Chasing Applejack

by Creed

Rating: teen
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Romance
Length: 5922

When regality counters your love, how will you counter it?

*Inbound Alternate Universe response to Chasing Twilight*

A lonely mare of power rests quietly on her throne, watching over her kingdom with a downtrodden expression. She longs for her friend both mentally and physically. She contemplates over her every day, wishing to see her again. How does she deal with regality and the emotional tension?

By simply writing it down.

Alternative universe written by: MegatronsPen
Proofread by: The_Weatherbug and BucketHelm
Chief Grammar Nazi: TachyonicBow
Fangroup for this universe @ THIS GREEN LINK TAKES YOU THERE.

Published 2014-05-23 23:10:02 UTC
Last updated 2014-06-19 21:44:45 UTC

Do You Even See Me?

Do you even see me?

The dark, the light, and the normal shades of purple…

The curves and straight lines that make my shape…

The pink strand in the middle of it all.

Do you even see me, Applejack?

I’m not just a head in the sand, besides, beaches don’t appear in Ponyville.

Even though I’m just a bookworm in the middle of a small farm town doesn’t mean I’m invisible.

You and the rest of the girls did see me as the leader of our group.

But once I achieved my title...

You all pranced away.

You left me, alone in this white stone prison.

Now, you could say I had the Princesses to watch over me and keep me company, but I want you and the girls…

Scratch that.

I want you.

Yes, you.

Your orange curvy flank right in my chambers.

“Oh, did ya' really just write tha', Twi’?” you would ask in your southern accent.

I would reply with an affirmative, before looking down at my journal once again.

You would, then, approach me and try to look at what I’m writing.

I would blush, your face being so up close to mine.

You would begin to read, your green apple irises glancing over the words I wrote for you.

My heart would begin to race, the pace increasing as I see your head slowly lowering to compensate for the amount of words on the page.

Your eyes glazing over every word, entering your brain like the taste of an apple fritter covered in some silky smooth cream.

After you read over the pages, you would turn to me, your eyes watering up as if the floodgates were about to release.

You would say in that drawl once again, “Twi’, is this how ya' see me?”

I would sigh and just go with the music, my heart still unable to calm itself.

I would begin to tell the tale of how I felt so alone, even with you all around me.

There was something missing in my life…

I thought that friendship could fill the hole but...

I realized after having this friendship for quite some time…

It wasn’t enough.

No.

It was never enough.

I felt that hole widen every time my friendship with you all began to fade…

Except you.

You were the only one who stayed in touch with me daily by writing letters that would make the town think you’re a writing prodigy.

Your words soothed my aching heart, something that many of the Canterlot doctors couldn’t understand.

Your words soothed my brain, the thirst of knowledge being replaced by the longing of seeing you once again.

Your words soothed my nerves, my emotions almost boiling over after every meeting, interview, or complaint that headed my way.

I just…

I loved that you sent the letters.

You didn’t forget me, but you didn’t see me either.

Now, if you were reading this, you probably are confused, your cute little muzzle scrunched up like you always do.

Well, you kept me in your memories, but you weren’t motivated enough to pull me away from my throne.

Were you afraid?

Did you not care enough?

Did you not value our friendship?

Did it really fade away that quick?

Am I at fault?

Am…

Am I not good enough?

Do you even see me?

The quill that was encased in a light purple aura is tossed to the side, floating gently to the ground before colliding with the smooth stone surface below. The owner of the aura groans, frustrated by the emotional tension piled up in their body.

“Why can’t I get to her?” a feminine voice asks aloud.

The caller gets nothing but the air around to answer, the environment paying no heed to the voice’s misunderstandings.

“A Princess, wanting a mere country gal…” the voice says quietly.

The Princess, though strong in her outwards appearance towards nobility and her other subjects, begins to sob, her eyes watering.

“Why can’t I have something I want for once!” she shouts, the scream piercing the air.

This mare, one who has all the power in the whole kingdom of Equestria, can’t even get the love of her life to be with her.

Why?

