One By One

Chapters

The Memorial
An Angel Lost
A Party Cut Short
I'm sorry I Couldn't Be There.
Shattered Dreams
As a Rainbow Fades
See You Soon
A Familiar Dream
It's My Time
No More Goodbyes

The Memorial

It had been sixty years to the day, since Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash had used the Elements of Harmony to defeat Discord once and for all. The celebration was always a grand one, with streamers and ribbon adorning the open vastness of the Canterlot Castle Ball Room. This time, however, a small emptiness resinated from each guest, as if by a sixth sense that told them, it was different. Of course the annual celebration of the valor and bravery displayed by the six closest friends Equestria had ever known was always a grand one, and this was no exceptions, but still, there was that ever lingering hint of a certain emptiness.The main ball room stretched a hundred feet at least, and the windowed dome displayed Luna's majestic sky to the party patrons. Balloons and decorations were hung from the ceilings and ledges, statues crafted just for the occasion stood vigil at the entrance, greeting the arriving guests, and Princess Celestia herself stood proudly at the stage beside the flower adorned collection of 5 portraits. Applejack let out a heavy sigh as she prepared herself to walk out in front of the large crowd that had congregated in front of the stage.

A drone of applause rose and then gradually faded as the old orange mare took her place at the podium, struggling as her old bones fought against her. She took a deep breath, and glanced at the Princess who ushered her to continue. A quick, informal nod indicated that Applejack was ready to start. "Evenin," she said with her usual casualness. "Well, as ya'll know, it was sixty years since we used the Elements to defeat Discord. And, uh, pardon in advance, if my speech ain't the best. I never was one to speak in front of a crowd," she explained, a small sense of desperation building inside her. "Well... First of all, thank you for coming, it means a lot to me, and I know that if they were here, they'd be mighty grateful." Her gaze switched to the 5 portraits behind her. A tear formed in her eye, as memories flooded over her. She immediately shook away the feeling and returned her attention to the crowd. "As ya'll know, the others, have uh," she said, a lump forming in her throat. "Passed on." She gave in, and let a few tears flow from her face.

A quiet sympathetic murmur rose from the crowd, but was quickly silenced, as Applejack straightened up her weathered figure, signifying that she was about to continue. "That day we used the Elements of Harmony to send Discord back to where he belonged. His chaos couldn't hurt anypony anymore," she said. "That was the day that I truly, even more than when we first used the elements, realized that my friends were the most important thing I'd ever come across," She paused for a moment. "I guess I'm here to tell ya'll one thing," she said. "If there's anything that I've learned from Twi, Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy, or Rainbow, it's that friendship is the most important thing in life, and sometimes, It's all ya got." A tear started to form in her eye. "And sometimes, when things seem dark, you just gotta stop and think, even if your friends aren't with you, about how much they mean to you, and about what they want for you." She was clearly still in a sensitive state, since Twilight Sparkle had passed only weeks earlier. "Even when you're alone," she continued. "You just need to remember that your friends are always there, and even if not here not physically, they will always be in your heart. As long as you believe, they will never fade away."

Slow, somber, meaningful applause rose from the silence, as it was made clear that Applejack had finished. The applause morphed into a roar of clapping, as the audience absorbed her heartfelt speech. She turned to the Princess, who with a glistening in her eye, gave her an approving nod. She nodded back, a tear flowing from her, and then walked over to the 5 portraits. "I know ya'll are waiting for me," she said, a sad smile on her face. "Don't worry yourselves, I won't be long," Applejack said as she slowly meandered off stage. A slow feeling of completeness washed over her. A smile formed on her face, as she made her way to her room. "Well," she said to no one in particular, as she approached her borrowed bed. "I'm ready." Her eyelids slowly shut, as she felt herself carry away. She was exhausted physically, but her mind was clear until sleep came and wrapped her in its loving embrace. It was the most peaceful sleep she'd ever known, and once again a small grin appeared on her face as she was ready to drift into a peaceful slumber; one that she was perfectly content with never having to be woken from again, ready to meet her 5 lost friends once more.

An Angel Lost

It was nearly 9 years since Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity had used the Elements of Harmony to banish Discord into an eternal imprisonment. The morning slowly gave way as the last streaks of night wained and gave way to the shining brilliance of Celestia's beautiful sun. It was a near perfect June morning. The morning dew had just settled on the window panes of a red farm house, it's occupants finally starting to stir.

Applejack awoke as a golden beam of sunlight struck her face, as is her custom. She let out a satisfied yawn as she swung her legs out from the covers, and gazed pleasantly outside the window towards the large orange orb that had awoken her. After her morning washing up, Applejack trotted downstairs, as she usually does, to greet Big Mac, Granny, and Applebloom. Instead of the usual trio she was used to, she was greeted with 4 mares awaiting her arrival. Sitting there were Twilight, Rarity, Ranbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. The smile that had formed on her face to see her friends slowly faded as she realized the somber attitude of the room. "Uh, hey ya'll, somethin' wrong?" Applejack asked. Their gazes shifted downwards, and only Twilight met her look. There were tears in her eyes. "Applejack," she said, her voice breaking. "There's been an accident." Applejack's heart hit her stomach. "What kind of accident?" She was almost to scared to ask, but forced it out.

Applejack couldn't believe her ears. "But... How?" She had barely been able to force out these words without breaking down into an inconsolable shell of her usual self. She was barely able to look at the yellow and pink pegasus that now lay before her, curled up into a pitiful bundle, looking surprisingly like she did when she slept. "We're still not completely sure," replied the coroner in true empathy. "She passed in the night. A sudden fever took her. We have yet to determine the cause, but we believe it was related to the large number of animals she lived with." The sick irony hit Applejack, and broke her down. Twilight put her forehoof around Applejack, consoling her. "How could it happen?" Applejack asked. "How could she be taken by what she loved the most?" Applejack broke and let tears flow from her eyes. The 4 friends sat in the coroner's office, in an embrace that shared the sorrow amongst them for what seemed like ages before anyone dared to break the grasp. They all nodded to each other, crying openly, before slowly departing for their own homes. As Applejack made her way to Sweet Apple Acres, she noticed a damper on the whole town. Fluttershy had been such a pure, loving soul. How could she be taken so quickly? How would the small town of Ponyville fair without her? Applejack tried to push these thoughts out of her head. Her friend was gone, but she still was determined to work the fields, partially to get the thought of Fluttershy's passing out of her mind. As she made her way to Sweet apple acres, she couldn't help but notice Fluttershy's cottage in the distance, and immediately ripped her gaze away, tears already flowing. "Hope it's nice wherever you are, Sugar Cube," she said, "you deserve that much."

