Following their visit to Octavia and Vinyl, Dusk and Ditzy made their way to the outskirts of Ponyville, trotting along a dusty path. As they reached the crest, Dusk's jaw dropped at the sight.

Sweet Apple Acres stretched out to the horizon full of apple trees. This farm was on another scale compared to the farms of Everfree. He couldn't help but walk to the nearest tree and look at the apples up close.

"Amazing." They were so plump, fresh, and vibrant. Even just a small sniff left his mouth watering a bit. Dusk was tempted to pick the apple, but he thought it rude not to ask the family beforehand.

Ditzy giggled at his reaction and trotted up beside him. "They look delicious, right? They have the best apples in all of Equestria. It's hard to believe just one family manages this farm."

Dusk turned to her in surprise. "Really? Just one family?"

She nodded. "Yep! I'm sure they could tell you more, but I've heard that the Apple family works hard to keep this place running. They're even thinking about expanding west with some help from their cousins."

She pointed toward a cozy farmhouse and classic red barn sitting in the distance. "Come on. We're almost there."

They continued down the road, following the path that wound between the rows of trees until they reached the front gate of the Apple family homestead.

There, an elderly green Earth pony snoozed on a rocking chair on the porch. Her cutie mark, a pie, was partially hidden under a plaid shawl.

Just as they arrived, the old mare gave a sudden start, blinking awake. "Huh? What's that?" She peered down at them, squinting a bit before her gaze settled on Ditzy, and a welcoming smile spread across her face.

"Ditzy Doo! And... my stars, a new face!" She chuckled warmly, slowly getting to her hooves. "Name's Granny Smith, young'un. Who might you be?"

Dusk offered a respectful nod. "Pleasure to meet you, ma'am. My name's Dusk, and I'm new to the post office."

Granny Smith chuckled. "Well, any friend of Ditzy's is welcome here! You're just in time, too. Applejack's round back in the barn, but Big Mac should be here any minute if you're lookin' to leave somethin' with him."

Ditzy grinned. "Thanks, Granny Smith! We've got the supplies for Applejack. We'll drop it off with her and maybe say hi to Big Mac on the way out."

Granny Smith opened the front door for them. "You two do that. And if you're feelin' a mite peckish, come back, and I'll see if we got any fritters left. Always happy to feed good folk!"

Dusk felt a warm sense of welcome wash over him, and he nodded eagerly. "Thank you, ma'am! That sounds wonderful."

Granny Smith hollered into the house. "Applejack! The mail came in!"

From around the side of the barn, a strong orange mare with a sturdy build and a friendly grin appeared. Her Stetson hat cast a bit of shade over her bright green eyes. "Howdy, Ditzy!" she called, her gaze shifting to Dusk with curiosity. And who's your friend here?"

Ditzy gave a cheerful wave. "This is Dusk, my new temp. We're a bit backed up at the office with all the hustle and bustle, so he's here to help get things moving."

Dusk offered a polite nod. "I'm Dusk. Nice to meet you."

Applejack extended a hoof with a wide, welcoming grin. "Well, howdy-doo, Dusk! It's a pleasure makin' your acquaintance. I'm Applejack, and here at Sweet Apple Acres, we sure do love makin' new friends!"

As Dusk shook her hoof, he felt the strength in her grip. Together, he and Ditzy began unloading the bags of flour and sugar from their cart, piling them neatly beside the house entrance.

"Thank you kindly for bringin' these ingredients." Applejack nodded at the bags as she stacked them up.

Curiosity piqued, Dusk tilted his head. "What's all this flour and sugar for?"

"We're fixin' to use 'em for the Summer Sun Celebration." Applejack's smile broadened with pride. "My family's takin' part in the buffet preparations for the celebration! Sweet Apple Acres will be handlin' appetizers and a fair share of the desserts.

Dusk savored the thought. "I'd love to try some when I can."

"Well, it's the family policy to make sure everypony who comes through our door leaves with a full belly and a smile!" Applejack chuckled. "Why wait, sugar cube? I could whip up a little somethin' right quick for y'all to sample. What do ya say?"

Dusk glanced over at Ditzy, who nodded encouragingly. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt. I don't want to impose, though... are you sure?"

Applejack grinned and waved off his concern. "We sure as sugar are! Follow me, and I'll fix up a small batch of apple fritters quicker than you can say 'Yee-haw!'"

Dusk and Ditzy followed her into the farmhouse kitchen, where Applejack wasted no time pulling out ingredients. She mixed flour, sugar, and diced apples, dusting the countertop with flour as she prepared the fritters. The smell of cinnamon and warm apples soon filled the room, making Dusk's stomach growl.

While waiting for the food to bake, Dusk looked around the dining room. "This place is amazing, Applejack. I heard from Ditzy that your family runs the farm all by themselves?"

