Everything was going great at the Apology Party, as AJ watched as her friends and family chatted and make amends with Sunset. It has been a while since she felt so calm, and she enjoyed the sight of Sunset, Pinkie, and Rarity chatting, as Dash gets her hair braided, upon Pinkie's request, by Rarity. Bloom and Shy were playing with Winona, as Big Mac and Granny were in the kitchen, and they are finishing up the snacks for when both are asleep. AJ sighs, as she looks outside, at the nice calm night, one with little clouds, and a bright full moon.

'Wait, why is it still a full moon? I thought it would be over by now.' AJ's thoughts shatter her joy with anxiety and fear, as she looks around rubbing her neck. Her neck is rough, like it always gets when this happens, as she realizes it's been too long since she last took her medication. She pats her left pocket, though soon recalls she left her pills upstairs, with her dad's hat and her big r. She tries to subtly and quickly move to the stairs, to head up to get what she needs, when Rarity speaks out, "Oh no Darling, stay put please, I am going to do your hair next." AJ stops, and awkwardly chuckles, 'Ah crabapples Rares, not now, think Jacklin, what to distract her with.'

Sunset then speaks out, "Actually, could I talk with you for a moment AJ, privately?" AJ gulps, but nods quickly, "Of course Sugarcube, follow me." AJ then dashes up the stairs, as Granny and Big Mac both look concerned, and Bloom gulps. AJ hears Sunset follow, as she dashes into her room, puts on her hat, and opens her drawer, to find her pills are out for the month. AJ's face is pale with fear and swiftly looks through her drawer for any spare pr emergency ones she thought she hid here but finds nothing. 'Ah, shit no no no no no.' She begins to panic, which leaves her condition unchecked, as she quickly ducks into her bathroom, and locks the door. ' Just gotta make it till morning, hopefully, Granny or Big Mac can keep the girls busy.'

------Sunset's PoV------

Sunset enters AJ's room, which is decently sized, a large bed sits in the corner, with a closet and dressers on one side, a big window looking over the farm on the other. She then notices the bathroom door is shut, and she calls out to AJ. "Hey, AJ, you alright? I mean, if it's...that...then I can relate since...never had those back home." She says awkwardly, as she thinks to herself, 'How can humans females put up with that each month? I hope AJ is okay.' AJ doesn't respond, and so Sunset shuts the bedroom door, and walks over to the bathroom door, hearing soft whimpers, and AJ whispering to herself. "AJ? Hey, is something wrong?" Sunset notices, the open drawer, and the empty bottle on the bed. Her mind is ablaze with worry, as she runs over and checks the pills, her thoughts now shifting to fear of AJ having a medical emergency. She picks the bottle up, and sees the name and company are ones she never heard of, 'Wait, what kind of medication is AJ on? What even is this stuff, I...ugh, stupid medical names, I should ask her. She would do the same for me, and be there for me.' She thinks, recalling their younger years, and the good times she had in the Smith Family home before her pride took over.

She tosses it aside, as she walks over back to the bathroom door. "Hey, so I wanted to...thank you for helping host and...make things right. I...know what happened this past, three days or so have been crazy, but I...know we knew each other for a long time, and I noticed the pills...are you alright Jackie?" Sunset prays using AJ's old nickname will not have her get angry, but instead, she hears a sigh from the other side. AJ speaks in a rough, low voice. "No, maybe...I...look just, keep outta here, and let me handle this. It's a personal problem."

Sunset nods at first but recalls how she often told Flash when he asked her why she was locked in the bathroom when he had her over. She often cut herself back when they dated, due to that feeling, that numbness she hated, as she couldn't be truthful to him. She then feels a sinking feeling upon realizing he might freak out when he finds out she cut herself and tried to take her life. 'Right, worry about that later, right now...AJ needs my help.' "So, you're not..hurting in there are you? You know...um...I can help you." She softly asked as she leans by the door, and hopes her gamble here or insistence on helping isn't wrong.

