This is a non-profit fanfiction created for entertainment purposes only. This story is a continuation to Silent Ponyville and Silent Ponyville 2 by author jake-heritagu on deviantART. While it is not required to read before this story, it is highly suggested. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is owned by Hasbro and Lauren Faust. Silent Ponyville concept belongs to jake-heritagu. Please support both.

Silence of Ponyville: Chapter 1

As the personal student of Celestia, Twilight Sparkle had achieved a great many things in her young life. Her studies had earned her the coveted position of Princess Celestia's protege, she had acquired a vast collection of books and knowledge that lead to the revelation of Nightmare Moon's second coming, she'd even earned the power and recognition as the Element of Magic itself. While any one of these things could make a pony not just famous but legendary it was never something Twilight really considered in terms of accomplishment or glory. She'd all but forgotten the Element of Magic resided in her own heart unless there was ever a need to call upon it. The real accomplishment in her life was that all of these things had lead her to a place where she felt she truly belonged amongst her friends; Ponyville. Here she could continue her studies, live amongst her loved ones, and take pride in her work of helping the fellow citizens of Ponyville. She just wished they'd assist her in helping them at times.

Twilight had studied and practiced magic since she was a filly and it was her passion. She thought she had a firm grasp on the basics of nearly every spell she'd ever encountered. It was a chance (or maybe more) that a problem one of her dear friends was having lead her discovering a spell she honestly could not decipher. Reading its description once more she cross referenced the spell against other books in her library;

"The Mind Delve spell is used in cases where the nightmare or psychological problems are not so easily discernible. This often means that the problem is rooted deep within the patient's subconscious and cannot be obtained through normal psychological methods without spending a very long time treating the patient. This spell allows the user to shorten the necessary time needed in order to bring the patient to a full recovery. Each patient the spell is used under experiences different results, as the subconscious is molded by the patient who owns it. No two patients will likely experience the same recovery under the use of the spell."

The spell seemed so straight forward. Even the description in the book didn't provide anything out of the ordinary from any other spell she'd practiced, and she'd managed to make a unicorn fly with magic before. Twilight took a sip of tea and closed the book, letting out a defeated sigh. "This is so useless. Nothing here references back to that spell as anything special! There isn't even anything regarding nightmares in conjunction with magic that leads to anything significant!" Twilight was a little relieved Spike was out doing errands for them while she read this morning. She had a habit of dictating to herself while she worked but he would have become concerned if he'd seen how frustrated she was. "Why can't they just tell me what happened?"

It was the most frustrating and worrisome part of all this for her. Twilight had originally used Mind Delve on Pinkie Pie when she'd been experiencing horrible nightmares and it seemed to remedy the situation perfectly. Twilight had taken the time to see the nightmares herself, to glimpse at what her friend had been enduring at it was truly awful. Though the spell had left her Pink coated friend cured she emerged with a much greater weight to bear. Realizing the psychological blocks placed to forget her foalhood pain and loss of her sister Bellamina. When Pinkie had finally returned from her trip back home to Ponyville Twilight was overjoyed to see her, and attempted to get answers on what exactly the Mind Delve spell had put her through. Sadly she received no other advice than she should forget that spell for now. It had been disappointing, but she was more relieved to see her friend happy again than pursue the mystery. So she followed Pinkie's words, until it happened again.

Months later Pinkie appeared at Twilight's home once more, this time with their friends Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy in tow. Fluttershy had been experiencing terrible nightmare's of her own, and Twilight was able to confirm they were of the same intensity as Pinkie's had been. When she offered the Mind Delve spell to cure her friend's nightmares Pinkie's objection had been immediate and intense. Yet Pinkie was just as frustratingly vague as before, like she didn't want to or couldn't share what she'd seen in her own treatment. Twilight had originally put the questions aside for Pinkie's sake to keep from reminding her of the painful memories but now faced with the same issue it had just been upsetting to not get answers. They'd argued for a time before it was finally suggested that Pinkie attempt to travel into Fluttershy's mind alongside her with the spell. At the suggestion Rainbow Dash volunteered as well, not about to let her new marefriend endure it alone. Despite the difficulty of connecting three ponies together for one psychological trip Twilight managed, and cast the spell a second time.

The results had been positive, but equally frustrating for Twilight. Her three friends emerged after hours of in depth psychological travel cured, but with no more information for their unicorn benefactor. Twilight was even able to observe her friends as the events of the Mind Delve spell had unfolded, but the mental pictures she was given were hazy and clouded. Almost as if it had been trying to keep her out (or maybe her friends were with their own minds, knowingly or not). Either way much like Pinkie, Fluttershy had left Ponyville for a short while to confront her own personal demons, supportive Rainbow Dash beside her the entire way. Pinkie went about her own business, stating the ordeal had still been trying for her and she didn't want to revisit the memory any time soon. Leaving Twilight Sparkle with more questions than answers.

"Those ponies had to be difficult." She grumbled and left her book stand, laying her head on the table next to where her tea had been. Don't misunderstand, she was overjoyed she could help her friends solve such serious problems in their lives. Not many ponies ever got the chance to help heal somepony's heart. But to remain uneducated on the experience was just the sort of thing that dug at Twilight. "Couldn't they give me a little idea about what happened, even a vague one? Heck, just write me a description, a drawing, a pantomime!? Anything!?" She let out a sigh and used her magic to float the cup of tea to her head, lifting it up to take a sip and try to analyze this further.

