Ruined for Pun

Chapters

Life's a Drag On
No More Lyin'
A Little Bolder
Astronaut
A Million Bits

Life's a Drag On

The howls of the rushing wind went unanswered as the cloaked figure forced themselves through the snow. Every imprint the figure had left behind disappeared almost instantly. Dark grey storm clouds hung overhead, serving as a impenetrable wall that sunlight simply could not pass through. Even when hidden beneath so many layers, the equine figure continued to shiver. A bright blue glow engulfed the brown scarf around their neck and tightened it more securely. They took another step forward toward the vast cave before them. A large crystal tower stood in the distance behind the figure.

Suddenly, the wind began to die down, and the snow fell less heavily. The figure set down the forelimb they had been using to shield their face. With all four legs now on the ground, they began to make more visible progress. The distance between the cloaked being and the cave shrunk as they approached. The figure's steps became quicker and more frequent as the shelter in front of them grew larger.

They paused at the mouth, taking a moment to catch their breath. A few lit torches with purple flames illuminated the entrance, but beside the cloaked figure, there was no one in sight. Timidly, they peeked into the cave, scanning for more signs of life. They turned and looked to the mighty tower behind them. Even at this distance, the light the turret seemed to emitted was brighter and warmer than the weak collective glow of the purple torches in the cave.

With a sigh, the figure moved forward into the cave. The click of their hooves against the stone floor echoed loudly throughout the entire cavern. If there truly were other living beings here, they would most definitely have been alerted of the figure's presence.

Following the light of the torches, the pony marched further inside. They loosened the scarf's grip around their neck, but the hood remained on, covering a majority of their face. They shivered once more at the sound of the returning wind, and pressed onward. The number of lights hanging from the walls increased as the pony went deeper into the cave.

They stopped and took a minute to marvel as the rocky walls transitioned to crystal ones. The pony's right front hoof made no noise against the soft red carpet that suddenly covered the ground. They tore off their hood, revealing a white horn that spiraled out from the forehead, and looked around the room they had walked in.

Several golden coins littered the ground. Dozens of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, garnets, and amethysts laid scattered about, not mention a dozen other kinds of stones the pony was not familiar with. Silver statues of mares stood against the walls, three on either side, each unique. The surprisingly clean carpet led to a set of giant doors.

The unicorn raised a brow as she ran a hoof through her blue mane. "So this is a dragon's hoard, huh? Thought it'd be larger," she said to herself quietly. Her voice resonated loudly as the acoustics of the cave threw it further, and she instinctively covered her mouth. "N-no offense," she added nervously.

No answer. Except for the mare, the room was devoid of life.

The mare stopped in front of the doors. Taking a deep breath, she pushed, creating a small crack large enough for her to peek through. "Hello?" she called out, leaning against the doors. "Princess?"

The doors suddenly swung open, and the mare tumbled over onto the other side. Slowly, she got back up on her feet, groaning as she did so. Once she had recovered, the mare looked around. Her focus fell upon the scaly colossal with sharp green spines running down its back at the very end of the hall, a sight that sent a chill down the pony's spine. Old campfire tales of dragons and trespassers ran through her head.

"Please don't scream."

The mare shut her mouth, forcing back the squeal that had crawled up her throat. Calming down, she turned to the mare that spoken. She sat right in front of the massive beast, with her back turned toward the newcomer and her wings tucked against her sides. A horn could be seen sprouting out of the head through a purple mane that seemed to shimmer, shine, and float. Both she and the giant shared a similar purple shade.

Cautiously and quietly, the cloaked mare approached. "Princess Twilight?" she began. "Oh, I, uh, should probably bow or something, shouldn't I?"

"A little late for that, don't you think?" the princess said with a soft short chuckle. "It's fine, I haven't given you much reason to bow, have I?"

"Uh, yes?" the mare blurted out. "I mean no! No wait, was that rhetorical?"

"Indeed, it was." Without turning from the purple mountain of scales, the princess beckoned the mare closer. Slowly, she made her way to the alicorn's side, keeping her eyes on the dragon in front of them. She was near enough to see its chest rise and fall with each breath it took, but its eyes remained shut, and it hadn't stirred since she arrived.

"You'll have to forgive him," the princess said softly with a small smile. "He's a very heavy sleeper."

"Oh." The mare relaxed and sat down. "So, um, I'm not too sure how to begin."

"Take your time."

"Okay, well...oh! Introductions!" The mare cleared her throat. "Right, my name's Ordered Hall, I'm--"

"A governor of the current Equestrian government, first elected seven years ago on a platform of improving intercity and domestic infrastructure, representing central Equestria, including Ponyville, Canterlot, and New Rainbow Falls City," the Princess cut in. "Sorry," she apologized, giving Ordered Hall another weak smile. "It's been awhile since I could do that. I haven't been receiving many visitors as of late. Congratulations on your reelection, by the way."

"T-thank you, princess," Ordered stammered. She coughed and cleared her throat. "So, you follow politics, then?"

"But of course," said the princess. "I'm quite impressed how far Equestria's progressed without my direct guidance. Soon, perhaps I won't even have the right to call you my little pony."

"Well, without you Equestria wouldn't have gotten anywhere," Ordered argued. "I mean, if it wasn't for you and the Bearers, there wouldn't even be an Equestria around to begin with. I-I mean, if you don't mind me saying, with all due respect," she added quickly.

"Perhaps." The princess sighed. "I'm curious, how did you find this place?"

"One of the ponies from town found me at front of your tower and told me you were here instead," the governor explained.

"Oh?" The princess frowned. "Odd, I'm certain I told everypony I desired privacy."

"They were reluctant," Ordered said, "but I managed to persuade them after explaining the situation. I had to see you. I need your help, princess."

The princess was silent. Ordered flinched as the alicorn placed her hoof on top of a giant wrinkled claw. Ordered waited patiently for a signal to continue. Several minutes passed and the governor soon became restless.

"Equestria needs you, Princess Twilight," she said. "This winter, it isn't natural. It's been too long. The pegasi can't control it at all. We've even tried using unicorn magic, but nothing's working. It's too cold for the earth ponies to farm, transportation's almost completely shut down, and we can't get any communications out for foreign aid. Even the government's frozen, now that we had to suspend parliament."

"Not the wisest decision," the princess said, closing her eyes.

"We had no choice!" Ordered protested. "Ponies just couldn't cooperate and kept refusing to compromise. There wasn't anything we could do!"

"Perhaps. Oh Celestia," the princess whispered, "was all this a mistake?"

"Princess Twilight?"

"It's nothing, Governor," the princess said. "Just thinking about friends long gone." For the very first time, the alicorn turned and faced Ordered, staring at her with tired eyes. "Tell me Governor, why have you come to me?"

"I...the Equestrian democracy has fallen. We've tried, and for awhile, it was working. But now, everypony's arguing, and nothing's getting done. Some ponies want one thing, and others want exact opposite. We're just standing around shouting at each other as Equestria freezes over. Please, Princess Twilight," Ordered pleaded, "we need a guide, somepony wise to direct us through this disaster. We need a princess. We need--"

"Do not say it," Twilight warned in a low voice. Immediately, Ordered became quiet and sat back down. Twilight sighed. "And what makes you believe I am qualified to lead, Governor?"

"What makes you qualified?" Ordered repeated, her eyes widen. "You're a princess!"

"My crown rests behind a glass case in a museum collecting dust, not on my head. Do I look like a princess to you now?"

"The headwear doesn't make the mare," Ordered asserted. "Everypony's heard of the legends of the stories. Everypony knows of you. None would argue if it were you to restore the aristocracy, not after everything you've done for Equestria." The mare drew closer to Twilight. "I can't think of any pony more qualified to lead us. Please, if there's any pony that could save Equestria now, it'd be the princess of friendship."

Twilight winced and pursed her lips tightly. "Princess of friendship?" she muttered wearily. "Governor, look around you. How many friends do you see?" Twilight knelt down next to the colossal, gently patting its enormous snout. "It's been so many many years since I've made a new friend. I've tried, my dear, oh how I've tried, but soon I will be alone. And what good will your princess of friendship be without her friends?"

"B-but the legends! You defeat the magic thief Tirek on your own! A-and the golden years of your rule, the golden age, that was because you were Equestria's guide."

"Correction: we beat Tirek. We were Equestria's guides." Twilight shook her head. "Tell me, Governor, how versed are you in regards to the Bearers of Harmony?"

"How versed?" Ordered Hall rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Well, I remember that there were six in total, you included. There were two earth ponies, two pegasi, a unicorn, and yourself. They were representations of the six virtues, honesty, laughter, kindness, loyalty, generosity...and friendship, the binding element."

"Do you know their names?" Twilight asked.

"Names? Well, no, not exactly."

"What about their birthdays? Their hobbies and habits? What they liked? What they didn't like? What their dreams were and how they felt once those dreams fell apart? How to comfort one of them?" The alicorn's voice began to grow louder and more shrilled. "Do you remember the date they left, the time, their last words? Do you remember the last look they had in their eye, the last twinkles, the final good byes, how heavy the casket was? How--"

Ordered swallowed and took a step back. "Princess?" she said fearfully.

Twilight stopped herself. "I-I apologize," she said, turning away. She folded her wings back down. "Did you know there were actually seven of us?"

"There was a seventh virtue?"

The alicorn shook her head. "He wasn't a bearer, but he was still there, right beside us, right beside me. A friend, before I had even recognized friendship. He was always there for me."

"There was never a stallion involved in the stories," Ordered said, biting her lip.

"Well, he wasn't exactly a stallion," Twilight replied with a subdued chuckle. "There used to be a statue of him in the old Crystal Empire many years ago. I still wish I had been able to save it," she said sadly. "Still, that look on his face when he saw that crystal effigy of himself missing a head was priceless." She smiled and leaned her head against the giant's smooth cheek. "Wasn't it, old friend?"

"Princess, with all due respect, what's the purpose of this parable?" Ordered asked.

"Purpose? Hmm, what indeed." Twilight shrugged. "Have you every lost somepony close to you, Ordered Hall?"

"I don't see how--"

"Please, indulge me."

"...my father," Ordered said softly after a moment of silence.

"It hurt, didn't it?"

"Well, yes, but it was a long time ago."

"There was a mourning period, I imagine," Twilight said. "A time where ponies let you grieve."

"I did take a couple of weeks off work," Ordered admitted. "But I don't understand, what does my father's death have anything to with anything?"

"Nothing directly," Twilight answered. "A rhetorical question: how many ponies have I had to personally bury? I've lost count after it became too depressing. Friends, family, students, assistants...and yet I've never been allowed to mourn. I could not, not as a princess, not when Equestria still needed me, not when there was still so much work to be done. I simply had no time to grieve, until now."

The alicorn placed her hoof against the massive scaly cheek. "This," she said, "is my first friend and my last. When everyone else left me, he remained. He's been with me forever, he at the very least deserves a proper mourning once he leaves. I'm sorry, Governor, but I will not leave his side," Twilight declared firmly. "Not until he has breathed his last, and I have grieved and lamented and remembered him and all he's done. Him, at the very least, I must mourn for."

"You can't just ignore Equestria's situation," Ordered protested. "Please, Princess Twilight, we need you."

"You are mistaken, Governor," Twilight said. "Equestria does not need an old broken mare. It hasn't had for a very long time. Why do you suppose I encouraged a democratic Equestria ruled not by a princess but by her little ponies? Governor, Equestria doesn't need a princess, it needs ponies like you."

"We've tried, princess, believe me, we've tried."

"So try again. Have a little more faith in your fellow ponies," Twilight said. "I have more faith in you than in myself. Equestria was not founded by an alicorn princess who could fight back the forces of Tartarus, but by ponies just like you, and it will be ponies just like you who will save Equestria now." She looked up toward the roof of the room. "It sounds like the storm has died down, you'd best leave soon if you want to get back to town before it picks up again."

Reluctantly, Ordered got up. She turned from the alicorn to the exit of the room, then back to Twilight. "Are you certain?" she said. "Are you sure I can't convince you to retake your crown? Think about the good you could do."

Twilight slowly shook her head. "You still don't understand. It's been too long, I simply don't have the will anymore. I can't trust myself, not how I am now. You don't want an unmotivated mare in charge to lead you out of this mess. I'm sorry, but for me, life's a dragon."

No More Lyin'

"I've worked here for the last thirty years, son. I don't need an escort."

The young pegasus fidgeted nervously with the buttons on his uniform. "I'm sorry doctor," he told the older stallion, "but the higher-ups deemed a guard escort necessary to make sure you left the facility safely and soundly, especially given recent events."

"For my safety eh?" the unicorn snorted, running a hoof through his gray mane. "Right, sure." He set down the cardboard box he held in with his magic and opened the door in front of him. In bold golden letters, it read Dr. Axon, Ph.D. The unicorn led the way inside, placing the empty box on the polished wooden desk cluttered with stacks of paper and knick-knacks. "Well, I know I have at least an hour and a half before you can literally kick me out, and by the celestial bodies, I plan to use every minute." The old pony smirked as he watched the youngster's countenance fall, shoulders sink, and feathers droop.

It's amazing how easy young pegasi are to read Dr. Axon thought as he began to shift through the desk drawers.

"Is that your granddaughter?"

Axon looked up. "Oh, you're still here," he said, frowning.

The guard threw his hooves into the air. "Just doing my job, that's all."

"Well, I wasn't aware part of your job was being a busybody. I thought that was my job." He followed the young stallion's gaze toward the framed picture at the edge of the desk, surrounded by loose leaves of notes. "Daughter," Axon answered, grabbing the photo of a young yellow filly in a sundress and tossing it into the box.

"O-oh, oh, o-okay," the guard sputtered. He swallowed and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Something wrong?" Dr. Axon asked, narrowing his eyes.

"N-no, of course n-not," the young stallion said quickly. "I guess you're younger than you look, sir." He laughed weakly.

"It's an old photo," Axon said as he shifted through a folder of documents before throwing the entire bundle into a waste bin. Speaks quickly and without thinking when nervous, likely a coping mechanism, symptoms of possible mild logorrhea... The old unicorn sighed.

"So..."

Oh, shut up already.

"...how old is she now?"

Axon pursed his lips. "Older," he answered curtly.

"Well, how much older?" the pegasus tried again.

"Much older."

The guard shook his head. "Wow, testy much?" he muttered. Axon heard, and he lost his grip on the box as his hooves shook, spilling the contents onto the floor. A visible bulge in his neck could be seen as the vein swelled. He glared at the younger pony and opened his mouth to scream.

"Well Runner, once you lose your job, I'm sure you'll be just as irritable," came a cheerful voice from the office entrance. Axon and his guard turned toward the source and found a brown earth pony wearing a checkered tie around a white collar. His mane was colored like gold, but even from this distance, Axon could see specks of gray peppered in his hair and beard. A pair of spectacles hung over his nose.

"Director," Axon greeted shortly. He lowered himself and began to repack the objects that had fallen and were littering the floor. "Come to say good bye, have you?"

The newcomer grimaced. "Runner, I think we could all use a little coffee. I prefer mine without cream. Dr. Axon, how do you take yours?"

"Black."

Runner began to play with his buttons again under the director's expecting gaze. "Sir, I can't just leave the doctor unattended," he protested. "I mean, protocol dictates--"

"I know what protocol dictates," the director said, with an exasperated roll of his eyes. "But I think we can trust Dr. Axon to not do anything rash. Remember, one coffee with sugar and no cream and one black."

The guard chewed his lip. With a hesitant salute, he left the two older stallions alone.

The director slowly approached the desk Axon was behind. "So, how are you holding up?" he asked.

"How do you think?" Axon replied coldly, dropping the cardboard box onto the desk. "Thirty plus years, gone and wasted."

"Hey, think of it as an early retirement. Heaven knows you deserve it."

Axon snorted as he brushed past the blond stallion and made his way to the file cabinets in the corner. "Is there something you wanted, director?"

There was a soft clink from behind. Axon's attention was drawn to the tall brown bottle the director has set on the table. Two more clinks followed as he produced a pair of glasses. "Thought we could share a drink," the stallion said, pouring out a generous portion of amber liquid into both cups. "After everything that's happened this week, I'm sure you could use one."

"I don't drink," Axon said, returning to rummaging through the file cabinets. "There are few things in this world sadder than a psychologist-psychiatrist drinking his problems away."

"Suit yourself," the blond stallion said with a shrug. He picked up his own glass and took a sip. "I'll just leave this bottle here, just in case."

Axon grunted, sending sheets of paper scattering across the floor as he threw them aside.

"Are you actually looking for anything or just making a mess?"

"A little of both," the doctor admitted. "That won't be a problem, will it, director?"

"No, no, that's fine, I suppose," The director rubbed the back of his head. "Listen, Axon, I wish this could have ended differently," he said carefully. His eyes refused to lift up from his half-emptied glass. "You're bitter, I get it, but try to understand it from the organization's view. After what happened, with the press now on our case, well..."

"The higher-ups needed a scapegoat to keep public off their backs," Axon finished, his voice calm and steady. The earth pony flinched as the doctor slammed the cabinet shut and moved on to the next drawer. "Of course, the most obvious choice would be the one in charge of the patient. I understand the reasons, we're a business," said Axon as he read through one of the documents littering the floor. "Doesn't mean I like the decision."

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry. I...we've been preparing your pension." The bespectacled stallion tried to smile. "We've taken all you've done into account, and at the very least you'll live comfortably without us. I'm sure you'll be pleased."

Slowly, Axon raised his gray head. The director's half-smile withered under the unicorn's glare.

"I'll, uh, leave," the earth pony mumbled, looking away. "You want your privacy, I'm sure."

Axon watched the director back away toward the exit. He waited until the earth pony had closed the door behind him before releasing a sigh. He walked over toward the large wooden desk and removed the crystal bottle's cap. As he continued to examine the file in front of him, he filled the glass the director had left behind. He shut his eyes and lifted the glass to his lips, choking as the amber liquid traveled down his throat. With watering eyes, he finished the drink and poured himself another.

With drink in his magical grasp, the doctor walked over toward the window behind him. The sky was painted gold as the sun struggled to remain in the sky. As Axon prepared to take another sip, he spotted his reflection in the window glass.

"Hey, as of today, I'm no longer a psychologist-psychiatrist," he said to his image. He shook his head. "Heh, talking to myself already," Axon muttered, a mirthless grin growing on his face. He kicked at some of the papers that were on the ground before draining the rest of the glass. He returned to the desk and to the bottle.

Axon stumbled forward, nearly dropping his cup. The doctor looked down and found his hoof on top of a small red notebook. Curious, he bent down and retrieved the book. He brushed its cover and note a lack of clinging dust; this was recent.

"Funny," Axon said to himself, "I don't remember using this one." He flipped it over and read the printed label glued to the back. 1-5-11-12 it read.

Axon frowned. "Oh, it's you," he hissed. "How'd you get here? Shouldn't you--"

The unicorn paused and looked around, his eyes darting rapidly from one side of the room to the next. Placing the book on the messy desk, he made his way to the door, opened it, and stuck his head out, checking both ends of the hallway. Nopony was in sight. Axon closed the door behind him and hurried back to the notebook.

Well, what's the worst they can do to me now? Axon thought as he turned on the lamp in the corner. Fire me? He reached for the bottle and refilled his glass, cracked open the book to the first page with writing and began to read:

So that quack got me writing in this lame thing now. Apparently recording my thoughts'll help me somehow. Something about reducing stress and resolving issues, don't know, don't care. Serious, he's making me write in a freaking diary. How is that supposed to help? Well, I guess the sooner I play their little game, the sooner I'll get to leave this crazy house.

I don't care what all these "psycho-trists" say or what that dumb judge ruled, I know I shouldn't be here. There's nothing wrong with me. Stupid ponies.

Axon sighed. She had been a difficult patient, perhaps his most uncooperative. She had constantly fought against treatment, asserting that she was perfectly fine and demanding that they would let her go. His thoughts drifted to the first arguments they had:

"I told you doc, I don't need any treatment! Geez, you deaf? I'm leaving, you hear me?"

"Ms. Gilda, you know that until we can confirm your mental stability--"

"You calling me unstable, punk?"

"Well, according the the initial tests--"

"Screw you, horn-head! I'm perfectly fine!"

"You leapt off a bridge without any safety gear. Usually, attempted suicide is a sign of instability."

"Hello? Griffin?"

"You had your wings tied down."

"There was water."

"You were tied to a heavy rock."

"Why you..."

"And then there're your violent tendencies."

"Oh, I'll show you violent!"

"Guards!"

Axon chuckled at the memory, in spite himself. It was a wonder they hadn't had to restrain her with a straitjacket. It would have been a pain to get her in one in the first place, Axon decided. Still, maybe all this wouldn't have happened if... The former psychiatrist shook his head furiously. He returned his attention to the patient's journal:

How the heck did a quack like him get a degree? If anything, he should be the one stuck in this place, not me, the lousy, stupid...

The rest of the page was filled with insults and obscenities. The next was similar, though Axon had to marveled at his former patient's extensive vocabulary. A few pages were filled with doodles and a few games of tic-tac-toe, though how she managed to lose to herself was beyond the old stallion's comprehension. Quickly, however, Axon's interest waned. It was clear as water that the patient hadn't taken this exercise seriously at all, and Axon was swiftly growing tired of reading her many complaints. He turned to a random page, silently praying for some variety.

June 12

Doc's been bugging me about my past again. You'd think he'd get bored after we talked about my parents and childhood. What a freaking busybody, and can you think of a lamer, more cliche topic? Still, I guess that was nice, being able to rant about that old cock. It felt real good, shouting like that.

Man, I'm glad this journal's confidential.

This time the quack kept asking about my time at flight camp. I let some stuff about the Junior Speedsters slip out...

"Junior Speedsters? What is that?"

"Tch, it's nothing, none of your business."

"It sounds awfully impressive. I must confess, I'm not entirely versed with griffin culture. What are the Junior Speedsters?"

"It's not...ugh, wow, the Junior Speedsters was just a camp parents dumped their kids at so they could do whatever without them. Seriously, ask any pegasus around here, they'll tell you everything about it."

"I'd much rather hear it from you, Ms. Gilda. So this was a flight camp. Is this where you learned to fly?"

"Pft, no. How old did you think I was? All the Junior Speedsters knew how to fly. We were there to race."

"So I take you are a fast flyer then?"

"You better believe it. Fastest flyer there was, there is, and there ever will be. Accept no substitutes. Heh, there wasn't a single flyer at camp that could keep up with me."

"Interesting. Were there many other griffins?"

"Eh, I don't think so. I'm pretty sure I was the only one there."

"So you were surrounded mostly by ponies?"

"Most ponies kept away from me, if they knew what was good for them."

"Did you find flight camp lonely then?"

"Well, no. There was...this one pegasus. She was pretty awesome, almost as fast as me, almost as cool. We hung out, raced each other, messed around and played pranks on dweebs. She made that entire lame experience bearable."

"This pegasus, was she your friend?"

I don't know why, but after Doc asked me that, I wanted to punch him harder than usual. He must have noticed because he left in a hurry. Remembering the good times me and Rainbow Dash had back then made me sick. It still makes me sick, remembering how cool she was, how she was before.

I feel like hitting something right now. I wonder if I can call the doc over.

Axon nodded as he recalled his own notes from this certain session. He looked up from the journal and toward the file cabinet in the corner. His report were somewhere in there, probably. It didn't really matter, Axon decided, flipping to the next date.

June 14

We talked more about flight camp today, but Doc kept trying to focus on Rainbow Dash. He kept asking about what we did together and what she was like. I accidentally said her name, so now he's got that from me.

I need to be more careful. It still feels kinda weird to think about her. I just hope he doesn't try to bring her up again.

June 17

Doc made me draw Rainbow Dash for him. Seriously. I had a lot of fun breaking his crayons.

They let me keep the picture. I guess they trust me enough to let me hold paper, so that's one step closer to freedom, maybe. I asked Doc when I could leave, and he gave me the usual BS about having to confirm sanity and make sure I'm not a danger to myself and society and blah blah blah.

So now I have a crappy drawing of Rainbow Dash. Not sure what I'm going to do with it. Couldn't bring myself to tear it up. Weird.

June 19

Been bugging the quack about my release again. The pony seemed awfully stressed today, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

There was no dessert with my lunch. I blame him.

June 20

Today's session was outside today. It would have been nice to fly, but this stupid thing they make me wear covers my wings, not to mention the cuffs and leash.

At least we didn't really do anything, just wondering how I was adjusting around here, that kind of stuff. It was real boring, but at least I finally got some fresh air.

June 22

I can't believe I've already been here for so long. I'm surprised I haven't already gone crazy. Then I'd really belong in this place. I asked Doc again about how much longer I'd needed to be here. Still haven't gotten an answer yet.

Kind of wish I hadn't thrown the cake he brought in his face. As funny as that was, I could have really use some cake. The rest of the food here sucks.

June 23

That stupid doctor found that stupid drawing under my stupid pillow. Not sure why he was looking there, bet he's some sort of pervert...

"I'm very surprised you didn't throw this out."

"What I do with my trash is none of your business, doc."

"Were you aware that hoarding can be considered a symptom of obsessive compulsion disorder? It is also often associated with being unable to move on from a certain event or letting go of a certain thing or being. Either case makes this my business...Ms. Gilda, I understand you are reluctant in receiving treatment--"

"I don't need any treatment! I'm perfectly fine! Get it through that thick skull of yours! How long do I gotta be here before you realize that, huh?"

"As long as you continue acting so damned stubborned and continue to foolishly ignore these issues of yours that are obvious to everyone else but you! I've been very patient with you, Ms. Gilda, very patient. I have stood here and accept insult after insult after insult, and I have not said a word. I have found that a civilized approach is the best approach, but you've proven to be quite the exception. Then let me be frank: You. Are. Sick."

"I'm not--"

"Your explosive temper, inclination toward violence, and seemingly utter antisocial, not unsocial or asocial mind you, but antisocial, personality says otherwise. You want to know when you're clear for release or how much longer you have to be here? You're better off not knowing, since I'm sure you don't want to add depression on your growing list of disorders!"

"I...you can't...I..."

"And...oh, oh dear. Oh dear oh dear oh dear. M-Ms. Gilda, no, please, I didn't mean...I shouldn't have said that, I am so sorry. Ms. Gilda, please stop crying."

"I'm not c-crying! Give me that!"

"Hold on, you'll rip--"

"J-just get out! Leave alone!"