"Naw, I...well..." AJ goes silent, as Sunset waits for her to respond, as AJ speaks softly. "Do ya' know the myth of...lycans? Like from your world do you have da myth?" Sunset is confused, but sighs. "Y-yeah, actually, in Equestria it's a real thing...it's just hidden from the populace by laws and such. In ancient times folks were locked up for it or sent away, till Princess Celestia installed laws against such actions towards supernatural beings, due to also half the Night Guards being Vampires and many of the ruling class across Equestria being vampires, Lycan pack alphas, and fae-born ponies who live long lives and help keep things stable and progressing." Sunset rants, recalling those lessons vividly from her former Teacher, like much of those lessons she found them both insightful but boring, though the Princess did insist on them, and a good work ethic.
AJ is quiet now, as Sunset comes to a realization. "Wait, AJ, your...AJ opens the door." Sunset has a tone of fear and excitement. She has never met a Lycan, but if AJ is one, then could she learn of it and maybe cure her? 'Wait, it depends on if she was born a Lycan or bitten. And I can't make it since this world lacks half the ingredients if it is just a bitten case, though I can help her out, thank Celestia she gave me those lessons on supernaturals.'

"Why would I open the door? I'm...I am a Lycan and I could accidentally hurt you or the others...besides, I look weird, and...it will scare you." Sunset sighs, and then speaks calmly, "You're talking to the pony turned human who met Death, is the former student of a Solar Deity, and who finds most humans look odd. I am so-" AJ then unlocks the door and opens it, to reveal herself.

Sunset sees AJ, with a pelt of light brown-blonde fur over her entire body. Her hair is now thick and full, like a mane on her head, neck, and lower back. Her clothing is gone, as it sits folded up on the toilet. Her fur covers herself completely, though Sunset feels herself blush at the sight anyways. AJ's body is toned, strong, and well built. Her legs now are like a wolf's hind legs, with big paws at the end of them. Her hands are clawed and massive, with paw pads on them too. Sunset spots her tail, hanging down in a sign of worry and fear.

Sunset then looks at AJ's face, which is hard to do when AJ is now taller than her. Aj's green irises shine, as she has a short muzzle and a cute little brown button nose. Sunset slowly walks forward, in awe of AJ. "Well, go on, freak out now." AJ sighs, as she looks down, whimpering. Sunset blinks, rubbing her eyes, before holding her face by her cheeks and awes at her. "OH...MY CELESTIA! Your fur looks so soft...and...wow...this is so...so cool. Wait..who else knows...is Granny and the rest of your family like this, or are you the only gifted member?"

AJ looks shocked and then begins to softly pant, as she finds the cheek rubbing oddly satisfying. "I..ah..keep doing that. I um...Granny ain't like us, my ma was bitten when..she was...a youngin you see. She kept it and used it to help her family farm. Ma showed my Da on their first date, and apparently, he loved her still, so they got together...and then they realized their kids would be Lycans by birth. Long story short, Mac and I take pills to keep ourselves in control, and Bloom will start taking them once she hits puberty since that's when a lot of the hard-to-hide stuff happens." She sighs, and mumbles, " I wouldn't call it a gift really, more like a curse."

Sunset takes this all in, and nods slowly, still giving AJ some rubs and scratches on her cheeks. AJ may be trying to hide how much she loves this, but her rapidly wagging tail betrays her. "I mean, depends on your views, and probably because of the fear of the unknown humans seem to have. But I still wonder, why hide this from us?" Aj sighs, and looks at Sunset, "Why did you hide your cuts and depression? It's somethin' personal, and I ain't want it getting out. Besides, how will they all feel about being friends with a monster?"

