Chapter 11: Crouching Piglet, Hidden Puppy
"We've looked everywhere Twilight, and we still can't find the Dog talisman." Spike whined as he kept peaking in barrels and sacks of flour. The next stage of the talisman journey lead Twilight and her assistant Spike to an iconic windmill out in the prosperous wheat field of Fillydelphia. "We can't give up yet. Princess Celestia was very clear that we had to look in Fillydelphia's famous windmill." Twilight said. "You'd think for once she could look lend a hoof." Spike muttered to himself, feeling very annoyed and impatient. "I heard that! Spike, the Princess is one of the rulers of both Canterlot and all of Equestria. It's very important that we take on this responsibility while she can take care of matters elsewhere." Twilight explained. "And besides, we haven't actually looked "everywhere"." "Of course we have, we..." Suddenly, Spike realized exactly what Twilight was referring to. He looked at the window that was directly in front of the rotating windmill fan. "No way, I'm not going out there." said Spike. "I've already had to climb a schoolhouse before." "Spike, I have hooves but you have claws. I really need you to climb to the top, or at least check the center of the windmill blades." Twilight pleaded. "Fine, I'll do it..." Spike groaned, as he slowly approached the window.
The baby dragon waited for the next windmill blade to come down. As soon as a blade got close enough, Spike leaped out the window and grabbed on with all fours. The extreme height from the ground as well as the movement made him feel very uneasy. "You're doing great, Spike. Check all around the blades as much as you can." Twilight called out. "Easy for you to say." Spike said under his breath. Unknown to either of the adventurers, a troublesome foe had made his way to the top floor.
"The talisman!" Tohru shouted. "Oh darn, I don't have it. I guess we came to the wrong place." Twilight bluffed. "The eyes of the dragon say otherwise." said Tohru, as the dragon pendant around his neck glowed red. Twilight tried to get around Tohru, but his massive body blocked the downward stairs. She had to come up with a way to keep her enemy distracted, and bide Spike more time. "You know what, Tohru. I think you should really consider joining the good guys. Ponyville is great place to make friends, and every Tuesday Pinkie Pie brings us donuts!" Twilight said, trying to lighten the mood. "Raargh!" Tohru growled as he lunged forward at Twilight.
While Twilight continued to distract Tohru, Spike gradually climbed closer to the center of the windmill blades. To his surprise, Spike saw the Dog talisman wedged within. "Alright Spike, you can do this." he said to himself. Spike released his right claw, keeping both his feet and left claw clinged to the blade. The talisman was lodged in very tight that it was going to take a lot of willpower to get it out. The only real difficulty for Spike was the constant rotation that he had to endure from the windmill itself.
"Spike, please hurry!" Twilight shouted. We have to get out of here before-" Twilight quickly realized that communicating to Spike was a big mistake on her end. Tohru paused in the middle of battle and figured out that there was an accomplice outside. The brute rushed over to the window, reached out his front hooves, and grabbed the next windmill blade. The windmill came to a dead halt, and Spike was still holding on for his life. Tohru then shook the blade, attempting to break Spike's grip and cause him to fall. "Don't you dare hurt him!" Twilight angrily shouted at the enforcer. Twilight charged as fast as she could, but Tohru already had an answer to her attempt. He reacted quickly and used both of his back legs to rear kick Twilight and crash her into a stack of crates. Tohru then attempted to climb out the window and up the windmill with his massive body, but little did he know that his size would ironically put him at a disadvantage. The only progress he made was grabbing bottom blade and using his rear hooves to stay locked on the window frame.
"I got it!" Spike cried out in excitement. He was also glad that Tohru made his job easier by stopping the windmill from moving. Spike put the Dog talisman in his mouth without swallowing it, and then climbed down the windmill without any trouble. He even used the hindered Tohru as a bridge to get back through the window. While Spike observed Tohru struggling to get back inside, Spike had a very cunning idea to deal with the bully. "Hey Tohru, let me help you." Spike said, trying to hold back a snicker. Tohru turned his head to the side and gave a very angry look at Spike, which only made the situation more amusing. "I'll just push this and there!" Spike teased, releasing both of Tohru's legs. The enforcer gave in to Spike's push, and plummeted 20 feet into a tiny haystack. There was a loud thud as soon as the landing occurred.
