Applejack’s hand rested over the handle of the door leading to the band room. Through it, she heard the muffled sound of very familiar music. The bass resonated so hard she thought she saw the glass dancing along with it. Through the clear window she could see Pinkie Pie doing the same, spinning and dancing and jumping to the beat as she put up party decorations.

With one final resolute intake of breath, and an adjustment to her daddy’s old hat, she turned the latch.

“-ing hard, hard, ha-ah-ah-ard, just like the world is ours, ours, ah-ah-ah-ours-”

The farmer scrambled to slip through the doorway and pull the hydraulics closed behind her before Pinkie deafened any poor souls left in the hallway with the as-loud-as-it-was-catchy pop song. Satisfied that everything was closed properly, she turned around and strode to the stereo.

Ordinarily, turning down the music would be a cardinal sin. Though the girls’ tastes were as significantly different as their personalities, they both understood the sacred golden rule that music is better when it's loud. It wasn't that either of them had issues communicating nonverbally, or reading each other’s lips in noisy environments, but AJ did not particularly want to spend the evening in detention by violating Principal Celestia’s noise ordinances.

Again.

Applejack placed her fingers gently around the dial for the volume. She wiped away the bead of sweat that had appeared on her forehead, and spared a cautious glance at the party girl who most certainly should not be crossed when it comes to music and parties. With a slow and steady inhale, Applejack turned the dial counterclockwise by one increment.

In one instant there was a freight train barreling towards the poor unlucky sap who dared to make the perfect party preparation playlist at all quieter. If one didn't blink, they could see actual fire emojis pasted over her eyes for a split second. In another instant, the train had again become a normal teenage girl who was extending her arms invitingly and grinning widely, although continuing to move quickly.

“AJ!” Pinkie cried, wrapping her arms around the slightly taller girl’s shoulders. “I'm glad you're early, I didn't wanna be lonely while I was getting ready!”

Applejack slid her own arms around Pinkie’s hips, or at least attempted to around the flared hot pink skirt, and settled around the waist. The pair gently twisted back and forth a few times before they squeezed tightly for one last second and pulled apart, Pinkie gliding her fingers down Applejack’s muscular arms until they were gently gripping each other’s hands.

“I ain't got nothin’ to do but homework,” she said with a shrug. “And I get up early enough in the mornin’ that I can do it then. Plus I know that the others got stuff to do and y'all were gonna be alone if I didn't come by.”

“It still super duper nice though!” Pinkie exclaimed in response, reaching over to turn the music down even further. Then in a normal tone of voice, she continued. “I mean I have no problem with doing it all by myself but I want it to be perfect for Twi-Twi because I know she’s been having a really hard time recently.”

Applejack sighed. “Yeah, I know that. To be honest I’ve been worried about her too. That's also part of why I’m here to help you help her have a better time.”

Pinkie gave a melancholic smile as she turned to lean against the wall. “Rarity says that she really liked the cake.” She pointed at a table across the room. “So I made another one just like it. I can tell that something's making her sad, I just don't know what, so I can do my best to make her happy until she can do it herself again.”

“I don't see sad,” Applejack replied. “I see a girl who’s scared of somethin’ or other. I just don't know what either.”

Pinkie nodded before pushing off and gathering a roll of streamers together on a table before heading to a stepladder off to the side. “Mind keeping this steady while I put up more decorations?”

“On it,” she said, striding to the chunky metal tool. She picked it up and motioned with her head. “Over this way?”

“Aw, you don't have to use your geode for me.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “...I’m not.”

“...oh.”

“Here good?”

Pinkie splayed her fingers out and looked up at the ceiling though them. She stuck her tongue out a bit and squinted her eyes. After a few moments of analyzing, she gave a dual thumbs up before heading back to return the radio to its original levels and snatch up the streamers.

Applejack rolled her eyes a tad and placed the ladder in position. Once Pinkie had the party supplies in hand she climbed the steps as her... ‘cousin’ held it in place. True, there was a slight chance that the Pie’s fifth cousin twice removed was the Apple’s great great aunt, but it would be a far cry to say that they were blood. However, both girls firmly believed that family wasn't who you were born to, but the people who you call home.

Regardless, over the years the two had grown close enough to practically be family anyway. They, as well as Rainbow Dash, were an inseparable trio who probably had spent more nights in the same bed than they did on their own, each in spite of their wildly different upbringings. Sure, they both had their own strong friendships with Rarity, Fluttershy, Sunset, and Twilight, but they were closer to each other than to any of the others.

