Needing Youby nutcase4realChaptersFluttershy's SeclusionRainbow's IsolationPinkie's DesolationApplejack's LonesomenessFluttershy's SeclusionFluttershy hummed warmly to herself as she gently floated down from the new bird feeder she had installed near her cottage. All of her friends had something to do with the bird feeder, and that's what made it so special to her. Applejack supplied the lumber, Pinkie Pie brought the paint (pink obviously), Rainbow Dash brought the glue and nails, Rarity had some ribbon to decorate it, and Twilight brought over a book with the instructions on how to build it. Her friends toiled over it for a few days, and the finished product showed how much attention they paid to making it. All of this effort, just to make a present for Fluttershy's birthday. She knew her friends would do something special, and this was everything she had hoped for and more. This was undoubtedly the best present she had ever gotten. The bird feeder wasn't the only present they had for her that day. Oh no. They each had a gift for her that they had made or purchased as well. Twilight brought her a book on bunnies, Rarity made her a new purse, Pinkie Pie brought a picture frame made from candy canes, Rainbow Dash created and named a new stunt that only she would get to see, and Applejack brought over some cider she made just for her in a special jar that was decorated with butterflies. Fluttershy looked up at the birdfeeder and sighed. She had such wonderful friends. Each one of them made sure that she was comfortable and happy throughout her birthday. Even Pinkie seemed to quite down a bit more. The party she threw for her wasn't an all out extravaganza. It was small and quaint, filled with only Fluttershy's closest friends. She had had a wonderful time indeed at this party. Fluttershy had placed the birdfeeder by her window so she could watch the little birdies everyday. She would sing with them, offer them water, offer them to stay a while, but she knew that they would eventually have to leave. She knew that eventually everything left. It was this thought that made her snap back to the present. She walked back into her cottage and passed by the wall that was decorated with all the pictures she had taken with her friends over the years. She stopped and let her eyes flow from one photograph to the next, all the while a sensation with the likeness of giggling built up within her. As her eyes settled on a new photo the memories of that day came flooding back to her, the day they stopped Nightmare Moon, the relay race to enter the Equestrian Games, the Grand Galloping Gala, their first sleep over, all these memories she had made with her friends were completely invaluable. 'I'm feeling a little lonely today. I wish they could come visit me, if they wouldn't mind.' She sighed and smiled as her gazed moved from the pictures to the floor. She stifled a giggle and continued at a slow pace into her kitchen. She grabbed a tea kettle and filled it with water from the sink before placing it onto the stove to heat up. With that finished Fluttershy sat at the table and looked out the window to the bird feeder. "Oh hello there little friend." she quietly said as she noticed a small blue jay happily pecking at the seeds the feeder had to offer, "How are you today?" The bird chirped a response and continued to peck at the food. "That's wonderful, and I'm doing well as well." Fluttershy said. She began to think about asking the little bird to join her inside before the tea kettle's whistling stole her attention away from the bird. She got up from the table and removed it from the stove. She carefully poured some of the steamy water into a cup and placed a small tea bag inside. She watched as the water began to grow murkier by the second. The brownness flowed from the bag and quickly spread throughout the water until it was no longer clear water, but instead it was chamomile tea. It was her favorite kind of tea. She sat back down at her table and looked back outside to the bird feeder. She quickly noticed that the little bird was gone, and her heart sank a little, but she was happy knowing that at least the little blue jay wouldn't be hungry tonight. Her mind began to think about her friends once more as she took a little sip of tea from her cup. She made a little face and her face turned red as she realized upon swallowing that she didn't put any sugar in it. She quickly corrected herself and took another sip of her tea. She sighed contentedly and turned her gaze back to her bird feeder. There were no birds, but still just the memory of that day was enough to make her smile again. In the distance she could see the sky begin to turn different hues of red and pink, which meant that the sun was setting. She could see the clouds beginning to build up over Ponyville and couldn't help but wonder about her friend Rainbow Dash. 'I know she said that winter would be a little early this year. It must be very cold up there in the sky right now. Oh I hope she's okay.' Fluttershy watched a huge stratonimbus cloud be moved into place and knew Dash was helping. 'Maybe I could...', Fluttershy thought as her wings slowly began to spread, 'Oh, I couldn't do that. I'm not very strong. I'd probably only get in the way.' Her gazed turned to the village that was being shrouded by darkness from the pegasi gathered clouds. Her thoughts turned to that of her other friends. 'Pinkie Pie will be helping Mr. and Ms. Cake close Sugarcube Corner right about now. She's probably humming a tune while she works right about now too. She likes doing that. Twilight and Spike are closing the library for the day. She'll be going through her list of returned and checked out books while Spike replaces them on the shelves. Rarity is trying to tuck Sweetie Belle in for the night. Sweetie will be running through the boutique saying she doesn't want to, and Rarity will be chasing after her while laughing. She'll be telling her that it's uncouth for a lady to run, and that she's tired of chasing Sweetie, but secretly she enjoys this daily game they play. Applejack is sitting around the eating table talking to her family right about now, talking about what chores needed to be finished tomorrow, and who's going to do them.', Fluttershy sighed and smiled at the thought of her friends hoping that they were happier than she was at this moment, 'I really wish Angel didn't have to hibernate. I could really use some company right now.' Fluttershy sighed again as she grabbed a small basket of fruit she had set aside earlier for her bat friends and placed it on the window sill. She sat back down at her table and finished her cup of tea before heading into her living room and sitting down on her couch. She grabbed the book Twilight had gifted her and began to read it from where she had left off. She had read the book from cover to cover multiple times before, but this book was just to special to her for her not to read it again and again. She read for about an hour before going up the stairs to her bedroom. She opened the door and immediately spotted Angel resting on her bed. He went to bed early today since his hibernation cycle was about to begin, which Fluttershy didn't mind, but it meant she would have more time alone, which she also didn't mind, but sometimes she wished that somepony would come and visit her so she wouldn't be lonely everyday. She knew all she had to do was go to Ponyville, but with winter coming she didn't have much time to go visit her friends during the day. All she had was her memories and the hopes that she would make many more with her dear friends. As Fluttershy slipped into bed her mind began to wander again. She thought of her friends some more, and quickly realized that she loved them and of course they loved her. She thought about Angel Bunny and what she was going to do when his hibernation would set in. She thought about her day and what she had to do tomorrow and decided to take some time to visit her friends. 