What Comes Next

Chapters

Chapter Two: That Morning
Chapter Three: A Revelation
Chapter Four: Birds and Bees and Baby Dragons
Chapter Five: Follow Your Heart
Chapter Six: Card Games and Confrontation
Chapter Seven: A Stroll Home
Chapter Eight: The Next Day
Chapter Nine: In the Words of Fillies
Chapter Ten: Reptiles and Rainbows
Chapter Eleven: Tantrum
Unlucky Chapter: Butterflies
Chapter Fourteen: Progress?
Chapter Fifteen: A Return
Chapter Sixteen: Politics
Chapter Seventeen: Milkshakes and Monsters
Chapter Eighteen: Intervention
Chapter Nineteen: Just a friendly dinner.
Chapter Twenty: No Calm Before A Storm
Chapter Twenty One: Running Scared
Chapter One: An Unintended Encounter
Chapter Twelve: Tantrum (Aside)

Chapter Two: That Morning

"But I don't get it, I thought that's what you wanted. At least you wanted to last night." Said the blue pegasus hovering just at the top of a particularly small apple tree.

"Ya weren't there this mornin', she was about ta cry Dash. She couldn't even look me in tha eyes. An' ah could hear her screamin an' sobbin while talkin ta Twilight too." Applejack had been trying in vain to kick the last of the apples off the small tree for several minutes, getting more frustrated by the second.

"But she said yes, you said it yourself, and from what I saw, neither of you had any reservations with getting all grabby with each other and playing tonsil hockey." Dash wrinkled her nose, "Even after she barfed."

Applejack stopped kicking and shot an angry glare upwards, "You're missin tha point entirely. What if you were ta get drunk an' ask Rarity ta take ya to the spa? Or told me ya were on yer way ta chew out yer boss? Or that ya were goin ta get a tattoo on yer face or somethin else crazy? You'd expect somepony ta stop you wouldn't ya?"

Dash landed gently on the ground beside Applejack. AJ's message had finally clicked in her head. She looked down and kicked at the dirt with a hoof.

"Well, when you put it like that… I still don't get it though, I thought you liked her, what are you gonna do now?"

"Ah don't rightly know Dash. Sure ah like her, an ah'd like ta go after her, but after somethin like this I just don't see how."

"I don't know what ta tell ya AJ, I actually don't have much experience with romance, especially not complicated stuff like this. Have you tried talking to your family about it?"

"NO!" Applejack shouted. A sudden wave of panic hit as the thought occured. "Ah cant tell mah family, if Granny Smith ever found out, ah could never show mah face around the Apple family again."

Rainbow Dash scoffed, "I doubt it would be that bad. Maybe Fluttershy is upset, but I'm sure your family will see your side."

"It's not that, Granny is… old fashioned… if she knew ah even looked at another mare like that she'd disown me. On top of that, ah think Big Macintosh has a thing for Fluttershy, if he knew ah got to her first he'd be crushed, he'd hate me. And it's not like ah can tell Applebloom unless ah want the whole town ta know."

"Well I… I dunno AJ, I wanna help but this whole thing is just too complicated." Rainbow placed a concerned hoof on Applejack's shoulder. "I love you like a sister, so do all of our friends, and Fluttershy isn't going to hate you because of one mistake."

"Ah know you're tryin ta help Rainbow, an don't think ah'm not grateful, but ah reckon this is somethin ah just gotta deal with mahself." Looking out at the orchard and to the apple tree still refusing to relinquish it's fruit she let out an exhausted sigh. "If'n you'll excuse me, ah think just gettin back ta work'll help clear mah head."

The gentle chime of the bell alerted Rarity to a new customer. Her morning was already eventful as inspiration had struck her and she was busy with what was surely going to be the finest creation in her new line. "I'll be with you in just a minute." She sang, as she tossed aside a few scraps of brightly colored wool. She had an extra set of hooves, or claws rather, with Spike visiting, and she was not about to let them go to waste. The tiny dragon diligently went about picking up the stray clippings, being as quiet as he could so he wouldn't interrupt her creative process.

Rarity giggled as Spike waddled, quick as his legs could carry him, after every stray bit of fabric she dropped, a perpetual smile on his face. She held up the square she was working with, floating a large pair of shears over she snipped a tiny piece from the corner. With an innocent whistle she dropped it to the floor beside her, mere inches from her hooves. She smiled watching him run to retrieve the tiny scrap, slowing briefly to brush against her leg, obviously on purpose. She knew she should probably feel bad for toying with him like that. She should, but he was making no effort to conceal that he was, in fact, enjoying it.

The sudden sounds of hoofsteps galloping up the stairs however brought her quickly out of her serene state of creative bliss. Quickly spinning around to view her intruder, she was greeted with a pair of teal eyes and soggy yellow cheeks.

"Fluttershy? What's wrong? Darling you look positively dreadful." Shooing the tiny dragon hovering around her feet into the next room she motioned to a small group of pillows on the floor. "Have a seat, I'll make some tea."

A short time later Spike was on his way back to the library and the two ponies were sitting together around a small tea set.

"Rarity, d-did Spike say anything a-a-about why he was h-here?" Fluttershy stammered over the steaming cup she held.

"He told me that you and Applejack were the reason Twilight sent him here, he didn't say much but it sounded like something happened."

"O-oh good, so you d-don't know what happened?"

Placing a hoof on her chin and tilting her head Rarity replied, "Well, all Spike told me was that you were very loud, he heard strange sounds from your room, and Twilight rushed him out the door towards my boutique." she smirked "Why if I didn't know better I would say something very unladylike was happening."

Fluttershy's heart sank. Of course Rarity knew. "I was j-just hoping we could do something, a-anything, that doesn't involve the library, or alcohol, or… um… Applejack. Can we please go to the spa or something? I'll pay for everything."

Normally Rarity would jump at the chance to be treated to a spa package, but this was different. She may not be the most observant pony around, but she wasn't a Twilight either, she knew something was wrong. "Fluttershy, dear, if you and Applejack had a fight I'm sure you can work it out, she is the element of Honesty after all, I'm sure…"

"It wasn't a fight."

Rarity's eyes widened, a short gasp escaped her lips causing Fluttershy to cringe. There were only two scenarios she could think of that fit Spikes description, fighting, or.… "Oh dear."

Searching for words Rarity could only sit in stunned silence as nothing came to her. Her mouth loosely drawn around half formed syllables as she tried to come to grips with what Fluttershy, her closest friend was telling her.

"I really don't want to talk about it, if that's okay. And if you can't leave work I understand." Fluttershy's gaze never left the teacup but her mind was still back at the library, a place she did not want to be.

The white unicorn composed herself, sitting up straight she remarked, "I understand, not another word on the matter." Allowing herself a small smile she continued, "I suppose I can take an early lunch for a good friend. And of course a spa trip."

Chapter Three: A Revelation

The morning sun was no longer cutting through the windows, and for that Twilight was thankful. "It is a good thing libraries are so quiet." she mumbled to herself.

She was never one who was given to drinking, so it was no surprise that, after a night of cider and very little sleep, she would have a terrible headache. Remembering what Fluttershy said that morning she wondered if all her friends were having as rough a time as she was. Regardless, it was well past time to start shelving the returned books.

Spike was humming happily to himself as he cleaned the unspeakable filth from the bathroom. He had just spent the night and most of the morning in Rarity's boutique, she even served gems with breakfast.

Everything had to be spotless, that was the way of things. Spike was well accustomed to this, and being that he and Twilight lived above a public library, he had seen his fair share of terrible messes. Add to that Twilight's constant science experiments and it was a wonder he had any color left in his claws from all the bleach and other chemicals he was in constant contact with.

It takes more than that to topple a mighty dragon though. Especially one with a belly full of sapphires and head full of a certain white unicorn.

"Spike, are you finished yet? I need to get in there!" Twilight's voice was devoid of energy and Spike knew that meant to leave her alone.

Spike reached up to open the door but was interrupted as it swung inward and slammed against the wall. He felt his feet leave the ground as a soft glow enveloped him and ushered him quickly past Twilight and into the hallway.

As the door slammed behind him a realization hit. He was done with the bathroom, had been for a little while. With his head in the clouds all he was doing for the last several minutes was staring at his reflection, daydreaming. May as well break for lunch.

"There is more mud by the fireplace." Twilight called from behind the bathroom door. Of course there was. There was always more. At least Spike didn't have to do the reshelving today.

Making his way towards the fireplace Spike met a familiar face, a mint green unicorn that was somewhat of a fixture around the library. "Hey Lyra," he chimed "here to check out our new releases? We just got in the new Daring Do book, Rainbow Dash said it was the best one yet."

"Mornin' Spike," She said in her usual cheery tone, "I actually need a calculus textbook, got a big test coming up and I gotta ace this one or the professor will have my head."

"Say no more, I know just the book! It's one of Twilight's favorites."

"Wow you sure are perky today, did you get to eat ice cream for breakfast again?" Lyra smiled warmly at the tiny dragon gingerly waddling over to a nearby desk.

"Better!" Spike nearly shouted, "I got to spend the night at Rarity's place and we had pancakes and she made mine with sapphires instead of blueberries." Turning on his heels to face Lyra, Spike clutched a large book covered in numbers and mathematical symbols tightly. Staring off into the distance he giggled, "It was PERFECT!"

"Wow, sounds like you had fun, was it a special occasion or something?" Reaching out to take the book Lyra gasped, "I didn't forget your birthday did I?"

Returning to his original task Spike scoffed, "Nah, nothin' like that, Twi and her friends had a party and AJ and Fluttershy were acting real weird. They stayed in the guest room and Twilight sent me to stay with Rarity, something about me being 'Too young to watch this'" making air quotes he rolled his eyes as dramatically as he could muster.

It took her a few seconds to comprehend what she had just heard. Barely noticeable through her green fur, her cheeks turned a bright red. "Ohh… That's… err… Is Twilight here? I really need to check out now."

"Did I hear my name?" As if on cue Twilight rounded the corner out of the hallway. "Oh, hi Lyra! Did Spike tell you we have the new Daring Do book in?"

"Uh, yeah, he mentioned it"

"Ooh, I see you found 'Complex Calculus Concepts for Complete Cretins' that's one of my favorites." Twilight smiled and cocked her head. "Doing some studying?"

"Hehe, yeah, got a test this friday." Chuckling nervously Lyra motioned to the door, "Speaking of which, I need to get going so I can hit the books. Bonbon won't let me hear the end of it if I fail another one."

Spike continued quietly scrubbing away with his head back in the clouds as the two mares went through the checkout process. Though barely aware of anything outside his own mind he noticed something odd, Lyra was whispering into Twilight's ear.

Twilight's eyes grew wide, the rubber stamp she was levitating came clattering to the floor. Her gaze shifted from Lyra to Spike and back. "Thank you Lyra, I'll talk to him."

Twilight walked with Lyra to the exit. As the door closed she flipped the open sign, they were now closed for lunch. "Spike, let's take a break, there is something I need talk to you about. Bring a copy of 'Equine Biology Made Easy' to the kitchen, I'll make us something to eat."

The sun was high in the sky and Big Macintosh's stomach was growling. Applejack was supposed to take over his shift at the market stand nearly an hour ago. Surely she had her reasons though, his little sister was nothing if not dependable. He closed his eyes.

"Hi there Big Mac!" The voice roused him from the nap he didn't realize he was taking. "Are you awake there?" Looking up, he struggled to focus on the pony in front of him.

"Carrot Cake?"

The baker smiled, "Oh good, you're awake. I need to place another order, the usual."

"60 pounds, right?" Big Mac fished under the counter for his receipt book. "That's 47 bits."

Carrot Cake placed a small pouch onto the counter, still smiling. "Are you coming tonight? Cup Cake is at the dessert contest in Canterlot and Pinkie is making her special punch."

"Eeyup" Big Mac said, not looking up from the pad he was writing on. Tearing off Carrot's copy of the bill, he continued, "I'm not losin again this time, ya best bring yer A game."

"Heh, with the way you've been playing lately I'd just feel sorry for you if I brought my A game."

Big Mac gave a short laugh, "We'll jus see what tha cards have ta say." In the distance he caught sight of Applejack, just now cresting the top of the hill that served as the halfway point between the farm and the market.

"Soon as AJ gets here I'll bring yer order round to tha bakery."

With a nod and a short "thanks" Carrot Cake was off to finish his errands. A few short minutes later Applejack had joined her brother at the stand.

"Heya Big Mac." Said AJ, unenthusiastically. "Sorry ah'm late, got caught up buckin an lost track o' tha time."

Big Mac looked up at the clock tower in the distance, Applejack was over two hours late at this point. He decided not to pursue the issue. "You alright sis? Ya don' look so good."

"Ah'm alright, it's nothin ya need ta worry 'bout." Applejack said with a sigh. She never was a good liar.

"Big Mac…" she said. "If'n ah made a big mistake that would hurt mah friends an make Granny hate me… you'd still love me right? Still be mah big brother?"

Big Macintosh was no longer concerned, now he was panicking. "AJ, there ain't no mistake big enough ta make us stop bein family. Now yer worryin me, if yer jokin' please stop."

"Hehe, you know me, always a kidder." Applejack forced a nervous chuckle. "But suppose theoretuh-theoratek-theeur… in theory… what if somethin' that bad were ta happen?"

"Ya can't hide it from me AJ, somethin's botherin' you. Now ah gotta get this cart o' apples over ta Sugarcube Corner an' when ah get back ah expect ya ta tell me what it is." Putting his hoof under her chin he raised her eyes to meet his, he could clearly see the tears building. "We're fam'ly, nothin' can break a bond forged in blood."

"Now ah think we have another customer so ah'll take tha cart an be back before ya can say 'Special Delivery'"

A cream colored mare with a two-tone mane approached the stall. Bonbon, the confectioner, no doubt here for more apple liquor for her candies. Big Mac nodded to the two mares before galloping off, apple cart in tow.

"Mornin' Bonbon." AJ said, wiping the moisture from her eyes, "What can I do ya for?"

"The usual." Bonbon replied with a smirk. "That was some party last night, huh? That Pinkie Pie sure knows what she's doing."

Applejack winced, "Yeah, sure was. Now how many bottles did ya need?"

"Four should do it for today" Bonbon said, her smirk slowly becoming a wide grin. "You know how it goes, put too much in there and you may as well be drinking it from the bottle. Don't want to get drunk now."

Applejack felt sick. "Yeah, ah hear ya, let me just get those bottles fer ya an you can be on yer merry way." She pulled on the doors beneath the stall but they wouldn't open. "Gosh darnit, the stalls locked."

"Oh don't worry about me, take your time." Bonbon cooed, her smile seemed unnaturally wide now. "Say, did you notice anything unusual about anypony there?"

"Ah can't say ah did, ev'rypony seemed fine ta me." AJ was sweating, frantically searching for the keys to unlock the stall and end this conversation. "Tell ya what, ah sure don't wanna keep ya from whatever yer doin t'day, why don't ah get Big Mac ta come by yer store later with yer order?"

"Oh nonsense, I don't have anything to do today, the stores closed for remodeling, remember?" Bonbon's voice was saccharine sweet, the same smile still on her face now seemed to twist and warp as Applejack started to succumb to panic. "Was it just me or was Fluttershy really wobbly last night? If I didn't know better I would say she had been drinking."

Applejack's stomach churned. She was starting to hyperventilate. "Ah'm sure ya know that Fluttershy has trouble around crowds, it was probably just nerves." Her head was swimming and her ears were ringing as she frantically tore through the drawers trying desperately to find the key that held her escape.

"No, I think she was drunk at the party. It was a good thing that she had friends like you that stayed with her after everyone left. She could have done something she would regret."

Applejack's stomach gave way. She crumpled into a ball on the ground, her head spinning and her stomach convulsing she tried in vain to respond but any words that formed were immediately cut off by retching. Within seconds she had purged the entire contents of her stomach and was heaving dry.

The sound of laughter was piercing, even over the loud ringing in AJ's ears. She peeled her eyes open and, looking upwards, saw Bonbon standing over her, reveling in the sight of the orange earth pony surrounded by a pool of rancid waffles and bile.

"If'n yer tryin' ta say somethin' just come out with it. Ah never done nothin' ta you." Applejack managed to squeeze out through ragged breaths and her retching stomach.

Bonbon continued to laugh, "You want it straight? Fine. How long did it take you to realize you were one of us?"

"What are ya talkin 'bout" AJ gasped, "Ah don't understand."

"I'll say it clear, how long did it take you to realize that you were gay? You know, one of us, a filly-fooler, A F****T!" Bonbon's smile was gone, in it's place was a bitter scowl. Her soft, sweet tone replaced by a wavering shout. "YOU MADE FUN OF ME WHEN I CONFESSED MY FEELINGS FOR YOU. YOU REJECTED ME WITH NO REGARD TO MY FEELINGS AND NOW YOU ARE GOING AROUND WITH YOUR LITTLE F**K-BUDDY FLUTTERSHY"

"She… is not… my f**k-buddy." Applejack heaved. "And ah never… made fun of you… neither. How'd you even find out about that?"

Suddenly two sets of hooves skidded to a stop between the two mares. A large red earth pony and a mint green unicorn. "WHAT IN CELESTIA'S NAME ARE YOU DOING BONBON?!" Lyra cried as Big Macintosh gently pulled Applejack upright and leaned her against the applecart.

"Applejack is a hypocrite, she picked on me when she found out I liked her. She made fun of me for being gay. And now you tell me she is going with Fluttershy, the girliest mare in all of Ponyville!" Bonbon's voice cracked and trembled, Lyra could see the tears beginning to flow.

"Bonbon, Honey, I was there that day remember? She didn't make fun of you or tease you or anything. You were so hurt by her rejection that you avoided her like the plague. You were so scared of your own feelings for her that you imagined she was terrorizing you every time you saw her. You hid from her and I'll bet anything she never even knew."

Big Macintosh whispered into Applejack's ear, "Is what she said true? Are you goin' with Fluttershy?"

"No, we aren't goin' together, it was just one night, an it was a mistake."

Lyra continued, "Honey, you need to take a look at yourself right now. You are terrorizing a friend. You turned into an even bigger bully than you imagined her to be. I thought you liked her."

"I DO, all I wanted was for her to give me a chance. And now she is running around with some hussy with a long mane and a soft voice." Bonbon's cheeks were soggy as the tears freely flowed down her face. "Is there something wrong with me?"

"Yes, there is." Lyra said with a scowl. "You let jealousy take over and turned to bullying the very pony you like. You broke a promise you made to me to not tell anybody what I heard from Spike. And on top of that, you just admitted that the whole time we have been together you have been obsessing over somepony else! We're about to celebrate a whole year of being a couple but you can forget that. I don't even know you. I guess I never knew you."

Lyra turned her back to Bonbon. "If you can't give me your heart, then you don't deserve to have mine. We're finished."

"But… I just… Sweetie!" Bonbon couldn't piece together what had just happened. "I love you Lyra."

"It's too late for that now." Lyra said coldly, her back still turned to Bonbon. "You should just go. I need to be here with AJ and Big Mac to help fix your mess."

Unable to think, Bonbon sat, stunned, trying just to make sense of her surroundings.

"GO!" Lyra shouted.

That single word seemed to strike Bonbon's chest like a locomotive. Unable to hold back anymore she turned away, openly sobbing, and ran.

"Ah'm so sorry sugarcube." Applejack said, finally struggling to her feet.

"Don't be, it's not your fault." Lyra replied, a hint of pain finally entering her voice. "I should have known."

"Seems t'me nopony knew." Applejack brushed aside Lyra's bangs and looked her in those orange eyes brimming with barely restrained tears. "You need someplace ta stay for a couple nights, we got a guest room, right Big Mac?"

"Eeyup"

"Thanks guys." Lyra slowly wrapped her hooves around Applejack, her face buried in her chest, and finally broke down.

Chapter Four: Birds and Bees and Baby Dragons

The spa was quiet. Quieter than usual. The twins exchanged confused looks as they mixed the facial masks for the two mares, who were always so talkative. Apart from Rarity insisting that she pay for the visit Fluttershy and Rarity had not said a single word to each other since they arrived.

Once the pair were prepped, bundled in their robes and hot towels, they were sat down on long cushioned tables side by side.

Aloe set down a tray carrying two jars of the clay facial between the tables. Staring at the jars Fluttershy at long last broke the silence. "Maybe we could have an herbal bath instead."

"Is something wrong?" Aloe asked. "Is it the table?"

"No the table is fine."

"Is it the aroma? We just changed the mixture of our mud."

"It smells fine, it's just… I really don't want to be around mud today." Fluttershy said nervously, "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be any trouble." Her voice trailing off.

Aloe frowned, "I'm sorry Miss Fluttershy the herbal bath is being cleaned. We don't usually get customers so early in the day."

"Oh, never mind then, I don't want to be a bother."

"What about the steam room?" Rarity asked quickly. "That sounds good, right Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy nodded.

"I'll have to ask Lotus," Aloe replied, "but I believe the steam room should be up and running by now."

Picking up the tray, Aloe quietly excused herself, leaving Rarity and Fluttershy alone.

"Fluttershy, dear, this is obviously bothering you terribly. Perhaps it would help to talk about it?"

Fluttershy shook her head. "I don't think so Rarity, all I want to do is forget about it."

"I understand, we won't talk about it."

"Um, D-do you have any plans for lunch Rarity?"

"I'm afraid I'm rather behind on my work. I'll probably just have a sandwich when I get back to the boutique."

Fluttershy stared down at the floor. "Oh, okay."

"Please promise me you won't spend the rest of the day by yourself, you are obviously very upset and I worry about you when you are alone."

"Okay."

The room grew silent again. Fluttershy just stared at the floor.

Twilight stared at the book sitting on the table between her and Spike. She was used to teaching all about a myriad of things, but this one was different. She had explained all the biological and mechanical workings of it, but Spike had questions she didn't know how to answer. Questions she wasn't sure she understood the answer to herself. Questions that involved morals and emotions.

"Pinkie Pie will be here in just a few minutes to talk about reserving the library for a party, why don't you take this book upstairs and read it till we're done?"

"But Twilight, I understand everything the book said, even those really gross bits. That's not what I'm confused about."

"I know Spike, I just need a little while to figure out how to best explain the answers" In truth, Twilight was just hoping Spike would forget that he had questions. She was in way over her head.

There was a knock at the door. Twilight sighed in relief, glad for anything to break this tension. "Coming!" She called.

Twilight opened the door and, sure enough, there stood Pinkie Pie, and for some reason she was wearing a tailcoat. She knew not to question it, the answer was always "It's Pinkie Pie".

"Thank goodness you are here Pinkie, you have no idea what I have been through this morning." Twilight extended a hoof, inviting Pinkie inside.

"I know right, you should hear about my day too, first I went to try out for a dance troupe down at the rec center, they wanted somebody who could breakdance, but I showed up ready for tap. Then I thought that since I was kinda already dressed for it I should try to do some magic tricks. I went down to the joke shop to get some props and met a real magician. He told me it really helps if you are a unicorn and can already do some real magic. So I decided that if the best way to be a magician was to be a unicorn then that had to do that first. So I went to the Everfree forest to find the Fountain of the Three Tribes, but when I got to where it was there was this really old rock that said that King somethingorother blew it up with a great big spell so that they could keep the badguys from becoming alicorns and taking over the world. Then I realized that if I wanted to be a really good magician it would be even better if I was an alicorn instead. So I went to Zecora's place for tea because I mean really, you can't become an alicorn on an empty stomach. So we had tea and these weird little cakes that the zebra people have on special occasions cause of some neat traditions that have something to do with a war that lasted two hundred years and put a curse on a famous zebra king and something I don't remember about an enchanted amulet buried under a huge tree in Ponyville. Well after I left Zecora's hut I headed to the Screaming Caves so I could find the Heart of the World gem cause that's the only way for a non destined pony to get to that place the elements of harmony sent you when you became an alicorn. So I found the gem and when I touched it, sure enough I was transported to that weird place and there was a really old guy there who had a great big long beard and a hat with bells, Starswirler I think his name was. He told me that he could make me into an alicorn but just then my party watch went off telling me I was late for our appointment so I asked him if it was at all possible that he knew a time spell that could send me back in time far enough that I could make it here on time and it turned out that he did Twilight, can you believe it? So I got him to cast it on me and it tickled a little. There was a bright flash and then I was back outside Zecora's hut and I saw me coming up the path but when that me saw me standing there she started screaming something about creating a pair-o'-box or something but I didn't get to hear the whole thing because she started fading away like she didn't exist anymore. So than I came back here and realized that since my watch didn't get reset when I got sent back, I still had time to have another tea time, so I went to the café and met Rainbow Dash there and she told me all about this really neat flying trick she just learned and how she wished I was a pegasus so that I could fly with her and I thought about it and how, if I was an alicorn, I would be able to do magic tricks and flying tricks AT THE SAME TIME!"

"And then I woke up and realized that I was about to be late for our appointment. Oh, by the way Twilight, do you know how to set a party watch?"

"Can't say as I do Pinkie. And just to make sure, all that stuff you just said, all of it was a dream? Ever since that incident with the mirror pond I can't tell if you are being serious or not about those ancient legends."

"I'm pretty sure it was a dream, it did seem pretty real, but I'm pretty sure that if I came back in time and met myself, it would be the me from further on that disappeared. Not the one from the past."

"You have a point, but also, do you remember when I found that spell and went back in time? I think we proved pretty definitively that it is impossible to create a paradox due to the fact that whatever future you does when they go into the past has already happened and so it cannot be changed."

Pinkie waved her hoof in the air and rolled her eyes. "Aww phooey, there's no way that could be true, everypony knows that if that were the case it would conflict with the possibility of having free will."

"Twilight, did you just get out-eggheaded by the party pony?" Spike remarked from across the room.

"No, I'll think of a response. And arent you supposed to be reading that book I gave you?"

"I don't see why I have to, we already know it doesn't have the answers to my questions."

"Ooh, what are we studying? Maybe I can help." Pinkie cooed enthusiastically.

Twilight sighed, leaning forward she whispered into Pinkies ear, "Thanks to Applejack and Fluttershy, today I have to teach Spike about the birds and the bees so that he won't go telling the entire town, and I can't answer his questions."

Pinkie Pie gave a nod, "You mind if I give it a try? I have had to do this before, when I volunteered at the orphanage."

"Be my guest, can't do any worse than me."

"Spike my boy, your auntie Pinkie Pie is here to answer any questions you might have." Sitting down on the couch she patted the space beside her.

Spike hopped up on the couch with her. "Well, I only have a couple. Twilight told me that AJ and Fluttershy are really ashamed of themselves and are afraid to tell anypony. But she also told me that doing those things is a very happy thing that everypony works really hard for. And she also told me that it is very serious thing that nopony should do unless they were really really sure it was the right thing to do."

Spike scratched his head, "I don't see why it is such a big deal, and I definitely don't see how you could be ashamed if you did something that everypony is working hard for."

Pinkie clapped her hooves together and gave a reassuring nod to Twilight "Spike you came to the right place cause I can answer all those questions at once. But it's gonna cost ya."

"What do you mean? What's it gonna cost?"

Pinkie turned to Twilight, and winked "Twilight, you told me that Spike has a scale that came from his mother's tail, and that it is the only thing that he has of hers. Can I have it, I wanna make a hair bow."

"NO! THATS THE MOST SPECIAL THING I HAVE! TWILIGHT, DON'T LET HER HAVE IT!"

Twilight gave Spike a warm smile, "Relax, she isn't really going to take it, she is just illustrating a point."

"Rrrright you are Twilight! You see Spike, one day there is going to be something even more special to you than that scale, you can't touch it, but you can feel it, heck, you've already started on the road to finding it. Ya know what it is?"

Spike shook his head.

"It's love, it's a lot like how you feel when you are around Rarity, and if Rarity asked you for that scale would you give it to her?"

Spike frowned, his brow lowered, that would be a tough decision. "I dunno, maybe, if she really wanted it."

"See Spike? That's how much love means. Those things in that book are meant to be done as a symbol of that love, so in a way it is like giving that scale to somepony, you only want to give it to somepony very very special. You understand?"

Spike nodded, "It really does sound like something wonderful when you say it like that. But why would AJ and Fluttershy be ashamed of doing something like that?"

Pinkie's face was suddenly very serious. "It isn't always simple Spike, In their case there are two things wrong. First is Applejack, her Granny Smith believes that those things should only be done between a mare and a stallion. But Applejack believes that she should be able to do them with whatever pony you love, no matter the gender. But Applejack is afraid of upsetting her granny."

"I agree with Applejack, it's not fair to say that someone can't love someone because of how they are born." Spike huffed.

"Now now Spike, our beliefs are what make us who we are, Granny Smith can believe whatever she wants, she is only wrong if she tries to force her beliefs onto others."

"I guess that makes sense too, what's the other reason?"

"You remember how I asked Twilight for the scale instead of asking you?"

"Uh huh."

"You know how ponies start acting weird when they drink alcohol? Sometimes when you drink too much you don't know what you are doing anymore, and you make decisions that you would never normally make. It's just like if somepony else were giving away your scale. Does it all make sense now?"

"Yeah, thanks Pinkie Pie." Spike leaned over and gave Pinkie the biggest hug his arms could muster. "Um, Twilight, can I put this book up now? Some of these pictures are really gross."

Twilight giggled. "Of course. Just promise you won't go telling anypony else about last night."

"I promise." Spike looked down and shuffled his feet. "And I'm sorry I told Lyra. I didn't know."

