Love is Found in the Strangest of Places

Chapters

PRELUDE: The Summons
DAY ONE: A Horrific End to a Successful Mission
DAY TWO: Knowledge from Another World
DAY THREE: The Attack Or Equus Ferus Caballus Leo
DAY FOUR: The Falls
DAY FIVE: The White Buffalo
DAY SIX: Appleloosa

PRELUDE: The Summons

Author's Note

This story has religious overtones. Just like most fanfic, it is a ‘what if’ and a parallel universe. As such it is a posable outcome if circumstances were different.

For the story, I mostly draw on Native American beliefs. As a student of theology, I greatly respect these beliefs and find nothing in them that, when viewed with an enlightened mind, conflicts with the other “Major Religion’s” beliefs.

And to those that still follow and honor said beliefs, I am honoring those beliefs and in no way trivializing them (I have Cherokee in my background).

Who am I to limit God?

However, in this story, nothing is stated as ‘yes’ or ‘no’. It is left ambiguous on purpose.

Also there is nothing in MLP:FIM to imply any type of belief system. This despite Discord, Celestia and Luna are almost treated as gods or at least demigods.

Usually it is used as poor argument, but in this case the axiom is true:

‘Absence of proof is not proof of absence.’

Plus it makes a nice plot twist. (I hate it when I get my plot in a twist).

Please understand that all fanfic worlds are not the same. Your head cannon is not the other person’s head cannon. Therefore their stories should never, ever, ever, ever, be judged on those grounds. One person’s ‘world’ is as valid as another.

In an infinite universe…

All things are possible.

Thank you,

Stormbringer

PRELUDE: The Summons

Twilight was going over her ‘To Do’ list for the day. There was magic practice with Starlight, then reviewing her friendship lesson from the previous day. After lunch, she was going to meet with Mayor Mare and the city elders about the construction of a new public library. Afterward, a fly with Rainbow to relax and get some exercise. The rest of the day would be dinner, reading and just hanging out at home, unless one of her friends stopped by for tea.

It had been a while since Rarity had come by for a social visit and Applejack even longer. Both mares had a lot of work this time of year with the fall fashion season in full swing and harvest time.

The more she thought about it, the more she was starting to play with the idea that her fly with Rainbow could end at Sweet Apple Acres. There she’d try to hang out with Applejack and perhaps ingratiate herself an invitation to dinner with the Apples, that way she could hang out with AJ as much as possible. The thought of being with AJ made Twilight smile, more than she realized.

As she was thinking, both of her flanks itched at the same time. Reaching to scratch them, she realized it was getting more intense and it wasn’t an itch but more like a spasm or vibration. She moved her wing and looked; her cutie marks were glowing and little copies were radiating out. Then a copy of her cutie mark projected from her flank and headed across the room and out the door.

“The map!” Twilight said out loud and then got up and flew after it to the Throne Room.

There in the Throne room was her cutie mark hovering above a certain area of Equestria. Another cutie mark came zipping in and no others. The sight of who’s cutie mark it was made Twilight ‘squee’!

Big Mac and Applejack were walking to the orchards to start their chores. Apple Bloom had already put out some baskets earlier before going to school.

“Big Mac,” said Applejack, “do ya think we can get the rest of the east orchard bucked today?”

“Nnnope,” said Big Mac.

“There ain’t that many trees left to buck, don’t ya think we could buck ’em in a day?”

“Eeyup,” replied the big brother.

“Well if’n ya think we can buck ’em, why did ya say we can’t?”

Big Mack stopped and faced his sister and pointed to her flank at the same moment she felt it herself. She looked at her flank, her cutie mark showed the map summoning her.

“Tell Granny an’ AB Ah got called by the map an’ Ah gotta go,” said AJ as she ran off chasing a copy of her cutie mark headed toward Ponyville.

“Eeyup,” was his unheard reply.

Applejack came galloping into the throne/map room.

“Twi!” said Applejack, “I got the call, who am Ah goin’ with?”

Applejack saw Twilight just grinning.

“Just you and me, Applejack,” said Twilight excitedly.

“Well ain’t that just slicker than snot on a doorknob!” said AJ, Twilight raised an amused eyebrow at the disturbing mental image. “Ah’ve hoped that Ah’d get to go on a mission with ya sometime. Where we goin’?”

AJ and Twilight walked over to the map. There in the desert just east of Appleloosa the two cutie marks were circling.

“Looks like out in the middle of nowhere, maybe some scorpions aren’t getting along,” said Twilight with a chuckle.

“Do they ever?” said Applejack with a smile at Twilight’s comment. “Ah know that’s buffalo country, my last letter from Braeburn said somethin’ ‘bout trouble ’tween the buffalo tribes.”

“Well, we’ve had our run-ins with buffalo before.” Said Twilight, “Get what you need for a trip to the desert and I’ll meet you at the train station. I’ll bring a good supply of carrots, you can bring some apples in case we need extra food. I’ll put a spell on them to keep them fresh.”

The two agreed and gave a quick hug and went to get ready for their trip. Both were excited that they were going to spend some alone time with each other.

Little did either mare know, this trip would change their lives forever…

DAY ONE: A Horrific End to a Successful Mission

A little over one moon later…

“And so, Chief Thunderhooves,” said Twilight Sparkle, “your new friendship with Chief Shining Horns and his tribe, means that you’ll have twice the number of buffalo to remember and preserve the culture and the traditions of the buffalo.”

“Thank you, Princess Twilight and you too Applejack of the Apple Family,” said the chief in his authoritative way of speaking, “once again you ponies have kept the peace of the buffalo. You will not be forgotten.”

“May The Great Spirit bless you,” said the old shaman buffalo.

The chief and shaman bowed to the princess. Then the chief called out to the tribe.

“We run!”

Little Strongheart gave Twilight and Applejack a hug and ran off after her tribe.

As Twilight and Applejack watched the receding buffalo, their flanks started to vibrate and feel slightly warm, They looked back, Twilight moved her wing, sure enough the glowing and movement if smaller copies of their cutie marks were seen. The sign that their mission was over.

“Yeehaw!” cried AJ rearing up on her hind legs and kicking her front legs in joy, then landing back on all fours. “Ah’m glad that’s finally over. This here livin’ out in the desert fer an entire moon is enough to make me wanna soft bed an’ a home cooked meal somethin’ fierce!”

“You and me both, Applejack. Although I wouldn’t mind starting off with a hot bath, I could really use one” said Twilight trying to shake out the dust in her mane and wings that the departure of the buffalo had kicked up.

Applejack acted like she was sniffing Twilight.

“Yeah, Ah’d say ya do,” said AJ, but couldn’t keep a straight face.

Twilight playfully nudged AJ with her flank.

“Says Ms. Whiffy Mare. You haven’t had a hot bath for as long as I have.”

They both laughed knowing the other was just having fun with the other. They actually had to bathe regularly with the buffalo, it was a cultural taboo not to, but they were in cold streams..

“Let’s collect our stuff so we can start to head back to Appleloosa.” Said Twilight, still chuckling and walking over to where their saddle bags were waiting. “It’s an almost three day hike back before we can even catch the train. Maybe your cousin Braeburn will put us up for a night. But a hot meal of something other than whatever that green muck is that the buffalo eat would be nice. Who knew it’d be an insult to eat anything other than what they offered. Thankfully Little Strongheart gave us heads up.”

“Ah tried not to think to hard ‘bout what it was. At least it kept the hunger pangs away.”

The two friends laughed as they readied themselves to start their long walk. Twilight looked up at the sun and then out at the horizon.

“We have about four hours of sunlight left for the day. Do we camp here or do we start our hike?”

“Ah reckon we should try to get a little hike in for now.” Said AJ, “we can camp after Luna raises the moon. At least we ain’t got to worry none ’bout no rain, Ah know the rain in the desert can come without warnin’, but it don’t look like it’ll rain tonight. We can sleep out under the stars in our sleepin’ bags. Better than those smelly ol’ teepees.”

“I hear you there,” said Twilight giving AJ a hoof bump.

The two walked on toward the west. The buffalo had taught them where to find little springs of water where it didn’t appear there was any. So they didn’t need to deplete their canteens.

After a thoughtful silence walking side by side Twilight voiced a concern.

“I really am so happy I got to go on this mission with you, but one thing just doesn’t feel right,” said Twilight.

“What’s that, Sugar Cube?”

“I know we were there and supported both tribes,” said Twilight thoughtfully, “but what did we do except help facilitate a couple of meetings.”

“Ah ain’t thought ’bout that.” Said AJ, “it’s almost like it all would’a happened without us.”

“I wonder if we might’ve missed the real problem,” said Twilight.

“But our cutie marks,” remarked AJ.

“I know,” said Twilight, “but as I said, something just doesn’t feel right.”

“Perhaps it was just an easier problem than we thought it might be an’ that’s all. Or we’re just good at what we do.”

Twilight conceded and they walked on. The talk was more light after that, Twilight spoke of her upcoming summit with Princesses Celestia, Luna and Cadence concerning the state of Equestria.

AJ talked about the preparations for cider season.

Neither had real any deep interest in the subject the other was talking about but they hung on every word. So much so that they didn’t realize that the sun had went down and the moon had come up until long after it was getting dark.

“Ah guess we should bed down fer the night,” said Applejack.

“Yes,” answered Twilight, looking around. “We can put our sleeping bags down by that outcropping of rocks. It’ll shield us from the wind.”

They started to roll out their sleeping bags.

“Twi? Would ya mind much if’n Ah was to put my sleeping bag next to yer’s?”

Twilight smiled, she was so wanting to tell Applejack to just join her in hers. But this was just a fantasy.

However, AJ was having the same thoughts.

With them spending days together, often with nopony around except each other. Working closely and having time in the evenings to just talk, it gave them time to think of things that they’d kept to themselves. The reason that the two were happy to be called on this mission together.

“No problem,” said Twilight.

They smiled and rolled out their bags next to each other. Twilight lit a small fire.

Because they couldn’t eat the food they’d brought, AJ was still carrying a fair supply of apples and they ate a couple along with some carrots that Twilight still had. It wasn’t long before they got into their sleeping bags and lay there looking at the stars.

They were laying there for several minutes wondering what the other was thinking and if a certain subject should be broached. It had been weighing heavily on their minds. And working so close together and no other pony around, only served to have them consider things that they’d thought about for a few years now.

But both were hesitant to approach the subject, fearing making a fool of themselves, little knowing that the other was feeling the same.

Applejack decided she still needed to think it all out before she could work up the nerve to talk about anything deeper. So to keep off the subject, Applejack broke the silence.

“Ah bet ya could tell me the name of all them there stars up yonder,” said AJ with a chuckle.

“Maybe a good number of them,” said Twilight, glad to have distraction from her own thoughts, “but here away from the lights of town, you can see so many more.

But you’re a farmer, I know you know stars by which to plant and harvest.”

“That’s right, Ah know the ‘signs’ but Ah don’t know the name of the stars, or at least not a bunch of ‘em,” said AJ, “but Ah know most of the constellations. Ah know that there one right ’bove us is Orion, but beats the hay out of me what the names of the stars are.”

“Well, you see the red one at the top left?”

“Yep.”

“That’s Betelgeuse,” said Twilight,

“Beetley-Juice?” said AJ with a little snort, “funny name.”

Twilight smiled;

“It translates to something close to ‘Armpit of the Giant’. Most of the stars were named by ancient astronomers from what is now Saddle Arabia.”

“That ’s’plains it.” Said AJ snickering at the translation.

Then pointing out the other major stars of the constellation.

“Then that one is Rigel then Bellatrix and that is Mintaka, then there is Alnilam, Alnitak and Saiph.”

“What about that bright one there down to the left?”

“That, Applejack, is Sirius,” said Twilight, “it’s the brightest star in the sky.”

Applejack whistled.

“Ya really do know ’em, don’t ya,” said AJ. Then surprisingly yet pleasantly, she reached over and took Twilight’s hoof. “Ah don’t know if’n Ah’ve ever told ya, but Ah’m so happy to have a friend that’s so smart.”

Twilight turned to face AJ, Applejack did the same.

“I’m happy to have you as a friend as well, Applejack.”

“Ah bet there ain’t nothin', ya don’t know,” said Applejack.

Twilight got quiet, her smile faded as she broke her eye contact with Applejack. It was apparent to AJ that something changed. But to AJ’s delight, Twilight was still holding her hoof.

“What’s wrong, Sugar Cube?”

After a slight delay Twilight said:

“It’s…

It’s nothing.”

“It’s sure as shootin’ ain’t nothin’. It’s just you, me an’ Beetley-Juice up yonder,” said AJ pointing her free hoof to the heavens. “We might as well be the last two ponies in the world.

So tell me what it is.”

“I just don’t know how to get a pony to love me,” said Twilight softly.

“Is that all?” asked AJ, “Ah don’t think there’s a pony in Ponyville that doesn’t love ya, Twi.”

“I know I have a lot of friends, but there aren’t many that I’d want to get close to. Really close to, do you know what I’m saying?

(AJ nodded her head.)

I know some ponies like Rainbow Dash and Rarity who use sex for recreation. I love and respect them and I know they were raised differently than myself. I was taught that sex is something beautiful when it’s with a Very Special Somepony. Something worth waiting for.

However, I wouldn’t mind having a pony in my life that’d want to do that with me. Not for recreation but the right way for the right reason. I don’t mean that I’m looking for somepony to jump in the sack with. But a pony that’d be so close that it might be an option down the road.

Do you know what I mean? Somepony to love. Truly, truly love.”

“Ah know exactly what ya mean, Twi. Ah’ve never taken any time to test the waters either.

But Ah’m sure that there’s a stallion out there that’ll meet all yer needs.”

Twilight looked oddly at Applejack. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It was time to lay the cards on the table. It’d be the only way to know.

“Why does it have to be a stallion?” Twilight said quietly.

“Beg pardon?”

“Why does it have to be a stallion,” repeated Twilight.

Twilight was half afraid that with her declaring this, Applejack would let go of her hoof, or worse, she’d just alienated herself from her very conservative friend.

It didn’t.

“Did I shock you?” asked Twilight.

“Not really shocked,” said AJ, “Ah just never considered that ya’d be a fillyfooler.”

“Mare-lover,” said Twilight.

“Come again.”

“The term used today for my lifestyle is mare-lover. Fillyfooler is seen as derogatory. It makes it sound like the mare in question molests young fillies.”

AJ was quiet for a moment.

“Ah’ve never really thought of it that way,” said Applejack, “if’n ya think ’bout it, it does sound insultin’.

An’ Twi?”

“Yes, AJ.”

“Ya were ‘fraid that tellin’ me ’bout being a filly… Sorry, mare-lover would scare me off, weren’t ya.”

“A little,” said Twilight timidly.

“Ya ain’t got nothin’ to worry ‘bout there. Ah really do understand.”

