How does one explode an apple tree? Apparently quite easily, especially if you have an ancient spell.



It wasn’t that Applejack was mad at Twilight, no. She was down right furious with her. Applejack had never been too sure of Twilight’s profession. She knew she was Celestia’s top student. She knew Twilight worked in the Academy and now was studying friendship within Ponyville but that was where her knowledge ended. So Applejack didn’t bat an eye when Twilight asked if she could practise magic in her fields. There’d been a few unicorns who had and as long as they were safe and didn’t damage the land majorly then Applejack let them do as they wished. Only issue is that the unicorns who did practise on her land were only using basic spells or teaching foals. They certainly weren’t using ancient spells… who would do that?



Applejack learned the hard way that Twilight studied and taught ancient magic. Technically she was meant to be studying this magic in theory but Twilight had always been a go-getter. This magic was at her hooves, how could she not use it? Besides, her results only furthered the studies much more than any pony had.



It was a fire projectile spell. It was meant to be a sharp burst of flames that could reach a short distance, a wonderful spell for an offence. A lovely summer's day to practise an incantation, Twilight thought. The flames ignited beautifully from Twilight’s horn, crackling wildly before blitzing across the sky in a mighty roar. Twilight was absolutely elated as she witnessed the correctly performed spell that was supposed to just go a few metres in front of her.





Hm, it’s still going.

A little further is fine, Twilight beamed.



… Still going.

It’ll be coming down any moment, Twilight smiled.



… It- It’s going straight towards the trees.

Travelling this far will cause little damage, Twilight’s smile waned.



… It hit a tree.

A small contained fire is fine, Twilight’s eye twitched.



It has exploded and ignited several trees around it.

…. Maybe it was time for Twilight to seek some help.





Applejack was still huffing and puffing a week later. After screaming and berating Twilight for her stupidity and carelessness, Applejack had refused to speak to the mare. Their shared friends' efforts to forge the two back together were fruitless. This was Applejack's livelihood on the line. The fire could have been so much worse if there weren't volunteers around. Whole trees that the Apple’s relied on. Ponies could have gotten hurt. And for what? For some unicorn to learn a spell rightfully long forgotten. Applejack had every right to be furious.



Applejack had chewed into Caramel after catching them lazing about. They were meant to be working on their chores in the western orchard, not snoozing in the hay piles. But when Caramel meekly explained that Twilight offered to take over, Applejack could feel her blood boiling. First, she destroyed a bunch of her trees and now is dictating jobs?! Applejack would not stand for it as she charged towards the orchard in a blazing rage.



As she shifted through, Applejack noticed that many of the apples had been plucked and rather neatly sorted in their respective crates. In fact, Caramel’s section was completely done, all that needed doing was the crates to be brought down to the barn.



Applejack eventually found Twilight. Her fur was tattered, coated in sweat. She was resting against a tree, her hooves still deep in a crate, fast asleep. The poor mare was absolutely exhausted. Applejack had very little sympathy, nudging (read: kicking) Twilight awake.



Applejack immediately barraged Twilight with questions, mainly what in Tartarus was she doing? In an exhausted state, Twilight explained she’d felt so guilty over what she had done that she felt she needed to pay penance. It was only a few seconds before Twilight broke down in tears saying the worst thing is that she knew she’d completely disappointed Applejack and was terrified they’d never be friends again. It struck a chord with Applejack. She’d never say it outloud but Applejack did look up to Twilight. This unicorn was a leader, a strong passionate mare who was strict but caring. She listened, she understood, she fought for what she believed in. Seeing her reduced to a sobbing mess for her, was she really that special to Twilight?



Twilight’s cries were soon muffled as Applejack pulled her in for a tight hug. Applejack called her an idiot. An idiot for doing that spell. An idiot for doing these chores. An idiot for thinking she’d not be her friend. That would never change, nor would the ban on Twilight performing magic in the fields.



Applejack carried Twilight back towards home, the mare unable to walk after everything. It wasn’t even that long before she fell asleep. Applejack didn’t bother her though. Twilight had worked so hard and her help was great for the farm.



As the stars danced across the sky, the small unicorn let out a quiet snore. The summer’s night was warm. And just as the unicorn warmed Applejack’s back, she could feel a similar heat in her chest and face. A new feeling?





Oh dear.











While Twilight’s was love at first sight, as much as she vehemently denies it, Applejack took some time to unlock those feelings.



Twilight, before moving to Ponyville, had quite a few relationships. In fact she was known as quite the casanova, which was a bit of a problem for her mother’s political career. However, Applejack's experience is closer to zero.



So Applejack was really confused then when she felt extremely flustered letting Twilight sleep in her bed. Even if she wasn’t exhausted, Twilight wouldn’t really care. But Applejack does and so spent the night on the floor.



Still didn’t stop the rumours and gossip.