Ponyville Apartments: Growing Pains

> Once again, I find myself here.

> Before me is the door to the basement.

> A chill runs down my spine as I remember last time.

*creak*

> I open the door carefully and open the lights.

> But before I proceed, I decide to examine the knob.

> "...Huh? This door locks from the inside."

"Of course it locks from the inside."

> "W-Woah!"

> I jump in surprise and turn around.

> Applejack gives me a worried look.

"It's just me. You okay, sugarcube?"

> After a sigh of relief, I shake my head.

> "It's nothing, really."

"You seem a tad jumpy."

> "Just checking for any problems that need maintenance."

> I turn my attention back to the door handle.

> The mechanism looks perfectly normal to me.

> I force a smile and try to act natural.

> She frowns, clearly seeing through it.

"Are you sure? You look positively spooked."

> "It's nothing, I think." I manage.

> "Anyway, let's go down and grab your stuff."

> We head down the basement to get the things she needs.

 

---

 

> Applejack immediately takes most of the equipment herself.

> I offer to help, but she just shakes her head.

"That's sweet of you, but this is nothing for an earth pony."

> With a shrug, I grab the last box of tools.

> Huh? This thing is really heavy! She chuckles at my reaction.

"Need any help, partner?"

> Wow. This thing is less than a third the size of what she's carrying.

> I grit my teeth and lift it up with all my strength.

> "I-I'll be fine," I mumble.

"Heh. Alright, then. Let's head on out of here."

> The orange pony trots up the stairs with ease.

> Damn that earth pony's strength!

> I try to hurry after her.

"Careful now," she says. "You don't want to hurt yourself."

> To my surprise, she pauses at the top of the steps.

> "Sorry about this. Guess I won't be much help, after all."

"Don't sweat it! I really appreciate the company!"

> She smiles and waits patiently as I catch up.

"And besides, this is a good opportunity."

> "Opportunity? An opportunity for what, exactly?"

"To spend some time with you, of course!"

 

---

 

"So then," Applejack asks suddenly. "What happened between you and Pinkie Pie?"

> I almost trip on my feet. She giggles at me.

> "W-What do you mean? Did she say anything?"

"She did tell me that she had a great time taking care of you and all,"

> The orange pony grins knowingly.

"But by that look on your face, something else happened."

> Damn. Feels like she can sense whenever I'm hiding something.

> "Something happened that day. Something... strange."

"Go on."

> I recount the experience as best as I can.

> The orange pony listens intently, interrupting only to ask questions.

> "No idea what it was all about, but it was pretty scary."

"I see."

> "What do you think, Applejack?"

> She stares at me thoughtfully.

> Then, she motions for me to come closer.

> I kneel down beside her. She lifts a hoof,

> And ruffles my hair while laughing heartily.

"That was a great ghost story! I got the shivers back there."

> "Huh? Ghost story?"

"Yep! And you told it so naturally, too."

> "Wait, but that wasn't..."

"Ooohhooohh!"

 

---

 

"Ah! Don't you love the sun on your back?"

> I shake my head as I put down the tools.

> "Not really. I'm more of an indoorsman, myself."

"Heh. You and Twilight, both."

> Applejack starts rummaging through the equipment.

> "Speaking of Twilight, I haven't seen her or the others today."

"Oh, didn't I tell you? They're all out on their specific assignments."

> She picks out a few gardening and farming implements.

"Well, most of them, anyway. Rarity is working on hers in her room."

> "Assignments?"

"Yep. Princess Celestia assigned us tasks while we're here."

> "I see. What kind of assignments?"

> The orange pony pauses to think.

"Well, I'm supposed to try growing some plants from Equestria."

> She pulls out a small bag of seeds.

"If I were to guess, the others got assignments related to their talents."

> "Interesting."

> Applejack opens the bag. Her eyes widen excitedly.

"Oh! I've always wanted to try my hoof on these!"

> She quickly pulls out a single small seed.

> Doesn't look like much. I scratch my head.

> "What is that?" I ask.

"Dreamblossom!" cries the pony. "This is going to be great!"