"And the day is saved, all thanks to Spike the Hero!" Spike bragged. "But where's Twilight?" Shortly after, Spike heard a noise of broken wood and flour being shuffled around. Twilight was just getting on all four hooves very slowly. "Twilight, you won't believe what happened! I beat Tohru and got the talisman!" Spike shouted in happiness. "That's... wonderful Spike. Ow!" "Twilight, are you alright!" Spike carefully asked. "It's my back. I got kicked really hard and crashed into those crates and barrels over there." Twilight stated. "We'd better get back to Ponyville right now. I'll help you get better." said Spike, easing Twilight off the ground.
Once Twilight and Spike had left the windmill completely, Tohru was finally gaining consciousness from his fall. The brute eased himself up and already imagined what Trixie would say about his repeated failures. The situation then took a turn for the worse when Tohru felt something unusual around his neck. The talisman seeking pendant he wore had cracked into two halves, and then the red draconian eyes flickered a couple times. Shortly after, the pendant's power completely died out. "Uh, oh..." Tohru moaned.
Later that evening, Tohru made it back to Manehattan all by himself. He was tired, hungry, and disappointed with himself for another failure. As soon as Tohru got inside the hideout and up to the highest floor, Trixie was relaxing at her desk. "Amuse me, Tohru. What happened this time?..." Trixie beckoned from her henchman. The big stallion moaned in embarrassment, and laid down the cracked pendant on the floor. "Really now? After all this time it's become obvious that Twilight Sparkle is too much of a struggle for you. Now you've destroyed the ONLY MEANS OF FINDING ALL TWELVE!" Trixie raged. "Although the talismans can still be found through my eyes alone. However, such a magical artifact like the former cannot be forged in short time." Shendu commented."I promise not to repeat the same mistake again. I can make up for it." said Tohru. "You're very lucky that our mission has not been aborted just yet." Trixie added. "After thinking about it for a while, maybe it's time that I hired a freelance worker." "Master, I can do better! Please reconsider!" Tohru begged. "Too late. I've already found her." Trixie said. She clopped one hoof on the floor which signaled somebody else to make an appearance. From downstairs, a female griffon with a brown colored body and white feathered head came up quickly to address Trixie's summon. "Tohru, meet our new friend Gilda." Trixie said, trying to casually make the two feel acquainted. "I mean no disrespect, but how can a griffon be of any use to us!?" Tohru questioned. The provoking comment irritated Gilda, and she was not afraid show her hostility. Her eyes narrowed and she spread out both wings out to full wingspan. "Hoooaaahh!" Gilda yelled out, taking flight at Tohru. She had both of her front feet locked out and ready to gouge Tohru in the eyes. The enforcer covered himself with one hoof, but Gilda froze her talons barely an inch from his face. She retracted her leg and gave Tohru a condescending smirk.
"That's what a griffon can do." Gilda sneered. "I met her the other day, and I was amazed with not only her combat skills, but also how she knows so much about Sparkle's closest friends." Trixie said. "Yep, it's true. I used to be the best friend of Rainbow Dash until I met those other lame friends of hers." Gilda admitted. "Tohru, do be a teammate and tag along with Gilda." "Hope you can carry your weight, big guy. Being around me just might make you look good again." Gilda teased.
Thoughts and images raced through Gilda's mind as she exited the hideout. "I've waited a long time for this day; a chance for revenge! I'll never forget when that thick headed Pinkie Pie humiliated me in front of all those dweeb ponies, including Rainbow Dash!"Gilda thought to herself. Her eyes twitchedand her beak was gritting hard as she mentally recalled all of the pranks that were done to her at the "guest of honor" party. "I still remember each and every one of Dash's friends, and I'll make sure all six of them pay for what they did to me!"
That same evening, Twilight had to pay a visit to her country friends of Sweet Apple Acres. At the dinner table, every pony eagerly waiting for Granny Smith, who was the matriarch of the Apple family. Despite being an elderly earth pony, Granny Smith's upbeat country soul served as the beat. "Happy Birthday, Granny Smith!" the ponies cheered. "I got this for you before I boarded the train back to Ponyville." Twilight said. "I really hope you like it." "Why thank you, dear. Yer quite the generous one." Granny Smith said as she untied the cloth that was covering the gift basket. Inside were a dozen octagon shaped chocolates covered in thin foil. Suddenly, Granny had a quick surprised look in her eyes when she recognized the distinctive pig logo. "What's wrong, Granny?" Applejack asked with concern. "Eh, it's nothin'. Reminds me of the old days when my generation used to gather crops in Filly." Granny Smith nostalgically recalled. "I still remember the time when- ow!"