Because her lover is a mare.

“So what if I’m a fillyfooler?” The mare shouts, trying to counter the thoughts in her brain with her own voice.

That doesn’t make you a viable role model to the rest of th-

“I don’t care anymore!” she shouts, countering the voice of regality.

“I just want her…” she begins softly. “I only want her…”

Why?

“Because she completes me!” she whines, her voice beginning to waver.

“I-I, Sh-she just…”

She just what?

“She knows me…”

So does everyone else, Princess.

“No, they don’t,” the Princess says in reply, her tone seething with intense anger. “They don’t know the real Princess, a true fillyfooling mare who is in love with a country down-to-earth mare.” She gets up and moves to her mirror, the mirror showing the reflection of a broken, emotionally tense mare.

“This down-to-earth mare is amazing. Every feature of her makes me want her more,” she says, looking at the mirrored reflection straight in the eyes. “Let’s start with the mentality.”

“First, she’s strong. She stands by her opinions and doesn’t let them be shattered by anypony who opposes her.” As she says this, she walks over to the mock-up chalkboard and strikes it with some light purple chalk, scoring a line to represent a point.

“Second, she’s honest. She would never lie about anything. If she tries to, she begins to falter and stumble over her wording,” the mare stops for a moment and begins to giggle. “Which I think is cute within itself.” The mare levitates the chalk again, writing another mark on the board.

“Third, she’s loyal. If Rainbow Dash wasn’t the embodiment of loyality, then AJ would be the next one in line. She’s loyal to her friends and family, even when times are grim. This is one attribute I wish I had. I struggle with it the most, and I love her for this.” With repetitivity in mind, the mare repeats the action, scoring the board once again with a straight mark.

“Lastly, she’s supportive,” the mare says, moving away from her own reflection to a nearby window, gazing out to see the glorious beauty of Equestria. “She will support and value our opinions because she…” The mare stops, struggling to get the words out.

She?

“She values us as her best friends!”

But, I thought you said she doesn’t value you?

“I…”

I see...

I think you do see me AJ…

The mare stops her ranting and quickly approaches her writing desk, picking up her quill with her magic once again.

With her writing utensil in her magical grasp, she begins to write once more.

AJ, you do see me.

All I ever did was miss it.

I want you…

I’ll come to you...

I’ll be chasing you, Applejack.

Trying to Forget You...

Trying to Forget You... (REVISED)

Today, I’m going to the Canterlot marketplace.Hopefully, I’ll find something there to distract myself from thinking of you.

The mare hastily drops the quill by releasing her magical grip, the quill settling on the cold, wooden tabletop once more.

“Time to go scour the marketplace!” Princess Twilight Sparkle exclaims, leaving the room quickly.

The big wooden doors echo loudly through the halls as they close behind her.

She sighs, before beginning her walk to the exit. As she does this, she begins to collect her thoughts.

Today, I’m supposed to check up on the vendors to make sure they are well stocked for today's business and to buy some snacks for tonight's reading session…

The mare stops her train of thought, her mind setting her on a different path, one of which she would like to disregard at this moment.

What would Applejack want in this cas—

With a grimace, the alicorn mare shakes her head, the thoughts causing incessant pounding within her brain.

Going to need to go to the doctors after this…

As she walks towards the exit through the main doors, one of the brolic guards looks up at her and says, “Need some help today, Princess?”

Twilight kindly responds, “Not today, I have to meet up with Applej—”

The alicorn mare suddenly stops speaking, startling the guard in front of her.

“Princess, are you okay?” The guard asks, now worried about her well-being. “You look a little pale.”

Unfortunately, the Princess won’t be responding quickly enough, her mind at war with itself.

Why am I thinking like this?

Because you like Applej—

No, I’m not supposed to be thinking like this…

Get yourself together, Twilight.

The alicorn mare sighs, the sudden sweat cascading in the form of droplets from her head.

Am I sweating?

Shaking her head a bit, she looks back at the guard. “I’m sorry, I meant to say was that I may need a guard or two to accompany me on this journey.”