"Maybe I'm going about this the wrong way?" She pondered aloud to herself. "I have two examples to work with, and as helpful as it would be I don't really want a third to occur. There must be a clue with what I do have." She tapped her hoof against the table ponderously considering her information. Two ponies had nightmares too intense to sleep. These nightmares in both instances sprung up seemingly at random and were related to past trauma. Both subjects knew each other personally, were among the same circle of friends. "No... even if that's the case, it doesn't account for the source of the nightmares." Twilight also had the habit of verbally correcting herself, as if she were lecturing another person in the room. In her own way it helped. "Two ponies with a personal connection to each other, having intense nightmares within a few months apart, both sparked by personal trauma from their foalhood." These puzzle pieces didn't fit. Even if the sources were similar they didn't account for one another. As far as Twilight knew their foalhoods had been spent in two entirely different locations, and their traumas caused by different sources.

"Pinkie grew up on a farm outside of Ponyville with her family, Fluttershy grew up in Cloudsdale with hers." As the gears turned in Twilight's head her horn glowed and reached out with it's magic to float a scroll and quill to herself to keep notes. Even if it felt like she wasn't getting anywhere she wanted to record the information. "Both moved to Ponyville at different times. Both suffered similar symptoms at different times. Does the time in Ponyville matter?" That seemed a little far fetched, after all she hadn't heard of anypony else having this issue. "Then there's the wild card of Rainbow Dash." Twilight made another little column of notes on the scroll for Rainbow Dash as well. She assumed Rainbow may have seen something of her own while in the Mind Delve but she didn't share any clues if she did, more focused on her marefriend than anything else. "She doesn't fit well with the others either, since she grew up in Cloudsdale with Fluttershy. Did they move here together?" She wasn't sure but didn't think so. She should learn more about her friends, if just to know more about them. Maybe she would have predicted the two of them getting together in a relationship if she'd paid more attention.

"There just isn't enough data." She sighed and finally closed the scroll, feeling defeated again. The things she knew didn't help, the things she didn't know were too vast. "If only this had happened and someone successfully pulled it off before. Then maybe I could find the source. Wait..." She blinked, suddenly the answer seemed so obvious. "Maybe it has! I wonder if anyone in town has experienced this before? Or from before we all moved here." Twilight sat up with renewed spirit. She knew her own library didn't have the answers as she'd read everything she could find about Ponyville shortly after moving there for good. But maybe someone else would know. There were a lot of citizens in Ponyville and it was a pretty tight community. Word would travel fast. Grabbing a saddle bag and tossing in her scroll and quill she made her way out the door onto her expedition.

It wasn't long before Twilight had made her way through Ponyville and to the home of the mayor. A swift knock of the hoof on her door and Twilight was face to face with Ponyville's primary public servant. "Oh Twilight! What a pleasant surprise, I didn't expect to hear from your so early in the month. Come in come in please." She proceeded after the tan earth pony and used her magic to close the door behind them. Twilight visited the elder earth pony at least once a month to go over various issues involving taxes and legislation. The mayor had noted how much more efficient everything had been since Twilight Sparkle had moved to Ponyville, including the expedited travel of her documents back to Canterlot through Spike. "Can I get you some tea dear?" The Mayor tossed her graying mane aside to look back at Twilight. Despite her age she still looked rather youthful, proudly wearing her dignified collar as elegantly as the day she'd been elected. Today was no exception.

"I'm quite alright really. But I was wondering if you could help me with some research?"

"Really? Twilight Sparkle in need of help with her studying? I never thought I'd see the day." Even for her relatively short time in Ponyville compared to most citizens Twilight had already earned a reputation as one of the most educated amongst the populace. "Well I don't know what I'd have to offer other than some political stories of the past, but anything I can do to help please ask of me."

"That's a relief to hear your honor." Twilight smiled and used her horn to remove her scroll and quill from the saddle bag, ready to take notes. "You see there's been a strange occurrence happening with some ponies here in town and I needed some kind of frame of reference to help me discern it."

"Oh my, I do hope everyone is alright. What's the matter then dear?" The mayor moved behind her desk to take a seat and Twilight took the chair in front, rather used to this position. She'd sat her often working out issues to try and assist the town in its daily operations.

"You see there's been an odd case of reoccurring nightmares. You may have noticed some ponies leaving town recently, and they're all people I've treated with this issue. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy to be exact." Twilight unrolled her previous scroll with her notes and sat it next to the new one ready to record information. "They had some personal issues it seems dating back to some sort of foalhood trauma. But the manner of the dreams and their intensity was almost exactly the same between them. Thankfully I had a spell that helped them deal with their issues but I needed to find out if anyone else in town had this problem." Once she had her ink bottle ready she looked up at the mayor, who was staring at Twilight wide eyed. "Um... Ms. Mayor? Are you okay?"

"You treated their nightmares... with magic?" Her voice sounded strange to Twilight. Not afraid or shocked like her expression but... oddly guarded. As if she wasn't trying to show her emotions.

"Well... yes. Both of them in fact. With resounding success I'm happy to report." Twilight still felt a little pride after helping her dear friends with their nightmares. "But it's frustrating because they don't want to talk about what happened. I can understand considering the cause of the problems but..."

"Have you treated anyone else for this, Twilight Sparkle?" Twilight coughed catching herself mid-sentence as she'd been interrupted. The mayor seemed so defensive all of a sudden and Twilight still wasn't sure why.

"No, just Pinkie and Fluttershy. Well I guess Rainbow Dash too." There was a small rise in the mayor's eyes that alarmed Twilight. "But she wasn't having nightmares! She just went through the same spell to help Fluttershy out. All three of them did."

"I see... you used magic to assist with nightmares. For all three ponies." She was rubbing her hooves together in thought. Twilight had seen that habit before, it was the one the mayor used when her mind was thinking about something that troubled her. "All three of them are alright though?"

"Yes... again. All three are recovering well from the experience. They just wont tell me what that experience was."

"No, I don't suppose they would." They mayor mumbled to herself looking away from Twilight now. This was all a bit weird but Twilight didn't want to be deterred much further from her goal. So instead she tried to push the issue a little, consider the mayor did owe her a few favors.