“Why? It doesn’t sound like something that’d be very… Apple.” Said Twilight sensing something deeper was being hinted at.

Applejack paused and took a deep breath.

“Yer right, ain’t many Apples been mare-lovers, but with the number of mares to stallions, it ain’t unheard of.”

AJ paused as if to collect her thoughts. It was time for her to be as open as Twilight had been about this as well.

“Ya see, when Ah was ‘bout a couple years younger than Apple Bloom, Ah accidently walked in on Big Mac right after showerin’.”

“That’d be embarrassing.”

“It’s worse than that. Ah walked in on him standin’ at the john playin’ with himself.”

“Yikes!” said Twilight with a shudder.

“That’s not the worst of it. When Ah opened the door, It surprised him. He turned to see who opened the door an’ shot his stuff all over my face! He didn’t mean to, but it scared me. Ah ran to find Granny.

Ya can imagine what happened next. (Twilight nodded.)

After Granny helped me clean up, she had to have a talk with me ‘bout the ‘birds an’ the bees’.

Right then Ah thought that there’d be no way that Ah’d ever be comfortable havin’ somepony stickin’ their ‘thing’ in my privates an’ squirtin’ that stuff in me.

So Ah decided that getting’ with guys weren’t gonna happen…

Ever.

Ah ain’t put much thought to bein’ with a mare, but Ah can’t think of any good reason why not.”

“I can imagine the shock.” Said Twilight, “but you should never let one bad experience shape your life.”

“Ah know Twi, but a’fore that happened, Ah think Ah was startin’ to find that girls were a might more attractive than any colt or stallion. Ah think Ah’d have fig’erd it out anyway. I still feel that way when I look at certain mares.”

“You know AJ, I’m really glad you felt that you could share that with me. It’s funny, in a way it’s one more thing you and I have in common. I really like that.”

“Me too, Twi. Me too.”

After a few moments, AJ giggled.

“What?”

“So Twi,” said AJ, “that ’s’plains why yer always checkin’ out Rainbow Dash’s flanks.”

“I do not!” said Twilight smirking, knowing that AJ was just teasing. “No more than I see you checking out Fluttershy’s! (AJ giggled knowing that Twi was joking as well) I might look once in a while, but I don’t ‘check her out’… Much.”

“Well Ah know ya check out Rarity’s rump,” said AJ snickering.

“Well who doesn’t?” said Twilight smiling. Both mares giggled, “and how could anypony miss it? I swear to Celestia, she practically waves it under everypony’s muzzle. But I don’t look that often or too closely.”

“Ya sure?” said AJ having fun, “Ah mean it’s a nice, round, plump booty. Ah don’t know, Ah think it might be fun to check out them cutie marks real close.”

“Then you ask her out. You know from her talks, she ‘puts out’. Maybe she wouldn’t mind having her muzzle in between your muscular flanks. I mean they are nice, round, plump and juicy as well.”

AJ stopped the teasing, a little shocked at what she hoped she was hearing.

“Ya really think my flanks are nice?”

Twilight blushed.

“Actually, I think your rump is really hot, even more than Rarity’s. I hope this talk isn’t going to creep us out.”

“Don’t worry ‘bout that.” Said AJ smiling, “Ah think yer backside is quite tempting too. Ah admit Ah’ve checked ya out from time to time. Maybe more than that.”

“AJ,” said Twilight blushing more, but as happy as AJ that the gate was finally opened. How far was yet to be seen. “I really have thought about you at night sometimes. Wondering what it’d be like to have a pony as wonderful as you to cuddle and embrace. Sex wouldn’t be necessary. Just to be with you would be enough.”

Both mares were starting to feel relieved. It appeared what they were hearing from the other was something they’d been dreaming of, and how it might come to pass.

“Twi,” said AJ smiling, “Ah think that sounds real nice. An’ ya know, Ah’m thinkin’ that we need to talk ’bout it when we get home. Maybe over dinner?”

“Applejack, are you asking me out on a date?” said Twilight smiling.

“Yeah,” said AJ smiling too, “Ah guess Ah am.”

“I’d really like that,” said Twilight with a smile.

They lay there for a while just looking at the other and smiling. Imagining what the future may hold.

Then Applejack withdrew her hoof, Twilight felt disappointed.

“Good night, Twi,” said AJ, turning away to go to sleep.

“Good night, AJ,” said Twilight continued to lay on her side as she was looking at Applejack. She so much wanted to run her hoofs through the blond tresses in front of her.

What Twilight couldn’t know is that AJ had to turn away to control herself. She was wanting to cuddle up next to her friend and share body heat. And if there was any kissing, the more the better. In spite of the declarations, she wanted to be sure and not rush it.

Twilight continued to look over at her friend thinking of how fun it would be to be together closer. To share her life with a mare as wonderful as Applejack. The hints were there and Twilight couldn’t wait for the situation to come to fruition.

But then the cobwebs set in and they drifted off to pleasant dreams.

The sun brought both mares awake. They got up, stretched and then complained about the rocks in their backs. Each pony embellishing the size of the rock they’d slept on until it sounded like Twilight slept with the Rock of G’halter digging in her back. However, AJ made it sound like she had the entire Crystal Mountains under her sleeping bag.

The two friends had a good laugh.

“Ah didn’t know ya could tell tall tales like that, Twi”

“Well, you do a good job yourself,” answered Twilight.

After eating a frugal meal they continued on their westward journey. Luckily, it was mid fall and the desert sun wasn’t too overwhelming. They walked until about noon and stopped for a break. They each had some water, a couple of carrots and an apple each.

“Where do ya reckon we are, Twi?”

“Probably about a third of the way,” said Twilight. “If I remember correctly, when we reach the bridge over Dead Pony Canyon, we’ll be halfway.”

“Such a lovely name.” said AJ chuckling.

“Yes,” said Twilight laughing, “but you know how they name thing’s in these parts. Discord’s Tower, Nightmare Moon’s Valley and the like.”

The two gathered up their bags and continued on their trek.

About an hour later AJ spoke up.

“Ya know, when we were walkin’ out to meet the buffalo, Ah didn’t realize how fer it was from Appleloosa. Ah guess we were talking ‘bout what our mission would be.”

“Yes,” said Twilight, “I guess we were distracted by the mission. But it’s kind of nice to have some quiet time together. It’s been something I’ve enjoyed about this mission. How when we weren’t meeting with the buffalo, we had time to talk or just sit in silence, together. We don’t get a lot of time back home like that. You’re always busy with your work as am I.

I guess of all our friends, we two really are more alike than the any of the others. We both were brought up more traditionally and guided by ponies who had a lot of life experience. In my case a lot of life experience. Even our thoughts about mares and colts are the same.”

“Ya know,” said Applejack, “Ah never thought ’bout it that way. But Ah’ve noticed that when Rainbow Dash an’ Rarity talk ‘bout their ‘experiences’ with colts an’ the like, yer reaction is the same as mine. Last thing Ah wanna hear ’bout is who RD was in the sack with when she’s on her back with her hooves in the air. An’ what exactly they were doin’!”

Twilight burst out laughing.

“AJ, I don’t ever think I’ve ever heard anypony put it in quite those terms. That mental picture of Rainbow in that position will be stuck in my mind for hours.

Thanks a lot!”

“Hey Twi,” said AJ chuckling, “Ah calls ‘em as Ah sees ‘em.

But ya know, our friends have jobs an’ responsibilities but yer always makin’ doubly extra sure that all your work is done. An’ even when ya ain’t workin’ on work, yer workin’ on somethin’. If’n Ah didn’t know any better Ah’d swear that yer an Apple, Alicorn or no.”

“Thank you, AJ,” said Twilight blushing slightly, “I know how much of a compliment that is. And to hear that from you means a lot to me.”

The two stopped and hugged, then they walked on.

After a bit of quiet, AJ spoke up.

“Ah’ve been wonderin’ fer a bit now, with ya bein’ a princess an’ all; is Princess Celestia gonna call ya away to rule over a part of Equestria? Like she did with Princess Cadence.”

“You trying to get rid of me now that you know I’m a mare-lover, and I like to check out your ‘juicy’ rump?” asked Twilight chuckling.

“Come on Twi,” said AJ, “with what Ah told ya, ya really believe that?”

Twilight shook her head and smiled.

“Nothin’ like that at all. Ah think Ah’d be lost without my friend,” continued AJ. “Ah was just curious if’n there was somethin’ gonna happen down the road that Ah ain't gonna like at all.”

“You know AJ, I wondered about that too at first. But when I got Friendship Castle and Celestia proclaimed me Princess of Friendship. I’m pretty sure that I’m where I’m going to be for some time to come.”

“Ah’m glad to hear that, Twi. Ah don’t think it’d be Ponyville without ya. Ah know Ah’d miss ya somethin’ fierce.” Said Applejack, Twilight looked over at her friend who turned away to hide her blushing. It made Twilight smile.

“I’d miss Ponyville and especially you too,” answered Twilight, Applejack looked at her friend who was blushing as much as herself.

Applejack surprised Twilight by bringing her head next to Twilight’s and nuzzled her ear softly.

“Thanks, Sugar Cube,” said AJ.

“Your very welcome,” said Twilight who returned the nuzzle.

They stopped then looked at each other and smiled. But the two blushed even more and turned away and started walking again.

The quiet this time was awkward. Both mares were trying to figure if this was going where they’d hoped. Especially after their confessions the previous night. Each wanted to stop and perhaps have the long talk they’d mentioned. It was obvious that the two were and have been attracted to each other. Perhaps it’d be easier to just come out and admit it as much to themselves as well as the other. Then they could make a commitment to be in a relationship other than being best friends.

The two were lost in their thoughts as they trudged forward. The afternoon was wearing away and the shadows were starting to growing long when the bridge across Dead Pony Canyon came into sight.

“Ah guess we’re half way there,” said Applejack. “Ya wanna camp now or wait ‘till we get on the other side?”

AJ was determined to ask Twilight to share her sleeping bag this time. Twilight was having the same thoughts. Nothing about sex, just a chance to be really close with each other. But they were each imagining what kissing the other would be like.

The bridge was long for a rope bridge. About one hundred yards across, and sagged greatly in the middle. It was old and looked it. Twilight had flown alongside on the way there to save on weight and she was going to do that this time as well.

“We can cross,” said Twilight, “but be careful, the wind can pick up in the afternoon in the desert and come out of nowhere.”

“No problem, Sugar Cube,” said AJ smiling. “Ah’ll be careful.”

AJ stepped out on the bridge as Twilight took to the air. Twilight could feel the breeze was getting stronger as she went out over the canyon.

Actually, it was more of a wide and very deep ravine as opposed to an actual canyon. It was about five hundred feet deep with a stream flowing through the middle. The sides were very steep, almost vertical. It had shrubs and small trees growing on the walls. The shape funneled and amplified any breeze blowing through.

Applejack was no more than ten yards onto the bridge when a large gust of wind tore through the ravine actually lifting the bridge and almost knocking Twilight out of the air. Twilight was able to get control of her flight in time, it had blown her several yards away from AJ and the bridge. Then to her horror, she saw Applejack stumble. A hind leg went over the side of the bridge. The bridge twisted and dumped AJ over the side.

Twilight had never heard Applejack scream like that.

Without thinking, Twilight went into a dive that would’ve impressed Rainbow Dash. After connecting her aura to her friend, Twilight beat her wings furiously, but all she was able to do was slow the descent, there was just too much momentum, mass and speed. It dragged Twilight down as well. The distance varied so much that her teleportation wouldn’t lock onto AJ, so teleporting both of them wasn’t possible.

Twilight had never seen such fear and sadness in a pony’s eyes before as she did AJ’s. It was as if Applejack knew she wasn’t going to make it and was trying to take comfort by looking at Twilight, who was still close by. It was the only way she could say, ‘good bye’.

Twilight knew she could let go of AJ and save herself. But she’d rather die with her friend than live with the guilt of abandoning AJ to her doom. A mare she cared for more than she’d ever admitted, even to herself.

About one hundred feet from the bottom, Twilight did the only thing she could think of to try to slow them down. It was fast, but it was as if everything was in slow-motion, that adrenalin induced hyper awareness. Twilight was able to spread her wings out full and direct them into the trees just a couple yards away. Immediately, Twilight’s wing hit a tree branch, her head hit another branch hard as well. It was all Twilight could do to stay conscious and focused.

The two mares were still connected by Twilight’s magic, and in spite of the pain in her wing, the pain in her head and crashing through the tree branches, by sheer force of will, Twilight wasn’t letting go.

However, the branches did slowed them, but none too gently. The ground still came up fast, AJ and Twilight hit the ground hard.

Twilight landed on a pile of bracken. It somewhat cushioned her but it still knocked the wind out of her. She struggled to get her breath and to stand up. It was a superpony effort but Twilight made it to her hooves.

Her face felt warm and wet. Putting her hoof to her forehead and drawing back there was blood on it. She was covered with scratches and minor lacerations, from crashing through the tree branches, nothing too severe but they stung. She also noticed that her right wing was dragging the ground and she couldn’t move or fold it, it hurt like Tartarus.

“AJ?” Twilight called out. She heard no reply. Looking around and to her dismay, she saw Applejack had landed on a slab of rock, she too was covered in scratches. She was on her back. Twilight saw that AJ’s right hind leg was bent in the middle at an unnatural angle. Her eyes were closed and she wasn’t moving.

“APPLEJACK!” screamed Twilight.

Twilight bolted to her friend’s side.

“Oh Faust, AJ!” Cried Twilight, “wake up!”

Twilight was shaking Applejack as hard as she dared…

“Wake up!”

Nothing!

Twilight put her cheek to Applejack's muzzle to see if she could feel if AJ was breathing…

Nothing!

Twilight put her ear to AJ’s nostrils to listen if she could hear if she was breathing…

Nothing!

Twilight then put her ear to her friend’s chest to listen for a heartbeat…

Nothing!

“AHHHHHHH!” Twilight screamed in fear and panic, as she was blinded with tears and blood.

“Don’t be dead, AJ! Don’t be dead!” Twilight buried her face on her friend’s chest and wept hard.

DAY TWO: Knowledge from Another World

Twilight wept almost uncontrollably.

Here she was, powerful in magic. Yet there wasn’t anything her magic could do in the face of mortality.

She never felt so powerless.

“Oh AJ! what am I going to do without you?

I thought…

I hoped we were going to have a future…

Together.”

Twilight was grasping for straws in her mind, there had to be something, she wasn’t ready to give up on AJ yet. But the only thing she could even think of was something Celestia had talked to her about right after the death of Twilight’s grandmother.

They were talking late one night about some deep matters concerning life, death and the universe. She said that it was thought that there was a being that watches over all creation. One that may have created it all. But Celestia wouldn’t explain any deeper because she didn’t know for sure.

This being was known as the Faust. It was more than just a name used in oaths and exclamations.

