Guppy Love

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 4

Chapter 1

They were treacherous things, memories. They lurked in the most innocent of corners, ready to pounce when her defenses were down and her attention elsewhere. Today, it was the sound of running water, the clink of dishes, and the foaming soap on Applejack’s bare arms. Her fingers slowed to a stop, a plate in one hand and the sponge in the other, as she stared into the slowly rising pool of sink water. Just beneath the sound of the faucet was… humming. So familiar. So pleasant. Was that a warm body by her side?

Remember, AJ, every dish before you can go play.

Aww, do I have to? It can wait until morning.

Hmm. You could. If you really wanted.

Really? Thanks, Mumma!

As long as you’re willing to wake up even earlier.

What?

To do the dishes on top of your regular pre-school chores.

But…

And of course the food will have gotten all crusty and nasty and be harder to clean, so I suppose I’ll have to get you up extra early, just to make sure the job’s done right. Say, an hour early?

…Mumma?

Yes, sugarcube?

I think I’ll do the dishes tonight. If that’s okay.

Oh? Well, if you insist.

“Applejack?”

Only a year of practice kept her from jumping at the quiet voice. She allowed herself a second to compose herself before turning her attention to the pink-haired girl drying dishes at her side. Or would have been had she any dishes to dry. “Y-yeah?”

Fluttershy eyed her, unable to disguise her concern. “Are you okay? You, um, zoned out for a moment.”

“Did I? Sorry.” She went back to scrubbing the plate, well aware of her friend’s eyes boring into her. “Just tired, that’s all.” She said nothing more, and Fluttershy went back to work once she had a target for her towel. The dishes didn’t take long after that, considering it was only the two of them in the beach house. The place was quiet save for the crash of the none-too-distant waves, the clatter of dishes being put in cupboards, and the squeaking of the floor beneath their bare feet.

Applejack took a look at the clock on the wall above the sink. They’d eaten late. Her fault. It had been her turn to cook and she’d neglected to go shopping until nearly five. Fluttershy never complained, though she had every right to. Applejack was the guest here.

Her friend stood by the door leading to her room, dressed in her pink, sleeveless pajamas with the white rabbit print. She tried to meet Applejack’s gaze, but Applejack turned her head away at the last second. “You want to take a shower?”

The house’s only shower was connected to Fluttershy’s room. Strange design, but it was what it was. Applejack shook her head. “I wanted to take a walk on the beach before bed. You got work early, right? You go on, I’ll take a shower come morning.”

Fluttershy’s face was half-hidden behind her long, flowing pink locks. The kind of hair that would make Applejack jealous had she any concern over such things. Though she was slightly older and taller, Fluttershy always seemed like the younger of the two of them. The way she fidgeted and twisted her hands together only emphasized the idea. “I… Applejack, I know this might be a hard thing to talk about, but—”

“I think you better get to bed now.” The words came before Applejack could stop them. They hadn’t been harsh, but she still wished she could grab them back. She grimaced and kept her eyes low, not wanting her shame to be fully on display.

Fluttershy didn’t move. Well, she moved, but not to her bedroom. She continued to fidget and vacillate, trying to work up some courage. Applejack probably should have been proud of the effort, but right now she just wished the conversation would end. “I-I know what tomorrow is, and—” She sputtered when Applejack heaved a heavy sigh. “—a-a-and I know you’re hurting. Please, just… My door’s always open, okay? If you want to talk.” She cringed back against the doorframe, eyes closed tight as though she expected to come under attack.

The sight was enough to break through Applejack’s melancholy. It wasn’t right for Fluttershy to feel threatened in her own home, not by her childhood friend. Applejack wouldn’t have hurt Fluttershy, regardless; the very idea was repulsive. So she smiled as best she could, knowing it wouldn’t fool her. “It’s alright, Shy. I appreciate it. Honest. But I… I think I just need to take a walk and be on my own a bit. Okay?”

Fluttershy cracked open an eye, then the other. Slowly, she relaxed. “O-okay. If you’re sure?”

“I’m sure.” Applejack nodded. The smile was really starting to make her cheeks ache. “You go on, and don’t worry about me none. I’ll be fine.”

The smile that Fluttershy returned to her spoke one sad, awful truth that they both understood very well: No, you won’t. “Okay. Good night, AJ.”

“‘Night, sugarcube.”

The moment the girl was in her room and the door closed, the smile dropped. For a while, Applejack stood there, mind blank. Blessedly so. Then she glanced at the clock and remembered. With a sigh, she went to her room to get her sandals, the ones she’d bought just yesterday. The intention had been simple; get the sandals and go outside. She told herself that, thinking it might be real this time.

No amount of self-delusion could stop her from noticing it. A Stetson, resting innocuously on the corner of the vanity she never used. The edges of the rim were frayed with age, and a small burn mark could be seen near the front. Applejack stared at the hat. She stared for a long time. Her hand reached out, but slowed to a stop before the fingers could brush the sturdy fabric. Her breath hitched. She could smell the smoke.

She retracted her hand and left the room.

There was no need to lock the door. There’d never been a crime at Splendora Island and the two dozen or so other beach houses that lined the beach. The town proper, just a fifteen minute boat ride east, had a negligible crime rate, and the work required to get out to this island for something so petty as theft wasn’t worth it. Their beach house stood on stilts some twenty feet above sea level, giving a wonderful view of the beach and, if she walked to the back porch, the forest that made up the interior.

But she didn’t feel like staring at the scenery. So, head low, she staggered her way down the stairs and to the beach. A handful of people were there, enjoying a little late-night stroll or whatever. None of them paid Applejack any mind beyond a friendly greeting. She was the stranger here, the farm girl staying for the summer with her friend, the regular. Applejack could have come to the archipelago before if she’d really wanted. Her parents had said it would be okay. She’d always declined. The farm needed her.

How ironic. She had no parents to tell her she could go, and because of that the farm really did need her for once. Yet… here she was. Was Big Mac angry at her? Or Granny Smith? They hadn’t said as much. Hadn’t looked it, either. But sometimes she had to wonder. Maybe it would have been better if she’d stayed on the farm this summer.

“You’re supposed to be stronger than this, AJ,” she grumbled under her breath, leaving the small beach house community behind. She imagined little Apple Bloom, the only one who hadn’t understood why she was leaving. She’d wanted to come along. Applejack almost relented, but Granny Smith said no. She was relieved by that, and at the same time disgusted for feeling that way. Not for the first time, she considered getting on their boat, heading back to the mainland, and hopping on the next train back home. There was still plenty of summer left and lots of work to do.

These thoughts didn’t slow her steps. They didn’t change her direction. She merely kept walking, kicking sand and feeling hollow. How she hated that feeling.

The moon slid its way across the sky. Applejack had traveled quite a ways from the beach houses. She was about to pass the old marina and aquarium. They were dead, run-down places, standing like architectural ghosts. The docks were in a sorry state, though a brave person might be able to walk one of them to the very end. No telling if the wood could hold up a person, and Applejack had no interest in finding out.

She cut across the aquarium. It had a large outdoor pool, now barren and dry. Applejack glanced into the pool’s twenty-foot-deep open space and wondered what sort of sea creature was kept inside. Fluttershy might know, even if the place had gone under around the time they’d been born. The rest of the aquarium was all red bricks overgrown with vines and trees, though a few interior areas were still intact and safe to explore. Fluttershy knew them all. This place had been her summer playground, after all.

To Applejack, it was just eerie. She moved on, glad to put the crumbling ghost of a building behind her.

She was well and truly beyond any signs of civilization at this point. Not that it was a problem; it was an island, and a small one at that. A couple more hours of walking and she’d be right back where she started. The real problem was that now she was out of distractions.

She tried listening to the rhythmic motions of the waves. Or the calls of what few sea birds remained awake at this time of night. Or the cool breeze blowing the trees around. It didn’t help. She was still hollow. A pair of smiling, proud faces drifted into her mind’s eye. Against her better judgement, she let them linger. She could hear their laughter, their friendly banter. She tried to remember the warmth of their hugs. The wind made that difficult. It was like ice forming in her veins. She wrapped her arms around herself, hoping to at least emulate that once familiar feeling.

Time passed. She stared at the ground. Not the stars. The stars would remind her. So the ground. For endless steps. She could have circled the island already and wouldn’t have known it.

Her daze came to an end with a loud splash. Whatever she’d heard, it had been very close by. She looked up but saw nothing moving in the water beyond the normal, steady waves. It hadn’t been her imagination, but it also wasn’t something to worry about. She was just about to go back to brooding when she noticed a large object on the shore. Her feet came to an abrupt stop. Whatever the thing was, it was only a dozen or so feet away. A carcass?

A moment of indecision. Fluttershy had warned her of sea creatures sometimes ending up stranded on the beach. It was no threat now, assuming it was even alive, but up close…

Fluttershy would never forgive her if she left some poor creature to die when she could have helped or, at the very least, gone back and got someone who could. Best to at least see if the thing was alive. Slowly, body low in preparation to jump back if needed, she approached.

She couldn’t tell the size of the thing. It seemed larger on one side than the other. The darkness made the colors hard to make out, but even then she could tell there were two very different color patterns going on with this creature. Blue? Purple, maybe? And white. What could possibly match that kind of combination? As she crept closer, ready for any movement, the shape became clearer.

All stealth was abandoned when Applejack caught sight of a pale arm. There was someone under there! She hurried forward, half-afraid she’d find some poor swimmer half-devoured by a shark. That larger portion was definitely a fish of some sort. Was the person’s lower body already inside the creature’s hungry maw?

But then Applejack was standing right next to the… the thing. She could only stare, her eyes telling her one thing while her brain insisted that what they were seeing was impossible. She dropped to her knees and stared at the body before her. Carefully, she reached out to touch it. Pale flesh, smooth as silk. Then hard, moist scales glimmering in the moonlight. It was no illusion.

I’m dreaming. I fell asleep on the beach and now I’m dreaming.

If it was a dream, it was an awfully lucid one. She remained kneeling, hand resting on that spot where human skin met inhuman scales, trying to figure out what to do next. In all her wildest imaginings, even as a child, this particular scenario had never come up. At last, she concluded that if this was a dream, she might as well see where it was going. And if it wasn’t… Well, she’d get to that when she had to. Either way, this was better than what she would have expected to dream about tonight of all nights.

Her mind made up, Applejack worked to roll the poor… woman over onto her back. It wasn’t as easy as she’d expected; there seemed to be a lot of weight down where the tail met the torso. Once she did get the body turned over, she brushed aside the long, tangled, moist purple hair. What she uncovered was the lovely, pale face of a girl who had to have been around her age. A teenager, then, perhaps seventeen or eighteen. She brushed the sand away and, for a few cloudy seconds, Applejack was lost in those pouty lips and soft cheeks. There was but one blemish: a tiny scar, just beneath the left eye and slightly darker than the skin around it, a line as though something had sliced the flesh. But even that did little beyond accentuating the perfection of the rest of her features. Maybe the stories about her kind being beautiful beyond the ken of mortals were true after all.

After snapping out of what almost felt like a trance, Applejack took in more of the girl’s features. For one, she had no ears. Or rather, she had what appeared to be small, long fins where her ears should have been. Each fin was made up of four… spines, perhaps, held neatly in place by a translucent skin. The spines glowed a dim, pale blue, as if reacting to the moonlight.

The rest of the girl’s torso seemed entirely normal. And entirely unclad. Applejack couldn’t resist a blush at the sight of the girl’s exposed breasts, and quickly moved her long hair so as to conceal them. Then, with great reluctance, she brought her eyes to the girl’s… other parts.

Even curled up, it was apparent that the tail was long. Applejack guessed that, had it been straightened out along the beach, it would have measured at least five feet. Together with the torso, the girl would easily reach up to eight feet in total length. Despite how large it got near her midsection, the tail tapered off in a sleek manner, its curvature reminding Applejack more of an eel than a fish. The tail ended in a pair of fins of a different shade than the rest, though the exact coloration was difficult to determine in the pale light of the moon.

Suddenly, Applejack was aware of the blood. And once she saw it, she couldn’t unsee it. In fact, she had to question how she ever missed it. There was a series of large cuts about midway down the tail, arranged in an almost semi-circular fashion. Something big had tried to take a bite out of her. Maybe that was why she was up here, to escape whatever had been trying to eat her. The thought filled Applejack with a distinct horror. She had no idea how serious the wound was. What if it was life-threatening? What if this beautiful creature died?

Applejack stared at the wound. Then looked to the girl’s face. Then at her barren, uninhabited surroundings. She was suddenly very aware of her isolation. Her mind ran a few laps of What am I supposed to do now? and I should get some help! and Get help from whom? At last, she concluded that if anyone was going to help this poor girl, it would have to be her.

Her first task was to determine if the girl was still alive. Which she was. Applejack fought down the urge to question how such a distinctly aquatic being could breathe outside of water, but she shoved the thought down as unimportant for the moment. She would need to bring the girl to some kind of shelter. As an afterthought, she realized it would be best to bring her to one that others weren’t likely to frequent. The aquarium immediately came to mind. A quick look around allowed her to get her bearing and realize that, despite how long she’d been walking, she wasn’t all that far from the place. Short steps, she supposed.

Next, carrying the girl.

This proved more of a problem than she’d anticipated. Though her human bits were as light as they looked, her fishy bits were decidedly not so. She’d wanted to lift her up in her arms wedding-style, and while Applejack was more than strong enough to lift her the weight distribution was far too unbalanced. She’d have had to carry the girl by her upper tail, which would leave her back with no support at all.

For a moment, she considered giving up and running back for help. But then she stared at the girl’s face. That lovely, blissfully unaware face, expressionless and silent. What would happen to her if Applejack made her existence public? Would she get put in some indoor pool for months while a bunch of scientists poked and prodded her? Or, if she took the more optimistic route, would they rush her off to some emergency location, heal her, then let her go, never to be seen again? Maybe there was a reason her kind was only a myth… until now.

Whatever the case, the idea of never seeing her again after only just discovering that something like her existed sat like an anchor in Applejack’s gut. Maybe it was selfish, but… she had to do this herself. For now.

“I’m so very sorry about this,” she muttered before, with a grunt of effort, lifting the girl up over her shoulder. Her upper torso dangled lifelessly, fingers brushing against Applejack’s calf while she balanced the upper tail on her shoulder. Where the hips of a normal girl would go, perhaps. The rest of the tail dragged in the sand, but there was nothing she could do about that. She got another look at the wound in the tail, still dripping blood, and felt her stomach churn. Those cuts looked awful deep, emphasis on the awful. And now she noticed an odd lump against her shoulder, something that didn’t match the rest of the tail’s serpentine form. She dearly hoped holding the girl this way wasn’t making things worse. Taking careful, measured steps to avoid jostling her cargo too much, Applejack made her way back along the beach.

The trip took longer than she expected. The girl was pretty heavy. She’d carried heavier things while working on the farm, true, but not for such a distance. It wasn’t long before Applejack was panting with the exertion and wondering just how much weight existed in the tail alone. How on Earth had the girl managed to get on the beach with just those skinny arms to drag her along? The journey wasn’t made any easier by the tail, which she had to constantly mind lest she trip over it.

It was perhaps forty minutes before she reached the abandoned aquarium. Applejack had built up a sweat, albeit a minor one, but knew she could go for much longer if she’d been required to. Minding the doorframe, she treaded carefully into the first door she came to, which was to a small brick structure separate from the rest of the aquarium. Perhaps it had been a storage shed at one time. Now Applejack recognized it as one of Fluttershy’s many little hideaways.

The shed was wide enough to park a tractor in, though it had clearly lacked any way to get something so large into it, and nearly twice as long. The ceiling was largely intact, aside from a few holes in the shallow-angled roof. There was a bookshelf against one wall, its front protected by a makeshift door of questionable quality, and a few wicker chairs with no accompanying table. The floor was a pale red stone that had to have been imported, dirtied up by encroaching sand, tufts of grass and weeds, and assorted sticks and the like from the forest just past the building. The back wall had partially crumbled, leaving a substantial hole. In the morning it would let the sunshine in, making for a nice place to relax.

Which brought Applejack to the real reason she was here; a large, ancient, porcelain bathtub. What it was doing here was anyone’s guess; Fluttershy claimed it had been there when she’d found the place. There was also a lone pipe running along the corner with a faucet and water hose attached, far more new than the surroundings. Exactly what was needed in a situation like this.

“Okay, missy,” she whispered, dropping onto her knees as slowly as her legs would allow. “Let’s get you down.” With great care, she lowered the girl into the tub. Despite its substantial size, it was too small to fit her long, half-aquatic body. Applejack made sure her head was resting against the side of the tub, then worked to straighten her tail, using one of the chairs to hold up the lower portion. It would be more comfortable that way, right? All-in-all, about two-thirds of the girl was in the tub. Not ideal, but Applejack wasn’t about to wrestle the tail into the available space, especially not with that wound.

“Alright, let’s see…” Applejack stared at the wound, not sure how to proceed. It was still bleeding, though not as badly as before. Cautiously, she began feeling the tail, starting where it met the human waist and sliding her hands along what would have been the girl’s hips. Now that she was paying attention, the tail seemed to be shaped a little like hips at that point, after which it gradually narrowed down into its snaky, scaled form. She didn’t really know what she was doing, but she’d worked with enough injured animals to guess that some things would be the same. She’d never worked with fish before, though.

Her hands slid easily along the scales, the tail curiously smooth despite how dry they’d become. She’d have to fix that, but later. When her hands reached the lump she’d noticed earlier, she realized it was sudden and sharp. It certainly felt unnatural. Had the tail been broken somehow? That was going to be a problem. She had no idea at all if setting a fish’s bones would be the same as setting the bones of a land animal.

Animal. What was wrong with her? This wasn’t some cow with a broken leg! It was a…

Applejack swallowed to moisten her throat, taking another look at the girl’s face. Say it, AJ. You know what she is. Say it.

“M-mermaid,” she whispered, barely able to hear her own voice. Speaking it aloud made it seem all the more real. “What the hay have you gotten yourself into?” She had no answer, and the mermaid wasn’t talking right now. Shaking her head, she got back to feeling along the tail, following it all the way to its two-finned end, but felt no other potential breaks.

That done, Applejack proceeded with the next step. Along the wall opposite the bookcase was a small wooden cabinet about chest-height, one of Fluttershy’s personal additions; she could be a real handywoman when she wanted. Recalling what Fluttershy had told her, she went and opened it to find the promised medical supplies. Fluttershy had intended them for any animals she found on the island, but they’d serve here as well. Not that Applejack would dare use any medication on the mermaid. Who knew how they’d affect her! But bandages were universal. It was those she grabbed. With no small effort, she wound the bite wound in them, using a small set of scissors to cut it from the roll once done.

Then she ran into a problem. She wanted to fill the tub with water. Mermaids needed that, right? But there was no way to do that and not get the bandages soaked. Unless she lowered the mermaid’s upper body so that it would be completely submerged. But would that be safe? Could she drown? Being aquatic didn’t automatically mean she didn’t need to breathe air. What if she was more like a dolphin? Applejack certainly didn’t see any gills on her pearlescent neck.

Her lovely, shapely neck. Or the collarbone and shoulders. Or on her—

Applejack shook her head, and lightly slapped her cheek for good measure. “Head in the game, AJ,” she muttered, fighting to ignore the blush she adamantly insisted to herself she didn’t have.

There was nothing for it but to risk the job she’d done with the bandaging. That in mind, she grabbed the hose, set its end in the tub, then turned on the faucet. This wouldn’t be enough, of course; while water on the island came from the mainland, delivered via a large supply pipe, the aquarium had been separated from that connection ages ago.

In one corner of the shed sat a small box. Opening it revealed a car battery in a protective case. Fluttershy hadn’t shown her how to start it, but Applejack had worked on the truck back home enough times to know what she was doing. She connected the proper wires, closed the box, then flicked on a switch next to the doorframe. Part of the original structure, it had probably been a light switch, but Fluttershy’s late father had repurposed it. As soon as the switch turned, there came the sound of air escaping the piping. A leak sprung up at the faucet, but it was only a trickle, and soon water was pouring out of the hose.

The pressure wasn’t much. The pipe ran to a freshwater pond further inland, and the water was sucked in by a small pump. Fluttershy had her father to thank for that too. Now, so did Applejack. It would take time for the tub to be filled. She fretted over whether it was okay for the mermaid to be in fresh water considering she’d likely come from the ocean. Did that matter at all? She desperately hoped not.

As the water continued its slow, steady rise, Applejack took a moment to adjust the mermaid into what would hopefully be a more comfortable position. The moment her hands brushed against that pale skin, Applejack was struck by just how smooth it was. She found herself studying the girl’s arm, looking for some sort of blemish. There were some, little marks, signs that she was indeed real and not some fantasy in Applejack’s head. Maybe that should have been a relief.

At last, the water was nearly to the top of the tub, so she went back to the door and flicked the switch to turn the pump off. She disconnected the battery too, knowing that it would lose its charge faster if she didn’t. Then she took the remaining chair and sat next to the tub. And stared.

A mermaid. An honest to God mermaid. What were the odds of her finding a… She tried to think of some way to phrase the thought without comparing the girl to some wild animal found in the wilderness. And just like that, she knew she was way out of her league. She was a farm girl. She spent her days tending to apple trees and caring for cows. If she was going to get involved with water, it almost always involved that pond near the back of the orchard. She’d only been to the beach three times her whole life before this vacation! Why on Earth would she, of all the people vastly more qualified to deal with this situation, be the one to discover a mermaid?

“Someone up there’s laughin' at me,” she murmured, hands clasped between her knees. “Gotta be the only explanation.” Her eyes drifted to the opening in the wall behind the tub, through the canopy of the forest beyond and to the stars peeking through. Everything was so dark. Everything but those few twinkling stars and the bright skin of the mermaid slumbering before her. Memories of nights at the orchard came back, sitting on the side of a hill and learning constellations. “Mom? Dad? If there’s any way you two can send me a little luck and wisdom, I think now would be the time.”

Nothing happened, not that she’d expected otherwise. She was above such fanciful notions. But still, the idea provided some comfort. So, despite herself, she kept talking. “I wish y’all were here right now. One of you always knew what to do. I could use that. I really could.” Looking to the mermaid, she carefully took one of those hands in her own. It was so small and delicate. Cool to the touch, but warming quickly in her grasp. “I don’t know what happened to you,” she whispered, “but I’m gonna help ya, if I can. I just don’t know how.”

A moment of silence passed. The mermaid didn’t stir, her head resting away from Applejack and her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Such a lovely girl. The kind of lovely that graced magazines. Applejack brushed some of those purple locks aside, observing her face once more. She wondered what color her eyes were. Would they even be normal?

Then she wondered how she would react when she woke up. If she agitated her injury… Applejack glanced at the bandage and scowled; it was red with blood and wasn’t holding up against the water. If only she knew what to do. But she didn’t. She needed help, but she couldn’t call on it from—

She slapped a palm to her forehead. “Fluttershy. If I can trust anybody, it’s her.” Her eyes drifted to the exit, then to her charge. She chewed her lip, pondering the circumstances. It was the middle of the night. Nobody would come by. Probably. The only real problem was…

“Please, please, please,” she whispered as she carefully placed the mermaid’s hand back in the water. “Don’t wake up, and if ya do, don’t run away. Please.” She stood and moved as quietly as she could to the door. One last look at the mermaid. Still sound asleep. Applejack felt a weight of worry settle in her gut, but still she turned away.

A splash. Applejack’s head jerked to the ocean. There was nothing. Nothing at all. Just the slow, steady lapping of the waves beneath a starry night sky. She lingered, letting her eyes trace the constantly moving waters. That she could see no sign of life didn’t make the sudden anxiety go away. What if there were more? What if they took her away while Applejack was getting Fluttershy?

What was she supposed to do about it? The mermaid wasn’t her prisoner. Ideally, if there were more of them out there, they’d know how to care for her far better than any human did. It would be a good thing. Trying to make herself believe that, she forced her legs to move and began her run for the beach houses.

Applejack was, objectively, in great physical shape and knew she could be fast, if not so fast as her friend Rainbow back home. Even so, every step seemed to take forever, the minutes stretching out to an indescribable eternity. She could feel every step with an alien, detached precision, feel each breath pulsing through her lungs. The frigid fear lingered in the back of her mind, a fear that she’d return with Fluttershy to find the shed empty, that the lovely discovery would just be a figment of her unhappy mind. Why did it scare her so much? Maybe it was the thought she might be going insane. Or perhaps she merely feared for the mermaid’s life. She had no idea, but the thought of failing now drove her to push more speed into every step.

After running for what she’d swear was half the island’s circumference, even knowing it couldn’t have been more than a mile, she reached the beach houses. She took the steps of Fluttershy’s three at a time, only forcing herself to slow when she was inside, and then only to keep from slamming into the walls. She reached Fluttershy’s closed door and entered. “Shy! Shy? I need your help!”

Fluttershy sat up with a jolt just before Applejack could start shaking her. “Huh? What?”

“Applejack?” Fluttershy was already fully awake. She made no attempt to cover her nude self, instead watching her guest with concern. “What’s wrong? What happened.”

She spoke in a hurry. “I’m awful sorry about waking you, sugarcube, but I found… something… on the beach. She needs help and I don’t know what to do. You know how to care for, uh…” She hesitated, trying to think of how to describe the situation without sounding two apples short of a bushel. “Fish? I mean, she’s like a fish, so I guess?”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened and she all but jumped out of bed, grabbing some clothes out of her dresser. “A hurt animal? Do you know what it is? What’s wrong with it?” If having been woken in the middle of the night was bothering her, she certainly wasn’t showing it.

Applejack allowed herself to relax, but only a little. Knowing Fluttershy was in control was certainly reassuring. “It got bit by something.” She hopped from foot to foot, eager to get back to the aquarium. “And I think there might be a bone broke? I’m not sure, aquatic things ain’t my area.”

Fluttershy, already in a t-shirt and denim skirt, nodded firmly and walked past her. “How big an animal is it?”

“Big as you or me.” Applejack paused, recalling how long the tail was. “Make that a little bigger. I brought her to the old aquarium, put her in that tub you showed me. Put some bandages on her, but they were already falling off ‘cause of the water.”

“Right. We’ll need the waterproof ones.”

Fluttershy had a whole room devoted to medical aids, presumably all for animals. It was very well-organized and fully stocked. Within minutes, she’d grabbed an armful of carefully chosen supplies, picking items based on answers to questions she threw Applejack’s way. Applejack couldn’t answer all of them, or even most of them, but regardless of the answer Fluttershy always seemed to know exactly what to grab and where it was located. Within what had to be ten minutes, the two of them had stuffed a pair of backpacks full of medical supplies and were out of the house.

“I don’t know what you found,” Fluttershy huffed as she followed Applejack along the beach at a jog, “but it certainly sounds interesting. Are you sure you don’t know what it is?”

Applejack flinched. She’d never said outright, mostly because she was a horrible liar. “She’s… unique. I think. I don’t know. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“You’d be surprised what I would believe,” she countered, the epitome of calm and collected. “The animal kingdom produces a lot of weird things.”

“Trust me, Shy. This you gotta see to believe.” Applejack was only worried about whether they’d see her at all. The fears were stirring again; what if they got there and the tub was empty? She constantly reminded herself that she was not crazy, that she really had held a mermaid and carried her to a place of presumed safety. She remembered the weight on her shoulder, the softness of her skin, the smoothness of her scales. She was real, she had to be.

They moved on in silence, Applejack constantly fretting over what they’d soon find. At last, they reached the shed of the aquarium. She paused by the doorframe, her fears having worked themselves into such a state that she was wary of looking in. She’d hardly worked up a sweat, whereas Fluttershy was panting heavily and flushed. “Okay. It’s… inside?” she asked between gasps.

Swallowing to moisten her throat, Applejack dared to peek through the door. Her heart shot into her throat; she was still there, her large tail lying motionless on the chair and disappearing into the tub. “Yeah. Yeah, she’s inside.” She entered the room and hurried to the tub, getting a look at the still-slumbering mermaid. Her head was just above the waterline, and she’d clearly shifted some in her sleep. Satisfied, Applejack turned to see Fluttershy’s reaction.

The girl pulled her backpack off as she approached, already reaching in for the waterproof bandages. She didn’t actually look at the creature she was to tend to until she was beside the tub, at which point she froze.

Seconds passed. Applejack took in her lifelong friend’s dropped jaw and bugged out eyes. “Y-you… You see this too, don’cha?”

Fluttershy looked to Applejack, then back to her new patient. After a moment, she dropped her backback and used the now-free hand to pinch herself on the arm. With a flinch and a squeaky yelp, she nodded. “Applejack? That’s a mermaid.”

“You’re tellin' me?”

As if once wasn’t enough, Fluttershy pointed at the sleeping form in the tub and mumbled again, “That’s a mermaid.”

“Yes, it is.” Settling on her knees, Applejack tried to examine the mermaid for any signs of discomfort. She saw none. This didn’t put her at ease. “A mermaid that’s injured.”

Fluttershy continued to stare. She closed her eyes tight, mouthed something, opened them again. She nodded shakily. “Right. Nothing to be al-larmed about. Just a cryptid that’s not so cryptid anymore. S-still just a creature that needs help.” She flinched and glanced at Applejack. “And now I get why you were dancing around referencing her as an animal.” Closing her eyes again, she sucked in a long breath and exhaled with equal dedication.

When her eyes re-opened, they were firm once more. “Right.” She began by removing Applejack’s unraveling bandages and replacing them with the waterproof ones. “Should have had these here in the first place,” she mumbled to herself. “It’s not like I wasn’t going to rescue a non-aquatic creature out here. What was I thinking?”

