Author's Note

Here comes the next chapter. I sincerely hope you all enjoy reading but obviously, there will be some people who will not like what I have written. Tell me if there are any flaws in the chapter as well. It would greatly improve on my writing and I would be very thankful for those who help and support me.

Aged Strikes

...Six and three quarters of a month later...

As her echoing steps neared a special room, Twilight had a smile painted on her face as she was eager to meet her guest. The sun shone brightly over Ponyville, sharing its warmth and signalling everyone for a great day. It was reported with no clouds, just how the pegasi said it would be. It was a peaceful morning in Twilight's Castle with everything prim and proper, especially her library which had been used during the past months. New editions were welcomed next to their other elder cousins as they were slotted comfortably in their correct positions. But Twilight wasn't headed there, she was en route to a bedroom.

"Paul?" She knocked but there was no reply.

She repeated her steps, giving her knocks more slight power, "I'm coming in, Paul."

Twilight made a crack in the door, peering in to see Paul's bed empty and dishevelled. Swinging the door, the whole room had no sign of Paul, just his belongings and furniture. It was how he kept it: an unkempt desk, creased sheets on his bed, a dresser with a shaded lamp, his memorable suitcase and a few of his clothes rested on four hooks - formal, casual and a coat. The other was missing.

Glancing at Rarity's fine work, Paul had a black suit with a white undershirt, accompanied by a black tie which was tucked under everything. His pants were also dark with an unnoticeable belt, hiding below his suit. The next hooks contained a dark blue shirt with a breast pocket and grey shorts. Finally, a white coat, suitable for labs, was displayed with large pockets and two breast pockets. Long dark blue pants were stuck below.

A creak of a door made Twilight dart behind her as she recognised the tall and proper figure. A smile was etched across her muzzle as Paul stood with one of his own accompanied with smart-casual clothing. A dark green, checkered button-up with blue jeans with a black simple belt. His hair stayed the same ever since he came to Equestria, with his build mimicking. Paul posed as he completed flattening his clothes and revealed his display, presenting Twilight with his style.

"Looking good, Paul. Excited for today?" Twilight inquired, receiving a nod from Paul, "Well, it looks as though the town will see."

"Ah, that's fine. At least I get to see you and everyone else, presenting me with your wonderful project." Paul remarked as he grabbed his bag and Spike entered the room through the ajar door.

"You two ready?" Spike asked.

He had grown quite a bit from when Paul travelled through the portal, but he was still good, old Spike. Paul had been accustomed to this 'Guy's Night' with Discord, Big Macintosh, Spike and himself as they occasionally played role-playing board games. It wasn't Paul's favourite genre but once he attempted it, it was love-at-first-sight. It wasn't as intense as his crush for Applejack but it was close.

The duo gave an, "Ah-huh" before they transformed into a trio and headed outside the castle. Paul had become familiar with the town's layout as he had some occasions when he'd walk with Twilight to meet some of the new residents or have a small meeting with the ponies who had been in Ponyville longer than Paul. During this, he had met Button Mash once more, having a good time upstairs in his bedroom playing Battlefield: The Conquest of Equestria and Sign of Duty: Final Front. Paul had to stay at his house for the night.

Twilight swung the doors open, letting the freshness flow through the castle and a blue blur that slammed onto Paul. With a grunt, Paul focussed to see the loyal, rainbow-maned pony grinning as she blocked the beams of light, adhering to her glorified stature. Descriptions aside, she booped his button and retracted, giving Paul space to stand.

"Aw man, I've missed you, you lovable lug." Rainbow Dash held him tightly.

"Well, an Equestrian Tour as a Wonderbolt will do that," Paul stated smartly, receiving a friendly push from Rainbow Dash, looking at a proud Applejack with a questioning Rarity.

"You could at least save your enthusiasm at the ceremony, Rainbow Dash, you've still got that thing to show Paul," Rarity motioned to Paul, covered in specks of dirt, "Besides, he needs cleaning now."

Igniting her horn, a shot of purple planted Paul and bright sparkles darted out, revealing an almost too clean human. Paul's black shoes shone with the sun, his green button-up was lighter than usual and his pants were clean of any disgust from Rarity.

"That's all done, hope you like it, Paul because I sure do."