"In light of that I was wondering if you knew any cases like this in the past?" Twilight tried to inquire with an up beat tone to her question but it didn't seem to dispel the mayor's unease.

"You want to find anyone else that's been experiencing terrible nightmares in our village, correct?" She repeated the question back, looking across the desk with a serious gaze and standing straight up now. Her posture was beginning to make Twilight wonder if coming by today was a good idea.

"Yes, mayor. Exactly. If I had at least one other reference of somepony that's experienced this, then maybe..."

"No one else has had these nightmares Twilight Sparkle." Twilight was stopped mid-speech again, cut off with the same assertive tone that the mayor had earlier. "Furthermore I'd say there's no reason to pursue this study any longer. Now then, if you wanted to talk about the census coming up I'm all ears to start early." Twilight stood nearly slack jawed. She'd been blown off entirely, by the city official she'd assisted several times in the past.

"I don't think you understand, your honor." Twilight kept her self in line despite the growing discomfort in her belly for being ignored when she wanted answers. "These nightmares are a serious issue, they plagued poor Pinkie and Fluttershy for over a week before they came to me for help."

"But they have recovered, correct?" The same curt tone, it was begining to wear on the unicorn.

"Yes, but that's not the point! No one will talk about it to me! Not only that the only thing they say to me is that I shouldn't use that spell anymore."

"Then perhaps you should listen to them, Ms. Sparkle." The mayor had changed from a cautioned speech to an aggressive stance, as if she were scolding Twilight like she were a filly that had played in the wrong field. Twilight couldn't believe it. "I apologize for not having any information for you, but I feel this topic has run its course. Should there be any more... incidents I'd request you report them to me for proper assistance."

"Who could be more proper than the unicorn that solved their problem?" Twilight felt insulted and with good reason. She'd come here for help, not to be lectured on the dangers of her magic. If anything she was trying to educate herself further so that there wouldn't be any danger!

"That's not important right now, Ms. Sparkle. If you'd please there is some work I must get to if you have no other topics to discuss." Twilight could feel a tirade of objections building in her throat but used all of her will power to hold it back. It was a greater strain than defeating the Ursa Minor.

"No... Ma'am. Thank you for your time." Her horn glowed as she collected the scrolls, ink and quill back into her saddle bag and showed herself out, resisting the urge to slam the door behind her. Walking briskly through the town street she traveled far away enough that she was sure the mayor would be able to see her out of a window and stomped her hoofs against the ground. "Why that aged... decrepit... incompetent... rude excuse for an elected official!" It was the best the little book worm could come up with to voice her anger. "Ooooh! I can't believe she spoke to me that way! Who does she think she is dismissing me like... like some sort of school filly!" In a fit she kicked a trash can over and yelped at the loud clang it made as it collided with the cobble stone street. Gulping she lowered her head and used her magic to place it back in its original spot, hoping the owner didn't see her little temper tantrum. Or anyone else near by.

"Twilight!" She froze hearing someone address her. Flinching and hoping she hadn't been spotted losing her cool Twilight lowered her ears and looked behind her. "Why darling it's a pleasure running into you, do you have any time to spare?" Twilight's unicorn friend Rarity daintily crossed the street to greet her. She was all smiles and sparkles as usual, a sign that she thankfully didn't see Twilight's outburst.

"Hey Rarity. Actually I'm kind of in the middle of..." Of what? Her only lead gone Twilight was smack dab in the middle of a bunch of nothing once more. "You know what, I've got all the free time in the world today."

"Wonderful! Since Fluttershy left on her trip to Cloudsdale I haven't been able to just girl-talk with anyone for a while. Would you mind accompanying me to lunch?" Rarity was already leading the way to her usual cafe and Twilight could only smile and follow along. She probably wouldn't get much talking in when it came to chatting with Rarity, but that was fine. It would be nice to be with one of her friends without dealing with a bunch of creepy dreams.

Their orders met and seated Rarity let loose the tidal wave of gossip she'd been holding in reserve since Fluttershy's departure. Twilight did her part, sitting back and letting Rarity relay the information and news and rumors around the village to her fellow unicorn friend. Occasionally commenting, agreeing or disagreeing with her statements and letting Rarity cut loose again. It wasn't the norm for Twilight but it was comforting after her disaster at the mayor's office. "That's why I think Rubies should be seen a bit less on the fashion circuit for the next few years. Their splendor is undeniable but when they're over used as much as this it can run any style into the ground. Having any gem become a fashion Faux pas will certainly be a disaster for myself. My stock pile of materials is already so mismatched I need another trend to pick up just to move my product. Then there's that sock craze that's going around. I can't believe so many fillies are falling into such a fad... Twilight dear? Is something on your mind?" Twilight perked up a bit realizing that was a direct question to herself. She pulled away from her daisy salad to give Rarity her full attention. "I don't mean to intrude deary, it's just when your ears lay back like that and your posture is so slouched I can tell there's something on your mind that's bothering you." Rarity really did have an eye for the details.

"Well... it's just I've kind of hit a snag in my studies." Rarity pushed her plate aside and put Twilight's hoof in her own.

"Feel free to let it all out, I'll be happy to listen to what ever may be troubling you. After all you've been so patient with me." Twilight felt at ease with Rarity's gentle smile. The mare really had a talent for giving herself to those in need.

"Okay then. You already know about how Pinkie Pie had to leave the village for a few days with some personal problems to sort out?" Rarity nodded sympathetically.

"The poor dear, I couldn't even imagine how I'd get by if something like that had happened with Sweetie Bell. She's much more admirable in strength than one would first think."

"I know. The thing is before she left Pinkie came to me due to some terrible nightmares that were related to her past trauma." Rarity's eyes widened a little as she listened to what must have been new and surprising information to her. "I was able to use a spell that helped her sort through them, uncovering some of those repressed memories. It worked apparently but Pinkie didn't enjoy the treatment very much."

