Chapter 5: Applebuck Season

Hello, how are you all?

I hope you are well.

Enjoy the new chapter.

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This fanfiction was created by a fan for fans for the purpose of improving in the art of writing.

This story can and most likely will have spelling mistakes.

Any criticism (constructive or not) will be read and appreciated.

This story is not going to be a HIE or G5, it will be tinged to the G4 story, MLP: FIM.

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I've done it...

I've done it!

I couldn't help but shout in celebration as I watched the book floating on the ceiling.

It hasn't been not so long since the ticket incident, it was just yesterday actually.

Since that incident, I've been redoing the coded language of the runes and doing some deep research on how the levitation spell works, again.

It took me many attempts, besides the time off I took or when some of my new friends asked me for help with something or attending to people who came looking for a book, after all, this place is still a library.

But I had succeeded, the rune for levitation, if we consider the book floating without using my own magic.

Sure, it's not perfect yet, if the fact that it's floating against the ceiling is any indication.

The rune allows the object in question to be affected by the spell inscribed on it, absorbing the magic around us in order to activate it.

However, as I mentioned, it's not fully complete yet. Nonetheless, I've also come to understand why the rune didn't work previously.

You see, the spell normally works by physically, or magically rather, attracting an object or pony and having it do what the pony wants it to do, such as draw it to them, move something to another location, or hold something.

Normally, the levitation spell holds as far as a pony can concentrate, for example, with books it only requires minimal concentration, the same with apples or cupcakes, but if you want to levitate a bookshelf, it would require a lot of concentration to do so, more than a single pony can normally do.

But with the rune, since it doesn't have an implicit command on it or no one to command the spell, it didn't work, it just drew magic from around us but couldn't be activated, since the command is required.

When I realized it, I wanted to hit my head. Then, I was redoing the coded language a few times until I got it right, but it's still not perfect.

I just gave it a simple command, float. I expected the book to just float in front of me in a show of success, but instead, it floated up to the ceiling and if the ceiling wasn't there, it would most likely be floating towards the sun.

But a success is a success, and I have achieved one of my greatest accomplishments.

Now, I just have to do the same with the Glyphs.

"But what in the hay is going on here?" exclaimed a voice from the kitchen door. I spun around to see Twilight and Spike standing there, mouths agape, staring at the book floating on the ceiling. Then, they turned to look at me, noticing that my horn wasn't glowing.

I guess I forgot to mention, it's around 7am, and Spike and Twilight were in the kitchen, Spike preparing breakfast and Twilight reading a book. I had gotten up early in the morning to do my work, which made Spike and Twilight ignore me since they knew how I got during my research time.

Twilight closed her snout and looked up at me with a smile, "Well, color me surprised, Platinum. You've done it." She said as she approached me.

At that, I laughed proudly as I activated my magic, drawing the book towards me and deactivating the rune, "It's not perfect yet, it's still missing a few details, but I'm closer than I've ever been." I said with a huge smile and a twinkle in my eye, I always felt great when it came to doing things like this.

Seeing my smile, Twilight's smile softened and she said to me, "congratulations Platinum, you have accomplished what no pony has ever accomplished, years of research have paid off after all." She proceeded to give me a hug, to which I gladly returned, glad that a special friend had witnessed my accomplishment.

Besides, now I have witnesses for when I present it to the ministry of magic, which those ponies have always been very skeptical when a pony presented a new spell he created, and more so when it's a young pony like me.

Spike, watching the whole moment, made a sign as if he was going to throw up and turned back to the kitchen to finish making his food, but he didn't take a step when suddenly there was a rumbling sound.

Hearing it, or rather feeling it, I broke away from my embrace with Twilight, seeing how she too was startled by the sudden jolt.

Suddenly, my body began to shake uncontrollably.

"Guys! T-The ground is shaking!" Spike stuttered his words as he himself was shaking as well.

"Ow!" I couldn't help but hiss in pain as one of the many books fell on my head. The shaking on the ground only got worse and I had to dig my hooves into where I was to prevent something worse from happening, "What the hell is going on!" I couldn't help but scream as I felt my body shake.

