You'll Never Know

Chapters

Chapter 1: Confusing Thoughts
Chapter 2: Apples and Oranges
Chapter 3: An Untamable Melody
Chapter 4: The Choice Is Yours To Make
Chapter 5: Diamond Dust- Part 1
Chapter 6: Diamond Dust- Part 2

Chapter 1: Confusing Thoughts

Applebloom looked down at her apple salad. Normally she would have devoured it with gusto, but it still remained untouched. Little Applebloom’s mind was elsewhere. Her mind was back at school. Her family was laughing and joking as her big sister told about her day. Normally, her hooves would be trembling with excitement as she listened to her adventures with Twilight and Pinkie and Rainbow and the others; but at moment she was focused on other things. No, right now Applebloom’s mind was back in that classroom staring at her empty seat.

Diamond Tiara was just a bully: a unicorn, horrible and mean to her and all the others in her class. She shouldn’t care, she shouldn’t cross her mind. For the longest time, she had tortured Applebloom about her lack of cutiemark. No, Applebloom shouldn’t care, and yet there she was crossing her mind.

Diamond Tiara’s seat had been empty, not just today but all week. No one else had seemed to notice. Mrs. Cheerilee taught the class like normal. No one had said a word about it. Silver Spoon who was always by her side had tears in her eyes, but said nothing of her sister. A single thought had gripped Applebloom’s brain: Why wasn’t she there?

“Applebloom?”

Lost in thought, the filly sat there, completely oblivious to her sister calling her name. Why do I care so much? Her face. Something about her face. What was it? What had her so obsessed with thinking about such a mean filly?

“Sugarcube?”

Was it her mane? Those beautiful Lilac and White curls? No. No that wasn’t it. Her mane was luxuriously styled, but that wasn’t what had her captivated. Maybe it was her smile? Those wonderfully, bright White teeth when she smiled? No. Why was it so hard to picture? What was it? Ugh, so frustrating!

“APPLEBLOOM!”

“Hrnghh?” Applebloom’s head whipped around to stare at Applejack. The elder sister had gently tapped her sister in concern; having been calling her name for a while now. As her head snapped back to reality, Applebloom blurted out. “Diamond?”

Applejack stared at Applebloom in confusion, her head cocked to the side as she stared at her little sister. Her voice carried a thick, warm, comforting accent. “Diamond? Sugarcube, there somethin’ on yer mind?”

Applebloom fiddled with her salad. Her words felt strange as she said them. Why do I care? “Diamond Tiara wasn’t in class today.”

Applejack quickly glanced at Big Mac, who had a strange crooked smile on his face; almost forced. The Elder Apple Sister herself, seemed to have become fidgety at the mention of Applebloom’s schoolmate. Applejack was at a loss for words. Any time in the past Applebloom had mentioned Diamond Tiara it was in a spiteful way. And yet as she stared down at her little sister, she detected something else in her voice. An almost longing tone.

“She...Uh...She wasn’t, huh?”

Applebloom placed her head in her hooves and gave a sigh. “Yeah! She wasn’t there all week neither!"

Immediately her face went red from frustration, and she placed her head in her hooves and trembled, her tone; one of anger and annoyance. “I...Not sure why I care, to be truthful sis. She’s always so mean to me, and yet she’s haunting my mind. I can’t seem to get her out of my head!”

Applejack stared at her sister, non-plussed for a moment before she noticed it; the rosy red hue of a blush peeking out from Applebloom’s hooves. At that moment it hit her; like Rainbow Dash crashing through her barn. She’s at that age. It hadn’t been more than four days since she had gotten her cutiemark; a sign of adolescence amongst ponies. The little bloom is finally flowering. “Ya really hate her, don’t ya Sugarcube?”

“She’s so evil! Of course I do! She’s made fun of me and Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle for years and then she went and...So evil!”

Applejack nodded. Keeping her voice steady, she continued asking about Diamond Tiara. Slowly lifting her chin up from her hooves to stare in her eyes as she did so. "Tell meh, Applebloom what’d she do ta make yer more ruffled than a wet hen?"

Applebloom averted her eyes and mumbled something that Applejack couldn’t understand. “She mrhgvfhkd”

“What was that Sugarcube?”

Applebloom once more murmured something almost intelligible. “I said, she Kibfhfkshdk.”

“Ah’m sorry, could ya repeat that?”

She looked into her older sister’s eyes as her face turned beet red. Her voice sounded strangled, broken. “She kissed me, Applejack.”

Applejack was taken aback; of all the things she could have perceived Diamond Tiara doing, making the first move wasn’t one of them. Her face conveyed her stunned expression as the words tore themselves from her mouth on impulse. “She WHAT?!”

Applebloom’s face took on a fearful expression. Her voice went from distraught to angry as she yelled back. “SHE KISSED ME!”

As those words echoed in the small dining room, Applebloom stood up and pushed past her sister, tears falling from her face. Applejack lost her balance, and Applebloom bolted up the nearby stairs. Moments later, the slamming of a door was heard.

Rising shakily to her hooves and still slightly dazed from the sudden impact, Applejack turned to face Big Mac. “Ugh, mah head, what's her problem?”

Big Mac’s stern gaze greeted her. Applejack fidgeted as she caught his gaze. She felt a wave of guilt as his reproachful glare bore into her soul. He didn’t say a word and yet he said everything. Applejack hung her head in shame. He’s right, it wasn’t that long ago I confessed my preference of the same side of the fence; a forbidden sentiment in the Apple Family. The first mare of the Apples to prefer, well, mares. No wonder Applebloom was startled when I yelled. “Dern it! Ah didn’t mean ta give her that impression. What should Ah do?”

Big Macintosh, current Head of the Apple Family, raised an eyebrow as he stared at her before moving his gaze to the stairs. Applejack nodded. “Alright, yer right. Ah’ll go talk ta ‘er.”

Big Mac nodded at her decision as Applejack began to climb the worn, wooden staircase. She called back to him as she ascended the stairs. “Still th’ wisest Apple ain’t cha?”

Big Mac grinned. “Eyup.”

Taking a deep breath, Applejack knocked on the bedroom door. She needs support, don’t freak out this time. “Applebloom, we need ta talk.”

“GO AWAY!”

*CRASH* The sound of a vase hitting the door and shattering into pieces was heard. Applejack flinched, but stood her ground and tried once more. “Applebloom, Ah know yer all upset, believe meh Sugarcube, Ah understand.”

Applebloom’s angry and hurt reply was then heard. “How could you possibly understand, AJ? Why am I the only Apple to-to-”

Applejack sighed and adjusted her hat. Taking a deep breath she raised her voice. “You ain’t th’ only one Applebloom!”

There was a long moment of silence as Applejack pressed her ear to the door. A small almost shocked voice was then heard. “W-What?”

“Ah know of at least one Apple who had ta wrestle with them there same feelings.”

A loud scoffing noise was heard. “Oh yeah? Who?”

“ME.”

Applebloom went silent, and the only sound was a scuffling movement towards the door. Applejack moved back as the door opened a crack. “R-Really?”

Applejack nodded. “Yeah Sugarcube it’s true, Ah prefer mares.”

The door opened wider as Applebloom stood there in shocked silence. Seizing the opportunity, Applejack pushed the door open completely and smiled warmly at her. “Now can we have that talk?”

Applebloom was still at a loss for words and weakly gestured to her sister. Applejack calmly walked in and promptly sat upon her little sister's bed, patting the spot next to her. Applebloom stood there, silently staring at her big sister. After a moment, she awkwardly shuffled over and sat next to Applejack. Turning to face her sister, Applebloom opened her mouth as if to speak, but nothing came out.

Applejack put a hoof around her sister as she spoke in a gentle voice. “Ah bet yer pretty confused ain’t ya? Ya probably got many questions fer meh too. However, before we talk about this Ah want ya ta know. Whatever may be, yer mah sister. Yer an Apple. Ah dun care if ya like mares or stallions. Ponies, Dragons, Griffons, or what have ya. Whatever yer preference may be, yer an Apple; mah sister and Ah’ll always support ya.”

Leaning back, Applejack stared at the ceiling for a moment before adding. “That said, yer a young mare, now. The world's vast, and yer decisions are yer own to make. If ah kin help ya, Ah will. So tell meh, what exactly happened with Diamond Tiara?”

