Applejack regarded Pinkie with a cautious smile, uncertain of what her response would be. Pinkie shut the book in her lap before calmly placing it at her side. Then, she wrapped Applejack in a titanic embrace.

"We're technically related!" shouted Pinkie, shaking Applejack back and forth. "It counts! It totally counts!" As she throttled her friend-sister, a crack began to form beneath their feet and quickly extended itself to the bottom of the boulder. "It counts! It--Uh-oh." The boulder split into pieces and the two fell forward onto the dirt below. After the dust around them settled, Pinkie sat herself upright. The last boulder atop her home had crumbled, and she couldn't help but laugh. Applejack continued laying where she was, watching her sister-by-technicality finally express some genuine happiness. She looked a bit farther past her and noticed the book just a few feet away. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she exhaled in relief.

Once Pinkie had finished her maniacal laughter, she fell back down beside Applejack. "Okay, I swear this is the last boulder-house-smashing party for me. Pinkie-Promise!" Applejack chuckled, and together they laid, watching the colorful clouds roll over them and toward the sunset.

After the sun fully submerged itself beneath the horizon and the moon and stars began to soar overhead, they agreed to head back to the train station. As they boarded their departing train, Pinkie waved out the door. "Goodbye old home!" she cried, the book gripped tightly in her other hoof. "I'll be back sometime soon to help mom and dad rebuild you!" With that, she fully entered made her way down the train's hall. She sat herself down in the isle seat to the left of a now sleeping Applejack. As the train departed, Applejack's head fell on Pinkie's shoulder, and rested there until Ponyville.

Applejack should really lay off the cider, Pinkie commented to herself as she carried Applejack back to Sweet Apple Acres. The moon hung low in the sky as Pinkie passed under the gate and headed up to the doorway. She knocked on it and, after the clatter of many tiny hoofsteps coming down hardwood stairs, was greeted by Apple Bloom. The filly rubbed her eyes and let out a yawn.

"Pinkie Pie? What are you doin' here at--Is that ma sister sleepin' on your back?"

"Yep!" Pinkie sounded, followed by a snore from Applejack.

"......Well, guess we better take her upstairs then."

Apple Bloom pulled back the covers and watched as Pinkie gently placed her older sister onto the bed. After Apple Bloom removed Applejack's hat and rested it on the appropriate wall-mount, Pinkie took the top of the red bedsheets and tucked her friend in to a well-deserved sleep. Apple Bloom looked up at Pinkie. "Yesterday, she just outright skipped all her chores and took a pickaxe from the shed. Said she had a sister that needed savin', and that she'd be back tomorrow. Wasn't sure what she meant by that, but it kinda makes sense now. So, did you get your tail caught under a rock or somethin'?"

"Sort-of," said Pinkie. "It was more like an entire house under a massive pile of boulders, but same gist."

"Wow," breathed Apple Bloom, observing her slumbering sister with a mix of awe and pride. She remembered Pinkie. "Oh! You wanna spend the night, Pinkie Pie? I know the night's almost up, but you must be awful tired as well."

Pinkie shook her head. "Maybe tomorrow. I need to get back home myself. Everyone there is probably really worried about me right now, and I need to let them know they don't have to anymore." She leaned down and kissed Applejack's forehead. "Thank you, sister." Apple Bloom blushed as she kissed her forehead as well. "And you too, little sis'."

Light emanated out the windows of Sugarcube Corner and onto the surrounding road. Pinkie regarded the tall, sugar-rush of a building from the base of its purple steps. She saw only it, and she smiled. The door flung open.

"Pinkie!" exclaimed Mrs. Cake, face full of sudden relief. "You're home! We were so worried! We found that cupcake note you left and you weren't here this morning and the neighbors didn't know where you were and--"

She stopped herself and slowed her breathing to a calmer level. "Just... We're just so happy you're home, dear. All of us."

"Thank you," Pinkie tearfully replied, hopping up the steps and giving Mrs. Cake a hug. "I'm sorry I scared all of you. I won't ever do it again! Well, unless I'm pulling a prank on you or end up getting caught up in a dangerous adventure or something like that. But every other time, I swear I won't ever worry you, Pinkie-Promise!" Mrs. Cake nodded, and reciprocated Pinkie's hug.

"Oh! By the way," Pinkie said from over Mrs. Cake's shoulder. "Do you still have that cupcake? I haven't eaten all day and I am starving!"

Author's Note

Boulder separates Pinkie and Applejack and is catalyst for conflict. Boulder crumbles as they reunite.
Symbolism: Complete
*Self-Five*