The next morning was like most mornings, except for a certain feeling of emptiness that could only be understood by those going through what Applejack was. Despite the loss, she managed to perform her morning routine, and make her way downstairs. At the breakfast table, few words were shared. The only voice to break the silence would be the occasional request for something on the table to be past to them. The clock sitting on the wall adjacent to the table ticked and tocked loudly, and reverberated in the silence. The rhythmic and unending ticking was only adding to the seemingly endless thoughts of Fluttershy. "I'm goin' buckin," she announced, in a rather defeated tone. Once outside, an unusually warm beam of sunlight hit her face, as she made her way to the south field. She let out a heavy sigh as the grass beneath her feet led her to the first tree of the day. With a firm kick, more than half of the apples that weighed the tree fell neatly into the buckets below. She grumbled as she realized that she was only bucking at half capacity, and gave another firm kick. Still, not all fell. A defeated sigh escaped Applejack as she realized what was weighing her down. A look to the sky was followed by a statement directed at the already deceased Fluttershy. "It just ain't the same without ya, Fluttershy." The look of reflection her face took on was now being traced by a pair of tears making their way downwards.

A Party Cut Short

It was a long time coming, and to be brutally honest, most predicted it. Pinkie Pie's health was failing. Whether it be her atrocious eating habits, her high stress life trying to please her friends, or just plain genetics, Pinkemina Dianne Pie was running out of time. She had always been so spry, and so youthful, but now... now she lays unmoving, eyes shut in a plain white bed. Gifts and cards were spread out on the window sill and on her dresser. Hopes for Pinkie remained high, despite the fact that her condition was for the most part, untreatable. She had developed a rare type of heart disease that causes the rhythmic pump in her chest to lose it's steady beat and pump erratically. The disease, doctors reasoned, would at best, leave her in a fragile, and sickly condition with little time anyway. They gave her several weeks, however, and she fought every step of the way. Every time she would teeter on the verge of complete collapse, she would bounce back, and hang on with what little strength she had.

The electrocardiogram beeped its steady rhythm as it always did. Pinkie's eyes moved ever so slightly under her lids. Twilight and Applejack had come to check up on her, and once again, gazed at the slender, pitiful figure that had only months earlier been a vibrant source of laughter and happiness for the small town of Ponyville. All Twilight could think to do was look at Applejack with tears in her eyes. The time had come, they knew. Pinkemina Dianne Pie had fallen into a deep coma and was growing thinner. She was miserable, Applejack knew. The only thing that kept her injured little heart beating was the falsely placed hope that she could coax out a laugh one last time. Twilight and Applejack were unable to speak, and instead, simply embraced each other, sharing the sorrow, and relying on each other to bear the burden of losing another of their closest friends. It was some 3 years since Flutershy had left them, but the mention of her name still sliced like a razor through their hearts. With such a strong friendship, wounds such as that never heal, and always remain easy to reopen.

It was only when the doctor had walked in that Twilight and Applejack truly started to realize what this meant for their pink friend. Twilight couldn't hold it anymore, and drudged over to where Pinkie lay, embracing her familiar form one last time, before she would leave them forever. Applejack was so overwhelmed, that she found it impossible to do much other than sit on her haunches and stare at the cold tile floor before her. It was Twilight who finally managed to get Applejack to say her final goodbyes to their little pink friend. "Pinkie," Applejack said, voice well beyond breaking. "You've brought us more laughs than I care to remember, and I know that wherever you're goin, you'll bring em with ya. Try not to have too much fun without us," Applejack added, trying to make the best of it. Twilight ghosted a tiny smile, knowing that wherever Pinkie Pie went, smiles would follow.

"It's time," the Doctor said in a voice of genuine empathy for the grieving mares. "I'm so sorry," he added. Twilight forced a nod to the Doctor, before once again placing a forehoof around her now closest friend. The Doctor let out a slow, sad sigh as the cords leading from the heart monitor tugged, and then gave way. The steady tone of it was in actuality, little more than a hum, but for Applejack, it was deafening. So this is what heartbreak sounds like she thought as she tried to override the constant drone of the heart monitor. "I'm here, Applejack," Twilight said, embracing Applejack in the most prominent display of empathy that Applejack had seen from her. She didn't try to question it, but instead, simply accepted her friend's reinforcement, and responded with a simple, heartfelt "Thanks, Sugar Cube." The two remained locked in a mutual share of sorrow for what seemed like an eternity, until Twilight pulled back. "I think it's time we left," she said, obvious anguish in her voice. Applejack simply nodded, unable to speak through the tears in her eyes, and slowly made her way back to Sweet Apple Acres, tears still flowing.

It was a week before Rainbow Dash had gotten back from Wonderbolts junior flight camp. She was on top of the world. Her body was in peak physical condition, her attitude was better than ever, and the camp gave her something to stave away the ever present memories of Fluttershy. It was a warm Saturday evening when she was seen flying into Ponyville from the East. Applejack was the first to see her. She was, of course, excited to see her old friend again, but, unfortunately, there was the business of breaking the news to her. Before Applejack had any time to formulate a careful explanation of what happened, Rainbow Dash landed in front of here with a ferocity Applejack hadn't seen in years. Her emotions conflicted. How could she break the news to Rainbow Dash? How could she strike her down in such a glorious time for the young rainbow pegasus. Rainbow Dash immediately knew something was wrong. "Uh, Applejack... You ok? Did something happen?" Applejack couldn't stand the thought of telling Rainbow Dash the truth, but she had no choice. The next 5 words were the hardest she ever had to utter. "Pinkie passed on last week."

Rainbow's eyes widened. Was it a joke? Was it some prank that Pinkie Pie had set them up to? In her heart, however, she knew the truth. Pinkie would never pull a joke so insensitive. A quick face of confusion was replaced with that of dread. The tears came immediately. Her emotions couldn't be held up any longer, and she let out a throaty wail; one of pure anguish. The sound was enough to break Applejack. She put her arm around her battered friend, who had her hooves over her head, as if to try and drown out the reality that one of her closest friends had passed while she was gone. "How did she go?" Rainbow Dash finally managed between choked sobs. "Was it at least peaceful?" Applejack felt some sense of consolation as she nodded her head slowly. "Yeah, Rainbow. She was at peace."

I'm sorry I Couldn't Be There.