Turning to Applejack, who was scraping her hoof against the dirt, seemed as meek as Fluttershy. A few weeks ago, she was working on the farm and lit up as soon as Paul was in view. Even recently, Applejack had fun playing Buckball during an exhibition match with Paul on the opposing team. But now, she was quiet, setting her hat lower than usual.

As to not cause a scene, Paul insisted for everyone to trek to the ceremony. He looked back at Applejack, noticing her neutral look as she followed Rarity. Paul urged to figure out what happened to her.

Nearing Sugar Cube Corner, a crowd of ponies began to rush by with film cameras and saddlebags filled to the brim. News reporters. Following their trail, another group of ponies were bunched with colourful balloons that filled the air and a hot air balloon floating above with a particular pink pony inside who waved in excitement. But what was more noticeable was the large building they were standing in front of. A tall structure but not as tall as Twilight's Castle and higher than most buildings in Ponyville. A small entrance was surrounded by thick walls that curved outwards and two-storeys of velvet-curtained windows. A balcony was erected above the entrance which overlooked the town and a fancy roof, enough for an attic. It was slim but fashionable - fit for use.

As Paul gently pushed through the large abundance of ponies, they soon realised who they were blocking. With a few apologies, some alerted the others ahead, making an opening path toward the regal structure. In a swift wind, Paul was whisked into the air by Rainbow Dash and returned to a calm state when she floated back down to the ground. Keeping the way clear, Paul's own thanks came to Ponyville and some news reporters as they filmed the moment.

"Treating me royally, huh, Dashie?" Paul smirked as he rode the soft pony's back.

"Nah, just so we can get there faster. Twilight's already waiting." She drifted to the balcony above the entrance and set Paul in the centre.

Ponyville was cheering and stampeding their hooves on the dirt. Joyful faces filled the space and the smell of pie was near. There was something missing in this crowd though, something that was irreplaceable and Paul couldn't believe it. As their stammering echoed throughout the town, Twilight waved her hoof for silence.

"Practised your Royal Speaking Voice yet?" Paul whispered mockingly.

"What voice?" Twilight looked back at Paul.

"Oh you know, the yelling type that causes loss of hearing and may shatter the nearby windows." Paul winked.

"Oh ha, ha, Paul, you're so funny." Turning back to the crowd, she announced (not in the Royal Speaking Voice), "Welcome to the opening of Paul's Residence!" The launching of confetti left the hot-air balloon with various ponies popping their own miniature fireworks, especially Trixie who stole some of the audience.

Paul chuckled at her recklessness, knowing that it's really her and not some sort of shape-shifter. It at least she came to the opening, but why couldn't another friend? Shaking his unnecessary thoughts away, Twilight whispered that he had to say his speech. Paul's brow arched as butterflies wandered in his stomach. He had no clue if she was joking around because of the previous mock or if she was being serious and actually giving away the spotlight. Twilight cantered behind Paul and was immobile, urging Paul to stand in front of the crowd.

Paul gulped the lump in his throat as he warily crept into the metaphorical spotlight... until the hot-air balloon shone a literal light at him, causing a temporary blindness. After the shielding of the flaring light, Paul heaved a breath and a magenta flash appeared followed by a megaphone.

Of course, Paul thought before staring back at Twilight who winked at his gaze.

Turning back to the crowd, he briefly thought about what to say, attempting to make things short and understanding. Afraid for looking like a staller, he spoke what came into his mind.

"It's quite an honour to be standing up here today, especially considering that it's my house," Paul chuckled nervously, "I'm very thankful for those that were willing to help me and this building come to life and the ponies that talked to me throughout my current days living here in Equestria. To be honest, I was surprised when Princess Twilight Sparkle wanted to remove the Golden Oak's remains and place a building on top. But friendship can go a long way: especially when one decides to give up something for another. Thank you." He ended, cringing at his own words and came out with red flourishing on his face.

That. Was. Terrible - Cliché too.

Shut it. It was the best he could do. What would you say?

Well, I'd begin with: This house looks out-of-place seeing how the other buildings look alike whereas this one is out of the ordinary. Second... I've got nothing.