"Granny!" all the other ponies gasped. "Dang nabbit! It's my hip again." Granny Smith said, trying to hide the pain. "I gotta sit this one out. Ya'll can finish up without me." "But Granny, aren't ya gonna eat cake with us?" Apple Bloom politely asked. "I'm sorry my youngins... I will celebrate again... when I am a year younger." Granny Smith sighed. The old mare slowly walked out of the kitchen and upstairs into her bedroom, limping a few times on her right hip. Every pony was speechless and felt bad seeing Granny Smith Smith in pain. "Poor Granny, I know it's her hip that's giving here trouble. "Yup..." Big Macintosh said softly. "Well, I guess if she doesn't want this, I'll take it." said Apple Bloom. "Apple Bloom, you know that gift ain't yours!" Applejack scolded. "Aw, just one little piece of chocolate, I promise." Apple Bloom said.
When Apple Bloom removed the foil from the chocolate, she could not believe what she had uncovered. "Look every pony, I found a new talisman!" Twilight jumped in shock and unintentionally spit apple cider. "YOU FOUND WHAT NOW!?" Twilight exclaimed. "A chocolate pig talisman." said Apple Bloom. Twilight's expression went from excited to neutral when she realized it was not what she hope for. "The pig is one of the animals that Princess Celestia mentioned in her story." Twilight recalled. "So that means it's still in Fillydelphia." "Twi, I don't mean to be the wet blanket on the fire, but I really think ya need to sit this one out." Applejack insisted. "Hmm... you're right. I can't fully defend myself in this condition. I trust you Applejack, but do you really plan on going alone?" Twilight asked with concern. "Course I ain't." Applejack quickly answered. 'But... then again, Big Macintosh still has a lot more work to do tomorrow around the farm. Granny Smith is feelin' like a stick in the mud." "What about me, sis?" Apple Bloom eagerly asked. "Apple Bloom, what in tarnation makes you think I'd take you again on another hunt. You know darn well this ain't no horseplay!" Applejack said in a serious tone to her sister. "But Applejack, I helped ya'll get the Ox talisman in Appleloosa." Apple Bloom mentioned. Seeing as this was true, Applejack could not think of anymore reasons to shut down Apple Blooms offer. "Alright, fine. But don't go runnin' off again like you did last time." Applejack firmly stated.
Granny Smith was just starting to wake up and open her eyes. "Mornin' already." the mare sighed to herself. "Better start getting breakfast ready." Granny Smith could not help but notice something out of place lying on the floor in the living room. "Err, whaddya we have here, this must be Twilight's bag" Granny assumed. "The poor whippersnapper was so tired from all the shenanigans yesterday." As Granny Smith picked the satchel up, the buckle came undone and spilled out something she had never seen in her whole life. "What a strange lil' rock." Granny said to herself as she picked up the Dog talisman and peered at it closely with one eye. All the sudden, the indention of the dog figure began to glow and the talisman activated. Granny Smith looked in aw and felt very different. Unexpectedly, Granny Smith heard hoof steps coming from the stairs. Not wanting anyone else to know, she stuff the talisman underneath the bandana that was tied around her neck. "Oh, good morning Granny!" Applejack greeted as she and Apple bloom descended off the steps. Hope you're feelin' better today."
"Sorry about all the fuss yesterday, Applejack." Granny Smith apologized. "I'm feelin' like a brand new apple today!" "Aw shucks, I'm glad to see you're okay now. We were worried sick about you last night." Applejack stated. I'll be comin' with both of you youngins. This old rootin' tootin' granny needs some more fresh air outside the farm." Granny Smith said. "But Granny, you're not packed up, and we need to get to the train station very soon." Apple Bloom said. "Be back lickity split!" Granny Smith answered back as she darted upstairs, leaving behind a small dust cloud. It was a shock to both of the Apple sisters that their grandmother came right back with a full suitcase. "Oh... wow, that's a new record." Applejack chuckled.
"Somethings different about her. I've never seen Granny move like that in years." Applejack thought to herself. "Apple Bloom, keep an eye on Granny Smith during our trip. She's not herself." Applejack whispered in her sister's ear. Apple Bloom gave a short nod back. "Come on ya'll! Times a wastin'!" Granny Smith shouted to her granddaughters, as she was already outside the farm entrance.
