Cupid Mark Crusadersby Coyote de La ManchaChaptersWelcome HomeThe High Art of MatchmakingSharing DreamsEpilogueWelcome Home“Well, I gotta tell ya, Pinkie,” Applejack drawled, “As welcomin’ parties go, this one takes the cake.” Along with Twilight and Pinkie, the earth pony glanced over at said cake’s shattered remains, and the massive oaken table that creaked beneath its weight. “A ten-foot tall chocolate / red velvet swirl upside-down pineapple ice cream sundae layer cake, with…” Twilight shook her head. “How did you even do that?” “Trade secret,” Pinkie grinned. Applejack went on, “An’ the party favors, second to none, as usual…” “Thanks!” “…but, don’t you think the sky-writin’ was a little excessive?” “Yeah,” considered Twilight. “Not to mention the dancing bears…” “…silver horn-playin’ mice…” “…a firework display with a guest appearance by the Wonderbolts…” “Bungee-jumpin’ ‘possums…” “Aw, c’mon, guys!” Pinkie laughed. “I had to wait an extra-super long time for this one!” “You had to wait a week,” Twilight said, dryly. “You can’t expect me not to pull out a few stops!” “‘A few stops?’” Applejack’s eyebrows raised up. “Pinkie, ya woke up Princess Luna.” “She thought Sweet Apple Acres was under attack,” Twilight agreed. “You could have at least let me know what you were planning, or when! Then I could have told the princesses, especially Luna…” “Silly, then it might not have been a surprise!” the pink pony teased. “After all, you’re sharing a castle with the guest of honor.” “Still, though.” Applejack went on, shaking her head. “Never wanna get on that gal’s bad side. You see how she flew in here from the castle, all thunder an’ fury? Like ta scare me half to death. An’ I seen her as Nightmare Moon.” “Eeyup,” agreed her brother, trotting by. Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes. “Okay, maybe she got a little loud…” Twilight stared at her friend with a mix of laughter and incredulity. “‘A little loud?’ Pinkie, she blew out the candles!” “Well, yeah, but there was ice cream cake. Ice cream and cake make everything better! And besides,” Pinkie continued, eyes full of mischief, “if I hadn’t had the bunny cannon brigade chime in for the Welcome to Equestria for the First Time Ever Sunrise Salute, then Princess Luna wouldn’t have woke up in time and come here in time for the party even though she didn’t know about the party and then been surprised too with snacks and games and had Sunrise run up to her all glad to see her even while she was all scary and stuff and then we wouldn’t have known about them being maaare frieeeends!” This last was sung in a squee of pure delight. The three mares looked over to the shade of a large apple tree where the princess lay in the tall grass, sated from an assortment of confections. Smiling sleepily, she watched as Sunrise Shimmer and Rainbow Dash played chase games with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The five of them were dodging around and between the nearby trees, amid a variety of war cries, whinnies, and laughing squeals of excitement. As the trio watched, Sunrise took a break from the galloping back and forth. She trotted happily to where Luna reclined, the latter smiling more as she approached. The two mares nuzzled one another, then Sunrise lay down next to Luna as they continued watching the ponies at play. As Sunrise skootched against Luna, the latter covering her with a wing, a new turn of events took place in the game. “Roar!” yelled the Frumious Bandersnatch, her terrible blue wings spread out to their fullest. “I’m taking down all of Equestria! With your precious princesses defeated, there is no one cool enough to stop me!” “Oh, yeah?” challenged the Hero of All Earth Ponies, “Well, we’ve got a secret weapon!” “Ha ha ha!” laughed the evil villain evilly. “No secret weapon is awesome enough to challenge my might!” “So you might think, villain!” grinned the Master Sorcerer. “Well, behold, as my power summons forth a Mighty Dragon!” There was a small flash of pale green light from her horn, followed by a puff of smoke and fire, and a new player entered the field. “Roar!” bellowed the Mighty One, his arms splaying out his leafy wings majestically. “Fear the power of Spike the Magnificent!” “Aaack!” agreed the many-coloured monster. Thus, the chase reversed itself, with the three fillies and dragon hatchling chasing after their dreaded foe, to save the world from her Dreaded Frumiousness. During this time, Rarity had trotted up to the trio, coming to rest beside Applejack. “Hey, hon,” Applejack smiled. “Hey.” As the two of them kissed, Pinkie Pie grinned, and Twilight smiled at both of them warmly. The kiss was relatively brief, though the mares continued to be lost in one another’s eyes. “Which reminds me,” Twilight said, “I finished work on the tesseract spell. I can cast it tonight, if you’re ready.” “Oh, I think so,” Rarity smiled. “Yeah,” agreed Applejack, also smiling. “Me, too.” “Great! I’ll take care of it tonight after I get home. The house geometries may take a little time to adapt to their new definitions, though. You’ll want to wait until the morning to test it, just to make certain” “First thing,” said Applejack, with a look to Rarity. “Promise.” Rarity blushed prettily. “Wow, I am so glad you two got back together,” Pinkie said happily, grabbing another bowl of ice cream cake. After a moment, she added through a mouthful of confection, “Coursh, fur a minnid it lukked like youf mighd nodd.” Twilight cocked her head. “It did? When was this?” “Oh, we were seeing one another for a while before we went public, darling,” Rarity said. “Pinkie Pie knew, and so did a few others, but that was all. I wasn’t ready to come out just yet. That wasn’t until the Gala.” Twilight nodded. “I remember that.” Applejack chuckled, shaking her mane slightly. “Ain’t nopony like ta forget it.” “But, you broke up before that?” “Well, it was a near thing,” Rarity admitted. Then she spared her marefriend a loving look, adding, “But mercifully, good sense prevailed.” “I dunno about that, Rare,” Applejack said. She glanced towards the trees where their sisters played. “Seems to me that sense had precious little to do with it, ‘ceptin’ at the end there.” “Whereupon, it did indeed prevail,” Rarity rejoined with good-natured dignity. “Okay, not meaning to pry… well, not too much, anyway,” Twilight said, “but, am I sensing a story here?” The Cutie Mark Crusaders had been on a summer vacation with various classmates at camp, but they’d been rained out after just a few days. Apparently there had been some magical battle between the Mane Six and the forces of evil, and the weather had taken some of the spill-over. Even with the pegasi working overtime, the lake quickly overtook the little camping site, and so all campers had been sent home almost three weeks early. Thus, the CMC had fallen back on what they usually did to fill their days. “…and so, with the recent addition of bee keepin’ to the list of things we ain’t got cutie marks in,” a bandaged Apple Bloom said wearily, “there any further business afore we quit this here meetin’?” The other two Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at one another, trying desperately to not scratch the various stings and welts beneath the ointment-soaked wrappings that covered much of their bodies. “Well, I do have one thing,” said Sweetie Belle. “I don’t know that it’s exactly cutie mark related, but…” “Remember the Cutie Mark Crusader Oath,” Skootaloo reminded her. “Friends first, crusaders second.” Sweetie nodded. “I’m… well, I’m worried about Rarity.” Apple Bloom frowned. “She okay?” “I don’t know. The last couple of days, she hasn’t been her usual self.” Skootaloo’s frown matched Apple Bloom’s. “How do you mean?” “Well, she’s just so sad,” Sweetie sighed. “She stays in bed most mornings, or else she sits in the main room, petting Opal. She isn’t eating.” She looked down. “When she thinks I can’t hear, she’s crying.” “That’s…” Skootaloo stopped. She was frankly at a loss, but, looking at Apple Bloom, she saw an identical downcast expression. “Apple Bloom?” she asked. “You got something?” “Applejack’s the same way,” Apple Bloom said into the floor. “I figured she was just thinkin’ about our folks. Sometimes it hits outta nowhere, even now. But now as I think on it, it’s been about, what, a week she’s been like this?” “A week,” Sweetie Belle affirmed. Skootaloo looked from one to the other and back. “How bad is this?” “Applejack ain’t buckin’ like she was,” Apple Bloom said. “Apples’re getting’ left behind on the ground. She don’t even see ‘em.” “Rarity isn’t sewing,” Sweetie Belle added. “She says she isn’t in the mood.” “Guys, this is an emergency!” Skootaloo exclaimed, wide-eyed. She was standing now, chair behind her, bee stings forgotten. “We’ve got to do something now! Your sisters are on the line!” “Our sisters?” Apple Bloom stared at her friend in growing horror. “Do you think they’re…?” Sweetie Belle finished for her in a hoarse whisper, “…Dying?” “Like, from a curse?” whimpered Apple Bloom. Skootaloo paused, eyes even larger as she considered the idea. “Um… I dunno?” she offered uncertainly. “I mean, Rainbow Dash says there’s no such thing as curses, that they’re just old pony tales…” “Grown-ups used to say the same thing about Nightmare Moon,” Sweetie Belle pointed out. “But Rainbow Dash is fine, so it isn’t like they got cursed while they were saving ponies or anything—” Skootaloo started. “Unless she’s just bein’ brave, ta spare yer feelins,” Apple Bloom pointed out. “Is that something she might do?” asked Sweetie Belle. Skootaloo stared at her friends with growing horror. “Yeah,” she gulped. “It is.” Twilight winced, putting a hoof to her forehead. “They didn’t.” Applejack nodded. “They did. Convinced themselves we were goners, sure as birds gotta fly. Got themselves worked up in a right state about it, too. Rainbow Dash ain’t never talked about what Skootaloo said to her…” “…but poor Sweetie Belle was just beside herself,” Rarity finished. “The next day, she made me breakfast in bed, then started the most tearful little series of apologies for any number of minor failings, all the while talking about how much she wished she’d been a better little sister…” “…Apple Bloom tried to take over my chores for me, tellin’ me the whole time how much she’d always loved me an’ all, wished she’d showed it better… an’ then she just started havin’ the gallopin’ come-aparts like I’d about never seen before…” “…by the time I’d gotten the little dear quieted down, I’d started thinking again…” “…me, too, an’ explained what-all was actually a-goin’ on, at least with me…” “…and I started to realize that, well, I’d made a terrible mistake.” “I kept starin’ at Apple Bloom, once she was calmed down again. I just kept a-wonderin’, ‘why didn’t I think ta say that to Rarity, there at the end? How much I love her, how much I need her? It’s all true…’” Rarity nodded. “Me, as well.” She looked at Applejack. “I just couldn’t believe how foolish I’d been, how I hadn’t tried harder to find a way we could be together. How I hadn’t told you how I truly felt about you, how much it tore my heart out to walk away.” Applejack nodded. “Yeah. I just couldn’t believe I’d let’cha get away, without tryin’ harder ta keep ya. Like to of kicked myself clear to Canterlot. But, I just figgered it was too late to say anythin’ then.” “Likewise. I was so convinced that ship had already sailed. Especially since breaking up had been my idea.” Rarity shook her head. “And I knew it was wrong, I could just feel it! But I did it anyway, because I thought it was the sensible thing to do. I was thinking of my shops, and the cities they would be in someday. The life I’d imagined building for myself, before I’d fallen in love. And so, I let the mare I loved go because of it.” She sighed. “Idiot.” “Hey, now,” Applejack frowned. “That’s enough of that. Besides, I didn’t help none, getting’ my back up about the farm.” “You had every right to feel defensive, dear. I wasn’t appreciating its beauty properly, and you called me on it.” Applejack looked down. “Yeah, but I called you a few other things, too.” Rarity ran a hoof along Applejack’s mane. “We both made mistakes, dearest. The point is that, eventually, we worked it out.” Applejack chuckled, kissing her gently on the forehead. “Well, I guess that’s one way a’puttin’ it.” Twilight cocked her head. “Wait, that was it? You guys just realized you were both unhappy without each other, so you talked it out and got back together? Sounds pretty straightforward.” Both mares looked uncomfortable. “Well, it might have worked out that way…” Rarity acknowledged. “Eventually, maybe…” Applejack allowed. “But you must remember, darling, our sisters were now aware of our dilemma.” “An’ with the CMC involved...” Applejack shook her head. “Girl, there ain’t nuthin’ simple.” “I hereby call this emergency meeting of the Cutie Mark Crusaders to order.” Skootaloo banged her little gavel solemnly, while her friends nodded in agreement. The bandages and bee stings were gone, thanks to Apple Bloom’s ointment (mixed under Zecora’s watchful eye, of course). But this was no time to dwell upon such frivolities. Far greater matters were at hand. “Quick question, afore we proceed,” Apple Bloom said. “Are you sure Rainbow Dash ain’t any part of this?” “Uh-huh,” Skootaloo nodded. “This is just your sisters. Which makes me the perfect chairmare for the day, since it gives us a clear, unbiased, rational approach.” The young pegasus walked over to where they had a large paper tacked to the wall, with the air of a military officer holding a briefing. “So. It’s obvious that your sisters’ happiness is impossible unless we do something. I therefore move that our first priority, until further notice, be getting them back together again.” “Seconded,” said Sweetie. “Carried,” agreed Apple Bloom. “In order to accomplish this,” Skootaloo went on, “We must understand what brought them together in the first place.” “Seconded,” said Apple Bloom. “Carried,” nodded Sweetie Belle. “So,” Skootaloo opened a box of crayons, “each of you make a list of everything you know of that happened when they got together. We’ll use that as a reference.” Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, uncertainly. “Um, we don’t know exactly what-all that was,” Apple Bloom pointed out. “Or just when,” Sweetie added. But Skootaloo merely nodded sagely. “Sure. But that’s why there are two lists. Each of you will think of different stuff. So, just write down everything you can think of that might apply. If we do everything on both lists, we’re bound to do the right thing to make them fall in love again, right?” There followed an uncomfortable silence. “…and maybe get our cutie marks in match-making,” Skootaloo added. Suddenly, there was a flurry of activity, the crayon box tearing and colorful bits of wax hurtling in all directions as the CMCs threw themselves into their cause. “Carried!” they all cried. The High Art of MatchmakingCurled on her side, the Princess of Night dozed tranquilly beneath the tree, its wide branches providing her ample shade from the unfamiliar sun. Her barrel and forelegs mostly covered by her wings, she seemed much younger than her aeons of experience and power would demand. In the distance, Luna’s marefriend could be heard, laughing as she played with Dash, Spike, and the CMC. Now and then, a warm breeze gently wafted by, playing with Luna’s mane. Eventually, a stray leaf drifted down, landing on the monarch’s thigh. Her leg twitched slightly – twice, then once more – dislodging the intruder without waking the Mare of Dreams. Still in slumber, Luna breathed in a huge, contented sigh. Then, smiling, she snuggled back into a deeper sleep, curling up beneath her wings. From afar, at the cake table, Twilight studied her friend keenly. “How do you think she does it?” Applejack paused only briefly in her quest for third helpings. “How does who do what?” “Luna. I mean, when she got here she was all wrath and fury…” “…an’ now she’s cute as a button?” Twilight tilted her head, one ear going flat. “Well… yeah.” Applejack shrugged. “Beats me. I’m jus’ glad she only uses her powers for good.” She considered for a moment before adding, “Well, that, an’ for sweets.” “Well, sure, she is the guardian of dreams, so…” Twilight’s voice trailed off and she stared at Applejack suspiciously. “That… wasn’t what you were talking about.” The farmer just shook her head. “Nope. But, just think. Why, if Sombra was half as cute as Luna is, why, he’d a been unstoppable.” “It is a chilling thought,” Rarity deadpanned. “Even if the King of the Crystal Empire had only learned how to squee properly…” “There woulda been no Crystal Resistance,” Applejack agreed. “The Yaks would never have blockaded him from the North.” “Equestria woulda fallen in a fortnight.” Rarity’s eyes stared in horror as she reared up, “And in place of our fair princesses, we would have a king!” Equally wide-eyed, Applejack joined her. “Not beautiful as the mornin’ and the night, but terrible an’ dark!” “Unfair as the Sea,” Rarity went on, “and the Sun, and the Snow upon the Mountain!” “Dreadful as the Storm an’ the Lightnin’!” Applejack added, putting an arm around Rarity’s shoulders. “Stronger than the foundations of the world!” Rarity crowed, returning the embrace. And then, gesturing grandly in unison, they both shouted, “All shall love him and despair!” Twilight rolled her eyes. “Right. Thanks, guys.” Grinning, the marefriends went back to four hooves. “We’re here for ya,” Applejack said. Shortly afterwards, an out of breath but elated Sunrise detached herself from the continuing game among the apple trees and ran up to where the three of them sat. “Hey,” she grinned. “Guess who just got made an honorary member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” “Well, that ain’t a shock,” Applejack nodded with a smile. “Congratulations, Sunny. Here, have some cake.” “Thanks!” Rarity looked at her quizzically. “Only honorary?” “Mmm,” Sunrise agreed through her mouthful. Swallowing, she went on, “I could have been a full member, but apparently they do quests and things to find their marks. Between my studies and everything else, I can’t really commit to…” Her voice trailed off as she observed the amused looks before her. “What?” “Well, ‘quests and things’ might be kind of an understatement,” Twilight admitted. “A tactful way of putting it,” Rarity added. “Diplomatic, like,” Applejack agreed. Sunset looked from one to the other, a wry smile beginning to form. “Okay,” she said, “what am I missing here?” “Well, you have to understand, first and foremost, foals are given much more room to develop and play in our world than where you’re from,” Twilight said. “And, most often, if they have an interest, they’re encouraged to pursue it.” Sunrise nodded. “Sure, different culture. I get that.” “But the CMCs are, well… a bit high-spirited, even for foals,” Rarity said. “They put everything they have into everything they do. Which is an admirable trait, when focused with moderation…” “Which ain’t a word they know the meanin’ of,” Applejack added. “No,” Rarity sighed. “Not yet. Point of fact, there is no middle ground with them, so far as I can tell.” Applejack shook her head, chuckling a little as she did. “Ain’t that the truth. An’ lemme tell you, we oughtta know that better’n anypony.” Over the next week, Applejack and Rarity found themselves meeting multiple times, despite their best intentions. On Moonday, for example, Sweetie Belle happened over to the apple cart while Apple Bloom and Applejack were selling their wares. After a few minutes’ talk, inevitably, Apple Bloom asked her sister if she could go play for a while. Applejack started to say no, then stopped herself. Well, why shouldn’t at least one of us enjoy this here day? she thought. “Sure, go on, sugar cube,” she said. “Be back to give me a break ‘round noon, okay?” “Uh-huh!” Both fillies said in unison. Then they zipped off to wherever. Once they were both out of sight, Applejack let her face relax. Smiling so much was making her ache, and that was a fact. But she’d let on once how miserable life as for her, and her sister had gone off the deep end about it. Darned if that was going to happen again. “Apples,” she sighed to the passing crowd. “Fresh apples, best ya can buy.” It was a few minutes later that she heard the screams. There was no mistaking those voices. “Apple Bloom!” While the rest of the ponies simply paused and stared at the alleyway where the noise had come from – some frowning, some uncertain, a very few taking a hesitant step towards the young voices – Applejack plowed her way through the wavering ponies in an eyeblink, knocking stallions and mares hither and yon. “Sweetie Belle! Hang on, girls, I’m a-comin’!” Stars above, if anypony had hurt those fillies— She reached the alley’s mouth just as another mare entered from the other side. In the middle of the alley, holding each other in fright, were the two foals. There was a shadow over them, cast by something on the rooftop. It was obscured by the brightness of the sun, whatever it was. But its shadow was immense, ears down in aggression, antlers splayed. Both mares reached their young charges at about the same time. Applejack reared up to challenge the interloper, while behind her, Rarity straddled the two, head down, horn ablaze. Whatever it was, it vanished over the other side of the roof, and was gone. “Stay here!” Applejack yelled. Rarity nodded, her horn still a corona of pale light. “Be careful. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, stay with me.” In an instant, Applejack was on the roof and over, peering in every direction from her vantage point. After a moment, she chuckled and leaped down again. “It’s okay,” she smiled. “False alarm.” Rarity frowned. “What…?” “Jackalope,” Applejack explained. “Saw it scarperin’ off a ways away.” Rarity’s eyebrows arched. “A… jackalope?” Applejack nodded. “Don’t usually see ‘em this time a’year. Not in months with a ‘Y’ in ‘em. But when they do come outta the grass, they like high places.” She paused, considering. “Least, that’s what Granny always said. Never seen one before, myself. I hear they’re pretty scarce. Fluttershy’ll wanna know we saw one, come to think of it.” She smiled down at the foals. “An’ just what were you two gals playin’ in a dark alley by yourselves?” The two looked down. “Sombra,” they said in unison. The mares shared a knowing look. “Well, perhaps you should play something a bit less dramatic,” Rarity suggested. “’Kay,” they agreed. The two foals trotted out from the alley together, leaving the mares alone. For a time, neither of them spoke. “So, um,” offered Applejack, examining the alleyway’s walls. “Yes,” managed Rarity, looking first at the sky, then her hooves. “Well.” Applejack sighed. “Yeah. Well.” Then she sighed again. “Guess I’d better get back.” As she turned to go, she heard Rarity say, very quietly, “Good… goodbye.” Applejack closed her eyes in pain as she made her way back to her apple cart. “Yeah.” A short time later, the young pair met up with Scootaloo, bouncing all the way. The young pegasus was hidden in a treetop, several blocks away, telescope in hoof. After a few seconds, her fellow CMCs two had succeeded in scrambling up and into the branches with her. “Well?” breathed Sweetie Belle. But Scootaloo shook her head. “They barely even talked. They just left. First Applejack, then Rarity.” She sighed. “And both as sad as ever.” “Awwww!” both of her fellow CMCs exclaimed in unison as they sat. “Dang it, I was so sure,” sighed Apple Bloom. “It’s not our fault,” Sweetie Belle said, putting a hoof on Apple Bloom’s withers. “But all the times Applejack’s been there for me…” “Yeah,” Sweetie Belle agreed. “We should be able to be there for them.” All three of the friends slumped down, bellies to the large branch that supported them, their chins on their forehooves. “Well, we’d better return them antlers we borrowed,” Apple Bloom pointed out. “Yeah, that stag wanted them back by nightfall,” Sweetie Belle agreed. “Plus, now we owe Angel all our desserts for the next week,” added Scootaloo. The foals all sighed in unison. They stayed that way for several seconds. Then, Apple Bloom rose, more determined than ever. “Well,” she said. “We can scratch savin’ folks from monsters off the list. What’s next?” The next day was Waterday. Rainbow Dash peered at her younger friend skeptically. “Do you even know what you’re asking me to do?” Scootaloo hesitated. “Um, well…” Rainbow Dash waited. Then, taking a deep breath, the foal closed her eyes and said very quickly, “I’m asking you to risk your already questionable reputation as a reliable weather pony by arranging an unscheduled and fierce thunderstorm centered in the marketplace at exactly one-fifteen today, which will undoubtedly be traced back to you by the weather bureau, with maybe severe consequences.” “And the reason being…?” “I can’t tell you.” “You can’t tell me.” Opening her eyes, Scootaloo nodded. Rainbow sighed. “Right. And that’s because…?” “It’s a secret,” Scootaloo said. “But it’s really, really important. I promise.” “Uh-huh.” Dash gave her a knowing look. “Cutie marks?” But the filly shook her head. “More important than that.” Rainbow Dash’s eyebrows rose to her mane. Incredulous, she waited. “And… we also kinda need Rarity and Applejack to end up in the same place in the rain.” Pause. “Alone.” Pause. Finally, Rainbow Dash spoke. “And you can’t tell me why.” Scootaloo looked down. “Right.” “And you can’t tell me where you’ll be while this is happening, or what you’ll be doing.” “Right,” she said again. “I especially can’t tell you that.” “But you can promise me it’s nothing dangerous. Like, at all,” Rainbow Dash reiterated. “You’re sure.” “I’m sure. I promise. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” “And this absolutely needs to happen.” Scootaloo nodded. Face still grim, Rainbow Dash nodded as well. “Yeah, okay. Just so we understand each other.” Then she grinned, tousled Scootaloo’s mane, and took off into the sky. Smiling, Scootaloo gazed after Dash’s diminishing form with a deep sigh. Blood or not, legal or not, you just couldn’t ask for a better sister than that. Caught in the middle of shopping, Rarity looked up at the sound of thunder, completely aghast. Wasn’t today supposed to be clear and sunny? She heard the rainfall before she felt it, her trot breaking into a run. She would have brought a parasol if she’d known, or even suspected, that the weather would be… Inwardly, she growled. Rainbow Dash and her ridiculous pranks. Of course. Then, her face lit up despite the torrent. There. That was a likely looking shop. She galloped towards the sanctuary, its sign obscured by the increasing curtain of rain. She would be safe there-- FATHWAM! The unicorn skidded to a halt a few feet away from the newly-formed crater, still smoking from the lightning strike. Then again, perhaps not. Casting about, she saw a hot dog stand and ran for its oversized umbrella as fast as she could traverse the quickly softening ground. Her mane was certainly wet enough when she reached the hot dog stand, conveniently placed in the middle of the square. More lightning struck here and there, assorted ponies running and leaping about for shelter in various directions. After a few moments, another pony slid into the shelter, panting somewhat from the run. “Dangit, Rainbow Dash,” Applejack muttered. “One a’these days, she’s gonna go too far, gonna plant a hoof right in her…” Her voice trailed off as she looked up at Rarity. Rarity, for her part, also stared. Applejack quickly rose to her hooves, barrel and abdomen dripping with mud. “Um, hey,” she said quietly. Rarity looked away, her voice a whisper. “Hello.” Applejack looked away, as well. “I’m, um, I’m… right sorry about this.” Rarity blinked. “What?” Still facing the rain, Applejack went on, “I ain’t tryin’ ta crowd you up, honest. Soon as the way’s clear, I’ll skedaddle.” “Applejack, no,” Rarity protested as she turned to face her. “Just because it’s a thunderstorm—Applejack, wait!” But the earth pony had already started running again, head down, back into the rain, faster than Rarity could ever hope to match. For a moment, Rarity only stared after her. “But… that… that wasn’t what I meant…” Then, after a few heartbeats, Rarity also started into the rain. She walked slowly, head down, ignoring the galloping ponies around her. The rain wasn’t so bad, really. True, it did ruin one’s coiffure and make it harder to see, not to mention what it could do to one’s coat if one should happen to fall. But on the other hand, a proper storm obscured one from onlookers. Additionally, it allowed one to pretend that the wetness on one’s face was rain, and not tears at all. And some days, that was truly a blessing. And so the week went. On Windsday, both mares received tickets to a concert from a secret admirer. Unknown to the two of them, of course, the seats were next to one another. But both mares gave their tickets to their sisters, insisting that they had too much work to catch up on to go. Dejected, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gave the tickets to Pipsqueak. He gave them to his parents for an early Anniversary present. “Oh, well,” sighed Apple Bloom. “They’re still serving a noble cause, at least,” Scootaloo pointed out. “True,” Sweetie Belle agreed. Then, rousing herself, “Well, on to the next.” Earthsday evening, the CMC volunteered as delivery foals for Pinkie Pie. Mysteriously, Applejack and Rarity’s deliveries from were somehow switched with one another, necessitating their interacting in order to get their own cupcakes. Alas, neither mare felt up to going out-of-doors over a cupcake. Instead, each resignedly munched what she had been given, her sister looking on helplessly. By Fireday, desperation had begun to take hold. Maps were made, filled, scribbled over and discarded. Well into the night, the Cutie Mark Crusaders plotted, planned, and even schemed. Every detail, every minutia, was examined in agonizing detail. There could be no failure this time. It would not be permitted. No matter what the cost. Sharing DreamsStarsday is normally a day of play and frolic for foals throughout Equestria. During the school year, it is the first day of the weekend where there are no classes. In summertime, as it was now, it was simply a special day when performances were most likely to be held, and colts and fillies were allowed to stay up later than usual. But for the Cutie Mark Crusaders, this Starsday was a frenzy of underage arrangements and clandestine meetings. They weren’t dealing with fools, after all. And so, it went without saying that this was their last, final hope to save the day before their intentions were suspected. Signs and counter-signs were created and exchanged. Unusual objects were hidden all over Ponyville, materials borrowed, purchased, or traded for. ‘Extravagance’ was a word for lesser ponies. No possibility was left unexplored, no resource untapped, and, above all, no explanations were given. No matter what, they would not fail again. And then finally, on Sunday, Rarity