"I know you didn't, it's okay, no harm done." Twilight smiled, "Now run along, we have business to discuss."

Spike hopped down from the couch and ran off.

"I can't thank you enough Pinkie, you really saved my skin there. However, you do know he is going to be lugging that scale around everywhere we go for the next month"

"I did say it was gonna cost ya!"

Chapter Five: Follow Your Heart

It was mid afternoon, normally too early to close the stand. Big Macintosh assured them that he would think of something to tell Granny Smith. After the scene played out in the market he was pretty certain that there would be few customers for a while.

The three had spoken few words since they left the market and they were now almost to the farmhouse. Passing row upon row of apple trees, all laden with bright fruit of several colors, it was hard for Applejack to believe that she had spent the entire morning and into the afternoon bucking nonstop.

The harvest season had just begun a few weeks ago but the wind had a bitter bite to it. A stray gust blew a patch of leaves from a nearby apple tree, sending a shiver through Lyra, who's work and studies often kept her inside on most days. It did not escape Applejack and Big Macintosh who gathered a bit closer to her acting as a shield to the winds.

"Thanks guys, for everything. And I'm sorry Bonbon made such a scene. I don't know what got into her." Lyra remarked, trying to hide the shiver in her voice.

"Ah reckon there weren't nothin ya could've done. Sounds ta me like she had kept all that bottled up for a long time. Surely it was gonna come out sooner or later." Applejack said with a warm smile. She certainly wasn't going to say it aloud, but she was glad to no longer feel as though the world was resting entirely on her, she found in Lyra somepony to share it's weight, if only for a while.

"Um… I don't mean to pry, but I never knew you liked mares, did… did we just out you to the whole town?" Lyra's head was hung low, she looked over to Applejack, still avoiding eye contact.

"Well, there were a few ponies that already knew, but not many. Pretty sure this is news to mah brother though."

"Eeyup." Big Mac had scarcely said more the entire trip. He never was much for words, but more than that he had no idea how to breach the subject, or what to say if he did.

"You mean your family didn't even know yet?" Lyra stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening. "I am so-so-sooooo sorry AJ."

Applejack turned around. Facing Lyra she could see plainly the guilt across her face. "Sugarcube, they had to find out sooner or later. Jus' so happens it's gonna be sooner. Heck, ah reckon y'all done me a favor, like rippin' off a bandage. Still stings a bit, but all in all ah'm glad for it." Applejack took a deep breath and turned back to face her brother.

"Big Mac, ah know that you would never hate me cause ah like mares, right?"

"Nnope"

"And you'll help me figure out a way ta tell Granny that won't make her hate me, right?"

"Eeyup"

"And… well… Ah know ya have a thing for Fluttershy, and ah know yer probably pretty upset that ah'm the one that got to her." Applejack swallowed hard, she could feel her stomach twisting again. "Well what ah mean is… ya see… well.…"

"Ya don't have to apologize AJ. Tha way ah see it, if the both of us want the same thing it's only natural that only one of us could get it in the end. Ah s'pose ah wont be able ta go after her without rememberin' this, but nopony said she'd be the only one out there."

The wind blew hard. A tiny squeak could barely be heard above the sound of the rustling leaves. Applejack turned towards the sound. It was Lyra. The small mare was shivering profusely, she was simply not built for the cold.

"Let's all get inside, we can talk more where it's warm." Applejack motioned to the house a short distance away. They all began walking again, a little closer.

"Do ya need ta get anything from yer house Lyra?" Applejack asked as she busied herself with dusting the various knickknacks and doodads arranged on the dresser. They rarely had visitors stay overnight so there was little point in keeping up the room when nopony was expected.

"There is nothing I can think of." Lyra was changing the bedsheets. She had insisted on helping out as much as she can. Applejack insisted that Lyra, being a guest, should not have to. This was the compromise. "Besides, even if there was, I don't think I am ready to see Bonbon just yet."

"Ah completely understand, an if it'd be any help, ah could get Big Mac ta pick up whatever ya need. Ah doubt anypony would want me ta run into Bonbon either, after all that." AJ chuckled nervously. "He said he has some business or other at Sugarcube Corner t'night anyway, ah'm sure he won't mind."

Lyra stretched the quilt across the freshly made bed, the pillowcases barely peeking above the folds in the sheets. She sat down, bouncing slightly she let out a tiny giggle. "I couldn't possibly ask him to, you guys are already doing so much for me."

"It's no trouble at all, really." Applejack said as she watched Lyra bounce, crinkling the fresh bedclothes. She couldn't remember seeing a genuine smile today and Lyra was the last pony she expected to have one.

"I like this bed. It's a little creaky, but super soft." Looking around the room she noticed several pictures on the walls. Each picture had a different pony in it, but every one of them had some sort of apple related cutie mark. "I guess these pictures are some of the other Apple family members?"

"Yup, I haven't met all of them, but Granny can tell you all of there names, birthdays, exactly how every one of them is related, even their favorite color. I don't know how anybody can keep up with all that."

"Wow, I wish I had a big family like you guys. I'm an only child, and so are both my parents." Looking at all the smiling faces in the pictures Lyra giggled again. As she examined the room she noticed a small shadowbox in the corner. "What's that there?"

"Fluttershy made that for mah birthday a couple years back, it's a diorama of the farm, she collected the molted feathers from like twenty different birds to make it." Applejack pointed to a small yellow pony shape on the side. "This is one of her own pinions, she says it didn't come out well, but ah think it's beautiful." For the first time today, Applejack felt a genuine smile on her own face.

"She is really pretty, really nice too. I can see why you like her."

"Yeah, well, ah don't suppose that really matters much right now." Applejack sighed. "What happened was a mistake, we were both drunk and, well, she probably hates me now."

"Are you kidding? Just look at that shadowbox, it must have taken her weeks, maybe months to make that. She obviously cares for you. And even if it was a mistake, even if she doesn't want to have a relationship, she can't possibly hate you." Lyra said as she flopped onto her back. She patted the sheets to either side of her, enjoying the softness of the handmade quilt.

"Ah sure hope yer right. Ah don't mind if we can't have a relationship, but ah could never forgive mahself if we couldn't have our friendship."

"That's not true, you love her, of course you mind if you can't have a relationship. And there have to be some feelings there or what happened would have never happened." Lyra sat up again. "There is a chance that she has real feelings for you. It may be tricky, but if you really love her shouldn't you try to find them?"

"Ah dunno Lyra, she seemed pretty upset about it." Applejack scratched the back of her neck. "Say, how did you find out about us again?"

"Oh, well Spike told me, I don't think he realized what was going on, and I'm pretty sure Twilight was going to talk to him after I left. She even closed the library after I left." Lyra's smile disappeared, replaced again by guilt. "I'm really sorry I told Bonbon, I made her promise not to tell anypony. I never expected that she would react like that."

"Don't worry 'bout it, ah wouldn't expect ya to keep secrets from yer marefriend." Applejack's stomach growled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since breakfast, and she had thrown that up. "Ya wanna get somethin ta eat?"

Chapter Six: Card Games and Confrontation

"So, if I've got this straight what happened was…" Carrot Cake began, "you met Lyra on the way here…"

"Eeyup"

"...and the two of you started talking about an order for Bonbon's candies…"

"Mmmhmm"

"...and as soon as you got here there was some sort of commotion over at the market involving Bonbon and Applejack."

"Yeah"

"And that's why you dumped the apples in a pile in front of the door and sped off?"

Big Macintosh cringed, his face becoming slightly redder than usual. He nodded, "Ah'm sorry Carrot, an ah can't go into much detail, but believe me, it was important." He slowly slid two cards to the center of the table.

The back room of Sugarcube Corner rarely saw ponies come and go. Tonight there was a small table set up in the center of the room. A small punch bowl perched awkwardly on a shelf that otherwise held a few bags of flour. Baking pans of all shapes and sizes hung from hooks and sat on shelves. Various fruits and vegetables and syrups and colorings engulfed the entire wall opposite the door.

Pinkie cocked her head as she placed a card down on the table. "I wonder if it had anything to do with what Spike told her this morning." Pinkie pushed the large pair of shades up onto her forehead and scrunched her nose at the cards in her hand.

"I haven't the slightest clue what you three are talking about," Cheerilee remarked, "care to fill me in?"

"From what I can gather, Applejack and Bonbon got into a fight in the market today. It had something to do with Fluttershy." Carrot offered.

"Oh, does this have anything to do with that rumor that Applejack and Fluttershy are a couple now?"

"Gosh darnit Cheerilee does the whole town know?" Big Mac huffed as he slammed a hoof on the table.

"Jeez Big Mac, calm down. It's just something I heard from a student, you know how rumors spread around here."

"But it just happened this afternoon and school wasn't even out yet."

"I don't know what to tell you, foals gossip." Cheerilee shot Pinkie an impatient glance, prompting a confused look. "You're the dealer Pinkie."

Pinkie placed a hoof to her forehead. "Sorry, all this talk of rumors and gossip got me distracted." She pulled her shades down again and began dealing.

"First of all," Big Mac began, still an exasperated huff in his voice, "no, they aren't a couple. An secondly ponies round here need ta learn ta keep there noses out of everyone else's affairs." He picked up his cup of punch, taking a long draw off the frosty pink beverage.

"Let's talk about something else alright?" Carrot Cake offered with a nervous chuckle. "Didn't you say that Lyra is staying with you guys for a while Big Mac?"

Cheerilee pushed a large stack of bits into the center of the table. "Oh, I heard she and Bonbon broke up, is my sugar bear trying to score a green unicorn on the rebound?" she said with a giggle.

Big Macintosh choked on his drink, his cup tumbled to the floor as he fought off a long coughing fit. After a moment he regained his composure. "Now that's not nice Cheerilee, you know ah'm nothin but proper 'round mares. Ain't nothin like that goin on an you know it."

Carrot Cake chuckled quietly as he added his bits to the steadily growing pot.

"Don't be silly Cheerilee." Pinkie offered. "Lyra is green and Big Mac is red, contrasting colors make for ugly babies."

"Ahem." Carrot scowled. "Thanks Pinkie, I'll be sure to let my blue wife know that my happy orange butt has doomed our children."

"'Sides, Lyra doesn't even go for stallions." Big Macintosh said as he pushed an even larger stack of bits into the pile prompting a few whistles and swear words from the other ponies at the table.

"Gosh Big Mac, that's an awful big bet ya got there," Pinkie giggled as she pushed her own, equally large stack, "you aren't perhaps compensating for something are you? I call!"

Big Macintosh rolled his eyes.

Cheerilee let out a snicker, "That was bad Pinkie. Call."

Carrot Cake tossed his cards onto the table, "I'm out, if I lose any more the wife is gonna start taking notice."

A silence fell over the room, three ponies eyed each other with a seriousness yet to be seen this night. The sound of Carrot sipping his cup of punch practically thunderous in the still.

Pinkie Pie would be the one to break the silence. "Time to separate the ponies from the foals. Read 'em and weep!" She slapped down a hoofful of red cards. "I got a flush, beat that!"

"Hehe, not so fast Pinkie," Cheerilee chimed, laying out her cards with a dramatic flourish, "Full House!" With a smile she turned to Big Mac, "And what do you have schnookums?"

Big Macintosh threw down his cards. "Goshdarnit. Three sevens."

Pinkie grinned, "Ya see? Compensating."

Fluttershy hesitated as she reached the farmhouse of Sweet Apple Acres. Her raised hoof trembled as she told it to knock on the wooden door. She drew a deep breath to steady herself.

A gentle tap was all she could manage. It was quickly answered by a small green mare, but not one she was expecting. "Lyra?"

"Oh hey Fluttershy, come on in! We were just talking about you. We're in the kitchen cleaning up dinner, I've got some tea on." Lyra said with a proud smile. She swung the door wide and offered a hoof to take Fluttershy's scarf.

As Fluttershy entered she could smell a host of wonderful smells, fresh baked breads and pies, mashed potatoes, and of course apples. No matter the time of year, it always smelled like harvest in the Apple family's home. She trotted into the kitchen, Lyra following close behind.

"Heya Fluttershy, been expectin ya." Applejack said from in front of the sink where she washed the last of the dishes. She pointed to an empty chair at the table. "Have a seat."

Lyra quickly grabbed two mugs from the cabinet and placed them on the table, one in front of Fluttershy and one at the corner. Running between the table and the counter, she grabbed the steaming teapot and quietly filled the mugs with an especially fragrant black tea. Pointing a hoof at the sugar bowl she smiled at Fluttershy who simply shook her head.

Lyra levitated a trivet over from the center of the table and placed the teapot on top before excusing herself. As she left she gave Applejack a wink and whispered "Good luck."

Applejack placed the last of the dishes on a towel beside the sink to dry. Wiping her hooves on the corner of the same towel, she opened, "Ya have much trouble gettin' here t'night hon?"

"No, the roads were pretty clear. It's getting pretty cold though." Fluttershy responded. She blew into her mug, sending long wisps of steam into the air. "Where is Granny Smith?"

"She's sleepin', big supper ya know." Applejack sat down at the table. She took a deep breath, searching for the words she had practiced saying so many times today.

"Um, why is Lyra here?"

"Long story sugarcube." Finding her words she began. "We actually had a nice talk earlier an, well, about last night."

Fluttershy stared at the table, her pink mane falling over her eyes. She was hiding, feeling safer behind her locks. No matter how many times she had rehearsed this conversation she found herself unready.

Applejack continued, "Last night was a mistake. We were both, uh, compromised, an we took things a lil too far. But I really do like you, an if'n you'd be willing, I'd like to start again proper." She looked down at the steaming cup of tea, still untouched, in front of her. Swallowing the lump building in her throat she searched for the next words. "Ah'd like ta take ya to dinner sometime, what do ya say?"

Fluttershy was quiet. Still hidden behind her mane, her eyes were squeezed closed. Her thoughts were clear now, she drew a ragged breath and spoke. "No Applejack, we can't."

Applejack's heart sank, the knot in her stomach returning at once. She told her mouth to speak, but no words would come. Her hooves just wanted to flee. This was not how it went in books.

With a wave of her hoof, Fluttershy pushed her mane from her face, revealing a harsh scowl. "Don't you get it? I was vulnerable and you took advantage of that. You are supposed to be my friend, friends protect each other."

"Fluttershy, hon, ah didn't think… ah never meant ta…"

Fluttershy never yelled, her voice now was quiet as it had ever been, but it had a new harshness, a coldness Applejack had rarely heard before. "You are one of my best friends, you should know that I don't even like mares. Did you ever stop to think what I would say in the morning? To think that maybe you were playing on my trust?"

With a quiver in her voice Applejack spoke. "But Fluttershy, last night, you said… you said that…" Her thoughts were flying through her head like a swarm of hornets. Only one thought came through clear enough to speak. "I'm sorry Fluttershy. I'm so sorry. I love you."

Fluttershy stood up, a thin trail of tears now rolling down her cheek. "I don't believe you."

Applejack watched as Fluttershy galloped out of the kitchen and through the front door. Quickly gathering what courage she could muster she stood, pushing herself away from the table, ready to chase after the fleeing mare. A searing pain spread over her side. She screamed.

The tea mug rolled off the table, shattering on the floor. The scalding contents now covering the table, floor, and Applejack.

Lyra ran into the kitchen, eyes wide. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Applejack motioned to an unused dishtowel laying beside the sink. Lyra grabbed it and handed it to her.

"Where's Fluttershy?"

Chapter Seven: A Stroll Home

Fluttershy's pace slowed as Sweet Apple Acres disappeared behind her. She would soon enter town, it was already dark but she could see clearly the bustle of the small town.

The last of the shops were turning off their lights, most had closed hours ago. The weather team was changing shifts. Rainbow Dash had told her there was going to be a sprinkle tonight.

As she drew nearer to Ponyville she could see in the windows of several houses the silhouettes of ponies going about their nightly rituals. She recognized a few of them. There was Daisy pacing around her living room. Aloe and Lotus were having a chat in their apartment above the spa. Poindexter and his friends were shouting at each other over a long table, no doubt another game of "Oubliettes and Ogres" gone awry.

As she reached the market she caught sight of Sugarcube Corner, a group of four familiar earth ponies chatting and laughing outside the front door, bathed in the soft glow of the porch light. Fluttershy was used to seeing the four together and instinctively crossed to the opposite side of the road.

It was too late. From the other side of the market square Pinkie waved at her and shouted, "Fluttershy, over here! We were just talking about you!"

It seemed that everypony was "just talking about her" today.

Fluttershy took her time crossing the square, she always felt a little bit shyer around this group. There were still several ponies in the market, though all the stalls were long closed. Berry Punch was giggling at her coltfriend on her doorstep. Across the street, Time Turner was walking closely with a pegasus who she recognized as the local mailmare, her nuzzling his neck, him turning a bright shade of red. A look of confusion struck Fluttershy as she saw three small pony shapes sneaking away from the rear window of the bakery.

Pinkie bounced up beside her, "Hey Flutters! I told the Cakes about your idea and they said that it sounded fantastic! If you can bring a big selection of the pet treats by tomorrow they will set up a display case in the corner and you should be in business. Isn't that great?"

Fluttershy gave her a soft smile, "That really is great Pinkie. I need something to take my mind off of things. This could be just the thing. Thank you." Her steps grew a bit quicker and her hooves rose a bit higher.

"They just had one teeny tiny problem. A lot of your pet food is meat flavored right?" Pinkie said, she had stopped bouncing and was trotting alongside Fluttershy, a happy spring in her step.

Fluttershy matched Pinkies pace, feeling the same spring. "Yes, is that a problem? If it is I can use a different recipe."

"Well, it's just, not everypony is as comfortable around that as you. Everypony knows that animals eat meat and all, but ya see… a bunch of our customers are cows and after word got around about Twilight's time through that mirror…"

Fluttershy winced. When Twilight came back with stories about the strange diet in that other world the relationship between ponies and cows had become a bit tense. Rumors circulated about curious ponies in secluded parts of Equestria making their own "hamburgers". Celestia only knows the media storm that would arise if anyone knew that Twilight had actually eaten one while she was over there (even if she didn't know what it was at the time).

"That's okay Pinkie, I have plenty of vegetarian recipes. But, uhm, is there some way to let ponies know that the non-vegetarian version is available?" They were arriving at the door to Sugarcube Corner. Fluttershy's pace slowed again when she saw the three ponies waiting for them.

"SWEETIE BELLE!" Rarity's voice was strained. Peeking her head out her front door she squinted into the darkened town. Curlers were in her mane covered by a silk bonnet. She wore her monogrammed robe, unbelted. "I'M GOING TO COUNT TO THREE, YOU AND YOUR CRUSADER FRIENDS HAD BETTER GET BACK HERE!"

Pinkie Pie's eyes lit up. "Rarity! Come over here, talk to us!" she shouted down the road. Like most places within Ponyville, the door to Carousel Boutique was nowhere close to out of range of Pinkie's voice when she wanted to be heard.

Rarity waved to the four. She quickly ducked back behind her door only to emerge a moment later, the robe replaced by a hooded cape trimmed in faux fur. The hood was less for protection from the cold as it was to keep others from seeing her with her curlers in. A slim pair of spectacles rested on her nose.

Carrot Cake had been listening intently to Fluttershy and Pinkie, grateful to have his thoughts off of the card game, this was not his best night. "Hey Fluttershy, I have been meaning to ask. Where do you get the ingredients for your pet food recipes anyway?"

"From a supplier." Fluttershy replied. "I don't know exactly how they work, but from what I understand it is all voluntary. It's a program where cows and pigs and the like can donate their remains, in exchange the company provides funeral services. It's kinda like being an organ donor."

"Wow, thats… I don't know what to think of that." Carrot was at a loss. "It's kinda morbid, but it must be nice for those that cannot afford funerals."

Cheerilee leaned in close and whispered, "I'll admit, I'm curious. What does it taste like?"

"What does what taste like?" Rarity asked. The four jumped, startled by her sudden appearance. "I'm sorry, did I interrupt?"

"Not at all Rarity." Pinkie said with an enthusiastic smile. We're talking about Fluttershy's pet food. Ya know, the meat flavored stuff."

Rarity blushed, "A-as long as you're already talking about it, I-I'll admit to a mild curiosity." Her words came hushed. Her eyes darting around, she made certain nopony else was within earshot. Looking up at her friends, she saw all four of them doing the same.

"Well, I did taste it once." Fluttershy started. Quickly waving her hooves, embarrassed, in front of her she added, "It was completely by accident!"

Looking to the others she saw intense interest in each face. All four sets of eyes wide and fixed on her. With a sigh she continued, "It's kinda salty, but a little sweet. It's also kinda greasy, almost like a potato. But it has noticeable hints of blood. The flavor was kinda pleasant, but having it in my mouth made me feel like I bit my cheek and was sucking on the wound."

The friends sat, silently contemplating her description. Carrot was visibly chewing on his cheek, his eyes fixed on the ground, staring at nothing, lost in thought. Rarity broke the silence. "How does one accidentally taste something like that?"

Fluttershy rubbed a hoof against her foreleg, "Well, it is really easy to mistake a cookie made for a critter with one made for a pony. I had them cooling on the counter at the same time."

The others nodded to each other in silent agreement, surely anypony could have made that mistake. Fluttershy sighed in relief. She glanced at Big Macintosh, catching his eyes he quickly looked away. Had he been staring?

Cheerilee was staring into space, still trying to imagine the taste Fluttershy had described. A trembling hoof poked her in the side, grabbing her attention. Carrot Cake was shaking, he tapped a hoof to his mouth and tilted his head towards the side of Sugarcube Corner. Cheerilee took the hint.

"Hey guys, we'll be right back. Just need to talk for a minute. In private." Cheerilee stated uneasily. The others gave her a permissive nod. Rarity waved a hoof her way, seemingly shooing her away.

Fluttershy waited till the two had rounded the corner then turned to Big Mac. "Um, I wanted to ask you something. I-if it's okay t-that is."

Big Macintosh cocked his head, curious. "Yeah?"

"I hear Cheerilee calling you pet names all the time…" She took a deep breath to steady herself. She had been too shy to say this, but tonight seemed different for some reason. "Are you two still dating?"

"Naw, she does that ta poke fun at me. Ah guess it can give some ponies tha wrong idea. But we were never really dating, t'was all just those fillies and that love potion." His cheeks darkened slightly. "Why do ya ask?"

"Oh, it's just that… well… I kinda…" Fluttershy's nerves left her as quickly as they had arrived. "Just curious I guess."

She turned to the street, desperate to look anywhere but back at Big Mac. As she flitted her eyes up and down the now mostly deserted street something caught her attention. Matilda was enjoying a nighttime stroll accompanied by Cranky. Cranky was rarely seen outside his home, but when he was it was always alongside his special somepony, or rather, somedonkey.

There were many things weighing heavy on her mind tonight, this one was something she didn't realize she had been worried about. Turning back around she opened her mouth to speak.

"Something wrong darling?" Rarity asked, her brow slightly furrowed. "You aren't acting quite yourself."

"I have to go," Fluttershy said as she began slowly backing away, "I haven't been home all day and Angel is the only one there who can fix meals. I have to make sure everything is alright."

"Don't be silly Fluttershy, I'm sure…" Rarity protested. However, no sooner had she begun Fluttershy was in the air flying as quickly as she could in the direction of her cottage at the edge of town. "Huh, well thats odd."

"Whaddaya mean Rarity?" Big Mac asked, interrupting her train of thought.

"Fluttershy never flies like that. She's afraid of heights."

"Somethin' botherin' her?" Big Mac already had an idea what it could be. "Did ah say somethin' wrong?"

Rarity watched Fluttershy vanish behind the rooftops on the far edge of town. A light bulb come on in her mind. "Big Mac, didn't you ever notice how she acts around you? How she is always a bit more nervous, and she blushes constantly?"

"Oh." Eyes widening with sudden realization, Big Macintosh felt his knees growing weak. He sat his hindquarters on the welcome mat, feeling like he might faint. "You mean…?"

"Surely you can't tell me you have never noticed. It's pretty obvious." Rarity giggled, "And of course there is one sign you can't possibly miss."

"Huh? What sign?"

Rarity rolled her eyes and with another giggle said, "Not to be vulgar, but… it's her wings. Ya know," leaning back on her own rear she suddenly spread her hooves as far as she could, "pomf!"

Big Macintosh's face turned a dark red, remembering the times Fluttershy had come to the farm for one reason or another and they wound up talking. He had often admired her wings, never once had that thought crossed his mind.

Now it was all that would cross his mind.

"Now Rarity, Fluttershy is mah friend. Ain't polite ta gossip like that. 'Sides…"

"Hmm?" Rarity pressed.

Big Mac averted his eyes, focusing on a nearby lamp post. "Ah wouldn't wanna get in AJ's way."

"What is there to get in the way of? It's not like they could really be a couple. Besides, we elements have an image to uphold." Rarity scoffed and lifted her nose into the air.

"Come again? Ah don't follow."

"We're public figures, it would be positively unseemly to have a filly-fooler among us."

"Pardon me, but those filly-foolers are your friends. An it's not up ta you ta say who they can be with." Big Macintosh scowled.

Rarity frowned, rising to her hooves she snorted "Filly-fooler. Singular. Fluttershy is NOT gay, she was simply… out of sorts. If Applejack hadn't pushed her the whole incident would have never happened."

"You'd best watch what yer sayin. That's mah sister in case ya forgot." Big Mac took a step towards the mare who was much smaller than him.

"Exactly my point, what are you going to do when word gets out that your sister 'bats for the other team', so to speak?" Rarity poked her hoof at Big Mac's chest. She was surprised to find a puff of steam escape her mouth as the night air grew colder.

"Ah reckon ah'll mind mah own damn business. It doesn't matter what ah think 'bout who she dates, we're kin."

"HA! So you admit that you don't like it."

"What in all of Equestria is going on over here!?" Carrot Cake shouted, causing Big Mac and Rarity both to jump. "You two stop fighting before someone calls the authorities."

Rarity's nose wrinkled, "Good heavens Carrot, you simply reek. It is beyond me how you do any business with such a disgusting habit."

Cheerilee trotted up beside Carrot, shoving a small silver object into his apron pocket. "Thanks, if you find mine let me know. That lighter was a gift." The ember glowed brightly as she took a long drag off the cigarette dangling from her lips.

Carrot closed his eyes and sighed. "I always wash my hooves. That's not the point."

"Ya know those things will kill ya, why do ya think we don't got a Grampa Smith?" Big Mac added.

"Are you two doctors?" Carrot snapped. "Didn't think so. ANYWAY… If you are going to pick fights with each other you are going to have to go somewhere else. This is a business and my home."

Cheerilee craned her neck, looking around. "Hey guys…" She turned around, searching the darkness beyond the lamplight, "…where's Pinkie?"

"Over here!" an unmistakable squeal came from a nearby alley. "Guess who I found!" Pinkie emerged from the dark corridor followed by three small fillies.

Rarity growled, "Girls, why are you not back at the boutique?"

Sweetie Belle looked up at her, a devious grin plastered across her face, as well as the faces of the two other fillies. "You never started counting."

Chapter Eight: The Next Day

The morning was harsh. Not because of a headache, not because of her surroundings. Fluttershy just was not ready for the day to start. Outside her window the rooster was crowing as the first rays of sunlight peeked their way above the trees.

She groggily reached for her pillow, scooping it up in her hoof she threw it across her head with a soft "fwump". Try as she might to stave off the sunshine around her, the morning would not delay for anyone.

She felt a soft tapping on her back. "Mmph" was all she could manage, sleep still clouding her mind. The tapping only became more insistant.

"Angel, I'm not ready yet, just five more minutes." she groaned from under her pillow. The tapping stopped, replaced now by the entire weight of the small rabbit jumping up and down on her side. Angel Bunny was not known for his patience. With a flick of her wing Fluttershy knocked him into the floor.

Pulling the blanket over her she was suddenly struck by a large square object. She jumped up, throwing the pillow and blanket off and flaring her wings. She cast a glare at the doorway as the poofy cotton tail dissappeared behind it. Between angry breaths her eye caught the offending object sitting on her bed beside her, a large notebook, pages crumpled as it lay open, face down beside her.

She picked it up, smoothing the pages, and turned to the most recent page. It was her to-do list for the day.

With a sigh she mumbled to herself, "I guess going back to sleep isn't an option anymore." and crawled out of the bed and into the cold room.

Fluttershy was still groggy as she made her way to the bathroom. As she brushed her mane, looking into her reflection she saw her neck. The bruises were lessening, but were still quite visible. She put the brush down and reached for the makeup Rarity had given her. Rarity said it didn't quite match, and swore she would get some of the proper color, but Fluttershy could't tell. She was sure nopony else would be able to either. She only needed it till the hickeys were gone anyway.

She tried to remember exactly how Rarity had shown her to reach the skin below her fur. She rarely ever used makeup of any sort. All things considered, she was doing rather well.

Examining her work, she gave herself a smile. Truly, you could not tell anything was wrong. Her smile quickly faded though, something WAS wrong. Something a little makeup could not fix.

She caught herself starting to frown. Looking into her own eyes in the mirror she put on her most determined face possible. After her visit to Applejack's farm last night she had promised herself she was going to stay positive. Whatever happened the previous night was already over, she just had to put it behind her. Still...

Exiting the bathroom, she sniffed at the air, catching the scent of fresh baked muffins. Angel must be making breakfast.

As she decended the stairs the sounds of singing birds filled her ears. She smiled. First on her list was to feed the critters in the house, then bake new treats to sell. Today was going to be better, she had a full schedule ahead of her, perfect for getting her mind back on track.