"I don't know, you're all friends with me, and I was a she-demon. But I am sure we can keep this between us two for now, and I know nothing b-'' Just then, Rarity opens the door, and speaks. "Sunset is ever.....every....." She stops, looks at AJ, and blinks. Sunset rushes past Rarity, and shuts the door, locking it to make sure no one else barges in. Sunset sighs, "Rarity, stay calm it's still AJ so Ju-'' Rarity, is meticulously looking AJ's body over. Sunset then notices her jaw is hung open, in shock. However, she seems, less afraid and more in awe of AJ.

AJ then sighs, "Hey, Rares." Rarity snaps out of her shock, "Oh..um..h-hello AJ...m-may I just say... you're...um.." She gestures to AJ's lack of cover, as Sunset sees the robe, and tosses it to AJ. AJ takes it, slips it on, and then walks over to the bed. She lays down on it, as she sighs and looks at Rarity, who hasn't yet taken her eyes off of AJ. "So um, Rarity if you can not tell the others, I think AJ would appreciate it."

"Oh..um...yes I...just....I...AJ is a werewolf." AJ groans, "No I ain't.....I'm a lycan. Werewolves are just Lycans who only turn under the moonlight. I can turn whenever I want, but...when the moon is full, it's hard to not turn...is all. Now, you both can...go I...I'll be down in the morning and we can talk then." Rarity shakes her head, "No darling, you and I are gonna talk in private. Sunset, go down and keep the others down there please...I...have to talk to AJ." Sunset looks confused, but nods.

"Alright, just be careful please, both of you." Sunset then heads out, and as she walks towards the stairs, she hears the door getting locked, and she sighs, 'Well, this is strange, I wonder how strange this night can be. But, oddly it, makes sense, AJ and her siblings were so close like a lycan pack, seemed to have their odd behaviors, and are all super strong. Heck, Bloom can light both Sweetie and Scootaloo easily. AJ once lifted up Bulk when he broke his leg during football, and Big Mac, well what can't he lift?' She then turns, and enters the living room, to see Pinkie slightly glowing, as her hair is holding items, Shy and Dash both look at her shocked.

Pinkie smiles at Sunset, "Oh hey Sunny, so long story short, I'm a Fae. Well, that doesn't explain a lot. Okay so, Shy asked why my hair never stays brushed and normal, and why she found some stuff in it. And so I explain to them why is because of magic. Fae Magic, they all didn't believe me, so I showed them this. I can also do this." She then snaps her fingers, as several bags of candy, some small notes, and two crystals float around her.

Sunset blinks, and nods slowly, as she processes this, 'Pinkie's a fae, that.... explains a lot, wait...PINKIE IS A FAE and has magic! AJ's a Lycan, Pinkie's a Fae, Death is here...oh....this world does have magic. YES, I KNEW IT, THAT EXPLAINS SO MUCH! But why do they hide it? Is it illegal? Could they get hurt or do folks here hate supernaturals even more than the old days back in Equestria? There were those witch trials...no no...Sunset calms down. Deep breaths.' She follows the plan to help her stay calm, one she made with Dr. Wolf. 'Everything will be fine, so two of your semi-friends are magical beings, and have awesome gifts they don't possible see as gifts. So, you're different too, this just means you can help them, once Twilight can send over some books or documents, wish she could just send PDFs or files via computer. But that is when she responds to my messages. Now, deep breath, and let's be cool'

Sunset then smirks, and chuckles, "Yeah, that explains you being so...Pinkie. AJ and Rarity are upstairs chatting, and we have permission to game without them. So, shall we?" Pinkie nods, as Shy and Dash slowly nod too, as Bloom smirks, then sits in Pinkie's lap as Pinkie smiles. "OH, Alright, but I will kick your butt in Smash still Dash." Dash nods, and chuckles, "Sure, but tomorrow, we talk, all of us about this."

Pinkie nods, "Pinkie Promise Dashie, now, let's play." She says with excitement, as Sunset sits by Shy, and soon all four begin to play Super Smash Brothers and have fun though also process the night's events.