Flexing her fingers anxiously, Applejack watched. “Anything I can do to help?”

“Keep an eye on her,” Fluttershy responded without looking up from her work. “We’ll want to give her space if she wakes up. I don’t want to be near that tail if she starts thrashing. It looks powerful. In the meantime, tell me everything you know. Don’t spare any details.”

Applejack obliged, explaining how she’d come upon the mermaid and brought her back to the aquarium for safety. Fluttershy reprimanded her, albeit gently, for moving a body without knowing the full extent of the injuries, but otherwise said nothing as the story went on. By the time it was over, she was already finished with the bandages and running her hands along the mermaid’s tail much as Applejack had before, only she shifted them constantly as if to cover a wider area. Her examination was also a lot slower.

“I’ve got to say,” Applejack spoke when things were quiet for a little too long, “you’re taking this better than I expected.”

The girl paused, but only for a moment. “Believe me, AJ, I am freaking out on the inside. Has she moved at all?”

Deciding not to inquire further on this internal ‘freak out’, Applejack nodded stiffly. “Just a little stir in her sleep is all.” She kept her eyes on the mermaid’s face, which showed no sign of waking up. She wasn’t interested in looking at anything else.

Fluttershy hummed. At this point she was focusing all her examinations on the apparent shift in the mermaid’s tail, the spot that had felt so off when Applejack had done her own investigation. “There’s too little to go on. It’s possible there’s a break in the vertebrae without also breaking her spinal cord. Then again, it could be the spinous process that’s broken.”

“The what now?”

“The spikes on the back of a spine. They tend to be much longer in fish than in humans, and on two sides instead of just the back. That said…” She took a moment to examine the rest of the mermaid’s tail, cautiously lifting it near the end and moving it around experimentally. “It’s so flexible. Not equal to that of a snake, but certainly better than most fish. Her bones may be somewhere in between, but I can’t know more without getting a better picture. We need an X-ray.”

A cold feeling returned to Applejack’s heart as she envisioned one of those big machines that doctors used to use on her when she still regularly went to them. “There’s no way. We can’t bring her to some doctor’s office. If this goes public, who knows what will happen to her?”

“They have handheld ones, AJ.”

She blinked, the anxiety promptly transforming into confusion. “They do?”

“They do. I do.”

Relaxing, Applejack nodded and turned her attention back to her charge. The mermaid had slipped a little further under the water, so she took a moment to reposition her. She still wasn’t sure if it was necessary to keep her head above water, but she wasn’t going to take any chances. “Alright. Why don’t you go get it while I keep an eye on her?”

“It’s at home,” Fluttershy replied solemnly. “As in, home home. We’d have to get someone to bring it here.”

Applejack stared at her and saw the same concern in her lifelong friend’s face. How would they explain to Fluttershy’s mom why they needed the X-ray in the first place? Granted, they could just lie. Well, Fluttershy could. But what if she wanted details, or to see the creature being X-rayed? Who could they possibly trust to show her to and not have the secret come out?

Fluttershy frowned before saying, “Rainbow Dash can do it.”

Applejack might have laughed were the situation not so serious. “Rainbow? No offense intended, but she’s a bit of a blabbermouth.”

“Not if it’s important enough. You know Rainbow, she’s as loyal as they come.” Yet even as she said it, Fluttershy’s own doubt was blatant in her pursed lips and shifting eyes. “My mother couldn’t possibly keep this a secret. Too gossipy.”

“And my family’s too big and too honest.” Applejack groaned. “Ain’t you got this nerdy friend in that college prep school?”

Fluttershy shook her head. “Twilight’s more of a… ‘business acquaintance’. I call on her when I need something special designed to help take care of an animal with unusual needs. We don’t really hang out beyond that. Besides, she’s a scientist at heart. I don’t know her well enough to know how she’d react to this.”

Which meant she didn’t know if the girl would want to perform experiments on a still-living specimen. Applejack groaned again, resting her forehead on the lip of the bathtub. “Ain’t no way we’re letting Pinkie Pie anywhere near this, Pinkie Promise or no.”

“A good idea,” Fluttershy agreed with a sigh. “We have no idea how this… mermaid… will react to us when we’re calm, we certainly don’t need her waking up to Pinkie Pie’s face in hers.” The two of them shuddered in tandem at the very thought.

Without raising her head from the tub, Applejack tilted her head towards her friend. “Rainbow, then?”

“Rainbow.” Fluttershy rubbed her head with a lone hand and grimaced. “I hope we don’t regret it. I hope she can keep quiet. I hope our patient doesn’t freak out when she wakes up. I hope we can even communicate with her.”

“Communicate?” Applejack sat up once more, raising an eyebrow at her. “How do you mean?”

As if the answer were obvious, Fluttershy replied, “She’s a mermaid. She probably has her own language and culture that is completely alien to us. There’s a good chance that when she wakes up she’ll be lost, confused, and unable to understand a word we say.”

The thought hadn’t occurred to Applejack, but now that it was in her face she barely kept from cursing. This whole scenario just got a lot more complicated. She stared at that lovely, pale face and felt as though she were sinking through the floor. “We’re in way over our heads, ain’t we?”

“Yes,” Fluttershy mumbled. “I think we are.”

Chapter 2

The sound of splashing water jerked Applejack out of slumber. She sat up, wondering why she was in a chair and not her bed back at the beach house. Blinking groggily and rubbing her eyes, she cast a look at her strange surroundings. It took a second to identify them as the interior of that storage shed Fluttershy had shown her days ago. What was she doing—?

Her gaze settled on a pale form in the nearby bathtub. In almost the same instant, a pair of brilliant blue eyes fell upon her. Everything came back to her in an instant, and for the moment she was frozen in place. What do I do? Oh, crud, what do I do? Luckily, her ‘guest’ appeared every bit as shocked as she felt. The mermaid, her face obscured by a few wet locks lingering over her eyes, stared back as if Applejack were a wonder beyond comprehension.

Swallowing to moisten her throat, Applejack tried to find words. All she managed was a feeble wave and a “Uh… howdy?”

The mermaid’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. She opened her mouth and… made sounds? It was only a couple syllables, but Applejack had to assume it was meant to be a word. At the same time, the mermaid shifted as if to lean forward. An instant later, she let out a sound that was easily recognizable as a cry of pain. She jerked about and grasped at her tail.

“Whoa, careful!” Applejack started to stand, but the mermaid jerked away from her as if expecting an attack. She shouted a few more strange noises, pressing against the side of the tub and glaring. Glaring… but it wasn’t just anger in her sapphire eyes. Lovely sapphires that spoke of fear and alarm. But mostly fear. She barked a few more syllables, perhaps something to the tune of ‘Who are you?’ or ‘Why am I here?’ She grasped at her throat and winced but didn’t take her eyes off Applejack.

Applejack wasn’t a diplomat and knew nothing about communicating in other languages. Yet even she knew that she needed to calm the mermaid down before something happened they’d both regret. So, very slowly, she lowered to her knees and held her hands up in what she hoped would be interpreted as a placating manner. “It’s alright, now. I ain’t gonna hurt ya none. I’m a friend. You’re safe. Okay?”

The mermaid’s glare remained steadfast for a few seconds more, but then her eyes darted about. The ceiling, the floor, the walls. She glanced at the hole behind her, taking in the forest, then back to Applejack. She spoke a few more words in what Applejack assumed was her natural language, then glanced towards the door. She stared at it, or perhaps at the beach beyond.

There came an unpleasant twist in Applejack’s heart. “Please, don’t try it.” When those hard blues came back her way, she carefully pointed. “Your tail. You’re hurt. I’m only trying to help.”

The suspicion shifted to worry. The mermaid eyed her tail, running a hand along the bandages that, true to Fluttershy’s word, remained firmly in place. She tried to shift the tail, only to yelp and cringe, the same hand balling into a fist. When she opened her eyes again, the worry had only grown. She whispered something to herself, and her voice was shaky. It was a lovely voice, Applejack thought. Even with the strange language, it sounded almost… what was the word? Cultured?

Seeing as the mermaid appeared to have calmed down, Applejack dared to approach. She kept on her knees and moved slowly, her hands still raised. The pale girl noticed and once again pressed against the side of the tub, as if bracing herself. No longer did she display any distrust or anger; now there was naught but fear.

“I’m gonna help you,” Applejack whispered, shuffling closer one knee at a time. “It’s okay. Don’t be afraid.” She was by the tub now, the water splashed out by the mermaid’s panicked motions soaking into her jeans. With one hand on the tub’s lip, she reached for the girl’s face. “Everything’s alright now. I promise.”

Her fingers were so close. They shook with anticipation. How would the mermaid react? Those eyes, so lovely, bored into her own, as if pleading. Gently, Applejack moved the silky locks aside to get the full view of that soft, pale face. Wow. She’s even prettier with her eyes open. Her fingertip just brushed the girl’s cheek—

The attack came so fast that Applejack didn’t realize what had happened until she was already on the floor, soaked and sputtering. The moment replayed in her mind; the girl had lunged forward, caught her by the shoulders, and thrown her sideways. Alarm coursed through her as she twisted to her side, fully expecting to see the mermaid’s tail disappearing through the doorway.

What she saw instead was a truly pathetic sight. The mermaid was only a fifth of the way across the room, struggling to drag herself over the floor with only her arms. Her tail was limp save for a few frustrated flicks, each of which brought a new whimper out of the girl’s throat. Her hands clawed at the floor, struggling to support the weight of both her petite upper body and massive tail. She’d get maybe an inch of motion out of each attempt. At one point she raised her head and gave out a cry, though what the words meant were beyond Applejack’s understanding.

Did she think she was a prisoner? That Applejack intended to do something horrible? Applejack had no idea how to convey otherwise. She climbed to her feet and went to kneel beside the girl. This only led to a redoubled effort, but it quickly grew clear that the mermaid lacked the upper body strength to complete the journey. She babbled more nonsense and made that same cry again. And again. And a third time, even louder than before. Then her voice cracked and she clutched at her throat as if in pain.

The sight twisted another knife in Applejack’s heart. She placed a hand on the girl’s bare shoulder. “Hey. Come on. This isn’t helping. Please, let me take ya back to the tub.” She considered the idea of carrying her to the ocean as she so clearly wanted, but it seemed a mistake to her. Her tail was clearly too injured to be of any use, and how vulnerable would that make her in the open ocean? It might be what the girl wanted, but it might also condemn her to death.

She tried to grasp the girl by the shoulders, but the mermaid jerked away as if stung. Holding her arms up against her chest in a defensive posture, she gazed up at Applejack with open horror.

How the heck was she supposed to get her message across? Applejack pointed at the ocean through the door and shook her head. “No.”

The mermaid appeared perplexed at first, but then thrust her own finger the same direction and nodded.

Well, at least that seems to be a universal motion between us. Applejack shook her head. She laid a hand on the mermaid’s tail, right where the ‘dent’ in its shape was, and spoke with stronger emphasis. “No.”

The mermaid stared at the apparent injury, then looked to the ocean. Then to the injury again. Perhaps she finally understood Applejack’s meaning, for her face fell once more and she sank to the floor. She made a whimpering sound and spoke words, the same words she’d been crying before. If only Applejack had an idea what she was saying!

Settling to her knees once more, Applejack patted her shoulder, but the girl didn’t look up. Instead, she covered her head in both arms and continued to whimper. At a loss for what to do next and wishing Fluttershy were here, Applejack allowed herself a moment to examine the situation. This lasted all of two seconds before she noticed something odd about the mermaid’s back. Just beneath the shoulder blades were a trio of lines. No, a sextet, three on each side. Cautiously, she reached down to touch one, only to yelp and withdraw when the lines opened slightly at her touch. Gills! The mermaid had gills on her back!

The mermaid raised her head to eye Applejack warily. She responded by displaying her open palms. “Sorry! Just, uh, just looking.” When the girl didn’t stop watching, she chanced pointing at the bathtub. “You wanna go back now?”

The girl looked to the tub, then turned to stare at the beach solemnly. After a few quiet seconds, she heaved a sigh and tried to turn herself around with only her arms. Seeing that wasn’t going to work, Applejack reached down. “Here, I can—”

The mermaid slapped her hand away with a scowl, then tried again. Miffed, Applejack stood and stepped back to watch. It was a feeble showing. Perhaps with the proper use of her tail she might have been able to turn around properly, but with it being little more than dead weight she was struggling just to turn around, and doing a lot of flinching and whimpering in the process. Applejack watched with increasing frustration, gritting her teeth every time the girl attempted to use her tail only to hiss or moan and refocus on just her arms.

At last, Applejack huffed and knelt to the mermaid’s side once more. She reached down, only for the mermaid to try slapping her away again. Not this time; Applejack ignored the minor sting, forced her hands under the mermaid, and rolled her onto her back. It was much easier now that she was awake. The girl protested loudly, waving her arms and offering what may very well have been curses. Ignoring them, Applejack set her hands beneath the mermaid again, using her squirming to wriggle them all the way beneath her waist and tail, then lifted with her legs.

Trying this while the mermaid had been unconscious had been a complete failure. This time, the mermaid adjusted her weight with a squeak, working to stay in Applejack’s arms as she was lifted off the floor. Her arms clamped onto Applejack’s shoulders as she stared at the floor where the tip of her tail still dragged.

“Now then,” Applejack said, catching the startled girl’s attention. “If you’re done being all ornery, I’ll put you back in the tub.” Her prize said nothing, only gaped at her as if amazed by Applejack’s strength. Which, come to think of it, may not have been too far off the mark; Applejack was a lot stronger than most full-grown men, and the mermaid was far heavier than your average girl. Seeing as she was getting no argument, Applejack walked back to the tub and, with great care, lowered the mermaid back into it. The mermaid said nothing, only continued to stare at Applejack as if not sure what to make of her.

The water had gotten low thanks to all the moving about, so Applejack went to turn the pump on and used the water hose to start refilling it. The mermaid watched the liquid coming out as if wondering where it was coming from. Applejack watched her in turn. What to do next? Fluttershy had to work, and they both agreed that it was better for her to go than lie up some reason otherwise, and as such she wouldn’t be home for hours. If what she saw of the sunlight through the hole in the wall was any indication, it was still morning, if late. She needed to keep her new… ‘friend’… company until then.

Well, no better place to start than proper introductions. “Applejack.”

The mermaid tore her gaze from the water hose, her bright blue eyes meeting Applejack’s. She said a word that may have been a query. Applejack sat by the tub and placed a hand to her chest. “Applejack.”

A moment’s nonplussed staring. Then the mermaid tilted her head and opened her mouth. The sound that came out wasn’t even close, and she promptly cringed and clutched her throat. Yes, that definitely looked painful. The mermaid huffed, then took a closer look at the water. Sliding so that her tail was further out of the tub, she leaned back to submerge herself entirely.

Then she spoke, the words coming out strange and garbled.

What the hay is she up to? And how did she do that? Applejack leaned over the tub to see those eyes locked on her. The mermaid’s slender hands emerged from the water and gestured in invitation. So she wants me to… what? Join her in the tub? Her cheeks burned at the thought. She’s probably the prettiest girl I ever did see, but it’s way too early for that. I should at least buy her dinner first.

Recognizing her reluctance, the mermaid gestured to her throat, then to her own… ears? Fins? Earfins? Whatever they were. Then she once again made the inviting motion with her hands. Except this time she moved them close to Applejack’s face.

Not sure if it was what the girl wanted, Applejack leaned down so her head was in the water and her ears submerged. The angle wasn’t very comfortable; the tub was too tall and she had to lean hard against the lip. Plus, her face was at the level of the mermaid’s collarbone, her nose not quite touching the skin. What really caught Applejack’s attention, however, was how the tail seemed to glimmer, as if covered in miniscule gems. What kind of an effect was that?

“Ap… ple… jack?”

Applejack jerked her head to look up at the mermaid’s face, which only made her posture even more uncomfortable. The mermaid tilted her head down – relatively – to make eye contact. Her lips moved, and the name came out as smooth and clear as if they were above water. “Applejack?”

A spark of understanding lit up in Applejack’s heart, and she promptly pulled her head out of the water. The mermaid followed suit, watching her uncertainly. “Yes! Applejack. That’s my name!” She patted her chest again. “Applejack.” Then she gestured to the mermaid.

Catching her meaning, the mermaid frowned as if in consideration. After several seconds, she once again submerged, and Applejack hurried to follow suit.

“Reh-reh-tzee.”

Out came Applejack. Out came the mermaid. “Rarity?”

The mermaid shook her head and went under again. Applejack followed.

“Reh-reh-tzee.”

Out they came again. “Yeah, Rarity. That’s what I said.” Rarity pouted at her, shoulders hunched. She muttered something Applejack didn’t catch under her breath, not that Applejack would have understood it anyway. “Well, I think it’s a lovely name. Don’t you fret none, Rarity.”

Rarity threw up her hands in exasperation, splashing water around as she did, then crossed them over her bare chest and sat back with a glower. She had the cutest pouty face, hands down.

Applejack could only smile. Maybe they’d be able to communicate faster than she’d thought.

“Oh, she’s awake.”

Applejack looked up from what Rarity was drawing in the sand with a stick. Fluttershy stood in the doorframe of the shed, a picnic basket held in one arm and a couple shopping bags in the other. The girl stared at Rarity with unabashed wonder and curiosity. “Howdy, Shy. Yeah, we’ve been at it all day.” Then, remembering her manners, she gestured with a palm at the mermaid. “Fluttershy, meet Rarity.”

Rarity had paused in her work to stare at Fluttershy warily, clutching the stick close to her chest. She broke her scrutiny only to cast a critical look at Applejack and mutter, “Vra-vra-kee.” She promptly grimaced and rubbed her throat.

The bags and picnic basket dropped as Fluttershy gaped. “She can talk! This is amazing.” She flinched as Rarity, startled, retreated backwards in her bathtub and lowered down as if the porcelain might protect her. She peered out of the water with narrowed eyes. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m just excited.”

“It’s alright, sugarcube.” Applejack turned to Rarity and offered her hand. “It’s okay. Fluttershy is a friend. It’s safe.”

The mermaid looked to her, then back to Fluttershy. She made no move to leave the protection of her chipped, grey wall, even though the position had to be uncomfortable. The tub was deep, but nowhere near deep enough for Rarity to move around in without her tail sliding in and out from her movements.

“Oh, Fluttershy, you’re such a blabbermouth.” With that bit of self-recrimination, Fluttershy picked her items back up and brought them forward. The bags, Applejack noted, had more medical supplies. “I brought some food. Didn’t know if either of you had any lunch. I, um…” She blushed as she carefully opened the basket. “I have no idea what you eat, Rarity. I hope fish and bread is okay.” She produced some fish sandwiches Applejack recognized from a small diner on the mainland, close to the boat launch.

Applejack’s stomach grumbled its eagerness, reminding her that, no, she hadn’t had anything to eat today. She’d been so entranced with trying to communicate with Rarity that she’d completely forgotten. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. Here, let me have one so I can show her what’s going on.” At Fluttershy’s curious look, she elaborated, “You were right last night. She can speak but doesn’t know our language.” Taking an offered sandwich in both hands, she added, “Also, it seems like her vocal cords only work properly when underwater. She can still make sounds, but they’re not the ‘right’ sounds.” Explanation done, Applejack turned to Rarity and made a deliberate showing of taking a big bite out of her sandwich.

Rarity watched this with blatant curiosity, cocking her head and keeping her hands on the lip of the tub. She rose up slowly, her upper tail sliding into the water as she did. Her attention shifted to the basket. She said something that Applejack guessed was an inquiry. Fluttershy offered her a sandwich.

Backing away, Rarity eyeballed the pink-haired girl as if expecting some sort of trick. Gradually, she reached a hand out, but paused. Her curious eyes went to Applejack, then she shifted in the tub and used both hands, grabbing the sandwich as if it might break from her touch. Her eyebrows shot up at the soft texture of the bread, and instead of eating it she peeled a piece up to examine its underside.

“What’s she doing?” Applejack asked after swallowing a bite.

“I don’t think they have bread where she’s from,” Fluttershy replied with a light smile. “Hard to bake underwater, right?” That made sense, or so Applejack supposed.

Eventually, Rarity took the risk and bit into the sandwich. Her eyes lit up in wonder, then narrowed in uncertainty. She spent a few seconds just rolling the bite in her mouth. Settling back in the tub, she took a cautious second bite, this time getting more of the fish. With a hum, she gave them both a smile and started eating in earnest.

“Oh, thank goodness.” Fluttershy set a hand to her chest and exhaled. “I thought she might be omnivorous like us since she has the same teeth, but I couldn’t be sure until she tried it.” She shuffled forward, only to pause when Applejack threw a hand up to stop her.

“Careful.” She pointed at the pile of sand that was now resting beside the tub, the image Rarity had been making in it marred by earlier splashes of water. “I brought the sand in here to use for talking with her. When we can’t get what we want to say across with sounds and charades, we draw pictures.”

Fluttershy nodded enthusiastically, beaming as she did. “That’s a wonderful idea! I’ll be careful not to scatter it, then.” She minded her own words by moving sideways, situating herself close to where Rarity’s tail rested on the chair at the foot of the tub. Catching the mermaid’s attention, she set a hand to her chest. “Fluttershy.”

The mermaid nodded, then ducked under the water, her tail sliding out proportionally with the motion. This was met with confusion from Fluttershy until Applejack suggested she stick her head underwater. A moment later Fluttershy emerged with a gasp and a grin. “That’s amazing! She can speak so clearly down there.”

Rarity popped up from the tub, looking disappointed at her now waterlogged sandwich. The bread was falling apart in her hands. The pieces now floating in the water with her earned a particularly unpleasant look. Chuckling, Applejack scooped the bits out with her hands, depositing them in a corner. She figured she’d throw them in the forest later for the bugs to eat. The fish patty remained intact though, and Rarity had no qualms about finish it off. When Fluttershy offered her a second, fresh sandwich, she took it with visible eagerness.

“So,” Fluttershy said as the mermaid delighted in her meal, “what have you two learned about each other?”

Sitting back in her seat, Applejack watched Rarity’s dainty eating with a smile. “Well, I don’t think she can write. Might not even understand the concept. I tried showing her some of our alphabet, but it was like she had no idea what the symbols were for.”

Fluttershy nodded. “Maybe we can teach her in time?”

“Maybe. Still don’t know what attacked her. Tried drawing a picture of a shark, but she just shook her pretty head. Signaled it was something bigger. She was just about to try drawing it for me when you showed up.”

“In that case…” Fluttershy bent down, sweeping the barely-begun drawing with her hand and using her finger to do her own quick sketch. It was a surprisingly good one, reminding Applejack that Fluttershy had spent a lot of time on these beaches, but she still wasn’t quite sure what she was looking at. “Rarity? Is this what attacked you?”

Pausing with her half-eaten sandwich, Rarity noted where Fluttershy was pointing and ‘sat up’, as much as she could with her body, to take a look. Recognition came to her eyes, and fear. She nodded demurely and said something that sounded like “cor-cro”, then pointed out to the ocean through the door.

Fluttershy nodded grimly. “Orca. Or killer whale, a sad moniker, but distressingly fitting at times. They usually hunt in packs.” She cast a sober look at Applejack. “They tend to play with their food. Like cats.”

Applejack knew of them and had an idea of their size. The image of something that large chasing after her in the water was frightening, but a whole bunch of them? She shuddered.

Rarity hurried to finish her sandwich, then made a sweeping gesture with her hand. Getting the now-familiar message, Applejack bent over and swept the image of the orca away. Grasping the stick once more, Rarity began to make another crude drawing. First, she drew a stick figure with a long, curvy bottom. A representation of herself? Then she drew three blobs that vaguely reminded Applejack of Fluttershy’s drawing of the orca. Then a long line with many curves – the beach? – and a second line from the figure of herself to the other side of the squiggly line.

Fluttershy nodded. “The orca pod forced her to beach herself or be killed.”

“Makes sense.” Knowing Rarity probably wouldn’t understand, Applejack nonetheless pointed to the bandage on her tail and said, “And that is why I wouldn’t let you run back to the ocean when you first woke up. If you barely got away with your tail intact, you sure as hay can’t get away from them now.”

Rarity eyed her tail, then Applejack. It was hard to tell if she understood what was being said or not. She waved away the words and began to draw something else behind the blobby orcas that had apparently been chasing her. It was another stick figure mermaid, only much smaller. What on earth was that supposed to indicate?

Fluttershy gasped. “It’s a younger mermaid! A sister? A daughter?” Fluttershy leaned against the tub in earnest, pointed at the smaller mermaid figure, then pointed at the ocean. With visible fear, Rarity nodded. “Oh, my goodness. You were being the distraction, weren’t you? So the little one could escape.” Fluttershy turned her gaze to Applejack. “Her friend must still be out there.”

Rarity said something, and it sounded a lot like the word she’d been crying back when she’d tried to escape. A feeling of dread rushed through Applejack as she realized it had been the name of this other mermaid. “Sweetie Belle?” Rarity looked to her, nodded, and pointed at the ocean again. There was a pleading desperation in her eyes, something that had always been there but kept just under the surface until now.

“Applejack, we have to find her friend.” Fluttershy looked to the door, lip trembling. “She could be hurt.”

This required a bit of consideration. Applejack knew she’d heard a lot of splashes last night, suggesting that something was close in the shallows. Maybe Rarity’s friend/sibling/daughter, maybe not. But if it was… “I got an idea. We can bring Rarity to the water, let her go just deep enough to call out for her.”

Fluttershy frowned in thought. “Sound does travel farther in water. But what if she’s not nearby?”

“If I’m right, then she will be.” She eyed Rarity, who watched them both while twisting the stick in her hands. “But we should keep a good hold on her. She might try to head out on her own, and letting her do that could be as good as killing her.”

Apparently recognizing the truth in that statement, Fluttershy offered no argument. She stood and grabbed the grocery bags full of medical kits. “Can you bring her or do you need help?”

“I’ve got her.” Applejack turned to Rarity and mimed picking something up with both arms. Rarity eyed her uncertainly, then pointed with the stick out the door. At Applejack’s nod, she gasped, dropped the stick, and worked to position herself so her body floated higher in the tub. This proved more than enough to allow Applejack to get her arms under her and lift her up, just as she had before. “Alright, missy. Let’s see if we can’t get the kid.”

Fluttershy hurried ahead to make sure the coast was clear before calling them out. They stepped into the warm sunlight, Rarity shielding her eyes from the glare and Applejack squinting against it. It was a bright day with sparse, wispy cloud coverage. The ocean spread wide before them, a gargantuan landscape of blue. It was enough to remind Applejack that, should her hunch be wrong, there was a lot of room for a small mermaid to hide.

Sand squishing between her toes, she moved slowly to ensure the rushing waves didn’t knock her off balance. Once it was up to her knees, she bent her legs and sat down. Rarity, her arm wrapped around Applejack’s shoulder, gave her a curious look.

Fluttershy, knee-deep in the water herself, spoke. “Rarity?” Once she had the mermaid’s attention, she cupped a hand to her mouth as if to shout but spoke in a normal voice. “Call her.”

Getting the gist, the mermaid promptly let go of Applejack and twisted around so she was belly-down in the water. Applejack kept her hands on Rarity’s scaled hips, but only gently. With her tail ruined as it was, she doubted Rarity could go anywhere quickly, even in her home environment.

The water was deep enough that Rarity could submerge herself entirely, and she did. Applejack watched with wonder as the six gills on the mermaid’s back began to open and close in a slow rhythm. She began to call, the sound garbled by the rushing waves. Applejack watched, tense and uncertain. If this didn’t work, they might never find this other mermaid. Worse, it might mean she wasn’t out there to be found. Had Rarity been trying to tell her about this the whole time? They’d been ‘talking’ for a good four hours by the time Fluttershy came back from work. All that time, Rarity must have been fighting back a near panic.

But she didn’t know if Rarity had been trying to tell her. It was clear that she’d been worried, but… maybe after that initial surge of energy she’d realized there was nothing she could do. They’d spent most of the day just trying to find a semi-reliable way to talk to one another. Maybe Rarity hadn’t tried until just then because she couldn’t think of a way to do so.

Rarity kept calling. The ocean kept moving. Applejack kept feeling terrible. She needed a distraction. Her eyes went to Fluttershy, who was clutching her bags of medical supplies to her chest and staring at the ocean. “So, uh, Rainbow?”

A quick glance, then back to watching the ocean. “I called her. She’ll be here tomorrow morning.”

“Tomorrow?” Applejack adjusted her hold on Rarity to get more comfortable. She was still calling, her voice sounding a little louder through the rushing water. “Isn’t that a kinda slow? If Rarity’s tail is broke, we need to set it as soon as we can.”

Fluttershy shook her head. “I had to keep it casual. It couldn't sound like an emergency. If Rainbow thought there was trouble, she’d skip today’s game and come here right away. No way she could hide that. She also has to go to my place to get the machine. Mom knows Rainbow’s schedule, she’s that kind of person. Rainbow missing a game would suggest to her that something’s wrong. And then?”

“She’d come here.” Applejack heaved a sigh. “But not before calling Granny, and next thing we know we’re invaded by the grown-ups.”

“And we want as few people involved in this as possible,” Fluttershy concluded with a sharp nod. “Tomorrow morning’s the best we can do.”

“Tomorrow, then.” Applejack didn’t like it, but the reasoning was sound. She just hoped Rarity wouldn’t suffer for it. “How much did you tell her?”