Applebloom looked down at the floor. She answered her sister in a quiet fashion, as though she herself was unsure. “On the day I got my cutiemark Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and I were walking on the pathway home; talking excitedly about finally coming of age-”

Pausing, Applebloom took a deep breath before continuing. “I was out in front, and I noticed Silver Spoon trotting towards me. At first I thought she was there to tease us, but she ignored me and headed straight towards Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. What happened next was a blur-”

Applejack looked down at her little sister to see a rosy hue spreading across her cheeks and gave a wan smile. She doesn’t realize it yet, but the signs are there. “But I remember turning to watch her as Scoots and Belle stopped to chat with her. Then I felt something around my neck, saw a pink foreleg and heard a strange voice saying ‘let’s go somewhere private to have a talk. There was a flash of magic from her horn, and I suddenly found myself in a meadow of flowers staring at Diamond Tiara. I opened my mouth to speak but found her hoof pressed against it.‘Don’t say a word, don’t make this harder than it already is for me.’ I remember her saying that.”

“She said that huh?”

Applebloom nodded, though her voice was no longer frustrated it had a hint of admiration. “Yeah. She did.”

“Quite dramatic, from what ya told meh in th’ past, it sounds rather fittin’.”

Laughing, Applebloom agreed. “Yeah it was certainly dramatic. Just like her.”

“Reminds mahself of Rainbow when she thinks nopony’s watchin’. What happened next, Sugarcube?”

The smile faded from Applebloom’s face. Her mind unbidden, recalled the entire scene; every moment, every inch of Diamond Tiara, as it had for the past week. She saw it replay as the world fell away.

***

“Don’t say a word, don’t make this harder than it already is for me.”

Diamond Tiara’s hoof slowly lowered to the ground once more as Applebloom swallowed. Why was her throat suddenly so dry? Applebloom stared at her, Diamond’s stance was different than normal. Her forehoof scuffed the ground, and she seemed hesitant. She seemed desperate to look at anything other than Applebloom. “I’m sorry, Applebloom.”

Applebloom was taken aback. Diamond Tiara apologizing? Her mind desperately tried to understand what had brought this on. There was no time however as Diamond continued. “I was jealous. I hated you. You had the perfect family and so I tore into you for it, as though your pain would set me free. Like it would heal my own wounds.”

Her blood froze as she heard the words. She didn’t understand; they weren’t spoken with her usual spite. No, the voice was gentle, soft even. What’s going on? Diamond Tiara wasn’t done, though. “But it didn’t fix anything, did it? No, it just caused me to feel empty, soulless; dead. Still I clung to denial: It was your fault; it wasn’t fair, I was a unicorn; an elite! Surely there was nothing an Earthpony could have that I did not.”

Applebloom was slightly offended and it must have shown because as she glared at Diamond, the unicorn mare quickly continued her monologue. “That’s what I was taught. My mom was obsessed with having or being the best. Unicorns are vastly superior to Pegasi and Mudwallopers, she always said. It was beaten into me, into my sister; Silver Spoon as well. We were forbidden from making friends with the wrong crowd as Mom had called non-unicorns. We listened, but even that wasn’t enough. No, unless my sister and I were the absolute best at everything, we had our failures ripped from our hides. Cane switches or iron chains, whatever was nearby, it didn’t matter-”

Diamond Tiara stopped mid-sentence, her eyes narrowing in anger towards Applebloom. “No, don’t you dare! I don’t need pity. not from you. NOT FROM YOU!”

Applebloom had been unable to keep from tearing up; a kind soul, she couldn’t help but feel for the disheartening past of Diamond Tiara. As the stream trailed down her face, she received a sharp smack from Diamond Tiara’s forehoof. “NOT FROM YOU!”

Applebloom recoiled at the strike and angrily opened her mouth to give Diamond a piece of her mind when she noticed something odd. Diamond was panicking. “Nonono! I didn’t mean- I mean I, ARGGH! Dad told me this would be so easy. Just get you alone and say it. But no, I went and hit you and yelled and-”

Applebloom’s anger vanished in a heartbeat as she stared at the normally composed unicorn freaking out. She held out a hoof and laid it on Diamond’s side, steadying the unicorn once more as she instantly stopped fretting and froze. Applebloom stared into her eyes and she asked just one thing. “Diamond, what is it you want to tell me?”

The unicorn stood there, frozen in place. She said nothing but just stared back for a moment. Finally, she attempted to speak. “I-”

Her voice had taken on a squeaky tone. What is with Diamond, why is she acting like this? Diamond Tiara’s voice broke as she stared back into Applebloom’s eyes. Instead, she halted mid-sentence and turned to look off into the distance, instead. “I- Can’t say it. Look Applebloom, I’m going to be leaving. This will be the last time I have a chance, to talk to you; to take this risk. The sun is even going down, how fitting.”

Applebloom just stared at her in confusion. “You aren’t making any sense Diamond! What are you trying to-mmmmph!”

Her words were cut off as Diamond Tiara forcefully grabbed her head and pulled her in for a tender, passionate kiss on the lips. It was like magic. The world faded away as the two stood lip-locked for just two seconds. Those two seconds felt like an eternity of bliss, and then as soon as it happened it was over. Diamond pulled away. She stood there staring at the shell-shocked Applebloom for a moment, as though searching for something; waiting.

After a few moments of intense, silent staring, Diamond Tiara’s eyes softened. A small knowing smile appeared on her face. She opened her mouth to speak and-

***

The image faded from Applebloom’s mind. I still can’t hear her. What was it? What did she say? Ugh! So frustrating. Her memory had flashed by in mere seconds after Applejack had posed her question. Applebloom wanted to tell her everything, but for some reason she couldn’t bring herself to say it. She just answered. “She kissed me. T-that’s all that happened.”

Her lie had been clumsy and quite transparent; not fooling Applejack for even a second. The Elder Sister however, wasn’t all too upset about it. Well into her marehood by many years, Applejack had survived many conflicts; including ones she waged against herself. Must be a special pony if she won’t explain about her. Reminds me of a younger me. Hm, maybe I can strengthen her resolve by sharing a memory of my own. “Applebloom, did Ah ever tell ya about th’ time Ah went ta Manehatten?”

A confused expression crossed Applebloom’s face as she asked, “what does that have to do with my...erm..Situation?”

Applejack gave a soft laugh. “Because Ah never went ta Manehatten, Applebloom. That was a fib that Big Mac told Granny to get her off mah tail. Nah, Sugarcube Ah was filled with confusion so Ah went ta see the absolute authority on matters of th’ heart.”

“Wait, what? Who did ya go see, AJ?”

A twinkle appeared in AJ’s eyes. “None other than th’ Goddess residing in th’ legendary Crystal Empire: Cadence Of Love; herself.”

Chapter 2: Apples and Oranges

Applebloom stared at her big sister in disbelief. The statement had been uttered so casually, but it had been anything but. Cadence or as her followers knew her; Mi Amore Cadenza, was one of three revered beings that had created the world of Equus.

Celestia of the Rising Sun from which the Breath of Life flowed, brought life on Equus to rise where there had been none. Luna of the Eclipsing Moon exuded the Miasma of Death, which meant the life of Equus was finite. Realizing this, the beings upon the world grew determined to make life worth living. Civilizations rose and fell; each determined to leave their mark when their time came. And then there was Cadence of the Love Song.

The third of the Divine Beings whose magic had created the Melody of Desire. In her eyes the beings of Equus lacked passion, and so from her the gift of Love graced the land; Love for life, Love for the land, Love for the departed and most importantly, Love for each other. The tempo of her Melody rang through the hearts of all beings, resonating when they found their match.

“You actually met Princess Cadence?”

Princess. In schools across Equestria, all beings were taught at a young age about the three Goddesses and how they had settled down on the land they had made. Two; Celestia and Luna, had created a castle in an area to be called Canterlot. The two had proclaimed they as sisters would be known as the Princesses of Equestria. Cadence on the other hoof amassed a large following and created a palace of crystal to be known as The Crystal Empire.

“Ah shore did, Sugarcube. An’ it changed everythin’ about how Ah’ve viewed the world.”

Laying her fabled hat upon her little sister’s head, the elder sister told her of the time she ‘went’ to Manehatten. “It was right after my cutieceniera, where Ah had found mahself captivated by a Pegasus mare Ah had seen flyin’ above th’ farm...”

***

“Didja see ‘er?”

Applejack stood in the barn with Big Mac discussing the one thing on her mind. A Pegasus. “Tha’ toned-muscular build, th’ rainbow-colored mane, those magenta eyes. Oh she was so amazin’!”

Big Mac stared at his little sister in disbelief. Less than five seconds; a blue streak had shot over the farm in the course of just five seconds. Yet his sister had seen every detail. He gave a chuckle that caused Applejack to stop fangirlling and look at him. “What’s so funny?”

Pointing a hoof at her, he grinned. “Crush”

Applejack’s eyes widened in confusion. She took a defensive stance. “Wait, wha? Ah ain’t got a crush on no mare!”