 

---

 

> We spend most of the early morning working on the garden.

> It is small, but Applejack makes the most out of the available space.

> I watch with interest as she plants the tiny seed.

> She seems fairly excited over something so mundane.

> "If I may ask, what exactly is so great about that plant?"

"Now don't you be fooled by appearances! This ain't just any old plant."

> She pats down the soil lovingly with her hooves.

"Dreamblossom is a mite special. It can harness the power of love and joy within the earth."

> "Harness love and joy?" I repeat. "I don't understand. Can you explain?"

"Well, certainly! You see, back in Equestria, the soil is often influenced by those living on it."

> The pony smiles brightly as she waters the plant.

"When a place is inhabited by ponies who are full of love and joy, the soil becomes perfect for Dreamblossom."

> "And if it doesn't?" I ask.

"Doesn't what?"

> "What happens if you plant it in a place that doesn't have any of that stuff?"

> She puts a hoof to her chin.

"Not really sure, to be honest. Guess it just won't sprout or something."

> The pony turns back to the plant and hums to it happily.

"But that won't be a problem! I'm pretty sure that the human world is the perfect place for this little one."

> Applejack looks up at me with the brightest smile.

"After all, a mighty fine fellow like yourself lives here!"

 

---

 

> Soon after, Applejack and I head inside.

"I just can't wait for that Dreamblossom to sprout!"

> "Well, that'll probably take a while, won't it?"

> She shakes her head.

"With the right conditions, magical plants can grow to full size in an instant!"

> "You're kidding, right?"

"Nope. Back at Sweet Apple Acres, the Zap Apple trees do exactly that if planted properly."

> "Full grown trees in an instant?"

"Full grown trees in an instant."

> She continues talking about how Zap Apple trees need special care, and how they can only be harvested during special times.

> I smile and listen intently to her farm stories.

> Then suddenly, she asks me a very strange question.

"Hey, now. Have you ever been to Ponyville before?"

> At the mention of that place, I go silent for a while.

> Ponyville sounds familiar, but I can't recall anything specific.

> I quickly shake my head.

> "Never been there, though it sounds like a great place to me."

"I see..."

> Applejack stares at me closely.

> Her deep green eyes seem a bit sad.

> After a minute, she turns away and sighs.

> She doesn't say anything else for some time.

 

---

 

"Is the taste to your liking?" asks the white unicorn.

> She turns to me, slightly worried. I give her a thumbs-up.

> "Wonderful, as usual. You're a great cook, Rarity."

"Glad to hear that," she says. "I have more if you like."

"I'll have some more!" cries Applejack. "This tastes great!"

> Rarity frowns at the bits of food on the orange pony's cheek.

> She levitates a napkin and quickly wipes it off.

"Do watch your manners," she says.

"Heh, sorry about that. Guess I'm just a bit giddy about earlier."

"Oh, really?"

> The unicorn eyes me suspiciously.

> "We planted some Dreamblossom in the yard," I explain.

"Dreamblossom, you say? That's wonderful!" cries Rarity.

> She taps her hooves together excitedly.

"I can already see it now!" says the unicorn. "Those beautiful flowers will be perfect for a gown!"

> Rarity twirls around, admiring her imaginary dress.

> Then, she pauses and stares at me for a moment.

"Or perhaps a suit?" she says with a wink.

> I quickly shake my head. Better not encourage the idea.

"Now hold on there," interrupts Applejack. "We don't even know what the flowers will look like."

> The unicorn dismisses her with a wave of her hoof.

"Details, details. I'm sure that something called Dreamblossom would live up to its name."

> "Huh? Wait. So, neither of you have seen Dreamblossom before?"

> They both shake their heads.

"It is among the rarest of plants in Equestria," says Rarity.

"We're pretty lucky to get our hooves on it!" adds Applejack.

 

---

 

> After the meal, the three of us part ways.

> Applejack quickly heads back outside to plant more seeds.

> She seems very enthusiastic about her work.

> Rarity, on the other hand, has to report on human-made synthetic fabrics.

