Cloud Ten

by Professor Toast

Chapters

Which Princess Do You Think?
9:30 A.M.
Canterlot State of Mind
The Sparkle in Her Eyes

Which Princess Do You Think?

Professor Toast proudly presents...

Cloud 10

**********

"Are you sure about this, Twilight?"

"Of course I'm sure!" Twilight responded confidently, "why would I not tell Princess Celestia about us?"

"Doesn't it seem a little..." Rainbow Dash hesitated, "a little awkward?"

Twilight scoffed. "A little awkward? And this is coming from the pony who, instead of telling our friends that we were dating, decided to just start a make-out session right in front of them!"

Rainbow blushed. "Yeah, well, this is different!"

"What!?" Twilight rolled her eyes. "How is this different?"

"Well, I mean... We definitely should tell her at some point, but she isn't just another one of our friends, she's the leader of all of Equestria! What if she doesn't approve!? Then we're done!"

"I never knew that you were so paranoid, Rainbow! How much sleep did you lose when we decided to come out to our friends? This is nothing different! Princess Celestia has always been accepting of me, and has told be to always be honest to myself. Don't worry Rainbow, it's going to be fine!"

Rainbow felt Twilight nuzzle up against her. Dash let out a long exhale. "You know what? You're right. I got all worked up last time, and it was all for nothing. Alright, Twilight, go for it."

Twilight smiled. "I can't do this all alone, I need your help! The Princess wanted you to write letters to her too, right?"

Dash nodded her head.

"So let's do this. Together."

"Alright!" responded Rainbow enthusiastically as she planted a small kiss on Twilight's cheek. "Are you coming Twilight?" Rainbow motioned towards the desk in the corner of Twilight's room.

Twilight blushed. "Umm... yep! Here I come!"

In her haste, however, Twilight somehow managed to trip over her own hooves, sending her crashing to the floor.

Rainbow Dash began giggling furiously. "Wow, is it really easy to get you flustered?" she asked smugly.

Twilight, blushing even brighter, managed to climb off the floor and regain her composure. Her dignity, however, was beyond salvaging. "Let's just write this letter," Twilight mumbled.

Twilight meandered behind Rainbow Dash towards the writing station beneath the window. Twilight levitated the pen and dipped it into the ink.

Twilight wrote as she spoke. "Dear Princess Celestia, today I learned a very special lesson about friendship. I learned that—"

"Woah there Twilight!" interrupted Rainbow Dash, "Are you just gonna come out of the blue and tell her? Why don't you ease into it a little?"

Twilight looked at Rainbow. "Well, what do you think i should write?"

"Why don't you start it something like 'Dear Princess Celestia, how are you? I hope everything is just great? Is Luna getting along alright?" Dash suggested.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Oh yeah, I'm sure Princess Celestia would love that!" she voiced dramatically. "I've never once started a letter like that! So, to answer your question, yes, I am just going to come out and say it!"

Rainbow was somewhat taken back. "Jeez, Twilight, that's fine I was just wondering is all."

Twilight took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Rainbow, I'm just stressed is all. You can help me write if you want?" she suggested.

"Alright Twi', I take it back. I'm not that good with words, I just think that you should ease into it, but you know her the best so whatever you think is right is alright with me." Rainbow shrugged.

Twilight picked up the quill. "Okay, but feel free to suggest things to put in the letter if you want, okay?"

Rainbow nodded in acknowledgment.

Twilight wrote as she spoke. "Dear Princess Celestia, I know it has been a long time since my last friendship report, but it comes with good reason." Twilight paused. "Rainbow Dash, any input?"

Dash Shrugged. "Nah, you're doing a great job. Well maybe... nah, forget it."

Twilight glared at Rainbow. "Rainbow Dash, this is your letter just as much as it is mine. I know you have input, so please, do it for me." The way Twilight fluttered her eyes made Rainbow Dash half believe that Rarity had painted herself purple and replaced Twilight with herself.

Rainbow blushed slightly. "Okay, Rarity! If you say so! Rainbow gave Twilight a small kiss on the cheek.

Twilight blushed harder than Rainbow did.

Rainbow Dash smirked. I can't believe that stuff like that still makes her blush like that! Hay, I can't believe that I blushed at an eye flutter! This is exactly what I would imagine it would be like for Fluttershy to date another Fluttershy!

"So... uhh... what do you have to say to Princess Celestia," stuttered Twilight.

"Why don't you tell her that you have found love, tell her about it a little, and then finally tell her that it's me who you are talking about, maybe throw in Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, and Fluttershy too, if you want to." Rainbow Dash took a deep breath.

Twilight blinked. "Umm, wow Rainbow that is... uhh. a pretty good idea actually! See, I told you you could write!"

"Well yeah!" Rainbow said over-dramatically, "I knew that but I couldn't put that into words! That's what I got you for!" Rainbow smiled.

Twilight smiled back. "Okay, what do you think about this? Dear Princess Celestia, I know it has been a long time since my last friendship report, but it comes with good reason. I've fallen in love. I figured that love is just another form of friendship and was the next logical step in my experience with friendship." Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash.

"That's good," Rainbow assured, "don't stop now!"

Twilight took took a deep breath and continued reading aloud. "Now I'm sure you are wondering who the lucky stallion is... I can't do this! Rainbow, you write it!"

"This coming from the pony who just couldn't wait to tell all our friends!" blurted Dash.

"Coming from the pony who decided to start a make-out session in front of them!" retorted Twilight playfully.

Rainbow blushed. "Oh shut up and write you letter for Celestia's sake," mumbled Rainbow.

Twilight grinned, but as she suddenly realized that she did have to finish the letter in front of her, her ears dropped and her smile faded.

Twilight took a deep breath. "but in fact, it's not a stallion, it is a mare that I'm dating." Rainbow Dash put a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I'm not afraid to tell you because I'm in love with her. I'm sure you're now wondering who this mystery mare is, but she is no mystery. Her name is Rainbow Dash and I love her more than anything in all of Equestria. I know that this is pretty unexpected, but I'm not going to deny who I am. I'm behind Rainbow Dash and she is behind me."

"Do you think that's enough?" Twilight asked as she looked back at Rainbow Dash.

"Do you think that we should say anything about the other couples?" suggested Dash.

Twilight rubbed her chin with her hoof as she pondered the question. "Hmmm... I actually don't think we should. Now that everypony else writes friendship reports to Princess Celestia, I don't think it should be up to us to tell the Princess things about their personal lives. While they may not be as close to the Princess as I am, I think that they will tell her eventually, if they haven't already."

Rainbow Dash nodded her head. "That sounds fine to me, I don't think I would want somepony else telling Princess Celestia things about my personal life, and I doubt our friends would either." Rainbow shrugged.

"Alright, we'll leave them out of it then," confirmed Twilight, "Do you think we should add anything else?"

"Here, let me see," said Rainbow Dash as she rested her head on Twilight's shoulder, trying to get a better look at the letter. Rainbow's eyes quickly darted up and down the piece of parchment. "Looks good to me!"

"How did you read that do fast?" inquired Twilight.

Rainbow smirked. "Do you know how many Daring Do books I've read?" She gave Twilight a small kiss on the cheek. "Now come on, let's wrap up this letter."

Twilight grinned. "Hope to hear from you soon. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle." Twilight took a quick look over her shoulder. "with help from you other faithful student, Rainbow Dash.

"Now we just need to send it," muttered Twilight. "Come on, let's go find Spike," she said as she motioned down the stairs.

"Spike!" Twilight called out as she trotted down the stairs, Rainbow Dash following closely behind, "Spike! I need you to send a letter to Princess Celestia!"