All that could wait for a muffin though. Fluttershy's wings gently flitted in excitement, Angel rarely made breakfast and his muffins were to die for. Rounding the corner into the kitchen she was greeted with a tiny scowl. Angel was sitting on a stool in front of the oven, paws crossed and tapping his feet impatiently. It seemed the muffins werent quite done yet.

No matter, she was in no hurry. She squeezed her way past Angel to the pantry, removing several bags of various sizes as well as a variety of bowls. Her critter friends were no doubt just as hungry as she was.

Balancing the large stack of bowls on her back Fluttershy grabbed the largest bag in her mouth and made her way to the living room. She knew just where every bowl went. The smallest bowl sat beside the hole in the wall for the mouse family. The pink ceramic one went beside the couch for the tabby visiting from Fillydelphia. The bowls for the birds went atop the dresser, they would have to wait till last, it's hard to fly up there while holding too many bowls.

When she had placed the last of the bowls, she floated gently to the coffeetable where she had left the bag of food. She was humming a tune she made up as she went. Seeing all her critter friends patiently waiting for breakfast always had a way of putting her in a good mood.

She was well into filling the various bowls when she was startled by a knock at the door. Spilling a large amount of the dry nuggets on the floor she shouted, "I'll be right there!". Scooping the spilled food into the nearest bowl she was met with a frown by the raccoon it belonged to. "I'm sorry dear, I'll fix it in a minute." She brushed her hooves off and quickly trotted off to answer the door.

Slowly swinging open the front door, two very worried faces awaited her. "Oh, hi Zecora, Bonbon. How are you this morning?"

"Fluttershy, we need your aid. You see, our nerves are rather frayed." Zecora began. Her mane was tangled with small leaves and twigs, Bonbon's also. "In the forest we found this beast. I'm afraid it's mother is deceased. You can see it's in a sad state. Perhaps you can save it from sharing her fate."

Bonbon spoke up, "We rushed here as fast as we could, it seems this little guy was in a terrible accident. His mother didn't make it." She stepped around Zecora revealing a scaled creature about the size of a small dog lying limply across her back.

Fluttershy's pupils shrank, a quiver entered her voice, "Oh dear, where did you ever find a baby hydra?"

Applejack shot up in bed, awakened from dreams of drowning in a turbulent, inky sea by a hoof on her side. Focusing her eyes she saw Big Macintosh, surprised, standing beside her bed.

"AJ," he said, "we have a problem."

The two quickly trotted to the living room, there Lyra sat on the couch staring at a small envelope on the coffee table. Big Mac began, "When we woke up, Granny and Apple Bloom were gone and this note was on the table. It's for you."

Lyra floated the envelope over to Applejack who took it in her mouth and sat down beside her on the couch. On the front was written in plain letters "APPLEJACK". It was sealed on the back with a small piece of clear tape. Lyra placed a hoof on Applejack's lap and offered a reassuring smile.

Applejack took a few breaths, surely whatever was in there was not as bad as her thoughts would have her believe. She broke the seal and pulled out the letter within. She read silently to herself...

Dear Applejack.

I can't tell you how to live your life, and I suppose that if I tried you wouldn't listen anyway. But when you are living under my roof you are expected to obey my wishes. I don't know what you were thinking bringing that filly-fooler into our house, but I would assume you know my feelings on her type.

Then Apple Bloom tells me last night that you're one too. What am I supposed to think when, on the same day I find you're gay, you have Lyra move in? I could handle having her stay for a little while, and I suppose I could even get used to your lifestyle. But I cannot abide you trying to sneak your marefriend into our house under my nose.

Apple Bloom is staying with her friend Sweetie Belle at the Carousel Boutique and I am visiting family in Appleloosa. I want you and Lyra packed and ready to leave when we return on Tuesday.

Granny Smith

"What's it say?" Big Macintosh asked.

"She's kickin' me out" Applejack's heart sank, she could feel the tears returning, as well as the now familiar twisting of her stomach. She tossed the letter to Big Mac who immediatley began reading.

"Well look here," Big Mac said, pointing to a particular sentence in the letter, "it's just a misunderstanding, we just need to explain what's goin' on and ah'm sure everythin' will be fine."

Lyra, remaining silent, rubbed Applejacks back, attempting to comfort her friend who was obviously on the verge of tears. Again.

"No, it's not that simple. Ah should'a told her years ago. Ah should'a known that things would end up like this. Ah should'a never went to that party an ah definitely should'a never done those things with Fluttershy." Applejack was starting to hyperventilate.

"AJ, gettin all worked up ain't gonna fix this. Ya need ta stay calm, get yer thoughts together, and maybe…" Big Mac hesitated "…maybe ya should ask around ta see if one o' yer friends will keep yall fer a bit while we get this worked out with Granny."

Applejack breathed deeply, Big Mac was right, this was exactly the wrong time to panic. Wiping her eyes she turned to Lyra. "Well, looks like we got some packin' ta do."

Chapter Nine: In the Words of Fillies

"But Rarity, how are we supposed to go crusading for our cutie marks if we can't meet at our clubhouse?"

"I'm sorry Sweetie Belle, Granny Smith was very clear. Apple Bloom is supposed to stay away from Sweet Apple Acres until she returns from her trip." Rarity was rubbing her temples, she knew she would come to regret housing the two fillies eventually. She didn't think it would be this soon.

"But why? It's not fair!" Sweetie Belle stomped her hooves on the tile floor. She was supposed to be helping her sister cook breakfast for the unexpected guest, but, as usual, Rarity was doing everything herself. Apple Bloom, on the other hoof, was busy unpacking two sets of overladen saddlebags in the guest room she and Sweetie were now sharing.

"I know it's not fair darling, but it's simply the way it is for now. You'll just have to find somewhere else to meet for the next few days." Rarity thought for a short moment and then continued, "Perhaps you could meet at Scootaloo's home."

"I don't even know where Scootaloo lives, she gets upset when we ask. And besides, you still didn't tell me why."

Rarity levitated three place settings to the table in her familiar blue aura. "I'm sorry Sweetie Belle, it is a matter for grown-ups. You'll understand when you're older."

Sweetie Belle's eyes lit up, calling to mind a conversation she had with Twilight Sparkle she knew exactly how to respond to that tired line. "It isn't age that makes a grown-up, Spike is younger than me and he is more mature than anypony else my age. And that's because Twilight trusts him and treats him like an equal. If you don't trust me to be a grown-up then how am I ever supposed to grow up?" Unable to suppress the proud grin creeping onto her face, Sweetie Belle turned away from her sister. She feigned a sniffle.

Rarity knew her sister well. This was obviously some kind of ploy. Still, Sweetie's logic was sound. She just had to tread carefully. "Has Mother or Father had 'the talk' with you yet? You know, 'the birds and the bees'."

Sweetie blushed, "Yeah, after the thing with Cheerilee and Big Macintosh, Mom and Dad said it was really important to know why love potions are illegal." A wave of embarrassment overcame her as she remembered her parents faces staring at her, explaining that her age was the only thing keeping her from severe legal trouble.

Rarity's cheeks also darkened, the incident had been the talk of the town as well as the source of innumerable mean spirited jokes among the many bride's-to-be that visited her boutique for dresses. "Well, that will make this a bit easier. And you are bound to find out sooner or later. Better you hear it from me then. Have a seat." Her horn glowed once again, the blue aura scooting one of the dining chairs close to the counter where she was busily preparing the meal. She extended an inviting hoof.

Sweetie Belle slowly climbed onto the tall chair. She could swear that Rarity had bought such lofty chairs for the express purpose of making the filly's life a bit more difficult. She positioned herself on the plush seat, sitting on her behind with her tiny hind legs barely hanging off the edge and her forelegs on her knees. She squirmed slightly, it was very uncomfortable. Looking to Rarity she gave a nod in eager anticipation.

The seconds ticked by slowly. Was it even possible to breach the subject gracefully, Rarity wondered. She stared down at the green pepper she was chopping. It seemed like an eternity had passed, still nothing came to her. A small cough broke her from her trance. Sweetie Belle was staring at her in confused silence. Rarity sighed. "I suppose there isn't a tactful way to say it, so here goes."

Sweetie leaned forward. Rarity was finally going to treat her like a big pony.

"The Apples are having some, uh, trouble. You of course know all about Applejack and Fluttershy from your spying last night." She shot Sweetie a disapproving glare at which Sweetie shrank back on her hooves. "I doubt that when Mother gave you the talk she told you about the perverse ponies that don't respect the natural order."

Sweetie Belle cocked her head. Raising an eyebrow she asked, "What's perverse?"

"It means different, twisted. Somepony that likes to take good things and turn them into something unnatural." Rarity made a mental not to use smaller words. "Anyway, the 'birds and bees' is supposed to be between a mare and a stallion. Applejack is gay, that means she goes against nature and does… those things… with other mares. She tricked Fluttershy into doing those things with her, as you know. And then yesterday, Lyra, another gay mare, came to stay at the farm without Granny Smith's permission. You can only imagine the obscene things they must be doing there."

"Well, that does sound pretty gross. But Mom didn't say anything about mares not being allowed with other mares." Sweetie's brow wrinkled. "Is it really that bad?"

"Sweetie, dear, it isn't called the 'natural order' for nothing. Applejack, the others and I comprise the Elements of Harmony, why it would be absolutely unthinkable to have ponies thinking we are a bunch of deviants." Rarity tossed her mane, putting on her best "public figure" presence.

Sweetie sunk further, now practically lying down atop the chair. "W-well, what if a mare, or f-filly, has a c-crush on somepony they shouldn't?"

Rarity's ear twitched. Her mouth formed a frown. "Sweetie Belle, what are you saying?"

"Eeek…" This small sound was all she could manage. She closed her eyes and buried her face in her hooves, preparing for the worst.

"Sweetie Belle…"

"Th-there i-i-is a filly in my class, her n-name is S-Sunny Daze…" Sweetie Belle shivered. The room was warm, it was always the same carefully controlled temperature in the boutique, still, she felt as though her blood had turned to ice. She raised her head, looking her sister in the eyes, her own eyes beginning to glisten with barely restrained tears. "…I-I gave her a card on H-hearts and H-hooves day. She was my very special s-somepony."

Rarity's jaw went slack.

"P-please don't tell Mom and Dad Rarity! I d-didn't know it was wrong! I-I'm s-s-so s-sorry." Tears began to trickle down her cheeks, falling off her chin, soaking the plush cushion of the chair. "Am I perverse Rarity? I don't wanna be unnatural!"

Rarity couldn't move. She couldn't think. The glow of her horn sputtered and died. Startled by a clattering sound she spun on her hooves to face the counter. The knife she had been chopping with had fallen from her grasp. Her gaze fell on the peppers, no longer crisp slivers now there was one large, limp, mound of green sludge.

"Rarity… you don't hate me… do you?" Sweetie Belle pleaded. She raised up on her hips. Wiping her eyes with her hooves she sniffled, this time it was real. Ice still in her veins, her stomach twisted.

Rarity's thoughts were jumbled. Attempting to center herself she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and turned around to face the shaking filly. She opened her eyes, exhaled, long and steady, and placed a hoof on her sister's trembling shoulder. Opening her mouth there was a moments hesitation, she began, "It's okay. A lot of fillies go through, uhm, phases, times when they are, well, confused. You are too young to think about those things. You'll get over it, just remember, self control is important."

The room went silent as both sisters gathered their thoughts. Sweetie Belle wiped her eyes again. Rarity offered a nearby dishtowel.

A soft thump resonated down the hallway. It was not loud but in the silence it was clear, the sound of a closing door. After a few tense seconds Apple Bloom arrived in the kitchen.

"Hey y'all! What's fer breakfast?" She asked with a smile.

Rarity cast her gaze again at the mound that used to be peppers. "We are having omelets, it shouldn't take much longer. I hope you don't mind the lack of bell peppers."

"Bell peppers? Yuck. Granny makes 'em with bell peppers, ah can't stand it." Apple Bloom said as she climbed into one of the chairs still neatly positioned around the dining table. "Hey Sweetie Belle, what'cha doin' way over there?"

Sweetie Belle forced a smile, placing aside the now soggy dishtowel, "I'm just watching Rarity cook. Hold on." She stood up on the seat and, with a wiggle of her flank, hopped off. Hitting the floor hard she stumbled, all four hooves flailing in different directions, she slid across the tile floor. Apple Bloom laughed.

Regaining her footing, Sweetie Belle trotted back to her chair. Tilting her head down, she pushed against the wooden legs, scooting it back to it's place at the table. With a tiny hop she climbed back onto the cushioned seat.

Rarity now had a greased frying pan heating on the stove. "Apple Bloom, how do you like your omelets? We have cheese, mushrooms, onions, the usual." She didn't bother asking her sister, she always wanted the same thing, "EVERYTHING".

"However ya feel like makin' it is fine. Ah'm not picky and yer such a great cook Rarity." Apple Bloom said with that famous Apple family sincerity. Rarity blushed.

"I was thinking about how we could earn our cutie marks today, how about sculpting?" Sweetie Belle suggested, her voice returned to normal again. "I bet we would be awesome at it!"

"YEAH! That's a great idea! We could ask Fluttershy, she does all kinds o' artsy stuff!" Apple Bloom hesitated. "How are we gonna tell Scootaloo? It's a weekend so she won't be at school, an we can't meet her at tha clubhouse…"

With a start, Rarity nearly shouted, "No! Girls, you mustn't disturb Fluttershy today. She isn't feeling well. You understand."

"Huh? Ya mean she's sick er sumthin?"

"Not exactly. She just needs some time to herself. She's had quite a stressful time of it lately and I'm sure she would appreciate some time to herself." Those were Rarity's words. Her thoughts were more along the lines of, "Fluttershy definitely needs company, but these three are probably the last ponies that should be there now."

"Maybe we should make her a get well soon card." Apple Bloom mused.

"That's quite alright, I'm going over there later. I'll tell her you send your best." Rarity glanced at the clock. "In fact, it's early enough Rainbow Dash is probably still setting up today's weather. Why don't you girls find her and ask her to tell Scootaloo to meet you at the library? There are bound to be plenty of books on sculpture there. After you eat of course."

Chapter Ten: Reptiles and Rainbows

"I thought you had a lot more animals in here Fluttershy. Where are they?"

Fluttershy gently placed the thick textbook down on the coffee table. She had many books on animal anatomy and veterinary medicine, but very few had anything on hydras. "They are probably hiding in the other rooms, they aren't used to being around many carnivores." With a gentle smile she continued, "It took some of them over a month to get used to Harry."

"Who's Harry?" Bonbon asked. She didn't see Fluttershy very often anymore. Without a pet there was little need to come by the cottage.

"Oh, Harry is the bear that lives in the woods just over there." Fluttershy said, pointing towards the northeast window. "I guess you never met him, he came around after you stopped coming." She poked at the carpet, "Sorry to hear about your cat."

Bonbon nodded. It had been about two years since her cat died, so it didn't bother her too much anymore. It was a solid grey shorthair with a white tail. Lyra had given it to her as a kitten before they started dating. "Things happen."

After flipping a few pages Fluttershy gave a small sigh. "You might not want to be around for this. Looks like I may need to do some surgery."

Zecora, who had been mostly quiet since she arrived, looked up from her coffee mug. "If that is the case, I had best move along. When it comes to blood, my stomach is not strong." Standing up from the easy chair she gulped down the last of her drink. "Where shall I put your coffee cup? It would be rude to not help clean up."

Fluttershy directed her to the kitchen. After a brief dispute over whether it was necessary to help wash the breakfast dishes Fluttershy gave in and let the two guests wash and dry the few plates and mugs while she put them in the cabinets. Afterwards, with a few words of thanks and a goodbye, Zecora was on her way back to her hut.

"Are you sure you want to stay Bonbon? I admit, I could use the help, but it's not for the faint of heart."

Bonbon chuckled, "That's kinda funny coming from you." Catching herself, she blushed, quickly adding, "N-no offense, it's just that… well, you're probably the most nervous pony I know."

"Oh don't worry, I know I have problems around other ponies. But it's just that, it's only around other ponies." Fluttershy smiled warmly, she had gotten used to ponies saying these kind of things long ago. "My parents took me to a foal psychologist when I was little, he said I have 'Social Anxiety Disorder'. I took pills for it when I was little, but I can't afford them on my own, so…"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know." Bonbon scratched her mane. "Ya know, my uncle had something like that. He couldn't afford his pills so he drank a lot instead."

Fluttershy's cheeks darkened. She took a step back, opening her mouth to speak, she managed "Oh"

A spark of recognition ignited in Bonbons head. "Fluttershy, is that why you were acting weird at the party the other day?"

"I don't want to talk about this Bonbon."

"Does anypony know? Fluttershy, I'm saying this as a friend, what you are doing is replacing one problem with another. You need to talk to somepony." Bonbon placed a hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. Fluttershy brushed it aside.

Fluttershy took a breath, quieting her annoyance at Bonbon's intrusion. "I know you are just trying to help, but I really don't want to talk about it." Turning her attention to the baby hydra on the couch she placed a hoof on one of it's two necks. After a silent moment she removed her hoof and spoke, "His heartbeat is good, and he seems to be breathing well. It's time."

Bonbon reluctantly gave in, there would be time to talk later. She moved into position beside the couch, as close as she could get. Slowly, Fluttershy scooped her hooves under the sleeping creature, lifting him onto Bonbon's back. She pointed to an open door at the end of the hallway, and slowly they walked together.

The room was very bare compared to the rest of the cottage. The walls were painted a plain light blue and were mostly empty save for two paintings of early Ponyville, a framed certificate, and a large wooden cabinet. In the center of the room was a long metal table and a small, rolling tray.

Fluttershy looked up at her veterinary certificate and sighed. Caring for animals had always meant tending to their medical needs, but she never liked having to use this room. "We'll set him down on the exam table, I'll get the instruments ready while you clean his head."

"Okay," Bonbon said, gently lowering her patient onto the metal table, "which one?"

Fluttershy stopped, realizing she hadn't actually told Bonbon what it was they were about to do. "It's the one on the left, wash it all the way to the shoulders." She motioned at the tiny head, lying limply on the table. "You see, a hydra's head will grow back when it's severed. This little guy's neck is broken and the spinal cord is cut, meaning this head is dead. If the head is not completely removed then it will become necrotic and poison his bloodstream. So what we are going to do is remove the dead head so a new one can grow in it's place. Normally if something like this happened in the wild, an adult will bite the useless head off, but he is much too small to manage that."

Bonbon, head cocked, stared blankly at Fluttershy. "Okaaay, I don't really understand, but I trust you."

A tense half-hour, one nausea bucket, and a smooth surgery later, the two ponies were quietly watching the tiny hydra.

"This is the most important part." Fluttershy said, her voice hushed. "Hydra's heads grow back instantly, so if we did everything right the new head should pop out any second."

For an anxious moment neither pony spoke, both pairs of eyes fixed, unblinking, on the clean cut stump. Slowly, the stump began to move. Jerking back and forth, the neck began to glow softly as the stark cut-off end seemed to reassemble itself from nothing. Popping and cracking sounds rang out as the newly formed bones settled into place with their first slow movements. Soon, there was a fully formed, bright and clean new head atop the now awake and alert body. Quietly burbling it's first new sounds.

Both ponies breathed a sigh of relief. Fluttershy began a thorough examination of the seemingly happy patient while Bonbon stepped outside for some air.

Bonbon trotted along the small stream that ran in front of the house, enjoying the autumn air and losing herself in thought.

The air was crisp and sweet. Thinking back, Bonbon remembered the foul stench of the chicken coop that would greet her every time she would visit. After complaints from many visitors, Fluttershy had finally gotten a group of unicorns to create a magical deodorizing field around the more smelly parts of her animal sanctuary. Apparently, now, Twilight Sparkle was able to cast the same spell that would take several talented unicorns all by herself.

Lyra would often confide her jealousy to Bonbon. It wasn't hard to feel inferior with such a powerful unicorn in town, and now, a princess. Bonbon was secretly positive that having all six elements of harmony in the small town made everypony feel at least a little inferior.

She had admired Applejack long before she was the element of honesty. Her and Lyra had been in the same class as Applejack and Rarity in her school days. The last year of school was when, with help from Lyra, she had decided to finally announce her feelings.

Since the fight yesterday, Bonbon had thought constantly about those times. When she had mustered her courage and asked Applejack on a date, AJ had indeed laughed. But was she laughing at her, or something else? Could it have been a nervous laugh while searching for words to let her down easy? Had Applejack even been aware of it?

As Bonbon settled deeper into her thoughts, she sat down by a short oak tree and gazed into her reflection in the stream.

Focusing on that year, she tried to remember why she cowered from Applejack. Lyra may have been right, she couldn't remember any time she and AJ even talked directly between her confession and when she opened her confectionery. That may also be why, through all the perceived taunting, Bonbon never let go of her feelings for the orange mare.

None of that mattered now. Lyra was gone, and after her outburst she was sure she would never have a chance with Applejack. Especially since AJ was with Fluttershy.

After all that had happened since yesterday, Fluttershy's cottage was one of the last places she expected to find herself. Though she was relieved to just be away from her embarrassing visit with Zecora.

Bonbon closed her eyes. Hoping that if she wished hard enough she could wake up yesterday morning and see Lyra smile as she crawled out of their bed and said 'I love you.' A tear fell down her cheek as she made her wish.

"Bonbon."

She could hear her name being called from far away.

"Hey Bonbon."

The voice was closer now, she squeezed her eyes tight, answering in her thoughts, "I'm right here Lyra, please come back."

"Um, Bonbon?"

The voice was right next to her. Her heart leaped. A smile formed instantly on her face. In an instant she rose up, spinning around and grasping at voice. Her eyes still closed she felt soft fur under her hooves and pulled the unseen body into an embrace. She knew it wasn't Lyra. It couldn't be. She didn't care, it was somepony, and as long as it was somepony then she wasn't alone.

The unseen mare's body stiffened, a breath was drawn but not let go. For a moment neither spoke. Finally the mare shifted on her hooves, expelling the stale breath, she spoke, "Bonbon, is something wrong?"

Allowing herself a peek through her tightly closed eyelids, a multicolored mane filled Bonbon's vision. Loosening her grip, she spoke, "I'm sorry Rainbow Dash, I'm not myself today. It's a long story." She took a step back and finally opened her eyes. Dash was standing still, her legs locked straight, wings outstretched and eyes wide. "Did you want something?" Bonbon asked, with a feeble smile.

"Are you okay Bonbon? I just stopped to chat, but…" Rainbow Dash trailed off.

"It's nothing, I'm just feeling kinda lonely. Sorry if I startled you."

"If you say so." Dash's body relaxed. She trotted in place for a few seconds, having tensed up all at once left her with a bad leg cramp. With a slightly embarrassed look on her face, she folded her wings. "I was just finishing up my weather duties and saw you sitting here. I was gonna ask you when your store is going to be open again, I need to get some of those little mints you make with caffeine in them. Pinkie Pie fell asleep yesterday while we were having lunch and I was telling her about this new trick I'm working on. It's gonna be awesome, I get a big cloud spinning really fast and do a sonic rainboom as I fly through it, that should make the rainboom spread out in an orb of twirling colors. I'm thinking of calling it the "Disco Rainboom" but I dunno. Anyway, I thought I might get Pinkie some of those mints to help her stay awake."

Bonbon thought for a moment, she hadn't slept at all last night. To her embarrassment, she had lost track of the date. "Um, Is today Saturday? The renovations are supposed to be complete on Monday."

"It's actually Sunday. Monday is tomorrow, that's not long to wait, thanks!" Dash said with a smile. Turning around , she spread her wings and remarked, "I'll be sure to drop by early so I can get the freshest batch."

"Hey wait!" Bonbon shouted, reaching a hoof out, "I have a small box of those mints in my saddlebags. If you come with me I'll grab them for you. No charge."

Dash twirled around, a huge grin on her face. Bonbon could have sworn it was literally ear to ear. "That. Would. Be. AWESOME! Thank you SOOO much! Lead the way!"

The baby hydra was waddling around the room, both heads burbling and cooing as it took in all the sights. Fluttershy had finished her examination, he seemed to be fit as a fiddle. Now she just had to figure out what to do with him. Hydras grow fast and she definitely didn't have room for an adult in her cottage. Perhaps the zoo in Vanhoover had a spot open in their giant reptiles program.

The sound of the door opening caught her attention. "Bonbon, is that you? I finished the exam, he's looking great." She scooped up her charge, placing him on her back, and trotted to the living room.

Rainbow Dash turned to Bonbon, slightly confused, "'He?' Did you get a new cat?"

"Not exactly."

Fluttershy hummed quietly to herself, and to her passenger. She had never seen any creature make such a fast recovery. Most creatures need weeks of therapy or more after a major surgery. But he was in tip top shape in mere minutes.

Dash's back was turned to her when she entered the living room. A devious thought crossed her mind. She began tiptoeing as quietly as she could.

"I thought I put my bags right here by the door. They must have gotten moved." Bonbon said, catching sight of Fluttershy slowly creeping up behind Dash, she suppressed a smile. "Say, do you know what they look like?"

"I know I've seen you walking around with them, but I can't picture them in my head."

Bonbon giggled, pointing a hoof behind Rainbow she said, "They look kinda like that."

Dash raised an eyebrow, something weird was going on. She cautiously turned around…

A large flock of crows lifted off from the roof of Sugarcube Corner, startled by a distant scream.

"Rainbow Dash…"

Between ragged, panting breaths Dash answered, "Yeah?"

"I can't breathe." Bonbon's face was firmly planted in the soft blue fur of Dash's chest. All four of Dash's hooves were wrapped around some part of her. Fluttershy sat on her hindquarters, the hydra held between her front hooves just inches from where Dash's face had been a split second ago. She was laughing hysterically.

Bringing the hydra into a close hug Fluttershy looked at Dash through eyes teary from laughter, "I can see why you and Pinkie love pulling pranks so much." In an instant her laughter stopped as a realization struck. With and earnest plea she said, "Please don't prank me back, I don't know if I could handle it."

Rainbow Dash placed her hooves on the floor, letting go of Bonbon she folded her wings again. "That's three times I've been taken off guard today. I'm gonna have to do so much preening tonight." She cast a grin at Fluttershy, "That was a pretty good one. I suppose I can let you have this one for free, but any more and I'll have to getcha back good."

"I'm glad you're here Dash, we need to give this little guy a name." Fluttershy said, bouncing the hydra on her knee. "You read a lot of books, surely you have some ideas."

Rainbow Dash squinted at the creature on Fluttershy's knee. "Wait, that thing's real? Aren't hydras poisonous? That's dangerous!"

"Oh Rainbow, he's an orphan, and hydras don't get their poison glands until they are full grown." Fluttershy smiled serenely, still bouncing her knee. "Oh, Bonbon, look at this." She poked the hydra, causing him to stand up straight, both necks extended upwards. "The left neck, the one we fixed, is an inch shorter than the other one."

Dash snorted a laugh, "Call him Lefty!"

"That's not nice." Bonbon scowled. "Why not a traditional animal name. How about Melvin? Like my cat."

The three mares nodded in agreement.

"Melvin it is!" Fluttershy held him in the air. "Who's a good Melvin? Is it you? Yes it is!" Melvin cooed.

"Where did you find him anyway?" Dash asked.

"I was visiting Zecora when we heard a loud rumbling outside. When we went to investigate we found a rockslide a little under a mile away. Melvin's mother was dead under a huge pile of boulders and he was lying a couple yards away, badly hurt." Bonbon explained, gesturing wildly. "We rushed him here immediately. Fluttershy worked her healing magic on him and now he's good as new."

"Healing magic, huh? Where do ya keep you horn Flutters? Your sock drawer?" Dash prodded.

"Eep!" Fluttershy's face turned a bright red. Bonbon giggled.

Dash tapped her chin, "Wait a sec, you said he was hurt in a rockslide? The only rockslide I know of recently happened during the third shift weather patrol this morning. Why were you at Zecora's place before the sun rose?"

"Um… well…" Bonbon felt her knees threatening to give way under her. She sat down. She glanced between two other mares. Their eyes seemed to burn into her. "You guys can keep a secret right?"

"Wow, we can. I dunno bout you though. Ya just kinda caved like we were threatening you with rusty pliers." Dash half joked. "You don't have to tell us if it's private."

Bonbon sighed, defeated. "If I don't tell you now it'll just look suspicious. But you really really have to promise me you won't tell anyone."

Dash and Fluttershy drew their right hooves across their chests in an "x", then placed them over their right eye. "Promise." They said in unison.

Bonbon giggled slightly, then turned serious. "After the fight in the market yesterday, I panicked. I had to get Lyra back but I felt so hopeless, like there was nothing I could ever do to fix it. So I went home and gathered some things and decided to leave town. I started walking into the forest and after a little while I remembered that the path led to Zecora's hut. I remembered that she makes all kinds of potions so I… well… I went to ask her for a love potion." Her ears drooped, she closed her eyes, ready to receive whatever reprimand was coming.

"Aren't love potions illegal?" Fluttershy asked. There was concern in her voice. Bonbon was ready for anger, hostility, disgust. She wasn't prepared for concern.

"Yeah, they are." Bonbon hung her head. "Zecora almost turned me away at the door when I asked her for one. Then I started crying. She invited me in for tea and we talked for a long time. It got so late that we fell asleep on her couch. We woke up when we heard the rockslide."