The two continued to work for around twenty minutes, wordless but for Pinkie’s singing every line of every pop song coming out of the speakers. Though she would never admit it, Applejack quietly hummed the choruses of each one at least once. It wasn't exactly her cup of tea, but Pinkie loved it, which made it tolerable.

In the end the pair managed to complete the entire ceiling worth of decorations and then some. Once finished they turned the music to a more gentle level before they took a spot on the floor, kicked back, and cracked open some cold soft ciders, courtesy of Sweet Apple Acres themselves. Pinkie nestled herself firmly in Applejack’s lap, resting her head on the farmer’s chest.

“She was lyin’ today, ya know.”

Pinkie craned her neck and arched an eyebrow.

“At lunch.” Applejack took a swig. “Twilight.”

“What was she lying about?”

She shrugged. “I dunno. She said she had her knees up, her earbuds in, and painkillers goin’. She kindly left off the reason why, on account of we all know what’s goin’ on. But that just ain't true.”

“How do you know, AJ?” Pinkie asked. “I think it makes a lot of sense. She's done it before.”

“I know that. It happens to every girl. But the thing is, there ain't no way it could be today.” Applejack took another draught. “We know that periods go with the moon, every 28 days. I don't spend much time thinkin’ ‘bout y'all girls’ coochies but if there’s one part o’ math I’m good at, it's the patterns.”

Pinkie didn't answer with words, but took a contemplative sip.

“What I noticed is that it's always the third week o’ the month. Shy and Sunset are the fourth, we’re the first, and Rare and the kids are second. Right now.” Applejack set her bottle to the side and was motioning with her hands now. “But the thing is, that since months aren't all a perfect number o’ days, the number o’ the week changes around a bunch. Say it's the Wednesday one day, next month it’d be the Monday, or even the Sunday for the longer months.”

“Uh huh...?” Pinkie said with a voice that sounded slightly unconvinced about the ‘I don't think about your vaginas’ comment.

“Right, well. A few months ago, you, me, and Dash did on the second week. Before that we were the third. I know that maybe cycles can be different lengths of time, but that’s pretty rare around this town. But irregardless, if yer on a twenty nine day cycle, or twenty seven, or any other day, then it'd be one thing. Even on an exact thirty. But that's just the thing. It always seems to start on the same date every month. But the problem is that it's been hard for me to nail down when it happens. So it's like, there ain't the right consistency.”

“Well why does that means she was lying?” Pinkie asked, leaning away and observing Applejack with skepticism. “Maybe she just has weird ovaries that go at different times every month?”

Applejack took another large drink. “I thought so too. I never put much thought into it, maybe she has funny business with her lady business that really ain't my business. Could just be coincidence. But then I noticed that she took one of her earbuds out halfway through us talkin’ to her. She didn't touch her phone at all the entire time she was walkin’ over to us.”

“So?”

“Twi’s taken meds and listened to music before, and every time she always has it turned up really loud and doesn't really turn it down until she gets back close to the lunch table. As a creature o’ habit, there's no way somethin’ different woulda gone down.” She drained the last of her bottle. “Plus she looked up and to the right before she answered the question. That’s a major tell.”

Pinkie pursed her lips as she pondered this information. Nothing Applejack said was incorrect. However, what reason would Twilight have for lying? She voiced her question.

“I don't know. I know it ain't anything bad... at least, I hope it ain't.”

“Do you-” Pinkie stopped herself and swirled her drink for a moment. “Do you think it has to do with whatever’s scaring her or making her sad?”

“Probably.”

Pinkie stood up, taking the empty bottle with her. “I just hope she's okay,” she said. “I hate when she's not happy.”

“I’m sure she’s just got some personal issue goin’ on or something. If it gets to be a real problem then she’ll tell us.” Applejack brought herself up and cracked her neck. “I reckon the others should be here soon. We should talk about lighter stuff, ‘specially for Twilight’s sake.”

Suddenly a small flame appeared in front of her face, attached to a small metal box in Pinkie’s hand. Behind it was her own mischievous smirk she held in reserve for only the worst of puns.

Applejack responded with an ‘are you bucking kidding me’-worthy glare, prompting Pinkie to fall into a fit of giggles.

“Y'all know y’ain’t allowed to have lighters on school grounds.”

“Well how else would I light the candles, AJ?”

Beat.

“Alright, fair point. But that was terrible.” She checked the time on her phone. “That was your bad joke of the day. Any more and... uh...”