and Applejack each received a summons from Princess Twilight herself, the words formed from cut-out pieces of newspaper. It seemed that she wanted all her friends to play some kind of scavenger hunt. There was a short list of rules for playing, and the first one was that no one was allowed to talk about the scavenger hunt, even with one another. rULe # 1 nO 1 in SCAvengaR hunT noPOny tAlks abOUt skaVaNger hUnt. Rarity scowled at the missive through her sewing glasses, then sighed. Probably something to do with friendship. Again. Then, she shrugged. Then again, one can hardly blame her. Weekly reports to the Princess, and all that. Reexamining the note, she considered, Of course, for a game like this, with everypony starting out in a different place, it makes sense that Twilight would have enlisted help. After a hefty dose of research, no doubt. She chuckled despite herself. And this note certainly has Pinkie Pie written all over it. And thinking on it, perhaps something silly and jovial would help lift my spirits. I have been a bit cooped up lately. She glanced around at her neglected shop. And I certainly can’t go on like this forever. “Sweetie, dear?” she called. “Are you staying home tonight?” Sweetie Belle’s voice floated down from her room. “At Apple Bloom’s. Remember?” “Honestly, I can’t say that I did. But that’s fine. I’m going to be heading out for a while. Can you be sure to be there before dark?” “Sure thing!” “Very good, then.” Meanwhile, at Sweet Apple Acres, a similar discussion was being had. “Well, just be sure you don’t wake Granny,” cautioned Applejack. “We’ll be quiet,” Apple Bloom assured her. The older sister gave a knowing look. “All three of you, huh?” “Oh, c’mon! When have we ever—” “Yeah, let’s not finish that thought, sugar cube.” For a moment, Applejack considered once again the prospect of staying home instead. And, once again, she shook her head. Last dang thing she needed was three hyperactive fillies in her mane all night. And besides, maybe a change of pace would do her good. “Alright, then,” she said. “I may be out late. Y’all be good, now.” “We will.” “Uh-huh,” Applejack winked. “Just make sure we still got a house when I get back tonight, y’hear?” Apple Bloom grinned. “Promise!” And so, each one at different parts of Ponyville, the two mares began to thread together the series of clues that had been left for them. It was shortly after nightfall when Applejack was galloping at full speed, chuckling to herself at the irony of it all. Leave it to Pinkie to hide the prize in my own barn, an’ under my own muzzle, she thought. Probably some kinda party, as usual. Maybe bein’ the first one here lets me surprise the others, or somethin’. But as she rounded the house, she saw that she wasn’t the first pony there. Rarity stood in the barn’s open doorway, staring in. From within the old building, there was a faint, flickering light. Hearing the earth pony’s approach, Rarity turned. When she saw Applejack, she seemed… nervous? Afraid? “This… this wasn’t me,” she stammered. “What in tarnation are you talkin’ about?” asked Applejack, pushing the door further open. Then, she saw. A table. Dinner. Candlelight. And only two chairs. “Applejack,” Rarity managed, “I swear to you, I swear, I would never do this to you…” To her surprise, Applejack found herself smiling. A sad smile, she was pretty sure, but a smile just the same. “I know you didn’t,” she said. “An’ I ain’t feelin’ hurt, or teased, or whatever else you might be thinkin’. But, it does look like somepony else had their own ideas about this here night.” She shrugged. “Not sure just who, but whoever it was, they went to a lot’a trouble. An’ more to the point… after all that runnin’ around, I’m hungry.” She nodded towards the interior. “What about you?” At Rarity’s uncertainty, Applejack sighed. “Aw, heck, Rarity, I ain’t mad. But, can’t we even just eat together, like friends?” Rarity managed a smile. “So… we’re still friends?” Applejack blinked. “Well, um, only if you wanna be.” It was a struggle, but Rarity regained her composure. “Yes,” she said. “I do. Very much.” Applejack relaxed a little. “Well, alright then.” A moment later, the barn door was closed. Sitting at the table, Applejack opened the cider jug and set up the glasses. Meanwhile, Rarity uncovered the plates before them. “Hello, what is this?” Rarity wondered. “Apple an’ oat stroganoff,” Applejack said as she poured. “Country style. This one’s a berry mince pie. I guess the apple butter’s for th’ cupcakes. Not sure about…?” “Eggs benedict on wheat,” Rarity supplied, cocking her head to one side. “Not usually what one would find at dinner, but certainly edible.” Even as each mare considered where they had seen such cooking before, a gentle tune began wafting its way to them. It was an uncertain melody at first, but definitely heartfelt, its steadiness growing with every measure. In fact… “Wait a minute,” Applejack said, her suspicion growing. “Is that Donkey Doodle?” From the hay loft, Apple Bloom hissed, “What are you doin’?” “Playing romance music,” Sweetie Belle hissed back. “That ain’t romance!” “It’s the only song I know by heart!” Sweetie Belle protested, still whispering. “Well, make somethin’ up, then!” “It doesn’t work like that!” “Well, whatever you’re doing, keep doing it,” Skootaloo whispered. “I think it’s working.” Then, her eyes widened, staring down at the table. “Um, Apple Bloom, where did you get those candles?” Much to Sweetie’s relief, Apple Bloom shifted her attention to Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle concentrated anew on playing Donkey Doodle as romantically as possible. “I borrowed ‘em,” Apple Bloom said. Scootaloo watched as the tapers continued to spark with greater abandon. “Uh-huh,” she said. “And, where’d you borrow them from?” “Aunt Pinkie. They’re for special occasions. An’ don’t worry,” Apple Bloom added, “I asked first.” Just then, the candles died out. “Not what I was worried about…” said Scootaloo, sinking down as her eyes grew wider. Just then Applejack threw herself across the table, yelling, and suddenly the candles erupted, sending multi-colored balls of magical flame straight into the ceiling, their explosions filling the upper floor of the building. “Wait a minute,” Applejack said, her suspicion growing. “Is that Donkey Doodle?” “I do believe it is,” Rarity replied. “I may even recognize the artist.” She put down her glass of cider, giving Applejack a wry look. “Three guesses as to who our mysterious benefactors might be.” Applejack, for her part, was struggling not to smile and failing. “Rescuin’ foals from a tiny crittur? A rain storm? Mystery music tickets, if I’m guessin’ right? An’ a Candle-lit dinner in the barn, to boot? With cider?” The smile won out, turning into a grin. “Yeah. No takers.” Rarity shook her head, and sighed. “Still, you must admit, it is a beautiful gesture.” She smiled as well. “I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for them to set all this up.” “Yeah,” Applejack agreed. “It’s from the heart, an’ that’s a fact. I reckon we got the best little sisters around.” She held up her glass. “Plus Scoots, a’course.” Rarity clinked her glass gently against Applejack’s. “Sisters and nieces.” “Yep. By blood or by heart.” “Indeed.” “Yeah.” Applejack took a sip, quietly wishing it were something a little stronger. “Lissen, Rarity…” “Applejack, I…” They both stopped, eyes meeting, their hooves touching lightly by the flaring candles. Then, the candles abruptly died out. Together, the mares stared at the candles. They’d seen this before. “No,” Rarity whispered, “they didn’t…” With a roar, the candles came back to life, shooting fireworks into the ceiling, even as Applejack leaped across the table, bringing Rarity to the ground. “They did!” Applejack yelled as they fell. “Foals! Run!” Back in the present, Applejack, Rarity, Sunrise and Twilight all looked at Pinkie Pie. Pinkie, meanwhile, examined the sky with great interest. “Um, mistakes may have been made,” she said at last. The building flooded with fire as more magical explosions of every color detonated all around them. Lacking any anchor in the ground, the firework candles tipped, then sped unevenly in every direction, propelled by the force of their festive ammunition. In no time, the ponies were trapped in an inferno of every possible color. Explosions burst forth all around them, destroying crates and barrels, scattering the hay and setting it on fire. The rear of the loft was ablaze with burning hay bales, three fillies screaming as the heat pressed in on them. Below, there was only a small clear space around the table, with fire on all sides. The hay acted as kindling, preparing the rest of the barn for what a true fire could become. Already, tongues of gold and orange flame licked the walls and ceiling hungrily on all sides, trapping the ponies within. And throughout it all, more spheres of flame continued to hurl themselves irregularly in all directions. “Levitate the girls down!” Applejack shouted. “I’ll get th’ door!” In an instant, Applejack was in the air, her powerful legs carrying her towards the massive portal. Even as Rarity’s delicate blue aura enveloped the Cutie Mark Crusaders, even as she strained to take their weight, allowing them to leap to the small circle of safety unharmed, Applejack struck the massive barn doors with all her strength. But there is a great difference between the force generated by a pony who stands, and one who is unsupported in mid-air. And, though the heavy oak doors did open somewhat, Applejack fell upon that impact, screaming as she landed full-length in the fire in front of the doors. The foals gasped in horror as the fire enveloped her, even as Rarity spun in response to the cry of pain, eyes wide. “APPLEJACK, NO!” And where there had been an inferno on all sides, now suddenly there was a storm. Snow and ice sprayed across the whole of the barn’s interior, smothering the flames, freezing the fireworks into silence. Icicles hung from the rafters. Frost left its patterns across the walls. The floor became slick with half-melted ice even as the support beams groaned from the sudden temperature shift. And then, silence. The only sound was the labored breathing of Rarity, her eyes still huge with terror, gasping for breath as the glow of her horn slowly subsided. With some difficulty, Applejack pulled herself to her hooves. There was a quick embrace between herself and Rarity, and then she opened the doors the rest of the way, allowing the five of them, soot covered and coughing, but alive, to emerge into the nighttime air. It was perhaps a minute later that they all stood between the house and the scorched and blackened barn, watching it send a continuous, massive tower of smoke into the sky. “Oh, oh, my land,” Apple Bloom breathed through her tears. “Oh, Applejack, oh, I am so, so sorry…” “We all are,” said Skootaloo, staring at their handiwork. “Heck with that,” Applejack said. “I’m just glad you’re alive.” Rarity hugged Sweetie Belle while the five of them contemplated the damaged building, still billowing up thick plumes of smoke into the nighttime sky. “Rarity?” asked Sweetie at last, “how did you do that?” “Do what, sweetheart?” Rarity asked absently. “That thing with the frost. I didn’t know you could do that.” “Normally I can’t, dear. But, well, with loved ones in danger…” She and Applejack looked at one another. Then looked down, their cheeks coloring slightly. “Um, ladies?” said Applejack at last. “Would you kindly excuse the two of us a moment?” Rarity finished. The three fillies nodded and walked the rest of the way towards the farm house. Granny Smith and Big Mac were waiting, and there was no sense postponing the inevitable. Once the CMC were out of earshot, Rarity spoke. Very distinctly, very clearly. “I,” she said, “am an idiot.” “No, you ain’t. Not ever.” Rarity shook her head violently. “Yes. Yes, I am,” she said. “I pushed away a treasure beyond all reckoning. Someone who held my heart, and who still holds it. And all for the sake of… things. Status. Stores. A life I don’t even have yet, and might never have.” Applejack looked up to see Rarity staring at her, blue eyes full of sadness. “You will,” Applejack said. “It’s your dream.” Again, Rarity shook her head. “Oh, but it’s all changed now! Every time I see myself in the future, in business, it’s in fashion. But every time I see myself in the future, and happy, it’s with you. For over a fortnight now, I’ve been constantly thinking of the places we might go, thinking of jokes or songs you might like to hear, wondering how you might like the fare at this town or that city someday…” She looked away. “And then… and then, I have to remind myself,” she said miserably. “I don’t have you to share all that with anymore. And I never will. Because… because I threw it all away. I was so concerned with proximity and location, I didn’t stop to think about the way the orchard and your mane catch the morning light in the autumn. So worried about the dirt and the hay, I didn’t stop to think about the way you smell of apple blossoms in spring, or about that light in your eyes when you’re out there in the orchards, doing what you love. “And, well, I was so concerned about the dream I’d had since childhood, so afraid of losing control, I became utterly recalcitrant. I didn’t understand the beautiful vision standing before me until it was too late.” Rarity looked down again, eyes screwed shut. “And I’m not saying that I know how it would have worked between us. Maybe it couldn’t have.” The tears were flowing freely now, as she went on, “But I should have tried! And if it didn’t work out, you deserved better than some nervous excuse for a break-up that left you thinking I didn’t want to see you at all! Because that wasn’t true! It was never true! “But I didn’t give you better,” she wept. “I handled the matter, if I might call it that, exactly as I did. And if that isn’t idiocy, I honestly don’t know what is.” Several heartbeats passed before Applejack spoke. “Hey?” Still crying, Rarity looked up into Applejack’s green eyes. “It ain’t too late.” Rarity blinked, gave an uncertain snf? sound. “I spent the last couple weeks an’ some change thinkin’ I was never gonna see you again, outside a’Element business an’ maybe by accident,” Applejack said. “An’ darlin’, I thought I was gonna just about die. “You say you were scared about losin’ yore dreams? Well, truth be told, so was I,” Applejack went on. “All my life, all I wanted was the farm. Grow up here, live an’ die here, be buried here. The acres, the trees, the sun an’ the breeze… if there was a heaven, I always figgered it couldn’t be much better’n this. “An’ then, there you were.” She gave a sad smile. “I never in all my days thought I’d see anythin’ more beautiful than this place. An’ when I did, well, I guess it was kinda scary. So, I also got kinda recal… recall…” She gave Rarity a look of quizzical amusement. “Recalcitrant,” Rarity said, also smiling a little. “Though, actually, I may have used the term improperly.” “Well, since Twi ain’t here ta correct us, let’s jus’ call it stubborn.” Rarity’s smile grew. “That seems fair.” “All right, then” Applejack smiled back. “Anyway, I got stubborn my own self. Leave the farm fer some big ol’ city? Or even a shop in Ponyville? Shoot. Not this gal. Not now, not ever. “But, then we split up. An’ it got so that every mornin’ I’d be thinkin’ about the sunrise, an’ wonderin’ if maybe you saw it. Or there’d be a square dance comin’ up, an’ I’d wonder if you’d like to go – it was you showed me how square