"Is 'we fell asleep on her couch' code for something?" Rainbow chided. "It just seems awfully suspicious that you break-up with your marefriend and immediately spend the night at another mare's house with all your things."

"NO! Don't even joke like that Dash. Zecora was just being kind. There is nothing more to it. Please don't go telling that to everypony." Bonbon's voice wavered between outrage and pleading. Her mind never seemed to think rationally during confrontation. At least past the point she had planned for.

"We won't say a thing. You have our word." Fluttershy said confidently. Dash nodded in agreement.

Fluttershy continued, "But what was that about a fight in the market? I haven't heard anything about that."

Bonbon began to sweat. Here goes nothing. "Well, ya see…"

Chapter Eleven: Tantrum

"Heya sis! What'cha doin' here?"

Applejack took a step backward, of all the places to run into her little sister, she did not expect Twilight's library. "Ah just need ta talk ta Twi. Ya know if she's here?"

Apple Bloom pointed towards the stairs, "She went upstairs just after we got here. Said somethin' 'bout a headache." She leaned closer and whispered, "Granny said ah'm not s'posed ta talk ta you or Lyra till she gets back. Ah'm worried sis, what's goin on?"

"It's complicated. Granny is upset at me right now, but it'll be alright. Don't worry yer pretty lil head. Besides, ya get ta spend tha whole weekend with Sweetie Belle. You get a fun vacation, ah'm a lil jealous." Applejack said with a smile. "But if Granny said not ta talk ta me, ah reckon ya should do as she says. Ah don't wanna ya gettin in trouble."

Apple Bloom stomped a hoof. "This ain't fair, ah know somethin's wrong, stop treatin me like ah'm a baby. This ain't no vacation, ah'm bein' shoved outta tha way cause y'all are afraid ta tell me what's goin on!"

Applejack sighed, why did her sister have to be such a smart little filly? "Yer right AB. But there's a lot goin on right now that ain't exactly fair. Ah can't talk about it right now, an if Granny forbid us ta talk then we shouldn't talk. Now ah really have ta talk ta Twilight, ah'm sorry sis." Applejack quietly stepped around Apple Bloom, heading towards the staircase.

Apple Bloom turned around, shouting, "Just cause everypony else is bein' unfair doesn't mean you have ta be!" Out of the corner of her eye she saw Lyra, casually thumbing through a rather large textbook. She mumbled to herself, "Ah'm gonna find out one way or another."

There was a knock at the bedroom door. Twilight rolled her eyes. She had left Spike in charge of the library for the time being. She had another headache and the prospect of dealing with the crusaders today was not helping it. "Come in."

The door opened with a creak and Applejack stepped through. "Hey Twi, ah got a pretty big favor ta ask. Ya got a minute?"

Twilight sighed in relief, "Anything for you Applejack. I can't deal with those girls today. You won't believe what happened after you left yesterday."

"Heh, ah'd say 'try me' but knowin' you… Anyway, me an Lyra need a place ta stay for a few days. There's some, uh, stuff goin on at home." Applejack smiled nervously.

Twilight shifted on her hooves. "Oh, I uh, I dunno Applejack. What with everything that happened after the party… It's just that Spike… well…. Wait, you and Lyra?"

"It's a long story, but don worry 'bout it Twi, we're still lookin around."

"Is something going on? I'm confused."

Applejack began, "Long story short, Lyra an Bonbon broke up so ah offered ta keep her for a bit, Granny got the wrong idea an kicked us out so now we both got no place ta stay."

Twilight thought for a moment. She turned towards her nightstand where her crown sat atop a small decorative pillow. "I might have a solution."

Lyra tried to step backwards, bumping into the large shelf behind her. A small book fell off the top shelf, landing beside her and causing all four ponies to jump slightly.

"Girls, I know you're curious, but this is a private matter. I really can't talk about it."

The three fillies took a step forward. "Well it affects us too, Granny won't let us go to our clubhouse and ah can't even see mah family till whatever this is gets taken care of." Apple Bloom said, an accusing tone in her voice. "Whatever this 'private matter' is, it's bigger than just you two."

Sweetie Belle looked down, staring at her hooves. Remembering her conversation with Rarity she turned to Apple Bloom. "Maybe we should leave her alone for a bit. Her and Applejack are probably really, uh, busy. This doesn't feel right."

"Sweetie Belle! This is mah family were talkin 'bout! An maybe even tha future of tha Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Apple Bloom shouted, a wild look in her eyes. Her voice cracked with anger. "Everypony treats us like babies an were s'posed ta just say alright an accept it. We're bein' punished fer somethin' somepony else is doin' an ah don't even know what it is! How is any of that 'right'?"

"I'm with Sweetie Belle…" Scootaloo chimed in, "…I agree that it's not fair, but Lyra is nice. I don't think it's her fault. Besides, we can go back to the clubhouse on Tuesday, right? That's just two days."

"Ah heard what Granny Smith told Rarity! She said that Applejack is tha reason ah can't go home, an since tha only thing she's done recently was bring Lyra home, then she must know what's going on!" Apple Bloom was still shouting. She pointed her hoof at Lyra. "If'n Applejack won't tell me, then she has to."

A burst of green light severed her train of thought. Turning around, the three fillies saw Spike, arms crossed, with a frown on his face. "Sorry for the fire, but I've been shouting your name and you didn't even notice. This is a library, it's supposed to be quiet. No arguing allowed. If you don't stop I'm gonna have to get Twilight."

"This is important Spike! Ah'm bein' kept outta mah own home an nopony will tell me why! Lyra knows an she's gonna tell me!"

"Apple Bloom, you need to stop yelling and calm down, or else you need to leave." Spike said pointing at the front door, barely visible from where they were standing in the back of the library. "I'm only warning you once."

Taking a step towards Spike, Apple Bloom gritted her teeth, "Ah ain't leavin till ah get answers. Ya best turn round an leave us alone." She pointed an accusative hoof at the tiny dragon.

"I told you to stop, now you need to go." Spike's voice was stern, he stood up as straight as he could, trying to look imposing. He grabbed Apple Bloom's hoof in an attempt to pull her to the exit.

Sweetie Belle gasped, immediately squeezing her eyes closed her face twisted into a harsh grimace. As she bore down, a feeble glow surrounded her horn.

Apple Bloom jerked her hoof away, pulling Spike off balance. She lunged forward, slamming into him with all her might and knocking him to the ground. Standing over Spike, she raised her hoof and cried, "YOU AIN'T GONNA KEEP ME FROM MAH FAMILY!" She brought her hoof down, smashing the frightened dragon across the face. Spike screamed.

Rearing back again, Apple Bloom's eyes glistened. Attempting to swing again she felt herself lifted into the air by her upraised hoof. She swung her legs uselessly in the air, flailing about and screaming.

Sweetie Belle opened her eyes, the glow of her horn faltering as she lost concentration. She looked up at Apple Bloom who was trying in vain to free herself from the golden glow that held her aloft. "Oh good. Thanks Lyra." she said, releasing a held breath, and collapsed on the floor.

Lyra, still lifting the squirming Apple Bloom, floated Spike over and laid him across her back. Holding the two, she trotted quickly as she could to the stairs and began hollering for Twilight.

Scootaloo leaned down to whisper into Sweetie Belle's ear, "I know magic takes concentration, but you could at least say 'excuse me'."

Sweetie's cheeks turned a bright red, she giggled, "I didn't think anypony noticed."

Upon seeing Spike laid across Lyra's back, Twilight's eyes grew wide. She ushered Lyra upstairs and ran to retrieve the dragon anatomy book she had on loan from the Canterlot library.

Apple Bloom was still in a rage so, against her better judgment, Twilight had used a spell to send her to sleep while they tended to Spike. Lyra agreed to watch the counter till they were done.

"Um, Twilight, ah hesitate ta ask, but, why do you know all these um, brain spells? Applejack asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Brain spells?" Twilight responded, mirroring her friend's quizzical expression. "What do you mean?"

"Well, the sleeping spell, that one spell you cast on your doll that made everypony love it, all those memory spells, that kinda stuff. If ah remember correctly, ya even mind controlled a bird once." Applejack fiddled with her hat. "It jus' seems like ya know a lot of spells that mess with ponies minds."

Twilight smiled, "I'm studying all kinds of magic." Tapping a hoof on her chin, she continued, "I'll admit, some spells kinda fall in a moral grey area, but magic isn't good or evil, it's all in how you use it."

Applejack chuckled, "Ah'm just sayin, an don't take this tha wrong way, but you know all kinds of mind control spells, got a kinda obsessive personality, got super powerful magic, always doin' weird experiments in yer basement, an for that matter, ya got a science lab in yer basement. Yer an evil laugh away from bein' a supervillian."

Twilight giggled, "I guess you're right." she cleared her throat, "MU~HU~HA~HA~HA!"

Applejack shook her head, "That was just sad."

Spike began to stir, sitting up he said, "What happened?"

"You don't remember? That's not good, you could have a concussion."

"No, my memory is fine. I mean what happened after you put me to sleep?" Spike hopped out of the bed.

"Oh, nothing much, I gave you an examination to make sure you were alright, looks like you'll have a black eye, but other than that you're fine." Twilight leaned down as Spike hopped up onto her back. "You should have just come to get me. You were doing really well handling the problem, up till you grabbed her." She motioned to Applejack, who picked up her sister, and all four headed downstairs.

"I'm sorry Twilight, I said I was going to get you if they kept going, I dunno why I didn't." Spike was poking at his swollen eye, it was tender and warm to the touch.

"I know Spike, Lyra told me everything. I'm proud of you, but in the future, don't touch anypony, just come get me, okay?" Twilight looked back at Spike, smiling. Not looking where she was going she nearly missed a step.

Lyra looked up from the textbook lying open on the counter. She waved at Twilight and Applejack as they entered the room. "How'd it go? Is Spike okay?"

Spike hopped down, waddling over to the counter, he gave Lyra a hug. "I'm fine, thanks for coming to my rescue."

"No problem Spike." She gave a wide grin and giggled. "And don't worry, I won't tell anypony you lost to a girl."

Spike blushed.

"Twi, ya sure ya can handle these three?" Applejack asked, motioning at Apple Bloom, still sleeping on her back.

"I'm sure, and I'll make sure she knows that she's in trouble when Granny Smith gets back." Twilight said. Motioning to Lyra, she continued, "Applejack explained things to me, I've got you covered for a few days. I'm sure she'll explain everything to you on your way."

"Thanks for everything Twilight, I'll be sure to repay the favor." Lyra bowed her head.

"I already have that set up. It's less of a favor and… I'll let Applejack explain, I've got to get back to work. Thanks for dropping by. Oh, and I extended your due dates for a week, you have enough to worry about right now."

After saying their goodbyes and setting Apple Bloom down in the back, Applejack and Lyra left. They had a new destination across town.

Examining the street signs Lyra tried to guess where they were going. "I haven't been down this road for a while. Ever since I moved in with Bonbon. My old apartment is down this way."

"Really? It isn't at this address is it?" Applejack asked, removing a small slip of paper from her hat.

"No, but that's really close, I think it's owned by the same mare." Lyra said, as she squinted at the tightly written words. "Is that where we're going?"

"Yeah, Twi said that it's kept for official royal business. We can stay there for a week or so, but we'll be actin as representatives of the Ponyville Agricultural Office. Should be easy since the Apple family already controls the majority of the food production." Applejack shoved the paper back into her hat. She looked around her admiring the intricately trimmed bushes and trees lining the road. "You have any trouble runnin tha library while me an Twilight were tendin ta Spike?"

"A little..."

Unlucky Chapter: Butterflies

“No! I’m never coming out! The whole town thinks I’m a slut now!”

“Fluttershy, the only ones out here are me and Bonbon. Nopony in your living room thinks you are a slut.” Rainbow Dash called, leaning against the wall just outside the locked bathroom door.

“Just leave me alone, I don’t want anypony to see me. Everypony knows about me and Applejack, and that I was drunk at the party. They’ll think I’m some kind of sex crazed alcoholic.” Fluttershy’s voice trembled. Her normally soft tone replaced by a high wail.

Bonbon leaned her ear against the bathroom door, listening intently for sounds of movement. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, I lost my head. I wasn’t mad at you, I should have thought about what I was saying.”

There was only silence from behind the door. Bonbon took a step back. With a shrug she shook her head at Rainbow Dash. “I didn’t know she would react like this.” she whispered.

Dash whispered back, “It’s Fluttershy, what did you expect? The girl’s a walking mental breakdown.” Turning her attention back to the door, she shouted to Fluttershy, “Come on out, nopony here is going to judge you. And I’ll bet that, by tomorrow, nopony in town is even going to remember about you and Applejack.”

“That’s easy for you to say, you’ve never even had a special somepony. What do you know about what other ponies think?” A sudden impact shook the bathroom door. The sound of shattering glass rang through the cottage. A small pool of dark red liquid began to soak the carpet lining the doorway.

Bonbon leaned down, sniffing at the puddle. “Fluttershy, is that wine? You aren’t drinking in there are you?”

“Shut-up, after what you did, you have no right to judge me.” Fluttershy was shouting now, her timid demeanor now completely abandoned.

“Where did you even get wine in the bathroom?” Dash asked Fluttershy as she glared at Bonbon.

“I brought it in here last night. I took a bath and drank some. It helps me relax.” Fluttershy let out a loud groan, her stomach was becoming upset. “You aren't my parents, and I am an adult. Would you rather I went everywhere in a constant state of panic?”

“What do you mean ‘went everywhere’? Fluttershy, how often do you do this?” Rainbow Dash asked, confused. Fluttershy never acted drunk, and she hadn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary at the party.

“It’s none of your business! You both just need to leave. I have plenty to do today, it’s almost noon and I haven’t done any of it.”

Bonbon’s ears drooped, “Okay, we’re leaving. Just promise us you won’t do anything rash. We’re your friends, we care about you.”

“You didn’t seem to care much about me when you said those awful things to Applejack.” Fluttershy mumbled, almost inaudibly, through the closed door.

Bonbon and Dash turned around and began slowly walking towards the exit. Hoping with each step that Fluttershy would change her mind and tell them to stay. Upon reaching the front door Dash hesitated. She turned around and opened her mouth, ready to call out to her friend still barricaded in the bathroom. No words came to her mind. She closed her mouth and, quietly, the two mares left.

Pinkie Pie happily bounced down the dirt path. A shiny plastic name tag hung from a candy patterned lanyard on her neck. Today was a good day, she got to visit a good friend during work hours and get paid for it to boot.

Waving at everypony she passed and enjoying the bright sunshine, she let her imagination run off with her, thinking of the adventures she could have and the great pranks she would play with Rainbow Dash after work.

Speak of the devil!

Pinkie could recognize the two familiar forms anywhere. Now bouncing as quick as she could, she waved and shouted “Hi Dashie! Hi Bonbon!”

The two slowed to a stop as Pinkie approached. They had been talking quietly between themselves but quickly fell silent when she drew near.

“What’s up girls?” Pinkie asked cheerfully. When no reply came, her perpetual smile began to fade. “You two look really serious, is something wrong?”

"It's Fluttershy, she's in a really bad mood." Bonbon avoided making eye contact with Pinkie. She knew it wouldn't matter though, Pinkie was Pinkie and if she didn't know yet she would soon.

"Yeah, a bad mood. No idea what could have caused it." Dash added indignantly, staring at Bonbon through narrowed eyes.

"Oh… Well I was just on my way there to talk to her. You think I should bring her a cupcake or something?"

"Hehe, she definitely could use something to eat, and a pot of coffee." Dash joked. With a cough she continued, "Sorry, that was inappropriate. I really don't think she is in any shape to have visitors."

"Oh dear…" Pinkie's expression soured. "I'll take care of her, I know just what to do."

Rainbow Dash and Bonbon exchanged worried looks, "Pinkie, I don't… think…" Dash started before returning her gaze to Pinkie Pie, who was now a good way down the dusty road galloping full speed towards Fluttershy's cottage, kicking up a small cloud of debris with each step.

Continuing, Dash shouted "THAT'S NOT A GOOD IDEA PINKIE!"

She did not respond. Whether she was ignoring Dash, or simply didn't hear her, Pinkie was not slowing. In a moment she had galloped out of sight.

"We should probably hurry to the library. This is getting out of hoof." Bonbon said as she and Dash resumed their course.

Dash nodded, "Mmhmm."

The broom was in the closet, where it always stayed. Fluttershy still had to enlist Angel's help to find it. Even then she had forgotten to find the paper towels. Luckily, Angel remembered those as well.

The puddle of wine seemed much larger than she thought at first. In her daze, she seemed to be pushing the liquid around rather than soaking it up. Angel had brought a bottle of vinegar to her. It took her quite a while to realize it was for removing the wine from the carpet.

Fluttershy's ears perked up. She heard a loud tapping sound. Listening carefully, after a moment she heard it again. She glanced at Angel, his eyes were scrunched shut, one paw rubbing his forehead the other extended, pointing at the front door. He let out an exaggerated sigh.

As the pieces connected themselves in her wine addled brain, Fluttershy once again heard the knock at the door.

Before she could respond a voice called out, "Fluttershy, I'm coming in! Don't freak out!" Immediately the door swung open, revealing the pony on the other side.

Fluttershy squinted, having trouble focusing her eyes, it took her a moment to register exactly who was standing at her door. "Pinkie Pie? What are you doing here?"

"Wondering why you are drunk before noon is what." Pinkie's voice was cold and flat. "You promised me you were going to stop doing this."

"I'm sorry Pinkie, it's just that Bonbon…"

"No excuses Flutters! You Pinkie promised you would stop if I agreed not to tell our friends. I've been as supportive as I can, trying to help you kick this in secret, but if you aren't going to hold up your end then I have no choice."

Pinkie Pie trotted to the bathroom door where Fluttershy was still attempting to soak up the spill. She took Fluttershy's hoof and pulled, carefully helping her to stand. "We're going to get you sober and then go talk to Twilight."

"But I still have to make those pet treats. The Cakes will be mad at me if I don't get them there today."

"Don't worry about that, we'll work on them while you recover." Turning her attention to Angel, Pinkie asked, "Can you pretty please take care of this mess while I take care of her?"

Angel nodded, gave a sharp salute, and ran off. He returned a short moment later with the wet/dry vacuum in tow.

Fluttershy leaned against Pinkie. With a hiccup she asked, "Why didn't I think of that?"

Pinkie giggled, "Short answer? Booze."

It had been about an hour since Pinkie arrived. The sweet smell of the baking treats mixed with the nutty aroma of the freshly brewing pot of coffee. Fluttershy entered the kitchen, a towel draped over her waist and her mane weighted by cold water, she shivered.

"I'm making a new pot, have another cup, it'll help warm you up." Pinkie said with a smile. She pointed to the table where a simple daisy sandwich sat on a napkin. To the side was a tall glass of water, an empty mug, and a banana.

"Thanks Pinkie, I'm feeling much better now." She took a sip of water. It tasted sweet to her dry tongue. "Wait, isn't eating daisies bad when you've been drinking?"

Pinkie stared at the sandwich for a moment, "I'm fairly sure that's daffodils. All the same, would you like something else? Cause I'll eat it if you won't."

"If it's not too much trouble, I would just like some toast."

"Sure! No trouble at all." Pinkie flashed Fluttershy a wide smile. "By the way, I met Melvin while you were in the shower. You weren't kidding, he really is the tippy-tops of adorableness." Her hoof in the breadbox, she searched for the thickest slices wheat bread.

"Yeah…" Fluttershy smiled to herself.

Pinkie's face turned serious again, "If your head is clear enough now, we really need to talk about your problem."

Fluttershy nodded.

"I agreed to stay quiet about it on the condition that you were making progress. AND that you stopped drinking in the morning." Pinkie pushed the lever down on the toaster. "You broke both parts of our agreement. We need to tell our friends and get help."

"I'm pretty sure Bonbon already took care of that." Fluttershy sniffled.

"Whatever Bonbon said doesn't matter. You have to confront this. Besides, you Pinkie promised." Pinkie poured two large, fragrant mugs of coffee.

"I guess, but can we do it after we deliver the treats?"

"Absolutely."

Chapter Fourteen: Progress?

"I really don't see how it is that hard to believe. I'm sure lots of ponies never have."

"Yeah, but most of those ponies are still in grade school." Bonbon giggled.

"It's not like I never thought about it, it's just not something that's all that important to me." This wasn't a topic Rainbow Dash was used to giving any serious thought.

"Wow, I didn't think she seriously meant that you NEVER had a special somepony. Is there a reason?"

"I just told you, it's just not that important to me."

"Wow, I can't imagine what that would be like."

Dash sighed, "Can we change the subject? I get teased about it enough as is."

"Oh I'm sorry Dash. I'm not teasing you. I just meant that, well, it's kind of a strange concept to me." Bonbon thought for a moment. With a sly grin she said, "Hey, I have an idea. You are single, I'm recently single… see where I'm headed with this?"

"Sorry Bonbon, I'm not interested. Besides, aren't you trying to get Lyra back? Pretty sure that would be counter productive."

"Yeah, I know…" Bonbon looked down at her hooves. The walk to the library was much longer than she remembered. "I guess I'm just hoping I won't have to be alone."

"Is that why you stayed with Zecora last night? What were you two really doing?"

"I already told you Dash."

"No you didn't. I'm not stupid Bonbon. Like I said, if it was personal you don't have to tell me, but I don't appreciate being lied to." Dash stared ahead. They were approaching Ponyville, the dirt path slowly growing wider as they drew nearer.

"Fine. Yes, it was personal. I don't want to talk about it." Bonbon sighed, she had thought she was in the clear, apparently she had to be more careful around Dash.

Out of the corner of her eyes, Dash noticed a dark blur approaching quickly from the direction of the Everfree forest. After just few seconds she could make out a pony shape, a dark grey pegasus stallion, flying quickly in their direction.

As Thunderlane got closer he slowed his pace. Calling out he said, "Hey Rainbow Dash! Cloud Kicker just told me that there was another rockslide. I know you're off duty now, but none of us know what to do. We're supposed to report this right?" He flicked his wings forwards as he landed in front of the duo, kicking up a large cloud of dust.

"You mean to tell me that nopony on duty knows what to do?" Dash asked, incredulously.

Thunderlane shook his head.

With a sigh, Dash continued, "Well, I suppose this explains a few things. What you do is, when somepony witnesses a disaster, they first report it to the shift leader…"

Thunderlane nodded. He sat on his hindquarters, his head cocked, listening intently.

"…the shift leader will show you how to put it in the daily report. In the mean time, whoever saw it happen reports to town hall immediately." Rainbow Dash squinted. "You got all that?"

"Uh-Huh." Thunderlane nodded, "So Cloud Kicker told me, I put it in the report and send her to town hall with the daily report?"

"No, she tells you and you send her IMMEDIATELY to town hall. At the end of the shift you get her account of the incident and put it in the daily report." Dash rubbed her temples. "Wait, why are you leading the day shift? On second thought, why are you even working the day shift? You are supposed to be on the evening shift this month."

"It's day shift's weekend at training camp in Cloudsdale." Thunderlane stood-up. "Me, Cloud Kicker, Flitter and Sassaflash are the only ones on duty right now."

"Oh, I forgot about that. Don't worry, I'll come by before shift change and show you how to do the report. Make sure Cloud Kicker reports to town hall A.S.A.P.!" Dash said, slightly embarrassed. Since she had been promoted to weather coordinator she didn't have much interaction with the regular teams. Her day to day routine was basically to set up the weather in the morning and be on call if something unexpected happened.

"Okay, I think I got it now." Thunderlane said, nodding again. He turned to leave before catching sight of Bonbon. "Oh hey Bonbon, good ta see you! If you would, tell Lyra that Rumble got an A+ in math on his report card, it's all thanks to her tutoring!" He flashed a wide grin and took off.

Rainbow Dash and Bonbon resumed walking. Bonbon's gaze cast at her hooves, Dash's fixed straight ahead.

"I didn't know that Lyra tutors foals. Is that why she is taking those classes, to be a teacher?" Dash had met Bonbon and Lyra through Fluttershy shortly before Twilight moved to town, they were always fairly social ponies, but Dash rarely talked to them outside of Pinkie's parties.

"Yeah, she loves foals. We talked a couple of times about adopting one of our own." Bonbon leaned against Dash as they walked.

Dash stopped abruptly. "Bonbon, I told you I'm not interested, please stop leaning on me like that."

Bonbon pulled away. "I'm sorry Dash. It's just… I'm really lonely right now, and I feel like I can talk to you." She shifted nervously on her hooves, a light blush touching her cheeks. "Are you sure you wouldn't, maybe, like to go to dinner with me? It doesn't have to be anything serious."

The two began walking again. Dash's voice wavered as she spoke, "I dunno Bonbon, it doesn't seem right. I don't want you to be lonely and all, but think of Lyra. You two have all this history together. She is probably just waiting for an apology."

Dash's pace slowed, she began dragging her hooves. "Besides… I'm not really into mares."

Bonbon nudged Dash's shoulder, a playful smile across her muzzle. "Lyra made it pretty clear that we are through, would I really be respecting her by not accepting that? And if you have never had a special somepony, how do you know that you don't like mares? Maybe stallions are the whole reason romance doesn't appeal to you and you just never realized."

Dash stopped. Bonbon was making a lot of sense. The thought never occurred to her. Maybe it wasn't romance itself that didn't appeal to her, perhaps it was how she had constructed it in her mind. She never questioned her preferences, stallions just seemed like the only option. "Well, when you put it like that… I dunno."

"What's the worst that could happen? I'm not asking you to marry me, we don't even have to call it a date. Just two friends having dinner." Turning around so they were face to face, Bonbon nuzzled Dash's neck. Sinking into the soft fur, she noted the contrast as she pressed into Rainbow Dash's toned muscles.

Dash's face was pressed into Bonbon's mane, the scent seemingly filling her world. She smelled of cotton candy and strawberries, the same scents that surrounded her candy store. She closed her eyes. "You promise it's just dinner? If you and Lyra make up tomorrow, I don't want to be the source of any tension between you two."

"I promise, just a friendly dinner. I'll be on my best behavior. No funny stuff." Bonbon bounced in place, her nose scrunched, her elated smile seemed to cross into her whole being.

"Okay…" Dash said, uncertainly. Still apprehensive, she began to smile. "For now though, we still need to get to Twilight's place."

The two began walking again, a little slower. After a moment, Bonbon once again leaned against Rainbow Dash's side.

Dash did not object.

Chapter Fifteen: A Return

Laying on a small cushion, Apple Bloom's gaze was fixed firmly on her hooves. After waking up in the library nearly half an hour ago she was still angry, but now her thoughts were on something else.

After a few more minutes of contemplation, she had made up her mind. Regardless of what Granny Smith said, nopony was going to keep her away from home. She just had to convince her fellow Crusaders. She stood and walked out of the room. Faint sounds she recognized as her friends voices could be heard from somewhere close to the front desk.

Scootaloo was pointing at a picture in a slim book. Sweetie Belle was sitting on her hindquarters, covering her eyes with a foreleg and waving the other at the book as if to shoo it away. Both fillies were talking loudly.

Twilight sat behind the front desk, floating a large rubber stamp and watching the two with barely restrained laughter.

As Apple Bloom approached the others, their words came clearer.

"But Scootaloo, that's really gross! I don't think we should be looking at that." Sweetie Belle squealed from the protection her hoof provided to her young eyes.

"Sweetie Belle, it's art! It's supposed to be that way. You want us to get our cutie marks don't you?"

"Can't we just make flowers or trees? Maybe a bunny?" Sweetie whined, making a very dramatic gagging sound.

Scootaloo flipped a few pages, a serious look on her face. Her eyes skimmed through the passages and pictures until she found what she was looking for. "It says here that 'A healthy understanding of equine anatomy is essential for any aspiring artist' blah blah blah 'skeletal and musculature accuracy' yadda yadda 'basis of all work in paint, ink or clay.' See, it says it right there!" She held up the book for Sweetie Belle to see.

Apple Bloom trotted up to Twilight. Pointing to Sweetie and Scootaloo she asked, "What's going on? They're talkin' 'bout sculpting right?"

Twilight stifled a giggle. "I gave Scootaloo a book on classical Maresopotameian statues. I think she took it a bit too seriously. She's fixated on anatomical studies."

Apple Bloom cocked her head, with a blank look she responded, "And in real words?"

"Scootaloo wants to sculpt naked ponies." Twilight snickered.

"Twilight, aren't you s'posed ta be an adult?"

Sweetie Belle peeked over her hoof. Greeted by the open book Scootaloo was thrusting at her she quickly looked away again. Scootaloo scowled.

Twilight covered her mouth in a futile attempt to hide her amusement. She cleared her throat, changing the subject she put on a straight face. "Are you feeling better Apple Bloom?"

"Ah guess." Apple Bloom looked down. Shuffling her hooves, she clenched her teeth. "Ah'm sorry ah hit Spike, there's just a bunch goin' on right now."

"You might want to say that to him. I sent him to the mayor's office a while ago, he should be back any minute."

Apple Bloom squinted her eyes and wrinkled her nose. Mouthing nonsense and shaking her head in mockery, she was certain Twilight couldn't see her face.

Twilight gave a short whistle, capturing the three fillies attention. "We're closing for lunch in a minute, if you're going to check anything out you should do it now."

Scootaloo lowered the book. Exchanging glances with Sweetie, she rolled her eyes. "I guess I'll just put this back. We'll find something else to do today."