"I-I don't know!" the bewildered unicorn replied, looking around in shock before looking at the door, "Stay here, Platinum!" she said to then run out the door.

"Like hell I will!" said I, since Twilight should know that orders and I didn't get along, "Stay here!" I said to Spike, though I knew well that he wouldn't listen to me either.

I didn't bother waiting for an answer and walked out the same door, hearing Rainbow's voice yell as soon as I left the building.

"STAMPEDE!"

As soon as I yelled that the unicorn, all the ponies around went crazy, running and scrambling into their homes, at the same time making sure their homes were secured.

All the ponies were in a panic...except Pinkie Pie.

"Heeeeeey...! Thiiiiis maaaaakes myyyyy voooooice soooooound siiiilly!" she said as she shook like crazy in a unique way.

"Oh, for the love of.../Pinkie Pie, are you crazy?! Run!" I screamed at the same time as Twilight as I levitated the pink mare with my magic above me, making her ride me as I ran to safety, for her at least, I wanted to try to solve the problem.

Although I had no idea how, a pony doesn't go through these things in a row, let alone a pony that came from a city like Canterlot.

As I was leading Pinkie to a building, I heard the mayor trying to calm everyone down but to no avail.

"Look over there!" I heard Rainbow Dash yell, causing me to turn to look where she was looking to see what it was.

And it turned out to be Applejack, who along with her pet Winona, started leading the cows wildly.

Meanwhile, Pinkie who was still on my back, pulled some popcorn out of who knows where, and said, "This is the best rodeo show I've ever seen!" to which I nodded and with my magic grabbed one of the popcorns to eat, since I hadn't had breakfast yet, ignoring the look Twilight was giving us.

And after Applejack drove the cows away in a frenzy, all the girls who had stayed to watch the show celebrated, although I had to give a dirty look to Pinkie who was celebrating on my back.

As Applejack talked to the now calm cows, I couldn't help but say, "well, that settled quickly." As I pulled a wild Pinkie Pie off my back.

"Yeah, it's a good thing Miss Applejack stepped in when she did." She said as they watched to see Applejack appear on the hill, the ponies celebrate her and I just turn around.

"Excuse me, I'll pass." I say to a pony behind me as I headed towards the library.

"Hold on, Platinum." Said a voice and I turned to see Twilight, "aren't you going to stay? We were planning on throwing you a party to show our appreciation for Applejack."

"Sorry Twi, but I still have research to do," I said as I shook my head. While I am happy that this town was saved and yes, I think Applejack should be commemorated for what she managed to do, but my job is more important to me right now.

"You're still going through with that? I thought you were done with it" Twilight said as I could tell she was looking away, probably remembering what happened in the library not too long ago.

At that, I shook my head again, "No, it's not perfect yet. There are some things I need to improve and besides-" I was going to continue but my stomach at that moment roared in protest, "-I'm hungry." I finished with a slightly shy smile.

Twilight just smiled amused, "You haven't changed a bit since we left Canterlot. It's okay, you can go back to the library if you want to but-" before Twilight could finish, I ran off towards the house, I wasn't going to make her make me promise to head to the celebration party.

Besides, I'm pretty hungry.

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I was currently in the main room of the library, humming to myself as I focused on modifying the encrypted language of my runes, again.

It had been a week since the cow stampede and today was supposed to be the celebration party for Applejack.

I wasn't planning on going, as although I was in awe of what Applejack did, I had work to do.

I couldn't help but ponder what Twilight said, realizing deep down that she was right in a way.

Ever since I was young, ever since my interest in magic was born, I had devoted myself almost entirely to it, many times denying party invitations for the sake of my research, pushing away several ponies who were trying to befriend me for the sake of my research.

The ponies of Canterlot are not at all different from the ponies that live here, in Ponyville, with the only difference that there are more snobbish ponies or that they think they are a big deal because they are nobles than here, or that making friends in Canterlot usually depends on your social class or your intelligence.

Several ponies that wanted to befriend me were due to my contributions to the magical society, as I had managed to create several spells in my spare time that were of great help, spells that are actually quite simple, like a small protective cloak against rain or a spell to make the bloom grow.