"We'd better get goin'. Big Mac has already agreed to help Twilight get better." With everything else taken care of, the two Apples exited their home to catch up with their grandmother.
Around lunchtime, the Apple family finally arrived in Fillydelphia, the same rural town that Twilight and Spike found the Dog talisman. All three of them disembarked from the train, grabbed their belongings and made there way to the town square. "Apple Bloom, you and Granny Smith should go find an inn, while I ask other ponies around here for help." Applejack instructed. "Got it." Apple Bloom saluted.
When Applejack was far enough in the distance, Apple Bloom had a question that needed to be answered. "Granny Smith, I've been meaning to ask you about something. Have you been feeling different at all today?" Apple Bloom inquired. "Nothin' different about me! Come on lil one, let's get ourselves some hayburgers!" Granny Smith said, trying to change to subject. "Granny..." Apple Bloom said with a serious look. Granny Smith sensed that she could not avoid it any longer. She quickly looked both ways, reached one hoof into her bandana and reached out the Dog talisman. "No way!" Apple Bloom's pupils widened in amazement. "Way..." Granny Smith spoke quietly with a grin. "But please don't tell Applejack." "Well, alright... I won't." Apple Bloom promised. "Anyway, let's get some lunch!"
Applejack was still busy getting as much information as she could about the Pig talisman. Every time she tried to stop a pedestrian, they would just keep walking by like she was not even there. "Ugh, it's no use. No pony around here wants to be bothered." Applejack said, feeling discouraged. Once she caught sight of a fancier dressed heavyset stallion, Applejack waved her hoof to get his attention. "Yes ma'am how can I help you on this fine day." the pony asked. "Thank you so much for stopping. I'm trying to get myself more of these chocolate things." Applejack said while showing him a chocolate. Where's the factory that makes them"" "Ah yes, my grandfather's famous Fillydelphia chocolates." the pony stated. "The factory is on the north side of town; the same building with the clock tower." "You said your grandfather? Then that means..." "Yes, I am the mayor of Filly, Brasshoof Fraunberg III, my grandfather is Fraunberg I. He is most famous for inventing the chocolate because he had a secret way of cooking his cocoa beans, not to mention his obsession with pigs. To this day nobody understands why." "Could it be because he had the Pig talisman?" Applejack asked with an eager grin. "I'm sorry, what?" Fraunberg questioned. "Never mind, I gotta go!" Applejack said while sprinted off.
As soon as the sun had gone down, Applejack exited the inn that she and her family was staying at for the night. The only equipment that she chose to bring with her was her hat and a rope. Only a few patrol ponies were on night duty, which made the mission not too challenging at first. The only big problem was the pony stationed at the front door. Applejack had to find another way inside the factory withing being detected. After looking around enough times, she noticed a window that had not been shut. Applejack moved with stealth without being scene and got close enough to window. Afterwards, she prepared her rope and lassoed it inside the window. Applejack was aiming for a hook that she saw dangling from a small crane inside. With great skill and aim, Applejack's lasso caught the hook and allowed her to climb through the window. She got inside without being detected and landed with ease.
"Phew, glad that part's over." Applejack said with relief.
"I wouldn't celebrate just yet, Applejack!" an angry voice boomed out from the opposite corner of the area. Gilda slowly walked out from a dark corner to confront her target. "Hold on a sec, aren't you..." "That's right! It is I, Gilda, the sharpest and most dangerous griffon that you will ever lay eyes upon. Give up your quest for the talismans or face my wrath!" Gilda threatened. "Look Gilda, everything that happened between you and my friends Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash is all in the past. Trixie is only trying to-" "Shut up! I'm not here to listen to any of your excuses. Any friend of Rainbow Dash is my personal enemy! Go back to Ponyville now before I get really angry!" Gilda said, getting more impatient. "If this is what it comes down to, then so be it!" Applejack snapped.