Apple Bloom stared at the ground. They had spent the entire morning at the library and had nothing to show for it. Now, as they pushed their way through the crowds in the market square, she felt her frustration returning.

"I still think sculpture is the way ta go." Scootaloo said. "I don't see why we can't even try it out."

Sweetie Belle groaned. "And I still think you are a little too interested in looking at naked ponies."

"It's ART! There is nothing wrong with looking at art! Besides, nopony wears clothes anyway."

"Yeah, but nopony goes around showing off their private parts either." Sweetie said loudly, oblivious to the strange looks they were getting from all directions.

Scootaloo frowned. She sighed under her breath, "It's art."

Sweetie Belle looked around at all the ponies shopping and chatting at the various stalls and stands, a new sparkle in her eyes. "Hey girls, there's lots of things here we can do. Why don't we just look around for a bit?"

Apple Bloom perked up, that gave her an idea. "Mah brother should be at the apple stall right now. Ah'll bet he knows why Granny won't let me go home." She smiled, certain that she was close to the answers she sought.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Scootaloo said. "It seems to me that your Granny Smith doesn't want you to know. I don't want you getting in trouble."

"Ah'm already gonna be in trouble for fightin' with Spike. Ah can't get in any worse trouble fer askin' questions." Apple Bloom said before sprinting off in the direction of the apple stall.

Struggling to keep up, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo galloped along behind her. Passing numerous stalls of every shape and color, they did their best to not bump into anypony as they charged through the crowded square.

"Apple Bloo-UGH!" Sweetie collided with Apple Bloom's back before she could finish asking her to slow down. "Wha-OOF" Scootaloo crashed into her, causing all three fillies to tumble over into a heap on the ground.

Apple Bloom growled "Watch where yall're goin'. Didn't ya see me stop?" Her voice was hushed.

"What's the matter? Why did you stop?" Scootaloo whispered, ignoring Apple Bloom's annoyed tone.

Apple Bloom ducked behind a nearby crate, urging her friends to follow. When all three were huddled together behind the crate she peeked her head out. Motioning to the others and pointing to a nearby stall she whispered "Look over there, it's Rarity and mah brother."

"Doesn't Applejack take over for you soon? Are you sure you don't want to come with me?" Rarity's voice lacked energy. Her hair, while still neatly styled, was a bit flatter than usual.

"Ah told ya already," Big Macintosh sighed, "it's not right."

"And what, pray tell, is wrong with it? Fluttershy is in need. You and I will simply be helping a friend."

"Ah'm not dumb Rarity, ah know what yer tryin' ta do."

"And what of it? You already said you don't like how things are going. What's wrong in tipping the scales in your favor?" Rarity closed her eyes and took a deep breath, attempting to rid herself of the annoyance creeping into her voice.

"Ah don't like how things'r goin' 'cause ah like Fluttershy too. It has nothing ta do with who does or does not like mares."

"I know darling, that's exactly why I need you to come talk to her with me." Rarity rubbed her forehead, she felt a headache coming on.

"You want me ta come with ya 'cause you know ah don't like the thought o' mares liking mares. Sure, ah don't like tha thought, but ah'm not a bigot. What other ponies do in private doesn't effect me in tha slightest, no matter how ah feel about it." Big Macintosh was making no attempt to hide his irritation. He continued. "Ah'm not like you Rarity, ah respect others no matter how they live."

Rarity's eyes widened, her jaw went slack, a cold knot formed in her stomach. Grasping for her voice she stammered, "W-where did that come from? Th-th-that is… that is ABSOLUTELY NOT what this is about."

"Ya can't take back what ya said Rarity. Ah know why yer tryin' ta come between AJ an Fluttershy an ah want no part of it."

Rarity's eyes began to glisten. She carefully wiped them with a hoof, trying not to ruin her makeup. "The reason I am trying to come between them is that they are my friends. I told you that Fluttershy isn't gay. Applejack is though. She practically forced herself on Fluttershy, and we all know that Fluttershy is not the kind to say anything she thinks would hurt somepony's feelings. She needs somepony to stand up for her."

"Ah told ya once ta watch what yer sayin 'bout mah fam'ly. Ah'm gettin real mad now, an ah don't wanna lose mah temper. Ya best be movin' along." Big Mac's face was beginning to flush with anger. He sat back down behind the stall. "AJ would never, and ah mean NEVER, do anythin' ta anypony without their consent."

"I know that! That's why I need your help!"

"If'n ya know that then why tha hay are ya sayin things like that?" Big Mac gritted his teeth, hissing uneven breaths. "Ya said AJ is yer friend, but ya sure aren't actin' like it."

The tears in Rarity's eyes began to flow in streams down her face, carrying her mascara with them in long, dark streaks. "F-Fluttershy w-wont speak up f-for herself. Applejack won't know she's h-hurting her i-i-if… if she…" Rarity's head was spinning. She was unable to tell the ground from the sky. "if… she…"

Rarity's vision blurred, the world around her becoming impossibly bright. She closed her eyes and sat on her behind, attempting to steady herself. Slowly drawing a long breath the air seemed frigid. Her chest felt like ice. Her head felt as though it was floating miles above her. She placed a hoof on her head trying desperately to stay upright as she weaved back and forth.

Big Mac stood up. Forgetting his anger, he rushed to Rarity's side.

"Applejack needs us." Rarity breathed weakly. The world spun around and above her. The ground seemed to give out under her. The brightness turned to white and she fell over, limply, into Big Macintosh's hooves.

Several onlookers called out at once, "SOMEPONY GET HELP!"

Apple Bloom's legs ached. Despite the pain she couldn't slow down. She was almost at Sweet Apple Acres, just a little further to the clubhouse. Scootaloo's voice had faded to nothing behind her as she galloped down the dirt path. Apple Bloom forced all thoughts out of her head, all she knew, all she wanted to know was to reach the clubhouse.

Far behind, Scootaloo galloped, out of breath. She silently cursed herself for not bringing her scooter along today. As Apple Bloom disappeared from view Scootaloo slowed to a trot. She could guess the destination, but she was unsure if her legs would be able to get her there. She felt bad about leaving Sweetie in the square, but surely she would understand.

Apple Bloom did not slow when she saw the clubhouse. Her heart was racing and her breathing was ragged but her mind was focused solely on reaching the safety of the clubhouse.

Touching her hooves to the stairs, she felt like a warm blanket was being wrapped around her. As she passed through the doorway it felt as though she was falling into her sister's arms. She stumbled to a stop in the center of the room, the comfort offered by these four walls was immeasurable.

The relief did not last long. The scene in the market seemed to follow her inside, silently creeping up to her and grabbing her by the throat. She laid down, pulling her knees tight to her chest, she made herself as small as she could.

A short time later Scootaloo reached the tiny clubhouse. Her pace slowed as she approached the stairs. The sound of Apple Bloom's sobbing ringing clearly through the air. For a brief moment, Scootaloo looked back towards town, contemplating not going inside. Steeling herself for the sight of her friend, she reached out and slowly opened the door.

Apple Bloom's wailing was deafening in the small room. Scootaloo looked at the floor, a trail of dark droplets lead from a puddle in the center to the corner, where Apple Bloom lay, surrounded by stuffed animals and covered in a sleeping bag. She nervously inched her way towards her.

"Apple Bloom, are you okay?"

Apple Bloom responded with a shrug. She sniffled, attempting to stop her sobbing, and began to sit upright.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Apple Bloom turned around to face Scootaloo, her cheeks soaked with tears. She wiped her muzzle with a hoof, smearing a streak of snot across her cheek. Staring at the floor, she answered with another shrug.

Scootaloo frowned, unsure of how to continue. "I don't know what to say."

Apple Bloom shook her head, "There ain't nothin' you can say that will fix this." Tears continued to pour from her eyes. "Ah knew that Applejack liked mares, ah didn't know that was a problem. That's what this is all about isn't it? None o' this woulda happened if ah didn't tell Granny."

"If you didn't tell Granny Smith nothing would have changed. Remember what Rarity and Big Mac said last night? They already knew." Scootaloo said in an attempt to comfort Apple Bloom. "None of this is your fault."

"That's not true! Granny didn't know till ah told her last night. If ah hadn't said anythin' then me an' Applejack an' Big Mac would all still be at home an' happy." Apple Bloom wiped her eyes down the length of her forelegs, smearing tears and snot everywhere.

"I dunno, are you sure that's the reason? It doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me." Scootaloo said, scratching the back of her neck.

"Ya heard them arguin'. Rarity an' Big Mac HATE Applejack. An' it's all 'cause she likes mares."

"Are you sure about that? It didn't sound like they hated AJ to me. I think there was some kinda misunderstanding."

"Applejack is the closest thing ah have to a mom. If everypony hates her then what's gonna happen ta me? Ah can't lose mah sister!" Apple Bloom's pupils shrank as a new realization occurred. "What'll happen to US if everypony hates her? Ah won't be allowed ta talk ta you an' Sweetie Belle!"

"C'mon Apple Bloom, that's not gonna happen. Nopony hates your sister. And even if they did, that wouldn't keep us from being friends." Scootaloo walked to the corner and sat down beside Apple Bloom. "Everything's going to be okay, you'll see."

"Ah hope yer right." Apple Bloom leaned on Scootaloo's shoulder. Her tear stained face soaking Scootaloo's fur.

"Ah'm so scared."

Chapter Sixteen: Politics

Applejack threw her saddlebags on the neatly made bed. The apartment had been recently used and was kept clean by a maid that, according to Twilight, came by twice a week and was scheduled to come later today. The entire place was spotless. All they had to do was unpack. At least, that's all SHE had to do. Lyra had not brought anything.

"Looks like there's only one bed. Don't worry, ah'll take tha couch."

"Are you sure? You've already done so much for me. And I'm kinda the reason we're here in the first place." Lyra said, unable to focus her attention on any one thing. She was taking in every aspect of her temporary home.

The apartment was a studio, but much larger than Lyra's old one. The kitchen area had dark marble tiles on the floor and walls. A small counter separated it from the living and sleeping area. The rest of the apartment was carpeted in a tightly woven cream colored fiber. The walls were decorated with large, hand painted portraits, hung in intricately carved frames. A large beige sofa, lined in brass rivets, rested against the opposite wall. In the far corner, there was a king sized bed, much larger than anything Applejack or Lyra had ever slept on, yet perfectly at home in the large, open space of the apartment. The bed was surrounded by a white canopy made of tulle and what looked like satin.

There was a large wooden dresser beside the bed. On top of which stood a photo of the mayor shaking hooves with Twilight Sparkle. On the other side of the bed was a large vanity. The sole upset to the cleanliness of the room was in a small grease smudge in the corner of the vanity mirror.

"Ah'm sure. You gotta go see Bonbon and get yer things right? You're bound ta be plum tuckered after that. But if ya really want, ah'll take tha bed t'morrow. We can take turns." Applejack had begun unpacking her things. She hadn't brought much, her work at the orchard only required a cart and some baskets, all of which were waiting back there for her. And she wasn't one to wear clothes except on special occasions. Her current belongings were little more than her toothbrush, a small satchel of bits, the book she was currently reading and her favorite pillow.

"I don't know if I can even sleep here, the whole place is so fancy. And besides, there is plenty of room on this bed for the two of us. We wouldn't even touch. I'm so used to sleeping in a bed with Bonbon that I could barely sleep last night. It would really help if I knew there was somepony else here." Lyra began to blush, her intentions were innocent, but she was completely aware of how it could sound. Her embarrassment only grew as Applejack began to laugh.

"He~he, Ah understand. Don't tell nopony, but when ah was a little filly, me an' Big Mac used ta share a bed. When ah finally got mah own room ah cried every night fer near a month." Applejack turned back to the bed. It really was big enough that two ponies could sleep without ever touching each other. "Ah s'pose ah could just sleep on top of the blankets. Don't want anypony thinkin' anything unproper."

Lyra rolled her eyes. With a giggle she replied, "Sure, it's EXACTLY like being a filly on her first night alone. You sure have a way of making me feel LESS nervous."

Applejack looked down at her now empty saddlebags. "Do ya need any help gettin' yer things from Bonbon's place?"

"I don't think so, all I need is my toothbrush and comb. That sort of thing." Lyra's eyes narrowed, she knew she was forgetting something. After a short moment she remembered. "Um… I might need your help after all. My textbooks are all there. I have class Monday through Wednesday, I'm gonna need them."

"An' ya need two ponies fer that? Just how many books are there?"

"Too many for us to get in just one trip. I'll just grab the essential ones." Lyra trotted to the kitchen area. She peeked inside the refrigerator. "Wow, it's packed with fresh veggies. Are we allowed to use this?"

"Twi said that everythin' here is complementary for diplomats an' such. Since we're workin' for her while stayin' here it's ours." Applejack glanced at the wall clock, it was almost time to take over for Big Macintosh at the apple stand. "Ah gotta get goin' soon, we'll get yer stuff after ah close the stall this evening."

"Well, in that case, I'll make us a salad."

The bell chimed as Dash and Bonbon entered Golden Oaks Library. They immediately spotted Twilight at the front desk. The library was empty except for the three of them.

"Where's Spike?" Dash asked, looking around for any sign of the tiny dragon.

"I sent him to the mayor's office," Twilight said. "He's delivering a letter about the new Agricultural Department representative. Do you need him for something?"

Bonbon ducked behind Rainbow Dash. She was still uncomfortable talking to a princess, even though she was, until recently, just a regular unicorn acting as the town librarian. Lyra spoke to her regularly, but Bonbon had only fleeting contact at best.

Dash began. "Well, no. We need to talk to you, Twi. I-in private, it's about Fluttershy."

"If it's about her and Applejack, believe me, I know all about it."

"It's not that. I mean, I guess it has to do with that, but…" Dash knew this had to be handled delicately. She was not good at speaking delicately. "Bonbon? Can you help me?"

Bonbon swallowed hard. She turned her back to Dash and the princess. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back. "We think Fluttershy has a drinking problem." She began to shiver. "Dash, can I go sit down? I'm really nervous and my head is all swimmy."

Dash sighed. "I guess so. But I'm probably going to need you to tell her what Fluttershy said this morning."

Bonbon nodded. She trotted over to the circle of cushions laid out in the youth section and laid down.

Turning her attention back to Twilight, Dash continued. "Are we alone in here? I don't want anypony else hearing this."

Twilight looked around, she had just finished her lunch and reopened the library before Dash and Bonbon arrived. Nopony else had visited since the Cutie Mark Crusaders left. "We're all alone here. Spike will be back soon though. But I can probably get him to watch the counter while we talk upstairs. Wouldn't be the first time today."

"Okay, well… We were at Fluttershy's cottage this morning and she locked herself in the bathroom. She was yelling a lot from in there. I don't know when she started drinking, but when she told us to leave she was pretty wasted. She broke a wine bottle on the door."

Twilight frowned. "Rainbow, it sounds like you are getting mixed up. Maybe you should start at the beginning."

"...then she said it was none of our business and…" Rainbow Dash abruptly stopped speaking when she heard the bell chime. Turning around, she was greeted by a scowling, tan earth pony, and a frightened looking baby dragon.

"Your highness, I need to have a word with you." Mayor Mare's voice was always carefully controlled. The voice of a politician. The expression on her face spoke for her.

"Of course Mayor. Just head upstairs, I'll be there in a moment."

Mayor Mare trotted off, disappearing up the stairs. Twilight exhaled a breath she just that moment realized she had been holding. She shot a quizzical gaze to Spike, who just shrugged.

"That seems important. We can finish talking when you're done with the mayor." Dash whispered.

Twilight nodded. She spoke quietly, "I'll make it quick, you two make yourselves at home while I take care of this." Turning to Spike she continued. "You can watch the front for a little while, right?"

Spike nodded, smiling despite his swollen face.

As Twilight ascended the stairs, Bonbon made her way to Rainbow's side. "I'm sorry for making you tell her by yourself. I get really nervous talking to her since, ya know, she's a princess now."

"You do know she's still the same Twilight Sparkle that has lived here for years right? She just has wings now." Dash replied. "Right Spike?"

"Yup, still the same nervous purple egghead she's always been." Spike smiled.

"By the way Spike, what happened to your eye?"

"Oh, it's a long story. I got in a fight with Apple Bloom."

"You hit a girl?" Dash gasped.

"NO! I didn't do anything! I swear!" Spike's face would have gone pale were it not for the swelling.

"I'm just teasing you Spike, I know you're always a gentledrake. But I'm surprised that Apple Bloom would pick a fight, what happened?"

Spike scratched his arm, looking away he said, "I don't think I'm supposed to talk about it. The short version is that she was shouting and got upset when I asked her to leave. I grabbed her hoof to take her outside and she hit me."

"It's not a good idea to grab somepony when they are angry." Bonbon chimed in.

"I know, Twilight already talked to me about it. Apple Bloom still shouldn't have hit me though."

"Well yeah, but grabbing her was just asking for trouble." Dash said.

"I don't really want to talk about it anymore. Besides, I've gotta make an ice pack for my eye." Spike started walking towards the kitchen. "I'll be right back. Let me know if anypony comes in okay?"

Bonbon poked Rainbow in the shoulder and whispered, "Poor guy, lost a fight to a filly. He's probably gonna get teased like crazy."

"That's not nice Bonbon. Spike's a good little guy."

"Sorry." Bonbon flinched. She couldn't tell if Dash was on edge or if she herself was being obnoxious. Lyra was usually there to warn her when she was getting on other ponies nerves. "Say, where do you want to have dinner?"

"I dunno, I only have a few bits so it can't be anywhere fancy." Dash felt a little embarrassed, having just realized that she was all but broke after buying the latest Daring Do book. It was the special first edition collectors box with limited edition signed poster. Nopony could question Rainbow Dash's dedication to her favorite treasure hunting pegasus.

"Well how about we have dinner at my place? I'm a great cook, and it won't cost you anything." Bonbon grinned wide.

"That does sound good. But dinner at your place seems a little personal, ya know?" Dash raised her eyebrow. "Just a friendly dinner, right?"

"Cross my heart." Bonbon drew her hoof in an x across her chest. "You like parsnips? I've been growing them in my garden."

Dash smiled. "Is that those white carrot looking things? Pinkie served those at a party once. They were really good." Her stomach growled loudly.

Bonbon giggled. "Well, I guess we have our answer. Is around seven o'clock good?"

Dash nodded, smiling wide. Her ears pricked up. "Wait… Do you hear that?"

Bonbon grew quiet. Listening intently she could faintly hear the sound of shouting coming from upstairs.

The muffled voices exploded into the air as the bedroom door forcefully swung open.

"Well what was I supposed to do? Turn her out on the street? We needed somepony to fill the position anyway!" Twilight yelled angrily.

"Get her a hotel room or something if you have to! You can't go around giving all your friends official positions!" The mayor's face was flushed red. Her voice cracked as she yelled while struggling to keep her practiced calm tone.

"The Apple family already supplies the vast majority of Ponyville's food. Applejack is an expert in agriculture!"

"It's a conflict of interest! You're a princess, surely you know these things!"

"For Celestia's sake, SHE'S THE ELEMENT OF HONESTY! She CAN'T have a conflict of interest!" Twilight's wings were flared, her eyes narrowed to slits and her face was several shades darker than usual. "How dare you even suggest…"

"I'm not suggesting anything! It is, by definition, a conflict of interest! The press doesn't care about how honest she is, all they will see is you two conspiring to put Applejack in a favorable position!" Mayor Mare, out of the corner of her eye, caught sight of Rainbow Dash and Bonbon. Both staring dumbstruck at her and Twilight. She straightened her stance, took a deep breath, and spoke calmly. "I'm sorry your Highness, but I must insist that you reconsider appointing her to this position. Now, if you don't mind, I'll take my leave."

Twilight seethed as she watched the mayor descend the stairs and exit the library, stopping only briefly to nod acknowledgment at the two ponies standing around the front desk.

Bonbon quietly stuttered, "I-I should p-probably be going. Gotta get everything ready for dinner ya know." She turned towards the exit.

"Wait Bonbon!" Twilight shouted down the stairs. Using her wings to bypass the staircase, she floated down beside the two mares. "You can't tell anypony what you just saw. The mayor was right about one thing, the press would have a field day with this."

Bonbon stumbled backwards. "I won't! I couldn't! I promise!"

Dash absently chimed in. "You didn't have a problem telling the town about AJ and Fluttershy." No sooner had she spoken the words, she caught herself. She covered her mouth with a hoof, blushing profusely she quickly added, "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean that."

Luckily for Rainbow Dash, Bonbon did not seem to hear her. Twilight, however, did. She nodded her head to Dash, looking Bonbon in the eyes she furrowed her brow and spoke. "You are not to tell a soul what you saw here. That is an order. Do you understand?"

"N-no ma'am. I-I MEAN YES! Yes m-ma'am, I won't tell anypony. I SWEAR I WONT!" Bonbon's knees quaked. Her eyes had grown wide while her pupils shrank to mere pinpricks.

"Twilight…" Dash interrupted, "…stop, you're scaring her! She's trembling."

Twilight took a step backward, folding her wings, her gaze shifting from Bonbon to Dash and back. The cream colored earth pony was huddled close to the ground, her face buried in her hooves. She was, indeed, trembling. "I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean…"

"It's okay Twi, I'll take care of her." Dash said, giving Twilight a small pat on the shoulder.

Twilight slowly took another step backwards. Her eyes growing wide, she turned towards the back of the library and shouted, "Spike! You're supposed to be watching the front!" With tears in her eyes she breathed another apology before spreading her wings and flying herself upstairs and through the open bedroom door. With a purple glow, the door gently closed after her.

"Are you okay Bonbon? I've never seen you so scared." Dash said.

"I-I'll be fine, thanks Dash. I owe you one." Bonbon's shaking slowed. Her breathing slowly returned to normal. "I need some fresh air."

"I'll go back later to finish telling her about Fluttershy. You don't have to come if you don't want to." Rainbow Dash said as the two mares walked down the road towards Bonbon's house.

"Thanks Dash. I'm sorry I freaked out." Bonbon kicked at a small pebble in her path.

"Don't worry 'bout it. But I gotta ask, why were you so scared in the first place?"

"Twilight is so intimidating. I heard that Celestia herself said she has never seen a pony with such powerful magic. I even heard that, during the changeling invasion of Canterlot, she killed dozens of changelings with her magic before they could even touch her." A shiver ran down Bonbon's back, her fur was standing on end. "And on top of all that, she's a princess. If I upset her she could vaporise me in an instant, and nopony would be able to do anything about it."

"Wow. When you put it like that she does sound pretty scary. But this is Twilight we're talkin' 'bout, she would never do anything like that." Dash chuckled. "I'll bet you anything that the thought has never even crossed her mind."

"Thanks Dash. I'm glad you're here." Bonbon nuzzled Rainbow's neck. "You're so muscular but your coat is so soft. How do you do that?"

Dash blushed. She wanted to push Bonbon away, to chastise her for the unwanted affection, but something was stopping her. "I dunno, I just take good care of myself. I'm not all prissy like Rarity, but I do care how I look. The foals even have a fan club devoted to me. I can't let them down."

"You like foals?"

"Yeah, I guess I've got a bit of a soft spot."

Bonbon smiled, she brushed Rainbow's ear with her muzzle and whispered, "I'll see you at seven. Don't be late."

Rainbow Dash stopped in her tracks. Her eyes grew wide, her pupils growing till there was almost no color visible. Her cheeks grew hot and turned a bright crimson. As she watched Bonbon trot off towards her house, her voice squeaked a tiny "Okay."

Chapter Seventeen: Milkshakes and Monsters

Lyra laid on her back. Hanging her head off the edge of the bed, she took in her upside down world. For some reason she couldn't take her eyes off the carpet. There was no sign that anypony had ever stood on this floor, it was in pristine condition.

Something was off about it. Something she couldn't place. It was clean and bright, pleasant to look at. It was softer than most carpet she had encountered. Something about it made her anxious.

The remnants of the salad Lyra made for herself and Applejack sat in a bowl on the counter. Applejack said that it was delicious, but somehow that didn't mean much to her. She wasn't supposed to be fixing meals, that was always Bonbon's job.

Applejack had left a short time ago for the apple stall. Lyra had nothing to do until the evening when they were going to retrieve her things from Bonbon's house. She had thought of reading Applejack's book, but upon reading the cover she decided that it was too sappy for her tastes.

Her thoughts kept returning to the cream colored carpet though. It didn't smell right. It didn't smell bad, it was clean and fresh, but it didn't smell right.

Her gaze fell on the photograph on the dresser. It was not a surprising photo to see in an apartment kept for government use. It showed Mayor Mare and Twilight Sparkle shaking hooves and smiling in the town square. A small detail caught her attention. Behind the two mares, barely in the picture at all, was the corner of Bonbon's candy store.

After a moment's thought she rolled over onto her stomach. Returning her gaze to the carpet, she ran a hoof through the fibers and whispered "Strawberries and cotton candy."

"Pinkie, you need to be more careful with the treats, we can't sell them if they are broken." Fluttershy said, watching the large boxes of snacks bounce on Pinkie Pie's back. Between her own wobbly knees and Pinkie's bouncing she was certain she wouldn't have any cookies left when they reached their destination.

"Oh, sorry." Pinkie said, trying her best to not bounce as the two of them made their way to Sugarcube Corner. "It's so hard to be calm like this for so long."

They had made several batches of cookies, a dozen each of six different recipes. Pinkie had to resist the urge to sneak a bite with every tray she took from the oven. Now, as the boxes of treats warmed her back, her stomach began to rumble.

"Hey Flutters, I bet if we time it just right, we can show up at Twilight's place right when she starts making dinner. We might get a free meal out of all this."

"But we just ate. You're not already hungry again are you?" Fluttershy was always amazed at how much Pinkie Pie could eat. Every one of her meals had a dessert or two and yet she never gained an ounce.

"Eh, I suppose I can wait. I guess I'm just nervous." Pinkie fixed her eyes on Sugarcube Corner, slowly approaching in the distance. "I was supposed to be back half an hour ago. This is more important though."

"Thank goodness you're finally back!" Carrot Cake said with a relieved sigh as the two mares entered the bakery. "Watch the counter for a few minutes."

"Okay, but where do I..." Pinkie called after her boss as he hurried out the back door. "Hmm… I guess we'll just sit them here for now." she said, sliding the boxes from her back onto the counter.

"Where'd he go? He sounded upset." Fluttershy gave Pinkie a concerned look and pointed to the exit.

Pinkie rolled her eyes "He probably just needs a cigarette. He gets like that." With a sigh she continued. "Looks like we'll be here a few more minutes before we head to the library."

Fluttershy slid the boxes on her own back onto the counter beside the ones Pinkie had been carrying. "That's okay, I still don't know what I'm going to say to Twilight."

The gentle chime of the bell accompanied the entrance of a lavender pegasus mare with a blonde mane. She was visibly shaken, jumping backward when Pinkie said hello.

"Is something wrong Cloud Kicker? You look awful." Pinkie said cautiously, not wanting to startle her again.

"This day is just going to Tartarus in a hoofbasket Pinkie." Cloud Kicker collapsed into a nearby chair unceremoniously. "The weather patrol is down to skeleton crew for the weekend and the universe chooses today to go crazy."

"Oh goodness, what happened?" Fluttershy trotted to her side, attempting to offer comfort. Her unsteady hooves quickly reminded her that she was still partially in the grips of the wine.

If Cloud Kicker noticed Fluttershy's wobbling she was too rattled to acknowledge it. "I saw a rockslide this morning. Nopony knew what to do about it until Thunderlane talked to Rainbow Dash about it. I had to go tell the mayor but she was talking to Princess Twilight's dragon and was really mad."

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie exchanged worried looks. If the mayor was angry at Spike then Twilight was no doubt in some sort of trouble.

"A rockslide qualifies as an emergency so I got to talk to her right away, but she was really mad the whole time. When I left there I went through the market square and your friend Rarity was arguing with the stallion at the apple stand. I don't know what they were saying but she passed out right there."

"What?! Are you sure it was Rarity? And that she really fainted?" Pinkie's heart jumped into her throat. "Is she okay now?"

Cloud Kicker shrank back slightly at the sudden barrage of questions. Stumbling over her words she answered. "I-I don't know. The apple pony took her to the hospital, I saw him on my way here and he didn't look too upset, so I assume she's okay."

Fluttershy breathed a relieved sigh. "Big Macintosh would still be at the hospital if it was really bad. If he's walking around town and not upset then it's pretty certain Rarity is okay."

Pinkie nodded.

Cloud Kicker continued. "When I got back to work is when the really scary stuff happened." She took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Oh, I almost forgot why I came in here. I need a chocolate milkshake, my nerves are really messed up."

By miracle Pinkie managed to restrain the wave of inappropriate laughter she felt at the irony of Cloud Kicker's request. "Sure thing!" Reaching for a large dessert glass she motioned for her to continue.

"Where was I?" Cloud Kicker tapped a hoof to her head. "Oh right, the forest! I was busting some clouds at the edge of the Everfree, and I heard what sounded like another rockslide. I looked around but I didn't see anything."

Pinkie reached over Fluttershy's shoulder to place the massive milkshake on the table in front of Cloud Kicker. "I put an extra cherry on top. Don't tell anypony." she chimed.

"Thanks Pinkie." Cloud Kicker took a large sip from the extra long straw. Pinkie Pie's milkshakes always looked like giant caricatures. "Anyway, I flew over the rubble of the first rockslide and saw it was all scattered and a yucky green cloud was coming from the tree line. I flew down to investigate, but as soon as I landed there was a super loud roar and something huge started crashing through the trees." A long shiver ran down her spine.

