Chapter 2

The Book

The Friendship Express arrived in Ponyville giving off a loud whistle as it came to a stop. The steam that had once bean trailing behind had started to rise in a single area. The passengers inside made to get their belongings as the conductor welcomed them to Ponyville. A brown earth pony with a red mane and tail was helping his elderly companion with his luggage while those behind moved passed him to leave. His mark was a baseball bat.

“Now, Be carful with that Berry,” said the old stallion twirling his hat nervously.

He was green, and like his son, he wore a suit for the occasion except with the addition of an old beat up cowboy hat that he insisted on wearing regardless if it didn’t match with his suit. His mark was dancing shoes.

“It’ll be fine dad,” said Berry standing on his hind legs in order to reach the suitcase above him.

Bringing his neck forward he grabbed the handle with his mouth and brought both it and himself to the isle. The old stallion put his hat back on and followed his son off the train. When he looked around he saw not the city of Canterlot, but a small town. Berry led him into town where the inhabitants were going about their business like any other day.

“My,” began the old Stallion in amazement. “I remember when this place was just being built! Haven’t been back since the first settlement was finished. So much has changed since then.”

“Right, look if you wanted to go to Canterlot dad, then I’m afraid we’ll have to get back on the train.” said Berry to the best of his ability with having his fathers bag dangling from his mouth.

“Ah, I suppose your right, but it would be a shame to leave now. I wonder if the apple family are still in business?”

Berry rolled his eyes; the mentioning of his fathers past was of no interest to him at all. He set the suitcase down and asked what they should do.

“I would like to see if they still live here,” said the old stallion thoughtfully.

“Ok, tell you what. Why don’t we just ask around and if there is a chance of them still living here then we might be able to drop by for a quick hello before going to Canterlot.”

His father agreed grinning happily as the two set off to ask anyone if they knew where they could find the Apple family. They didn’t have to ask more than once. Immediately they were given directions and soon they found themselves at the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres. The two made their way to the barn and saw tall red earth pony working on the fields. He had an orange mane and tale with freckles on his snout and a mark that was half of a green apple. Berry approach field where the red pony was busy plowing and called over to him.

“Excuse me sir, can you help us out?”

The pony stopped what he was doing and went over to see what the new comers wanted.

“Sorry to disturb your work,” said Berry apologetically. “Is this where the Apple family lives?”

“Eeeyep,” replied the red pony.

“Oh, good are they around?”

“Yep,” said the pony again.

“Could you tell me where I can find them?”

“Looken at one,”

“Ok. That’s great! Do you know if there are more around?”

“Yep.”

“And that would be where exactly?” asked Berry starting to wonder if this pony would be of any help to him at all.

“Big Mac, who are ya’ll talkin to?”

“Oh good somepony who doesn’t respond in one phrase,” said Berry aloud instead of keeping his thoughts to himself.

“Hello there new ponies!” said the pony who had just trotted up.

She was orange with a blond mane and tail that were tied in red ponytails and freckles on her cheeks. She wore cowboy hat, but unlike Berry’s fathers, hers wasn’t wrinkled and bent. She had three red apples for her cutie mark.

“Are y’all looking fore somepony? Maybe I can help.”

“If you would be so kind, we are…”

“They’re lookin for the rest of the family Apple Jack,” said Big Mac. “Why don’t you take them to see Granny Smith?”

“Right on it Big Mac!” said Apple Jack. “Come on new ponies! I’ll take ya to her!”

“Thank you kindly,” said the old stallion.

“Aint nothing to it!” said Apple jack with a friendly wink.

She lead the two ponies up to the house where she invited them in. After setting the suitcase down by the door, Berry caught up with the pair in the kitchen.

“Granny? Granny Smith we have visitors!” said Apple Jack Happily.

“Eh? Visitors? Who could... O… Oliver?”

“I wondered when I’d be seeing you again Ms. Smith,” said Oliver taking off his hat and beamed at her.

Granny Smith stared at Oliver for a good ten seconds before she went over and hugged him. After they broke apart, Berry, Oliver, and Granny Smith took seats in the living room while Apple Jack insisted that she would bring them drinks and snacks.

“Sorry we can’t stay for too long,” said Berry checking his watch. “We have to board the train to Canterlot shortly so…”

“Oh pish posh!” said Oliver waiving the matter aside with his hoof. “The train can wait! Ms. Smith, I’m surprised that the Sweet Apple Acres is still in business after all these years.”