The guard raises his eyebrow, confused by the sudden change of heart. “If you say so, Princess.”

“Corporal!” the guard shouts to the air. The corporal mentioned stands in the direction of his partner, staring blankly at him. The big, stocky guard then turns to his comrade and says, “Get those two slackers from the barracks out here, we need to go guard the Princess on her journey.”

I wonder if I should get some hay sandwiches, or some apples...

His comrade nods, scurrying off to find the “slackers” in the barracks.

Maybe some green apples would be good.

The concerned guard turns back to Twilight, his eyes gazing at her. “Sorry, our only reserves are sitting in the barracks.” He then turns towards the main entrance. “It’ll only be a few minutes for them to get here.”

That sounds like a perfect snack to share with Appleja—

“Princess?”

“Huh? Wha-what?” Twilight looks away from where she was looking at, bringing her gaze to the guardspony.

“Are you okay?” The guard asks, puzzled by her reaction. He raises a hoof in the direction the Princess was formerly looking at. “You were staring at that painting of apples over there.”

Twilight’s eyes widen. “Did you say… apples?”

The guard raises his eyebrow. “Yes?” He pauses and waves a hoof in front of the Princess’ face. “Are you sure you’re well enough?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I’m doing well.”

I think...

As the guard retracts his hoof, his comrade rushes around the corner, the two “slackers” running a few seconds behind him.

“Sir, here they are,” his comrade says.

The guardspony nods at his comrade and turns to the two other guards. “Privates!” he shouts, the two standing upright.

“Yes sir!” they shout in response.

“You are ordered to stay here in order to protect the royal castle from any invaders,” He bellows, moving to and fro as he walks in front of them. As he finishes his sentence, he stops and turns back at them, glaring at both of them in eyes. “Do you understand?”

The two still remain upright, their position unwavering. “Sir, yes sir!” they shout.

“Good,” the guard replies calmly. “Now let’s move, Corporal.”

The corporal nods, leaving the two privates to their door duty.

“Are you ready to depart, Princess?” The corporal asks.

Twilight, who is still in her own little world, replies softly, “Yes.”

She begins to exit, her two guards accompanying her on her journey.

I hope I can make it...

____________________

The Canterlot streets, so busy, so lively…

And we’re only a few steps away from snack heaven…

The Canterlot Marketplace, so crowded, so noisy…

I’m so close to the snack vendor, I can…

The apple vendor, so orange, so beau—

Wait, what?

Twilight returns back to reality, her mind set on the apple vendor in front of her. She looked almost like a mare she knows far too well.

Applejack.

She shakes her head, trying to get the impending thoughts away from her. Unfortunately, her thoughts were inevitably going to happen.

She looks like her!

The alicorn mare stares at her, eyeing the vendor’s facial features.

Her eyes are just like hers! They’re like emerald pools I could stare at fo-

“Ma’am?” the vendor asks, causing the alicorn to leave her stupor behind.

“Yes?”

The vendor grumbles, her eyebrows appearing slanted. “Are you here to order, or are you here to observe the products?”

What a grumpy pony.

Although anger begins to boil in Twilight’s mind, she decides to cool off and reply with a calm tone of voice, “I’ll have a dozen of your finest green apples, please.”

The vendor smiles, carefully picking out the fruits for her and placing them in a bag. “Will that be all for you today, Princess?”

The mare sighs, viewing over the rest of the contents. Unfortunately, nothing else appealed to her. “No, that seems to be it.”

The vendor smiles fades for a brief moment, before returning back to a full blown grin.

Weird…

“Well I hope you enjoy the rest of your day, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Why in the hay did she decide to use my full name?

Because you’re a moron and held up half the line.

Huh, I did no-

In her mind, she thought she was only there for five measly minutes.

Instead, she was there for forty grueling minutes, making a line that twisted in ways that even an ordinary snake couldn’t do without becoming a mess of knots.

I guess I did.

Focus the mind, Princess, like a laser pointer.

I’m not a pet, mind.