"That sounds terrifying." Fluttershy said. Attempting to picture the scene in her mind she felt a shiver of her own.

"What did you do then?" Pinkie asked as she sat down across from Cloud Kicker, motioning for Fluttershy to follow suit. "I think I would have wet myself."

Cloud Kicker giggled. "Well luckily I didn't do that. I flew away as fast as I could. I tried to tell Thunderlane, but I guess he thought I was making stuff up cause he said there was no way three rockslides could happen in one day, let alone one caused by a giant monster with a green cloud. He sent me home."

"Well I believe you, we've seen way weirder things before." Pinkie turned to Fluttershy. "You know any monsters that are huge enough to cause a rockslide and have a green cloud around them?"

"That sounds familiar." Fluttershy's head was still cloudy from the alcohol. She knew she should recognize the description, but she couldn't place it. "Sorry, I don't know."

A soft thump sounded from the back of the bakery. Pinkie Pie turned around to see Carrot Cake trotting to the kitchen, no doubt to wash his hooves after smoking. She stood up, nodded to her two tablemates, and quietly excused herself.

As she trotted to the kitchen she could hear the sound of the sink running. She slowed her pace. Rounding the corner into the kitchen she saw Carrot standing at the sink with his back to her. She began to tiptoe as quietly as she could.

"Yes Pinkie?" Carrot Cake called over his shoulder. Not taking his gaze off the sink.

"Drat! How did you know?" Pinkie said with a huff as she abandoned her tiptoeing to trot up next to her boss.

"I didn't. Around here chances are pretty high that if it's too quiet you are either sneaking up on, or sneaking away from something or somepony." Carrot Cake shut off the water and turned to face Pinkie with a grin. "What's up?"

"I need to take the rest of the day off. It's kind of an emergency." A sheepish grin fell over Pinkie's face. She tapped her hooves together. "I'll come in tomorrow to make up for it."

Carrot sighed. "I suppose, but you really need to stop doing this. We need you to be dependable Pinkie. We rent you our spare room right above the bakery and you still manage to miss work." Rubbing his forehead he continued. "Just be glad Cup isn't here, and know that you may still get chewed out when she gets back from Canterlot."

"I understand, this is really important." Pinkie turned around and began to trot away. "I'll try to be back in time to help close up."

As Rarity signed the last of the forms in the thick stack, the grey unicorn stallion at the desk remarked "There is a pink earth pony who says she has some of your things. You can't have visitors in the emergency room so she is waiting for you in the lobby."

"Thank you." Rarity replied, still a bit disoriented from waking up in the hospital. "Is that everything? Do I need to make a follow-up appointment?"

"Yup, that's everything. Your follow-up is already scheduled, it's written in the discharge papers we gave you. You're free to go."

A short moment and a few very confusing directions to the exit later Rarity was standing in the empty lobby.

"If you're looking for a pink earth pony, she's waiting for you outside." the receptionist called across the room.

Rarity nodded, the entire visit left her drained of energy. She quietly exited through the large, double doored entrance.

"Glad to see you're doing better." Cheerilee said from a bench beside the entrance. She flicked her cigarette into the trash can and stood up. "You forgot this at the apple stall." she said, pointing to a large shopping bag filled with colorful ribbons and fabrics.

"Thanks Cheerilee. You didn't have to do that." Rarity did her best to hide her disgust at the stench of the cigarette smoke. She floated the shopping bag to her side. "Do you mind if I ask you something?"

"I suppose that would depend on what that something is." Cheerilee giggled. The two mares began walking in the direction of Carousel Boutique.

"Do you think I'm a bigot?"

"Where did that come from?" Cheerilee asked, surprised.

"Big Mac called me a bigot. He thinks that the whole reason I'm upset with Applejack is that she's a lesbian." Rarity, in a rare moment of sincerity, set aside her dramatic tendencies and hung her head in shame.

Cheerilee was confused. She and Rarity rarely spoke on a personal level. For her to open up like this something must be dreadfully wrong. "I don't really know Rarity. I've never heard you say anything prejudiced."

"It's true that I don't like the concept. It's unnatural and wrong. But Applejack is my friend. She's the same pony today as she was before I found out that she's gay. That's not the point." Rarity squeezed her eyes shut, attempting to stave off any more tears.

"Well, what is the point then? I'm sure you can see how it would be a bit confusing if you told him that particular viewpoint." Cheerilee looked around nervously. She was hardly prepared for this conversation, and was more than a little uncomfortable talking about the subject. Much less to be talking about it in public.

"The point is that Fluttershy is not gay. It may not be a big deal to Applejack to have a special somepony that is a mare, but to Fluttershy it's terrifying. The rumor is spreading all over town that they are a couple and I'm scared of how Fluttershy will react when she finds out." Rarity began searching through her shopping bag. Magically holding it in front of her as she walked, she rummaged for a short moment till she found what she was looking for, a blue silk handkerchief.

"Did you tell him that?" Cheerilee asked. Seeing nopony around she felt a bit more free to talk. "That is a good point."

"I tried to. He won't listen because he thinks I'm a bigot." Rarity dabbed at her eyes, oblivious to the mascara that had already run in long dark lines along both sides of her muzzle. "I don't know how to get him to listen. He and Fluttershy already like each other. If they got together then everypony would just assume that they heard wrong about her and Applejack. The rumor would disappear and everypony could be happy."

"You can't ask two ponies to be together just to avoid embarrassment." Cheerilee began to feel bad for Rarity. Her heart did seem to be in the right place, even if the way she was going about it didn't quite follow. "It probably didn't help if you lead with the whole 'it's unnatural and wrong' thing either."

"I shouldn't have to lie about what I believe."

"True, but there is a difference between lying about what you believe and knowing when to and when not to share. That's not a popular opinion you have and it won't win you many friends." Watching Rarity dab impotently at her eyes, she shifted their path towards a nearby fountain. "I don't think you are being malicious with your beliefs, but then again, I haven't ever heard you talk about it."

"I just don't know what to do about it. I truly believe that lifestyle is wrong, but it's how Applejack is and I don't want it to come between us. And also…" She kicked at the dust considering her next words. The two of them had reached the fountain. Cheerilee plucked the handkerchief from the air where Rarity was floating it. "Sweetie Belle asked me about the trouble the Apple family is having. I was very cold when I told her it was wrong. Then she admitted that she has feelings for a filly in her class."

Cheerilee held the blue cloth in the water of the fountain, thoroughly wetting it. "Lean over here," she said as she held out the cloth and began to clean the makeup from Rarity's face.

"I feel so awful for speaking so harshly to her. She's just a filly." Rarity closed her eyes. Nopony had washed her face since she was a filly herself and her mother would. An unusual sense of calm began to fill her mind. She continued. "I know I hurt her when I said that, but I couldn't just tell her that those feelings are okay when I don't believe that at all."

Rarity looked into Cheerilee's eyes and asked "What would you do?"

Cheerilee finished cleaning Rarity's face. With her hoof under Rarity's chin she tilted her head back and forth, making sure she had not missed anything. "I don't understand why you wear all that makeup. You're beautiful without it." She took a step back and drew a deep breath. "Let me tell you a secret."

Rarity began to blush, the redness in her cheeks shined bright through her white coat. A small smile began to form on her face. "Okay."

"Do you remember way back in grade school? We were in the same class several years in a row. One year I asked some colt to be my special somepony for Hearts and Hooves day and he turned me down, you saw me crying and gave me a card to cheer me up. I still have it. It's in my keepsake box at home."

"I don't understand. Are you trying to say you've had a crush on me since grade school?" Rarity took a step backwards. This conversation was quickly getting awkward.

Cheerilee laughed. "Ha~ha, sorry, you're not my type. What I'm saying is that when I was really hurt you were there. Even though we weren't particularly good friends you gave me exactly what I needed then, comfort. It meant so much that I'll always remember it." She rinsed the handkerchief in the fountain. After squeezing the water out of it and shaking out the wrinkles she handed it back to Rarity. "You don't have to fix everything. Maybe what Fluttershy and your sister need isn't a knight in shining armor. Maybe they just need somepony to listen without judging."

Rarity's tears were dry. The small smile had grown. "Thanks Cheerilee. I don't know what I would have done without you today." The two leaned together in a hug.

"Oh, before I forget, Sweetie Belle wasn't allowed in the emergency room so she went back to the boutique. She seemed pretty upset." Cheerilee fished another cigarette out of her saddlebag stuck it in her mouth and trotted off.

Rarity looked down at the blue silk handkerchief in her hoof. She raised an eyebrow and smirked. Lifted with a blue glow, the cloth folded over and tied around her neck in a delicate bow. Rarity pointed herself towards home and started walking.

Chapter Eighteen: Intervention

Dash sighed. This day was going by slowly. She was relieved to finally be leaving the weather patrol headquarters, but she still had a lot to do in the few hours before she met Bonbon for dinner.

"Dinner with Bonbon..." she mumbled to herself. The thought made her anxious. Even so, she was looking forward to it, especially since her little chat with Thunderlane had taken the last of her patience.

As she walked through the slowly emptying market square, on her way to the library, she noticed Applejack fiddling with the sign on the apple stall.

"Hey AJ! How's it going?"

"Not great Rainbow. This here sign is comin' loose an' ah can't get it to cooperate long enough ta put a new nail in it," Applejack huffed. She took a step back and scratched her head as she examined the stall.

"Well why don't ya let me help? I'll hold it still for you," Dash said with a smile. She beat her wings and flew up beside the wooden sign. Placing a hoof on the post she examined the joints. "Um, Applejack, these nails are tight as can be. Are you sure this thing's coming loose?"

Applejack cocked her head. She stood on her hind legs and pressed a hoof on the joint. There was no give, no wiggle, no movement at all. Returning her hooves to the ground she backed away, examining the stall from the front. "Well it's not straight, ah'm sure it's loose. Just look."

Rainbow Dash floated to the ground beside Applejack. She squinted her eyes and held a hoof up, shielding herself from the sun that hung low in the sky. "I dunno AJ, looks fine to me."

"Hmm… Ah guess. But ah coulda sworn…" Applejack tipped her hat up, scratching at her hairline.

"Is something bothering you AJ?"

Applejack just sighed.

"It's Fluttershy isn't it?" Dash cocked an eyebrow. A glance at Applejack showed her gaze still locked on the sign, her eyes saying what she would not. "There is so much of this I don't have the first idea of how to deal with."

"Yer a good friend Dash. Ah get that ya wanna help an all, but you don't have ta trouble yerself on my account." Applejack smiled weakly, she knew that Dash's intentions were good, but she also knew how uncomfortable these things made her. "Ya said yerself that yer not good with these complicated romance things. Ah don't want ta drag you into something that'll make you uncomfortable"

"If you say so…. I actually have a 'complicated romance thing' I wanted to ask you about." A nervous grin grew on Rainbow's face.

Applejack smiled and turned to face Dash. Feeling relieved to have something other than Fluttershy to discuss. "Shoot. Ah'll help ya however ah can."

"Well, you gotta promise that ya won't tell anypony. I'm afraid of how everypony would react if they knew." Dash shuffled her hooves. Afraid to make eye contact, she focused her attention on the apple stall. "You promise?"

"Of course. You have mah word."

"Well, somepony asked me to dinner. They promised that it was going to be a friendly dinner but I think… well, I guess I know… they want it to be more than just friendly." Rainbow Dash looked away, blushing. "It's not that I'm entirely opposed to that, but it's WAY too soon for any of that."

"He~he. This is yer first date, ain't it?" Applejack grinned. She was nearly convinced that Rainbow would never take an interest in romance. "Ah'll be happy ta help in any way ah can."

Dash's blush intensified. "N-No, it's not a date, just a friendly dinner. Besides, I don't know if I… No, nevermind, it's nothing. Forget I asked."

"Ya don't know if you what?" Applejack giggled, seizing the opportunity to get Dash back for a few jabs she continued. "Look good in a dress? Have tha hips fer a corset? Are a good kisser? Ah can help ya with that one."

"NO! I'm not going to kiss you! I'm not going to kiss her either!" Dash shouted, rattled by Applejack's jabs. In her disarray she failed to realize that AJ was joking.

"Well then, 'not gonna kiss her' huh? Ah'll guess you were actually gonna say 'am into mares,' am ah right?" Applejack turned away from the apple stall. Now facing Rainbow dash, she cocked her head. "Can't say ah was expectin' that one."

"I… Uhh… Hnngh" Dash squeezed her eyes tight and leaned away from Applejack, as if she expected her to throw a punch.

"Is that why ya ain't never been in a relationship?" Applejack began to smirk, of all ponies, Dash had chosen her to confide in. "If yer afraid of bein' judged…"

"No, it's not that. I've never been interested in romance of any sort. It's just a friendly dinner, but she keeps leaning on me and nuzzling my neck. It's kinda nice and all, but it just… it feels wrong." Dash gestured with a hoof, slowly opening her eyes and relaxing her stance.

"Ya made sure she knows yer not interested in her right? If she thinks yer open ta her advances then ya can't blame her for makin' a move." Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Are you interested?"

"Well I… I don't… I dunno AJ. She's really nice and all. I did tell her that I'm not interested, but…" Rainbow Dash looked to the clock tower in the distance. "Hey Applejack, I gotta go to the library before dinner, gonna talk to Twilight about Fluttershy."

"Something wrong with Fluttershy?" Applejack asked, concerned.

Dash looked around quickly, making sure nopony was within earshot. "I'm only telling you this cause we're all friends, but we think she may have a problem with alcohol. It… uh… may explain a few things." She faced Applejack, but did her best to avoid eye contact. She kicked at the ground with a hoof.

Applejack swallowed hard. "A problem with alcohol ya say? You wouldn't mind if ah tagged along would ya? It's something that concerns me, ya know?"

"I suppose."

Fluttershy watched Sugarcube Corner shrink behind them as she and Pinkie Pie made their way to the library. As she turned her head to watch ahead of her, she caught sight of Rarity approaching a nearby intersection.

"Hi Rarity!" Pinkie shouted down the street. She motioned at Fluttershy, urging her to follow as she trotted quickly forward.

"Hi girls!" Rarity shouted back, smiling, as she quickened her pace to meet them. "How are you today?"

"Could be better," Fluttershy answered. "We're on our way to see Twilight. A-are you busy?"

"Not at all. I was just on my way home. I was going to come visit you Fluttershy, but something came up." Rarity's pace slowed as the three drew near.

"Cloud Kicker told us that you passed out in the market," Pinkie said as she came to a stop. "Are you okay? What happened?"

"Well..." Rarity started, smiling "...I got into an argument. Things got kind of crazy. Long story short, I'm fine. Thanks for asking."

Fluttershy gave a concerned look. "Why were you in an argument?"

"It's not important," Rarity stated, attempting to brush the issue aside. She continued. "You seem tired Fluttershy, you haven't been up all night have you?"

Pinkie gave Fluttershy a stern look. They had talked between each other about her need to confront her problem, now was the time to begin. Pinkie put her hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. Looking her in the eyes she gave a supportive nod.

Fluttershy drew a shaky breath and began. "I-I'm not tired, I've, uhm… I've b-been drinking, Rarity." She was certain that her already wobbly knees were not going to hold her up much longer. She sat down on her flank.

Rarity stood silent for a moment, confused. She exchanged a glance with Pinkie, who just nodded. After some thought she said "Why? Is something wrong?"

Fluttershy stared at her hooves. She nodded her head, never looking up. "If you really aren't busy I have a pretty big favor to ask you."

"You know you can ask me anything Fluttershy," Rarity said cautiously. "What's on your mind?"

Pinkie silently wrapped her hoof over Fluttershy's shoulder.

"Would you come with us to see Twilight? I made a promise to face this problem, but I don't think I can do it alone." Fluttershy shuddered as she spoke. Even among friends, she was terrified. "It would mean a lot if you were there with me."

"O-Okay."

Twilight took a sip of her tea. If being a princess had changed anything about her, it was her taste for tea. The current blend was a gift Celestia had brought back with her from some diplomatic visit or another. She and her two guests sipped the exotic beverage from mismatched mugs that were already in the cabinets when she moved here from Canterlot.

After a quiet moment Twilight spoke. "I don't understand how not one of us could have noticed this before now. She wasn't acting strange at the party. But she told you both that she had been drinking?"

"Yeah, she told me at breakfast yesterday. I didn't know she was already drunk though," Applejack said from her chair, sitting at the table opposite Twilight.

Rainbow Dash, sitting at the head of the table, nodded and twirled the empty mug on the table in front of her. "She told me and Bonbon this morning that she was drunk at the party. She said she drinks a lot so that she doesn't always panic when she goes out."

Twilight stared into the steam rising from her mug. "If it's really that bad then I guess we don't have a choice. We'll have to talk to her," she said flatly. "I'll send Spike out for a bit. Dash, can you bring Fluttershy here?"

"Yeah, but can we do it later tonight? I've got somewhere to be at seven." Dash fumbled the mug, which hit the table with a loud thunk. "It's kinda important."

The bell chimed. Twilight jumped out of her chair with a start. The library closed half an hour ago and she was not expecting visitors. She cautiously peeked her head out of the kitchen in time to hear a familiar voice.

"TWILIGHT! ARE YOU HOME? WE NEED TO TALK TO YOU!" Pinkie Pie was shouting. She often shouted for all manner of reasons, sometimes for the simple reason of wanting to shout. This was different, she sounded serious.

"I'm in the kitchen!" Twilight called as she returned to her seat. "Come on back!"

After a short moment Pinkie Pie, accompanied by Rarity and Fluttershy, rounded the corner into the kitchen. "Oh, I didn't know Dash and Applejack were here. This is even better. Mind if we have a seat?"

"Not at all, we were just chatting. Would you girls like some tea?" Twilight's horn lit up. A soft glow surrounded the three empty chairs around the table, pulling them out for the new arrivals. Three empty mugs floated to the table from the counter, touching down gently in front of each of the three chairs.

Pinkie, Rarity and Fluttershy each took a seat, Pinkie beside Applejack, Fluttershy beside Twilight, Rarity at the end. Pinkie spoke again "We need to talk to you gals, it's important. Fluttershy has something to confess." She gave a knowing nod to Fluttershy, who shrank behind her mane.

Applejack removed her hat. Fidgeting with the brim she cautiously spoke. "We were just talkin' 'bout ya. 'Bout yer drinkin problem ta be blunt."

Fluttershy's mind began to race. Her breathing growing rapid. "You knew? How long have you girls known?"

"Well, not long, the uh… the incident after Pinkie's party really brought it ta light." Applejack nervously looked around the table, fearing judgment from her friends. "Is that what ya came ta talk about?"

"Mmhmm," Fluttershy mumbled, slowly nodding her head. "I… uh… Pinkie?" she whimpered, still hidden behind her locks.

Pinkie nodded. "Fluttershy has had a problem for a while, I've been helping her try to kick it in private for a while but..."

"You KNEW about this Pinkie? How long were you going to keep it a secret?" Dash growled indignantly, slamming a hoof on the table. "Do you have any idea how much trouble could have been avoided if you had told somepony in the beginning?"

"She was making good progress Dash. We made a pinkie promise that she was going to get better and I would keep it a secret." Pinkie glared harshly at Rainbow Dash.

"I agree with Dash," Twilight added calmly. "If Fluttershy's drinking had gotten worse she could have gotten hurt. Then you would be partially responsible."

Rarity scoffed "HA! You call what Applejack did 'not hurting'? Fluttershy is traumatized. I say after something like that it's a wonder she's only been drinking as much as she has." She crossed her forelegs, a scowl on her face.

Applejack sunk down in her chair. "An ah feel just terrible about that. Ah've liked Fluttershy for as long as ah can remember. Ah never wanted ta hurt her."

"How do you think that makes her feel? Finding out that all the times you were nice to her in the past were just cheap attempts to get in her pants." Rarity seethed, baring her teeth and hissing her breath. "Nothing says 'I never want to hurt you' like your uninvited tongue."

Applejack stood, both front legs stamped on the table. Her eyes like daggers fixed on Rarity, she pointed an accusative hoof. "There weren't nothin' uninvited about it! Ya weren't there. Ya didn't see how she was actin'. Ah would never do nothin ta nopony that they didn't want!"

"Please stop," Fluttershy squeaked weakly. Even within the safety of her mane, the shouting of her friends was terrifying.

"You're lucky Fluttershy is so timid," Rarity hissed. "If I were her I would make you regret ever touching me."

"You think ah don't regret it? Ah'm losin' everything because of that stupid decision. Mah home, mah family, an most of all, mah friendship with Fluttershy," Applejack shouted as tears formed in her eyes. "Nothin's worth all that!"

"STOP! BOTH OF YOU!" Twilight yelled. "Your fighting isn't helping anything. Just look at Fluttershy." She pointed a hoof at the yellow pegasus, crying her eyes out as she covered her ears with her hooves and rocked back and forth in her chair.

"P-please st-t-top." Fluttershy stammered weakly between sobs.

Pinkie Pie interjected "Girls, we're here to deal with Fluttershy's problem." She reached across the table, offering a hoof. "You're safe Flutters, go ahead and tell them more."

Fluttershy wiped her eyes. Taking Pinkie's hoof in her own she began again. "You all know that I have anxiety problems. I used to take pills for it, but when I moved to Ponyville I couldn't afford them anymore. Somepony couldn't afford treatment for their pet snake, so as payment they gave me a case of palinka. When I was drinking it I didn't feel so anxious. That's how it got started."

Pinkie smiled, in a soft tone she said "You're doing great, I'm proud of you."

"Well then I guess the first step is getting you those pills," Dash said with a smirk. "How much do they cost?"

"When I was taking them they were about a thousand bits a month, plus the doctor's visits," Fluttershy said. Still hiding behind her mane, she blocked out her view of everypony save for Pinkie Pie, who was sitting across from her.

Dash whistled in amazement. "Wow, that's… that's a lot."

Applejack leaned in, looking Twilight in the eyes. "Ah don't s'pose there's somethin' you can do is there? Maybe she can be yer royal vet or somethin."

"I'm sorry Applejack, I can't" Twilight looked away. She had been worried this might come up.

"Why not? Ya made me an Lyra agriculture reps just so we'd have a place ta stay for a week," Applejack huffed. "Ah'd say this is a might more important."

"She did what?" Dash blurted incredulously. "She gave you and Lyra official titles and a room together? What the hay Applejack?"

"Ah got kicked out of mah home cause Granny found out about me and Fluttershy after ah let Lyra stay in our guest room." Applejack stated matter-of-factly "We needed a place ta stay."

"Bonbon and Lyra just broke up yesterday! Bonbon is my friend. You know she has a thing for you, why the hay are you moving in with Lyra?" Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth, Applejack couldn't possibly be that oblivious.

"Isn't it obvious Dash?" Rarity snickered. "If Applejack would take advantage of a friend like Fluttershy, why would she care how her new plaything's ex feels?"

"YOU BEST SHUT YER BUCKIN MOUTH! AH DON'T HAVE TA TAKE THIS FROM A TWO BIT WHORE LIKE YOU!" Applejack shot out of her chair. In an instant she was face to face with Rarity. Rage boiled in her voice as she continued. "Don't act like yer so high and mighty, goin' all doe-eyed over anypony with a little popularity and coin. Tell us all about Mister Fancypants back in Canterlot! Tell us ya didn't screw his brains out so he'd invite ya to parties."

Applejack pressed a hoof into Rarity's chest. Through gritted teeth she hissed "Ah did not, and would never take advantage of Fluttershy. An ah never once even looked at Lyra improper."

Rarity's horn lit up. Something behind Applejack rattled and scraped across the counter. "Take your hooves off me you.."

"STOP!" Twilight shouted as a bright purple glow enveloped Applejack, Rarity, and the toaster hanging in the air, mere inches from Applejack's head. "If you two don't stop this idiotic fighting I'm going to throw you both in a dungeon! I can do that, I'm a princess!"

Pinkie, who had abandoned her chair during Applejack's outburst, gave Twilight a quizzical look. "You'd really do that?"

"Well… no. But I could! And these two should remember that," Twilight said as she floated the two mares to opposite sides of the room. As she let them go she took care to place the toaster back in it's original location. "I think everypony needs to just go home before this gets any further out of hoof."

"Twilight…" Fluttershy's tiny voice called softly from under the table. "Can I borrow your mop? I was scared. I barfed."

Chapter Nineteen: Just a friendly dinner.

Rainbow Dash smiled. The tension she felt in the library dissipated as she knocked on Bonbon's front door.

The knock was quickly answered. Bonbon's smile mirrored Dash's. "You're early," she said. "I haven't finished setting the table."

"That's not a problem, is it?"

"Not at all, just have a seat on the couch while I finish getting ready," Bonbon said with a giggle.

Dash nodded. She smiled as she trotted into the living room.

Bonbon quickly returned to the kitchen. The small table was suitable for two ponies to eat a normal meal, but this dinner was far from normal. Tonight had to go perfectly, Dash had to be impressed. She had debated lighting candles, but the table simply wasn't big enough.

In the living room Dash examined the wall decorations. There were a few framed photos on the wall as well as several large band posters. She recognized a few of the musicians in the posters, but many were foreign to her.

She had to move several decorative pillows to find a place on the couch. The entire room seemed to be decorated in two very different styles. Dash wondered if the whole house was the same way.

"How did it go with the princess?" Bonbon called from the kitchen, where she frantically rushed to finish preparing.

"It could have been better. AJ, Pinkie, Rarity and Fluttershy all showed up. It's probably for the best that you didn't go with me." Looking around the room Dash's eyes fell on a particular poster in the far corner. It was a picture of Sapphire Shores in concert. She recognized the outfit she was wearing as one Rarity made a while back. "I like your decorations."

"Thanks, most of it's Lyra's though. She has the weirdest tastes." Bonbon reached into the oven. Using a dish cloth to grab the steaming tray from the oven, she felt the heat searing her lips as she quickly placed it on the counter. She mumbled to herself "Parsnips are done. Bread is done. Desert is in the fridge. What am I forgetting?"

"Is the Sapphire Shores poster hers?" Dash called. "There is a neat story behind the outfit she is wearing."

Bonbon giggled "All those posters are hers, she is really into music. I only have one poster, it's packed up in the spare room." Making sure everything was in place, Bonbon breathed a nervous sigh. "Dinner's ready, hope you're hungry."

"Boy am I! Thanks to all the craziness today, I skipped lunch." Rainbow stood up. She attempted to put the pillows back where they had been when she sat down. After three tries she gave up and trotted to the kitchen.

As Dash entered the room Bonbon rushed to the table. She grinned timidly as she pulled out a chair for her guest. "I'm sorry, I haven't done this for a while. I'm a little out of it."

Dash tilted her head. "What do you mean? From what you said I kinda thought you cooked all the time."

"I do, I just never cook for anypony. Well… anypony besides Lyra." Bonbon placed a small basket of freshly baked bread in the center of the table. "You said you had a story about that poster? I would like to hear it."

Rainbow Dash giggled playfully. "You don't have to be so nervous, you're not being tested or anything. Besides, the food smells delicious." She examined the table. It was absolutely packed. A place setting on each side, a vase with flowers and a basket of bread in the center, even cloth napkins. There was a large pitcher of ice water on the counter next to a simple lattice wine rack.

"He~he, yeah. I guess you're right," Bonbon said sheepishly. Her cheeks were a bright pink and her heart raced. She pointed a hoof at Dash's chair. "Well, don't just stand there, make yourself comfortable."

Dash smiled. She sat down and grabbed a piece of bread. "Oh, it's all buttery, like at a fancy restaurant. You didn't have to go through all this, I would have been happy with a frozen pizza." She took another look at the place setting. "Um, are there cups? I'm kinda thirsty."

"I knew I was forgetting something!" Bonbon said sharply. She breathed several rapid, shallow breaths. "I'll go get them, just a second!"

Dash watched quietly as Bonbon raced back and forth between the cabinets and the counter, filling two small etched glasses with water from the pitcher. She frowned, noticing the sweat forming on Bonbon's brow. "Are you sure you're alright? You don't look so good."

"It's just nerves, I'm okay," Bonbon said. She coughed and cleared her throat, attempting to hide the crack in her voice. She picked up a glass with her mouth, carried it to the table and set it carefully in front of Dash. As she retrieved the second glass she took a few deep breaths, steadying herself. "Would you like some wine?"

"No thanks Bonbon. After everything that's happened these last few days, alcohol may as well be poison. No offense." Dash took a bite of bread. "Woy dond juu hab a seed?"

Bonbon giggled "You wanna try that again?"

Dash swallowed hard. A pained cough and a sip of water later she repeated "Why don't you have a seat? Everything looks perfect. I can't wait to taste your cooking."

"Oh crap! The food!" Bonbon grabbed the two plates from the table and rushed to the stove. With a quick tilt of the baking tray and flick of the spatula the plates were filled with steaming veggies and ready for serving. She nearly galloped as she brought them, one at a time, back to the table.

"Sit down Bonbon, you're going to hurt yourself," Rainbow Dash said, concern heavy in her voice. "The table's set now. Let's just eat and have a nice chat."

Bonbon stood beside her chair, examining the table for anything else that may have been missing. Everything seemed to be in place now, so she sat down. "I'm sorry Dash. I just want this dinner to be perfect."

"It's already perfect Bonbon. The table looks great, the food looks and smells great." Dash giggled as a thought occurred. "The only thing wrong is how you keep freaking out over everything."