Twilight had, in the past, subscribed to the notion that prayer was for the deluded and the superstitious. Or the last resort of the hopeless. But now, she couldn’t think of anything else.

“Please Faust,” said Twilight sobbing, “forgive my doubting, but if you’re real, spare AJ…

Or take me too because I now know that I don’t want to live without her.”

Twilight wept more, she was remembering all the good times she had interacted with Applejack. The fun, the friendship, the closeness. The promise of a deeper relationship like they’d been hinting at with each other.

Twilight wept hard as the memories of her friend flashed by in her mind’s eyes. But there was an image, clearer than the rest, which came to mind. It wasn’t a memory, perhaps a fantasy. It was and it wasn’t Applejack. It was the Applejack from the human world. The figure in her mind was in her half-pony form, which made the sight of her more comforting.

‘Use what ya learned here Sugar Cube.’ Said the human Applejack in Twilight’s mind.

‘What did I learn,’ asked Twilight, suddenly her tears slowing.

‘'Member that there first aid book ya were so interested in,’ replied the AJ in her mind.

Then she faded away.

Twilight concentrated:

Moons earlier…

Twilight was still having trouble with coming to terms with this new body. She knew that she was going to have trouble getting her crown back. But getting a grasp on her new form had to be taken care of if she was going to function ‘normally’.

She’d studied the facts about this world and had made a list she was sure was going to endear her to the denizens of this school. But as she lay there, she just couldn’t go to sleep. So she got up quietly as not to wake Spike.

She was looking in the biology section of the library, there were so many questions in her mind about these beings. She was being careful not to attract attention of any security that might be there.

She took several books off the shelves and went back upstairs to the little storage nook that she and Spike were bedding down in.

There was a street lamp who’s light shown in a window at one end of the nook.

From the very first, Twilight had been surprised that the people spoke and the books in this world were in a language much like Equestria Standard. The differences were little enough that if you paid attention, you could understand. Such as; everyone vs. everypony or in hand vs. in hoof and other odd phrases like that.

One of the first things she noticed, which was a little embarrassing, confirmed the reason these creatures the book called humans, wore clothing all the time.

Unlike ponies, there wasn’t any way for them to hide their genitalia. She’d discovered this already when she had to go to the bathroom earlier. Try as she might, it didn’t work. She ended getting an embarrassing cramp trying to close and hide it. Also, the book cleared up the reason all the females had enlarged breasts.

Twilight assumed at first that it was a cultural norm that they had children early. But instead she found that it was an evolutionary trait developed when the species began walking upright and the normal display portion of the anatomy, the rump and genitalia, were no longer at eye (and nose) level.

Also their evolutionary beginnings cleared up why the breasts were in the wrong place (to an equine). Twilight assumed that these humans were somehow a branch of the equine line that diverged into another path. But the fact that they were primates blew her mind. Primates in Equestria were simple and not very bright creatures.

However one book really caught her attention, and she’d hung on to it the entire time she was in the human world.

It was a book on first aid. There were so many things that were amazing. Twilight had asked and received permission from Cheerilee to bring it back with her when she returned to the pony world. She’d thought about sharing it with the doctors in her world, she’d read it often. Twilight really did intend to return it when she had it copied.

Back in the present…

Something was working its way to the surface of her mind.

Something she’d read when she was spending the night in the Canterlot High School library.

‘What was it?’ thought Twilight.

‘What was it?

Celestiatdamn it! What was it?’

Twilight put all her will into forcing her mind to find this.

‘An acronym…

Three letters…

… !’

Then came the epiphany.

A technique called CPR:

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

‘How did that go?

How long has AJ been out?

Will it work on ponies?’

“Damn you Twilight!” she screamed at herself as if her emotions were disembodied from her logical side. “Don’t analyze! This is AJ’s life, if there’s any hope…

Do it…

DO IT NOW!”

Twilight quickly took the difference in equine anatomy vs. human anatomy into consideration.

She put a hoof under the back of AJ’s neck and opened the airway. She put her mouth over AJ’s mouth and nostrils and blew two full breaths.

Then with her forehooves over Applejack’s sternum, she did the compressions as well as she could remember how that book said.

She repeated the actions over and over. Twilight was trying hard to stay on task. Her head hurt. Her forelegs were going numb. Her wing was throbbing. Blood, sweat and tears burned her eyes. But she refused to succumb to despair and fatigue.

Twilight didn’t remember how long she was to do this before it was too late. But she wasn’t about to give up.

However, just as all hope was about to slip from her hooves. Applejack coughed forcefully.

“Applejack!” exclaimed Twilight hugging her friend as best as she could without moving her too much. And without thinking, kissed Applejack full on the lips.

“Oh thank you, Faust!”

“Twilight?” said AJ, “Ah’m glad to see ya too. Not that Ah mind, but what’s with the tears and lovin’?”

“AJ,” said Twilight now crying with joy. “You were dead. Your heart had stopped and you weren’t breathing!”

“Ah was dead?” said AJ trying to sit up. “But how come Ah ain’t?”

“No, don’t sit up.” Said Twilight, “I’ll explain in a bit but for now, you’re hurt and you shouldn’t move too much before we find out the extent.”

“’Cept fer a splitin’ headache, an’ it feelin’ like somepony was dancin’ on my chest, Ah feel ’kay.”

“What you’re feeling with your chest was because of me doing chest compressions to help restart your heart. I think cracked ribs and a painful chest is much better than the most special of ponies being dead.

Is that all that you’re feeling?”

“Well,” said Applejack, “my right hind leg hurts some.”

“Just some?”

“Yeah, it stings a might.” Said AJ, “but no big deal.

Why the look, Sugar Cube?”

“AJ, your leg is broken or at least dislocated. If you’re not feeling it, then you may have some damage to your spinal cord. But if you’re feeling something, then perhaps it is just bruised or pinched and not severed. Or it could be the shock of the injury. Either way, it’s all the more reason to not move too much.”

Twilight took one side of AJ’s saddlebags, which was lying near, and lay her head on it.

“Just rest there,” said Twilight, “I’ll try to move you to somewhere more comfortable. Just let me collect our things first.”

AJ lay there thinking of how Twilight had just called her the most special of ponies. In spite of the pain, AJ smiled and closed her eyes thinking about what was an obvious revelation of Twilight’s true feelings, feelings she shared about Twilight.

As she was searching for their things, Twilight was also looking for any way out. But the walls were almost vertical and there appeared to be no paths out.

Twilight found AJ’s sleeping bag and blanket. Also there were some contents of the saddlebag spread around. Twilight realized that her things weren’t there. She looked around and nothing. Looking up, she saw her things caught high in the branches of one of the trees she’d struck on the way down.

Twilight tried to levitate the objects down, her aura shown dimly around it, but nothing else happened. She concentrated harder and still the result was the same.

Twilight walked back to AJ and she was frightened by the sight. AJ was laying there motionless, her eyes closed.

“AJ!” shouted Twilight, dropping the items she’d collected.

“What?” answered Applejack, opening her eyes and turning her head.

Twilight ran to her friend and embraced her the best she could, then she buried her face in AJ’s chest and cried.

“I was so afraid that I’d lost you again,” sobbed Twilight. Then lifting her head and looking at her friend. “I now know I couldn’t take it if that happened!”

“It’s ’kay, Sugar Cube,” said AJ reaching out to Twilight and joining the embrace. “Ah wouldn’t wanna lose ya either.”

They hugged for a moment and Applejack kissed Twilight’s cheek. Twilight turned and kissed Applejack’s lips. They tightened the embrace, it wasn’t too long and there was tongue. It thrilled both mares.

Twilight drew back, they looked into each other’s eyes deeply and smiled. In spite of the situation, it made their hearts happy.

“This isn’t the time or place to have that talk, is it?” said Twilight with a small smile.

“Ah reckon it ain’t,” said AJ with an odd look in her eyes.

The two kissed a short simple kiss.

Then AJ’s eyes shifted to the top of Twilight’s head;

“Don’t yer horn hurt bein’ cracked like that?”

“My horn?”

“Yeah, it’s bleedin’ some.”

That explained the blood on her face, the pain in her head and her magic not working right.

“This isn’t good,” said Twilight. “My magic is limited, I can’t fly, and I don’t know how we can get any help.”

“Well Sugar Cube,” said AJ. “Let’s take it as it comes. We have each other, an’ ’tween us, we can handle anythin’!”

“Okay AJ,” said Twilight smiling at the thought, “let’s take care of your injuries and get you more comfortable.”

AJ started to argue, not wanting a fuss made over herself but she knew that Twilight was right.

“Uh… If’n Ah can’t get up,” said Applejack sounding embarrassed, “how do Ah ‘go’?”

“Go where?” asked Twilight.

“Ya know,” said AJ blushing, “go… Take a dump. Ah think this whole thing has just ’bout scared it out of me.”

“Oh…

Go!” said Twilight. “Let me think.”

Twilight got up and looked around then she walked over to the stream. Her horn glowed dimmer than usual. An aura appeared in the water and a good gallon or more of water rose up in the air, suspended in her aura. Twilight was able to move with it and release it on the bank of the far side of the stream.

“At least that worked,” said Twilight.

Twilight walked back to her friend.

“AJ, you’re going to have to trust me and not be grossed out.”

“What’d ya mean?”

“I’m going to help you spread your legs and then I’m going to catch your waste.”

Applejack looked shocked.

“Ya sure ‘bout that Sugar Cube?”

“Would you rather mess on yourself?”

“No, Ah just want ya to be sure ya wanna do it.”

“I don’t think this has anything to do with me wanting to or not. I’m not going to let you lay in your own waste. And I can’t think of anything else to do.”

“Ya sure that ya ain’t just wantin’ to check out my marehood?” Said AJ chuckling.

Twilight smiled.

“Hey, I need some reward for doing this.”

They both chuckled.

“Now relax and let’s take care of the call of nature and then I’ll have to splint your leg and move you.”

“’Kay Twi, Ah trust ya.”

Twilight gingerly helped move AJ’s good leg so her ‘bottom’ was unobscured.

“Now when I tell you just go as normal. Because of the magic, you’ll be so clean, you’re not going to have to wipe.”

“Go as normal? With some hot mare checkin’ out my privy parts? (Twilight chuckled) Ah guess Ah ain’t got no choice. Let’s get it over with.” Said AJ, as she relaxed the muscles that normally hid her marehood.

Twilight knew it was the situation and the filter of her feelings for Applejack, but by Celestia, it had to be the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. It was all Twilight could do not to stare, AJ did notice and chuckled quietly.

Twilight concentrated, her aura formed tightly against AJ’s marehood and anus. Applejack timidly relaxed her control. She passed her waste and the aura contained it all. As Twilight said, none adhered to AJ. Twilight walked to the stream and levitated the offending substances to the land on the other side of the stream. Far away from themselves.

Twilight returned to her friend. AJ had an odd smile.

“Twilight, Ah wanna ask a favor.”

“What’s that.”

“Neither of us know if’n we’ll make it out of here, right?”

“It is a possibility.”

“Then would ya kiss me? Not rushed like a’fore. In case we never get the chance again.”

“Most certainly Sweet Apple-Dumpling.”

“Apple-Dumpling?” said AJ, “Ah think Ah like that. It sounds like somethin’ ya’d call a marefriend.”

Twilight took AJ’s hoof.

“That’s because I’ve wanted you to be my marefriend for some time now, if you’ll have me as yours. Before any of this happened, I knew I’d wanted to be close to you. It’s what I was thinking when we agreed that we needed to talk when we got home.

I think with what’s just happened to us, the talk is now unnecessary. I’ve often thought about what it would be like to be in a relationship with you, beyond being just friends.

So it isn’t just the situation. I think me seeing you laying there…

Actually dead.

It forced all my feelings for you to the surface.

I’ve never been anypony’s marefriend before. But I’ve always wanted a marefriend that I’d call little pet names that only I’d use to show how much I feel.”

“That’s what Ah was thinkin’ ’bout when we said we needed to talk too. Ah don’t know anypony that Ah’d rather have as my marefriend,” said AJ. “Ah ain’t been anypony’s marefriend a’fore either.

An’ Ah too have thought of ya many times. Thinkin’ ’bout what it’d be like to hold an’ be held by ya. Ah think our time together and that talk on the way here helped me realize just how much ya already mean to me.”

Twilight kissed AJ passionately.

Twilight was thrilled as was AJ.

They broke the kiss and embraced.

“Ah should’a asked fer that a’fore,” chuckled AJ, “years ago.”

“Hopefully,” said Twilight, “we’ll have many more chances, and years to do it.”

Then Applejack’s expression changed to one of being in pain.

“Was my kiss that bad?”

“No, Twi Sugar,” said AJ, “Ah’m really startin’ to feel my leg now.”

“That’s a good sign,” said Twilight.

“Not from where Ah’m layin’,” said Applejack trying to smile.

“I’m going to have to splint your leg,” said Twilight, “I’m not looking forward to it because it’s going to hurt at first. Once set in the right position, the pain should lessen. Then we can move you someplace that’d be more comfortable. I’m thinking we should move you over by the cliff wall. There are trees overhead and an overhang of rock to protect from any rain and it’ll block some of the wind.”

“’Kay Sugar,” said AJ, “let’s get this over with.”

Twilight went and collected some long sturdy branches, Twilight was surprised at the number of very straight ones she found. But she realized that the only way for the trees to get light was to grow straight up to the only sky available.

She also collected some vines growing along the wall of the cliff. Then she returned to Applejack and put a couple of sticks on either side of her good leg.

“Uh, Twi? Ah don’t wanna tell ya what yer doin’, but that ain’t my bad leg.”

Twilight chuckled.

“Apple-Dumpling, I have to measure the lengths to make sure they’ll be right. I can’t do that to your bad leg without causing you pain or harm.”

“Oh, that makes sense.”

Twilight did her best to use her magic to cut the sticks in the right places, She did have an issue at first with the poor control of her limited magic. The first she cut was at too much of an angle to be useful without it jabbing Applejack or into the ground. Plus it was too thick and heavy, and it was about eight feet long. Twilight didn’t even know why she’d chosen this large of a branch to start with. So she didn’t try to shorten it and decided to set it aside to cut shorter later for firewood.

Then she cut another two with better results this time.

Afterward she put the sticks on either side of the bad leg. And with her magic managed to get the vines underneath it all in several strategic places.

Then Twilight came back to AJ’s head.

“Now I’m sorry for what’s about to happen. I hate to get a new marefriend and then hurt her right away.”

“Do what ya have to, Sugar, Ah understand.”

Twilight kissed Applejack again, a nice long passionate kiss.

“Okay Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight, levitating a thick stick to AJ’s muzzle. “Bite on this, it’ll help…

Some.

And I know it’s a lot to ask, but try not to move.”

Applejack bit down on the stick and nodded her head.

Twilight concentrated hard on what she had to do. Her aura formed around AJ’s hind hoof. Then with a mighty force of will, AJ’s leg jerked straight. AJ felt a ‘pop’ and Twilight saw the knee joint snap into place. Twilight was relieved that the leg was dislocated and not broken.

