Author's Note

Welcome to a new Chapter, it has been a while.
This is me trying to continue this alone with two editors and one adviser.
Yep, alone.
There is no real co-writer left (except Duck who is silly), so please don't expect new chapters every few weeks.
This takes time and since Twidashforever isn't available anymore, increased in difficulty.

I hope you will love this chapter like the rest.
As always, I'm all ears for comments, critique and any errors you find

Harmony

Through everything. Together.

Chapter Twelve: Through Everything. Together.

“ZZZZZzzzzzZZZZZZZzzzzz!”

The abrupt, loud noise shook Twilight out of a restless slumber. A short one at that. She woke up a lot during the night, always checking to see if Dash was okay, if she was breathing properly. Slowly blinking her eyes open, she couldn’t focus, but there was something blue in front of her. It looked like a blanket, inviting her to come closer.

“ZZZZZzzzzzZZZZZZZzzzzz!”

The sound the blanket made caused her to jump, trying to get clear of the mysterious, snoring blanket. Fortunately, her mind had not quite woken up and she didn’t get far. Slowly, ever so slowly, the blanket rolled and morphed until she could identify the it for what it was. Not a blanket, but Dash, snoring away in her sleep. What?

She didn’t remember falling asleep that close to the pegasus. Honestly, she couldn’t remember much other than nightmares about how Dash could die in her sleep because of her injuries. What happened yesterday? I know I went back and carried Dash to the castle after the talk with the girls, but what then? Why is everything so confusing?

Turning around, she noticed that they were in her private chambers in her castle, the two girls nowhere to be seen. Did they leave? She carried on quickly from that thought. No, that’s silly, they were worried about Dash as well. Maybe they are – oh, yes, that’s it, they went to the big guestroom I have in case one of the princesses visit because of the alicorn-sized bed!

Twilight looked at Dash again, frowning in thought. She had no idea how they ended up that close. She swore she could remember tucking Dash in on the other side of the bed, but now she was basically on her side, inches away. Looking back, she noticed that she was nearly at the end of the bed, so it must have been Dash who rolled over in her sleep.

The alicorn, now partly awake, knew she wouldn’t find sleep anymore and moved to get up, but she didn’t get far. As soon as her body moved away from Dash, the pegasus started to shiver, her forehooves slowly extending to try to keep her from leaving. She couldn’t help but lay back down, Dash immediately relaxed and smiled as she scooted closer. Twilight had to admit, it looked outright cute.

“ZZZZZzzzzzZZZZZZZzzzzz!”

Twilight quickly lost the smile that was growing on her muzzle. Now that is definitely NOT cute… She quickly revised that statement as Dash mumbled in her sleep and moved closer, gently nuzzling into Twilight’s chest. Smiling, she extended her wings and legs around Dash and hugged her close.

That is, until said pegasus woke up with a yelp at having pressure put on her battered and bruised body

“Sorry, sorry!” Twilight shouted as Dash brought as much distance between them as possible, cursing upon her burning body. “Are you still sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?”

“Yes! As long as you don’t do that again, at least,” the pegasus answered with gritted teeth. Her body felt like fire, every rib and muscle burning through her body, as if she was close to bursting in flames. Her wings, now flared wide, aching as blood pumped through them.

“Hugging you?”

“Hurting me.”

Twilight frowned. “I never wanted to hurt you, you were cold and I just...”

Dash stopped short before answering too quickly. She knew that, knew the truth. Twilight would never want to hurt her. The way the alicorn stood in front of her told her that much. “I know that,” she answered and before Twilight could open her muzzle, added, “Not a morning pony, remember? Sorry for snapping at you.”

“It’s okay. Yesterday wasn’t the best day, I guess,” Twilight said and sat down on her haunches. “If you won’t go to the hospital, at least let me take a look and use a healing spell.”

“I’m fine!” Dash said, quickly. While her words said one thing her body said another. The pegasus was anything but fine; it didn’t take an egghead to see that much.

“No, you’re not!” Twilight yelled, the tears which had been building up in her eyes all night released like a busted damn, falling down her face and onto the bed as a torrential rainstorm. “I know you’re proud! Stubborn! And a jerk at times! But this is going too far! Lay down this instant or I’ll get Twi and Rainbow to hold you down!” The shocked look on Dash’s face caused Twilight to pause before adding, softly, under her breath, “Please… Dashie.”

The cyan mare pulled back in shock at her marefend’s outburst. The recoil instantly put her on the defensive, ready to deny everything. That was, until those last two words. Two words that were softer than a newborn mare’s coo hit her like a ton of bricks. she’s…. She’s really worried about me. Celestia I can be such a jerk at times, can’t I? There was nothing more to say, just something to do. So Dash said nothing, she simply walked over to the bed and lay down. Closing her eyes, Dash unfolded her injured wings as slowly as she could, allowing the princess access to her body.