Bonbon blushed. She cast a timid gaze at Dash across the table. "Thanks. You don't know how glad I am to hear you say that."

Dash studied her plate. The meal was an array of julienned vegetables baked in butter and herbs. A simple meal, but the look and smell was absolutely irresistible. She chose a large piece of parsnip to try first. She had been craving parsnips ever since Bonbon had mentioned them at the library earlier. The savory taste of this meal far exceeded her expectations. "Wow Bonbon, this is amazing! When you said you were a great cook you weren't kidding."

Bonbon's blush deepened. "Dash, stop, you're making me blush. Why don't we talk about you for a bit?"

Rainbow Dash smiled "Heh, that's one of my favorite topics."

Dinner seemed to fly past. Dash loved to talk about flying, about tricks she had done and tricks she was working on, but her friends only half listened. Bonbon was hanging on her every word. She would lean in and her eyes would grow with every sharp turn and every flip Dash described. It was a little embarrassing, but she could not remember the last time she enjoyed just talking to somepony this much.

"Just leave your plate there, I'll clean up later." Bonbon stood up. She closed her eyes as she stretched her legs.

Dash watched. Bonbon's legs were long and slender. Her coat, aside from being moist with nervous sweat, was well kept and neatly brushed. Bonbon was smiling, throughout the meal she had never stopped smiling, but now with her eyes closed her smile took on something new. Something Dash couldn't place.

Bonbon opened her eyes as she straightened her stance. She cocked her head and suppressed a giggle. "Dash, you're about to knock over the water pitcher."

"Huh?" With a puzzled look Dash turned her attention to the counter beside her. Her face instantly flushed bright red. She folded her wings.

Bonbon extended a hoof towards the living room. "Why don't we relax on the sofa? We can chat a little more while we have dessert."

"That sounds nice," Dash said. "If you don't mind, I need to use the restroom, then I'll be right there."

"Sure, it's the small door under the stairs. I'll be waiting." Bonbon winked. Stopping briefly to grab something from the refrigerator she made her way to the living room.

Dash took a small sip from her glass. She wiped her mouth with the cloth napkin. Confusion struck as she examined the napkin. There was a very light pink smear. She looked back to the water glass. Half of a lipstick smudge colored the rim. Bonbon must have left it when she served the glasses. Dash smiled.

As Rainbow Dash trotted through the living room she heard Bonbon humming quietly. She definitely seems to be more relaxed now, she thought. Spotting the restroom door she picked up her pace.

Bonbon continued humming serenely. She was worried about how Dash would react, but it seemed as though Dash was enjoying herself even more than she was. As she waited for Dash to join her she moved the many pillows from the couch to a nearby chair. Lyra may be right, all these pillows barely leave enough room for just one pony.

She had made chocolate mousse for dessert. It sat on the end table in a large, decorative dessert glass. Two spoons stuck in the rich layers. Bonbon sat down on the side of the sofa by the end table. She picked up the mousse and smiled as she waited for Dash.

Dash turned the faucet on. As she washed her hooves she looked around for a hoof towel to dry them. Her eyes fell on a small lipstick tube on the counter. She quickly looked back into the mirror, examining her mouth in the reflection. There was a small bit of pink on her upper lip. She smiled again. She turned off the faucet, dried her hooves with a towel, and wiped the pink from her lip.

Bonbon's eyes lit up as Dash came out of the restroom. "Hurry up Rainbow, the mousse is getting warm." She held up the dessert for Dash to see.

Dash trotted quickly to the sofa and sat down with a loud "fwump". "Oh my gosh, that looks wonderful Bonbon. Did you make it yourself?"

"Of course I did. Candy may be my trade, but I know how to make all kinds of sweets." Bonbon grabbed a spoonful of the chocolaty treat. "Here, open up."

Dash opened her mouth, struggling through giggling fits to keep it open long enough to accept the morsel.

"Hold still Dash." Bonbon laughed "Don't make me drop it."

"Hee~hee! Sorry. Try again." Dash leaned forward. Sticking out her tongue, she opened her mouth as wide as she could. "Ahhhh!"

With a wide grin Bonbon slid the spoonful into Dash's mouth. She closed Rainbow's mouth around the spoon with a hoof. "So, what do you think?"

"Mhmmnm… So good." Dash mumbled.

Bonbon let go of the spoon, leaving it dangling from Dash's mouth. "I'm sorry Rainbow Dash. I wanted this to be a date so bad. I'm ruining our friendly dinner."

Dash stared at Bonbon for a moment. She grabbed the spoon from her mouth and spoke. "Ya know, I've been giving it some thought and… well… maybe it wouldn't be so bad if this was a date." Dash fidgeted in her seat and looked at her hooves. "That is… if you still want to."

Dash felt the couch cushions shift. She closed her eyes. She felt Bonbons hoof on her cheek. She opened her eyes and looked up. Bonbon had moved closer, their faces mere inches apart. Dash froze, her eyes grew wide.

Bonbon leaned in, brushing her cheek against Dash's. She whispered into her ear "I would. You have no idea how bad I have wanted to hear you say that."

Dash breathed deep. The smell of cotton candy and strawberries once again filled her world. She leaned against Bonbons hoof. Her coat was soft, like velvet caressing her cheek. Dash felt a brand new warmth filling her.

The hoof on Dash's cheek moved to the back of her head and began playing with her mane. She felt a tap on her chin, Bonbon's other hoof, raising her face so their eyes could meet. Bonbon's half closed eyes glinted as the distance between them closed. Dash's heartbeat thundered in her ears.

As their lips met Dash felt fireworks shooting up her spine. Her cheeks caught fire and her head began to swim as she sank into Bonbon's warm lips. Her body melted into nothing as her senses were overwhelmed by the taste of Bonbon's lips and the cotton candy smell of her coat.

Dash closed her eyes and relinquished herself to Bonbon. In this moment she didn't care about flying, about being cool, or about anything else that had happened today. All that mattered was this moment with Bonbon.

She reached out her hooves uncertainly. Placing one hoof on Bonbon's chest, she grasped at the sofa cushions with the other. Their mouths parted for just a moment. Dash's mouth continued to move, uncertain whether she was trying to speak or begging for Bonbon's lips.

Bonbon leaned in, their lips meeting again she pushed against Dash, who began sliding downward. Dash offered no resistance, she slid down in the couch until she was laying flat on her back.

Bonbon broke herself from Dash's mouth and began a trail of soft pecks down the side of her neck and across her chest. She hesitated over the more tender areas of her chest, working her tongue around in circles. Dash giggled and squirmed at her touch.

As Bonbon worked her way lower Dash's eyes shot open wide. Suddenly brought back to her mind she began waving her hooves frantically. "NO! STOP!" she shouted as she snapped upright.

Bonbon reared back. Upright and alarmed she responded. "Why? Is something wrong? What's the matter?" Her startled eyes darted up and down Rainbow Dash's body.

"It's too soon, you're moving too fast." Dash crossed her hind legs and shivered. She pressed her back into the arm of the couch. "I'm not ready."

"I can go slower! If you need more warm-up…"

"That's not it and you know it," Dash said with a glare. "This is barely even a first date. I am not going to go all the way until I'm sure I want to. You can't rush that."

"Dash, I..." Bonbon managed before a knock at the front door cut her off. "I gotta get that. Don't move though." She stood up, ran a hoof through her mane, and trotted to the door. She glanced through the peephole and began to panic. "Dash, hurry to the restroom and get cleaned up, it's Lyra and Applejack."

"You have been acting strange since you came back to the apartment. Is something wrong Applejack?" Lyra asked with a concerned tone. "If you're not up to this you don't have to help me. Besides, I kinda need to talk to Bonbon about some… stuff."

"No, ah promised ta help ya an thats what ah'm gonna do. 'Sides, it'll help me get mah mind offa things," Applejack said, staring determinedly at the door. "Ya sure you're ready ta face her though? Ah know how hard it can be."

Lyra nodded. Mimicking Applejack's determination, she gave another rap on the door.

As the door creaked open Bonbon peeked her head out. "Hi girls, what's up?" she asked with a squeak in her voice.

Lyra responded "We've come to get some of my things. And, if you have a minute, I'd like to talk to you."

Bonbon looked back at the closed bathroom door. Breathing a sigh of relief she continued. "Sure. I've got all the time in the world for you Lyra, you know that. Just… uh… I have a guest at the moment so…"

"I gotcha, I'll try to be brief." Lyra gave Bonbon a warm smile. As the door swung open she and Applejack made their way inside. "Just wait here AJ, I'm going to chat with Bonbon while I gather my things. I'll let you know when I'm ready."

With that, Lyra and Bonbon trotted up the stairs to the bedroom. Applejack was left alone in the living room. She took a seat on the couch.

After a silent moment of admiring the wall decorations Applejack's concentration was broken by the sound of the bathroom door. She turned her head and saw Rainbow Dash.

"Uh… heya Applejack," Dash said nervously. "Didn't expect to see you here."

"Ah'm pretty sure ah told ya that ah was comin' over here ta help Lyra get her things." Applejack said through narrowed eyes. "An if'n ah recall correctly, shortly before ya jumped mah case for takin Lyra in, ya said ya had a date tonight. So, did ya lie ta me or are you a hypocrite?"

"Neither! Nothing happened!" Dash caught herself trying to yell, she adjusted her tone so as to not disturb Lyra and Bonbon upstairs. "I told you it wasn't a date. I'm just here to keep her company. A friendly dinner, remember?" She trotted around to sit with AJ on the couch.

"MmmHmm," Applejack began. "An just what kinda company involves lipstick on yer nethers?" She pointed a hoof at Dash's waist.

Dash looked down at where AJ was pointing. Sure enough there was a perfectly formed kiss mark in pink lipstick right where her right leg met her pelvis. "Uhhh…"

Applejack lowered her voice to a near whisper. She growled through clenched teeth "You called me out in front of all our friends fer bunkin' with Lyra 'cause of circumstances ah can't control, an immediately come over here ta get yer rocks off with the very mare ya lectured me about." Her hooves began to shake as anger filled her. "Ah have never been as angry at you as ah am right now."

Dash licked her hoof and attempted to rub the kiss mark from her waist. "AJ, you gotta believe me. We didn't have sex. She wanted to but I said no. I told her that this could be a date without thinking. It was wrong of me to lecture you, and I'm sorry for that. But we only kissed, nothing else."

Applejack scoffed "Yeah, an ah can see exactly where ya put those kisses. You said that Bonbon is your friend, well Lyra is mine, what you're doing is just like what ya accused me of only worse."

The bedroom door creaked open. AJ and Dash fell silent. Lyra's voice called out "Applejack, I got everything packed up! Ready to go when you are!"

Bonbon descended the stairs. The happy smile on her face quickly turned sour when she saw Dash. As she passed the couch she silently motioned towards the kitchen, urging Dash to follow her. Applejack rolled her eyes and made her way upstairs.

Bonbon had only to wait a few seconds for Rainbow Dash to join her in the kitchen. Her somber expression was immediately visible. "Hey, about tonight…"

"Huh?" Dash cocked her head, frowning. "Bonbon, is everything okay? You're worrying me."

"Well… Kinda yes and kinda no."

The bedroom door closed quietly behind Bonbon. "What did you want to talk about Lyra?" she said.

"Do you love me Bonbon?" Lyra asked, a harsh scowl across her face. "Because I love you. And I thought I knew all about you, but you didn't trust me to know about your feelings."

"Lyra, you know I love you more than anything. Being alone is killing me." Bonbon stared at the floor. She knew Lyra's scowl better than anypony. "I have always liked Applejack. But you should know that no matter how much I like her I'd never leave you."

"I know that Bonbon. That wasn't the point." Lyra trotted to the bed and sat down. She grabbed her pillow and squeezed it tight. "Why don't you trust me? You have problems honey, I want to help but I can't if you can't tell me about them. I want to be there for you always, that takes a lot of effort, and I feel like I'm the only one putting in that effort."

"I was scared that this would happen. That if you found out I'm still attracted to Applejack you would leave me." Bonbon leaned against the windowsill, looking out. The sun had set and the lights of the town were slowly being put out. "Tell you or don't tell you. I guess I was damned either way."

"Sweetie, nopony is perfect. You're screwed up, I'm screwed up. But the thing about us is that we're screwed up in just such a way that between the two of us we can make one functional pony." Lyra smiled. She squeezed her pillow tighter. "I have decided that I can give you another chance. But you have to be completely honest with me. You have to trust me, even when… no… ESPECIALLY WHEN it is hard to do."

"So you will move back in?" A smile instantly grew on Bonbon's face. "You wouldn't believe how awful this place is without you."

"No. I'm staying with Applejack until her issues get resolved. You and I need some space and you need to prove that you are serious about changing." Lyra buried her face in her pillow. Hoping to hide the tears threatening to escape her eyes. "You have to swear that you are going to change, and you have to prove you're committed to making it work."

Bonbon trotted to Lyra's side. Taking her in an embrace, she kissed her forehead. "I swear it. I'll tell you everything and I'll never hide my feelings. But you have to promise to be patient with me. It took me a long time to get this screwed up, it will probably take even longer to get straightened out."

"Deal." Lyra rose from her pillow, eyes red and glistening. She was smiling. "By the way, why is Rainbow Dash here?"

"Promise you won't get mad?"

"Well she was pretty mad. But we agreed that, since we were broken up, we would work really hard to get past it." Bonbon shuffled her hooves. Though she was facing Dash her eyes were moving across the room, landing anywhere besides on the blue pegasus in front of her. "So I guess that's the long reason why we can't have a second date. And I'm sorry, but you should probably leave."

Rainbow Dash's heart began pounding. Her breath became rapid and shallow. "But… you and me… on the couch… my first date… my first kiss… Bonbon, you can't just take that from me and throw me away!"

"I'm sorry Dash. It was a mistake," Bonbon muttered at her feet. "We can still be friends."

"Why in Celestia's name would I want to be friends after this? You have no concept of what you took from me do you?" Dash screamed at Bonbon. The rage flushing her cheeks shone through her blue fur as a dark purple. "I stood up to my friends for you, stuck with you when you upset Fluttershy so much she locked herself in the bathroom to drink. I stood between you and Twilight when she was as angry as I have ever seen her. AND THAT'S ALL STUFF THAT HAPPENED TODAY!"

Bonbon's head hung low. Her ears pinned flat.

"I just wanted a friendly dinner. But you kept pushing. You kept flirting and making me feel special. But I'm not special, am I? I'm just somepony willing to put up with your bullshit till you get me in the sack." tears flowed freely down Dash's face. Her eyes red with a mixture of rage and pain. "I'm glad you have Lyra though. Somepony willing to settle for a bitch like you deserves exactly what she gets."

"Dash, Lyra is…" Bonbon started.

"You got my hopes up, seduced me, and put your mouth on me. Then, when I won't give you what you want you just tell me to leave?" Dash wiped her eyes with a hoof. "Fine! I'll leave, and I hope you really savor my taste on your tongue cause if you ever come near me again you won't be able to taste anypony with your jaw wired shut!" Dash turned away and galloped toward the front door. Her eyes clouded with tears, she did not see Lyra standing in her way. She slammed into her, knocking her to the floor. Unfazed, Dash continued her gallop through the door and down the road.

Bonbon rushed to Lyra's side, offering her hoof to help her up she asked "Are you okay Lyra?"

"I'm fine." Lyra said as she brushed the carpet lint from her coat. She held out a small pill bottle. "We need to talk about this. It's still full, you haven't been taking them."

Applejack, descending the stairs, called to the two mares "What happened? Ah thought ah heard Rainbow shoutin."

Lyra quickly pushed the pill bottle into Bonbon's hoof. "I'll tell you on the way back AJ. You ready?"

"Yeah," AJ said cautiously. A glance between Lyra and Bonbon told her something had happened. "Ah got mah saddlebags all full. Ya sure there's nothin' else ya need?"

"Positive. Let's go," Lyra said curtly.

"APPLEJACK! THERE YOU ARE!" Rarity shouted, taking everypony by surprise. The white unicorn stood, panting her breath, at the open door. "We've been looking everywhere for you. I saw Dash… *gasp* I asked, she pointed… *gasp* Apple Bloom!"

"Slow down Rarity. What's wrong? What about Apple Bloom." Applejack's pupils shrank. Her mouth went dry.

Slowing down to catch her breath, Rarity spoke "Applejack, we need your help. Scootaloo and your sister have gone missing."

"WHAT?! Have y'all sent out a search party?" Applejack shouted frantically.

"That's just it, we can't."

"Why in tarnation cant ya?" Applejack put her hooves on Rarity's shoulders. Looking into her eyes she saw terror reflected back.

"Because of the hydra."

Chapter Twenty: No Calm Before A Storm

A loud roar blasted through Ponyville. To Applejack's best guess, it seemed to be coming from the direction of the Everfree forest.

"Ah hope that's not what ah think it is."

"I'm afraid it is." Rarity's voice wavered as she stepped inside, nodding her greetings to Lyra and Bonbon. "I was on my way home when I first heard it. I immediately ran back to Twilight. She told me to gather our friends and meet back at the library."

"Is there anything we can do?" Lyra asked. She was a bit shaken but anypony acquainted with her knew how determined she could be.

"It's not safe out there," Rarity said, a concerned note in her voice. "I simply can't ask you to put yourself in danger like that."

Lyra was undeterred. "The town is in danger, the six of you can do a lot, but surely we can do something"

"Hmm..."

"Fluttershy, we need you to find Rainbow Dash." Twilight said, standing in front of the checkout counter of Golden Oaks, "We need her if we are going to have a chance of using the elements against the hydra."

"Me an' Pinkie will make sure everypony is indoors, safe an' sound. We'll meet ya in tha town square when ya find Rainbow." Applejack gave a nod to Pinkie Pie before turning back to Twilight. With a motion towards Lyra and Bonbon she asked, "In tha meantime, what are these two doin'?"

Twilight tapped her hoof to her chin and thought for a moment before continuing, "You two go to Sweet Apple Acres. Sweetie Belle thinks that Apple Bloom and Scootaloo might have gone there after they left. If you don't find them in their clubhouse then you should head straight for the farmhouse or barn. Stay there until someone tells you it's safe."

Lyra and Bonbon nodded.

Rarity, who had been scouring the shelves for any books on hydras, paused her search for a moment. "Isn't there a way to lure it away from Ponyville? I would hate for anypony to lose their home, or worse...."

After a moment's thought, Twilight began, "From the last report I received, the hydra is still in the forest. We should be okay for a little while," her face took on a serious expression. "I'll distract the hydra. If worse comes to worst at least I can teleport out of there. And If I can't, I can always fly."

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "Are you absolutely certain you will be able to fly if it comes to that? Half the time you don't even remember that you have wings."

"I'll be fine, don't worry." Twilight said with a nervous grin. She wasn't about to let her friends know how frightened she was at the thought of going toe to toe with the giant reptile.

"If you say so..." Rarity was still skeptical, but she trusted Twilight. She turned her attention back to the bookshelf and continued her search. "Just be careful."

It was the first place Fluttershy looked. Rainbow Dash's cloud house. She could hear the wailing from the ground.

As she beat her wings, raising upwards towards the pillowy walls, she wondered what she would say to her friend. She was still uncertain while knocking on the door. Even more so when greeted by Dash's voice screaming "Go away!" from somewhere that sounded like it was just behind the door.

"E-excuse me, Rainbow Dash, but we really need your help." Fluttershy's voice came as a tiny squeak. She wasn't certain if Dash could hear her, but she was too nervous to speak any louder. "There is a giant hydra getting ready to attack the town, and they need us to..."

"GO AWAY!" Dash shouted through her door. "Twilight can handle it."

Fluttershy took a step backwards. She wasn't sure what to say, but she knew that she couldn't leave without her friend. "I-is something wrong? I don't want to intrude, but we really need your help."

"I'm not coming out." Dash shouted. "Besides, Twilight can handle anything. She's the strongest unicorn ever. I'm just…. Just go away."

Fluttershy thought for a moment, staring at her hooves. She didn't know what to say, but she knew that she couldn't just leave. "Rainbow, you're an important member of the team. We need all of us to deal with..."

"SHUT-UP! Don't pretend like you care about me! Nopony gives a flying feather about my feelings." Dash shouted through the still closed door. "You just want to use me for what you want, just like everypony else!"

Tears began to well-up in Fluttershy's eyes. Of all the things her anxiety ridden mind had thought-up for Dash to say, this was not one of them. "Dash, I… I…"

"Don't bother Fluttershy. I'm not coming out." Dash's voice was muffled by the cloud walls, but the scorn in her tone came through loud and clear.

Fluttershy sniffled. She wanted to run away, but her worry for herself was outpaced by her concern for her friend. She steeled herself for her next words and, after a moment's silence, spoke. "You don't have to come out. And you are right, Twilight is a very powerful unicorn… but I'm your friend… why don't you let me in so we can talk? It seems the least I can do to offer a shoulder after… you know…."

A silent moment passed. In it, a thousand thoughts flew through Fluttershy's mind. Worrisome thoughts about what Dash was thinking. Terrible thoughts about their friendship being scarred because she was being intrusive. All manner of awful scenarios manifested themselves to her.

The door slowly creaked open.

Hesitating briefly, Fluttershy cautiously stepped into the entryway.

"Rainbow Dash?"

Lyra and Bonbon raced toward Sweet Apple Acres. Their breath was ragged as their hooves pounded the well worn road. Neither spoke, both focused on their destination. Occasionally Bonbon stole a glance at Lyra, opening her mouth but unable to find any words.

As the Crusader's clubhouse came into view Lyra's pace slowed to a canter. Bonbon adjusted her speed accordingly. For the first time since they left her house, Bonbon heard Lyra speak to her.

"Why?" Lyra said between breaths, as they continued on the wide dirt road. Her eyes fixed on the clubhouse ahead of them, she refused to look at Bonbon, giving the impression that she may have been thinking aloud rather than asking a question.

"Why what?" Bonbon replied, hoping to Celestia that she didn't already know the answer.

"Why her? Why so soon?" Lyra's gaze never wavered.

Bonbon lost her breath. Her heart sank as she attempted to pull together a response. "Lyra..." she said as her hooves began to stumble over her thoughts. She suddenly found herself unable to muster even a slow trot. "I didn't… I mean, I'm not… It's just…"

Lyra stopped moving. She spun quickly around, tears pooling in her eyes, and faced Bonbon, "We just broke-up yesterday, have you been carrying a torch for her all this time too?" She wiped her eyes and tried with all her might to calm herself. "Am I not good enough for you?"

"Baby…" Bonbon's mind raced as she tried to put together a response. "It's not like that."

"Then what? Tell me, because I've been searching for an explanation and that's all I can come up with." The tears began to flow freely down Lyra's face. "I know we were broken-up and all but was it really that easy to forget about me? I know I said I'd forgive you but…"

"Honey, listen. I know this is going to sound a bit cliché, but it's not you, it's me. I love you, and when you told me that you didn't want me anymore, and I made such a fool of myself in front of Applejack, I panicked. I've always known that I don't deserve you, and now I've made everypony else hate me too."

Lyra sniffled, wiping away tears as she listened quietly to Bonbon.

"Rainbow Dash made me feel like I have worth. She questioned herself because of me. It reminded me of when we first got together, only she was me and I was you. If that makes any sense." Bonbon's heart had jumped into her throat. She sank low to the ground, ears pinned to her head as she bared her heart to Lyra. "She reminded me of how I was so unsure of myself at first. How I looked at you as a friend for so long until you said something and we gave us a chance."

"Don't I make you feel like you have worth? I love you more than anything Bonbon." A cold breeze rattled the leaves of the orchard and sent a chill up Lyra's back. Looking through teary eyes, the large apple trees, combined with the chill air and Bonbon's words made her feel tiny. "Don't I have worth to you?"

"Well that's the thing. The whole time I was with her I was thinking of you." Bonbon squeezed her eyes shut tight, attempting to stave off the tears. "She was so excited when I made dinner, it reminded me of the first time you cooked for me, and how that made me want to learn to cook so I could impress you. She was so happy with every little thing I did for her, it was just like watching myself fawning over you. It reminded me of how important you are to me. I was grasping at the feeling of being with you and coming up short."

Drying her eyes, a smile began to form on Lyra's face. "Honey, that is both the sweetest and stupidest thing I have ever heard." She turned again to the dusty path and began walking toward the Crusader's clubhouse once more. She continued, "I suppose I may just be able to forgive you after all. But if this ever happens again, the next thing I'll be cooking for you will be your own plot."

"EVERYPONY SETTLE DOWN! LISTEN TA ME, THIS IS IMPORTANT!" Applejack yelled, trying in vain to gather the attention of the screaming crowds in the town square. "CONSARN IT, STOP!"

A loud blast echoed across the square. The screaming came to a stop and the crowd turned their attention to the stage as bits of confetti and brightly colored streamers rained down on them. Pinkie Pie fanned the smoke away from her party cannon with a hoof and flashed a bright smile to Applejack.

"Thanks Pinkie." AJ nodded then cleared her throat. "Listen up everypony. Y'all no doubt heard the roaring going on. That roaring is coming from an adult hydra on the edge of the Everfree forest. Right now it don't pose a threat seein' how it's stayin' in the forest, but we need everypony to go back to their homes and close tha doors while we lead it away from Ponyville. We'll come 'round after it's gone and let y'all know it's safe."

A voice shouted from somewhere in the crowd, "Why is a hydra attacking Ponyville?" Applejack recognized the voice as Daisy, owner of the nearby herb shop.

"As ah said, it ain't attacking Ponyville. It's very close though and seems a might agitated so, jus' ta be on tha safe side, we're askin' y'all ta get ta shelter while we handle it." Applejack took a deep breath and slowly released it. She was never completely comfortable addressing large crowds.

Another voice joined in, Roseluck, "I heard a rumor that Fluttershy has a hydra at her cottage, but I didn't think it was true. Why is she allowed to keep such dangerous monsters?"

Applejack gave a short chuckle, "Now that's jus' silly, why would Fluttershy have a full grown hydra?"

"We all saw how she acted when Cerberus attacked the town, she LOVES huge monsters. And she lives on the edge of the forest, right where the roars are coming from." Lily added her voice to the now murmuring crowd.

"Well it's true that she loves all kinds of critters, but all that there is just coincidence. Y'all can't really believe that she would put the whole town in danger do ya?" Applejack started to sweat.

Another voice, one she didn't recognize, shouted, "She's just protecting her marefriend!" At that, the murmurs of the crowd grew thunderous.

"Woah nelly." Applejack whispered to herself. The familiar nausea she had felt so often the past two days returning in an instant. Her voice trembled as she replied, "Now that just ain't so. For one thing…"

It was too late, the crowd was too loud and rowdy for her voice to be heard.

Through the din Applejack could hear clearly every shocked voice saying "She has a marefriend?" and every mention of her and Fluttershy. She started to back away.

Pinkie fired her party cannon again, to no avail. The crowd had grown too rowdy. She turned to Applejack and motioned to the library. Together, they began a hurried gallop towards safety.

The two were nearly out of sight of the square when a ear-splitting roar echoed through the streets. The clamor of the crowd died in an instant. Looking over their shoulders they could just make out the mayor standing on her hind legs, directing everypony to their homes.

Pinkie, with a thoughtful smile, let out a small giggle and turned to Applejack, "Well, at least…"

"Not now Pinkie."

Twilight's knees buckled. She drew a heavy breath, closed her eyes and exhaled. "You can do this. You've done this before. Everything is going to be just fine."

As she opened her eyes she could see the trees shake as the booming footsteps grew closer. She ventured a glance back at Fluttershy's cottage before returning her gaze to the tree line. Her horn lit-up, glowing brightly as a brilliant purple flash enveloped her, and in an instant she vanished.

The trees shook as a dull green fog began seeping out of the forest.

Chapter Twenty One: Running Scared

Dash held open the door as Fluttershy cautiously stepped across the threshold. The fur of her face was wet and matted from tears. "Fluttershy, I told you I'm not coming out."

"That's okay Dash." Fluttershy said in her usual quiet tone. "Why are you so upset?"

"I don't expect anypony to understand." Rainbow Dash wiped her eyes and sniffled. She tried to hold back any more tears while her friend was looking. "It's complicated."

Fluttershy looked around the entryway, the walls, stairs, even the doors and arches were made of clouds. She had been inside Dash's house several times before, and even though she knew it was perfectly safe for a pegasus to stand on a cloud, she still worried. The thought of falling through the cloud floor and plummeting to the ground below never left the back of her mind.

After a short, awkward silence, Fluttershy pointed toward the living room and said, "Why don't we sit down and we can talk."

Dash nodded. She and Fluttershy quietly made their way to the small semi-circle of pillows placed around the fireplace.

Fluttershy smiled as she sat down. The fireplace was completely nonfunctional, it was almost impossible to maintain a fireplace in the clouds. She speculated that Dash had built it for the sole purpose of having a mantle she could put her various trophies on.

Dash sat down across from her. She remained quiet save for a few sniffles. She refused to make eye contact with Fluttershy, instead just staring at the floor.

Fluttershy began, "Dash, why don't you tell me what's wrong? I'm here for you." Still unsure of what she was doing, she decided the best way to proceed was to just begin.

"I dunno Flutters. I've never felt like this before. I thought that Bonbon was my friend, but I guess I was wrong." Rainbow Dash wiped more tears from her eyes. Try as she might, she couldn't keep her friend from seeing her cry.

"Did she do something to you? The only time I saw you two talking was at my cottage earlier." Fluttershy turned her gaze to the floor. "Sorry about how I acted. I was being really nasty."