The sun was setting on another beautiful day of Equestria, and the last waining beams of sunlight cave way to creeping tendrils of darkness reaching across the sky. Applejack let out a grunt as she focused her energy into one last buck. The apple tree shook, of course, but did not yield all of it's cargo. She sighed with a mix of frustration and sadness. "Ain't what I used to be, I suppose," she said, rubbing her perspiration covered forehead. She, of course, was getting old... and she could feel it. The once energetic pony now grew weary after a long days work. The muscles that once rivaled even the strongest of colts had now yielded to age, holding far less power than they had used to. Despite this, she tended the fields, proving that she still had a good bit of work left in her. Day in and day out, she worked the orchard just as she did as a spry young mare. She heard the familiar clopping of hooves behind her, and knew who it was. "Oh hey, Appleb Bloom," she said in her usual friendly manner. "Big Mac done with the South Field yet?" Her little sis, as she still liked to call her, instead of answering asked, "When the hay is Rarity getting back? Sweetiebelle is starting to worry." Applejack mulled this over a bit. Rarity had been gone awfully long. She was only supposed to be in Manehattan for a week, plus 4 days for traveling. "She's been gone 2 weeks," added Applebloom. "How about we this we go and send word for her tomorrow?" negotiated Applejack. "I'm sure she's fine, Applebloom. She probably just got caught up in the fancy city life," she added, assuring herself as well as Applebloom. She certainly hoped she was right.

The next day, Applejack awoke with a fright. "Just a dream," she grumbled to herself. As she rubbed her eyes, she noticed that her face was wet. She'd been crying. "That dream," she whispered to herself, letting a tear flow from her eye. That dream had haunted her since Fluttershy passed, and only amplified when Pinkie went as well. She let out a small sniff, trying desperately to shake out the memory of that dream. "You OK, sis?" The voice belonged to Apple Bloom. Applejack was unable to find her voice, and instead gave a simple nod to Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom, of course, knew that it wasn't all right. She could see it in AJ's eyes. It was a trait that she developed after being with Applejack so long, helping her through sorrow, and in all truthfulness, Applejack hated it. Despite this, she found herself in an embrace with her younger sister, who always seemed to know exactly what Applejack needed. "Thanks, sis," Applejack said, a consoled sigh escaping her. "For what?" her sister inquired, unsure of what exactly Applejack was talking about. "For just being there," her sister said, voice muffled in her little sibling's shoulder.

She made her way downstairs, and was greeted by Twilight Sparkle. "Good morning, Applejack," she said in her usual cheery tone. "Oh, mornin' Twi," the orange earth pony replied, with a sudden lift in her spirit. "What do we got planned for the day?" Twilight's head cocked to the side as it often does when she analyzes something. "Don't you usually work the fields in the mornings?" she asked with true skepticism. "Well," replied Applejack. "Figured I'd take the day off, maybe head into town, enjoy myself for once." Twilight giggled in that innocent way she does, and replied, "Well then come on," before striding out the door with her friend.

"Ah, nothing like a day enjoying yourself around Ponyvillle to lift the spirits, right?" asked Twilight, a wide smile pasted to her face. "Ooh boy, I haven't had a nice time for myself in ages, Twi. Thanks for lettin' me tag along," she said with a truly appreciative smile aimed at her friend. "Oh, of course," replied Twilight, her usual cheery attitude unwavering. "Mind if I stop by Rarity's Boutique to check up on Sweetie Belle?" inquired Twilight. "Actually," replied Applejack, "I was just about to make a quick run over there to see if any news had come about when she'd get back." The two darted off in the direction of the boutique, a large white and purple cylinder, vaguely resembled a wedding cake. As the large carousel shaped building came into view, they slowed. "Goodness," said Applejack, "ain't as chipper as I used to be." She was still in better shape than Twilight, who never really had any interest in outdoor work, much less sports. Twilight disregarded these thoughts, as she usually did with irrelevant ones, and gingerly opened the large, gilded door that adorned boutique.

"Sweetie Belle!" Twilight called out. "Are you in here?" The boutique was in perfect condition, just as Rarity left it. A sense of emptiness, however, filled the small central room. Mannequins draped with unfinished designs collected dust. "Twi?" Asked Applejack. "You gettin' some bad vibes from here?" Twilight felt a shudder travel down her spine. "It certainly is strange that this place hasn't changed at all," she assessed. "The only thing that looks like it's been used is the oven." The oven that Twilight was referring to was open, with an eerie light emitting from it. A half eaten, burnt pie laid on the center rack. A sniffle, barely audible, found its way downstairs. Applejack said nothing, and dashed upstairs, a certain sense of dread filling her; one that she knew too well, and hoped never to feel again. There, in her bedroom, huddled up on the floor, was Sweetie Belle. A small letter laid beside her, damp with tears.

"Sweetie Bell!" called out Applejack. The pink and purple maned pony flinched at her name. As Applejack raced over to console her, a faint whisper leaked from the younger mare. "She's gone," was all she managed. Applejack's heart dropped like a stone, reaching the deepest depths of her being. Her eyes widened, as she was overcome with that familiar feeling of dread, emptiness, and sorrow. She knew exactly what Sweetie meant. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there, Rarity," the broken unicorn said. "I should've gone with you." Applejack broke down once more, and collapsed next to Sweetie Belle. Twilight, who had just arrived, immediately understood what was happening, and lost the strength in her hind legs, dropping to her haunches, with her face locked at the ground, weeping for another friend lost.

"She was supposed to be back in less than 2 weeks," Sweetie Belle forced out. "She was uh... showing her new collection to a famous designer up in Manehattan. Her dreams were finally coming true." The white unicorn was barely able to explain what had happened. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo listened intently, their eyes flooding as they sympathized for their grieving friend. "On her way back to her apartment," continued Sweetie, "she was held up by some thugs, and... and she tried to fight back." Tears flowed from her face, tracing their way downward to her chin. "Somepony walking by rushed in and tried to help her... buy her some time to run. They were both shot... Rarity was almost in the clear, and then..." Sweetie was unable to finish her sentence. The sorrow of losing her sister, her mentor, her caretaker was far too fresh in her mind to continue. Applebloom and Scootaloo embraced Sweetie Belle, trying fruitlessly to sooth the stinging sorrow of losing a loved one.

Rainbow Dash was still sensitive about Pinkie Pie's passing, less than a year earlier. The news about Rarity would surely break the pegasus. "Listen ya'll," Applejack said, addressing Twilight and the trio of mares before her. "Rainbow is still pretty beat up about what happened to Pinkie Pie. Best let her be... She'll figure it out soon enough. Don't need anymore sudden trauma, poor thing." Applejack shook her head as she said this. Rainbow Dash was always good at hiding her emotions, but deep down, she had a deeper connection to her friends than anyone. A loss of a friend to her was tenfold that of any other pony. Any sudden news of the incident would surely send the rainbow pegasus into a deep depression. "For now," Applejack said, "tell her that Rarity is staying with her parents. It'll make it easier on her." She, of course, felt guilty about lying to her friend, but it was the only way to keep her from spiraling into another fit of anguish, as she did when Pinkie passed, one of which she almost never recovered. The 4 ponies in front of her nodded, their faces contorted with guilt and sorrow. "Ok," Twilight said simply, unable to find the words to piece together a more witty response.