As the rat in her mind leaves her be, she focuses on paying the vendor, slapping a generous amount of bits on the counter. “Sorry about making you wait, I had my head in some other place…”

The vendor simply smiles back, making Twilight feel a bit abusive of her power. “It’s okay, Princess.”

“Well, thank you for the apples,” Twilight announces clearly to the vendor, her eyes moving away from the Applejack look alike.

“You're welcome!” the vendor shouts back. She’s probably happy that I left.

While Twilight walks to the next stall, the two guards see her moving and approach from each side. The corporal, who appears to be lower rank than the first guard, sighs and says, “You were there for quite a while, Princess.” The young guard pauses to wipe his forehead of sweat. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

The Princess sighs. I thought I told you that I was okay…

“Yes. I'm fine, Corporal?” she asks inquisitively, wondering what the corporal's name was.

“Corporal Apple Turnover, Ma’am.”

Apple what?

The now flustered Princess looks at the guard, stopping her walk to focus her full attention on him. “Could you repeat that?”

“Corporal Plum Jack, Ma’am.”

Didn’t he just say he was Apple Tur-

Wait.

I’m thinking about Applejack again aren’t I?

The Princess brings her attention back to her guard, who is looking tense at this very moment. He probably thinks I’m punishing him.

“Well, Corporal App-I mean, Plum Turnover, thank you for being concerned for me. However, I’m doing well, so don’t worry too much about me,” she announces to her guard sternly.

Almost slipped up.

The guard nods and says, “Alright, Princess Twilight.” He turns his attention to his commanding officer, who is facing in the opposite direction.

“Sir, are you ready to proceed?”

The stoic and brolic guard faces him, his eyes beaming at the young guard. He says to the corporal, “Yes.”

This word caused a switch to flip in the young guard. The guard moves into position while maintaining a stonewall appearance, his eyes set forth and ready. His facial expression, however; is still soft. His gaze shifts back to the Princess. “Are you ready to depart once again, Princess?”

So far so good, no sign of Applejack anywhere.

Twilight looks down at the guard who is staring back at her. “Oh!” she shouts, not realizing she was being spoken to. “Yes, let us go. I still have to visit a couple of vendors!”

And so, the Princess and the two castle guards walk through the maze of what is known as Canterlot’s Marketplace.

____________________

We’re almost done…

The alicorn wipes off her forehead with a purple rag she bought at Rags For Tags.

So far, no Applejack.

The purple alicorn mare sighs once again.

I have it bad for her, don’t I?

Twilight continues her trot, her two loyal guards walking beside her. The sun still beats down on them, however; Twilight isn’t having an issue with the heat.

It’s herself that’s the real issue.

“Can I ask you a question, Miss?”

“Well, ya’ just did, partner,” the mare says, turning around to see who was asking the question.

Wait a minute, that sounded like…

As if destiny was attempting to earn its place as the new spirit of disharmony, the mare who has been causing all of her problems, now stands before her, looking her straight in the eyes.

“Shoot, well how are ya’ doing today, Twilight?” Applejack says, her mild southern accent showing.

Applejack!

Twilight looks at her friend, those green apple colored irises staring at her. Her friend’s mane now flows freely, the normal restraints no longer keeping it in place.

Applejack sees where her friend is glaring and says, “Oh, Ah see you found my new hairdo?” She pauses to fix a long strand of her hair, which was dangling awkwardly alongside her cheek. “So, what do ya’ think?”

You’re beautiful.

You're amazing.

You look stunning.

“You look good, Applejack,” The Princess replies, masking her true feelings.

Applejack smiles brightly at Twilight. “Glad ya' like it, Twi’,” she says softly.

She said my nickname!

Twilight blushes at this, pawing at the ground with her hoof.

Stop pawing the ground, Twilight, you’re going to lose her.

Mind, mind your own business.

But you are my business, Twilight.

Oh be quiet!

Twilight asks, “So, what are you doing here, Applejack?”

No pressure, Princess.

Didn’t I tell you to stop?