“Not much,” Fluttershy admitted. “She wouldn't believe me if I told the truth. Now I know how you felt last night. I’m—”

Rarity jerked. Not as if to get away, but as if in reaction to something. The two girls looked out to the ocean but could see nothing. Even so, Rarity began to shout something other than the name she’d been repeating all this time. Was there something under the water, then?

“Applejack.” Fluttershy pointed. It took her a second to see what she had.

Roughly a hundred feet out, something moved slowly through the water. It was a mess of pink… or purple? Both, there were two colors. They rose, revealing a pale forehead and a pair of eyes watching them. Rarity was waving to their strange visitor.

The head disappeared under the waves. Applejack blinked, peered, could see nothing. “Where did it—?”

The water exploded! Applejack barely had time to yelp before a white and pink missile smashed into her chest and sent her toppling into the water. Despite being submerged and having water rush up her nose, she instinctively grabbed the thrashing thing on top of her and lifted it off. It was surprisingly light, for all its squirming and punching. Ineffectually, at that; the immediate attack had hit hard, but now it was like being slapped at by a child. She sat up in the water with a gasp, blinked the wetness away, and saw that she wasn’t far off the mark. Her assailant was a mermaid who, if her appearance was anything to guess by, was no more than twelve.

To her surprise, the child spoke in broken English. “Away! Away! Leave! Mine!” Between her words were bits of whatever language she and Rarity shared, completely indecipherable. A long, pinkish-purple tail thrashed, spraying water everywhere.

Fluttershy’s voice rose through the cacophony of splashes. “Applejack!”

“I’m okay!” A stinging slap caught her cheek. “Well, okay-ish.” After a bit of work, she managed to catch the child’s skinny arms. “Calm down, would ya? Fluttershy, get Rarity over here!”

“Mine! No hurt! Leave!” The girl twisted and shook but couldn’t break free of Applejack’s grip. Her little face was twisted with frustration. “Let go!” Her tail gave a mighty flap that propelled her forward with enough force to nearly knock Applejack onto her back again.

“Whoa!” Applejack struggled to keep her balance, her hold on one of the child’s wrists slipping. “A little help?”

Two arms wrapped around the child’s shoulders, and Rarity was there, whispering into her fin-ear in that strange language. She was perfectly calm, and as she spoke the child gradually slowed her struggles. Once sure she wasn’t going to be the victim of anymore slaps, Applejack let go and scooted back, leaving the two to their reunion.

Fluttershy knelt by her, worry plain on her face. “Are you alright?”

“Y-yeah.” A deep breath and a moment to blow out the water in her nose, then Applejack grinned up at her. “Just a little winded, that’s all.” She watched as Rarity spoke to her… sister? Just looking at their respective sizes, she would have guessed a significant age gap existed between the two of them, yet not enough to suggest they were mother and daughter. The child lacked the elder’s tall, refined features, instead sporting chubby cheeks and a stockier build, though not by much. Her eyes were a pale green, a little brighter than Rarity’s deep blues. “What do you think? Sisters?”

Fluttershy fussed over Applejack face, only casting the two mermaids a quick glance. “Maybe. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Am I bruised?”

“A little.”

After taking a moment to feel at her cheek and acknowledging its soreness, Applejack shrugged. “I once took a direct kick from a goat. This is nothing. I’ll be fine.”

By now Rarity had managed to turn her friend around and speak to her face-to-face. If Applejack was interpreting the younger mermaid’s motions correctly, she was trying to convince her to go back to the open ocean. Rarity, looking – sad? Afraid? Certainly anxious – shook her head and said something that was likely a denial. Her friend shouted and pointed accusingly at the two humans watching the scene.

“I don’t think she trusts us,” Fluttershy noted. “What do we do?”

Perhaps she was putting too much faith in someone she’d known less than twenty-four hours, but Applejack replied, “Let Rarity handle it.”

The child’s head swiveled her way at Rarity’s name, suspicion and anger blatant in her glare. She abruptly grabbed Rarity in a tight hug, pinning the elder mermaid’s arms. It was like she was trying to shield her. She didn’t say a word, only continued to shoot daggers with her eyes, silently daring either of them to approach.

Rarity rolled her eyes and fell back into the water, making the child cry out. Applejack started to stand, half-expecting them to disappear forever beneath the waves, but relaxed upon realizing the water was too shallow to hide both of them. Curious, she leaned forward to a crawling position and ducked her head in the water. Rarity’s lovely voice came to her in that odd language, soothing and patient.

“What are you doing?” Fluttershy asked when she surfaced again.

“Listening.” Sitting up properly, Applejack shoved her ponytail back over her shoulder and shook her head to rid it of water. “Not that I can understand much.”

The two of them waited for a while, watching as the younger mermaid’s pink tail swished and swayed in the water. Rarity’s longer, darker purple tail occasionally appeared, but only when the waves got particularly low. After several minutes of this, the two finally resurfaced. Rarity had the hunched posture of a woman uncertain if she was making the right decision, whereas the child merely watched the two humans with a scowl.

Rather than speak, Rarity gestured her desire to return to shore. She also pointed to her friend and indicated that she was to come along. Applejack stood up, dripping saltwater, and eyed the two of them. The little one was maybe a third Rarity’s overall size. She looked to Fluttershy. “Any chance you could, uh…?”

“I c-can try.” Fluttershy’s tone made it clear she doubted her ability to do what was being asked of her. Even so, they approached the two mermaids. It dawned upon Applejack the sheer impossibility of that idea; they’d somehow managed to find two of them in less than a day?

“Nobody’s ever gonna believe this,” she muttered. Very aware of the child’s suspecting glower, she bent at the knees to collect Rarity. The mermaid assisted this time, reaching up to wrap her slender arms around her shoulders and bending at the waist to accommodate her. They were up and moving back to the beach, Rarity indicating she wanted to be dropped in the sand. Applejack raised an eyebrow, then jutted her chin at the shed, but Rarity shook her head and pointed down. Applejack didn’t like it – who knew when someone taking a leisurely stroll on the beach might show up? – but obliged.

Her friend, it seemed, wasn’t willing to be carried the same way. Fluttershy came stumbling up, the child riding her back and holding on to her shoulders. Fluttershy had to hold her tail under one arm while the other tried to offer some support that Applejack doubted was proving very helpful. The poor girl was visibly struggling, so Applejack moved to help… only for the little mermaid to ward her off with a vicious snarl.

Rarity barked something, and the child hunched down as if stung. When Applejack approached this time, she didn’t fight back, though she made it clear by her expression that she didn’t approve. Regardless, both mermaids were on the beach soon enough, and poor Fluttershy sat in the sand panting and rubbing her arms.

Rarity was busy drawing in the sand with her finger. Applejack shuffled away from the still-glaring Sweetie and watched as the elder mermaid drew a few blobs that she quickly recognized as intended to be orcas, then a few more things that might have been sharks and other aquatic threats. Next, she drew two stick-figure mermaids, the larger interposed between the smaller one and the other creatures. She looked to Applejack hopefully.

Applejack nodded. “You’ve been protecting her from the dangers.”

Appearing confused, Rarity looked to her friend. The smaller mermaid muttered something, prompting her to nod in turn. Rarity ran a delicate hand along her wounded tail, then brushed away the larger mermaid figure from the sand.

“And now you can’t protect her anymore,” Fluttershy translated breathlessly.

Perhaps assuming her message came across, Rarity began to draw again. This time it looked like… her and her friend in two bathtubs? She looked to them, her eyes pleading and ignoring her companion’s muttered complaints.

Applejack shared a nervous glance with Fluttershy. “You don’t happen to have another of them tubs around we can move over here, do ya?”

“No.” Crossing her arms, Fluttershy picked at her sleeve as she stared at the drawing with hunched shoulders. “And we can’t bring her friend back to the beach house. Someone’s bound to notice.”

That they would. Applejack raked her brain for an alternative. “Could we maybe fill one of the aquarium’s pools for both of them?”

Fluttershy shook her head. “The aquarium’s pools are five decades old, and two of those decades were with no maintenance at all. I doubt they’d hold water. And even if they did, that little pump would take forever to fill one. It’s not meant for that kind of use.”

While Applejack saw her point, she didn’t think it was enough to disqualify the pools. Maybe if they could get a bigger pump attached down at the pond… “Oh! The pond. It should be big enough, right?”

Fluttershy blinked owlishly. She looked to the mermaids. The child was examining the elder’s injured tail, her expression crestfallen as Rarity tried to focus on the two humans deciding her fate. “It’s certainly big enough, yes. It’s nice. Scenic. Isolated. But people sometimes visit it. We’d risk them being seen.”

“It’s a big pond. Almost a lake.” Applejack dropped to one knee and started drawing in the sand. “These two are clearly survivors. If they’ve got some places to hide underwater, they should be fine.” At least, she hoped as much. It would certainly be faster than trying to refill an ancient pool. Maybe repairing a pool could come later, if the pond didn’t work out. This could buy them time.

With Fluttershy’s help, she finished a small map of the island in the sand, complete with the pond in the middle. Through a variety of gestures and a few false starts, they conveyed their intentions. Once they had the right idea, Rarity and her friend huddled together and discussed the situation in hushed voices. Applejack wasn’t sure why they were being so quiet, it wasn’t as though they could understand their alien language.

After several minutes of deliberation, the two mermaids turned to them. They sat in a manner that seemed to Applejack the equivalent of her sitting on her knees, with their upper tails folded neatly beneath them while the lower parts lay loose behind them. Rarity’s manner was one of defeat or, perhaps, grim acceptance, with her head bowed and her hands folded in her ‘lap’, right on top of her wound. The child, however, gave the two humans a commanding scowl.

Thus it was no surprise when it was the child who spoke. “Safe.” She gestured to herself, then to Rarity. “Safe.”

It was very clearly a condition. One the child had no way of enforcing, but Applejack resolved to treat it seriously. She got to her knees, Fluttershy following suite, and declared, clearly, “Safe.”

Fluttershy nodded and said, with far more sweetness, “Safe. We promise.”

The child scrutinized them through narrowed eyes for some time, her lips pouty and her cheeks puffed up. It was actually kind of cute, not that Applejack had any intention of letting that be known. At last, the child nodded. She turned to her elder and muttered in her ear. Rarity, despite maintaining her timid posture, snapped something just as quiet but far sharper. Whatever it was, it made the younger mermaid grimace and turn away, crossing her arms and huffing. That exchange over, Rarity kept her head down and pointed to the pond in the sand.

“I guess that means we’re going,” Fluttershy said, standing. “How are we going to bring both of them at once?”

“I can do it,” Applejack said, taking a moment to stretch her arms before also getting up. “Rarity’s not so heavy when she’s cooperative. The kid can’t be that much worse.”

“Are you sure? I can try to carry the little one.”

“Nnnope.” A few more stretches, this time with her legs, helped Applejack prepare for the task ahead. “I got this, don’t you worry none.”

Author's Note

My original plan was to have them repair one of the aquarium's pools as mentioned, but the more I thought about it the more I realized a lot probably had to happen to make that believable. I didn't want to have to create extra scenes explaining and I especially didn't want to exposition it, so I went with the pond instead.

Sweetie's 'grabbing Rarity' moment was inspired by this little gem.

Chapter 3

Applejack’s strength, developed from a life of daily farm work, served her well. The child, still wary of her, had reluctantly agreed to ride Applejack’s back while she carried Rarity as usual. To say it wasn’t easy would be an understatement. They had to stop twice because the child’s arms weren’t strong enough to carry her own body weight for long, and Applejack was sweating profusely most of the way. But, at last, they reached the pond roughly a quarter mile into the island’s interior.

Not for the first time, Applejack marveled at how much piping Fluttershy’s late father had laid down to get fresh water to that shed. She wondered what had made him so willing to do it, though she imagined Fluttershy’s wide, imploring eyes had done the trick. As innocent as she seemed, Fluttershy was by no means ignorant of how her pouting lip and sparkly gaze affected people.

The girl in question now stood by Rarity, who lay sideways in the sand by the pond’s edge. Sweetie had stubbornly insisted on being the first into the pond, presumably to check that it was safe. Applejack had to wonder if her behavior was typical or if she was trying to be the ‘big sister’ now that Rarity was largely incapacitated. Still carried on Applejack’s back, the girl held on tight as she was marched into the shallows. Applejack paused when the water came up to her waist. “Alright, missy. This is your stop.”

The child reached down with one hand to get a small bit of water in her cupped palm. She sniffed it, then licked it. She made a sound that might have been surprise before calling back to Rarity and Fluttershy. Some kind of report? Then, in a smooth but slow motion, she slipped off Applejack’s back and under the water. The pond was so clear that it was easy to see her swim slow circles. The clear water made the gills on her back distinct as they opened to take in water while she moved, and Applejack had a hard time not staring at them. After a few rotations around her, the child darted off, disappearing as she rapidly made distance.

“What’s she doing?” Fluttershy asked from shore.

“I don’t know. Testing the water, maybe?” Applejack took the opportunity to examine their surroundings.

The pond was, in all honesty, too large for the moniker, but also too small to be a lake. It formed a rough crescent shape, with said shape opening to the north. A cliff, about twenty feet high, stood imposing itself on the landscape, and it was around this that the crescent of water had formed. Most of the rest of the pond’s shores were made up of sandy beaches, although there were a number of spots where the trees grew right up to the water, creating a thick overcast. The only truly open space would be atop the cliff, though Applejack knew from experience that getting there demanded a circuitous route guarded by rough boulders and rocks. Given that most of the people living here were of a senior generation, not many bothered to face the challenge. At the far east tip of the crescent the pond emptied into a creek that ran all the way to the southeast tip of the island. A small, ancient-looking wooden bridge spanned the creek, still sturdy despite its apparent age.

A pinkish blur shot past Applejack, and not a second later the child emerged from the water near Rarity and Fluttershy. She spoke animatedly to the elder mermaid, arms moving about in wild gestures. Then she disappeared beneath the surface once more, hardly making a splash.

Whatever she’d said, it was enough to help Rarity get over her apparent anxiety. Mostly. A certain wariness remained, though of what Applejack couldn’t be sure. Of them? Of the situation? Of the location?

She wasn’t the only one to notice. Fluttershy knelt by Rarity’s reclining form. “Rarity? Is everything okay?” A hint of frustration ran through Applejack that she’d been beaten to that particular punch. She didn’t know why it bothered her though, and quickly chose not to think on it further.

Of course, Rarity had no idea what Fluttershy was asking. After returning an uncertain look, she dipped her hand in the water and… let it rest there. She sighed, the sound slow and long. After muttering a few words, she looked to Applejack and pointed at the water. Her intention was clear, but before Applejack could make a move the child mermaid popped out of the water and took Rarity’s hand. She effectively dragged her elder into the water, speaking words that sounded encouraging.

The next thirty minutes were spent with Rarity trying to swim, the child ushering her on with increasing worry, and Fluttershy fretting like a mother hen over her chicks. That last one Applejack was accustomed to. Alas, it seemed Rarity couldn’t swim at all without enduring some serious pain. Yet she was light enough in the water that she could tread the bottom with her hands with little effort. More curious was an apparent ability to adjust how deep she floated without any visible action on her part. Fluttershy theorized that the mermaids had some kind of ‘buoyancy bladder’ in the largest portion of the tail that could naturally let them change depth, a common adaptation in fish.

Once the two had settled into their new environment and the child had explored a bit, Applejack tried calling her over using the phrase she’d heard repeatedly and thought was the child’s name. “Sweetie Belle?”

The child, hovering over the deep portion of the pond – very deep, as Fluttershy could attest, with a steep drop-off – spun around to glare at her. “Shvee-tzee-braille!”

The temptation to smirk was overcome, but not without effort. “Yeah, that’s what I said: Sweetie Belle.”

Fluttershy, sitting by the water and watching Rarity’s attempts to move along the pond's bottom, shot her a lecturing glance. “You’re doing that on purpose.”

“Darn right, I am.” The grin escaped as she turned her attention to Sweetie. “So, is this okay? Safe?”

Swimming a little closer, Sweetie made a sweeping gesture with her hands and smiled. “Safe.” Then the smile washed away and she pointed at Applejack. “Not safe.” Her finger then went to Rarity, still making her way along the bottom and not seeming to pay them any attention. “Mine.”

Fluttershy giggled, earning her questioning looks from both mermaid and human alike. “It almost sounds like she’s protecting her sister from a naughty boy.”

The counter died on Applejack’s lips. She ran her fingers along her palms, remembering the smoothness of Rarity’s skin and the feeling of holding her.

“Not safe.”

Fluttershy sat up straight upon realizing Sweetie’s accusing finger was now pointed straight at her. “W-what? Why me?”

Jumping on the metaphorical life raft, Applejack responded, “I think she don’t trust humans in general.”

Sweetie looked between them, suspicion lacing her glower. “Safe? Safe. Safe?”

Rubbing the back of her head at the child’s repetition, Applejack said, “I think she’s confused.”

“She doesn’t know if she can trust us yet, I suppose.” Fluttershy fiddled with her hair, but didn’t look away from Sweetie’s gaze. “If they don’t trust humans much, then they must think they’re taking a big risk by relying on us. Maybe that’s why Rarity seems so worried.”

“She doesn’t know if she’s made the right decision,” Applejack realized, once more watching the elder mermaid practice moving along the bottom of the lake. At this point she was far enough away to be little more than a pale blob, partially obscured by the sunlight glimmering atop the water. “It may be a while before they’re willing to trust us.”

Fluttershy leaned forward. “Su-vee-tee?”

Sweetie swam a little closer. Unlike her snap at Applejack, she kept a softer tone for Fluttershy. “Shvee-tzee.”

Pursing her lips in concentration, Fluttershy tried again. “S… Shvee-tee?”

“Tzee.” Losing her suspecting manner, Sweetie brought her fingers to her lips and repeated the sound a few times, slowly enunciating and moving her lips in demonstration.

“Shvee… tzee?”

The child shot her arms up high with a delighted cry. “Yes! Shvee-tzee! Shvee-tzee!”

Beaming proudly at her success, Fluttershy sat up once more and nodded. “Shvee-tzee.” She then pressed a hand to her chest. “Fluttershy. Fluh-ter-shy.”

Sweetie nodded in return. “Fluttershy.” She turned to Applejack. “Applejack.” When she received a nod, Sweetie proceeded to point to each of them in turn. “Applejack. Fluttershy.” Then to herself. “Shvee-tzee.” Then to the distant Rarity. “Reh-reh-tzee.”

Settling in a sitting position near Fluttershy, Applejack spoke. “Sweetie?” Ignoring the glower, she brought her hand to her throat, then moved it out in a waving motion. “Can you teach us?” Her reward was a look of blatant confusion. She performed the motion again. “Sweetie.” Then she performed the motion in reverse. “Shvee-tzee.”

Watching Applejack repeat the act a few times was enough to get the message through. At least, Applejack thought it had gone through. Sweetie’s manner turned suspicious once more, but she seemed to be giving it some serious thought. Abruptly, she swam to the shore and started drawing in the sand with her finger.

“Oh? What are you—?” Fluttershy’s question was waved off, Sweetie not even looking up from her work. It took a good minute for her to finish. When she did, there was a depiction of… a boat? Yes, Applejack was sure it was a boat, with stick figures on the deck and two mermaids beneath it. The smaller mermaid was up right beneath the keel, while the bigger one was watching from farther away. This was only the first picture. Another showed the same two mermaids, the smaller one watching from what might have been a coral reef and eyeing large fish-like blobs while the larger seemed to be gathering something in a different, more open area. There were another two images of a similar nature.

“I think I get it,” Fluttershy said after examining the images. “Sweetie is the scout, keeping an eye on threats while Rarity gets them what they need to survive.” She pointed to one image that looked like Rarity luring a shark away from a Sweetie hiding in what might have been a shipwreck. “Rarity also keeps the threats away from Sweetie. She’s bigger, so maybe she’s faster too, and Sweetie’s small so she can hide. They’re a team.”

“A team that’s now down a member.” Applejack pointed to the boat with the two stick figures on the deck. “And that’s probably how she learned a few words of English; listening in on sailors while keeping an eye on them. Pretty clever.”

Sweetie pressed her finger to the boat, her expression solemn. “Not safe.” She met their eyes one at a time. “Not safe.”

Fluttershy, looking worried, set her hand to her chest. “Safe.” Sweetie merely shook her head before swimming off. “Oh, I don’t know how to convince her.”

“I don’t think we can, sugarcube. Not in a single day.” Settling back in the water, Applejack looked out over the pond. “It’ll take time. I’m sure they’ll come around. Right now, we got much bigger things to worry about.”

“Bigger things?”

“Yeah.” She sighed heavily. “Like Rainbow coming by tomorrow.”

“Hey, AJ!” Rainbow Dash, donning knee-length shorts and a tank top, had no difficulty standing on the small motorboat and tossing the thick landline to her friend. “How’s it hanging here in paradise?”

A little envy seeped into Applejack at how easily Rainbow could walk around the constantly shifting boat. Just the ride between the mainland and the island could knock her off her feet for a couple hours. She tied the motorboat to the dock and stepped back, giving her friend room to hop off the vessel with a backpack and a large, grey case under one arm. “It’s been interesting, to put it mildly.” They exchanged fist-bumps and started down the dock side-by-side. “You win yesterday?”

Rainbow’s smile became a scowl. “We tied. Not because of any issues with my team, though. Those Appleoosa guys are good. I’m sorry I didn’t take your warning about that cousin seriously.”

“Braeburn’s good, no question.” Their shoes crunched on gravel for a dozen steps before they reached the dirt road leading to the beach houses. Rainbow paused when Applejack, instead of heading straight for Fluttershy’s, moved for the beach. “So you take the loss with class?”

After hurrying to catch up, Rainbow let out a huff. “I’m fine.” The sulkiness in her tone made Applejack smirk. “We’re still among the top three in the regionals. We just gotta make sure to not do it again and we’ll be number one.”

“Don’t ya gotta beat Appleoosa at least once to do that?”

“We’ve got a rematch scheduled in five weeks. We’ll be ready by then.” Hefting the grey case up to her shoulder, she asked, “So this animal is at the aquarium? I figure that’s the only reason we’re headed this way instead of to the beach house.”

Applejack stopped, turning to scan their surroundings. There were a few people on the beach, but nobody close enough to hear what they were saying. She met Rainbow’s nonplussed look with a firm frown. “Alright, Rainbow, here’s the deal. What Fluttershy and I found out here is special. Real special. Now, I ain’t gonna try and stop you from coming and seeing this, because I know if I do you’ll find a way to do it anyway behind my back.”

Fire flashed in Rainbow’s cerise eyes. “Excuse me?”

“Y’all heard me.” Applejack stood her ground against the glare. “Think about it and tell me it ain’t true.”

Rainbow studied her, then looked to her shoes. After a few seconds of silent glowering, her face softened and she sighed. “You know, sometimes the truth hurts.” She offered the case.

Applejack took it with a smile. “Like ripping off a band-aid. Sorry to be so blunt, but you know me.”

“It’s fine.” Rainbow stretched her arms up high and grinned. “Full secrecy, right? Nobody knows outside our little trio?”

“That’s the whole apple in a bite.” Hefting the case under her arm, Applejack resumed walking, Rainbow moving along at her side. “It’s real important. I’ll hold you to a Pinkie Promise if I have to.”

“Whoa, whoa, no way.” Rainbow waved her hands in ardent refusal. “I’ll keep the secret, promise. Er, not a Pinkie Promise, but a regular one. Last thing I want is for Pinkie to be on my case for breaking one of those. You know, best way to lose a friend and all that.”

It was impossible for Applejack to tell if the ominous hiss of “Forever!” was in her head or coming from the high dunes where someone could conceivably be hiding. As always, she elected not to dwell on the topic. “I think that’s enough tempting fate for one day.”

“Agreed.”

Despite constant efforts to get something out of her, Applejack managed to resist giving away what was coming. This was easy, as she knew she wouldn’t have been believed regardless. It took them most of an hour to get to the marina and aquarium, and then another half-hour from there to the pond. Luckily, Fluttershy and Applejack had devoted a good bit of time yesterday to explaining to their guests that a third party would be arriving. They didn’t like that idea at all, but finally relented. Perhaps only because they didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. Had they insisted, Applejack would have at least tried to keep Rainbow from finding out the truth, but as she’d said before, succeeding in that goal was practically impossible without hurting the girl’s feelings in far worse ways than some sharply applied truth.

At last, the two of them emerged from the forest and on the pond’s shore. Fluttershy, sporting a wetsuit, was relaxing on a nearby boulder, perking up the moment they called her. “Hello, Rainbow. It’s been a while since you visited Splendora Island.”

“Hey, Shy.” Rainbow’s face lit up at the sight of her. “Wow, I haven’t seen you wear one of those in ages. Now I kinda wish I’d brought mine so we could go snorkeling like old times.” Fluttershy was the only person Applejack had ever seen receive a hug from Rainbow Dash, and seeing it again now was a reminder of just how close the two really were. “Where’s this animal you’re helping out? AJ says it’s a big secret and got me all curious.”

Exchanging uncertain glances, Applejack and Fluttershy turned to the pond in unison. It only took a few seconds to spot the white and pink shape hovering just beneath the surface nearby. Of the larger, purple one there was no sign.

“Whoa, is that it?” Rainbow started to approach the pond.

Fluttershy’s hand on her shoulder stopped that. “Please, not too fast or loud. They don’t trust us yet, and aren’t happy we told a third person about them.”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “You make it sound like we’re dealing with people rather than animals. Also, ‘them’?”

“Just wait here.” Applejack stepped into the pond until the water was up to her knees, then knelt down. Gesturing with her hands below the surface, she encouraged Sweetie over. She came, but slowly.

When her pink and purple hair emerged, Rainbow let out a quiet, “What the…?” Then Sweetie’s face appeared. She studied Rainbow with all her usual, characteristic suspicion, prompting Rainbow to add, “Wait, was she hiding under the water this whole time? Is she, like, some world class diver or something?”

Moving aside, Applejack gestured first to Sweetie. “Sweetie Belle?” She then pointed to her friend, who had a look of utter confusion. “Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow gave a faint wave. “Hey, kid.” She leaned towards Fluttershy, not taking her eyes off the mermaid. “So we’re actually helping a child? Shouldn’t we be, like, bringing her to a hospital or something?”

“Hush,” Fluttershy chided gently. “Just watch.”

“Sweetie?” Applejack extended her hand palm-up to the child. “Tail?” They’d rehearsed this a few times yesterday, looking for a simple way to break the truth to Rainbow. Sweetie, with some hesitation, obliged by flicking her shimmering tail out of the water and letting it slide, slowly, atop Applejack’s palm.

The flabbergasted look on Rainbow’s face brought a grin to Applejack’s. Rainbow gaped at Sweetie for so long that Fluttershy felt the need to give her shoulder a light shake and call her name. Rainbow raised her hand in a gradual, deliberate motion to point at Sweetie. “That… might just be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.”

As if a switch had been flicked, she went from staring to literally jumping in place, hands shooting in the air. “That’s a mermaid! A realer-than-real mermaid! Holy hairballs, it’s like we’re in Daring Do and the Siren’s Stones, only real and oh my gosh if you tell me Daring Do’s hiding in the trees right now I will believe you and maybe die of happiness.”

Luckily, her exuberance did not scare off Sweetie, though the little mermaid was clearly unsure how to take the reaction. She looked to Applejack as though seeking guidance.

“I’m going swimming right the heck now.” Rainbow started to remove her tank top. “Someone’s gotta test how fast she can go!”

“Rainbow.” Fluttershy caught her arm. “If you jump in now she’ll probably run away, and we’re having a hard enough time as it is getting her to trust us. We need her to trust us.”

Rainbow, shirt half-off, looked to her, then to Sweetie Belle. She repeated the motion several times. “But… But… Please?”

“When she trusts you, you can swim with her all you want,” Applejack said reassuringly. “But until then, keep your shirt on.”

“That wasn’t a funny play on words, and you know it.” With a groan, Rainbow shoved her shirt back down. “Fine. So why don’t you trust us, kid?”

“First of all,” Fluttershy said, “her name is Shvee-tzee-braille.”

“Or Sweetie Belle, if you don’t want to tie your tongue in knots,” Apple supplied helpfully, ignoring Sweetie’s brief scowl.

“And second, she can’t speak much English yet. She understands a word here or there, but has no real idea what we’re saying to one another.”

“Oh. That kinda stinks.” Rainbow unceremoniously kicked off her flip-flops and, before Fluttershy could stop her, walked into the water. She also threw off her shirt so she was down to her sports bra, tossing it in Applejack’s face with a smirk. “You can’t stop this awesomeness, so don’t even try.”

Applejack tore the shirt from her face and glared at her, but Rainbow was already standing up to her waist in water just a few feet before a visibly alarmed Sweetie. “RD, don’t intimidate her!”

Rainbow waved back dismissively. “Relax. You tried it your way, now we try it mine.” She looked Sweetie Belle in the eye with a charming smile. “Sweetie Belle, right?” Sweetie, looking unsure as to whether or not she should be running away, rolled her eyes at the mispronunciation but nodded anyway.

Rainbow pointed to herself with a thumb. “I’m Rainbow Dash, most awesome person you’ll ever meet. Can you say it? Rain-bow Dash.”

Sweetie scrunched her face up, which Applejack had come to realize was a habit of hers whenever she was concentrating. “Rha… Rhain… Rainvoh… No.” She shook her head firmly.

“Rain-bow Dash,” Rainbow offered again, slower than before.

“R-Rainv… v… bow. Rainbow. Dj… Dj… Dash?”

Rainbow pointed with both hands at her with a grin and a wink. “There you go, kid. Rainbow Dash. Learn it well, because you’ll be remembering me for a long time.”