Applejack shook her head with a chuckle. "Sweet Apple Acres may be a big operation, but it's a family affair through and through. I've got my big brother, Big Macintosh, helpin' with the heavy liftin' and plowin'. And my little sister, Apple Bloom, pitches in too whenever she's not off with her friends and school."

As if on cue, the sound of hooves echoed from the doorway, and two figures entered the farmhouse. The first was a large, red stallion with a calm, steady gaze and a half-lidded expression, his golden mane peeking out from under a yoke resting around his neck. The younger one was a yellow filly with a bright red bow perched in her mane, her eyes full of curiosity as she looked at the new faces in the kitchen.

"Speak of the ponies!" Applejack called out, waving them over. "Big Mac, Apple Bloom, come on in and meet our guests!"

Big Mac gave a slow nod, his voice deep and simple as he offered a quiet "Eeyup," while Apple Bloom bounced forward, her gaze flicking between Dusk and Ditzy with open excitement.

Dusk stepped forward with a friendly smile. "Hey there! My name's Dusk. I'm helping out at the post office for the Summer Sun Celebration, so Ditzy and I are making deliveries around Ponyville."

Apple Bloom's face lit up as she extended her hoof. "Nice to meet ya, Mister Dusk! I'm Apple Bloom! Are ya new to Ponyville?"

"Yes, I just arrived recently," Dusk replied, shaking her hoof. "Ponyville's been very welcoming so far, and your sister's apple fritters are some of the best I've ever had."

Apple Bloom grinned, practically glowing with pride. "Applejack's the best cook in the family, that's for sure. Big Mac's more of the strong, silent type, but he's the strongest pony around."

Big Mac gave another slow nod, a small smile appearing on his face. "Eeyup."

Dusk turned to him, extending his hoof as well. "It's nice to meet you, Big Mac."

The red stallion shook his hoof firmly, his grip steady and warm. Though he didn't say much, Dusk could sense the stallion's easygoing strength and warmth, a quiet but reassuring presence.

Applejack looked on with a satisfied grin. "Now ya met the whole gang. Couldn't keep this place runnin' without 'em!"

Ditzy nodded in agreement. "They're quite the team, Dusk. And if you ever need anything while you're in Ponyville, just know that the Apple family's got you covered."

"Are you sure, it seems like you'll be busy in the coming days. I would think it to be a lot of work to cook food for everyone in town for the holiday," he remarked.

Applejack waved off his concern with a smile. "Aw, don't you worry about that. We've got a whole bunch of family comin' over later this week to pitch in and help with the cookin' for the celebration. We Apples know how to come together when there's work to be done."

Dusk nodded, his eyebrows raised. "You must have a big family."

"You know it!" Applejack walked over to a large photo from last year's Summer Sun Celebration. She gestured proudly at where about a dozen ponies gathered.

"Now, why don't I introduce y'all to the Apple family?" She pointed to a few ponies in the picture, naming each one. "This here's Apple Fritter, and there's Apple Bumpkin. That's Red Gala and Red Delicious, next to Golden Delicious. Then there's Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, and Apple Cinnamon Crisp."

Dusk's eyes widened as he scanned the photo, taking in the sheer size of the Apple clan. "So it's just you, Big Macintosh, your sister, and your grandma who run the entire farm when they're not around?"

Applejack chuckled, looking a bit proud and a bit amused. "Yup, that's about right. The rest of 'em live all across Equestria, working on their own apple farms and businesses. For special occasions like holidays, they're just a holler away. Sure, it's a lot of work, but we're mighty proud to keep Sweet Apple Acres goin' strong."

Dusk smiled, admiring the Apple family's closeness. "Well, it's impressive, that's for sure. I can see why everypony loves Sweet Apple Acres."

Applejack grinned, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Thank ya kindly, Dusk."

As Dusk started to walk toward a window, he felt his hoof bump into something and immediately reached out to keep it in place. It was a guitar propped up against the wall. He thought back to the previous home he visited. "Didn't know you played, Applejack."

Applejack rubbed the back of her neck, glancing at the guitar with a sheepish smile. "Oh, that old thing? I haven't played in a long time. Been too busy with the farm and all."

"Same here. It's been years since I last picked one up. When we were delivering to Octavia, she was kind enough to play a song for us."

Granny Smith gave Applejack a gentle nudge, her eyes twinkling with encouragement. "Go on, now. I don't want our guests to leave without the same hospitality. Play us a little somethin'! Would do ya good to get those hooves back in strummin' shape."

Applejack hesitated, her eyes darting from the guitar to her family, then to Dusk. "I dunno, Granny... it's been a while. Don't know if I remember half the songs I used to play."

