? I couldn’t feel that, even knowing he was still alive, I couldn’t feel his existence.” By this point in time, he was in tears “Ivy, what would you say if I told you I could reunite you and Big Mac?” He was dead silent for a good minute, tears streaming down his face “You…..you mean it? You can actually bring me back to Big Mac? He’s…..he doesn’t hate me?” “Ivy, he misses you. Even Applejack knew you were still out there. Ivy, I can bring you back to Ponyville” As I put my hoof on his shoulder, he broke down crying “Hey….no need to cry Ivy…..” “These….these aren’t tears of sadness Feather! I’m overwhelmed with joy knowing that Big Mac misses me! That he doesn’t hate me!” By this point, he was almost hysterical “Ivy, please stay in my home with me while I can get things set up for the reunion. I’ll need to contact Applejack, and that one pink party pony to get things set up.” I only got a nod and some more hysterical crying from Ivy. We had returned back to my home in Fillydelphia after he had calmed down a respectable amount. I immediately got to work on the letter and planning for Ivy’s return to Ponyville. I had discussed it with him that I would rent him a suite in Cozy Stables Inn until he got his own place, and he agreed after being rather stubborn about the whole offer. “Dear Applejack, I have found Ivy in Canterlot. After some close discussion, he and I will return to Ponyville in a few days. I am writing to you because I would like to plan a surprise party for Big Mac. So please keep this on the down low for a while. If you could contact that pink party pony I’ve heard so much about, that would be nice. Please respond as soon as possible, for I would love to start planning soon. Your friend, Feather Nib~
Conclusion Part Two: The ReunionCONCLUSION PART TWO: THE REUNION I had awoken with quite an unusual feeling on the morning of the reunion. I remember getting the feeling that everything was in its proper place. As if everything was right; like it was a day made especially for this event. The birds melodies were especially somber, as if they were trying to relax everypony. Even the air had a certain aroma about it, though I could not pinpoint the exact aroma. It would have even been more perfect had Mozart’s Serenade in G major been playing on the speakers at the café. As I gazed out from the veranda, I could not help but to smile wide at the sight before me. Everypony about their business as if they were being conducted and they were the instruments! The shoppers would have been the brass section, going about in a calmly hectic manner. The merchants would be the ever so quiet strings, sitting there going about business and making miniscule conversations with customers. The children would have been the percussion because they were just sporadic and just ever so alive with energy! It was a most marvelous sight! I had then been cut off from my view as I caught what looked like a green flame in my room. As I rushed in, the flame had dissipated and a letter was sitting on my wardrobe. Upon reading it, I had been put in an even better mood than before, watching the beautifully composed life outside. “Dear Feather Nib, It is I, Twilight Sparkle who is writing to you at the moment. I am writing to you to let you know that we have everything ready for the reunion. Please come to the Orchard as soon as I have my assistant send the letter. Big Mac has been sent out for most of today, and probably will not arrive until later in the evening. We would all love to get acquainted with Ivy, so please do show up as soon as you get this Mr. Nib. Sincerely, Twilight Sparkle” The excitement was so unbearable, I had actually giggled and shouted out to Ivy! His reaction was one more of confusion than anything. “Feather, what are you so happy about? “Ivy! Guess what!” “Yes?” “Everything is ready for the reunion! We must go now!” His reaction then was rather, unexpected. He was actually saddened at the news. After a brief conversation as to why he was so upset, he had told me he was afraid. He was afraid of Big Mac’s reaction to him leaving and being gone for so many years. The look in his eyes was that of sadness and fear. It had taken some comfort and coaxing to get him out of the room and into ponyville. Luckily, Big Mac had been sent away for most of the day, so by the time we had exited the hotel, it was already midday. “Feather, I’m much too nervous to be around other ponies right now.” “Ivy, don’t worry. The ponies in this town are much different than you remember” After a short conversation, we had both reached the Orchard, where everypony had been waiting for