I also created a selective memory spell, to make me forget something, although I don't remember what.

Anyway, back to the point, several ponies approached me to befriend me because of the accomplishments I made for the magical community or because their parents told them to, although they never accomplished anything because I wanted nothing to do with them or because they just couldn't stand to be around me.

The only one who stayed by my side and was a sort of friend was Twilight, despite how reserved we both were, she stayed by my side, even when I teased her or played some pranks on her, which is why I value her so much.

But, as she was saying, I hadn't changed much since I arrived in Ponyville.

Unlike Twilight, who had become very close to those five mares (and I wasn't saying that this time out of jealousy) and had found a way to balance her studies in magic with spending time with her friends, I had continued to lock myself in the library.

Sure, sometimes I would go out to hang out with some of the girls, but usually I stayed cooped up in the library doing my research or just reading a book or exercising. Yes, exercise, even a unicorn has to maintain a certain physical attitude to stay healthy.

Not that I planned to change the way I was anytime soon, but it did make me reflect a bit on how much of a shut-in I was, practicing and dedicating myself a lot in magic.

My thoughts stopped as I heard the sound of a plate being placed on a table, I looked to see it was Spike placing a plate of foraged hamburger and a tea, which made my tummy growl.

I hadn't eaten yet, but Spike was kind enough to make me something to eat since he knew that if I made myself something to eat it was going to be something simple and I taught him the importance of healthy eating and above all healthy, so much so that I feel like a hypocrite because I myself don't follow that advice I gave him so many years ago.

With a sigh, I put down my notes and sat down to eat, "thanks Spike," I said as I grabbed the burger with my hoofs and started eating.

You know, sometimes I can't believe how much my diet has changed and how I've been adopting to it, I used to find eating fodder disgusting, the very idea made me want to throw up, but over time I've gotten used to it and now I even enjoy it a lot.

Sure, some of it is due to the body I'm in and some of it is due to the fact that I've been in this world for years, and I've changed because of it.

One of the examples of them is my attitude, I used to be quite bitter and antisocial because of all the experiences that had happened to me, but as they say, time heals wounds.

I can still remember the nights when I was a baby that I would wake up screaming because of all the deaths I saw or just remembering my past, my parents helped me in those cases, waking me up to lull me to sleep so I could go back to sleep, I only healed thanks to them.

If my parents had been different, I probably wouldn't be what I am now.

My thoughts are interrupted by a fake cough, I turn to see Spike still here and he says, "So, Platinum, how's your research going? I thought you were done with that because of your accomplishment this morning."

Stopping momentarily from eating, I smiled and said, "I'd love to, Spike, but unfortunately it's a long and tedious process that takes quite a bit of time."

"I know," Spike interrupted me, "I've seen you focus on it for years, but why do you need to get better at it?" asked the little purple dragon as he sat down next to me.

"Do you want me to explain all the reasons and scientific stuff as to why I need to do these rune upgrades? Spike, I thought you didn't like these things," I said as I continued eating, looking somewhat incredulously at the little dragon. I knew he wasn't at all interested in the scientifically magical aspects of my work, since he's still a kid and doesn't understand all this stuff.

"Well... no," Spike finally admitted with a sheepish grin at my amused look, "but, Platinum, you can tell me! It's been a while since we've spent time together," he added sheepishly, with a hopeful look in his eyes.

At that, I couldn't help but feel a little bad, usually Spike doesn't see how long it takes me to work on these projects, since he always stays with Twilight and every time, we see each other it was to hang out, away from my work.

"I'm sorry, Spike, I didn't realize how little we were hanging out, I promise as soon as I'm done with this, we'll hang out again," I said after I finished my meal, looking at the dragon hoping he would accept my answer.

At that, Spike's look soured a bit but he perked up at the promise to hang out later, "Okay, Platinum." He said as he stood up and walked out of the house.

I felt bad but I couldn't help it, my work right now is more important, I'm so close to finishing the runes! I just need time.

"You know, I wasn't lying when I said you haven't changed a bit since Canterlot." Said a voice I already knew all too well, I turned to see Twilight coming down the stairs watching.