"I really messed up that day," Axon muttered, rubbing his forehead. "Probably should have lost my job right then and there if anyone had seen that." He chuckled dully. "Can't say whether I'm lucky or unlucky."

The unicorn lifted the loose shredded sheet that sat adjacent to the journal entry he had been reading. He could still see the faded blue and the lines of red, yellow, and green. Half of the drawing was still missing, rendering the image unrecognizable to an outsider. Axon knew what, and who, this portrayal was supposed to be. The other half was in the filing cabinet in the corner.

Either that or rotting away in some dump. Axon couldn't remember what he did with that torn piece of paper that day. He could have thrown it away, that was surely possible.

"Well, I suppose it doesn't matter," Axon said. He turned to the next entry.

June 27

Doc came back...

"I brought some more crayons and paper. I noticed that you seemed to enjoy this activity the last time we did this so you can draw whatever you like today...or you can just break my crayons, like you're doing now."

"What do you want, doc?"

"You don't like me."

"No? What the heck ticked you off?"

"It doesn't really matter. I prefer having amicable relationships with my patients, it simplifies things."

"And I'm the difficult one. I complicate things, sue me."

"Yes, but it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter that you dislike me, I'm here to help. Listen to me, I see you're suffering, you're hurting."

"I'm not."

"Please stop lying to yourself. It's painful, isn't it, holding everything inside. You've just locked everything up and hidden it all away from everyone. It pushing back now, isn't it, everything you've tried to suppress?"

"I-I..."

"Listen to me, I want to help. I can help you."

"...you can't help me. No one can."

"I know I'm not your first psychiatrist."

"Everyone else gave up. They just...left me."

"I won't leave you, Gilda. I'm here to help you, but you have to let me. You're going to have to trust me."

"How?"

"Let's begin with some introductions. How do you do? My name is Dr. Axon, PhD, a psychologist working at the Sundale Psychiatric Hospital and Research Institute. You may call me Axon, if you wish."

"...Gilda. I'm Gilda."

"A pleasure to finally meet you, Gilda."

...I feel like such a lame dweeb. At least Axon let me keep the crayons. Wish I hadn't broken them now.

The last letters were all written in different colors. Some had been smudged and were an unreadable mess of color. The sides of Axon's lips edged upward.

June 29...

"I thought we'd discuss this friend of yours one more time."

"Again? Come on, I already told you everything about flight camp."

"Yes, you've told me all about the pranks the two of you used to pull, but we've never really talked about the mare herself."

"Why? I mean, it's not like she has anything to do with anything."

"Maybe, maybe not. I have a feeling she might be a little more important than you think. Or rather, more important than you let on."

"I don't know...I mean..."

"If the subject makes you too uncomfortable, I suppose we could always talk about something else, perhaps your parents again."

"Do you really think it'll help? Talking about Rainbow Dash, I mean?"

"I believe so."

"Well, what do you want to know?"

I told him about how great of a flyer she was, how she was the only pony I could stand being around. I told him about how cool she was, how she didn't really seem to care about what other ponies said behind her back. I told him about how confident she was in herself and how confident she was in other ponies, in me. She was the kind of mare that'd fight for her friends. I remember how many times she got in trouble because she jumped some suicidal idiot who made a chicken statement toward me. If there was anypony, no, anyone I could really trust, it was Rainbow Dash.

When did she change? Why did Rainbow change? How did she end up so lame?

Axon and I just talked for the entire session. It was kind of boring, doing nothing but talking, but I got to admit, it was sort of refreshing, not having to play to those stupid mind games with inkblots and stuff. The session felt shorter than usual today, I wonder if they've changing the schedule.

"Short than usual?" Axon snorted. "We went an hour overtime." He reached for his glass as he went to the next date. He underestimated the distance, overextending his hoof and knocking over the glass. With a panicked cry, Axon flung the journal away as the split liquid spread across the desk, ruining several other, less interesting documents.

Axon did his best to dry the table with the few thin tissues he managed to find. Once he had succeeded in clearing at least a small portion of the desk, Axon left his seat and retrieved the thrown book. He turned to a random page, hoping to find some clue that would direct him to his previous place. His eyes stopped scanning the page as they came across a certain entry.

July 5

Well, we finally made it to Ponyville...

"...and then she tells me I should just go find some new friends. I mean, what kind of friend says that kind of thing, even as a joke?"

"Uh huh."

"It's like she was a totally different pony! One moment she was that awesome mare I knew her from flight camp, and the next she's this lame-o that just brushed me off!"

"Hmm."

"I mean, sure I haven't seen her in years, but I didn't think she'd change so much. I thought she had my back, man. I thought the two of us were tight. I thought she was cool. Guess I was wrong."

"Hmm."

"You're been awfully quiet."

"Aren't I always? Normally, you dislike it when I interrupt."

"Yeah, but you've just been taking notes this whole time."

"Well, that is my job, after all."

"So is asking a bunch of annoying questions that make me feel uncomfortable. That's what you usually do, anyways."

"You want me to ask invasive questions?"

"Better than talking to a wall for an entire hour and a half, yeah."

"Hmm, sorry about that. I was just, well, I was just in a lot of thought. You've given a lot to process after all. So let's start with an easy question: how does this event make you feel?"

"Weren't you paying attention? Ticked off, duh."

"Even to this day? After all these years?"

"Yeah! She turned her back on me, that's not something I'm forgetting any time soon."

"And why do you feel this way, hmm?"

"Hello? Because she freaking flip-flopped and left me hanging like that. She wasn't supposed to do that, not the Rainbow Dash I knew."

"So you really believe she changed?"

"Of course! I told you, Rainbow Dash was the kind of mare that fought for her friends. If she was the same awesome mare I knew, she would have jumped in and defended me in ten seconds flat."

"You say Rainbow Dash was the type of pony that would defend her friends. Wouldn't that apply to her new friends from Ponyville?"

"Wait, what?"

"Just something to consider, please sit back down, Gilda."

"W-why I--"

"Take a deep breath, like we practiced. In, out. Like that, good job."

"That makes me sound like I'm the bad guy here. I didn't do anything wrong."

"You mean other than the shouting, the stealing, and the bullying? But that's besides the point. From an outsider's perspective, it doesn't look like Rainbow Dash has changed at all. Just as the two of you fought off hectors at flight camp, it simply appears she's defending her friends from a bully."

"Oh, so I'm a bully now?"

"Do you disagree?"

"...well, fine, maybe I am a bit rough. That doesn't mean Rainbow should have taken their side instead of mine! I mean, she's my friend too!"

"Which brings me to my latest observation; you seem to be having a hard time accepting that your old buddy from flight camp found a few new friends."

"What, no! I have nothing against Rainbow making new friends, it's just how she left me for them."

"I've noticed something else as well. The only other being we've ever been able to discuss, besides your family, is Rainbow Dash."

"Well, that's because you always seem to want to talk about her."

"Very well, new subject. Let's talk about a different friend of yours. It could be recent one or someone in the past."

"Well, there's...there's...I mean, there's, uh..."

"Oh, and I don't count."

"Of course you don't, you lousy shrink! Just, argh, give me a second."

"Take your time, Gilda. We're out of time for today anyways. We'll pick up on where we left off next session. Oh, and here's today's newspaper, as promised. If there is anything else you'd like, let me know."

"Just...just leave me alone right now."

...still haven't be able to think of anyone else, it really bites. I'm beginning to hate Axon. Seriously, who does he think he is? What does he know? Of course it's all Rainbow's fault. She's the one who left me for a bunch of lame ponies. I was on her side the entire time, but it didn't mean anything to her. Well, screw her, and screw Axon too, I don't need them.

The next few lines were completely crossed out, rendering them unreadable. The slashes the writer had made dug through the paper, leaving small gashes that tore the page behind. Axon continued onward, working past the physical interruptions.

July 11

It was nice to know a griffin won something at the Equestria Games for once. The rest of news and the rest of my day was garbage. Most of this week was. You know what Axon had the nerve of calling me a few days ago? That quack said I was...

"Possessive? What the heck is that supposed to mean?"

"As I've mentioned before, it seems that you're having a hard time accepting that Rainbow Dash made a few new friends in your absence, as demonstrated by your outburst in Ponyville."

"What, no! I wasn't mad that she had new friends, that's not the problem, just that she decide to choose them over me."

"Ah, yes, but you made every attempt to separate her from that one pink mare you mentioned before."

"Well, yeah, she was freaking annoying! Let's see you last a second with that freak."

"Hmm."

"Okay, enough jerking me around, what's your point?"

"Very well, I've noticed a pattern during our sessions. Usually our discussions consist of angry rants and shouts, especially when dealing with your family--"

"Yeah, fine, maybe I've got some daddy issues. Is that all that's wrong?"

"I'm not finished yet. You had a similar, ill-tempered attitude when we dealt with events that occurred after you left Ponyville. And not just directly following, you haven't said a single good thing about the past five years, right up to the incident on the bridge. Your records seem to reflect this as well. In fact, the only times you've ever appeared content were when we talked about your time at the Junior Speedsters flight camp with Rainbow Dash, or, which I find rather interesting, when we discuss Rainbow Dash in general."

"I don't get it."

"The only instances in which you were happy were when Rainbow Dash was involved. It's an odd dependence, perhaps even close to obsessiveness."

"Wait, first I'm possessive, and now I'm obsessive?"

"The two are linked together. Rainbow Dash wasn't just a friend, or somepony that makes you happy, she's the only thing in the world that makes you happy. She was the first friend you made, and because of your social anxiety, which I contribute to be a major part in your violent tendencies, you clung to her. You made her your only friend. And once you realized you weren't her only friend, that she didn't solely belong to you, you tried to push the others away, tried to keep her to yourself."

"H-hold on, that's not true."

"And when you learned that you couldn't possess her, it hurt. That's why you entered that state of depression following the trip to Ponyville. That's why the suddenly spike on your criminal record, because you were struggling to accept this."

"T-that's not it!"

"And you're still obsessed with her. You refuse to move on. That's why you've been so antisocial, why you've been so aggressive toward others. I know this is all hard to take in right now--"

"Because it's not true! What are you trying to pull?"

"I'm trying to help, Gilda. This is going to be difficult to accept, but that's where we need to start. Knowing what your issues are is the first step."

"I don't have those kind of issues!"

"This isn't something to be ashamed of. Yours isn't an unique case. We've helped others get over their obsessions and helped them move on, we can help you too."

"Shut up, you're lying! I'm not obsessed!"

"Please, Gilda, I'm trying-- Gilda, stop! Calm yourself, please!"

"You take it back! I'm not obsessed! I don't care about Rainbow Dash anymore! I don't--"

"Guards!"

"--love her!"

Axon blinked in surprise as he noticed his hoof rubbing against the sides of his neck. He shivered and forced his foreleg down, ignoring the sudden soreness b elow his head. He coughed harshly and tried to clear his twisting throat.

...he's wrong. That quack Axon is wrong. I'm not obsessed with Rainbow Dash. I'm not. There's nothing wrong with me. I don't care what he said, he's wrong about everything. I should have never trusted him.

They finally let me out of solitary. One of the guards gave m e a bunch of newspapers, said they were from Axon. Don't care, I'm not touching them. I hope I never have to see that jerk ever again.

July 12

No session today. Caught up on the sports section, only thing interesting was a segment on a couple of Wonderbolt recruits. Everything else was lame, but I was so bored, I ended up going through the business sections for the entire week. I even tried a crossword puzzle, immediately regretted it. As long as this thing stays confidential, no one can prove it.

Nuts. I bet that whole outburst the other day's going to knock back my release date by a bit. Who knows how long I'll be stuck here now? Maybe I should try escaping, like a prison break or something like that.

July 13

I didn't see that quack Axon, but he left today's paper. Nothing interesting happened today, and there wasn't anything worth read ing in the news. Figure Axon isn't going to show his stupid face today, so I guess I'll just go to sleep.

There's one good thing I have to say about the Sundale Psychiatric Hospital that's it has some pretty comfortable beds, almost as nice as a cloud. Almost. I'd still rather be outside right now.

July 14

Well, Axon's back. The guard he brought stayed outside. Either he's really brave or stupid to the point of suicidal. I'm surprised he even came back here, maybe even a little bit impressed.

"Humph, like I really had a choice," Axon muttered with a smirk. "You scared everypony else off."

I still hate him, he and his dumb stupid face and his lame stupid theories and his giant ugly nose.

Today's meeting was thankfully short. He just wanted to make sure I was all right. Just as he was leaving though, that quack told me to think about what he said during our last session, about my so-called obsession. I would have jumped him then and there, but the door was already closed. Smart move, doc.

July 15

Axon's stupid theories are getting to me. I had a horrible dream where I was pushing Rainbow Dash in a baby carriage. He definitely doesn't need to know that, don't need to give him more fuel.

I know I'm not obsessed, Axon's talks are just beginning to get into my head. I bet it's some sort of psychological mind trick. Well I'm not going to let him win.

July 16

Axon tried starting the conversation this time, asking about if there was anything interesting in the paper or if I was doing alright. For the most part, I just ignored him. There was a piece on the new princess and her friends being awarded for freeing an entire city and discovering a new population of ponies that was alright, but besides that there wasn't anything else interesting in the news today.

He got my attention when he told me we could finish the session outside in the garden. I almost fell for it too. I could seriously go for some fresh air right now, but I'm not going to play Axon's game anymore.

July 17

It rained today, one of those dumb summer rains the pegasus weather teams always schedule for some reason. I remember how they'd used to tick us off. Like, why would they ruin perfectly good flying weather with rain? It was a surprise to learn that Rainbow actually join the weather team, but maybe she just did it to mess with the schedule. I wouldn't pass it by her.

Rain's even more annoying when you're inside. It's so freaking loud, I couldn't take my nap. And that tapping, it's driving me insane. At least it'll probably end pretty soon.

July 18

Axon's back. He said that until I accept his theory, they can't begin the planned treatment. What kind of system is that? That's complete bogus. I don't have an obsession problem, I don't need treatment for that sort of thing.

Well, until I finally agree with him, there won't be any real meaning in continuing these sessions at this point. So much helping me out. He's just giving up, just like everyone else did. I bet I won't be seeing him next time.

July 19

Axon dropped by to give me the newspaper in person. He tried to convince me again, the whole I have a problem and keeping everything locked inside is only going to hurt spiel. I get it, I got it awhile ago. That's the reason why I tolerated you for so long, because I wanted help, but if you're just going to try and tell me I've got a problem I know I don't have, then I don't need you.

It would be nice to be able to talk somepony though. I'm beginning to miss our discussions. At least I have this journal. I mean, it's kind of like talking to another thing, right?

What is wrong with me?

July 20

I barely noticed Axon today, I was too sleepy. Had this really bad dream last night. It was that party at Ponyville, almost the same exact memory. I relived every prank and every humiliation again, but when Rainbow told me I should go find new friends to hang with, the ground opened underneath me. I think something cut my wings off because I started to fall and I saw a bunch of my feathers fly off.

I don't know anymore, maybe Axon's right. Or maybe I'm just sleep deprived. Yeah, that's it, I'm just really tired. A good night sleep is all I need.

July 21

The Wonderbolts have a new co-captain. That's pretty cool.

When was the last time really I flew? A couple of months? Six? No, I don't think I've actually flown for the last five years. Plenty of gliding between places, but just stretching out my wings and riding the wind for fun? Flying for the sake of flying? Racing? Not since I left Ponyville.

July 22

Today's meeting was outside. It was nice, finally being able to smell fresh air and touch grass and dirt. They even let me glide a bit to keep my wings healthy. I guess I have been here for awhile.

Axon brought up the subject again, you know, the one about my apparent obsession with a Rainbow Dash. I was too tired to argue this time.

July 24

That dream's back. This time, I managed to grab hold of a ledge as I fell, but I couldn't pull myself up. I saw Rainbow Dash trying to reach for me, but something kept pulling her back. I woke up just as I let go and began to fall. Anyways, that's why I'm up and writing instead of sleeping like a sane griffin or pony. Then again, I'm not entirely sane, am I? I'm in this place after all.

I wish someone would get me out of here. I wish somepony could help me.

July 26

Dreams are getting worse. This time, Rainbow's the one who cut my wings off and pushed me off the edge. The scary thing is, I can't be mad at her. It's crazy, but I just can't. I keep trying, I keep telling myself that Rainbow Dash betrayed me, that I shouldn't care about her anymore. Just forget about that mare and move on. There are plenty of ponies and griffins out there for me, probably twenty times cooler than her.

It's not working anymore.

July 27

No newspaper today, I guess Axon forgot. Oh well, at least no nightmares last night. There was still a dream, but it was way nicer than the other ones. In it, I was in my room at the hospital, when suddenly the roof disappears. I saw Rainbow waving above me, and she tossed a pair of wings to me. She helped me out of that place just as Axon and a bunch of guards burst in. We laughed at their stupid faces.

We flew for miles, just the two of us, like old times. We raced for what felt like hours, arguing over who was the fastest, just like it should have been.

July 29

I was wrong. I miss her. I want her, to be by her side. It really did hurt watching her take the side of her new friends. I didn't care how unfair I was being, I didn't even see myself as unfair. All that didn't matter because she had been by me, until she wasn't, because I forced her away.

I regret what happened Ponyville. I wish I hadn't done those things. I was just happy to finally see her again after all that time, I just wanted to be with her and just her, just like old times.

I guess I was a bit possessive. Maybe I am still obsessed with her. Maybe I'm still in love with her. I guess it doesn't matter because she'll never love me back, not after what I did. I don't want to find a new griffin or pony, even if they're a thousand times cooler than her. If it's not her, then what's the point?

I don't want a cure. I just want Rainbow Dash.

The next page was blank, but Axon found a folded newspaper clipping wedged into the spine. Carefully, he took it out and unfolded the yellowing paper. It was clipping was an article from the life section, with a majority of the space taken up by the fading picture of a pair of pegasi. Axon could still make out the many colors of the pegasus mare's mane. She wore a short white dress that left plenty of space for her wings and a confident grin. The stallion beside her was wearing a dark blue suit and a tie. Both had a small golden pendant shaped like a pair of wings on their chests, directly on top of their heart.

"'A Wonderbolt Wedding'," Axon read. "'Standing veteran Soarin' and rising super star co-captain Rainbow Dash married at last'." The old unicorn sighed, refolding the paper and shoving it back into the journal. He shut the book and threw it into the box before pouring the rest of the bottle's contents into his glass.

"Well, at least in the end, she was honest to herself," Axon said softly. He took a small sip from his glass, licked his lips, then forced down the rest in a single gulp, shaking as the drink burned through his throat. The old psychiatrist all but slammed the glass down on the table and smiled bitterly.

"That's right, no more lion."

A Little Bolder

The branches of an old decrepit tree danced in the cool evening breeze. The last remaining leaves flew off and sailed in the air. Those wooden appendages clawed at the window of the quant farm house as if begging for admittance. A sudden scream echoed out, followed by more cries until the peacefully silent night was no longer that. Lights from inside shined suddenly, competing against the bright stars above. The Mare on the Moon watched quietly as shadowy silhouettes of ponies hurried through the house.

"Pinkamena," a young gray filly hissed, "you'll wake the entire house."

"A monster!" her sister cried from under her covers. Pinkamena jabbed a hoof toward the window. "Right there, just like you said, Maud!"

"It's just a story," the gray filly said. "Look, it's probably--"

The door suddenly flew open and the screaming resumed, this time with the addition of an older mare. The branch retreated as light flooded the room. At the doorway stood a salmon colored crone with a curly white mane. She held a lantern in her mouth, which she carefully placed on a hook protruding from the wall before rushing to the shaking bundle of blankets.

"What's wrong, Pinkamena?" the elderly mare asked. Her voice, musical and airy, did not match her appearance. She pulled the lump beneath the covers closer to her and began to hum. Slowly, the filly underneath began to calm down and cease shivering. A pink head with straight, bubble gum hair cautiously peeked out.

"I saw a monster outside," Pinkamena whispered, hiding herself in the mare's chest. "It was coming to get me."

"Monster?" The mare looked around. The older sister merely shrugged when those old eyes brushed by her. "Where?"

"A-a-at the window," the filly sobbed. She looked up and gasped. "There, right there! Don't let them get me, Granny!"

"Don't be such a baby, Pinkamena," the gray filly said, rolling her eyes.

"Maud, be nice to your sister," chided the grandmother. Turning back Pinkamena, she said, "There's nothing to be scared of, look." Granny took hold of the lantern. She held it toward the window, revealing the crooked claw to be the mischievous tree branch in the wind. "Nothing to be afraid of."

"Oh." Pinkamena's shoulders slumped, and she hung her head. "I'm sorry," she said quietly.

Her grandmother gently brushed a pink strand out of the filly's blue eyes. She placed a hoof under her chin and tenderly lifted her head. "That's alright, Pinkie," she said. "It's alright to be afraid sometimes. Everypony is scared of something."

"Even you?" Pinkamena asked, her eyes widening in disbelief.

"Of course," the elderly mare said with a smile. "But we can't let our fears get the best of us. Someday, you'll have to learn to face them."

"How?" the young filly asked. "I hate the dark, it's so scary."

"Well, first you have to remember that they can't hurt you. That branch outside certainly can't," the grandmother explained. "Everything else is a breeze after that. Someday, the things you're scared of now might end up making you laugh. I know, why don't you try laughing at that monster you thought you saw."

"Laugh? How?" Pinkamena questioned.

"Like this." The old mare took in a deep breath and held it. Her little granddaughter laying beside her watched anxiously and with bated breath. "Ha ha ha!" exploded from the old mare as she guffawed loudly. "Ha ha ha hee ha!" She gave Pinkamena a wink as her laugh continued to resonate. At this, Pinkamena began to giggle.

"Just like that," the grandmother said. "Just giggle at the ghostie. Come on, laugh with me. Ha ha hah!"

"Ha ha hah!" Pinkamena chuckled along.

"Ha ha hee ho hah!"

The two ponies grabbed each other for support as they lost themselves in laughter. A soft groan come from the other end of the room as the elder sister flipped herself over and covered her head with a pillow

The grandmother wiped her eyes. "Feel better now, Pinkie?"

"Much! I'm not scared at all anymore," Pinkamena declared happily. "Heh, this is so funny, I could laugh all night!"

"Well, maybe in the morning, silly filly," the old mare said with a smile. She looked over toward the other bed. "I think Maud wants to sleep."

"Okay." Pinkamena yawned and laid her head down on the pillow. "Good night, Granny."

"Good night, my little sweet pie," the faded pink mare whispered, leaning over and leaving a kiss on the filly's forehead. With a puff of air, she extinguished the lantern, and the room became dark once more. As she approached the door she saw another mare standing at the threshold. The new mare was younger but appeared ragged. Her dark mane was messy and stuck out in multiple directions, as if she had just gotten out of bed.

"Is Pinkamena alright?" she whispered hoarsely. She stepped back, giving the older mare room to move.

"The darling's fine," the grandmother said. She led the way down the hall of the house, passing by colorless photos of ponies in varies poses and making different faces. "How are the babies, Cloudy?"

"Marble and Limestone are fine, I got them to go back asleep," Cloudy answered with a yawn. "Somehow," the pale mare added as she gave her elder a thankful smile. "I don't know how I could handle all four of them without you, Mrs. Pie. You have no idea how grateful I am."

"Ah ah ah," the old wrinkled mare said, wagging a hoof. "You're the Mrs. Pie around here now, Cloudy. Or Mrs. Rock, or Mrs. Quartz, whatever you prefer really. Me, I'm just Granny Pie, or Nana." Nana patted the mare's back and smiled. "You're doing a great job as a mother so stop worrying. It'll all be easier once Igneous finally gets returns. Pity he had to go get himself hurt first," old Granny Pie said, sighing.

"I'm just glad he's still in one peace," Cloudy said. The two had made their way down the stairs and into the kitchen. Cloudy approached the sink and filled a kettle full of water. "Tea?" she offered.

"You have sugar?"

"Of course."

"Then yes please," Granny Pie answered, taking a seat at the table. "She misses him, you know."

"Who?"

"Maud. She was asking me earlier this evening if I knew when Igneous was coming back." Granny Pie frowned. "You still haven't told her yet?"

"She doesn't need to know Igneous was injured," Cloudy said as she attended to the kettle on the stove. "I don't want her or Pinkamena to worry, and neither would their father. Besides..." The mare looked over her shoulder and smiled. "I thought it'd be a nice surprise."

"Well, they do like their surprises," said Granny Pie with a shrug. She began to grin as well. "Ooh, I can't wait to see their faces when they see him. Oh, and when Igneous finally sees his new daughters for the first time." The old mare began to giggle. "Oh, I wish I knew how to work one of those new optical instruments that records images that can be stored directly, transmitted to another location, or both. What are those called again? Cloudy, Cloudy dear?"

"Huh?" The mare shook her head. "Sorry, what?"

"Water's boiling."

"Oh!" Cloudy Quartz quickly shut the heat off and set the kettle to the side to cool. "Right, sorry. I was just thinking about shutting my eyes real quick. Guess I must have fallen asleep or something."

"It's been a long night," Granny Pie said, checking the clock on the kitchen wall. The shorter arm inched ever closer to the twelve at the very top. "I think it'd be best to forget the tea and just go to bed. We want to be awake when Igneous arrives home."

"I suppose," Cloudy agreed reluctantly. She rubbed her eyes and bit back a yawn. "But--"

"Ah ah ah, none of that now, you silly filly," Granny Pie scolded playfully. "That husband of yours isn't going to appear in the middle of the night, You march that flank of yours straight to bed this instant."

Cloudy Quartz giggled as her mother-in-law pushed her toward the stairs. "I'm going, I'm going," she laughed. "Well, at least let me clean up."

"Oh, posh, the kitchen's clean enough. The mess'll still be here in the morning. Never leave till tomorrow what can be done today, unless it's late at night and it's not important and I tell you to."

"Alright, I'm going to bed," Cloudy conceded, letting Granny Pie nudge her up the stairs and toward the master bedroom. "Good night, Granny Pie," she said, nodding respectively to the older mare as she opened the door to the bedroom.

"Good night, dearie," Granny Pie said, brushing her lips against the pale mare's forehead. "Don't worry, he's on his way home."

"You think he still loves me?"

Granny Pie started and nearly tripped over herself. She turned back to Cloudy. "Of course he does," she said. "Why in Equestria wouldn't he?"