> She doesn't seem very excited about it.

> And as for myself, I don't have much else to do.

> So I decide to return to my room and kill some time with TV.

"Street crime continues to increase, with the number of kidnappings now at an all-time high. A number of young women have gone missing-"

*click*

"Local officials discourage the use of homemade fireworks during celebrations and encourage watching the official displays instead of risking-"

*click*

"A little known stage act makes its way to the big city. But what exactly makes "The Great and Powerful Trixie" act so popular? Let's find out-"

*click*

> I turn the TV off. Nothing interesting, as usual.

> After staring at the blank screen for a few minutes, I decide to take a nap.

> But as I lay down and close my eyes, I hear someone banging loudly on the door.

"Get out here! Right this instant, human!" cries a shrill voice.

 

---

 

> Which one of the ponies is it this time?

> I get up from the bed and make my way to the door.

> Suddenly, the banging stops.

"..."

> "Whose out there?" I ask carefully.

> A familiar voice starts sobbing from the other side.

"You liar, *sob*,"

> "Liar?" I repeat slowly. "Twilight? Is that you?"

"You, *sob*, promised,"

> "What's going on?"

"Stupid human, *sob,"

> "What are you talking about?"

"You promised," she whispers.

"That you would never forget about us,"

"That you would find a way back,"

"That we'd always be friends."

> I have absolutely no idea what she's talking about,

> But for some reason, those words stab at my chest.

> I feel something drip down my cheek. Tears?

> What is this? What the? Why am I crying!?

"Liar," she says darkly.

> Before I realize it, I turn the knob and open the door.

> "Twilight," I mumble. "I don't know what's going on, but I'm-"

"YOU LIAR!" she roars.

 

---

 

> I stare outside the door for three whole seconds before slamming it shut.

> Well, that certainly isn't what I expected.

"I trusted you! We all trusted you!"

> No matter how much she sounds like Twilight, I'm pretty sure that isn't her.

> Let's think about this rationally:

"W-Wait! Don't leave me here!"

> Fact #1 - Twilight is a purple unicorn pony

> Fact #2 - Twilight is NOT a writhing mass of shadowy tentacles

"I'm sorry! I just wanted to talk!"

> Fact #3 - That thing outside IS a writhing mass of shadowy tentacles

> Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope.

"Come back! Please!'

> NOPE. I quickly open my closet and pull out a steel bat.

> Not exactly the best choice, but it'll have to do.

> I open the door and raise it above my head.

"I didn't mean to, h-huh?"

> I swing as hard as I can, smashing it to the ground.

"Ow! My leg! Why would you do tha-"

> Ignoring the voice, I raise the bat and hit it again.

> The tentacle creature screams in agony using Twilight's voice.

> That only makes me angrier. I smash the creature again.

> And again. And again. Until it finally screams one last time.

> A bloodcurdling, unearthly shriek. Then, it stops moving.

> I watch as the tentacles shrivel up in the sunlight.

> Now that I look closer, they look like vines.

> "What the hell-"

> Before I can gather my thoughts, I hear screaming from upstairs.

> Oh damn. That sounds like Rarity.

 

---

 

> I burst into the white unicorn's room,

> Steel bat in one hand and a fire axe in the other.

"Get away from me! Get away!"

> Rarity cowers in the middle of the room, hooves over her head.

> Shadowy tentacles are wrapped around her legs, rooting her to the floor.

"Why did this have to happen? WHY!?"

> But that isn't why she's screaming.

> All over the room, other tentacles are busy at work.

"No! Not THAT! Anything, but THAT!"

> They go about slicing up her dresses slowly, one piece at a time.

> The unicorn cries out in pain at every rip and tear.

"My precious works of art! Turned to scrap before my eyes! Why?"

> For a moment, I watch blankly as the pony whines and weeps.

> I hold back a laugh. This scene looks almost comical.

"Ruined! I'm ruined! RUINED!"

> That is, until I see a tentacle start probing at her flank.

> All right. Joke's over. I quickly cut her free with my axe.