dancin’ an’ ballroom dancin’ were so close t’each other – an’ then I’d remember again: there weren’t no you an’ me no more. There was just me. “An’ for the first time, Sweet Apple Acres was a lonely place. Every place was. ‘Cuz you weren’t there with me.” Again, for a time, silence grew between them. “I remember that dance,” Rarity said. “Ridiculous umbrella, giving way like that.” Applejack smiled in reminiscence. “Yeah, that was just a lucky break for me.” “I was positively mortified to be caught in that thunderstorm, and my mane was completely soaked…!” “Apple cart was stuck, no pullin’ it out just then anyway…” “We both took shelter under that awning… what was the shop again?” “No idea. I just remember you.” “And after a while, we started talking about the Gala, how grand it would be…” “You started. I was talkin’ about how I didn’t never do such a froo-froo kinda dance.” “And, well, I was determined to prove you wrong.” Applejack grinned. “An’ you did.” “And then…” “Yeah.” They both smiled. It had been their first kiss. Completely unexpected, very gentle, and very, very nice. “It still ain’t too late,” Applejack said. Rarity’s smile faded. “Oh, Applejack. How can we go back?” “We can’t,” Applejack said, “so we don’t. We go forwards, instead.” She stepped closer. “We take chances with each other, an’ we accept our mistakes. We let each other in, we get hurt, we say sorry when we need to an’ mean it like the dickens. An’ we be there for each other like family, an’ do everythin’ we can ta make this work.” “And… what about our dreams?” Rarity asked softly. “Which of us gives up her dream?” “I’m… I’m thinkin’ neither one,” Applejack replied. “I’ll allow I dunno exactly how, but maybe we can blend ‘em, ‘steada havin’ ta choose one or the other.” Rarity cocked her head to one side, considering the possibilities. Boutique refreshments? Designer cider flavors? “Then again,” Rarity said, in a more contemplative tone, “as I think on it, just thinking aloud, mind you, how much of our difficulties ultimately lay in location?” “Oh, at first glance, I’d say a fair amount,” Applejack allowed. “I’m sure we’ll find others… wait a minute.” The farmer’s eyes widened. “That’s it! Why, I bet if we can get Twilight in on this… why, she’s the strongest mage around, aside from the princesses. I bet… wait, what were you thinkin’?” The unicorn shook her head. “Nothing, dear. Finish your thought, do.” “Well, anyway, what if Twilight could whomp up a spell to make it like we were havin’ the same house? Like, a common door, maybe? On one side, you’re in my house… step through, an’ you’re in yours?” “A tesseract,” Rarity mused. “Hm. It’s theoretically possible, of course… but the degree of finesse and energy required to construct a stable five-dimensional architecture, especially between pre-existing three-dimensional structures, is prohibitive. To say the least.” “Well, it was just a thought.” “No, no, it’s a good one,” Rarity assured her. “It’s just that I very much doubt that even Twilight could perform such a feat.” “Well, maybe not yet,” Applejack said. “But give that gal some time, I reckon there ain’t much she won’t be up for. An’ heck, we ain’t in that much a hurry, are we?” Rarity smiled. “No. I suppose we aren’t.” “Well, then… Rarity?” “Yes?” Applejack ran a gentle hoof along Rarity’s mane, down her neck. “We don’t really need a storm, do we?” Rarity voice was a whisper, as, eyes closed, she leaned into Applejack’s kiss. “No…” Meanwhile, out of earshot but not out of sight, three young fillies whinnied and pranced with delight. “It worked!” cried Apple Bloom. “They’re together again!” cheered Sweetie Belle. “We’re geniuses!” crowed Skootaloo. Granny nodded at the couple, locked in each other arms. “Welllllll, thet took long enough. Now, as fer yew three,” she went on, turning her attention to the CMCs, “any a’you know how ta fix up a half-burnt barn?” In an instant, the jubilation vanished. The three fillies shook their heads, no. “Well then, see that yew git here at th’ crack a’dawn tomorra,” the old mare said. “Me an’ Big Mac’s gonna larn ye.” “Eeeyup,” frowned the huge stallion. “Yes, ma’am.” The three of them chorused, subdued. “An’ yew kin come back come the fall, every mornin’ yer not in school, an start helpin’ with the buckin’.” She went on. “Had us a lotta preserves go up in that stunt a yours, so yew kin help us replace ‘em.” Her eyes narrowed. “’Specially yew, Apple Bloom. Since yew got more experience, I ‘spect more apples from ye.” “Yes, ma’am,” they said again. “Well, alright then,” Granny nodded. “We know yer sorry, an’ yore makin’ amends. Let’s go git washed up fer supper, an’ we’ll talk no more about it.” “What about them?” asked Apple Bloom. Granny scarcely gave the two lovebirds a glance. “I’m thinkin’ they’ll be goin’ out ta dinner tonight, like as not.” She turned, making her way back into the house. “We’ll save ‘em some pie.” Author's Note . . . . . . . EpilogueAs the sun had lowered in the sky, The Lady of Night had managed to rouse herself enough to join in the games. The Bandersnatch having been long defeated, a new foe had arisen, in the form of the Terrible Sky Pirate. Needless to say, Scootaloo had immensely enjoyed flying about and harrying the foes of her sinister schemes, buoyed up and propelled by the blue and ebony mist that was Luna. Sometime around then, Sunrise had thrown in the towel. Stopping by the tables for one more round of goodies, she had surrendered herself to the inevitable, and curled up beneath the same apple tree Luna had enjoyed earlier. She therefore missed it entirely when The Terrible Sky Pirate (now tired of being the bad guy) was overthrown by the power of the Ebony Sorceress, thus becoming a good guy again… the Ebony Sorceress being, in turn, overthrown by the power of tickles. (“Aaaaaack!” the Ebony Sorceress had cried, six limbs flailing helplessly in the air. “Wait! Stop! No fair!” “Get’er!” the Apple Knight had crowed in victory, as she and her brave allies of freedom had pounced upon the vulnerable underbelly of tyranny. “Get’er, get’er, get’er, get’er, get’er…!”) Since then, various other guests (Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, the Wonderbolts, musical mice, the opossums, and others) had also given in, and made their way to their respective homes. Now, at dusk, Luna found herself beset by forces almost beyond even her ken, and certainly beyond any of her expectations. “Pleeeeeeeease?” the foals begged in chorus. At length, Luna lowered her head in defeat, smiling. Then, eyes closed, she began to rise into the air, wings outstretched. The orchard became just a little quieter then, the air just a little more still, as even the trees seemed to hold their breath in the glow of her magic. The evening breeze wafted gently about her as she worked, stirring her mane as she sang gently to the sky. Foals and grown-ups alike fell silent, watching, listening. When was the last time this had happened, the Night Queen bringing forth her sky while away from the palace? Not since her exile… probably long before that. Slowly, stars began to appear, each one silently answering to their princess’ call. One by one, unhurried, tiny jewels shone against the deepening velvet of the night, as the ponies around her slowly realized… Names, thought Twilight in wonder. The stars have names! And she’s calling them each by name, one by one, to awaken above us. The moonrise lasted something over an hour, all told. By the time it was done, a crescent moon shone in mithril splendor above the orchard. It glowed in its endless serenity, surrounded by the scattered jewels whose secrets were known only to their loving princess. At length, Luna came to light in the grass near where the CMC still remained, now asleep in a pile. She smiled again. One could hardly expect them to stay awake through it all, especially after such a day as this had been. And there was another pony there besides, waiting for her to land. “Hello love,” said Luna as she approached. “I hope I did not wake thee?” But Sunrise shook her head. “Nah, just napping. Besides, I got to wake up to you singing. Never got to wake up to you before.” She kissed Luna briefly, then smiled. “It was nice.” Carefully, so as not to wake them, Luna levitated the foals onto her and Sunrise’s backs. Then, the two of them made their way to where the few remaining ponies stood. “Yep, I’ll take it from here,” Applejack grinned. “One of ‘em’s mine anyway.” “Am I sensing an impromptu sleepover?” Rarity queried. Applejack paused, then cocked an eyebrow, her smile becoming more inviting. “I’m game if you are.” The fashionista’s glance had a bit of mischief in it as she levitated Scootaloo onto her own back, saying “Oh, I do believe I am.” As the pair made their way to the house, the foals opened bleary eyes and looked around. “Awww,” said Apple Bloom, “We missed the last part.” “Shoot,” said Scootaloo. “That was so cool, too. Maybe next time we can stay up later?” “Yeah,” said Sweetie Belle. “But wow, I can see why ponies thought she was a goddess for a while.” “Uh-huh,” yawned Scootaloo. “I wouldn’t call her that, though.” “’Course not,” Apple Bloom’s voice was heard as they faded into the distance. “She’s a friend…” Luna and Sunrise exchanged a smile, then chuckled. “Well, alas, I should be leaving,” Luna said. “Much as I would love to remain with thee…” Sunrise nodded. “Yeah. Duty calls.” “See thee in the morning?” Sunrise looked askance at her. “You sure you won’t be too tired?” Another smile. “I wouldn’t miss it.” They kissed again, and then Princess Luna dissolved away into mist, the mist vanishing into the night. Sunrise gave a contented sigh, then turned to Pinkie. “So, need any help cleaning up?” Pinkie Pie shook her head. “Nah. Some friends of Fluttershy’s are coming by to take care of the rest.” She grinned. “Thanks, though!” “Hey, no problem. Twilight, I’m heading home. That cool?” “Sure. I’ll catch up later.” There were parting hugs, and then Sunrise was trotting contentedly back towards Ponyville proper, humming to herself. And then, there were two. While Twilight gathered the various dishes and cutlery and organized them by type and degree of cleaning involved, Pinkie contemplated the moon hanging in the Eastern sky. After a while, she spoke. “Twilight?” “Mmm?” “Do you ever… you know, wonder what it’s like? To be like Sunrise and Luna? Or like Applejack and Rarity?” Twilight considered this. “Not really,” she said at last, separating large spoons from small. “I have read about it, of course. And I’ll admit I had some curiosity, when I was little. But romantic relationships involve so much… else. Things that don’t interest me. “And besides,” she smiled at Pinkie, “I have my friends. And frankly, from what I can tell, we’re closer than most married couples tend to be anyway. Much less dating couples, and all the social ritual that implies.” Twilight went on with a thoughtful frown, pausing in her alphabetical cross-referencing arrangement of cutlery. “Even if I were to try such an experiment, it would have to be with a friend… but then, that also brings up the dangers involved, since apparently adding romance can jeopardize a friendship.” Her frown deepened. “I’m not sure how it would, or why, but from what I’ve read…” She shrugged. “I dunno. It just doesn’t sound worth it to me.” Then, Twilight glanced over at her friend as a new thought struck her. “Why, are you curious?” “Nah, not me,” Pinkie casually waved off the notion. Twilight raised an eyebrow. “I mean, sure, someday, maybe,” Pinkie considered. Then, she shook her head, pink curls flying. “But c’mon, this is me. Family life would just slow me down, you know?” “Keep that swinger lifestyle, you mean.” Twilight deadpanned. Pinkie nodded, keeping her face straight. “Oh, yeah. You know it, sister.” “Count Baise, Colt Calloway…” “…Duke Estonian, Caravan Palace…” Pinkie said. “Sure. All the big band names.” There was a pause as the two of them looked at one another, then started to laugh. After a while, Twilight shrugged, smiling. “Well, you might be right. But I think if anypony could be a family mare and a party pony, it would be you.” “Aw, thanks, Twilight,” Pinkie grinned. “And someday, who knows? Maybe I will settle down. Someday, I may meet that right group of ponies, the dozen or so mares and stallions who are right for me…” “…and then your wandering days are over?” Twilight finished for her, amused. The two of them chuckled a little, Pinkie shoving Twilight playfully. “You get me,” she grinned. They enjoyed a companionable silence for a while. Eventually, Twilight looked up at the purpling sky. “Well, I’d better be getting back home,” she said. She looked down at her adopted brother fondly. “Spike is down for the count, I think. And Sunrise had asked me to help her with some research tomorrow.” “Ooo, what kind?” “Educational. She’s applying for a position as teacher’s assistant with Cheerilee. She’s actually pretty qualified, from what I can tell. But you know: different world, different traditions and histories. She just wants to be sure she’s ready.” Pinkie Pie was nodding. “Uh-huh.” Twilight stood, and gathered up Spike in her magic. The little hatchling twitched a little, but remained asleep as she placed him gently on her back. Then, she glanced back at Pinkie. “So, walk you home?” Pinkie considered, then shook her head, smiling. “Nah. It’s nice here. I’ll head back later.” “Okay. See you tomorrow.” “See ya!” They exchanged a quick hug, and Twilight trotted off into the growing night. At length, Twilight’s hoofsteps could no longer be heard. Pinkie Pie relaxed, her face falling out of the smile she had maintained with such practiced ease throughout her discussion with Twilight. Looking at the ground, she let out the mournful sigh she had been holding in for so long, ultimately collapsing into a prone position. She lay there, chin between her hooves, looking out at the star-filled sky with sad, blue eyes. Eventually, the last dim radiance of dusk gave way into the deep velvet of night, the opalescent moon shining down upon the world. Behind her, an assortment of forest creatures chatted amongst themselves, happily divvying up the remaining goodies and carrying them back to their respective homes and families. Soon, the table was clean, the creatures returned to their lairs. Through it all, Pinkie Pie continued to watch the moon’s gradual ascent. It was nightly proof that, even as she guarded and guided dreaming folk across the world, Luna occasionally exited dream time to attend to her celestial duties, as well. All this, and still ready to protect ponies during the day, from whatever may come. There was no doubt about it, she was one awesome princess. Of course, none of that held a candle to the grace she had when she moved, the secret shine in her eyes when she smiled, the silver bells in her laugh. Pinkie Pie sighed again. She looked up at the distant moon, forever out of reach. Then, rousing herself, she turned away, finally beginning the long trek home. Had there been anyone to hear, her voice would have been little more than a whisper. “Maybe someday.” Author's Note . . . . . And so, those of you who read Twilight Doesn’tand In Vino Veritas now know what would have happened if the CMCs had come home from camp just a few weeks early. And if you haven’t, please feel free to check those tales out. They offer what would have happened if the foals had stayed at camp as scheduled, as well as a glimpse into my other what-if continuity, Elsequestria. This chronology continues in To Dance Without Reason. And, of course, the seminal story that starts it all begins here.