Pinkie tossed it lightly in the air and caught it, sliding it safely into her bra for safekeeping. “Banishment.” she stated.

Applejack gave her a questioning face.

“To the moon,” Pinkie continued. “A thousand years. No parole.” She leaned in and whispered conspirationally. “And the only thing on tv is golf.”

Applejack adopted a more shocked visage which failed to stay in place. “Gasp!” she cried, holding one hand to her chest and one to her hat, exaggerating every movement. “Anything but g-g-g-g-golf!”

The girls fell into a fit of giggles as the doors opened.

“So I was like, ‘Banger? But I just met her!’”

A gasp, a smack, and a stern “RAINBOW!” followed, as an offended Rarity turned the corner, face turning red. A guffawing Rainbow followed soon behind her, gently rubbing her shoulder.

“Hi Rarebear!” Pinkie cried. “Hi Dashie!”

Rainbow put up a hand, and Rarity offered a demure wave. Applejack nodded her head at the both of them.

“It looks marvelous, darling,” Rarity said, praising. “You’ve outdone yourself as always, Pinkie Pie.”

“AJ helped!”

“Oh yeah, sure,” Rainbow teased, dismissively. “Holding a ladder is a real help.”

“More help than makin’ dirty jokes and showin’ up late.”

Silence reigned over the group before Pinkie whispered “Oooohhh, burn.”

Rainbow chuckled nervously, looking everywhere but at Applejack, who merely adopted a cocky posture with crossed arms, a smirk, and a raised eyebrow. “Well, uh... you got me there.”

“Well,” Rarity interjected, walking between the two. “The room certainly screams ‘party’ to me. And I do see, Pinkie, that you made another sheet cake. Is this the same recipe as the other one?”

As the two babbled about baking, Rainbow stepped towards Applejack. “Hey,” she said. “Apparently Twilight’s going to Equestria with Sunset tonight.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, the three of us chatted a little bit ago. Turns out she's a little freaked about turning into a horse. You said to me the other day you thought she was scared of something, well, there ya go.”

Applejack nodded in understanding. “That makes plenty of sense, actually. I know I’d be too in the same position. I'm just glad it ain't somethin’ big like...” she rolled her hand in thought. “Midnight or somethin’.”

“Yeah, no,” Rainbow replied, putting her arms behind her head. “Just Twilight being Twilight.”

“Well that sure is a relief. Pinkie and I were just talkin’ about her. She's concerned too, so y'all should probably let her know on the side later tonight what's up.”

“Mmhmm.” Rainbow turned to survey the decorations. “I'll do that later tonight after Twi leaves. Don't want her to think we’re talking about her behind her back or anything. My schedule for tonight got cleared anyway.”

“How so?”

Rainbow put her arms out to the side and shrugged. “I asked Twi to help me write a schedule tonight for next week about two minutes before Sunset invited her to horseworld,” she said, putting her hands into her pockets. “Told her that it wasn't a big deal but now I’ve got nothing planned tonight after the party.”

“Don't worry, darlin’, there’s plenty o’ cider back at my place. I won't letcha be bored tonight.” she said with a wink.

“Thanks, man.”

On the other side of the room, Pinkie was apparently teaching Rarity how to use a file sharing application so that they could share the cake recipe. It wasn't going terribly, but...

“Wait a second darling, I’ve lost you. What is a... pudiff file?”

“No, silly Rarebear, it's an acronym. PDF.”

“Oh... what does that stand for?”

“Uh... probably something. You'd have to ask Twilight. But that doesn't matter, it's basically a really big picture.”

“Pinkie, I don't want a picture of the cake, I want the recipe for it.”

“It's not an actual picture!”

“But you just said it was a picture!”

“The picture is OF the recipe!”

It wasn't exactly going well either.

“Uhh, gals?” Applejack inquired, moving in towards them. “Everything goin’ okay?”

Rainbow’s phone buzzed. She pulled it out to see a new message from Fluttershy indicating that she was with Sunset and Twilight and they were on their way. She sent “cool” and a thumbs-up emoji before slipping it back onto her pocket.

After a moment of deliberation, she pulled it back out and sent another message to someone else.

/x/x/x/

*bzzz bzzz*

Two figures underneath a thick comforter suddenly stopped moving.

“... Is that me?”

One hand slipped out from underneath the blanket and began patting a side table. It searched back and forth until it came across two cell phones stacked on top of each other. Once secure in its grasp, the hand retracted back inside of its fabric prison.

