Applejack walked down the rows and rows of trees, hauling behind her a cart full of the day's work. The sun had just finished setting, and the purples and pinks of twilight were fading into night. Yes, dusk was upon the orange pony, as she began to trot faster, not wanting to be late. She managed to unload the cart at the barn, and make it back to the house just as the first stars began to come out. Applejack extended her hoof to open the door, but first, prepared herself for the definite nagging of Granny Smith or, perhaps worse, of her brother Big Macintosh.
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, then entered the house.

“Sorry I'm late,” she said, “Ah was just–” no one was there. Had they already eaten dinner and left for bed? Surly she wasn't that late. “Granny?” She called out.

“Oh, over here dear!” Called the unmistakable voice of Applejack’s grandmother. She walked over to the other room, where Granny Smith was flipping through an old book with the reading lamp on.

“Sorry ah’m late Granny,” AJ said, taking of her hat apologetically. “I had a problem with the cart. Wheel fell off and the soles fell out and–”

Granny laughed. “No need to worry dearie, it's quite alright.”

Applejack looked around. “Where's Big Mac and Apple Bloom?”

“Big Mac decided to head out with that mare he’s been talking so fondly about. I decided I'd better cut him some slack. It's not like he'll be living here forever, right?”

Applejack thought about that. The thought had never even came to her mind that one day her brother would… run off with some mare to make a family and leave the farm behind. Not that he would, he'd never leave her, or Granny, or especially Apple Bloom behind. But what if…

“What about Apple Bloom?”

Granny Smith rolled her eyes. “She’s had her muzzle in some diary or something. Writing in it all day. She closed it every time I get close to it, so I can only imagine… probably writing about some colt at school, if you understand what I mean.”

Applejack smiled and nodded. Not so long ago, Apple Bloom had a very uncomfortable talk with her about the colt she liked. It was especially awkward, because the colt wasn't even a colt at all. It was a filly. Apple Bloom expected her sister to be mad or angry, but to her surprise, Applejack was very supportive about it. She did tell Apple Bloom to try to keep the information from Granny for the time being, however. Still, she was very proud of her sister for being able to tell her about her crush, despite fear of shunned or scolded.

“Anyway,” Granny continued, snapping Applejack out of her flashback. “She's upstairs ‘sleeping’, and by that I mean probably still writing in that book.” Granny took a sip from the glass of water next to her. “Anywho, I've decided that you can go out and have a dinner with your friends tonight, if you want to.”

“Aw,” Applejack said, “That's mighty kind of you Granny, but ah don't know if they can. We typically make plans before goin’ out like this.” Applejack looked out the window. “Besides, it's gettin’ pretty late.”

“Hogwash,” Granny said as Applejack turned back toward her. “At least one of your friends must be wantin’ to go out!” Granny threw AJ a small bag full of bits. “Treat yourself,” she said with a wink.

“G-Granny?” Applejack was pretty surprised at her normally strict grandmother. “What’s the occasion?”

“Well,” she said, pausing to take another sip of water, “Ah just thought that you've been working your flank off lately, and you haven't had much free time. Big Mac has that mare, Apple Bloom had her little cutie mark 'therapy sessions,' and whatnot, and you haven't really had a night out since that escape room thingamajigger.”

Applejack couldn't help but smile a little at her grandmother’s kindness. “That's real nice Granny,” she put her hat back on. “I'll be back by–”

“Oh, be back whenever you want. You can sleep in tomorrow.”

·~·

Applejack trotted out of her house and headed out into town under Luna’s moonlight. Her first thought was to see if Rainbow Dash wanted to go and hit the town, but she then remembered about the Wonderbolt show that was going on in five days. She wouldn't have her weekends back until the show was over. She passed the Carousel Boutique, and began to trot up to it, but then recalled that Rarity was hosting a family gathering there. It would just be rude to barge in on that. Next on her private list of friends was Twilight. She thought back. Ah don't think she’s got anything goin’ on tonight, she thought. And so, she set route for Twilight's castle.

She knocked on the crystal door, and heard two pairs of hooves bolt to the door. It swung open quickly. “Applejack! Thank Celestia you're here!” Twilight stared Applejack down with a wide-eyed stare and a toothy grin.

“Um… why?”

“Because,” Twilight said, stepping aside to let her friend in, “I am impossibly bored, and everyone else has left the castle.”