Cloudy stood awkwardly at the edge of the doorway. "It's silly, really," she said, rubbing her front hooves together, "but I can't help thinking about it. It's been almost two years, maybe he met somepony new, like a pretty young nurse or something. Or what if his tastes changed, and he decided to go for someone exotic? There are plenty of griffons where he is, and he's so...so..." The mare shuddered. "What if he just finds me boring now?" she asked. "I'm just this dull daughter of a rock farmer, and he's this great war hero now. What if--"

"That's enough." Granny Pie placed a hoof on Cloudy's shoulder. "You are a wonderful mare. You're a great wife and a magnificent mother." With strength that belonged to a pony a third of her age, she pulled Cloudy toward her and held the mare tightly. "If Igneous can't see that, he doesn't deserve you, but I know my son, and I know he would never let you go. A year or two won't change him that much," assured Granny Pie. "And don't forget, he didn't join the EUP for glory or any of that junk; he did it for us, for you and your little ones."

"You're right, I know," Cloudy Quartz said, pulling her muzzle out of Granny Pie's chest. "I'm being silly. I know Igneous. But I just can't shake this fear. I can't help it, I'm afraid."

Granny Pie tapped her chin. "Hmm, well you already know how silly this silly fear of yours is. Want to know the secret behind dealing with silly fears?"

"What is it?"

"Laugh."

Maud tugged at the blouse she wore and made a face. "Why do we have to wear clothes today, Ma?" she whined. "Me and Pinkamena want to go out to play."

"I do?" the pink filly said, tilting her head to the side. Her lops and cheeks were coated with blueberry jam, but the plain little dress she wore was miraculously stainless. "Wait, what am I saying? Of course I do! Can we go play outside, Mom? Please, please, please, please..."

"Pwease!" shrieked the baby in the highchair, her gray coat completely covered in apple sauce. Her young sister babbled along side her, pounding on the tray of her own towering throne.

"Absolutely not," Cloudy Quartz said sternly. She was wearing a neat yellow sundress underneath her dirtied apron. "I told you, somepony very important is coming here today, so we all have to look our best. I don't want to see a spot on those clothes, understand?"

"Posh," declared old Granny Pie from behind as she stirred a pot of oatmeal. "He'd be happy to see all of you even if you all stood in front of him naked."

"But Granny," Maud said while Pinkamena giggled, "we don't usually wear clothes anyways. Aren't we normally naked?"

"Then shaved," Granny amended with a cheeky grin as she glanced over her shoulder at her eldest granddaughter. "He'd be the happiest pony in Equestria if he saw every single one of you with every bit of hair shave off, from mane to tail."

"This pony sounds silly," Pinkamena piped in. "I like him. Do we know him?"

"Possibly," Granny Pie said, giving Pinkamena a mysterious wink. "But I'd hate to ruin the surprise. Unless you want me to tell you that the pony visiting is--"

"No!" screamed the two older Pie sisters together. The younger Pies joined in after, clapping and stomping their hooves against their bowls as they yelled happily. Granny smiled and returned to tending the oatmeal.

"Well, if this pony doesn't mind if we're not dressed, can we take these clothes off and play in the garden?" Maud asked. "If we have to, we can always just put them back on before the guest arrives."

Cloudy released a breath of frustration. "I suppose so," she conceded. "But stay out of the dirt," she warned as her daughter cheered and began to toss off their attire. "There might not be enough time for a bath."

Pinkamena and Maud nodded vigorously before dashing off. Cloudy Quartz shook her head before turning to the two babies pulling at her mane for attention. "Where do those two find their energy?" Cloudy mumbled.

"They remind me of their father," Granny Pie said, smirking. Her eyes shone as she recollected. "Igneous was always running around. I could barely keep up."

"Now that I find hard to believe," said the pale mare with a smile as she carefully removed her hair out of the dark purple babe's mouth.

"Oh, believe me, Igneous was a wild child, and he didn't have any siblings or neighbors, so guess who had to be his playmates?" Granny Pie shook her head and laughed. "Oh, he mellowed out a bit after he got his cutie mark but only a bit. Want to know how I got this scar?" the elderly mare asked, gesturing to her forehead.

"What scar?" Cloudy inquired. She stared intently at where her mother-in-law was pointing. "I don't see anything."

"Really? Huh, must have faded away," Granny Pie said, her voice tingling with disappointment. She quickly brightened however as she said, "Well, it has been over ten years, that shouldn't have been much of a surprise. Anyways, Igneous decided he wanted to build a swing all by himself. Of course, we didn't have any spare wood at the time, so Igneous tried chiseling one out of a boulder. When that took too long, he got creative, pushing that rock down hills and into lakes. Eventually, he got the good idea of riding the darn rock like those circus clowns balancing on balls."

"He didn't get hurt, did he?" Cloudy asked, moving to the edge of her seat.

"Of course not. He didn't dare after seeing me try first and crack my head open," answered Granny Pie with a chuckle, not noticing Cloudy's sickened look. "Like an egg. Oh, poor Igneous cried and cried and cried. It took forever to convince him I wasn't dying, and it took even longer for him to stop blaming himself."

"Oh, well, that's quite a tale," the younger mare said, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "I wonder why Igneous never told me that one before."

"Who knows?" the elderly Pie said, shrugging. "Oh, and then there was--"

A sharp knock sounded out from the front of the house. Both mares turned abruptly toward that direction before glancing over at each other. The babies, as if suddenly capable of reading the mood, ceased wailing and became silent.

"Is that...him?" Cloudy Quartz whispered.

"Well, the letter never did give a time," Granny Pie reminded. "It could be."

"Maud! Pinkamena Diana!" Cloudy shouted, running over to the window above the kitchen sink. "Come inside right this instant!" She turned to the babies watching her with wide eyes, and attacked their messy faces with napkins. "Granny, could you get the door?" she asked as she fought to clean the babies who struggled with all their might. "And can you see if you can delay him a bit? Oh, this place is such a mess. I'm such a mess. I need to wash my face."

"Dear, calm down. You look fine. The kitchen looks fine."

"I only need a minute," Cloudy begged. "Please, Mother?"

Granny Pie sighed. "You had to use the m word, didn't you," she said, frowning. She switched off the stove and covered the pot of hot cereal with a lid. "It'd be hilarious if it was just a salespony. Better hurry, dear," the old mare said. Before she could even blink Cloudy had disappeared, and the two highchairs became unoccupied.

There was another knock. "I'm coming!" Granny Pie hollered as she made her way out of the kitchen, through the house, and toward the front door. She set a hoof on the door handle, cleared her throat, and waited. She tapped as she counted the seconds, her lips moving as she silently kept time.

The door swung open just as the stallion outside was about to bring his hoof against it. Granny Pie squinted at the pony who had knocked. "You're not my son," she said, squinting at the pegasus's blue mane, white fur, and dull golden armor. Her eyes slowly drifted lower toward the wheelchair beside the stranger and at the cloaked, hunched over figure in it.

"Are you a relative of an Igneous Rock?" the stallion in armor asked.

Granny Pie didn't answer. She instead approached the figure in the chair. With quivering hooves, she reached toward the figure who began to shrink back.

"Ma'am?"

Again, Granny Pie ignored the armored stallion. She touch the figure's hood and hesitated. Taking a deep breath, she threw the dark cloth off, revealing the caramel equine face, dusty yellow eyes, and short, gray mane underneath.

"I-Igneous?" Granny Pie whispered. Her heart sank as she saw the cloaked pony recoil at her gentle touch. "Rocky, what happened?" She turned to the stallion standing to the side. "What happened to him?" she demanded.

"We sent a letter explaining his discharge," the guard said. "Did it fail to arrive?"

"We got your letter," Granny Pie said, her voice low and her eyes narrowing, "but it didn't anything about a wheelchair. What happened to him?" she asked again. "Rocky, what in Equestria happened to you?"

Igneous simply bowed his head without saying a word. "He's a little tired, ma'am," his escort explained. "He's had a difficult trip, especially considering his injuries. Don't worry, they're nothing serious," the white stallion said just as Granny Pie opened her mouth. "It's nothing serious, nothing he can't recover from anyways. The chair's only temporary. We'll be back in a week to get it back."

He chuckled. Granny Pie just stared, unamused. The pegasus cleared his throat. "Ma'am, it may be best to continue inside," he said. "It is a rather nice day, but perhaps your son might be more comfortable indoors. He's had a long trip, after all."

"Oh, yes." Granny Pie quickly stepped out and let the guard wheel Igneous in. She thought she saw Igneous's eyes flicker as he entered into the house. "Where are my manners?" the elderly mare said as she shut the door behind her. "Would you like some tea, perhaps some rock candy?"

"No thank you, ma'am, I don't want to overstay my welcome," the pegasus said. "Now, I--"

"Daddy?"

Everypony's head lifted at the sudden exclamation, but Igneous found the source first. He bit his lip as Maud slowly approached, her smock muddy.

"Daddy, you're back!" Maud cried. She rushed forward, her forelegs out, only to find herself hugging the stranger who jumped between her and her father.

The stallion gently removed Maud from his front but stood unyieldingly as the filly tried pushing past him. "That's, uh, not a good idea right now," he said. "Your father--she is his child, right?" the guard asked, turning to Granny Pie. She answered with a nod. "Your father's has a long journey, and he's awfully sore right now."

"But I wanna see Daddy!" Maud protested.

"Daddy's home?" Pinkamena asked as she wandered in with her mother right behind her. Cloudy Quartz's mane had become frazzled and messy, and her dress was wrinkled, though compared to the tattered little piece of cloth dangling from her mouth they might as well have belonged to the royalty. Cloudy opened her mouth, the first syllables of a scold on the tip of her tongue, only for it to widen further as she noticed the stallion in the wheelchair. The remains of Pinkamena's dress drifted to the floor.

"Igneous?" Cloudy whispered, her voice trembling. "It's really you. Oh, thank Celestia, it's really--"

Like her eldest, Cloudy found herself trying to shove past the strange stallion in armor. The yearning seen in her eyes and her features became bewilderment. Confusion fed desperation, and the interloper was forced to take a step back as the mare pushed forward.

"Ma'am, please," the stallion grunted, sweat covering his brow from the effort. He was all but wrestling with the pony at this point. "Ma'am, I--"

"I don't care who you are," Cloudy snarled. "I want to see my husband!"

"Cloudy..." Granny Pie said gently. She placed a firm hoof on the mare's shoulder and slowly separated her from the struggling guard. "Calm down. Igneous is home, you can wait. Let's let the nice stallion speak."

Cloudy remained red, but she let herself be dragged back to her children. "I-I'll go get Marble and Limestone," she said, turning toward the kitchen. "You'll love them," she added, giving Igneous a small smile.

Igneous blinked.

"Right, so," the stallion began, "I think it'd be best if I explained everything and left as soon as possible. I'm sure you have much to catch up on."

"Oh, Cloudy won't take long," assured Granny Pie. She gestured toward a nearby chair. "Please, sit. Pinkie, Maud? Why don't you two help your father into his favorite cushion? Be care, dears."

The pegasus guard rubbed the front of his leg nervously. "I don't think that's a--"

"Nonsense," Granny laughed. "Igneous loves his rocking chair, don't you Rocky?"

Igneous didn't response as the two fillies carefully supported him out of the wheelchair and lead him to the rocking chair. For a moment, he simply sat there rigidly with his back straight. Slowly, very slowly, he slid back until his back touched the chair's.

"Dad?" Maud whispered. "It's a rocking chair, you have to rock in it. Like this."

The sudden breath Igneous's escort held was audible to everypony in the room as Maud tipped the chair backwards and let it right itself. The chair then pitched forward before falling back. Back and forth rocked the chair and Igneous with it, like a boat over waves of an irritated sea. Eventually, the rocker lost the momentum and came to a stop. Igneous made no attempt to move, so Maud pulled the chair back again as Pinkamena began to giggle.

"Silly Daddy, you forgot how to rock," the pink filly said. She reached forward and helped her sister. "Don't worry, me and Maud can teach you."

For the fraction of a second, Granny Pie thought she saw the very ends of her son's lips twitch. Before she could speculate, Cloudy Quartz walked in with the babies in a quaint little carriage. Cloudy took a seat on the couch next to Granny Pie and sat the foals inside the reach of her forelegs. After cooing to the foals and smiling at her husband, Cloudy glared at the stranger in her house. The stallion squirmed in his borrowed chair.

"I don't think we ever got your name, youngster," Granny Pie said. "But if you're a friend of Igneous, then you're a friend to us all." Cloudy's stare quickly softened as the older mare spoke.

"Oh, I'm not exactly a friend, per se. My name is Orderly, Corporal Orderly," the guard said. "I'm the, that is, one of the coordinators of the second division of the Volunteer Corps, that is, the division Igneous Rock was a member of. Anyways, I'm certain you all have many questions, but my explanation might clear some things up."

"Like why Daddy forgot to give Mommy a kiss?" Maud asked, tilting her head innocently as her sister giggled and mother blushed.

A bulge could be seen traveling down his throat as Orderly swallowed. "First, monthly allowance will cease by the end of this month. All final compensations for services will be mailed within thirty-one business days--"

Pinkamena raised a hoof. "What's a business day?" she asked.

"A day for business," Maud whispered. "Duh."

"Oh."

"If compensations are not received by the end of the thirty-one day time frame, you are to contact the EUP Guard of the Protective Pony Platoons main headquarters, located in Canterlot, by appointment," Orderly continued. "All appointments must be made within--"

"I want to know happened to my husband," Cloudy said, her glower returning. She set her hoof on top of Igneous's. There was no reaction, and her hoof retreated after an awkward minute. "Why was he in a wheelchair?" Cloudy looked over to her mother-in-law. "We were told he had been injured, but they didn't say...they said..."

"Daddy's hurt?" Pinkie said, gasping. Her lower lip began to quiver. Maud quickly pulled her into her lap.

"Don't be silly, Daddy said he's too tough to get hurt, remember?" said Maud. "See, Daddy's fine, right Daddy?"

Igneous slowly closed his eyes and looked away. Maud's smile faded. "D-Dad?"

"He's just a little tired," Orderly assured with a half-hearted grin. "Igneous Rock's wounds aren't serious, but he will be sore for a few weeks. He won't be able to walk without a limp for the first few days, but as long as he gets plenty of rest, he'll be fine. Other than that, he's in good physical health. A doctor will be sent over at the end of the month for a check-up, but by then he should have recovered."

"That's good," Cloudy Quartz said, exhaling in relief as she held a hoof to her chest.

"Yes, it is," the pegasus agreed. He rubbed his foreleg anxiously and stared at the stallion in the rocking chair. "There is, however, another concern that needs to be addressed, something rather important."

"More administration?" Granny Pie sighed. "I need some tea."

"No, not exactly," Orderly said. "It's about, well, Igneous's stability."

"Stability?"

"Yes," Orderly answered, nodding toward Cloudy. "You may have noticed that Igneous has been acting somewhat...subdued at the moment. Part of that is because of the physical fatigue from the journey, but there's more to it. I understand that you're all excited to see him, but you must understand that the transition back into civilian life can be tricky."

"I don't get it," said Pinkamena as she wiggled out of her sister's grip. "Isn't Daddy just tired?"

"It's..." Orderly waved pointlessly as he sought desperately for an explanation. "It's complicated," he settled, turning to the two mares in the room. "It's not uncommon for veterans to experience emotional turmoil after returning. I'm sure Igneous is just as excited to see you as you are to see him, he's just having some trouble showing it. He's just a bit confused, with all these mixed feelings and everything bouncing around in his head." The guard's hollow chuckle seemed to linger uncomfortably in the air.

"So this is normal?" Cloudy asked uncertainly, gesturing toward her husband.

"Oh, definitely. Most ponies do tend to face difficulty when returning to their old lives, though it's harder for some. Igneous just needs some time getting back into the swing of things, you just need to be a little patient."

"Is that right?" Granny Pie said slowly.

"Yes, of course, ma'am," Orderly hastily declared. "There, uh, will be a psychiatrist running by every so often to make sure Igneous is settling in mentally. Normal procedure, of course, nothing to worry about."

"What's a psy-sih-artist?"

"Brain doctor," Maud answered before hushing her sister.

"Right. Uh, that's all." Orderly said, getting out of his seat. He extended his hoof awkwardly toward Cloudy, then to Granny Pie. "It was a pleasure to meet you all, and, uh, if you have any questions, feel free to contact the EUP Guard of the Protective Pony Platoons main administration offices, located in Canterlot."

"Are you sure you don't want something to drink?" Granny Pie offered as she led the pegasus toward the front door.

"Oh, most certainly," Orderly said, nodding rapidly. "There's still plenty to do, plenty to do."

"Ah, well." Granny Pie smiled warmly. "Have a safe trip."

Orderly suddenly hesitated. He turned around, stared back at the elderly Pie, and bit his lip. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but quickly changed his mind and hurried down the dirt road. Granny Pie watched curiously until all she could see was a shiny glint as sunlight was reflected off the dull metallic breastplate. "An awfully jittery fellow," she said to herself, turning away from the road.

As she returned into the house, her upper back began to moan and creak. Her nose wiggled and she started to blink uncontrollably and inconsistently. Granny Pie waited for the body to stop shivering and for feeling to return to her spine before entering the living room Never felt that one before she thought to herself. "It's probably nothing, she said to herself.

"What's nothing, Granny?" Maud asked. She and Pinkamena sat around their father's chair. The younger sister chatted rapidly.

"Oh, it's nothing to worry about," Granny Pie said. She gently patted Maud's head and playfully tossed her mane. As Maud squirmed and giggled, Granny Pie faced the stallion slowly rocking. "So, Igneous, welcome home."

Igneous bowed his head and nodded.

"Is there anything you'd like to eat?" Cloudy asked, approaching. "Maybe some tea? Igneous, dear?"

"Tea sounds good."

Igneous Rock's voice came out harsh and hoarse, as if his entire throat was made of sand or if he had been forced to gurgle granite. He was the first to wince as the words left his mouth, and he rubbed the front of his neck before swallowing. His two oldest daughters stared at him with wide eyes and mouths agape. Cloudy Quartz recovered quickly, and a great big smile spread across her face.

"Of course, love," she said. "Just let me--"

"Cloudy, why don't I get the tea?" Granny Pie interjected, stopping the younger mare with a soft tap. "The two of you have so much to catch up on. Why, I don't think you've even seen Marble or Limestone yet." The grandmother nudged Cloudy forward. "Go on, introduce them."

"R-right." The mare carefully picked up her foals. The light gray one squealed as she was raised while her sister clung to her mother's neck. "Marble, Limestone, this is your father," Cloudy said, wincing as the darker foal grabbed at her mother's hair with her mouth. "Igneous, meet your daughters."

"We're here too!" Pinkamena chirped, leaning forward onto Igneous's chair. "Daddy, don't forget me and Maud!"

Slowly, timidly even, Igneous Rock lifted a hoof and rested it on the pink filly's head. Pinkamena closed her eyes and smiled blissfully, pushing her head forward. When Igneous removed his hoof, Pinkamena frowned and looked around, confused. "Don't I get a hug?" the filly whined.

"Pinkamena, your father's tired," Cloudy chided. "There'll be plenty of time for hugs later."

"Okay," said Pinkamena dejectedly. She slumped back onto the ground.

"Good, now--"

Everypony leapt at the loud crash coming from the kitchen. A series of additional clanks and thuds followed. Igneous's hooves whitened and his muscles grew tight as he tried to lift himself out of the rocking chair while Cloudy looked around room hurriedly as the babies she held began to cry.

"Maud, take Marble," she said, depositing the light gray foal into the similarly colored filly's hooves. Cloudy's gaze lingered on young Pinkamena and her short forelegs eagerly outstretched for half a second before she turned and searched around the room for somepony to hold the other baby. It took only seconds for Cloudy's eyes to return to Igneous, whom was still struggling to rise from his seat.

"Igneous?" Cloudy asked. "Could you hold Limestone? I won't take a moment. It won't be long, please?"

Igneous stared at the bawling foal Cloudy was holding. He slowly fell back into his chair and, after a silent moment, wordlessly held out his fore limbs. Cloudy made sure the blueberry colored foal was secure and rushed out of the living room toward the kitchen. Igneous watched as she ran, the train of her dress swishing side to side.

"Maud..." Pinkamena moaned, grabbing at her ears as the shrill wails of the two babies filled the room.

"I'm trying, I'm trying," Maud snapped, her own ears flattening. "Come on Marble, stop crying. Please?" she pleaded. "Uh, hush now, quiet now, how did the rest of that song go?"

Little Marble grew louder, and she struggled against the grip of her older sister. Desperately, Maud looked around the room. "Pinkie, help!"

"How?" Pinkamena asked with panic in her voice.

"I don't know, make a funny face."

The young pink filly leaned forward and stuck out her tongue. Her blue eyes rolled around until she became cross-eyed. Marble became quiet, and suddenly the entire room was silent.

Maud released her breath. "I can't believe that--"

The little gray foal started screaming again, her cries more intense as she pushed ineffectually against Pinkamena's contorted face. Maud watched as tears slowly brimmed from Pinkamena's eyes as they realigned to their normal position. The younger sister sniffed, and her breaths became shaky. "Don't you start crying too," Maud said weakly, closer to a beg than to a demand. Her own lip was threatening to tremble.

"Here," came the hoarse voice behind her. Maud turned toward her father whom was holding out his free hoof as he gently rocked Limestone with his other foreleg. Unlike her sisters, Limestone was at peace, quietly snoring as she snuggling closer to the stallion holding her. Igneous Rock gestured to Maud again, and carefully accepted the crying foal.

Maud watched as Igneous cradled Marble and slowly swayed her back and forth. He lowered his head and gently rested his forehead against the baby's. Gradually, Marble's sobs quieted, and the flow of tears leaking from her purple eyes slowed. Pinkamena wiped her own eyes with the back of her hoof as she marveled at how easily Igneous managed to calm both babies down. Maud, though just as impressed, was drawn not to the peaceful foals Igneous held but to the smile he now wore. The familiar sight filled her with warmth, like standing under a sun ray or next to a fireplace, and Maud herself began to smile. She took a step forward.

"Sorry for the wait," Granny Pie announced cheerfully as she walked in. She held a small tray with a plain teapot and teacups. Cloudy Quartz followed closely behind with a plate of cookies. "Oh, you don't need to worry, Rocky," she said, noticing Igneous attempt to leave his seat.

"Are you alright?" Igneous asked.

"Perfectly fine, dear," the old mare assured, grinning. "It looks like the three of you are getting along just fine," she said, looking at the foals relaxing against the brown stallion in the rocking chair. "You know," Granny Pie said to Pinkamena and Maud, "your father used to rock the two of you to sleep when you were younger just like that. Heh, I bet he still could."

"Like right now?" Pinkamena gasped. "Can Daddy rock me and Maud in the rocking chair?"

"Maybe another time," Cloudy said, pouring out hot, steaming liquid into simple china cups. She set two on the table and brought one over to her husband. "Here," she offered. "I can take those two now."

The smile Igneous wore faded as the foals left his grasp and were replaced with a cup of tea. Marble and Limestone struggled for a moment and whimpered before falling back asleep against their mother. Cloudy took a seat on the couch next to her mother-in-law and reached for her own cup while Maud and Pinkamena raced toward the cookies. "Maud," Cloudy scolded, "watch your manners. Slow down, you're getting crumbs everywhere."

"So is Pinkamena, Mom," Maud said with her mouth full. She shot her younger sister an accusing look, to which Pinkamena responded by sticking out her tongue.

"Well duh," she said. "If I slow down, you'll eat more cookies than me, like last time."

"I should get more than you," Maud argued, spraying her sister with cookie bits. "I'm the oldest."

"Nuh uh!"

"Now now, girls," Granny Pie chuckled. "There's no need to fight, plenty of cookies for everypony." She turned to Igneous, whom had been staring at the tea cup sitting in his lap. "Igneous?" she said. "Would you like a cookie? They're your favorites, oatmeal."

Slowly, the stallion shook his head, keeping his eyes on his cup.

"You haven't touched your tea. Is everything alright?" Cloudy asked. "I tried to prepare it the way you've always liked it."

Again, Igneous shook his head. "It's fine," he whispered, bringing the cup to his lips. Everypony watched as he timidly dipped his tongue into the tea. He set the cup back down without making a sound. Neither did anypony else.

"Is it alright?" Cloudy said, finally breaking the silence. "We have honey, if you need it."

"I'm just tired," Igneous said, staring into his lap. "I'd like to go to bed, if that's alright."

"Bed alright?" Pinkamena groaned. "But we just got up."

"That's fine, dear," said Granny Pie, reaching over and ruffling her granddaughter's pink mane. "You can stay up a little longer."

Pinkamema frowned. "A little?"

Granny Pie merely smiled at the pouting filly before turning to the stallion in the rocking chair. "If you're really that tired, go right ahead," she said. "There'll be plenty of time to catch up later." After sharing a look, she and Cloudy quickly removed themselves, the foals, and the tea set from the couch.

"I was hoping for some privacy," Igneous said dully. He avoid the mares' gazes as he awkwardly rubbed his shoulder.

Cloudy chewed her lip slowly. "Of course, dear," she said after a hesitant second. Her voice sounded shaky, weak with disappointment, and she quickly cleared her throat. "That's fine. Maud, help your father to his bedroom please," Cloudy instructed. The filly jumped to her feet and hurried toward the stallion's side. "We'll call you down when supper's ready."

"You don't have to," Igneous Rock said. Slowly, he pushed himself up and out of the chair. He tried to ignore Maud's offered hoof, but after a long moment of fruitless struggling, Igneous conceded and allowed himself to lean against the filly. "Are you okay?" he whispered as Maud stumbled under his weight.

Maud nodded eagerly. "Yeah, I'm fine," she said, smiling. They approached the bottom of the stairs, with Pinkamena following closely behind. As they hobbled, Igneous returned the smile. It was weak, barely a twitch of his lips, but it was nevertheless a smile, and at the sight of it, Maud's own grew. "I'm a big pony now," she announced proudly as they took the first step onto the staircase.

The hint of a grin disappeared. "Yeah," Igneous muttered, sighing.

"I'm a big pony too," Pinkamena chirped. "I can help too. Let me help, let me help!"

"Pinkamena!" called her mother from the living room. "Help me clean up."

"Aw, but I wanna talk to Daddy!"

"Pinkamena Diane Pie..."