"Oh, come on, Applejack!" Apple Bloom piped up, her eyes wide and pleading. She added a quivering lower lip and batted her eyelashes, bringing out the full force of her "doe eyes." "Please?"

Applejack groaned, rolling her eyes with a small, resigned smile. "All right, all right. Y'all don't gotta twist my leg."

She picked up the guitar, settling herself comfortably on a nearby stool as she adjusted the strings and tuned it for a moment. Then, with a deep breath, she began to strum a familiar melody. Her voice came out soft at first, warm and lilting, as she eased into the tune, letting the familiar chords and lyrics guide her.

JAMIE MCDELL - Take Me Home, Country Roads [ John Denver cover ]

John Denver - Country Roads (Cover by Nek Fernández and Kevin Staudt)

Almost heaven, Apple Acres

High-ridge mountain, crystal-clear blue water

Life is old there, older than the trees

Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

Apple Acres, meadow mama

Take me home, country roads

The notes filled the room, simple and heartfelt. The warm tones of the guitar blended beautifully with her voice as it grew stronger, her initial hesitation fading away. Apple Bloom swayed along with the beat, a delighted smile on her face, while Granny Smith tapped her hoof in time to the music.

All my memories gather round her

Lovely lady, remembers who we were

Dark and dusty, in the middle of July

Subtle taste of cider, teardrop in my eye

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

Apple Acres, meadow mama

Take me home, country roads

Dusk felt a strange sense of peace as he listened, the lyrics and melody carrying a sense of warmth and belonging that he hadn't felt in years. The music painted pictures in his mind of rolling hills, of home, of places both familiar and distant.

I hear her voice, in the morning hour she calls me

The lushing green reminds me of my home far away

And walking down the road I get a feeling

That I should have been home yesterday, yesterday

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

Apple Acres, meadow mama

Take me home, country roads

As Applejack played, her voice grew richer and more confident, her eyes briefly closing as she let herself sink fully into the song. The farmhouse felt cozier, the world outside growing quiet as everypony in the room was swept up in the music.

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

Apple Acres, meadow mama

Take me home, country roads

Take me home, down country roads

Take me home, down country roads

The last chord faded into stillness, and for a moment, silence settled over the warm and comfortable room. Applejack set the guitar down, a soft smile on her face as she looked at her family and their guests, a hint of blush on her cheeks.

Dusk broke the silence with a quiet, appreciative nod. "That was beautiful, Applejack. You've got a real gift."

Applejack tipped her hat, her smile growing as she glanced at her family. "Thank ya kindly, Dusk. Maybe I'll pick it back up more often... if it makes ponies happy like that still." Suddenly, there was a ringing coming from the kitchen. "Looks like they're done!"

"Yes!" cheered Ditzy, Dusk, and Applebloom.

As promised, they came out hot and fresh. "Here we go!" Applejack announced as she pulled them from different pans. She plated them with a dusting of powdered sugar before sliding the plates over to everyone.

Dusk, Ditzy, and the others settled around the Apple family's kitchen table, their plates laden with steaming apple pies, fresh fritters, and slices of apple-cinnamon bread. The warm, sweet smell filled the air.

Dusk took a bite, his eyes widening at the burst of sweet, warm flavor. "This is incredible!"

They all tasted the tart apples and flaky, buttery crust.

"Thank you for sharing all this with us."

Applejack laughed, clearly pleased. "Glad ya like it, Dusk! There's plenty more where that came from at the celebration. Y'all better come with an appetite!"

Ditzy grinned, finishing her fritter with a happy sigh. "Oh, we'll be there, Applejack. You've got yourself a couple of eager taste-testers right here!"

Applejack chuckled, tipping her hat. "We got plenty more comin' for the Summer Sun Celebration. Y'all just got an early taste."

Dusk savored the last bite of his apple fritter.

Ditzy nodded enthusiastically, savoring a slice of pie. "Ponyville's lucky to have food that is this good! I'd deliver all day if I got pie like this after every shift."

Dusk chuckled at her, then turned his gaze toward the window, where the sun cast long shadows over the trees and fields. In the distance, he could make out the dark, twisted shapes of the Everfree Forest, a place that, in his heart, seemed oddly familiar — as if something in him knew it, or something like it, from a long time ago.

"What can you tell me about the forest that borders your farm?" he asked, nodding toward the dark expanse.

Applejack's smile faded slightly as she followed his gaze. "That there's the Everfree Forest," she said, her voice growing serious. "No pony in their right mind goes in there alone. It's dangerous."

"Dangerous?" Dusk echoed, his brow furrowing. "How so?"