The blonde cowpony cranes her neck and looks around the marketplace. “I’m actually here to find my cousin, Apple Snap.” With no luck in her search, the mare turns her attention to Twilight, who now looks a bit more antsy than usual. “She’s supposed to be runnin’ one of the stands here.”

Focus, Twilight…

Wait.

“Does she closely resemble you, Applejack?” Twilight asks.

Applejack smiles once again. “Yeppers, she’s got a bit of a temper and her cutie mark is um,” the mare pauses for a moment, her muzzle scrunched up in concentration. “Her cutie mark is an apple and a whip.”

That definitely sounds like her…

The alicorn smiles at her friend, attempting to keep her composure. “I-I may know where she is.”

Did I just stutter?

Applejack perks up at this. “You know where she is?”

The migraine comes back with a vengeance, causing the alicorn to grimace. With a facial expression similar to a constipated donkey, the alicorn says, “S-She’s near th-the middle of the marketplace.”

Why is this migraine coming back?

Applejack sees the pained expression on the Princess’ face. Concerned about her friend, she asks, “Are you alright, Twi’?”

Just need a book to read an—

Within seconds, the migraine increases it’s pace, the pounding in her brain becoming constant.

The alicorn, now confused by her surroundings, tries to show Applejack her bag of apples, but fails to keep ahold of them, her magic faltering. “See the apples, Jack?”

“Twi’?” Applejack says, approaching her friend. As she says this, Twilight suddenly collapses to the ground, her eyesight beginning to blur.

Unfortunately, the guards wouldn’t allow Applejack to approach any farther.

“Halt!” Corporal Plum Turnover yells, leaving the brolic guard to tend to the Princess.

“Are you alright, Princess?”

With a cough, the royal mare looks around, shaking her head wildly in search of Applejack.

“Applejack!” she shouts, her voice cracking, slurring, and wavering.

Applejack hears her call, pushing past the young guard with ease. She quickly bends down and nuzzles her friend’s cheek. “Twi’?”

“I…”

Wanted to say…

With another loud cough and her eyes closed, she mumbles out, “I love…”

“Twi’!” Applejack shouts, the brolic guard now pushing her away from Twilight.

As Twilight hears the cry, she turns her head to the voice and opens her eyes.

The last glimpse she sees is a concerned friend being carried away by her guard.

Before closing her eyes, Twilight weakly exhales the name of the pony that is her world.

“Applejack…”

With that, the alicorn lies still, the world fading into an array of colors as more ponies begin to swarm around her…

...Is Hard For Me.

I need to forget you.But…I can’t, it’s too hard for me.Applejack.Why are you…

Twi’!

...still near me…

Twilight!

...when I am…

TWILIGHT!

...alone?

“TWILIGHT!”

Applejack?

The alicorn mare sits up suddenly, her eyes wide open. The surroundings seem familiar to her; the colors of purple and white meshing together, the brown outlines of squares taking shape. However, an unfamiliar amount of oranges suddenly blend into the mixture with a bit of greens beginning their ascension into the odd color scheme.

Twilight rubs her eyes with her hoof while sniffling a bit. Her head still hurts, the pounding reminding her of the migraine she received while she was out with her guards. The pain, the hot weather, the smelly guards and their glaring golden uniforms: all of her memories begin to come back.

As she removes her hoof from her eyes, she opens them again to see the mare of her dreams approaching her bedside.

“Twilight?” Applejack asks, her mane still down the way it was in the marketplace. “Are you okay?”

Twilight groans, holding her hoof to her head. “Where am I?”

Applejack giggles at her friend. “You’re in your room, Sugarcube.”

Twilight looks up at her friend, who is gazing down upon her. Applejack gives Twilight a little nuzzle against her cheek, causing Twilight to squeak due to the sudden movement. Applejack chuckles quietly to the discomfort of Twilight, who is still holding her head with her hoof.

“So how are yo-”

Suddenly remembering the events before her collapse, Twilight frantically says, “Did you find Apple Snap?”