“AHHHHH!” screamed Applejack, nearly biting the stick in two. Twilight started to cry because she was feeling her marefriend’s pain. Especially because she herself was the cause.

Twilight forced her limited magic to hold the leg in place but also to tie the vines around the splints. Twilight would’ve normally tied all four at once, but it was all she could do to hold the leg in place and tie one at a time.

Then when it was secure, Twilight let go, and moved up to AJ’s head. Her eyes were closed, tears streaming. She was trying heroically to stifle some sobs.

Twilight hugged Applejack, who embraced her back.

“I’m so sorry Apple-Dumpling.”

Applejack mumbled something unintelligible. Twilight looked and said:

“You can spit the stick out now.”

Putt! AJ spit the stick out.

“Don’t fret Sugar, ya did what ya had to do. An’ it does feel a mite better. Thank ya.”

Applejack pulled Twilight close and kissed her to show that there were no hard feelings…

But the other feelings were becoming more and more obvious and harder to ignore.

Twilight was able to levitate AJ enough to get the blanket under her. Then she lay the sleeping bag on some soft ferns and moss she’d collected and placed under the overhang of rock. Twilight half dragged, half levitated AJ on the blanket onto the sleeping bag and then zipped it around Applejack, not before getting the blanket out from under AJ. Twilight rolled the blanket and used it as a pillow for AJ’s head.

“Are you hungry?” asked Twilight.

“Ah could use a little somethin’,”

Twilight retrieved AJ’s bag and took out an apple. She was able to break it up into bite sized slices and feed them to Applejack.

“I’m afraid my bag with the carrots didn’t make the trip all the way down. If you want, I could get you some grass. There’s some nice tender grass growing by the stream.”

“Nah, the apple was ’kay fer now. But Ah could do with somethin’ to drink.”

Twilight looked around. The canteens were nowhere to be found. And Twilight’s fine control of her magic made her unsure if she could levitate water to Applejack without drowning her or at least leave her soaked.

“I have a way to give you water, but I hope it won’t weird you out.”

“What’s that?”

“I can carry it in my mouth and give it to you that way.”

AJ waved her closer and kissed her passionately.

“If’n having yer tongue in my mouth an’ mine in yer’s don’t ‘weird’ us out, why would that?”

Twilight chuckled, she hadn’t thought of it that way.

“I’ll try to feed it to you slowly,” said Twilight. Applejack nodded her head.

Twilight went to the stream and tasted it first. It tasted clean without any pollutants. Then she drank some herself and waited. There was nothing that upset her stomach. If there were parasites, they could deal with them later…

If indeed there was a later.

Twilight sucked up a mouthful and returned to Applejack. Applejack lay her head back and opened her mouth. Twilight tried not to think it looked like a baby bird waiting for a bug from its mother.

Twilight put her mouth in AJ’s and let the water out slowly. AJ requested a little more, so Twilight repeated the procedure. When done, Twilight figured, why waste an opportunity? So she turned it into a passionate kiss which was held longer than any kiss they’d shared yet.

“Ah’ll have to get thirsty more often,” said Applejack, breaking the kiss and smiling.

The two just looked into each other’s eyes. It was as pleasant as the kiss. Finally Twilight spoke.

“You rest now Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight, stroking AJ’s forelock, “it’ll be dark soon and I need to collect some more firewood and make sure there aren’t any surprises we haven’t seen yet.”

“’Kay Sugar,” said Applejack, “Ah’ll be right here.”

The two chuckled, and Twilight gave her marefriend a kiss on the cheek.

Twilight collected some rocks from the stream and made a fire pit. Then stacked some of the smaller pieces of wood close, leaving the big ones out from under the cover of the overhang until she could cut them. Then with some effort, Twilight got a fire going. Luckily, the overhand would protect AJ’s bed, the fire pit and some of the firewood should it rain. Plus the ground was a mild slope toward the stream, so no water would puddle and get the fire or AJ wet.

Twilight was sitting close by AJ, holding her hoof when she suddenly got up and walked away toward a spot a little bit away from where they were. There a lone tree was standing. She soon returned.

“Okay Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight with a smile, “this is from a tree Zecora told me about. It’s the white willow tree and the bark can be used to make a pain reliever(1). I don’t have my lab here to make an extract. So we’re just going to have to chew and suck on the bark.

And yes, it’s yucky.”

Twilight and Applejack chuckled. Twilight levitated a couple pieces of bark to Applejack. She started to chew and made a sour face.

“Yeah Twi,” said AJ, “it’s yucky.”

“I know, I’m chewing it too.” Said Twilight, “just try not to swallow it.”

Applejack lay watching and thinking how much Twilight was putting herself into taking care of her. Never had anypony been that sensitive to her needs.

‘Ah sure could get used to havin’ Twi around me more permanent like.’

These thoughts went through her mind as she spit out the consumed bark and drifted off to sleep.

Twilight sat by the fire. She kept an eye on it so it wouldn’t get out of hoof. She’d make sure it was bright enough to be seen at night, in case anypony would be looking for them. And she was going to put moss in the fire during the day to make enough smoke for the same reason.

But Twilight was more interested in watching AJ as she slept. Twilight was focused on AJ’s breathing. She’d theorized it was the shock of the hard landing on her back caused AJ’s heart to stop. But she wasn’t taking any chances. She was afraid to let herself go to sleep, just in case.

She also didn’t let AJ know that only about half of the apples she was carrying made it to the bottom in an edible condition. AJ needed all her strength so Twilight was determined that the remaining apples would be for her marefriend only. Grass and moss would have to do for herself.

Twilight watched AJ sleeping. With the way her heart felt now, AJ was about the most beautiful mare she’d ever seen…

Sorry Rarity.

Twilight reached over and gently stroked AJ’s mane, it was so soft. She just wanted to kiss every freckle on AJ’s face. She’d waken her sleeping marefriend and they’d do the things that she’d read in some of the mare with mare erotic literature she’d kept hidden from Spike.

Yes, Twilight had known that she was attracted to mares, but she never felt this way looking at any mare in the past. She also hoped it wasn’t just the situation. But if were the situation, she hoped the situation had opened their hearts to this.

Twilight was thinking about how life could be if AJ was her partner on a permanent basis. She was even amused thinking about what their friend’s reactions will be if they ever made it out of there.

Twilight counted herself lucky. Here was the mare of her dreams and Twilight had come so close to losing her. Just earlier that day, Applejack was laying on a slab of rock, dead. No heart beat, no breathing.

Twilight was starting to wonder if the whole ‘going into the other world’ was about more than getting her crown back, especially since she had to give up that crown not long after coming back.

However, she returned with something greater, the knowledge that brought her marefriend back from the dead.

In spite of not being superstitious or a mystic, Twilight always believed that some things happen for a reason. Perhaps Celestia was right and there is a guiding hoof out there that shapes pony’s lives. Twilight may not have concrete proof, but she was never again going to say that there couldn’t be. Especially since it appeared that her prayer had been answered.

These thoughts danced through her head as she gathered her wings around herself to stave off the chill. The dancing fire lulled Twilight to sleep.

What she hadn’t seen was a set of yellow eyes in the distance watching them.

Author's Note

(1) Willow bark acts a lot like aspirin, so it is used for pain, including headache, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, gout, and a disease of the spine called ankylosing spondylitis.

DAY THREE: The Attack Or Equus Ferus Caballus Leo

Dawn roused Twilight, she panicked because she hadn’t intended to go to sleep. The fire was nothing but dying embers. The cold of the night had made her joints stiff and her damaged wing ache. She was now able to fold her wing with some difficulty but flying was still out of the question. Then the reason she hadn’t wanted to sleep jumped to mind. She turned quickly to see AJ sleeping peacefully, softly snoring.

“Thank Celestia,” said Twilight in relief. Twilight lightly kissed AJ on the cheek. AJ shifted slightly and smiled.

Twilight went a distance away downwind to relieve herself, then she walked to the stream for some water. What Twilight saw concerned her. There were paw prints by the water. Fresh, large, catlike paw prints that weren’t there the day before.

‘Horse-apples!’ thought Twilight. ‘As if we don’t have enough troubles already.’

Twilight determined not to mention this to AJ right now. No need to get her concerned if she didn’t have to be. After all, in AJ’s condition, there wasn’t anything she could do anyway.

Twilight trotted back to AJ and stoked up the fire. She was going to have to keep it going from now on, and no sleeping!

Twilight nibbled at some grass growing nearby, it was tasteless and dry, but it would fill her empty belly for now.

“Twilight?” said AJ weakly, obviously waking up.

“I’m here, Apple-Dumpling.”

AJ opened her eyes and reached a hoof out to Twilight. Twilight took the hoof and kissed it.

“Ah’m so sorry Sugar,” said Applejack looking embarrassed, “but Ah really gotta pee.”

“You’re just wanting to flaunt your ‘goodies’,” said Twilight giggling.

“You can check ‘em out all ya want,” said AJ, “after Ah ‘go’.”

“No problem Apple-Dumpling.”

Twilight opened AJ’s sleeping bag and AJ bared her marehood as Twilight’s aura formed at it. Applejack relaxed and she passed her urine into the aura. Twilight thought it funny just how much her marefriend had to ‘go’.

Twilight, as before, released it a ways away from their location across the stream.

Twilight returned to see AJ hadn’t tightened the muscles that would normally hide her marehood.

“Truthfully Sugar, what do ya think?” asked AJ blushing.

“Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight, reaching out to barely stroke the outside of AJ’s love organ, AJ’s eyes half closed in rapture. “I want it so badly, I want you so badly. I want to kiss and lick it and find what pleasures it will bring us. I’d love to have you, how was it you put it? On your back with your hooves in the air. (AJ snickered)

But I don’t think we should do anything about it at this time. Too much is going on to be distracted (Twilight was thinking of the paw prints by the stream). And we both know that if we do it, it should be at a better place and time and not some situation that desperation may have clouded our judgement. Not that I think it has. With our talk before this mess, I admitted to myself that I’ve been really attracted you for some time.”

“The same with me, but promise me this; if’n it looks like we ain’t gonna make it. Will ya make love to me a’fore the end. Ah don’t wanna die not knowing what it’s like to make love with ya.”

“I promise, my lovely cowpony. But let’s not think like that yet. When the time is right, we’re going to spend an entire week locked away in the tower in Friendship Castle. I swear.”

“That sounds real nice.”

Twilight moved her hoof from AJ’s marehood, but to AJ’s surprise and delight, Twilight bend down and kissed AJ’s love organ with the slightest bit of tongue. Then Twilight closed the sleeping bag.

“Oh Twilight! Don’t do that if’n ya ain’t gonna finish it.”

“I plan on it…

Sometime.” Said Twilight.

“But when the situation is right. I just wanted to let you know how much I really do find your body attractive and arousing.”

Twilight hadn’t intended to use her tongue and it was so hard not to continue.

The two kissed a quick kiss.

“Are you hungry?” asked Twilight, making sure to change the subject.

‘Hungry for more than just food,’ AJ thought, but glad that the subject had changed. In spite of it still tingling ‘down there’.

“Yeah,” said AJ, “Ah just hate havin’ ya feed me like a foal.”

“Don’t think anything of it.” Said Twilight, “I really am happy to do it.”

“Thanks Sugar,” said AJ motioning Twilight closer.

The two kissed for an extended time, then Twilight went to get some of the good grass by the stream. When she returned, she fed AJ the grass and one of the precious apples. Then a couple bits of bark as well. There were probably three days left of the apple supply, with only AJ eating one per meal and none herself.

As the day wore on, Twilight was really getting bored, she could imagine what AJ was going through. Twilight was aware that because of her leg and possibly her back, AJ was limited to what she could do. AJ is normally a very active pony, so having to lay still out in the middle of nowhere having to depend on another pony to feed her or even to go to the bathroom must be Tartarus.

Twilight was trying her best to not think of the paw prints she saw this morning. But the sight of them wouldn’t go away. From the looks of them, it had to be a mountain lion. And by the size, it was a big one.

Twilight collected as much firewood as she could. She was also exercising her magic to see if she could do anything useful to get them out of there or defend them. She had tried teleporting but she thought she’d pass out from the pain caused by that much magic being retained. She was glad that AJ didn’t see it. One disabled pony was enough to worry with.

“Twilight?”

“Yes Apple-Dumpling,” answered Twilight.

“What’s botherin’ ya?”

“What do you mean?”

“Sugar, Ah’ve been around ya for years now. Ah know yer moods. An’ Ah think with our feelings fer each other, Ah think Ah can read ya a little better now.”

Twilight thought about it. She really didn’t want to get Applejack worried. But she knew that it was perhaps better that she knew. If roles were reversed, she’d want to know. Twilight didn’t know how much help her marefriend would be if something happened. But perhaps it’d be better if she faced it ‘eyes wide open’.

“Apple-Dumpling, I didn’t want to worry you, but I saw mountain lion tracks by the stream this morning.”

“Oh horse-apples!”

“That was my reaction,” chuckled Twilight. “I’m going to have to keep the fire going all night. Tomorrow I think we need to think about getting out of here.”

“How?” asked AJ. “only Pinkie Pie can climb walls like a spider. How the hay she does it, Ah wish Ah knew.”

“I’m thinking some kind of travois, you know, like we saw the buffalo using.

This canyon runs north-south at this point. There’s a bend in the stream to the north that goes east and the southern end bends off to the west. That’s why we can see only a small part of the canyon.

I figure this part is about a mile in length and we’re closer to the northern part. I think we’ll need to transport you and we head south. The west bend does go in the direction we need to go and it’s also the direction the stream is flowing.

I’ve always heard if lost to follow the flow of the stream or creek, it usually leads to settlements.”

“Ah’ll try my best to not be a bother,” said AJ. “an’ Ah’ll do what Ah can to help.”

“I know you will.” Said Twilight kissing AJ.

“Ya know,” said AJ smiling, “Ah think Ah’m gettin’ used to kissin’ ya. We should of thought of this sooner.”

The two embraced for a while and just enjoyed the contact. Both were hiding their fears of what could happen.

Time dragged on. Twilight was sure that it was driving AJ bonkers. But her marefriend was tough and she knew the situation. AJ tried to nap as much as she could, but if you’re not doing anything, it’s hard to get tired enough to need to rest.

Twilight stayed busy building the travois, making sure it was long enough that Applejack’s hind hooves wouldn’t have to drag the ground. Twilight hoped she was up to the task of carting her marefriend however far they had to go. Part of Twilight wanted to just stay here and see if any help would come. Yet something inside her said that they needed to get out of there.

Lunchtime rolled around and Twilight fed AJ some water, then another apple and some tender grass along with a little wild lettuce she’d found. Applejack said she’d try to do without the bark for now and see if she could handle it. Twilight agreed and ate more dry grass and moss.