Applejack set her fork down, giving him a steady look. "The Everfree is... different," she began. "The plants, the weather, the animals — they don't work the way they do in the rest of Equestria. The clouds move all on their own, without any pegasus magic. The critters don't need anypony takin' care of 'em. It's like the whole place has a mind of its own."

Apple Bloom, who'd been listening quietly, piped up, "They say there are all kinds of strange creatures in there too — manticores, timberwolves, cockatrices, and who knows what else!"

Dusk took this in with a slight frown, glancing back out the window, his mind racing. "Has anypony ever tried to figure out why it's like that? Is there a story behind it?"

Applejack looked thoughtful momentarily, glancing at Granny Smith, who seemed lost in thought.

"Well, ain't nopony really knows for sure," Granny said, her voice slow and low as if speaking from memory. "But there are tales... some say the Everfree's been like that since ancient times, back when Equestria was young. It was a place of mystery even then, full of wild magic that ponies couldn't tame."

Applejack nodded, picking up where her grandmother left off. "Some folks say it might've been home to powerful creatures, ancient magic that nopony could control. Some even say that parts of it go deeper than any pony's ever seen, connectin' to places beyond our world." She shrugged, a bit of a shiver in her expression. "Whatever it is, nopony's been able to settle there or change it. The forest just... is."

Dusk took this all in, his gaze still lingering on the dark shapes of the trees.

"Well," Applejack said, her tone brightening as she shook off the heaviness of the conversation, "that's why we keep our distance. Sweet Apple Acres is right where we need it to be — here, in the sunshine and good earth, with family and friends."

Dusk nodded, though his thoughts lingered on the mysterious forest and what secrets it might hold.

Granny Smith raised a brow, looking at her grandkids with a twinkle in her eye. "Haven't I told ya the story of the Everfree Phantom?"

Apple Bloom perked up, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Everfree Phantom? What's that?"

Applejack frowned, her gaze shifting between her little sister and Granny Smith. "I don't know, Granny. I don't think Apple Bloom's ready for that story yet."

"Oh, phooey," Granny Smith replied, waving her hoof dismissively. "I know how to tell it so it doesn't scare anypony too much. Besides," she added, her eyes twinkling at Dusk, "we've got some extra ears tonight. Seems like the right time to share a bit of family legend."

Dusk leaned forward, intrigued. "I'd like to hear it as well."

Granny Smith settled comfortably, her voice slightly dramatic, as though she were weaving a tale from long ago. "This here's a story that's been passed down through the Apple family for generations," she began, her eyes going distant. "Many years ago, when things were different in Equestria, the Royal Family came under attack from a force called the Nightmare. It was a terrible thing, threatening Eternal Darkness over all ponykind. The first to fall was Princess Luna."

Apple Bloom gasped, her tiny hooves covering her mouth, but she didn't interrupt, enraptured by Granny's story.

"Princess Celestia fought with all her might to protect her castle, her ponies... and her only son." Granny Smith's voice softened. "But it wasn't enough. Princess Celestia was gravely injured, and her son... well, he didn't make it."

Dusk's breath caught, but he stayed silent, listening intently.

"As if the whole world felt her pain and sorrow," Granny continued, "a mysterious figure descended upon the castle. It looked like a pony, but no one knew who — or even what — it really was. Some say it was a phantom of an ancient pony from a forgotten age. It blessed Princess Celestia, and she survived her wounds by a miracle. Then, this mysterious pony faced the Nightmare and, with Celestia's help, defeated it once and for all. When the fightin' stopped, the Phantom was gone. Disappeared like a shadow at sunrise. Nopony ever saw it again, but some of us like to think it was a guardian. Ever since then, the land of Everfree has never been the same. It's possible that the remaining dark magic of the Nightmare cursed the land, turning it into the dark forest it is today. Not even Celestia could purify it. It's why the old capital was moved to Canterlot."

Apple Bloom blinked, awestruck. "Wow, Granny... Do you think the Phantom will ever come back?"

Granny Smith shrugged, looking out the window toward the distant trees of the Everfree Forest. "Who's to say, sugar cube? Maybe it was a spirit from a time before ours. Some folks believe that if Equestria ever finds itself in danger again, that Phantom'll come back to lend a hoof."

Dusk's heart raced as he struggled to contain his emotions. A single, chilling realization crept over him and Luna: They all think we're dead.

#

AN: Special thanks to Seana, Jebest4781, Charles, vividlearner744, OmegaDelta, Henry Stickman, fearmegu, Kitsune Robyn, SonicSonicsSonic, Dragon lord, Shooter1344, Alexander, Red Rasher, Ajax Roranson, trey, Asaf, Legion, DJC, $hane-08, Daniel, Alex, nighnight, Camden, decimator, Roswell, SpeX Smoking_ash12, Giorgie Baramidze, Kyan Christian, Professor Xivass, AF360!

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