Spike's head appeared around the corner that led into the kitchen. "What was that Twi'?"

"Can you please send this letter to the Princess?" asked Twilight.

Spike rubbed his head. "Which Princess?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Which Princess do you think, Spike?"

"Well I just thought that you might be sending a letter to Cadance, you haven't had me send anything to her yet so I wouldn't be surprised if you want me to," justified Spike.

Twilight pondered this for a moment, then, all of a sudden, her eyes widened. She was frozen solid.

"Twilight?" Spike waved his paw in from of her face. "Twilight, are you okay?"

Suddenly, Twilight's mind snapped back to the situation at hand. "Umm... yeah I'm fine. Spike? Princess Celestia please."

"You got it Twilight!" Spike responded, snatching the letter out of Twilight's levitation field. He then did what he always did when sending a letter to Princess Celestia, took a deep breath and exhaled a green tinted flame that consumed Twilight's letter.

Spike then walked in the direction of the kitchen. "Do you guys want something to eat? Because I'm starving!"

When Spike was at a safe distance, Rainbow Dash went up to Twilight. "What's up?" she asked under her breath.

Twilight stared right at Rainbow. "I still have to tell my brother."

**********

"Well, Darling, are you going to send it or not?"

Rarity was pacing nervously around her room. She and Applejack, after coming out to their friends, had decided that it was time to tell everypony else. Rarity had insisted on telling their families first, but Applejack had persisted, using Princess Celestia as more or less an excuse to delay telling their families, which was okay with Rarity because, even if she did not recognize it, she was just as nervous about telling her parents as Applejack was.

"Well yeah, but we can't do that unless we get Spike ta do it for us," Applejack expressed neutrally.

"Well lets go find the little dragon then!" Rarity voiced enthusiastically.

As the two ponies made their way towards the front door of Carousel Boutique, a semi-awkward feeling hung overhead. Both ponies recognized the sudden absence of conversation, but neither did anything to break the mild tension, each one was too busy worrying about how their respective families were going to react to their relationship.

Applejack and Rarity spent the majority of their trip in silence up until the very end when Applejack finally broke the silence. "Rar'..."

Rarity looked up from the ground.

"We do need ta tell our families," Applejack stated simply.

"I know," Rarity responded, "the only reason I agreed to this whole Princess Celestia thing is because I was afraid too."

"Yeah Princess Celestia don't really ta know yet, does she?" Applejack smirked subtly.

"No she doesn't, Darling," Rarity assured, "besides, I'm sure she has more important things to deal with than the relationship of a couple of ponies."

"So what'da we do with the letter?" asked Applejack, "do we still send it to 'er?"

Rarity levitated the letter out Applejack's saddlebag. Bringing it close to her own face, she magically ripped it apart. "It can wait."

"Hey! You two!"

Slightly startled, Applejack and Rarity turned towards the source of the noise. Rarity's levitation field broke and the torn letter fell to the ground.

"Are you just gonna stand out here until the sun goes down or come and knock on the door for Celestia's sake!?" Rainbow Dash called out.

Applejack looked over at Rarity, shrugged, and started walking the short distance to Twilight's house. Rarity followed after.

"So," Rainbow began as Applejack and Rarity entered the library, "what brings you two here?"

Rarity and Applejack looked over at each other, however, Rainbow Dash did not seem notice this exchange of looks. Rarity's eyes widened as she gave Applejack a subtle nod.

"Oh ya know," blurted Applejack, "just came by ta say hey!"

"Well I think Spike's making dinner if you two want to stay around," Rainbow offered.

"Actually Rainbow," Rarity began, "I think that Applejack and I—"

"Would love'ta stay for some grub!" interjected Applejack.

Rainbow gave the two other ponies a nod. "Spike!" she called out, "would you whip up two more salads for Applejack and Rarity?"

"Sure thing Rainbow!" Spike responded from the kitchen.

"And who exactly would that be?" Twilight asked as she defended the stairs into the main room of the library.

Applejack was the first to greet her. "Hey there Twi'!"

"Hello there Twilight, thank you very much for offering us dinner," followed Rarity.

"Any time girls!" Twilight responded. "So what brings you two here?"

"Oh you know," Rarity began, "just stopping in to say hello, see how you two are doing."

"Never been better!" giggled Twilight as she gave Rainbow a small kiss on the cheek.

Rainbow's cheeks revealed a very small blush, but it was easily noticeable against her cyan coat. Rainbow tried to ease her embarrassment. "Yeah, so how have you two been?"

"Same," Rarity responded, "never been better!"

Applejack planted a small kiss of her own on Rarity's cheek, which caused Rarity to blush slightly, which also stood out clearly from her white coat. Rarity shot applejack a look.

"What?" Applejack smiled. "I had ta beat ya to the punch!"

Rarity smiled and gave Applejack a playful kick.

"Dinner's ready!" the four mares heard a voice call out from the other room.

"Did you make enough for Applejack and Rarity?" Twilight hollered back.

"Yeah there's plenty for everypony," Spike responded.

The four ponies made their way into the kitchen where they found five freshly made salads laid out on the kitchen table with a large mug of apple cider accompanying each one.

"Wow Spike, these look fantastic!" Rarity complimented as she rubbed the little dragon lovingly on the head, causing him to blush.

"Thanks Rarity, but this isn't even my best work, you should taste my hay fries!" Spike boasted.

Rarity just smiled and shook her head.

Rainbow Dash was done waiting. "Well what is everypony waiting for? Let's dig in!"

Dinner consisted of polite chatter between the four ponies and the dragon, with topics varying from the latest rumors and gossip to old memories and stories, but never was the topic of relationships brought up in front of Spike, even though it was on the tip of everypony's tongue. However, the baby dragon eventually got tired.

"Spike, why don't you go to bed, I'll take care of cleaning up, you look pretty tired," suggested Twilight.

"That's okay," mumbled Spike, "I'll be fine."

"Spike, you nearly fell asleep in your salad," explained Twilight.

"Okay, maybe you are right," slurred Spike, "good night everypony."

Everypony was silent as Spike slowly made his way out of the kitchen and into his new room. The room remained silent until the distinctive sound of Spike closing his door was heard.

Applejack was the first to speak. "Ya haven't told him yet, have ya?"

Twilight shook her head. "No, not yet. He'll have to find out eventually, but he doesn't need to know right now." Twilight paused. "Have you two told anypony yet?"

Rarity looked over at Applejack. "Actually no, that is partially why we are here tonight."

Twilight tilted her head. "How so?"

"Well, ta be honest," began Applejack, "we have both been puttin' this off for way to long and we realized that we need ta tell our folks, we just don't know how ta do it and I was wonderin', and I'm sure Rar' is too, if you two have told anypony and how ya went 'bout doin' it."

"And if you think it is a good idea to tell anypony so soon or if we should wait longer," Rarity added.

Twilight and Rainbow looked at each other.

"Actually..." Dash hesitated. "We've kinda been having the same problem ourselves, we really don't know where to begin.

"Well that's not entirely true," said Twilight, "we actually sent a letter to Princess Celestia telling her about it."

"What did you tell her?" asked Rarity.

"Just about us, not about you and Applejack or Pinkie and Fluttershy," informed Twilight, "and we just basically told her—"

"Twilight!" Spiked called out.

"What is it Spike?" she yelled back.

Nopony made a noise until the little dragon rounded the corner rubbing his eye with one hand and holding a piece of parchment in the other.

"Letter from the Princess," yawned Spike.

He tossed the letter on the table. "If you need me, I'll be sleeping."

Twilight unrolled the scroll and levitated it in front of her face. Her eyes quickly darted across the piece of paper as her facial expression changed from serious to inquisitive to shocked.