“Rainv… Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Djash!” Sweetie looked proud of herself.

“Exactly. Now then. You.” She pointed at Sweetie again. “Me.” Pointed to herself. “There.” Her finger went to the far side of the pond. Sweetie followed the motions with her eyes, blinking in perplexity.

“Rainbow…” Applejack put as much warning into her tone as she could offer.

Abruptly, Rainbow put her thumbs in her ears, waggled her fingers playfully, and blew a raspberry at Sweetie. An instant later she’d dove underwater and begun to swim. The little mermaid appeared startled at first, then annoyed before diving in after her. Both were gone in an instant, little more than high speed blurs as Rainbow proved herself every bit as fast in the water as on land.

Applejack sighed and went back to shore, where Fluttershy was just beginning to open the case she’d left in the sand. “I hope she knows what she’s doing.”

“Rainbow will be Rainbow, I suppose,” Fluttershy replied, casting an anxious look at the still water. With a hopeful tone, she added, “Maybe she’s right. Maybe this will get Sweetie to open up a bit more.”

There came a splash, prompting them both to look. Rainbow was on the other side of the pond already, laughing and wiping her multihued hair from her face. “Wow, can she swim!” Without another word, she submerged again.

“Well, at least she’s having fun.” Applejack turned back to her other friend, who was carefully examining what appeared to be a futuristic black-and-grey camera. The device, all smooth curves and shiny plastic, fit snugly in Fluttershy’s small hands but had clear heft. “So is that it?”

“This is it. It’s only got a quarter of a charge, but that should be more than enough for our purposes.” Setting the strap around her neck, she stood. “Now we just need to get Rarity out here. I can’t exactly use it in the water.”

Just then, Sweetie breached the water, sending droplets flying in a rainbow cascade as she flew in an arc, laughing all the while. She slipped back under the waves with barely a splash just as Rainbow emerged nearby. After sucking in a deep breath, Rainbow waved to them. “You guys, tell me you’ve tried this! This girl can move like nobody’s business. It is awesome!”

The sound of Sweetie’s laugh had finally untangled the nerves in Applejack’s back and allowed her to relax. “I’ll be danged, Rainbow’s ‘Rainbow-ness’ actually worked in our favor for a change.”

As soon as Sweetie’s head popped up again, Fluttershy called for her. As if remembering herself, Sweetie promptly grew serious and feigned disinterest despite clearly paying attention. Fluttershy raised her X-ray ‘camera’ in demonstration. “Rarity?”

Sweetie approached until she practically on the beach, and Applejack assisted her the rest of the way. Rainbow followed suit, but devoted herself to examining Sweetie’s glimmering tail and excitedly commenting on just how ‘cool’ the entire scenario was. Her inspection was largely ignored by Sweetie, who insisted on studying the camera. Fluttershy drew the line at letting her touch it, not wanting to risk her taking it underwater and ruining it. To demonstrate its purpose, Fluttershy used it to make an image of Applejack’s arm – it even made a snapping sound to accentuate the effect, though Fluttershy had to hold it steady over the intended spot for a few seconds to get a clear picture.

Expectations that Sweetie might be horrified by the sight of Applejack’s bones were cast aside when, instead, the child showed an intense fascination with the image. She eagerly had Fluttershy use the device on Rainbow, who offered up her leg to the cause. The result was so clear that an old, healed fracture from a couple years ago was distinctly visible. Rainbow probably would have gone into full detail of how the break had happened if Applejack hadn’t reminded her that Sweetie wouldn’t have understood the story anyway.

Sweetie insisted an image be taken of her own arm, though she grit her teeth and fidgeted the whole time. Applejack had to hold her arm down in the sand to keep it from trembling, though she did everything she could to reassure Sweetie that she could bow out if it became too uncomfortable. The resulting image fascinated both the mermaid and Fluttershy, the former presumably because she was seeing her own bone structure for the first time and Fluttershy for confirming that it was indeed human, at least in form. Now convinced that it was a safe and painless procedure, Sweetie returned to the pond.

Rainbow watched her disappear with a nonplussed look. “Hey, where’s she going?”

“To fetch our patient,” Fluttershy replied, clearly enjoying the chance to be cryptic.

“Patient?” Rainbow looked to the camera, awareness dawning on her. “Oh, right, you wanted me to bring that for some animal, right? Wouldn’t make sense to bring it all the way out here just to play around and show it off. I get your family’s loaded, Shy, but I doubt your mom would be happy if we told her we broke it or something.”

“My family’s hardly ‘loaded’, Rainbow.”

To this Applejack added a deadpan, “Says the girl spending her summers at an owned, as in not rented, beach house while her real house is three-stories and eight-thousand-square-feet?”

“That car your mom drives costs more than most people’s homes,” Rainbow added helpfully.

“Do you even know what the upkeep costs are for a beach house? ‘Cause let me tell you, it’s staggering.”

Hunched a little and tapping her fingers together meekly, Fluttershy replied with a quiet, “W-well, Dad was good with money?”

“I’ll say.” The topic ended there as Rainbow turned back to the pond. “So I guess Sweetie’s got a pet you need to examine?”

Sweetie could be seen approaching beneath the surface, now accompanied by a familiar white-and-purple shape. Exactly where Rarity had been hiding, Applejack couldn’t be sure. “Yeah, definitely not a pet.” She waded into the water, gesturing for Rainbow to stay back, and met them as said water reached her hips. Sweetie helped Rarity surface and position herself so that Applejack could lift her up in her usual method, Rarity’s slender arms wrapping about her shoulders.

“Whoa, there’s two of them! This day just keeps getting awesomer.”

“I don’t think that’s a word, Rainbow.”

Ignoring their banter, Applejack focused on making sure Rarity was comfortable in her arms. The mermaid, like Sweetie before her, didn’t appear at all comfortable with what was happening. Sweetie encouraged her as Applejack brought her to shore, talking excitedly and occasionally splashing her tail in the water with big, loud slaps.

Once they were close enough for Rainbow to get a good look, she let out a long whistle. “Now that brings up ideas. When’s the honeymoon, you two?”

Applejack sputtered. “R-Rainbow! That ain’t appropriate!”

“O-ho, wow, look at you blush!” Rainbow cackled, paying no mind to Applejack’s scowl. “Nailed it!”

“I swear, RD, sometimes you make me wanna—”

“Enough.” Fluttershy, all business, pointed Applejack to a low, long slab of rock jutting out over the pond. “Place her over there, please. We need to get a look at the damage.”

With one final warning glare at the still snickering Rainbow, Applejack did as she was told. Fluttershy chose well; the rock was low enough to be easily accessible. Sweetie could linger by the rock if she wanted to, close enough to hold hands with Rarity or even climb on with her. Which was exactly what she did as the elder mermaid tensed up, watching Fluttershy and her camera as if afraid it might fire flaming death.

With Rainbow’s and Applejack’s help to keep still, Rarity lay flat on her back with her arms at her sides and tail straight. Sweetie hovered nearby, whispering to her. Fluttershy didn’t reserve her work just for Rarity’s tail, instead opting to take several pictures until she had covered Rarity’s entire body. The process took nearly thirty minutes. Rarity steadily relaxed as it went on, eventually realizing that she wasn’t about to undergo serious pain for this.

Rainbow frowned at the still very visible irregularity in Rarity’s upper tail. “Why do her whole body? The injury is right there.”

“Have you ever seen a mermaid?” Fluttershy asked pointedly.

“Well, not before today.” Rainbow was clearly unsure where Fluttershy was going with her answer.

“Exactly. Her physiology, her bone structure, everything about her is brand new. Just because she has human parts and fish parts doesn’t mean we can assume they are designed the same. We have to make sure we get this right or we could hurt her more than help her.” That was enough to silence Rainbow’s queries.

After nearly a half-hour of images taken that saw both Rarity and Rainbow getting impatient, Fluttershy finally signaled she was done. As Rarity sat up properly and tucked her tail under herself, all eyes went to the camera. Flipping through the images she’d gathered on its digital screen, Fluttershy pursed her lips. Her finger flicked over and over again, presumably scanning for the right image. At last, she stopped to focus on one in particular.

Applejack watched warily. Her eye drifted to Rarity, who was gripping Sweetie’s hand tightly even as she stared intensely at Fluttershy. Applejack’s gaze lingered on her hand in Sweetie’s, then to the one still free. Her own tingled with a desire to grasp it. Then she caught Rainbow smirking at her and decided she’d rather focus on Fluttershy.

At that moment, Fluttershy lowered the camera and faced her audience. “There’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news: there are no broken bones.”

“That’s a relief.” Eyeing the visible lump Rarity’s tail, Rainbow asked, “What’s the bad news?”

“The spinous—” Fluttershy caught herself, perhaps realizing who she was talking to. “The… You know how fish skeletons have a lot of thin spike bones sticking out the top and bottom?” She waited on Rainbow’s nod. “Rarity has those too, at least in her tail. But while a fish’s spines are part of the vertebrae, each of Rarity’s is separated from the vertebrae by a joint. That may be part of what gives their tails so much flexibility.”

“Huh. Weird.” Rainbow grinned. “Kinda awesome, too.”

“Two of Rarity’s spines have been pulled out of their sockets.”

Gone went the grin. “Oh. Less awesome.”

Fluttershy climbed up on the rock so she could get beside Rarity and show her the image in question. Applejack was at a good angle to see as well. Sure enough, the image depicted two of the spine-like bones on Rarity’s tail pulled away from the backbone. For whatever reason, they’d been forced close together and up against her skin. Or hide. Scales? Applejack decided not to bother with the names, that was Fluttershy’s business. The point was, it looked very uncomfortable. “You’d think something like that would cause internal bleeding.”

“It probably did,” Fluttershy replied quietly, pointing to the image and then Rarity’s tail. “She might be very lucky to be alive, for all we know.”

Upon seeing the image and making the connection, a change came over Rarity. Her pale face gained an extra shade of white and the light went out in her eyes. Her upper body broke into trembles, one hand tracing the injury on her tail as she stared listlessly at the evidence before her. Sweetie fared no better, clutching her elder’s arm as though afraid she were already dead.

Rainbow watched the two of them, head cocked slightly. “Why are they taking it so badly? It’s not like it’s the end of the world.”

Applejack realized the answer quickly as she thought on what humans did in this situation. “Because it is bad. When we dislocate an arm, we can just pop it back in. Painful, but it works. This?” Applejack frowned as she examined Rarity’s injury. “How do you pop something like this back in? There’s no way.”

“And Rarity can’t swim like this,” Fluttershy added, still deathly serious even as Rarity pulled Sweetie into a tight hug. The two were whispering to each other, their dialogue lost on the human audience. “An injury like this? She can’t defend herself against predators. She can’t swim against the currents. She can’t do anything. Any movement would be slowed to a crawl, and Sweetie would have to protect her at all times.”

The little mermaid let out a harsh sound, a lone word that she repeated fiercely. Rarity, speaking almost as if in a daze, muttered something back and pointed for the creek leaving the pond. Sweetie shook her head fiercely and reaffirmed her hug.

“What the heck are they going on about now?” Rainbow asked.

Heart heavy, Applejack replied, “I think Rarity’s trying to convince Sweetie to abandon her.”

“She’s what?”

“Everyone, calm down.” Fluttershy’s unusually fierce manner stopped everyone, even the mermaids. Climbing off the rock, Fluttershy knelt on the sandy shore. “Applejack, help Rarity to a position so she can see what I’m drawing.” She began to work, finger moving swiftly through the yellow sand.

Applejack offered her arms to Rarity. The mermaid stared at them listlessly before murmuring something to Sweetie. The child wouldn’t let go. Rubbing Sweetie’s back, Rarity gave Applejack a helpless look.

So, with Rainbow’s help, they moved both of them at once. Sweetie didn’t so much as squeak in protest, her face buried in Rarity’s side. By the time they got to the edge, Fluttershy was working on a second image. They watched in silence, trying to puzzle over what was being shown. The first was clearly supposed to be Rarity’s tail, drawn large and with the bone structure approximated within. The second was a close-up of the injury and a V-shaped…

Applejack’s breath left her, but came back quickly enough. “Are you suggesting you could perform surgery on her?”

Rainbow whistled. “I didn’t know you did that, Shy.”

“I don’t.” Fluttershy cringed and averted her gaze. “W-well, I did. Once. Right after Dad died.” There was a certain hollowness in how she said that which made Applejack wonder how it went. “But I think I could. It’s risky beyond belief… but I could.”

Fluttershy finished her third sketch, which showed the open wound of the second one closed with the bones in their proper place. She looked up to Rarity, who stared wide-eyed at the sketches in stunned silence. Her hand reached down to rub at the wound; she winced. The same hand, trembling the whole way, pointed to the sketches in the sand, then to the injury. She gazed at Fluttershy with such incredible hope.

In answer, Fluttershy moved to the spot and mimed the act itself, first of cutting open the tail, then of putting the bones back in place, then sealing the wound up. She met Rarity’s gaze, every bit as firm as she’d been a few minutes ago.

Sweetie had pulled away from Rarity to study the sketches, her own eyes every bit as wide as Rarity’s. She looked to Fluttershy and asked in a quaking voice, “S-safe?”

This brought the hesitation back to Fluttershy’s countenance. She considered the question, looking between the two mermaids. At last, biting her lip, she shook her head. “Not safe.”

The mermaids exchanged worried looks. Rarity stammered a few meek words. Sweetie shook her head firmly and grabbed her arm yet again. It was unclear to Applejack just what she was denying. What was clear was that they had a hard decision to make with precious little information. Fluttershy no doubt had a lot more to say about the risks, but how were they to understand them? There was, she realized, only one option.

“Talk.” Catching their attention, Applejack ran her hand up her throat and outward, then repeated the process in reverse. “Talk.”

Rarity and Sweetie considered her before sharing another long look. It was like they were having an entire conversation with just their eyes. Sweetie sighed and turned to Applejack, nodding despondently.

“Talk.”

Author's Note

There was some discussion about limiting the humans involved in this story to just Applejack and Fluttershy, but I concluded that having at least one would make numerous issues easier to resolve. I didn't want the whole gang involved though, as I was trying to keep this relatively short and didn't want to juggle all those characters at once. Rainbow felt like the best choice by far for her unique attitude and relationship with Shy and AJ.

Chapter 5

The next week-and-a-half filled everyone with anxiety. Sweetie didn’t make an appearance, hiding somewhere in the deepest parts of the pond. Fluttershy spent her time making plans to get the tools she needed for the surgery, going at the task with a grim determination Applejack rarely saw in her. She tried to be supportive of her friend, but wasn’t sure how other than to reiterate her faith that everything would go well. For her own part, Applejack fretted constantly over finding some way to keep Rarity on the island. She made no progress on this front whatsoever.

Rainbow came over that weekend. She recognized the dark cloud hovering over them all. When told about the upcoming surgery, she understood immediately and insisted she take care of Fluttershy. She took the quiet girl off the island for a whole two days. When Fluttershy returned alone, she did indeed have a renewed determination and focus. Applejack could only wonder what Rainbow had told her. She kept her peace; Fluttershy might have been her oldest friend, but Rainbow and Fluttershy had been practically joined at the hip since they were in diapers. Whatever secrets they shared were theirs to keep.

So she instead spent her days at the pond, continuing to teach Rarity English and trying to keep her spirits up. The mermaid fought to maintain a cheerful façade, but that was all it was. She didn’t know whether to be excited or scared of what was to come, and drifted into moods both positive and negative. She insisted that Sweetie just needed time, but Applejack knew that the child was often on Rarity’s mind. There was nothing to do but wait and feel helpless.

The day came. It was a Saturday morning, just as the sun was rising. All the tools they needed had been gathered, and Rainbow was there to help. Fluttershy had specifically requested she be there, not just for moral support but to assist directly; Rainbow had steady hands.

Which was more than what Applejack could boast. She suspected she was more a nervous wreck than Fluttershy herself, especially given how calm and collected the girl appeared. Fluttershy was almost cold in her demeanor. Rarity, of course, was barely holding on to her outer calm, trembling and fighting not to hyperventilate. Even Sweetie came out to bear witness, though she was subdued and wouldn’t speak to anyone.

Rarity was atop her favorite rock, the place she would be the most comfortable. It was also a good spot where the others could surround her in case they needed to hold her for any reason. She sat with her tail beneath her, as was her fashion, with Sweetie clutching her arm. They all listened as Fluttershy explained yet again what was to come.

Dressed in scrubs she’d borrowed – the word she insisted on using – from the veterinary office, Fluttershy raised a syringe in her hand. “This is a ‘localized anesthetic.’ Medicine. It will numb your tail so that you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. Understood?”

Though her skin had somehow gone paler than usual, Rarity nodded. “Understood.”

Setting the syringe to the side on a towel, Fluttershy picked up a scalpel. “I’ll use this to cut into your tail. If your tail is too hard to cut into, we’ll have to use the saw.” She gestured to the long hand saw also lying on the towel. “We’ll have to cut deep to get to the bone. We’ll move very slowly. Rainbow will be at the ready to seal up any arteries we come across. Understood?”

Rarity frowned at the blade. There was a deep terror in her eyes, a cruel awareness that such a thing might soon be used to rend her flesh. “One cut?”

Fluttershy set the scalpel back down. “We may have to do more than one, but hopefully not.” She gestured to Applejack, who was holding a large camera in both hands. “We’ll take pictures as we go. When we sew you back up, we’ll want to make sure we reattach the arteries and muscle correctly. The pictures will help with that. Understood?”

A shaky nod. “U-understood.” She reached over to rub the squirming Sweetie’s back.

“When we reach the bones, we will very carefully pop them back into place. Once certain the bones are as they should be, we will sew the wound back up and secure it to heal. It will take a very long time to heal, during which time you’ll still be crippled. Understood?”

“Understood.”

Fluttershy closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath. She was almost as pallid as Rarity herself. “Are you sure you don’t want to be put to sleep during this? This is going to be a very long procedure, and you will need to keep still the whole time or we might hurt you. I have what we need. It would be easier.”

Rarity was quiet for some time, staring at the lump in her tail. She gave Sweetie’s arm a squeeze when the child whimpered. At last, she quietly spoke. “I want to witness. I need to know. If… If the worst comes, I want to see it.”

“That won’t happen.” Rainbow Dash, also in scrubs, put such confidence in the statement that Applejack had to wonder if she truly believed it.

Though she thought she might be sick all over Rarity’s gorgeous tail, Applejack managed to add her own encouragement. “Yeah, you’ll see. We’ve got this.” She set a hand on Fluttershy’s shoulder. “You’ve got this, Shy.”

Fluttershy remained focused on Rarity. “If you’re sure?” When Rarity only stared back solemnly, she took a long, steadying breath. “Okay. Lie down, please. Rainbow? The lights.” She slipped on her surgical mask.

The lights were a pair of tall lamps, six bulbs apiece, that were connected to a gas generator. The lights had also been ‘borrowed’ from the veterinary office. The generator, however, belonged to Applejack’s family. Rainbow had come through for them again; Applejack couldn’t bring herself to lie about why they needed it, but Rainbow had no qualms about it. She’d also delivered it, and was responsible for procuring some of the medical equipment Fluttershy hadn’t been able to get her hands on. She declined to explain how beyond some allusion to ‘skills acquired in less awesome days’. Another secret better left to the two of them.

Though she remained pale, Fluttershy’s manner was that of stoic professionalism. “Administering the anesthetic.” Peeling back one of Rarity’s scales just above the misshapen lump, she injected the medicine. Rarity cringed and whimpered, the fins on her head folding back to almost hide beneath her luxurious purple locks. The needle retracted. “Done. It will take a few minutes for the anesthetic to work. Rainbow?”

Applejack knew Fluttershy well enough to know she was internalizing her panic. Rainbow Dash, on the other hand, set about her task with little fanfare and probably less worry. Utilizing those steady hands of hers and a small knife, she carefully detached one scale at a time. They came off with little apparent resistance, though Rarity flinched with each one. Applejack was tempted to ask if she was in any pain from this but forced her tongue to remain still. The last thing she needed to do was encourage such thoughts.

Fluttershy turned to check her instruments, pausing to whisper in Applejack’s ear. “Talk to her. Distract her.”

Swallowing to moisten her dry throat, Applejack did as she was told. “So, Rarity. How long does it take scales to grow back?”

Rarity flinched. Her eyes darted between her and Rainbow’s careful, slow work. “It… It takes…” Flinch. “Week? Or less. But scar…” Flinch. “Scar may not let grow.” Flinch.

So things continued as, gradually, the bare skin beneath the scales was revealed. It was a gentle pink, reminding Applejack almost of pale human skin, but leathery. It took Rainbow a good five minutes to fully expose the intended area, by which time Fluttershy was ready with her scalpel. Then, as Rarity breathlessly looked on, the true surgery began.

The delicate work went on for hours. Rarity fainted after the first one, which inspired Sweetie to panic, but Fluttershy was quick to ascertain that everything was fine. She and Rainbow worked slow, agonizingly so, as neither were willing to risk a mistake by going any faster. It was because of their gradual pace that they discovered most of the arteries they encountered before cutting into them and dealt with each using a pre-planned method the two had drilled on for several days in the last week. When they did cut into an artery before knowing it was there, that same training helped them close it with startling speed.

Applejack took pictures as directed by Fluttershy, careful to stay out of the way as she did. Unable to help in the surgery proper, she spent a lot of time talking to Sweetie, reassuring her and making sure she understood that everything happening was ‘normal’. Or at least, as normal as Fluttershy had described to her. There was an awful lot of blood. A worryingly large amount of it. It stained Rarity’s scales and the rock she lay on. The sight made her stomach churn. Was there supposed to be that much?

Yet Fluttershy and Rainbow continued, ever calm, ever patient, ever ready. If anything was wrong, they gave no indication of it. Every couple minutes Sweetie would check Rarity’s pulse and breathing as Fluttershy had taught her and state her findings. Her voice was always like a steel cord ready to snap. Rarity slept on, blissfully unaware.

The bones were exposed, visibly disconnected from the vertebra. Fluttershy and Rainbow used a pair of thoroughly cleaned, V-shaped metal pieces to hold the gaping wound open while they consulted the X-rays. Sweetie looked as if she might faint at any second, her face turning green, yet couldn’t stop staring at the exposed, bloody spikes. Applejack dutifully took her pictures and reminded Sweetie to keep the status calls coming. Once they were confident about what they were doing, Rainbow and Fluttershy used distilled water to clean the wound and the bones before Rainbow, with her steady hands and superior strength, carefully set them back into position.

The audible ‘pop’ of the first one finally defeated Sweetie, who slumped at her sister’s side with only a strained whimper. Applejack envied her sudden unconsciousness. By now, a good two hours had passed.

Applejack took over Sweetie’s job, regularly checking Rarity’s vitals, and watched as the second part of the procedure began. This was the most difficult, as the two impromptu surgeons had to make sure every artery and bit of muscle tissue was properly returned to its appropriate place and resewn together. A mistake here could cripple Rarity, if not lead to a slow, silent death. They consulted the pictures Applejack had taken, discussed each step in detail before committing. Fluttershy’s face was unreadable beneath her mask. Rainbow had never appeared more serious. Sweat beaded on both their brows as the sun crept its way across the sky. Applejack used spare towels to wipe their faces as they worked. They stopped only once, when Applejack had to turn off and refill the generator for the lights.

Four hours after she went down, Sweetie awoke. Fluttershy and Rainbow were still at it. Despite her trembling, she took over her old duties, and Applejack focused on keeping the two doctors going. A sip of water here, a dab of the towel there, and never asking how things were going no matter how desperately she wanted to. She tried not to stare at Rarity’s slumbering face. Tried not to think of what they’d do if she died under the knife. Desperately hoped she wouldn’t wake up now, at this most critical juncture. Every breath was a prayer, every glance a fervid hope.

Eight hours after they’d given Rarity the anesthetic, the tools were at last put down. All that was left of the wound were a few drops of blood on her scales and a long, red cut held closed by biodegradable staples. Fluttershy pulled off her surgeon’s mask and sat back so far she would have fallen off the rock had Applejack not caught her shoulder. “It’s done,” she whispered, eyes clenched tightly closed. “All we can do now is wait.”

“Not all,” Rainbow said, turning to the nearby towel of equipment. “AJ, help me get this brace on her.” A few minutes of fumbling later and they’d secured Rarity’s upper tail in a firm, stainless steel brace. The three of them had designed it custom. Rainbow had brought the supplies and helped Applejack build it, and Rarity had already tried it on for comfort and effectiveness three days ago. “There. Now she couldn’t move even if she wanted to.”

“G-give her the other anesthetic,” Fluttershy instructed. At long last, her professional and stoic manner cracked. “The other one will have worn out by now, and she’s going to be in a lot of pain for a while.”

Sweetie Belle, squeezing Rarity’s hand in both of hers, stared at the metal brace with a trembling lip. The wound was obscured from view. “It over? Reh-reh-tzee safe?”

All eyes turned to Fluttershy, whose hands vibrated as she cleaned them with the distilled water they’d brought for that kind of thing. She hesitated, glancing at the brace, before focusing all her attention on the child. “Everything went well. Rarity will be okay.” She moved closer to Sweetie, hovering over Rarity’s unconscious form so she could look her in the eyes. She managed to retain a tone of gentle authority for one last bit of instruction. “But she has to stay calm and still. If she moves around too much, she’ll hurt herself very badly. It’s your job to make sure she doesn’t move from the bottom of the pond for at least a week. Can you do that, Shvee-tzee-braille?”

Sweetie nodded fervently. “Yes. Yes! Not move at all. Promise!”

“Good. And you promise to surface every hour to tell us how she’s doing? We can’t help her if we don’t know something is wrong.”

More determined nods. “Yes, I tell.”

Applejack had no doubt she would. Sweetie was stubborn, and by no means stupid. She knew that if anything went wrong post-surgery, Fluttershy was the only one who would know what to do. For that matter, Fluttershy might be the only one who’d recognize the signs.

“Good. We’ll let her sleep for now, but as soon as she wakes up we need to move her into the p-pond.” Fluttershy moved away from Sweetie at last, working to remove her scrubs. It took her a few tries. “Thank you for being so patient, Sweetie.”

“And thank you,” Applejack said, turning to Rainbow. The girl had already stripped off her own scrubs and was gathering all the medical supplies to return them to the beach house. Amazingly, her hands remained steady. “Not sure we could have done this without your help, RD.”

Rainbow shrugged. She remained uncharacteristically stoic. “You know me; I’m awesome. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to head back to the house, try to eat something without upchucking all over the place – I’m not feeling positive about that, by the way – and take a long nap.”

“You should probably go with her,” Applejack told Fluttershy, who had just sat on the side of the rock and was staring vacantly into space. “You look more tired than Big Mac on Valentine’s Day.”

Mumbling under her breath, Fluttershy shook her head in a lazy motion. “I should be here when Rarity wakes up. If something goes wrong—”

“Nothing’s going to go wrong.” Applejack set a hand on her friend’s shoulder, preventing her from leaning too far sideways. “You can barely sit up straight, sugarcube. For once, follow Rainbow’s example. Try to eat something. Barring that, get some sleep. You’ve both earned it.”

“But I…” Fluttershy let out a long yawn. “I should—”

“Come on, Shy.” Rainbow hauled Fluttershy to her feet, the equipment all stored in a luggage bag over her shoulder. “Applejack’s right. Nothing’s going to happen, you’ll see. You can’t do any good like this, anyway.” As she was leading the mumbling girl away, she looked over her shoulder. “You want me to bring you some food before I crash?”

Applejack almost said no. She hadn’t done half as much as what they had and could have gone to make her own food. But somebody had to stay with Rarity and, truth be told, she wanted to. “If you would. I won’t mind if you just go straight to bed, though.”

“Nah, I can handle a bit more. I’m used to tense situations.” Rainbow managed a weary smirk, flashed a thumbs up, and hurried to grab Fluttershy again before she walked into a tree. “See you in a few.”

And the two of them were gone, leaving only Applejack and Sweetie to watch over Rarity’s slumbering form. For the moment, Applejack was at a loss for what to do. Sweetie kept at Rarity’s side, holding her and alternating between examining her face or the brace. Applejack studied their touching hands, her fingers rubbing the inside of her palm. Rarity’s other hand lay atop her exposed belly, innocuously rising and falling with her steady breaths. When Sweetie looked her way, she averted her eyes… and saw some blood still remained on the rock.

Rarity shouldn’t wake up in a pool of her own blood. That would sure as heck freak me out. There were still a couple jugs of distilled water, so Applejack got to work cleaning the rock as best she could. The part Rarity was laying on was off-limits for now, but she got what was visible dealt with. Sweetie watched her work, solemn and quiet, never leaving Rarity’s side. When finished, Applejack stood in the water by the rock and… just waited, not sure what else to do. Her eyes went back to Rarity’s hand. Her fingers rubbed her palm again.

Sweetie shifted, drawing her attention. The child wouldn’t meet her gaze, yet was turned to face her. After a few seconds of staring at Applejack’s stomach, the child spoke up. “I’m sorry. Applejack… help. Applejack always help. I mean.”

The apology took a little time to seep into Applejack’s brain, but when it did she smiled. “It’s okay, Sweetie. You were just trying to protect Rarity.”

Sweetie shook her head, shoulders hunched and lip trembling. “Not okay. Reh-reh-tzee in big trouble. If go back to ocean, might have died. Applejack not let die. I… Shvee-tzee-braille… Shvee-tzee-braille only want bring back…” She clung to Rarity’s hand with both of hers, holding it to her chest as she doubled over.