Applejack stepped inside. “What about Starlight and Spike?”

“Starlight is having a night out with Trixie and Thorax, and Spike took a visit to Dragon Country.”

Uncharacteristically, and without thinking, Applejack hung up her hat. “You let Spike go all the way out there alone?”

Twilight shrugged. “I thought with Amber running things now he'd be okay. Besides, he really wanted to go.” She looked at Applejack, then did a doubletake noting that she hung up her hat. She didn't mention it, and began to walk to the map room. Applejack followed. Instinctively, they both sat down in their specific chairs. “So,” Twilight said once both of them had sat down. “What brings you here?”

“Granny just said ah could have the night off. Said ah’ve 'been workin’ to hard.'”

Twilight nodded. “You do work hard, and I'm glad you came.” There was a quick pause. “So… what do you want to do”

Applejack shrugged as she looked outside. Rain had started to pour. “Hm. Probably not much until that rain clears up. Rainbow didn't tell me that there’d be any rain coming…” she gave a half-hearted smile. “Oh yeah. Wonderbolts.”

Twilight smiled back. “Yea, I miss her too. I'm glad she's gotten her dream job in all, but…” She trailed off.

“Ah'd rather have her back here, at home.”

Twilight nodded in agreement. “That bittersweet happy-sad combo, eh?”

“You know it.” Applejack thought about that. Happy-sad combo. Rainbow leaving for her dream job. Sure it was great to see her best friend achieve the life she had always wanted, but that means slowly but surely, they'd grow more and more apart. She thought about good ol’ Big Mac, dating that mare. It was good that he was living a little, but like Granny Smith said, what if he leaves? What if he runs off to go make a family away from Apple Bloom and herself. Apple Bloom, oh Apple Bloom. Her little sister who never failed to surprise her. With the very strange cutie mark, and that… therapy thing the Cutie Mark Crusaders have been doing, and with the news about her crush. Not to mention how fast she has been growing up. Soon enough, her body would start changing, her voice would crack from time to time (she remembered how jealous Big Mac had been when Granny Smith told him that mare’s voices don't break nearly as much as stallions do, and then Big Mac making an enormous deal out of it the few times it did), she would start going colt-crazy… she corrected herself, filly-crazy. Or, perhaps both? Either way, crazy none the less. And who could forget the classic ‘teen rebellion’ phases against the parents, or in this case, her, Granny, and Big Mac. How would she turn out? What would stick? What would change? She'd find out soon enough, she supposed.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Twilight said, snapping AJ out of yet another moment in deep thought.

“Oh, ah'm just thinking about Apple Bloom, and how fast she's growin’ up.”

Twilight smiled. “She's a good kid, you know." She spoke to Applejack as though Applejack was the mother.

“Oh, ah know.” Applejack winked at Twilight, and turned to the window and looked out the rain. “You know what she told me the other day?—and you didn't hear this from me—she asked me to meet her in her room, and sat me down, kept saying things like ‘now don't get mad’ and ‘promise you won't tell anyone?’... The way she was acting, ah thought she had broke my mom’s old guitar. But no, she told me that she thinks she has a crush on a filly.”

Twilight gave a surprised look. “Really? Apple Bloom? She's like… still in elementary school.”

“Ah know, ah know. But you know about that ‘big pony’ ego she's got. So ah just said, ‘and what makes you think that?’ and she blushed redder than a freshly bucked apple.”

“I imagine,” Twilight said. “Must have been very awkward. For you and especially for her.

“Heh, eeyup. Anyway, she started going into things like how funny she is, how nice she is, how kind and generous she is. And ah’m ‘bout to say, ‘you sure she ain't just a best friend,’ when she starts getting into how pretty she thinks she is, and her eyes, and the way her hair smells–”

“The way her hair smells?”

“Oh yea, she went on about that. Ah tell ya, it was something out of a cheesy movie.” Applejack said, chucking a bit.

“And what did you say to her once she was done?”

“Well, first and foremost, ah said how proud ah was that she had the guts to tell me all that. Then ah said that she can love whoever she wants to. But just remember a couple things.” Applejack stopped a bit to take a hard swallow. “Firstly, she's a she. So she might take a lot of offence if you ask her out. Second, you have to be careful, about who you trust with telling. Especially with a filly. Blackmail and bullying and all that.”

“You really think a bully would blackmail her?”

“Yea, one has before. And you of all ponies should know how mean teenagers can get.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “What's that supposed to mean?”