It came as a surprise to the mare when—after several seconds—she felt nothing. Not the warmth of the alicorn magic or even a gentle hoof; nothing at all. Dash opened her eyes and glanced over, “Twilight, you can start whenever you want.”

“I-I-I just thought you were going back to sleep,” Twilight stammered back.

Dash chuckled. “And unfolding my wings like this in the process? For an egghead, you’re not very eggheadish sometimes.”

Twilight smirked. “I don’t think that’s a word, Dashie.”

“Whatever, egghead,” Dash smirked back. “Now come here.”

“Are you really sure?”

“Twilight!”

“Sorry, sorry!” the alicorn quickly scrambled to her side, lighting up her horn. “I guess I’m still hesitant because of yesterday.”

Dash couldn’t help but open her eyes completely, tilting her head in the process, “Why? It was my fault, Twilight. I just did what I normally do, act without thinking. hurting you.”

Twilight stopped, her horn dying down as she gently climbed onto the bed, making sure to not hurt the pegasus as she settled down next to her. She lifted the cyan wing carefully with her magic and dropped it over her back as soon as she was comfortable, then she nuzzled into Dash’s muzzle, lightly planting pecks while doing so. “Oh, Dashie. It’s who you are, but I was too blind to see it yesterday until a very close friend reminded me of it.”

“Yes!” a voice sounded behind the door, startling both ponies. Twilight smiled and grinned at Dash before opening her door quickly, making both eavesdroppers fall into the room. “Uh, hi Twilight, Dash,” Twi smiled sheepishly as she looked up from her position under Rainbow. “Nice… weather today?” she continued, causing Dash to facehoof and Rainbow to facepalm.

“We were worried you would start arguing again and say something dumb,” Rainbow said, getting up and helping Twi as well. “How are you feeling?” she added to Dash.

“Sore, and most of my body hurts, but–” she stopped short as a familiar glow enveloped her body. It was a warm touch and the look from the alicorn that accompanied it spoke of nothing but love and passion, so she felt immediately better. While not healing completely, she was thankful for Twilight. “Thanks,” she said softly.

Both mares closed their eyes as their lips came together in a kiss, losing themselves in it as they poured every emotion for each other into it, creating a warm seal around their hearts. When they broke, they smiled and nuzzled each other before looking to their human counterpart. “Breakfast?” Twilight asked, her spirits already much higher.

Just in time, Rainbow’s stomach complained, quickly followed by Dash. “Yeah, breakfast sounds good,” the pegasus chuckled.

“Spike!”

“He’s not here. Sweetie Belle was here last night, talking about a Cutie Mark Crusaders sleepover,” Twi said.

“Oh,” Twilight’s ears folded back. “I guess we have to cook then or…” she paused, seeing the look on Dash’s face that spoke volumes about her cooking, “Or we could get something at Sugarcube Corner.”

“Let’s get something to eat and then relax today,” Twi said, placing a hand on Rainbow’s shoulder before the taller girl could protest. “The last few days weren’t exactly easy, and if I know Dash I doubt she’d be opposed to some relaxation.”

“Actually, that sounds pretty good,” Dash grumbled. “Even with Twilight’s help, I’m still beat.”

“Hey, this might sound uncool, but I know what might help,” Rainbow spoke up, focusing on Twilight. “Does your Rarity likes Spa’s as well?”

Dash growled at the name but Twilight nodded. “Yes, Ponyville has their own spa, ran by Aloe and Lotus.”

Twi looked surprised, before she placed a kiss on Rainbow’s cheek. “That is a good idea. We can go to the spa and relax. I would love a hot tub to soak in.”

“It really does sound lovely, but I don’t know if the twins will have a slot free on such short notice,” Twilight replied, chewing on her lips.

“And there’s the risk of a certain pony being there,” Dash replied through gritted teeth.

Twilight nuzzled her softly to calm. “Well, we can walk to Sugarcube Corner for breakfast and then pay the spa a visit and see if they’re free.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Rainbow grinned. “What are we waiting for?”

“Let me just brush my mane and I’ll be ready,” Twilight chuckled. “You two need anything?”

“Nah, we’re good,” Rainbow said, gently hugging Twi to her, the smaller girl sighing contently at the contact.

“Oh my gosh, you two are here! Both of you twos!” Pinkie exclaimed as she jumped over the counter, effectively crushing Twilight and Dash in a hug before quickly letting go as the pegasus hissed in pain. “Oopsie.”

“Hi Pinkie,” Twi smiled, waving.

“Hiya!”

“Can we have some breakfast, Pinkie?” Twilight asked, while gently rubbing Dash’s back to soothe the pain.