As her brother just stared at her, one eyebrow raised, Applejack continued. “Ah just liked how she smiled at meh an’ those beautiful, magenta eyes; like shining pools o’ lucid light.”

She turned angrily and shouted at him, as Big Mac snickered at her. “Tha’ don’t mean Ah has a crush on ‘er! Besides she was there fer at least five minutes! Surely you saw ‘er too!”

Big Mac shook his head. “Seconds, sis.”

Lowering her eyes, AJ whispered. “Seconds? No way. How did Ah- Surely Ahm not in love with..a mare. Ah can’t be! Ah can’t stop thinkin’ about ‘er though! Ah mean it ain’t natural, right? A mare an’ mare, what would Granny say? Ah’d be banished from th’ family!”

Glancing up, her anxiety escalated; she was all alone. Big Mac had left. Did he think it was weird? What if he thought she was horrible? What if he told Granny? What if- Her train of panicked despair was derailed from it’s tracks, as Big Mac came rushing back into the barn; a leather-bound book in his teeth. She froze and just stared at him in confusion. “What in tarnation?”

Dropping the old book at the base of AJ’s hooves, Big Mac ignored his sister’s outburst and began to frantically flip the pages. It was an old textbook, the pages worn from overuse. Applejack watched, speechless, as her brother scanned each page frantically until finally he looked up with a big grin; pointing at an image. Confused, Applejack looked at the image, reading the subtitle underneath out loud:

“Princess Cadence (Artist’s Interpretation) Creator of Luv,

Depiction of th’ Legendary Deity who brought Love an’ Emotions to Equus.”

Still confused, Applejack found herself asking. “What’s this got t’ do with meh?”
Big Mac just stared at her, raising an eyebrow. Applejack shook her head. “Wait just a dern moment, Big Mac! Are you sayin’ I should go an’ see ‘er highness?”

“Eeyup.”

“An’ just how are ya’ proposin’ Ah go about, getting there? Y’know Granny won’t approve!”

Big Mac grinned and said just one word. “Oranges.”

Applejack gave him a sidelong glance and shook her head in disbelief. “Oranges? What in th’ name of Equus does a strange, ‘orrible fruit have ta do wit- Wait just an apple pickin’ moment. Ya don’t mean Manehatten do ya?”

Her brother gave her a mischievous nod. “Eeyup!”

It was an inside joke between the two siblings; the Oranges of Manehatten. It happened when the two were younger, during a game of truth and dare. Applejack had asked Granny Smith about a made up group of ponies that lived in Manehatten and much to her surprise Granny told them both all about an estranged family known as the Oranges. Research however, revealed no such family had ever existed. The two had been laughing about it since.

“That could work. But Ah dun like lyin’ to Granny. It just don’ sit well with meh.”

***

“Wait a moment.”

Applebloom stared in disbelief at her big sister. “Th’ Oranges aren’t real?”

Pulling the brim of her hat down playfully over Applebloom’s eyes, Applejack laughed. “Of course they ain’t! Why’dya think we never see ‘em at the family reunion?”

Applebloom blinked. It was shocking but- I guess in retrospect, it makes sense. “Huh. So ya fell in love at first sight with a flyby Pegasus mare? An Big Mac wanted ya to go ta the Crystal Empire ta see Cadence?”

“Eyup! Ya got it Sugarcube.”

“But you didn’ wanna tell Granny cuz she wouldn’t understand?”

Nodding, Applejack replied. “Right as rain.”

“So whadcha do?”

Applejack swung her hind legs to and fro as she gave a huge grin. “Believe it or not, Big Mac told ‘er instead.”

“Oh c’mon sis! You expect me ta believe our big brother spoke more’n two words?”

“Oh but it’s true, ya see…”

***

Big Macintosh stared at Applejack for a moment before giving her a hug. His voice was an oddly intense uncharacteristic whisper as he spoke. “I’ll tell her. Go pack some supplies, and get some rest. You leave in the mornin’.”

Applejack was wordless as she stared at him dumbfounded for a moment. Finally she turned and went to go pack her things without a sound. Big Mac never spoke more than two words, unless he felt it was necessary to the situation.

As she packed a large knapsack with apples and other essentials; mostly apples, Applejack thought non-stop about the Pegasus that had begun plaguing her mind. Was it love or not? Well guess I’ll find out soon enough.

Chapter 3: An Untamable Melody

Applejack stood trembling as she stared up into the unforgiving glare of the Royal Guard of the Crystalline Castle. Her ears were pinned back as the stallion towered over her. A Unicorn in Crystalline armor, he stood twice as tall as any she had witnessed in Ponyville. His fur was blacker than the darkest night while his eyes radiated with a strong white light. His pupils were colorless and his face bore no expression.

She couldn’t stop quaking in his presence, as the very essence of fear seemed to flow from within him. In his hoof was a spear that stood almost a head taller than him. The shaft was constructed of a wood; Applejack had never seen, while the metal of the tip glowed with a mystical energy.

Applejack couldn’t help but feel if he so wished, he could take her very life before a second passed. And still he stood there, silent yet glaring daggers into her very soul; as though he could see into the core of her being.

***

Applebloom stared at her big sister incredulously; giggling. “Yore tellin’ me, you; th’ Iron Pony of Equestria was afraid of some stallion? An’ a Unicorn at that?”

Applejack gave a nervous chuckle. “That’s right, Sugarcube. But tha’ were no ordinary Unicorn. Ah wouldn’t find out till later, but tha’ weren’t a Pony at all.”

Applebloom stopped her laughing. “Wait, what?”

“Yeah. Th’ Royal Guard may look like Ponies and even move like ‘em. However, they come from another realm an’ harbor unspeakable powers; though possess only a fraction of th’ ones they protect. Cadence told meh they’re known as Angels. Even at mah strongest, Ah’d be no match fer one.”

“Yikes, that’s uh, one heck ofa..Hmm..So whatcha do?”

Her big sister just laughed. “Well, much as Ah would luv ta tell ya how Ah completely handed the guard’s helmet to ‘im, Ah wasn’t able ta even move, much less fight. Truth be told, Sugarcube, ah didn’t do nothin’.”

“Well ya had to get past ‘im to talk to the Princess, right?”

“Like Ah just said, Ah didn’t do nothin’, ya see…”

***

Applejack couldn’t help it. The feeling the guard before her was exerting was one of sheer dread. She felt hopeless; there was simply no other way to describe it; in her path was an obstacle that she could never hope to move. Just as she was about to give in and admit defeat, the big door to the castle opened up and out stepped the graceful form of Princess Cadence; Goddess of the Lovesong.

The Alicorn regally sauntered from the doorway; her multi-colored mane swaying with her steps. Stopping just in front of the guard, she spoke in a soft, almost disappointed-sounding voice. “Don’t you ‘Your Majesty’ me, what’s with all the yelling?”

Applejack stared up in stunned silence at the Alicorn as she appeared to be listening to something. When she spoke, it was an almost scoffing voice. “An uninvited guest? Where?”

The guard lifted a hoof and pointed it towards Applejack. Turning to look at her, the Alicorn gave AJ a secret wink before turning back to the guard. “That’s my next appointment.”

Again there was silence. “No, I am not joking, go ahead look it up on that clipboard of yours if you don’t believe me. And when you see her name you’ll be pulling double shifts. Go ahead, let’s roll that dice. Applejack from Sweet Apple Acres, should be in the lunch date slot.”

Looking back at the guard, Applejack noticed a clipboard had appeared in his hooves, and the spear had vanished. Still it was completely silent. Cadence laughed before lowering her voice, shaking her head. “You shouldn’t blame her for your own ineptitude, child of my graces. You have only yourself to blame and yet there you stand, arguing with me. Tell me-”

The eyes of the Princess grew cold and her horn began to glow. “Since you seem so intent on arguing with your own mother; the reason for your continued existence, did you ask her, her name?”

After a moment of absolute silence, Cadence nodded. “You’ve disappointed me. For the next foreseeable future, you are grounded, young man. Head to the barracks and be sure to tell your brother; the Squad Captain, why mommy is upset at you. Go on.”

Turning her head to smile at Applejack, as the guard seemingly vanished, Cadence spoke warmly. “Come on in, it’s time for lunch after all. I’m sure you are quite hungry after your trip here.”