"I can't imagine she would." Rarity's eyes softened with concern for their fellow friend.

"Since it was so bad for her, and I didn't want to say anything that would make it worse I've left it alone. But it turns out Fluttershy was having similar nightmares, and I used the same spell on her." Twilight could see Rarity's face turning from concern to worry. It must have been hard learning all of this after the fact, especially about her best friend. "It wasn't just her though, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash volunteered to do the spell along with her. To make the long story short they all recovered but... I'd be willing to guess Fluttershy had something similar... to Pinkie's history."

"Oh... oh my." Rarity's gaze moved down to the table in thought. "I never had any idea Fluttershy would have..."

"It's okay. She didn't either. Neither did Pinkie at the time. This all occurred after the treatment" She wanted to reassure Rarity. It was hard knowing your friends hurt and not being able to help them, but there was really no possible way any of them could have been there to help Fluttershy before the fact. "In any case, when Fluttershy emerged she left for Cloudsdale with Rainbow Dash. It wasn't really surprising since Pinkie felt she had to do the same during her treatment too."

"Well at the very least I'm glad Rainbow Dash is with her. She may not be the most proper of ponies but I know she will take care of dear Fluttershy till her dying breath." Twilight smiled at the vote of confidence in Rainbow Dash. In her own way Rarity helped Fluttershy every day just by being a supportive friend when she needed it. Her approval of Fluttershy's relationship was an obvious boost for the mare's confidence in her decision. "But I'm still confused as to what the problem is. Didn't you say everyone came out of your spell just fine?"

"Yes, they did and I couldn't have hoped for a better outcome but..." How to phrase it? "They just wont give me anything to work with as to what happened."

"Sweetie you can't force this sort of thing out of somepony."

"I know I know!" Twilight admitted, not wanting to sound like a callous monster. "But Rarity this is twice this has happened. What if this happens again? All I know so far is that whatever that spell does helps them with their repressed trauma, but is apparently awful enough that they were willing to do almost anything to avoid it again." Twilight sighed rubbing her head just beneath her horn. "I know it sounds kind of selfish but I just want to know what I'm working with. None of my research gives me anything and none of the patients will talk about it. I'm at my wit's end here." Rarity tapped her hoof to her chin daintily as she pondered Twilight's situation.

"Have you seen if anyone else has had these nightmares?" She inquired to Twilight, leading to the real reason she'd been so bothered in the first place.

"Actually I did think of that, I tried asking the mayor to see if she'd had any record of this sort of problem before. But she practically threw me out of her office when I questioned her."

"Hmmm. Kind of suspicious don't you agree?" Twilight blinked at the statement as Rarity calmly sipped her raspberry juice from the straw, perfect form as always. "It's an unusual thing to ask of the mayor but nothing to throw you out over. Did she seem to act strangely?"

"Come to think of it... she was pretty upset that I had brought it up. More so when I told her I'd used magic." Twilight had been so focused on being angry that she was rejected she hadn't really stopped to wonder why.

"Do you think she knows something?" Twilight thought hard on that question. It certainly seemed to be the case. Why be so insistent she stop her research? Or get so angry she'd used magic to solve it. "It could be there's something dangerous to all of this Twilight. I don't want you getting hurt."

"It's not me she was worried about. Even if there is something to be wary of hiding knowledge never helps a pony progress. Maybe we should go back there and deal with her again, be a bit more forceful this time! Make her talk!" Twilight was getting herself pumped up for a new confrontation, feeling righteous in her cause. Rarity on the other hand kept a restrained appearance and just thanked their waiter politely when he refilled their beverages.

"I don't think she'll give up any answers anymore than the first time, darling. But your dear Rarity happens to have a solution to your problems." Twilight blinked coming out of her fantasy of heading back there full of fire and righteousness to find THE TRUTH! Sitting back down she looked at her purple maned friend across the table that was smiling ever so coyly. "It just so happens that my grandfather was a mayor of Ponyville himself."

"Really!?" Twilight looked amazed, she had no idea Rarity's family was ever in politics.

"Oh yes, Grandfather Clarity was the mayor many years ago. I don't know how far this issue with reoccurring nightmares goes back but if it was around during his time he'd have seen it." That was so elegantly logical and simple. Ponyville was already a tight knit community and everyone knew everyone on at least a casual level. Three generations ago the village would have been even more collective and aware of everyone else's business.

"That's a fantastic idea Rarity! When can we go visit him!?"

"Oh well he moved to Manehatten quite a long time ago." Twilight's ears dropped just as hard as her heart when she heard that. "Wanted to be closer to the extended family, I can understand at his age. But I'm sure he'd be willing to answer some questions if his dear granddaughter Rarity were to send him a letter. If you want to write one up I can have it out tomorrow morning for you."

"Well... okay." Twilight tried to hide her disappointment. She didn't want to come off as an ingrate but victory had been so close.

"Sorry dear, but there's really no faster way."

"I know, I understand. In fact thank you Rarity." Twilight perked her ears back up with a smile. "This is actually the best lead I've had since all of this began. With your help maybe I can figure out what's going on around here." It wasn't much to go on but she'd take any step in a right direction now.

"Glad to be of any assistance, darling. If it will provide comfort to you and dear Fluttershy and Pinkie I'll do whatever it takes to help." She did a perfect mane toss with her declaration. Classic Rarity, kind-hearted and beautiful while she did it. "Grandfather Clarity is sure to help, but it's too bad that there isn't anyone else still in Ponyville from when he was mayor." Twilight blinked a few times like she was processing the statement, staring off into space. Rarity watched for a moment before getting a little concerned. "Twilight, dear? Are you alright?"