'Maybe we can have a picnic tomorrow, or maybe we could just sit and talk in the park. I would really enjoy that, and I'm sure they would too.' she thought to herself as her eyelids grew heavier. Soon her eyelids closed and blissful rest found its way to her. Her dreams were sweet and joyous. She rolled over in her bed and chuckled lightly as her friends appeared within her dream, and Fluttershy smiled knowing that no matter what she would never be alone as long as she had her friends and the memories that they had made together. No matter what Fluttershy would never be alone and she knew that. She loved her friends and they loved her. She loved the animals of the forest, and they loved her. She loved her pet bunny Angel, and he loved her. She was surrounded by love, and Fluttershy wouldn't have it any other way. Even when she was alone she was loved. Which also meant that she never really alone. The love she got from everything around her, and the memories she had, meant she was never alone, and she would never be alone. Moral of the story: Friendship means understanding not arguing, it means forgiving not forgetting, and it means that the memories will last even if the contact is lost. Author's Note I got bored while waiting in a line to get questioned by some cops so this happened. Please feel free to leave a comment telling me what you liked or didn't like about the story. I welcome critiques so please don't hesitate to tell me if you find some mistakes. I hope you enjoyed it, and thanks for taking the time to read it. (BTW I'm serious about the cops thing. Almost 12 hours later and I'm still waiting to be questioned.) (Also I'm planning a sequel to this if anyone's interested. Tell me what you think below.) Rainbow's IsolationIt was that time of day again for Rainbow Dash. The time where she spent a little time alone, and thought about the important things in her life. That mainly consisted of thinking about stunts to perform so she could get into the Wonderbolts, or when apple cider season was going to begin this year, but most importantly her friends. She would reflect back upon all the awesome times they had together and about new things she could do to let them know she cared without getting too mushy about it. She always made sure to pay attention to what her friends liked and disliked so she could achieve the maximum amount of gratitude from her friends without drawing to much attention to how much thought she put into it. She cared for her friends, but she did have an image to uphold. Rainbow Dash would sit in a secluded area and just think about her friends. The things they had done together were so outrageous, that any normal group of ponies probably wouldn't have returned from them. Rainbow Dash herself was bold. She was fearless. She was kidding herself. She knew that every time she and her friends had faced some threat or another that she was afraid. She wasn't fearful of getting hurt, but instead of seeing her friends get hurt or worse. Rainbow Dash shuttered at the thought of it. She didn't like the feeling of fear. It always sent a cold chill down her spine that electrified all the nerves in her body. It made her fur stand on end, and feel prickly for several moments afterwards. It even left a bad taste in her mouth. All of this happened every time she and her friends had to face a bad guy. She couldn't bare seeing them get hurt. Seeing them get hurt was way worse than her getting hurt. If one of her friends were to have gotten harmed in some way in any of the battles they had been in together, Rainbow Dash knew she wouldn't have been able to hold herself together. She needed her friends whether they knew it or not. She really wanted to see them, but with winter approaching she just had to much work to do with the weather. Sure she would occasionally see one of them in town as she delivered a cloud to block the sun or on her lunch break, but she wouldn't be getting off work until well after Princess Celestia had lowered the sun, and she would have to get up early the next morning and do it all over again. She had very little time for her friends this time of year, and it always pained her. She wanted, no needed, to spend more time with her friends. She had always told herself that she didn't need anypony, until she found out just how awesome friendship could be. She needed them, and she needed to see them. "Hey Dash! We have to finish zone four today right?", Cloudkicker asked to which Rainbow Dash simply nodded, "Then why don't you help us so can actually finish it before sunrise tomorrow?" he finished while half glaring half smiling at Dash. Rainbow Dash stood up and took off from the could she was on. She knew Cloudkicker was right. She needed to focus on the job at hoof, and right now that meant moving a large stratonimbus cloud over Ponyville town hall. She flew off after the rest of the weather team and helped move the behemoth of a cloud into position. Rainbow Dash learned a while back that clouds may look light and fluffy but the larger ones were tough to move. It wasn't that they were heavy, but they would start to fall apart while en route to where ever they needed to go. Sometimes that was okay, but during this time of year it was paramount that the clouds stay together for maximum sun blocking potential. Rainbow Dash and the team had finished corralling the clouds into position just in time to watch the sunset in the western sky. The sky above them turned all sorts of reds and pinks. She silently wished that her friends were with her enjoying this view. She let out a sigh and continued working on packing the clouds in tighter until well after sunset. Finally with the moon high in the sky, and the cool night air threatening to freeze the sweat on her body, the forepony called it for the night. She flew to the Ponyville Weather Office and punched out for the day. She had worked 18 hours today Dash noticed. "Hey Thunderlane is it okay if I take a long lunch tomorrow?" Dash demanded more than asked. The gray pegasus in question stopped and turned around to face her, "You know that we need every hoof we have to make this early winter happen." she stated flatly. "Yeah, but I do need some personal time ya know!" Dash exclaimed as she stomped her hooves to show her determination for the extended lunch. Thunderlane sighed, "Okay look, you have two hours. Okay?" Dash instantly perked up upon hearing this, "Y... yeah that's awesome!" Rainbow Dash took of through the night air and almost immediately began planning out her two hour lunch break. 'First I'll go see Twilight's and see how she's doing. I'll stop by Sugarcube Corner and say hi to Pinkie Pie. After that I'll stop by and say hello to Rarity. I'll drop by Applejack's for an apple or two and to say hi, and maybe a quick race, too. Then it's off to Fluttershy's to say hello.' Rainbow Dash stopped flying up and began hovering. She looked out over the small sleeping village and smiled. Rainbow Dash would never admit this openly, but when she wasn't with her friends she felt alone and a tad bit insecure. It was as if they were the only reason she had to remain as awesome as she was. She needed them so she could be herself. She needed to be lectured by Twilight. She needed Rarity to comment on how stunning her mane was. She needed Pinkie Pie to play pranks with her. She needed Applejack to challenge her to everything known to ponykind. She needed Fluttershy to be apologetic for absolutely nothing at all. 'I need them.' Dash thought to herself as the chilly wind caught her wings and she continued ascending to her cloud home. She landed in front of her home and walked inside. She glanced at the pictures on the wall and chuckled to herself. 