“Of course, you can! And while you eat, we can talk about those two parties for you,” Pinkie hesitated before squealing. “Oh! I actually have to throw you three parties! One welcome back to Ponyville, one Welcome to Ponyville for Twi and Rainbow, and one Congratulations on being together Twilight and Dashie Party! This is going to be sooooo awesome! We can have a lot of cake and games and friends–”

“Pinkie, breathe,” the alicorn spoke up as she magically shut Pinkies muzzle, rolling her eyes at the earth pony who seemed ready to explode at any second.

“Yep, she’s certainly no different to our Pinkie,” Rainbow grinned.

“How is your Pinkie?” Pinkie asked as Twilight released her.

“I just told you, like you.”

“Yeah, but how is she? I want to know everything about her!”

“You already know her, Pinkie,” Twi cut in, smiling softly as Rainbow huffed, irritated.

Pinkie huffed, blowing a strand of cotton-candy mane out of her face. “But that doesn’t tell me annnnnnnnything about her! I don’t get–” A hand reached out and clamped her muzzle shut. Again.

She’s the same as you, Pinkie,” Twi said. “Same love for parties, same job, same… somehow constantly-on-a-sugar-high type personality.”

“Bht ht dstn tlr mr mnhing.” Pinkie tried to talk through Twi’s hand. The girl begrudgingly let go.

She sighed. “Pinkie, if I say you can throw us your parties—LATER—will you stop asking?”

The two couples sat there and watched the pink pony begin vibrating where she sat with a large smile on her face.

“Uhhh…” Rainbow grabbed at Twi’s arm while taking a step back. “I don’t think that’s normal… maybe we should just skip breakfast and… ugh… hit the spa?”

“You’re going to the spa? Are you taking Rarity with you? Do you like Spa’s?” Pinkie chuckled. “Of course you do, you’re Dashie!”

“Since when do I like Spa’s?” Dash muttered darkly, thankfully ignoring the mentioning of Rarity.

“Come on Dashie! I mean puhlease, that’s got to be the worst kept secret in Ponyville!”

Dash’s face dropped and her eyes got wide. “What?! Twilight? You didn’t. Everypony. But. What!?”

Twilight picked up the panicking pegasus in her magic and floated her out the front entrance. “Thank you, Pinkie.” She rolled her eyes. “We’ll be back later to discuss the parties… and lunch.”

Rainbow was about to follow her, but quickly discovered that Pinkie was in the way. And way too close.

“How is your world? Are all our friends there? Do you do anything different? How do you bake cakes over there? Do you like parties as much? How do-”

“Twilight! Help!” Rainbow croaked, while Twi laughed softly.

“Is your water also wet? Do you know cupcakes? Do you have many bakeries at home?” Pinkie continued until there was a purple flash. After she blinked, the humans were gone. “Hey! Where’d you go? I wasn’t done yet!” Quickly running to the window she just caught a glimpse of the two couples before they vanished in another flash. Waving after them, she bounced back to work.

The two couples walked through the front door to the Ponyville Day Spa, the bell lightly ringing from above the door. A calm “just one minute!” echoed from the office behind the front desk.

Aloe walked out to the counter with her smile on and eyes shut. “Welcome to the Ponyville Day Spa,” she opened her eyes and saw the strange pairing. “Ahhhh Princess Twilight and Rainbow Dash! And ummm… who might these two… eh, beings, be?”

Twilight leaned in and hugged the stunned mare. “It’s so good to see you again! These are our um… friends. They’re also Twilight and Rainbow Dash. Er… Twi and Rainbow for short.” She said with a curt smile.

“Ah.” She coughed. “Um, yes! Yes of course, I can see the resemblance. You would be looking for rooms, yes?”

“There is no need for multiple rooms, one is certainly enough,” Twilight smiled gently, making Aloe pause and blush slightly.

“But of course,” Aloe said, recovering quickly. “This way, please.”

Twilight’s tail swished happily as she followed Aloe through a door next to the counter, leading to a big bath area she already knew from her previous visits and the poison joke accident all those years ago.

“What bath should I prepare for you, Princess?” Aloe asked.

“Something to relax, please.”

“Of course, Princess,” she smiled before taking in the humans. “Our tub should be big enough for you two to comfortably soak if you sink a bit more in.” With that she went on preparing the tub, filling it with water along with other various vials and containers. They all watched her until she, with a bow, stepped back, motioning with her hoof over the tub.

Twi started to begin undressing, but a hand stopped her. Looking at Rainbow with a confused expression, the taller girl leaned in for a deep kiss while undoing her girlfriend’s bra, throwing it in the direction of the ponies. The piece of fabric landed on Twilight, who blushed slightly. Dash, not surprisingly, was totally into the show. Meanwhile Aloe quickly tried to scramble away, but found herself unable to do so.

“Let’s give them a small show, okay?” Rainbow whispered while she lightly pinched Twi’s nipple under the remaining shirt. The quiet moan was all she needed to continue.