“Looks like it.”

“Oh, it's Rainbow Dash!”

The blanket came flying off, revealing Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. The former began furiously tapping a response as the latter quickly pulled the discarded cotton around her exposed body.

“Scoots!” She cried in shock. “Warn me next time...”

“Nobody’s gonna be home for hours, it's fine.”

“Still, and plus I’m cold anyway. I'm still sick, remember?”

Scootaloo rolled their eyes before flashing a teasing grin. “Too sick to go to school but not enough to make out?”

Sweetie Belle blushed. “Alright, fair point, but you know how my family is. I just can't let them find out about this...”

Scootaloo sent the last of the response before clicking the phone closed and tossing it gently at the foot of the bed. “They're not gonna, and worst comes to worst they'll believe us if you say you’re just sweaty or something.”

“If you say so...”

“I do say so.” The young teen looked the anxious girl in the eyes. “I'm sorry I got excited but it's not just every day that Rainbow Dash texts me out of the blue on a Thursday. And besides, if they were home then we wouldn't even be doing this stuff anyway, right?”

Sweetie didn't react for a moment but eventually sighed and relented. “I guess you're right... it's just really kind of scary knowing what would happen if they did find out.”

“You're their daughter, they'll get over it.”

“...I meant what would happen to you.”

Scootaloo’s grin faded immediately. “Oh...” they reached for the phone again before sprawling on the bed. “Okay, yeah, I wasn't thinking about that.”

“Mom and dad probably won't let you stay here anymore, and I know Rarity probably wouldn't let me leave to see you-”

“What!?” Scootaloo shouted. “Rarity wouldn't have a problem with that. She's best friends with Rainbow, Twilight, Pinkie, and the others. Even Applejack is okay with it and she's the only other one of your sister's friends who's totally straight, plus she's known us for as long as we’ve known Applebloom.”

Sweetie sighed again. “It's different with family... Rarity is fine with Rainbow and the others because she's a good person, and a good friend. But she's just like mom and dad... she wouldn't understand if her sister was... you know.”

Scootaloo frowned. “You don't know that. And there's nothing wrong with the word bisexual.”

The phone vibrated again, but they made no attempt to grab at it.

“Aren't you gonna get that...”

“Rainbow can wait a minute. It's you I’m worried about right now. Are you really scared that your sister is going to reject you if you come out to her?”

“...no, but I know she could.”

Scootaloo sighed. “I can't really identify with that since Rainbow’s been out for longer than I’ve even known her personally, but... if you're really that afraid, then I’ll try to pay more attention to your fears and stuff, okay?”

“...okay.”

“Cool. Now hold on, I can't take too long to respond... actually... you know what.” Scootaloo deleted what was written and opted for a different and much shorter message before setting the phone back on the nightstand. “This is probably where I should ask if you need a hug or something like that, right?”

Sweetie shrugged. “If you’re okay with that then it would be really appreciated- oh!” She was cut off by two arms wrapping around her shoulders and pulling her close against her paramour’s skin.

“Of course I’m okay with it... I don't really like sap but if we’re dating then I’ve gotta meet you at least halfway. And honestly, I can think of a lot worse things than hugging you.”

She giggled and nestled into the hug, returning the affection in kind. “I'm glad... I really like hugging you too... especially when... you know.”

“Yeah, I do have pretty nice abs, don't I?”

“They're okay,” she teased. “Better than mine at least.”

“Hey, stop that,” Scootaloo gently warned. “Just because you don't work out doesn't mean you're not cute and stuff.” Hands wandered lower than the shoulders. “I wouldn't be with you if I didn't think so.”

“Oh, so you're only dating me for my looks?” Sweetie said, continuing to tease. “Does that mean you wouldn't if I was ugly?”

“Well,” Scootaloo said, turning to straddle their girlfriend. “I'd think about it.”

The two started laughing as they pulled the blanket over their bodies and started kissing once they were out of sight of the rest of the world, alone on their small oasis for what precious little time they had.

/x/x/x/

“Rainbow says, um, cool... and, uh, a thumbs up.”

“Wonderful,” Sunset said as she loaded all of her books into her locker. “Sounds to me like Pinkie didn't accidentally set the whole room on fire... again.”

“That was a fun week of detention,” Twilight dryly muttered, doing the same. “Will I need anything else for tonight?”

“Nah, just enough to get ready for school in the morning.”