As Applejack followed Cadence silently through the doors, Cadence halted suddenly. Turning to look Applejack in the eye, she spoke in a sweet melodic voice. “Relax sweetie, I’m not crazy. Yes, I can hear what you are thinking, and no I wasn’t talking to myself. Angel voices can’t be heard by mortal ears-”

“Um Princess Ah-”

The eyes of the Goddess narrowed, as if in annoyance. Her tone still conveyed warmth but only just. “I don’t care for that title, little one. Princess-”

She scoffed, as though the very thought of it made her laugh. “It’s a cold and distant one, isn’t it? My aunts may prefer to distance themselves from our creations but I don’t. After all, what are you, but children of our magic’s grace? I would much rather spend time with my children. To watch you grow, to see your dreams; goals in life. I much prefer to actively guide and nurture you. Please just call me Cadence. No more Princess nonsense. Am I understood, my daughter?”

Applejack was suddenly filled with an indescribable sense of warmth; like the kind experienced once before in her mother’s hooves. Her next words were pure compulsion. “Y-yes Mama.”

Breaking into a smile, Cadence’s eyes twinkled knowingly and then spoke in a gentle voice. “That works too. From now on call me Mama. That’s a good girl. Now then, it’s time for lunch young lady. Go down the hall and wash your hooves.”

Letting out a playful giggle Cadence added. “I hope you like fresh Apple Cake. Though it may be a bit cold- The baker has been waiting to serve it for a while now. Let’s not keep the nice stallion waiting much longer. Off you go.”

It wasn’t long before Applejack found herself sitting next to Cadence at the royal banquet table. As she found herself lost in the wonders of an Apple-flavored cake, the divine goddess watched her silently. Sitting there, Cadence placed a hoof under her chin as she watched in amusement while Applejack licked the last crumb of cake from the plate. “How was it, sweetie?”

“Ah, have no words fer how amazin’ that was.”

Cadence nodded with a grin. “Glad you enjoyed it, not everyday a mortal gets to partake of the Golden Apples of Celestia’s Garden; truly a divine meal indeed. My Aunt Luna sent me some from the latest harvest and well...When I found out you were on your way to see me, I asked the baker to work his magic. I’ll let him know how you enjoyed his treat.”

She tilted her head slightly, and her eyes grew serious, though her warm smile never left her face.” Though that does lead me into why you’ve come. And before you ask, my darling child; yes. Yes; I do know why you are here, but it’s rather boring if I just give you the knowledge you seek, isn’t it? Humor me and tell Mama with your own lips; why have you come?”

***

“Weren’t ya scared, sis?”

Applejack nodded and gave a nervous giggle at the very memory. “You ‘ave no clue, just how scared Ah was, Sugarcube. Mah blood pulsed through mah veins, at a speed tha’ rivaled Rainbow’s. Ah was extremely scared. Ah had traveled th’ road of generations just ta get there. What if when Ah asked mah question, Ah got an answer Ah didn’ want?”

Applebloom wasn’t sure what to say to that; she was in the same position. After all, her sister said she liked mares, but as far as she could recall, Applejack had never pursued such an ideal. What if it really was forbidden? All she could do was ask in an almost squeaky voice. “So whatcha do, sis?”

“Well, what could Ah do, Applebloom? Digging deep, Ah had no choice but ta be ‘onest with ‘er and mahself. After all, she put meh on th’ spot and forced meh ta actually say it.”

***

“Ahm afraid Ah have a crush on a Pegasus that caught mah eye, yer-er- Mama.”

Cadence nodded and seemed pensive, with her voice reflecting her thoughts. “Tell me about this Pegasus, is there something particular about them that worries you?”

Applejack’s face adopted a worried expression but Cadence gently gave her a nudge. “You can do it, sweetie. Tell me, what about this crush worries you?”

“Taking a deep breath, Applejack went for it. “She’s a mare, Mama!”

The Alicorn gently nuzzled Applejack in a warm hug. “Ooh a mare. How interesting. That is a bit odd, isn’t it?”

Sitting back up, Cadence raised her hoof into the air, signalling a nearby guard. The Angel, this one with dark blue fur, poured some tea for her Cadence as she remarked offhandedly. “ After all, love is generally between a mare and stallion, is it not? I do wonder though, is the fact she’s a mare the reason you’ve fallen for her, my daughter?”

A confused expression made itself present on Applejack’s face. Seeing this, the Goddess took a sip of tea, before explaining what she meant. “Love is a rather unique form of magical energy. Unlike Celestia’s Breath, or Luna’s Miasma; my Song flows of its own volition. Most magic is static, unchanging; performing the same action every time. Love however, is a very chaotic force. It can destroy lives, yet bring those lost, Salvation. It can shatter the mightiest weapon yet be the strongest shield against hardship.”

Rising from her chair, Cadence flared her wings and continued her thoughts. “While it is true I never intended for mares or stallions to lay with their own kind, love is a wild spark that has no reigns. It seizes the heart and it follows no rules. Ever-changing, it moves to its own tempo; its own rules. All it takes is a simple gesture, smell or perhaps glance, to change the ashes of indifference to a spark, and that spark to a roaring wildfire. Your most hated enemy could a heartbeat later become your most treasured partner, just like that. Tell me, what about this Pegasus made you take notice?”
“Her eyes.”

Applejack didn’t even hesitate, and Cadence took notice. She encouragingly gestured to the goofily grinning Earthpony. “Tell me more. What about her eyes, excited you?”

“Glistening with innocence. Those magenta eyes of hers shined with a curious fascination as she turned ta look at meh.”

Smiling slyly, Cadence responded offhandedly. “That’s quite the description of a pony you saw for only five seconds.”

Immediately, Applejack snapped back defensively. “Big Mac says it were five seconds but Ah swear it was five minutes and-”

Stopping suddenly, Applejack just stared at Cadence. As the Alicorn raised an eyebrow in amusement. Realization hit Applejack. “Ah really do have a crush on her, don’t Ah?”

Softly chuckling, Cadence gently told her. “Oh, I’m no expert-”

Pausing to giggle at her own joke, Cadence continued. “But I’d say you have quite the bite from the love bug, my daughter.”

Lowering her wings, the Alicorn’s face grew serious once more. “As to whether or not it’s immoral, I suppose it depends on how you view it. On one hoof, it was never intended for those of the same sex to lay together. Love was created to allow for a passionate furthering of the race while creating a nurturing environment for the offspring.”

Cadence broke into a playful grin. “Though I would never condone immoral behavior, perhaps you should consider this as well. The beings of our world were given not only life, but the freedom to choose how they would live said life as well. How could I punish a child who when given a caramel apple decides to eat it? I gave you the delicious, lip-watering treat. I never said don’t eat it. So when a child without the restrictions goes for a bite, should they be sent to a time-out for being naturally hungry?”

Cadence shook her head in dismay. “Do you understand now, my daughter? Your love stems not from the fact she is a mare, but more so the fact your heart sees her as something more. You don’t see her as just a mare, but you see something in her that you just don’t see from the stallions in your daily life. That is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Gently wrapping a hoof around Applejack in a warm comforting hug, Cadence lowered her voice to a whisper. A whisper that thundered in the mind of Applejack for years to come. “Do tell me though, how does that caramel apple taste? Does it make you want another bite?”

Standing up, Cadence’s horn began to glow. “That’s a question; you’ll have to decide the answer to yourself, my daughter.”

***

“An so, Ah found mahself standing outside th’ gates of our homestead. Ah learned something new. Granny up to her dyin’ day never learned of mah trip.”

“So that’s it then sis? Your story ends with you understanding what you wanted, just like that?”

“No.”

The terse reply from Applejack took her little sister by surprise. It was not only sudden but also very tense. After a few seconds and a deep breath, Applejack explained. “No, truth be told, even though Ah knew what she was sayin’ Ah just couldn’t shake the feeling of ‘ow wrong a mare and mare was. Perhaps it was the fact that th’ Apples ‘ave always been against the idea; it bein grounds of excommunication from th’ family. Or maybe it was mah own stubbornness to adhere ta mah teachin’s growin’ up. Ah just couldn’t shake it. Th’ tale of ‘ow Ah got mah first crush ended there, but th’ lesson would continue on fer years after.”

“What happened?”

Laughing loudly, Applejack answered her. “A lot of self-inflicted misery an’ lost time. Ya see, Sugarcube…”

***

It was a few years after the trip, and Applejack, like all ponies, found herself in the dating scene. She chose to ignore the caramel apple and instead tried to find a suitable stallion; unable to shake her family’s teachings. There were many able-bodied stallions in Ponyville. Many kind-hearted and wonderful stallions lived in the town; that any mare would be lucky to have. Any mare, except Applejack.