All three ponies watched closely, as Rainbow opened Twi’s pants and slid them down slowly, revealing inch after inch of the beautiful skin. She’d always loved unwrapping presents, but now, in front of their doppelgangers, she loved it even more.

Pants gone, Twi purred and helped Rainbow lose her own shirt and pants. She slowly removed them followed by a quick toss. The newly-free garment landed on a yelping Aloe, who quickly found the strength to escape, hoping she went unnoticed.

Next were Rainbow’s panties, which flew onto Dash’s muzzle, making her wings unfold quickly with a sight poompf. The pegasus removed the panties, but not without stealing a slight whiff, arousing her further. Twilight looked away, her blush quickly breaking through her fur to full prominence.

Dash, however, wouldn’t give up the opportunity. While Twi freed Rainbow’s breasts of their prison, the pegasus snuck up behind Twi, before biting down her panties and sliding them down, enjoying the smell of arousal she got from the girl, who lowly yelped at the unexpected help. Rainbow nodded to Dash with a grin before removing Twi’s shirt and last restraint, revealing those big and beautiful breasts she so loved.

The blue mare, content with the result of the impromptu strip was about to climb the stairs on the edge of the tub, but was quickly stopped by Twi scooping her up, pressing her against her nude body. “Hey! What gives!”

“I just want to help you,” Twi smiled as she ascended the stairs, carrying the pegasus all the way up until she gently stepped into the tub.

The cyan mare had her forehooves crossed and grumbled, but didn’t fight it, nor did she complain more than that. Even as Twi kept hold of her in the tub, slowly having her relax against her body.

“Don’t even think about–EEEP!” Twilight squealed as Rainbow scooped her up in the same way, but instead of stepping slowly into the tub, she jumped from the edge, diving straight in with a screaming alicorn in her arms.

Twilight ermerged sputtering and glared darkly at Rainbow while she moved her wet mane out of her face. “Never. Do. That. Again.”

“Relax, egghead,” Dash murmured, her muzzle nestled between Twi’s tits.

“Yeah, you’re one to talk with a position like that,” Twilight pouted, but regretted it immediately, as Dash started to grin and whisper something into Twi’s ears.

“Dash….”

“Yes, Twilight?”

“I have a bad feeling about this,” Twilight muttered as her human counterpart let go of Dash, the pegasus paddling to Rainbow who immediately snuggled her close. She knew what they were up to as soon as Twi grabbed her and pulled her onto her, much in the same position Dash was, her muzzle resting between her breasts. “What are you doing?”

“I think it is time for some quality time between us two, don’t you agree?” Twi smiled softly.

Twilight huffed, thinking back to the discussion this morning and everything that happened yesterday. “I don’t think I’m in the mood for sex.”

“You think?” Rainbow chuckled, drawing Twilight’s gaze, a feat that was difficult, considering Twi’s breasts blocked her view.

What she saw nearly made her wings stiff and extended right that second. Rainbow gently cradled Dash, the pegasus lying with her back against the tall girl’s nude body, panting softly. The right hand providing a soft touch, making circles over her nethers.

“I guess you might want to think again,” Twi gently whispered into her ear before nibbling on it, all the while her hand gently stroked her back, right between her wing joints, stimulating the alicorn beyond what watching Rainbow had done.

It was difficult for the alicorn. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to lose herself in Twi’s ministrations, or concentrate on what happened to her marefriend. Marefriend. It’s amazing how short of a time we’ve been together, and yet I can’t help but see her as my precious pegasus

Slowly, Twilight started to relax. She knew how this would end, but with the slow pace Twi started at, she surprisingly had no problem with it. Soon her wings relaxed and her body melted into the soft skin of her doppelganger. “This is nice.”

Twi chuckled. Holding the alicorn in her arms, it felt nice for her too. The gentle breathing that traced between her breasts, the soft fur on her skin and under the ministrations of her hand. She could stay like this for hours, if it weren’t for a certain girl she knew wanting to speed things up.

“Ohhhh,” Dash moaned, getting the attention of both Twilight’s, they watched as Rainbow inserted three fingers, one by one, slowly into the pegasus.

Twilight wanted to watch, to see everything. The bath-mix would deny her any sense of smell, so she at least wanted to watch her marefriend writhe in pleasure, but Twi would have none of that. Directing the alicorn’s muzzle back between her breasts, she whispered, “This is about us, not them.”

“But-”

“Shhh,” Twi whispered, before pressing her lips against the alicorn. It was a soft, sweet kiss. One Twilight could’ve broken, but didn’t want to. It was a strange feeling, kissing herself, but she wouldn’t trade that moment. Except for a kiss with Dash. “You need to relax, no rushing. We’re going to take our time, okay?” Twi said gently as they broke.