“Oh, I’m so envious of you two,” Fluttershy said, standing behind them, a wistful dreamlike quality to her voice. “Equestria sounds like such a wonderful, magical place.”

“Yeah,” Sunset said, smiling at the memories of her home. The good ones, at least. “It is pretty amazing if you really think about it. Other than the occasional monster, tyrannical dictator in search of conquest, world endingly horrible eldritch entity, or rampaging god of chaos running around. But other than that it's a great place to live.”

“Oh, I don't know about living there... maybe a visit to see all of the animals you can't find in this world. And to see myself as a pony would be so...” she began to inaudibly squee as she imagined herself as the pegasus she turned into when she ponied up.

“Hold your horses there,” Twilight joked to cover the grim feeling that embedded itself into her bones. “I can tell you all about it if I get back.”

“If?” The two other girls asked simultaneously.

Twilight swore under breath and frantically thought of a way to dig out.

“The Dreadstone terrorists are not that big of a deal,” Sunset eased, placing a soothing hand on her friend's shoulder. “The most dangerous thing in Equestria right now is probably gonna be the prospect of tripping on your own hooves.”

Twilight blanched. On one hand she was glad that her cover wasn't blown, but on the other hand...

“Dreadstone terrorists?” she asked.

Sunset facepalmed. “So that's not what’s got you worried.” She sighed. “Ugh, okay, so the short version is that a bunch of ponies who hate dragons stole some magic armor for presumably nefarious purposes, but Twilight says that they're not a big issue, but it doesn't mean that ponies aren't still kinda paranoid about them. I thought I mentioned it before but I guess I haven't.”

“Oh my goodness,” Fluttershy murmured, wide eyed. “That sounds awful...”

“Awful as that may be,” Twilight said, now with a plan in place. “I just mean that the last time I had anything to do with a magic mirror, it didn't go so well.” Better than nothing.

“Ooohhh...” Sunset closed her locker and put her hands in her jacket pockets. “I gotta say, this is really making you paranoid... are you sure you're okay with going?”

“It’s a trap...” Midnight whispered.

“No, I’m fine!” she lied. “I don't wanna ruin the plans you made with the ponies. I'm just a little overwhelmed because it was such short notice and there's the party first and I’m on my period and that's probably just making me super emotional but everything’s fine!”

Sunset remained impassive for a moment. She didn't want to reveal her hand and call out Twilight on lying, but couldn't because Fluttershy was standing right there. She cursed the taboo as she considered her response. Before she could say anything, however, Fluttershy embraced the girl.

Twilight froze at the contact, arms out and a look of confused shock plastered on her face. After a moment she found herself returning the hug in kind, closing her eyes and burying her head in Fluttershy’s neck, shuddering and fighting the urge to cry. “Thank you...” she whimpered.

“It's okay,” Fluttershy consoled, motherly. “Don't be mad but Rainbow told me that you're worried about becoming a pony, but everything is going to be just fine. Sunset did the same thing. It's okay to be a little anxious but I hate seeing you panic...”

Twilight pulled tighter. Though misplaced, it was still nice to know that she cared. It also felt nice to hug Fluttershy; plus she smelled like Jasmine and fresh-cut grass.

Sunset looked off to the side. Why did Twilight tell Rainbow that she was scared of Equestria if her issues were with guilt over attraction and Midnight having returned? Could this just be a straw that’s breaking the camel’s back?

“I'm just worried is all...” Twilight finally stepped back, wiping her eyes of the thin sheen of tears that had formed. “It's stupid, I know, but I’m still a little on edge.”

“If you really don't want to go,” Sunset said, figuring she’d have to find another way to purge Midnight if she had to cancel. “The mares will all understand. If this is this much of a problem for you, you can just help Rainbow like you were going to anyway.”

“It's fine, really,” Twilight insisted. “I'm honestly looking forward to it, honest. I just get weird about dumb things sometimes, you know?”

“Oh Twilight, it's not dumb just because someone else doesn't have the same problem!” Fluttershy gently reprimanded her self deprecation. “I have those feelings too, all the time. Your fears are all valid, no matter how unfounded they might be, because your feelings are still real... And your friends will be here to help you through it.”

“That we will,” Sunset said, clamping her hand on Twilight’s shoulder. She could have more than one thing going wrong at a time. Celestia knew she herself had a lot. “Every step of the way.”

“...thank you girls.” Twilight said, pushing her locker closed. “I’ll try to be better about all this... and i’ll keep that in mind.”