Shattered Dreams

Well... tomorrow's the day, Rainbow Dash thought to herself, a giddy smile manifesting itself on her face. Tomorrow I get to show the Wonderbolts what I can do! The Wonderbolts Rooky Exhibition only came every other year, and she had no intentions of having to train for another 2 years. Despite the excitement that she clearly exhibited, Rainbow Dash was still very worried about the absence of Rarity, but after well over 2 weeks, Rainbow had assumed she had abandoned her friends. There was, however that slight paranoia she had, as the ponies liked to call it, that there was something more to it. "I can't believe she would up and leave like that! How could she abandon her last friends?" The question was aimed at Applejack. "Uh... yeah," Applejack replied plainly, but with a more than slight hint of sadness in her voice. "Applejack?" Rainbow Dash asked the clearly bothered orange earth pony. "What's going on?" Applejack simply couldn't meet her gaze. I've had just about enough of this, the rainbow colored pegasus thought to herself. "I'm going to Rarity's house. Something doesn't add up here," Rainbow Dash announced, clearly disbelieving what her dear friend had told her. "No, wait!" Applejack exclaimed, trying to stop her friend from discovering the truth. It was too late. Before she could even utter the last word, Rainbow Dash was out of view. Applejack was in a near full panic as she raced after her towards the carousel boutique. She couldn't let the news reach Rainbow Dash. She couldn't let her find out less than 24 hours before her big day. She had to stop her.

When Applejack finally skidded to a stop just outside the large purple door that opened up into the old carousel boutique, she knew Rainbow had beat her there. She was, after all the fastest flier in Equestria. She darted inside and instinctively raced upstairs. I just hope I'm not too late. These thoughts resonated in her head, amplifying with each passing second. What if Rainbow found the note? She'd be devastated! There was no way Applejack could let that happen to her friend. She sped up, clinging to the hope that Rainbow hadn't found it. The hallway leading to Rarity's study seemed infinite, as Applejack sped violently to it, desperately trying to catch up to her dear friend. She skidded around the corner only to find Rainbow dash reading a letter. Her heart sank into the pit of her stomach, and her face burned with guilt. "When...?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Just exactly when the hell did you plan on telling me what happened!?" To say that Rainbow Dash was angry would be a massive understatement. The fury that burned in her eyes was more intense than Applejack had ever seen, and, to be honest, was terrifying. "You knew the whole time! You never told me!? How could you, Applejack!? I thought you were the element of honesty! I though you were my friend!" Rainbow was crying now, anguish and betrayal gnawed at her mind. "I guess I was wrong," she whispered. Those last words cut like a razor into Applejack. She felt as if she were going to vomit. She had lost three of her friends already. She couldn't bear losing another. "Rainbow..." she explained, "I was going to tell you eventually, but I couldn't tell you now! I couldn't tell you just before your big break! That'd ruin your chances." Rainbow Dash, with tears in her eyes, responded, "Well it doesn't matter now. Tomorrow is the Exhibition. I'm going home to train." She was clearly trying to hide her emotions. She always trained when she wanted to block something out, or put it off until later. Applejack shook her head, partly in sorrow, partly in guilt, and partly in pity, as her friend exited the dark room, leaving Applejack alone with her thoughts.

**************************

It was the Big Day. It was the day Rainbow Dash had been waiting for, for her entire life. It was the day that she would get to show her skill to the Wonderbolts, and be chosen as their next Rookie Flier! She was dead set on earning her spot in the ranks of the Wonderbolts! But what then? she found herself asking. What do I do after this? Do I leave Twilight and Appleja- Her thought was cut off by a sudden surge of bitterness towards her once dear friend. "Ugh, I'll figure it out later," she found herself grumbling under her breath. She fidgeted and twitched in the locker room, unable to fixate herself on 1 single emotion. She was bitter at Applejack, sorrowful for Rarity, excited for the Wonderbolts; it was too much. She pressed her hooves against her head and groaned, trying desperately to escape the mental fraying that she was experiencing. Rainbow spent the next hour drowning out the world, alone to think. When she finally opened her eyes from their locked position, she knew what she had made up her mind. She would join the Wonderbolts, even if it meant leaving her friends. After she'd lost so much, Rainbow Dash had become emotionally calloused, and was used to being for the most part alone. The rather obnoxious broadcast interrupted her concentration, and she let out an annoyed sigh as she listened to the announcer. "Racers Cloud Runner, Jet Stream, Sky Skier, and Rainbow Dash, take your positions at the block." Well... This is it.

Rainbow Dash had trained her entire life for this, and was in the most concentrated state she'd ever been in. Rainbow Dash approached the starting block, and without hesitation, took her position in the "#3" slot. The starting block was rather small, only large enough for one pegasus pony to squeeze into. She dismissed these thoughts, determined to stay focused on the race. Ok. I can do this. A red light flashed. Then a yellow light. When the green illuminated, all four racers shot out at tremendous speed. Rainbow Dash pumped her wings as hard as she could, pushing herself farther than she usually had. This put her into a clear lead ahead of the other three racers by at least 50 feet. Ok, it's only a five lap race. Easy peasy. The first two laps were over in nearly an instant, as Rainbow Dash screamed around corners, and ripped across the straightaways. Another two laps passed before Rainbow Dash even knew it. As she rounded the corner into the final lap, she glanced up at the stands. She had half-expected Rarity to be there, cheering her on. What she saw was emptiness. She saw not Applejack, nor Twilight, nor Rarity. A sudden pang of sadness struck her chest, as she searched for her friends. This sudden deceleration gave the other three fliers a chance to swoop in, and overtake her. One of them sped past at frightening pace, a small groan of dissatisfaction emanating from the audience. Rainbow Dash immediately bolted after him, but something was wrong. Tears started to form in her eyes, as she realized that, for the first time, none of her friends were watching. As she failed to hold back the weeping that overpowered her, her goggles quickly became impossible to see through. She shook her head, trying to somehow rid the goggles of their liquid. She started to panic. She was going far to fast to simply stop, and risk colliding with another racer, and she certainly didn't intend on waiting 2 more years. Instead, she focused all her energy on following the blurred figure that had passed her. With one last burst of energy, she slammed her wings hard against the sky, rocketing her forward. She was doing it. She was winning! These thoughts were cut short as an explosion of pain that originated in her right wing traveled down her spine, and rocked her to the core. She let out a loud yelp, as she had no choice but to spiral out of control and slam into the hard ground below. She didn't feel the first impact. The shock was far too great to allow her that, but the second and third impacts sent massive waves of pain burning through her. Each impact blurred her vision, and distorted her hearing further. When she'd finally come to a rest just passed the checkered line, she began to fade in and out of reality.