Applejack smiles and says, “Sugarcube, Apple Snap can wait. You’re more important to me then findin’ her.”

This causes Twilight to blush red like a tomato, her cheeks redder than Big Macintosh.

Is she saying what I think she means?

“D-do you really mean it?” Twilight manages to say, her stutter returning with a vengeance.

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Of course ya’ are! After all, you’re one of my best friends,” she replies, her voice strong and defiant. She waves her hoof in a circle as she continues her thought. “Besides, Apple Snap is goin’ to be here for another day or two, so I've got all the time in the world.”

Best friend…

The heartstrings that were being tugged on before Applejack’s explanation suddenly fall flat, collapsing into a pile of muscle.

I wish it were something more…

The alicorn shakily sighs, which attracts Applejack’s attention.

“Is somethin’ wrong?”

“No-” Twilight begins to say before a violent cough decides to make its broadway debut, causing the alicorn to cover her mouth with her forehoof.

“I don’t think thats nuthin’,” Applejack says in concern. “Lie down for a bit while I go get you some water.” Applejack gets up and begins to walk away from Twilight, heading towards the entrance of the room.

“Wai-” Twilight tries to say, before the cough returns again. She clears her throat and tries again. “Wait, Applejack.”

Applejack stops in mid trot and turns to face her friend. “What’s wrong?”

Twilight looks down, covering her eyes with her hooves. “I’m sorry!”

Applejack slowly walks over, sitting her rump on the smooth stone floor next to Twilight’s bed. “Why are you sayin’ sorry?” Applejack brings her hoof up to Twilight’s mane. “You didn’t do anythin’ wrong.”

Twilight moves her left forehoof from her eye, allowing her to see the incoming hoof approach her head. She flinches and moves over to the edge of the bed. “Yes I did,” she says shakily. “I collapsed and I saw you scared out of your wits and…”

I’m such an idiot.

No, you’re a moron.

Same thing!

Twilight didn’t seem to notice the form of her friend suddenly shifting, approaching the other side of her bed and sitting before her. Applejack brings her hoof to her friend’s chin, pulling up on it to bring Twilight’s gaze to hers. “Twilight!” she said, her voice bellowing through Twilight’s eardrums.

“Listen here,” she says, waving her orange hoof in front of Twilight’s face. “Yes, you scared me to death. You began to speak jibberish to me and wavin’ a bag full of pears at me.”

Wait, those were apples…

Twilight looks back into her memory, remembering the grin of the vendor, who was close to laughing.

No wonder she was smiling that large. She sold me pears instead of apples…

While Twilight mentally facehoofs at her lack of awareness, Applejack continues her rant. “Anyway, when you did that, I approached and nuzzled you. You seemed rather warmer than most ponies. Once I pulled away, I noticed you were pale and I asked what was wrong.” Applejack pauses, looking away from her friend to look around. “You collapsed, and I didn’t know if you were going to make it back here.”

Twilight looks up at her friend, who has returned her gaze back at the sick mare. “If you’re not feelin’ well, you better tell me next time, okay?” She lowers her hoof that was loosely cupped underneath Twilight’s muzzle. “Anything else, sugarcube?”

Twilight looks away from her and shakily sighs. “Can you stay with me for a bit?”

Applejack sighs and says, “Okay, what do ya want me to do?”

Twilight looks back up at Applejack and lays her head on the pillow behind her. “Can you tell me a story?”

Applejack giggles. “Why do ya want me to tell ya a story?”

Hopefully she won’t tell anypony about this...

Twilight looks away from Applejack and sighs. “Because my mother would tell me a story to make me feel better when I’m sick.”

Applejack stops her laughter and sighs. “I’m sorry for laughin’, Twi’.”

You better be.

Twilight brings her gaze to Applejack’s, diving into the green pools that she loves so much. “It’s okay,” Twilight says, her facial expression looking calm and collected. “Now, can you,” she starts before she coughs a bit.

Applejack waits for her to stop coughing and smiles. “Anythin’ to make ya stop doin’ that.”