Welcome Home“Well, I gotta tell ya, Pinkie,” Applejack drawled, “As welcomin’ parties go, this one takes the cake.” Along with Twilight and Pinkie, the earth pony glanced over at said cake’s shattered remains, and the massive oaken table that creaked beneath its weight. “A ten-foot tall chocolate / red velvet swirl upside-down pineapple ice cream sundae layer cake, with…” Twilight shook her head. “How did you even do that?” “Trade secret,” Pinkie grinned. Applejack went on, “An’ the party favors, second to none, as usual…” “Thanks!” “…but, don’t you think the sky-writin’ was a little excessive?” “Yeah,” considered Twilight. “Not to mention the dancing bears…” “…silver horn-playin’ mice…” “…a firework display with a guest appearance by the Wonderbolts…” “Bungee-jumpin’ ‘possums…” “Aw, c’mon, guys!” Pinkie laughed. “I had to wait an extra-super long time for this one!” “You had to wait a week,” Twilight said, dryly. “You can’t expect me not to pull out a few stops!” “‘A few stops?’” Applejack’s eyebrows raised up. “Pinkie, ya woke up Princess Luna.” “She thought Sweet Apple Acres was under attack,” Twilight agreed. “You could have at least let me know what you were planning, or when! Then I could have told the princesses, especially Luna…” “Silly, then it might not have been a surprise!” the pink pony teased. “After all, you’re sharing a castle with the guest of honor.” “Still, though.” Applejack went on, shaking her head. “Never wanna get on that gal’s bad side. You see how she flew in here from the castle, all thunder an’ fury? Like ta scare me half to death. An’ I seen her as Nightmare Moon.” “Eeyup,” agreed her brother, trotting by. Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes. “Okay, maybe she got a little loud…” Twilight stared at her friend with a mix of laughter and incredulity. “‘A little loud?’ Pinkie, she blew out the candles!” “Well, yeah, but there was ice cream cake. Ice cream and cake make everything better! And besides,” Pinkie continued, eyes full of mischief, “if I hadn’t had the bunny cannon brigade chime in for the Welcome to Equestria for the First Time Ever Sunrise Salute, then Princess Luna wouldn’t have woke up in time and come here in time for the party even though she didn’t know about the party and then been surprised too with snacks and games and had Sunrise run up to her all glad to see her even while she was all scary and stuff and then we wouldn’t have known about them being maaare frieeeends!” This last was sung in a squee of pure delight. The three mares looked over to the shade of a large apple tree where the princess lay in the tall grass, sated from an assortment of confections. Smiling sleepily, she watched as Sunrise Shimmer and Rainbow Dash played chase games with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The five of them were dodging around and between the nearby trees, amid a variety of war cries, whinnies, and laughing squeals of excitement. As the trio watched, Sunrise took a break from the galloping back and forth. She trotted happily to where Luna reclined, the latter smiling more as she approached. The two mares nuzzled one another, then Sunrise lay down next to Luna as they continued watching the ponies at play. As Sunrise skootched against Luna, the latter covering her with a wing, a new turn of events took place in the game. “Roar!” yelled the Frumious Bandersnatch, her terrible blue wings spread out to their fullest. “I’m taking down all of Equestria! With your precious princesses defeated, there is no one cool enough to stop me!” “Oh, yeah?” challenged the Hero of All Earth Ponies, “Well, we’ve got a secret weapon!” “Ha ha ha!” laughed the evil villain evilly. “No secret weapon is awesome enough to challenge my might!” “So you might think, villain!” grinned the Master Sorcerer. “Well, behold, as my power summons forth a Mighty Dragon!” There was a small flash of pale green light from her horn, followed by a puff of smoke and fire, and a new player entered the field. “Roar!” bellowed the Mighty One, his arms splaying out his leafy wings majestically. “Fear the power of Spike the Magnificent!” “Aaack!” agreed the many-coloured monster. Thus, the chase reversed itself, with the three fillies and dragon hatchling chasing after their dreaded foe, to save the world from her Dreaded Frumiousness. During this time, Rarity had trotted up to the trio, coming to rest beside Applejack. “Hey, hon,” Applejack smiled. “Hey.” As the two of them kissed, Pinkie Pie grinned, and Twilight smiled at both of them warmly. The kiss was relatively brief, though the mares continued to be lost in one another’s eyes. “Which reminds me,” Twilight said, “I finished work on the tesseract spell. I can cast it tonight, if you’re ready.” “Oh, I think so,” Rarity smiled. “Yeah,” agreed Applejack, also smiling. “Me, too.” “Great! I’ll take care of it tonight after I get home. The house geometries may take a little time to adapt to their new definitions, though. You’ll want to wait until the morning to test it, just to make certain” “First thing,” said Applejack, with a look to Rarity. “Promise.” Rarity blushed prettily. “Wow, I am so glad you two got back together,” Pinkie said happily, grabbing another bowl of ice cream cake. After a moment, she added through a mouthful of confection, “Coursh, fur a minnid it lukked like youf mighd nodd.” Twilight cocked her head. “It did? When was this?” “Oh, we were seeing one another for a while before we went public, darling,” Rarity said. “Pinkie Pie knew, and so did a few others, but that was all. I wasn’t ready to come out just yet. That wasn’t until the Gala.” Twilight nodded. “I remember that.” Applejack chuckled, shaking her mane slightly. “Ain’t nopony like ta forget it.” “But, you broke up before that?” “Well, it was a near thing,” Rarity admitted. Then she spared her marefriend a loving look, adding, “But mercifully, good sense prevailed.” “I dunno about that, Rare,” Applejack said. She glanced towards the trees where their sisters played. “Seems to me that sense had precious little to do with it, ‘ceptin’ at the end there.” “Whereupon, it did indeed prevail,” Rarity rejoined with good-natured dignity. “Okay, not meaning to pry… well, not too much, anyway,” Twilight said, “but, am I sensing a story here?” The Cutie Mark Crusaders had been on a summer vacation with various classmates at camp, but they’d been rained out after just a few days. Apparently there had been some magical battle between the Mane Six and the forces of evil, and the weather had taken some of the spill-over. Even with the pegasi working overtime, the lake quickly overtook the little camping site, and so all campers had been sent home almost three weeks early. Thus, the CMC had fallen back on what they usually did to fill their days. “…and so, with the recent addition of bee keepin’ to the list of things we ain’t got cutie marks in,” a bandaged Apple Bloom said wearily, “there any further business afore we quit this here meetin’?” The other two Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at one another, trying desperately to not scratch the various stings and welts beneath the ointment-soaked wrappings that covered much of their bodies. “Well, I do have one thing,” said Sweetie Belle. “I don’t know that it’s exactly cutie mark related, but…” “Remember the Cutie Mark Crusader Oath,” Skootaloo reminded her. “Friends first, crusaders second.” Sweetie nodded. “I’m… well, I’m worried about Rarity.” Apple Bloom frowned. “She okay?” “I don’t know. The last couple of days, she hasn’t been her usual self.” Skootaloo’s frown matched Apple Bloom’s. “How do you mean?” “Well, she’s just so sad,” Sweetie sighed. “She stays in bed most mornings, or else she sits in the main room, petting Opal. She isn’t eating.” She looked down. “When she thinks I can’t hear, she’s crying.” “That’s…” Skootaloo stopped. She was frankly at a loss, but, looking at Apple Bloom, she saw an identical downcast expression. “Apple Bloom?” she asked. “You got something?” “Applejack’s the same way,” Apple Bloom said into the floor. “I figured she was just thinkin’ about our folks. Sometimes it hits outta nowhere, even now. But now as I think on it, it’s been about, what, a week she’s been like this?” “A week,” Sweetie Belle affirmed. Skootaloo looked from one to the other and back. “How bad is this?” “Applejack ain’t buckin’ like she was,” Apple Bloom said. “Apples’re getting’ left behind on the ground. She don’t even see ‘em.” “Rarity isn’t sewing,” Sweetie Belle added. “She says she isn’t in the mood.” “Guys, this is an emergency!” Skootaloo exclaimed, wide-eyed. She was standing now, chair behind her, bee stings forgotten. “We’ve got to do something now! Your sisters are on the line!” “Our sisters?” Apple Bloom stared at her friend in growing horror. “Do you think they’re…?” Sweetie Belle finished for her in a hoarse whisper, “…Dying?” “Like, from a curse?” whimpered Apple Bloom. Skootaloo paused, eyes even larger as she considered the idea. “Um… I dunno?” she offered uncertainly. “I mean, Rainbow Dash says there’s no such thing as curses, that they’re just old pony tales…” “Grown-ups used to say the same thing about Nightmare Moon,” Sweetie Belle pointed out. “But Rainbow Dash is fine, so it isn’t like they got cursed while they were saving ponies or anything—” Skootaloo started. “Unless she’s just bein’ brave, ta spare yer feelins,” Apple Bloom pointed out. “Is that something she might do?” asked Sweetie Belle. Skootaloo stared at her friends with growing horror. “Yeah,” she gulped. “It is.” Twilight winced, putting a hoof to her forehead. “They didn’t.” Applejack nodded. “They did. Convinced themselves we were goners, sure as birds gotta fly. Got themselves worked up in a right state about it, too. Rainbow Dash ain’t never talked about what Skootaloo said to her…” “…but poor Sweetie Belle was just beside herself,” Rarity finished. “The next day, she made me breakfast in bed, then started the most tearful little series of apologies for any number of minor failings, all the while talking about how much she wished she’d been a better little sister…” “…Apple Bloom tried to take over my chores for me, tellin’ me the whole time how much she’d always loved me an’ all, wished she’d showed it better… an’ then she just started havin’ the gallopin’ come-aparts like I’d about never seen before…” “…by the time I’d gotten the little dear quieted down, I’d started thinking again…” “…me, too, an’ explained what-all was actually a-goin’ on, at least with me…” “…and I started to realize that, well, I’d made a terrible mistake.” “I kept starin’ at Apple Bloom, once she was calmed down again. I just kept a-wonderin’, ‘why didn’t I think ta say that to Rarity, there at the end? How much I love her, how much I need her? It’s all true…’” Rarity nodded. “Me, as well.” She looked at Applejack. “I just couldn’t believe how foolish I’d been, how I hadn’t tried harder to find a way we could be together. How I hadn’t told you how I truly felt about you, how much it tore my heart out to walk away.” Applejack nodded. “Yeah. I just couldn’t believe I’d let’cha get away, without tryin’ harder ta keep ya. Like to of kicked myself clear to Canterlot. But, I just figgered it was too late to say anythin’ then.” “Likewise. I was so convinced that ship had already sailed. Especially since breaking up had been my idea.” Rarity shook her head. “And I knew it was wrong, I could just feel it! But I did it anyway, because I thought it was the sensible thing to do. I was thinking of my shops, and the cities they would be in someday. The life I’d imagined building for myself, before I’d fallen in love. And so, I let the mare I loved go because of it.” She sighed. “Idiot.” “Hey, now,” Applejack frowned. “That’s enough of that. Besides, I didn’t help none, getting’ my back up about the farm.” “You had every right to feel defensive, dear. I wasn’t appreciating its beauty properly, and you called me on it.” Applejack looked down. “Yeah, but I called you a few other things, too.” Rarity ran a hoof along Applejack’s mane. “We both made mistakes, dearest. The point is that, eventually, we worked it out.” Applejack chuckled, kissing her gently on the forehead. “Well, I guess that’s one way a’puttin’ it.” Twilight cocked her head. “Wait, that was it? You guys just realized you were both unhappy without each other, so you talked it out and got back together? Sounds pretty straightforward.” Both mares looked uncomfortable. “Well, it might have worked out that way…” Rarity acknowledged. “Eventually, maybe…” Applejack allowed. “But you must remember, darling, our sisters were now aware of our dilemma.” “An’ with the CMC involved...” Applejack shook her head. “Girl, there ain’t nuthin’ simple.” “I hereby call this emergency meeting of the Cutie Mark Crusaders to order.” Skootaloo banged her little gavel solemnly, while her friends nodded in agreement. The bandages and bee stings were gone, thanks to Apple Bloom’s ointment (mixed under Zecora’s watchful eye, of course). But this was no time to dwell upon such frivolities. Far greater matters were at hand. “Quick question, afore we proceed,” Apple Bloom said. “Are you sure Rainbow Dash ain’t any part of this?” “Uh-huh,” Skootaloo nodded. “This is just your sisters. Which makes me the perfect chairmare for the day, since it gives us a clear, unbiased, rational approach.” The young pegasus walked over to where they had a large paper tacked to the wall, with the air of a military officer holding a briefing. “So. It’s obvious that your sisters’ happiness is impossible unless we do something. I therefore move that our first priority, until further notice, be getting them back together again.” “Seconded,” said Sweetie. “Carried,” agreed Apple Bloom. “In order to accomplish this,” Skootaloo went on, “We must understand what brought them together in the first place.” “Seconded,” said Apple Bloom. “Carried,” nodded Sweetie Belle. “So,” Skootaloo opened a box of crayons, “each of you make a list of everything you know of that happened when they got together. We’ll use that as a reference.” Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, uncertainly. “Um, we don’t know exactly what-all that was,” Apple Bloom pointed out. “Or just when,” Sweetie added. But Skootaloo merely nodded sagely. “Sure. But that’s why there are two lists. Each of you will think of different stuff. So, just write down everything you can think of that might apply. If we do everything on both lists, we’re bound to do the right thing to make them fall in love again, right?” There followed an uncomfortable silence. “…and maybe get our cutie marks in match-making,” Skootaloo added. Suddenly, there was a flurry of activity, the crayon box tearing and colorful bits of wax hurtling in all directions as the CMCs threw themselves into their cause. “Carried!” they all cried.