Rarity said mermaids didn’t have tears. Seeing Sweetie Belle sob like this made that truth all the more apparent. But the lack of water to run down those puffy cheeks did nothing to hold back the pain Applejack felt at seeing the child so miserable. She moved around the rock and hugged Sweetie from behind, setting her chin on her shoulder. “It’s alright, sugarcube. I forgive you. I’m sure Rarity understands. Everything’s alright now, okay? I promise, everything’s alright…”

The child said nothing, only sobbed and shook in Applejack’s arms. Her tail curled, as if she were trying to make herself smaller. Applejack rocked back and forth, humming and feeling oddly calm. Calm, yet also strange. She thought of her mother, who would never again hold her like this. Only then did it hit her that the tune rising from her throat was one her mother often hummed whenever Applejack was in Sweetie’s position.

She longed to feel those arms around her shoulders. To hear her mother’s sweet voice. To know she was safe and comfortable. To be the protector instead was otherworldly. Could she do something like this for Apple Bloom someday? Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom would have cried like this. She did. Applejack remembered it. Vaguely. Who had held her little sister the night that their parents had died?

It should have been Applejack. She should have been the one in control of herself, and instead she was here, providing a stranger the comfort she’d failed to give her own sibling. It felt so right to be the comforter for a change, and so wrong that she was taking up the role so late. Was she a bad sister? Or maybe that was wrong.

Maybe she was meant to be a mother now. The idea settled like lead in the stomach.

She opened her eyes, not realizing she’d closed them. Rarity remained asleep, her expression calm and pleasant. She called herself a sister to Sweetie. Maybe she was more like a parent. Maybe what Sweetie felt right now was not unlike how Applejack had felt a year ago. Only Sweetie’s loved one had a chance to live. Maybe Applejack should be jealous of that.

Rarity was still here. She was still here, and she wasn’t going anywhere. Sweetie wouldn’t lose her. Applejack would make sure of it.

Sweetie was no longer crying. The child hung loosely in Applejack’s arms, head bowed. Asleep? Applejack couldn’t tell. She bent forward, trying to get a good look at the Sweetie’s face. Pale green eyes met hers, weary and unfocused. Applejack smiled. “You look like you’re gonna fall asleep.”

“No sleep,” Sweetie grumbled, turning her attention back to Rarity. “Thinking.”

“About what?”

The child pursed her lips and wouldn’t look at her. “Applejack want Reh-reh-tzee.”

Heat bloomed across Applejack’s cheeks, her eyes darting to the slumbering mermaid before them. She relaxed when Rarity didn’t move, producing a weak smile. “I know. Rarity’s yours, right?”

“Yes. Mine.” The declaration lacked its usual confidence and defensiveness. It came out thoughtful, perhaps even uncertain. “We move. We live. We never stay.” Then, with grim seriousness, “Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow. Help Reh-reh-tzee move again.”

The point of this little monologue eluded Applejack. She hesitantly corrected, “Fluttershy and Rainbow. They did all the work.”

Sweetie shrugged, gently breaking free from Applejack’s embrace. She climbed atop the rock and turned to face her. The child’s expression was neutral, yet hard. “Shvee-tzee-braille thank Applejack. Thank Applejack for all help.” She pursed her lips, looking down just long enough to find Rarity’s hand and hold it. “Reh-reh-tzee moves. No stay. We not stay. Applejack want Reh-reh-tzee.” Her eyes became like daggers. “Applejack make Reh-reh-tzee stay?”

Applejack lost all capacity for communication. Those hard green eyes might as well have been a noose wrapping around her throat. She knew what was being asked of her, understood implicitly the meaning of her potential answer. To provide one strained her mind and rendered her a mute fool, incapable of thinking past the consequences. Here sat a child with only one person she could call family, one person she loved. The right thing to do was to not get in the way of that. And yet…

Her gaze drifted to the angelic creature sleeping just behind her accuser. Rarity would heal. Her tail would function again, she’d be free to come and go as she pleased. And mermaids moved. Rarity would leave. Unless someone or something bound her to this place, this haven, this prison, she would leave. Just like they did. The very thought sent chills rushing up and down her spine and made her knees wobble. It was getting hard to breathe. Sweetie kept staring, kept holding that hand that should be hers, kept existing between her and the best thing that had happened to Applejack in over a year! Rarity couldn’t go. She couldn’t let—

“Am I interrupting something?”

Applejack started, turning on her heel to find Rainbow Dash standing at the edge of the forest with a picnic basket perfectly balanced on her head. Only now did she realize her hands were clenched into fists. Relaxing her fingers was almost painful. “N-no, not a thing. Sweetie and me were just talking about the future, that’s all.”

“Right.” Rainbow’s attempt at a blasé attitude failed to disguise the split second her narrowed eyes were set on Applejack. She plucked the basket off her head and approached. “Made some sandwiches for you girls. Fluttershy wanted to help, but I put my foot down and made her get some sleep, so these are gonna be plain. Sorry.”

“Nah, you did the right thing. That girl deserves her rest.” Applejack took the basket, glancing inside to see a half-dozen sandwiches in individual plastic bags. “Whoa. That’s a lot of grub.”

“Some of it’s for Rarity,” Rainbow admitted, her attention drifting to the sleeping form on the rock. “I figure she’ll be starving when she finally wakes up.” Lowering her voice, she asked, “How’s Sweetie doing?”

“Sweetie? She’s…” Applejack glanced at the girl, who was no longer paying either of them any attention. “She’s concerned, but better than she was.” That was an accurate way to describe the situation, wasn’t it?

“And how are you doing?”

The concerned, borderline suspecting look being sent her way caught Applejack off guard. “W-what do ya mean? I’m fine.”

Rainbow mumbled under her breath, and Applejack was sure she was about to become the target of some sort of well-intended talking to. Yet Rainbow relented, closing her eyes and rubbing her temple. “Okay, if you say so. I’m gonna head back to the beach house, take a shower, and crash. You sure you’ll be fine watching over things for a while?”

“Don’t worry, RD. I’ve got this. You go on and rest. And thanks for the food.”

Once Rainbow had gone, Applejack approached Rarity and Sweetie. The younger mermaid noted Applejack’s approach with a forlorn expression. She said nothing, accepting Applejack’s offered sandwich with a nod of thanks before turning back to watch her surrogate sibling. That left Applejack to sit on a nearby log and observe the two of them while eating her own meal and pondering the brief confrontation she’d had with Sweetie.

Sweetie wanted Rarity to leave. She was going to take her away, just like fate had stolen her parents. She couldn’t let it happen, but she didn’t want to hurt Sweetie in the process. There had to be another option. The most obvious would be to convince them both to stay at the pond, but… How did one defeat culture? She couldn’t be sure.

Rarity wouldn’t be going anywhere until her tail healed. That might take months. Applejack could figure something out in that kind of time.

Surely.

A week had gone by. A week since a frail and pained Rarity had allowed herself to be lowered into the pond and carried to the safe depths by Sweetie. Since then she’d shown neither scale nor hair to the sun. Sweetie insisted that Rarity was still down there, obeying Fluttershy’s orders and maintaining the mermaid equivalent of bed rest. No post-surgery problems had been reported, which made Fluttershy suspect that everything would be fine. Life returned to normal, Fluttershy back to her summer job at the veterinary clinic and Rainbow on the road to play another game.

Sweetie found a new routine of her own. Convinced of Rarity’s safety in the deepest parts of the pond, she took to swimming up the creek that led off the island and exploring. She claimed this was initially to see if the creek was big enough for Rarity to leave the island through it, but now it seemed like she was trying to stave off boredom. Applejack worried for her safety, but there wasn’t much she could do to stop her.

Normal life proved torturous for Applejack. She often spent her days near the pond, trying to find something to do with her time. More and more, ‘something to do’ meant chasing paranoia. Was Rarity really down there? Maybe Sweetie decided to sneak Rarity out and only claimed the elder mermaid was still down there. Sweetie understood Applejack didn’t want them to leave. She could have pre-emptively acted in the name of protecting her only real family. Worse, she could have convinced Rarity to abandon Applejack already! She tried to tell herself that she was being stupid, that if such were the case Sweetie would have no reason to return to the pond. But what if she was keeping Rarity close by in case a post-surgery complication came up and Rarity needed help?

When Applejack wasn’t entertaining shameful doubts of Sweetie’s honesty, she was thinking of her parents and how much she missed them. She once spent two hours in her room doing nothing but staring at her father’s hat. It was regression, she knew it, and she had no idea what to do about it. Attempts to keep the truth hidden from Fluttershy were a failure. Her friend’s attempts to ease the gradually building sorrow only made her more reclusive, and soon Applejack only went back to the beach house to sleep and take the occasional shower. Most of her time was spent at the pond, sitting on the shore with her arms wrapped around her knees as she waited for an aquatic angel to prove she was still real.

It was during one of these long, miserable waits that Rarity at last emerged from the depths. It was a slow reveal, and Applejack didn’t notice until the mermaid was out of the water up to her shoulders, crawling along the bottom with wearying slowness. She raised her head and spotted Rarity a dozen feet away, and the sight knocked the air from her lungs. The water beading on her pale skin, the elegant shape of her collarbone and neck, the wet hair hanging like velvet curtains, the brilliant blue eyes. How could Applejack have forgotten how beautiful she was?

She hurried out to help her ashore, shivering with delight at the soft skin on her fingers and arms. Neither of them said anything until the mermaid was safely deposited on the sand, metal brace and all.

“How ya feeling, Rarity?” Applejack settled down in the sand beside the creature that had her heart performing a solo dance routine. “The tail okay?”

“Hurts.” The grimace on Rarity’s face couldn’t prevent her aristocratic voice from sounding like the chorus of angels in Applejack’s ears. “But… better. Nothing bad. Everything…” She set the back of a curled finger beneath her lip and thought. “Expected?” She looked to Applejack for approval.

“Expected. Good!” Applejack felt like it was the first day of cider season, all warm and bubbly and eager. “That’s good. You had me real worried. I thought you’d stay down there forever.”

“Of chourse. Worried.” The mermaid smiled wryly. “Applejack wouldj worry.”

Sheepishly, Applejack rubbed the back of her head. “I can’t help it. I got used to having you around.” A thought struck her, and she cast a long look at the pond. There was no sign of its other resident. “Where’s Sweetie?” With an elegant wave of her hand, Rarity indicated the stream leading out of the pond. “Wait, so you came up here on your own? Does she know?”

Rarity huffed and crossed her arms. “Would keep me in dark all thimes. Reh-reh-tzee want light.”

She’d crawled her way out of that deep, steep portion of the pond all on her own? With her tail in such a poor condition? Applejack was tempted to lecture the woman, but thought better of it. It was hard to maintain any sort of displeasure when she was just so happy to see her at last. And she was happy; were she a dog, her tail would be wagging. She couldn’t stop staring at the essence of beauty resting at her side. Her moist skin, her glittery scales, her dripping purple locks, her dazzling eyes… her soft lips…

“Where is Fluttershy? Rainbow?”

Applejack jolted back, covering her surprise with a chuckle she prayed didn’t come out too forced. “Oh, y-you know. Fluttershy works, Rainbow plays.” Was Rarity watching her? No, just her imagination. “Shy should be back tonight. She’ll be thrilled to know you’re feeling okay.”

“She did good.” Rarity frowned in uncertainty. “Right? ‘Did good?’”

The idea that Rarity would want to practice and get it right sent a wave of giddiness through Applejack. Maybe she was thinking about sticking around after all. “I think the correct phrase is ‘did well’, but you’re fine.” Her eyes flew open and the heat came rushing back. “I m-mean, fine as in you sound good. Right. Sound right. Not ‘fine’ in any other way, not that you ain’t.” Her jaw snapped shut so fast she nearly bit her teeth, which would have been a suitable punishment for that little slip.

Rarity cocked her head in that adorable manner she had. “Fine? Mean many thingsh?”

“Don’t worry about it!” The outburst made Rarity jump, and Applejack promptly slapped a hand over her eyes and groaned. “I mean… I’m sorry, can we please talk about something else?”

When her hand left her eyes, she found Rarity facing her fully with an expression of concern. She spoke with a careful, steady focus, like she always did when thinking on how to say what she wanted. “Is… Applejack okay?”

“Of course, I’m okay. I’m…” Applejack stopped herself, realizing she was speaking without thinking again. Licking her lips, she pondered just what she should say next. Certainly not what she wanted to. That would end poorly. Maybe. At the same time, she wanted to be honest, and she wanted to trust Rarity. A glance down reminded her of something else she wanted. Something stupid that she couldn’t—

Why couldn’t she? There was nothing stopping her. Rarity probably wouldn’t understand the significance, anyway. Nevermind the idea made her heart flutter and the potential implications made her head spin. She’s never get anything if she didn’t try. No, it was worse than that; she’d lose everything if she didn’t try. Making the move was a risk, but not making it was certain doom.

With a deep breath to reaffirm her conviction, she reached out and took Rarity’s hand in her own. Rather than jerk away or snap at her or any of the hundred other things Applejack had drummed up in her mix of dread and anxiety, Rarity squeezed her fingers. Her hand was cool to the touch, like touching silk bedsheets. The fluttering in Applejack’s chest became a pleasant swelling.

Suddenly, talking didn’t seem so difficult. “I was scared,” she admitted, keeping her head bowed but still meeting Rarity’s worried gaze. “Sweetie said you were okay, but it’s not the same. I…” The burning in her eyes took her by surprise. She used her free hand to rub them dry. “All this time, all I ever wanted was to see you. It was terrible.”

Rarity studied her, lips lowered in a forlorn, uncertain frown. She reached over with her free hand and rubbed Applejack’s cheek, the touch forcing a small gasp from her lips. A thumb trailed just below Applejack’s eye. It came back wet. Rarity stared at it as though it might hold some great secret. “Tears,” she whispered. “I… What to shay? Not know.”

The confession stung, but Applejack threw the doubts trying to surface overboard and focused on the growing warmth of their tightly held hands. “You don’t have to say anything. But I-I’d like you to stay.” She turned her face away, hoping to hide her cringe. “I m-mean for the rest of the summer?”

“Applejack.” There was a hint of exasperation in Rarity’s voice. “I’m—”

“I know,” she moaned. “Mermaids move.”

A long, painful silence.

“Um… Going to shay ‘hurt, can’t move’.”

If Applejack’s cheeks kept this up this wishy-washy behavior, either her face would burst into flame or her heart would stop beating due to blood loss. Possibly both. She ran a hand through her hair, not daring to look Rarity’s way. “R-right. Of course. I knew that.”

The conversation died, but Rarity didn’t pull away or let go of Applejack’s hand. She accepted that as a small victory. They remained that way for some time, Applejack trying to think of something to say to get rid of this awkward pause. Everything she thought up would only make the situation even worse. The irony didn’t escape her: here she was with the girl of her dreams, having pined for an opportunity to talk with her for a solid week, and now that Rarity was back she couldn’t think of anything to say! Maybe it was the fog in her brain that came with the subtle giddiness of realizing they were still holding hands.

It was Rarity who finally ended the uncomfortable peace between them. “Sorry. For worry. Reh-reh-tzee… will… come to shurface more… more? Yes, more. More ofthen.”

Applejack turned to her, a smile gradually forming on her lips. “That’s good to hear. Thank you.” The two shared warm smiles, and Applejack had the feeling that some bridge had been crossed between them. Maybe it was all in her head, but she would think otherwise until proven wrong. Though she had to force it, she at last released Rarity’s hand. “Often.”

Rarity blinked. “Hmm?”

“You said ‘ofthen’. It’s ‘often’. Off-ten.”

Tilting her head back slightly, Rarity worked her lips around the sounds. “Off… Ten?”

“Yes.” Applejack nodded eagerly. “Often.”

“Often. Ofthen. Off… ten. Often.” Rarity smiled and returned the nod. “Often.” She raised a finger. “Word you say before. ‘Te-ree… fle?.’ What mean?”

The two eagerly returned to the old routine of English lessons. Applejack couldn’t have been happier.

Author's Note

I am not a surgeon and don't know much about the subject, so I make zero claims regarding the realistic nature of the surgery performed in this chapter.

I always imagined that Rainbow and Rarity would be the ones with very steady hands capable of precise movements. This is another reason I wanted Rainbow in the story in the first place. Performing surgery might not be her 'thing', but I have every faith that she could do it with the proper guidance and a firm belief in the necessity.

Chapter 6

June rolled into July, and the days were blissful. Applejack practically lived at the pond now, sometimes even sleeping there in a bedroll. Fluttershy came down to visit for a couple hours most days, and sometimes Rainbow would show up on the weekends. Sweetie Belle opened up, no longer treating any of them with complete hard scrutiny. She even stopped shooting glares at Applejack, though sometimes the looks she gave instead were filled with anxiety. Applejack didn’t know what she was worried about, and ultimately chalked it up to a kid thing.

Rarity had developed a fascination with human clothes. By now she’d tried on everything Applejack and Fluttershy had to offer in terms of shirts. She once tried one of Fluttershy’s skirts, but couldn’t get it on around her tail brace. Applejack wasn’t sure it would have fit without the brace; that tail was just too thick. It turned out that Rainbow’s shirts were just about the right size, if a little small. Alas, Rarity didn’t care much for Rainbow’s sense of fashion. Sweetie tried clothes only once and failed to see the appeal, still referring to the very idea as ‘silly human nonsense’. Yes, ‘nonsense’; their individual vocabularies had expanded significantly.

Fluttershy and Applejack removed the brace on Rarity’s tail every few days to check on its healing. Rarity had behaved herself and followed her ‘doctor’s orders’, so to speak, and Fluttershy was pleased to declare every time that the healing appeared to be going smoothly. Of course, they wouldn’t know if the surgery was a true success until Rarity could swim without any pain. She reported the pain had lessened significantly but was still strong enough that she didn’t feel like risking going for a real swim. Truth was, Fluttershy couldn’t make any sort of call on how long or even if the tail would be fully healed, so it was up to Rarity to decide when to take the risk.

Every now and then, Rarity would get this melancholic expression. Or she'd watch Applejack with something... worry? Frustration? She wasn't sure, but it never lasted long. It likely had to do with how her tail was healing. An unpleasant side of Applejack, one she refused to let anyone else see, hoped that Rarity’s tail would never fully heal. Surely then she’d have to stay on Splendora Island. And Applejack would be there for her. That was how it should be. Not that it mattered, and it would be objectively better for Rarity’s tail to fully heal. She wasn’t going to leave. Applejack knew it.

It was a Friday afternoon late in July, and Applejack was on the phone with her family in the beach house’s kitchen. It was the usual conversation, one she was eager to finish so she could get back to what was important, i.e. quality time with her favorite mermaid. She was feeling better. Good to know the farm was doing okay without her. Yes, she’d absolutely stay the whole summer long. Fluttershy was doing fine. And so on. The instant she hung up the phone, she was on her way to the door.

Or would have been in Rainbow Dash wasn’t suddenly in her way. Applejack frowned at the delay, but only for a moment. “Oh, hey, RD. What’s up?”

“Not much,” the petite tomboy replied, stretching her legs as if prepping for some exercise. “Except my awesome levels, but those are always up, amiright? Hey, wanna race around the island? It’s been ages since I beat you.”

Applejack snickered at the suggestion. “First of all, you’re a sprinter, and a run around the island is more of a marathon. I’d trounce you.”

“Would not!”

“Second, not interested. I’m gonna—”

“Applejack?” Fluttershy appeared in the hallway, appearing strangely nervous. “O-oh, there you are. Are you free tonight?”

“Well, actually, I was just—”

“Because there’s this new creole restaurant that opened up in town and I thought the three of us could try it out.”

The fact that Fluttershy had interrupted her gave Applejack pause. Fluttershy never interrupted without good reason. Looking between her two friends, Applejack felt a twinge of suspicion. “What’s going on?”

Rainbow tittered and rubbed the back of her head. “Wrong? Nothing’s wrong. Who said anything about anything being wrong?”

Applejack shot her a deadpan look. “Nobody did.”

Her friend’s smile froze, her eyes darting about as if she were seeking an escape route. “Oh. My bad.”

“Well, now I know something’s wrong.” Applejack crossed her arms and leaned over her much smaller friend. “Spill.”

Seeing Rainbow sputtering, Fluttershy sighed and came to her rescue. “We’re just trying to spend some time with our friend. Maybe get the chance to talk to you.”

Turning to her, Applejack raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? You can do that anytime. It ain’t like I’m hard to find.”

Fluttershy raised an eyebrow of her own. “Away from Rarity.”

Applejack’s brain failed to manage anything more complicated than a dumbfounded, “What?”

Which prompted Rainbow to step in, speaking with the same caution of a soldier moving through a minefield. “It’s just that when around her she sorta becomes your whole world, and it’s really hard to talk to you about anything.”

Applejack looked between them again, feeling as though a puzzle piece was missing in a game she hadn’t realized she’d been playing. “You mean you two have tried talking to me about whatever this is before?”

“A few times,” Fluttershy acknowledged, brushing her hair back from her face. “Even Rarity and Sweetie noticed.”

They made it sound like she was obsessed. Which was ridiculous. Obviously. Applejack would have remembered if something like what they were describing had happened. Still, it was probably better not to start an argument. There were more important matters. “I’m listening now,” she said, stepping back so she could view both of them without having to turn her head. “Out with it, you two.”

Rainbow shared a wary look with Fluttershy, running a hand through her multicolored bangs. “Uh, you wanna take point?”

Hunching her shoulders and ducking her head, Fluttershy meekly nodded. Her eyes suggested the response was a lie, yet she managed to take a shuffling half-step closer to Applejack. “O-okay, here it goes. We… We think you should take a break from going to the pond.”

Applejack blinked. Of all the things they could have said, this was not one she anticipated. “Why the heck would you want that?”

“Because… Because you’re…” Fluttershy grimaced and stood tall, clenching her hands into fists at her side. “Rarity is going to leave.”

It was like being punched in the gut. Applejack let out a faint grunt at the sudden, unexpected pain coursing through her chest and twisting her stomach into knots. Her fingers dug into her arms as she fought the feeling down. “Th-that… You don’t know that.”

When Fluttershy was unable to speak up, Rainbow stepped in. “Yes, we do. Haven’t you listened to them? They can’t stand still. Movement is a way of life for them. Just sticking around the island waiting for Rarity to recover is like torture for those two, and you—”

“What do you know?” Applejack was surprised by the snarl coming out of her throat, but she didn’t dare acknowledge it. “They don’t have to leave. Rarity doesn’t have to leave. They can be happy here. I’ll make dang sure of it.”

Fluttershy raised her hands as if to grasp for her, though she didn’t approach. “You can’t, Applejack. There is nothing you can do to keep them here. And I don’t think you should. You can’t just impose your will on them like that.”

“I ain’t imposing nothing on nobody!” Her voice was rising, her tone biting. Applejack didn’t know where the anger was coming from, but she greedily fed from it. “What the heck, girls? Why are you saying these things? It’s not like I’m doing anything wrong by wanting to spend time with Rarity.” A pause as her own statement caught up with her. “Them. Spend time with them.”

“AJ…” Rainbow ran her fingers through her hair again, scowling and bouncing her foot against the floor. “Alright, forget it. Neither of us want to say it, but we’ve got to.”

Fluttershy turned sharply towards her. “Rainbow…”

Ignoring her, she pointed a finger at Applejack. “Rarity can’t replace your parents.”

The previous experience had been a punch to the gut. This? This was like Applejack’s entire body had been dunked in icy water. She stood stiff, mind numb beyond the pounding pulse in her ears. “D-don’t… You…” She swallowed, unable to look away from Rainbow’s pained visage. “This ain’t got nothing to do with—”

“Bull. Don’t even try.” Rainbow stood to her full height. It couldn’t put her anywhere near Applejack’s, but it shouted her determination loud and clear. “You’re clinging to her like she’s the only thing keeping you afloat. I’m telling you, as your friend, that if you don’t let go of her now you are going to drown.”

“Shut up!” The words snapped out of her just like the ice in her veins, filled with a searing fire Applejack had no ability or interest in controlling. “She makes me happy! Ain’t that what matters? I was miserable all that time and there wasn’t a thing either of you could do about it! But I’m happy now, I’m happy and you’re telling me that’s a bad thing.”

Fluttershy looked downright frightened, her hands trembling against her chest. Even so, she took another step forward, her words pleading. “We do want you to be happy. We do. But what you’re doing with Rarity isn’t healthy, and you won’t be happy when she—”

Applejack’s fist slammed into the wall, rattling the beach house. “She’s not leaving!” Fluttershy retreated, tears welling in her eyes.

Rainbow wasn’t so easily cowed, remaining rigid and grim. “What are you gonna do? You can’t force them to stay.”

“She won’t want to leave. I don’t have to do anything.” Applejack nodded, more to confirm it to herself than anything. “You’ll see. Rarity has no reason to go back out there. When she sees how much I lo—”

Just as fast as she’d fallen back, Fluttershy stepped forward, all fear replaced by a ferocious glare only made more so by the streams running down her cheeks. “Don’t you dare. Don’t you dare say it, Applejack. You don’t love Rarity, no matter how much you think you do.”

“Don’t love her?” Applejack took a threatening step forward, fists balled at her side. “Then what do you think I’m feeling? Come on, oh wise and all-knowing expert on matters of the heart. Tell me what this is, what makes me feel so good when she’s around. Tell me!”

“It’s a rebound,” Rainbow spat.

“Why you—!” A fist flew, but Rainbow’s reflexes were far too fast; she dodged backwards with ease. “You take that back!”

The smaller girl made a show of cracking her knuckles, meeting Applejack glare for glare. “I don’t wanna fight you, AJ, but I will if it’s the only way to get through to you.”

Applejack raised her trembling, white-knuckled fist in threat. “Take it back, you hear me? Take it back, or so help me I’ll pull the words out your throat.”

Rainbow lowered into a defensive stance, eyes like steel. “Fighting me won’t bring your parents back, and it won’t make Rarity love you. You’re better than this, AJ!”

“I’ll show you how much better I—” She’d started her lunge, fist swinging. Then she saw the pink hair and blue eyes. She could hit Rainbow. Rainbow would hit back. She’d lash out and scream and take the beating. But Fluttershy… She’d never forgive herself. A sudden panic washed over her, and in her struggle to stop she tripped and toppled sideways, barely avoiding the smaller girl and slamming shoulder-first to the floor.

Worry gripped her as she rolled onto her back. “Shy? You okay? I swear I… didn’t…” Fluttershy stood over her, still crying, still fierce. In her hands was the familiar Stetson. Applejack stared at it, a sudden dread washing over her like a hideous cloud. She could see her father and his plain, cool stare, the same stare he gave whenever one of his kids was disappointing him. That was always the right word; her father never got angry, only disappointed.

“N-now Shy,” she muttered, pointing a quaking finger at the hat. “You put that back where you found it, alright?”

Instead, Fluttershy dropped it. It landed on Applejack’s stomach, and for as light as it was it might as well have been an anchor crushing her guts. Applejack whimpered and stared at it, hands half reaching. To grab it? To push it away? Her breath came in quick gasps. Hyperventilating, she was hyperventilating.

“I’m so sorry, Applejack.” Fluttershy’s words were strained, as if each one required an effort to get out of her lungs. “But what would they think of your behavior if they saw you right now? Do you think they’d want you to do this to yourself?”

Applejack’s throat clenched. She couldn’t stop looking at the hat, at the small burn on the rim. “Y-you don’t understand. I… She… Please. Take it away.”

“What were you going to do?” Fluttershy asked, crouched beside her. “Abandon the farm they love? That you love?”

Rainbow appeared at her side, her earlier anger replaced with quiet concern. “All for a crush that’s already doomed?”

At last, Applejack tore her eyes away from the hat. “It ain’t a crush.” She looked to Rainbow. To Fluttershy. “It’s not! D-don’t tell me that. I don’t wanna hear it.”

“And what about your family?” Fluttershy asked, her quiet words making the hat weigh more and more on Applejack’s stomach. “Granny Smith. Big McIntosh. Apple Bloom. They need you. Would you leave them, too?”

“I’m not… I w-wouldn’t…”

Rainbow raised a finger. “And don’t forget we’ve still got a year of school left. Then there’s support; what are you supposed to do for a job out here?”

“I can make it work!”

“And even if you were willing to do all of that…” Fluttershy lay a hand on Applejack’s knee, her gaze imploring. “What about what Rarity wants? What if she doesn’t feel the same way about you?”

The world seemed to cave in. Applejack felt so terribly, terribly small. “She does! I know it. W-why would she spend so much time with me if she didn’t?”

“Uh…” Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Because she’s got a busted tail and couldn’t go anywhere right now even if she wanted to?”

Applejack stared at them, struggling to breathe with the weight of… The hat. She grabbed it, held it to her chest. Her eyes burned. Their words, their terrible words. She didn’t want to argue with them anymore. Arguing legitimized their points. She couldn’t allow that. They weren’t legitimate!

It was there again. The hollowness. The horrible, chilling emptiness, like a bottomless pit she couldn’t claw her way out of. She was so tired of feeling hollow. She never felt hollow when she was with Rarity. If she left, this feeling would be her world. Applejack knew it. The fact encompassed her very being, reducing her to a blubbering mess. The hat felt warm against her chest, but it wasn’t enough. It couldn’t fill the hole. It was just a shallow symbol.

She missed them. She missed them so much.

A hand touched her shoulder. “AJ?”

She rolled away, squeezing herself into a ball and sobbing. They didn’t understand. They couldn’t. All they could do was try to take her happiness away.