"Well, what does it say!?" stressed Rainbow Dash.

Twilight gulped. "She wants us to come to Canterlot!"

9:30 A.M.

"What do you mean she wants us to go to Canterlot!?"

Twilight slammed the letter down on the kitchen table. "See for yourself!" she yelled as she turned the other way.

Rainbow Dash read the letter aloud. "To my faithful students Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash, I am quite pleased to hear from you, but I have to say, this news is quite unexpected. How exactly this came about is not of importance at this moment, but the fact that it has happened is undeniable. To be concise about it, I would like for you and Rainbow Dash to come stay with me in Canterlot for a few days. The rest of the Elements of Harmony may also come if they so choose. I have reserved six seats on the 9:30 A.M. train to Canterlot for you and your friends. I hope to see all of you soon! Your mentor, Princess Celestia."

A very concerned Rainbow Dash looked over at Applejack and Rarity, who were left completely speechless. She then directed her gave over to Twilight. "Twilight? Are you okay?"

Twilight took a deep breath. "We're done! It's over, Rainbow! Princess Celestia is going to send at least one of us to the moon! Probably me given that this is mostly my fault! She'll never let us see each other! Unless..." Twilight looked back at Rainbow Dash. Her eyes widened. "We need to leave! Now!"

"Wha... I don't even—"

Twilight began bolting around the library. "I have a second cousin in Fillydelphia who we can stay with. We can lay low for a while and if we find out that Celestia is on to us, we can high tail it out of there! We can get out of Equestria if we need to!"

"Twilight, ca—"

"We can start a new life, far away from Equestria's borders, we can—"

"Twilight!" Rainbow Dash nearly screamed. Twilight froze in her tracks and looked at Dash. "Now just calm down for a second! You are overreacting!"

"I'm overreacting!?" retorted Twilight, "you are underreacting! We're going to the moon, Rainbow! Princess—"

Twilight was not able to finish her panic-induced rant as she was interrupted by the kiss of Rainbow Dash. As Rainbow took Twilight in her forehooves and their lips met, Twilight was rendered speechless. This was not just any kiss, however, it was the kiss. This kiss drove deep down into Twilight's very soul; if you could have somehow asked Twilight what her own name was during this kiss, it is likely that she would have no understanding of the language you were speaking in, let alone what her name was. Twilight was so lost in the moment that she almost didn't notice when Rainbow Dash broke the kiss

Breathing heavily, Dash looked over at Applejack and Rarity who were staring at the couple oddly. "What? That's the only way I can get her to shut up!"

Dash looked back at Twilight, who was taking deep, slow breathes. "Everything is going to be just fine. Celestia isn't going to banish us, okay? I'm sure she just wants to talk to us! Our friends were okay with us being together, why wouldn't Princess Celestia?"

"Because she isn't into mares like the rest of our friends were," Twilight said softly.

"Well, how do you know?" Rainbow shrugged. "She's been around for so long I wouldn't be surprised of she's at least experimented with it."

"Wha... what!?" exclaimed Twilight, "No way! Princess Celestia is not into mares!"

"Well have you ever asked her about it?" questioned Rainbow Dash.

Twilight became lost in thought. "Well, no actually I haven't. I just assumed that she has always been on her own."

"Well, Darling, I would think, regardless of her own relationships, that Princess Celestia is a very fair pony and is likely to be accepting of your and Rainbow's relationship," Rarity chimed in.

"Ya Ah don't see no reason why she would judge ya," reassured Applejack.

Twilight looked up at Rarity and Applejack. "Do you guys really think that?"

Rarity and Applejack looked over at each other. "Sure," Applejack said, "Ah don't see no reason why she would think anything else."

"Of course she will!" continued Rarity, "Princess Celestia is a very, umm... liberal pony, if she didn't accept you two I would be very surprised!"

Twilight looked back to Rainbow Dash, who still had yet to release her. "Okay, we won't run."

Dash smiled. "Good." She gave Twilight a small kiss on her snout. Twilight couldn't help but smile back. Both ponies blushed slightly.

"Awwwwwww!" squeed Rarity, "why can't you be more like that, Applejack?" She playfully hit Applejack.

Applejack simply rolled her eyes, choosing not to respond to Rarity's comment.

"Well, I might as well go pack my things up anyway if we are going to see Princess Celestia," Twilight said as she climbed out of Rainbow Dash's arms. Twilight, almost subconsciously, gave Rainbow's ear a small nibble as she walked by. "When you get rid of them, I'll be upstairs... waiting," she whispered.

Twilight seductively walked up the stairs, swaying from side to side, completely disregarding that Applejack and Rarity were still in the room. Rainbow Dash followed her every move.

The three ponies downstairs heard a door slam shut. "Umm... so, umm... see you girls tomorrow?" stammered a red-faced Rainbow Dash.

Applejack smirked. "Oh we won't keep ya waitin'. C'mon Rarity, we best be goin'."

"Oh of course, Applejack," continued Rarity, "we most certainly wouldn't want to interrupt these two!"

Applejack and Rarity, smirks on their faces, began walking towards the door of the library. As they opened the door, they were stopped momentarily by Rainbow Dash. "So umm... you two are coming to Canterlot with us tomorrow, right?"

Applejack looked at Rarity. "Ah think so?"

Rarity nodded her head. "Yes, I do think we will be making an appearance tomorrow."

"Great." Dash rubbed the back of her neck with her hoof. "Would you mind stopping by and telling Pinkie?"

"Sure, Sugarcube, won't be no problem at—"

"Stop and tell me what time we are leaving tomorrow!?" exclaimed Pinkie Pie, who had suddenly appeared at Twilight's door.

The three other ponies jumped. "Pinkie!" Rainbow Dash nearly screamed, "how did you... I don't even..."

"Well my left eye twitched, my neck popped, my left front hoof kicked and then my left eye twitched again which means either there is a pony trapped in the well or Princess Celestia wants to see all of us! I already checked the well and there was nopony in there so the next place to check was Twilight's house because she is so close to the Princess and whatdayakow! Here you all are! Hey, did you all have a party without inviting me and Futtershy?"

Rainbow Dash was the first one to regain her composure. "Just be at the train station with Fluttershy tomorrow before nine-thirty, okay? Pack a bag for a few days."

"Okie dokie lokie!" giggled Pinkie Pie as she bounced away.

The three remaining ponies remained in the doorway of the library, dumbfounded. Then, as if they had planned it, all in unison they said two words. "Pinkie Pie."

There was a brief moment of silence before Rarity ended it. "So... see you tomorrow at nine then?" she asked hesitantly, as if someone was listening.

"Right, see you then," responded Rainbow Dash.

Dash watched as Rarity and Applejack made their way home. When they were far enough away, Dash slammed the door and excitedly flew as fast as she could up to Twilight's room.

In fact, Rainbow was so excited and flew so fast that she didn't remember that Twilight had closed the door to her room when she went up earlier. Rainbow Dash was quickly reminded of this fact when her flight pattern was interrupted by that same door. She hit the door like a freight train then hit the floor like a ton of bricks.

Rainbow, now collapsed on the floor, shook her head violently, trying to relieve the pain. Head throbbing, Rainbow was still determined to get into Twilight's room. Dash sprung back up, only to collapse back to the floor, nearly blacking out. As she looked back up at the door, she saw a violet glow surround the doorknob. The door swung open and on the other side there was Twilight Sparkle, who was chuckling to herself.

"You ran into the door didn't you?" giggled Twilight.

Rainbow Dash, now blushing from embarrassment, just nodded her head in acknowledgement.