After they’d eaten and Twilight helped AJ to take care of the ‘call of nature’, she returned to her work on the travois.

Twilight was obsessing over every little lashing, every cross piece. Making sure that the thing wouldn’t fall apart and hurt AJ more. Twilight was starting to get a little more control of her limited magic. She was able to use a beam of magic to cut sticks a little better and start a fire easier, still at no good distance. But nothing that’d be useful for defense or attack unless it was at ‘point blank’ range. The thought of being that close to a mountain lion was unnerving.

Her wing still wouldn’t do much more than spread to full length, but it was just too painful to try to use it for flight. And it drooped a little when folded.

And if she could fly, what then? With the memory of the lion tracks, there was no way that she’d leave AJ here alone even for one minute in any attempt to get help. So the 2nd saddlebag in the trees and a way out of the canyon, at least vertically, wasn’t going to happen.

AJ watched as Twilight worked. Never had she ever seen anypony work so hard at a task and take care of another pony at the same time. AJ wondered what would’ve happened if the mission was herself and one of her other friends.

AJ imagined if Rainbow had fallen and injured her wing. AJ wasn’t sure if Rainbow could have handled being flightless and stuck.

Rarity, even with her magic might’ve had a hard time handling the hardships down here.

Applejack was unsure if Pinkie could have stayed focused long enough on what had to be done other than planing a ‘Going Away for Good’ party for themselves.

And Fluttershy? Well she might come in handy with the mountain lion. Or maybe not, depending on how hungry the beast would be. A hungry mountain lion might scare Fluttershy so much, that she wouldn’t be able to use ‘The Stare’. Other than that, the shy Pegasus didn’t have the strength to attempt any strenuous activities.

But then AJ thought that perhaps Twilight would lack the strength and stamina to do much without her magic either. But AJ was learning that her assessment of Twilight was mistaken, so maybe it would be the same with her other friends.

But the biggest thing, other than the feelings they were admitting that they had for each other, was the knowledge Twilight had brought back from the other world. The knowledge that allowed Twilight to revived herself. Perhaps if she was with one of her other friends, she’d be lying dead right now.

There was little direct sunlight that made it down to the floor of the ravine. So when the evening was rolling around, it started to get dark quicker than the land above.

Twilight stoked up a nice fire and gathered some good grass and a mouthful of water for AJ.

“I think that does it for the day,” said Twilight after feeding and watering AJ. Looking around in the gathering darkness, Twilight sat back on her haunches. “It’s too late to try to go anywhere now. We’ll start in the morning.”

Applejack reached a hoof out to her marefriend, Twilight happily held it.

“Thank you so much Sugar Cube,” said AJ, kissing Twilight’s hoof. “Ah’m so sorry to be such a bother.”

“You’re no bother. You’ve always worked hard to take care of your family and friends. It’s time somepony took care of you.”

They smiled and took strength from the look in their marefriend’s eyes.

“Oh how touching,” said a deep growling voice. “How I hate to break up such a lovely pair.”

Twilight and Applejack looked in the direction of the voice. On the other side of the fire was a very large mountain lion.

“What…

What…

What do you want?” stammered Twilight, as she shifted so she was in between the lion and AJ.

“I’m here for dinner,” growled the lion. “Now why don’t you make it easy on all of us and leave the injured one to me. You get away easy, I get my meal easy and I put your friend out of her misery easy.

We all win.”

He was sure that this pony would run in terror to save herself and he’d have a meal tonight. Then tomorrow he’d have another fresh kill. She wasn’t going anywhere down here.

But he didn’t expect what came next.

Twilight’s ears snapped back flat against her head, never had she ever felt such anger in her life. No, it wasn’t anger, this was righteous indignation! She’d never felt this level of emotion in her battles with Nightmare Moon, Discord, Chrysalis or Sombra.

Not even Tirek put this much pure wrath in her heart after he’d destroyed the Golden Oak Library. Tirek could be reasoned with, more or less. But here was an antagonist that only wanted to kill and eat. Twilight was sure that if she agreed to leave, it would just pounce on her from behind and kill her as well.

And to suggest that Twilight just walk away from Applejack to be killed and devoured…

If her magic was working 100%…

This cat would be screaming in Tartarus right now.

But the way she felt, she wasn’t going to need magic to accomplish this.

“Go Sugar Cube,” said AJ, “save yerself. Ah’ll just slow ya down.”

“No bucking way!” said Twilight looking at the cat and ignoring AJ’s selfless request. “If you value your mangy hide, run away and never return. If you try to touch the pony I love, you’ll find that your hunger will never get to be satisfied. And not one creature will mourn your departure. So go while you have the chance.

Because I will kill you!”

In spite of the grim situation, Applejack’s heart leapt at Twilight’s declaration of love.

The lion actually felt some fear. The situation was already out of his understanding. Here were just ponies, they should be running or cowering in horror. His understanding of how this supposed to work failed him. He’d already lost the initiative and was unsure how to proceed.

Never had any prey had this attitude and fire in their eyes. The certainty of outcome didn’t appear as clear as it had when he first glimpsed them.

But he still tried to be as threatening as he could and try to retain the upper paw.

“Ponies don’t kill,” said the lion with as much threat as he could muster, “ponies get killed, and eaten!”

“Ponies do kill and leave the bodies for the worms to eat,” said Twilight resolutely. The threat she had in her voice matched and exceeded his. Then with disgust, “how noble of an end!”

This pony still wasn’t running in fear nor was she backing down as she should be. He might as well be facing another lion. There was nothing more for it but to strike. But his finely tuned instinctive actions wouldn’t work in this situation. Instincts were honed on prey running in terror. That way, the weak and defenseless portions are exposed.

And to try to approach this as he would to fight another lion wouldn’t work either. All he could see was prey, not a threat. It was out of his understanding which caused him to be uncertain of his actions and hesitate.

Here stood a pony that was already facing him down, she’d caused him to falter. Add to that, she had a horn, and hard hooves shod with iron. And she had a high intelligence.

The lion was completely out of his element.

But to leave and admit defeat was not an option. Such a reputation would make him a marked lion.

He’d be ostracized, shunned and he’d never be able to mate.

A lion who ran away from prey.

But he had to eat, so he had to kill. But if he was to lose, then he had to die trying. And this pony looked as if she was more than willing to help him with that.

Twilight circled around the fire and faced the lion, she was slowly advancing, not running. The growl Twilight emitted between clinched teeth and a snarl unnerved the lion more, he more than half expected her to roar.

Twilight was trying to make sure that all the attention was on herself and not AJ.

Twilight knew that the only way not to be prey is not to act like prey. And to do this, she had to take and keep the initiative.

Twilight loved peace and tolerance. She never, in her strangest dreams, ever thought that she’d have to take on the role of a predator and possibly make a kill. This was a great conflict inside her mind and heart. To be Princess of Friendship, yet willingly and with complete foreknowledge; take a life.

But if it was she and AJ or the lion, there really was no choice to make.

While the lion was trying to decide what to do next, Twilight surprised him and attacked first. She reared and struck out with both her forehooves catching the cat on the chin. The world spun for a moment for the lion as he was knocked backwards.

Shaking his head, he sprung forward. This was met with another barrage of forehooves. Twilight heard a crack sound. She’d injured the beast’s jaw, perhaps even fractured it. This was a little satisfying but she also knew that an injured predator was more dangerous.

As Twilight went on the attack again, a large paw struck Twilight on the shoulder and sent her flying off to one side. The lion was having to defend and not attack, he was unsure of how to handle this. Twilight rolled and sprung to her hooves in time to see the cat sailing through the air in her direction. His teeth bared and claws extended.

Twilight was able to dodge the attack at the last second allowing her to be in the right position. Her timing was good and she unleashed a kick with both hind legs. Apparently, her hooves made contact with a very sensitive part of his anatomy. He howled in pain.

He wasn’t the only one in pain. Where the cat had struck Twilight’s shoulder, his claws had dug deep. But Twilight couldn’t afford to worry with this now. She knew that she couldn’t show any weakness that he might try to exploit. Never had she been in this much of a fight for her life.

Not just her life, but Applejack’s as well.

That thought gave Twilight all the strength and reason she needed to continue the fight. She’d die before she’d let Applejack come to harm.

The thought of the cat harming AJ enraged Twilight to a level she'd never been enraged before, and the lion saw it.

Never had prey frightened him like this.

The lion turned and sprang back to his opponent. Expecting her to dodge out of the way again, he spread his forelegs to have a wider reach to catch the pony if she dodged. He wasn’t ready for her to spring forward and drop down. He sailed over her. As he passed over, she stabbed her horn upward as hard as she could. It cut deep into his underbelly. Any deeper and he would’ve been disemboweled.

The sight of his blood and the pain from the laceration on his belly was maddening! Never had he ever been so bested by any lion! Much less some grass eating prey.

The lion was regretting not listening to the pony’s warning, but there was nothing for it now. He had to do something to end this and get as much success as he could. He had to evade this pony and go after the injured one. Perhaps if he killed her, there’d be nothing for the other pony to stay and fight for.

As Twilight turned to face the lion again, something caught the corner of her eye. But how to get there without arousing suspicion? And how to get him to do what she needed?

Quickly Twilight concocted a plan, but it was risky and it was going to hurt!

The lion looked like he was about to go for AJ, but he heard Twilight snort and charging. As Twilight rushed at the lion, he turned to face her, the cat would swipe at Twilight and Twilight was trying to land another devastating kick to his face and head.

This went on for what felt like forever, the pain from his bleeding wounds and the fatigue along with the loss of his instinctive control of a situation was weakening him.

But the fatigue, pain and blood loss was weakening Twilight as well. This had to end soon while she still had the strength to attack and defend herself and AJ.

It was now or never for the gambit.

The lion knew it had to end soon as well. He was going to try to injure the pony attacking himself so he could rush and kill the other.

As Twilight rushed forward, she charged a little too close. And just as Twilight expected, the lion swiped at her and sent her flying toward the firewood. She allowed herself one moment of not moving to catch a breath and to let the monster think she was out. It was a gamble that the cat wouldn’t try to finish her off instead of going for the easy prey.

It worked.

The lion turned away and faced AJ. He was moving around the fire to have a clear shot at the defenseless prey.

AJ saw that the lion was about to pounce on her. She’d seen Twilight go down after the last charge and she was devastated. She almost didn’t care if she was going to be killed or not.

And despite the bravery of Applejack, her face reflected deadly terror as she raised a foreleg to try to fend off what was sure to happen. With eyes shut and pouring tears, she turned away.

Applejack’s thoughts were not for herself but how much Twilight will be hurt if she did survive. AJ knew now that Twilight really did love her and she knew that she loved Twilight. It looked like their future together wasn’t to be, except perhaps together in the Fields of Elysium.

Twilight had quickly but quietly gotten up so not to attract the lion’s attention. She saw the look on Applejack’s face, it was the last bit of motivation to go over and beyond the physical and mental limits of any pony. Twilight dredged up the last of her reserve strength and courage. The pain and exhaustion was all forgotten, the injuries didn’t matter.

She had to save Applejack now!

Twilight now saw what she’d hoped for, a clear shot at the cat’s unprotected side as he was fully distracted. Twilight bolted at the lion at full speed. The glare of the fire had hid her at first, so he didn’t see her until too late to react. Her horn went deep into his side and between his ribs. So much so that her scalp impacted with the lion’s skin. She heard ribs crack, there had to be internal organ damage with this attack. The lion shrieked as Twilight pulled her horn out of his flesh. Blood poured from the wound

Then she turned and fled…

Just like prey.

Normally, the lion might have approached this move with caution, but he was tired and pure instinct kicked in. As Twilight hoped, this made the lion turn to pursue herself. But suddenly, she stopped and spun around. All the lion registered was:

‘She’s giving in to the inevitable and this will be an easy kill after all.’

She had one chance at this. She was too tired to continue the fight with any hope of survival.

Success meant life. Failure meant that she and AJ were going to die horribly.

‘At least we’ll die together,’ thought Twilight grimly.

Twilight watched as the lion charged. It took all that was in her not to panic at this and flee, she had to stand strong.

‘For my Apple-Dumpling,’ Twilight thought as she steeled her nerves as the cat was bearing down on her.

The lion had no idea what it meant when a Unicorn’s horn glowed. As the cat, at the most speed he could manage, pounced. The stick that wasn’t suitable for the splint, the one with the diagonal cut, sprung up; sharp end first. Twilight’s forehooves anchored the other end to the ground. It was too late; the cat was airborne and had no way to avoid this. It penetrated the cat’s chest where Twilight’s horn had opened a wound. This made it easier for the stick to pierce his hide. The stick protruded out the lion’s back, he had impaled himself. But his jaws snapped at Twilight’s head a couple of times, just inches away.

Then it appeared that the light in his eyes was fading. The look on his face was of pain, regret and sadness. The look was pathetic and it broke Twilight’s heart. She felt guilt, despite the situation. As much as Twilight was appalled at the thought of killing, Twilight had to make sure that this was over. Also, in spite of his heartlessness, she couldn’t let the cat suffer.

The lion stumbled, Twilight spread her wings as quick as she could. This made the cat reflexively look in her direction.

“I’m so sorry,” said Twilight, not even sure if the lion was in any condition to register what she’d said.

Twilight slammed her head against the lion’s face. Her aim was good and her horn penetrated the cat’s right eye, through the opening in the scull for the optic nerve and into the brain.

There was nothing for it now, Twilight had to finish it. She released as powerful of a blast of offensive magic into the brain as she could manage. The cat shuddered and collapsed like a rag doll, silent and motionless.

Both lion and pony were locked together, neither one moving.

“Oh Good Faust no!” screamed Applejack.

“Twilight!”

Not caring about the possibility of her own injuries. Applejack managed to get free of the sleeping bag and got to three hooves, dragging the splinted leg behind. She hobbled to Twilight’s tail and grabbed it with her mouth. Then AJ dragged Twilight away from the dead cat. There was a sickening sound as Twilight’s horn was pulled out of the eye socket of the dead cat. The sound and the gore almost made AJ throw up.

She was able to bring Twilight back to the mossy bed where AJ had been laying. Being dragged through the grass removed most of the blood and gore on Twilight’s face and horn. AJ threw more wood on the fire and then as best she could lay Twilight out on her bed and cuddled next to her.

Holding Twilight close, Twilight started to respond.

“Is it over?” asked Twilight.

“Oh Darlin’, Darlin’ Twilight,” said Applejack crying and nuzzling Twilight. “It’s over, My Love.”

“You’re not hurt?” asked Twilight.

“Thanks to ya, Ah’m not.”

“Thank Celestia, as long as you’re safe, that’s the only thing in the world that matters.” Said Twilight as she smiled a weak smile and kissed Applejack.

They didn’t care what other dangers were out there. They cuddled close, Twilight was able to cover them with the sleeping bag and they fell asleep in each other’s forelegs.