“Oh, you poor thing.” Fingers cupped her cheek. Raised her head. Through her blurry vision, she saw a pink and yellow blob. Fluttershy. “We just want to help you, Applejack. Please, let us help.”

Instinct told her to refuse. To stay curled up on the floor like the pathetic wretch she was. Yet something made her listen, made her at least acknowledge the plea. “H-how? How do you help this, Shy? How do you make any of this b-better?”

Fluttershy pulled on her arm. It proved ineffectual until Rainbow joined, providing the extra strength to get Applejack sitting up, then the support to keep her from falling over again. “Come with us,” Fluttershy offered, hugging her from the side. “Let’s get off the island. Just for a couple days. You need time to think. Time away from… this.”

‘Away from Rarity’, she meant. The very idea made the burning in Applejack’s throat intensify. She rubbed her eyes, though it did little good. “B-but, Rarity. What if she l-leaves while we’re gone? I… I can’t. Someone’s gotta—”

“Rarity’s not going anywhere,” Rainbow reassured her. “Not yet, at least. Her and Sweetie can take care of themselves for a few days. Heck, you might even be doing them a favor, giving them some time to be by themselves.”

Applejack hunched over, rubbing her thumbs along the rim of her father’s hat as she stared at nothing at all. “B-but I don’t wanna go.”

Fluttershy’s tone was sweet and imploring. “Please, Applejack? Just for a couple days? It’ll be good for you. I promise.”

“Come on, AJ.” Rainbow leaned a little closer, trying to look her in the eyes. Applejack refused to cooperate. “We can visit the farm, see how everyone at home’s doing. You and Shy can go to the spa. We can practice our guitars like we used to, hang out. Like old times.”

They were wrong. None of that would help. Not at all. She knew they were wrong. Still… It would be good to see the farm again. To properly check on her kin. And at least if she did this they’d get off her back, let her be with Rarity like she was supposed to be. It was just a couple days without her. She could do that, couldn’t she? Yeah. Just to get them to leave her be. They were her friends. She should at least humor them. Then, when they failed to achieve whatever they were after, they’d back off.

And she could stay with Rarity.

“J-just…” She heaved a shuddering breath. Glanced at each of them in turn. “Just a couple days?”

“That’s right.” Fluttershy smiled so wide. Such enthusiasm in her was rare enough that it almost made the capitulation worth it on its own. “Just a few days to clear your head.”

“Yeah.” Rainbow nodded eagerly. “If you want to come back to the island after that, we won’t stop you. You just gotta, y’know, take some time. Relax. Think about everything.”

“So you’ll come?” Fluttershy asked, leaning forward with sparkling, eager eyes.

They cared. Applejack knew it, understood it, even if she thought their plan misplaced. Turning her father’s hat in her hands, she thought of Rarity. Her lovely, perfect mermaid princess. She’d still be here when they got back. Of course, she’d be here. Even if she were healed, she’d be here. Rarity wouldn’t leave her. This would do nothing but strengthen that point.

“Yeah.” She nodded, smiling at each of them in turn. “Okay. I’ll go.”

As they cheered her decision, she felt her smile growing. They’d see. They’d realize the truth. Her and Rarity were meant for one another.

A couple days couldn’t change that.

Applejack’s stomach twisted. It was impossible to tell if it came from the boat swaying underneath her as she stepped onto the dock or the thoughts that had been rampaging through her skull in the last forty-eight hours. Shouldering her small bag, she stared at the beach houses that she’d become so familiar with in the last couple months. Such alien, weird things, standing up on their tall stilts. So impractical. So imperial. So… not normal. How could she have forgotten their strangeness?

“Applejack?” Fluttershy easily stood in the boat, removing her life jacket as she did. “Are you alright?”

“What?” She turned in time to see Fluttershy neatly set the lifejacket back in its container. “Oh, uh, right.” Dropping her bag, she shrugged off her own lifejacket and handed it to her friend. She couldn’t help being a little envious of how well Fluttershy could move about the boat, as if it wasn’t rocking chaotically under her feet. The very idea made Applejack sway, and she turned away in a hurry. “I’m sorry, I’m just… nervous.” Her eyes drifted past the beach houses to the forest beyond.

What if Rarity and Sweetie were already gone?

With her own small bag in hand, Fluttershy stepped off the boat. “Do you want to go straight to the pond?”

It was a query with no expectations, no demands of commitment, no accusations. Applejack couldn’t say in words how much that meant to her. “No. Not yet.” Nor could she explain how painfully hard it had been to answer that way without her voice hitching.

As they walked to the beach house, Applejack reflected on the last two days. To an outside observer, they wouldn’t have meant much. She went home, and nobody there asked probing questions or made insinuations about when they thought she should return home for good.

She went for a walk in the orchard with her big brother. As often was the case, he didn’t have to say anything. Just being with her for a couple hours was enough. He knew how to say ‘I’m here whenever and for whatever you need’ without ever taking the piece of straw out of his mouth, much less opening said mouth. They had a way, the two of them, a bond that pushed them through the worst times. Except for the past year. She wondered how much it hurt him to know that he couldn’t fully help her with this one.

Granny Smith was as lively as an elderly woman with a bad hip could be. She’d made it clear that Applejack was to do no work whatsoever; visiting home for a couple days did not mean her vacation was over. Applejack knew better than to argue. No one knew the farm like her grandmother did, and she was sure that if she so much as raised a finger to help with the chores she’d be found out and receiving the mother of all lectures within thirty seconds, bad hip or no bad hip. They’d spent a few hours one morning sharing old stories. Stories about the family, both near and far. Stories about Applejack’s parents, especially her father. And when it became too much and Applejack broke down crying, the old woman hadn’t said a word. She’d just held her granddaughter. Perhaps she’d merely been relieved to finally see it happen.

Nothing had hit Applejack quite as hard as spending time with Apple Bloom. They played games in the orchard, and later did some work with some pipes for some experiment or other the child had in mind. She was a smart kid, and there was a question as to whether her little tinkering hobby would lead to something more. Watching her little sister, knowing she may be fated for things other than the farm, filled Applejack with both pride and despair. She just couldn’t get over how her parents should have been there to see it. When she hit the emotional wall, Apple Bloom had panicked at her tears. But she didn’t leave, didn’t run for help. She took responsibility, as if it were her fault. In the throes of her guilt, Applejack loved her for it.

Other things happened. Fluttershy indeed took her to the local spa. Rainbow even came along, if begrudgingly. They got together at Rainbow’s place and played their guitars together. She’d expected Rainbow to want to jam, which was her usual fare, but this time she’d resorted to lighter material, something moody but gentle. Applejack appreciated both their efforts to no end.

She hadn’t gone to visit her parents. She simply couldn’t bring herself to try.

Now she was back. In the beach house’s guest room. She’d started thinking of it as ‘her room’, but being away for a couple days reminded her of the truth. This wasn’t home. It couldn’t be home. Home was a farmhouse surrounded by apple trees in the country. Her room was on the second floor, first on the right, next to her sister’s and opposite her grandmother’s. Home was the smell of fresh apple pie wafting from the oven, dappled sunlight filtered through limbs pregnant with a coming harvest, and a brilliant dawn rising over the hills. But, as the hat left behind on the vanity clarified, her home was also missing something. Something that couldn’t be replaced. At least… not easily.

They remained at the beach house for a few hours. Long enough for dinnertime to come. They worked together to make a stew. It came out wonderfully. How could it not? It was her mother’s recipe.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?” Fluttershy asked once they’d stored a couple to-go Tupperware bowls in a bag.

“Nope.” Applejack’s answer was as blunt as a hammer yet landed dull and lifeless. “But I think I should do this alone.”

Her friend nodded. The trust on her face may or may not have been warranted. “Okay. Let Rarity and Sweetie know I’m going to come by tomorrow to check on her tail, won’t you?”

“I will.” Applejack started to turn away, but paused. Her long study of her oldest friend earned her a questioning look. “It’s nothing. I just… I think you were right. I needed to get away for a bit. I’m sorry about how I reacted a couple days ago.”

Fluttershy beamed. “It’s fine. I’d do it again if I had to. Just…” Her smile fell and she nudged the floor with her toe. “Try not to make me do it again?”

Chuckling, Applejack pulled her into a one-armed hug, making the smaller girl squeak from the squeeze. “You’re an angel, Shy. Thanks. I mean it.” Releasing her, she grabbed the bags and headed for the door. “I’ll see you in a few.”

A less controlled person might have ran all the way to the pond. Applejack would be lying if she said the idea wasn’t tempting. Her legs moved with a mechanical precision enforced by sheer willpower. Any less effort and they’d carry her sprinting the whole way. But she had to do this the right way. She had to appear calmer than she felt. Rarity had to think that all her faculties were working at one hundred percent. The little voice in the back of her mind kept asking all the familiar questions: What if they were gone, what if something had happened, what if… What if what if what if, over and over again.

It was a very long walk.

At last, the leaves and limbs parted to reveal the pond. The near-full moon shined brightly upon and through the water, creating a pristine picture perfect for any painting. And there, resting on a familiar rock and staring at the sky… was Sweetie Belle. Applejack hoped her disappointment wasn’t apparent on her face.

The small mermaid turned to smile at Applejack. “Welcome back.”

“Hey, sugarcube.” Pausing at the edge of the rock, Applejack raised her arm to show the bag she was carrying. “I brought you two some food, in case you were hungry.”

With a combination of crawling on her arms and a serpentine swaying her tail, Sweetie smoothly approached from across the rock. “Thanks. The food was low.” She gestured to the north side of the pond, where they’d hidden a plywood box of nonperishable foods for the mermaids to use should they feel the need. Apparently, Sweetie’s boasting of being able to provide for herself and Rarity didn’t quite line up with reality. That or she’d simply decided to partake in the easier food source left for them. Applejack hoped it was the latter. The former had… frightening implications.

As Sweetie examined the two bowls of stew curiously, Applejack studied her. She really did look like she’d be around Apple Bloom’s age. Maybe the two of them would have gotten along. What was Sweetie’s future to look like? Did their culture even have jobs as humans perceived them, or did they all just do what they needed to in a given moment for survival?

Yet there were similarities. Both children had lost their parents at a young age, one due to her own cultural upbringing and the other because of a terrible accident. Both seemed to have dealt with it. Apple Bloom, strong as she was, didn’t seem at all burdened by the loss of their parents anymore. Sweetie certainly never seemed to be bothered. But then, they both had big sisters to look after them. Or… did they? Now that she looked back on it, Applejack realized that her little sister had been caring for her far more than the other way around in the last year. And what was Sweetie doing now but looking out for her injured surrogate sibling? Such responsible kids. It was humbling.

“Applejack?”

She blinked, realized Sweetie was watching her curiously. “Oh, sorry. I’m just…” She smiled and settled down on the rock next to the mermaid. “You know, Rarity’s lucky to have you.”

The child blushed, abruptly finding the bowl in her hands very interesting. “She is?”

“Yeah. You remind me of my sister. Responsible. Smart.”

Sweetie’s face scrunched up, her ear-fins fanning out. They glowed a dim pink in the shadows. “Res… responsible.”

Chuckling, Applejack elaborated. “It means you work hard. Take control. Don’t get scared.” It dawned upon her that she didn’t know the exact definition. Eh, that probably got the point across.

“Oh. Hmm…” Sweetie smiled and nodded. “Responsible. I try. Reh-reh-tzee always responsible. Reh-reh-tzee protect me. My turn.”

Once more, Applejack was reminded of her sister. Did she think the same way? “Do you think…” She hesitated, not sure how to ask this question. “Someday in the future, will you two separate? Like, is it a mermaid thing to do that?”

Sweetie sent her a deadpan look. One eyebrow rose. As if reciting the obvious, she muttered a pointed, “Mine.”

“That ain’t what I mean.” It dawned on her that she’d been trying to avoid that particular word, ‘ain’t’, when talking to them. She let the slip go. There were more important things. “I worry about you. Both of you. Mermaid culture sounds real… independent. You remember that word?” She waited for Sweetie’s nod. “You’re not wrong. I… I like Rarity. I like her a lot. And I do want her to stay. But…” The words didn’t want to leave her throat. Closing her eyes, she muscled her way through. “But she m-might not. I know that, now. I just want to know she’ll have someone to look after her.”

Sweetie studied her solemnly, her bright green eyes glittering in the dark. Her little white fingers toyed with the lid of the Tupperware bowl. “Shvee… I. I’m small. I’ll be bigger. Later. Be bigger, be like Reh-reh-tzee. Be pretty and smart.”

Applejack smiled. “You’re already pretty and smart.”

The child slowly shook her head. Her eyes were aimed at some distant nothingness. “Not like Reh-reh-tzee. Hope to be. Later. Always later.” She bowed her head, solemn. “Don’t know future. Maybe not together always. Want to be. Need her. Need me. But… maybe. Someday.” She at last met Applejack’s gaze. “I try. I try very hard. Big orca almost end Reh-reh-tzee. Shvee-tzee-braille scared. Could not help. Cannot do everything. Big surprise. Big hurt.” Her hand pressed against her chest, over her heart. “Here. Big hurt.”

That angle had never occurred to Applejack. It should have been obvious in hindsight. Now a lot of Sweetie’s early behavior made sense. “I’m sorry. I had no idea you felt that way.”

Sweetie sighed, once more staring at the ground. Her hair, naturally curly when dry, bobbed lightly with her motions. She ran her small fingers along the edges of her scales. “Shvee-tzee-braille not help Reh-reh-tzee. Applejack take Reh-reh-tzee, put her in small place. Very scary. The most scary. Applejack take... my sister away.” She hugged herself tightly. Applejack was certain that, had she tear ducts, she’d be shedding some now. “Shvee-tzee-braille only have Reh-reh-tzee. Shvee-tzee-braille not lose Reh-reh-tzee. Others say what they want. Shvee-tzee-braille stay with Reh-reh-tzee.” This last bit with a defiant pout.

A fresh spark lit up in Applejack’s heart. She knew she had to be careful, balancing Sweetie’s feelings with her own. Was this a bad idea? She had no idea. Fluttershy or Rainbow might have known, but they weren’t here. So, cautiously, Applejack voiced her thought. “If… If Reh-reh-tzee had to stay here… would you stay, too?”

It took a moment for Sweetie to answer. Perhaps she was trying to regain control of her emotions. At last, she turned to Applejack, weariness etched across her face. “We never stay.”

“But if you did—”

“We never stay.” The words were strange. Forceful, yet also worn out. Like Sweetie was exasperated. “It not like us to stay. Reh-reh-tzee want to leave. Shvee-tzee-braille want to leave.”

Applejack closed her eyes, feeling a fatigue of her own wash over her. She should have known Sweetie couldn’t be convinced. She’d always seemed more rigid than her elder. Her way forward was still going to be a struggle.

“But.”

Applejack’s eyes opened. Sweetie was facing the pond, holding herself once more. She spoke quietly. “Reh-reh-tzee hurt. Surgery may not work. Don’t know. If not work… Ocean not safe with no tail. Not safe at all. Very bad. Reh-reh-tzee safe here. Safe with Applejack and Fluttershy and Rainbow.” She turned her head to Applejack, but didn’t lift her eyes. The next words came slowly, perhaps to ensure she said the next sentence properly. “You’ll… protect her… won’t you? Please?”

Applejack felt like a monster. For a second, a passing villainy had come over her, a faint yet foul hope that the surgery would fail. That alone would have been bad enough, but to witness the fragility of the girl before her and understanding the consequences of that wish was enough to crush Applejack’s heart. “Oh, sugarcube…” She pulled the little mermaid into a hug. She was mildly surprised when Sweetie returned it, squeezing tight around her waist. “Of course. I give you my solemn promise, if Reh-reh-tzee does have to stay I will do everything in my power to keep her safe. Everything, you hear me? Ain’t nothing gonna happen to her while I’m around.”

The child chuckled quietly. “Knew Applejack speak wrong on p-purpose,” she muttered.

Applejack giggled in turn. “All the time, Shvee-tzee. All the time.”

They remained that way for a while, Applejack running her fingers through Sweetie’s hair. Silken, just like Rarity’s, but shorter and wilder. She’d held Apple Bloom like this just yesterday. But then it had been Applejack in desperate need of comfort. A troubling thought. How could she be sure she was really ready to take care of Rarity when she herself was such a mess? All the more reason to settle matters tonight.

Not yet. She could wait. For Sweetie’s sake.

The moon had shifted half its width across the sky by the time the child finally stirred. She pulled from Applejack with a yawn, her chubby cheeks tinged a faint pink. “Sorry,” she mumbled.

“It’s alright.” Applejack settled with her legs crossed and smiled at her. “Feel better?”

“Some.” Sweetie smiled in return, then looked at the sky. “Want speak to Reh-reh-tzee?”

What time was it? Applejack had left her phone at the beach house. It had to be late. “Only if she’s awake. Don’t go waking her.”

Sweetie nodded sleepily. “I check.” She turned as if to slip into the water but paused. She stared sideways at Applejack, uncertainty and worry in her eye. Applejack was sure she’d speak. Whatever it was had to be on the tip of her tongue. Then Sweetie was gone, slipping beneath the water’s surface without so much as a splash. She barely caused a ripple. Applejack wondered what she’d been about to say.

Every minute that passed left Applejack more and more nauseous. Was she really about to do this? Dread crept its way across her mind. A fierce desire to stand and pace came over her, but she adamantly refused to follow the impulse. The dread might grow into terror, and the pacing might turn into panicked running from… whatever was coming. She hoped Sweetie would come back alone. She hoped Sweetie would come back quickly. She hoped Sweetie wouldn’t come back at all.

I don’t deserve her. The future of her and her little sister is at stake and I was hoping she’d be a cripple for life! What kind of fool am I? It’s a messed up world when Rainbow Dash makes more sense than I do. I wanna go home. I wanna be with Rarity. Why can’t it be simple? What do I do, Papa? What do I do?

The temptation was too much; she started pacing.

I love her. Don’t I? I think I do. Why do I think that? She makes me happy. Why? Because… A chill ran down her spine. I don’t know. Oh, Mama, I don’t know. That don’t mean anything. Does it? You don’t have to know why you love someone to love ‘em, right?

A fierce shake of the head, strong enough to make her ponytail slap against her shoulders. Other things, Applejack. More important things! You just promised to take care of Rarity. How do you do that and take care of the farm at the same time? I c-could come back on the weekends. No, too long without being here. M-maybe I can commute. It’s only a couple hours. I could live with that. But then I’d spend so much time driving and working every day, when would I have time for Rarity?

“Damn it all,” she hissed, leaning her arm on a tree and her forehead on the arm. “Why didn’t ya think this through, AJ? Ya can’t do both.” Admitting it was the mental equivalent of being doused in ice water. She couldn’t do both. A decision needed to be made. If Rarity chose to stay, if Applejack had to make the choice… Her breathing increased in pace. She stared at the hard bark of the tree before her, seeing nothing. What would I tell my folks if I chose Rarity over them? What would I tell Rarity and Sweetie if I broke my promise?

She pulled back, slammed her fist against the tree’s trunk. It stung, but it was a good sting. It helped her breathing ease and her mind to slow down. Think, Applejack. Back to the first part. Rarity. Why do I love Rarity? If she could make that connection, legitimize the feelings that had been controlling her every action over the summer, then surely that would make the choice easier. She’s smart. Inquisitive. Fancy, in her own way. Never thought I’d have had a thing for fancy, but here we are. She’s… so pretty. Pretty like a dream.

The sick feeling was back. It all sounded shallow in her skull. There had to be more. So much more! She’s… protective of Sweetie. So loyal. Is that something worth exploring? “Or maybe…”

The splash was quiet, but she whirled towards it as if it were a thunderclap. Her heart slammed into her throat at the sight of Rarity. The mermaid held herself up with her arms, torso half-out of the water, beads of moisture running down immaculate flesh that shimmered in the moonlight. Her long hair, soaked and dripping, half-covered an eye and only added to the intoxicating allure of her diamond blue stare. She was smiling, and the sight of those upturned lips threatened to catapult Applejack’s soul to heaven.

The smile was gone in an instant. “Applejack? Are you—?”

Applejack caught herself, but not before she’d already taken a few running steps. Cringing with effort, she forced her legs to stop. The jerking effort dropped her to her hands and knees, sending water splashing all over. Upon recovering, she looked up to find Rarity hadn’t moved, only gaped at her.

“I’m sorry. I…” Lowering her head once more, Applejack covered her face. Her hand shook, her fingernails dug into her skin. Mama. Papa. Give me strength. Please. With straining effort, she lowered her arm and met Rarity’s anxious eyes. “Rari… N-no. Reh-reh-tzee. I gotta know. I just gotta.” She swallowed, trying to make room in her throat for the heavy words fighting to escape her lungs. “Are you gonna leave?”

The mermaid’s perfect eyes widened beneath perfect locks. She kept her peace. To Applejack, that was the worst possible thing she could do. She was thinking of how to let Applejack down, there could be no other explanation! If she didn’t do something now…

Rarity opened her mouth. Applejack moved forward, catching the mermaid’s shoulders. “I want you to stay. It makes no sense and I don’t know how I’ll do it but I will, I’ll make it work. Please, stay. Don’t leave me. I-I’ll do anything.”

Still, Rarity said nothing. She seemed at a loss for words. She looked to Applejack’s hands squeezing her pale shoulders. When their eyes met again, there was a sadness that pierced Applejack’s soul. “Poor Applejack. Good Applejack. Can’t do ‘anything’. Can’t do everything.” She reached up to caress Applejack’s cheek with a silky palm. “This not my home.”

What was this feeling? Her heart shattering into a million pieces and descending into the depths of her being, cutting and ripping everything it passed along the way? “B-but… B-b-but it can be. You just gotta… just gotta try it a little longer, that’s all. I can make ya happy. I can!” Didn’t she understand? Didn’t she get how Applejack felt?

A second hand rose. Applejack’s face, wet with tears, was held in place as Rarity scrutinized it with that soft, sad smile she got sometimes. The kind of smile one uses when they don’t want to add to the problem. Not a fake smile, but one of empathy, of guilt. She shook her head. “I’m sorry. Your feelings. My feelings. They are not the same.”

Not the same. Not the same? How could they not be the same? After all this time, all the long conversations, all the shared happiness. Only now to swim away, never to be seen again? Never to speak to her, never to help her, never to make her laugh and smile and fill her world with joy? Just two cold bodies under the ground, and then just a memory to grasp at, like threads burning to nothingness. A sunset over the ocean, over an apple orchard. Standing there, watching, waiting for the nightmare to end. So many voices saying it’s alright.

It’s not alright. It was never alright.

“Not ag-gain.” A sniffle. Burning eyes. Applejack pulled the mermaid close, buried her wet face in her wet shoulder, squeezed the slim waist to hers. “Not again. Please. Don’t l-leave me again. I can’t take it. I can’t.”

“It’s okay,” a sweet voice whispered in her ear. “Shh, it’s okay.”

“It’s not. It’s n-not okay. Why can’t they come home? Why do you have to go? Why? Damn it, w-why?”

She sobbed. And sobbed. For an eternity, she sobbed. She clutched her mother close, smelled her father’s sweat, swayed in Rarity’s humming lullaby. It all felt so wrong. It all felt so good. Just one more time. Just a few more minutes. Was that really so much to ask?

Warm apple filling on her tongue, not quite hot enough to burn. Smooth hands caressing her back and shoulders. The crunch of grass under her bare feet. A fading sunset. A brilliant sunrise. Warmth. Fertile soil slipping gritty through her fingers, forming a mound upon lacquered wood. A sobbing child. A laughing child. Strong arms holding her tight. Hot tears. A lullaby. Sweet. Smooth.

A lullaby.

I want to go home…

Applejack?

Go away.

Don’t be like that. Don’t you want to say goodbye to your mother?

I wouldn’t have to say goodbye if you’d let me come with you.

We talked about this, apple seed. Your ma and me are gonna be going to the hospital to get your new sister. It’s all white and dull and full of sick people. You’d be bored.

Would not.

Is it because of how long we’ll be gone? Is that what’s got you all pouty faced?

I ain’t poutin!

I don’t know, that looks like a pout to me.

Papa…

It’s only for a few days.

That’s too long!

You’ve got your brother.

Mac stinks.

Applejack…

Hmmph. Okay, I’m sorry. Mac don’t stink. Most of the time.

What about Granny Smith? You always get along with Granny.

I get along best with you and Mumma.

That you do. But listen to me, won’t you? Please?

…I’m listenin’.

Good girl. Applejack, you’re twelve. Soon enough, you’ll be all grown up. And when that day comes, you’ll have to get used to not having your mother and I around as much.

Why? Where would you go? Or… Or would I have to leave?

That’s up to you when you get old enough. You have to learn to take care of yourself. You might have to learn to take care of others, like your new sister.

I don’t understand, Papa.

Not yet, but you will. Someday, your mother and I won’t be around. You’ll have to be a big girl. Do you understand what I’m saying? Applejack?

…I don’t want to talk about this anymore.

Okay. You promise me that you’ll be a big girl and take care of yourself, starting right now, and I’ll never bring it up again. Do you promise?

…

Come on, apple seed. Promise.

…I… I promise.

That’s my girl.

Does this mean I can come with you?

Nope.

Aw, come on! I promised and everything!

What part of “starting right now” didn’t you understand?

A gentle humming caressed Applejack’s ear. Fingers trailed through her hair. An image of her father’s smug smirk faded from the back of her eyelids. Her eyes blinked open to blearily take in the pale, orange rays of a morning sun casting its light through the trees. The pond. She was still there. Her head lay on the very end of a purple tail. It wasn’t the softest pillow, but it was better on her neck than hard ground. The pain in her chest returned, but it was subdued. Faint, like the coals of a fire that had burnt itself out.

Rolling onto her back, she was rewarded with the lovely face of Rarity. The mermaid smiled down at her, warm and comforting. She said nothing, only kept humming and running her hand through Applejack’s loose hair. Applejack studied that face intently, her gaze settling upon something alien and unknown: a small scar beneath the left eye. Had that always been there? Yes, now that she thought on it. Had she been so blind that she’d forgotten it entirely? The realization grounded her, not so much an anchor to keep her pleasantly rooted but the shoals of an island she’d failed to notice and gone crashing into.

She smiled up at Rarity, the kind of smile used to keep from frowning. “Why do you have to be so perfect?”

Smile undaunted, Rarity shook her head. “Not perfect.” She tapped a finger against Applejack’s forehead. “Only in here.”

This time Applejack’s grin was as real as they came. “Naw. Pretty sure you’re perfect.” She shuffled off Rarity’s tail and sat up on her knees, stretching before looking around. There was no sign of Sweetie or Fluttershy. It was just her and Rarity, right where she’d fallen asleep a sobbing mess. “Have you been with me the whole night?”

Rarity’s cheeks flushed and she glanced away, biting her lip. “Took turns. With Sweetie. Fluttershy.”

“Oh.” The disappointment dropped onto her skull like a hammer, making her lean forward a little. “Right. That makes more sense, I guess.”

An awkward silence passed between them. Rarity rubbed the brace on her tail with one hand and twisted a lock of hair around the finger of another. Applejack stared into the water, observing the minnows and other small things swimming about. Her mind kept drifting back to her breakdown the night before and the dream she’d had. Or maybe it was more like a memory.

Rarity leaned towards her. “Will you… Applejack is okay?”

That was the big question, wasn’t it? Or then… maybe it wasn’t. She thought on her father, on the hat sitting unused in the guest room of Fluttershy’s beach house. She recalled all the strange events of the summer, both the good and the bad. It all seemed different now that her head felt clear. Clearer than it had been in a long time. What was that phrase, the truth shall set you free? Perhaps that is what was happening now; the bandage had been ripped off and the pain was fading. And that meant…

She turned to Rarity, taking the time to properly situate herself so she fully faced the mermaid. Hands in her lap, eyes forward, she spoke. “I owe you an apology.”

Rarity cocked her head, the motion making her hair slide along her shoulder and drift in the light breeze of the morning. “No trouble. Tail soft. Good for you.” She flicked the finned tip of her tail against the sand as if in demonstration.

“Not that. Er, well, thank you for that, I do appreciate it, but…” Pause. Deep breath. Start over. “Rarity, when my parents died last year, I was… I was feeling really bad. Worse than I’d ever felt before. And the hurt just wouldn’t go away. I know that parents aren’t as important to mermaids as they are to us humans, but they were special to me. I… I didn't want to face that they were gone.”

The little vice in her chest gave a squeeze, but the pain still wasn’t as pronounced as it had been before. Applejack wasn’t sure why, but wasn’t about to argue with it. Especially now that she had Rarity’s undivided attention.

Talking. She needed to keep talking. “When I first found you on that beach, I… I thought I’d finally gone crazy. You were a miracle. I thought being with you made me happy, and it did, but…” She pressed a hand to her chest, no longer able to look Rarity in the eye. “I didn’t see it at first. When I first realized it, I ignored it. I tried and tried to deny it. If I refused to see it, maybe it wouldn’t be real. I wanted to drown myself in the happiness you gave me, to let that happiness make me forget the pain.

“I was using you. I was selfish and stubborn and…” She hesitated, glanced up at her audience. Rarity watched with concerned eyes. “I-is this making sense? I’m not using words you don’t know yet, am I?”

Rarity leaned forward, took Applejack’s hand in hers. The touch didn't provide the same jolt of electricity it used to... but it still felt nice. Her blue eyes never left Applejack’s. “Keep going.”