All Twilight could do was nod and gently inhale Twi’s scent. It was her own, yet something was different about it. It smelled sharper, but was not by any means bad. She was warm, nestled in between her breasts and her lower body in the water, only her slowly extending wings were still up in the air. It was almost enough to sleep.

Almost.

She took a sharp breath as one of Twi’s hands slid to her flank, gently brushing over her cutie mark, while the other took a detour over her wings. The girl’s fingers brushing over her primaries and secondaries, down her wings muscles, squeezing those extra gently, drew a soft moan from the alicorn with their movements.

Twilight had had her wings played with before, but this was definitely new. Twi’s fingers brushed over every single feather, over every nerve, and every muscle, setting them on fire, leaving a throbbing lust in her appendages Twilight couldn’t explain. Not right now anyways, as with every loving squeeze upon those muscles, her brain shut off more and more, awash in the pleasure.

“Dash,” she moaned, making Twi chuckle and a certain pegasus perk her ears and look over.

Dash’s jaw dropped. There was her egghead, gently resting on Twi’s body, while said girl played with her wings. But it wasn’t the play that made her speechless. It was Twilight’s beautiful body. Her wet mane and tail were glittering slightly in the light flooding through the ceiling windows. But the most beautiful thing were her wings. Those wings, true pride to an alicorn, were spread wider and larger than any pegasus, showing off their might.

“See something you like, champ?” Rainbow grinned as she pushed her fingers a bit deeper, reminding Dash of the pleasure she was receiving.

Dash was by no means a sappy pony. Nopony could deny that. She was brash, arrogant, headstrong, and absolutely loyal. Yet, there was one pony, just one she could be sappy for. That pony was just a few hooves away, and she had only one thing to say for her. “She’s beautiful.”

Rainbow followed her gaze, just to share a gentle smile with Twi. It said much more than words ever could, or would ever have to. “I know what you mean, I always feel the same when I look at Twi.”

“Is it norma-aaaah… Is it normal that those eggheads make us feel like that?”

“Of course. It’s the most normal thing in the world and I wouldn’t change it,” Rainbow chuckled before spreading her fingers. “Now shut up and enjoy.” Dash opened her muzzle and was about to retort but her eyes went wide as suddenly all three of said fingers were inserted into her, all coated lightly with her juices. Most of the water had washed them off already, but she moaned nonetheless. Moreso as Rainbow replaced those fingers quickly with some from her other hand.

All that went unseen by the alicorn, and Twi quickly brought her attention back. “Seems like those two are having fun, but I am too. Your wings are… your wings are gorgeous, Twilight. How does it feel?”

“Amazing. Please don’t stop,” the alicorn blurted out, gently rubbing her muzzle along the human’s breasts. She had no idea if she could climax from her wings being treated like that. Of course she knew that preening could cause some heavy reactions, but her head was too occupied to analyze the situation, too drunk in the pleasure.

“I won’t stop, but do you really think all I’m going to do is play with your wings and rub your flank?” Twi asked sweetly before raising her right leg, the alicorn in the perfect position for a little extra fun.

Twilight shuddered as she felt skin come in contact with her teats and the outer walls of her lower labia. She gasped as the feeling overtook her. It was as if bolts of lightning were striking the pleasure center of her brain over and over again. The leg rubbing between her hind legs, the hand over her cutie mark, and the other running through her wings, it was simply too much. A small voice in the back of her head tried to hammer caution into her, that Aloe and Lotus would hear her.

The alicorn did the first thing that came to mind and latched her muzzle onto Twi’s right breast, muffling her moans effectively and making the girl gasp at the same time.

“Looks like they have fun there, Dash,” Rainbow grinned over to the alicorn and her girlfriend. “I think it is about time we shift into second gear.”

“What do you mean–” Dash was cut short as Rainbow, to her utter surprise, turned her around and kissed her. It wasn’t a soft or kind kiss, it was wild and deep, only stoking the fire in her. “Why did you– OH Celestia!”

Rainbow had wrapped an arm around Dash, while one hand travelled low. She gently traveled over the athletic pegasus’ sides, her wings, her flank, and finally between her legs, wasting no time in spearing her with four fingers while her thumb played with the soft nub still hidden under its hood.

Dash bit onto her lips as she tried to keep her moans in, a difficult test for her resolve as Rainbow slid her fingers faster and faster into her, her thumb soon joining as her clit left its protective cover. “Sl-AH, Slow down, damn it! I– AH I can’t take it anymore!” Dash opened her muzzle, but Rainbow was quick to cover it with her mouth, muffling the screaming to a certain degree as the pegasus’ orgasms washed over her.

She was in pure bliss. There was no way Dash could better describe the feeling running through her nerves; and it didn’t stop. Rainbow continued to speed her fingers into her marehood while her nerves raced, her muscles spasmed and her brain shut down.