Twilight burst out laughing and collapsed to the ground. She rocked back and forth on her back, releasing every bit of laughter that she physically could. Eventually, tears started to form in her eyes from laughing so hard.

At this point, Rainbow Dash had regained most of her composure. Her pride, however, was no where to be found. "It wasn't that funny."

Twilight continued laughing. "Oh... oh come on!" snorted Twilight in between laughs, "don't you get... get the irony? 'Equestria's Best Young Flier' can't even remember... can't even remember that you have to... have to... have to open the door before you go through it!" Twilight burst into even more outrageous laughter.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Ugh! Yeah yeah laugh it up! No, go ahead, get your fill."

Rainbow Dash leaped at Twilight, giving her a small kiss. "It's not gonna be funny after I teach you a lesson," she whispered seductively.

"Please, just try and teach me a lesson," Twilight whispered between laughs.

Dash brought Twilight into a series of kisses, but Twilight continued laughing in between. Eventually, however, her laughter diminished until it was nonexistent. After a few minutes together on the floor in the doorway of Twilight's room, Rainbow eventually broke the intimacy.

"I hope to Celestia that it's not, but if this is our last night together..." Rainbow Dash leaned in right next to Twilight's ear, "we're going to make it one to remember."

**********

"That musta been quite the kiss for Twi' to be actin' like that!"

Applejack and Rarity slowly walked side by side away from the Ponyville Library. The two ponies looked to the sky as the last remnants of Celestia's sun left the sky and Luna's moon began its reign over the night. The couple took in the majesty that was the night, not making eye contact with each other or even what was in front of them, but instead gazing in awe at the brightness of the stars during this cloudless night. While their minds were momentarily focused on the beauty of the night, their conversation focused on what had happened just moments before.

"Oh I'm sure it was," responded Rarity, "I'm pretty sure Twilight didn't even know where she was after that! Rainbow Dash sure knows how to treat her right!"

Applejack frowned. "What's that 'sposed ta mean? I don't treat ya right?"

"No no no no, Darling," assured Rarity, "it's just that Rainbow Dash is so... so spontaneous! She is just so—"

Applejack decided she wasn't going to listen to another one of Rarity's rants. She jumped in front of Rarity, who was still gazing at the stars above. Applejack, in one spontaneous motion, leaped at Rarity, knocking her to the ground, and began kissing her like she had never kissed her before. Applejack and Rarity, entwined in each others arms, were rolling around on the streets of Ponyville with total disregard for their surroundings or what other ponies may have seen them. The two ponies did not break apart for a second, not even to catch their breath.

Rarity and Applejack's intimate session continued escalating and escalating until they heard a very distinctive voice call out to them. "Rarity, Applejack! What are you two doing!?"

Rarity, breathing heavily and slightly disoriented, looked up. "Pinkie? What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" giggled Pinkie, who was hanging out of a window, "what are you two weirdos doing having a make out session outside of Sugarcube Corner?" Pinkie continued her giggling.

"Umm... I don't... we were just... uhh..." Rarity stuttered.

Applejack, who just looked like she had woken up from a thousand-year sleep looked up at Pinkie. "Now what the hay is goin' on?"

Rarity helped Applejack to her feet. "Come on, Applejack, we should get going."

Applejack, who had suddenly realized the gravity of the situation, sprung to her feet. "Yeah that's probably a good idea."

Pinkie giggled. "Okie dokie! See you two weirdos tomorrow!"

Rarity continued walking. "Well, Applejack, that certainly was... spontaneous, to say the least!"

Applejack turned away, trying to hide her blush. "Hehe, well ya was talkin' 'bout how Rainbow was with Twilight so, ya know, I sure as hay ain't gonna be shown up by nopony, especially RD!"

"Well I think you did a marvelous job, Darling!" praised Rarity as she shut her eyes momentarily, reminiscing about the moment she had just shared with Applejack.

"So, umm..." stammered Applejack, "what do ya think Princess Celestia is gonna say 'bout those two goin at it?"

Rarity looked at Applejack. "I honestly don't know, and that concerns me deeply," Rarity answered, "because how she will ultimately treat us depends on how she treats them."

"Well yeah but are we really as close ta the Princess is Twi' is?" reasoned Applejack.

"Oh don't be so modest, Applejack!" encouraged Rarity, "we are two of the Elements of Harmony! We helped save Equestria! Three times! Why wouldn't we be as important to her as Twilight?"

"But Twi's been her student for Celestia knows how long!" justified Applejack, "she's a lot closer ta Twilight than she is ta us!"

"Applejack, listen." Rarity stopped and took a deep breath. "I'm just as nervous about this as you are. None of us can be sure what is going to happen with Princess Celestia, but we have to accept what happens, one way or another." Rarity nuzzled up closer to Applejack. "I know this may sound corny to you, but in every love story, everything works out in the end, and our story is no different."

Applejack could not help but smile, but she still could not help rolling her eyes. "Oh c'mon Rar', this ain't no love story."

"You know what, you're right," Rarity asserted softly, "this isn't a love story, this is better." She gave Applejack a small kiss, causing red streaks to cross her face.

Rarity looked ahead. The two ponies had arrived at Carousel Boutique "Well, this is my stop. Are you staying tonight?"

"Nah, sorry, Sugarcube, Ah gotta tell the family what's goin' on tomorrow, plus Ah've stayed at your place a lot lately, they've all probably been wonderin' what Ah've been up to," reasoned Applejack, "see ya tomorrow?"

"Alright, 'Sugarcube,'" playfully mocked Rarity, "see you tomorrow."

Applejack and Rarity came together for a kiss, which was not particularly long, not did it carry the passion that previous kisses from that night carried, but both ponies cherished it nonetheless.

"Ah love ya, Rar'," whispered Applejack.

"I love you too, Applejack," Rarity whispered in return.

Applejack planted one last small kiss on Rarity's lips, as if to officially seal the night. Rarity closed the door to her boutique and Applejack turned away, starting her way back to her farm.

Applejack took a deep breath before she whispered to herself, "Ah hope everything works out in the end, 'cause I don't know what I'll do if it don't."

**********

"Double check to make sure everypony is here... is everypony here?"

"Yes! Can we get on the train already!" Rainbow Dash nearly yelled.

Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy were all on platform #2 at the Ponyville Train Station, waiting for Twilight to allow them to board the train that was set to leave at any minute.

Twilight, in her own nature, felt the need to make a checklist in the little time she had between her time spent with Rainbow Dash the previous night and when the train was leaving. Impressively, in the short amount of time she had, working on almost no sleep, Twilight managed to create quite the extensive list.

"Hold on," replied Twilight, "just a few more things. Triple check—"

"Alright, I've had enough," interrupted Rainbow Dash, "I'm getting on the train."

Rainbow Dash walked onto the train, with a giggling, bouncing Pinkie Pie following just a few feet behind. Rarity shrugged and followed the other two ponies onto the train. Applejack followed her, leaving only Twilight and Fluttershy left on the platform.

"Umm... can I, uhh... get on the train?" Fluttershy mumbled, "I mean if that's alright with you?"

Twilight took a deep breath. "Yes go ahead Fluttershy."

"Oh thank you," Fluttershy nearly whispered as she scurried quickly on the train. Twilight followed soon after.

The train itself was a nicer, newer model, and quite spacious. This particular cabin was sparsely populated, with only a handful of other ponies making the relatively short trip to Canterlot.

Twilight followed Fluttershy to a more-or-less secluded part of the cabin, where their four other friends had already taken their places. The clock hit 9:30, the whistle blew, and the train began chugging along.

"So is everypony ready to go to Canterlot?" Rarity asked, trying to spark conversation.