The country hero threw her hat and aimed directly at Gilda's face. The hostile griffon dodged with little effort, and already prepared herself for the next attack. Applejack was already fast on her hooves when Gilda reacted to the hat trick, and lunged with a flying kick. Gilda moved swiftly to the side, and narrowly avoided the hit. After that, Applejack followed with a swift kick to Gilda's talons, but the griffon jumped off the ground, and countered with a jump spinning back kick. Gilda's back paw struck Applejack in the cheek and knocked her down, but the brave pony was not out of the fight yet. Applejack got back on all fours, and charged at Gilda with a different plan in mind. Rather than going for a direct attack, Applejack ran from side to side to make her movements less predictable, hoping to mess up Gilda's concentration. Once she got close enough to her opponent, Applejack jumped all the way over Gilda, landed behind her and sprinted forward with a take down. The two fighters rolled across the floor, struggling to see who can get on top first and finish the duel. Unfortunately for Applejack, Gilda was the one who ended up on top, giving her the winning edge. Using this to her advantage, Gilda kept Applejack pinned to the ground with her paws and attacked with a barrage of slashing talons. Applejack was so overwhelmed by Gilda's flurry of talon swipes the she could not retaliate. The orange pony passed out in exhaustion and had to resign. Gilda, knowing that she was victorious, released her victim and looked down with a wicked smirk. "See ya around, Apple Dweeb." Gilda taunted at the beaten up hero. Gilda spread her wings and took flight up to a higher floor of the factory.
"Applejack!" Apple Bloom and Granny Smith cried out in worry. Both of them were very shocked to find "Applejack, who was that? Why did she attack you!?" Apple Bloom asked in great worry. "Hold on, how did both of you?-" "The window." Apple answered with a smile. "Anyway, the one who attacked me was Gilda. She's come back for revenge and now she's helping the Dark Hoof." Applejack said while picking up her hat from the ground. "Gilda? Er what's a Gilda?" Granny Smith pondered. "It's a long story. I'll show ya'll when we catch up to her." said Applejack. "I can think of only one place in this factory that the talisman is hidin', and that's the clock tower! Come on every pony, let's get movin'!"
All three of the Apples hurried up the stairs which lead them to higher levels of the factory. They were surrounded by giant cogs and other clockwork mechanisms that made them feel very miniscule. "You just don't when to give up, do you!?" Gilda sneered. "Yer the one who's gonna get whipped on the feathery behind!" Granny Smith fired back. "Oh, what's this? The old dirtbag wants to get thrashed too? Oh please, I'm not going to waste my time on someone who can't even lift their leg without breaking a hip." Gilda taunted. The insult struck a nerve in Granny Smith as she did not want to be reminded of her hip problems. Her eyes narrowed, her nostrils flared, and she pointed her hoof at Gilda showing that she was ready to brawl. "Granny, we're not here to fight. We're only here for the talisman." Applejack stated. "You really want to find the talisman that badly? Well, sorry losers but I'm already the winner." Gilda revealed the Pig talisman that was tucked underneath her left wing, and then closed it. "I gotta admint, it was a big reach to get up all the way to the ceiling of the this place. Too bad earth ponies can't fly. Haha!" Gilda laughed.
"Well we're just gonna have to take it from ya!" Apple Bloom cut in. "Ha! You got spunk kid, I'll give you that. Tell ya what, dweebs. I'll give all of you one last chance for the talisman, IF you can defeat me and my partner in battle." Gilda offered. "Tohru, you can come out now!" The big enforcer had been in hiding during the entire confrontation, but now he was ready to step in. "So how about it Applejack; me and the big guy versus you and the wrinkly coot." said Gilda. "This old coot will shut that beak of yers!" Granny Smith snapped back. "Fine, I accept. Apple Bloom, this could get real ugly. Please don't get yer hooves caught up in this fight." Applejack said to her sister. "Oh alright..." Apple Bloom acknowledged. "Alright Gilda, let's settle this!" Applejack declared. "Gilda, let me handle Tohru, hold off Gilda as long as possible." Granny Smith gave Applejack a wink, and then looked back at Gilda with narrowed eyes.
Gilda was the first one to initiate the battle. She took flight from the ground and went for an aerial attack at Granny Smith. What Gilda did not see coming was that the old mare had more agility than expected. Granny Smith dodged Gilda so quickly that it was as if she was not even trying. Gilda landed on the ground and came to a screeching halt, which got her a little irritated. Gilda knew at this point that she needed to take her opponent seriously. Meanwhile, Applejack ran towards Tohru, and did a forward powerslide that allowed her to pass the big foe from underneath. Tohru attempted to grab Applejack, but he made a fool of himself and tripped forward with a thud. Right after that happened, Granny Smith gave a slick smile to Gilda, raised her hoof and made a "come and get me" gesture. This angered the griffon even more, forcing her to go into combat with standard melee attacks. Gilda attack with talon swipes, back kicks, and beak drills, but Granny Smith blocked, dodged, and counter attacked every move. Gilda was starting to slow down and breathe heavily from fatigue, but Granny Smith was still not breaking a sweat. Applejack was still dealing with Tohru, but she too was getting close to finishing up. Applejack leaped on top of Tohru's back, and covered his face very tightly with her hat. The enforcer could not see where he was going, causing him to run straight into a brick wall. The impact knocked Tohru unconscious and made him no longer a burden to Applejack.