'No use in looking at the past. I only need to keep looking forward,' Dash thought as her eyes landed on the first photo she and her friends had taken together, 'but I guess sometimes its okay to be sappy and remember the good times.' she continued as she pulled the picture down from the wall and headed to her bedroom. She laid down on the cloud mattress and placed her head on a pillow. She continued to stare at the photograph for awhile longer, until she felt tears begin to well up in her eyes. She hugged the photograph tightly and whispered, "I need you guys, but don't worry, tomorrow we can be together, if only for a few measly minutes." Dash forced her tears to subside, and she placed the photograph on the nightstand next to her bed. She gave it one final glance before saying, "Good night guys. I'll see you tomorrow." as she yawned. Her eyes closed and consciousness slipped away, as a dream entered her mind. In her dream she was sitting down and having a picnic with all of her friends. She had no where to be, and had all the time in the world to just spend time with her friends. In her bed Dash hummed a contented sigh as a smile formed on her muzzle. She needed her friends. She needed them because they were what made her Rainbow Dash. Not her speed, not her determination, not even her personality made her who she was. She was herself because of them. Without them, everything she ever did, or would ever do, would have little to no meaning. Without her friends she couldn't accomplish her goals. But she had her friends and tomorrow she would get to see them. She would get to kick this sense of being alone in the flank. Tomorrow she wouldn't be alone. Tomorrow she would be happy. Tomorrow she would be sappy without anypony realizing it, but it would still happen. As she tossed and turned in her sleep to find a comfortable position she murmured, "Tomorrow's... gonna be... awesome." Moral of the story: Never misuse the ones who like you, never say you're to busy to the ones who need you, never cheat the ones who trust you, and never forget the ones who remember you. Author's Note I've decided to see how all of the main six would deal with this situation in my mind's eye. I hope you're enjoying the story so far. Please feel free to critique, and don't forget to leave me a comment below. Have a nice day. Pinkie's DesolationPinkie Pie bounced around behind the counter at Sugarcube Corner. She eyed the sweets in the case in front of her and then began to look around for anypony in the room. When she saw that the room was empty she grabbed a cupcake and scarfed it down in one swallow. She let out a satified "Ahhh." and rubbed her pink tummy with her hoof. She licked her lips a few times and prepared to grab another cupcake to devour. That is until she heard the kitchen door open behind her. Pinkie Pie turned and saw Mr. Cake carrying a tray of cupcakes over to the other display case. "Do you need any help Mr. Cake?" Pinkie asked as she bounced into the air excitedly. "No thank you Pinkie. I can handle this." he said warmly. "Okie, dokie, lokie." Pinkie Pie resumed her post at the register and started humming a song to herself. She stood at the register even after Mr. Cake had left, and soon her mind began to wander off. 'I wonder why I haven't seen my friends at all lately. I know Applejack said something about the Sweet Apple Acres a long, long, looooong time ago, and Twilight has the library, Fluttershy has her animals to take care of, Rainbow Dash is helping with the weather, Rarity is making coats and neato scarves... oh wait! That's all my super best friends! We're all super busy!' Pinkie thought as she started giggling. 'But what if they're not busy? Whay if they forgot about me!' Pinkie stopped giggling and a look of dread covered her face, 'What if they didn't want to be friends with me anymore?!' her mane deflated and a tear found its way to her cheek which she promptly wiped away, 'But that can't be true! Their my friends!' 'Some friends they are toots.' came a gruff Manehattan voice. 'Oi, I agree.' a Pranch voice chimed in. 'Yeah, they're not your friends. We are.' came deep voice with a light southern drawl. 'Quite.' agreed a posh Manehattan voice. Pinkie's pupils shrank and began to pull away from one another. Pinkie shook her head and her pupils became normal again. She placed her forehooves on her temples and began speaking to herself, "Twilight's right. They're not real. They're not real." "Not real? Mam, I've been standing here trying to buy a cupcake for the last few minutes, and then you have the nerve to disrespect me like this? I want to speak to your manager!" came an angered voice in front of Pinkie. She opened her eyes to see a blue stalion with a purple mane and tail standing in front of her. By the look on his face he was really mad, so Pinkie went to get Mr. Cake like the customer demanded. Pinkie Pie went into the kitchen and found Mr. Cake washing some mixing bowls in the sink. She told him about the customer and what had happened. Mr. Cake walked into the main room to talk with the stallion, and when he came back he wore a warm smile which slightly confused Pinkie Pie. "Is everything alright Mr. Cake?" Pinkie ventured. "Yes Pinkie. I explained that you were just daydreaming and that you didn't mean what you said. However, I do think that you should get some air. Its almost closing time, and Mrs. Cake wants to take the twins for a walk anyway. I think you should join them." Pinkie Pie smiled, "Thanks Mr. Cake." He simply nodded and called to his wife, "Dear, Pinkie Pie will be joining you three on your walk today." A voice from above came, "Oh that's wonderful. I bet the twins will be thrilled." Pinkie Pie exited the kitchen when she herad hoofsteps coming from the stairs. As she entered the main room she saw that the stallion had left and the place was empty. The door to the stairwell opened and out came Mrs. Cake with the twins on her back. She went into the supply closet and pulled out a stroller. She gently placed her children into it and looked over at Pinkie Pie with a smile. "Are you ready dear?" she asked warmly. "Yep, yep, yep!" Pinkie chirped. The four of them walked outside, and was greeted by a cool breeze. The pegasi of the weather team were busy moving smaller clouds trying to block out the blue sky. The air was geeting cooler by the second, so Mrs. Cake made sure to put a scarf on each of the twins. The two mares began walking towards the park, taking turns pushing the carrige, until they reached the playground at the park. Mrs. Cake picked the children up and placed them into the sandbox to play for a while. Ms. Cake looked over her shoulder to a Pinkie Pie who staring at the ground and for some reason not wearing her characteristic smile. "Is something wrong dear?" Ms. Cake asked in a caring voice. Pinkie's eyes shot up from the ground, "Hmm?" "Is something wrong dear? Do you need to talk to somepony?" she clarified. "Oh, not really... actually, there is." Pinkie Pie moved closer to Ms. Cake and looked both ways. Then she whispered in her ear, "I've been feeling very lonely lately Ms. Cake. Even when I'm with you, Mr. Cake, and the twins, I... I still feel alone." "Why is that dear?" Ms. Cake asked in a motherly tone. "I don't really know. I see a lot of ponies everyday, and I always try my best to make everypony smile." Pinkie put on a smile and sighed, "But I just can't make myself smile any more." as Pinkie said that her smile melted away. "Well Pinkie Pie, when was the last time you were actually happy?" Ms. Cake asked. "The last time I was happy I was with..." Pinkie Pie stopped and a giant smile formed on her face, "I was with Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash." Pinkie finished as memmories of that day ran through her mind. "Well then, I think it's about time you had a day off dear. Maybe you should spend some time with your friends." Ms. Cake concluded. Pinkie Pie smiled and hugged Ms. Cake, "Thanks Ms. Cake." "Oh, you're quite welcome dear, besides you've been working hard, and I think it would do you a world of good." Pinkie turned her smile upwards and watched the weather team move a big grey cloud into place over Ponyville. The air chilled even more and Pinkie Pie wrapped her scarf around her neck once more to help stave off the cool breeze. "I think it's time we head back Pinkie, but the twins seem to be enjoying the cool air." Ms. Cake said as she began to think, "Maybe we should take the long wa home." she concluded after a moment. Pinkie Pie helped gather the children and soon the two mares made their way back towards Sugarcube Corner. They continued to walk even after the sun had begun to set, and didn't make it back home until darkness had fallen. As they walked up to the door Pinkie Pie noticed that