The filly groaned and stuck her tongue out at her sister before running off. Maud paused for a second to reply in similar fashion at Pinkamena's retreating figure, then restarted their trek upstairs. The two ponies gradually made progress as they ascended the stairs, passing a few framed photos along the way. Igneous's attention occasionally drifted to a picture for a short moment before returning to his slow and deliberate steps.

"Dad?" Maud asked, breaking the silence as the two reached the top of the stairs. "Tomorrow, do you think we can--"

"Not now, I'm tired."

"Oh." The two made their way down the hall, passing more photographs and other small mementos. This time, Igneous ignored all of them, his entire focus placed on the door in their path. Silently, they drew closer.

"Because I was hoping--"

"Not now," Igneous said again, closing his eyes. When he reopened them, he stood right in front of the door. "This is it, isn't it?" he said, looking over the large wooden board and it's frame. Feeling Maud nod her head as he leaned against her, Igneous shifted himself off of his daughter's shoulder and onto the wall so that he propped himself up next to the room entrance.

Maud walked next to him. "Daddy, do you need--"

"Not now," the stallion said, setting his hoof on the door nob. He took a deep breath, leaned his body against the door, and pushed it open, revealing a set of dressers, a pair of nightstands with a variety of items on them, and a bed made for two right besides a large crib. Igneous brushed past Maud's offered hoof and limped toward the bed, collapsing into it once he was in reach. A soft moan escaped him when he landed, muffled by a pillow.

"Dad," Maud said, making her way to the bedside, "are you okay?"

"Mmhm," was Igneous's exhausted reply. He rolled onto his side, facing Maud. "I'm fine," he said. "Just need some sleep." He turned to face the opposite wall. "Close the door on your way out."

He heard Maud's hoofsteps as she left the room. The door slowly creaked. "Dad?"

Igneous opened his eyes and looked toward the bedroom entrance. Maud stood at the threshold, fidgeting. "Can we...we can talk later, right?" she asked uncertainly.

Sighing, Igneous rolled back onto his side and said, "Yes, but not now, alright? Close the door."

A sharp click resonated through the room as Maud finally closed the door. The filly stared at the knob for a long minute before releasing it. Another minute passed, yet she remained just outside of the bedroom, waiting quietly for something that even she wasn't sure of. Maud raised her hoof up to the hard thick, wooden board, but she thought better of it and let her foreleg fall back to the floor.

"Daddy's just tired," Maud told herself, turning away from the door. "I can just ask him tomorrow." Nodding to herself, Maud walked through the hallway and towards the staircase. Every once and awhile, she caught herself glancing back over to her parents' room, and she would stop in her tracks, only to shake her head and force herself to continue moving.

As the taps Maud's steps made slowly diminish, Igneous propped himself up with a pillow and glared at the sunbeams that shone through the windows. He pulled himself out of bed and hobbled over to the plain blue curtains. Igneous dragged the fabrics over the glass, dimming the room. He limped back to bed, hugging the for support until he reached the nightstand. His hoof clumsily knocked a framed picture to the ground. Before he could control himself, he released the beginnings of a profane curse, stopping it with a frustrated inhale. He lowered himself and picked the photo up, running his hoof over the frame to check for cracks in the glass. Satisfied with the lack of damage, Igneous lifted it up to see.

There stood a young mare wearing a cream-colored dress. It was a simple arrangement, with a train barely long enough to cover her flanks and a single rose pinned to the front, held in place by a piece of lace, but its plainness did nothing to depreciate the beauty of the mare underneath the semitransparent veil. She wore a crown of flowers on her head and a amazingly radiant smile, one that Igneous couldn't help but try to imitate.

He followed the mare's gaze onto the stallion standing next to her. His front was adorned by a white suit shirt with a collar and a black tie. A black, wide brimmed hat sat on his head, with a red ribbon tied around its middle along with a rose. Those bright amber eyes captured from the past, shining with spirit and vigor, seemed to mock the tired and dull tan ones examining the picture now. To compare the smile he currently wore to the one he was wearing in the photo could have been deemed an insult to the past, and as if in shame, Igneous's lips drooped past the neutral line and down into a frown. Igneous set the picture back onto the nightstand and rubbed his face. As he brushed the sides of his face, Igneous turned back to the photo, staring at the younger stallion's cleanly shaven features. With his hooves, he traced the uneven patches of jagged hair cutting through his coat before sighing and hoisting himself into bed, setting the photograph back on the nightstand.

There was a knock at the door. "Igneous, dear?" came the voice of the mare from the photo. It had been some years since that picture had been taken, but Igneous could still hear the same soft music in her voice he had heard when she recited her vows.

He turned over onto the other side and ignored it.

"It's dinner time," Cloudy said from the other side of the door. "We made your favorite onion soup, and your mother made bread."

Again, Igneous replied with silence.

"We can bring you something, if you like."

"No thank you," the stallion said. He hoped his answer had been loud enough to pass through the thick door. When there was no response, he repeated himself more loudly:

"No thank you."

Igneous's ears flattened at the unintended harshness in his voice. He tried apologizing, but all he could muster were weak whispers, barely audible even to himself. Igneous forced himself to sit up, but the motion was too late; he could hear Cloudy's retreating steps fade. He let his head fall heavily back onto the soft pink pillow. He shivered and pulled the covers around him. Igneous ran a hoof over the stitches that connected each quilt patch to its siblings before shutting his eyes. The sounds of his breaths bounced against the walls, like the whispers of a breeze.

An owl's shriek came from outside. A wicked crooked claw tapped menacingly on the window, scratching at the window. Igneous flipped over and flung his pillow over his head. He hunched over and wrapped the blankets tighter around him.

His shaking returned as the door groaned open. Even with his eyes closed, Igneous was still bothered by the intrusive light that came from the hallway. He could feel the light's intensity grow, and he would hear the hoofsteps that companioned it. There was a soft cooing, a whimper, and a pair of yawns. He felt the bed sink slightly and a gentle tug at the covers. The light had vanished. Igneous released his hold on the blankets, shivering as cool air rushed over him. The quivering ceased quickly, however, as the cool empty space under the covers was filled with a new, warm body.

Cloudy timidly reached out a hoof toward Igneous's back. Her hoof drew back as if bitten or burnt the moment she felt Igneous jerk back at her touch. Cloudy Quartz let the limb fall back to her side. She quickly wiped her stinging eyes before shutting them. She breathed deeply to drown the cry stuck in her throat. He just needs a little space right now Cloudy reminded herself silently. Drowsiness slowly drifted over her thoughts covering them like a thick fog, and she yawned as if to release some of it. It's alright, he's still Igneous.

Sleep finally overtook her. Tears began to fall unhindered, staining her pillow.

There had been a time when her body would awaken before her conscious. It had been disorienting at first, opening her eyes and suddenly finding herself in the kitchen making breakfast or eating breakfast or performing aerobics, but young Granny Pie had eventually gotten used to her sleepwalking. She never tried to change or stop the odd habit since she believed it helped her conserve energy. Nopony who knew her could dispute that claim; some theorized that was how the little filly had so much energy to spare in the first place.

That was years ago, and that old habit left on its own. These days, Granny Pie's mind would awaken first and have to motivate the rest of her body to rise with it. Some days her body would cooperate, other days the lazy thing took hours of mental pleading, bargaining, and threatening. This morning was a cooperative one, and Granny Pie was pleased to the point of uncontrolled giggling at finding the kitchen completely deserted and without any sign of recent use.

She had already laid out a row of ingredients next to a large mixing bowl before glancing at the kitchen clock and noticing just how early she was up. "Maybe it's a little early for pancakes," she decided reluctantly, setting down the bag of flour. The elderly Pie swiftly returned everything to its proper place, and she left the room just as clean as she had entered. Granny Pie made her way back upstairs and peeked into the room Maud and Pinkamena shared. Their soft snores answered her inquiry, and she decided against barging in noisily to make sure the two sisters were indeed asleep.

Instead, Granny considered going back to bed, and it wasn't until she begun twisting the doorknob for the guest room that she realized how energetic she felt this hour. The master bedroom was right down the hall. Perhaps, Granny Pie thought, her son or her daughter-in-law was awake and was simply lazing around, unwilling to get up.

Cloudy twitched at the sound of the knock, but her eyes remained closed and made no other sign of awareness. Interpreting the lack of response as a invitation, Granny Pie opened the door and stepped into the room. She found Igneous sitting, leaning his back against the bed's headboard, his head turned toward her as his body faced Cloudy.

Igneous gave his mother a short nod before turning his head back to the mare sleeping next to him. "Mother," he said quietly.

"Rocky," Granny Pie replied, walking on the tips of her hooves to his side. "Are you feeling better today?"

"A little, I guess," Igneous answered.

"Must have been awhile since the last time you've slept in a nice soft bed, eh?" Granny Pie chuckled. "That must have helped."

"Yes."

"Not to mention next to such a fine young mare," the old pony teased. "I suppose a wife's caress does wonders, am I right?"

She expected Igneous to stutter in embarrassment or, at the very least, blush at her suggestive implications. Instead, the stallion simply reach out slowly and hovered a hoof timidly over a lock of dark hair running over his wife's shoulder. He quickly withdrew as Cloudy sighed in her sleep and turned on her side. He brought his cold hoof to his lips.

"So, you're up early," Granny Pie said, changing the subject. "Still on military time?"

"Maybe," Igneous replied, rubbing his face sluggishly.

"Well, since you're up, want to help me make some pancakes? You didn't eat last night, so you must be starving."

"I'm fine," Igneous asserted just as a low rumble escaped from his belly hidden beneath the covers. He scowled at the traitorous organ as Granny Pie stifled a giggle.

"I'd listen to your gut," the old mare joked, poking at the blankets. "Come on, when was the last time we prepared a meal together, just the two of us?"

"A long time," Igneous replied quietly into his lap.

"When was it?" Granny Pie tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Oh, it must have been that one Hearts and Hooves Day."

"Hearth Warming Eve."

"Eh?"

"Hearth Warming Eve," Igneous repeated, shutting his eyes. "Five years ago. Cloudy was with Pinkamena. There was shepherd's pie and pudding, Dad's recipe. You tried teaching it to Maud."

Granny Pie smiled. "You remembered," she said.

"Wing loved pie," muttered Igneous as he slowly crawled out of bed, ignoring the hoof his mother held out.

"What was that, wings?" Granny Pie asked.

"Nothing," the stallion responded, supporting himself against the mattress as he limped toward the door. His hoof slipped, and suddenly he pitched forward. Granny Pie rushed toward him as fast as mare her age could, catching Igneous with her body. She gasped as the weight sent her old knees buckling.

Almost immediately, Igneous pushed himself off the elderly mare and onto the floor, landing with a loud thud. Cloudy Quartz sprung up at the sound, tossing aside the covers with her eyes wide. Her first glance went toward the crib beside her, and after seeing the two snoring lumps beneath the small blue blankets, undisturbed by the noise, she turned to her husband and her mother-in-law on the other side. Cloudy leapt out of bed and stood dancing anxiously between the two, torn between supporting the shaking old mare or assisting the injured stallion struggling to rise.

"Don't worry about me, dearie," Granny Pie insisted, groaning as she popped her shoulders back into place and straightened out her legs with a crackle. "I think Igneous needs your help more than I do."

"I'm fine!" Igneous snapped fiercely, pulling away from Cloudy. "I don't need any--"

As the mare shrunk back, Igneous shut his eyes and turned away with an angry sigh. "I'm...I'm sorry," he apologized. The attempted gentleness was lost under his icy tone, but he hoped, at the very least, his words would be devoid of the earlier hostility. "I shouldn't have--"

A piercing wail rang out and soon filled the entire bedroom, swiftly joined by a second cry. Cloudy immediately rushed toward the crib and shoved a side down. She took hold of the two bellowing foals and carefully sat back onto the bed behind her, cradling and cooing while Igneous slowly pulled himself up onto his unsteady hooves.

"They sound hungry," Granny said sagely as she nodded her head and stroked the tip of her chin. "Yep, that's definitely hunger cries. Guess that makes three of us, and there'll be more pretty soon. Come on, Igneous," she said, marching toward the door. "Cloudy'll need some privacy, and we're going to need pancakes."

This time, Igneous didn't argue and grudgingly accepted Granny Pie's offered shoulder with nothing more than a defeated look. He turned back toward his wife just before leaving and tried to emulate the smile Cloudy Quartz gave him. It felt lopsided and uncomfortable, and as Limestone and Marble's cries intensified, Igneous turned around and let the weak imitation die, closing the door behind him.

The two made slow progress through the hallway, but the pace didn't seem to bother either of them. At least, Granny Pie didn't seem to mind terribly, with her head held up high and proudly. Igneous kept himself busy by distracting himself with the photographs along the hall. Occasionally, Granny Pie would ask a simple question, like if Igneous still preferred honey to syrup or if he thought the pancakes went better with milk and tea or with coffee and sugar. Igneous's responses were short, but they were there, and the Pie matron was fine with them. Not happy or ecstatic or even truly satisfied, but at least he was talking.

"Pinkamena's birthday's in a few months, isn't it?"

Granny Pie nearly dropped Igneous to the floor in surprise. "That's right," she said, quickly replacing her opened mouth with a smile. "You made it."

Igneous sighed. "That's right," he muttered solemnly. "I made it."

"What's the matter?" Granny Pie asked as they carefully moved down the stairs.

"Nothing really," the stallion quickly said. "I just brought it up because I saw...that picture, the one with Maud with Pinkamena in front of a cake and wearing my hat, was that taken this year?" he asked, pointing back upstairs.

"In front of a...oh!" Granny Pie shook her head. "Oh no, that was actually the year you left. We were all amazed at how Pinkie managed to sit still long enough to take the photograph. You know how hard it is normally. We gave Maud your old hat, I hope that's not a problem."

"Sounds like such an awful gift, couldn't you have gotten her something better?"

"There was really only one thing she wanted," Granny Pie said. They had entered the kitchen, and she helped Igneous into a seat before preparing a kettle of water. "That hat was the closest thing to it, and besides, she loved it. It's a nice hat."

"Hmm. She seems...older."

"Who, Maud?" The old mare chuckled. "Well, she's been trying to take the big sister role more seriously ever since Marble and Limestone were born. If you think you're up for it, can you get some flour and start on the mix?"

Igneous pulled himself up and limped to the cupboard. He rolled the bag of flour onto the floor and pushed it toward the counter next to the stove. "I should have been there," he said. "I should have been here to see them."

"Hey now, no need for any blame," Granny Pie scolded, patting her son's shoulders. "We all understand why you enlisted, even Maud and Pinkamena. You risk so much for this family, you should be proud." She squeezed Igneous's foreleg. "Your father definitely would be."

"Father hated the military," Igneous said dully. His leg laid limply in his mother's grasp.

"Hate's a strong word," said Granny Pie, releasing Igneous and scooping out flour with a cup. "He just had a strong opinion. But regardless of his thoughts toward organized institutions in general, your father loved family and understood sacrifice, and if you had to join to help your family, I think he'd probably forgive you within a decade. Or two," she amended with a smile. "Stubborn as a stone sometimes, that stallion. Could you grab some eggs from the fridge?"

"Of course." Igneous hobbled to the refrigerator in the corner, holding himself up with the countertop. He opened the large box's door and reached in, his hoof shivering in the cold. He could just see the carton of eggs, but his path was blocked by a jug of milk and a bundle of carrots. The carrots could be pushed to the side, but there was no room to move the milk except in his direction and out of the fridge. Igneous removed his other hoof from the side of the refrigerator and reached it inside as well. With the jug safely secured in both hooves, Igneous carefully pulled it out.

"Dad?"

As Igneous turned, the jug flew from his grasp and shattered, followed shortly by a loud cry. A few pieces slid brushed past him, sliding freely in the spilt milk. Breathing heavily, Igneous took an unsteady step back, carefully avoiding the mess, and looked up. Maud was at the kitchen entrance, raising her head slowly. She held her hooves over her mouth. Her eyes were massive, her pupils shrunk into pins, and she seemed to sway as if being pushed around by a strong wind.

"H-hey, it's alright," Igneous assured uncertainly. "You just surprised me, that's all. I'm not hurt, see?" The stallion held out a hoof. Maud gasped and slowly inched back. Igneous frowned. "Maud, what--"

"Rocky, what did you do?"

Igneous turned to his mother. The look on her face, with her eyes wide with fear and her mouth slightly opened and its edges pushing downward, filled him with worry. The accusing tone he heard, however, angered him. "What did I do?" he asked testily. "I just dropped milk, that's all." He turned back to the filly in front of him. "Maud, come here, let's make sure you're not hurt."

The filly didn't move. She stared anxiously at her father instead, swallowing as she watched his brow cease.

"Maud, come here now," Igneous tried coaxing again, this time a little more forcefully. Maud's large eyes quivered as water slowly brimmed over and tears rolled down her grey check. Her head shook side to side ever so slightly. Igneous's impatience grew. "Come here!" he shouted, his temper flaring.

Maud's hooves fell from her face, and she ran away from the kitchen. "No, Maud, wait!" Igneous cried out, moving after her. A careless step landed in a puddle of milk and ceramic shards, and he collapsed against the hard kitchen floor, moaning as the impact shook his entire body. Granny Pie ran over him, moving faster than a mare a fifth of her age in Maud's direction. Igneous could hear the slamming of a door as he tried to crawl past the jug's jagged pieces, ignoring the danger they posed as Maud's last appearance flashed in his mind.

Her hooves had hidden bruises that were rapidly spreading across her checks. Her lips had been leaking crimson, staining her hoof red, the same color marking the edges of the shards he crawled by. The fear in her eyes, her tears, his mother's words...

"...what did you do?"

Igneous Rock sat at the kitchen table with his head buried behinds his hooves. Cloudy stood beside him, glancing over at him anxiously. She laid a hoof on his shoulder, but there was no response from the stallion. Awkwardly, Cloudy removed her attempted comforting touch and instead placed her hoof on the little cradle, gently rocking the babies inside. She turned to the pot on the stove just as Granny Pie crossed the threshold.

Igneous lifted his head. "How's--" he began, his voice cracking. "H-how's Maud?" he tried again.

"Maud's..." The old mare hesitated. "Maud's in her room right now. She doesn't seem too terribly hurt, more shocked than anything."

"I-I should go see her," Igneous said, rising.

"No," Granny Pie replied sharply. "Not now. Cloudy, dear? You go. Talk to Pinkamena first and make sure she stays out." The elderly mare turned to her son. "I need to talk to Igneous. Don't worry, I'll watch the foals too."

Cloudy Quartz looked between her mother-in-law and her husband and nodded. Granny Pie waited for the sounds of the mare's steps to disappear before saying, "Igneous Rock, what happened back then?"

The stallion lowered his head back down against the table. "I don't know," he muttered weakly.

"I don't know what I saw, but it--"

"It was an accident, I swear!" Igneous screamed, grabbing at his mane. "I didn't mean to hurt her. I didn't want to hurt her!" His entire body began to quake violently. "I-I didn't--"

Something warm crushed Igneous's face, muffling his rankled sobs. Tears fell into Granny Pie's chest as she held the weeping stallion close. She raised a hoof, held it over her lips, and blew a quick "shh" at the two foals watching from the cradle. Obediently, they laid back down on their sides and shut their eyes.

"It's alright," Granny Pie whispered, patting the stallion's back. "Shh, everything's going to be okay."

"It's all my fault! It's all my fault!"

"Everything's going to be okay," Granny Pie cooed. "There, there, I'm here, I'm here."

Slowly, the old mare began to rock back and forth, cradling the grown stallion in her hooves. She began to hum, softly at first, then louder until, gradually, the little melody could be heard over the bitter sobs. Even after the stallion's cries were reduced to hiccups, Granny Pie's wordless song continued to wash over them.

"I'm so sorry."

"I know, child, it's alright."

"I didn't mean..."

"It's alright. Everything's going to fine," Granny Pie assured. She felt Igneous's shaking gradually weaken, his cries now short exhausted breaths. She rested her chin on his head, pulling him closer. Igneous didn't try to fight against the embrace, choosing instead to hang motionlessly in his mother's hold. He leaned back and quickly dried his face with his foreleg.

"What happened to you, Rocky?" Granny Pie asked softly, breaking the silence.

"I-I saw--it was..." Igneous broke free from the old mare. He shook his head and shuddered.

"If you don't want to talk now, we can--"

"Do you remember Crag?"

"Crag?" Granny Pie repeated.

"His father own the old local drugstore back then. He kept coming over and trying to sell us rock candy."

"Oh!" Granny Pie nodded. "Sugar Crag, yes, a nice colt. A pity about the old drugstore though," she said with a sigh. "At least Mountain Crag still had the old family rock farm."

"He was in the same division as me. He got married to some city mare a couple of years ago in the spring. The missus was a few moons pregnant with his first," Igneous explained. "He needed the money, just like me. A lot of the stallions there were like that, joining for the compensation." A small smile lit across his face. "This one pegasus, Wing Egress, really young, he was planning to use his earnings to pay for the Wonderbolt academy entry fee," he said.

"Sounds like an ambitious colt," Granny Pie said.

"He was," Igneous agreed. "He was pretty small, and a lot of the other pegasi teased him, but he was fun to have around, always laughing and joking, even with the locals." Igneous closed his eyes. "He got along with the locals, so we didn't think...didn't think..." He took a deep breath. "There was this little griffin girl running toward us with a box, about the same age as Maud now. Wing thought it was gift, we all did. The children liked him. We didn't think the girl was an insurgent."

For a moment, Granny Pie simply stared blankly. "She was--" the old mare began, only to suddenly stop herself with a gasp. Her hoof flew to her mouth.

"The Imperials warned us," continued Igneous, rubbing his hooves together. "I remember this one griffin dressed in silver armor, with a red feather in her cap, every time she saw Wing playing with the locals, she'd shake her head and chase off the children. I remember her telling us to be more careful, that not everyone wanted Equestrians getting in the way, that the rebels were everywhere and could be anyone." Igneous pressed down on his hoof to keep it from shaking. "We couldn't...we couldn't even recognize the body."

"Oh, Igneous..."

"We kept hearing whispers about Imperial guards being blown to bits, but it all felt so far away until we saw it happen right in front of us. I remember thinking, sweet Celestia, why? Why were we here? Why wasn't I back at home, with Cloudy and Maud and Pinkamena? Why, why, why?" The last word came out as an angry snarl. "It wasn't even our war, I remember thinking that night. Why were we fighting? That night," Igneous said, his voiced lowering, "I-I considered deserting. I didn't, but I...I thought about it. And I kept thinking about it for months, about how I'd run and escape the instant I could.

"I never told you how I was injured, did I?" asked Igneous.

"You don't have to," Granny Pie said, her hooves folded over Igneous's. When the broken stallion tried to stare at her, she quickly lowered her glance, praying silently that he failed to notice the twinkle of curiosity in her eyes. "Really, you don't."

"We were on patrol," Igneous said, seemingly ignoring his mother. "Crag, this unicorn named Opus, Lance the pegasus, Knocker, and a griffin called Glen and me. It was just supposed to be a routine check outside the city when we were attacked. I couldn't even see the enemy or who shot me. The moment I saw blood, I just collapsed, just dropped everything and tried to keep still."

Igneous's words were bitter. As he spoke, he stared at the floor.

"There was a lot of shouting. Something tripped over me, but I just tried to stay still. I remember closing my eyes and a flash. There was a loud crash, and suddenly my ears were ringing. By the time the ringing stopped, it was completely silent. The insurgents retreated, I figured, but I waited a few minutes to make sure. When I finally opened my eyes, the alarm bugle was sounding so I knew help was on the way.

"I found out Crag was the pony that tripped and fell on top of me only after I pushed him off me so I could get up," Igneous said. "No one else survived, and he didn't last long enough for help to arrive. H-he thought he had fallen over a rock. He thought I was a rock!"

Igneous pounded on the table weakly as he wiped his eyes again.

"I think Crag was delusion. He kept calling me pa and made me promise him I wouldn't sell the rock farm. Then he started to ramble about how he couldn't wait to be reborn as a rock, how he hoped he'd end up as something strong, like granite. I couldn't help but laugh," Igneous said, chuckling joylessly. "I-I couldn't help it. Here he was, bleeding from ten different holes, and the only thing on his mind was what kind of mineral he wanted to be. And all I could do was watch and laugh, because the only other thing I could was apologize because it was my fault." Igneous raised his head, turning to his mother, who noticed tears fall anew from his yellow eyes. "Crag died because of me! It was my fault!"

"It wasn't your fault, Rocky," Granny Pie said, reaching toward the shivering stallion. "You didn't kill anypony."

Igneous backed away from the comforting hoof. "But I didn't do anything! I didn't try to help and fight off the ambush or try to patch Crag up. I just sat and waited in the dirt like a...a...a rock!"

"You were hurt, Igneous. There wasn't anything you could do."

"I could have done something, I know I could have!" Igneous nearly screamed. He tried to calm himself with a deep breath as the babies in the cradle began to squirm. "I could have done something, anything," he said more gently. "If I had been stronger or braver, like Wing or Crag, maybe I wouldn't have been the only survivor. Maybe Crag's wife would still have a husband. I shouldn't have been the one to live."

Both a loud slap and the thunk of a falling chair filled filled the room. Igneous slowly touched his stinging cheek. "Don't say that!" growled Granny Pie, breathing heavily. "Don't you dare say that! Think about who you'd leave behind. Me, Cloudy, Maud, how do you think we'd feel if we never got to see you again?"

"I hurt Maud. I've been hurting Cloudy and everypony else I love ever since I got here." Igneous shook his head. "It'd be better if I died out there. At least then I wouldn't keep hurting you all." The stallion sighed. "And who knows, Crag might have been onto something. Maybe I could have come back as someone strong and admirable, who wouldn't strike his own daughter or hurt his family. Maybe...maybe I could have even become a little boulder."

Astronaut

The leaves of her book fluttered slowly, caught by her magical breeze. Twilight Sparkle's normally brilliant violet eyes scanned dully through the pages, barely soaking in any of the literature. Occasionally she'd stop and stare at a picture of constellations in the autumn night sky or a photograph of a neon mass of stars warped together like the sugar fibers of carnival candy floss, laying a hoof over the image as she sighed longingly. The page turning would then resume and continue until finally she had reached the very last page. Pushing the book to the side, Twilight reached for another from the stack beside her. This one read The Astronomical Astronomer's Almanac to All Things Astronomy, Third Edition in golden letters on the bland hard front cover.