After the two ended their foolish arguing, Paul creaked the balcony door which was located on the side and not just behind them. A strange architectural choice but it seemed to work, leading into a turning hallway and a clear view of downstairs. The hallway curved on sharp corners which eventually ended on the other side of the balcony. In the centre of the hallway was a cut for the stairs and the clear walls were decorated with two doors and the red velvet stairs. Taking his first step in, the carpet made space for his feet as the fluff tried to escape as it made a clearing once his foot left the vicinity.

Ambling, he admired the smooth walls and breath-taking smell as he made his way to the first door. The door was untouched and the handle was shiny as it reflected Paul's appearance. He hadn't noticed that he changed throughout the past months. It was a short timeframe but to his surprise, he had made a lot of alterations with himself. Gripping the handle, he pushed the door, revealing the already furnished bedroom. A king-sized bed was coupled with an end table in the corner of the room. Seeing the rectangular structure, Paul found an empty closet and a bathroom on the end, facing the doorway. A study desk was present as well as a fancy chair that was humble.

"It looks amazing, Twilight." Paul thanked, still immersed in his room.

"Well, there are more rooms in a house you can view. How about I give you a tour? It's a bit late for me to ask that but I wanted you to take the first glance." Twilight offered.

"Sure, I'd like to see what my house has in store." Paul followed Twilight downstairs as Pinkie Pie and Rarity entered through the front, having their own, "Ahh's". Applejack merely glanced about but with the hint of interest. This wasn't the Applejack Paul knew. She would usually admire how large everything is and how she would tend to talk about it up until night. No exaggeration: Paul and Applejack would talk all night at each other's place for hours. It's like they were best friends, but now they're strangers.

The smell of pie caught everyone's attention though so there was no feeling except for hunger.

Paul was wondering when they would find the kitchen but unfortunately, that was their last stop, egging on Paul's ambitions. Sighing, he rolled his eyes and proceeded to follow the princess as she held her hoof out to every detail in each room, especially in the bathroom where she was told fifty-three tiles were present.

As they reached the dining room, the smell had grown to its peak, luring Paul into the nearby kitchen. With a smile on Twilight's face, she could already tell that Paul had taken the bait and the surprise baffled him into a silence. Balloons were strapped to the counter, there were three trays of mouth-watering apple pie, a large two-layered tower of chocolate and vanilla and finally... a bowl of unfinished cereal.

"Ha, ha, I may or may not have come in here." Rainbow nervously laughed, scratching her mane as Twilight shot her a glare.

"Regardless, it's your birthday, isn't it, Paul?" Pinkie stretched her head closer to Paul.

Paul didn't say anything. He wanted to but he lost all abilities to talk. His mind raced, gazing at all the decorations that were splayed out as he fought the fact that his family weren't there to see him. No memories, no pictures, nothing. Paul's heart soon warmed as his noticeable tears were replaced with joy. Soft hooves wrapped around Paul. They were orange. They... were Applejack's.

Her caring hooves ran across Paul's stomach, assuring his safety. She knew he had no one special to celebrate it with, primarily his sister. His sister was always his favourite to talk about during their long talks. And without her... Applejack could only imagine.

"Thank you." Paul said, wiping his final tear, "Thank you all for doing this. I really loved spending time with you all, especially when I needed it the most. It really means a lot that you all have come here to celebrate, and I'd like it to stay that way for today," He peeked down, "That means you too, Applejack."

Paul was definite as he saw a small grin under her muzzle as she nuzzled into Paul's shirt, causing a tiny stain. Her hat tipped to the side, revealing a cute face that lightened ever since the noon blossomed. The smell was beginning to urge Pinkie into scoffing all the meals and yelped in eagerness.

Paul approved in the feast as Pinkie immediately pounced near the cake, already cutting a surprisingly even slice of chocolate. He watched in content as they all scattered like mice, wanting to find their prefered snack for the day. Applejack, now laying her head against Paul, tapped his hip as she gestured towards the nearby room with a pout.

It was an improvement from her previous state but nonetheless, something was still concerning her. Strolling towards the living room, Applejack helplessly flopped onto a red couch while she managed to look the best she could for Paul.

Applejack had the face of tragedy, a scarred mind and an unusual sign of calmness. Paul breathed heavily and wanted his friend to talk but she politely raised her hoof, wanting more time until she was ready. Understanding, he stayed eerily silent and Applejack was close to bursting into tears when she opened her jaw.