Everypony's face revealed a smile. Some, genuine, some forced, and Pinkie Pie, who was always smiling. Everypony had something nice to say about the trip; what they planned to do in Canterlot or how they couldn't wait to see Cadance, Celestia, Luna, or some other pony who lived in Equestria's capital city. Nopony, however, brought up what was in the back of all of their minds and on the tip of all of their tongues: what was Celestia going to do about their relationships?

The train ride was never silent, with deep conversations circulating between the six good friends. Eventually, the train rounded the final mountain, bringing their final destination into view. Twilight was the first to notice.

"There it is. Canterlot."

Canterlot State of Mind

From a distance, Canterlot was quite the site to behold. Built on the side of a large mountain, Equestria's capital city was designed to be a military stronghold during times of war. In an attempt to "brighten up" the city, the tall stone towers that appeared to touch the sky itself were accented with brights golds and purples. While the Elements of Harmony had been to Canterlot numerous times before, the view never ceased to amaze them.

"Well, welcome hone Twi'," muttered Rainbow, who was staring out the window along with the rest of her friends.

"What was it like growing up here?" asked Rarity softly.

Twilight shrugged. "It was alright I guess, but I like Ponyville much better. Mostly because I never had much of a life in Canterlot."

"Well don't tell Applejack," Rarity whispered to Twilight, "but I'm moving here at the first chance I get!"

"What was that?" asked Applejack, who was just out of earshot.

"Oh nothing, Darling," responded Rarity, "just talking to Twilight about our Canterlot experiences.

"Fillies and Gentlecolts, we have arrived in Canterlot. Have a nice day and we hope to see you again," announced the conductor as the train screeched to a halt.

The door to the train creaked open and everypony on the train began making their way off. The six ponies near the back were some of the last to exit the train.

"Twilight Sparkle?" a voice boomed out.

The six ponies turned to discover the source of the noise. "Shining Armor!?" responded Twilight in shock.

Shining Armor trotted over to his little sister. "Hey sis, how've you been?"

As brother and sister embraced, Rainbow Dash stared in intrigue. I wonder if Celestia told him. Would she do that? No, Celestia would let Twilight do that. What's he gonna do when we tell him? Dash shrugged. Guess we'll find out.

"You know all my friends, right?" proposed Twilight.

"Let me see," he began, "we have Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow... uhh... Smash?"

Twilight was blushing, but it was subtle enough that somepony would have to be looking closely to know.

"Actually, it's Rainbow Dash," Dash corrected.

"Oh yes, I knew that! Sorry," apologized a slightly embarrassed Shining Armor.

How could he forget my name! I'm Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in all of Equestria for Celestia's sake! How could he... wait a minute... if he can't even remember my name, then there's no way he knows about me and Twi'. Alright, well, I guess that's just one more person to come out to. This is gonna get interesting.

"Shining Armor?" asked Twilight.

"Yeah?" he responded.

"Exactly why are you at the train station?"

Shining Armor smiled. "Because the Princess thinks my little sister and her friends needed extra special protection, so why not send her brother, captain of the Royal Guard?"

"Ooooo, the Princess thinks we need special protection!?" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, "she must think we are really special or something! Or are we in danger!? What did we do wrong!? Are we going to be okay!? Ooo, ooo, ooo! Do you think that they have cupcakes at the castle!?"

Shining Armor stood dumbfounded, not exactly sure what to do about Pinkie Pie. "Umm... maybe?" he responded.

Pinkie smiled. "I really hope they do because if they do, I'm gonna eat them all, then—!"

"So, you are our escort then?" interrupted Twilight, saving her brother from the randomness of Pinkie Pie.

"Yep!" answered Shining Armor, "would you ladies like to see your chariot?"

Rarity's eyes lit up, while Applejack just rolled hers.

"Umm, does the princess really think we need a chariot?" Fluttershy mumbled.

"It's 'cause we're really important!" exclaimed Pinkie, "and we need the best protection because we might be in incredible danger!"

Shining Armor laughed. "I don't know about that, but she does think very fondly of Twilight and her friends."

"Are you eggheads coming, or am I gonna have to fly to the castle myself?" Rainbow called out as she made her way over to the chariot which was partially visible behind the train station.

As everypony made their way over to where the chariot was resting, Twilight began catching up with her brother. "So, how are you and Cadance doing?"

"Oh we've been doing great ever since we got rid of those Changelings!" assured Shining Armor, "and we can't thank you and your friends for saving Cadance and getting me out of that trance! Who knows where we would be if it wasn't for you six!"

"Yeah, we're kinda used to saving all of Equestria by now!" interjected a boasting Rainbow Dash. She then sped ahead of the group.

"That pony's kinda full of herself, isn't she?" whispered Shining Armor to his sister.

Twilight gulped. "Ya," she laughed awkwardly, "that's just kinda who she is, but she's actually very loyal and a great friend!"

Shining Armor smiled slightly and shook his head. "Whatever you say, sis."

Twilight and her brother approached the chariot. This chariot, however, was abnormally large and enclosed, unlike the traditional open chariots. It could actually be classified as a carriage, which was most likely what it was and Shining Armor's description was most likely just due to his military background.

"Aren't you coming with us?" asked Twilight as she followed her friends into the incredibly carriage like "chariot."

"Of course I am, but somepony's gotta pull the thing, right?" asked Shining Armor rhetorically.

Twilight shrugged. "Whatever you say!"

Shining Armor strapped himself into the carriage. "Is everypony ready?" he called back.

"All good back here!" announced Applejack.

The six ponies felt the carriage move. Shining Armor had set off and, with the assistance of his magic, was single-handedly pulling the carriage. This did not seem to be a problem for him, as the ride was very smooth.

"So, Twilight, were you telling him about you and Rainbow Dash back there?" asked Rarity.

All of Twilight's friends, including a very nervous Rainbow Dash, stared at her. "One problem at a time, Rarity. One problem at a time."

The ride to Canterlot Castle was a relatively short one. While Rarity had briefly brought up the issue, the subject about anypony coming out was not discussed any further between the six friends, mainly because it was more than likely that Shining Armor could hear their conversation if he chose to listen and also because of the complete and utter randomness of Pinkie Pie.

"Ooooooo! Look at that!" exclaimed Pinkie with her head stuck out the window, "oh wow! Is that a bakery!? Do you think they have cupcakes!? Because I'd give my left hoof for some cupcakes right now!"

Pinkie may have been shameless, but Fluttershy was embarrassed for her. "Umm, Pinkie? Why don't you come back in here... I mean... if that's okay with you, I guess," murmured Fluttershy with a slight blush on her face.

"Look! We're here!" exclaimed Pinkie.

Then, on cue, Shining Armor magically propped open the door of the carriage. "Ladies, welcome to Canterlot Castle," he proclaimed humbly as he took a bow.

Twilight chuckled as she stepped out of the carriage. "Did the princess make you do that?"

"No but I have an image to keep up around here!" joked Shining Armor, "so do you ladies know your way to the throne room, or do I have to show you?"

"No I think we got it," responded Twilight.

"Alright, I have some stuff to take care of for the royal guard, so I'll catch up with you later!" Shining Armor explained as he began walking away.

As Shining Armor trotted away, Rainbow Dash flew next to Twilight and gave her a look as if to say 'what are we gonna do about that?'

Unlike Rainbow, Twilight decided to use words to express her emotions. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it!"

"You might have to cross it," retorted Dash, "but I'll just fly over it!"

Twilight frowned. "Rainbow, what is that even supposed to mean?"

Rainbow shrugged. "I don't know, but it sounded good, didn't it?"