"Rainbow Dash!!!" The voice belonged to someone familiar, but she was in no condition to try and discern who it was. She simply laid there, letting shock numb her pain. A purple unicorn sprinted to her best friend's side. "Are you ok!?" The sight before here was simply sickening. Rainbow's right wing was snapped halfway to the middle joint, and hung loosely by the muscle tendons. A massive laceration stretched from her back to her flank, and bled furiously. Her right hind leg was twisted and distorted, clearly either broken, or severely dislocated. "Oh Celestia, no," Twilight let out. "Hang in there, Rainbow, Just hang in there. Stay with me. No, don't close your eyes, please, please, PLEASE!!" Rainbow Dash cracked her eyes open to see Applejack kneeling before her, reassuring her it would be ok. "Applejack..." Rainbow said in a raspy voice. "You came."
"Yeah, Sugar Cube," Applejack replied, tears in her eyes obvious. "I'm sorry I got so mad," choked out Rainbow Dash between sobs. "I'm so sorry." Applejack put a hoof to her mouth. "Rainbow, don't be. Just stay calm while help gets here. We can talk about this soon, I promise." Rainbow nodded slowly, lulling in and out of consciousness as tear flowed openly from her eyes

******************

Rainbow Dash's eyes cracked open, letting stinging rays of light sting her vision. "Oh, Celestia..." She said, groaning. She was in a hospital. So it wasn't a dream. "Rainbow Dash," said a doctor, who was standing just off to the side of her bed. "You suffered massive damage to both of your wings. Full recovery is unlikely." The statement hit Rainbow Dash harder than a speeding train. "Wh- what do you mean?" The Doctor sighed. "What I mean is that your wings have been damaged severely, and will never be back to 100%." Rainbow Dash's stomach churned. She felt as if she were going to throw up. So much time, wasted. I spent my entire life dreaming, training to become a Wonderbolt... for nothing. "I'm sorry," the Doctor added, half-heartedly. "Just get out!" Screamed Rainbow Dash, furious at the indifference of the doctor. He obliged, and trotted outside, leaving Rainbow Dash alone in the plain, white-washed room. Her entire being ached, whether it be from physical or emotional injury. She tried to ruffle her wings, but found that they were in bloodied bandages, binding them to her body. She felt ill, and reached for the nearby trashcan. Wave after wave of retching ensued, the pegasus unable to come to grips with her situation. It was after this that she glanced over at the end table, and saw an envelope. With a certain terror in the pit of her stomach, she ripped open the envelope, and read its contents. It read;

We regret to inform you that you have been disqualified due to injuries sustained during the exhibition, and will not be eligible until all injuries sustained are recovered from. Thank you for your cooperation.

Those two sentences... Those two sentences ended Rainbow Dash's dream to become a Wonderbolt. She let out a yell of pure anguish, as the consequences of the letter sank in. She would never be a Wonderbolt. She had spent her entire life training to be something that she can now never become. She covered her head with her hooves, once again trying to drown out the world. When her hooves finally fell from her face, she bore an expression of complete defeat. All that time. All those years... for nothing.

As a Rainbow Fades

"It's getting late, I'm gonna have to close up soon." The voice belonged to the bartender. "I'll leave when I'm finished," replied a rather drunk rainbow colored pegasus. "Look, you've had nine beers. I think you're good for the night." Rianbow Dash was irritated at this. "I'll leave when I'm finished," she repeated, a little more stern than the first time. "Ugh, fine. Finish that one up, and then get your drunk ass outta my bar!" exclaimed the bartender, clearly annoyed at her stubbornness. After the accident, Rainbow Dash had picked up a habit she swore never to return to. She'd gotten drunk once at a party with the Wonderbolts, and afterwords, promised herself she never would again. It was an awful experience for her. Between the fear of actually being drunk for the first time, the guilt of letting herself do such a thing, or the plain confusion brought about by the alcohol, she hated it. But now, it was the only thing she found herself relying on. She had turned to the bottle shortly after the accident that crushed her dreams. Why not? It's not like I have anything to lose. Thoughts like this filled Rainbow Dash's head day in and day out. She had trained her entire life to be a Wonderbolt, and just like that, it was gone. All those years of training were for nought, taunting her constantly... reminding her of what could have been. She sipped down the last of her drink, and stumbled in the general direction of the exit. "You gotta stop puttin' three doors here. I can't decide which one to choose!" said Rainbow Dash, clearly far more drunk than she should be. She stepped out into the cool night, shivering a bit as the brisk air brushed up against her coat. A long sigh escaped her lips, as she slowly made her way through Ponyville, passing the Town Hall, Sugarcube Corner, Rarity's Boutique, and various other memory provoking places. Even in her drunken state, this was a sobering reminder of the past.

It was at least an hour before Rainbow Dash had stumbled back to her cloud home. The ascent ached her crippled wings, and was not helped by her heavy intoxication. After more than one pitiful failed attempt, she finally reached her destination. The white, fluffy walls that once provided her with comfort, and reassurance now felt like prison bars, confining her to a life of grounded living. It was more than two years since her accident, but Rainbow Dash had never fully recovered, not in mind, body, or spirit. She was a different Rainbow Dash than who Applejack and Twilight knew. She was withdrawn, sultry, and, most notably of all, defeated. The letter that brought about the destruction of her future had crushed her. Her once bright attitude had dulled into a negative, depressed cloud of darkness that followed her every step. It was only a matter of time before she broke completely, and she knew it. How long can someone hold out with no dreams left? No goals? Nothing to look forward to? It was a bleak existence for Rainbow Dash. Sure she, had her friends by her side, but her passion, her one true, unwavering goal in life was gone. I have no purpose, she thought to herself. All my life, I had a goal, and now that it's gone, what do I do? What is there left? These thoughts pounded her head like a drum, as she lay in her small, solitary living room, sobbing quietly, slowly drifting off to sleep.