“We’re still here ya old dog, and still growing strong!” said Granny smith proudly.

“Let’s hope so! Don’t want all those hours spent on building this farm go to waist.” said Oliver

“Aint that the truth.” said Granny Smith.

The two started laughing amongst themselves, To Berry it was clear that they were reminiscing about the past. Apple Jack came back with a tray of cider and wheat chips.

“So what brings ya here?” she asked as she made to sit in an empty chair.

“We were on our way to Canterlot,” said Berry. “Oh, Sorry, my name’s Berry. Berry Crisp.” he said shooting up from his chair and held up his hoof to shake Apple Jack’s.

“Well, nice to meet ya Berry! Sorry to say this to ya, but I’m afraid if you left now, ya’ll won’t be able to catch the train on time."

“Oh dear,” said Oliver. “Sorry Berry, but it looks like we’re stuck in ponyville until tomorrow.”

“It’s… It’s fine dad,” said Berry restraining his disappointment.

“Oh no, I’d feel bad to let you two go without any place to stay when little old me held ya back from schedule.”

“Think nothing of it Ms. Smith,” said Oliver kindly. “We’ll make due with finding somewhere to stay. I think I saw some apartments when we arrived.”

“I know, why don’t ya’ll bunk here for the night?” suggested Granny Smith.

“We wouldn’t want to impose,” said Berry.

“Never mind him Ms. Smith,” said Oliver. “We would be honored to stay.”

“Then it’s settled,” said Granny Smith before Berry could speak.

“You and Berry can sleep in Apple Blooms room. She’s at a sleepover with her friends.”

Berry knew that it was no use trying to change the old mares mind and so, Apple Jack showed him and Oliver to their room. It was a decent size room with a desk, mirror, wardrobe, bedside table with a lamp and bed that had light yellow sheets with pink patterns edged across. On the desk laid scraps of paper that had sketched out ideas for some type of group. Before she left, Apple Jack asked Berry if he could help Big Mac out with carrying the apple sacks in while she helped Granny Smith with dinner. Before Berry could respond his dad said that he’d be happy to.

“Berry, I have two words of advise for you,” he said setting his suitcase on the bed.

“What would that be?” said Berry raising an eyebrow.

“When somepony offers you a place to stay, don’t pass it down,”

“And Two?”

“You might want to take your suit off. It won’t do you any good tomorrow if it’s all dirty.”

When Berry went back downstairs he met Apple Jack by the front door. She told him that he would find her brother by the apple trees. He thanked her wishing amongst anything that she would accompany him so he wouldn’t be left with a pony who’s only response to strangers is, “Yep”

“Hey Big Mac!” Berry called over to the red pony when he spotted him. “Apple Jack sent me to help you out. Do I just follow you then?”

“Yep,” said Big Mac hoisting two barrels filled with apples on his back and began his way to the open barn.
Berry tried to pick up the same amount as Big mac but could only manage to carry one barrels worth.

“How in Equestria does this one do it?” he thought as he followed Big Mac to the barn.

“So, B.M. You don’t mind if I call you that right?”

“Nnnope,” said Big Mac putting his barrel down and headed back for the rest.

Berry did try to start a conversation with Big Mac, but all he could get out of him was either a “Yep.” or “Nope.” When he asked if Apple Jack was his sister he responded with, “Yep.” Berry soon gave up on trying to get anything else out of Big Mac and continued with helping him in silence. When they had finished he couldn’t wait to get back inside where conversations were more likely to exist. After taking a shower he helped set up the table and in no time they were eating and sharing stories. Most of them were on what Oliver and Granny Smith had to tell each other.

“So, a baseball player huh?” said Apple Jack amused.

“Yes, I play for the Manehattan Badgers,” said Berry.

“Your family sounds nice,”

“Yeah, little Key Lime has a lot of potential for the arts.

“The only thing she’s missing is for you to tell her a bed time story,” said Oliver taking a swig of apple cider.

“I told you dad I’m not good with that type of stuff!” said Berry embarrassed.

“It doesn’t matter if your good or not!" said Oliver matter-of-factly. "Trust me, she won’t care how good it is as long as it’s you telling it,”

“Oh, and I suppose you have plenty of stories to tell?” said Berry challengingly.

“You’d be surprised,” said Oliver and he looked at his cup as if he was seeing something only he could see inside it. “Yes, come tomorrow I think everypony will want to hear...”