DAY FOUR: The Falls

Twilight woke up warm and semi-comfortable. Semi-comfortable only because of her injured shoulder, but the feeling of holding and being held by Applejack was the greatest feeling ever.

As Twilight opened her eyes, she saw Applejack lying beside herself, just looking at her.

“Mornin’, Sugar Cube,” said Applejack.

Twilight smiled.

“Good Morning Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight.

The two kissed a fairly passionate kiss.

After breaking the kiss, Twilight blushed and looked sheepish.

“So…

You…

You didn’t hear me telling the mountain lion that I love you…

Did you?”

“Ah sure as sugar did!”

“Good,” Twilight weakly giggled, “then I don’t have to repeat myself.”

“Oh, no!” said Applejack, “yer goin’ have to tell me that every day!”

Twilight pulled AJ close and kissed her again. They embraced and felt the warmth of each.

“What about you, Apple-Dumpling?”

“What ‘bout me?” said AJ, “Twi Sugar, Ah love ya more than Ah’ve ever loved a pony a’fore. Ah know that sometimes this takes weeks or moons to discover. But Ah think with us bein’ in a situation where our lives are really in danger. It’d make a pony really consider what’s ’portant.

Ya weren’t sayin’ words to try to woo me. Ya were declairin’ that ya were ready to fight to the death fer a pony that was dear to ya. That was the real test of yer feelin’s. Feelin’s ya admitted that ya’ve had fer me, an’ Ah’ve had fer ya fer some time now too. An’ Ah think all this has shown me what’s ’portant an’ what’s needed to’ve been said a’fore now.

Ah love ya Twi, an’ Ah’ll always be there fer ya, as Ah know yer gonna be there fer me.”

They kissed for a bit longer.

“I love you Apple-Dumpling.”

“Ah love ya Twi.”

They smiled and looked into the eyes of their declared love.

“This is what life is really all about,” said Twilight, “isn’t it?”

“Ya bet yer boots it is,” answered AJ.

They embraced and drew strength from the other.

After a bit of kissing, Twilight sat up and looked around.

The sight of a dead mountain lion, just yards away sent a shiver up her spine.

‘There, but for the grace of Faust, go I,’ thought Twilight. She’d heard that expression all her life. But until now, she never realized the real meaning, ‘thank you Faust, for giving me the strength to protect the pony I love.’

Twilight was never really religious and in the past she’d rejected anything that might even have a trace of the supernatural or the divine. But with hints from Celestia, a pony she trusted implicitly, perhaps there was something. Twilight was now ready to concede that the strength to take on and kill a lion, as injured and magically disabled as she was, had to come from the outside.

As Twilight stood up, her shoulder burned where the lion had repeatedly raked her with his claws. The deep wounds needed to be cleaned out, no telling what rotting flesh was under his claws. Twilight was sure the water was cold and it would sting, but it had to be done. She was also sure that there was still some blood on her head and face.

“Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight looking at AJ. “I need to clean these scratches that I got from the bad kitty. Then I’ll get you fed and watered. After that, we should think of starting to get out of here. If ponies were looking for us, there should have been some sign of them by now. So I think we need to get moving. Especially with the storm clouds gathering.”

“’Kay Sugar, a’fore you do that, Ah really gotta pee.”

Twilight smiled.

“No problem…

My Love.”

AJ smiled at the endearment as Twilight went through the now routine process of aiding AJ in ‘taking care of business’. Then she walked to the stream. AJ saw Twilight stop at the bank and send the waste to the land on other side.

Then Twilight jumped into the stream. She rolled around in the water. Using some broad leaves and sand to scrub her head, face and wounds. It did cause the gouges from the lion’s claws to bleed anew, but that was some proof that they were scrubbed deep enough. Twilight was able to use enough magic to staunch the flow of blood. Then Twilight got out, shook the excess water off and returned to their camp site.

“Apple-Dumpling, it must have rained further north of us. The water is higher than it was yesterday. I don’t want to alarm you, but we need to look out for the possibility of a flash flood.”

“It don’t rain but it pours,” said AJ.

“Let’s hope not in this case.” Said Twilight trying to smile to hide her nerves. “I have some nice sweet grass for you and then an apple. After that, we need to see if all my work on the travois was worth it.

If you don’t mind, I’ll gather a little more bark to take with us. If not for you then for me. I’m afraid these wounds are starting to really sting.”

AJ had learned that she couldn’t argue with Twilight on the care of herself. And truthfully, AJ was enjoying the attention Twilight was giving her, in spite of the pain. AJ had noticed that Twilight was eating only poor fare, and she refused to eat any apples. Never had a pony been so obstinate in taking care of herself over themselves. How could she not love Twilight.

AJ was as much of a tomcolt as Rainbow Dash. But with the way Twilight was treating her, she never felt more a mare than now. Twilight wasn’t acting like a colt, she was acting like a mare that was very much in love with a mare and was willing to do anything to aid and defend her. Twilight was eating poor food so that her marefriend could have the good. Even taking on a lion and killing it with nothing more than her horn and a stick.

AJ wasn’t sure that Big Mac would’ve come out ahead with the lion. Even if there weren’t the feelings she was having for Twilight…

Twilight would still be Applejack’s hero.

After Twilight had made sure AJ had eaten, she helped AJ to her three good hooves as she took AJ’s sleeping bag and placed it on the travois. Then Twilight hitched herself between the two long poles on a makeshift harness.

“Okay Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight. “Get on the sleeping bag and I’ll secure you. I’m sorry if the ride will be rough on your leg. I’ll try my best not to hurt the pony I love.”

“Ah know Sugar,” said AJ as she hobbled to the travois, but first she kissed Twilight.

AJ climbed on and Twilight’s magic was able to zip the bag then tie vines around it to keep AJ secure.

“All set?” asked Twilight.

“Giddyup pony!” snickered AJ.

“I’ll giddyup you later!” said Twilight chuckling as she started to pull.

“Ah’m counting on it,” said AJ as she lay back on the travois. As she did, she saw a familiar object on a low branch.

“Twi Sugar,” said AJ timidly, “a’fore we go, do ya think ya could get my hat off that there branch?”

Twilight tried to levitate the hat, but nothing happened. AJ was slightly disappointed. But then Twilight levitated a rock and rocketed it at the hat. To AJ’s joy, the hat fell out of the tree. Twilight’s magic caught it, and it floated to AJ.

“Now everythin’s back to normal.”

“You’re not going to wear that when I have you on your back and your hooves in the air, are you?”

“We’ll see when the time comes, My Love.” Said AJ with a thrill.

It was apparent that every moment that went by, Twilight was wanting her as much as she was wanting Twilight.

AJ knew that Twilight would do the right thing and wait, unless it was to fulfill AJ’s last request that they make love if it looked like the end was near. And even though AJ knew that it’d be a wait. She felt it’d be worth it.

In Ponyville…

Muffins had delivered the mail to Friendship Castle. Spike was still having to get used to mail coming for more than just Twilight and himself. He looked at the envelopes they were all addressed to Starlight Glimmer, except the last one. It was to himself from Braeburn in Appleloosa. This was new, he never received any mail except magically from Canterlot.

He opened and read it. What it said concerned him.

“Starlight!” called Spike.

“Yes Spike,” said Starlight trotting out of the library.

“Oh, the mail’s here,” said Twilight’s pupil, “anything from Sunburst or Trixie?”

“I don’t know, but look!”

Spike held out the letter and Starlight levitated it to herself, she became as concerned as Spike.

Dear Spike,

Just wanting to see if Cousin Applejack and Princess Twilight had made it home yet. We heard from the buffalo that they finished almost a moon ago, but they didn’t stop to say anything here in Appleloosa.

Give them our thanks,

Braeburn

“I don’t like the feel of this,” said Spike. “If they finished a moon ago, they should be here now, even if they’d walked!”

“Well, don’t panic yet,” answered Starlight, “they may’ve been sidetracked. Send a letter by magic to Braeburn and see if they have heard anything since the letter was sent.”

“Okay Starlight.”

In Dead Pony Canyon…

Twilight trudged along the floor of the canyon, she was trying to stay on the grassy parts because it made the travois slide easier. Plus there were less bumps to jostle AJ.

It was slow going and the bend at the south end wasn’t as sharp as it appeared from where they had spent the last couple of days.

It took longer than they had thought but eventually they were around the bend and had lost sight of their camp site.

AJ had little choice but to look at the sky and the walls of the canyon. So she didn’t see what Twilight was starting to worry with. The stream was becoming a river and it was getting wider. The margin of land on either side was becoming narrower as they went.

About noon, Twilight stopped. She put the travois down and unsecured AJ so she could sit up.

“Sorry, My Love,” said Twilight, “I need a rest and we need to eat. Have an apple while I go gather some greens.”

“A’fore ya do, can ya untie this here thingy an’ let me stand. Ah need to go, an’ there’s no need for ya to do it anymore. Ah’m a big filly now.”

Twilight smiled, untied the remaining restraints and helped AJ to her hooves. She hobbled away and relieved herself. Then she returned to Twilight.

“Help me to the stream please.” Said AJ, “Ah really do need to wash up. Ah’ve been layin’ in that there sleeping bag fer days.”

The two sat in the stream. Twilight sat behind AJ and was washing AJ the best she could without soap. It turned into an excuse to run her hooved all over Applejack’s body, AJ had no problem with that. Twilight was as thrilled at being able to rub AJ’s breasts as her marefriend was. AJ leaned back against Twilight and they kissed deeply. Applejack reached behind her and was able to find Twilight’s breasts as well.

Twilight’s hoof started to move slowly down toward AJ’s marehood. AJ’s hoof caught Twilight’s and held it in place. Neither moving it away or moving it down.

“Ah want ya so bad Twilight,” said Applejack, “’specially after ya teased my twat a couple days ago. But do we really wanna do this now? Here?”

“My brain is in conflict with my body,” said Twilight. “I so much want you Apple-Dumpling, I want to touch and taste you. I want to make that deepest of connections with the pony I love.

But I still want to do it right as well. And in the middle of a cold stream is kind of different and exciting. But I know you’d be disappointed with yourself as would I. I think I need to finish cleaning your back and we can get out of here and dry off.”

Applejack snickered.

“Twi Sugar,” said AJ, “ya’ve got me so hot right now, Ah think Ah’ll be dry as soon as Ah get out of the water.”

The two laughed, finished washing then kissed. They got up and shook off, Twilight helped AJ back to the travois and fed her one of the last apples and some fresh greens. They both felt better being cleaner, but as they were getting ready to go, they felt a sprinkle of rain starting.

“Oh pony-feathers,” said Twilight, “We better get moving, there isn’t much cover here and no high ground in case of a flash flood.”

AJ got on the Travois, Twilight secured her in and hitched herself up then started to move as fast as she dared. AJ had her hat slouched over her face to ward off some of the light rain. Plus the sleeping bag had a water proof covering to keep AJ mostly dry.

Twilight’s shoulder was hurting and it felt warm so the cool rain actually felt good on it. Twilight was fearing infection, but she wasn’t going to show any weakness to her marefriend. Applejack had enough to worry with for now.

As Twilight walked on, they finally cleared a bend in the canyon and the river went straight ahead into a wider area. Twilight saw that the river was almost wall to wall. It was running swifter as well. It went on about a half mile but appeared to just stop. Nothing but open sky and hills in the distance. It was hard to see too far ahead because of the drizzle. But the most disturbing thing was the sound of rushing and churning water.

“Twi Sugar,” said AJ, “what’s that noise?”

“Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight, “it sounds like a waterfall.”

“Well ain’t we just the luckiest two mares on Celestia’s good earth,” said AJ sarcastically.

In spite of the situation, Twilight chuckled.

“Yes, the fun never stops.”

“Make’s ya miss teepees an’ green mush,” said AJ.

“Yes,” said Twilight, “a warm dry teepee and bowl of green mush would be Elysium right about now.”

Twilight continued to pull AJ and the travois along the canyon wall. It was getting hard to stay dry. There was only a tiny slip of semi-dry land along the canyon wall. It was also becoming harder to hear anything.

All along her trek, Twilight had been looking for any way out of the canyon, but there were no signs of any route of escape on either side.

‘Dead Pony Canyon indeed,’ thought Twilight grimly.

Twilight stopped at the only wide spot that she could rest without having the travois sitting in the water. She looked around and was disheartened at what she saw. They were now only about twenty yards from the falls.

On the opposite side of the stream there appeared to be the first path out of the canyon Twilight had seen. Worst of all, the water appeared to be moving faster as the rain upstream was adding to the river.

“Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight. “I’m afraid that circumstances have dealt us a hard choice. We can try to go back some and cross the stream. Or try to cross here. I fear that as we go back, it’ll only let the stream get stronger and higher. If we cross here, then we can deal with the strength now and not what it may become.

Either way, I’m afraid. Not for me, but for the pony who’s become so important to me.”

“Twi Sugar,” said AJ. “Ah don’t know how Ah’m gonna cross either way. Ah’m sure this here travois thingy don’t float. An’ Ah’m sure Ah’ll never be able to hobble across.

Ah’ll try an’ get comfortable here an’ wait fer ya to return with help. Ah’ll only slow ya down.”

Twilight couldn’t have looked more hurt and offended if Applejack had slapped her with a hoofful of cow manure.

“I understand why you’ve said this once already. But please, don’t ever ask me to abandon you again,” said Twilight with tears in her eyes. “If we’re to end our lives here, it’ll be together. I’ll not live my life from here on out without you.

That goes for here or Ponyville or Equestria or the Fields of Elysium. I love you too much and I’ll never leave you.”

“Ah know My Love,” said Applejack, “ya ain’t gotta say it. Ya saved my life a’fore ya fought and killed a lion to protect me. Ah owe you my life twice over as well as my love.”

“I only want your love, you don’t owe me anything else,” said Twilight.

Twilight stood there in thought, she knew what she had to do, but it was dangerous. Not only for herself but for Applejack too. It had to be done and with the rain getting worse, they couldn’t delay much longer.

“Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight, untying the vines that kept AJ secure. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to say goodbye to your luxurious pony drawn carriage for the moment. I’m going to pack up the blanket and sleeping bag in the saddlebag.

Then I’m going to put them on your back and I’m going to carry you across on my back. Then I’ll have to go back for the travois and bring it across as well.”

“Are ya sure there ain’t no other way?”

“If my magic was working properly, I could teleport us across. If my wing wasn’t injured, I could fly us across. But without those, this leaves no other alternative. And I’m afraid that waiting isn’t an option, a flash flood would certainly sweep us away.”

“’Kay Sugar, we’ll do what we need to do…

Together.”

Twilight worked on getting the saddlebag loaded with some of the vines in case they needed them. She gave AJ the last apple and then she stuffed the blanket into the bag as well. Then she rolled the sleeping bag tightly. When finished she put it all on Applejack’s back. Then she squatted down.