The princess's ears twitched at the sound of a door opening behind her. A little dragon, his scales a similar purple hue as her coat, waddled in and plopped himself on the rug, next to her. The ends of the young dragon whelp's mouth continually twitched toward the ceiling, and he kept looking over his shoulder back toward the entrance of the room. "So, Twilight," he began.

"Hmm?" the mare grunted, her focus obviously elsewhere. A diagram of a planet with half a dozen rings circumscribed around it sat before her.

"I bet you know what day's coming up," the dragon teased, stifling a giggle. Twilight didn't seem to share her assistance amusement, and she answered him with a frown and a sigh.

"I don't know, Spike, is it the day when the Horsehead Nebula is most easily seen with the aid of a hobbyist telescope?" she asked, not bothering to raise her head. The dragon's grin faltered.

"Huh? Oh right, yeah, that." Spike rolled his eyes. "Right, that thing this weekend. Wait, is it this weekend?"

"By it do you mean the day predicted that most ponies will finally be able to see that newly discovered star some astronomers believe might be of equal size and of similar composition as Celestia's sun?"

"Um, I guess. What was the last part?" Spike asked with a nervous laugh. Twilight ignored him.

"The day we'll get to hear about from all the other astronomy enthusiasts from all the other towns but won't actually get to experience because a certain magic-devouring monster melted all my telescopes when he decided blowing up my home was a good idea?" Twilight's hold on the book tightened, creasing her page. "The day that might only happen once in a lifetime so we'll never get another chance to share it with all our friends? The day--"

"I'm talking about your birthday!" Spike screeched, throwing his claws in the air.

"My birthday?" Twilight repeated. She finally lifted her head and stared at her assistant questioningly. "That's not for another month."

"Yeah, and you were talking about the Horsehead nebby thing before we even got this new castle," Spike countered as he folded his arms across his chest, "and that was like three months ago."

"Well, it's an exciting day. I mean, do you know how amazing that is?" Twilight asked. "Most of the time the Horsehead Nebula is impossible to detect with anything weaker than a nine and quarter inch catadioptric telescope. And to see a new star most ponies have never seen before?"

"What, and your birthday isn't exciting?" Spike snorted.

"It is, it is," Twilight assured, "but this is a once in a lifetime sort of thing, an event to be recorded in astronomical history books, and we'll have to miss it because even the toy telescope Shining Armor bought me for my seventh birthday was destroyed, and that thing still worked all this years even after you dropped it down a flight of stairs."

"Can't you just buy a new one? You're a princess and everything after all."

"I haven't really had time to look," admitted Twilight, "what with all the work we had to put into restoring Ponyville's library, our personal library, repairing all the damages Tirek caused all over Equestria, cleaning up Discord's mess after he tried to 'help', furnishing the new castle and establishing the new kingdom...I've just been too busy, I guess." The alicorn shook her head. "But I think we're getting off topic. You wanted to talk about my birthday?"

"That's right," Spike said, flashing a set of powerful white fangs as his grin returned. "So me and the girls--"

"Ahem."

"The girls and I sort of got together and decided to get you a present from all of us."

"That's...interesting," Twilight said hesitantly. "I mean, I'd appreciate the gift no matter whom it was from but like I said, my birthday isn't until next month and isn't telling me spoiling the surprise?" She giggled. "If all of you really are coordinating together something big, I'm amazing Pinkie Pie's letting you talk to me at all."

"Nah, I'm cool with it!"

Jumping up onto her feet, Twilight turned toward the doorway just in time to see a pink puffy mane zip out of her sight. "Pinkie Pie?" she called out.

"I'm not here!" came the same high pitched voice.

Twilight raised an eyebrow as Spike planted his face into the palm of his claw. "Alright Spike, what's going on?" she asked.

Spike sighed. The smile he wore was slightly crooked. "Happy early birthday, Twilight," he said just as six familiar mares made their way into the room. Pinkie Pie was first, her mane bouncing as she bounced. Rarity was next, her entrance as graceful and elegant as the rest of her. Fluttershy followed closely behind, and she gave Twilight a quick smile before hurrying out of Rainbow Dash and Applejack's path. The stuntmare and the farmmare both carried cords in their mouths as they carefully pulled a small wagon with them. The wagon's contents were hidden underneath a large pink silk curtain. A glittering bow sat at the very top. Each pony wore a small colorful cone party hat, and it didn't take long for Pinkie Pie to place one on Twilight and Spike.

"Happy happy birthday, from all your friends right here," Pinkie sang as she danced around a bewildered Twilight. "We're here to help you celebrate and spread the birthday cheer!"

"Sorry there's no cake, sugar cube," Applejack said, detaching herself from the wagon. She quickly removed her wide-brimmed hat and used its edge to wipe her forehead. "This here was kind of a spur of the moment sorta deal."

"Oh course, we plan to celebrate on the actual date as well, darling," Rarity said as she approached Twilight, giving the former unicorn a hug. "Consider this a taste for what we have in store. Why, I have the perfect dress for you all drawn up, fit for, well, a princess and--"

"What, you thought all you were getting from all of us was one measly present?" laughed Rainbow Dash. "Yeah, the real party'll be in a month. That ought to give Pinkie Pie enough time to decorate the entire castle."

"Ooh, can I start today? Please please please please please," the pink earth pony begged, her baby-blue eyes quivering. Twilight gently brushed her aside and, in spite of her confusion, giggled.

"We'll see, Pinkie Pie," she said, "once I figure out what's going on right now. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice gesture, but why? If you've got something plan for my actual birthday, why the early celebration?"

"Well, why don't you unwrap your present and find out," said Rainbow with a smirk. "Or unveil, whatever."

"Hmm," Twilight hummed as she approached the wagon. The alicorn stared at the lumpy shape hidden under the cloth, tilting her head side to side to look for clues. Despite her best efforts, Twilight found no hints to what her gift could be; whoever arranged the curtain had done in a impressively strategical fashion. She gave the wild grins her friends all wore one final glance before taking hold of a corner and pulling the veil aside. The princess gasped before the cloth had completely collapsed on the floor.

"I-Is t-that..." Twilight stuttered, covering her mouth.

"Didn't take a genius to realize what you'd want," Applejack scoffed, pointing at the astronomy texts that laid scattered across the floor.

"Not to mention we all knew that the day when the Horsehead Nebula is most easily seen with the aid of a hobbyist telescope and is predicted when most ponies will be able to see that newly discovered star some astronomers believe might be of equal size and intensity as Celestia's sun was coming up," Pinkie Pie added. "I mean, who could forget about that? You marked it in all of our calendars, like, half a year ago."

"She's beautiful," Twilight breathed, timidly brushing her hoof against the smooth white skin of the large telescope in front of her. A gleam of light seemed to shine from its lens. "Oh, oh, it can't be a--"

"A Celestia nine point two five inch Cassegrain?" Rarity finished, making her way to Twilight's side. "Oh, but darling, it most certainly is."

Twilight stared at the alabaster unicorn, her eyes wide. "I-I don't know if I can accept this. It's so expensive, I don't even wait to imagine how much this would have set all of you back."

"Don't you fret nothin', sugar cube," Applejack said. "The cost wasn't so bad since we all pitched in a little somethin'."

"It was Spike's idea though," Fluttershy added quietly. "He's the one that organized us together."

"Yeah, well, I didn't really have any bits to pool in, but I had to do something." Spike's cheeks glowed pink and he focused his gaze toward the ground. "I mean, you kept moping around the castle and sighing and looking really sad, and I couldn't just--"

Twilight threw her forelegs around her assistant and pulled him close. Spike quickly returned the embrace, extending his short arms as far as he could around the princess's back. His scaly purple cheek rubbed against her furry purple cheek.

"Thanks, Spike," Twilight whispered. "You really are my number one assistant."

"You're welcome, Twilight," the baby dragon whispered back.

"Pinkie Pie, you really didn't have to do this," Twilight was saying as she stared at the streamers wrapped around the rails of the balcony, the balloons stuck to the walls, and the smiling sun made of paper mâché and filled with candy hanging right above the entrance leading back to the castle. A lavish dessert table full with trays of frosted sugar cookies stood right beside her new telescope. The alicorn winced as juice fell dangerously close to the positioned instrument from the cup Spike carelessly held.

"Of course I did," Pinkie said, tossing a few ribbons over Twilight's back. "What kind of party would this be without decorations and sweets?"

"Actually, I was hoping we'd just have a small get-togeth--"

"So, what's so special about tonight again?" Rainbow Dash asked, wiping away the last drops of fruit punch from her lips with the back of her hoof before reaching for a pie.

"It's only the astronomical phenomenon of the century," Twilight explained with an excited grin. "Girls, tonight and tonight only, we will be able to witness Solaris Maximus with our very own eyes."

"Solar what now?" said a small orange pegasus filly sitting besides Rainbow Dash.

"Solaris Maximus," Twilight repeated. "A star six thousands of light years away--"

"How can something be a year away?" squeaked the young unicorn eating from Rarity's plate. Rarity fussed over the younger unicorn, cleaning her frosted cheeks with a napkin.

"Don't speak with your mouth full, Sweetie Belle," Rarity said.

Sweetie Belle swallowed. "But Twilight, how can something be a year away? How far's a year?"

"A light year is a unit of distance equivalent to the distance light can travel in a year."

"Huh?"

Twilight sighed. "One light year is about five trillion eight hundred seventy eight billion four hundred ninety nine million eighty one thousand miles."

"Oh," Sweetie Belle said.

"Why can't they just say miles?" the pegasus filly asked. "That sounds way less confusing."

"Because then we'd have to say Solaris Maximus is approximately thirty five quadrillion two hundred seventy trillion nine hundred ninety eight billion nine--"

"It's a mouthful, and scientists are lazy," Spike explained with a shrug. "It's easier just to say light years."

"Scientists aren't lazy," Twilight exclaimed, glowering at her assistant. "Oh, Scootaloo, please don't touch that. It's positioned for the most optimal view, and I'd hate to have to recalibrate it when it's already so late."

The young pegasus removed her hoof from the telescope. "Sonarus Maximum is a star?" Scootaloo said. "Is it like a shooting star or something?" she asked, holding up one of the cookies Pinkie had made. The sweet sugary dough had been cut in the shape of a five-point star with a tail covered in vanilla frosting.

"No," was Twilight's answer.

"Then is it a cool color," Sweetie Belle questioned, "like red or blue or, ooh, what about purple"

"Ooh, what if it was all rainbow colored?" wondered Pinkie. "Hmm, maybe should have named it after Rainbow Dash."

"Hey, well, I am definitely a big star," Rainbow said smugly.

Twilight quickly filled through a glossy magazine that had a front cover with the picture of the moon circling the planet. "No, I'm pretty sure it's just yellow," she said. "Solaris Maximus is predicted to be very similar to Celestia's sun, so it's probably the same color."

"So what makes Bronus Maximus so special then?" Rainbow asked, looking up into the open night sky.

"Solaris Maximus," Twilight corrected. "And that's what makes it so special. Can you imagine implications for such a discovery?"

"I imagine you'll be telling us shortly, dear," Rarity said as she poured herself, her sister, and Fluttershy punch.

"It means that out there..." Twilight waved her hoof frantically at the twinkling stars above her head. "...quadrillions of miles away, there's a star just like our sun."

"And?" Rainbow prompted with an impatient gesture.

"And that could mean there's a galaxy just like ours, maybe with similar planets. There might even be a planet that like the one we live on now!" Twilight squealed.

Rainbow Dash waited a few moments before saying, "And?"

"What do you mean, and?" Twilight said, running her hooves through her mane. "There could be a planet out there. Just. Like. Ours."

Rainbow sighed. "Okay, so? So there might another planet that might be like ours, is that it? That's pretty neat, I guess, but it's not really something you'd call cool or anything to get so excited over."

Twilight took a deep breath and planted her forehead into the center of her hoof. "But...are you...just...never mind," she muttered, her head drooping. She felt something cold against her cheek and looked up. Rarity was holding a cup of fruit punch with her magic and offered it to the crestfallen alicorn with a smile. Beside her stood Fluttershy, who set a plate of cookies shaped like stars and the crescent moon down in front of her.

"It's alright dear," Rarity said, gently rubbing against Twilight's shoulder. "Rainbow's insensitivity is without a doubt frustrating, but you must remember that her interests do not always coincide with yours. Are you really so surprised?"

"A little, actually," Twilight admitted. "I don't know what I was thinking. I was just hoping to share my excitement with all of my friends."

"Um, if it makes you feel any better," Fluttershy said, fidgeting with her mane, "I'm a little excited."

Twilight's raised her head, her eyes shining. "You do? You mean you understand what the existence of Solaris Maximus could mean?" she gasped as she hopped in place.

"Well..." Fluttershy took a nervous step back. Her gaze fell to the floor. "No, not really. I was just happy that you were happy."

Twilight's ears flattened against her head. "Oh," she muttered to the ground.

"But don't you see, darling?" Rarity lifted Twilight's head by her chin and pointed toward the balcony. "Look at Pinkie Pie. Look at Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Look at Rainbow Dash. None of them understand what's so important about tonight, but can you see how cheerful everypony is? What's more important, the occasion celebrated or those who celebrate with you?" The unicorn smiled. "Perhaps Rainbow doesn't understand, or even care about, the importance of this new star, but that doesn't necessarily mean she can't share your excitement. Can you see how excited she is now?"

Laughter echoed into evening air as Rainbow Dash shook fruit juice out of her coat and mane. She latched herself onto the orange filly holding the empty cup, laughing heartily as she gave a giggling Scootaloo a playful head rub. A smile grew across Twilight's face.

"Maybe you're right," the princess said. "Rainbow might not have cared too much for scientific discoveries or any of the things I wanted tonight to be about, but at least she cared enough to show up, because she cared for me." Twilight leaned forward, giving both Rarity and Fluttershy a hug. "Thanks girls. I think I'll grab one of those cupcakes before they're all gone."

"Oh, I don't think I helped too much, you don't have to...thank...me," Fluttershy said to Twilight's retreating figure.

"Nonsense, darling," Rarity argued. "Just being here for her was enough." She gestured to the plate of cookies beside her. "May I?"

"Oh yes, please, go ahead."

"Thank you dear." Rarity took a dainty nibble from one of the sweets. "Hm."

"Is something wrong?"

"What? Oh, no, not at all," Rarity assured. "I was just considering tonight's carte du jour. For a party, the diversity in the desserts is uncharacteristically underwhelming. Not that I'm complaining, of course," she added loudly, noticing Pinkie Pie's ears pop up and twist toward her direction.

"Well, Twilight did say she wanted a smaller party," Fluttershy noted.

"True, true," agreed Rarity, taking another ladylike bite. "It just that there's a distinct lack of--"

"Evenin', ya'll," Applejack greeted as the farm pony entered the balcony area, with Apple Bloom trotting right behind her. The cream colored filly was swarmed by Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, and the three ran off toward the piñata, forcing the three older mares out of the way. "Glad we didn't miss this whole shindig."

"Well it's about time you showed up," Rainbow said, waving their over to the snack table. "For a second, we all thought you were a no-show."

"I didn't!" Pinkie Pie chirped.

Applejack chuckled as she set down two large pies and a small crate of chinking bottles. "For a sec, we weren't too sure we'd make it. We had a hard time gettin' Winona into the bath tonight," she explained, shaking her head. "That darn pup got into the compost just as we were 'bout to head out, made a huge mess in the kitchen." Applejack shook her head. "Sometimes you can't even tell if that dog's trained or not."

"Is Winona alright?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah, but she's been actin' up all this evenin'," Applejack said. "Don't worry though, it's pro'ly nothin'. So, did we miss the fireworks'?"

"You didn't miss anything yet," Twilight said before quickly glancing at the clock next to the telescope. She walked over and removed the lens cover. "In fact, you're just in time," the princess said as she looked through eyepiece and turned the nob closest to her. "Just have to make a few minor adjustments. Hm, guess my calculations were a little off," she said as she scanned through the sheet of notes Spike held up for her.

"It's starting?" Pinkie Pie cried out. The pink pony began to quake as she bounced like a dribbled ball. "It's starting, it's starting! Come on, girls!" she shouted at the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

"It is?" Scootaloo said, looking up into the sky. "I don't see anything."

Apple Bloom's gaze joined her friend's. "Do you even know what we're lookin' for?"

"Whatever's interesting, duh," Scootaloo replied. "Like bright lights or meteors or comets!"

"I see lights!" Sweetie Belle screamed, pointing up. "Oh wait, those are just stars."

Rarity gave Twilight a soft sad smile as the princess bit back a sigh before returning the smile. "Over here, girls," she called to the Crusaders, motioning them to the telescope and taking a step back as the trio skidded to a halt in front of her. "Who wants to go first?"

Apple Bloom stepped forward. "How do I work it?" she asked, tilting her head as she stared at the little nobs on the base of the tripod. "It looks an awful lot more complicated than the one we're used to."

"Everything's already set, all you have to do is look through here," explained Twilight. She pointed to eye piece with her hoof and stepped back as Apple Bloom approached the telescope. The filly shut an eye, placed her other on the black plastic tube, and squinted. A sudden gasp escaped her as both eyes flew wide open.

"Whoa," Apple Bloom breathed. She lifted her head and quickly gave her eyes a rub, then planted herself back against the eyepiece. "Whoa."

"What'cha seein', sis?" Applejack asked with a chuckle.

"Stars," Apple Bloom answered. "But nothin' like how we've seen them before," she hastily added as if sensing Scootaloo's rolling eyes from behind her. "There's like, a storm of 'em!"

"Can I see?" asked Sweetie Belle. Her friend hummed for a few seconds before tearing herself from the telescope and, with evident hesitance, made room for the unicorn filly. Under Applejack's watchful eye and in the presence of half a dozen adults, Apple Bloom tapped her hoof impatiently as she waited for Sweetie Belle to finish her turn.

"Whoa," Sweetie Belle said, her voice soft and subdued. "That's way more stars than I thought I saw." She turned to Twilight. "It's so pretty. Why is it pink? I thought space was supposed to be black."

"Can you see the dark spot in the center, in the shape of a horse's head?" Twilight asked, pointing in the direction of the telescope. "That's the nebula, and the reddish glow is coming from ionized gases that are behind the nebula."

"There are gases in space?" Scootaloo said suddenly, her eyes wide. She hurriedly covered her mouth and hid the growing blush spreading over her features. Twilight nodded and gestured the little pegasus toward her and the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The princess gently tapped Sweetie Belle's shoulder, and the young unicorn stepped away. Slowly, Scootaloo approached the telescope, staring at the device warily. She swallowed and lowered her head against the eyepiece.

Her jaw fell and hung loosely on its hinge. As she forced her mouth shut, Scootaloo made a conscious effort to avoid exclaiming whoa. Instead she released a small squeak as she stared at the massive pink cloud. Brighter streaks veined the cloud like lightning while the stars upon bright stars dotting the pink mess reminded the pegasus of glitter on an overly zealous foal's arts and crafts project. In the center stood a dark billowing uneven pillar that seemed to swirl and change form before her. A big black figure in a sea of beautiful bright stars and color, it appeared like an unknown menacing monster standing in the horizon, waiting patiently. Scootaloo's unease was not relieved nor was her amazement reduced once she recognized the minimalistic caricature of a pony's head the shapeless mass made.

"That's what nebulas are made of," Twilight said. "A variety of gases and dust."

"Heh, hear that Rarity?" Rainbow Dash smirk, jabbing the unicorn in the belly. "You can't escape dust even if you try leaving the planet." Laughter filled the night sky in response to Rainbow's jest. Even Rarity's polite lady-like chime could be heard.

"Well, it is a rather pretty cloud of dust," the unicorn admitted with a playful grin as she replaced Scootaloo at the telescope for a few moments before returning control to her. "Perhaps I'd learn to tolerate Madame Nebula."

"Nebula. Neh boo la." Pinkie Pie giggled. "That's a funny word, nebula! Nnnnebula!"

Twilight grinned. "Would you like to see the nebula, Pinkie?" she asked.

The pink earth pony gasped. "Can I? This is even better than the time I tried kumquat!" Pinkie cried as she hopped over to the telescope. "Have you ever had a kumquat before? Those things are as sweet as cupcakes! Well, almost anyways, sour too. Sourer than cupcakes, that's for sure and--ooh," Pinkie Pie whistled. "Eh, I don't know, Twilight," she said, turning toward the princess. "Doesn't really look like a horse head to me."

Twilight Sparkle giggled. "No, I guess it really doesn't. What do you think it looks like?"

"I think it looks like a gorilla. Oh, I'm sorry." Fluttershy bit her lip as she stepped away from the telescope. "I thought you were talking to me."

"Nah, that's a bottle opener," Rainbow Dash asserted as she peeked into the eye piece.

"The Bottle Opener Nebula." Applejack snorted. "Well, guess them astrolonomigists got some pretty interestin' eyes. You sure you don' jus' have cider on the mind?"

"It didn' look like any pony head I've ever seen," Apple Bloom said. "Don' know if it was a bottle opener or anythin' though."

"Really?" Sweetie Belle frowned. "I thought it was obviously a pony. What did you see, Scootaloo?"

The pegasus filly shrugged. "Dunno, but if that was a horse head, I'm a chicken."

Laughter flowed once again over the balcony edge, falling to the town below and floating up to the stars above. More objects and shapes were called out along with agreements and challenges. Every so often, Twilight would readjust the telescope, ensuring a perfect view of the starry gaseous structure. No pony noticed the hour hand of the clock tick by. The only hint of the passage of time was the disappearance of refreshments and the slow but certain build up of exhaustion that threatened to show on everypony's features.

"Perhaps we should wrap this up," Rarity suggested as she smiled at her yawning sister. "Or at the very least, Sweetie Belle and I had best be off."

"Not tired," the little unicorn mumbled, leaning against a half-dozing Apple Bloom.

"I think you're right," Twilight said. She gently rubbed her nose against the baby dragon sleeping on her back. Spike's lips twitched in his sleep and snuggled tighter against the young princess. "It's pretty late."

"Slumber party?" Pinkie Pie suggested with a tired grin. All six mares shared a soft chuckle. With a nod of understanding, they dispersed. Rarity and Applejack separated the empty dishes from the leftovers and folded the tablecloth neatly into a square while Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy began removing streamers, the remains of the piñata, and the decorated banner. Twilight Sparkle approached Scootaloo who was in current command of the telescope.

"Having fun?" she asked, startling the filly out of her vigil of the distant night.

"Huh, oh!" Scootaloo rubbed her eyes and brushed her mane back. "Heh, y-yeah, I guess it was aight," she tried to say indifferently. Twilight merely smiled.

"Well, if you're done, I need to put the telescope away," she said, gesturing to the device. "You have somepony to take you home, right?"

"Don't worry, Twilight, I got her," Rainbow called. She sauntered to the filly's side. "Ready to dash, squirt?"

"Um, actually..." Scootaloo rubbed her forelegs together. "Can I keep looking for a minute longer?"

Twilight Sparkle blinked. "Of course you may," she answered, recovering quickly from the initial shock. "I didn't know you had such a interest for astronomy, Scootaloo."

"I don't, really," Scootaloo assured, holding up her hooves. "It's just, there's this thing I found."

"Thing?" Twilight questioned.

"I, uh, thought it was a star, but it was moving around so I tried to follow it." Scootaloo ducked her head. "I sort of messed with the zoom and stuff, sorry."

Twilight gently prodded Scootaloo toward the telescope. "Can you show me?" she asked. The filly nodded and dived toward the eyepiece. The princess winced as her new telescope creaked as Scootaloo fiddled with the settings.

"It's not there anymore!" Scootaloo announced. She shifted the telescope's position and scanned the sky. "I lost it!"

"Well, if it was a comet or a shooting star, that's to be expected," Twilight said, tapping the young pegasus's shoulder. "Regardless, I'm glad you had fun tonight." The alicorn smiled. "Maybe we can do this again some time."

Scootaloo sighed and stepped away from the telescope. She tilted her head up toward the heavens. Little stars winked at her as she stared. Slowly, she smiled, just as the night sky was lit up by a flare. She heard Pinkie Pie scream, "Twitchy tail!" just as Rarity gasped, "What in Equ--"

The rest of the unicorn's exclamation was drowned out by a sudden mighty roar. Twilight felt Spike jerk up and topple from her back. Her ears flattened against her head just as the screaming in the sky was replaced by a booming crash. The castle seemed to shake violently, and she quickly ran through a list of spells to deal with any and all potential disasters. The minute her eyes opened, Twilight looked for her friends.

And just as suddenly as it, whatever it was, began, everything went quiet. The quaking under Twilight's hooves stopped, and the sky was dark once again. The night did not return to silence, however, as her friends buzzed nervously or with excitement amongst each other. She heard her name and several bits of questions directed toward her but nothing comprehensible. Sounds were growing below her, the princess realized, as the sleepy town of Ponyville lit up and its inhabitants gathered at the base of her castle. More pieces of questions were thrown in her way.

A tan mare with a gray mane forced her way through the crowd. "Princess Twilight," she shouted over all the others, "what in Equestria was that?"

Twilight squinted at the speaking pony. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find Applejack pointing at their early birthday gift to her. Twilight nodded, understanding her friend's gesture, and carefully altered the tripod so that it pointed down at the congregation below her. She focused on the mare who spoke. "Oh," she said quietly. "So that's what the mayor looks like without her cravat. Huh, didn't recognize her."

"Yes, she does look quite nondescript without it and her glasses," agreed Rarity.

"Uh, hate to interpret your little fashion nitpicking," grumbled Rainbow Dash, "but we've got a mob on our hooves that like two steps away from rioting."

"M-maybe you should answer her question," Fluttershy suggested, peaking out from behind Applejack. She ducked back behind the orange mare at the sight of the growing crowd below.

"Oh, right." Twilight cleared her throat. "Ahem! Citizens of Ponyville!" she shouted, her foreleg stretched forward dramatically. "There is no need to panic, that was just a...a..."

Twilight ran into the castle, leaving her audience waiting. Just as panic began to spread again, the princess returned with her muzzle buried in a large textbook. "Could be a meteorite, that would explain the earthquake," she was mumbling to herself. "But what caused the flash? The meteorite combusting? No, that can't be it. Rarity?" she said, pulling her head out of the book. "Can you see if you can find a smoke trail or something with the telescope."

"Well, let me see. Hmm, yes," the unicorn announced as she stared through the eyepiece.

"Can you follow where it landed?"

"I can try, it is rather faint," Rarity said. "Oh dear, which way do I--oh, there we go. Oh...oh no oh no oh no."