“Weren't you bullied or something as a filly?” Twilight shook her head. “Oh…. Ah don't know why ah thought ya' did…. Anyway… next ah told her to be extra careful when it comes to friends. You know, is it worth riskin’ friendships over a crush.” Applejack slightly nodded her head. “Then we hugged. And for some reason, next she started crying.”

Twilight stood up. “Well, she was probably very nervous about telling you. Chances are, it was more of a relief cry.” She started to head into the kitchen. “Want anything?” Applejack shook her head.

“Ah told her that it'd be best not to tell Granny just yet. Or at all for that matter.” Twilight came back with two champagne glasses and a plate of cheese and crackers. She levitated one of the glasses to Applejack. “Ah said ah was fine,”

“Yeah, I know, but you looked like you needed it.” Twilight said, as she took a sip. Applejack looked at the glass. She really did want a drink, and she knew Twilight knew that.

She smelt the wine. Everytime she drank wine, which was always socially, she would smell the drink before her first sip. Her friends would always joke about who would smell it first, her or Rarity. But while Rarity would smell her wine as a statement, being a self-proclaimed expert at everything fashion or culinary (so long as it's not making the actual food), Applejack smelt the drink for a much, much simpler reason. She just loved the smell of the grapes. It always reminded her of making jelly at the Sisterhooves Social, and how much fun her and Apple Bloom have doing it annually.

She took a leisurely sip out of the glass, and let the cool liquid ever-so-slowly seep in through the tiny gap she created with her lips. She held the glass in place with her hoof, until her mouth was halfway full of wine. Then, she set the glass down, and let the liquid sit. She raised and lowered her tongue, to let the drink flow back and forth from sitting in the back of her throat, to in her cheeks, and then back on her tongue again. She did this until the wine had just barely started to warm up, then swallowed. She closed her eyes and leaned back in her throne, putting her head up. She let a deep sigh out.

“Stressed?” Twilight asked. Applejack never thought of herself as a constantly stressed pony. She did have some days where the farm work for to her, but for the most part, she was as happy as can be. But lately, specifically today, she had been worried about the future. What with what Granny said, and all the talks with Apple Bloom. Maybe worried wasn't the right word. Perhaps… curious?

“Hey Twilight?” Applejack asked after thinking for a while. “Is there a spell for looking into the future?” Applejack smiled. Twilight didn't.

“Time travel is illegal now, remember?” Twilight said. “I made sure of it after Starlight's… incident.” Twilight winced and took a bite out of a cheese-cracker sandwich. “But to answer your question, no.”

“Not really time travel,” Applejack said. “Just a way to look into the future. Like how you looked into the past with that potion Zecora gave you, but in the future.”

Twilight put her hoof to her chin. “Well if I was somehow able to combine Mens Agri with a time travel spell… but it'd take a full court of wizards, or at least Starlight, Starburst, and I to even begin to think of how to turn it around to the future…. What am I saying? Applejack. It's a no from me. Besides, I wouldn't want you to spend your life worried about the unchangeable future. Trust me, I spent a week fearing what was coming, and it destroyed me. Imagine what a lifetime would do!”

Applejack didn't want to hear a no. Once a thought came in her mind, she latched on to it in all her stubbornness until she did it, or a better idea came to her. “It was Zecora's potion, right? You think she'd have something”

“I mean, maybe. But I'm not so sure. The potion she had was from found in the Crystal Empire by archeologists. It was made during Sombra’s time period.” Twilight looked at her glass with sorry eyes, knowing that her little chat would end soon. “But if you really feel like looking, we can go.”

Applejack took a quick sip from her wine, finishing it as she stood up. “Alright, let's go.”

·~·

The duo quickly trotted to the Everfree Forest as the rain came down in sheets on them. After Applejack accidentally fell into mud, and after the two ran into a feeble monster, they had reached Zecora’s humble tree home. Twilight knocked on the door. The friendly zebra opened, and beckoned them inside. “I see you have quickly ran to seek my home,” she said. “Now come inside and escape the storm.” Applejack and Twilight walked inside.

“My friend here, stubborn as she is, wants to believe that there is a way to see into the future, and that you can help her do that.” Twilight explained. Applejack sheepishly waved.

“Your sister is a great student, I know that. But forgive me for asking, where is your hat?” Applejack felt for her hat, but only touched air.