“Okay, get on my love,” said Twilight. Applejack straddled Twilight’s back and Twilight stood.

“Oh dear!” Twilight grunted as she stood. “Honey, I think you need to lay off the apple pie for a while.”

“But Ah thought ya liked my round, plump an’ juicy booty,” said AJ as she gave Twilight a small love tap, but they both laughed.

“Hang on tightly,” said Twilight, as she started to wade into the river.

Twilight slowly and gingerly picked her way across. The bottom was rocky and there were some rocks that were loose. Add to that they were slick with wear and algae. The bottom sloped down toward the middle making it deeper every step Twilight went. Twilight was up to her back before she knew it. The force of the water pushed hard against her.

But soon enough, the stream bed started to slope back up and the other side was getting close. Twilight and AJ were starting to relax.

That’s when the unthinkable happened.

Twilight’s hoof slid off an algae covered rock, she stumbled and was unable to keep her footing. Twilight fell thus spilling Applejack into the torrent. Twilight was swept along too, she was desperately trying to get some footing while her magic kept Applejack and herself connected. But it was too late, AJ and Twilight were swept to the very edge of the falls.

Twilight felt herself strike hard rock almost as soon as she went over…

Then all went black.

DAY FIVE: The White Buffalo

The first thing Twilight noticed was the sound of the waterfall. Then she noticed that she was warm and dry, her head was resting on something warm and soft. But then the memories of the incident came crashing through. Twilight sat up quickly.

“Apple-Dumpling?” Twilight called in fear.

“Ah’m here Twi Sugar.”

Twilight’s eyes quickly became accustomed to the gloom. They were in a cave, a curtain of water covered the opening. There was no light seen through water so Twilight assumed it to either late night or early morning. She couldn’t quite make out any ceiling or walls of the cave. The back was a black tunnel with no sign of an end. She saw that AJ was sitting by her. Twilight’s head had been resting on AJ’s legs. She was illuminated by the glow of a small fire. Twilight grabbed AJ and started to cry.

“I can’t keep going through this! I thought I lost you again!”

“We almost lost each other,” said Applejack, “but there was a ledge with a cave behind the falls, not far from the top an’ we landed on it. Ah came to not long after we hit, Ah think. But, ya’ve been out fer a spell longer.”

“And you were able to move me and start a fire?”

“No,” said AJ, “our host did.”

“Our host?”

As AJ said this, a buffalo walked into view, a white buffalo. What was most surprising, he was the largest buffalo Twilight had ever seen or heard of.

“He fixed my splint. Then he cleaned an’ bandaged yer wounded shoulder.” Said AJ, “he appears to know all that’s been goin’ on with us, ’cluding you bringin’ me back to life an’ killin’ the mountain lion.”

“And we need to talk about that last point,” said a voice, dripping with threat.

Twilight looked and there walking up by the buffalo was the largest mountain lion Twilight had ever seen. He made the lion she’d fought look like Rarity’s cat, Opalescence.

Never the less, she immediately sprang up and placed herself between the lion and AJ. Her ears laid back, the hair on her back was raised and snorted angrily and pawed the floor. She’d had just about enough of mountain lions, even one this large.

“Keep away from my marefriend, if you know what’s good for you!”

The lion smiled a smile of grudging respect.

“You certainly are brave and loyal to your partner. But relax, if I wanted to kill you, I could’ve done it while you slept.” Said the lion, “you have nothing to fear from me…

At least yet.”

That last part put a shiver up Twilight’s spine. But she wasn’t backing down.

“Now Misibizhiw,” said the buffalo, his deep voice exuded power and peace, “that isn’t the way to speak to our guests. Especially to one so loyal and brave.

And besides, with the intelligence, courage and passion she has shown, she might just best you!”

“That might be worth testing,” said Misibizhiw with an uncertain tone to his voice. Twilight couldn’t tell if he was serious or joking.

But the buffalo and lion both gave an honest chuckle.

“But you are correct as always, Wakan Tanka,” said the lion, “I’m sorry to upset you Princess Twilight Sparkle. Normally I would’ve said ‘frightened’. But when it comes to you and your mate, I see that fear doesn’t come into play, I can respect that. But understand this, I jealously guard my people, and I avenge those killed for sport or for no good reason.”

“You know our names?” asked Twilight finally relaxing seeing no immediate threat.

“We know much about the two of you,” said the white buffalo, “we know who you are and why you were in the buffalo lands. Also what you did to save your mate…

Twice,”

AJ took Twilight’s hoof, she was liking the sound of ‘mate’.

The buffalo continued;

“Peace makers are held in high esteem. You have been instrumental in making peace with buffalo tribes more than once. That in itself deserves reward and respect.

Now Misibizhiw and I need to talk. Rest, we will talk later. You’ve nothing to fear.”

Somehow, this buffalo saying that they had nothing to fear, removed any anxiety they’d had with this encounter.

The two turned and walked back into the cave’s gloom and soon were out of sight.

Twilight turned and embraced Applejack.

“Oh my darling Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight, “I’m so sorry that I’ve gotten you into all this trouble. When the map chose us to go on this mission, I thought it’d be a nice time alone with a pony I was having feelings for.

Never did I expect that it would put your life in danger, multiple times. Had I known, I would’ve refused the mission.”

“An’ Ah wouldn’t of let ya,” said AJ, “we have responsibilities to Equestria. Otherwise, there’d only be one throne in Friendship Castle.”

The two embraced and held each other for several minutes.

“It’s still late,” said AJ, “let’s lay down an’ get some rest. They’ve provided hay to lay on an’ blankets fer us.”

Twilight and AJ lay together and held each other close.

“Good night, my sweet cowpony.”

“Good night my princess.”

They kissed and drifted off to sleep.

Twilight and AJ awoke to the smell of something familiar. As they sat up there were large bowls of the food stuff they were very familiar with. Also there were bowls of water.

“Ya said that having the green mush sounded good,” laughed AJ.

“Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight, “it’s a banquet!”

The two hungrily devoured the food and water.

When they finished they sat and talked quietly. As they did, some very large squirrels ran up and collected the bowls and disappeared into the gloom of the cave.

They were noticing that their wounds were feeling much better. Twilight’s wing felt functional again and the discomfort of AJ’s leg was much less. Also their scratches and small lacerations from falling through the tree branches were all but gone.

They still saw no light from the other side of the water curtain so they were unsure of the time or how long they’d slept.

It wasn’t long before the white buffalo and the mountain lion returned, with them was a menagerie of other animals.

All of which were the largest specimens either pony had ever seen. There was even a pony they didn’t recognize. Her size made Celestia look like a foal.

As some wood was placed on the fire, Twilight and AJ could now see that the walls of the cave were painted in motif they had seen the buffalo using.

The animals made a circle around Twilight, Applejack, the buffalo and the mountain lion.

“I hope you had a good rest and are refreshed,” said the buffalo.

“Yes,” said Twilight, “thank you for your hospitality.”

The buffalo smiled and just nodded in acknowledgment.

“Now your actions must be judged,” said the lion.

“Do what you must,” said Twilight, trying not to show any fear, as was Applejack.

“We ain’t ‘fraid,” said Applejack moving shoulder to shoulder with Twilight and held her hoof.

“We’ll see about that…” Said the lion in a most unnerving way.

Twilight saw that the great pony was smiling at them and they seemed to hear in their heads:

“Relax, my daughters. You’ve nothing to fear.”

A drumming started and a chanting. It was either in a language the two ponies couldn’t understand or it was just a rhythmic chant without words. But neither Twilight or Applejack could tell where the drumming or the chanting was coming from.

The air started to glow, then there in front of them was the image of the fight between Twilight and the lion.

“Thank you so much Sugar Cube, Ah’m sorry to be such a bother.”

“You’re no bother. You’ve always worked hard to take care of your family and friends. It’s time somepony took care of you.”

“Oh how touching, how I hate to break up such a lovely pair.”

“What…

What…

What do you want?"

“I’m here for dinner. Now why don’t you make it easy on all of us and leave the injured one to me. You get away easy, I get my meal easy and I put your friend out of her misery easy.

We all win.”

“Go Sugar Cube, save yerself. Ah’ll just slow ya down.”

(Twilight and AJ heard the animals mumbling at this.)

“No bucking way! If you value your mangy hide, run away and never return. If you try to touch the pony I love, you will find that your hunger will never get to be satisfied. And not one creature will mourn your departure. So go while you have the chance.

Because I will kill you!”

(More mumbling. But they noticed that the great pony was smiling.)

“Ponies don’t kill, ponies get killed, and eaten!”

“Ponies do kill and leave the bodies for the worms to eat, how noble of an end!

The fight played out; it was astonishing to many of those observing. Even the lion appeared impressed. He’d never seen a pony or any prey take such punishment and keep on fighting. Not just defending themselves, but dishing out as much punishment as well.

Finally there was Twilight’s endgame, the apology and the coup de grâce.

When finished, the image faded. The animals all nodded to the buffalo and lion. Also, the great pony smiled and nodded to Twilight and AJ. The two ponies could feel her thoughts of pride and an almost motherly love for them. The animals walked out silently, leaving only the white buffalo and the mountain lion.

“Are you convinced, Misibizhiw?” asked the buffalo sounding amused.

“I am convinced, Wakan Tanka,” answered the lion who actually smiled an honest smile of respect, “perhaps it was best I didn’t take her up on her challenge earlier (both the buffalo and the lion chuckled).

And I’m amazed that I, the guardian of all lions, never knew that I have lions out there who walk about on four hooves and eat grass.”

Then he turned to face Twilight.

“Never have I seen a lion fight so to protect their mate. You’ve shown bravery, honor, sympathy and with the way you ended it, you showed a trait that most lions have forgotten; mercy, and more mercy than your adversary would’ve shown.”

The lion walked to Twilight, for whatever reason, she was now no longer afraid of the massive lion. Misibizhiw placed his massive paw on her head. Twilight could sense a vast hidden power.

“I bless you, Princess Twilight Sparkle. You shall be known among the buffalo and the lions as Tlvdatsi Nahna Ulasideni: Lion on Hooves.

You need never fear mountain lions again.

Go in peace.”

The Lion nodded to the white buffalo and left out the back of the cave.

“You have indeed showed a higher spirit than all the buffalo or the lions,” said the white buffalo with a smile. “With the way the two of you are linked in body, mind and spirit, I have no choice but to bless you.”

As if out of thin air, the buffalo produced two pony sized robes and put them on the ponies. These were just like the robes they had seen some buffalo wearing in the buffalo tribe’s camps.

The white buffalo put his hooves on Twilight and Applejack’s heads.

“We have a tradition among the buffalo when there are two of the same gender in a relationship, it is called ‘Two-Spirit’. These individuals are held in high regard. And so I name you, Twilight Sparkle and you, Applejack of the Apple Family to be joined as a blessed Two-Spirit couple.”

Then he chanted a blessing:

“Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two ponies, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.

Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulties and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at one time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives. Remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.

I, Wakan Tanka, The Great Spirit, have spoken.”

AJ and Twilight were surprised at him declaring that he was The Great Spirit. Then the two felt an odd sensation as if they hadn’t slept for moons, they were very sleepy.

“Sleep now, my children.” Said the white buffalo. “And give young Miss Celestia my greetings.”

Twilight and AJ couldn’t be sure, but it appeared that the buffalo just vanished. They lay down, embraced and slept long.

Both dreamed that giant owls picked them up and flew with them not only through the night, but through space and time. Then they placed them down together, in the desert.

When they awoke, they found that they were indeed in the desert. The surroundings were familiar, as was the town in the distance. But for whatever reason, it was colder than before they had went over the falls. Luckily, they were still wearing the robes which kept them warm.

But most surprising were the mountain lions in a circle standing guard over them.

“Farewell, Tlvdatsi Nahna Ulasideni,” said the largest lion seeing that the ponies were awake. “It was an honor to serve.”

They bowed and left silently.

Twilight and AJ just looked at each other in shock.

DAY SIX: Appleloosa

Rainbow Dash and most of the Wonderbolts came swooping down to the ponies and buffalo gathered in the town square.

Starlight Glimmer, Apple Bloom, Big Mac, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Spike even Trixie were waiting for the word from the aerial search.

“Nothing!” said Rainbow.

“It’s like they fell off the face of the earth!” said Spitfire.

“We searched from here to the bridge over Dead Pony Canyon an’ beyond a dozen times an’ nothin’.” Said Braeburn, “this last time, we even sent a Pegasus down into the canyon.”

“Ah found a saddlebag an’ sleeping bag in the trees an’ a lot of broken branches.” Said an Appleloosan Pegasus. “At the base there was a camp site that looked as if’n ponies had stayed there fer several days. But it looked like it had been abandoned for weeks. An’ there was a dead mountain lion by the camp as well. It had a stick through it like a spear. An’ it had several wounds includin’ the eye that looked as if they were made by a Unicorn’s horn. It was obvious that the lion had been dead fer weeks.

Ah found one set of very faint tracks that went away, it appeared that the pony was draggin’ somethin’. Ah followed the tracks, they led to a waterfall. There Ah found a frame, like a travois, it had to be what the pony was pulling. There were hoof prints all around but they disappeared into the water. But Ah couldn’t find any on the other side.”

This bit of news sent a shiver through the gathered.

“Good Celestia no!” said Rarity.

Fluttershy started to cry as did Spike.

“Were bodies found at the base of the falls?” asked Starlight.

“No, only a saddle bag an’ this, they’re pretty waterlogged as if’n they were by or in the stream fer days.” Said the Appleloosan Pegasus producing a very familiar hat. “But bodies could’ve been washed down stream.”

“Applejack’s hat!” exclaimed Apple Bloom, taking the hat, cuddling it and starting to cry, Big Mac put a foreleg around his little sister to comfort her. “Oh sis!”

“Our best trackers have found nothing,” said Little Strongheart, “but they are still searching.”

The gathered ponies and buffalo were talking among themselves. Each worried about their friends and family. So they didn’t notice two ponies, one on the back of the other walking into town from the desert.

“Y’all know where a pony could get a hot bath an’ a good meal?” asked a voice. “Hey, that’s my hat!”

They all turned to see Twilight with Applejack on her back. They were grinning like the cat that ate the parasprite at the reaction of the others.

There was a rush to hug and welcome them.

Apple Bloom ran to her sister and gave AJ her hat and a hug. She noticed something different about the two.

“What happened to y’alls manes?”

“We don’t know,” said Twilight, “I guess it happened after Wakan Tanka gave us the robes and spoke a blessing. It’s kind of funny how Apple-Dumpling now has an indigo stripe in her mane and tail and I have a blond one in mine. I guess we’re starting to wear off on each other.”

“Apple-Dumpling?” said Rarity with a knowing smile.

Chief Thunderhooves and the other buffalo started to speak among themselves. Finally the chief and the old shaman walked forward.

“Did you say Wakan Tanka?” asked the Chief in awed whisper, “you really spoke with…

The white buffalo?”

