Twists and Turns without Bends or Curves

        It was yet another lovely day in Ponyville; the pegasi had arranged for a slightly cloudy day to allow a cool breeze to pass cleanly through the town. Rarity was enjoying a morning cup of tea at her usual restaurant. Her informal wear was perfect for loosening herself up for the tight outfight she had prepared herself for the Gala which was in two days. She thought nothing further of the nightmare that she had had the night prior, since she still had work to do on her friends’ dresses. Twilight and Applejack were supposed to meet with her today at around noon, forcing her to move her “her time” to the morning.

After tipping three bits for the service, she made her way to the spa with the idea of relaxation reminding her of how exhausted she was. I work so hard, she thought to herself, It’s a wonder I just don’t drop and refuse to function anymore.

With the cucumber slices over her eyes, however, it was no longer a wonder. Hooves were massaging her back let loose of the worries, just like they had always been.

Bon Bon had already inherited one of the massaging tables before Rarity got there, and the two engaged in friendly chatter.

“Bon Bon, how are you, dear?”

The mare huffed, “I really needed to be here. Glad I made it out of bed this morning,” then she brightened a little, “What about yourself?” “Much the same,” Rarity responded, “It appears the Gala stress is getting to me,” she laughed nervously.

“Oh I won’t be able to make it this season.”

“Oh why not?”

“I had plans to go visit the Crystal Empire and take a few days off.”

“That sounds delightful.”

“Did you hear that they had a weird storm?”

“Oh?”

“Yeah it was a rainless lightning storm that came out in the middle of a clear night.” Rarity shrugged, “Maybe it was one of the unicorns that study there that had a faulty spell.”

“What?”

“You know… the Crystal Empire has a huge library… I’m sure the unicorns there set off spells there all the time.” “Oh. I never thought of it that way.”

Rarity let herself zone out, declaring the conversation idle even though the two had just stopped talking. This year’s Gala was going to be quite the event. No interruptions like their first one, and no more saving Equestria like the last one. At last, she could see it all.

Celestia, Luna, and Twilight would all be overlooking the magnificent ball room, the innocent and most importantly, sophisticated chatter of Canterlot ponies, as they danced light waltz due to the beautiful quartet on stage. Her smile was getting bigger as she imagined the scene.

At last, finally the most important party in Equestria was going to be absolutely perfect.

***

Applejack had already gotten used to the routine. In fact she had gotten so bored of it, that she decided to stop fighting it altogether. It was important that Rarity were to have her moment, since they both knew she would not change.

The unicorn passed the measuring tapes over her back and legs. After a few moments of absolute silence, Rarity spoke.

“Ah, you are still perfect Applejack. The dress needs no further modifications.” She zipped the roll up as AJ tried to figure out by that statement whether that was a compliment to the earth pony or herself.

“Uh, thanks I guess,” was all she could conjure. Rarity retreated, and Twilight Sparkle tossed an awkward smile her way. Please don’t be tight, please don’t be tight, please don’t be-

It was insufferably tight, of course. AJ didn’t know whether she was breathing with lungs or suddenly air just passed in and out of her skin. The usual colors were her style, a smith apple green with golden lining. While it was beautiful, AJ always felt there was no real reason for her to wear any fancy dress. It wasn’t an accurate representation of her, or anything she felt, and she had nopony specific to impress. But as she recalled earlier, Let Rarity have her moment.

And Rarity was indeed having her moment.

She shoved the Earth pony in front of the mirror and gave a big “What do you think?! Isn’t it absolutely fabulous?” Applejack didn’t need to look at it longer to know that of course it was Rarity’s best work, and it undoubtedly looked amazing.

“It’s beautiful Rarity,” she said honestly, “But don’t you ever think it’s a bit much?”

“Never!” Rarity insisted, “This is the Grand Galloping Gala. You’d be underdressing wearing anything else!” A few years ago, Rarity would have taken that as a challenge to her judgment and immediately gotten defensive. AJ really appreciated the way Rarity decided to deal with her now.