The sun woke her up. Before the accident, she loved the warm light of the sun telling her it was time to awake and clear the skies. Now, the once warm beacon of light had turned into a bitter object of torment. Every time she looked at the sky, saw another pegasus floating by, or even a butterfly gliding gracefully between the leaves of a bush, she was reminded of that horrible day, of her debilitating injuries, of the dreams she had. With a moan, she stood, knees shaky. What the hay? she thought to herself. Even after the accident, my legs have worked fine. She shrugged off the inconvenience as an effect of the massive hangover she had just registered. "Gah..." she said out loud. "I need a drink." With that, she limped into the kitchen, eying the next full container in a list of fast draining bottles lining the wall. Without hesitation, she downed a gulp of the first bottle she found. It burned her throat, and left a dry, smoky taste in her mouth. "Whiskey," she said to herself. "I don't even like whiskey." She continued to drink. After only one or two shots, she could feel something was wrong. Her balance teetered, and seemed to turn upside down, followed by a severe sapping of her strength. After five minutes, even keeping her head off of the ground proved to be a chore too difficult for the blue pegasus. "Oh no," she blurted just before a jet of putrid liquid flowed from her mouth. "What the hay? I didn't even drink that much." These were the last sentences she got out before her vision blurred, and eventually blacked out all together.

************************

A steady beeping filled the room, a sound all too familiar too Twilight and Applejack. "How..." Twilight trailed off, the beginning of the inquiry pointed to the Doctor. "How did this happen?" The Doctor, Doctor Whooves, was staring intently at Rainbow Dash, an obvious face of sadness placed on his features. "Your friend has a rare condition that severely reduces the efficiency of her liver. The second she started hitting the bottle, was when she started declining." Twilight's emotions had distilled into a potent mixture, with regret surfacing dominant. "Why didn't we do anything? Why didn't we stop her!?" The outburst caused Applejack to sink back in her chair. "She was waitin' for it," replied the orange earth pony. "What?" snapped Twilight, almost angry at her friend. "She knew what would happen if she kept it up. Think about it. All her little life she wanted to be one of them fancy Wonderbolts. She trained every day, mind set on achieving her ultimate goal. Now imagine takin' that from her. Imagine goin' the rest of your life with no goals, nothin' to look to. If anything, we'd be wrong to stop her." Applejack's thoughts struck into Twilight Sparkle like a blade, plunging deep into her heart. She knew it was true. Stopping Rainbow Dash would only prolong her suffering. Twilight couldn't bring herself to respond, so instead, she wept into her friend's shoulder, broken and in need of a friend.

************************

Rainbow Dash was thin, and losing weight all the time. "She doesn't have much time," a voice came from the hallway. "Her liver has failed completely, and her organs are being poisoned one by one." It was Doctor Whooves. He had a tear in his eye, visibly upset by the imminent loss of the town's most well known pegasus. Twilight's head sank, anticipating the news. Applejack stared at the floor, crying like a filly at the news she dreaded the most. She found herself unable to do anything, but rest her head on her last dear friend's shoulder, weeping openly, holding back nothing. Twilight had anticipated this, and trudged to her sickly old friend. She let out a long cry, and laid an arm across Rainbow Dash's body, waiting for the moment to come. Seconds ticked by, and then minutes, and then hours. By that time, her chest rose and fell for the last time. Twilight didn't know when Rainbow Dash passed on. All she knew was that she was gone now, growing cold in her arms. Her figure had slimmed into a sickly shell of her former athletic self. Jaundice had yellowed her eyes, and begun to tinge her coat from a brilliant cyan, to a fetid green. The trembling of her arms wrapped around Twilight had subsided, and now lay still beside her. Her eyes no longer flitted about under their lids, but looked infinitely in one direction, fixating on nothing. Twilight slid her arm off Rainbow, and faced Applejack. "She's gone."

See You Soon

Applejack had an early start on the day; another nightmare had awoken her from her slumber. She now sat hunched over the breakfast table, a frustrated sigh escaping her. The nightmares, at first, were sparing, perhaps one a month would interrupt her sleep. But now, images of her friends flashed in her dreams, plaguing her mind with memories of the past, jarring her awake night after night. She was almost used to them by now. After so long, even the most heavy of burdens can be shrugged aside.

Her thoughts were interrupted by heavy hoof steps from behind her. "Oh, hey big Mac," she said. "Up a little early aren't ya?" Big Macintosh let out a sigh followed by the expected "Eeyup." But something was off, Applejack knew. Even though he rarely spoke, nopony knew Big Mac like Applejack did, and something wasn't right today. "Something wrong?" she inquired. "There's been a dragon attack in Hoofington. They're drafting the most physically able Colts from Canterlot, Cloudsdale, and Ponyville," he answered. The last in the list of towns hit applejack straight in the chest. Dragon attacks were few and far between, but left massive amounts of devastation in their wake. "AJ," he continued. "I'll be OK, I promise." This was no consolation for Applejack. After Granny Smith passed away, Applebloom and Big Mac were the only close family that remained. Most of the Apple family dispersed across Equestria, each finding their own walk of life, adding to Applejack's reliance on what little family connections remained.

She felt a lump form in her throat. Losing Big Macintosh was something she'd never even thought of until now. The thought made her feel sick. She hunched over the table, desperately trying to force out the world. A red hoof slid around her back. It was comforting. It reminded her of the nights when she was a little filly, and the older ponies from the Family would tell scary mare's tales like the Mare in the Moon. Big Mac was always there to reassure her that everything was alright, and make her feel safe. He was her best friend. The embrace lasted for what seemed like an eternity. "You'll be careful, won't ya big brother?" she asked. "Eeyup." It was funny how even in the most dire situations, Big Mac could always react so calmly. "Write us whenever you can. And promise me you'll be safe."

"Applejack? What's goin on?" Applejack turned to see Applebloom, watching intently from the doorway. "Um," Applejack stammered, trying to find the words to tell her little sister. "Nothin. Big Mac has to go on a trip for a little while." Once again, her honesty shone through, proving her to be Equestria's worst liar. "Applejack, what's really going on? Tell me." Applejack searched an answer. "I can't," was the only response she could muster. "You have to stop treating me like I'm a filly! I may be your younger sister, but I'm not a baby, and I deserve to know!" exclaimed Applebloom. This was true. She was no longer the little filly that Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, or Rarity knew. She was nearly a full grown mare. She deserved to know. Applejack looked at Big Macintosh. A slow nod met her gaze.

**************************

The first letter came only 3 days after Big Mac left. He was always a pony one can count on, and today was no exception. "Applebloom!" called Applejack from the dining room of their farm house. "Big Macintosh sent us our first letter!" Almost instantly, Applebloom was peering over Applejack's shoulder, trying to make out Big Mac's simple print. "Ok, ok, hold your horses, sis," Applejack said, a small laugh evident in her speech. Applebloom complied, and sat in a chair across from her older sister. "Ahem," said Applejack, about to read the letter aloud. "Dear Family, I reached Hoofington just fine, and they're treatin' me just fine. The camp ain't much to look at, but from the look things, the dragons have left, and the damage is bein' fixed up right. The big-wigs want us to stay another two nights, though, say they need to be sure that the dragons are really gone. I'll be back soon. Ya'll keep the farm safe til I come back. See you soon." Applejack gave a smile, looking back over the letter once more. "He's gonne be alright," Applejack assured Applebloom, putting her hoof around her little sister. "Before we know it, he'll be back buckin' as usual."