“What do you mean by that?” asked Apple Jack.

“He’s wanted to go to Canterlot for some time now,” said Berry. “Our Family tree goes back quite a ways. Apparently, one of my great grandfathers knew the Princesses and has kept something for them for safe keeping. My dad thinks it’s about time he gave it back.”

“So that’s what’s in the luggage,” said Apple Jack.

“It has been passed down for generation, from one stallion to the next." said Berry dreamily. "You should attend tomorrow I think the princesses will allow me to tell you…”

“Dad…” said Berry in disbelief, “I don’t think that they’ll want you to. If it’s something important to them I’m sure they’ll let everypony know when they are ready,”

“Don’t be to sure about that Berry. You’ll see. Yes, you’ll see…”

The next day came with the sun shining bright as ever! The Apple family rose before the sun had risen and woke Berry up with the sound of the sinks running. After he and his father had put their suits back on, they headed downstairs and had a quick bite to eat before they left. Oliver took Granny Smith’s hooves in his, thanked her for letting them stay and invited her and her grandchildren to come to Canterlot when they had any free time during the day. The two earth ponies left, waving goodbye to Apple Jack and Big Mac as they passed by. Waiting on the train to arrive didn’t take as long as it did in Manehattan and before they knew it, they were off again! this time to Canterlot!

“Dad, I don't want you to get your hopes up,” said Berry seriously as the train entered the mouth of a tunnel. “They don’t let just anypony see the Princesses.”

“Berry, Berry. You underestimate me,” said Oliver chuckling. “Why, where there’s a will, there’s a way! Especially if your will happens to be something that has been kept safe for a over thousand years!”

“You really think that suit case of yours will be all you need to get an invitation?” asked Berry completely unconvinced.

“Yes I do,” said Oliver cheekily. “Ah, would you look at that we’re almost there.”

Looking out the window they saw in the distance a castle hanging over a cliff with a waterfall that flowed swiftly down the mountain and off the edge beside it. The train came to a stop in the city where, once again, the whistle rang out announcing their arrival. After leaving the train, Berry and Oliver made their way through the vast city. The ponies here were very different indeed from their neighbors back in Ponyville. Looking around they noticed that they blended in easily with the crowds of nicely dressed ponies; however, maybe it was due to the fact that they too were wearing suits. Oliver feeling a tad bit self-conscious took off his old cowboy hat and gave his mane a quick brush. They soon figured out that it wasn’t just the way these ponies dressed. The way they talked ate and drank suggested that they were of higher class. The City proved to be more difficult to navigate in than they had originally thought. When they finally realized that they might be lost, Berry decided to ask a nearby unicorn for directions.

“Excuse me,” said Berry to the unicorn who turned to face him.

“Yes, What do you want?” he asked holding his head high.

“My father and I are lost and we wanted to know how to get to the castle?”

“Ah, of course, let’s see… you need to head back several blocks, then make a right turn and head straight. You shouldn’t miss it after that.”

“Oh, so that’s why the castle seemed to be farther away than I thought. Thank you,”

When Berry and Oliver had followed the directions the unicorn had given them they looked up at the vast structure. Built out of white bricks, the castle stood high looking down on the city below.

“Well, here we go,” said Oliver taking a deep breath and marching forward.

A guard stopped them as they reached the front gates.

“Halt! what are you doing here?!” he questioned.

“Excuse us sir, but we are here to see the Princesses,” said Oliver casually.

“Do you have an appointment?”

They didn’t, but Berry could tell that his father had already thought out a plan before they left their home in Manehattan. With his suitcase being held in his mouth, Oliver placed it down and pointed a hoof notably at it.

“Trust me, in this luggage, I have something the Princesses want.”

When the guard wasn’t fazed by his words he added with a hint of letting someone in on a secret, “What if I were to tell you that I know a story that even you don’t know about her highnesses?”

“You couldn’t possibly know anything about them!” said the guard aghast.

“Wouldn’t I?” challenged Oliver.

To Berry’s surprise the guard’s eyes darted from looking at his father to the briefcase at his hooves. The guard sighed and reached out a hoof to take the bag.

“Oh, no you don’t lady!” said Oliver seriously. “This here is for my families eyes as well as the Princesses!”

“I would most certainly hope so!” said an amused voice from behind the guard.

The Guard jumped and staid at attention as Princess Celestia came walking up to meet the two earth ponies. Both Berry and Oliver bowed to her as she approached them. She glanced down at the two and then at the briefcase.
“It's Ok." she assured the now stiff guard. "They do intact have an appointment with my sister and I."