Twilight smiles and snuggles into her pillow, gripping it as if it was her lifeline. Applejack begins her tale, “It all started on one sunny mornin’, a mornin’ that surprised me the most.”

Applejack leans back and closes her eyes, remembering the day like it was just yesterday. “I was out on the farm, bucking some trees like I usually do. On this day, however, I saw the most beautiful thing in the distance.” She opens her eyes to see Twilight staring at her with a confused look on her face. “What?”

Twilight raises her hoof up and asks, “When did this happen?”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Why does that matter?”

Twilight puts her hoof down by her side and shrugs. “Just curious.”

Applejack shakes her head and sighs. “Just listen, Twi’. I promise you’ll enjoy this story.”

Ugh, she’s being so stubborn!

Twilight sighs and slowly nods, hiding her frustration from Applejack. “As I was sayin’, I saw this beautiful thing in the distance, somethin' that made me curious just as ya were now.” She puts her hooves together. “It was bright purple light in the sky, somethin’ that I’ve never seen before. Suddenly, a loud boom noise happens and the light envelopes all the trees in front of me!” Applejack says, spreading her fore hooves far apart as she continues to speak. “It was so bright that it made me shield my eyes.”

That’s amazing! A supernatural phenomenon that I never got to see? Where was I when this happened?

Twilight brings herself back to reality to see Applejack smiling at her.

Why is she smiling at me?

Applejack chuckles. “Sugarcube, your face was simply priceless.”

What?

With Twilight dazed and confused, Applejack continues her story. “While I was nearly blinded by the light, I decided to take cover behind the tree I was buckin’, allowin’ me to see what was goin’ on. When the light faded, I peeked my head around the corner to see what happened.”

Applejack leans in towards Twilight’s ear and whispers, “Guess what I saw?”

The mare in question shakes her head.

Applejack leans back and says one simple word, “Nothin’.”

“Nothing?” Twilight asks softly.

Applejack nods. “To this very day, I haven’t figured out what was over there…”

“Why?” Twilight asks.Shoot, I asked that aloud.

“Because when I actually went over there, there was no trace of anythin’.”

Twilight looks up at Applejack, her muzzle scrunched up in confusion. “What?”

“Well, there wasn’t any sign that damage had occurred, nor hoofprints or marks of any sort.”

Twilight sighs and asks, “Applejack?”

Applejack looks back at Twilight, their eyes staring directly into the other’s. “What?”

“Can we go back to that spot when I’m better?”

Applejack smiles and stands up on all fours. “Of course, Twi’. I can’t let the story end like that.”

With that, Applejack turns to leave the room, leaving Twilight to herself.

What am I going to do?

The alicorn mare groans due to the frustration of not being able to tell Applejack the truth.

I have to tell her somehow…

Well the sooner the better, or  you’ll lose her you moron.

Mind, whenever you’re present, you’re as worthless as one of mom’s lectures on how to clean the dishes. I mean, I already know you use soap, but magic is way easier to clean with.

She told you magic wasn’t easy and soap is so much more efficient.

Ugh! Not you too!

Twilight, I am you and besides you have bigger matters to attend to.

Like what?

The big massive blob in front of you with the mane of a lucky charm, that’s who.

What?

“Twilight,” a soft, stern voice announced. “Are you feeling better?”

Oh no…

“Celestia…”

A little chat...

“Hello, my student…” Celestia says quietly, addressing her longtime student the same way despite her newly attained status. “You seem quite under the weather.”

The white alicorn approaches her bedside, holding a glass of water in her magic aura. “I’d like to have a long chat,” Celestia says while placing the glass on Twilight’s drawer, the glass landing with a soft plump. “It’s about a certain somepony who just exited here.”

Twilight’s eyes widen. “You mean, Applejack?”

Celestia nods. “Yes.” The ruler sits her rump on the floor, looking down at her student in her bed. “I’ve wanted to address some things that I heard…”

Oh no…

“...about your behavior in relation to that mare.”

...this is going to be bad.