once again Twilight's and Rarity's lights were off and that they were probably asleep, but she told herself that was okay since she was going to have all day tomorrow to spend with the rest of the girls. "Where's Mr. Cake?" Pinkie asked as she entered the kitchen and saw that he wasn't in there. "Oh, he's probably sleeping upstairs. Speaking of which, Pinkie would you please put the twins to bed for me? I need to clean up the kitchen a little." "Sure Ms. Cake." Pinkie said as she placed each of the sleeping babies on her back and carefully made her way upstairs. Pinkie placed each of the twins in their beds, before poking her head back downstairs. Ms. Cake told her she didn't need any more help tonight and that Pinkie should go to bed. Pinkie Pie yawned and made her way back upstairs. She entered her room and jumped on the bed from the doorway. She laid there for a few minutes before blissful sleep finally overtook her overcharged mind. "Tomorrow... will... be ... great." Pinkie mumbled in her sleep. Author's Note Feel free to critique me in the comment section below, also leave me a comment telling me why you liked or didn't like this chapter. Hope you enjoyed! Have an awesome day and thanks for taking the time to read. Applejack's Lonesomeness'I wonder what the rest of the family is up to?' Applejack asked herself as her powerful hind legs met the trunk o the apple tree, 'They're probably on their way back from Appaloosa by now.' The rest of the family had left over a week ago to help raise a barn and harvest the largest apple orchard in all of Equestria. Applejack had to stay behind so Sweet Apple Acres' apples could be harvested in time for the early winter. She had been toiling by herself the entire time since everypony else was just so busy with their own tasks. It had been close to a month since she had last seen her friends, and when her family left, she found that being alone wasn't right. She wanted conversation with another pony, even if it was some of Pinkie Pie's senseless babble. A memory flashed through her mind of the time she tried to run away and her friends tracked her down. 'Kumquat, kumquat, kumquat!' kept running through her mind, and she allowed herself to chuckle a little. 'It sure is a funny sounding word Pinkie.' she thought to herself as she laughed a bit harder. She wiped the sweat from her brow, and began fanning herself with her Stetson. The heat of the day wasn't to bad, but she had to work twice as hard as usual with Big Mac and the others being away. Sure she wasn't as obsessed as she was a few years ago when she to clear the orchard herself, but she knew that she didn't have to work herself to death. Her family would be back soon, and then she wouldn't be so lonely, or have to hard as hard anymore. She carried her satchel of apples over to the wagon and tossed them into it. She walked over to next tree and kicked it. Bright red apples tumbled from the limbs high above and landed in the satchel, once more filling it. She rewiped her face and sighed as she looked up into the sky. The red hues told her that the sun was setting. Then she spotted a cloud being pushed by some pegasi towards the only remaining hole in the cloudscape. She watched as it was placed, effectively plugging the hole above the town. Almost immediately she felt the temperature begin to drop. A chilled gust of wind struck her broadside and Applejack slightly shivered. 'Yep. I reckon it's time to call it for today.' she thought to herself. She tossed the latest haul of fruit into the wagon and then hitched herself up to it. She began moving at a slow pace towards the farm house as her mind began to wander. 'I hope I can see my friends again soon. I do feel a might bit lonely, but I'll get by just fine.' she thought to herself, 'Oh who am I trying to kid? I miss them more than the sky is wide. Shucks, if RD heard me say something like that, she would never let me live it down, but that doesn't make it any less true.' The farmhouse came into sight and Applejack quickened her pace. She brought the wagon to the barn and unhitched herself proper. As she felt the harness fall from her shoulders she reached up and gently rubbed them. 'I need to relax a little tonight. A good hot bath and a good book sounds about right, right now, but first I need to rustle up some grub.' she thought as her stomach began growling at her. Applejack made her way into the house and went straight to the kitchen. She decided to make a simple salad, and a few minutes later she was making her way back into the dining room with a bowl of delicious greens. She sat down in her chair and ate in silence. Thoughts ran through her mind as she stuffed her muzzle with food, 'Maybe I could take a day off tomorrow and just go visit the girls. I'm already ahead of schedule, and it would do me a world of good to see them again.' She picked her plate up and walked into the kitchen, 'But at the same time, I could just continue working the farm and have everything that much closer to being finished by the time my family gets back.' Applejack furrowed her brow and began to deeply think about the pros and cons about skipping out on work the next day. This lasted for about half an hour until a throbbing ache started in her hind legs. She rubbed the spot where the pain was coming from and decided that it was time for that hot bath she had promised. She half walked half limped to the bathroom and began running the water. As soon as the tub was half filled she turned the water off and dreamily stared at the steam rising from the water's surface. She tested the water with her hoof and allowed a slight moan to escape her throat. She gently stepped into the tub and slowly lowered herself down onto her back. The moan that she gave this time was loud and of pure bliss. The worries of the day began to slip away, all except for two. One, she was lonely and needed to just talk to somepony, and two, should she skip work tomorrow and instead visit her friends. These thoughts pounded her. She knew she just couldn't not work tomorrow, but she needed to see her friends. She needed some kind of contact with them. Applejack marinated herself for a good long while. She blinked and when she opened them again the water was freezing cold. She stood up and got out of the water. Her body was stiff and her joints slightly popped, but after a quick stretch she felt fine. She gave a few test movements to each of her legs, but stopped when she heard a knocking at the front door downstairs. Applejack scratched her chin, 'I wonder who that could be?' She walked downstairs and opened the door, but instead of being greeted by a pony of some kind, she was greeted by a note on the backside of the door. She tore it off and read. Dear Applejack, It is now painfully obvious that you place work above your friends. -Rarity Yeah, what do did we do to deserve to be ignored? -Rainbow Dash You're a big meanie pants. -Pinkie Pie If I did anything to offend you I'm sorry. -Fluttershy You're hurting us all Applejack. -Twilight Sparkle We no longer want to be your friend. -Everypony Applejack stared in horror at the letter. Tears rose up in her eyes and her dinner felt like it wanted to exit the way it came in. She opened her mouth to scream but nothing came out. The world began to shake and spin. Applejack could feel pain coming from everywhere in her body at once. She closed her eyes tightly and wished that this was just not happening. Suddenly Applejack opened her eyes and screamed. She screamed at the top of her lungs as the tears streamed down her muzzle. She looked around and saw something surprising. She was still in the tub. "It was a dream. It was all just a dream!" she sobbed happily, "I have to see them tomorrow. I just have to. We could... Ah don't know talk or somethin'. It doesn't matter Ah just need to see them." Applejack concluded . Moral of the story When things get unraveled, sometimes the threads of friendship get tangled. Those are the times to tie a knot that refuses to let the threads be broken. Author's Note You guys know what to do. Leave a comment in the comments section letting me know what you think of the story and critique me. Have a nice day and thanks for taking the time to read.