“Right. R-right…” No getting out of this, then. It wasn’t worth the shame the feeble attempt had cost her. Holding tight to Rarity’s hand with both of hers, she made herself continue. “Papa once told me that I’d someday have to take care of myself. Without him and Ma. I doubt he ever expected it to happen this early in my life. I just—” No. No tangents. “I thought I was in love with you. I might be. I don’t know, I’ve never been in love before. I didn’t let myself think about it before, but then I had to, and I-I got scared. I’d let myself get attached and you might… you were probably gonna l-leave me. That felt like the worst possible thing ever. I was so scared, Rarity.”

Rarity studied her. Lifted her face by the chin with her free hand. Applejack couldn’t help thinking about how pretty and pure those azure eyes were. “And now?”

“Now?” She turned her face away. It felt wrong to see something so lovely at a moment like this. “Now I think I’ve been breaking a promise to my father. I think I was putting all my pain and misery on your shoulders. I was using you as a shield instead of as a person. And I’m sorry. To them. To Fluttershy and Rainbow. To Sweetie. Especially to you. Don’t know why I didn’t see all this before. I guess I’m just a plum idiot.”

“No!” Rarity tugged on her arm, making her turn forward once more. She glared at Applejack. “Not an idiot. Only hurt. Okay to hurt.”

“Not if it means hurting everyone around me. I put you in a bad position, making you deal with me all summer, and I—”

A pale finger pressed against her lips. “Stop.” Rarity glared at her, and Applejack decided it would be better to obey. “Applejack not speak for Reh-reh-tzee. Reh-reh-tzee decide if Applejack hurt Reh-reh-tzee, not Applejack. Understand?”

Taken aback by the vehemence of that statement, Applejack could only nod dumbly. “Uh, yeah. Sure.”

“Good.” The mermaid sat up straight, tucking her tail beneath her and crossing her arms beneath her chest. She raised her head imperiously and looked down her nose at Applejack. “Reh-reh-tzee say Reh-reh-tzee not hurt.”

“But I—!” Those narrowed eyes were enough to make Applejack click her teeth shut.

“Applejack in pain. Applejack save Reh-reh-tzee. Applejack keep Reh-reh-tzee company, help get surgery, help fix Reh-reh-tzee. All true?”

What else was she supposed to do? Applejack nodded. She didn’t dare mention how Rarity made ‘regal and commanding’ look good.

Maintaining her authoritative posture, the mermaid continued. “Applejack help Reh-reh-tzee. Reh-reh-tzee help Applejack. Only fair. No hurt.” Her gaze softened. “You didn’t hurt me. I am sorry I hurt you.”

Applejack bowed her head and sighed. “Yeah, me too. But, if I’m honest, maybe being hurt by you like that is exactly what I needed. I…” She looked up and smiled. It was surprisingly easy to do. “I think I’m finally ready for what’s next.”

Returning the smile, Rarity asked, “What is next?”

“W-well, I…” Squirming where she sat, Applejack felt the familiar sensation of warmth blooming across her cheeks. “I still want you to stay, to be honest. But I understand a bit better now why that’s not likely. I guess, for now, if you’re still willing to put up with me…” She closed her eyes and hunched her shoulders. “W-we enjoy the rest of the time we’ve got?”

A titter. The sound of movement. A hand touching hers made her eyes pop open, and Rarity was there, leaning over to give her a kiss on the cheek. The warmth exploded into flames as she stuttered.

Settling back in the sand, Rarity giggled at her. “What is term? ‘Works for me?’”

“Y-yeah.” Applejack’s lips trembled into a grin. She felt lighter than a feather. “Yeah, works for me, too.”

“Good.” The mermaid struck a proud pose, a dainty hand rising to the level of her collarbone and her nose turned up high. “Now. In return for Reh-reh-tzee’s kindness, Reh-reh-tzee demands clothes.”

Applejack blinked, smile fading. “Clothes?”

Laughing, Rarity threw her arms wide and let herself fall backwards on the beach. “All the clothes!”

There was no stopping it; Applejack burst out laughing. It might have been the best thing she’d felt all summer.

Chapter 7

The grip on Applejack’s hand tightened. All was quiet at the pond. They were settled on Rarity’s favorite rock, Applejack holding one hand and Sweetie holding the other. Fluttershy and Rainbow had their heads together, muttering as they worked to remove the brace from Rarity’s tail. It came off easily enough, and soon the old injury was visible for all to see. The scales were growing in, but not enough to hide the long, jagged scar caused by the surgery.

Though she was free from the restrictive device, Rarity didn’t move at all. She stared at the scar with wide eyes, taking long, deep breaths. Sweetie leaned over to whisper encouraging words in their native language. Applejack rubbed her back reassuringly, carefully avoiding the gills. Fluttershy took out her X-ray camera and began taking photos around the injury from different angles as Rainbow held the tail in place, just in case. They’d been through this routine more than a dozen times already, but today it felt more ominous.

Applejack’s heart fluttered in her chest. So many things rode on what was about to be discovered. What if the injury hadn’t healed properly? What if Rarity was crippled forever? “Shy?”

Fluttershy lowered the camera from her face, appearing uncertain. “It looks okay. But with only the bone structure to go by, I have no way to know if the rest of her healed up properly.”

Rainbow slowly relaxed her grip before stepping back completey. “Well, I guess the only way to know for sure is to let her try, right?”

After some lip chewing, Fluttershy nodded. “You brought everything?”

“All the medical supplies, yep.” Rainbow waved a hand at the nearby shoreline, where lay a large bag filled with everything they might need for an emergency. “I doubt we’re going to get more ready than we already are.”

“O-okay.” Fluttershy closed her eyes, exhaled slowly, opened them again. She turned to the others. “Rarity? Whenever you’re ready.”

Rarity gave Applejack’s hand another tight squeeze, her eyes locked on her tail. It moved, and she flinched with both eyes closed. Applejack’s heart climbed into her throat at the jerk, and she noted Fluttershy go pale. Then Rarity peeked at the tail with a lone eye. She moved it a little more, just a shift. Carefully, she bent it into a sleek curve. Her eyes lit up as the tail swayed more and more, gradually picking up speed.

Fluttershy watched it with intense focus. “H-how does it feel? Any pain at all?”

“Sore. And… word…” She frowned, the tail slowing. “Sht… Oh, stiff! Stiff.”

“Muscles haven’t been worked in a while,” Rainbow said with the confidence of experience. “That’s normal. Just needs to be used.”

It didn’t look stiff to Applejack, who watched the tail’s undulating motions. Her dread gradually faded, and she grinned. “It worked. Holy wow, it worked! Shy, Rainbow, you two are amazing.”

“Wrong A-word, AJ.” Rainbow sat up straight and thumped her chest with a smug grin. “But yeah, I totally am.”

“You really feel better?” Fluttershy asked, tone laced with concern. “Nothing strange or… or pained?”

Rather than answer, Rarity giggled and pushed against Applejack’s back. The motion slid her along the rock, and she tumbled upside-down into the pond with a loud splash that threw water all over Applejack and Sweetie.

“Oh my goodness, she shouldn’t—!”

Fluttershy’s quiet alarm was drowned out by Rainbow’s boisterous laughter. “Yeah, finally, I’ll get to see what an adult mermaid can do!”

Applejack sputtered and thrust her bangs out of her face. By the time she’d turned around, Sweetie had already slipped beneath the pond’s surface after her elder. On hands and knees, she stared into the water, but there was no sign of Rarity. A jolt ran through at a horrid thought: Has she already…

With a mighty splash, Rarity breached the water from the deepest area of the pond, ascending several feet and laughing the whole way. She was gone just as quickly, but not ten seconds later she shot up again, this time with Sweetie at her side. Applejack sat up on her knees, watching as the two mermaids frolicked about beneath the waters, spinning and swirling and circling like children at play. Which, she realized, might not be too far from the truth. A pleasant warmth rose up in her chest as the pair breached together once more, water droplets shimmering in the sunlight and producing a scattered rainbow.

“She really should be taking it slow,” Fluttershy muttered, though without any conviction.

“Oh, relax, Shy. Let her enjoy her freedom. Speaking of…” Rainbow, now down to shorts and a sports bra, darted past Applejack, leaping into the water with a cheer. The mermaids welcomed her into their play, circling her before initiating an impromptu game of tag. Applejack grinned from ear to ear as her friend pursued them.

Fluttershy settled at her side, heaving a long sigh. “I guess it worked. Thank goodness. I never would have forgiven myself if… if…”

“You had nothing to worry about.” Applejack set a hand to her friend’s shoulder, channeling the warmth within into her smile. “You’re a born healer, Shy. I’m mighty proud of what you’ve done here.”

Pink bloomed in Fluttershy’s cheeks. She smiled in her timid way, twisting her hair between her fingers. “It was nothing.”

“To Rarity and Sweetie? It was everything.” Applejack pulled the girl into a one-armed hug. “You did good, sugarcube.”

They spent some time watching Rainbow and the mermaids swim. Applejack thought of what this meant. And of what little time they had left. In a week, school would resume. In less than that, Rarity and Sweetie would be gone. That didn’t weigh as heavily on her heart as it used to, but it still had a bit of heft. How hard would this all have been if…

“I don’t think I ever thanked you properly,” she muttered. “If you and Rainbow hadn’t gotten in my way that day, I might be taking this moment very differently. Poorly, I bet.”

Fluttershy glanced at her. She smiled. “It’s just what friends do. I think you’d have done the same for me.”

“Hmm. Yeah. Yeah, I think I would.”

Another moment of quiet, broken only by mutual laughter when Rainbow found herself being dragged across the pond’s surface by a leg held by each mermaid, flailing and sputtering. She came up under the cliff and waved to her friends. “You girls gotta try this! Rarity is crazy fast, she makes Sweetie look slow!” That comment was rewarded with a tail-induced splash from the younger mermaid. Undaunted, Rainbow called, “And that’s with her tail all stiff!” She was pulled under a second later.

In the momentary quiet, Fluttershy turned to Applejack. “Do you still want her to stay?”

Applejack fought back the grimace before it could fully form. “Yeah, I do. I want it a lot.” Ignoring the playful shouts of her friends in the pond, she kept her eyes on Rarity’s ever-moving form beneath the water’s surface. “But… y’know? I think it’s about time I grew up. I’ll miss her. Both of them. But I’m starting to understand that sometimes it’s better to move on.” She frowned and looked to Fluttershy. “It’s gonna hurt, though. Already does. Ain’t no hiding that.”

Fluttershy’s smile returned, and there was something odd about it. Applejack had never seen her smile quite like that. Was it… pride? “Then I’m proud of you, too. And I promise, Rainbow and I will be there for you whenever the hurt gets to be too much.” She glanced at the water, then scooted away. “I can’t promise anything about mermaid attacks, though.”

Applejack blinked at her friend’s pleasant face. “Mermaid attacks? What are you—?”

A loud splash was her only warning. Arms wrapped around her shoulders, and she had just enough time to realize they were Rarity’s before the mermaid’s weight pulled her face-first into the pond.

Ten Years Later

The sky was a brilliant blue and cloudless. Applejack stared up at it from under the old stetson with its black stain, one hand absent-mindedly rubbing her swollen belly. This year would be different, but a good different. Her eyes went to the pond, ever-familiar, ever picturesque. “This is it, little seed,” she muttered, feeling the sand squish between her bare toes. “This is where your mama turned things around.”

Her back ached, but she wasn’t ready to settle down just yet. After dropping the old picnic basket in the sand, she moved into the still waters, each step a cautious motion. When the water reached halfway to her knees, she started the more difficult part: sitting down. It required a lot of groaning and careful positioning, and she regretted not letting her husband join her on the island. It would have been easier if Rainbow or Fluttershy could have come. But Rainbow, as always, was too busy playing her games – at least now she made money doing it – and Fluttershy had a whole animal sanctuary to manage. Just Applejack this year, then.

At last, she was settled in the water. “Sugarcube,” she muttered at her belly, “you can be a right pain to haul around sometimes, you know that?” Her hands ran along the taught skin. She felt a gentle kick and smiled. “I guess I’ll forgive ya. Only ‘cause I’m in a good mood, though.”

She looked to the water, automatically seeking any sign of white, purple, or pink. She found none. This didn’t surprise her, so she went back to enjoying the warm day and the calm scenery. Sometimes she would spend whole days here, basking in her memories and the solitude. Memories like swimming with her friends, like holding a mermaid’s hand in her time of crisis, or – oddly precious – that same mermaid staring up at her on a windy night beneath a bridge, ready to share her pain. They were pleasant things, memories.

“Someday, I’m going to let you meet some old friends of mine. It’ll be our special secret. Nobody knows about it, not even your daddy. And it’s gonna stay that way, y’hear?” She poked her belly playfully. “No snitchin’.” The retaliatory kick made her gasp and flinch. “Yikes! Easy, kid. I’m your mother, not a punching bag.”

When she next looked up, a flash of color caught her attention. She grinned; white and purple, approaching slowly. “Well, look at that. Guess the introductions can start sooner than I thought.”

Rarity appeared, her purple locks as vibrant as ever. Her face was a bit older, an extra line or two, but it was every bit as pretty as that first day. The mermaid smiled in greeting, swimming onto the shore with smooth strokes of her long tail. The only sign of her surgical scar was a slightly lighter patch of scales. As soon as she was close enough, she pulled Applejack into a warm embrace. “Hello again, Applejack.”

“Hello again, Rarity. Sweetie with you this year?”

“No Sweetie. She found a male to spend time with.” Her mastery of the English language really shined through every time they met.

Applejack pulled back with a grin. “Really? That’s great! And here I was starting to think she’d never find one.”

Rarity nodded, her smile growing as she looked down at Applejack’s massive stomach. “You found a male too, I notice.”

The grin on Applejack’s face grew. “Yeah. Got married last year. I’d have told you then, but…”

Rarity’s smile turned apologetic. “Yes, I couldn’t make it. I went farther away than usual that year.”

“That’s alright.” Applejack waved dismissively. “Sweetie wasn’t there, either. I know how it is. Next time you see her, maybe you can convince her to come next summer.”

Rarity shrugged. “She may be here later, you never know.” She ran a hand along Applejack’s stomach, letting out a little ‘oh!’ when the there was a kick in response. “Lively. How long?”

“Seven months,” Applejack replied with a proud grin. “If all goes well, I’ll have her before the summer’s out. Which means I can’t stay here the whole three months, I’m afraid.”

Setting her ear to Applejack’s stomach, Rarity giggled. “She’ll be beautiful, I’ve no doubt. I hope she inherits your stubbornness. Would serve you right.” They shared a chuckle at that one.

For the next hour, they chatted about their lives, both above and below the waves. Rarity always had interesting stories to tell of her journeys, stories that would no doubt fascinate an eager and imaginative child. Applejack looked forward to the day her daughter could share in them. Of course, Applejack’s life was less interesting. All farm work. But Rarity always listened with genuine interest, with new questions about new topics and an eagerness to learn more words she’d not yet figured out. At least this time Applejack had a tale of romance to sweeten the pot, and in that Rarity proved very interested.

It almost felt like old times. Almost, save for the absence of worry and longing. That was gone, little more than a memory to return to with a certain fondness. Sometimes Applejack would think back on those days of her youth and wonder if things couldn’t have been different, if things could have worked out between herself and Rarity. But those thoughts were always dismissed quickly. She was happy where she was, and even more so now. And Rarity certainly seemed to enjoy her own life of constant movement. There was no reason to wish for anything different, and Applejack could find satisfaction in the way things turned out.

But she still remembered. And she still felt grateful. They were lovely things, memories. Every summer, she silently thanked Rarity. For washing up on that beach. For being so perfect. For being there when it all came crashing down. But only silently, for Rarity already knew, and she understood perfectly.

As the sky turned orange, their conversation lulled. They enjoyed some sandwiches. Applejack had made too many, hoping she’d have more than one visitor this year. Rarity kept glancing at the pond, as if expecting something. “You okay there, sugarcube?” Applejack asked.

“Hmm? Oh. Yes.” Rarity ate the last dainty bite of her sandwich. “I’m just… expecting someone.”

“Someone?” Applejack raised an eyebrow. “You expect Sweetie to show up?”

“No. Not Sweetie.” Rarity fidgeted, tail flicking water in small splashes. “I wanted you to meet someone. Sweetie’s not the only one meeting new people.”

A smile bloomed on Applejack’s face as understanding dawned. “You found yourself a guy? That’s wonderful!” And it was, to her mild surprise. She used to wonder how she’d react upon hearing this news. After all, it was inevitable. The fear was that there might be some jealousy involved, a seed of displeasure blooming in the soils of some subconscious hope. Yet the only thing Applejack felt was a pleasant, bubbly warmth for her friend. And a soreness in her insides, but that had nothing to do with Rarity and everything to do with a growing kid who tended to get grumpy when she had to share her very limited space with food. Applejack hadn’t had a full meal in months.

Rarity laughed, an anxious sound. “N-not exactly. I mean, we are… mates. But, um…”

“Oh?” This was certainly unexpected. “Rarity, are you mates with a girl?”

Her friend hunched over as if to protect herself. “Is… Is that a problem?”

“Why on Earth would it be a problem?”

A sadness washed over Rarity as she studied Applejack. “I… You… Back when we first met…”

The implications settled in. Applejack could only smile. “It’s okay. That’s all over and done with.” Seeing Rarity wasn’t convinced, Applejack offered her hand. Rarity accepted it, slipping a little closer and looking guilty the whole time. “I wouldn’t trade those days for anything. They’re special to me, Rares, in a way I can’t describe. But what I felt for you was a crush, something we both know was never meant to be. It was me not facing reality. I’m not going to get mad at you because you’ve fallen for another girl.”

Rarity stared into her eyes, her lips gradually quirking upwards. “Really?”

“Really. Honestly, hon, I thought you already knew that.”

There was more to be said, but Applejack didn’t get a chance to offer it. She was too busy enjoying Rarity’s strong hug. It lasted for several seconds, only ending when the third member of their group expressed her distaste for being squished between them via a firm kick that knocked the air out of Applejack’s lungs.

“You alright?” Rarity asked as Applejack sucked in a few short gasps.

“Y-yeah,” she wheezed, both hands wrapped around her belly. “Just winded. Kid kicks like a mule.”

Rarity tittered, but it was a subdued sound. She stared at Applejack for a while, smiling. “You’re my best friend, and not just because you saved my life all those years ago. That’s why I wanted you to meet her. I… I thought it would be nice if my best friend above the surface got along with my best friend below it.”

“Don’t let Sweetie hear you say that,” Applejack huffed between gasps.

Rarity waved a dismissive hand. “Sweetie’s my sister. Very different things.”

Finally recovering, Applejack sat up properly and nodded. “I’d be happy to meet your mate.”

“Then I’ll be right back.” With a sweep of her tail, Rarity turned and moved into the pond, soon disappearing below. The ripples spread across the pond and went still. Applejack waited, patient and happy and wondering. What kind of girl could catch Rarity’s eye? She hoped it would be someone worthy of her. That was a high bar to reach.

The waters shifted. Rarity emerged. She smiled nervously at Applejack, then turned away. She was pulling lightly on something in the water. Something… brown? Tan? And with a great splash of red. She spoke in her own language, encouraging, hopeful. At last, a new figure emerged. She looked a little older than Rarity, with golden skin. Her face was covered in a moist curtain of red hair with yellow streaks. The new mermaid pushed the strands back to reveal wary cyan eyes. She held Rarity’s hand tightly, shoulders hunched. Her manner hit Applejack with a powerful sense of déjà vu as memories of Rarity waking up in a bathtub rose to the forefront.

After whispering some encouragement in the newcomer’s fin-ear, Rarity turned to Applejack with a grin. “Applejack? Meet Shoon-sheth-shmur."

Author's Note

And that's that. I hope you all enjoyed this little journey. I certainly did. Once again, all my thanks to Soren, Naiad, and WD for their pre-reading assistance.

I've decided to do things a little differently, so sometime this weekend I'm going to post a Q&A blog for this story. Any queries can be asked there and I'll be sure to answer. The Q&A will also go into inspirations and the like, just a general discussion behind the story and why it exists. There are some questions I anticipated ages ago (indeed, one or two have already been asked), and I aim to deal with them all at once that way.

Thank you all for reading. I'll see you at the next story!

Have questions regarding the story? Visit the Q&A blog!

Chapter 4

Applejack and Fluttershy spent that evening forming a lesson plan, and for the next two weeks spent every available moment trying to teach Sweetie and Rarity how to speak English. Rainbow helped a little, but had to return to the mainland more often than not for practice and games. Fluttershy, being Fluttershy, was kind enough to offer to pay for Rainbow’s gas as she went to and fro. Yet Fluttershy herself still had work at the veterinary clinic in town, and they agreed that she had to keep going in order to not arouse any suspicions, so much of the teaching fell upon Applejack.

Not that this bothered her. Sweetie was a fast learner, though she struggled to understand articles and certain prepositions. Rarity, though not as adept, attacked the teaching with a fervor. Applejack imagined it was more due to wanting to stay with Sweetie than anything. Aside from that, Applejack enjoyed being with her. In a strange reversal of expectations, the talented Sweetie was less curious about the whole process, whereas Rarity asked questions constantly, inasmuch as she could. The way her face would light up every time she figured out a new concept made Applejack feel funny on the inside. Whatever it was, she wanted more of it.

“Hand.” One warm, cloudless day, they were practicing their anatomy

“Hand, that’s right.” Applejack leaned forward and touched her toes.

“Foot,” Rarity and Sweetie said in unison, both lounging on the sand opposite her, their tails resting in the water.

“Foot, good!” She pointed to Sweetie’s tail.

“Tail!” Sweetie flicked it, sending droplets cascading across the pond. She seemed very proud of having learned that particular word. Or maybe it was the tail itself she was proud of.

“Right, tail. Looks like you two have that down.” She spoke slowly, all the better for them to recognize the pronunciation. There was some concern that Applejack’s accent would confuse them, so she tried to limit what words she used and how.

“Know it!” Sweetie nodded firmly. “Hand, foot, tail. Arm, eye. Hair, finger, toe, fin!” She eagerly pointed to each body part in turn, beaming when Applejack applauded her correctness.

Rarity frowned, looking down at her own body. “Applejack?”

That strangely aristocratic sound, very different from Sweetie’s, sent a pleasant shiver down Applejack’s spine. “Yeah?” She coughed. “I mean, yes?”

Looking up with a questioning expression, Rarity cupped her bare breasts. “What this?”

Applejack’s cheeks grew hot as she stared at the perky things. A little smaller than hers, but not necessarily small. Why was she getting all anxious? It wasn’t like she hadn’t been seeing them constantly for the last few weeks. “Oh, uh…” She licked her lips, the pause serving the dual purpose of separating the word for easier understanding and buying time to get her head on straight. “Breast. Breasts.” As with anything they’d taught so far, she made sure to include both singular and plural.

Seemingly unaware of Applejack’s bout of awkwardness, Rarity hummed and eyed her breasts, still casually lifting and lowering them. “Breasth. Breasts.” Applejack did her best not to stare and failed spectacularly.

Sweetie repeated the terminology herself, running a hand across her own breasts. Hers were decidedly small, though Applejack couldn’t tell if that was due to age or she was simply flat-chested. The child eyed Rarity’s with a pout, which only grew when she turned her eyes on Applejack’s.

“What this?” Rarity scooted closer. To Applejack surprise, she reached over and pinched the fabric of her button-up shirt’s sleeve.

“Huh? Oh!” Applejack waved her back, then proceeded to gesture to her entire self. “Clothing. Clothes.” She waited for them to repeat the word back to her, Rarity tripping over the ‘c’ and ‘s’ sounds. A lot of consonants seemed to have no equivalent in their language, like ‘c’ and ‘k’ and ‘s’, making them much harder for the mermaids to speak. They apparently defaulted to digraphs like ‘ch’, ‘sh’, and ‘th’, instead (Applejack didn’t even know what a digraph was until she started these lessons). Sweetie was getting much better at proper pronunciation, but Rarity still struggled. All the more reason for Applejack to be careful about her own pronunciation.

Once they had the word right, Applejack began naming the different articles of clothing. “Shirt, shirts. Pants. Shoe, shoes.” They learned them, Rarity with particular eagerness. Once they were done, Rarity asked, “Why clothesh?”

“Clothes,” Sweetie corrected.

Rarity grimaced and tried again slowly. “Ch… Clothes.” Yes, definitely having trouble. At least she was getting better at speaking above water for longer periods of time. “Why clothes?”

“Uh…” If there was anything about all this Applejack didn’t like, it was when she had to explain some cultural topic. It hadn’t happened too much so far, and this was one she’d not been expecting. How was she supposed to describe the purpose behind wearing clothes? Especially now when Rarity and Sweetie lacked the vocabulary to understand her explanation? She scratched her head, fumbling for some kind of solution.

“Okay.” Going out on a limb, she made a sweeping gesture at herself. “Clothed.” She then made a similar gesture at Rarity and Sweetie. “Naked.”

Rarity cocked her head. “Nached mean no chlothes?”

“Yes.” Applejack nodded firmly, then gestured to herself again. “Humans don’t like being naked.”

This only confused Rarity, apparently. Sweetie, no less uncertain, spoke to her in their native language. This prompted Rarity to ask, “Why?”

Applejack cringed. As much as she liked Rarity’s inquisitiveness, there were fewer questions that could cause as much of a problem as that one. “Because… Because…” She groaned, realizing the words she wanted to use weren’t known to them yet. “We just don’t, okay?”

Sweetie giggled. “Humans stupid!” Ah, she’d picked up some of Rainbow’s language.

“Shvee-tzee-braille.” Rarity’s tone made the younger mermaid flinch. With a pout, Sweetie mumbled something that might have been an apology before sliding into the pond, disappearing beneath the surface. Probably to sulk, knowing her. Turning back to Applejack, Rarity bowed her head. “Sh… Shorry.”

Applejack smiled, an easy thing to do around her. “It’s okay. I’m sure she didn’t mean any harm.”

“Harm.” Rarity sighed, rubbing her hand along her injured tail. She did that often, usually when thinking on unhappy things. There remained an underlying melancholy in everything she did, though she was getting better at hiding it lately. Applejack longed for the day she could wipe that sadness away for good.

“Trusth hard.” Rarity looked to the water. “Shvee-tzee no trusth easy. No trusth human. She…” A pause, perhaps to think on how to say what she wanted. “She leave. I shtay?” Her finger ran in circles around her wound, an anxious motion.

What emotions had to be running through her head? Applejack could only imagine it, the sick feeling of thinking you might have to be abandoned by someone you cared about. She still wasn’t clear on what Sweetie and Rarity were to one another, but there was no doubting their closeness. The two of them were about at the level that they could explain the risks of the surgery and let Rarity make an informed decision, something Fluttershy absolutely insisted on. Applejack wasn’t sure the mermaids even understood why they were delaying, though they’d tried to explain that they needed to communicate properly before they could do it.

But every day they waited was another day Rarity had to question if she would lose Sweetie. When anyone suggested that Sweetie stay here permanently with her, Rarity always objected. It was like the very idea of being stuck in one spot terrified her. If that was the case, and Fluttershy succeeded in healing Rarity… She’d leave. The possibility left Applejack feeling hollow. It was a familiar sensation, one she’d felt keenly a year ago and which continued to haunt her whenever she wasn’t distracting herself with whatever she could.

The feeling spurred her into action; she reached out to grasp Rarity’s arm. “Safe.”

Rarity met Applejack’s gaze, her perfect blue eyes full of worry. “Safe?”

“If you stay, I’ll keep you safe.” Applejack whispered. “I promise.”

The spark of appreciation she’d hoped for never materialized. Rarity looked back to the water. “Shvee-tzee leave. Shvee-tzee safe? No. Not safe.” Then, as if in consolation, she squeezed Applejack’s arm with her free hand and whispered. “Thank you.”

It did little to ease Applejack’s heart.

Applejack stared at herself in the mirror of the bathroom. Turning her head left and right, she examined her face. Did mermaids get freckles? Did they find them attractive? She ran a finger along the side of her nose, wondering at its shape. Her finger was rough from a life of hard farm work. Rarity’s fingers were soft and smooth, like silk. Did that matter? It supposedly did. In human culture. But what about mermaid culture?

Her eyes drifted to the rim of the sink. A small collection of beauty products stood there. She had no idea what most of them were for. Fluttershy would know, but should she ask? She went swimming a lot nowadays. The makeup would run off. No point. She was herself, and she couldn’t mask that. She wasn’t sure she wanted to, but the fact she couldn’t left her feeling… uncomfortable.

She plucked up one bottle. Perfume, apparently. She tapped the top, making a small cloud of flowery aromas float in the air. It was a wonderful smell. Would Rarity notice if she used some on herself?

If she made the world smell like flowers, would Rarity stay?

The front door opened, and Applejack hurriedly replaced the perfume bottle. Turning on the faucet, she splashed cold water on her face, hoping to cool her cheeks a little.

Fluttershy called from the front of the beach house. “Applejack? Are you home?”

“In the back.” After wiping her face dry with a towel, Applejack hurried out and towards her room. She had a few shirts laid out on the bed, and began to set them on her arm. She adamantly refused to look at the Stetson on the vanity.

“There you are.” Fluttershy appeared in the doorway, sporting a backpack and a computer bag over one shoulder. “I’m surprised to see you. You’ve never wanted to leave Rarity and Sweetie alone before.”

“Wanted to get some dinner made, figured it was my turn. They’re familiar enough with the pond and all its little hiding places by now that they can hide if they need to.” Which was true enough; they’d had two instances where other island residents came by the pond, and on both occasions the mermaids had disappeared before Applejack or Fluttershy even knew what was coming. “How was work?”

Fluttershy went to her room as she answered. “Productive. I’m bringing my laptop to the pond today.”