“Shoot.” Applejack said. “Must’ave left at it the castle.”

Zecora stepped toward Applejack. “I have a friend who is visiting tonight. He knows how to help you right. But hear this warning, Applejack. Once you see, you can never go back.”

Applejack and Twilight exchanged glances. “I'll come back in I few hours with your hat. I don't think I can watch you get all stressed about your future. Don't say I didn't warn you.” Twilight bit her lip and have Applejack a nervous look. “You really made up your mind quickly about this.”

Applejack smiled back at Twilight's frown. “It's what I do.”

Twilight looked at Applejack with a confused expression. She gave her friend a “hm” and left.

“So, who is this friend of yours?” Applejack asked, turning to Zecora. “Tell me about him.”

Zecora picked up a duster and began to tidy up a mask that was hanging on her wall. “His name is Sebras, an old friend. He has the power to escape the present’s end.” Applejack had no idea what Zecora was talking about, but nodded her head anyway. “Sit, friend.” Zecora nodded at a stool in the corner. Applejack sat on it and began to think about worst-case scenarios. What if Big Macintosh did leave the farm. And what if Apple Bloom’s ‘teenage rebellion’ is running away? Or what if either of them are… dead? She shook the thought out of her head. No. Ah just need confirmation that everything will be alright. She waited in silence, listening to Zecora dust, and to her own thoughts. Eventually, after a long enough time for Applejack to chill herself with her own thoughts, the door swung open without anyone knocking. A zebra in a dark cloak entered the room, with glowing yellow eyes.

“Sebras, friend, unpack your load. Welcome to my humble abode.” Sebras rolled his eyes and threw a saddlebag down on the floor. Zecora quickly picked it up and put it on a hook.

Sebras gazed around the room, frowning, until he saw Applejack. “Why did you bring an earth Pony?”

Zecora approached the two, visibly nervous. “The student I have, this is her sister. She's come asking for help with the fear that twists her.”

Sebras gave a slow, disgusted look at Zecora. “You are getting really desperate with those rhymes Zecora.” He extended a hoof out at Applejack. They shook. “Sebras,” he said, enunciating the ‘a’.

“Ah’m Applejack.” Applejack grinned, admittedly scared. She tried to lighten the mood. “So, the rhyming thing… is that just Zecora?” She chuckled to herself. Zecora shook her head.

“No.” Sebras said, not understanding the joke. “If that was the only question you have, I'd like it if you'd leave me and my apprentice alone.”

Applejack stood up. “No, no..! I was wondering if you could help me look into my future. I just need to verify that everything'll be okay.” She moved her glance back and forth between Sebras’s two yellow eyes.

“Yes,” he said. “It is possible…” He walked around the hut. “I do believe we have the proper resources here to do the ritual. But do you have the proper resources to have it done?” Applejack gave him a confused look. “Friend,” Sebras explained. “The only two things you need, are a strong mind, and some coin.”

Applejack recalled the sack of bits that Granny Smith had given her. “Ah have bits, ah just left them at Twilight's castle. Ah'll give ‘em to you when we're done all of this.”

Sebras nodded. “Very well.” He began to move small bottles and knickknacks off of Zecora’s floor, creating a large, open space. He then took some chalk out of a cupboard, and drew an intricate design on the floor. In the center of the design, was a triangle with a crescent in the middle. “Step on the crescent.” Sebras commanded. Applejack trotted onto the chalk, and faced Sebras, her heart racing with anticipation. “Final chance to turn back.” Sebras warned. “Are you ready?” Applejack nodded. Sebras closed his eyes, and told Applejack to do the same. Mumbling under his breath, he put his hoof on Applejack’s forehead. She felt the world spinning, moving out of control. G-forces pushing her down onto the ground. She felt warm wind push her left side, and hot wind push the other side. She tried to open her eyes, but couldn't. All of a sudden, she realized she had been exhaling for ten seconds. She went to take a breath in, and woke up.

·~·

Applejack was in an apple orchard. Only, all the trees were dead, and everything was made of gold. There were three suns in the sky, and there were no clouds. Applejack looked around. She was on a hill, the golden outcasts surrounded her. “Where am I?” she asked.

Sebras appeared behind her. “This is your mindscape,” he explained. “Your thoughts ‘central hub’, if you will.” He glanced around. “It is much prettier than most, I must admit.”