Fluttershy's SeclusionFluttershy hummed warmly to herself as she gently floated down from the new bird feeder she had installed near her cottage. All of her friends had something to do with the bird feeder, and that's what made it so special to her. Applejack supplied the lumber, Pinkie Pie brought the paint (pink obviously), Rainbow Dash brought the glue and nails, Rarity had some ribbon to decorate it, and Twilight brought over a book with the instructions on how to build it. Her friends toiled over it for a few days, and the finished product showed how much attention they paid to making it. All of this effort, just to make a present for Fluttershy's birthday. She knew her friends would do something special, and this was everything she had hoped for and more. This was undoubtedly the best present she had ever gotten. The bird feeder wasn't the only present they had for her that day. Oh no. They each had a gift for her that they had made or purchased as well. Twilight brought her a book on bunnies, Rarity made her a new purse, Pinkie Pie brought a picture frame made from candy canes, Rainbow Dash created and named a new stunt that only she would get to see, and Applejack brought over some cider she made just for her in a special jar that was decorated with butterflies. Fluttershy looked up at the birdfeeder and sighed. She had such wonderful friends. Each one of them made sure that she was comfortable and happy throughout her birthday. Even Pinkie seemed to quite down a bit more. The party she threw for her wasn't an all out extravaganza. It was small and quaint, filled with only Fluttershy's closest friends. She had had a wonderful time indeed at this party. Fluttershy had placed the birdfeeder by her window so she could watch the little birdies everyday. She would sing with them, offer them water, offer them to stay a while, but she knew that they would eventually have to leave. She knew that eventually everything left. It was this thought that made her snap back to the present. She walked back into her cottage and passed by the wall that was decorated with all the pictures she had taken with her friends over the years. She stopped and let her eyes flow from one photograph to the next, all the while a sensation with the likeness of giggling built up within her. As her eyes settled on a new photo the memories of that day came flooding back to her, the day they stopped Nightmare Moon, the relay race to enter the Equestrian Games, the Grand Galloping Gala, their first sleep over, all these memories she had made with her friends were completely invaluable. 'I'm feeling a little lonely today. I wish they could come visit me, if they wouldn't mind.' She sighed and smiled as her gazed moved from the pictures to the floor. She stifled a giggle and continued at a slow pace into her kitchen. She grabbed a tea kettle and filled it with water from the sink before placing it onto the stove to heat up. With that finished Fluttershy sat at the table and looked out the window to the bird feeder. "Oh hello there little friend." she quietly said as she noticed a small blue jay happily pecking at the seeds the feeder had to offer, "How are you today?" The bird chirped a response and continued to peck at the food. "That's wonderful, and I'm doing well as well." Fluttershy said. She began to think about asking the little bird to join her inside before the tea kettle's whistling stole her attention away from the bird. She got up from the table and removed it from the stove. She carefully poured some of the steamy water into a cup and placed a small tea bag inside. She watched as the water began to grow murkier by the second. The brownness flowed from the bag and quickly spread throughout the water until it was no longer clear water, but instead it was chamomile tea. It was her favorite kind of tea. She sat back down at her table and looked back outside to the bird feeder. She quickly noticed that the little bird was gone, and her heart sank a little, but she was happy knowing that at least the little blue jay wouldn't be hungry tonight. Her mind began to think about her friends once more as she took a little sip of tea from her cup. She made a little face and her face turned red as she realized upon swallowing that she didn't put any sugar in it. She quickly corrected herself and took another sip of her tea. She sighed contentedly and turned her gaze back to her bird feeder. There were no birds, but still just the memory of that day was enough to make her smile again. In the distance she could see the sky begin to turn different hues of red and pink, which meant that the sun was setting. She could see the clouds beginning to build up over Ponyville and couldn't help but wonder about her friend Rainbow Dash. 'I know she said that winter would be a little early this year. It must be very cold up there in the sky right now. Oh I hope she's okay.' Fluttershy watched a huge stratonimbus cloud be moved into place and knew Dash was helping. 'Maybe I could...', Fluttershy thought as her wings slowly began to spread, 'Oh, I couldn't do that. I'm not very strong. I'd probably only get in the way.' Her gazed turned to the village that was being shrouded by darkness from the pegasi gathered clouds. Her thoughts turned to that of her other friends. 'Pinkie Pie will be helping Mr. and Ms. Cake close Sugarcube Corner right about now. She's probably humming a tune while she works right about now too. She likes doing that. Twilight and Spike are closing the library for the day. She'll be going through her list of returned and checked out books while Spike replaces them on the shelves. Rarity is trying to tuck Sweetie Belle in for the night. Sweetie will be running through the boutique saying she doesn't want to, and Rarity will be chasing after her while laughing. She'll be telling her that it's uncouth for a lady to run, and that she's tired of chasing Sweetie, but secretly she enjoys this daily game they play. Applejack is sitting around the eating table talking to her family right about now, talking about what chores needed to be finished tomorrow, and who's going to do them.', Fluttershy sighed and smiled at the thought of her friends hoping that they were happier than she was at this moment, 'I really wish Angel didn't have to hibernate. I could really use some company right now.' Fluttershy sighed again as she grabbed a small basket of fruit she had set aside earlier for her bat friends and placed it on the window sill. She sat back down at her table and finished her cup of tea before heading into her living room and sitting down on her couch. She grabbed the book Twilight had gifted her and began to read it from where she had left off. She had read the book from cover to cover multiple times before, but this book was just to special to her for her not to read it again and again. She read for about an hour before going up the stairs to her bedroom. She opened the door and immediately spotted Angel resting on her bed. He went to bed early today since his hibernation cycle was about to begin, which Fluttershy didn't mind, but it meant she would have more time alone, which she also didn't mind, but sometimes she wished that somepony would come and visit her so she wouldn't be lonely everyday. She knew all she had to do was go to Ponyville, but with winter coming she didn't have much time to go visit her friends during the day. All she had was her memories and the hopes that she would make many more with her dear friends. As Fluttershy slipped into bed her mind began to wander again. She thought of her friends some more, and quickly realized that she loved them and of course they loved her. She thought about Angel Bunny and what she was going to do when his hibernation would set in. She thought about her day and what she had to do tomorrow and decided to take some time to visit her friends. 