The now panicked student pops off her pillow and says frantically, “I don’t know what you’re talking ab- hnggg...”

“Twilight!” Celestia says softly yells. The mare of concern holds her head with her hoof, groaning at the sudden return of the migraine. “Lay down, you’ll hurt yourself if you do any sudden movements.”

Twilight sighs and plops her head back down on the soft, plump pillows. “I’m not having,” Twilight begins to say before a sudden cough causes her to stop.

“Yes, you are,” Celestia says sternly. “You know, you’re very easy to read, Twilight.”

Twilight looks away, her muzzle scrunching up and her forehooves crossing over each other.

“No, I’m not…” Twilight whines.

“Twilight.” Celestia says. Twilight looks up at her as Celestia continues, “I’ve been your mentor and I’m now your counterpart. I’ve seen you since you were a little filly. I think I’d know how easy you are to read…”

That is true, but you don’t know how much I love Applejack...

Twilight shyly looks away, a blush beginning to form on her cheeks, the red tint considerably close to the color of a red rose.

Celestia sighs, preparing herself for a speech.

“I know you are thinking about her a lot lately…”

Applejack…

“The guards told me about your behavior in the castle…”

...I need you to…

“...and in the marketplace…”

...save me right now.

“Twilight, are you even listening?”

“Huh?” Twilight asks, returning to reality after hearing her name being called.

“Guess not,” Celestia says softly. “Look,” she moves closer to the bedside and puts her right forehoof under Twilight’s muzzle, cupping it gently. “...you have two options that I will present to you.”

“Huh?” Twilight asks, her eyebrow raising.

Celestia shakes her head. “This is for your own good, my faithful student.”

Guess I have no choice...

Twilight sighs and says, “Okay, what are my options?”

Celestia replies, her eyes glued to her student’s. “You can talk to Cadence about this, or you go straight to Applejack and tell her how you feel.”

“WHAT?” Twilight shouts. “But, h—”

Celestia shoves the hoof that was cupping Twilight’s muzzle in front of it, causing Twilight’s words to go unanswered. “No questions, just an answer is what I need.”

Twilight sighs and lightly taps Celestia’s hoof. Celestia nods and removes her hoof from Twilight’s muzzle, moving away from the bedside and leaning back on the wall.

Am I ready to face her yet?

No, I should talk to Cadance.

Even though I want to face her and tell her that I love her, I need to think this through...

“Well…” Twilight begins. “I should talk to Cadance…”

“That would be wise of you, Twilight,” Celestia says nonchalantly. “After all, she is the Princess of Love.”

True…

“But I think I could tell her about my feelings…”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Could?” she asks inquisitively. “Are you sure about that?”

Is she accusing me of being unsure about my feelings?

Why is she doubting me?

A chord somewhere inside of Twilight snaps, her emotions suddenly making their appearance. “Well then, Celestia, what would you do in my situation?” Twilight snaps as she pops off her pillow and glares at Celestia. “You wouldn’t happen to know everything about this, would you?”

Celestia recoils back, moving away from the bed for a moment. “Twilight…”

“How could you say that I’m unsure about my own feelings towards somepony!” Twilight angrily says, leaning forward towards Celestia while giving her the biggest death stare that even Fluttershy would be impressed with.

“Twilight…”

“It’s not like everyday, you have somepony coming up to you and shouting at the top of their lungs…”

“Twilight!”

“I LOVE YOU!” Twilight shouts on the top of her lungs, her face as red as can be.

“Huh? Twi’? Princess?”

Oh no…

The two mares turn to the doorway to see a wide-eyed slack jawed Applejack, who was once holding a glass of water in her teeth.

The orange cowpony looks at the two mares, who were both blushing intensely at her.

The silence was unbearable.

Applejack…

Celestia simply looks over at Twilight, motioning with her hoof at Applejack.

Twilight looks over at Celestia’s hoof and nods.

But she was too late.

The sound of glass shattering penetrates the two mare’s eardrums…

...and the farmer appears no longer, the sounds of hoofsteps rapidly leaving the area…