Twilight just shook her head.

"Are you two coming or what?" asked Pinkie Pie as she bounced past the couple, "we've got a princess to see!"

Dash nodded her head in the direction of the castle. "After you."

**********

The six ponies entering Canterlot Castle were no strangers to the grand spectacle that it was. Beyond the entrance room was Princess Celestia's throne room. This room of the castle was adorned with a grand red-pink carpet that extended from the doors all the way to the Princess' throne. The sun shone radiantly through the stained glass windows honored the heroes of Equestria, including the Elements of Harmony themselves. At the far end of the room was Princess Celestia, perched on her throne and surrounded by four of her best guards, adorned in the most lavish armor that anypony could imagine.

As the six ponies approached Princess Celestia, they all respectfully took a bow.

"Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student!" echoed the princess, "how nice to finally see you! And I see you've brought all of your friends!"

"Hello Princess! It is great to see you too!" Twilight responded enthusiastically. Whether her enthusiasm was genuine or not was another question, however.

Celestia turned to the guards. "I do appreciate your dedication, boys, but I think I will be just fine."

Saying nothing, one of the guards, presumably the highest ranking guard, nodded his head and motioned for his fellow guards to exit. The guards, in typical fashion, filed out of the room silently.

"I really don't care much for them being here anyways," muttered Celestia.

Twilight approached Princess Celestia. "Princess, listen, I've told all my friends why you've called us here, so do you think that we can just cut to the chase then?" propositioned Twilight.

"They all know about you and Rainbow Dash?" Celestia asked under her breath.

Twilight nodded her head. "Of course."

"Okay then," began Celestia, "first of all, I must ask everypony here a question."

The other six ponies nodded their heads.

"Okay, shoot," said Applejack.

"Now I need all of you to be completely honest," stated the princess, "have any of you had any romantic interests amongst yourselves? It doesn't even have to involve any physical contact, even something as simple as a crush?"

Applejack and Rarity looked at each other, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy looked at each other, and all four of them blushed.

Pinkie Pie was the first to speak up. "Oh ya! Me and Flutters here have been going at it for a while now!"

"And, uhh... me and Rar' have been more or less 'datin'' for a little while now," chimed in Applejack.

Princess Celestia, while shocked, quickly regained her composure. "It's worse than I thought."

"Umm... Princess Celestia? What's that supposed to mean exactly?" asked Twilight.

The princess took a deep breath. "Didn't it even occur to you six how unlikely your whole situation is?" she asked in a more serious tone.

The Elements of Harmony said nothing, only looking at each other.

"Don't you think that it is strange that all six of you ended up falling for each other?" asked the princess, "and that's not even mentioning the fact that you are all mares!"

The six ponies, even the usually exuberant Pinkie Pie, chose to remain silent, allowing Princess Celestia to finish her point.

She took another deep breath. "While it could be possible that your love for each other is genuine, I believe that you were forced into love."

"Forced into love? How?" Twilight asked calmly.

"I know this might be hard for you girls to hear, but you must know the truth," Celestia began, "Though it most likely went unnoticed, when you girls first wielded the Elements of Harmony, your friendships with each other may have grown stronger. This is because when you use the elements, you six actually become, for the briefest moment, a single being. Having your friendships grow stronger would seem like no problem, actually beneficial if you asked most ponies, but this was the start of a very slippery slope. By wielding the elements a second time when you failed at defeating Discord, even though Discord had turned you against each other, your friendship may have grown even stronger. Maybe at this point you began to see each other in a different light, possible a romantic light. But, more than likely, you repressed or ignored these feelings, or maybe you did not experience them at all. When you wielded the elements the third time and succeeded at defeating Discord, your bonds to each other grew even stronger. This is most likely the point when you six started outwardly expressing your romantic feelings, or at least allowing them to become part of your conscience mind. In the broadest sense, if I am correct, the Elements of Harmony cause you to fall in love."

The six ponies, each standing next to their respective partners, were completely stunned. For the longest time, nopony said a word, each still trying to completely wrap their mind around what they had just heard.

Rainbow Dash was the first one to speak up. "So you are saying that me and Twilight aren't actually in love, and this is just the elements making us feel this way?"

The princess sighed. "If I am correct, yes."

"Is there a chance that the elements did not make us fall in love?" asked Rarity, "that we fell in love on our own accord?"

Celestia nodded. "Yes, that is a possibility, but unlikely. I understood the possible consequences of using the elements excessively after you defeated Nightmare Moon, but I was desperate and Equestria was in dire need of your help. I took necessary risks in order to save this kingdom, and I hope that you all understand."

Fluttershy spoke up. "Umm... well is there anything we can do about this?"

Princess Celestia sighed once again. "Maybe, but there is no guarantee. It is possible that we could reverse the effects that the elements have on you, but it cannot be said for sure whether it will work or not."

Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash. "So if we did discover a, uhh... a 'cure,' so to say, for this, we would no longer have feelings for each other?"

"Yes, that is a strong possibility, but i cannot be sure that your emotions were effected by the elements, and that is exactly why this procedure carries such incredible risk," Celestia explained, "if it turns out that I am wrong, and the elements have not effected your emotions, then attempting to reverse the effects of the elements could have serious consequences."

"Are you talking about dying?" Rainbow asked.

"Well, no," the princess began, "the consequences would not be quite that serious, but at the absolute worst, you could end up with a different personality, but it could also have no effect you whatsoever, I just cannot be certain."

"So what if the elements did cause us to fall in love?" questioned Twilight.

"If that is the case, then, if we succeeded in reversing the elements' effects, you would be returned to the state you were in before you defeated Nightmare Moon," Celestia explained, "whether you would still have feelings for each other is a question that only you six will be able to answer. That is, if you choose to go through with this."

Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Twilight Sparkle all looked up at Princess Celestia, as if they did not understand what she had just said.

"That's right," she stated, "I am not forcing you six to go through with this, the choice is completely yours. The main reason I called you here was not to persuade you to go through with the procedure, but simply to inform you of the truth. And please, don't feel rushed to make a decision. All of you, whether as a whole group, as couples, or even as individual ponies, can come to me with a decision at any time, and you are all welcome to stay in Canterlot as long as you need. You are also free to return to Ponyville at anytime, but I recommend, as your princess but more importantly as your teacher and mentor, that you remain in Canterlot until all of you have made a decision. Please, do not be afraid to ask me questions of any kind. Finally, I have informed no other pony other than my sister, and she is also very willing to help in any way that she can."

There was a silence that filled the room. Everypony in the room, including Princess Celestia herself, was deep in thought. Considering that six of the seven ponies in the room had just been told that it was possible that an entire portion of their lives was a lie, it was understandable.

"Now I know that is a lot to take in," consoled Celestia, "but you six have all the time in the world to decide what you want to—"

"Ah want ta go through with it," Applejack said clearly and concisely.

"Applejack!" Rarity burst out, "don't you think that we should at least talk this over?"

"What's there ta talk over?" Applejack asked, "if this ain't real, don't you wanna know? Don't all ya'll wanna know?"

Rarity was still shocked. "Well yes, Darling, I'm sure everypony wants to know, but don't you think we should discuss this before making such rash decisions?"

"I'm with AJ," interjected Rainbow Dash, "what's the point of living like this if it's all just a big lie?"

Fluttershy nodded her head in agreement. "Rainbow Dash and Applejack and right," she said softly, "we need to know."

"Listen, why don't we just talk about this a little bit?" reasoned Twilight.

"We're talkin' 'bout it right now!," Applejack responded.