It wasn’t that she hated them. They were nice and wonderful and...She felt nothing. Sure there were a few undesirables, but mainly the stallions went out of their way to make her feel like she owned the world. One even spent an entire day buckin’ apples on her farm while they chatted. Still, she felt nothing. There was no spark; the ashes of indifference smouldered until cold as the proverbial fireplace they rested in. Suitor’s came and went and occasionally she found herself face to face with that Pegasus. Sugarcube Corners, running through the grassy fields for exercise, even flying above her farm; the Pegasus was everywhere.

Every time she saw the rainbow-maned Pegasus, the ashes ignited and the flames of desire welled up in her soul. Still, she suppressed her desires. It wasn’t right after all. And still she found herself growing more and more miserable as dates came and went. And that’s when it happened.

*Tap Tap*

Applejack lay in her bed on the second story of the quaint farmhouse. Tears streamed down her face as they had, for countless cold, lonely nights. Like always, her thoughts eventually turned to that Pegasus, and so she lay there, imagining what it would be like.

*TAP TAP Crack*

The window next to her bed cracked under the intense tapping; snapping Applejack from her thoughts. “What in tarnation?”

Rolling quickly out of bed, Applejack raced to the window and threw it open. The panes swung out and slammed to the side from the force. “OW!”

Shocked, Applejack watched as a red-faced Pegasus hovered into view. It was a mare who wore a stallion’s tuxedo. In her hooves was a bouquet of roses. The embarrassed blushing Pegasus threw the bouquet at Applejack and hurriedly shouted at her. “I picked these for you! Also, that hurt!”

Applejack couldn’t help but laugh at the strange sight. It was the Pegasus from before; the one with the magenta eyes. Her heart began to pound rapidly, while her pupils dilated staring at the mare. Still giggling, she finally let go. “Howdy there, Sugarcube. That’s one heck of an entrance. Mah name’s Applejack an’ don’t worry bout th’ window. Ah’ll fix it tomorrow. So what’s your name, cutey?”

The Pegasus looked like she’d been holding her breath while screwing her eyes shut. Now opening her eyes slowly, her chest heaved in and out as she took rapid breaths. It was a moment before the Pegasus let out a breath of relief and in a raspy voice stated. “Rainbow Dash. Hey you wanna watch the stars in the meadow?”

Chapter 4: The Choice Is Yours To Make

Applejack and Rainbow lay on their backs in the meadow, watching the night sky and making random, if not awkward, small talk. The third time that moon, the two had been at it for hours, as the stars twinkled overhead.

“Hey AJ, are you okay with this?”

“Whatcha talkin’ about Dashie?”

Rainbow Dash blinked and expressed her concerns.

“This. Sneaking about, like we’re committing some kind of felony.”

“Ah see-”

In a quick motion Applejack rolled over and ended up on top of Rainbow, pinning her to the ground. Before she could say another word, however, Rainbow giggled like a schoolfilly.

“Well, look who’s suddenly in the mood. Usually, this only happens after we stargaze.”

Applejack, however, had a serious expression on her face as she asked Rainbow.

“Ya think we’re sneakin’?”

Rainbow stopped laughing and looked slightly abashed.

“I mean you haven’t told your family about us, even though I took you to meet my mom and dad.”

Applejack’s eyes widened in recognition.

“So ya think Ahm ashamed of ya or somethin’?”

“Erm- Well, yeah.”

The Pony of Honesty paused at this revelation. A big smile graced her face as she told Rainbow what was on her mind as she got off Rainbow.

“Alright then, Sugarcube. Git up an’ we’re gonna go tell ‘em.”

“What, right now?”

“Dern right. Ah ain’t ashamed that you an’ Ah are datin’ Dashie. Frankly Ah just dun see how it’s anypony’s business but ours. Still if ya have any doubts, best ta get ‘em outta th’ way now; otherwise that trip ta Sugarcube Corners termorrow is gonna be no fun. Up an’ at ‘em Dash, let’s go tell mah’ folks.”

“But it’s midnight! Won’t they be mad about being woken up?”

“Nah, they’ll be mad as hornets, but it won’t be fer that. Us’n Apples are light sleepers. C’mon. Let’s go tell ‘em.”

"You're really serious aren't you?"

Applejack nodded.

"About as serious as Ah ken be, Sugarcube."

"Isn't your family, strictly against romantic relations of the same side of the fence, like ours?"

Giving a small laugh, Applejack replied.

"Eeyup. I'll most likely be excommunicated from the family and forbidden from makin' contact with 'em as well."

Rainbow Dash looked at her in sheer bewilderment.

"Then why-"

"Because Sugarcube, Ah dun care about that. It's true mah family means th' world ta me but you an' Ah? We have somethin' I've searched mah entire mare life fer an' Ah ain't about ta let that go. And while Ah dun see the point of flaunting mah colors, so ta speak, Ah'll do it fer you."

Staring into those curious magenta eyes, Applejack heard Rainbow ask her.

"If it's so easy why not do it before, on your own?"

Applejack sat down on her haunches and put a hoof to her chin before replying in an almost wanting tone.

"When Ah was a filly, Ah remember sittin' 'round th' fireplace one Hearth's Warming Eve. Granny Smith had a bit too much Apple Nog and began spinning yarns."

"Is there anything your family doesn't use Apples for AJ?"

Being interrupted was annoying but AJ couldn't hide her smile at the question.

"Oh shush, you. Anyway sh' told meh about a young mare who had a tiny box. It was nothin' special mind you, just an old Apple crate. An' in this box she held something worth more to 'er than any number of bits; her love."

Applejack continued as Rainbow listened; her curiosity piqued.

"Ya see, the young mare had a suitor who had been called away; enlisted. And every day the young mare waited fer his return. When sh' felt sh' couldn't stand waitin' any longer, she would pull out that old crate an' look inside. Inside was th' reason sh' was waitin'. No other pony would ever see what sh' saw when she opened that box. It was between the mare an' her lover. She never showed her family, sh' never told 'er friends about the magic the box held; afraid her love would lose all meaning if she did."

Scuffing a hoof, Applejack blushed slightly and looked down. "Ah guess Ah just had th' same mindset. Our connection is intimate and Ah felt if Ah went and blabbed it ta mah folks, that it would lose it's magic. Kinda stupid, ain't it?"
Rainbow blinked and gave a small smile.

“It really is.”

Then grabbing Applejack, Rainbow gave her a loving kiss. Whispering to her tenderly, Rainbow comforted Applejack.

“It’s also really romantic.”

With a sly look in her eyes, Rainbow kicked out with her front leg; causing Applejack to fall onto her back. Landing with a loud *thud* Applejack stared confusedly into the eyes of her date.

“What in tarnation?”

Rainbow had a hungry gleam in her eyes as she stood over the prone Earthpony. Her voice conveyed her desires and her words removed all confusion.

“I’m gonna show that romantic in you some appreciation.”

***

Applebloom sat on the bed, with a slight blush on her face as Applejack finished her tale. She looked at her sister in disbelief.

“So you an’ Rainbow Dash, huh? Wow sis, never took ya fer some sort of wild mare.”

Applejack gave a short laugh and said softly.

“Yeh, Ah know right? ‘Straight-laced Applejack, always th’ rule abiding pony goin’ off t’ th’ dark side.”

Cocking her head, Applejack continued in the same gentle tone.

“Though, did Ah really? Ahm still th’ same mare. Ah still do mah duties just fine, an’ though Ah might not be so straight in mah lacin’ anymore; Ahm still meh though. Th’ only difference is ah’ve accepted mahself fer who Ah am.”

Applebloom stayed silent for a moment as she considered those words. She’s not wrong, I haven’t noticed anything different about her, and knowing still doesn’t change who she is to me. Then she turned to her sister and asked her something that was bothering her; her accent not nearly as thick as her sister’s.

“Ah ken understand what yore saying’ sis. But why didn’t you tell Granny if you weren’t nervous about it? Also what happened to Rainbow Dash; Ah mean Ah haven’t seen the two of you together. Did it just not work out?”

Applejack nodded.

“Ah can’t say Ah wasn’t nervous. At least at first that was th’ case. Th’ first time Rainbow an Ah snuck away, Ah was terrified. It was a whole new world. It was as if mah whole life I was starin’ at an Apple, that was red; rosy and juicy with sweetness. Then all a sudden, some pony comes up ta meh and goes ‘Ya know that’s a sour apple right?’ Before removin’ a tinted lens from mah eyes an’ revealing it was a green apple all along. Ya kiddin’? Of course Ah was nervous.”

“So that’s why ya never told Granny?”

“No.”

Applejack’s voice picked up a slight tension as she gave her little sister a hug.