'Maybe we can have a picnic tomorrow, or maybe we could just sit and talk in the park. I would really enjoy that, and I'm sure they would too.' she thought to herself as her eyelids grew heavier. Soon her eyelids closed and blissful rest found its way to her. Her dreams were sweet and joyous. She rolled over in her bed and chuckled lightly as her friends appeared within her dream, and Fluttershy smiled knowing that no matter what she would never be alone as long as she had her friends and the memories that they had made together. No matter what Fluttershy would never be alone and she knew that. She loved her friends and they loved her. She loved the animals of the forest, and they loved her. She loved her pet bunny Angel, and he loved her. She was surrounded by love, and Fluttershy wouldn't have it any other way. Even when she was alone she was loved. Which also meant that she never really alone. The love she got from everything around her, and the memories she had, meant she was never alone, and she would never be alone. Moral of the story: Friendship means understanding not arguing, it means forgiving not forgetting, and it means that the memories will last even if the contact is lost. Author's Note I got bored while waiting in a line to get questioned by some cops so this happened. Please feel free to leave a comment telling me what you liked or didn't like about the story. I welcome critiques so please don't hesitate to tell me if you find some mistakes. I hope you enjoyed it, and thanks for taking the time to read it. (BTW I'm serious about the cops thing. Almost 12 hours later and I'm still waiting to be questioned.) (Also I'm planning a sequel to this if anyone's interested. Tell me what you think below.)
Rainbow's IsolationIt was that time of day again for Rainbow Dash. The time where she spent a little time alone, and thought about the important things in her life. That mainly consisted of thinking about stunts to perform so she could get into the Wonderbolts, or when apple cider season was going to begin this year, but most importantly her friends. She would reflect back upon all the awesome times they had together and about new things she could do to let them know she cared without getting too mushy about it. She always made sure to pay attention to what her friends liked and disliked so she could achieve the maximum amount of gratitude from her friends without drawing to much attention to how much thought she put into it. She cared for her friends, but she did have an image to uphold. Rainbow Dash would sit in a secluded area and just think about her friends. The things they had done together were so outrageous, that any normal group of ponies probably wouldn't have returned from them. Rainbow Dash herself was bold. She was fearless. She was kidding herself. She knew that every time she and her friends had faced some threat or another that she was afraid. She wasn't fearful of getting hurt, but instead of seeing her friends get hurt or worse. Rainbow Dash shuttered at the thought of it. She didn't like the feeling of fear. It always sent a cold chill down her spine that electrified all the nerves in her body. It made her fur stand on end, and feel prickly for several moments afterwards. It even left a bad taste in her mouth. All of this happened every time she and her friends had to face a bad guy. She couldn't bare seeing them get hurt. Seeing them get hurt was way worse than her getting hurt. If one of her friends were to have gotten harmed in some way in any of the battles they had been in together, Rainbow Dash knew she wouldn't have been able to hold herself together. She needed her friends whether they knew it or not. She really wanted to see them, but with winter approaching she just had to much work to do with the weather. Sure she would occasionally see one of them in town as she delivered a cloud to block the sun or on her lunch break, but she wouldn't be getting off work until well after Princess Celestia had lowered the sun, and she would have to get up early the next morning and do it all over again. She had very little time for her friends this time of year, and it always pained her. She wanted, no needed, to spend more time with her friends. She had always told herself that she didn't need anypony, until she found out just how awesome friendship could be. She needed them, and she needed to see them. "Hey Dash! We have to finish zone four today right?", Cloudkicker asked to which Rainbow Dash simply nodded, "Then why don't you help us so can actually finish it before sunrise tomorrow?" he finished while half glaring half smiling at Dash. Rainbow Dash stood up and took off from the could she was on. She knew Cloudkicker was right. She needed to focus on the job at hoof, and right now that meant moving a large stratonimbus cloud over Ponyville town hall. She flew off after the rest of the weather team and helped move the behemoth of a cloud into position. Rainbow Dash learned a while back that clouds may look light and fluffy but the larger ones were tough to move. It wasn't that they were heavy, but they would start to fall apart while en route to where ever they needed to go. Sometimes that was okay, but during this time of year it was paramount that the clouds stay together for maximum sun blocking potential. Rainbow Dash and the team had finished corralling the clouds into position just in time to watch the sunset in the western sky. The sky above them turned all sorts of reds and pinks. She silently wished that her friends were with her enjoying this view. She let out a sigh and continued working on packing the clouds in tighter until well after sunset. Finally with the moon high in the sky, and the cool night air threatening to freeze the sweat on her body, the forepony called it for the night. She flew to the Ponyville Weather Office and punched out for the day. She had worked 18 hours today Dash noticed. "Hey Thunderlane is it okay if I take a long lunch tomorrow?" Dash demanded more than asked. The gray pegasus in question stopped and turned around to face her, "You know that we need every hoof we have to make this early winter happen." she stated flatly. "Yeah, but I do need some personal time ya know!" Dash exclaimed as she stomped her hooves to show her determination for the extended lunch. Thunderlane sighed, "Okay look, you have two hours. Okay?" Dash instantly perked up upon hearing this, "Y... yeah that's awesome!" Rainbow Dash took of through the night air and almost immediately began planning out her two hour lunch break. 'First I'll go see Twilight's and see how she's doing. I'll stop by Sugarcube Corner and say hi to Pinkie Pie. After that I'll stop by and say hello to Rarity. I'll drop by Applejack's for an apple or two and to say hi, and maybe a quick race, too. Then it's off to Fluttershy's to say hello.' Rainbow Dash stopped flying up and began hovering. She looked out over the small sleeping village and smiled. Rainbow Dash would never admit this openly, but when she wasn't with her friends she felt alone and a tad bit insecure. It was as if they were the only reason she had to remain as awesome as she was. She needed them so she could be herself. She needed to be lectured by Twilight. She needed Rarity to comment on how stunning her mane was. She needed Pinkie Pie to play pranks with her. She needed Applejack to challenge her to everything known to ponykind. She needed Fluttershy to be apologetic for absolutely nothing at all. 'I need them.' Dash thought to herself as the chilly wind caught her wings and she continued ascending to her cloud home. She landed in front of her home and walked inside. She glanced at the pictures on the wall and chuckled to herself. 