The High Art of MatchmakingCurled on her side, the Princess of Night dozed tranquilly beneath the tree, its wide branches providing her ample shade from the unfamiliar sun. Her barrel and forelegs mostly covered by her wings, she seemed much younger than her aeons of experience and power would demand. In the distance, Luna’s marefriend could be heard, laughing as she played with Dash, Spike, and the CMC. Now and then, a warm breeze gently wafted by, playing with Luna’s mane. Eventually, a stray leaf drifted down, landing on the monarch’s thigh. Her leg twitched slightly – twice, then once more – dislodging the intruder without waking the Mare of Dreams. Still in slumber, Luna breathed in a huge, contented sigh. Then, smiling, she snuggled back into a deeper sleep, curling up beneath her wings. From afar, at the cake table, Twilight studied her friend keenly. “How do you think she does it?” Applejack paused only briefly in her quest for third helpings. “How does who do what?” “Luna. I mean, when she got here she was all wrath and fury…” “…an’ now she’s cute as a button?” Twilight tilted her head, one ear going flat. “Well… yeah.” Applejack shrugged. “Beats me. I’m jus’ glad she only uses her powers for good.” She considered for a moment before adding, “Well, that, an’ for sweets.” “Well, sure, she is the guardian of dreams, so…” Twilight’s voice trailed off and she stared at Applejack suspiciously. “That… wasn’t what you were talking about.” The farmer just shook her head. “Nope. But, just think. Why, if Sombra was half as cute as Luna is, why, he’d a been unstoppable.” “It is a chilling thought,” Rarity deadpanned. “Even if the King of the Crystal Empire had only learned how to squee properly…” “There woulda been no Crystal Resistance,” Applejack agreed. “The Yaks would never have blockaded him from the North.” “Equestria woulda fallen in a fortnight.” Rarity’s eyes stared in horror as she reared up, “And in place of our fair princesses, we would have a king!” Equally wide-eyed, Applejack joined her. “Not beautiful as the mornin’ and the night, but terrible an’ dark!” “Unfair as the Sea,” Rarity went on, “and the Sun, and the Snow upon the Mountain!” “Dreadful as the Storm an’ the Lightnin’!” Applejack added, putting an arm around Rarity’s shoulders. “Stronger than the foundations of the world!” Rarity crowed, returning the embrace. And then, gesturing grandly in unison, they both shouted, “All shall love him and despair!” Twilight rolled her eyes. “Right. Thanks, guys.” Grinning, the marefriends went back to four hooves. “We’re here for ya,” Applejack said. Shortly afterwards, an out of breath but elated Sunrise detached herself from the continuing game among the apple trees and ran up to where the three of them sat. “Hey,” she grinned. “Guess who just got made an honorary member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” “Well, that ain’t a shock,” Applejack nodded with a smile. “Congratulations, Sunny. Here, have some cake.” “Thanks!” Rarity looked at her quizzically. “Only honorary?” “Mmm,” Sunrise agreed through her mouthful. Swallowing, she went on, “I could have been a full member, but apparently they do quests and things to find their marks. Between my studies and everything else, I can’t really commit to…” Her voice trailed off as she observed the amused looks before her. “What?” “Well, ‘quests and things’ might be kind of an understatement,” Twilight admitted. “A tactful way of putting it,” Rarity added. “Diplomatic, like,” Applejack agreed. Sunset looked from one to the other, a wry smile beginning to form. “Okay,” she said, “what am I missing here?” “Well, you have to understand, first and foremost, foals are given much more room to develop and play in our world than where you’re from,” Twilight said. “And, most often, if they have an interest, they’re encouraged to pursue it.” Sunrise nodded. “Sure, different culture. I get that.” “But the CMCs are, well… a bit high-spirited, even for foals,” Rarity said. “They put everything they have into everything they do. Which is an admirable trait, when focused with moderation…” “Which ain’t a word they know the meanin’ of,” Applejack added. “No,” Rarity sighed. “Not yet. Point of fact, there is no middle ground with them, so far as I can tell.” Applejack shook her head, chuckling a little as she did. “Ain’t that the truth. An’ lemme tell you, we oughtta know that better’n anypony.” Over the next week, Applejack and Rarity found themselves meeting multiple times, despite their best intentions. On Moonday, for example, Sweetie Belle happened over to the apple cart while Apple Bloom and Applejack were selling their wares. After a few minutes’ talk, inevitably, Apple Bloom asked her sister if she could go play for a while. Applejack started to say no, then stopped herself. Well, why shouldn’t at least one of us enjoy this here day? she thought. “Sure, go on, sugar cube,” she said. “Be back to give me a break ‘round noon, okay?” “Uh-huh!” Both fillies said in unison. Then they zipped off to wherever. Once they were both out of sight, Applejack let her face relax. Smiling so much was making her ache, and that was a fact. But she’d let on once how miserable life as for her, and her sister had gone off the deep end about it. Darned if that was going to happen again. “Apples,” she sighed to the passing crowd. “Fresh apples, best ya can buy.” It was a few minutes later that she heard the screams. There was no mistaking those voices. “Apple Bloom!” While the rest of the ponies simply paused and stared at the alleyway where the noise had come from – some frowning, some uncertain, a very few taking a hesitant step towards the young voices – Applejack plowed her way through the wavering ponies in an eyeblink, knocking stallions and mares hither and yon. “Sweetie Belle! Hang on, girls, I’m a-comin’!” Stars above, if anypony had hurt those fillies— She reached the alley’s mouth just as another mare entered from the other side. In the middle of the alley, holding each other in fright, were the two foals. There was a shadow over them, cast by something on the rooftop. It was obscured by the brightness of the sun, whatever it was. But its shadow was immense, ears down in aggression, antlers splayed. Both mares reached their young charges at about the same time. Applejack reared up to challenge the interloper, while behind her, Rarity straddled the two, head down, horn ablaze. Whatever it was, it vanished over the other side of the roof, and was gone. “Stay here!” Applejack yelled. Rarity nodded, her horn still a corona of pale light. “Be careful. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, stay with me.” In an instant, Applejack was on the roof and over, peering in every direction from her vantage point. After a moment, she chuckled and leaped down again. “It’s okay,” she smiled. “False alarm.” Rarity frowned. “What…?” “Jackalope,” Applejack explained. “Saw it scarperin’ off a ways away.” Rarity’s eyebrows arched. “A… jackalope?” Applejack nodded. “Don’t usually see ‘em this time a’year. Not in months with a ‘Y’ in ‘em. But when they do come outta the grass, they like high places.” She paused, considering. “Least, that’s what Granny always said. Never seen one before, myself. I hear they’re pretty scarce. Fluttershy’ll wanna know we saw one, come to think of it.” She smiled down at the foals. “An’ just what were you two gals playin’ in a dark alley by yourselves?” The two looked down. “Sombra,” they said in unison. The mares shared a knowing look. “Well, perhaps you should play something a bit less dramatic,” Rarity suggested. “’Kay,” they agreed. The two foals trotted out from the alley together, leaving the mares alone. For a time, neither of them spoke. “So, um,” offered Applejack, examining the alleyway’s walls. “Yes,” managed Rarity, looking first at the sky, then her hooves. “Well.” Applejack sighed. “Yeah. Well.” Then she sighed again. “Guess I’d better get back.” As she turned to go, she heard Rarity say, very quietly, “Good… goodbye.” Applejack closed her eyes in pain as she made her way back to her apple cart. “Yeah.” A short time later, the young pair met up with Scootaloo, bouncing all the way. The young pegasus was hidden in a treetop, several blocks away, telescope in hoof. After a few seconds, her fellow CMCs two had succeeded in scrambling up and into the branches with her. “Well?” breathed Sweetie Belle. But Scootaloo shook her head. “They barely even talked. They just left. First Applejack, then Rarity.” She sighed. “And both as sad as ever.” “Awwww!” both of her fellow CMCs exclaimed in unison as they sat. “Dang it, I was so sure,” sighed Apple Bloom. “It’s not our fault,” Sweetie Belle said, putting a hoof on Apple Bloom’s withers. “But all the times Applejack’s been there for me…” “Yeah,” Sweetie Belle agreed. “We should be able to be there for them.” All three of the friends slumped down, bellies to the large branch that supported them, their chins on their forehooves. “Well, we’d better return them antlers we borrowed,” Apple Bloom pointed out. “Yeah, that stag wanted them back by nightfall,” Sweetie Belle agreed. “Plus, now we owe Angel all our desserts for the next week,” added Scootaloo. The foals all sighed in unison. They stayed that way for several seconds. Then, Apple Bloom rose, more determined than ever. “Well,” she said. “We can scratch savin’ folks from monsters off the list. What’s next?” The next day was Waterday. Rainbow Dash peered at her younger friend skeptically. “Do you even know what you’re asking me to do?” Scootaloo hesitated. “Um, well…” Rainbow Dash waited. Then, taking a deep breath, the foal closed her eyes and said very quickly, “I’m asking you to risk your already questionable reputation as a reliable weather pony by arranging an unscheduled and fierce thunderstorm centered in the marketplace at exactly one-fifteen today, which will undoubtedly be traced back to you by the weather bureau, with maybe severe consequences.” “And the reason being…?” “I can’t tell you.” “You can’t tell me.” Opening her eyes, Scootaloo nodded. Rainbow sighed. “Right. And that’s because…?” “It’s a secret,” Scootaloo said. “But it’s really, really important. I promise.” “Uh-huh.” Dash gave her a knowing look. “Cutie marks?” But the filly shook her head. “More important than that.” Rainbow Dash’s eyebrows rose to her mane. Incredulous, she waited. “And… we also kinda need Rarity and Applejack to end up in the same place in the rain.” Pause. “Alone.” Pause. Finally, Rainbow Dash spoke. “And you can’t tell me why.” Scootaloo looked down. “Right.” “And you can’t tell me where you’ll be while this is happening, or what you’ll be doing.” “Right,” she said again. “I especially can’t tell you that.” “But you can promise me it’s nothing dangerous. Like, at all,” Rainbow Dash reiterated. “You’re sure.” “I’m sure. I promise. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” “And this absolutely needs to happen.” Scootaloo nodded. Face still grim, Rainbow Dash nodded as well. “Yeah, okay. Just so we understand each other.” Then she grinned, tousled Scootaloo’s mane, and took off into the sky. Smiling, Scootaloo gazed after Dash’s diminishing form with a deep sigh. Blood or not, legal or not, you just couldn’t ask for a better sister than that. Caught in the middle of shopping, Rarity looked up at the sound of thunder, completely aghast. Wasn’t today supposed to be clear and sunny? She heard the rainfall before she felt it, her trot breaking into a run. She would have brought a parasol if she’d known, or even suspected, that the weather would be… Inwardly, she growled. Rainbow Dash and her ridiculous pranks. Of course. Then, her face lit up despite the torrent. There. That was a likely looking shop. She galloped towards the sanctuary, its sign obscured by the increasing curtain of rain. She would be safe there-- FATHWAM! The unicorn skidded to a halt a few feet away from the newly-formed crater, still smoking from the lightning strike. Then again, perhaps not. Casting about, she saw a hot dog stand and ran for its oversized umbrella as fast as she could traverse the quickly softening ground. Her mane was certainly wet enough when she reached the hot dog stand, conveniently placed in the middle of the square. More lightning struck here and there, assorted ponies running and leaping about for shelter in various directions. After a few moments, another pony slid into the shelter, panting somewhat from the run. “Dangit, Rainbow Dash,” Applejack muttered. “One a’these days, she’s gonna go too far, gonna plant a hoof right in her…” Her voice trailed off as she looked up at Rarity. Rarity, for her part, also stared. Applejack quickly rose to her hooves, barrel and abdomen dripping with mud. “Um, hey,” she said quietly. Rarity looked away, her voice a whisper. “Hello.” Applejack looked away, as well. “I’m, um, I’m… right sorry about this.” Rarity blinked. “What?” Still facing the rain, Applejack went on, “I ain’t tryin’ ta crowd you up, honest. Soon as the way’s clear, I’ll skedaddle.” “Applejack, no,” Rarity protested as she turned to face her. “Just because it’s a thunderstorm—Applejack, wait!” But the earth pony had already started running again, head down, back into the rain, faster than Rarity could ever hope to match. For a moment, Rarity only stared after her. “But… that… that wasn’t what I meant…” Then, after a few heartbeats, Rarity also started into the rain. She walked slowly, head down, ignoring the galloping ponies around her. The rain wasn’t so bad, really. True, it did ruin one’s coiffure and make it harder to see, not to mention what it could do to one’s coat if one should happen to fall. But on the other hand, a proper storm obscured one from onlookers. Additionally, it allowed one to pretend that the wetness on one’s face was rain, and not tears at all. And some days, that was truly a blessing. And so the week went. On Windsday, both mares received tickets to a concert from a secret admirer. Unknown to the two of them, of course, the seats were next to one another. But both mares gave their tickets to their sisters, insisting that they had too much work to catch up on to go. Dejected, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gave the tickets to Pipsqueak. He gave them to his parents for an early Anniversary present. “Oh, well,” sighed Apple Bloom. “They’re still serving a noble cause, at least,” Scootaloo pointed out. “True,” Sweetie Belle agreed. Then, rousing herself, “Well, on to the next.” Earthsday evening, the CMC volunteered as delivery foals for Pinkie Pie. Mysteriously, Applejack and Rarity’s deliveries from were somehow switched with one another, necessitating their interacting in order to get their own cupcakes. Alas, neither mare felt up to going out-of-doors over a cupcake. Instead, each resignedly munched what she had been given, her sister looking on helplessly. By Fireday, desperation had begun to take hold. Maps were made, filled, scribbled over and discarded. Well into the night, the Cutie Mark Crusaders plotted, planned, and even schemed. Every detail, every minutia, was examined in agonizing detail. There could be no failure this time. It would not be permitted. No matter what the cost.