Pinkie Pie finally chose to chime in. "I think that, while it is basic instinct to want to know the truth, we cannot make such an important decision based only on our initial reaction. We have to talk about this, in detail, until we will have the necessary information to make the right decision. Whether we decide to take a risk and uncover the truth behind this situation or make the decision to continue living in this possibly false reality, we will make sure that our decision is an informed one, and one that all six of us can agree upon."

Everypony, including the princess, stared at Pinkie Pie, not saying a word, only blinking in amazement.

"What?" reacted Pinkie, "is the kitchen out of cupcakes or something?" Pinkie gasped in horror.

"Well, I think Pinkie's plan of attack is a good start," said Princess Celestia, still shocked by Pinkie Pie's response.

Everypony else simply nodded their heads in acknowledgement.

"Tell you girls what," the princess proposed, "why don't I have the royal guard escort you girls to lunch somewhere downtown and you can begin to talk this over?"

Rainbow Dash felt her stomach grumble. Sounds good to me.

The Sparkle in Her Eyes

Le Fleur was one of Canterlot's most popular restaurants. Set in the heart of the city, the restaurant, which in the summertime consisted primarily of outdoor tables, was known across Equestria for its exquisite cuisine. While the sun was shining down brightly on the buzzing restaurant, the six ponies seated in the shade felt as if there was a cloud above, raining only on their table.

"I mean, she has a point," said a glum Rarity, "how likely is it that we all have feelings for each other? The odds are so slim!"

"I never thought I liked mares before," justified Twilight, "I didn't exactly have stallions lining up at my door, but I had never looked at other mares that way before Rainbow Dash."

"Did anypony here even like mares before?" Fluttershy asked.

Everypony turned towards Rainbow Dash.

Dash was taken back."What? Okay, maybe I did but that's not even the point, what's it matter anyways!?"

"Well, just sayin', we all kinda figured..." reasoned Applejack as her voice trailed off.

"Oh come on! You're all telling me none of you have looked twice at another mare before? Not even once?" Rainbow Dash asked smugly.

Everypony cheeks turned red, with the exception of Pinkie Pie.

"Oh ya! I've looked at all kinda ponies twice! Sometimes more than that! I can't even count the number of times I've looked at all of you!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Pinkie, Ah don't think you and Rainbow got the same idea," explained Applejack.

"Pshhhhh!" scoffed Pinkie, "whatever! I can't go five minutes without looking at another pony twice! Especially if I'm outside walking around and stuff!"

Fluttershy, who was sitting next to Pinkie Pie, leaned over to her, whispering something in her ear.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!" Pinkie exclaimed in realization, "okie dokie, I got you Dashie!"

"But seriously," Rainbow continued, "none of you were into mares before like a month ago?"

Everypony looked at one another, shaking their heads.

"I certainly never did," said Fluttershy, "I had always liked stallions, but I guess I always seemed to see Pinkie in a different way."

"So you are saying that you aways liked Pinkie as more than a friend then, and these feeling aren't recent?" asked Twilight, hoping to get more clarification.

"Well, yes," began Fluttershy, "I have always liked Pinkie as more than just a friend, but I guess those feelings have seemed stronger recently, but that may just be because Pinkie started showing more interest in me."

"Well Pinkie, have ya always felt this way 'bout Fluttershy? Before we used the elements?" asked Applejack.

Pinkie put her hoof to her chin, as if she was pondering the question. "Hmmm, well I do now, but I don't really know. I always liked Fluttershy and when she asked me to kiss and stuff I was like 'sure, what the hay?' I can't really say, I guess I never really though about it before."

"I'm with Pinkie here," interjected Rainbow Dash, "I can't really say, mostly because I hardly knew Twilight before we used the elements the first time, but I did start to have feeling for her some time after that."

Twilight scratched her head. "Still, if the elements did make us all fall in love with each other, why did we pick who we picked? Why aren't we all, uhh... in love with the other five?"

Everypony around the table simply shrugged. All of their faces revealed blank looks, each one individually pondering what exactly made them fall in love with their significant other. Each pony simply sat at that table in silence, questioning their feelings and second-guessing the decisions that they had made over the course of the past few weeks. While the thoughts may have differed, the feeling of confusion was mutual amongst everypony.

Twilight looked down at Daffodil sandwich that had been placed in front of her during the mutual moment of silence. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I really don't feel like eating."

Rainbow Dash nodded. "I don't know how, but my appetite is gone."

"I completely agree," said Rarity, "I really don't think any of us have much of an appetite."

Twilight looked at all her friends, noticing that all of them had no interest in even touching the food in front of them, with the exception of one.

"Uhh, Pinkie, did you already eat all of that?" Twilight asked.

Pinkie's eyes got wide. "Ohhhh, were we not supposed to be hungry?" she asked innocently.

Twilight couldn't help but laugh, which caused the five other ponies to laugh with her. Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity, for a brief moment, forgot about all of their worries and simply enjoyed the moment. While the future was uncertain, at this moment, the Elements of Harmony didn't have a care in the world.

**********

At night, the view from the east wing of Canterlot Castle was breathtaking. The moon sparkled brightly amongst the stars, contrasting against the night sky. Beneath was the capital city, which extended to the edge of the mountain where it was perched, where the scene cut off. Even further below that were the vast planes of Equestia, shrouded in darkness.

On the balcony of the east wing tower, taking in this spectacular view, was Twilight Sparkle. For her, this view was all but commonplace before she moved to Ponyville, but now, seeing it was similar to reminiscing over a fond memory. However, Twilight had other thoughts on her mind.

"It just doesn't add up," Twilight mumbled to herself,"I do love Rainbow, and I have for a long time. How can the elements make us fall in love? There are love spells, but that isn't love, that's just lust. But what Rainbow and I have, that's more than lust, it's—"

"True love?" interrupted Rainbow Dash, who had appeared floating beside the balcony.

Twilight was expectedly startled. "Rainbow Dash!?"

Rainbow simply smiled as she hovered near Twilight.

"Did you hear all of that?" asked Twilight, blushing slightly.

Dash nodded. "Every word."

Twilight looked at her hooves.

"And man, do you over think everything! Who knows how long that would have gone on if I didn't stop you!" Rainbow Dash landed on the balcony, nudging Twilight playfully.

Twilight looked up at Rainbow Dash. "I know, but I'm confused, and you know how much I hate being confused! I just can't wrap my mind around how a type of magic made us fall in love! It's not supposed to do that!"

"I know, I know, I heard everything, remember?" Rainbow joked smiling at Twilight.

Twilight returned the smile. "I'm just frustrated. Frustrated and confused."

"And we all know how much you like to be frustrated!" joked Rainbow.

Twilight nuzzled up against Rainbow Dash. "I know that I love you. Maybe I won't love you tomorrow, but I love you now, and isn't that all that matters?"

"Wow Twi'," said Rainbow, "that's corny, even for you!" Dash playfully punched her partner.

Twilight blushed, but did not back down. "I try, I try," Twilight said jokingly, but modestly nonetheless.

Rainbow looked at Twilight. "Well if you think I'm going to be shown up by some egghead, then you got another thing coming!" Rainbow threatened seductively.

Twilight felt her feet leave the ground. Rainbow Dash had taken Twilight up in her arms and accelerated skyward.

Twilight, while initially confused, was now incredibly scared. "Rainbow Dash!" she exclaimed, "what in Celestia's name do you think you're doing?"

"Chill out! You're just gonna have to trust me!" Dash accelerated.

"I don't know about this!" Twilight yelled nervously over the sound of air rushing past her.

Below, Twilight could see Canterlot castle growing smaller and smaller. As her eyes began to water she looked into the distance. The landscape of Equestria was before her, from the vast open plains in the east to the rolling mountains of the north. It wasn't before Twilight thought that she was in outer space did she feel Rainbow decelerate.