"It's all over! My life is OVER!"

> "Uh, Rarity?" I say. "Anyone there? Hello?"

> She just continues sobbing incoherently.

> I shake her a few times, but she doesn't respond.

> Seems like she can't see or hear me

> Only after I smash and slice each and every tentacle in the room does she finally recover.

 

---

 

> "Rarity? Are you alright?"

> She puts a hoof to her forehead.

"My head hurts a little. What's going on?"

> "No idea. Just glad that I don't have to carry you to a hospital."

"Carry me? What ever do you mean?"

> I give the white unicorn a small smile.

> Her eyes widen as she realizes that she's in my arms.

"G-Get off me at once! You ruffian!"

> She quickly lets herself down while giving me a swift kick in the ribs.

> "D-damn it, pony!" I manage as I crumple to the ground.

"Hmph!" she says. "A lady doesn't allow herself to be touched so easily."

> "No wonder chivalry is dead," I mumble to myself.

> I wait a moment for the pain to subside before getting up.

"Now, do explain yourself before I really hurt you," says the white pony.

> I stare blankly at her. Really? I plant my palm upon my face.

> With a shrug, I point to the remains of the tentacle creature.

> Rarity screams at the sight and jumps back into my arms, shaking.

"W-What is that horrid thing!?"

> "I was hoping that you could tell me."

> She just closes her eyes tight and wraps her hooves around my neck.

> With a sigh, I carry her out of the room. She doesn't stop shivering.

> "Also, what was that about a lady, again?"

"S-Shut up," she whispers. "Idiot."

 

---

 

"It was horrible! I hope that I NEVER have to go through that again!"

> "You mean the tentacles? What are you talking about?"

> She looks at me with a frown.

"What am I talking about? That was THE, WORST, POSSIBLE, THING!"

> Rarity holds a hoof to her forehead for effect.

"I was in my room, brainstorming for an idea to salvage those HIDEOUS synthetic fabrics, when suddenly these human critics pop out of nowhere!"

> She stomps on the ground angrily.

"They mocked my designs and jeered at me! They called me 'second-rate' a-and 'provincial'! PROVINCIAL! Can you believe it!?"

> She looks close to tears now.

"A-And they said that I'll never get anywhere in this city! No human would ever wear my designs!"

> Rarity sobs a bit.

"T-Then, they started cutting my work to scraps. A-And I couldn't stop them. I-I couldn't even..."

> Tears flow freely down her cheek as she glances back at her room.

> Unsure of what to do, I sit myself beside her and offer my shoulder.

"T-Thanks," she whispers.

> She leans against me and weeps quietly.

> I feel something tighten in my chest.

> For a moment, I forget she's a pony,

> And give her a tight hug.

 

---

 

> When Rarity recovers, I ask her very slowly,

> "Are you sure about what you saw? I didn't see anyone else in there."

> She frowns at me.

"But those horrible critics! Didn't you see them?"

> "Nope. All I saw where those tentacle things."

"Wait. You mean you DIDN'T see all those horrible humans?"

> "You were alone when I found you."

"..."

> The unicorn stares at me closely for a couple of minutes.

"If this is some human joke, then it certainly isn't funny."

> Rarity quickly levitates the fire axe out of my hand.

> "H-Hey! That's dangerous!"

"Oh, you mean this little thing?"

> The unicorn smiles darkly. Her horn glows.

> Without warning, she swings the axe with her magic.

"Swish!"

> A couple of hairs fall from the top of my head, cleanly cut.

> Holy shit! I quickly take a step back. She just smiles cutely.

"Why so surprised?" she says. "A lady must know how to take care of herself, after all."

> "O-Okay! J-just don't point that thing at me!"

> She giggles at my reaction. Damn ponies.

> These girls are something else.

"Now let's find Applejack," she says. "She's not as delicate as I, but we best make sure she isn't in any trouble."

 

---

 

> We find Applejack in the garden shed.

"Well, this is... strange." says Rarity.

"C-Can't sleep," mumbles the orange pony. "Apples will eat me."