"Oh my gosh, it was so obvious!" Twilight exclaimed making Rarity leap back in surprise to her chair. "Thank you thank you thank you Rarity!" Twilight actually leaned over the table and hugged onto her fellow unicorn's neck in glee. Rarity looked bewildered but took the praise.

"Your welcome Twilight but... do stop squeezing me so?" Twilight leaned back onto her side of the table with a sheepish smile and sprung to her feet.

"Sorry... but your a genius! There was an answer in front of me all along and I didn't see it." Twilight's horn glowed as she produced some bits from her saddle bag and lowered them onto the table. "Lunch is on me! Sorry but I gotta run!" Twilight was already passing the table and getting ready to gallop down the road.

"Twilight! Where ever are you going?"

"To Sweet Apple Acres!" The purple unicorn called back and was down the road in a full gallop. Rarity watched her run off with a sigh and pouted a little.

"Oh well, I guess it will be just myself and the usual treatment at the spa after all."

Coming over the ridge to the sight of an apple orchard miles long was still an impressive sight no matter how many times Twilight had seen it. Amazing one family of ponies could handle such a large farm all on their own. Still she supposed when a family's collective skill revolved around their farm it wasn't in any better hooves. Thankfully for Twilight the apples were still growing on the branches of the trees, making her search a bit easier for the farm's owner to be located.

Heading down the road she spotted the blond maned brother and sister bundling hay in front of their barn. Big Mac's coat shiny red as an apple and his body large enough to live up to his name. While he always seemed like a nice enough pony to Twilight he was rather quiet so she didn't exactly know too much about him. Much unlike his sister. "Big brother, now don't go on stressing yerself too much with tossing all that there hay! Remember last year?"

"Eeyup." The stallion replied to the light orange coated mare currently lecturing him, tossing bundles onto a cart with his mouth near effortlessly. Applejack had from what Twilight could tell a strong maternal instinct, making her the self appointed matriarch of their family. She was well suited in the task as you'd be hard pressed to find a mare in Equestria with stronger body or heart. "Seems you got company sis." Applejack turned about to see her friend coming down the path.

"Twilight! Why aint this a surprise. What brings you on down to Sweet Apple Acres?" Applejack turned to face her good friend, pulling up a piece of hay to chew on in her mouth similar to her brother. She fanned herself a bit with her old cowboy hat that near always sat atop her blond mane, an item she was rarely seen without.

"Hey there AJ. Nice to see you too Big Macintosh."

"Eeyup." Funny how he could roll up so many responses into a single utterance.

"Actually Applejack I was wondering, is your grandmother around?" Applejack's face reflected her surprised and looked over to her brother, him shrugging in response to Twilight's query. It wasn't very often someone came around looking for Granny Smith, and when they did it was usually someone closer to her age group. Not that there were many that could make such a claim.

"Ah s'pose she'd be in the house right bout now." Nodding her head Twilight followed along after Applejack, the two walking past the barn to the Apple Family home. "I'll say ahm mighty curious as to what it may be you'd wanna talk to Granny about."

"Actually it has to do with Ponyville history. I figured if anyone would know about its past it would be Ponyville's oldest citizen." She'd have to thank Rarity again for giving her the idea. Twilight could read books until she dropped from exhaustion but it wouldn't get her as close as an eye witness to past events.

"I spose your right that Granny would be the oldest pony in Ponyville. But ah don't know how much you'll be getting out of her." Applejack smiled knowingly and it gave Twilight a moment of caution. This was her best lead, she hoped sincerely that Granny Smith would at least be able to recall some of her past. Walking into the home Applejack knocked at the door and called out. "Applebloom!"

"What!?" Twilight winced as the two ponies shouted back and fourth to one another. Subtlety wasn't an Apple Family trait apparently.

"Where's Granny at!?" Applejack bellowed up the stairs.

"She's probably in the kitchen!" The younger sister shouted back down to her sibling.

"Alright!" And with that loud exchange Applejack took two steps forward and turned to the left, looking right in the kitchen. "Granny, there you are!" Twilight nearly fell over in sheer amazement. "C'mon now Twi', ah found Granny for ya."

"Sure..." she let out a sigh and proceeded after her apple marked friend. Rounding the corner with Applejack she found the source of what she hoped would be the answer to her questions. The elderly pony sat at the table, a cup of tea in front of her similar to how she'd seen the mayor earlier that day, but far older. Granny Smith may have been the oldest pony Twilight had ever laid eyes on. Aside from the Princesses that is (they wore their age a bit better, being goddesses had some advantages). Still despite her wrinkled exterior she had eyes that showed a clarity Twilight was hoping for.

"Applejack, is it dinner time already?" Granny spoke with an aged but soft voice, it made her somewhat endearing with her frail appearance. "How'd ah let the time slip by? ah'll get started for you and Big Mac right away." She began to rise from her chair but Applejack placed a gentle hoof onto her shoulder.

"No worries Granny, it's still early an all. Actually ah had a visitor for ya." Twilight walked up and nodded to the eldest Apple Family member, Granny squinted a bit at the purple unicorn as she was trying to figure out who'd be coming by to see her. Twilight smiled a bit insecurely and Applejack mercifully broke the ice. "This here is Twilight Sparkle, she's been on by a few times now to the farm. The bright pony ah told ya bout that lives in the library?" Twilight felt embarrassed at the compliment but it seemed to jog Granny's memory.

"Ah yes, your unicorn friend that you don't always grumble about." Twilight stiffed a laugh and Applejack just rolled her eyes. Her and Rarity rarely saw eye to eye on anything and it was apparently obvious enough that her family had seen it too. "What can ole Granny Smith do for ya today dearie?"

"Ah reckon ah'll leave you two tah work. Ya all need anything just holler for Applebloom and she'll come and git me." Twilight gave a nod to her friend as AJ wandered back out onto the field, yelling out something to Big Mac that Twilight couldn't hear very well. Seemed all these ponies had a set of impressive lungs on them.