"You still know that cloud walking spell?" Rainbow asked.

Twilight's horn lit up for a brief moment as she performed the spell. As Rainbow Dash set her down on the cloud, Twilight said nothing, still in shock from the flight. However, as she regained her composure, she realized how spectacular the view was. Along with the mountains of the north and the plains in the east, the rolling hills and the sea of the south were now visible along with the frontier and seemingly endless deserts of the west. The lights of Equestria's cities, town, and villages were beacons across the land. As the vibrant full moon shown down upon Celestia's kingdom, the sparkle of the southern sea matched the sparkle in the awestruck eyes of the unicorn who always brought a sparkle to the life of Rainbow Dash. She had never seen such a sight in her entire life.

"We're twice as high off the ground as Cloudsdale" said Rainbow as she joined Twilight on the cloud below them, "and good thing you remember the spell because that would have pretty much ruined my plan."

Twilight looked confused. "Plan?"

"Well, not really a plan, more of a spur of the moment thing," assured Rainbow, "because that's me! I don't think, I just do!"

Twilight looked skeptical. "I don't know, this cloud seems way to flat to be natural. Plus there isn't another cloud anywhere for miles! Are you sure you didn't plan this?"

Rainbow blushed. "Well... uhh... maybe there was a little planning involved, but it was mostly spur of the moment."

Twilight smiled. "Well, I think it is very sweet." She kissed Rainbow softly on the lips. Twilight tried to take the kiss further, but Rainbow Dash resisted.

"Twilight, wait," said Dash as she pulled away.

"What is it?" asked Twilight.

"I want us to go through with Celestia's plan. I know that we may not love each other tomorrow, but I love you now, and I want this night to be special," Rainbow Dash began, "You may forget that you loved me and I may forget that I loved you, but I want tonight to be something that you will never forget. I want to be with you but if—"

"Oh I get the point!" said Twilight before she cut off Rainbow Dash with a kiss.

Rainbow Dash returned the kiss as the two ponies melted into each other on too of the cloud. With all of Equestria as their witness, the two ponies once again ceased to exist as individuals, and instead existed only as one consciousness. The fear of falling out of love was the last thing that crossed their minds.

**********

"Applejack, darling, why don't you ever take me for a flight?"

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Gee, Ah wonder," she said sarcastically as she looked at her back which, not surprisingly, did not have wings attached to them.

Rarity's room in Canterlot castle was very spacious, and even more luxurious than the other of the rooms in the castle. This was because Rarity's typical luxuries accompanied her, with a variety of pillows and beauty supplies spread around the room amongst at least six opened suitcases. While Applejack had the reputation as a nitty gritty cowpony, she still was not opposed to a room of luxury. Also, she had grown quite accustomed the feel of Rarity's home, and Rarity's room at the castle had that same feel. This is, of course, what Applejack had rationalized to herself. While these reasons did play a small part, she really knew why she was in that particular room, and that was for Rarity herself.

Rarity had caught wind of Rainbow Dash's plan from Pinkie Pie. Rarity did not know how Pinkie knew, nor did she ask. She just went along with it. On the balcony is where the two ponies stood as they watched the development between their friends.

"But if ya want, I could take you on the roof of the barn, but that 'bout as high as I'm gettin' up in the sky," Applejack joked.

Rarity chuckled. "Well I do appreciate the offer, but I think I'm going to have to decline." she laughed again, "I'm surprised you didn't suggest a 'romp in the hay,' I thought that would be something that would happen eventually."

"In the hay? Nah," snorted Applejack, "its not as good as ya would think. It just gets real itchy and really just ain't that fun in the end."

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "Really? And how would you know that?" she asked mischievously, "who did you do that with?" Rarity nudged her playfully.

Applejack blushed. "Well... uhhh... it was a real long time ago, nothing really happened anyway."

"Oh come on, Darling!" Rarity said lightheartedly, "I'm not mad, if that's what you think, but you know I'm a sucker for a little gossip!"

Applejack was noticeably embarrassed. "It's really no one ya would—"

"Oh come on!" pleaded Rarity.

"Okay fine," Applejack took a deep breath, "it was Dr. Whooves," she muttered.

Rarity was stunned. "What!?"

"He and just come to Ponyville and Pinkie was throwin' him a party." began Applejack, "We had it at my barn for some reason. We broke out the hard cider. All Ah remember after that is waking up itchy in a pile of hay next to him. Ah got outta there before he woke up."

"Wow Applejack, I didn't know you were such a heart breaker!" joked Rarity, "I guess I better watch out!"

Applejack blushed. "It was one time!" she voiced defensively.

"Whatever you say!" Rarity said sarcastically, "why don't we go inside, it's getting cold out. Then at least I can be warm when my heart's broken."

Applejack just rolled her eyes as she followed Rarity inside.

"So, Applejack." Rarity took a deep breath. "You do realize that we still have a decision to make."

Applejack sighed. "Ah know, and Ah been thinkin' too. What do ya think we should do?"

"We need to do it," Rarity stated simply as she look Applejack straight in the eyes.

"That's what Ah was thinkin'," responded Applejack. "Ah mean, I'm not one to lie, and if we really fell in love 'cause of the elements, then this whole part of my life is a lie and Ah just can't live with that."

Rarity said nothing, she just nodded somberly.

"So we're doin' it then?" Applejack asked, "no turnin' back."

"No turning back," restated Rarity.

Applejack took a deep breath. "Ah just... Ah just don't know if Ah'm ready."

Rarity stepped closer to Applejack. "I know," sniffled Rarity, "I... I don't want to lose you, Applejack."

Applejack nuzzled up against Rarity. "You won't be losin' me, Ah'll always be here. Even if we ain't in love, I'll still always love you."

"Huh?" asked Rarity as she looked up at Applejack with glossy eyes.

"Ah've always love ya, Rar'. Maybe not romantically like Ah do now, but Ah've always loved ya. It's not like Ah'll be gone after all this, Ah'll always be here for ya, and Ah know you and the rest of the gals will always be there for me." Applejack kissed Rarity on her forehead. "And maybe me tellin' you that we'll always be friends ain't what you need to hear right now, but it's the truth. Ah would like to tell ya that we'll always be together no matter what, but Ah don't know if that's true, so Ah ain't gonna tell you no lie." Applejack shed a single tear.

Rarity looked her partner straight in the eyes. "Darling, I wouldn't have it any other way." She wiped the tear from Applejack's eye. "If we don't have romantic interest in each other tomorrow, we'll still have the memories. That is something that they can never take away from us." She sniffled. "I give you my word that I will always love you, no matter what. The circumstances of our love may change, but I will love you in whatever way you want me to love you. Whether that be like it is now, or simply as a friend." Rarity gave Applejack a small kiss on the lips.

Applejack returned the kiss, but drew it out for much longer. Nothing more need be said between the two ponies. Everything that was said, or could have ever been said, was summed up with that one kiss. Just as Rainbow Dash and Twilight were at that very same moment, Rarity and Applejack now only existed as a single collective consciousness, and the only thing they could comprehend was love. Sheer, undying, unbiased love. To them, there were no Elements of Harmony creating false feelings. There was no Princess Celestia telling them that their love was not genuine. There were no other ponies in all of Equestria except for the one who they were intertwined with that that very moment, and in that moment, Rarity and Applejack found not only true love, but true peace.

**********

"Sister! Sister!"

Princess Celestia looked up at the doorway of her royal chamber. "Luna? What is the problem?"

"It is the elements sister! You must come quickly!"

To Be Continued