Granny Smith was landing punches and kicks with little effort on Gilda, making the fight very one sided. Despite the fact she was on the losing side, Gilda still had an ace in the hole. "Now you've done it, wrinkleface! I didn't want to use this, but now you give me no other choice." Gilda said in anger. She grabbed the Pig talisman from under her wing and gripped it tightly in her right claw. Once the talisman activated, Gilda accidentally shot out a yellow heat beam from her eyes. The attack caught Gilda by surprise, but it also boosted her confidence. "Lasers eyes, eh. Now you're all gonna be sorry!" Gilda sneered. "That's it. That's gotta be the secret technique Fraunberg Senior used to melt his cocoa beans!" Applejack surmised. "Gilda, don't do this! You'll destroy the whole factory!" "Too late for mercy! I'm taking all of you down, even if I have to destroy this whole place." Gilda yelled back. "HEAT BEAM EYE BLAST! Gilda fired multiple eye beam shots in an attempt to fry Applejack and Granny Smith. While doing this, parts of the clock tower started to collapse, and then bricks, wood, and metal cogs started falling down fast. That was the signal to everyone that it was time to make haste.
"We've gotta get outta here now! The whole place is gonna fall apart!" Applejack shouted. "Right behind ya, Applejack." Granny Smith and Apple Bloom called back. All three of the apples were fast on their hooves as they ran down the stairs to get to the factory exit. Tohru was still knocked out, but Gilda still made an attempt to escape as well. Unfortunately, nobody was quick enough to get out, and the entire tower fell down, which also destroyed the entire facility. The famous Fillydelphia chocolate factory was now in ruin.
Applejack was the first one to uncover herself from all the fallen debris. She quickly glanced around and looked for her comrades. "Apple Bloom! Granny Smith!" Applejack called out. "Right here." Apple Bloom replied, poking her head out from a pile of rubble. "But where's Granny?" "I don't know, sugar cube. Let's hope Granny Smith isn't... oh gosh I don't wanna think about it." Applejack said, getting chocked up. "Don't say that Applejack! I know she's still in alive, you have to believe me!" Apple Bloom said in a very assertive tone. "Wait, I see movement!" The largest chunk of debris was shaking around, which meant somebody had to be underneath. Applejack and Apple Bloom hurried over and pushed it off, revealing Granny Smith. Their grandmother was miraculously still alive, and she was regaining consciousness. "Fiddlesticks, that chicken brain really knows how to spoil the fun." Granny Smith said. ""Now we just need to find the Pig talisman. Gilda still has it." said Applejack. "Keeping looking around." All three of them kept digging through the the remains of the factory in search for the talisman. Applejack then came across Tohru and Gilda who were still knocked out. She slowly opened Gilda's claw to reveal the Pig talisman, which Applejack picked up for herself. "She was so caught up in gettin' revenge that even her pride was sold to the Dark Hoof." Applejack solemnly said. "Should we help them out?" Apple Bloom asked with concern. "Normaly I would do so, even for an enemy... but somethin' tells me we shouldn't." Applejack said and then looked over at Granny Smith with a very skeptical expression. "Now Granny, explain..."
Granny Smith gave a quick sigh and took the Dog talisman out from her bandana, which made her indirectly admit that she was still her old self. "Applejack, there's times when I wish I could be young again." Granny said with giving Applejack the talisman. "Watching you, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom has allowed me to relive those days." "Gosh, Granny. I didn't know how much it meant to you." Applejack said. "Isn't that neat? Granny Smith showed it to me earlier today. The Dog talisman gives her the power of immortality and eternal youth!" Apple Bloom explained. "But being young is hard! This old granny needs a nap! Did you see what that birdbrain did to me!?" Granny Smith ranted and continued to ramble on, while Applejack and Apple Bloom just looked at each other share a laugh. "Come on every pony, let's get back home and tell Twilight the good news." said Apple Bloom. Applejack and Granny Smith both smiled and nodded at the same time, and then they all headed east for Ponyville.