> The poor pony is curled up in a corner, shivering in fright.

> "Applejack? Hey! Can you hear me?"

"C-Can't sleep, Apples will eat me."

> The unicorn lifts her up and shakes her roughly.

"C-Can't sleep, Apples will eat me."

> Then, she slaps her several times.

"C-Can't sleep, Apples will eat me."

> Still no effect. Applejack just keeps mumbling to herself.

> Like she's under some kind of spell, or something.

> "Any idea what she's mumbling about?"

"I have no clue," says Rarity. "But she looks really frightened."

> I take a good look around the room.

> Aside from bags of soil and a few tools, the place seems empty.

> But something doesn't feel right. I grip the steel bat tightly.

> "Stay with her, Rarity."

"Huh? Where are you going?"

> I take my eyes off the ponies. Big mistake.

> With a loud whinny, Applejack gets up and bolts.

> She knocks Rarity aside and makes a break for the exit.

> I try grab her, but the earth pony is too fast.

"DON'T EAT ME APPLES!" she cries out.

> The moment she exits the shed, something grabs at my leg.

> I look down to see a pair of tentacles emerging from the shadows.

> Then, Rarity starts screams her head off.

> "Oh, shit."

 

---

 

> After smashing the nearby creatures with my bat, I turn to Rarity.

> Numerous tentacles are creeping toward her from all directions.

> The unicorn swings the axe wildly around her using magic.

> But she isn't hitting any them. What the hell?

> "Rarity! Just cut them down!"

"C-Cut them down?"

> She looks at the nearest tentacle, then whimpers.

"I-I can't! I can't hurt my friends!"

> "What the hell, Rarity? Can't you see these monsters?"

"E-Even if she's turned into THAT, I can't hurt Applebloom!"

> The tentacle knocks the axe from the grip of her magic.

> Another grabs her hind leg and starts entangling her.

> "Damn it!"

> I rush up to her side and swing my bat at the nearest tentacle.

> The moment I hit it, the unicorn screams, a look of complete horror upon her face.

> Then, something in my head finally clicks.

> Twilight's voice. Rarity's story about humans. And now, this.

> If my guess is right, then,

> "It's all an illusion! None of it is real!"

"...not real?"

> Rarity stops screaming.

> "Close your eyes and ears!"

"B-but-"

> "Trust me!"

> She hesitates for moment but nods.

> The unicorn shuts her eyes tight and covers her ears with her hooves.

> I raise the steel bat above my head and begin smashing each and every one of those cursed creatures.

 

---

 

> Afterward, I put a hand on Rarity's shoulder.

> "You can open your eyes now."

"I-Is it over?"

> I nod at her. She sighs in relief.

> All around us lie the remains of those creatures.

> "So, then. What did you see this time?"

"Oh! Well, it was horrible! Dreadful! Unthinkable!"

> She closes her eyes and shivers.

"It was Applejack's family," whispers Rarity. "But they weren't themselves. T-They were going to...*sob*"

> Tears start rolling down her cheeks. That bad, huh?

> "Never mind. I think I got the idea. We better look for Applejack."

"A-Alright. Sorry for having you save me again."

> While the creatures are physically weak,

> They must be creating very powerful illusions.

> For both Rarity and Applejack to break down so easily...

> "Don't mention it. Just seems lucky that I can see their true forms."

"Nah," says a familiar voice. "That wasn't luck at all."

> Rarity and I turn to see a pony standing by the doorway.

"Applejack! Thank goodness! You're alright!" says Rarity.

> The orange pony smiles sadly, then turns to me.

"Seems like Twilight was right about you," says Applejack.

> "Huh? Right about-"

"B-Being reliable, of course!" interrupts Rarity. "You are a very reliable human. R-Right, Applejack?"

> She glares at Applejack and motions for her to agree.

> The orange pony sighs and shakes her head.

"I'll explain another time," she says. "We need to stop that thing before it grows any bigger."

 

---

 

> "So you're saying that those things are part of the Dreamblossom?"

"I don't understand it myself," Applejack says. "The soil from this world probably mutated it or something."