"Thank you for seeing me Mrs. Smith." Twilight nodded and took a seat at the table with her, Granny chuckling a bit at the formality.

"Please just call me Granny. Mrs. Smith was my mother." She took a sip of her tea as Twilight began to unpack her scroll, ink and quill again. Lowering her cup Granny looked at Twilight across the table again with squinted eyes. "Now ahm sorry dear, what did you say yer name was again?"

"...Twilight Sparkle."

"Ah yes, that's it! Land sakes my memory aint what it used tah be." The innocent statement filled Twilight's heart with a little despair but she pushed forward anyway. "Now then, what can ole Granny do fer ya?"

"Yes well, you see Mrs. Sm... I mean Granny, I was wondering if you'd mind answering a few questions for me about Ponyville's past." Granny smiled at the request and Twilight felt her spirits rise again seeing her enjoyment. She'd found one thing most elder ponies liked to do was go over the experiences they'd learned in their youth. "I've been trying to find the answer to a problem some of my friends were having and if anyone in Ponyville happened to have gone through the same thing it would help my research."

"Of course dear, of course! Ah'd be glad to share whatever this ole noggin happens to have in it. Do hope ah don't disappoint you if ah can't recall all the details." Her words of warning betrayed her spirit much to Twilight's delight. "Now ya said yer friends were having some sort of problem?"

"Yes, I was able to help them but the specifics on how I cured them are a bit confusing to me still." That sentence alone didn't make much sense and Twilight could see it on Granny's face. "Essentially my and Applejack's friends Pinkie and Fluttershy were suffering from some terrible nightmares. Thankfully I was able to use a spell to cure them but..." Twilight had herself interrupted once again in mid-speech today as the sound of Granny's tea cup colliding with the table brought her attention forward. She looked over at Granny who had a distressed expression. "Oh your tea cup! I'm sorry, let me get that for you!" Using her magic Twilight floated one of the dish towels over to the table to clean up the mess. Granny carefully picked up her tea cup for Twilight to clean easier.

"Ya said... yer friends had nightmares and ya cured them with magic?" Her tone reminded Twilight of the mayor's reaction this morning and she tried to tread carefully this time, now more than certain there was something going on here.

"Yes. To be honest Mrs Smith, er I mean Granny, sorry, you weren't the first person I came to for answers. May I get you another cup of tea?" The old mare nodded her head and Twilight used her magic once more to float the kettle over and pour her a hot cup. Watching her and minding her own words, Twilight attempted to continue. "I spoke with the mayor on this issue but she wasn't very cooperative with giving me any information."

"Thank ya Twilight." Granny took a sip of her tea and pondered Twilight's words. "No, ah don't think she would share anything she knew. She always was a good girl, keepin true tah her word." Twilight watched the old mare carefully now, every motion and word acting as a clue for her to get closer to this mystery. "Humor an ole mare Twilight; when ya find yer answers what will ya do with 'em?" That was a pretty good question actually. Twilight never even considered it, so focused on just solving the mystery instead of applying the knowledge. She could sense Granny was judging her character and Twilight didn't want to disappoint one of her close friend's family members. Especially when she was asking for favors.

"I suppose... I'll do what's best for everyone." Granny still watched her, not satisfied with the response and even Twilight knew it wasn't a very good one. "Everyone I've used my magic on to solve this problem has come out healthier because of it, but no one wants to talk about what happened. I don't want to push my friends, Pinkie went through so much heart ache it still makes me sad to think about it. Fluttershy must be dealing with those kinds of emotions now too. But if this ever happens again they've asked me not to use that spell. I just want to know why, so that I can help protect my friends." Granny listened ever so carefully, like she was soaking in Twilight's words. Letting out a sigh she smiled kindly looking at her cup.

"Applejack is a wonderful grand daughter, ahm happy she has friends as loving as y'all." The old mare looked at the table as she seemed to be considering her words carefully, Twilight holding back everything to stay patient and await her response. "Yer a good girl too Twilight, and that yah helped yer friends so well during their time of grief speaks volumes of yer heart. Ah'll... tell yah what ah know."

"Really!?" Twilight stood up from her chair unable to contain her excitement. Granny chuckled a bit at her behavior and it made Twilight blush and sit back down at the table.

"Yes, but ah don't know if in the end yah'll be any closer tah what you wanted. Realizing that, will yah listen to my story Twilight?" The words were oddly cryptic but Twilight had no desire to back down when success was literally within hoof's reach. Tending to her scroll again Twilight nodded reassuringly to Granny Smith and prepared herself. "Very well then. This goes back to when ah wasn't any older than Applejack's age."

The young mare walked out of the house of Sweet Apple Acres into the half lit light of the day. That time when it was indistinguishable if day was turning to night or vice versa when you looked at the scenery. She let out a yawn to greet the world after emerging from the kitchen, treading lightly up the path to Ponyville. The smell of the apples was strong around the farm but it was quiet without the sounds of ponies toiling at work. Perfect to travel without disturbing a soul. Trotting her way up the hill she walked upon the familiar streets and was greeted almost instantly by a smiling face.

"Morning Annie!"

"G'Mornin there Lolli Pop." The green apple colored pony smiled at Lolli Pop, the morning sun beginning to spill it's light fully onto the quaint village of Ponyville. "How's the new business working out for yah?"

"Oh Sugarcube Corner is just splendid! Your contribution of apples certainly helped me kick start the business. Be sure to let your father know how thankful we are to you all." Annie Smith smiled with pride at seeing her friend so happy over their gift. It hadn't been much but they had a bit of overstock and she knew Lolli Pop could use all the help she could get.

"I'll be sure tah pass the message along." She took off her cowboy hat and dusted it off a bit, tossing it back up onto her splendid silver mane that glittered lightly in the sun. "Might be awhile before it gets there though. Got me some errands to run before startin this mornings chores."