'No use in looking at the past. I only need to keep looking forward,' Dash thought as her eyes landed on the first photo she and her friends had taken together, 'but I guess sometimes its okay to be sappy and remember the good times.' she continued as she pulled the picture down from the wall and headed to her bedroom. She laid down on the cloud mattress and placed her head on a pillow. She continued to stare at the photograph for awhile longer, until she felt tears begin to well up in her eyes. She hugged the photograph tightly and whispered, "I need you guys, but don't worry, tomorrow we can be together, if only for a few measly minutes." Dash forced her tears to subside, and she placed the photograph on the nightstand next to her bed. She gave it one final glance before saying, "Good night guys. I'll see you tomorrow." as she yawned. Her eyes closed and consciousness slipped away, as a dream entered her mind. In her dream she was sitting down and having a picnic with all of her friends. She had no where to be, and had all the time in the world to just spend time with her friends. In her bed Dash hummed a contented sigh as a smile formed on her muzzle. She needed her friends. She needed them because they were what made her Rainbow Dash. Not her speed, not her determination, not even her personality made her who she was. She was herself because of them. Without them, everything she ever did, or would ever do, would have little to no meaning. Without her friends she couldn't accomplish her goals. But she had her friends and tomorrow she would get to see them. She would get to kick this sense of being alone in the flank. Tomorrow she wouldn't be alone. Tomorrow she would be happy. Tomorrow she would be sappy without anypony realizing it, but it would still happen. As she tossed and turned in her sleep to find a comfortable position she murmured, "Tomorrow's... gonna be... awesome." Moral of the story: Never misuse the ones who like you, never say you're to busy to the ones who need you, never cheat the ones who trust you, and never forget the ones who remember you. Author's Note I've decided to see how all of the main six would deal with this situation in my mind's eye. I hope you're enjoying the story so far. Please feel free to critique, and don't forget to leave me a comment below. Have a nice day.
Pinkie's DesolationPinkie Pie bounced around behind the counter at Sugarcube Corner. She eyed the sweets in the case in front of her and then began to look around for anypony in the room. When she saw that the room was empty she grabbed a cupcake and scarfed it down in one swallow. She let out a satified "Ahhh." and rubbed her pink tummy with her hoof. She licked her lips a few times and prepared to grab another cupcake to devour. That is until she heard the kitchen door open behind her. Pinkie Pie turned and saw Mr. Cake carrying a tray of cupcakes over to the other display case. "Do you need any help Mr. Cake?" Pinkie asked as she bounced into the air excitedly. "No thank you Pinkie. I can handle this." he said warmly. "Okie, dokie, lokie." Pinkie Pie resumed her post at the register and started humming a song to herself. She stood at the register even after Mr. Cake had left, and soon her mind began to wander off. 'I wonder why I haven't seen my friends at all lately. I know Applejack said something about the Sweet Apple Acres a long, long, looooong time ago, and Twilight has the library, Fluttershy has her animals to take care of, Rainbow Dash is helping with the weather, Rarity is making coats and neato scarves... oh wait! That's all my super best friends! We're all super busy!' Pinkie thought as she started giggling. 'But what if they're not busy? Whay if they forgot about me!' Pinkie stopped giggling and a look of dread covered her face, 'What if they didn't want to be friends with me anymore?!' her mane deflated and a tear found its way to her cheek which she promptly wiped away, 'But that can't be true! Their my friends!' 'Some friends they are toots.' came a gruff Manehattan voice. 'Oi, I agree.' a Pranch voice chimed in. 'Yeah, they're not your friends. We are.' came deep voice with a light southern drawl. 'Quite.' agreed a posh Manehattan voice. Pinkie's pupils shrank and began to pull away from one another. Pinkie shook her head and her pupils became normal again. She placed her forehooves on her temples and began speaking to herself, "Twilight's right. They're not real. They're not real." "Not real? Mam, I've been standing here trying to buy a cupcake for the last few minutes, and then you have the nerve to disrespect me like this? I want to speak to your manager!" came an angered voice in front of Pinkie. She opened her eyes to see a blue stalion with a purple mane and tail standing in front of her. By the look on his face he was really mad, so Pinkie went to get Mr. Cake like the customer demanded. Pinkie Pie went into the kitchen and found Mr. Cake washing some mixing bowls in the sink. She told him about the customer and what had happened. Mr. Cake walked into the main room to talk with the stallion, and when he came back he wore a warm smile which slightly confused Pinkie Pie. "Is everything alright Mr. Cake?" Pinkie ventured. "Yes Pinkie. I explained that you were just daydreaming and that you didn't mean what you said. However, I do think that you should get some air. Its almost closing time, and Mrs. Cake wants to take the twins for a walk anyway. I think you should join them." Pinkie Pie smiled, "Thanks Mr. Cake." He simply nodded and called to his wife, "Dear, Pinkie Pie will be joining you three on your walk today." A voice from above came, "Oh that's wonderful. I bet the twins will be thrilled." Pinkie Pie exited the kitchen when she herad hoofsteps coming from the stairs. As she entered the main room she saw that the stallion had left and the place was empty. The door to the stairwell opened and out came Mrs. Cake with the twins on her back. She went into the supply closet and pulled out a stroller. She gently placed her children into it and looked over at Pinkie Pie with a smile. "Are you ready dear?" she asked warmly. "Yep, yep, yep!" Pinkie chirped. The four of them walked outside, and was greeted by a cool breeze. The pegasi of the weather team were busy moving smaller clouds trying to block out the blue sky. The air was geeting cooler by the second, so Mrs. Cake made sure to put a scarf on each of the twins. The two mares began walking towards the park, taking turns pushing the carrige, until they reached the playground at the park. Mrs. Cake picked the children up and placed them into the sandbox to play for a while. Ms. Cake looked over her shoulder to a Pinkie Pie who staring at the ground and for some reason not wearing her characteristic smile. "Is something wrong dear?" Ms. Cake asked in a caring voice. Pinkie's eyes shot up from the ground, "Hmm?" "Is something wrong dear? Do you need to talk to somepony?" she clarified. "Oh, not really... actually, there is." Pinkie Pie moved closer to Ms. Cake and looked both ways. Then she whispered in her ear, "I've been feeling very lonely lately Ms. Cake. Even when I'm with you, Mr. Cake, and the twins, I... I still feel alone." "Why is that dear?" Ms. Cake asked in a motherly tone. "I don't really know. I see a lot of ponies everyday, and I always try my best to make everypony smile." Pinkie put on a smile and sighed, "But I just can't make myself smile any more." as Pinkie said that her smile melted away. "Well Pinkie Pie, when was the last time you were actually happy?" Ms. Cake asked. "The last time I was happy I was with..." Pinkie Pie stopped and a giant smile formed on her face, "I was with Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash." Pinkie finished as memmories of that day ran through her mind. "Well then, I think it's about time you had a day off dear. Maybe you should spend some time with your friends." Ms. Cake concluded. Pinkie Pie smiled and hugged Ms. Cake, "Thanks Ms. Cake." "Oh, you're quite welcome dear, besides you've been working hard, and I think it would do you a world of good." Pinkie turned her smile upwards and watched the weather team move a big grey cloud into place over Ponyville. The air chilled even more and Pinkie Pie wrapped her scarf around her neck once more to help stave off the cool breeze. "I think it's time we head back Pinkie, but the twins seem to be enjoying the cool air." Ms. Cake said as she began to think, "Maybe we should take the long wa home." she concluded after a moment. Pinkie Pie helped gather the children and soon the two mares made their way back towards Sugarcube Corner. They continued to walk even after the sun had begun to set, and didn't make it back home until darkness had fallen. As they walked up to the door Pinkie Pie noticed that once again Twilight's and Rarity's lights were off and that they were probably asleep, but she told herself that was okay since she was going to have all day tomorrow to spend with the rest of the girls. "Where's Mr. Cake?" Pinkie asked as she entered the kitchen and saw that he wasn't in there. "Oh, he's probably sleeping upstairs. Speaking of which, Pinkie would you please put the twins to bed for me? I need to clean up the kitchen a little." "Sure Ms. Cake." Pinkie said as she placed each of the sleeping babies on her back and carefully made her way upstairs. Pinkie placed each of the twins in their beds, before poking her head back downstairs. Ms. Cake told her she didn't need any more help tonight and that Pinkie should go to bed. Pinkie Pie yawned and made her way back upstairs. She entered her room and jumped on the bed from the doorway. She laid there for a few minutes before blissful sleep finally overtook her overcharged mind. "Tomorrow... will... be ... great." Pinkie mumbled in her sleep. Author's Note Feel free to critique me in the comment section below, also leave me a comment telling me why you liked or didn't like this chapter. Hope you enjoyed! Have an awesome day and thanks for taking the time to read.