“No, that’s not why. At first it was, ta say otherwise would be a lie, but by that time Rainbow and Ah had been enjoyin’ the moonlight in th’ meadow goin’ on a one-year anniversary. Ah was no longer afraid of what Granny or any of th’ Apples in our line would think. Time changes everythin’ Sugarcube. Ponies ya’ despise can become a treasure you’d protect with yer life.”

She gave a sigh as though trying to find the words.

“Ah was in pain for so long Applebloom; denyin’ mah own self fer th’ fears ah had of lettin’ others down. Fer years Ah sank in despair. No matter how Ah tried ta’ hide it, it were still there. Rainbow takin’ mah hoof allowed meh ta’ take those fears an’ just laugh at them. No, th’ reason Ah didn ‘tell ‘er was simple: She wouldn’t have supported it; let alone try ta’ understand it. What point in tellin’ her was there? Ta start drama? Nah, not wurth mah time. Had Rainbow continued askin’ Ah would’ve dun it. Ahm a simple mare; Ah don’t wave mah flag up an down nor do Ah shove it in other pony’s faces."

Applejack Slowly lifted up her mane revealing a set of custom diamond earrings both in the shape of Rainbow Dash’s cutiemark. Applebloom’s eyes went wide seeing the fancy jewelry, while Applejack lowered her mane back into place; hiding them from sight once more.

“As fer Rainbow an’ Ah? Been together fer five years and these beauties represent ‘er proposal ta’ meh. Weddin’s in a couple weeks an’ we couldn’t be happier.”

The clock upon the wall began to chime, twelve times, once for each hour of the day. Applejack glanced at it before reaching over to take her hat back from Applebloom’s head.

“Look at th’ time. Ah got ta get goin’. It’s time fer meh ta go for a moonlit waltz in th’ meadow. Applebloom, Ah ain’t tellin’ ya it’ll be all roses and magic; life simply don’t work that way. Though I will tell ya somethin’ a Kirin once told meh: An Apple won’t grow if a tree ain’t planted. An Rainbows won’t light up th’ sky if it don’t rain. Or somethin’ like that. Anyway, life’s full of heartaches and agony but ya know, Ah guess it comes down ta’ whether or not ya’ feel like going fer it. Regardless of what choice ya make, Big Mac an’ Ah will support ya the entire way. See ya later, Sugarcube.”

With those words Applejack left her sister’s side and headed down the stairs once more; leaving Applebloom alone with her thoughts. Applebloom lay back on her bed mulling over the words of her elder sister. Could it really be so simple? Can I really ask her? What if she says no...But then again, what if Diamond says yes?

She wasn’t sure what it would bring but tomorrow she had decided, she would tell Diamond her feelings. Tomorrow. Tomorrow I’ll...tell...her. Closing her eyes, Applebloom fell into a strangely peaceful sleep. In her dreams she found herself dancing with the Unicorn that haunted her heart, in a orchard of apple blossoms; above them the stars twinkled like diamonds in the sky.

Chapter 5: Diamond Dust- Part 1

Applebloom stood nervously before the giant oak door of Diamond Tiara’s house. In her hooves she held a bouquet of roses, trembling as she raised a hoof to knock upon the door. The manor was massive and towered above her. The shadow it cast upon her was cold and intimidating.

*Tap-Tap*

Her hoof timidly rapped against the door. Cold silence greeted her. That is, until she heard the sound of some locking mechanism being drawn back. The door slowly creaked open to reveal not some hired-hoof but the mistress of the manor herself; Spoiled Rich.

The mascara on the mare’s face was streaked, as though she had been crying. Her expression, however, was not one of the usual disdain and her voice sounded unusually warm.

“Oh, it’s you. I was wondering when you would show up. Come on in.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned away and left the confused Applebloom at the open doorway. Completely surprised by the courtesy from the mare who had never shown her kindness, Applebloom stood there; unable to move. The voice of Spoiled once more reached her ears from a bit further away.

“Relax. I won’t bite, come in, what’s the hold up?”

Stepping into the manor, Applebloom noticed how empty it was; there were no butlers or maids. It was silent aside from the sound of a whistling coming from a room off to the side. Seeing a couch in a vast welcoming room, Applebloom took a seat on it.

Looking around she admired the stylish decor. It was clear no expense had been spared; with towering golden statues and fancy paintings adorning the room. It wasn’t long before Spoiled Rich appeared before her; holding a tea kettle.

“Are you thirsty, Miss Bloom?”

The words were gentle and warm, as the normally stuck-up mare, gently sat a teapot and two cups on an end table by the couch. Noticing Applebloom staring at her in confusion, Spoiled turned towards her guest.

“Yes?”

Applebloom wasn’t sure what to say so she just spoke what was on her mind; a habit of the Apple family.

“Don’t ya have servants an’ th’ like? Diamond used ta’ go on an’ on-”

“I gave them the week off with pay. It was my way of saying thank you to them. For everything they did for my youngest; for everything they did for Diamond.”

“So she really did leave Equestria? Is there an address or someway for me to-”

Spoiled Rich just gave a sad smile; causing Applebloom to feel hollow.

“Princess Luna came and got her last night. Right after her goodnight kiss; my daughter did indeed leave Equestria, Miss Bloom.”

“Luna? What does the Goddess of Death have to do with…Diamond-”

Her voice broke as the realization hit her. She shook her head in disbelief.

“Oh. Ohno…”

As her voice trailed off into nothing, the hoof that held the roses went limp. Tears began to well in Applebloom’s eyes as Spoiled Rich sat down beside her. Wrapping a hoof gently around the young mare, Spoiled spoke softly.

“Those were for her, weren’t they?”

“Yes.”

She sounded hurt, reeling from the revelation and this did not escape the seasoned ears of Spoiled.

“I have no doubt she would have adored them. Roses were always a favorite of hers. Would you mind telling me, what caused you to think of roses?”

“Erm-”

Spoiled Rich laughed at the blush appearing on her face before gently letting her know.

“I’m already aware of my daughter’s fancy for you, Miss Bloom.”

“Ya-Ya know?”

“I do. After all, who do you think gave her the idea to kidnap you for the confession?”

“Wait, Ya knew ‘bout that?”

Nodding, Spoiled used her own magic to call forth an old photo album. Rifling through it she told Applebloom about a time-honored tradition amongst the Rich’s.

“As you can see, it’s quite the courting tradition in our family; going back to the first mare; Grandma Rich. Mares of my line have been performing the ‘steal and kiss’ scenario for centuries. It has been customary ever since, for the mare to ‘kidnap’ the stallion of their affection and ‘steal’ a kiss before confessing their desire.”

Applebloom stared at the picture Spoiled was showing her; of a hillside in the middle of nowhere where she and Filthy Rich stood. Applebloom looked up at her.

“Wait just a minute...Are ya sayin’ you're okay with th’ idea of meh an’ yer daughter?”

Crooking a perfectly tweezed eyebrow in amusement, Spoiled Rich pointed a hoof at the photo as she replied.

“Why because you both possessed feminine wiles? That’s adorably naive of you. Take a closer look at the photo in your hooves. Tell me what you see.”

Turning back to the photo in confusion, Applebloom noticed something on the side of the hill; sitting patiently. An even closer look revealed that thing to be a unicorn mare; looking on in interest.

“Is that...Oh what’s ‘er name...um.,.”

“Fluer de Lis? Yes, it is. You see, Miss Bloom I’ve tried both sides of the fence. And though my family has had its kinks in the family tree, I simply couldn’t decide between stallions or mares. So, given the fact that my family were Bureaucrats; I decided not to. Why bother deciding when I could have it all? Both Fluer and Filthy became my partners.”

Applebloom seemed a bit taken aback.

“Ya can do that?”

Spoiled Rich nodded though her smile seemed a bit off.

“You most certainly can. Though, I don’t recommend it. It was all fun and games; loud nights and wild parties. Until I got pregnant with Diamond’s sister; Silver Spoon, that is.”

Applebloom sat there in silence, as she listened to the words of a pony that had been through Tartarus and back in the relationship game.

“I want you to understand; I actually did love them both equally. There was no favoritism on my side. Filthy spent equal time with us as well; it was actually a wonderful time. The thing we didn’t know at that time, however, was that Fluer was barren. She didn’t know either. When I got pregnant and she didn’t, tensions began to escalate in our little family.”

Using her horn, Spoiled Rich caused a bottle of wine to appear in her hooves. It was still sealed and to Applebloom’s surprise, she just stared at it wistfully.

“Fluer was annoyed and demanded more time with Filthy. It was only natural she wanted one of her own. It made sense, because like I said; we didn’t know she couldn’t birth a foal of her own. I agreed. Everything settled down for a while; Fluer helping us to raise our daughter and Silver seemed quite happy as well.”