"Leave the science report to Twilight!" cries Rarity. "How do you plan to stop that thing!?"

"Since it feeds off the emotions in the earth, we probably have to uproot the sprout from the ground."

> Applejack hands me a shovel. I raise an eyebrow at her.

"Use this. You have a more delicate touch than me."

"Delicate touch?" cries Rarity. "That THING should be destroyed!"

> "I think that I have to agree with Rarity on this one, Applejack."

> The orange pony stops and turns to us.

"I know you two think this is crazy, but hear me out for a bit. That 'thing' isn't an enemy or a villain. That 'thing' didn't even choose to be here. It's MY fault this happened!"

> She lowers her head and sighs.

"That 'thing' is alive, just like the rest of us. And its one of the last of its kind. Dreamblossom is one of the rarest plants in Equestria."

> Then, she looks up at us with determination.

"Please! We have to try to save it!"

> I plant my palm upon my face. Rarity does the same with her hoof.

> The unicorn shakes her head and pokes at the ground irritably.

"Tsk! Being the Element of Generosity, I guess I don't have a choice..."

> The two turn to me next.

> "Fine. Guess I'm in too."

> Applejack brightens up immediately.

> The three of us hurry towards the garden.

> Huh? Wait. What was that about being the Element of Generosity?

 

---

 

> The whole garden is full of shadowy tentacles,

> But these are different from the ones from earlier.

> "Uh, Applejack? Rarity? Are we seeing the same thing here?"

"Those things are thicker than a farm stallion's hind leg," says the orange pony.

"And much less pleasant to look at. Yech!" adds Rarity. "They look even more horrid up close and... wriggling."

> "What's the plan, then? W-Woah!?"

> Applejack grabs the cuff of my shirt with her mouth and tosses me up in the air.

> I land right on top of her back. She raises her front hooves and whinnies.

"Hold on, human!" she cries. "We're going in!"

> Applejack charges forward. Rarity follows close behind us.

> The creature notices our presence and sends numerous tentacles at us.

"Cover your eyes!" cries the unicorn.

> Suddenly, Rarity releases a bright flash of light from her horn.

> The tentacles back away in surprise for a moment and allow us through.

> After the light dies down, I open my eyes and turn around.

> "Damn it! Rarity! Behind you!"

> The unicorn pony is surrounded by a number of tentacles that creeped up from behind us.

> She looks around her, then at us. Her eyes narrow.

"Just go, you two!" cries Rarity.

> With determination, she pushes us forward with her remaining magic.

> Applejack runs forward with the boost, trampling the tentacles in her path.

> Soon, the core of the creature comes into view:

> A tiny sapling, no bigger than my hand.

 

---

 

"Cute lil' fella, ain't it?" says Applejack.

> "It would be a lot cuter if it wasn't trying to kill us."

"It's just trying to defend itself. It doesn't know any better."

> Applejack starts slowing down. I glance at her legs.

> Several tentacles have entangled around them.

> "Your legs! Stay still! I'll get them off you!"

"Nope," she says. "I've gone as far as I can."

> Without warning, she bucks me off and catapults me forward.

> I land face first beside the Dreamblossom sapling.

> "D-Damn!" I mumble "Anyone get a number on that truck?"

"Quit playin' around!" cries Applejack. "It's all up to you, now!"

> I take a quick glance behind me.

> Rarity lies some distance away, weak from using too much magic.

> Applejack isn't doing much better as she struggles to get free.

> I face forward and raise the shovel over the sapling,

> And with all of my strength, I start digging it out.

> The shadowy tentacles writhe in agony as I hack at the roots.

> A few of them crawl towards me, but to no avail.

> I quickly dig out the sapling and toss it to the side.

> Finally, the rest of the creature goes limp and stop moving.

> And with that, I turn around and wave at the ponies.

> "You two alright back there!?"

"Nice job, partner!" cries Applejack.

"Ugh!" says Rarity. "I hope I can wash all this plantlife off my hair."

> They both seem fine, thankfully.

> I take a glance back at Dreamblossom sapling.