Applejack took in her surroundings. “Um. Thanks,” she said. “So, uh, what's next?”

Sebras looked around, and walked up to one of the trees. “Well,” he explained, touching the tree. “I am going to sift through your future, and pick out a couple important dates. I will show parts of them to you, and that will be that. Just keep in mind that in the end, I decide what you see.” He beckoned Applejack. “Come. Let us begin.” Applejack trotted over to Sebras, still a bit nervous, but a lot more calmer as she took in the magnificent landscape. Sebras placed his hoof on Applejack’s forehead, and his eyes began to quickly flash between many different images. Applejack tried to make out what she saw. Apple Bloom, Big Mac, Granny…. Most everything else went by too quickly to see, but her three closest family members showed up the most. She managed to catch Rainbow, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity every now-and-again too. One thing that surprised her, was how often she saw a pair of colts. They appeared almost as frequently as he family did. She caught glimpses of the farm, Manhattan, Twilight's Castle, churches, hospitals, woods, streets, beds, graveyards…. At the end, the pictures were the same. The roof of a hospital room. With people and doctors and nurses walking in and out until, it ended. After that, there was just a bright light, at which point, Sebras stopped. It was then that Applejack realized how truly short life was. “So,” Sebras said after he had recombobulated himself. “I have chosen the visions you are to see. Do you wish to begin now?” Applejack nodded. Her nerves kicking in again. “Very well,” he said, and everything went black.

·~·

“Come on Applejack!” Apple Bloom called out. Applejack chased her sister through the hilltops. “We're gonna be late!”

Applejack smiled as she ran. “You really think they’d start without us?”

Apple Bloom, who was ahead of her big sister, turned back with a grin. “Knowing Granny, they might!” Soon, the two made it back to the barn, where there were rows and rows of picnic tables. All full of Apples. Apple Bloom scanned the crowd. “There she is!” Apple Bloom called, pointing to Babs. They trotted over to her table and sat. Very quickly, Apple Bloom and Babs began to chat. Applejack payed little attention to what they were saying, and looked through the crowd of family.

“Hey,” she asked. “Where’s Big Mac and Sugar?” Babs and Apple Bloom stopped their conversation to look around.

“Probably sat somewhere else, or somethin’,” Babs said, shrugging.

Applejack’s Aunt and Uncle Orange sat down at the same table, being the last ones to get their food, and began talking with Babs and Apple Bloom. Saying things like, “How is the farm going?” and “Are you excited for High School?” They continued with that famous small talk that relatives always do at gatherings. Meanwhile, Applejack kept looking for Big Mac. The chatter and searching soon died down, however, when the megaphone turned on with a hiss. A couple young fillies in the furthest table screamed. A couple older ones laughed.

“Hi y'all!” Said a cheerful, raspy voice. Applejack looked up onto the platform. It was Sugar Belle and Big Mac. Big Mac was standing a while back from the megaphone where Sugar Belle stood. He's glad his coat is red, 'cuz he's probably blushing pinker than a plum right about now Applejack thought. “For those of you who don't know, I'm Sugar Belle, Big Mac's wife, and we have a big announcement to make!” She gave a wide grin, and whispers began at a few tables.

“Oh my gosh! You don't think…” Apple Bloom said to Applejack. Now it was Applejack’s turn to blush.

“You want to say it, Hun?”

“Nope!”

“Ah well…” Sugar Belle took a deep breath, looked around. She inhaled, opened her mouth, then laughed. “Sorry, sorry. Just a bit nerve wracking, with everypony looking at me.” She cleared her throat, and closed her eyes. “Big Mac and I are having a baby.”

Before she had even finished that last word, everyone erupted in cheers. Apple Bloom was by far the most ecstatic. She was jumping up and down, screaming in joy! “Applejack!” she yelled. “We're gonna be aunts!”

Applejack smiled. “Alright, alright,” she said. “Let's simmer down now…”

·~·

The scene faded into darkness Applejack returned to the orchard. She wiped tears of happiness from her eye. “Hoot. Ah’m tearin’ up over here,” she said. Sebras appeared next to her.

“Did you enjoy that vision?” he asked. Applejack nodded.

“It was very nice.” she said. “Makes me feel happy to see Big Mac with a family, Apple Bloom as a teenager, Granny was still kickin’... it was very nice. Everything I hoped to see.” She smiled at Sebras, who was not smiling.

“Your sister,” he said. “Tell me about her.”