"Oh, hey Twilight... um, you saw all that didn't you?" I said as I shrunk back in my seat a bit, as her look reminded me a bit of my mother's when she scolded me for spending too much time doing nothing.

Instead of answering my question, Twilight continued. "In Canterlot, you were always so focused on your research that it wasn't healthy. I'm not going to lie and say I wasn't the same, because I was, but I've changed. I've learned that friendship is just as important as work, and I've tried to balance both in my life. I think you could benefit from finding that balance, too." Her tone was soft but firm, with a look of concern in her eyes.

I sighed as I looked down at the notebook containing my research. "I know, Twilight, but I can't help it, I'm so close to making it! I just need more time..." I said, looking up to meet Twilight's worried eyes.

Upon hearing my response, Twilight simply sighed and said, "You'll have to make up your mind Platinum, one of these days you may not be so focused on your work to spend time with us, but maybe when that day comes, we won't have time for you anymore," Twilight said as she walked to the door, opening it and once she was outside, she took one last look at me before closing the door.

Once I was all alone in the quiet room, I sighed and grabbed my notebook to continue working but I couldn't concentrate, thinking about what had just happened.

I know Twilight was right, although I'm a little surprised because I didn't expect Twilight to be like that, but I didn't know what to do.

I never believed in friendship if I was sincere, of course I knew I was in a world where friendship literally was magic, but that did not change the fact that I did not believe in friendship.

That was mainly because since I was young, I had never made a friend that I could say was a friend that would last forever, as we always ended up drifting apart and never communicating again, that increased even more after the war.

And sometimes I even feared that my friendship with Twilight and Spike is not true, that in the end they will end up leaving me behind and forgetting me like everyone else.

It's one of the reasons why I decided to focus fully on my research, the ponies of Equestria might not be as cruel as humans were, but they could also be cruel and I couldn't trust people, or ponies in this case, so easily again.

Twilight and Spike were special cases, also to a lesser extent the mane 6, but I kept thinking that one of these days we were just going to lose touch and never speak again.

I looked at my notebook as if it held the answers and suddenly remembered something, a saying, that went, "Friendship is a two-way thing." I muttered as I looked down at my notebook, "uh, I guess you do have the answers." I smiled as I levitated the stuff with my magic and carried it to my room.

Twilight was right, as usual, and I was simply too focused and stubborn in wanting to do my research to do anything about it.

Twilight and the others might end up leaving me behind and avoiding me if I don't do something about it. They put so much effort into friendship; it's about time I also compromised a little more and didn't focus so much on my work.

"I reckon friendship sure is magical," I chuckled softly to myself as I trotted out of the library.

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Of course, plans don't always survive the first impact.

The ponies did a great job decorating the area where I would give Applejack her award.

The place looked pretty nice, with the balloons and various other decorations decorating the place and I could see that Twilight was already going to start giving her speech.

I could see it... from a distance.

You see, I was really planning to get closer and at least see the celebration with Spike but when I saw them from afar... I just couldn't get closer.

I don't know if it was out of embarrassment of my attitude or something else, but I couldn't just walk up to them.

So, I decided to stay here, away from the crowd to watch the celebration.

I couldn't help but give Twilight a sympathetic look for the constant interruptions to her speech.

Ah, here comes the guest of honor... extremely tired.

Why is she so tired, and what's with all those apples on her back? Did she just come from work too?

As Applejack made some sort of show of receiving her award despite being so tired, I couldn't help but wonder.

Why didn't they give awards to all 6 of them for saving everyone from Nightmare Moon? I find it odd that despite stopping Nightmare Moon, no one gave them a gift or anything.

The elements of harmony don't count, since they were used to stop Nightmare Moon.

Eh, whatever.

As I watched the pony walk away dead tired, I couldn't help but worry, I may not be a very close friend of these mares, but seeing someone with that degree of exhaustion is not a good sign.

Besides, I've been through similar things during my own research time, going days without sleep while researching, so I know how it feels.

Watching as she wandered off a bit, clearly struggling to carry her trophy, I decided to approach her.

It wasn't hard to catch up with her, even being far away, she wasn't moving very fast to say the least.

"Do you need help?" I asked once I got close enough.