Turning the bottle over in her hooves, Spoiled Rich closed her eyes.

“And then, Diamond was conceived.”

Hearing the sorrowful tone, Applebloom saw the tears stinging the corners of her eyes. She’s mad at herself. Spoiled Rich continued her regretful confession.

“Fluer grew enraged. Two children for a single Unicorn simply wasn’t common. As an Earthpony you may not be aware, but Unicorns only give birth but once; normally. A second conception in a mare’s life is something that is just unheard of. A miracle.”

Applebloom watched as Spoiled Rich tapped the wine cork, as though planning to open it before letting out a sigh and placing it on the end table beside her.

“She was angry that between the two years of Silver and now Diamond, she had borne no foal of her own. Her pain turned towards anger and she took it out on me. ‘How could I?’ She shouted. She raged at Filthy, and at me. And then, while we did our best to console her, just like that; she left us.”

Uncorking the wine bottle with the magic from her horn, Spoiled sniffed the lip of it as the liquid sloshed inside. A wanting look appeared in her eyes before she recorked the bottle and sighed in distress. Staring wistfully at the bottle, she whispered softly.

“Because of my undying love for both; my heart broke. Fluer leaving sent me into a spiral of depression and as a coping mechanism, I began drinking. I hated myself; I hated my little miracle.“

Shaking her head as bitter tears fell, the head of the Rich Manor told Applebloom her biggest regret in life.

“It should have been the greatest event in my life; we Unicorns take great stock in having a healthy foal. It is not only encouraged, not having one is simply unacceptable. My little miracle; my Diamond, I hated her for causing Fluer to leave. My anger...Turned me into the worst kind of mother and I took it out...On her.”

Turning to face Applebloom, Spoiled Rich stared into her eyes as the tears slowly dripped down her muzzle. Her voice conveyed her horror; her eyes were hollow; haunted as she recalled the memory.

“I beat her, Miss Bloom. For the first two years of her life, I hit her with anything at hoof. It was her fault, at least that’s how I rationalized it. Because of her, Fluer left. So I let her have it; all my anger all my pain. During the day I drank and at night I would hit her with anything nearby until she passed out. That wasn’t even the worst part. No, the worst thing about it was she never once cried out for me to stop. Her eyes would just get big and watery, and she would stare at me.”

The wizened mare’s resolve completely dissipated and she began sobbing like a baby. Applebloom could hear just how tortured she was by the memory. However, there was just one thought on her mind: If it was only for two years, what caused her to stop? That’s when she heard Spoil Rich, through the tears and broken words, tell her what happened.

“One night, I...Couldn’t constrain myself. I was drunker than usual and as I struck Diamond; again and again, for some reason it made me even more furious and I snapped her hoof. She didn’t scream, she didn’t cry she just stared at me with an almost pitying glance and the next thing I remember, we were in the hospital where she told the doctor it had snapped while playing on a hillside; ’fell in a gopher hill’, she said.”

Glancing over at the wine bottle; her eyes narrowed in a glare.

“I never told her to lie about it, but the doctor just bandaged her leg, and gave her a splint. It was then as we checked out, we learned she needed bloodwork done. So once more we sat in the lobby, and she looked over at me...And smiled. She spoke in a cryptic way; that at that moment, I didn’t grasp and I wouldn’t either; until after we got the news.”

Applebloom had a sense of dread as she heard the echoes of what was just said. She opened her mouth and whispered gently.

“What did she say?”

“Mommy, don’t worry; Celestia heard my prayer. You’ll be okay.”

The Unicorn shook her head in disgust. Her words conveyed her own self-loathing.

“After everything I put her through; sitting there with a broken hoof, she just smiled at me and told me I was going to be okay. At that time I shook it off, but when we got the blood work back, her seemingly innocent words came back to me. My little miracle whom I had demonfied in my mind, because of something out of her control, had Cancer.”

Using her magic to pick up the bottle once more, she looked at it angrily, before shattering it against a nearby wall. The red viscous liquid dripped down the wall. Her next words carried her conviction as she wiped away the tears of regret.

“Out of desperation she had made a prayer to Celestia I later learned, that even if it took her life being taken to ‘Help mommy, at any cost’. She was in the hospital bed when she told me ‘not to cry, mommy’ And how much she loved me. It was then my eyes were opened. I told the doctor I would pay any price just make my baby better; but alas, it was too late. It was an unidentified strain; no method of removal had been made, as it resisted all magical healing spell attempts.

It was that day I threw the bottle down for the last time. I forced myself to stay focused on my work. I alienated friends and family alike, ignoring all in my presence and focusing solely on the goal. If I could make enough money, maybe I could fund…”

She gave a soft chuckle.

“All to no avail. Ten years; that’s what the Goddesses told me. You see, I was desperate, Miss Bloom. Desperate enough to do anything to save her. Everything from the shady to the downright taboo; leading me to break into the Royal Library of the Goddesses themselves. Of course I was captured and brought before the two sisters. I pleaded with them to have mercy, but they instead denied me of it. There on my knees, tears coursing down it was revealed that my daughter had asked to exchange her own life force for my salvation:

Her life held no worth, until it was clear you would lose her. My sister Luna wove the malady Diamond Tiara suffers from not of our accord but of hers. We blessed you with two, yet your eyes failed to see her value and now you dare ask us to save her when you only saw her for the treasure she was; only after you’d been stricken for your actions?

We are unconvinced. In ten years time from the prayer, your daughter will return to our side. We suggest you treasure every moment you have left with her. She has no regrets for our pact; your request is denied. You’ve brought this upon yourself.

That’s what they told me. I’ll never forget those words. Even now they are burned into my brain. I brought this on myself. Ten years ago, my pain began, and yesterday, the hourglass ran out of sand. And even after all this time, she just smiled before saying goodnight to me. That she loved me and was proud to call me mom. And then, she just closed her eyes for the last time.”

Applebloom stared at Spoiled Rich, now seeing her in quite a different light. This wasn’t the nightmarishly cruel mare who had almost closed down Miss Cherilee’s Schoolhouse; this was a mare who went to Tartarus and back to repent for her past. Hadn’t she suffered enough for her misjudgement? If Diamond can forgive her, I guess I can too.

Looking down at her hooves, Applebloom eyed the bouquet of specialized roses. The roses were a soft lavender in color; specially bred by a pony named Snuggleberry, the local florist. The scent they gave off was exquisite and caused Applebloom to smile.

“Ya asked me why Ah brought these. Ah’m not all that sure, t’ be honest. I kept seein’ her kiss me in mah mind and Ah remembered a specific aroma; the same as these roses, wafting through the air. Next thing Ah know, Ah brought these to give her.”

Spoiled Rich sniffed and wiped her tears away, giving a small chuckle.

“That would be the perfume Diamond wore. To do the ‘steal and kiss’ the ‘thief’ wears a specially selected floral perfume. The suitor, normally a stallion, will, of course, buy a bouquet as is customary for a first date in Equestria. It’s an old superstition among our family:

Should the suitor bring a bouquet that matches the perfume’s scent, then it’s meant to be."

Applebloom sat in silence for a moment, before grinning as her eyes welled with tears. The roses in her hooves were a special hybrid bred for the upper crust of Canterlot; lovingly named Diamond Dust. A popular perfume of the same moniker was made from the distilled essence of the rare flower.

“That explains it. She played meh like a fiddle, didn’ she?”

Spoiled laughed.

“My daughter always had a way of getting what she desired.”

Scoffing, Applebloom’s smile faded.

“So that’s it then? She used me one last time before leaving this world? Just one more cruel joke ta close th’ book, huh?”

Seeing the pain in the Earthpony’s eyes, Spoiled Rich stopped laughing and gave Applebloom a gentle hug. Her next words carried an unusual tone of gentleness.

“You’re reading it all wrong, Miss Bloom. Diamond has had her eye on you for quite a while. She used to come home and go on and on about how amazing you were. It was rather adorable to be honest.”

Applebloom’s reply was merely a whisper; carrying the defeated tone of many years of abuse.

“Then why did she bully meh?”

Applebloom’s mind was running wild with images of past insults, cruel pranks, and even traumatizing times Diamond had inflicted upon her. The tears in her eyes began to sting from the salt within.

“I suppose I’m not entirely blameless in that regard.”

Applebloom’s eyes widened in anger as she shoved Spoiled Rich off her.

“Ya told ‘er ta bully meh? Ta torture meh?”

“Not directly, no. Still I did cause it.”

The words of Spoiled were calm; almost resigned to acceptance. Applebloom was suddenly silent. It was a blatant acknowledgement of fault, she hadn’t expected that. Seeing the hesitation, Spoiled Rich seized the chance to explain her position.