“Oh, Apple Bloom is as sweet as an apple pie. Super fun to be around, always excited, caring. She's a pretty one too….” Applejack noticed the off look Sebras had. “Why? What happens to her?”

Sebras shook his head. “Prepare to see.”

·~·

Applejack stood in a brightly lit room. She was pacing back and forth. The room was packed with a good crowd of other ponies. Twilight, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Starlight, Rarity, and Pinkie were all there. Pinkie held a ‘Get Well Soon’ balloon in her mouth. They all looked scared. Granny Smith was also there. Only she was in a wheelchair. Big Mac, Sugar Belle, and their baby were standing next to Granny. Big Mac was attending to Granny’s wheelchair, and Sugar Belle was trying to comfort their child. Standing in a small group, was Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Babs. Sweetie Belle looked almost the same in her teenage years (only taller), whereas Scootaloo had changed her style by putting on black makeup and large earrings. Applejack disapproved, but she knew it wasn't her place to object. Right now, she didn't care, though. She was crying, Big Mac and Sugar Belle were crying, Granny was crying; as a matter of fact, everyone was. The door swung open. Everyone turned to look at the surgeon who had just entered. His mask was down, and his apron was covered with spots of blood. “I have to ask everyone to step back and make way for when we take her out to her room.”

Everyone moved out of the way, aside from Applejack. “How’d it go doc?” she asked, fear very clear in her eyes.

The doctor looked around the room. Visually noting the amount of people there. “The surgery went… well.” he said. He stopped to look around once again. Then let what seemed like a sigh of defeat. “She was very close to dying,” he admitted, looking directly into Applejack’s wet eyes. “We had to act fast to save her. There was shrapnel in her heart, not to mention her entire left side’s skin was essentially peeled off.” The doctor paused to take a heavy swallow. A good number of visitors began to sob. Both in sadness at the destructive event, and in relief that Apple Bloom had made it out okay. “The blast threw her head on onto the tracks.” the doctor said, using magic to fully take off his mask. “I'm afraid she may be permanently handicapped. But for now, we can only wait.”

“What do you think doc?” Applejack asked, truly terrified. “Honestly.”

The doctor levitated glasses onto his face. “Honestly,” he said. “The only thing we know for sure is she is concussed, the entire left side, from face to hip, will be permanently scarred, and she's gone blind in her left eye.” Now, everyone was crying. “Worst case, she won't be able to walk, but I don't think it will come to that,” the doctor continued. “Chances are, she'll just be left with the scars, and a blind eye.” The doctor turned to walk back in the door. “Again, she is very, very lucky… but I do need you all to make way.” He looked at the baby. “If you're squeamish, I'd close your eyes.” He walked back in, and the door slammed shut behind him. There was silence in the room again. Then, out popped a group of nurses and doctors surrounding a stretcher, hustling down the hall. Applejack tried to get a good look, but was blocked by a nurse. The group followed the stretcher down the hallway, but were stopped by a different doctor as the stretcher entered a room.

“Sorry,” she said. “You all can't go in here just yet. Family first.”

Applejack, Babs, Granny (wheeled by Big Mac), and Sugar Belle entered, not before Sugar Belle asked Twilight to look after the baby. However, yet again they were stopped. This time, by a nurse. “Just a warning,” she said. “She hit her head pretty hard. I'm not sure if the doctor told you already, but she is concussed. Bad. She might be confused about what's going on, or where she is. Not to mention the anesthetics, so do your best to try and make it easy on her, okay?” The nurse gave a sympathetic smile, and let the group enter.

“Sweet Celestia…”

Apple Bloom was covered in bandages, all around her chest, her left foreleg, and perhaps worst of all, her head. The left side of her face was completely covered, and a patch of gauze held her left eye in its socket. Blood stained most of the bandages. The only ones free from that despicable red color, were the bandages that completely covered her head. She was awake. She smiled. Her smile’s the only thing she's got left, Applejack thought. “Babs?” Apple Bloom said. Her voice sounded broken. It was raspy, but also higher. As if she were at least three years younger. It was strange to Applejack. Even stranger was what Apple Bloom chose to say first. “Oh. We must have gotten on the wrong train!” She cried out in seemingly mock horror. “That must be why we're in this fancy hotel.” She patted on the armrest. “So, did we miss the rodeo?” Applejack couldn't help but let out a laugh…

·~·

Applejack was in tears back at the orchard. Just sobbing, letting it all out. She managed to mutter out her sister’s name through the sobs. “You cry,” Sebras said. “Why is that?”