"Oh, what kind of errands?" The turquoise mare with the deep blue mane and lollipop cutie mark smiled knowingly at Annie, making her blush and look the other way.

"Oh y'know ah just... gotta stop by some shops is all. No biggie." Annie was smiling sheepishly but Lolli Pop only giggled.

"I'm sure you do, but I bet you wont get past the first one. I'll talk to you later Annie." She waved a hoof to her friend as the duo parted ways, Annie proceeding farther along into the village. She supposed it was pretty obvious where she went on her early morning runs but it was just her nature to keep things to herself. She didn't like spreading her business all over with folks. She was nearly half way there thinking she was in the home stretch when another happy voice called out.

"Hey it's Annie! Annie over here!" An enthusiastic male voice shouted out for her and Annie let out a little sigh, finding herself deterred from her goal again. Still she didn't want to be rude and walked over to where two stallions were currently spending their time next to a cottage. The earth pony that had called out to her was covered in a light green coat and a silver mane that was a lighter tone than Annie's own. He had a stick resting on his side that Annie guessed probably belonged to some farming tool before he knocked the end off it to make it his own personal staff. Next to him was another earth pony sitting in front of a painter's canvas, a palette in one hoof and a brush in the other. His coat was a chocolate brown and his mane an even darker color, the cutie mark of a paint brush crossed over a closed rose. "Hey Annie, how you doing this morning!" The green earth pony smiled enthusiastically gaining her attention, the other just glancing her way with his own quieter greeting.

"Morning Annie."

"Howdy boys. Morning Spring Shade, Wither Rose." Considering their conflicting personalities it was funny how often she saw these two together. Shade was always so energetic and wanting to show off whatever funny trick he'd come up with recently, Wither usually more reserved and working on his art. From what she could see on the canvas he was doing a painting of the sunrise with the silhouette of a unicorn on a hill. "Looks like yer both busy so early in the day."

"You bet, can't keep me down for a second! Did you want to see my new trick?" He smirked picking up his staff in mouth and swinging it around his neck. Annie had to admit his tricks were pretty impressive for a pony that didn't have wings or that fancy unicorn magic. For how outspoken he was though his cutie mark was mysterious, a tree that was nearly the same shade of green as his own coat as if to blend it in. He once said it was to make him more mysterious and less identifiable to his enemies. Annie had no idea what the heck he meant by that so she just nodded and went along with it like always.

"I spose if you got something good cooked up I can take a gander." Spring Shade smiled and begin to spin the stick in more impressive twirls around his neck and hoofs, Wither Rose didn't seem impressed though.

"Shade, you promised you'd help me finish my painting this morning before the sun was too high." He scolded from behind the canvas, getting rolled eyes in response.

"Aw c'mon Wither your practically done already! You don't need me anymore for it. Besides Annie wants to see a real talented pony in action, right?"

"She should head to Canterlot then instead of having you waste her time." Spring Shade grumbled and Annie chuckled a little. The two boys bickered like brothers and it was endlessly amusing. She was more than a little sure they both had a crush on her too, but they were at least civil about their advances. "But if you did have the time, maybe you'd like to model for me instead Ms. Smith?" Wither smiled coyly her way and Annie smirked.

"Why what ever for would you need a pony like me for one of your paintings Mr. Rose?"

"It's not often I get a lovely mare to pose for me you know." Wither was smiling confidently as he proposed the situation. "If you had the time I'm sure I could come up with something that suited a pony like yourself." Wither spoke with even tones that Annie would confess could be awfully convincing, but Shade was always there to keep either of them from getting too far.

"Yeah right, Wither you monster. You know whatever you paint will end up all weird and spooky." Spring sprung up and balanced his staff beneath him on it's end, keeping himself on top of it with just a single hoof. Not a bad trick Annie had to admit. "You always end up making that McCain stuff."

"The word is macabre you monkey." Annie had to giggle at the insult, Shade kind of resembling one as he was switching from one hoof to the other to keep his balance impressively on the end of his staff in the air. "Not everything I do is of that nature. I can paint any type of picture I please!" May be true, but even Annie noticed that Wither Rose's paintings were more of the dark and gritty nature. It was the kind of stuff that gave her the shivers. She never was fond of all that ghost and goblin talk.

"Actually boys I do have some shopping I gotta get done, so if y'all don't mind think I'll be on my way. Stay safe and sound now." As she turned to leave Annie got a devilish little smile to herself, giving her tail a small hoist up with her turn before lowering it down discreetly. It didn't show much, but it was enough of a distraction that she heard Spring Shade collide with the ground a few seconds later. She looked back to see him rolling onto his feet dusting himself off.

"I'm okay!" He smiled and Annie couldn't help but giggle a bit.

"Say hi to Knick for us." Wither commented aloud making Annie's expression change a little, then smiling as she nodded to them.

"If uh... if ah happen to see him I'll let him know." Wither Rose and Spring Shade just gave each other knowing glances as she walked off.

"Yeah right, if she 'happens' to see him. We all know where she's going." Wither didn't respond but let out an audible sigh. When it seemed like she was out of ear shot Spring let another comment slip that Annie picked up on. "Man I would love to take a bite out of that pie."

"Wow, subtle." Wither could only respond with sarcastically, giving Annie one more little laugh to herself as she headed on her way.

Arriving at her destination Annie Smith took a quick look around to make sure no one was watching her. She didn't really like sneaking about like this but certain situations made it difficult to find time to visit. Stepping out of the street and into the store labeled 'Curiosity Shop' she gave another survey of the building and called out. "Knick, you 'round here?" As if to answer a white stallion stepped out into the middle of the store from behind one of the many shelves holding all sorts of unusual items. He was a tall earth pony, taller than average and lean and muscular too. Rather good looks as far as stallions went by Annie's opinion. His cutie mark was that of a hammer and nails signifying his talent of carpentry. Stepping forward he smiled down at Annie to greet her.