**************************

It was 5 days until the next letter had come. Applejack had begun to worry, and was ecstatic to see a small envelope lying in the mailbox, Big Mac's handwriting spelling out "Applejack." She hadn't even bothered to tell Applebloom about the letter before tearing it open, and reading it's contents. Dear family, all is fine here in Hoofington, and I'll be comin' back home soon! A mighty friendly hotel owner and his daughter are lettin' me stay there until all the ruckus is cleared up. It's lookin' like I may have to stay another day or two, cause of all the damage done. Don't wait up for me. Applejack was confused by this. Big Mac had always been upfront with her, but something about this didn't add up. Surely all the damage was fixed, and the roads were always kept in check in Hoofington. With hesitation, she shrugged it aside. Something wasn't quite right, but she couldn't worry herself about that. She had an orchard to run!

"Applejack?" Appleblooms voice echoed from upstairs, followed by hoofsteps descending into the living room. Applejack quickly grabbed the letter with her teeth, and stuffed it in her saddlebag, not exactly sure why she was hiding this from Applebloom. "Hey Applejack," Applebloom said, "Big Mac write us yet?"
"Uh, no not yet," she stammered. "Well, tell me as soon as he does!"
"I know," she said. With that, Applebloom set off bucking. Applejack let out a sigh. Please be back soon

**************************

Applejack began to grow suspicious after two and a half weeks. A letter was sent about every two days until recently, when Big Mac didn't mail them for five days. The letter he sent was strange. It described, in detail, the family of the Hotel Owner, and, specifically, his daughter. The letter described how great their family was, and how hospitable the Hotel Owner's daughter, Scarlet, was. He described her interests, talents, hobbies, siblings, and took up nearly half the letter talking about her. Applejack could sense something wrong. Being the element of honesty, Applejack had always had her own kind of Pinkie Sense; being able to sense something fishy was going on. She sighed, and finished up reading the last paragraph before putting the letter into the drawer where the rest layed. She noticed something after refolding the letter, and sliding it back into it's slightly yellowed envelope. It had no return address. Something is wrong thought Applejack. Something is very wrong.

**************************

Applejack began writing frantically after another five days to the address that the first two letters had, but to no avail. Not a single letter was answered. Finally, Applejack started to give up. Why isn't he writing? Is he hurt? Is he ok? Did he get lost on the way back? In the back of her mind, she knew what was going on, but refused to confirm it. Day after day she waited, desperately checking the mailbox to see if Big Mac was alright. Applebloom knew no response would come. If Big Mac were alright, he would've responded by now. Whatever happened, he wasn't likely to come back. She didn't dare tell Applejack this though. She had lost so much, Applebloom couldn't bear to tell her Big Macintosh wouldn't return.

Applebloom was sitting in her room reading a book. Might as well check the mail, she thought to herself. She trotted to the road, and opened the mailbox to see a single envelope laying inside. "Applejack, Applejack!!!" Applebloom was sprinting from the mailbox toward the farm house. "We got a letter! Read it, read it!" Applejack snatched the letter, and tore it open. It wasn't Big Macintosh's hoofwriting. It was more eloquent, and practiced. "I'll be in my room, if ya need me, big sis." Applebloom trotted up the stairs, as Applejack began to read the letter, a knot of nervousness forming in her chest.

Dear Apple Family, it is with heavy heart that we inform you that your older sibling, Big Macintosh, was involved in an accident while traveling back from helping with the dragon crisis. Excavation crews were working on a new road between Ponyville and Hoofington, and the process required blasting large areas with high explosives. A misfire caused a severe avalanche to occur on the slopes of Mt. Pegasus. Unfortunately, Big Macintosh had been walking along the old road, which was a danger site, and was caught up in the avalanche. We're sorry for your loss. If only he had departed a day or two earlier.

A cold hand gripped Applejacks chest, and her stomach wrenched. Just like that, the pony that kept her company all her life was gone. The warm welcoming presence of her older brother had now been extinguished. A familiar feeling she hoped never to experience again tormented the pit of her stomach, and her muscles became weak. She collapsed hard on the kitchen floor, but felt no pain. Tears fell from her face, as sobs erupted from her. "Applejack?" It was Applebloom. Oh Celestia, how can I tell her? "What's wrong, AJ?" she asked, fearing the news. Applejack bit her lip, and held back a series of sobs. "Big Macintosh ain't coming back."

A Familiar Dream

Applejack trotted into town, eagerly awaiting her weekly trip to see Twilight. These trips had become the highlight of her week, and one of the last facets she had left to depend on. She rounded the corner near Twilight's library, and soon found herself approaching the Grey Mare, a restaurant they designated to meet at every week. A warm smile crept across her face as a lavender unicorn came into view. "Twi!" she called out in excitement. "Oh hi, Applejack!" Twilight replied, eager to see her friend. They met up under the dark green awning that sheltered the eating tables from the bright Equestrian sun. Applejack and Twilight sat down, and began to wait for somepony to take their order. Twilight was the first to break the silence. "Applejack," she began, "I know it's been hard since Big Macintosh left us. Even after ten years, I know it hurts, and if you ever need somepony to talk to, I'll be here" Applejack let out a small sigh. She'd been waiting a long time to get this off her chest. "Times change fast, Twi. In the last twenty years, I've seen seven of the people I'm closest to fade away. I know it sounds strange, but don't take life for granted, Twilight. Always appreciate what ya got, cause it can vanish in an instant." Twilight was almost taken back at the solemnity from Applejack. It almost didn't seem like her. She had always been so laid back, so casual, but now, she spoke with such a wise tongue, that Twilight was nearly stunned.

Twilight was unsure of how to respond, until Applejack's eyes locked gazes with hers. She had a strange smile on her face; one of appreciation, Twilight realized. "Everyone has a time to go, Twi," said Applejack. "Just promise me that ya won't go before then." Applejack had been through so much, Twilight realized. Twilight had definitely not taken the losses well, either, but Applejack always seemed to be hurt the most by them. She looked at her old friend, and could tell by the look in her eyes, that she was one of the only things Applejack had left. Applejack let out a small sniff. "I uh... I never told anyone this," she said, "but ever since Fluttershy left us, I've been havin' these dreams." She paused a moment before continuing. "Every time I'd have one of those dreams, I'd be in a bright white place, and then I'd hear a voice... I'd hear Fluttershy. I'd look over real quick at where the voice was comin' from, and I'd see..." she trailed off, a sob interrupting her. "I'd see them. I'd see Fluttershy, and Rainbow, and the rest. They'd always be standin' next to each other, almost like they were waitin' for me. And that's when I would wake up... I never get to talk to 'em, or even get a good look at 'em. They're just there, then gone."