Applejack's Lonesomeness'I wonder what the rest of the family is up to?' Applejack asked herself as her powerful hind legs met the trunk o the apple tree, 'They're probably on their way back from Appaloosa by now.' The rest of the family had left over a week ago to help raise a barn and harvest the largest apple orchard in all of Equestria. Applejack had to stay behind so Sweet Apple Acres' apples could be harvested in time for the early winter. She had been toiling by herself the entire time since everypony else was just so busy with their own tasks. It had been close to a month since she had last seen her friends, and when her family left, she found that being alone wasn't right. She wanted conversation with another pony, even if it was some of Pinkie Pie's senseless babble. A memory flashed through her mind of the time she tried to run away and her friends tracked her down. 'Kumquat, kumquat, kumquat!' kept running through her mind, and she allowed herself to chuckle a little. 'It sure is a funny sounding word Pinkie.' she thought to herself as she laughed a bit harder. She wiped the sweat from her brow, and began fanning herself with her Stetson. The heat of the day wasn't to bad, but she had to work twice as hard as usual with Big Mac and the others being away. Sure she wasn't as obsessed as she was a few years ago when she to clear the orchard herself, but she knew that she didn't have to work herself to death. Her family would be back soon, and then she wouldn't be so lonely, or have to hard as hard anymore. She carried her satchel of apples over to the wagon and tossed them into it. She walked over to next tree and kicked it. Bright red apples tumbled from the limbs high above and landed in the satchel, once more filling it. She rewiped her face and sighed as she looked up into the sky. The red hues told her that the sun was setting. Then she spotted a cloud being pushed by some pegasi towards the only remaining hole in the cloudscape. She watched as it was placed, effectively plugging the hole above the town. Almost immediately she felt the temperature begin to drop. A chilled gust of wind struck her broadside and Applejack slightly shivered. 'Yep. I reckon it's time to call it for today.' she thought to herself. She tossed the latest haul of fruit into the wagon and then hitched herself up to it. She began moving at a slow pace towards the farm house as her mind began to wander. 'I hope I can see my friends again soon. I do feel a might bit lonely, but I'll get by just fine.' she thought to herself, 'Oh who am I trying to kid? I miss them more than the sky is wide. Shucks, if RD heard me say something like that, she would never let me live it down, but that doesn't make it any less true.' The farmhouse came into sight and Applejack quickened her pace. She brought the wagon to the barn and unhitched herself proper. As she felt the harness fall from her shoulders she reached up and gently rubbed them. 'I need to relax a little tonight. A good hot bath and a good book sounds about right, right now, but first I need to rustle up some grub.' she thought as her stomach began growling at her. Applejack made her way into the house and went straight to the kitchen. She decided to make a simple salad, and a few minutes later she was making her way back into the dining room with a bowl of delicious greens. She sat down in her chair and ate in silence. Thoughts ran through her mind as she stuffed her muzzle with food, 'Maybe I could take a day off tomorrow and just go visit the girls. I'm already ahead of schedule, and it would do me a world of good to see them again.' She picked her plate up and walked into the kitchen, 'But at the same time, I could just continue working the farm and have everything that much closer to being finished by the time my family gets back.' Applejack furrowed her brow and began to deeply think about the pros and cons about skipping out on work the next day. This lasted for about half an hour until a throbbing ache started in her hind legs. She rubbed the spot where the pain was coming from and decided that it was time for that hot bath she had promised. She half walked half limped to the bathroom and began running the water. As soon as the tub was half filled she turned the water off and dreamily stared at the steam rising from the water's surface. She tested the water with her hoof and allowed a slight moan to escape her throat. She gently stepped into the tub and slowly lowered herself down onto her back. The moan that she gave this time was loud and of pure bliss. The worries of the day began to slip away, all except for two. One, she was lonely and needed to just talk to somepony, and two, should she skip work tomorrow and instead visit her friends. These thoughts pounded her. She knew she just couldn't not work tomorrow, but she needed to see her friends. She needed some kind of contact with them. Applejack marinated herself for a good long while. She blinked and when she opened them again the water was freezing cold. She stood up and got out of the water. Her body was stiff and her joints slightly popped, but after a quick stretch she felt fine. She gave a few test movements to each of her legs, but stopped when she heard a knocking at the front door downstairs. Applejack scratched her chin, 'I wonder who that could be?' She walked downstairs and opened the door, but instead of being greeted by a pony of some kind, she was greeted by a note on the backside of the door. She tore it off and read. Dear Applejack, It is now painfully obvious that you place work above your friends. -Rarity Yeah, what do did we do to deserve to be ignored? -Rainbow Dash You're a big meanie pants. -Pinkie Pie If I did anything to offend you I'm sorry. -Fluttershy You're hurting us all Applejack. -Twilight Sparkle We no longer want to be your friend. -Everypony Applejack stared in horror at the letter. Tears rose up in her eyes and her dinner felt like it wanted to exit the way it came in. She opened her mouth to scream but nothing came out. The world began to shake and spin. Applejack could feel pain coming from everywhere in her body at once. She closed her eyes tightly and wished that this was just not happening. Suddenly Applejack opened her eyes and screamed. She screamed at the top of her lungs as the tears streamed down her muzzle. She looked around and saw something surprising. She was still in the tub. "It was a dream. It was all just a dream!" she sobbed happily, "I have to see them tomorrow. I just have to. We could... Ah don't know talk or somethin'. It doesn't matter Ah just need to see them." Applejack concluded . Moral of the story When things get unraveled, sometimes the threads of friendship get tangled. Those are the times to tie a knot that refuses to let the threads be broken. Author's Note You guys know what to do. Leave a comment in the comments section letting me know what you think of the story and critique me. Have a nice day and thanks for taking the time to read.