Applejack looked up. “Did you see her?” she said in a weak voice. “She's…” she choked on the word. “Deformed! And they said she'll never walk again!”

Sebras shook his head. “Tsk, tsk, tsk. No, no, no. Applejack, your sister is well, she is alive. And they said she may not be able to walk.”

Applejack’s voice lowered. “Did you see her? Her body was burnt, face was melted! Her skin was sown on! She looked like a monster made by a mad scientist!”

Sebras chuckled. “Everything will be alright. Let me show you…”

·~·

It was late in the afternoon. The sky was lit only by the bright moon. Children were running around the streets in costumes. Nightmare Night. Applejack was wearing an angel costume, and was in the barn. She was pouring a mug of cider for Rainbow Dash, who greedily grabbed it and chugged it down. Laughing, Applejack trotted around the party, small talking with ponies as she passed. She ended up bumping into Twilight (literally) on her way to the snack table.

“Oh, mighty sorry Twi,” Applejack said, steadying her friend.

“No problem AJ. I gotta’ say, you must have brought out your inner Pinkie Pie on this one. ‘Cuz it's one good party!”

Applejack laughed. “Aw, shucks. It wasn't my idea anyway. It was Apple Blooms. Plus, with what's been happenin’ lately… It's nice to take a break and enjoy things, ya’ know?”

Twilight nodded as she took a bite out of a sugar cookie. “Speaking of,” she said while chewing. “Where is the walking miracle?”

Applejack looked around. “Um…” Not at the snack table, not by the games, not by the drinks… “Must be outside,” she said. “Oh! You know what? Ah think she's playin’ with Lemon Cookie and Lil’ Blue out back.”

Twilight giggled. “She’s good with those kids, huh? Remind me to call her if I ever need a babysitter.”

Applejack laughed back. “She is real nice to play with them… Have you seen her costume?”

Twilight shook her head “No, why,” she spoke in a happy voice.

“Pirate,” Applejack said, also in a happy tune. “Her idea, not mine. Ah thought it was pretty self deificatin’, but she really thought it was funny. It turned out nice too.” Applejack looked away from Twilight to quickly glance over the party. “‘S got the hat, ‘s got fake tattoos… course it’s got the eye patch…”

“Right, right.” Twilight said. “But she's holding up okay now?”

“Oh yea, she's great now. Never better,” Applejack said. “Hardly ever talk about it now. It hasn't came up in months.” She took a sip from a mug of cider.

“She’s not having any more…” Twilight lowered her voice.

“No, no,” Applejack said, shaking her head. “None of that for a long time. Got medication for that now.” Twilight mouthed an ‘ah’ and looked over Applejack's shoulder. Applejack turned to see Fluttershy waving her over. They gave each other a ‘good talking’, and Twilight headed off.

Applejack turned back to see Rarity bolting at her with a huge grin on her face. She stood in front of Applejack, bouncing up and down excitedly on the tip of her hooves. “Jeez Rarity, where's the fire?”

Rarity squeed. “Applejack, follow me! Hurry!” She was jumping up and down, giddy with anticipation.

“Slow down Pinkie Pie,” Applejack said, nearly laughing at the sight. “Got ants in your pants?”

Rarity did her classic giggle, add she skipped Pinkie Pie style out the barn, Applejack on her heels. Applejack chased Rarity onto a hill, until Rarity came to a stop and crept behind a tree and whispered a giggle. Sitting on the hill was Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. They were watching the sunset. Applejack's heart skipped a beat. “I'm sorry…” Apple Bloom said. “It's just the way ah feel. Ah've felt this way for years and…” She stopped to look at Sweetie Belle, who had a blank expression. “Ah don't know how long I could hold it in anymore.” Apple Bloom swallowed hard. Her voice was audibly breaking. “And ah know you probably don't ‘swing that way’ and even if you do… ah ain't pretty. Not anymore anyway. My face… my legs… my eye.” Applejack looked at Rarity. Rarity was smiling like crazy. Applejack, on the other hoof, was feeling uneasy.

“Rarity, ah think this is–”

“Shh!” Rarity hushed, still grinning ear-to-ear.