"Ah don't think Ah've ever told ya this, Paul, but," She sniffed, causing Paul to move closer, "Remember when Ah told ya 'bout that foolish feud we had with the Pears?" Paul nodded, inching over as he awaited her reply.

"Well, Grand Pear came over just a while ago and he's been sending us letters for the last few weeks. But now, they stopped," She steadied herself as she sniffed, "We went over just a couple of days ago and... he's gone. Ah never got the chance to tell him that he meant a lot me, and the rest of the family."

Paul thought of something to say but was kept speechless as his mind raced to find anything calming to say. It was probably a subject she needed to get off her chest but it was clear that she was battling something on her own.

"It's just like the time when Ah lost my parents," She breathed sharply, "They were so loving every time they would see us and now they're gone, just like Grand Pear. I don't wanna lose anyone anymore. That means you too, Paul."

Applejack erupted with sobs as Paul caved her in a nurturing embrace, almost like how she'd be comforted by her mother. Even the occasional laughs and chatter wouldn't drown out Applejack faint cries. Her hat fell to the floor, revealing the broken image.

Paul wanted to help her, so he pushed his lips against her cheek lovingly as he told her, "Don't you worry, Applejack. You'll always be loved even in the hardest situations. Tell yourself that every day and the sun will brighten more and more to give you the warmth you need."

The orange mare wiped the last of tears and chuckled slightly as she remarked, "Heh, since when did you get so philosophical?" She smirked.

"Just when the time is right," Paul said as his friend pushed her cheek against him, breathing rhythmically with no sense of fear.

He stroked her mane gently, making sure that she remained in her pristine beauty after the breakdown. Her shut eyes were in content as she snored soundlessly while the other creatures laid about in the kitchen, conversing with each other. A blue pegasus peeked her head into the living room, noticing Paul's peaceful face and Applejack's tiny breaths.

She inched closer and wondered what had happened, "So did you calm her down?"

Paul peaked his brow at the enquiry, "What do you mean? Did she tell you what was going on?"

"No, she didn't," Rainbow replied, "We were actually hoping that you would help since she specifically wanted to talk to you."

"Oh," Surprise washed over Paul as he gazed back at the resting figure on his lap.

"Do you want to come and eat something? The pie is really good, as always." Rainbow offered as Paul locked his eyes with his dreaming friend.

Paul snatched an adjacent pillow and guided it under Applejack's head, moaning softly until she felt the smooth material brush against her fluff. Her head sank down into the pillow as Paul followed Rainbow Dash into a much more upbeat place.

Already been handed a mug of cider, he chugged it down his pipe and demanded more. His audience cheered and slapped him another cup on the counter as he shoved the addicting liquid in his throat. At the brink of choking, Paul slammed the marble and gulped. Pouring himself another, all attention was gone and he proceeded to find the apple pie he was so desperate to eat.

Searching for the breath-taking tray, a single slice was left out of the three trays that used to be full. Readying his greedy hands, he took another look at the object laid out in front of him. His mind turned to Applejack. He slid over a plate and shuffled the remaining pie onto it. Grasping a cup, he flicked the tap as it filled the mug with cider. With a firm grip, Paul wandered towards the quiet living room and set the small meal on the table.

Paul slipped his fingers under her yellow mane and scratched lightly, returning to Ponyville. She groaned and pushed her limbs as she peeked through her tired eyes. Clearing the mist, Applejack followed the hand that pet her to find a familiar face. Struggling to rise, she laid on her side and gazed at the table. Her eyes lit up in surprise and looked at Paul.

"It's the last piece. I wanted you to have it since you're probably hungry after making all that food." Paul proposed, giving her the filled mug.

Analysing the liquid, she tried to find her reflection and slowly sifted through the drink, stopping halfway as a trickle of cider ran down her neck. Setting the half-empty mug, she drifted towards the apple pie slice, scoffing it almost immediately. A long round of chewing took over Applejack and her food landed in her stomach as she sighed in ecstasy.

She breathed steadily as her half-lidded eyes stared at Paul longlingly. Applejack lunged at Paul and locked his lips with hers passionately as they both gave in to one another. Their mouths continued to join until the air was a necessity. Releasing one another, they looked into each other's eyes in a complete trance. The noon's orange rays coupled with Applejack's coat reflected gorgeously, shining calm colours into Paul's eyes.

Their stare was endless and they knew what they were searching for - each other.