"It's alright, I think I can understand how you were feeling. You're not the only one Bonbon hurt." Dash looked up at Fluttershy. She was staring at the floor with a frown. "I'll tell you, but you have to promise that you won't tell anypony."

Fluttershy looked up, meeting Dash's eyes she nodded. "I promise." She gave a weak smile.

"She was coming on to me all day. I told her that I wasn't into mares but she didn't stop." Dash began to raise her voice. "She knew that I had never had a special somepony and she used it against me! She told me that I can't really know what I'm into if I don't have any experience. Maybe I don't know what I'm into Fluttershy, but I definitely know what I'm not into! I'm not into sex, or romance, or Bonbon!"

Fluttershy shrank back as Dash began to yell. Dash saw this and attempted to calm down and lower her voice.

"She asked me to dinner at her place and I went. She is really pretty, I started to actually think that I might be into her. When I saw her stretching her legs I started to get… well… I really liked it. We kissed. I let her touch me. She kissed me in… places." Dash shivered. "I really liked it, but I was scared and uncomfortable. I told her no." Her eyes began to tear up again.

Fluttershy scooted a little closer to Dash. "It's okay, it's all over now. But… when did all this happen? Bonbon was with Lyra at the library just a couple minutes ago."

"Not long ago, maybe an hour or two. Applejack and Lyra showed up. Lyra and Bonbon talked upstairs while I talked to Applejack. We had a fight cause she found out about me and Bonbon. Then Bonbon told me that she was getting back together with Lyra." Dash's voice cracked and tears began rolling down her face again. She reached out her hooves to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy scooted next to Dash. She wrapped her hooves around her in a hug. "It's okay Dash. It'll take some time to get over it, but it'll be alright."

"I get so jealous sometimes. I see friends with mare and coltfriends. I just don't feel that way about anypony. I have never felt that way about anypony until Bonbon showed up." Dash sobbed into Fluttershy's shoulder. Unable to hold back any more. "I thought that this was my chance to have what other ponies have, but I was wrong. It hurts so much."

"Dash, you don't need to have a special somepony if you don't want to. You have always been happy being who you are."

"I get teased for still being a virgin and for never having a relationship. When I tell them that it's because I don't care about romance or sex they tease me more 'cause they think I'm making excuses for not being able to attract somepony." Dash squeezed her hooves tight around Fluttershy as she began bawling much harder. "The whole world puts so much importance on romance. I feel like I'm missing out on something. When I was there with Bonbon it felt so good. But it felt wrong, like I was doing something I shouldn't. Like I was betraying myself."

Fluttershy patted Dash's back. "It's okay Rainbow Dash. You know that I don't judge you right?"

Dash nodded her head, "Uh-huh."

"And have any of our friends ever teased you about being a virgin?"

"No," Dash said as she slowly shook her head.

Fluttershy sat up straight, "Dash, you know you can trust us, so why don't we go talk to the rest of our friends? We really need your help right now, and I promise that nopony will think any less of you because of what happened with Bonbon."

"You're wrong Fluttershy," Dash said with a sniffle, "Applejack is furious with me. I got onto her about how she and Lyra are staying together and then she caught me with Bonbon. She knows I'm a hypocrite."

Fluttershy stood up and reached out her hoof to help Dash up. "You don't think Applejack will be mad at you forever do you? I'm sure that, if you just apologize, sooner or later everything will be fine."

Dash took Fluttershy's hoof and stood up. She dried her eyes again and said, "That's easy for you to say. She's in love with you."

Fluttershy blushed.

"But I guess you're right. My friends need me now, and I can't fix things by disappointing them again."

"That's not good." Lyra said as she and Bonbon approached the Crusader's clubhouse. The staircase that lead to the door of the small wooden treehouse was pulled up and the curtains were pulled tight. Small, frightened voices could be heard inside.

"How are we supposed to get up there?" Bonbon asked, screwing her neck to look upwards at the raised stairs.

Lyra giggled and pointed at her forehead. "With this."

"Oh, duh," Bonbon said with a giggle of her own. "That thing comes in so handy sometimes. I'll have to find a way to thank it later."

Lyra rolled her eyes and looked up at the stairs hanging above them. Her horn began to glow a soft amber and, slowly, the rope holding the stairs out of reach began untying itself. She gently lowered the staircase until it hit the ground with a soft thump noise. Then, with a wink to Bonbon, she trotted up to the treehouse door.

Bonbon followed Lyra and waited as she knocked on the door. Immediately the voices coming from inside grew silent. She pressed her ear against the door and could hear muffled whispers. After a moment the whispers stopped and she could hear hoofsteps approaching the door.

"Hello? Who's out there?" Scootaloo shouted through the closed door.

"It's Lyra and Bonbon. Twilight Sparkle sent us," Lyra said as she motioned for Bonbon to back up a bit. "They're really worried about you. There's a hydra close to Ponyville and we need to get you girls to safety."

For a moment there was quiet. Lyra and Bonbon could hear faint whispers from inside, but could not make out any words. Then the rusty hinges of the door began to creak open.

Scootaloo held the door open and waved them inside. "Applebloom said that you can come in, but she won't go anywhere until you tell her why Granny Smith is so mad."

The two trotted inside. Seeing Applebloom in the corner, surrounded by a small army of stuffed animals, Lyra sat down next to her. "I'm not sure that's such a good idea Applebloom. Your granny was pretty clear that she doesn't want you involved in it." Lyra's face took on a serious note.

Applebloom scowled at her, "Well, it involves me anyway. Mah whole family is bein' turned upside down fer some reason an' nopony will tell me anything."

Lyra turned to Bonbon and said, "Sweetie, will you take Scootaloo and wait outside for a moment?"

Bonbon nodded and she and Scootaloo quietly excused themselves.

"Applebloom, you aren't in trouble. Nopony's mad at you." Lyra tried to make her voice as soft as possible, hoping to help Applebloom calm down a bit.

"Ah know that! Granny's mad at you an' Applejack, ah figured that part out. What ah can't figure out is why ah'm bein punished for somethin' y'all did." Applebloom picked up a nearby teddy bear and threw it at Lyra, narrowly missing her face.

Lyra struggled to keep her composure. "You aren't being punished. Your granny just doesn't want to get you in the middle of all this."

"That's stupid. This is just like bein' grounded. Only when ah'm grounded it's fer somethin' ah've done. Right now ah'm grounded from mah home an' mah family fer somethin' you an' mah sister did."

Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Applebloom, you are a very smart filly. I know that you and your friends have always been able to figure out any problem you are faced with. Do you really need me to explain everything to you? I'm sure you've figured out at least some of it by now."

Applebloom's anger began to subside. She sighed and crossed her forelegs over her chest. "Ah know that you an' Applejack both like mares. We've all known that fer a long time. Ah guess Granny didn't though. Big Mac an' Rarity were really mad about it an' ah reckon that's probably why Granny is mad too."

Lyra sat quietly and simply nodded her head.

"Ah just want everypony ta stop treatin' me like ah'm a nuisance. Ah'm not some silly foal that can't handle the truth. But everypony treats me like ah'm just gettin' in tha way. Like ah don't matter."

Lyra inched closer and patted Applebloom on the back. "I know how you feel, but that's just part of growing up. Your granny isn't trying to hurt or punish you. She wants what's best for you and doesn't want you to see us arguing. Would it really make you feel better if you were right in the middle of a big fight?"

"Ah guess not." Applebloom said, her eyes drying. "But what's going to happen to us?"

Lyra smiled, "Tell you what. I know a secret about all this, and if you promise not to tell anypony I'll let you in on it."

Applebloom looked up at Lyra, smiling. "Ah promise."

Lyra spoke in a hushed tone, "You are right about Granny Smith being mad because AJ likes mares, but that's not the reason why she is mad. She thinks that I'm AJ's marefriend and that she was trying to sneak me into the house so we could kiss and make googoo eyes at each other."

"Eww."

"I know right?" Lyra said with a giggle. "Well we all know that's not true. You, me, AJ, Big Mac and Bonbon all know that Applejack likes Fluttershy and that my marefriend is Bonbon. As soon as Granny Smith gets back we can talk to her and let her know what's really going on. I'm sure she'll calm down and everything will go back to normal after that."

Applebloom smiled. Relief clear in her voice she asked, "Are you really sure Granny will understand?"

"Positive." Lyra nodded to the door, "Now, we really need to get you fillies to the farmhouse."

Rarity was startled by a sudden pounding at the library door. As she galloped to the door she shouted "I'm coming!"

She opened the lock but before she could turn the knob the door burst open. Applejack charged in and skidded to a stop next to the checkout desk. Pinkie Pie bounced in with a smile.

"What happened?" Rarity asked, alarmed.

Pinkie Pie opened her mouth to speak but was cut off before she could manage a word.

"Tha crowd turned on us!" Applejack shouted. "We were tryin' ta tell 'em ta get ta safety an' they started shoutin' 'bout me an' Fluttershy." Her face bore a terrified expression and she was breathing heavily from running.

Pinkie raised an eyebrow, "There's more to it than that."

Rarity scoffed, "Is that really surprising?"

Pinkie began, "Now Rarity…"

"An' just what is that supposed ta mean?" Applejack yelled, glaring at Rarity. Her terrified expression was replaced by one of anger. "Ya been on mah case since the whole thing with Fluttershy went down an' ah wanna know why! It weren't you that either of us were kissin' so why do ya care? Far as ah'm concerned ya got no dog in this race so just back off!"

"BOTH OF YOU SHUT THE BUCK UP!"

Startled, Rarity and Applejack quickly spun to face Pinkie Pie, who was standing on her hind legs waving frantically.

"You have both been acting like foals to each other since yesterday and there is absolutely no call for it!" Pinkie pointed an accusatory hoof at the two. "Applejack, you had sex with Fluttershy and she isn't too happy about it. Rarity, you think that's wrong and have been acting like a grade A bitch to Applejack. WHAT THE HELL DO YOU GIRLS WANT FROM EACH OTHER?!"

"AN APOLOGY!" Rarity and Applejack said in unison, scowling at each other.

Pinkie Pie's brow lowered. She gave a stern look and snarled, "Then this is where you give it. In case you haven't noticed, there is a giant hydra about to destroy the town and you two can't set aside your argument for long enough to save Ponyville."

"I shouldn't have to apologize for standing up for Fluttershy. She is one of my best friends." Rarity said with a disgusted glance at Applejack.

"How many ponies do you think are going to die today? How many homes are about to be destroyed? A hundred? Maybe only a dozen?" Pinkie came closer to Rarity. Staring her directly in the eyes she continued, "What about one? When that hydra comes into town maybe he'll be satisfied and walk away after he kills just one pony. How do you think he's going to do it? Stomp on them? Eat them? Maybe that one pony will suffocate peacefully on the poison cloud around him."

"I-I don't…" Rarity stammered.

Pinkie turned around to face Applejack, poking her chest with a hoof, "AJ, how do you think the one pony is going to die today? Maybe he'll have a heart attack when a gigantic freaking lizard starts chasing him."

Applejack's eyes grew wide. Her jaw hung slack. "Pinkie…"

Pinkie spun back to face Rarity. "You said that you are just 'standing up for Fluttershy', well guess what! Fluttershy is out there looking for Rainbow Dash right now. She is outside where there is a chance of being torn apart by a giant monster because she knows it is the right thing to do." She waved a hoof at the library door that was shut and locked from the inside. "Do you really think that she is absolutely incapable of defending herself?"

"Pinkie I…" Rarity said, shrinking backwards.

"WELL!?"

"There is a difference Pinkie. This is something that she has to do. She would never start a confrontation with a friend." Rarity stumbled and fell onto her haunches.

Pinkie turned back to Applejack, "Is that true? Has Fluttershy not said anything at all to you about it?"

Applejack began to sweat. "Actually, Fluttershy came to tha farm last night and we talked."

"Good. Why don't you tell Rarity what you two said?" Pinkie Pie held out her hoof, waving AJ toward Rarity. She backed away slightly and sat down herself.

Applejack inched closer to Rarity and sat down in front of her. She could not bring herself to make eye contact. "Well… Thing is… Ah invited her over ta talk. Ah felt just terrible for tha way things happened an' ah wanted ta make it right."

Rarity sat, listening quietly to Applejack.

"Ah apologized an' said that the way things happened was a mistake. Ah wanted to do things right an' offered ta take her ta dinner sometime. Ya know, ta start over on the right hoof." Applejack's head sunk. "She said no. She was real determined and just laid inta me something fierce. She thought that ah had played on her trust. Said that, as her friend, it's mah job to know better." She sniffled, trying to keep from shedding any more tears. "She's right. Ah feel like such a fool."

"I didn't know. I'm sorry Applejack." Rarity said, patting AJ on the shoulder. "I have been very vocal about my stance on your lifestyle, but in truth, you are always going to be my friend. I know that you really care for Fluttershy but I have been so focused on being her knight in shining armor that I forgot that you are my friend too. I should've listened to Cheerilee."

"Cheerilee?" Applejack asked, confused.

"It's a long story." Rarity said with a sheepish grin. "I'm sorry about the way I've treated you. Forgive me?"

Applejack smiled, "Only if you'll do the same."

In the corner, Pinkie smiled.

Twilight appeared in a bright purple flash at the top of a large oak tree. She scrabbled to get her footing as the branches shook with the footsteps of the giant hydra. From her new vantage point she could clearly see two large heads nearly reaching the tops of the nearby trees.

She drew a shaky breath and shouted, "Hey! Over here!"

Her heart sank and her face went pale as the hydra quickly turned around and focused it's attention squarely on her. The giant beast snarled and charged toward the tree she was perched on.

With another brilliant flash she teleported herself away to a nearby treetop. She turned around just in time to watch the branch she had just been standing on disappear with one massive chomp. Her knees buckled as she realized just how close she had come to being dinner.

"Okay, new plan."

Chapter One: An Unintended Encounter

Pinkie Pie's parties are always the best, and this one was no exception. The guests had long departed, leaving only a small, familiar group of friends talking and laughing with each other in a circle near the buffet table.

"Ah reckon this is as good a time as any ta show y'all what ah brought," Applejack said after realizing the blue pegasus, shouting and gesturing around about her latest tricks, probably wasn't coming to a close anytime soon.

"Ah didn't bring it out earlier ‘cause ah only have enough for the six of us. That and mah sister and her friends were still here," she remarked, searching around for the saddlebags she had sat down when the party started.

"It isn't your Playcolt centerfold is it AJ?" Dash said, pausing her story when she saw a chance to poke fun at her friend. "Cause they really didn't capture your good side, lemme tell ya."

"Har-har Rainbow, you know ah turned that offer down, a plot like this is too good ta share with the whole world." Sighting her bags she grinned "T'night ah have a different golden treasure ta share."

"Ooh~Ooh~OOH! Is it some of the super-secret alcoholic cider you keep in your cellar?" Pinkie Pie enthusiastically squealed.

"Goshdarnit Pinkie, ya ruined tha surprise. Y'all have no idea how hard it was ta sneak this past everypony t'night, let alone keep it secret in mah cellar all these months," Applejack said wondering why she even bothered. Pinkie seemed to have some kind of almost supernatural way of knowing every secret in Ponyville. Or at least every secret she thought would be funny to know. She made a mental note to ask Pinkie about that during her next visit to the farm.

The other pegasus in the room chimed in, her voice barely audible even though the party was over and the music had long ago stopped. "Is it okay to have alcohol here? Don't we need permission from the Cakes?"

Pinkie gave a short chuckle "It's fine Fluttershy. We host bachelorette parties here all the time. Grown-ups gotta party too silly-filly." Fluttershy blushed. "There is one rule though. If booze is involved then it's adults only." Pinkie puffed out her chest and gave a quick salute, acting as authoritative as she could as she pointed at the "Code of Conduct for Parties" hanging on the wall. She giggled again.

Twilight's ears perked up, her attention momentarily drawn from the conversation she was having with Rarity about modifying her wardrobe to accommodate wings. She looked up to the poster her pink friend was pointing at.

"Guess I should send Spike home."

The morning was unusually harsh and bright. Alarmingly quiet as well. As Fluttershy came to she heard none of the usual birds and squirrels that normally woke her up. She ached all over and her neck was sore, but she couldn't focus on any of that through her pounding headache.

This light was not helping.

She pulled the curtains shut and peered into the now darkened room. The bedclothes were strewn about the floor and the nightstand was tipped over. There seemed to be a large amount of muddy hoofprints on the floor.

The floor itself was wooden, the walls too, even the ceiling. It all seemed to be cut from a single, giant piece. A large, neatly sorted bookshelf engulfed the wall next to the door.

After a moment’s thought Fluttershy mumbled groggily "Is this Twilight's house?” Her thoughts were cloudy and her head felt like Harry the bear was learning to tap dance inside of it.

"Pinkie had a party, AJ brought cider, something about a Playcolt magazine," she sighed. "I'll just ask Twilight about it. Sweet Celestia I hope she made some coffee."

As she peeked out of the bedroom she caught the scent of waffles being cooked. The smell was delicious but very strong. Fluttershy's head once again began pounding. She decided it would be better to visit the bathroom before the pain caused her to purge on the floor.

Trotting down the hallway she passed Twilight, each giving the other a sleepy groan rather than a greeting. Pushing open the door Fluttershy was greeted by the large wall mirror, usually kept spotless and shining, now covered in dried mud and yellow fur. Her reflection showed a bedraggled mane, matted with dried mud. Large patches of dirt that somehow evaded her notice till now covered her face and chest.

A glance towards the toilet confirmed what she had begun to suspect. It seemed she had already been here. The lip of the toilet and the surrounding floor was covered in muddy hoofprints, dried vomit and a single yellow feather.

"I'll have to apologize to Twilight, I hope she's not mad at me," she said to her reflection. As she turned the knob on the cold water and splashed her face, soothing her still throbbing headache a bit, something caught her eye. Two large dark marks, one on either side of her neck.

She grabbed a nearby washcloth, wet it, and ran it across her face and neck. The cool cloth gently removed the caked on dirt and further soothed her head. Looking back into the mirror she saw her face, now clean and bright. Something was off though, the dark marks were still there.

She gently poked at the larger of the two with the washcloth. She winced in pain. It was a bruise. A swarm of thoughts began rushing through her mind. Her eyes grew wide as she tried desperately to get a closer look in the mirror. Her heart began to race, fueling the throbbing in her head. “Try again. Pinkie had a party. Applejack brought cider. It got late and Twilight said… wait...”

"TWILIGHT!" she yelled, "I NEED YOU IN HERE!"

It seemed as though the words had barely left her throat when the door swung open, a purple blur rushing to her side. "What's wrong? Are you okay? Did some…thing…"

Looking past the trembling yellow pegasus her sentence trailed off as the mess came into view. Twilight fell silent, she could feel her eye begin to twitch but shook it off. "Fluttershy, what's wrong?"

"I don't know, I woke up here and I think I have a hangover and there's barf everywhere and the room was messed up and there are bruises on my neck and I don't know where they came from and I'm sorry if we had a fight and I don't remember what happened but I'M SO SORRY TWILIGHT"

Twilight's eyes widened "You don't remember what happened? Oh no, this is bad, this is very very bad!" Her panicking hooves danced nervously in place. Her eyes darted quickly around the room. “Hangover, vomit, mess, hickeys… COFFEE!” She rushed out of the room, leaving the teary eyed Fluttershy confused and frightened behind her.

“Hickeys?” Fluttershy repeated. She wiped the gathering tears from her eyes and looked back into the mirror. The marks on her neck could easily be hickeys. She looked closer at the dirt on her chest. It appeared to be a hoofprint. There seemed to be more prints covering a fair bit of her coat.

After a few short minutes Twilight’s voice came down the hall. “Fluttershy, I’m back. Are you still in there?”

Fluttershy turned her attention to the doorway, breathing a sigh of relief. “I’m here.” She walked to the open door where Twilight was waiting just out of sight to the side.

“Sorry I ran out like that Fluttershy. To be honest, I don’t really know what to do in this situation. But there is some coffee brewing to help with the hangover, and I’m sure one of these books has a spell that will help you remember last night.” Twilight pointed to several books of various size floating behind her. As she began to set them down in a stack beside the door, she opened a particularly large one in front of her and quickly started flipping the pages. “Just give me a second to find it.”

"I dunno Twilight, please just tell me," Fluttershy said with a sniffle. Already on the verge of tears, she didn’t think she would be able to handle remembering the entire night at once. “I have to know where these bruises came from, and why I’m covered in hoofprints.”

"Oh, sorry, I probably should have lead with that. It wasn’t a fight, those bruises are hickeys. They are there for the same reason the hoofprints are. And I imagine that’s also the reason the room is messed up." She closed the book and set it atop the stack. Placing a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder she continued. “You really don’t remember any of this?”

Fluttershy shook her head. "I don't. But how did I get hickeys? We didn’t get... uhm... intimate, did we?" Fluttershy asked, her voice fading into a tiny squeak with the last few words.

"Well... no."

"Oh good. You were so tired when I passed you in the hall and then the hickeys. I just assumed..." Fluttershy looked away. “I mean, you’re nice and all, but...”

"Well the two of you were really loud and kept me up most of the night. I had to send Spike to stay with Rarity because of the noise you were making." Twilight squinted. "I know you weren’t thinking clearly, but you really should try to be more considerate. Spike is just a baby after all."

Fluttershy's pupils shrank. "So I did... but not with... who was..." Struggling to keep what little of her composure remained she pleaded "Twilight, I'm not like that, I don't do those things. Please tell me this is just a joke"

Seeing the shame in Fluttershy’s eyes Twilight took a step backwards. "It's… it’s not a joke Fluttershy. I know you wouldn't NORMALLY do those things, but last night... You should talk to her about this. She's probably just finishing breakfast right now."

"She?"

Twilight breathed deep "It’s probably better if you see for yourself. Why don't you take a quick shower first, it will help you calm down. I'll have Spike clean up this mess when he gets back. Come to the kitchen when you are done."

Twilight was right, the shower was just what she needed. Her headache was all but gone and her coat was shiny once again. The soothing water had calmed her enough that she felt truly ready to face whatever she did last night, and whoever was waiting for her in the kitchen.

As she drew back the shower curtain the filth of the bathroom came into full view. Fluttershy felt the knot in her stomach return at the thought of her and some mare, entangled in muddy hooves, seemingly rolling around everywhere.

She closed her eyes tight and rushed out the door into the hallway. Nervously opening them again she glanced around, hoping not to encounter any more remnants of the previous night. To her left a trail of muddy hoofprints lead to the bedroom To her right was the stack of books and an otherwise empty hallway. Fortunately, the kitchen was in the opposite direction of the mud.

Sweet Celestia I REALLY hope the coffee is ready. Fluttershy thought to herself. Sniffing at the air she was not disappointed, the warm smell of coffee and waffles permeated the atmosphere. As apprehensive as she was to greet what awaited her in the kitchen, her stomach drove her onward more than she would like to admit.

"Twilight, I think you forgot those books by the bathroom," Fluttershy called out as she rounded the corner into the kitchen. Her heart sank when she saw the two familiar faces.

"I had better go get those. Humidity does terrible things to books. I'll leave you two alone," Twilight said, trotting out of the room. She put on a nervous smile, more for the excuse to leave the impending awkwardness than anything else.

Fluttershy would have preferred to have anypony else, any random mare from anywhere in Equestria, standing in front of her now. She didn't even know how to begin to deal with this.

"Glad ta see yer up. Ah reckon you'll want some breakfast. Twi an' me already had our fill so grab as much as ya want, there's plenty left." Applejack grinned, the worry on her face was plain to see.

"Good morning Applejack... err... did you sleep well?"

"Yeah." Applejack gave a hollow chuckle. “After a night like that ah s'pose anypony would sleep like a log." Her smile vanished as she turned her gaze to the cup of coffee she was swirling in her hoof. "Twilight said ya don't remember nothin' 'bout last night, is that true?"

Fluttershy shuffled her hooves. "Well, I remember the party, drinking some of your cider, then everypony moving to the library because it was getting late. That's about it."

"Ah don't get it, ya didn't even have that much cider," AJ said, not looking up from her mug "Ah've never seen somepony get blackout drunk from so little. Though ah guess that does explain all the hurlin' ya did."

"I may have had a teensy bit of blackberry wine before I came to the party. It helps me relax around the big crowds at Pinkie's parties."

"Blackberry wine huh? Where'd ya get somethin' fancy like that?" Applejack asked, trying desperately to avoid the elephant in the room as long as possible. Wishing with all her might that it would simply go away if she just didn't look at it.

"Sometimes ponies will send me gifts for caring for their sick pets." Fluttershy smiled at the thought of all the sick critters she had helped to get well. The moment quickly returned to her though. "Did we really… um… ya know… do… it?"

"Yeah… We did.” Applejack sat down her coffee mug, still practically full, next to the sink. “Listen, ah never would have let it go that far if ah'd known what kinda state you were in. Ya told me you were fine though, insisted that ya knew what you were doin'."

Fluttershy was silent.

Applejack glanced at the clock on the wall. With a sigh she said "Ah’ve gotta get to work now, why don't ya stop by the farm later?" She slowly walked out of the room, stopping briefly to look over her shoulder as she reached the doorway.

Fluttershy shuffled her hooves, staring at the floor. "Okay, I'll be there."

Chapter Twelve: Tantrum (Aside)

Sweetie Belle paced the hall. She had seen Apple Bloom get angry before, but never like this. Now all Sweetie and Scootaloo could do was wait to see if their friends were okay.

Scootaloo had picked out a book on sculpture from the art section. After all, that was the reason for their visit. She sat quietly reading it at a desk near the back of the library, oblivious to Sweetie Belle.

Rarity was certainly going to be furious when they returned. With nowhere else to meet, the boutique had become the temporary Cutie Mark Crusader Clubhouse, but with Apple Bloom picking fights, Rarity was sure to ground her or something.

Sweetie Belle heard the sound of a door closing upstairs. She quickly trotted to the main desk, where she saw Lyra descending the stairs. She waved, Lyra nodded, both smiled.

Lyra trotted around the main desk, sitting down on the short stool behind it. "Hey Sweetie Belle, Spike and Apple Bloom are gonna be fine, Twilight's taking care of them." Sweetie stared at the floor, the good news did not seem to cheer her up. "Is something on your mind?"

"Well, yeah, I kinda have a problem, and I think Rarity is mad at me." Sweetie Belle continued staring at the floor. "I'm kind of afraid to talk about it though."

"Is it something bad? If you have a problem you should probably tell your parents." Lyra stepped off of the stool, motioning for Sweetie to follow her, she trotted to a small circle of cushions in the youth section.

"I'm afraid to tell Mom and Dad. Rarity said it was wrong." The two sat down beside each other.

"Okay, I'll try to help if I can. I'm not great at giving advice though." Lyra said, more than a little confused.

"There is this pony in my class that I like, I gave them a card on hearts and hooves day and made them my special somepony. It's somepony I've had a crush on for a long time." Sweetie's stomach tightened, this was harder than she anticipated. "Rarity told me this morning that I'm not supposed to like, uh, that kind of pony."

"That's a really complicated subject Sweetie. Why ask me about it?"

"Well, you and Applejack are the only ponies I know that would know what I'm talking about."

Lyra's confusion only grew as she began to piece together what Sweetie Belle was saying. "I think I see where this is going. Is this pony another filly?"

"Mmhmm." Sweetie Belle mumbled as she slowly nodded her head. She was sure that Lyra was not going to judge her, but she closed her eyes, afraid of how she would respond.

"Well Sweetie, a lot of ponies think liking somepony of the same gender is wrong. If you really like this filly then you are going to have to deal with that." Lyra spoke slowly, unsure of how to continue.

"Rarity said that it's a phase. She said that I'm confused and I'll get over it." Sweetie opened her eyes. Lyra's voice was much softer than her sister's. She felt a bit more free to speak. "It doesn't feel like a phase. And I have liked her for a really long time."

"Well, Rarity has a point. For lots of fillies it is just a phase. But for others it isn't. My parents told me that I was going through a phase but I guess that phase never ended." Lyra chuckled. "It might be a phase or it might not. You are still young, you have plenty of time to figure out who you are. And when you do finally get it figured out then you can deal with things like what others think of you."

Sweetie Belle was quiet. For a long minute she stared at the wall, contemplating what Lyra had said.

A lot of fillies go through phases… You are too young to think about those things.

Rarity and Lyra had said nearly the same thing. Why did it sound so much more hopeful coming from Lyra?

"Lyra, if I'm really too young, then why does this seem so important?"

"Well, it IS important. But this is one of those important things that you can't be told. You just have to figure it out as you go." Lyra smiled, she now knew what to say. What the filly at her side was waiting to hear. "It's just like your cutie mark. Everypony has to figure it out for themselves."

"Okay, I think I understand now." Sweetie Belle looked up with a weak smile. "Thank you Lyra." She leaned into Lyra, a hug to thank her. "By the way, you left that book you were reading on the floor. You should probably go get it before Twilight notices. You know how she is about being organized."

Lyra stood, shaking the stiffness out of her legs she said, "Thanks, I'll go get it. I hope this little talk helped." With a small smile to the filly, she trotted off.

Sweetie Belle watched as Lyra disappeared into the next room. A few seconds later, returning to the counter, she laid the thick textbook out and continued reading.

Rolling over on the cushions, Sweetie Belle rested her head in the warmth of the pillow Lyra had been using. She closed her eyes and whispered, "If they are trying to make different points, why are they both telling me the same thing."