> How can something so small be so dangerous?

> And if this was just a sprout, what would happen if it grew to full size?

> Just the thought gives me the shivers.

> "Enough nightmares, only dreams now..."

 

---

 

> Applejack transfers the sapling to a small pot full of Equestrian soil.

> She says that she'll send it back to the Princess, first thing in the morning.

> Rarity scowls, but says nothing. She still seems sore at the ruined dresses.

> We spend the rest of the afternoon cleaning up. Not much small talk.

> I head back to my room to rest. Today's been a long and crazy day.

> "Dreamblossom, huh?"

> I lie on my bed and close my eyes for a moment.

> Strange. I never expected something so dangerous to come from their world.

> They are ponies, after all. Colorful, wonderful ponies.

> "..."

> I hear a familiar knock at the door. I don't bother to get up.

> "Come in," I answer.

"Hey, sugarcube. Hope you don't mind us intruding like this."

> I shake my head as the orange pony comes inside with the white unicorn.

"Are you alright, dear?" says Rarity. "You haven't talked much since then."

> "It's fine. Just taking it all in, I guess."

> Applejack frowns at me. She knows I'm lying.

> But what else can I say? That everything's going to be alright?

> If that thing got loose, the whole city could've been destroyed!

> Or turned into a literal living nightmare, at the very least.

> What exactly have I gotten myself into with these ponies?

> Hazard pay isn't part of my contract.

> I sigh loudly and sit myself up.

> "What do you want to talk about?"

 

---

 

> Applejack is the first to speak.

"I think it's about time you knew why we're on Earth. Why we're really here."

"Wait, just one minute!" interrupts Rarity. "Princess Celestia herself said-"

"I know what she said, Rarity. But this is different. You saw what happened today."

"But the mission! We can't just-"

"Dang it, Rarity! If it wasn't for his help, we could've died! Or worse!"

> The orange pony sighs and shakes her head.

"He's our friend. He deserves to know."

"I-I guess you're right," whispers the unicorn. "Forgive me, Applejack."

> "Aren't you here to observe humans?"

> Applejack smiles sadly and shakes her head.

"That's just a small part of it. You see, we were sent here to gather intelligence."

> "Gather intelligence," I repeat carefully.

"Yep. Information on your society, history, government and environment. Everything and anything that could be used to understand how you humans live."

> "Are you saying that you ponies are spies?"

"Well, spies might be a bit too much," says Rarity.

> The orange pony turns to the unicorn and shakes her head.

"No, Rarity. That's exactly what we are. Spies."

"You can't be serious, Applejack!"

"Open your eyes, girl! The Canterlot folk just had me perform WEAPON TESTING!"

"Don't be preposterous! I'm sure that it was just an accident!"

"Then, how about your assignment? What was so special about synthetic fabrics?"

"All the Canterlot scientists did was ask if they are affected by unicorn magic."

> Rarity's ears droop sadly.

"Oh, wait. That's right..."

 

---

 

> The three of us continue talking until the others return.

> We agree to keep quiet about this for now. No need to panic.

> Today could have been an honest mistake, after all.

> At dinner, the rest of the ponies pleasantly talk about their day.

> Twilight Sparkle read at the public library, researching on recent history.

> Rainbow Dash attended a nearby car show focused on upcoming technologies.

> Fluttershy visited an exhibit on nature preserves and endangered species.

> Pinkie Pie watched a local comedy act that was famous for political commentary.

> And afterwards, we bid each other good night and I return to my room.

> I lie on my back for a long while, thinking about today's events.

> And for the first time, I ask myself if I should quit this job.

> "..."

"..."

> In another room, Applejack sighs and gets off her bed.

> She trots over to her desk and starts writing.

"Dear Princess Celestia,"

"Sometimes we love our friends so much that we lie so they don't get hurt."

"But more often than not, these lies just end up making things worse."

"Sometimes we need to let them know the truth, even if it hurts."

"We need to trust that they will do what is best in the end,"

"Because that's what friends do."

"- Respectfully yours, Applejack"