“Oh? I’m sure they’ll like that. They usually find our technology interesting.” They’d already introduced them to cell phones, although the island’s service was abysmal. The pond was far enough away from the beach houses that it effectively had no signal at all. Still, they were able to show them some of the functionality, like taking pictures and playing games. The five shirts tucked under her arm, Applejack went to the kitchen where Fluttershy’s picnic basket was waiting, already filled with baked goods. The mermaids were very fond of bread, but today she’d be introducing them to apple fritters.

“Maybe.” Fluttershy was subdued as she returned to the kitchen, out of her work clothes and now sporting a yellow sun dress. “What’s with the shirts?”

Applejack grinned, recalling Rarity’s adorably curious expression. “Rarity’s become fascinated with the whole ‘clothes’ thing. She wanted to try wearing some. I think I’m pretty big compared to her, but I didn’t want to go digging through your closet uninvited.”

“Oh! Well, in that case…” Fluttershy dropped her computer bag on a dining chair and hurried back to her room. A few seconds later she’d returned with some clothes of her own. “I don’t know, I might be a little tall in comparison. No reason not to try.” She smiled, but there was something else beneath it. Something… melancholic.

“Something wrong, sugarcube?”

Fluttershy tucked her clothes under her arm and grabbed her computer bag, not meeting Applejack’s eye. “Not wrong, just… I’ve decided it’s time to really show them what’s at stake with the surgery. I think I’ve found a good way to demonstrate.”

Applejack nodded slowly. “And that’s why you’re bringing the laptop.” Her friend only nodded.

The walk back to the pond was quiet. Fluttershy kept twisting her hair between her fingers. Applejack wanted to comfort her, but she had her own clash of reality to deal with. Rarity was going to see the risks. She might make a decision tonight. And if it was to go through with the surgery…

I don’t want her to go. She forced her legs to keep moving, not wanting to attract Fluttershy’s attention. But I don’t want her to be a cripple for the rest of her life. The inner conflict soured her mood. Her eyes remained on her shuffling feet as she pondered some solution to the dilemma. Answers were woefully few, and the ones she did come up with were… not ideal.

When they reached the pond, it was devoid of any sign of occupation. This was perfectly normal. While Fluttershy settled atop the flat rock they’d used to examine Rarity – now Rarity’s favorite sunning spot – Applejack walked to the beach and tapped her toe in the water once, twice, three times. She needed only wait a few seconds before Sweetie’s head peeked from the shadows near the cliff to confirm who their visitors were. She ducked back underwater to alert her companion, and soon both mermaids were approaching from the pond’s depths. Applejack took that time to lay both Fluttershy’s and her clothes on a nearby tree limb for later use.

Rarity was very curious about the clothes, but Fluttershy explained that they had something more important to talk about. So, after some work arranging the mermaids into a proper viewing position on the rock, she set her computer up to play a video. The video was of a surgery in an observation setting, like at a medical school. The introduction explained with clinical aloofness that they were about to witness a hip replacement. Neither Sweetie nor Rarity understood what was going on… until a doctor started making an incision. Then they were glued to the screen.

As this was going on, Applejack leaned close to Fluttershy. “Are you sure Sweetie’s old enough to see this?”

Fluttershy, watching the mermaids for reactions, whispered back, “This is something that affects both of them. Sweetie needs to understand the ramifications of the decision every bit as much as Rarity does.” Having no argument against this, Applejack decided to keep her concerns to herself for now.

The video was more of a summary than anything, skipping forward every once in a while to get to key moments. Still, it showed them everything they needed to see, from the original hip being removed to the new one being put in place. It even showed the flesh being sewn back together, and after images of the patient undergoing physical therapy and making a full recovery.

Rarity and Sweetie were silent when the video ended, staring at the screen with expressions of awe. As Fluttershy pulled the laptop away and began typing something in it, Applejack asked, “Do you do surgery where you’re from?” She’d carefully selected her words based on what she knew they had learned.

It was Sweetie who answered. “No. I… Uwa…” She paused, her familiar scrunched face appearing as she concentrated. “We?” A firm nod. “We. We not do that. We not ‘surgery’.”

“No,” Rarity agreed solemnly. “No surgery.” She looked to Fluttershy, hope rekindled in her eyes. “Start?”

Fluttershy hesitated, casting an anxious look Applejack’s way, then turned the laptop to face the mermaids again. “One more.”

“But we know,” Sweetie replied with a frown. “We see.” Applejack watched the exchange, also wondering what her friend was up to.

Fluttershy shook her head. “You saw a good one.” She pressed play. “You need to see the bad.”

The video started, and the bemused mermaids settled to watch. This one was of some sort of bicep tendon repair on a woman’s upper arm. It was not a summary but the full procedure in real time, so Fluttershy did the skipping on her own. Applejack wasn’t sure why they were being shown this… until the end. The results video brought up several images and short videos showing the woman in pain and struggling. Applejack had no idea what she was looking at, but the ending left no doubt as to the impact: the woman lost her arm entirely.

Once again, the mermaids were in a state of silence, this time from visible horror. It was Sweetie who broke out of it first, pointing sharply at the screen as she turned to Fluttershy. “Why?”

“Infection,” she replied quietly. She met Rarity’s startled gaze. “Risk.” Then she clicked the mouse, and an image appeared of a man. He was dead, lying on a street. “Risk.” Another click, and a content, healthy couple were sitting on a beach together. “Risk.” She clicked again, and the couple was replaced with a woman walking with a cane, hobbled by a leg bent the wrong way. “Risk.” Click; the next picture was of the man from the first video looking perfectly happy. “Risk.” A final click, and a dead child, all skin and bones, was shown. “Risk.”

A long, solemn silence filled the air. Rarity and Sweetie both looked as if they’d been slapped in the face. The elder was once more rubbing her hand gently over her wound.

Sweetie took a deep breath. “Surgery. Might work. Might not.”

Fluttershy nodded. “I will do everything I can to make it work.” She met Rarity’s gaze, face firm. “But it might not. It might go bad.” She reached out to take Rarity’s hand. “It’s up to you. Only you can choose.”

“N-no,” Sweetie’s attempt at self-control was ruined by the stutter. “Not safe.” She leaned towards Rarity, her face pleading. “No.”

Rarity swallowed. She didn’t look at Sweetie. After several seconds of blank staring at the dead child on the screen, she pulled away. Without a word, she slipped off the rock and into the water, disappearing in the waning light.

Sweetie trembled as she stared at the ripples in the water. She spun to Fluttershy, grasping her arms. “No. No! Not safe! Don’t. No surgery.” The desperation in her voice was enough to bring wetness to Fluttershy’s eyes.

Applejack leaned forward. “Sweetie? If Rarity wants it—”

A pale finger was thrust in her face. “Keep away! Mine!” The glare lasted less than a second before Sweetie was grasping at Fluttershy’s arms again. “Fluttershy, please. No surgery.”

Despite her sniffling, Fluttershy kept the tears at bay. She reached up to caress Sweetie’s cheek. “I’m sorry. It’s Rarity’s choice. I’ll go by w-what she wants.”

Sweetie’s face cracked, horror overtaking her features. She mumbled a few mermaid words under her breath before pulling back. “No. No. No surgery. No surgery! Will tell her, no! Will… Will…” With a wail, she dove off the rock and into the water.

Silence filled the air, interrupted only by Fluttershy’s efforts to suppress her tears. After a few seconds, Applejack shuffled closer and wrapped an arm around her. “It’s okay, Shy. You did good.”

Her friend's trembling arms squeezed her waist. “I d-don’t know if I can do it. I-I keep telling myself I can, b-but…”

“You can do it,” she whispered in her ear.

“But I tried it once,” Fluttershy replied, tears finally streaming down her cheeks. “I tried it once and… a-and I killed a poor dog! It hurt so much, Applejack. It was the most terrible thing ever, it still gives me nightmares. A-and now I’m promising to do it to a mermaid. I’m not qualified for this!”

The words stung like little needles to the heart. Applejack had never heard this story. Only now did she fully grasp just what Fluttershy’s offer meant to her. Had she known earlier she would have strongly urged against ever making it. She glanced at the laptop, still open to that scene of death, and quickly closed it before going back to holding her friend.

“Fluttershy?” She pulled back just enough to look into her face. Fluttershy’s eyes were clenched tight. This did nothing to stop the tears from making rivers down her cheeks. “If this is so hard on you, why’d you even offer in the first place?”

Cracking her eyes open, Fluttershy sniffed and rubbed at her nose with her arm. “I… I couldn’t just leave her like that. There’s nobody else. Nobody. If not me, th-then who? I had to at least give her a chance.”

The response was humbling. What other reaction could there be? Applejack smiled warmly and pulled her back into a tight hug, pressing Fluttershy’s cheek to her shoulder. “It’s very brave of you to do this, sugarcube. I’m proud of ya, and don’t ever think otherwise, okay? You’ll do the best you can, and nobody could ask for more.”

“B-but what if it doesn’t work?” Fluttershy murmured through the fabric of Applejack’s shirt. “What if I cripple her for life? Applejack… what if I k-k-kill her?”

“You won’t, Shy.”

“B-but—”

“You won’t.”

Applejack stayed up with Fluttershy that night, helping her stay calm and brave in the face of what she might have to do. The entire time, she held back mentioning her own inner turmoil and a closely guarded, guilty desire for her friend to back out due to fear. What kind of person did that make her? Such a selfish idea. So she spent the time being encouraging, building Fluttershy up, asking her pertinent questions that proved beyond a doubt she was capable of doing this.

At last, well after midnight, Fluttershy fell asleep. At first, this had been a relief; no more struggling to hide her true desires. But as Applejack lay in her own bed and stared at the ceiling, she couldn’t get over the things left unsaid. Things about Rarity. Things about her parents. Things about Fluttershy. She tossed and turned, desperate to escape the flood, but her brain refused to cooperate.

The frustration was too much. She threw off her sheets and left the beach house, not even bothering to change out of her pajamas. It wasn’t as though she was being inappropriate; people every day wore ‘swimsuits’ that made her loose cotton pants and sports bra downright conservative. Nobody would care anymore than she did right now.

The beach had a way of striking all the senses at once. She strolled along, the same familiar route as always. A half-full moon peered through fast-moving clouds to create looming shadows from the forest. Wet sand clung to her bare feet, soft and squishy and just a little grainy. The surf washed over her exposed toes, chilling them and giving her a fresh jolt of awakeness. The wind was stronger than usual tonight, warm and causing high, crushing waves that thundered in her ears while her untied hair whipped around. The ever-present scent of salty water filled her nostrils. Even her mouth wasn’t spared the air’s saline flavor. Yet all of this wasn’t enough to block out the thoughts streaming through her skull.

She had to face one fundamental truth: she didn’t want Rarity to leave. The idea of why tickled at the back of her mind, a shadow longing to take over her every thought. But it was a dumb idea. An impossible one. What basis did it have in reality? None. There were so many issues and flaws and problems in the short term of it that the long term was little more than a pipe dream. Applejack knew this. She was a practical person. Common sense told her to abandon it now and save everyone the trouble.

So why wouldn’t it go away?

“Damn it, Pa, why ain’t you here to help me with this?” She closed her eyes and listened to the rushing waves, the wind on the beach, and the occasional call of some night animal.

What are you talking about, Pa?

I’m talking about boys, apple seed. You know what boys are, don’t ya?

Of course I know! I’m not dumb.

Never said you was, sweetie pie. I’m just saying, someday you’re going to like them.

I don’t get it. I like Big Mac. He’s a boy.

Other boys. You’ll like other boys, and not in the way you like Big Mac.

…I still don’t get it.

Someday, you will. Which is why I want to make sure you understand: if any boy hurts you, you tell me, alright?

Hurt me? Come on, Pa. I’m strong! I can hurt them back! But why would any boy want to hurt me?

Because when you’re older you’ll have something all boys want, and some will be willing to do bad things to get it.

Like what?

Never you mind that right now. Just remember: when you need help with boys, Pa’s got your back. Understand?

…not really, no.

A chuckle tickled its way out of Applejack’s throat. “Guess I still don’t get it, all things considered.” She ran a hand through her blonde bangs with a sigh. “Where are ya, Pa? I don’t know what I’m doing. I need ya now more than ever.” Her eyes went to the sky, but the roiling clouds wouldn’t let her see too many stars. She wondered if this weather portended rain soon.

She was nearing the aquarium and marina. She could see the dilapidated docks struggling to stay in one piece against the waves. Her thoughts turned to Rarity. An idea came on a whim, was immediately attacked by doubts and arguments. Before she knew it, she was entering the forest, following a familiar pipe to the pond. The tall trees funneled the wind at first, but soon she was far enough within the forest that the mass of trunks shielded her. The canopy overhead twisted and writhed as though alive and unhappy with her trespass. But Applejack didn’t have a fancy imagination for such things, and paid the whispered threats of the leaves and limbs little mind.

The pond was quiet. Even this weather wasn’t enough to disturb its calm surface. No sign of the mermaids could be seen, which worked fine for AJ. She wasn’t here to visit. She just thought it might help her think. She went to that old, sturdy bridge over the creek and sat, her legs dangling through the railing. Her toes skimmed the cool water, sending ripples across the smooth surface. Arms hanging limp on the top of the rail, she leaned forward to stare at her reflection. Green eyes, weary and framed by her long, messy blonde locks, greeted her.

She sat there for some time, trying to force her mind to empty. To vacate her thoughts of Fluttershy and her fears, her parents and their absence, and Rarity and her beauty. Such a strange situation she’d found herself in. Maybe in a few years she’d look back on it and laugh.

She didn’t feel much like laughing right now.

More ripples. The sound of dripping water. Applejack raised her head to see the pale, perfect form of Rarity at the foot of the bridge on her right. The mermaid’s loveliness did nothing to hide her own weariness. Her diamond blue eyes met Applejack’s, and in that moment they shared a mutual understanding, an awareness that all was not right in their worlds. Applejack’s heart went out to her, and she could feel Rarity’s sympathies in turn. For just that moment, they were connected in ways Applejack knew she would remember for the rest of her life.

Without a word, Rarity raised her hand in offering.

Without a word, Applejack stood, lifted the young woman from the sand, and carefully set her down on the bridge.

Without a word, they sat side-by-side, staring across the pond.

Applejack found speaking strangely difficult, her throat blocked by some obstruction she couldn’t identify. Trying to look at Rarity proved fruitless; her neck, even her eyes refused to cooperate. But leaving this night to ‘without a word’ felt wrong, so she forced something out. “Sweetie?”

Rarity shifted, which at last broke Applejack’s eyes free of whatever was chaining them down. She watched as the mermaid placed her palms together and tilted her head atop them. Applejack nodded and said, “Sleeping.”

Glowing dimly in the darkness, the fins on either side of Rarity’s head spread slightly, which Applejack supposed was the equivalent of ears perking. “Sh… Sleeping. Yes. Sleeping.”

“Is she okay? She’s good?”

Rarity stared at the water, her tail floating just on the surface. Melancholy shadowed her features. “Not good. Not okay.”

Applejack had no answer to that. She went back to staring at the pond, feeling strangely guilty. The quiet crept over the two of them yet again, disturbed only by the canopy thrashing in the wind. A cloud rolled before the moon, casting the world into a not-quite blinding darkness. Applejack’s gaze fell upon Rarity’s tail in the water, mesmerized by how it seemed to glitter even in the shadows. How strange that it didn’t do so when dry.

“Why?”

She sat up to view her companion. Rarity didn’t return the look. The mermaid set a hand to her bare chest. “You help me. When hurt. Why?”

What an odd question. “Why wouldn’t I?”

The blinking stare Rarity returned suggested the answer was every bit as mysterious to her as the question had been for Applejack. “Risk.”

“Risk?” Applejack frowned as she recalled the ‘definition’ of that word as Fluttershy had offered it to them that day. Or yesterday, as it was. She shook her head. “It was the right thing to do. I couldn’t leave you to die.”

Rarity pursed her lips. It was unclear if she was trying to translate the answer with her limited awareness of English or the answer itself. “You chould.” A shake of the head. “Could. Should? For… for us. Should.”

A bit of pondering was required to grasp her meaning. “You mean… mermaids abandon their injured?” Realizing she’d used words Rarity hadn’t yet learned, she tried again. “You don’t help hurt mermaids?” Rarity shook her head. “Why?”

“Risk.” Rarity spoke the word with firm finality. “Must help. Must help. Must help.” She gestured to herself. “Must help self.”

That sounded selfish, and Applejack almost said so, but restrained herself. She didn’t have enough context to do otherwise. “Can’t you bring them somewhere safe?”

Rarity spread her arms wide. “Where?”

Scratching the back of her head, Applejack asked, “Don’t have a city or something?”

“Sh… Cithy?”

“Many mermaids. Together.”

A shake of the head. “Not together, no. We don’t together. Two. Three. Maybe four. No more.” She waved her hands in a swaying, back-and-forth motion. “Move. Alwaysh move.”

A nomadic life. No big communities. No central place for care. It was a big ocean, with many big threats. Applejack understood the perspective, at least with her limited ability, but the idea of leaving a friend behind… She understood, but she didn’t want to understand.

“Shvee-tzee…” Rarity leaned heavily against the rail, rubbing her tail. “Shvee-tzee should leave.”

Even with a better understanding of Rarity’s cultural perspective, the statement ate at Applejack. She turned to the mermaid and asked, “Is she your sister?”

Rarity cocked her head. “Shishter?”

How to explain this concept? It dawned upon Applejack that they’d never taught Rarity or Sweetie anything about family units. A quick review shined light on how tricky it was to explain. “Sister. Uh…” She needed a visual aid. Pointing to the nearby beach, she asked, “Draw?”

Understanding the intention, Rarity nodded and allowed herself to be carried down to the sand. Applejack tried not to think of how cool her skin felt, how nice it was to have those lithe arms around her muscular shoulders. How her muscles probably made her less desirable. Did Rarity notice? Did she care?

“Applejack?”

“Sorry.” Lowering Rarity to the ground, Applejack settled beside her and began to draw in the sand. The clouds were kind enough to let the moon out once more, making the task easier. She drew three simple family trees: her own, Fluttershy’s, and what she imagined was Rarity’s. The figures were sticks and nothing more, but Applejack added bows to the females. Once she was done, she started with Fluttershy’s.

“Fluttershy.” She pointed to the bowed figure representing her friend. Then to her mother and father, whose figures were much closer together. “Parents.” Then to her brother. “Sibling. Brother.” Rarity clearly didn’t understand, but that was okay. Expected. She moved to her own family tree, starting with herself. “Applejack.” Then to her parents. “Parents.” Then to Big McIntosh. “Sibling. Brother.” Then to Apple Bloom. “Sibling, sister.” She looked to Rarity hopefully.

The mermaid studied the images, brow furrowed. She pointed. “Fluttershy.” Then again. “Applejack.” She looked at Applejack questioningly. “Sisthers?” A brief scowl. “Sisters.”

Applejack shook her head. “Not siblings. Not sisters.” She pointed to Fluttershy’s parents with two fingers. “Parents…” Then moved her hand down to the children, spreading her fingers along the tree’s lines so she was pointing at both of them at once. “Siblings.” She then drew a circle around the whole tree. “Family.”

She repeated the process with her own family tree. “Parents. Siblings. Family.” She then pointed with each hand, one at her own stick figure and the other at Fluttershy’s. “Applejack and Fluttershy. Not family. Not siblings. Not sisters.” Then, with emphasis, “Friends.”

After examining both trees, Rarity gave a slow nod. “Family.” She pointed to Fluttershy’s parents. “Parents.” With a strange grace, she placed her hands on her stomach, mimed it growing large, then pretending to hold something small to her chest. Looking to Applejack hopefully, she repeated, “Parents?”

“Yes. Yes!” Applejack nodded excitedly. “Parents! Mother and father. Parents.” She pointed to Fluttershy’s parents. “Parents.” Then to the siblings. “Children of parents.”

“Children…” Rarity nodded once more, smiling warmly as she pointed out each group appropriately. “Parents. Children of parents. Siblings. Family. Friends.”

“Yes.” Beaming, Applejack brought Rarity’s attention to the third family tree. “Are you and Sweetie siblings? Sisters?”

Now grasping the true meaning of the question, Rarity shook her head and brushed away the small family tree. “Not shiblings. Friends.”

The gears in Applejack’s brain came to a sharp pause, but re-engaged as the meaning became clear. “Wait… No?”

“No. Not siblings.” Rarity leaned forward and drew two new family trees, one for herself and one for Sweetie. “Friends.”

“Huh.” Applejack leaned back, palms to the sand, and let this sink in. She would have sworn… “Not sisters. Then why do you travel together?”

Rarity’s smile could have melted a glacier. It certainly did a number on Applejack’s heart. “Help. Team. We…” She hesitated. “We… are… better… together.” She grinned, perhaps proud to have achieved a full, proper sentence in English, if a simple one.

With curiosity spurred on by Rarity’s new vocabulary, Applejack asked, “And your parents?”

The grin shifted to uncertainty. “Whath…” A pause to consider her words. “What do… you… mean?” She grinned at Applejack’s approving nod.

As distracting as that smile was, Applejack tried to focus. “Where are your parents?”

Rarity shrugged. “Don’t know.” When Applejack only stared uncomprehendingly, she turned and drew lines away from her parents. “Gone.”

“Wait.” Applejack sat up straight and gaped at the image. “You mean your parents abandoned you?”

“Avhandon?”

“Abandon.” Applejack waved her hands in an attempt to indicate something going away. “Left alone. Leave. Give up. Bad.”

“Bad?” Rarity shook her head. “Normal. I big, they go.”

That… didn’t sound so bad. Reining in her horror, Applejack tentatively asked, “And Sweetie?”

Another shrug. “Same.”

The horror came back. How old was Sweetie? Twelve? And her parents just left her to fend for herself? “N… Normal?”

“Normal.” Rarity tilted her head at Applejack. “Not normal?” She bent over and drew the same separating lines for Fluttershy’s parents before casting a questioning look her way.

“No!” Applejack swept the lines away and redrew the circle, then thrust her finger at it. “Family. Family normal.”

Still looking confused, Rarity bent over Applejack’s family tree and drew the lines again. “Applejack’s parents?”

A hot coal nestled itself within Applejack’s heart. Her breath left her as she stared at the lines suggesting her parents separate from their family and one another. Visions flashed through her mind. Her mother baking the perfect apple pie. Her massive father carrying baskets of apples into the barn. Apple Bloom sobbing in her grandmother’s arms. Big Mac’s door, closed and seemingly impenetrable, a silence every bit as solid emanating from it. The smell of apple blossoms and loose dirt.

“Applejack?”

She shook out of the reverie, but couldn’t shake off the fire bringing wetness to her eyes. “No.” Her trembling finger reached down to cut a line through the stick figures representing her parents. “Not normal. N-not…” A sniffle, unwelcome, unwanted. “Gone. J-just gone.”

Rarity was silent. Her eyes drifted from her to the slice across the stick figures. Back again. Slowly, as if picking her words carefully, she spoke. “Family. Normal. Important?” She shuffled a little closer. “Good?”

A shudder ran through Applejack, echoing in her deep breath. The coal’s heat stung her eyes. “L-love. I loved them so… so much.”

“Love.” Rarity shuffled closer, as best she could. She reached up, pulled Applejack close, held her tight.

Applejack stiffened. “W-wait, no. You don’t have t-to—”

She was shushed. Rarity held on tighter. “You help me. I help you. Pain not good. Let pain out.”

So many had asked. So many had offered. So many had failed.

Applejack sobbed openly against Rarity’s shoulder. She could hear her mother’s laughter, feel her father’s strong arms, taste her sweet apple pie, smell the sweat from his chest, see her curly orange hair. It was all so strong, like they were right there, but all she had to cling to was memories. Memories and Rarity, who whispered soothing words beyond her knowledge and patiently stroked her back.

She tried to regain control, but every time the waves receded a new one smashed into her and brought forth fresh cries. It was like an ocean carrying her along on violent currents, and her hopeless to fight it. She sobbed and sobbed, and when her throat was raw and her eyes should have run dry she sobbed some more.

After an eternity, the ocean calmed, taking with it the worst of the memories. Applejack was limp, realizing that at some point she’d laid down in the sand. Something soft and warm was pressed against her cheek, her arms wrapped about a soft, comfortable waist. Rarity, gently stroking her hair, hummed a gentle melody. Only then did Applejack realize she was hugging the mermaid, her face buried in Rarity’s stomach. This didn’t alarm her as much as she felt it should. The energy just wasn’t there.

Taking a heaving breath, swallowing to moisten her throat, Applejack pulled away and rubbed at her eyes. “I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

Rarity silenced her simply by holding her cheeks and lifting her head. Her warm smile brightened the universe. She gave Applejack a kiss on the forehead, and fireworks exploded in her brain. “Better?”

It was several seconds before Applejack realized she was gaping cross-eyed. “Y-yeah. Better.” She shook herself out of her stupor, instantly regretting it when those delightful hands left her cheeks. “I shouldn’t have done that, but… thank you.”

She really did feel better. The whole world seemed… lighter. It was as though she could truly breathe for the first time in a year. Everything was so clear, and now she felt guilty for letting herself linger on the pain for so long. The first thing she’d do upon returning to the farm was apologize to her remaining family, thank them for their patience, and make up for lost time. But first…

She lifted herself up on one arm to examine their surroundings. It was still dark, the wind still roiled, and only now did she realize that there was a sprinkling rain. She couldn’t have been out here more than an hour. Rarity lay beside her, watching her with a serene, pleasant smile. The fins on her tail, as well as those where her ears would be, glowed dimly in the dark. Her tail glittered with every raindrop, as if decorated with stars.

Rarity. Rarity came first.

Rarity would always come first. From now on.

She took Rarity’s hand in her own. “Have you decided?”

The serene smile faded. Rarity sat up, with Applejack’s assistance, and tucked her tail under her as she liked to do. Head bowed, but still meeting Applejack’s eye, she replied, “Yes. Surgery.”

Fluttershy might take it hard. She might have taken it hard either way. Applejack promised herself to work with the girl on getting ready emotionally. But Fluttershy came later. “Alright. And Sweetie? Does she know?”

Rarity shook her head. “Not know. Justh decided. When Applejack…” She hesitated, glancing away.

Ah. She’d decided in the midst of Applejack’s breakdown. A blush crept across her cheeks, but she ignored it. “As long as you’re sure.”

A moment of quiet passed between them. Applejack allowed herself a moment to examine Rarity in the rain. Her skin was riddled with tiny droplets, accentuating her petite frame and lithe curves. When the droplets streaked across her tail, they created a pattern of glittery purple lines unlike anything she’d ever seen. It was… lovely. The loveliest thing ever. Not just the tail, but all of her. Every inch of Rarity could mesmerize like a fantastic vision within a dream. Maybe that was all this was, a dream Applejack wished to never awaken from.

“Love.”

The word, spoken with a despondent frailty, pulled Applejack from her ogling. “Love?” She looked up to find Rarity staring at the pond, her eyes going beyond what was visible. Perhaps to Sweetie somewhere below.

“Love. Strong. Good, buth hurt. It’s…” Pursed lips, narrowed eyes. “I… understand what you mean…. by… love.” Only then did Applejack realize that neither Fluttershy nor she had ever defined love to them. “I… love… Shvee-tzee-braille. We are not family… but she is… my sister.”

Applejack was tempted to tell her she didn’t have to strive for full sentences. She held back. It had to feel important to Rarity that she speak this properly. So she said nothing and waited, ready to give every struggling word the attention it deserved.

Rarity’s head bowed. She pressed a hand over her heart. “We move… or risk. We are never shtill. Shvee-tzee-braille must move, must… keep moving. She must not wait… for me. That… would be… very bad for her.” She turned to Applejack. She wore a smile, but it was a thin thing unworthy of a creature as lovely as she. “Surgery. Surgery will heal me or… or end me. Both better for Shvee-tzee-braille.”

Her meaning struck like a sledgehammer to the gut. Applejack gasped, trembled, grasped Rarity’s shoulders. “No. It won’t be bad. Fluttershy can do it.”

Rarity smiled, but it spoke not of comfort. “Fluttershy waited. Fluttershy want Reh-Reh-Tzee to know risk. Fluttershy knows.”

How could Applejack argue that point? Rarity was right, Fluttershy had gone through all that extra trouble to emphasize the risks. She wouldn’t have done that if she were confident the surgery would work. The thought sent fresh trembles running through Applejack, chinking the armor that was her faith in her friend. “But… but you don’t have to take the risk. You could stay here. We would protect you. You could be happy here, right?”

With that same sad, kind smile, Rarity used her soft hands to pull Applejack forward, pressing their foreheads together. “You are good, Applejack. Very good. But not us to stay still. We musht move. Reh-reh-tzee not good here.”

“But… But I want you to stay.”

Rarity leaned back. Her expression turned perplexed. She brushed her finger along Applejack’s cheek, just under the eye, and pulled it back holding a fresh tear. She studied it, then asked, “What this?”

Sniffling, feeling like a child, Applejack asked, “Don’t you have tears? Don’t you cry?”

“Tears.” Holding the tear up between them, Rarity met her gaze. Her expression spoke of awareness and meaning. “We no tears.” She lowered her hand to the sand and offered another sad smile. “Sleep now, Applejack?”

Numbly, Applejack helped the mermaid back into the water. The touch of Rarity’s skin on her own burned like a fresh fire, the heat lingering even after she’d slipped beneath the pond’s surface and disappeared. Applejack stood there, water up to her knees, and thought for a long time about how mermaids had no tears.