“Do you need anything right now?” Fluttershy asked.

“Ten million dollars, a kilogram of chocolate, and a hand to hold.” she joked.

Fluttershy, however, took Twilight’s hand in her own, which brought a blush to her cheeks.

“I- I was only kidding!” she exclaimed.

“You can let go if you want to, then,” Fluttershy replied, gently beaming. “But if you're not then I don't mind doing this for you.”

Twilight ignored Midnight and the terrible accusations she was hurling, and simply opted to grip tighter. “If you don't mind... then thank you.”

The two girls then began to walk down the halls, Sunset trailing behind. She contemplated Twilight’s somewhat odd behavior. She merely shrugged and attributed it to the body horror of transforming into an entirely different creature. Becoming a human was... utterly horrible.

Surely that was all that was wrong.

/x/x/x/

“I’m home!”

Flash Sentry shrugged off his jacket as he placed his car keys on the kitchen counter, throwing the fabric onto the back of the couch. He shimmied along the cramped space between on his way to the hall.

He knocked twice on one of the doors. “Hey bro, you awake?” He asked.

“I have never been less awake, my man!”

Flash nudged the door open to see a giant mess of art supplies. Several easels with canvas sat around the room, unfinished projects on all of them. Large white pieces of paper covered much of the room, cans of paint scattered here there and everywhere. Rags, palettes, brushes, and other supplies littered everywhere that was left.

At the center of it all was a burly man with a blue mohawk. He wore jeans and a scarf comprised of different shades of pink, and had flecks of paint all over his face and bare skin. He was hunched over one piece of paper, paintbrush in hand.

“I hit a sick batch of inspiration this morning and I've been on a roll, man, on a fuckin ROLL.”

Flash carefully stepped around the mess before making his way to the small desk in the corner next to the bed. There was no other furniture.

“That's great to hear, Spearhead,” he said, pulling open a drawer. “What's the piece gonna be called?” He asked as he pulled out a plastic container.

“Insomnia, the nameless phantom...”

Flash sighed. “You didn't take your pill this morning.”

“Sure I did, right before you left for work.”

“That was yesterday afternoon, Spear.”

No response came.

“Did you even sleep last night?”

Spearhead nodded. “Art doesn't sleep, my man. War and art are the two things that sleep doesn't wait for, and I know my share of both.”

Flash glanced up at the wall, at a large framed photograph of Spear in full military regalia. Next to it was a glass box showcasing multiple medallions and pins.

“I know you do...” he muttered somberly to himself. “But you have to take your meds or you're just gonna get bad again. I can't be here for you if you have another flashback.”

Spear leaned back, kneeling, and glaring down at the solid wall of black. “I will when I finish.”

“Do it tonight, all right?” Flash warned. “I worry about you, man.”

“I will tonight... I just... I have to finish this one.”

Flash knelt down behind him and embraced him. “I know. And you gotta remember to eat, too.” He sniffed. “And shower. Mom and dad would be pissed at me if they knew I let you go without bathing.”

“...I miss ‘em.”

“Me too.” Flash stood up. “I'll cook tonight. I'll let you know what things are ready.”

“Got it... love ya, bro.”

“Love ya too, bro.” He said, making his way back out the room. “If you need anything else just let me know.”

No response.

Flash slowly closed the door behind him before sliding down to the floor, placing his head on the wood and sighing. His eyes scanned through the photographs on the wall. Many of them were of Spearhead with his old squadmates from the war.

They were all dead now.

“Fuckin’ Coldbloods...” he pulled himself back to his feet before dragging himself to the next door. Inside, the lights were off, and through the curtains which blotted out most of what natural light would have come in from the sun, he could barely make out a lump in the bed.

“Hey June,” he greeted, closing the door behind him and kicking off his shoes. “Class was fine. You do more than sleep today?” He removed his shirt and sat down on the bed.

“...no...”

Flash turned to lay down behind her, and wrapped an arm around her midsection. “No big deal. At least you did sleep. Spear’s been awake since yesterday morning.” He cast his eyes at the small refrigerator and the microwave in the corner of the bedroom. “Did you eat?”

She shrugged. “Had an apple.”

Flash sighed. “I'm cooking tonight. You want anything?”

She shrugged again.

“Do you wanna go outside for a bit?”

“...okay.”

Flash nodded and got up. He stepped around the bed and reached down to move his arms under her body. She slipped off the blankets and let him pick her up. He was careful not to bump her legs, but picked her up bridal style.