“Well thank ya kindly,” she said giving a sincere look of gratitude towards her friend, and then started as quickly as possible to take it off. No offense to the dressmaker, but at that rate, AJ was going to suffocate before she even got to the Gala.

She headed for the door, but was stopped by, “Wait aren’t you going to stay?”

“I got some chores to do back home,” she said, “But we’ll catch up later.” “Alright then, see you later Applejack.”

        “Bye Applejack,” Twilight waved. She nodded at both of them and headed back.

As the day was getting late, Applejack collapsed on her bed to think. The Gala was going to take place the day after tomorrow. She was going to try again with her apple stand. Sure it didn’t work the first time, but the first time she hadn’t also been through everything else that followed it. Although the last few times weren’t great successes either; she had a habit of standing outside towards the entrance and forgetting that nopony was really hungry until getting inside. Though this time she was sure to stand by that cursed buffet and pass her cart off as desert. And who knows, maybe being the wielder of an Element of Harmony that has been put in modern use would have a better chance of selling a few apple tarts or so. She chuckled to herself thinking about that. All her friends, and all they’ve been through, and she was going to go put up a good old fashioned apple stand.

By the time a few hours passed by, Luna had already begun raising the moon, so Applejack thought it best to turn in. She blew out the candle next to her bed and closed her eyes.

The nice cool and promise darkness overtook the consciousness, and showed her the family.

AJ was in front of them, and her friends… her training grounds were right behind her. She had been breathing heavy as if excising.

“So,” she huffed, “What do y’all think?” They all stared at her, clearly bored.

“That wasn’t very impressive, darling,” Rarity was the first to chime in. That was confusing.

“What do ya mean?” the earth pony tilted her head in confusion.

“It was really boring,” Applebloom burst. She started to become very self-conscious now.

“I didn’t like it one bit,” Twilight scrunched her face with disapproval. Did I make a mistake? she began to sweat now in anxiety. Well at least they’re being honest… right?

“I’m sorry… I guess I’ll try to-” “That was not awesome Applejack,” Rainbow stated, becoming upset, “Don’t ever do that again.”

What’s going on?

“Well shoot,” she said, starting to get annoyed, “I guess I’ll just hold back next time then. I’m so happy I can count on my friends to gang up on me any time they feel as if this pony makes a mistake or two.” She was still out of breath and hung her head to try and catch it again. Then she realized all of them were slowly getting closer. She didn't know how to react to this.

“Uh… guys?” she began to back up.

“You really hold us back, Applejack,” Pinkie Pie chimed, bouncing, “It’s a wonder we haven’t gotten rid of you yet.” Something’s not right. The group continued to get closer. Applejack’s heart was racing in terror. There was something definitely not right about them. She was speechless by that comment though. Pinkie Pie would never say something like that. That made her stop for a moment.

No, she would never say it. None of my friends would say it.

“You know?” Twilight said giving a look a Pinkie Pie and then back at AJ, “That might not be a bad idea.” What?! The look in her eyes was different. Scheming; cold; and… evil.

These weren’t her friends. They couldn’t be.

Their pace continued to quicken now, and AJ had already backed up into the wooden fence that held the track.

“Why don’t you just… disappear Applejack?”

“We’ve never liked you anyway, Applejack.”

Rainbow Dash had the same look as Twilight, and now, everypony else.

She lunged forward quickly towards the earth pony with a vicious snarl.

And with that, her eyes flung open.

A dream. The mare was sweating nervously and noticed her heart rate was out of control. A bad dream. Relief flooded her nerves now, and she slowly relaxed. To her surprise, it took the entire night. The gradient of the sun streaks were just beginning to show on the horizon, while the dark sky was tinting the early purple.

The earth pony’s muscles ached. She had been stiff all night it seemed, and there was no sense of rest in any ounce of energy she had. Dread overcame her as she recalled what happened in the dream. She had found out that all her friends thought they held her back. AJ shuddered and could only hope there wasn’t any truth to that dream.

The day was going to be the last of preparation. She had to get herself ready for the Gala tomorrow.