"Mmm?" The pony in question spit his prize out of his mouth and blinked tiredly, before smiling in a state that told me he hadn't slept in a long time, I could tell, "Ahh, hello Platinum! It's nice to see you after a whole week holed up in the library you call home." Actually, it was longer but I wasn't going to correct her, "No, I appreciate the offer, but I've already handled it very well."

"Hmm, of course you have," I said sarcastically, as it was quite obvious that the pony could barely stand. I shook my head in disapproval as she just blinked at my words. "You're obviously not well, you look like you haven't slept in a while, believe me, I would know."

For a moment, the pony's eyelids slowly closed followed by a light snore that I thought was kind of cute, then she snapped out of it, shaking her head frantically. "I don't know what you're talking about, Sugarcube; I've got everything under control. Big Mac is hurt, so it's up to me to harvest Applebuck Season on my own."

"I see." Yep, just like me when I spent several nights researching. I also knew Big Mac wouldn't want her to do it alone. "Applebuck Season, by yourself."

"Eeyup." If her features hadn't convinced me, her goofy grin definitely did, "So you don't have to worry. So, if you'll excuse me..."

"Applejack, you definitely can't do all that by yourself." I said, stopping her, putting a hoof on her shoulder preventing her from continuing on her way. "If you keep doing all that work by yourself, what happened to all those relatives I met the day I arrived in Ponyville with Twilight, can't they help you?"

"They were just here for an Apple family reunion. They actually live all around Equestria and are busy harvesting their own orchards," she said as she looked at me with those tired eyes of hers, 'so... I'm on my own.'

"No wonder you're so tired right now." I shook my head in disbelief, if my thoughts are correct, that means the only ones on the farm are Applejack, Big Mac, the little filly I can't remember her name and Granny Smith. Leaving aside Big Mac who can't work right now because he is hurt, the little filly who is not yet strong enough to do this kind of work and Granny Smith who is not old enough to do these jobs again, then Applejack has to do all this work alone.

Well, she would have rather, since she has friends to help her in the end.

"Applejack, you can't do it all by yourself." I started saying, ignoring the grumpy look in her eyes, "ask Twilight and the others for help, I'm sure they'd be happy to help you."

"What? No way." Yes, I expected that but I simply gave him a serious look in response to his stubborn look. "I don't need any help! I've got everything under... under..." I couldn't help but shake my head again at this mare's stubbornness, she's obviously too tired to function normally. She woke up with a start when I lightly tapped her shoulder, "Huh...? Where was I...?"

"You were going to ask Twilight and the others for help."

If trying to reason with her isn't possible, it's time to try plan B; trick her tired brain that that's what she had to do, hopefully.

"...help me with what?"

I'm sure my facehoof echoed at this silence. "With the harvest."

The mare just blinked at me uncomprehendingly, "Why would I have to do that?"

[Beep], she's not tired enough to trick her brain. Time to get back to plan A. "By Celestia, Applejack, you can't handle the whole harvest by yourself. You have friends who are willing to help you without asking for anything in return. Besides, with the help of your friends, the harvest will be twice as effective and much easier knowing you have your friends by your side."

Applejack frowned, clearly tired but not yet convinced. "I appreciate the offer, Platinum, but this is my responsibility. I don't want to burden anyone else with the Apple job."

I sighed, knowing how stubborn she could be. "Applejack, being strong doesn't mean you have to do it all by yourself. Remember that you have friends who would be happy to help you no matter what. We, including me, want to help you because we care, not because we think you can't do it."

It seems that finally Applejack's tired brain mulled over what I just told her, until, finally, she gives a tired sigh but her look now seems less tired. "I know you're doing this out of affection, but I'm used to handling things on my own. I don't want to be a burden."

I put a hoof on his shoulder. "You're not a burden. I'm sure you did all you could with your hooves, but even the most capable need help from time to time. It's not wrong to ask for help and we're your friends, we're always happy to help."

I feel a bit hypocritical telling her that, as I too recently didn't want to part with my work, but I also learned not to doubt the friendship I have with Twilight and the others, and that I should strive to keep them from walking away from me.