“That was him,” said Twilight, “and a mountain lion named…”

“Misibizhiw,” finished the old buffalo.

“Yeah,” said Applejack, “that’s the one.”

The buffalo all bowed.

“What does it mean?” asked Twilight.

“You have been among powerful spirits,” said the old shaman buffalo. “What was the blessing he gave?”

Somehow Twilight and AJ were able to repeat the talk about Two-Spirit couples and the words of the blessing verbatim.

“What does it mean?” asked Twilight.

“It means that The Great Spirit has blessed your union,” said the shaman.

“Our union?” asked AJ.

“Yes, that is why the wedding robes, the wedding blessing and the change in your manes and tails, he has made you one.”

“Married?” asked Twilight.

The shaman smiled and nodded.

“You Missy,” said AJ to Twilight, giving a small love tap, “owe me a weddin’ night!”

All the ponies and buffalo laughed.

“Why don’t we get you to the doctor to take care of your leg, get a bath and food and then we can talk about that.”

“There ain’t gonna be nothin’ to talk ‘bout. If’n bein’ married ain’t the special occasion we’ve held back fer, Ah can’t think of nothin’ else.”

Twilight allowed AJ to get off her back, they faced each other and to the amusement of most, embraced and kissed the deepest kiss they’d shared up to that point. Then lookin deep into each other’s eyes:

“I love you Apple-Dumpling, my wife.”

“An’ Ah love ya too Twi Sugar, my wife.”

All cheered.

Later, Twilight had been bandaged, her wing appeared to be healed, and Applejack’s dislocated leg was able to support her with little difficulty if she took it easy. They were eating like two ponies who hadn’t anything good to eat in over a moon (which they hadn’t).

They told the story of what had happened on the bridge, the fall and their steps to survive.

Rainbow and the buffalo were very interested in Twilight’s fight to the death with the mountain lion.

“You fought and killed a mountain lion, all by yourself? Without magic?” asked Rainbow, “remind me never to piss ya off Twi!”

They all got a good laugh out of that.

They also told about from the start of the hike to Appleloosa to the end of their adventure that the feelings they’d had for some time now for the other were admitted. How the life and death struggles had brought out just how much they meant to each other.

And in spite of this, how they almost painfully avoided intimacy in favor of staying focused on survival not to mention doing the right thing.

“What right thing, Twi?” asked Rainbow chuckling, “if it were me, I’d have been all over AJ’s juicy rump.”

This was met with a pop from Rarity’s hoof to Rainbow’s head.

“Ouch!”

“Serves ya right,” said AJ laughing.

Then they told about their time in the cave with the white buffalo. And the name the mountain lion spirit had given Twilight. And the mountain lions who stood guard over them as they slept in the desert.

The buffalo were impressed.

“Princess Tlvdatsi Nahna Ulasideni,” said Thunderhooves, “that is a most noble name. You and your mate will always be honored by all buffalo tribes.

But it is most curious, I have lived all my life here and I know that aren’t any caves behind that falls.”

There was talking between all gathered there because of this.

“Sorry Twilight,” said Starlight Glimmer, “but from what you’ve told us, that covers only about a week’s time.”

“Yes, it was about a week since we left the buffalo to now.” Twilight said, but noticed the looks from the gathered. “Chief Thunderhooves can vouch for that…

What?”

“Twilight, Darling,” said Rarity, “you and Applejack left the buffalo about a moon ago.”

“Are ya sure?” asked AJ.

Several of the gathered ponies and buffalo acknowledged this.

Twilight and AJ looked at each other. They weren’t the only ones to have a shiver.

“Perhaps we were among the spirits,” said Twilight, “as odd as that sounds. But after all this, I don’t think anything will ever surprise me again.”

After all, or most of the questions, that they could answer were answered, Twilight and AJ said that they were really tired from their ordeal and wanted to rest for a day before they returned to Ponyville.

“If’n y’all wanna talk later,” said AJ, “Braeburn is gonna feed us dinner tonight. We can meet there later. For now, my wife an’ Ah need some privacy while we take care of some ’portant business at the hotel.”

Everypony laughed and let Twilight and AJ go to take care of their business.

At the hotel, the proprietor said that they could use the ‘bridal suite’ for free on the condition that Twilight sign the register as Princess Twilight Sparkle. That way he had bragging rights and could impress guests that the suite was used by royalty.

Twilight was thrilled that AJ signed the book as:

Applejack Sparkle.

Twilight and AJ went to the third floor and Twilight opened the door. The two went in and Twilight closed the door, but immediately there was a knock. Twilight opened the door to see a bellhop standing there with a bottle of Champaign, some glasses and a bouquet of flowers.

“On the house, Your Highness,” said the bellhop.

“Thank you,” said Twilight, “sorry, after being in the desert for over two moons, I don’t have any bits for a tip.”

“Not necessary,” said the bellhop, “congratulations.”

Twilight closed the door and turned to see AJ was headed to the bathroom with a look that would arouse a stone statue.

“Come here Missy,” said AJ, “Let’s take a shower and then it’s time we had that ‘talk’.”

Twilight just set the gift items on a small table and followed AJ to the bathroom.

“What’d you want to talk about?” asked Twilight, having trouble keeping a straight face as she followed AJ into the shower.

“Shut up an’ kiss me!”

The two kissed deeply.

“Ah love ya so much, Twi Sugar.”

Twilight stopped kissing long enough to respond.

“I love you too, Apple-Dumpling.”

After the shower, the two climbed on the bed and embraced.

“Remember when I told you that I’d finish kissing your marehood later and that I’d also ‘giddyup’ you later?” asked Twilight.

“Ah sure do,” said AJ with an arousing smile.

“Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight with a sparkle in her eyes, “it’s later.”

AJ gasped at the speed that Twilight was at her marehood and commencing to pleasure her wife hungrily.

They were ‘at it’ for a couple hours straight. Now they lay side by side on their backs, just holding hooves. They were only now getting control of their heavy breathing. The two turned to face the other

“My Darling, Darling Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight. “I think we were right to wait. This was the perfect time and place. And I thank Faust, Celestia, Wakan Tanka or whatever spirit that watches over ponies, for blessing me with the greatest gift I could ever receive; your love.”

There were tears of joy in both mare’s eyes.

“Oh Twi Sugar,” said AJ, “Ah ain’t as flowery with words as ya. But never have Ah ever been as happy as Ah am now. Ah promise that every day, Ah’ll do all Ah can to make ya happy.”

“As will I, My Love.”

“But do ya think we were actually missin’ fer an entire moon?” Said AJ, “it don’t seem possible.”

“I’ve heard tales of travelers experiencing what is referred to as ‘lost time’ or ‘time displacement’.” Said Twilight, “where they were gone for longer than they thought. Or they felt they were gone for weeks and it was only days or hours. Even reporting that they appeared to be interacting with sometime in the past. I’ve never put any credence to those claims.

But now I’ll have to rethink all that.”

“Ah’d think so,” said AJ.

Then Twilight started to laugh.

“What?” asked AJ.

“Remember when after the buffalo left, how we wondered if there was something other than the buffalo’s problems that we may’ve been called for?”

“Yer right,” said AJ, “ya think the map was playin’ matchmaker?”

“I think the buffalo’s issue was important, but it could’ve been a way to have us together. Because of that, we had time to be alone, time to think of what we’d kept to ourselves. I’m not saying that the map tried to kill us, but we were sure put into a position to make us face and confess our feelings.”

Applejack chuckled.

“Ah think yer right, a double whammy. I don’t think any of our other missions ended up with somepony getting’ laid.”

“I don’t know about that,” giggled Twilight, “I think there might’ve been a ‘Hooray! We’re Finished Party’ when Pinkie and Rainbow finished at Griffin Stone. I did check the travel expenses before sending them to Canterlot, and they only had one sleeper berth on the return train trip.”

“But I don’t think any of the others finished by getting married.” Said Twilight, then with a gleam in her eyes, “and speaking of getting laid…”

Twilight and Applejack pulled the other closer and kissed as the started another round of lovemaking.

Later, the new couple walked to Braeburn’s ranch house. There were friends and family waiting for them. Rarity had convinced Pinkie Pie to not throw a party for them yet. They would still be exhausted from their ordeal she said. Then with a wink, and their time in the desert.

Nopony had ever seen Twilight and Applejack so happy. They held hooves and were nuzzling constantly.

After the meal, they all went into Braeburn’s living room to sit and talk and drink tea or coffee.

“So what are y’all gonna do ‘bout livin’ ’rangements?” asked Apple Bloom.

“We ain’t talked much ‘bout it,” said Applejack, ‘but Ah reckon Ah’ll be movin’ into the castle with my wife.”

Twilight and AJ turned and kissed.

“Big Mac,” said Apple Bloom, “ya know what this means? We‘ve got ’nother sister!”

“Eeyup!” said the stallion with a smile.

Apple Bloom rushed and hugged her sister and new sister-in-law.

“I’m glad to have and new sister and brother too,” said Twilight.

They all talked and laughed and wondered at Twilight and AJ’s time in the desert. Trixie actually apologized to Twilight for the low esteem she’d held her in the past. She was genuinely impressed with Twilight and Applejack’s adventure.

Later back at the hotel, Twilight and AJ were snuggled next to each other.

“Ah still can’t believe where’re married,” said AJ giving Twilight a kiss on the cheek.

“Me either, Apple-Dumpling,” said Twilight. “Who could’ve guessed when all looked dark and we might not make it out alive, at the bottom of a canyon, it would end like this.”

“It ain’t ended,” said Applejack, “it’s only just startin’!”

“So how do you think Granny Smith is going to take the news?”

Applejack got quiet.

“If’n there’s gonna be any troubles, it might be with her,” said AJ, “the old pony is quite stuck in her ways. Two mares marryin’ might be hard fer her to understand. But to be marryin’ anypony other than an Earth Pony might rankle her.”

“Why so?”

“Apples have almost always been Earth Ponies. So to her, all Apples should be Earth Ponies.”

“But now you’re a Sparkle.”

“Honey, if’n we were able to have a filly foal. An’ that filly married a stallion had a filly foal, an’ that filly married a stallion had a filly foal, an’ that filly married a stallion had a filly foal. The name Apple would be long gone. But to how Granny an’ most of the old Apples are brought up, that great-great grandfilly would still be an Apple.”

“Are you saying that Granny will dis-own you?”

“No, but it may take some doin’ to convince her that it’s real an’ there ain’t nothin’ she could do ’bout it. Yer my wife an’ Ah’m yers. That ain’t never gonna change.

Ah’m proud an’ always have been to be an Apple. But Ah’m now even prouder to be a Sparkle.”

The train pulled into Ponyville. There were ponies waiting at the station. Many of which had been anxious about their missing princess and friend; Twilight Sparkle and the beloved friend of all; Applejack.

“Oh my gosh!” said Applejack, sitting very close and holding the hoof of her new wife.

“I think we’re expected,” said Twilight giving AJ a little kiss on the cheek.

Everypony waited to depart the train to let the new couple depart first. As they detrained, the crowd rushed to greet them. There at the back of everypony was Granny Smith waiting to greet them as well. Twilight and AJ walked through the gathered ponies, receiving their welcome.

Then they approached the Apple matron. She noticed that AJ was limping.

“Thank goodness,” said Granny, hugging Applejack. “Y’all were gone fer so long! Ah was so ’fraid somethin’ bad happened to ya child. But look, yer hurt! Let’s get ya home so ya can rest.”

“Somethin’ did happen,” said Applejack, “Ah fell a long way an’ got my knee dislocated. Ah guess it’ll be a bit a’fore Ah can do any apple buckin’. But also Ah had the most wonderful thing ever happen…

Ah’m now married to the most wonderful pony ever.”

“To who child?” said Granny, totally confused. “One of the Appleloosans? Ya ain’t gonna be havin’ to leave us, are ya?”

“Ah ain’t leaving ‘cause Ah’m married to the pony right here,” said AJ motioning to Twilight.

“Twilight sweetie,” said Granny, “could ya move a moment, Ah can’t see who it is Applejack is sayin’ she’s married to.”

Twilight chuckled and put a wing around AJ and pulled her close as Applejack nuzzled Twilight’s cheek.

“Granny,” said Twilight smiling, “Applejack Sparkle and I are now married. I’m your new granddaughter-in-law.”

With that, Applejack and Twilight kissed in front of Granny and all of Ponyville. Granny was dumbfounded, Ponyville cheered.

“But Applejack,” said Granny, “how can ya be married to a girl?”

“Granny,” said Twilight, “there are ten mares for every one stallion in Equestria. What do the 90% that have no chance at a mate do? Would you rather they sit around and be sad and lonely over something they have no control over?

Is that what you want for Applejack? She doesn’t like colts. So does that mean that she has to live her life without love and companionship?

Don’t you want her to be happy and loved?”

That hit hard.

Granny looked at the ground. She did want Applejack to be loved and happy. And she did know of Applejack’s sexual choice. And if that weren’t a factor, she knew that there weren’t enough stallions to go around. Just look at Cousin Goldie Delicious.

Goldie was always a fine looking mare in her youth. But because of the lack of stallions, she became a spinster with nothing but cats for companions. Granny was lucky to have found a stallion, and had a long happy life together, may he rest in peace.

Did she want that happiness for her granddaughter even if it was with a mare? Or did she want to chance that AJ would become a crazy cat mare, lonely and sad.

Granny looked into the eyes of Applejack and then Twilight.

“Do ya really love her Twilight?” asked the old Apple. “Ah mean as much as any stallion would?”

Twilight took the old pony’s hoof and looked deep in her eyes.

“Yes Granny, I love Applejack more than life itself,” said Twilight.

“Granny,” said AJ, “this may be hard to believe, but Ah was killed fallin’ off that bridge.”

“Killed?” said Granny shocked and ready to cry.

“Yes, my heart was stopped an’ Ah weren’t breathin’ none neither. But Twilight brought me back with knowledge she’d brought back from that other world she’s visited.

An’ if’n that weren’t enough, she fought an’ killed a mountain lion with nothing more than her bare horn, a stick an’ her wit; no magic. She risked her life to save me.

We want yer blessin’ Granny. But what’s done is done. Ah love Twilight an’ she loves me.”

“Ya really fought an’ killed a mountain lion to protect Applejack?” asked Granny.

“Yes Granny, and I’d have given my life to protect her. She’s the most important pony in the world and I’ll live my life just to make her happy.”

Granny embraced Twilight.

“Thank ya fer savin’ Applejack… Twice. Welcome to the family Sweetie. Yer an Apple in my book.”

“Thank you,” said Twilight, hugging the old pony close. “You can’t begin to understand what that means to me…

And you’re okay with me not being an Earth Pony?”

“Twilight,” said Granny chuckling and wiping a tear from her eye, “no pony’s perfect.”

The surrounding friends and family burst out in laughter.