The orgasm of her marefriend shot Twilight over the edge as well. Withdrawing her muzzle from Twi’s breast, she smashed it against the girl’s mouth instead. A gentle prodding allowed her acess, her much longer tongue teasing Twi’s, while her breathing quickened. Twi knew what would happen and explored, squeezing the alicorns wing muscles in perfect timing, making her puddy in her arms while Twilight’s wings pulsed nearly painfully in beat with her racing heart. Twilight’s nerves were on fire and she lost herself for a few moments, vision going black while Twi gently cradled her in her arms.

When she came back, the first sight greeting her were Rainbow and Dash next to them, Dash trying to pay the girl back, who refused, not letting the pegasus go. “I told you Dash, this was about you two. Let’s just relax and you can pay us back another time!”

“And I told you that’s not what I do.” the pegasus huffed back, her voice slightly scratchier than normal.

“Would you two quiet down already?” Twi whispered, glaring at them. “You can argue about any payback tonight.”

Twilight squirmed softly. “How long was I out?”

“Hey, egghead,” Dash scrambled free of Rainbow’s grasps and paddled over, gently nuzzling Twilight. “Only for a few minutes. How ya feeling?”

Twilight hummed. How was she feeling? She felt satisfied, content, happy, maybe even great. There was only one thing missing. With a smirk she leaned forward and captured Dash’s lips in a deep kiss that spoke of passion and love. The pegasus was surprised at first, but quickly leaned in, even opening her muzzle to test the waters with her tongue. It was something Twilight eagerly accepted, and after a short dance of their tongues gently caressing each other, they broke and the alicorn smiled. “Perfect, now,” she purred.

“I would say it’s a perfect spa day,” Twi added.

Both humans and ponies were content at this moment. They shared a special connection and both nothing and no one would destroy it. They knew, they would get through everything.

Together.

“This was the best spa visit ever!” Rainbow cheered before sharing a look and a fist-bump with Dash. The cheerful pegasus hovering alongside happily returned it.

“I’ve got to agree with Rainbow on this one… again,” said Twi. The alicorn looked up at her thoughtfully. “The spa was definitely what I needed to unwind and clear my head.” She looked down at the pony princess walking beside her and scratched behind her ear. “You seem a bit more unwound too,” she said with a giggle.

Twilight looked away with a blush showing through her coat. “I. But. Huh. I mean… yeah… But where to now?”

Twilight was answered by both Rainbow’s and Dash’s stomachs growling loudly. “Back to Sugarcube Corner then? Maybe the Cakes will have reigned in Pinky and we can finally get something to eat.

“Sounds awesome,” Rainbow grinned. “What are we waiting for?”

“Thou won’t go anywhere.”

Both couples froze up, recognizing the voice everywhere. Twilight was the first to turn.

“Princess Luna? Aren’t you supposed to be in bed?”

Luna sighed. “We are here with dire news. Our sister is buried in work, so we offered to go and find thee.”

“What happened?” Dash asked.

“The Tree of Harmony is dying,” Luna replied. “Or, more accurately, the branch that holds Honesty, is dying.”

“What?” Twilight shrieked, her eyes going wide as everything came back, her relaxation forgotten, replaced by panic. “What can we do?”

“We thought, that thee would be able to tell us. Is there something wrong with fair Applejack?”

“She was a stubborn, idiotic–” Rainbow started, but Twi quickly shut her up with a hand.

Twilight gave her a thankful look, but Luna only glared. “What is the meaning of this?”

The alicorn cowered a bit under the night princess’ stare, but a look confirmed to her that Dash felt even worse. The pegasus sat on her haunches, wings rigid at her side, body trembling. She did the only thing that came to her mind and sat beside her marefriend, extending her wing over her back.

Dash gave her a soft, but shaky smile before she started, “It’s my fault, Princess Luna. I didn’t think and just acted, fighting with AJ. She and Rarity weren’t exactly supportive of our relationship. Rarity thinks that Twilight is a Princess and should find somepony better than me. AJ is all caught up in tradition, saying that a relationship should be unique between a mare and a stallion.”

“We have never heard such nonsense,” Luna scoffed. “A relationship is always unique, no matter the ponys or even other creatures involved. We cannot believe that ponies would deny you because of this, how foolish.”

“Princess, not everyone understands this,” Twi gently cut in, resting a hand on the pegasus’ head. “We know it first hand but…” she sighed before looking at Rainbow, a look that said ‘I’m sorry’ and so much more. “It’s like at home, our world. Rarity and Applejack reacted exactly the same and I didn’t wanted to tell them because I thought it would be different here. I didn’t believe Rainbow and hurt them even more.”

Luna raised a hoof to massage her temple, a flurry of emotions crossing her face. Disbelief: that ponies like Rarity and Applejack could abandon their friends like that. Anger: that Dash acted without thinking, making everything worse. Sadness: that such a thing had to repeat itself in the same way it had afflicted Twi and Rainbow. Pain: thinking about what would happen to the Tree of Harmony “Twilight, please take a look at the tree. Maybe you can help it.”