Sharing DreamsStarsday is normally a day of play and frolic for foals throughout Equestria. During the school year, it is the first day of the weekend where there are no classes. In summertime, as it was now, it was simply a special day when performances were most likely to be held, and colts and fillies were allowed to stay up later than usual. But for the Cutie Mark Crusaders, this Starsday was a frenzy of underage arrangements and clandestine meetings. They weren’t dealing with fools, after all. And so, it went without saying that this was their last, final hope to save the day before their intentions were suspected. Signs and counter-signs were created and exchanged. Unusual objects were hidden all over Ponyville, materials borrowed, purchased, or traded for. ‘Extravagance’ was a word for lesser ponies. No possibility was left unexplored, no resource untapped, and, above all, no explanations were given. No matter what, they would not fail again. And then finally, on Sunday, Rarity and Applejack each received a summons from Princess Twilight herself, the words formed from cut-out pieces of newspaper. It seemed that she wanted all her friends to play some kind of scavenger hunt. There was a short list of rules for playing, and the first one was that no one was allowed to talk about the scavenger hunt, even with one another. rULe # 1 nO 1 in SCAvengaR hunT noPOny tAlks abOUt skaVaNger hUnt. Rarity scowled at the missive through her sewing glasses, then sighed. Probably something to do with friendship. Again. Then, she shrugged. Then again, one can hardly blame her. Weekly reports to the Princess, and all that. Reexamining the note, she considered, Of course, for a game like this, with everypony starting out in a different place, it makes sense that Twilight would have enlisted help. After a hefty dose of research, no doubt. She chuckled despite herself. And this note certainly has Pinkie Pie written all over it. And thinking on it, perhaps something silly and jovial would help lift my spirits. I have been a bit cooped up lately. She glanced around at her neglected shop. And I certainly can’t go on like this forever. “Sweetie, dear?” she called. “Are you staying home tonight?” Sweetie Belle’s voice floated down from her room. “At Apple Bloom’s. Remember?” “Honestly, I can’t say that I did. But that’s fine. I’m going to be heading out for a while. Can you be sure to be there before dark?” “Sure thing!” “Very good, then.” Meanwhile, at Sweet Apple Acres, a similar discussion was being had. “Well, just be sure you don’t wake Granny,” cautioned Applejack. “We’ll be quiet,” Apple Bloom assured her. The older sister gave a knowing look. “All three of you, huh?” “Oh, c’mon! When have we ever—” “Yeah, let’s not finish that thought, sugar cube.” For a moment, Applejack considered once again the prospect of staying home instead. And, once again, she shook her head. Last dang thing she needed was three hyperactive fillies in her mane all night. And besides, maybe a change of pace would do her good. “Alright, then,” she said. “I may be out late. Y’all be good, now.” “We will.” “Uh-huh,” Applejack winked. “Just make sure we still got a house when I get back tonight, y’hear?” Apple Bloom grinned. “Promise!” And so, each one at different parts of Ponyville, the two mares began to thread together the series of clues that had been left for them. It was shortly after nightfall when Applejack was galloping at full speed, chuckling to herself at the irony of it all. Leave it to Pinkie to hide the prize in my own barn, an’ under my own muzzle, she thought. Probably some kinda party, as usual. Maybe bein’ the first one here lets me surprise the others, or somethin’. But as she rounded the house, she saw that she wasn’t the first pony there. Rarity stood in the barn’s open doorway, staring in. From within the old building, there was a faint, flickering light. Hearing the earth pony’s approach, Rarity turned. When she saw Applejack, she seemed… nervous? Afraid? “This… this wasn’t me,” she stammered. “What in tarnation are you talkin’ about?” asked Applejack, pushing the door further open. Then, she saw. A table. Dinner. Candlelight. And only two chairs. “Applejack,” Rarity managed, “I swear to you, I swear, I would never do this to you…” To her surprise, Applejack found herself smiling. A sad smile, she was pretty sure, but a smile just the same. “I know you didn’t,” she said. “An’ I ain’t feelin’ hurt, or teased, or whatever else you might be thinkin’. But, it does look like somepony else had their own ideas about this here night.” She shrugged. “Not sure just who, but whoever it was, they went to a lot’a trouble. An’ more to the point… after all that runnin’ around, I’m hungry.” She nodded towards the interior. “What about you?” At Rarity’s uncertainty, Applejack sighed. “Aw, heck, Rarity, I ain’t mad. But, can’t we even just eat together, like friends?” Rarity managed a smile. “So… we’re still friends?” Applejack blinked. “Well, um, only if you wanna be.” It was a struggle, but Rarity regained her composure. “Yes,” she said. “I do. Very much.” Applejack relaxed a little. “Well, alright then.” A moment later, the barn door was closed. Sitting at the table, Applejack opened the cider jug and set up the glasses. Meanwhile, Rarity uncovered the plates before them. “Hello, what is this?” Rarity wondered. “Apple an’ oat stroganoff,” Applejack said as she poured. “Country style. This one’s a berry mince pie. I guess the apple butter’s for th’ cupcakes. Not sure about…?” “Eggs benedict on wheat,” Rarity supplied, cocking her head to one side. “Not usually what one would find at dinner, but certainly edible.” Even as each mare considered where they had seen such cooking before, a gentle tune began wafting its way to them. It was an uncertain melody at first, but definitely heartfelt, its steadiness growing with every measure. In fact… “Wait a minute,” Applejack said, her suspicion growing. “Is that Donkey Doodle?” From the hay loft, Apple Bloom hissed, “What are you doin’?” “Playing romance music,” Sweetie Belle hissed back. “That ain’t romance!” “It’s the only song I know by heart!” Sweetie Belle protested, still whispering. “Well, make somethin’ up, then!” “It doesn’t work like that!” “Well, whatever you’re doing, keep doing it,” Skootaloo whispered. “I think it’s working.” Then, her eyes widened, staring down at the table. “Um, Apple Bloom, where did you get those candles?” Much to Sweetie’s relief, Apple Bloom shifted her attention to Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle concentrated anew on playing Donkey Doodle as romantically as possible. “I borrowed ‘em,” Apple Bloom said. Scootaloo watched as the tapers continued to spark with greater abandon. “Uh-huh,” she said. “And, where’d you borrow them from?” “Aunt Pinkie. They’re for special occasions. An’ don’t worry,” Apple Bloom added, “I asked first.” Just then, the candles died out. “Not what I was worried about…” said Scootaloo, sinking down as her eyes grew wider. Just then Applejack threw herself across the table, yelling, and suddenly the candles erupted, sending multi-colored balls of magical flame straight into the ceiling, their explosions filling the upper floor of the building. “Wait a minute,” Applejack said, her suspicion growing. “Is that Donkey Doodle?” “I do believe it is,” Rarity replied. “I may even recognize the artist.” She put down her glass of cider, giving Applejack a wry look. “Three guesses as to who our mysterious benefactors might be.” Applejack, for her part, was struggling not to smile and failing. “Rescuin’ foals from a tiny crittur? A rain storm? Mystery music tickets, if I’m guessin’ right? An’ a Candle-lit dinner in the barn, to boot? With cider?” The smile won out, turning into a grin. “Yeah. No takers.” Rarity shook her head, and sighed. “Still, you must admit, it is a beautiful gesture.” She smiled as well. “I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for them to set all this up.” “Yeah,” Applejack agreed. “It’s from the heart, an’ that’s a fact. I reckon we got the best little sisters around.” She held up her glass. “Plus Scoots, a’course.” Rarity clinked her glass gently against Applejack’s. “Sisters and nieces.” “Yep. By blood or by heart.” “Indeed.” “Yeah.” Applejack took a sip, quietly wishing it were something a little stronger. “Lissen, Rarity…” “Applejack, I…” They both stopped, eyes meeting, their hooves touching lightly by the flaring candles. Then, the candles abruptly died out. Together, the mares stared at the candles. They’d seen this before. “No,” Rarity whispered, “they didn’t…” With a roar, the candles came back to life, shooting fireworks into the ceiling, even as Applejack leaped across the table, bringing Rarity to the ground. “They did!” Applejack yelled as they fell. “Foals! Run!” Back in the present, Applejack, Rarity, Sunrise and Twilight all looked at Pinkie Pie. Pinkie, meanwhile, examined the sky with great interest. “Um, mistakes may have been made,” she said at last. The building flooded with fire as more magical explosions of every color detonated all around them. Lacking any anchor in the ground, the firework candles tipped, then sped unevenly in every direction, propelled by the force of their festive ammunition. In no time, the ponies were trapped in an inferno of every possible color. Explosions burst forth all around them, destroying crates and barrels, scattering the hay and setting it on fire. The rear of the loft was ablaze with burning hay bales, three fillies screaming as the heat pressed in on them. Below, there was only a small clear space around the table, with fire on all sides. The hay acted as kindling, preparing the rest of the barn for what a true fire could become. Already, tongues of gold and orange flame licked the walls and ceiling hungrily on all sides, trapping the ponies within. And throughout it all, more spheres of flame continued to hurl themselves irregularly in all directions. “Levitate the girls down!” Applejack shouted. “I’ll get th’ door!” In an instant, Applejack was in the air, her powerful legs carrying her towards the massive portal. Even as Rarity’s delicate blue aura enveloped the Cutie Mark Crusaders, even as she strained to take their weight, allowing them to leap to the small circle of safety unharmed, Applejack struck the massive barn doors with all her strength. But there is a great difference between the force generated by a pony who stands, and one who is unsupported in mid-air. And, though the heavy oak doors did open somewhat, Applejack fell upon that impact, screaming as she landed full-length in the fire in front of the doors. The foals gasped in horror as the fire enveloped her, even as Rarity spun in response to the cry of pain, eyes wide. “APPLEJACK, NO!” And where there had been an inferno on all sides, now suddenly there was a storm. Snow and ice sprayed across the whole of the barn’s interior, smothering the flames, freezing the fireworks into silence. Icicles hung from the rafters. Frost left its patterns across the walls. The floor became slick with half-melted ice even as the support beams groaned from the sudden temperature shift. And then, silence. The only sound was the labored breathing of Rarity, her eyes still huge with terror, gasping for breath as the glow of her horn slowly subsided. With some difficulty, Applejack pulled herself to her hooves. There was a quick embrace between herself and Rarity, and then she opened the doors the rest of the way, allowing the five of them, soot covered and coughing, but alive, to emerge into the nighttime air. It was perhaps a minute later that they all stood between the house and the scorched and blackened barn, watching it send a continuous, massive tower of smoke into the sky. “Oh, oh, my land,” Apple Bloom breathed through her tears. “Oh, Applejack, oh, I am so, so sorry…” “We all are,” said Skootaloo, staring at their handiwork. “Heck with that,” Applejack said. “I’m just glad you’re alive.” Rarity hugged Sweetie Belle while the five of them contemplated the damaged building, still billowing up thick plumes of smoke into the nighttime sky. “Rarity?” asked Sweetie at last, “how did you do that?” “Do what, sweetheart?” Rarity asked absently. “That thing with the frost. I didn’t know you could do that.” “Normally I can’t, dear. But, well, with loved ones in danger…” She and Applejack looked at one another. Then looked down, their cheeks coloring slightly. “Um, ladies?” said Applejack at last. “Would you kindly excuse the two of us a moment?” Rarity finished. The three fillies nodded and walked the rest of the way towards the farm house. Granny Smith and Big Mac were waiting, and there was no sense postponing the inevitable. Once the CMC were out of earshot, Rarity spoke. Very distinctly, very clearly. “I,” she said, “am an idiot.” “No, you ain’t. Not ever.” Rarity shook her head violently. “Yes. Yes, I am,” she said. “I pushed away a treasure beyond all reckoning. Someone who held my heart, and who still holds it. And all for the sake of… things. Status. Stores. A life I don’t even have yet, and might never have.” Applejack looked up to see Rarity staring at her, blue eyes full of sadness. “You will,” Applejack said. “It’s your dream.” Again, Rarity shook her head. “Oh, but it’s all changed now! Every time I see myself in the future, in business, it’s in fashion. But every time I see myself in the future, and happy, it’s with you. For over a fortnight now, I’ve been constantly thinking of the places we might go, thinking of jokes or songs you might like to hear, wondering how you might like the fare at this town or that city someday…” She looked away. “And then… and then, I have to remind myself,” she said miserably. “I don’t have you to share all that with anymore. And I never will. Because… because I threw it all away. I was so concerned with proximity and location, I didn’t stop to think about the way the orchard and your mane catch the morning light in the autumn. So worried about the dirt and the hay, I didn’t stop to think about the way you smell of apple blossoms in spring, or about that light in your eyes when you’re out there in the orchards, doing what you love. “And, well, I was so concerned about the dream I’d had since childhood, so afraid of losing control, I became utterly recalcitrant. I didn’t understand the beautiful vision standing before me until it was too late.” Rarity looked down again, eyes screwed shut. “And I’m not saying that I know how it would have worked between us. Maybe it couldn’t have.” The tears were flowing freely now, as she went on, “But I should have tried! And if it didn’t work out, you deserved better than some nervous excuse for a break-up that left you thinking I didn’t want to see you at all! Because that wasn’t true! It was never true! “But I didn’t give you better,” she wept. “I handled the matter, if I might call it that, exactly as I did. And if that isn’t idiocy, I honestly don’t know what is.” Several heartbeats passed before Applejack spoke. “Hey?” Still crying, Rarity looked up into Applejack’s green eyes. “It ain’t too late.” Rarity blinked, gave an uncertain snf? sound. “I spent the last couple weeks an’ some change thinkin’ I was never gonna see you again, outside a’Element business an’ maybe by accident,” Applejack said. “An’ darlin’, I thought I was gonna just about die. “You say you were scared about losin’ yore dreams? Well, truth be told, so was I,” Applejack went on. “All my life, all I wanted was the farm. Grow up here, live an’ die here, be buried here. The acres, the trees, the sun an’ the breeze… if there was a heaven, I always figgered it couldn’t be much better’n this. “An’ then, there you were.” She gave a sad smile. “I never in all my days thought I’d see anythin’ more beautiful than this place. An’ when I did, well, I guess it was kinda scary. So, I also got kinda recal… recall…” She gave Rarity a look of quizzical amusement. “Recalcitrant,” Rarity said, also smiling a little. “Though, actually, I may have used the term improperly.” “Well, since Twi ain’t here ta correct us, let’s jus’ call it stubborn.” Rarity’s smile grew. “That seems fair.” “All right, then” Applejack smiled back. “Anyway, I got stubborn my own self. Leave the farm fer some big ol’ city? Or even a shop in Ponyville? Shoot. Not this gal. Not now, not ever. “But, then we split up. An’ it got so that every mornin’ I’d be thinkin’ about the sunrise, an’ wonderin’ if maybe you saw it. Or there’d be a square dance comin’ up, an’ I’d wonder if you’d like to go – it was you showed me how square dancin’ an’ ballroom dancin’ were so close t’each