"Hey there pretty pony."

"Mornin' Tough Odds." She greeted her friend openly and looked through the store past him. "You seen Knick 'round here? Don't tell me he's sleepin in again?"

"No he's up." The deep baritone voice confirmed for her. "He's in the back working on one of his lists again. Though from the looks of him I'd send him back to bed if I were you." Annie looked up at Tough again with a confused expression. "He's awfully groggy, I asked him what was wrong since he looked sick but all he told me was he hadn't been sleeping very well." Annie nodded, grumbling to herself.

"Ah swear if he was up readin' more of them books ah his when he's supposed to be sleepin..." Tough Odds chuckled at her motherly tone.

"Seems alert though. Got me the tools I ordered, exactly what I needed. This should get that tree hollowed out quick and get us another building in no time." Tough referred to the heavy laden saddle bags slung over his back. Annie nodded to the heavy hoofed pony. Tough was about as strong as they came, had to be as the only carpenter in town. Mayor Clarity had a habit of asking a lot of the stallion but he never backed down from any job no matter how daunting it was. "I best get going. See you around." Annie gave her good byes and made her way through the store's little twists and turns into the back room where her prey was waiting. Up on a ladder an orange earth pony with a blond colored mane was sorting through various boxes and writing things down on a clip board near by. It was a familiar sight for Annie by now and she smiled looking up at him.

"Well well, what a sight here. I'm gettin tah see a perfect sun and a moon this morning." The orange pony's head lifted up in surprise and tilted down to the mare looking up at his back side. He let out a nervous laugh and put his clip board down, descending the ladder to greet her with an affectionate nuzzle against her face. "Morning sugar cube."

"Morning sweet apple pie." The two exchanged their nick names for each other tenderly before sharing a kiss between them. "I didn't think I'd get to see you so soon." Knick Knack smiled happily at Annie Smith. The two had been friends since they were just a filly and a colt living in town together when Knick first moved to Ponyville. Annie used to tease him for being such a book worm when they were young, but really she always admired how clever he was. Now as young adults they had allowed their friendship to bloom into something more, even if some folks thought the book worm and work horse were a mismatched pair.

"What did I tell yah, can't keep me away. I'll just buck yer door right on down if you tried." She gave him another kiss which he took from her happily.

"You do that and poor Tough Odds will have another project on his plate. I can't believe how well he manages to take care of all the buildings in this village." Was true, Tough seemed like he always had things working against him but in the end was able to persevere. Knick was about to comment some more but instead let out a large yawn. "Pardon me."

"I reckoned so, Tough noticed it too. You've been staying up late again haven't yah?" Annie looked him over stern but caring. Knick's eyes were baggy and he didn't seem fully awake. He was never a high energy pony to begin with but today he was outright sluggish. "I told yah you need to focus on sleepin more than readin." Knick could only smile at her fussing over him, which was both cute and exhausting for Annie at the same time.

"Actually I have been going to bed on time most nights it's just I haven't been sleeping too well." He yawned again wide mouthed and walked to the front of the store behind the desk in case anyone were to come in. Knick's business was never very consistent but he always made enough bits to keep his shelves stocked and customers coming in. Usually just to see what random things he was selling this week. His skill to find value in the seemingly most common items was reflected in the magnifying glass cutie mark he wore.

"What you mean? Yer sleep schedule off again?" Annie questioned and Knick looked away like he was a bit embarrassed to admit the reason.

"It's not that, I've just been having these... well these nightmares." He tapped a hoof against the ground absent-minded and Annie recognized that as a sign he was thinking pretty deep on this subject.

"What kind ah nightmares sugar cube?" He was avoiding eye contact and tapping his hoof more now, prompting Annie to reach out and lift his head to look at hers. "Are they bad?"

"They're... I dunno. I know they're just nightmares but it's awful. I'm honestly scared to go to sleep at night." Knick looked down ashamed to admit that something silly like a dream was keeping him from doing his normal routine but Annie was taking it seriously.

"How long this been goin on for?"

"About four days I guess... not sure. I didn't really think too much about it until last night when I passed out, then woke up an hour later." Annie was looking on worried now and walked up along side her coltfriend, brushing herself against him and letting him lean against her body for comfort. "Sorry to worry you."

"Nah don't go apologizing for nuttin you can control." She gave him a little kiss on the side of his head, even though it always bugged her that he'd apologize for every little thing that was a nuisancee. "You noticed anything odd round the store? Been eating any of those import oats you always gettin?"

"I haven't really had anything out of the ordinary." He had his eyes closed now leaning on Annie, trying to concentrate on her questions. "If your asking about the things I ordered there's nothing unusual or magic, far as I can tell. I was organizing the products when you got here."

"Your always 'organizing the products', sugar cube." Annie smiled a bit and Knick returned it, acknowledging he did have the habit of tidying up the store extensively and cataloging everything he owned. Annie thought the situation over for a while and there was only one decision she could come up with that might help. "Well that tears it, looks like ahm gonna have to spend the night." Knick's eyes shot open when she suggested it, standing up to look at her.

"Re-really? I mean uh... yeah I'd like that! It might even help but uh... what about your dad?" Knick gulped. There was no secret that Knick was not too admired by Annie's father. He always wanted her to find a strong, reliable stallion to inherit the farm with. Not some book worm that hides away in a dusty old store all day with his weird belongings. It was one of the reasons Annie was so reserved in talking about her relationship with Knick but it tore her up inside having to be so cautious about it.

"Now don't you worry none about Papa. I'll take care ah him." Annie nodded with confidence and Knick just looked on apprehensively. "Don't be giving me those eyes. Ah can handle that ole mule better than anyone."