"What?" Rainbow demanded as she however over the alabaster unicorn. "What is it?"

"Applejack," Rarity said slowly, "I-I'm afraid it looks like it landed near Sweet Apple Acres."

Applejack's orange coat whitened. Her hold around Apple Bloom tightened. "B-but the farm's okay, right?" she asked hesitantly. "It's near, d-don' mean at or on or--"

"Big Mac," Apple Bloom gasped. "Granny, Winona!"

"They're f-fine, Apple Bloom," Applejack whispered, staring into the direction of Sweet Apple Acre. "D-don' you worry, they'll be--."

"Oh wait, never mind." Rarity coughed, brushed back a straying curl, and blushed. "I, er, misread the distance."

"Looks like it fell somewhere in the Everfree Forest," Twilight said, taking control of the telescope. "Doesn't look too deep in the forest, I think I can map out it's location."

"In...the Everfree." Applejack sighed. "Thank goodness."

"Wait, what about Zecora?" Apple Bloom asked. "She lives in the Everfree Forest, what if she's in trouble?"

"Well then, what are we waiting for?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "Come on, we've got a zebra in danger and some weird spacey thing in our backyard. Sounds like we've got ourselves a search and rescue!"

"Your concern I appreciate, no matter that you're too late."

Everypony turned to the doorway leading to the castle's interior. At its threshold stood the striped equine, her neck and ears adorn with gold rings and a large sack on her back. "Princess Twilight," Zecora said with a short bow, "for my unannounced appearance, I do apologize." The zebra lifted her head and frowned. "But seriously, getting some locks on your doors would be wise. I am surprised your townsfolk haven't made their way up here yet..." Zecora walked to the edge of the balcony and leaned over. "...but it's only a matter of time before they break in, I bet."

"Stop panicking!" Twilight screamed, lowering her book. "Yes, I'm talking to you! Stop it!" She sighed. "I'm glad to see you're okay, Zecora," the alicorn said. "Um, you are okay, right?"

"I am unhurt, so I suppose I am well," Zecora said. "But as for my home, it is too early to tell."

"Oh no, did whatever crash destroy your home?" Fluttershy asked.

"No, but I left the minute I saw flames," Zecora explained, her shoulders sagging. "Even with my skills, a forest fire I alone cannot tame. Still, the wood is wet, and there is little to light, my escape was simply a precautionary flight."

"Let's hope so," Twilight said, following the thin trail of smoke spiraling out of the Everfree Forest. "Rainbow Dash, how fast can you and the rest of the weather team gather up some rainclouds?"

"Please, I could do that all under five minutes in my sleep," Rainbow Dash declared just as her jaws were wretched apart by a mighty yawn. "Heh, okay, maybe ten," she amended sheepishly, rubbing her eyes.

"It is rather late," Rarity said. "Perhaps it would be wiser to wait for morning. There doesn't seem to be any immediate danger, after all."

"You're right," said Twilight with a nod. "It's too dark to do anything right now. We'll investigate when there's light."

"You mean..." Fluttershy swallowed and her ears flattened. "...we're still going into the dark scary Everfree Forest?"

"Oh come on, Fluttershy!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, throwing herself onto the pegasus's back. "We've been in and out of that place so many times already it's like a running joke. And it'll be in the daytime, so it'll more of the dim not-funny overdone Everfree Forest."

Fluttershy rubbed her neck as her lips lifted into a meek smile "Oh, I suppose when you put it like that, it's not too bad."

"Then it's settled," Twilight said. "We'll go to the Everfree in the morning and see if we can find whatever crashed. Imagine, we might find an actual meteorite!" The alicorn squealed. "Oh, the astronomy community's going to go crazy over this discover!" she cheered, hopping side to side. Noticing the blank looks her friends wore and the stifled laughter coming from the three fillies, Twilight landed and quickly clear her throat. "So we should probably all get a good night's rest. You can stay in one of the free rooms here if you want, Zecora. I'm sure I can find--"

"Uh, Twilight, sugar cube," Applejack interrupted, "don' you think you're forgettin' somethin'?"

Twilight's gaze followed Applejack's hoof pointing over the railing of the balcony, toward the rumbling crowd below. "The horror, the horror!" she heard some mare scream.

"Oh, right," the princess said, blushing. "Uh, Rarity, could you help Zecora find a room. All of you are welcomed to stay, of course," Twilight added. "Celestia knows this place has enough room. Oh, and could you take care of..." Twilight gestured to the sleeping dragon curled tightly around her. Rarity's cool blue magic blanketed Spike, gently removing him from his guardian and draping him on her own back.

"Of course darling," the unicorn said as she touched her nose against Spike's. "Come along, Sweetie Belle," she said, urging her sister along.

"Guess we'd all better hit the hay," Applejack said. The mare stretched and yawned as Apple Bloom slowly made her way to her side. "Somethin' tells me tomorrow's gonna be a busy day."

"So how exactly did you calm down that mob last night?" Rainbow was saying as she hovered right above Twilight's head. The two mares walked slightly added of the rest of the group trudging past gnarled tree trunks. Other conversations were made between the mares, with Fluttershy politely listening to Rarity's thoughts of the latest issue of a fashion magazine and Applejack and Zecora chuckling to Pinkie Pie's story.

"It wasn't easy," Twilight answered with a sigh. "Snips and Snails almost started a witch hunt. I forgot they checked out that science fiction book recently about extraterrestrial body snatching spies."

"Really?"

Twilight nodded. "Yeah, it's amazing how ponies sometimes can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality," she said.

"Actually, I'm more amazed those two can actually read," Rainbow said with a snicker. The pegasus received a disapproving frown from the princess below her.

"That's awfully mean, even for a joke," Twilight chided. "Sure, those two thought bringing a Ursa Minor into town was a good idea, somehow get trapped in bubble gum every other week, ruined a couple of rummage sales by releasing fleas..."

Twilight's rambling came to a close as a hollowed tree decorated with large painted, wooden masks. "Oh, we're here," she said, turning to the zebra approaching her side. "Well, it looks like your home's alright, thank goodness."

"Indeed, thank the heavens you are right," Zecora agreed. She bowed, her gold rings jingling as she bent her knee. "Thank you, dear princess, for the room to spend the night."

"No problem," Twilight assured as she urged the zebra up. "I wouldn't be much of a friend if I didn't. I'm sorry we don't visit as often anymore."

"You are busy, that I understand," Zecora said. "It's not easy being a princess of this land." Slowly, she made her way to the door of the hut. "I will prepare some tea for your return here. Whatever crashed down must be quite near."

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us?" Twilight asked.

"I'm afraid I must clean the mess I have made last night," Zecora explained, sighing. "But I look forward to your tale of the sight. Do be careful, pony friends of mine. Stick together, and you should be just fine."

"Don' worry 'bout us," said Applejack as she adjusted her hat. She wore a confident grin. "Ain't nothin' here we haven' tangoed before. See you 'round, Zecora," she added as the zebra nodded her good byes and entered the hut.

"Still, I think Zecora's right," Fluttershy interjected, setting her waving hoof down. "We should stay together. Oh, I'd hate to be lost and all alone out here."

"Don't worry, we'll be fine," Twilight said, sharing Applejack's smile. "We just have to follow this path, and there should a clearing close to the crash site."

"So stick to the path, eh? Pft!" Rainbow Dash scoffed. "And here I thought this was going to be another adventure."

"But it is an adventure!" gasped Pinkie Pie. "We're going to find rocks! But not just any rocks. Rocks from outer space! Come on!" the pink pony cheered as she hopped ahead of the group and kicked up little clouds of dust every time she landed.

"Pinkie Pie, wait!" Twilight's shouts trailed behind her as she and Rainbow Dash flew after the bouncing pony, with the others following closely behind. "Just--oof!" Twilight grunted, failing to notice the outstretched branch until she collided with it.

Rainbow looked over her shoulder and called, "You alright?"

Twilight spat out a flurry of leaves and nodded. Applejack helped her slowly climb back onto her hooves. "Yeah, I'm fine. I, heh, think I'll walk. You catch up with Pinkie Pie and make sure she doesn't cause too much trouble."

"On it!" the pegasus declared before zooming off, leaving behind a trail of colors and falling leaves caught in her path.

"We should pro'ly pick up the pace too," Applejack said. "You sure you're good, Twilight?"

"Positive," Twilight answered as she ran, keeping her head low in case of low hanging branches.

"And why exactly are we running with reckless abandon again?" huffed Rarity from behind. "Pinkie Pie isn't in any danger, is she? Are space rocks any more dangerous than the average rock?"

Twilight bit her lip. "Well, no, maybe not," she said. "I mean, I don't really know, I don't know if anypony does. This could be the first specimen of extraterrestrial material Equestria's seen in decades, if not centuries, who knows what it could do to her? And who knows what Pinkie Pie could do to it?" The alicorn shuddered.

"Maybe we should have waited for an expert," Fluttershy said, her voice barely audible over the thundering hooves. "Or at least Princess Celestia or--oof!" Fluttershy exclaimed as she collided into Applejack, sending the two tumbling. "S-sorry," she apologized into the grass.

Applejack helped the pegasus back to her feet. "Don' worry a thing, sugar cube," she chuckled. "Just, ah, guess I could have given you a warning. We're here, by the way."

"Are you sure?" Fluttershy asked, looking around. "Is this the right clearing?"

"Quite sure, darling," Rarity said, her voice subdued and quiet as the unicorn gently nudged Fluttershy's head, directing her gaze toward the charred tree branches, blacken patches in the grass, and ashy trails reaching across the clearing.

"Oh my," Fluttershy gasped, taking a shaky step back. Her eyes slowly drifted to the center, to the heaviest damage, toward the crater cradling a massive chunk of burnt silver material. Similar holes, though smaller, also carried bits and pieces of black, yellow, and shining white that gleamed in the sunlight. "Oh my," Fluttershy whimpered.

Applejack took a cautious step forward. "Huh, can't say I've seen this kind of rock before," she said. "What 'bout you, Rarity?" the farmer asked. "You collect rocks."

"Gems are hardly common stones," the alabaster unicorn sniffed before turning back to the strange rocks. "And I can assure you, these are certainly not the diamonds and emeralds I am used to. Perhaps Pinkie Pie...where is Pinkie Pie?" Rarity asked, turning her head. "And Rainbow Dash, for that matter?"

"Should be around here somewhere," Applejack said, frowning.

"Oh," Fluttershy began, "you don't they--"

Rainbow Dash suddenly appeared over the largest block. "About time you slowpokes showed up," she exclaimed, hovering over the holes and landing besides a slack jaw Twilight. "So, egghead assessment," Rainbow said. "What're we working with here, Twilight?"

Twilight blinked, shut her mouth, and shook her head. She turned away from the debris and said, "Sorry, what?"

"I said, what're we dealing with?" Rainbow said, rolling her eyes.

"Oh, well, hmm." Twilight slowly approached the nearest crater. Her horn began to glow as she carefully reached into the hole with her magic and levitated a small jagged chunk of silver out, keeping it a safe distance from her. As it slowly spun in the air, bits of black shredded off, dissipating and littering the ground with ash and dust. Twilight frowned as the sample floated closer, dancing inches from her eyes. "Hmm, that's odd," she muttered.

Everypony leaned forward in unison. "Well?" they said together.

"This doesn't look like any kind of natural mineral I've read about," Twilight said, setting the piece of the meteorite in the grass. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say it could some sort of processed metal. I might have to take some back some more tests. What did Pinkie Pie say? Where is Pinkie Pie?" Twilight gasped. "Did I just completely forget about a friend because I was preoccupied with a piece of...of...of whatever this was?"

"Eh, it happens to the best of us," Rainbow Dash said with a shrug. "Don't worry about Pinkie, she's in the meteor."

"Oh, okay, that's a relief," Twilight said, releasing a sigh as the rest of her friends blinked and repeated Rainbow's words to themselves. Twilight's blinking and mouthing soon joined theirs. "Wait, what? What!"

"Whoa!" Rainbow grunted as Twilight grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her toward her.

"What do you mean, in the meteor?" Twilight asked, her hooves shaking.

Rainbow Dash backed away as far as she could with Twilight around her neck. "Yeah, see, I'm not exactly an expert or anything, but I don't think we have a meteor in our hooves," said Rainbow as she tried to free herself from Twilight's grip. "The thing's not made of rock."

Twilight released the pegasus from her hold. "Not made of rock, at all?" Twilight exclaimed.

"That's what Pinkie said, even sang a song when I asked." Rainbow Dash shook her head. "Also, it's hollow and has a bunch of weird things inside."

"What do you mean, weird?" Applejack asked.

Rarity walked forward with the shard Twilight had earlier in her magical grasp. "You mean, more of this strange material?" she asked.

"Yeah, well, no. I mean, yeah, there's a lot of not-space rock lying around..." Rainbow waved her hoof toward the alien chunks. "...but there's way weirder stuff too. There're these tubes and these strange big white things and shiny bags filled with powder and--just come on!" Rainbow cried, pulling Twilight and Rarity, the two mares closest. "You have to see for yourself!"

"Hold on, now," Applejack exclaimed, yanking the pegasus down to earth by her tail. "Twilight, talk some sense into her. This thing could be dangerous, and you wanna go spelunking inside?"

"Oh, come on," Rainbow scoffed. "It's perfectly safe. If it wasn't, you'd think Pinkie's Pinkie Sense would have gone off."

"That is true."

"Twilight," Applejack gasped, "you're not--"

"I'm not saying it isn't potentially dangerous," Twilight asserted quickly, "and I am upset that you let Pinkie Pie do something so reckless," she added toward Rainbow, who turned to the side and rubbed the back of her head sheepishly under the princess's disapproving look. Her stern countenance swiftly crumbled, however, as she all but squealed, "But I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to take a look inside."

"You wouldn' be you if you didn'," Applejack sighed.

"Come now, Applejack dear," smirked Rarity, "don't tell me you're not the least bit curious."

"Maybe a least bit," the farm pony admitted. "Still, I don't like it. Strange meteors or whatever they are crashin' in the Everfree filled with who knows what, sounds like nothin' but trouble."

"I, um, agree with Applejack," Fluttershy said with her front hoof raised timidly. "I don't think I like it here very much."

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to argue, but her protests were interrupted by Pinkie Pie's cheery shout. "Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie called out, her head sticking out of the largest chunk of extraterrestrial material. "Oh, hi girls. Rainbow, I found more of those funny looking chubbies!"

"Chubbies?" Twilight repeated.

"Yeah, chubbies! They're these big white marshmallow thingies that have giant bubbles at the top," Pinkie explained. She motioned her friends toward her. "Come on, I think I found a secret room!" Before anypony could reply, Pinkie's cotton candy mane vanished as she ducked back inside.

"See? Pinkie's totally fine," Rainbow Dash said, gesturing to where the pink pony's head had been.

"Don' mean it's safe," said Applejack with a frown. She met Rainbow's glare with a determined stare of her own. At last, Applejack closed her eyes and looked away. "But I guess a peek wouldn' hurt," she mumbled.

"Yes!" Twilight and Rainbow exclaimed together, leaping into the air as their wings shook with excitement. The moment she landed, Twilight rushed to the edge of the crater and all but dove in.

"Oh, if only I brought a camera," the remaining ponies heard her lament before the four mares broke out in laughter.

"Heh, not like she needed my permission or nothin'," Applejack snorted. "C'mon, better make sure she doesn' go overboard. Kinda wanna see this here chubby before Twilight tears it apart."

"Oh, you three go on ahead, I'll wait here," Fluttershy said, taking a seat in the grass.

Rainbow Dash flew over to her fellow pegasus and sat beside her. "You sure?" she asked. "You're going to miss out on a lot of awesome stuff."

Fluttershy glanced over to the massive blacken object jutting out of the ground and shivered. "Pretty sure," she answered with a confident nod. "I'm sure I'll be perfectly happy with Twilight's notes."

"You'd rather stay out here in the open in the middle of the Everfree Forest by yourself?" Rainbow asked, her eyebrow raised.

"Oh, well, now that I think about it..."

"It's alright, darling," Rarity insisted as she carefully swept the top of the grass before taking a seat next to Fluttershy. "You two go on ahead, I'll wait here with Fluttershy. I can't imagine all six of us will be able to fit inside that anyways. Perhaps I'll take a look later after somepony, Twilight I imagine, cleans our strange new visitor out a bit, when there's a little less dust floating about."

Applejack and Rainbow rolled their eyes. "Whatever you say," Rainbow said as she stood up. "Well, you know where to find us if you change your mind. Oh, and we found one of the chubbies lying on the ground over there." Rainbow pointed past the craters, toward the trees on the other side of the clearing. "Probably fell out or something. Eehek, we need a better name than chubbies."

"Jus' holler if you need us," Applejack instructed as she followed Rainbow Dash. Rarity and Fluttershy watched the two mares descend into the massive hole and disappear. A few wordless affirmations could be heard leaving the crater, along with muffled laughter.

"You don't have to stay with me, Rarity," Fluttershy said, staring at the little patch of grass she was flattening with the bottom of the hoof. "I don't mind."

"Darling, please, I meant every word I said," laughed Rarity. "As curious as I am, I am in no hurry to make myself acquainted with space dust. I'd much prefer the company of a friend such as yourself."

"O-oh, thank you." Fluttershy lifted her head and smiled.

"Of course, Fluttershy," Rarity replied, returning the smile as she made her way behind the pegasus. She hummed and began to carefully comb out the tangles in Fluttershy's mane. An occasional twig or leaf fell out, to which Rarity tutted. "All done," the unicorn declared proudly after a moment. "As immaculate as it was in town. Now why don't we take a look at one of these so called chubbies?"

"But--"

"Come now, darling, we'll still be out here, away from those dusty craters and rusty space metals," Rarity reassured with a smile. "You can't say you aren't just a little little curious to see something called a chubby."

"Well, they do sound adorable." Fluttershy took a deep breath and stood up. "Let's go," she said, stepping forward. Rarity nodded and followed Fluttershy toward the other side of the meadow. Very quickly, however, Rarity overtook Fluttershy as the pegasus's gait shrunk and slowed, and soon the unicorn was leading with Fluttershy trailing right behind.

"It's a bit of a pity, isn't it?" Rarity suddenly said. She gestured to the charred mess as they passed the craters. "To not be able to see the object crashed here in its complete form?"

"Oh, absolutely," Fluttershy agreed. "I, um, think?"

"You don't see it?" Rarity frowned. "Well, clearly whatever landed here could not have simply been some simple boulder. The pieces are all jagged, some of them flat...it strikes me as odd, and I can't help but wonder what was this object's appearance before it broke into such an unrecognizable form?"

"Maybe Twilight will be able to figure it out from the pieces?" Fluttershy said.

"Maybe," began Rarity, the word slow and hesitant. She stared at the debris stabbing through the earth and turned to the bits littering the grass. Streaks of dirt and clawed grass cutting through the unkept lawn of the forest suddenly caught the seamstress's observing eye. She followed the brown trail through the green until it stopped underneath a large dirty white bulk. Four long appendages extended from the center, two toward them, one crooked awkwardly close to the core, and the last reaching toward the trees in front. A large white box with odd nobs sat on top, like a fortress on an island.

Fluttershy peeked over Rarity's shoulder. "What is that?" she whispered.

Rarity shook her head. Her horn lit blue, and she took hold of the limb closest, lifting the heavy thing a few inches off the ground before giving it a little shake. She let the limb fall back down and waited. "I don't know what it is," Rarity said after a moment, releasing bated breath. She approached the strange new object. "However, it doesn't appear dangerous."

Fluttershy took a few timid steps closer. "You think this is the chubby?" she asked.

"Well, it could certainly lose some weight," chuckled Rarity as she levitated the twisted appendage and let the short units attached to the end dangle down like the roots of a plant. "It would be rather Pinkie for Pinkie Pie to call such a thing 'chubby'." Rarity set the limb back down.

"Do you see a bubble?" Fluttershy asked, carefully walking over the spread out extensions.

"Hmm?" Rarity lifted her head. "Pardon?"

"Pinkie Pie said there's a bubble on top. I don't see it from here," Fluttershy said, craning her neck to peer over the box. "Maybe this isn't it then."

"Ah, no, I think I see what Pinkie Pie mentioned," exclaimed Rarity. She motioned Fluttershy closer, to the front of the strange artifact. "It's down here," Rarity explained as Fluttershy approached, pointing to a big round globe partially hidden in the dirt and the rest of the object. As dusty as it was, the "bubble" continued to gleam in the sunlight, reflecting along the long fissure scarring the golden surface.

Rarity bent down and frowned. With a sigh, she ran her hoof across the globe, knocking away dust. As she quickly wiped her hoof on the grass, Rarity smiled at her reflection's grin. "Hmm, feels like glass," she announced, giving the unicorn staring back at her a light tap on the forehead.

"It reminds me a little of a fish bowl," Fluttershy said as she traced the crack in the reflective material with her hoof.

"What do you suppose it's for?" Rarity asked, holding the cracked orb up.

"Do you mean the bubble or..."

"Well, the...object in it's entirety," Rarity said, gesturing to the white mound before her. "As fantastic as it sounds, this just doesn't seem natural. This material, the glass, it feels artificial, it's--"

Something fell with a soft squishy thud, landing close to the unicorn's hoof. The glass globe, caught in Rarity's magic, continued to float in the air. Rarity looked down toward her feet, and the magic holding the round golden object dissipated a second later.

"What is it, R--" Fluttershy cut herself off as she saw what Rarity saw. Laying inches from the unicorn's hoof was a mess of wet black hair. Peeking through the mess was a single blue eye, small, dull, and unmoving. A twisted angled protrusion stuck out awkwardly over a gaping mouth. Stained, broken teeth poked past burnt lips. Sections of the tan color that served as the body holding the eye, mouth, and protrusion together were smeared brown-red.

"What...is that?" whispered Rarity, backing away to Fluttershy's side. She forced herself to look away and turn to her friend. "What is that?" Rarity repeated.

"I-don't know," Fluttershy whimpered, shaking her head furiously. "I don't want to know, I don't want to know what it is, I want to go home."

Rarity swallowed. "Let's get the others and--"

A scream filled the forest meadow, and the two mares instinctively turned to the direction of the noise. Beneath her white coat, Rarity paled as she noticed which crater she was staring at. "Oh no."

"That was Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy cried, breaking into a gallop past Rarity toward the biggest piece of the strange meteorite. Rarity followed her to the edge of the massive hole and stopped just as Fluttershy stopped. The pegasus shook violently, and the hoof she tried to steady herself with quaked as uncontrollably as the rest of her. Fluttershy flinched at Rarity's touch, but the gentle squeeze the unicorn gave her shoulder and the nod she gave calmed her, if ever so slightly. Fluttershy nodded back, and the two descended into the crater and pushed their way through the hole acting as the entrance into the suspicious meteorite.

"Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy called, her voice bouncing along the chrome walls. Rarity barely registered the smooth feel of the floor as her hooves clattered noisily as she ran. Splitting paths led to dead ends or open areas holding trash or more of the large white statues with bubbles on their heads; Rarity shuddered at every "chubby" they came across. Wrappers and tubes and boxes littered the ground, threatening to trip the two mares as they made their way through what was beginning to look like a mysterious hovel.

"Rainbow Dash! Applejack? Twilight!" Rarity cried out. "Oh, how in Equestria is this thing so large?" she murmured as she struggled to catch her breath.

"Rainbow Dash? Anypony?" Fluttershy called.

"Here!" came a reply. Fluttershy and Rarity charged recklessly toward the source of the sound. Loose paper sheets flew into the air, caught in the gust of their trail as they thundered through archways into new halls. "Here!" came the voice again, clearer and louder, with the faint lift of a rural accent.

"Applejack!" Fluttershy exclaimed as the farm mare came into view. Applejack waved frantically toward Fluttershy and Rarity as the two approached the doorway she guarded. A large chunk of gray material with deep dents laid beside her, with red and yellow and white strings sticking out of the sides.

"What happened?" Fluttershy asked as she came to a sudden halt. "W-we heard screaming."

"Is Rainbow Dash alright?" demanded Rarity after she recovered from the sprint. The unicorn tried to stare into the area behind Applejack.

"She's...not hurt," Applejack answered slowly, chewing her lip before each uttered syllable. "We saw...we saw somethin' in there," she said, pointing a hoof through the threshold. "T-there was this thing blockin' our way." Applejack gestured to the dented slab on the floor next to her. "Twilight got it open 'cause Rainbow was buggin' her, then she and me decided to look around while Pinkie Pie and Rainbow went in there. We heard the scream, saw..." Applejack swallowed. "Don' know what we saw, think this room was blocked for a reason. Anyways, I heard you two scream, came out to find you."

"What about the others?" Rarity asked. "Where are they?"

"Must still be in there." Applejack swallowed again. "I-we should pro'ly try to get 'em out. Just, you know, try not to look at the...things."

Rarity and Fluttershy turned and gave each other a worried glance before following Applejack. A loud retching suddenly echoed past the mares; all three winced at the disgusting noise. "What do you think they found?" Fluttershy whispered. Rarity only shook her head as she continued to focus on the pony leading them. Applejack seemed to pale with each step she took, with a noticeable hesitance between each hoof fall.

Twilight Sparkle was the first in view, sitting in the center of the messy room. Steel strings snaked out of the peeling walls and through holes in the floor. Her back was turned toward the approaching mares, her eyes toward a pair of throne-like structures facing a massive cracked screen that covered most of the wall Twilight seemed to be staring at.

The princess's wing stuck out, covering something huddled beneath it. At the sound of hoofsteps, Pinkie Pie peeked out through Twilight's feathers. "Fluttershy! Rarity!" she gasped. Twilight turned around, shutting her mouth as Fluttershy and Rarity rushed toward them.

"Is everypony okay?" Fluttershy asked, looking over the two mares for injuries. Slowly, Pinkie Pie nodded. The relief the pegasus felt from Pinkie's silent response was dampened by the lack of energy in the answer and the absence of Pinkie Pie's smile.

"We're just a little shaken," Twilight said, running a hoof against her foreleg. "But Rainbow, she--"

There was another loud heave, and everypony followed it to the corner where Rainbow Dash stood, crouching over a pool of vomit. "H-hey Fluttershy," she said weakly. She raised a hoof to wipe her mouth, only to recoil and throw it back down.