He made his way out the room and down the hall, stepping through the small gap between the couch and the wall into the living room. He continued over to the balcony window. She pulled it open and he stepped through before placing her down on one of the chairs.

“You good?” He asked.

She merely nodded, and he took that as his ability to sit in the one next to her.

“I really hate this.”

He reached over to take her hand in his. “I know,” he said. “I'm sorry.”

“It's not your fault,” she interjected. “You weren't even driving.”

He glanced down to her mangled legs before he looked back to her eyes. “Maybe I should have been. Then maybe we wouldn't have crashed.”

“It doesn't matter. We did. My uncle paid for the hospital bills. My legs are destroyed. But we’re alive. That's all that matters to me.”

Flash grimly purses his lips before leaning in to kiss her forehead. “I'm glad for that, at least.”

She smiled and kissed him back. “Love you.”

“Love you too.”

/x/x/x/

The party went on uneventfully.

Pinkie’s cake was a hit, the tunes were jamming, the decorations were appreciated, and the girls all had a great time.

It was bittersweet for only one.

Twilight stood in front of the Wondercolts statue, gazing into the portal. She couldn't see it but she knew it was there. The faint scent of lemongrass emanated from it, and there was a just barely audible hum.

“Well girls, I’ll see you all tomorrow,” Sunset said, hugging Rarity before moving on to Pinkie. “Be sure to let me know what all I’ll be missing tonight.”

“Don't worry Sunny!” Pinkie exclaimed, turning their bodies to either side in a bone crushing hug. “I'll keep a super mega ultra detailed log and let you know every single thing that happens down to every time I blink!”

“Ahaha... maybe not that much... also I can’t breathe.”

“Oopsie!” She stepped back. “Sorry.”

Rainbow slung her arm around Sunset’s shoulders. “Don't worry, I’ll let you know all the cool stuff that happens.”

Twilight watched the banter from a distance more emotional than physical. This was probably going to be the last time she ever saw any of her friends again. She glanced down at her cell phone at the last message she'd probably ever get from her parents.

‘It’s okay, be safe, we love you’ in response to ‘Hey is it alright if I spend the night at Sunset’s?’

“If only they really knew what was about to happen...”

“I'll go first,” Sunset said, snapping Twilight out of her reverie. “That'd probably be best for everyone involved. I'll see you on the other side!” And with that she stepped into the stone, disappearing out of sight.

“That's still so awesome!” Rainbow cried.

Fluttershy came over and hugged Twilight again. “It's going to be okay,” she whispered. Twilight merely nodded as she returned the hug, knowing she might not ever see her again.

Applejack gently clapped a hand on her back. “Y'all better have fun now, ya hear?”

“Oooohhhh it's gonna be so super duper funtifferastic!” Pinkie exclaimed. “I'd ask you to send me a postcard but only magic things can go through.” After a moment she gasped. “Wait, what if they have MAGIC POSTCARDS???”

“Postcards, schmostcards,” Rainbow casually dismissed. “You should find a way to take a picture of the other me.” At everyone else’s looks she started rubbing the back of her neck. “Or, uh... all of them, ehehe... but seriously though, have fun.”

“I'll certainly try,” Twilight nervously chuckled, knowing that even if she could she probably wouldn't be able to.

Rarity was the last to approach.

“I do certainly hope you enjoy yourself, darling,” she said, comfortingly, before stepping in with another hug. “Creator knows that you deserve a good night away from all of the drama this world has to offer you.” Then, quieter. “And maybe seeing Sunset as a horse will make her less attractive to you.”

Twilight snorted laughing. “Well now that you mention that...”

It then just dawned on Twilight that this would be the first time she was seeing Sunset fully for who she was in even more intimate a sense than she had already. After this she’d have seen Sunset nude in more ways than literally anyone else in the world. The thought brought color to her cheeks.

“Well regardless of whatever happens, I do hope you enjoy the time you spend in Equestria,” Rarity said, pulling away. “And you simply must tell us all about it when you return.”

“If...”

“Oh, don't worry, I definitely plan to,” Twilight said, stepping back from her friends. She took a mental snapshot of all of them, affirming this would be what she sees before the end.

‘Don't cry, damn it...’ she whispered to herself. ‘Be strong for them...’

“I, uh...” she put her fingers together. “I love you guys.”

Three ‘awwws’ and one ‘gaaay’ chimed out of the group.

“We’ll miss you,” Rarity said. “And we all love you too.”