other – an’ then I’d remember again: there weren’t no you an’ me no more. There was just me. “An’ for the first time, Sweet Apple Acres was a lonely place. Every place was. ‘Cuz you weren’t there with me.” Again, for a time, silence grew between them. “I remember that dance,” Rarity said. “Ridiculous umbrella, giving way like that.” Applejack smiled in reminiscence. “Yeah, that was just a lucky break for me.” “I was positively mortified to be caught in that thunderstorm, and my mane was completely soaked…!” “Apple cart was stuck, no pullin’ it out just then anyway…” “We both took shelter under that awning… what was the shop again?” “No idea. I just remember you.” “And after a while, we started talking about the Gala, how grand it would be…” “You started. I was talkin’ about how I didn’t never do such a froo-froo kinda dance.” “And, well, I was determined to prove you wrong.” Applejack grinned. “An’ you did.” “And then…” “Yeah.” They both smiled. It had been their first kiss. Completely unexpected, very gentle, and very, very nice. “It still ain’t too late,” Applejack said. Rarity’s smile faded. “Oh, Applejack. How can we go back?” “We can’t,” Applejack said, “so we don’t. We go forwards, instead.” She stepped closer. “We take chances with each other, an’ we accept our mistakes. We let each other in, we get hurt, we say sorry when we need to an’ mean it like the dickens. An’ we be there for each other like family, an’ do everythin’ we can ta make this work.” “And… what about our dreams?” Rarity asked softly. “Which of us gives up her dream?” “I’m… I’m thinkin’ neither one,” Applejack replied. “I’ll allow I dunno exactly how, but maybe we can blend ‘em, ‘steada havin’ ta choose one or the other.” Rarity cocked her head to one side, considering the possibilities. Boutique refreshments? Designer cider flavors? “Then again,” Rarity said, in a more contemplative tone, “as I think on it, just thinking aloud, mind you, how much of our difficulties ultimately lay in location?” “Oh, at first glance, I’d say a fair amount,” Applejack allowed. “I’m sure we’ll find others… wait a minute.” The farmer’s eyes widened. “That’s it! Why, I bet if we can get Twilight in on this… why, she’s the strongest mage around, aside from the princesses. I bet… wait, what were you thinkin’?” The unicorn shook her head. “Nothing, dear. Finish your thought, do.” “Well, anyway, what if Twilight could whomp up a spell to make it like we were havin’ the same house? Like, a common door, maybe? On one side, you’re in my house… step through, an’ you’re in yours?” “A tesseract,” Rarity mused. “Hm. It’s theoretically possible, of course… but the degree of finesse and energy required to construct a stable five-dimensional architecture, especially between pre-existing three-dimensional structures, is prohibitive. To say the least.” “Well, it was just a thought.” “No, no, it’s a good one,” Rarity assured her. “It’s just that I very much doubt that even Twilight could perform such a feat.” “Well, maybe not yet,” Applejack said. “But give that gal some time, I reckon there ain’t much she won’t be up for. An’ heck, we ain’t in that much a hurry, are we?” Rarity smiled. “No. I suppose we aren’t.” “Well, then… Rarity?” “Yes?” Applejack ran a gentle hoof along Rarity’s mane, down her neck. “We don’t really need a storm, do we?” Rarity voice was a whisper, as, eyes closed, she leaned into Applejack’s kiss. “No…” Meanwhile, out of earshot but not out of sight, three young fillies whinnied and pranced with delight. “It worked!” cried Apple Bloom. “They’re together again!” cheered Sweetie Belle. “We’re geniuses!” crowed Skootaloo. Granny nodded at the couple, locked in each other arms. “Welllllll, thet took long enough. Now, as fer yew three,” she went on, turning her attention to the CMCs, “any a’you know how ta fix up a half-burnt barn?” In an instant, the jubilation vanished. The three fillies shook their heads, no. “Well then, see that yew git here at th’ crack a’dawn tomorra,” the old mare said. “Me an’ Big Mac’s gonna larn ye.” “Eeeyup,” frowned the huge stallion. “Yes, ma’am.” The three of them chorused, subdued. “An’ yew kin come back come the fall, every mornin’ yer not in school, an start helpin’ with the buckin’.” She went on. “Had us a lotta preserves go up in that stunt a yours, so yew kin help us replace ‘em.” Her eyes narrowed. “’Specially yew, Apple Bloom. Since yew got more experience, I ‘spect more apples from ye.” “Yes, ma’am,” they said again. “Well, alright then,” Granny nodded. “We know yer sorry, an’ yore makin’ amends. Let’s go git washed up fer supper, an’ we’ll talk no more about it.” “What about them?” asked Apple Bloom. Granny scarcely gave the two lovebirds a glance. “I’m thinkin’ they’ll be goin’ out ta dinner tonight, like as not.” She turned, making her way back into the house. “We’ll save ‘em some pie.” Author's Note . . . . . . .
EpilogueAs the sun had lowered in the sky, The Lady of Night had managed to rouse herself enough to join in the games. The Bandersnatch having been long defeated, a new foe had arisen, in the form of the Terrible Sky Pirate. Needless to say, Scootaloo had immensely enjoyed flying about and harrying the foes of her sinister schemes, buoyed up and propelled by the blue and ebony mist that was Luna. Sometime around then, Sunrise had thrown in the towel. Stopping by the tables for one more round of goodies, she had surrendered herself to the inevitable, and curled up beneath the same apple tree Luna had enjoyed earlier. She therefore missed it entirely when The Terrible Sky Pirate (now tired of being the bad guy) was overthrown by the power of the Ebony Sorceress, thus becoming a good guy again… the Ebony Sorceress being, in turn, overthrown by the power of tickles. (“Aaaaaack!” the Ebony Sorceress had cried, six limbs flailing helplessly in the air. “Wait! Stop! No fair!” “Get’er!” the Apple Knight had crowed in victory, as she and her brave allies of freedom had pounced upon the vulnerable underbelly of tyranny. “Get’er, get’er, get’er, get’er, get’er…!”) Since then, various other guests (Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, the Wonderbolts, musical mice, the opossums, and others) had also given in, and made their way to their respective homes. Now, at dusk, Luna found herself beset by forces almost beyond even her ken, and certainly beyond any of her expectations. “Pleeeeeeeease?” the foals begged in chorus. At length, Luna lowered her head in defeat, smiling. Then, eyes closed, she began to rise into the air, wings outstretched. The orchard became just a little quieter then, the air just a little more still, as even the trees seemed to hold their breath in the glow of her magic. The evening breeze wafted gently about her as she worked, stirring her mane as she sang gently to the sky. Foals and grown-ups alike fell silent, watching, listening. When was the last time this had happened, the Night Queen bringing forth her sky while away from the palace? Not since her exile… probably long before that. Slowly, stars began to appear, each one silently answering to their princess’ call. One by one, unhurried, tiny jewels shone against the deepening velvet of the night, as the ponies around her slowly realized… Names, thought Twilight in wonder. The stars have names! And she’s calling them each by name, one by one, to awaken above us. The moonrise lasted something over an hour, all told. By the time it was done, a crescent moon shone in mithril splendor above the orchard. It glowed in its endless serenity, surrounded by the scattered jewels whose secrets were known only to their loving princess. At length, Luna came to light in the grass near where the CMC still remained, now asleep in a pile. She smiled again. One could hardly expect them to stay awake through it all, especially after such a day as this had been. And there was another pony there besides, waiting for her to land. “Hello love,” said Luna as she approached. “I hope I did not wake thee?” But Sunrise shook her head. “Nah, just napping. Besides, I got to wake up to you singing. Never got to wake up to you before.” She kissed Luna briefly, then smiled. “It was nice.” Carefully, so as not to wake them, Luna levitated the foals onto her and Sunrise’s backs. Then, the two of them made their way to where the few remaining ponies stood. “Yep, I’ll take it from here,” Applejack grinned. “One of ‘em’s mine anyway.” “Am I sensing an impromptu sleepover?” Rarity queried. Applejack paused, then cocked an eyebrow, her smile becoming more inviting. “I’m game if you are.” The fashionista’s glance had a bit of mischief in it as she levitated Scootaloo onto her own back, saying “Oh, I do believe I am.” As the pair made their way to the house, the foals opened bleary eyes and looked around. “Awww,” said Apple Bloom, “We missed the last part.” “Shoot,” said Scootaloo. “That was so cool, too. Maybe next time we can stay up later?” “Yeah,” said Sweetie Belle. “But wow, I can see why ponies thought she was a goddess for a while.” “Uh-huh,” yawned Scootaloo. “I wouldn’t call her that, though.” “’Course not,” Apple Bloom’s voice was heard as they faded into the distance. “She’s a friend…” Luna and Sunrise exchanged a smile, then chuckled. “Well, alas, I should be leaving,” Luna said. “Much as I would love to remain with thee…” Sunrise nodded. “Yeah. Duty calls.” “See thee in the morning?” Sunrise looked askance at her. “You sure you won’t be too tired?” Another smile. “I wouldn’t miss it.” They kissed again, and then Princess Luna dissolved away into mist, the mist vanishing into the night. Sunrise gave a contented sigh, then turned to Pinkie. “So, need any help cleaning up?” Pinkie Pie shook her head. “Nah. Some friends of Fluttershy’s are coming by to take care of the rest.” She grinned. “Thanks, though!” “Hey, no problem. Twilight, I’m heading home. That cool?” “Sure. I’ll catch up later.” There were parting hugs, and then Sunrise was trotting contentedly back towards Ponyville proper, humming to herself. And then, there were two. While Twilight gathered the various dishes and cutlery and organized them by type and degree of cleaning involved, Pinkie contemplated the moon hanging in the Eastern sky. After a while, she spoke. “Twilight?” “Mmm?” “Do you ever… you know, wonder what it’s like? To be like Sunrise and Luna? Or like Applejack and Rarity?” Twilight considered this. “Not really,” she said at last, separating large spoons from small. “I have read about it, of course. And I’ll admit I had some curiosity, when I was little. But romantic relationships involve so much… else. Things that don’t interest me. “And besides,” she smiled at Pinkie, “I have my friends. And frankly, from what I can tell, we’re closer than most married couples tend to be anyway. Much less dating couples, and all the social ritual that implies.” Twilight went on with a thoughtful frown, pausing in her alphabetical cross-referencing arrangement of cutlery. “Even if I were to try such an experiment, it would have to be with a friend… but then, that also brings up the dangers involved, since apparently adding romance can jeopardize a friendship.” Her frown deepened. “I’m not sure how it would, or why, but from what I’ve read…” She shrugged. “I dunno. It just doesn’t sound worth it to me.” Then, Twilight glanced over at her friend as a new thought struck her. “Why, are you curious?” “Nah, not me,” Pinkie casually waved off the notion. Twilight raised an eyebrow. “I mean, sure, someday, maybe,” Pinkie considered. Then, she shook her head, pink curls flying. “But c’mon, this is me. Family life would just slow me down, you know?” “Keep that swinger lifestyle, you mean.” Twilight deadpanned. Pinkie nodded, keeping her face straight. “Oh, yeah. You know it, sister.” “Count Baise, Colt Calloway…” “…Duke Estonian, Caravan Palace…” Pinkie said. “Sure. All the big band names.” There was a pause as the two of them looked at one another, then started to laugh. After a while, Twilight shrugged, smiling. “Well, you might be right. But I think if anypony could be a family mare and a party pony, it would be you.” “Aw, thanks, Twilight,” Pinkie grinned. “And someday, who knows? Maybe I will settle down. Someday, I may meet that right group of ponies, the dozen or so mares and stallions who are right for me…” “…and then your wandering days are over?” Twilight finished for her, amused. The two of them chuckled a little, Pinkie shoving Twilight playfully. “You get me,” she grinned. They enjoyed a companionable silence for a while. Eventually, Twilight looked up at the purpling sky. “Well, I’d better be getting back home,” she said. She looked down at her adopted brother fondly. “Spike is down for the count, I think. And Sunrise had asked me to help her with some research tomorrow.” “Ooo, what kind?” “Educational. She’s applying for a position as teacher’s assistant with Cheerilee. She’s actually pretty qualified, from what I can tell. But you know: different world, different traditions and histories. She just wants to be sure she’s ready.” Pinkie Pie was nodding. “Uh-huh.” Twilight stood, and gathered up Spike in her magic. The little hatchling twitched a little, but remained asleep as she placed him gently on her back. Then, she glanced back at Pinkie. “So, walk you home?” Pinkie considered, then shook her head, smiling. “Nah. It’s nice here. I’ll head back later.” “Okay. See you tomorrow.” “See ya!” They exchanged a quick hug, and Twilight trotted off into the growing night. At length, Twilight’s hoofsteps could no longer be heard. Pinkie Pie relaxed, her face falling out of the smile she had maintained with such practiced ease throughout her discussion with Twilight. Looking at the ground, she let out the mournful sigh she had been holding in for so long, ultimately collapsing into a prone position. She lay there, chin between her hooves, looking out at the star-filled sky with sad, blue eyes. Eventually, the last dim radiance of dusk gave way into the deep velvet of night, the opalescent moon shining down upon the world. Behind her, an assortment of forest creatures chatted amongst themselves, happily divvying up the remaining goodies and carrying them back to their respective homes and families. Soon, the table was clean, the creatures returned to their lairs. Through it all, Pinkie Pie continued to watch the moon’s gradual ascent. It was nightly proof that, even as she guarded and guided dreaming folk across the world, Luna occasionally exited dream time to attend to her celestial duties, as well. All this, and still ready to protect ponies during the day, from whatever may come. There was no doubt about it, she was one awesome princess. Of course, none of that held a candle to the grace she had when she moved, the secret shine in her eyes when she smiled, the silver bells in her laugh. Pinkie Pie sighed again. She looked up at the distant moon, forever out of reach. Then, rousing herself, she turned away, finally beginning the long trek home. Had there been anyone to hear, her voice would have been little more than a whisper. “Maybe someday.” Author's Note . . . . . And so, those of you who read Twilight Doesn’tand In Vino Veritas now know what would have happened if the CMCs had come home from camp just a few weeks early. And if you haven’t, please feel free to check those tales out. They offer what would have happened if the foals had stayed at camp as scheduled, as well as a glimpse into my other what-if continuity, Elsequestria. This chronology continues in To Dance Without Reason. And, of course, the seminal story that starts it all begins here.