us. Applejack was the first to greet us with a warm welcome and a magnificent, fresh Apple Pie. “There y’all are! Here have some pie!” “Oh, thank you Ms. Applejack” Ivy had stayed quiet before being pulled from behind me by Applejack “Ivy, ah knew all along you was still alive!” She had wrapped him in a tight hug “Ap…..applejack? You….you look so different” “Ah guess ah could say the same fer you” “Alright everypony, shall we go to the barn to get acquainted like Ms. Sparkle had asked of me?” Without much hesitation, we had all headed back to the barn. When we arrived, that pink party pony had almost caused poor Ivy a heart attack. It was quite a funny sight, to be honest. That pony has to be the shyest I’ve ever encountered. We had both gotten settled down in the barn, and started getting acquainted with everypony there. Ivy had taken quite the liking to a very, very shy yellow Pegasus. I can’t quite remember the mare’s name, to be honest. I had made my way back over to Ms. Sparkle to make sure that everything was in place. I had to make sure Big Mac did not find out about this before he arrived. “So, Ms. Sparkle, nopony except everypony who’s here knows about this, correct?” “Of course, Feather. And please, call me Twilight” “Okay, Twilight. So tell me, what would it take for a reporter like me to acquire a place in Ponyville?” “Well, there is an old studio in town somewhere you may be able to rent. The last time I checked, the local paper could use a new reporter” She chuckled lightly “Ours is rather……..in need of retirement” She chuckled lightly at the thought and gave me a warm smile. For some odd reason, I could not help but to blush. Confound these ponies here, they drive me to be embarrassed. “Ahem……well, Twilight, I would love to talk to the mayor about it” I remember looking back at Ivy and seeing him having a very detailed conversation with that yellow Pegasus, and seeing him smile. Right after noticing Ivy, I had been tackled by that pink party pony. “AGH! WHAT THE HAY?!?!” “Hehehehe, well you’re a new pony and I saw you talking with Twilight, so I had to introduce myself. I’m Pinkie Pie!” She had to be the weirdest pony I’ve ever met, to be quite honest. Never have I met anypony who tackles somepony to the ground as an introduction. I must say, that afternoon was quite the unforgettable one. Later on, we had all gathered around while Applejack had left to go get Big Mac and bring him to the barn. We had all hid in complete darkness for a while before she had returned. Ivy’s face (when I could see it) was completely colorless, as if he had just died right then and there. If it weren’t for his shaky breathing, I would have thought he died. He was terrifyingly nervous about seeing Big Mac. I had to get up to take him to a different spot. It had to wait until the right moment for Ivy to show himself. It was more or less for his mental well-being. We had waited for quite some time hidden behind some hay and apples when they had arrived. Big Mac was somewhat upset from being taken so soon. It was quite funny to hear them bickering from outside. When they approached and opened the door, I told Ivy to stay where he was. As they entered, I greeted Big Mac with a warm smile. “Good evening, Mr. Mac.” “Howdy Feather” “I assume things went well on your trip?” “Eeeeyyyuuup” “So Big Mac, I have a surprise for you. Please close your eyes” As he did so, I had trotted over to Ivy and told him to come up to Big Mac. As he did, Big Mac kept his eyes shut. I whispered to Ivy, telling him to speak to Big Mac. He nodded and did just that, and got a surprising reaction. “Hello Big Mac” Just as he said this, Big Mac’s eyes shot open and he paused for a moment, taking in what he is seeing. “I…..Ivy? Is……is…that….you?” “Yes, Big Mac. It is I, Ivy” He smiled and stood there “No…..this…..it can’t….ah….you….” His big green eyes immediately swelled up with tears and he fell to his haunches. “But….ah watched you die! Ivy…..you’ve been alive this whole time?” “Yes, Big Mac. I was too afraid to confront you……I was afraid you’d be mad” “Ivy, ah…..” Big Mac threw his arms around Ivy and started bawling like a little foal “Big Mac, it’s okay…..I’m moving to Ponyville!” He said with a gigantic grin. Big Mac remained unmoving, still in his hysteric crying state. “Big Mac, please look at me” As he said so, Big Mac lifted his head up “Big Mac, you’re the only true friend I’ve ever had. I’ve been everywhere, looking for places to hide. It wasn’t until Feather had done that interview with you that I realized you still cared” He started to tear up “I promise I will never, ever