Finally, Applejack sighed and nodded, her resistance finally ending. "All right, Platinum. I'll accept your help. But don't be surprised if I end up working harder than all of you put together," she added with a tired smile.

"Deal," I replied with a smile. "Now, let's get this trophy to a safe place and then let's find the others. Together, we'll make this the best Applebuck Season ever."

Applejack nodded and looked over to see the trophy lying on the ground, probably debating how to carry it.

I sighed a little, using my magic to carry the trophy, she looked at me for a moment, before nodding with a soft smile and then heading to Sweet Apple Acres.

Good thing I didn't have to use plan C.

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After I managed to convince Applejack to accept my ... well, our help. We all went to Sweet Apple Acres.

Although at first Applejack wanted to continue picking, it was obvious that she was too tired to do so, so I put her to sleep with a spell while we all took care of harvesting the apples from the large number of trees that the Apple family has. It's really too much for one pony to do.

Besides, after I told Twilight how I convinced Applejack, she decided to write a letter with what she learned to Princess Celestia, even though I didn't stick around to hear it.

After a while of apple picking, I could hear Applejack say, "How about y'all take a little break? I got some fine apple juice waiting for ya!

After hearing what he said, we all headed over to grab the drinks offered by Applejack.

"Girls, and boy," he said, directing that last part to me, "I can't thank you enough for this help. I admit I was acting a little stubborn-"

"That's an understatement," I interrupted Applejack, since if I hadn't convinced her, I would have caused a lot of messes.

At my interruption, she just gave me an annoyed look, probably a little annoyed at the interruption and a little annoyed why I put her to sleep, but continued anyway, "Okay, very stubborn! And I'm so sorry, if it hadn't been for Platinum, I would have kept collecting and doing things by myself," she said while having a look of regret, probably for having thought of doing everything by herself.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier, we can postpone my stunt for another day if you're still feeling tired!"

"Oh, oh, we can postpone making the cakes for another day! Although I'll have to make sure to let all the ponies know about the schedule change so they don't miss it!"

"I can take care of collecting my bunnies alone if you're still tired and need to rest..."

"Don't worry girls, thanks to someone-" he said looking daggers at me, to which I just smiled, "put me to sleep, I'll be able to help you with those no problem." He finished his sentence then looked at all of us with a soft look. "You know, I know the city gave me an award for most appreciated pony, but my real award is having friends like you guys" he said to which then we all proceeded to drink some of the juice Applejack brought us.

After that, we all got hungry from all the hard work, we headed to Sugarcube Corner for some of the local pastries.

We then split up and headed to our respective homes.

Once inside the library, I saw Spike heading to his room or rather the room he shares with Twilight, probably to read comics, so I stopped him.

He looked at me in confusion, to which I smiled, "hey Spike, do you want to go and read some comics? I have some new ones I want to show you." I'm not entirely lying, as those comics I had saved for his birthday, but I guess I just have to get another gift.

At my words, the dragon got excited, "Really? Are you serious?" my heart melted a little at that and I nodded towards him, "Great! I'll see you upstairs Platinum!" he said as he ran up the stairs.

As I followed him, I heard a voice stop me, "Looks like you listened to my advice" you know Twilight, it seems in this episode you are willing to stop me for anything.

I turned to see her, watching as she approached me, "You know, if I got a bit for every time, you called me that, I'd be a millionaire." I said looking at her with an amused smile.

At that, she just smiled back, "I'm glad you listened to me Platinum, it wasn't healthy for you to spend so much time focused on your research." she said as she gave me a worried look.

I just smiled and said, "You don't have to worry Twilight, I learned my lesson and you are right, there will always be a time to do my work, but I should appreciate and spend more time with the friends I have," so as not to push them away, I finished in my head.

She smiled happily and then, Twilight looked away as if a thought had crossed her mind, "Oh! Why don't you write a friendship message to Princess Celestia? To tell her what you learned about friendship."

At that, I just looked at her with a blank stare before laughing and lightly touching her nose with my hoof in a poop, "That's your job Twilight, not mine." I said to then climb the ladder, ignoring the look Twilight was giving me.

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Hi, I hope you enjoyed it.

Have a nice day everyone.