It struck Twilight then, just how deeply Applejack still grieved over their friends. "They say time heals all wounds," Applejack continued. "Well... I beg to differ. I miss 'em all just the way I did the day after they passed. Ain't a day goes by when I don't think about 'em. I tell ya, Twi, it still hurts." Twilight let a tear form in her eye. Applejack was suffering, she realized; suffering from an ailment with no cure, suffering from a wound that won't heal. "Applejack," she started. "I'm so sorry. I didn't realize how much you still missed them."
"No need to apologize, Twi. Isn't your fault." She let a tear fall from her face. "I mean, after all, we'll get to see 'em sooner or later anyway." These words echoed in Twilight's head. She knew what Applejack meant.

It's My Time

Applejack peered into the long black casket placed in front of the congregation. Inside lay a weathered lavender figure. Its mane had once been a brilliant deep purple, but now had faded into a dreary violet. Its lavender mane held nearly none of its once youthful luster, and had also faded into a far less vibrant version of its former color. Lines and valleys traced along its once youthful face, fully revealing the age of the pony. Applejack shed a tear, eyes unmoving from the lifeless figure in front of her. "Goodbye, Sugarcube." A stallion approached her from behind, clad in a dark suit. "Would you like to say a few words regarding your friend?" A nod answered his question. She lumbered up the steps to the podium, joints popping in protest with each step. She let out a sigh, then began. "It seems like only yesterday that we all defeated Discord. Funny how time creeps up on ya. Often times I wonder what it's like after ya pass. But today, I realized it's not about what happens after you die. It's about what you did while you were alive, and about those you've touched. Twilight Sparkle made these last many years the best of my life, and it was in that time that I realized that the only important thing, more so than money, or popularity, or social status, or anything else you'd find yourself wantin', is the connection you have with your friends. No matter how bad life seems to be, your true friends will stay by your side, and see you through it. Twi had been there every time I was in need, and I know, right now, she's waitin' for me. She's waitin' for me along with Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Big Macintosh, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Granny Smith. And when the time comes, they won't have to wait any longer."

Applejack looked out into the crowd. A small bittersweet smile spread across her face. Applause slowly grew from the audience. Her speech had made an impact. Even the young fillies in the audience found tears forming in their eyes. She stepped down from the podium, a strange feeling warming her chest. It was the feeling of contentedness. The icy grip that held her heart in the past years had released. Still, there was that sinking in the pit of her stomach. There was that small pang of guilt that she wasn't there when she passed. Wish I was there, Twi, she thought to herself. She let out a sigh, still the slightest amount of grief evident in her mind. Her thoughts were interrupted by the heavy trotting of a stallion approaching, a note tucked into his teeth. He removed it, and began to speak. "Applejack," he started, "I found this in her hoof just after she... you know... I think she wanted you to have it." A strange look came over Applejack as she unfolded the letter. Curiosity got the better of the stallion. "She must have written it just before she passed," he said. "How did she pass anyway?" Applejack gave him a look of sentimental resoluteness. "Well, I guess her old ticker just stopped tickin,'" she said, in a sort of nostalgic way, as if remembering something from her days as a filly. She returned her attention to the piece of parchment, and read its contents. All traces of grief vanished, as a wide grin formed on her, tears outlining her features.

Dear Applejack,

You said everypony had a time to go, and now is my time. I'm ready to pass on and rest. I'll see you when your time comes as well. Thank you for making these last years with me as wonderful as they were.

Sincerely, your faithful friend, Twilight Sparkle.

No More Goodbyes

A warm serenity wrapped Applejack; one that drowned out the commotion from the ballroom; one that erased the large regal guest room she was currently in, and replaced it with complete bliss. The memorial had been her final duty for her friends, and now, it was time to drift away, finally at ease with all Equestria had to offer. Almost immediately after her eyes slid shut, the entire world seemed to break apart and fall, leaving her floating in a state of utter peace. She felt herself rising; rising into a place she had been awaiting since the passing of her last closest friend. Her chest's rising and falling slowly gave way to stillness. Her steady pulse slowed, and eventually halted, releasing the physical bonds of her spirit. All uncertainties she had were replaced by a flowing warmth that spread from head to hoof. Time slowed as the final seconds of consciousness left her. A smile was the last action she would ever make.

**************************

Applejack found herself in a daze. She tried to shake the grogginess from her head. What just happened? she thought to herself. It seemed like a dream, but something was off. That feeling remained. It was a feeling of being content with the world. Everything felt like a blur. The memories her mind contained seemed real enough. She remembered explaining to Applebloom how she wouldn't be around much longer, she remembered speaking at the memorial, and she remembered falling asleep. But where was she now? She hadn't even taken the time to look at her surroundings. It was eerily familiar. Everything was bright, resembling the inside of a cloud, and it seemed like a bleached fog rolled close to the ground. She let out a small disappointed sigh as she realized what was going on. "Oh no," she grumbled out loud. "Another dream." She kicked a hoof at the ground, and noticed something that caused her to reel back on her haunches. Her orange coat was more vibrant than she had seen in years. Giving it thought for the first time, she realized her joints no longer ached, and her muscles held the strength that had been lacking for so many years. Her eyes widened. Is it a dream? she wondered.

She felt a hoof rest on her shoulder. She gasped, but dared not to turn to see who it was. Her heart raced, and thoughts flashed back to just before she woke here. She had... fallen asleep? She gave little thought to it at first, but then she realized that hadn't fallen asleep. It was more like drifting into the- heavens! She whipped around, half excited, and half terrified of what she would see.

"It's not a dream," said a familiar voice. It was a voice she hadn't heard in years. It was gentle and delicate. It was a voice that she heard in her dreams but never got to respond to. "Flu- Fluttershy?" she asked, Tears choking her off. The pegasus nodded in return, a gentle smile set on her face. Applejack let out a cry of joy and embraced her long lost friend, tears flowing from her eyes. She gazed past Fluttershy's embrace and discovered the silhouettes of six ponies, standing bathed in a glorious light. Applejack approached slowly, desperately hoping it to be reality. Soon her eyes adjusted and recognized the figures. Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Big Macintosh, and Granny Smith all stood, awaiting her. A wide smile formed on her face. There would be no more heartbreak, no more sorrows, no more goodbyes. At long last, her wait was over; she was at peace.