------AJ's PoV------

AJ lays on the bed, on her belly, as she looks at Rarity, who has been pacing since she locked the door. Rarity is honestly handling this better than AJ expected, "I mean, she could have fainted, or screamed and got the others running up here.' Rarity then stops, looks at AJ, and walks over. She sits on the bed, before laying on her side, her face now next to AJ's, as she tries not to slip off. "So, um, h-how long have I been kept out of the dark of this?"

AJ sighs, "Since we met Sugarcube, now I know I'm supposed to be honest, but I mean...can you blame me for not saying 'Oh hey there Rarity, I'm Applejack Smith, a wolf monster to be, wanna be friends?'" AJ sighs, as Rarity then begins to pet her stomach, but gives her a look, asking if this is okay, to which AJ nods, and lets Rarity pet her stomach, just wanting to have some comfort, and also because her hand is warm, and helps distract her from how hungry she is. "I understand AJ," Rarity starts, as she sighs, seemingly wanting to say something more, but shakes her head, "but you could have told us when we got older. I mean, I could of at least made you some clothing that can be worn when you're like this...and...wow your fur is so soft."

"Yeah, Sunset said it is...don't know why it is. I don't wash in this form, pretty tight fit in the showers." AJ states, chuckling a bit as she sighs. Rarity then sighs, as AJ slowly begins to wag her tail, enjoying Rarity petting her. "Well, you take great care of your body, you're strong, a hard worker, and you often smell like apples and flowers." AJ sighs, as her brain is tired, and now grumpy as she is hungry but can't go eat, so she yawns, getting sleepy as this transformation does drain a lot from her. Her tired brain doesn't fully process what Rarity said. "I do make sure I'm fit to work the..farm...thought...that means sleep, 'specially after transforming. Can you..stay a bit...to help me..fall asleep?"

"Why of course Jacklin, um. Can I call you-" AJ nods, "Yeah, I mean, only family and Sunset ever call me that, so...don't tell the others." Rarity nods, as AJ yawns, and gets comfy on the bed, Rarity hugs her gently and keeps on petting AJ. Eventually, AJ falls asleep and accidentally pulls Rarity into a hug, though Rarity doesn't mind this, as she finds it comfy, warm, and safe in AJ's strong furry arms. AJ doesn't hear Rarity's whispers and feels bad for getting tired, but she knows tomorrow she'll be able to hear what Rarity has to say. ' After breakfast, can't think on an empty stomach.'

A single crow looks at the home, as a dozen or so smaller ones look up at it. The crow nods, as his servants, go off to watch over the city and spread the news. 'I do hope I can help them more...but sadly soon my time here will be cut short, as the days will grow longer soon, her domain will be the one they spend most their time in. Yet I know they are in good hands. I should still gift her one last thing.' The old crow with amber eyes flies away, into the early hours of a winter night. He has shopping to do, a bike to inspect, and most importantly, an old friend to visit.

Oh my, that was unexpected. I do hope in the morning, Rarity and AJ may don't end up in an awkward moment, but who knows how they will react. Now I hope you enjoyed my tale, and do know, that I am always here to ask questions. So come back either dawn or dusk, and sit by my fire, for I shall tell you another part of the Story, of the Magic Girl, and the friends she makes along her way.'

Author's Note

And, ta-da. Hopefully a consistent set of chapters, with good writing and clever explanations. And yes, they're both supernatural creatures. I hinted this before, and soon more and more magical elements will occur, but only to aid in showing character differences, problems, drama, and also for flavor and fun.

Additionally, I just love the idea the whole Apple Family just knows the trio are lycans and are so accepting of it because they are. Also, Pinkie being Fae is me explaining, somewhat, how Pinkie Pie is Pinkie Pie in my story. So hope that makes sense.

Next up is the big Christmas Celebration, which might be split up into two, one with Sunset and her rekindling friendships, and the other with her and her new found family. So expect a two-parter to be released next, after I rewrite some parts to help myself out.

This is Blue singing out. Be kind to one another, and stay safe out there readers.