“Me? How? All I know of it is from the books, my own experience, and the few times it’s been spoken of by you or Celestia.”

“Please, just take a look, Twilight. Thou art two of the Elements, maybe there is hope yet,” Luna said before looking at the humans. “All of thee may come. We are more than strong enough to teleport everypony.” Before anyone could object, they were gone.

A flash of light announced the arrival of three ponies and two humans inside the Cave of Harmony. The cave was still free of any black plunder vines, but the most changed feature of the cave, was the Tree of Harmony itself. While it still shone as brightly as ever, the one branch that was holding AJ’s element of honesty was only glowing. Said glow didn’t come from the branch itself, as it was darkened and slowly began turning pure black.

“Please, don’t do that again without some warning,” Rainbow coughed as she sat down.

Twilight and Dash were shocked to see the tree in such a sickening condition again. It was worse than the ‘Discord Vine Incident’.

The alicorn turned slowly towards the other princess present in the cave: “What can we do to save it, Luna?” she asked with clear fear and worry inside her voice.

“We had hoped that thou would know that answer. We don’t. Tia says once the Element of Honesty stops glowing, the magic will be lost. Our dear sister can’t even say if the element could be reactivated again.”

“How long did you two say took it Applejack before she came back around?” Twilight asked, her left eye twitching.

Rainbow sighed. “Months before she even talked to us again.”

“We give the branch of honesty no more than three weeks, maybe four,” Luna spoke, her magic gently touching the element. “We need to talk to Applejack.”

Twi could only sigh, she knew first hand how stubborn Applejack could be. Sometimes it was extremely hard talking to her. “I don’t know if that would work. If it goes the same here as it did in our world, she won’t talk and will probably completely ignore us. Then Big Macintosh will throw us off their farm, telling us to give her time.”

“Twi, it’ll go exactly like at home!” Rainbow growled. “Nearly everything so far has been the same, so I’m pretty sure that this isn’t any different.”

Twilight kept her gaze on the Tree of Harmony. If somepony had told her two weeks ago that any of this would happen, she would’ve called that pony crazy and ignored everything. Now, she stood in the cave, Dash was her marefriend, they had befriended their doppelgangers from another world, and the branch of honesty was dying. Her mind couldn’t help but ask if everything was worth it.

The answer came quickly by two cyan wings wrapping around her, pulling her into a fluffy chest. She couldn’t help it, her tears started flowing freely and she wept into Dash’s coat while she held her steady and securely. There were no words spoken between them, but Dash was her rock and she was thankful for it.

“There is only one way to know, we have to try it,” Twi said as she watched the ponies with a smile. The moment made her think of Rainbow and herself, and all the strong moments they shared.

Luna led the way, the alicorn trotting at a speed that was hard to follow. She seemed determined, but her four companions weren’t as hopeful about a happy ending. The only positive at the moment was that the beasts of the Everfree Forest didn’t dare touch them with two alicorns in tow, even if more than one set of gloomy, red eyes seemed to watch them.

“What do you think will happen?” Rainbow asked Twi, gently hugging her closer as they walked.

“You want the version with the numbers?” Twi asked back.

Rainbow wanted to retort, but she didn’t have to. Her scowl that wanted to manifest immediately transformed into a laugh and a smile. “Of course, egghead. Give me your numbers.”

Twi smiled, surprised that Rainbow didn’t say more, but she took the gift without questioning it. “If everything happens like it did for us, then we will catch Applejack collecting the apples of the northern orchard. She will completely ignore us for exactly twenty-three minutes and fifty-five seconds before getting annoyed and retreating into the farmhouse. Then Big Mac will come out and tell us to leave his sister alone, that we did enough damage already. He will say to give her time and won’t let us into the house. The end.”

Twilight had listened and seemed worried “Do you really think it’ll happen like that?”

Instead of a response, Twi gently scratched her behind the ears, eliciting a hum, but also a snort because her question was dismissed.

“As Princess Luna said, we just have to try,” Rainbow replied instead, earning a surprised glance from her girlfriend and the mares. “It’s always better to try and fail than to do nothing. A smart egghead told me once.”

Twi smiled before punching her into the shoulder. “Oh really? Now you remember that, after months of doing the same mistake again and again? You should be really glad I like you,” she ended with a smirk.

“Trust me,” Rainbow grinned as she grabbed a handful of Twi’s ass, groping it while licking her over the lips. “I’m more than glad.”

Luna rolled her eyes as she looked back while Twilight and Dash just smiled over their counterparts anthics. It was an expected ritual by now, one they thoroughly enjoyed.

“Hm. We do not remember the Acres being this big,” Luna said as they came closer. “But it has indeed been some time since we last visited this place.”