Celestia smiled warmly at the two and added. "So this is where it is now."

She brought the two up to the castle and let them inside. Berry was especially surprised that Celestia wasn’t mad at his father for being all open about his supposed treasure. Celestia led them to the throne room where she and Oliver got down to business. Berry watched in aw as they exchanged friendly greetings and his father had a wing touch his shoulder in a sign of gratitude for keeping what ever was in the briefcase safe for all this time. Celestia glanced down at Oliver’s luggage as if she wanted more than anything to see what was inside.

“May I?” she asked.

“Your highness,” began Oliver. “If anypony has the right to look at it first, it’s you.”

Celestia felt her heart beat as her horn glowed. She handled the package carefully as if it was made of glass and the briefcase opened gently under the spell cast upon it. Both Celestia and Berry gave out a gasp of shock as they saw what was inside it. An old book. Other than the brown color cover fading away, it was completely intact and as far as they could see, unmarked in any way. Celestia felt her stomach drop as once again she saw before her eyes an image of herself as a filly. Her eyes began to water and she quickly closed the bag in order to save the book from being touched by her tears.

“We have been keeping it safe for you two,” said Oliver softly. “As you can see, we took pride in making sure that it stayed intact.”

“Yes, I can see that,” said Celestia her voice going horse. “Thank you,”

“It was our job, Princess,” said Oliver bowing his head. “Think nothing of it.”

“Are you alright Princess?” Berry asked concerned by the teary eyed Princess.

“Yes, I’ll be ok,” said Celestia wiping her eyes dry and brought her voice back to normal.

“Dad, was that what I think it was?” asked Berry pointing his hoof at his father’s luggage.

“Yes, Berry it is,” said Oliver smiling at his son. “I told you that I had something that the Princesses would want back.”

“But those bed time stories you told me... You can’t possibly mean that they were all true?”

“In deed they are!” said Oliver proudly. “Your great grandfather took on a huge responsibility in his time and since then it has been our families duty to insure that the story was kept safe until the time was right! Until know only our family and the two Princesses are the only ones that know the whole story.”

“I can’t tell you how much it means to us that your family has kept their word all this time,” said Celestia gratefully.

“Of course, we would never go back on a promise!” said Oliver completely glowing with pride now.

Celestia asked if she could hold onto the book for the time being while she and her sister set up a time to allow their story to be told. Oliver allowed her to do so and he and his son were sent back to Ponyville where they were instructed to wait until tomorrow when they would be given approval from the Princesses.

“I thought we already discussed this sister?!” said an annoyed Luna later that night to Celestia who had just finished telling her what had happened during the day.

“Luna…” began Celestia calmly. “I know how it must make you feel, but they have to know at some point.”

“I know sister,” said Luna sighing. In her head doubt and fear were fighting over truth and pride. Finally she seemed to have come to a decision and asked, “Are they in there too?”

“Yes,” said Celestia who had skimmed through the pages until she found the names that here sister was referring to. She approached her sister. This time she was grateful that Luna did not back away when her wing made to touched her shoulder. “Luna, this desistion is not just mine to make, but yours as well. If you feel uncomfortable, I will tell Berry that the story is not ready to be heard yet.”

Something inside Luna awoke. She too was contemplating on if having not just her story be told, but her sister's as well. The thought of hearing the names that she had kept deep in her memory for a thousand years swam into thought. She saw their happy faces clearly visible in her mind’s eye. Like her sister Luna felt her eyes water and she felt tears running down her face. Those she loved and those she had hurt appeared before her.

“I can tell Oliver to leave out those ponies if it will make you feel any better. I’m sure he would be willing to if I explain our reasons.” said Celestia thoughtfully.

“No,” said Luna her voice cracking slightly. “If we are going do this, we should do it properly. Alright sister, we will allow this Berry to tell our story.”

Celestia wrapped her sister into her open wings and the two stayed there together for sometime, allowing them selves to shed silent tears. Luna ended her night watch early in order to have a look at the ancient book. She turned each page gingerly, scared that if she turned the pieces of paper to hard they would tear off. At long last she had found the names she was looking for. Her eyes scanned the two names of the two Alicorns she once knew. Her vision became blurry as she quickly wiped away fresh tears and looked outside her window.

“Yes,” she thought to herself. “They deserve to know.”