“Ah guess if ah've been keeping it in for too long. Ah just need… closure?” She looked back at the sunset. “Ah don't know. Ah probably sound crazy. Anyway, the point is, ah'm sorry ah, um… said that in front of everyone.” She hoof palmed her face. “Ugh. Ah'm such an idiot.”

Sweetie was silent for about four seconds. She turned to Apple Bloom. “Take off that damn eye-patch,” she said. Apple Bloom took off the pirate hat, then the patching eye-patch, revealing her faded, white eye. Apple Bloom was tearing up. She sniffed and smiled. Sweetie Belle stood up and walked over to the other side of Apple Bloom, the left side, and sat down. Sweetie Belle took off the jacket Apple Bloom was wearing. Apple Bloom couldn't help but blush, then feel her heart sink as she realized that Sweetie Belle had perfect view of her scars. She noticed Apple Bloom dart her eyes down at them. “You're right. They aren't pretty,” Sweetie Belle said. “But... they're you…. And…” She took a deep breath. “And I love them... because I love you.”

Rarity squealed behind the tree. Applejack couldn't help but grin. “Oh, quit your pity. Ah know you don't. Just… be honest with me. Ah could take an explosion to the face, ah can take this.”

Sweetie Belle leaned in and whispered, “Then take this.” She kissed Apple Bloom right on the lips. Apple Bloom was shocked at first, but soon returned her friend's kiss with one of her own, as the sun just finished setting. After a while, they broke their lips. Apple Bloom let out a laugh. Soon, they were both rolling in the grass in pieces, laughing at the absurdity of life itself.

From behind the tree, Rarity and Applejack both counted to three, then let out a combined “Aww!” Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle both quickly stood up and looked behind them, their faces as red as the apples in the trees.

“Applejack?”

“Rarity?”

“Hey! Were y'all spying on us?” Apple Bloom called, hiding her face.

Rarity giggled. “Maybe…” She and Applejack began to trot toward the two fillies. “But you know I can't resist the smell of love in the air!”

Sweetie Belle bowed her head. “Ugh… Rarity!” Despite the two fillies being embarrassed, they couldn't help but smile at each other.

“You did it Apple Bloom,” Applejack said. “It took years, but you did it. And didn't it pay off?”

Apple Bloom nodded. And as the four walked back to the party, Applejack looked over her shoulder to see Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walking side by side, touching, smiling. “It's a little... gross,” Rarity admitted aside to Applejack. “But beautiful, too.”

Applejack smiled. “Kinda Like Apple Bloom’s scars.” She paused, and facehooved. “Ooh. Well that just sounds insulting, now don't it?”

Rarity laughed. “I bet it sounded poetic in your head though.”

Applejack laughed back. “Sure did.”

·~·

Applejack awoke. She was lying in a large, expensive bed, in a room made of crystal. Am ah at… Twilight's? she thought. She looked to her right. There was a note. Dear Applejack, it read. I took the bits you owed and dropped you off at your friend’s castle. On the left of this note is a potion, that if you choose to drink it will let you forget all the visions you've had. It's your choice. Applejack looked over to see a pink bottle labeled: Vergeet Sap in the same hoof writing. On the back, the note was signed: No refunds, Sebras. Applejack's started at the potion. One sip and all she saw would be lost. Not to mention, a whole bag of bits wasted.

Twilight walked into the room and yelled. “Applejack! How'd you get in here?”

Applejack got out of the bed. “Ah… Ah don't know,” she said. Twilight walked over, and sat down next to her.

“Well, did you find what you were looking for?” Twilight asked. Applejack gave a nod in response. “Everything in the future is… it's okay…. No. It's great.” She paused. “Only Apple Bloom–”

“Don't tell me,” Twilight interrupted, holding up her hoof. She looked at the bureau. “Is that vergeet sap?” she asked, nodding at the bottle.

“Ah dunno,” Applejack said. “Whatever it is, it'll make me forget what I saw. Knowing that everything’ll work out, though… ah think ah might drink it.”

Twilight nodded. “You should,” she said, standing up. “I'll go grab your hat.”

Applejack examined the bottle. Ah could forget it all right here, right now, an' live mah life still stressin. But...

She contemplated a while longer. The choice, was all up to her.

Author's Note

Wrote this during metro rides while I was in Washington DC for a week, please let me know about all the errors I'm sure I made.

EDIT: I did change the ending. GSandSDS gave me a better idea, and it wasn't even a BIG change.

thanks, dude