"Rainbow Dash," Rarity exclaimed as she slowly approached, keeping an eye on the puddle of the pegasus's digested breakfast, "what in Equestria happened to you?"

"F-funny you should say that," said Rainbow with a humorless chuckle.

"It isn't," murmured Pinkie Pie, pawing at a few small white sheets on the hard metal floor.

"Your hoof!" Fluttershy gasped, rushing forward and grabbing Rainbow's stained foreleg. A sticky coat of red covered the mare's natural blue. "T-this is, this is..." Fluttershy shook herself. "Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine," Rainbow snarled, pulling away. She turned away, refusing to meet Fluttershy's startled expression, but her features softened. "Sorry, I just, don't worry about, okay? It's not my--" Rainbow's cheeks bulged, and she leaned forward. Only air and loud gaseous sounds were expelled this time, but Fluttershy kept her hold around the heaving mare.

"Will somepony please tell me what's going on?" Rarity demanded, looking around the room. "Anypony, an explanation please."

"Rarity?"

"It ain't exactly the easiest thin' to explain," Applejack argued. "I mean, I don' know, see? I can't even get started."

"Perhaps you can begin with what startled Rainbow Dash into screaming so loudly the entirety of Ponyville could have heard," Rarity said. "Yes, let's begin there."

"Rarity."

"Well, that's the hard thing to explain." Applejack scratched her head. "See, I told you, we saw something--"

"Saw what? Saw what, Applejack? What did you all see?"

The farm mare threw her forelegs into the air. "I don' know! It was this weird thin' that...Twilight, a little help?"

Twilight lifted her head, as if jolted awake. "I don't want to make any hasty assumptions," she began, "but it wasn't anything I've ever read about. This isn't a meteorite, it's some sort of vessel, maybe a vehicle or a house or something." She drew in a deep breath. "I think we found--"

"Rarity!" Fluttershy screamed, shrinking as all eyes fell on her. "I-I think I know what they saw," she whimpered, pointing toward one of the thrones. Rarity followed Fluttershy's hoof, frowning when she saw nothing. She took a few steps closer to where the two pegasi sat together, squinting until she made out a long crooked branch on the floor.

"Oh dear," Rarity breathed as she found the rest of the body, covered in torn orange rags and blackish-red burns. It's shape was the same as the thing she and Fluttershy had encountered outside, though this one was much, much thinner. Shards of white stuck out of the smaller charred appendages while pieces of silver and gray jutted out of the body. Her gaze, as if no longer in her control, caught in disgusted fascination, drifted to the head hanging from a broken extension, and she nearly added to Rainbow Dash's pool of vomit.

Most of the it was horrifically burned, leaving nothing behind but an ashy texture, uneven ditches, two round holes where a nose should have been, and a single ball dangling from a pink thread out of a socket. The lips were missing, revealing a single row of rounded teeth. The other half of the mouth was missing, ripped or smashed off based on the fleshy tears left on the upper jaw's bottom. Red droplets slowly dripped out of the ruined mouth and onto the ground. Ivory seemed to peek through the burned skin, with an entire upper corner just naked bone, cracked and chipped and staring back at the terrified unicorn with its empty hole for an eye.

"Sweet Celestia," Rarity whispered, backing up until she bumped into the wall. "What happened here? What could have done this?"

"I-I didn't mean to."

Fluttershy and Rarity turned and stared at the mare who had spoken. She raised her stained shaking hooves. "I didn't mean to," Rainbow Dash repeated.

"Rainbow," Fluttershy began, "what are you--"

"He...she...it surprised me!" Rainbow yelled. "I-I didn't know it was sitting there, a-and when I saw it moving--"

"Rainbow Dash, it wasn't moving," Twilight said gently. "We saw it, it just fell."

"It was moving! I know it was moving! And I...I panicked and--" Rainbow shivered and glared at her hooves.

"Sugar cube, any one of us would have done the same," assured Applejack. Slowly, she approached. Twilight and Pinkie Pie followed until all six mares huddled together against the wall directly across the body.

Twilight nodded as Pinkie Pie wrapped her forelegs around Rainbow. Rainbow Dash let her own legs fall back against her side, and she leaned closer to the pink pony. "She's right," Twilight said, "we all probably would have panicked. I might have done worse."

"Heh, maybe." Rainbow gave the princess a tiny smile. "You might have lasered a giant hole in the wall."

"Or blown something up," Pinkie Pie piped in with a giggle.

Applejack began to smirk. "So much for bein' careful," she said.

The mares began to laugh. The laughter began low and subdued, but slowly it grew louder and stronger until half-hearted chuckles echoed along the walls of the room. As soon as it died down, all eyes drifted back to the macabre scene, the body's empty sockets leering. Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie quickly averted their gazes while Rainbow Dash and Applejack tried to look past it, only to spot the second body sitting in the throne beside the first, burned just as heavily as the other. It's head, thankfully intact, sported a twisted frame piece which hooked around it's shriveled ears and circled around dull eyes.

"We should go," Twilight decided, jerking her head toward the exit. She rose, and her friends quickly followed suit. "Spike's probably up by now, and I need to send Princess Celestia a letter."

"Yeah, and I need a bath ASAP," Rainbow said, rubbing front legs together. "Ugh, and some mouthwash. And maybe a nap."

"A relaxing bath does sound nice right now," Rarity agreed, "though I have no idea how you plan on sleeping restfully today." The unicorn shook her head.

Pinkie Pie hesitated. "Wait," she said.

Applejack turned her head. "Uh, for what, sugar cube?" she called over her shoulder.

"Shouldn't we do something about, well, them?" Pinkie asked. She started to turn her head toward

Rainbow Dash frowned. "Like what?"

"I don't know, it just doesn't seem right leaving them like this," Pinkie explained. "I mean, if they were ponies, we'd do something, wouldn't we?"

"Not much we can do, Pinkie," Applejack said. "I don't think there's anything we could do to for 'em, 'sides havin' a decent burial. Sorry."

"Then let's do that."

Everypony stopped in their tracks, some in mid step. "Pardon?" Rarity said.

"Let's bury them," said Pinkie Pie, stomping her hoof. "We should give them a funeral, a nice one, something to let them know this planet isn't all that bad. Look, I found these in the other room." Pinkie Pie removed several thin sheets from her mane and laid them on the floor for all to see.

Each one was a different colored image, photographs. One had three odd creatures dressed in orange laughing as they stood in a white hallway. The one with long yellow hair leaned over the tall mustached one holding up two fingers in a V shape as the third one smiled and watched behind a pair of glasses.

The next photo was of the blond creature, wearing a pink dress with straps over the shoulders and a large summer hat, holding what was almost just a smaller copy of itself, wearing a similar wide brimmed hat that was much too big for it. The larger smiled as it rested their check against the smaller's forehead.

The third picture showed another long haired specimen, its features soft and its hair red. Its blue eyes were slightly narrowed as it smiled suggestively, running its tongue along her lips. A faded kiss mark encircled by a heart symbol covered the corner.

Five beings stood in the final photograph, all with brown hair and dark complexity. Three large ones, including the mustached one from the first picture, stood at attention with their arms against their back behind two gray haired and wrinkled individuals sitting in chairs. The one with longer hair and a leaner body smiled warmly while the other simply glared as sternly as the three behind them.

"Look," Pinkie Pie exclaimed, gesturing to the photographs, "they've got families, and friends, a-and they smile! They smile a lot here and here and, okay, maybe they could smile a bit more here," Pinkie admitted, her own grin faltering slightly as she set down the photo of five. "They smile just like all our other friends, like Spike and Cranky and Tank and Discord! Maybe we could have been friends too. Maybe they'd be mean at first, but then we'd get to know them and they get to know us we'd find out we're not so different and we'd have a great big welcome party, and they'd teach us new games to play and new words and party tricks." Pinkie took a deep breath. "If I can't say hi, I want to at least say good bye."

The rest of the mares looked to one another, speaking with their eyes and with glances. Rarity frowned as her gaze met Applejack, who bit her lip and turned to Twilight just as Rainbow Dash shrugged in response.

"Pinkie Pie," Twilight began gently, "that's sweet of you--"

"I'm with Pinkie."

Fluttershy shrunk back behind her pink curtain of a mane as everypony's attention fell upon her. When no one else spoke and the silence grew oppressive, the pegasus brushed back a large lock of hair and said, "I think we should bury them too. I want to leave this place and go back home as soon as possible too, but I feel awful leaving their bodies out like this." Fluttershy picked up one of the photo, the one with the blond alien cradling its child. "I-I just, I can't--"

Applejack placed a steadying hoof on Flutterhy's quaking shoulder. "It's alright, sugar cube," she said before turning to the rest of the group. "I don' know about the rest of ya'll, but I think if I, well..." Applejack swallowed. "...if somethin' happened to me, somethin' like this, I'd appreciate it if somepony took care of what was left. Be'd awfully nice if they could get the news to my family too," she added, closing her eyes and sighing. "Maybe we can't tell their kin, but I think I'm with Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, the least we can do is put 'em to rest."

"Rest in peace, huh?" Rainbow Dash snorted. "I'm not laughing or anything," she quickly said defensively as Rarity and Applejack started to glared. "It's just, I don't think I've ever got what that phrase meant. Guess it's just one of those kind of things you have to experience yourself first or something. Yeah, I'm in."

The two remaining mares shared a quick look. "Well, leaving out such a mess is hardly ideal for anyone," said Rarity with a sigh. "I'm hardly dressed for the occasion, but perhaps a small ceremony would be, well, nice might not be the right description."

"How 'bout appropriate?" Applejack offered.

"I think it's nice," Pinkie Pie piped in.

"A funeral, nice?" Rainbow Dash asked in bafflement.

Pinkie nodded. "Sure, like a small good bye party. I mean, there're still guests and a guest-of-honor sometimes there're decorations and maybe refreshments and cake and everypony gets up and remembers their fondest memories and gets to say good bye one last time and--"

"That sounds more like a wake," Twilight interjected. Her horn alit as she lifted the picture of the three aliens laughing together. She glanced back up at the five mares standing closely together, waiting for her to speak. "In any case, we've got some work to do..."

Three large mounds of dirt peeked out through the meadow's sea of grass. A space the size of about a hoof mark was between each. At the head of each mound stood chunk of the reflective gray material and one of the bowl like helmets that had been attached to the bulky white suits.

The ponies stood a respectful distance from the foot of the graves. Dirt and dust coated Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie's faces and legs. Both Rarity and Fluttershy carried wreaths made of weeds, daffodils, and dandelions. Twilight Sparkle wore a grimace as she leaned against Rainbow, making no objection to the dirt rubbing into her fur.

"You gonna be alright, sugar cube?" Applejack asked Twilight. The princess nodded weakly.

"Yeah, sorry you had to see that," she said. "I didn't think they'd feel like that through my magic."

"Well, at least I can say I'm not the only pony who threw up today," Rainbow said, inciting a soft chuckle from the group.

"I wish we could have done more," said Rarity, looking woefully at the uneven makeshift graves. She approached and set her flowery rings over the simple markers. Fluttershy followed, placing her wreath around the jagged piece of wall that had peeled off.

"Not much else we could've done, 'less you wanted to make some caskets yourself," Applejack said as she glumly kicked at the grass.

"Digging those things wasn't easy, you know," Rainbow grumbled. "It probably would have been easier with Spike. I think I would have traded my wings for a dragon's tail for that hour," she groaned as she reached out and stretched.

"I'm glad Spike decided to sleep in today. This isn't something I'd want him to see," Twilight declared. "Look, what's done is done, and we did what we could," the princess said, shutting her eyes. "I'm sure they'd understand that we did our best."

A few grunts or hums of affirmation were made in response before silence quickly filled the forest clearing. A soft cool breeze blew by, whistling as it passed. A bird, hidden deep within the trees, released a few haunting notes. The wind's whistle and the bird's song echoed out and over their little ceremony, like a quiet forgotten dirge.

"We should head back to town before ponies start to worry," Twilight said at last. "Does anypony want to say anything before we go?"

Pinkie Pie stepped forward. "Wish we could have gotten to know you better," she said, her voice once again subdued and without its natural spirit. "Maybe I could have even thrown you a party, a big one, to welcome all of you to this planet. Everypony loves my parties, maybe you would have too. Then maybe, maybe we'd become friends, and we'd tell you all about Equestria and this world and you'd tell us about your world and what it's like to explore outer space. I bet it's pretty cool.

"It's not fair," Pinkie suddenly cried. "It's not fair! You all just got here, and I have to say good bye before I even got to say hello, before I even got the chance to know you. It's not fair at all!" Pinkie Pie sniffed and wiped her eyes, smearing her dusty cheeks with tears. "Good bye, whoever you are."

"Whomever," Twilight said. "S-sorry," she quickly apologized as attention was drawn toward her.

"It's okay, Twilight," Pinkie Pie sniffed. She took the handkerchief Rarity offered and blew her nose loudly. "I think I'm ready to go home," she said, smiling, "unless anypony else has anything to say."

"I'd say you did well enough for all of us," Applejack said, grabbing Pinkie's shoulder and giving it a gentle shake. "I sure can't think of anythin' else to say."

"I doubt I could have spoken any better than you did, Pinkie," Rarity praised as she leaned forward and cleaned off the dirt from Pinkie's face.

"You really think so?" Pinkie Pie asked.

Rarity answered with a nod. "Oh absolutely, dear."

"So I guess we're finally ready to head back home," Rainbow said with a yawn. "I'm not much for long good byes anyways, so uh..." The pegasus tapped her front hooves together awkwardly and turned to the dirt mounds. "...bye, I guess. What about you, Fluttershy?" she called out to the yellow pegasus sitting in front of the middle grave.

Fluttershy jumped at the sound of her name. "What? Oh, no," she said, shaking her head. "No, I don't think I have anything to say."

"You sure?" Rainbow asked, tilting her head slightly to the side. "'Cause look like you've got something to say."

"It's just..." Fluttershy sighed. "I'm just a little confused."

"About what, darling?" asked Rarity.

"About why they came here," Fluttershy said.

"It could have been for a dozen reasons," Twilight replied. "Maybe they're just exploring new planets to study. I mean, if we had that sort of technology, wouldn't you take that opportunity? Think of all different amazing things you'd learn," she said excitedly. "New ecologies, new geologies--"

"And all the new friends you could make," Pinkie Pie added.

"Going out into uncharted territory and discovering what's out there definitely does sound pretty awesome," Rainbow Dash said. "Like Daring Do, only way larger."

"But it's so dangerous, Look what happened here," Fluttershy argued, gesturing toward the graves. "They had loved ones back where they came from, and now they'll never get to see them again. They're friends and families might never know what happened. How could anypony or anyone do something so risky?"

Another moment of silence arose as Fluttershy's question was considered. "Sometimes," Twilight began, breaking the silence, "sometimes they just have to. If you'd ask all the royal guards the same thing, a lot of them might say it's to protect Equestria and their families. It's something they have to do, like how the founders of Equestria had to go out and search for a new home, like how we had to use the Elements of Harmony. I..." The princess grew quiet and frowned. "I guess I never really thought about how dangerous our adventures were and what we had to lose until, well..." Twilight's gaze slowly drifted to the buried bodies, and she quickly turned away.

"I think that's enough heavy thinking for one day," Rarity huffed. "Come along now, Ponyville awaits."

Everypony nodded and voiced their agreement, and slowly they moved away from the burial site, throwing an occasional glance over at the graves or at the wreckage within the craters. Conversations slowly broke out between mares, and slowly a sliver of the light-hearted atmosphere from earlier was retained. As Twilight smiled and chatted with the rest of her friends, Fluttershy made her way to her side. "Um, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked.

"Hmm?"

"I just wanted to say, I think I get what you meant," Fluttershy said. "I know what we have to do is sometimes scary and dangerous, but it's still something we have to do, and I'm kind of glad we went through it all together. And, well, if you need me on some other dangerous mission, I just wanted to say I'll do my best. But, um," she added, lowering her head and her gaze, "I think I'd like it better if we didn't have any dangerous adventures for a while or maybe not as many."

"Sorry Fluttershy," Twilight said, embracing the yellow pegasus with her wing. "That's not really up to me, but believe me, I don't like risking any of our lives even when we have to, and if there really was a choice, well, I'd astro-not."

Author's Note

A Million Bits

Mornings do not begin universally. For some, they begin the minute the horizon is painted red and orange by Celestia's rising sun. For others, mornings do not begin until that large yellow sphere is high in the sky, and no amount of curtains or eyelid-squeezing can keep that pestering light from interrupting one's dreams. Some mornings don't start until the first cup of coffee is drained, some don't start until the blares of an alarm clock or the croaks of a rooster become unbearable, and for some, mornings don't begin without a nice, warm shower.

For the Apple family, mornings began when the time for chores starts, and chore time usually starts nice and early, sometimes early enough to catch Celestia's sun paint the horizon red, orange, and yellow. There were exceptions, of course; everypony understood how unrealistic it'd be for the venerable matriarch Granny Smith to rise at the crack of dawn every single day, especially considering the number of naps the old mare required during the day proper. Young Apple Bloom was occasionally excused from this rising ritual as education was just important to the Apple family as chores, and neither Applejack nor Big Macintosh really wanted another meeting with the school teacher to discuss their younger sibling's habit of snoring through Cheerilee's lectures.

The two older siblings, however, had few excuses for sleeping in, especially when there was plenty of farm work to be done. Barring illness or the presence of a threat endangering all of Equestria, the two Apples were often the earliest risers in all of Ponyville. Thus, you would not be entirely surprised to find either an orange mare wearing a wide-brimmed hat or a large red stallion with a dusty plow wandering about in the fields of Sweet Apple Acres before most ponies had finished brewing their coffee even after the harvesting and planting seasons; a far more interesting question would be why you're there so early. Ponies are, after all, like many beings, creatures of habits.

Big Macintosh was normally no exception. He usually suffered from a conversation-crippling case of shyness, almost always wore that old dusty plow, even after that certain chore was finished, and normally woke up earlier than his sister so he could drink a cup of coffee without his sister nagging and complaining about the bitter taste.

Understandably, Applejack was more than a little perplexed to find the kitchen completely deserted one morning.

"Big Mac?" Applejack called out into the dark kitchen. "You in here?"

No answer. The mare found the light switch and illuminated the room. Still no big brother. Applejack walked to the counter and found the large coffee pot surprisingly empty and the bean grinder untouched. She looked over her shoulder at the clock hanging on the wall, then peaked outside though the window above the sink.

"Where is that pony?" Applejack muttered to herself as she absentmindedly combed her blond mane under her hat with a hoof. "He knows we've gotta finishin' the harvest by today. There ain't any time for lollygaggin' today."

"What's that 'bout lollies?" came a soft voice from behind her, which was quickly followed by a loud unrestrained yawn. Applejack turned to the young filly rubbing the sand from her eyes that had unknowingly snuck up on her. Her red bow sat crookedly on her head, holding down the wild mess of red hair she called a mane.

Apple Bloom yawned widely again. "Do you really need me up this early?" she grumbled. "I mean, sure it's a weekend and everythin', but it's just finishin' up the last of the harvest, it's not like you and Big Mac can't handle that."

"Aw, these big pony chores too much for my little sis?" Applejack teased, rubbing Apple Bloom's head affectionately, ignoring the young fillies exhausted attempts of escape. "We work together, we can finish everything sooner, and the sooner we finish all our chores, the sooner you'll get to play with your friends. Any crusades planned for today?"

Apple Bloom shook her head. "Just hangin' around today, I'll probably be too tired for any real Cutie Mark Crusadin' any--" She released another yawn. "--ways. Whew, that was a big one. Hey, you think I'm old enough for coffee yet?" the young pony asked eagerly, eyeing the coffee pot and the bag of beans next to it.

"Ask your brother, that muck's his business," Applejack answered with a roll of her green eyes. "Speakin' of which, you seen Big Mac on your way down here?"

Apple Bloom shook her head. "No, why? He not up yet?"

"Dunno, but it don't seem like it."

"You don't think he's sick, do you?" asked Apple Bloom, her voice slightly pitched with worry.

"I hope not. Figures, that stallion decides to get sick on the last day of harvest," Applejack groaned with a sigh. "I'll get breakfast started," she said, crouching down and removing a large sack of oats from the cupboard. She carried it toward the stove and grabbed a simple cooking pot from the cabinet. "You go see how Big Mac's doin'."

"You think I could try makin' breakfast today?" Apple Bloom asked, making her way next to her elder sister. "You know I know how and everythin'."

"You sure?" Applejack questioned as she filled the pot with oats and water. "I don't really want you 'round the stove."

"Don't worry 'bout it, sis," the filly assured, taking the heavy container out of Applejack's hooves. "Gotta prove I'm a big pony now, don't I?"

Applejack shrugged. "Don't really matters who gets breakfast done, so long as we all get to eat," she conceded. "Alright, I'll go check up on Big Macintosh, see what's keepin' him, you make sure the oatmeal doesn't burn. Oh, and keep your hooves off the coffee grinder," the farm mare added, throwing a fierce glare at the appliance in question. "Darn thing won't work for any pony 'sides Granny or Big Mac."

And with that final warning and an understanding nod from Apple Bloom, Applejack exited the kitchen and heading to the stairs. As she carefully climbed the creaking steps upstairs, her eyes adjusted to the darkness. By now, the sun had already finished its colorful display, and light was beginning to seep through the curtains, but there was about half an hour or so before the hallway would be properly brightened.

Still, regardless of the shadows, this house was Applejack's home, and she knew its layout like the back of her hoof. Finding the door Big Macintosh's room even in the dark wouldn't be much of a challenge, especially considering how she would often sneak into her older brother's room in the middle of the night when she was younger.

"Big Mac," Applejack called after knocking on the sturdy door. "There'd better be a good explanation why Apple Bloom's up earlier than you."

There was a muffled reply from the other side. Applejack raised a brow.

"Come again?" she said, leaning her ear against the door.

The second reply was just as obscured. Applejack shook her head.

"Alright, I'm comin' in." She turned the door nob and pushed forward. "You'd better be decent."

"Wait!"

This time, Applejack heard the response nice and clearly, but the door was already opened, and Applejack was already inside, blinking as the red stallion in front of her struggled to hide an easel behind his large frame. A few paintbrushes had been scattered to the floor, along with a few empty tubes of paint. Applejack turned around and stared at the canvases plopped on his bed.

"Big Macintosh," Applejack began slowly, sending her older brother into a cringe, "I know this is gonna sound like a lot, but I need you to start talking."

Big Macintosh opened his mouth. "I--"

"You know what, forget it," Applejack cut in, shaking her head. "You ain't sick, so you ain't got an excuse. Big Mac, you remember what's planned for today, right?"

Big Macintosh hung his head. "Eeyup," he said softly.

"And despite knowin' perfectly well how busy we were gonna be this mornin', you thought it be a good idea to...to...do whatever this is instead of chores?" Applejack gestured toward the discarded canvases. She took a step forward as her brother took a nervous step back. "I'd expect this kind of thing from Apple Bloom," she growled, "but from you, oh you--"

"Um, Applejack?"

"Not now, Apple Bloom." Applejack blinked and sniffed. "Why do I smell smoke?"

"I touched the coffee grinder," the filly explained sheepishly. "Sorry."

The two ponies worked in relative silence; the only noises they made were the thuds of their powerful hooves hitting against the thick trucks of the apple trees and the dull sounds of the fruits falling into baskets.

Applejack took a moment to wipe the sweat off her brow with her hat. The sun was now properly up in the sky but had mercifully decided to hide behind some clouds for the time being. She looked back down at the baskets filled with bright juicy apples around her. She nodded after a long scan of the trees.

"Whelp, that looks like the last of them," she said, turning to her brother, who was already balancing a few baskets on his back. He gave her a quick nod and started toward the barn. Applejack hurried to catch up.

"Hey, er, Big Mac," she said hesitantly. "Listen, I've been thinkin', and I guess I owe you an apology too."

"Don't--"

"Listen, I know you think I don't need to apologize or nothin', but I do."

"But--"

"Sure, we both know it weren't right for you to neglect your chores like that," Applejack said, "but I was too harsh then. Heck, I didn't even let you explain yourself. The very least I could have done was hear your part."

"Well--"

"Anyways, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for actin' that way this mornin'," she continued. "I was overreactin'. In the end, everythin' we wanted to get done got done, and now, we've got the entire day off. So, we good?" she asked, extending a hoof.

Big Macintosh waited for moment, simply staring at his sister's hoof. He opened his mouth.

"We're good," he said, shaking the limb. "No hard feelin's here."

"Heh, that good." Applejack shut the barn door behind her. "Y'know, this sounds like a great friendship letter for Princess Celestia, like losin' your head over somethin' can cause you to hurt your friends, and it's better to try and calm down instead of overreacting. Ooh, that sounds good, I'm headin' to the library while it's still fresh in my head," Applejack announced as she started walking in the direction of Ponyville. "You need anythin' from town? I can pick it up for you."

"How--"

"And before you ask, I'm not pickin' up another heavy sack of bitter beans," she said, making a face. "You're the only pony in the house that drinks coffee, carry it yourself."

"What--"

"Apple Bloom doesn't count. Her tongue's still young and impressionable."

Big Macintosh scratch his chin, then shook his head. "Nope," he said. "Nothin' I need."

"Alright," Applejack called, waving. "Listen, you and Granny can start lunch without us. Apple Bloom's eatin' with the rest of the Crusaders and I'll eat with Twilight and Spike."

The farm mare didn't bother waiting for a reply before kicking up a cloud of dust as she galloped away. Big Macintosh stared at the shrinking figure of his sister before it disappeared from his sight. Slowly, he headed toward the farmhouse.

"Applejack," Twilight Sparkle said cheerfully as her young draconic assistant led her guest inside. Her smile disappeared at the sight of her winded friend. "Are you alright?" the unicorn asked in concern, rushing forward in case Applejack needed support. "You look like you sprinted all the way here. Did something happen at Sweet Apple Acres? Is there an emergency?"

"Emergency?" Applejack parroted. She took a deep breath. "Nah, just thought of a friendship report, and I wanted it done while it was still fresh in my head. Speak of which..." She turned to the dragon who was in the middle of bending over to pick up a broom. "Spike, take a letter. Dear Princess Celestia, I'm writin' to you because...because, uh..."

"Because?" Spike prompted, taping his pen against the parchment.

"Give me a second here," Applejack mumbled. "Because...something 'bout overreacting and being calm and not hurting your friends..."

"...and not hurting your friends."