Twilight smiled one last time before turning around. She steeled herself with a deep breath before stepping forward, and disappearing out of sight.

/x/x/x/

Twilight, Starlight, and Spike were all sitting at the Cutie Map, reading. Twilight had a copy of Star Swirl’s Complete Compendium of Spells Volume III. Starlight had How To Win Friends And Influence Ponies. Spike had the comic book Watchmares that he swore was called a graphic novel but was literally just a long comic book.

A flash of light from the other room suddenly came from out of nowhere, soon followed by none other than Sunset Shimmer.

In an instant, the spellbook found itself discarded on the table as Twilight’s hooves wrapped around the new guest.

Starlight smiled as she set her own book down- much more gently and carefully- as she trotted over to the pair.

“Ah, it's been so long!” Twilight cried. “How in the hay have you been!?”

“It's been wonderful, Twilight,” Sunset greeted, returning the hug in full force. “No monsters have tried to enslave all the humans for a few months, life couldn't be better. Hey Spike!”

Spike looked up briefly and waved a claw, hungry to get back to his comics. Sunset was cool and all but Detective Inkblot Shock was cooler.

Twilight pulled away and allowed Starlight to step in and give a hug herself.

“How are the girls?” She asked. “Fluttershy still quiet, Rainbow still cocky, Pinkie still Pinkie?”

“They're all well,” Sunset chuckled, pulling away. “It's weird knowing you know them here better than I do.”

“Well, weirdness abounds wherever there's magic. So uh...” Starlight looked over Sunset’s shoulder. “Where’s your entourage?”

“Twilight’s saying goodbye to everyone,” she replied. “Where’s yours?”

“The girls are arriving soon,” Twilight answered. “Magidecon is kind of a smelly business. But it's definitely worth it if it means I can help out the other me!”

“This will be so confusing...” Starlight muttered. “I can barely keep one of you straight!”

Twilight playfully scoffed and nudged her with a hoof. “Shut up, I’m sure the wings will be enough to tell the difference.”

The mirror flashed again.

“Speaking of which...”

*THUD*

“...ow.”

The three mares shared an awkward, uneasy glance before they all trotted in.

“Maybe one of us should have been in here...” Sunset murmured, reaching a hoof out.

The new arrival rolled over and frantically attempted to orient herself, hooves waving wildly. Eventually she made contact and righted herself, pulling to her rear legs. Her forelegs wobbled before meeting the ground, and the girl shook her mane to either side.

Twilight the alicorn approached her winglesss doppelgänger before reaching out a hoof.

“Hi Twilight,” she greeted. “Been a while.”

Twilight the unicorn was frozen in shock by the three magic talking ponies who bore suspicious resemblances to two of her friends and a mirror.

She fainted.

/x/x/x/

Author's Note

First and foremost, the events that occur while Twilight is in Equestria will happen in the first chapter of my fic The Dragonbourne Identity, which mainly focuses on Spike. After that, however, the story continues in this fic. I will leave a link to it [here] when it's done for those who want to see it but it's not 100% necessary to continue reading this fic. Actually, this fic is almost required reading for the sequel, The Dragonbourne Supremacy because the Sunset from this fic is a main character. It's complicated, I know, but I'll link to the blog that discusses the timeline once it becomes necessary.

Anyway, this chapter mainly exists to bring up the main plot lines I will be pursuing in side stories, but after this I'll be predominantly back on Twilight's character arc. Consider everything up until this point acts i and ii, and act iii will begin next chapter.

Pinkie and Applejack's bit is necessary for later on. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle's bit is to take part in Rarity's arc for the sake of the sequel to this fic's sequel, and also to kind of tie together the overarching idea of what I wanna do with their characters in all of my fics. Fluttershy and Sunset are due to have some work done to explain why they live together, it just hasn't been necessary yet because it has nothing to do with Twilight or Rarity who are the main focuses aside from Sunset [who becomes significantly more important than the object of Twilight's affections in act iv. Flash's segment is important and not just feels porn, I swear. Overall I'm not really a fan of this chapter, necessary though it may be to bridge the gap, and I feel bad because I wanna get back into Twilight so badly, but I just needed to shove her through the mirror so I could get to the next plot arc already. Hope you all understand.

I wanna thank everyone for supporting this fic. Every day I get more and more notifications of people adding this to their Favorites libraries, so I'm glad to know that people are really getting into it. Thank you for reading, and have a happy Mother's Day.