leave this place. I’ve got to make up for lost time” He was crying as well by that point in time. Applejack had walked over to console her brother, but he wouldn’t respond. It was as if he was frozen in time at that very moment, shedding tears of pure joy and excitement. It was almost eerie as well as tear jerking, like watching how one would react after seeing a loved one rise from their grave. “Ivy……ah…..ah can’t believe it’s you….” He looked up at him with big, teary eyes. “All happiness ah felt’s been long gone…….you took a piece a mah heart…….you was the first pony who ever cared…..” He broke down again, then tackle hugged Ivy, bawling his eyes out. I had walked over to him to console him, but only to be stopped by Applejack and her friends. “It’s better if he does this on his own, sugarcube.” Twilight and her white-coated unicorn friend approached me “Feather, dahling, he needs to calm down on his own” I had nodded in agreement “You two are right. It’s just…….I’ve never seen such happiness before in anypony’s eyes. Regardless of Big Mac’s tears, I can see pure happiness and love that only two friends for life can share” “Mister Feather, ah kin see that look comin’ back in his eyes” Applejack had given me the warmest smile I’ve ever seen in anypony before. As I watched the rest of the day unfold with those two, I could not help but feel upset for my past. Though these two were the happiest they’ve ever been, I’ve never felt so upset. I guess you could say I just need a friend like Ivy. I’ve seclude myself from the rest of everypony at this party to complete this report on the magic of friendship. My conclusion would have to be this: Always, and I mean always listen to your heart, for it is the true compass in your life that can guide you in any direction, for it knows what is truly right. ((Thank you all for your comments and your interest in my story! I plan on continuing Feather's story in the future, but for now this is all I have. Again, thank you for so many views))
ProloguePROLOGUE “Now I think I understand how this world can overcome a man. Like a friend we saw it through, in the end I gave my life for you” Ace reporter Feather Nib here. I’ve recently done some work in Ponyville with one of their most noted residents, Big Mac. Everypony always wondered why he was so quiet, so they came to me for assistance. It took some digging and prodding, but I got what everypony was lookin’ for. It was a warm summer’s afternoon the day I had arrived in Ponyville and arrived to my room at Cozy Stables Inn. Nothing much had been going on that day, just the usual I suppose. Everypony going about their business, carefree in a sense that they knew what they had to do, but they had a sort of……….eccentric way of doing so. It’s nothing like here in Phillydelphia. Ponies going about their days in a monotonous way that just made the place so unbearable. I really did enjoy my stay there. Everypony was so kind and enjoyable. Heh, I think I may just make my residence permanent there. Got a job offer from Mayor Mare, but I respectfully declined. Told her I was going to think about it. That’s quite a move, you know. Anyways, I had arrived that day and instantly began to prepare everything for the big interview with one Applejack. It was quite a somber day, when I had first set everything with Applejack. We had agreed to send Big Mac on a vacation to Foalrida while we were doing the interview. Little did we know, he absolutely refused. For a gentle giant, he sure was adamant about staying in Ponyville for reasons I will explain later. Again, it was on this somber day I had gotten to know the Apple family before the interview. Oh my ‘Tia I’ve never eaten so many apple related dishes in my whole life! Okay, back to the story. We had agreed to do the interview with Big Mac actually involved. They told me from the start it would have been painful for him, again for reasons I will explain. Now, on to the interview. We had set it up a week after I had arrived, due to Apple bucking season. I’ve never seen a family work so hard and coordinated before either. The day of the interview had come very abruptly and was somewhat rushed, if you ask me. I had barely enough time for breakfast and coffee! It was only noon! Anyways, they had rushed me out of my comfy bed into the cold morning air. Let me tell you, that was no fun at all. So it had taken me some time before I had calmed down enough to do the interview. Once I was ready, I set up my equipment. I have here with me the tapes from the interview, along with written monologue. Please do enjoy the tale of how Big Mac became quiet!