They soon reached the southern orchard where Big Macintosh was busy pulling his plough, stopping as he noticed them. He made no motion to bow before Luna, but glared at the four behind her.

“We would like to speak with fair Applejack,” Luna started. “Would you be so kind and tell us where we might find her.”

“She’s in the northern orchard,” Big Mac said, still continuing his glare. “Ah have no idea what you four have done, but ah doubt she’ll talk to ya.” Without sparing them another glance, he continued his work, leaving the mares to continue their way.

“So AJ never told Big Mac about everything?” Dash asked Rainbow.

“No. He didn’t know anything until the end of the whole story, and he was a bit mad at us for not telling him earlier so he could talk to AJ. Granny Smith was mostly the same, said ‘it does not matter who young folks would love or not. All that mattered was the heart’.”

“I wonder why Applejack would think like she does then. Clearly, it is not something Granny Smith holds dear,” Twilight hummed. “Maybe something from her parents?”

“We don’t know. She rarely talks about her parents,” Twi shrugged. “We just have to find out, if we even can.”

“I think we’re about to find out now,” Rainbow laughed. “She’s collecting the apples, you’re right, Twi! I can’t wait to see if the numbers are correct.”

Twi sighed. “I highly doubt they aren’t, but I dearly hope they are. Let’s see if we can talk to her.”

“Hey, AJ!” Dash shouted before unfolding her wings and taking into the air. The earth pony didn’t even turn at her voice, even ignored her as she came to a stop next to her, hovering there. “AJ, I’m talking to you!”

As soon as the rest closed in, Twilight started to speak up as well. “Applejack, please. We just want to talk to you.”

Still, Applejack ignored them. Serving a powerful buck against the tree, the apples it contained fell down, before she moved to collect them in a basket. All the while ignoring the three ponies and two humans.

“C’mon, AJ, you can’t ignore them like that,” Rainbow threw in. “They didn’t do anything wrong.” She stopped at Twi’s expression and shrugged. “Eh, Twilight didn’t do anything wrong.”

Applejack continued her work, heaving the basket onto her back as soon it was full, carrying it to a nearby cart and unloading it. She still showed no intention to talk, just walking around Dash on the way to the next tree as the pegasus tried to get in the way.

“Applejack, why won’t you at least talk to us? Friends don’t ignore each other,” Twilight sighed.

At this, Applejack paused, showing the first sign she had heard anything at all. But, with a flick of her ear, she turned and made her way to the farmhouse. She was followed, but made no move to talk or do anything besides recognizing that somepony was there. From her facial expression, one could say she was annoyed.

All three ponies and both humans followed the mare who started to trot, then gallop on her way to the farmhouse. Faster and faster she went until only the ponies were able to keep up thanks to their wings.

“Applejack, thou should not run from us,” Luna cried, but it was no use as the three ponies quickly found themselves confronted by a big obstacle.

“Y’all did enough damage for one day, don’t ya think? Leave her alone,” Big Mac grumbled.

“Damage?” Dash spat. “Do you even know what she did to us?”

“It can’t be worse than yer hitting her,” he shot back.

“Oh yeah? She said love is supposed to be special and solely between mare and stallion. That what we are doing isn’t right.” Dash paused with a glare. “What kind of friend spews such horseapples?”

Big Mac sighed before speaking up. “Ah don’t know, but what ah do know is that she’s mah sister. I can’t betray her for y’all. Please, leave.”

“Big Mac, you will let me into the farmhouse or so-help-me-Celestia!” Dash growled, but a wing from Twilight held her back.

“No, Dash. Don’t start another fight, please,” she whispered.

“Listen. Give her time, an’ it will all be better, trust me. She’s stubborn as a mule, but she’s got her heart in the right place,” Big Mac nodded.

“So what? We just leave her be? She insulted us, Twilight! All of us!” the pegasus exclaimed before a hand stopped her.

“We know that, Dash, but you can’t force it,” Twi smiled. “Give her time.”

Luna and Dash both snorted, with the Lunar princess answering. “We are afraid, that there isn’t much time. We will return to Canterlot to talk with our sister.”

“Talking! Always talking!” Dash spat. “I should go in there and kick her flank, she deserves it!”

Before she could do anything rash, she was suspended in Twilight’s magic, who quickly took her to her side, before wishing Big Mac good night.

“Let me down! I’m going to fly in there and break her jaw this time!”

“Dash, calm down,” Rainbow said. “You’re hurting Twilight.”

The pegasus didn’t calm down, Rainbow wasn’t even sure she had heard her. While Luna teleported away, the two humans and two ponies made their way back to Twilight’s castle, Dash kicking and screaming along the way.

Unbeknownst to the pegasus, the alicorn cried softly, her heart damaged as hope drained from her. If this was only the beginning, she wondered what else would come upon them.