"Wait, don't write that down! Ngh," Applejack groaned. "Consarn it, okay, tryin' again. Dear Princess Celestia, I'm writin' to you today 'cause I learned a little somethin' about stayin' calm and not panickin'. Sometimes, things get so hectic that you can't help but lash out, only gettin' angry doesn't help anypony, and sometimes you'll end up hurtin' those you're close to. It's better for everypony if you just try to stay calm instead of overreacting. Your subject, Applejack. So, how was that?" Applejack asked with a grin.

"It's a great lesson," Twilight said, nodding in approval.

"Why does it feel like I've written this before?" Spike muttered. The dragon shrugged. "Whatever, you want me to send it now?"

"Go right ahead," Applejack answered. "Say, you two free for lunch?" she asked as she watched the letter pass through green flames and disappear in the smoke.

Twilight shook her head. "Not today, sorry," she said. "This week's been so busy, I've fallen behind in my reading." The unicorn gestured to the stack of books next to her. "Maybe tomorrow, if you're free then," Twilight proposed. "I should be caught up by then."

"If you say so," Applejack chuckled, eyeing the large pillar of tomes. "What 'bout you, Spike, wanna grab a bit to eat?"

"Sorry, but someone's got to make sure Twilight takes a break for lunch," Spike said from the kitchen. "I mean, I guess you stay, but we're just having leftover sandwiches."

"Nah, s'all right," Applejack assured with a quiet sigh. "Wonder if anypony else is free today." She shrugged. "Well, best be headin' off now, don't wanna take too much of your readin' time, 'specially if we're meeting together tomorrow."

"Oh, before you leave, here, take this." Twilight placed a small scroll into Applejack's hooves. "Sorry it's a little late, but the fee processing system is kind of archaic." She rolled her eyes. "I understand it's tradition and all, but--"

"Hold on, sugar cube," Applejack jumped in. The scroll had been unsealed and stretched open. "...is proof of payment...please present...this autumn, on the twenty fourth of..." she read slowly. She squinted suddenly. "The annual Canterlot Harvest Amateur Art Gallery, Auction, and Charity?" Applejack lowered the scroll and gave her friend a bewildered stare. "Umm, Twilight, as much as I know harvests and whatnot, I'm not the artsy kinda gal. You sure this ain't for Rarity?"

Twilight returned Applejack's look of confusion. "What do you mean? Big Macintosh didn't tell you?"

"Didn't tell me what?" asked Applejack, her eyes slowly narrowing.

"That he was taking part in the Harvest Amateur Art Gallery. He overheard me discussing it with Rarity about a week ago and asked a few questions," Twilight explained. "I told him how anypony with any degree of talent for any subject could enter after paying a fee and how this year all proceeding from the auction were going to supporting drought victims in the west, and he seemed very interested in entering. I didn't know Big Macintosh was an artist."

"He ain't, 'least as far as I know," Applejack said, frowning. Her glower quickly vanished. "Ah well, nice to know he's got a hobby, and if it's for charity, then all the better. Still, wish he bothered tellin' me about it." Applejack tucked the paper into her hat and set it back onto her head. "I'll be sure to get it to Big Macintosh later. See you two 'round."

Spike and Twilight waved as the apple farmer left the library. She looked up into the sky, noting that the sun had reappeared from behind the clouds. "Still got plenty of time for lunch," Applejack said to herself. "Wonder if Rarity's busy right now." Applejack gently nudged her hat back into place. She felt the scroll shift. "Might as well find out what this art gallery thing is all about."

"Could you be a dear and grab me some cerise fabric?" the unicorn seamstress asked. "It's over there." Without looking up from the dress in front of her, she pointed at a shelf full of colorful textiles in the corner.

Applejack held up a roll of red fabric. "This one?"

"That's scarlet, dear."

"This one?"

"No, that one's vermilion. To your left, that's it."

Applejack rolled her eyes and dropped the cloth on Rarity's desk. "Too busy for lunch then?"

"I'm ever so sorry," Rarity said, pushing her glasses back up on her nose, "but if I'm going to finish this in time for the Canterlot Harvest Amateur Art Gallery, I'll have to work all this week."

The farmer glanced over the dress Rarity was working on. "Isn't this a little much for something amateur?" she asked, pointing at the complex frills and laces that graced the gown's train and collar.

"Amateur?" Rarity laughed. "Dear Applejack, remember that this the Canterlot Harvest Art Gallery, Auction, and Charity. The few actual amateurs that will be participating will be art school graduates trying to win the hearts of potential patrons or aspiring entrepreneurs like myself hoping to expose the Canterlot elite to our wares." The white unicorn lifted the dress with her magic to inspect it in the light. "I was quite surprised to see your brother display such interest, I wasn't aware he had an artistic side."

"Me neither," Applejack grumbled.

"Well, I always assumed your brother hid something behind that mysteriously shy facade," Rarity said with a smile. "I look forward to his entry. Oh, don't tell me what it is, I'd prefer it to be a surprise."

"Yeah, sure," Applejack said, distracted. "I'll, uh, see you around, Rarity."

The unicorn waved inattentively, her attention completely monopolized by her dress. The sharp thrusts of the sewing machine echoed through the boutique as Applejack slipped out.

"...so that's why Scootaloo's not allowed to be within fifty feet of a construction site," Apple Bloom was saying with her mouthful of carrots.

"Uh huh."

"Anyways, since the harvest's all done, do you think tomorrow's gonna be a free day?" the bowed filly asked. "Cause we're gonna try skiin' cutie marks."

"Skiin' eh?" Granny Smith said. The old mare chuckled. "Oh, now doesn't that sound fun? What do you think, Applejack?"

"Uh huh."

"Applejack?"

Applejack lifted her head suddenly. "Oh, uh, sorry," she said. "Sorry, you were sayin' somethin', Granny?"

The Apple matriarch frowned. "You alright, child?" she asked. "You've barely touched your plate, and I've made fritters, your favorite."

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine," Applejack assured. "I'm, uh, just a bit distracted, that's all." She looked across the table and at the empty seat on the other side. "Say, where'd Big Macintosh run off to?"

"Your brother? He excused himself a little earlier and went up to his room," Granny Smith explained.

"Hey, Applejack," Apple Bloom piped in. "If you're not hungry, can I have your fritters?"

Both she and her grandmother watched in shock as Applejack picked up her plate and deposited the cold pastries onto the younger sister's. They watched her excuse herself, place the plate into sink, and head upstairs.

"Granny, I'm scared," Applejack heard Apple Bloom say as she left. She ignored it and marched straight to Big Macintosh's room. Taking a deep breath, Applejack lifted a hoof and knocked.

"Hmm?" came the deep voice from the other side of the door.

"It's me," Applejack answered, taking off her hat. "I, uh, got somethin' for you. Got it from Twilight."

"Oh."

"You mind if I come in?" Applejack asked a little uncertainly.

"Nope. Go ahead."

Applejack pushed open the door and walked inside. She stared at the large red stallion standing in front of a large canvas. Sitting next to him were several pencils of varying lengths, a few paint brushes, and a small tray of red paint.

"Here," she said, holding out the scroll she had received from Twilight. "So, when were you gonna tell me about the Canterlot Harvest Art thing?"

"Tell--"

"Sure, I ain't gettin' all excited over some fancy gallery in Canterlot, but knowin' that my own brother's gonna try and be part of it would have been nice," Applejack said crossly. "I can't believe you tried to hide somethin' like this from your own sister."

"I--"

"What next? You gettin' married, and the way I find out is through an invitation?" Applejack sat down and crossed her forelegs across her chest. "And how long have you been hiding this hobby of yours from me anyways and anyhow?"

Big Macintosh rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed. "I, uh, picked it up when Pa was, you know, still around," he said, looking down toward the floor. "I stopped drawin' and paintin' after he left, and Granny needed more help around the farm."

Applejack slowly closed her mouth.

"Now that Apple Bloom's old enough to help around here, I thought I could try it again." Big Macintosh smiled guiltily. "I know it's a waste of time and everythin', but it's still a lot of fun. It ain't nothin' really, just somethin' to fill free time with."

"Ain't nothing wrong with havin' a hobby to enjoy," Applejack said quietly. "But why try for the Canterlot Harvest Gallery? For somethin' that's just a hobby, you sure seem to aim high."

Big Macintosh was silent for a moment. "It's...just an old dream of mine," he said, fighting back a blush. "When Pa was teachin' me the basics, I kinda told him that one day, even ponies from Canterlot would come see my stuff. I was just a colt then, but I guess a promise is a promise, and I figured this was my chance to fulfill it for Pa," he said, growing ever more flustered. He sighed and shook his head. "Anyways, I didn't tell you 'cause of how busy we were with the harvest, and I didn't want to distract you, that's all." Big Macintosh gave his sister a small sad smile. "Sorry."

Applejack quickly pulled her leg away from her blinking eyes and shook her head fiercely. "A-ain't nothin' to apologize for, Big Mac," she said in a shaky voice. She took a breath to calm herself. "I think that's wonderful, what you're tryin' to do. Guess you'll be headed to Canterlot this weekend then? You finished yet?"

"Almost," Big Macintosh said. "You, uh, wanna see it?"

"Sure."

Big Mac stepped away from the canvas, and Applejack stepped forward. She blinked twice before squinting.

"Is that...the orchard?" she guessed.

"Eeyup."

"That's, uh, there's an awful lot of red, don't you think?" Applejack said, her eyes still focused on the blurred, painted shapes.

"There was a discount on reds, and I didn't really have many bits to spare," Big Macintosh admitted. "So, you like it?"

Applejack bit her lip. "Well," she began, "to be honest, I--"

"Applejack? Big Mac?" Apple Bloom called from the doorway of the room. "Granny needs some help with the--" The filly gasped. "Wow! Big Mac, did you draw that?" Apple Bloom leapt into the room and wiggled between her older siblings to get in front of the painting. "Wow," she said again. "I didn't you could draw."

Big Macintosh blushed. The tips of his lips lifted into an embarrassed smile. "Uh, well--"

"That's the orchard, ain't it? That's so cool! Hey, you think you could teach me and the rest of the Crusaders?" Apple Bloom asked. "We'd get paintin' and drawin' cutie marks in no time!"

"I guess I--"

"Apple Bloom!" hollered Granny Smith from the floor below. "Move your caboose and put your plate away already! And somepony feed Winona, she's givin' me that look again!"

"Oops. Comin' Granny!" Apple Bloom shouted back. She immediately dashed out of the room as Applejack and Big Macintosh watched.

Applejack shook her head and sighed. "I'd better go help out too. It looks great, the paintin' I mean."

Big Macintosh looked up and beamed. "Y-you mean it?"

"Yeah," Applejack said, turning her back toward her brother and his creation. She shut her eyes. "Honest."

"Applejack, darling, as much as I appreciate your assistance," Rarity began, fussing with her needles, "a little responsiveness would not hurt."

"Huh? Oh, sorry 'bout that," Applejack said. As she turned, the trains of the elegant gown she wore fluttered and swished. "What do you need me to do?"

"Just walk this way, toward me please," Rarity instructed. She pushed her glasses back up on her nose and nodded. "Yes, just like that, oh yes, that looks good," the unicorn muttered as she quickly jotted down a few words into her notepad. "Hmm, but I suppose a bolder color would look far better in the light, scarlet perhaps."

"Huh, oh, sure." Applejack brought a hoof to her mouth as she suppressed a yawn. "Whatever works."

"Yes, yes, so it does." Rarity looked over to the clock on her desk before removing her glasses and setting them aside. "Why don't we take a break?" she offered. "Perhaps some tea and biscuits, as a token of my appreciation?"

"I'm havin' lunch with Twilight later, but I won't say no to some tea. Could use somethin' warm." Applejack carefully wiggled out of the dress and draped it over a nearby mannequin. "Uh, listen, got a question I've been meaning to ask you," she said as she approached the seamstress. "You, uh, remember our Gala dresses?"

Rarity nodded as she pour tea from a small porcelain teapot into a matching pair of teacups. "Ah yes, what a pity that night turned out to be."

"Yeah, but I was talkin' about our original dresses. You know, the ones we made you make us?"

"Oh." The teapot shook, spilling a few drops onto the tablecloth. "Yes, those, what of them?"

"I was wonderin', how do you tell somepony the truth 'bout somethin' like that?"

"Tell somepony the truth?" Rarity repeated, confused. "Darling, I'd assume you'd be the expert here, not I. What do you mean, about something like this?"

"Like when somepony's done somethin' they're really proud of, only you're not too sure it's somethin' to be proud of," Applejack tried to explain. "Like, say for the first designs of our dresses, how'd you keep from tellin' all of us how ugly our dresses were gonna look? What do you call it, a pale lie?"

"A white lie?" Rarity motioned Applejack toward the table and waited for her to take a sip of tea before tending to her own cup. "I suppose it was a misplaced desire to avoid hurting feelings as well as a foolish need to please all of my friends."

"Yeah, but tellin' us the truth would have prevented a bunch of problems," Applejack said suddenly, leaning over the table. "We could've avoided that whole disaster of a fashion show."

Rarity frowned as she set her cup back onto the saucer. "I am aware of this, yes," she said coolly. "What exactly are you trying to say? Act surprised if you must, but I much prefer how straightforward you normally are to this timid roundabout of a conversation."

"It's..." Applejack groaned and planted her face into the table. "You know that art thing at Canterlot?"

"The Canterlot Harvest Amateur Art Gallery, Auction, and Charity?" Rarity said. "Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?"

"Well, you know Big Mac's takin' part in it, and, well..." Applejack sighed. "I just think it's a really bad idea."

"A bad idea? Why would you say that?" Rarity questioned.

"I saw some of his drawin's. They're not great. Not saying they're bad or somethin' like that, but they ain't anything to be proud of. He loves paintin' though, and there's a whole lot of history behind it, but I remembered what you told me the other day, how Canterlot the Canterlot Art Gallery is, how it ain't 'actly for amateurs." Applejack covered her face with one hoof and slammed the table with the other. "I don't want to see my brother laughed at by a bunch of snobby high class ponies, but I can't just tell him he's got no place being there, it'd break that stallion's heart."

"Truly dear?" Rarity asked. "Perhaps you're overreacting, a little constructive criticism never killed a pony before."

"You don't know my brother. The big in his name stands for big heart, and he's a lot more sensitive than you think," said Applejack, lifting her head. "I don't know what to do right now."

"So, allow me see if I am understanding all this, and fill free to correct me," Rarity said. She had gotten up and had begun pacing. "On the one hoof, you do not wish to see Big Macintosh embarrass himself, but on the other, you do not want to stop him from doing what he loves. Is that the gist?"

"That's 'bout right."

"And is entering the Canterlot Harvest Amateur Art Gallery, Auction, and Charity absolutely necessary?"

"You have no idea how important this is to him," Applejack answered fiercely.

"Very well," Rarity said, returning to her seat. "I have a bit of a confession to make. I may have made a slightly exaggeration," she admitted. "While it is true that a large proportion of the gallery is composed of artists of or pursuing profession levels, there are still many entries made by ponies whose cutie marks demonstrate nothing related to artistic ability whatsoever. The presence of professionally done pieces does justify my desire to present the greatest work I possible can, but it should by no means deter your brother from entering as well."

"Still, if his stuff is gonna stand right next to some fancy artist's stuff--" Applejack began.

"Then the difference in quality will be apparent, yes," Rarity finished, "which, in itself, might prove quite embarrassing. But if Big Macintosh truly loves painting, and if being part of this gallery is so important, then the comparisons between his work and a professional's shouldn't bother him. Miff maybe, motivate to improve perhaps, but devastate?" Rarity shook her head. "Then again, like you said, I do not know your brother very well. This is something you should discuss with him."

"You really think I should talk to him 'bout this?" Applejack asked.

Rarity nodded. "Most definitely. At least he'll know what to expect. Honesty is the best policy, is it not?" she added with a wink.

Applejack chuckled. "Yeah, I suppose." The farm pony got up and stretched. "Thanks Rarity, it was nice gettin' all that out in the open."

"Anytime darling," Rarity said, waving her hoof. "Now you'd best be off if you're to be in time for lunch with Twilight. Heaven help you should you be late."

"Aw shoot," Applejack groaned. She quickly headed toward the boutique's exit.

"Oh, and Applejack?"

Applejack paused with one hoof out the door. She turned.

"Pride is a fickle thing for artists, especially toward their own pieces. The ones who are most proud are those closest to them. At least, that's what I like to believe." Rarity's glasses were already back on the rim of her nose. The dress Applejack had worn sat in front of the seamstress as she considered it besides a large roll of bright red cloth. "Be sure to tell Big Macintosh I wish him the best of luck and that I look forward to his presentation,"

Applejack's heavy steps echoed against the hard wooden stairs. They followed her down the hall until she stopped in front of a closed door. Her saddlebags shifted as she raised a hoof.

"Like this?" she heard Apple Bloom say from inside the room. There was a muffled answer in reply, too long for a simple 'eeyup' or 'nope'. Applejack allowed a small smile light her features before knocking.

Big Macintosh was the one to open the door. "I--" he began.

"Hey Applejack!" Apple Bloom said happily as she bounced beside the red stallion. Her cheeks were blushed with paint that matched her hair, and she wore a small stained apron that had once been green. "Welcome back, sis. I thought you were havin' lunch with Twilight."

"It was a short lunch," Applejack answered. "She was kinda busy so I didn't really stay and chat. So, what are you two workin' on?" she asked, stepping into the room. "Does Granny know you're wearin' her apron?"

"Uh, well--"

"Look what Big Mac helped me make!" Apple Bloom dragged Applejack further inside, toward an easel surrounded by cans of paint and several wet brushes. Their hooves made crinkling sounds against the floor of newspapers.

Applejack stared at the picture on the easel. Four basic figures of ponies of varying heights and sizes stood together in front of the outline of a box. The second largest pony had something on the top of its head, a unicorn perhaps?

"It's us!" Apple Bloom declared excitedly. "See, that's you, that's me, I had a lot of trouble drawin' Granny's walker so that's her standin', and that's Big Mac, and we're all in front of the barn."

"How come Big Macintosh's the only one with his colors right?" Applejack joked, swinging her foreleg around her little sister. "Pretty sure Granny and me ain't that red, though maybe you're just fine." Applejack gently pressed Apple Bloom's painted nose.

"Hmph." Apple Bloom struggled out of Applejack's grasp and stuck her tongue out.

Applejack laughed. "Clean yourself off 'fore Granny finds you and thinks you got to our jams," she said.

"Aw, a bath now? It's still early," Apple Bloom complained. "We didn't even finish our lesson," the filly added with a pout, turning her quivering eyes toward her older brother.

Big Macintosh shook his head and look away. "You--"

"You can finish later," Applejack said, giving Apple Bloom a small nudge toward the door. "Better try and get that apron cleaned before supper, else Granny really will have a fit."

"Fine," Apple Bloom groaned, rolling her eyes as she left. The older Apple siblings watch her leave a trail of red hoof prints.

"I'll, uh, clean that," Big Macintosh assured.

"That's fine, but later." Applejack sat herself on Big Macintosh's bed. "I wanna see that picture you've been paintin' for the Canterlot art thing again first."

Big Macintosh opened his mouth as if to argue, then shut it as he picked up the canvas that was leaning in the corner and placed it on the easel.

Applejack stared for a moment, then sighed.

"Somethin' wrong, Sis?"

Applejack produced a book from her saddlebags and opened it to a page marked by a ribbon. "I borrowed this from Twilight," she said, pushing it toward her brother. "It's some of the stuff from previous Canterlot Harvest Art Galleries."

She waited to give Big Macintosh time to glance over the pictures. "Listen Big Mac, I know this gallery's pretty important. I know how much it means to you to be part of it, but I don't want to see you hurt either." Applejack leaned forward and pointed at one of the photos in the book. It was of a gorgeous depiction of Princess Celestia sitting with her head raised high as she guided the ascending sun. "This is what your picture's gonna be up against, stuff like this."

Big Macintosh kept his eyes glued on book. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I need to make sure you won't be hurt. You're my brother, and we Apples look after our kin." Applejack wrapped her hoof around Big Mac's and squeezed, hard. "I have to make sure that when you see your paintin' next to something like this, when you hear those snooty uptight high class ponies say what they want, when whatever happens happens, you'll be fine. I need to make sure you can handle being rejected.

"I need to be honest, I love your picture, I really do." She gave Big Macintosh a sad smile. "But I just don't know if it's that great. You get that, right?"

Big Macintosh stared at the picture in the book, then at his painting in the center of the room. "Yep."

"I mean, why does it have to be this year? You could spend a year brushin' up on your skills, save a few bits for some extra colors and some better brushes, then try again next harvest," Applejack suggested. "You can still keep your promise to Pa. There'll always be more chances, right?"

"Applejack," Big Macintosh began slowly, "we're farmers. We don't 'actly have the luxury of spending time on a hobby when there're chores to do. This year was an easier harvest; everythin' was just as planned and went without a hitch. But next year, who knows? I might not have any time at all to touch a brush." He shook his head. "Not to mention how each year entry fees get more expensive. I was lucky this time, but I can't always rely on luck. I don't know when the next chance will come, and when it does, it might be too late." Big Macintosh lifted his head and his eyes met her. "I don't wanna risk it, I've gotta try now."

"And you'll be fine?" Applejack asked, refusing to break eye contact.

Big Mac nodded. "It ain't about doing well or lookin' good in front a bunch of Canterlot ponies," he said. "I don't care 'bout that, knowin' you and Apple Bloom like my drawin's is enough. What matters is simply bein' there and sharin' my work with others like I told Pa, even if they don't appreciate it as much as I do, as much as you do."

"You sure 'bout all this? I don't want you hurt."

Big Macintosh pressed Applejack close to him and shut his eyes. His forelegs went around her shoulders as hers wrapped around his trunk.

"Eeyup."

"Good morning, Miss Applejack," the uniformed stallion greeted as he took his position on the edge of the station platform. "You're awfully early, aren't you? Heading to Canterlot today?"

Applejack shook her head. "Just pickin' up my brother," she said, covering her yawn with a hoof. "He said he'd be on the first train back to Ponyville soon as the gallery finished."

"Oh, is he not staying awhile longer, perhaps to see the sights?" the station porter asked. "It's not every day a stallion like him gets to see Canterlot."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, nothing," the stallion said hurriedly, holding up his hooves. "It's just he always seems so busy, that's all."

"Hmm." Applejack sat back down. "When's the train arriving?" she asked, glancing over at the clock above the ticket vendor.

"Well, you're still pretty early, it could be a few minutes before the first trains start coming in, and those aren't for or from Canterlot." The porter stretched and started to leave. "I've got time to grab some coffee, you want a cup?"

Applejack nodded. "Black, no sugar or cream," she said, looking back at the station clock. She watched as the long thin second hand slowly spun. In her mind, she made short ticking sounds as time passed. Thirty ticks, sixty ticks, two hundred ticks. The long thick minute hand had nudged forward twice.

"Miss Applejack?"

The porter had returned with her coffee. Applejack thanked him and accepted the paper cup, careful to avoid spilling the hot murky liquid. The heat radiating from the cup warmed her hooves that had been chilled by the cool autumn air. Applejack took a deep breath, taking in the the coffee's fragrance. She smiled and set the cup to the side. More minutes had passed.

More ponies had appeared, several carrying pieces of luggage. Some brushed by her on the way to the ticket counter. The first train stopped, the conductor gave a shout, and the station came alive. Applejack gave no hint of noticing the noise as ponies rushed past her with their luggage behind them. She ignored the shrill whistles and the final call for passengers.

The train to Trottingham did not concern her. She ignored the gaggle of tourists from the Crystal Empire.

"The train from Canterlot will be arriving shortly," the announcer cried. "Please maintain a safe distance from the edge of the platform, thank you."

Applejack tossed the cup of cold coffee in a nearby trash bin and approached the platform's end. A small crowd had already begun to form. Even as she made her way, she could hear the screeches of the train's metal wheels against the tracks. There was a sharp blare from the whistle as the locomotive came into sight, dragging its passenger cars with it. It grew larger as it it grew closer

The train began to slow, then it stopped completely before the platform. Station workers urged the crowd back, and once room had been cleared, the doors opened. Applejack watched the first few passengers exit, her interest in them disappearing once she realized who they weren't.

At last Applejack saw a red stallion leave the train, listening somewhat awkwardly as the white unicorn beside him spoke rapidly. She paused, much to Big Macintosh's evident relief, at the sight of the elder Apple sister.

"Applejack, darling!" Rarity called, waving toward her. All three ponies pushed forward through the small crowd. "Oh, how I wish you could have been there. Why, I was just telling Big Macintosh about the little get-together I had with one of ladies I met at the auction. A Manehattan mare, quite remarkable, very charming, you need to meet her."

"Yeah, I'm sure I would have enjoyed it," Applejack said, rolling her eyes. "The rest of the girls couldn't make it. Pinkie Pie's been preparin' a surprise party for your return."

"Well, then I must do my best to appear surprised, won't I?" Rarity said with a smirk.

Applejack turned to her brother. "So, uh," she began cautiously, "how was it?"

"It--"

"Where's your picture?" she interrupted, looking around. The wrapped canvas he had taken with him to Canterlot was absent.

"Left it behind," Big Mac answered shortly.

"Oh." Applejack swallowed. She placed a hoof on Big Macintosh's shoulder. "Listen, I'm sorry, but you should be proud 'bout what you did. Pa sure would have. You shouldn't have thrown that picture away."

Rarity gasped. "Thrown it away? Applejack, what are you saying?" She stared at Big Macintosh as he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Big Macintosh sold it at the auction."

Applejack's mouth fell open. "H-he sold it? Some pony from Canterlot actually bought it?"

"But of course," Rarity said. "Why are you so surprised? I certainly was impressed by his decision of using a single color. How did Photo Finish describe it? Oh yes." She cleared her throat and lifted her hoof dramatically. "Minimalistic, but oh so bold, ze very expression of soul, of ze spirit. Ze shades of reds, zey scream at me! I see it in ze strokes, I see it, ze magics!" Rarity began to giggle. "Or something along those lines. Isn't that right, Big Macintosh?"

The red stallion was practically glowing. "Shucks," he mumbled to the floor.

"Oh no need to be so modest my dear," Rarity laughed. "Why, your brother's item was auctioned off at a recording breaking price."

"Record breaking?" Applejack repeated. "How much?"

Big Macintosh lifted his head and gave his sister a little smile.

"A vermillion bits."