“I never told my daughter to bully you, Miss Bloom, but my actions spoke louder than my words. For the first two years of life, a foal determines how emotional responses are to be carried out. After everything I put her through, her mind saw inflicting pain as how mommy showed her love. As a result, showing love or a crush, was to inflict pain.”

Applebloom’s mouth went dry. Did she hear that right? Looking Spoiled Rich in the eyes, she spoke slowly as she pieced the words together.

“Are ya saying...that Diamond Tiara was bullying meh, because...She wanted ta be mah friend?”

Chapter 6: Diamond Dust- Part 2

Spoiled Rich smiled at the reaction. Her eyes sparkled with a knowing light as her horn began to glow. From the end table beside the couch, a small envelope began to rise into the air. The envelope fluttered through the air; guided by Spoiled’s magic to land in Applebloom’s hooves. Taken by surprise, the Earthpony asked in a curious tone.

“What’s this?”

Rising from her seat, Spoiled gathered the teacups with a flourish before heading off towards the kitchen, calling back to Applebloom as she did so.

“I think, perhaps Miss Bloom, it would be best if you heard it in her own words.”

Her own words?

Looking down at the envelope in her hooves, she turned it over to reveal a single word: Applebloom. Staring at it, Applebloom felt her heartbeat quicken. The writing was Diamond’s.

The calligraphy was unmistakable. She had seen that style of horn-writing countless times on Diamond’s desk at school.

Staring in disbelief at the envelope, Applebloom turned it over once more and lifted the flap. Was it her imagination or was that strange perfume wafting from the pages folded within? Removing the parchment within, Applebloom’s nose was bombarded by the serene fragrance as she began to read the seemingly tear-soaked pages:

Dear Applebloom,

This isn’t easy for me to write, and you’ll probably never read this, but mom said I should tell you; just in case. So here goes. I like you. I mean I like-like you. Always have. It was like this strange spell you cast upon me the moment we met. Even though we were foals, I’ll never forget it:

Howdy! Mah name’s Applebloom!”

That quaint, rustic accent of yours had me over the moon! It made me feel like butterflies were circling my stomach. I thought at that time we could be friends; so I...Kicked you. I didn’t understand why you ran away, crying at that time. I was so upset that you didn’t accept my friendship. I came home crying that day.

I wasn’t sure what went wrong so I asked my sis. Silver said maybe I should make you feel special. Perhaps I could make you something? So I tried again. I made you a card for Hearts and Hooves day. That didn’t go so well. I remember trying all night to come up with the perfect words for my feelings. For hours I poured over it, until I was almost in tears:

Roses have thorns,
The sky is blue,
Cider is sweet,
And I hate you.
-Diamond

Still, you left crying yet again. I couldn’t understand it. Was I not good enough to be your friend? It didn’t make sense to me. What did I do wrong? Perhaps I came on too strong? I was determined to be your friend; throughout the years I never gave up and teased you at least once a day. Still, you never smiled at me. It hurt. It tore me up inside. And then just last week, I learnt why.

Last week, my sis contacted me from Canterlot University. She asked me how I was doing, and I told her all about you. About everything I felt for you and...What I had done to show it. She sounded surprised and slightly disappointed, but then she explained to me in a patient way; almost as if she understood, why what I did was wrong. I was aghast. I had been doing what? To you, my acts of affection had been nothing but schoolyard torture.

I hadn’t realized! I’m so sorry. I really didn’t know. I asked her what I could do to fix it, and she told me of our family’s ritual.

It was perfect! I could tell you everything...Before it was too late. There was just one catch. I would have to ask mom for a perfume to wear.I had never worn perfume, nor really understand the different scents. I didn’t have a clue what to choose so I begged Silver to help me.

My sister is really smart. She told me she had the perfect scent in mind. The perfect scent to encapsulate the...painful relationship we shared: Diamond Dust. She explained to me about the roses, the legend behind them and the name they were so often known as; Petals of Blind Love.

I don’t know if you know the legend or not, but I’m kinda bored laying here in bed waiting for Luna to come. And as painful as writing this is, it feels good. So, I’m going to tell you anyway.

Long ago, about two hundred years or so they say, Celestia made the ponies of Equestria. Luna gave the lives a purpose and Cadence; the power of emotions and love. However, the land itself was barren; no plants anywhere. The Earthponies were gifted with the ability to raise the flora. Many new plants soon decorated the once desolate landscape; flowers of many sizes, colors and trees as tall as the dwellings they lived in.

One Earthpony, though, lacked the magical botanical abilities her kin. This made her sad. Her entire life, she was unable to grow any of the plants she so treasured. At night she could be heard lamenting her inability, by the nearby residents. Nopony could figure out how to help her; magical medicine had no effect. Suitors were enthralled by her looks, but upon learning of her lack of talent in growing; the stallions just turned away.

Little did she know, however, a Unicorn stallion had been eyeing her for quite some time. Like her, he too lacked the natural talent of his kind. Though, even though he lacked the magic of Unicorns, he possessed great magical knowledge. His books on magical theorem are studied in Canterlot University to this day.

The mare, herself had fantasized about the stallion as well; sneaking peeks when she was sure he wasn’t looking. Back then, it was customary for the mare to offer the stallion an offering on the first date. The mare, however, had nothing to give; no money, no talent, nothing of merit. Or so she thought.

One day the Unicorn knocked on her door. After letting him in, the two began talking. The conversation was going great and then the stallion asked her why she was never growing anything; a duty of Earthponies bestowed by Celestia herself. Afraid he would ostracize her like the others, she didn’t answer. Instead, she fled from the scene, the tears in her eyes dripping onto the hardwood floor as she ran.

At first he rose to chase her, but she was just too fast, and he soon lost sight of her when he got to the doorway. He felt defeated and lowered his eyes in distress. How could he make her smile? What could he possibly do? It was then that he noticed her tears still upon the hardwood floor and got an idea.

Using a piece of folded up handkerchief, he scooped the tiny tears up and slid them into a vial he had taken from his waistcoat. Placing a cork in the vial, he galloped back into town. Desperate to locate the greatest Spellcaster of that generation, he tore down the street to the home of the one and only: Starswirl the Bearded. He pleaded his desire before the Spellcaster, only to be given a skeptical analysis.

It was fantastical, he was told; it simply couldn’t work. Turning tears into a living plant? Stuff and nonsense. For any other, that would have been the end, but this stallion was respected for his knowledge of the arcane and simply inquired with: But what about Alchemy?

Alchemy wasn’t well known back then. The process of transmuting one thing to another by the ties that bind them. Starswirl wasn’t convinced, and so he sent for the botany expert; Mistmane, the Pillar of Beauty.

Though a Unicorn herself, Mistmane’s connection to the Equestrian plant-life was unquestionable. If anypony could find the connection she could. When she arrived however, after hearing the idea she agreed; it was impossible. In their current state, the tears simply couldn’t be used to form a living plant, as the tears themselves were not alive. She explained how only an equivalence of exchange would give the necessary ingredients to create what he had in mind.

What was missing however, was the life part; he would have to sacrifice something to make this happen. A part of him to bring the form to life. And that’s exactly what he did. He asked how much of him would be required and after much thinking came up with a solution. His eyes. They say that he gave his ivy green eyes which causes the stalk of the rose to glisten to this day with a dark green hue.

The tears were crystalized by Starswirl and kissed by Mistmane before being planted with the eyes of the stallion. He would go to any length to make that mare smile; even if he would never witness it. He was told three days. For three days he would have to water that spot; no other could do it. And so he did.

Three days went by, he would sneak away from the place he worked to water the spot once per day; on his face he wore a band of silken fabric to cover where his eyes used to be. On the third day, he found a small flower had grown in the spot. Using his hoof, he felt it and smiled. It was exactly as he imagined.

Racing back to the home of the mare, he banged upon the door in excitement. He heard the door open slowly. Immediately following came a gasp. afterwards an exclamation came of how beautifully the lavender petals of the rose shone. As well as how wonderful he was for bringing it,.

Before long, the two were wed and the mare took the stallion’s name of Snuggleberry. Her smile was never-ending, though he never would get to see it; their love was truly blind.

To this day, the Snuggleberries grow and tend the special rose created all that long ago by the blind stallion for his true love. The Petals of Blind Love. It made me think of you.

I’ll never get to see you smile. I’ll never get another chance to kiss you, to show you just how special you are to me. It seemed fitting, almost poetically karmic in a way. When we kissed in that meadow I whispered something to you. Then I saw a spark in your eyes ignite. I was so sure you heard me...but you didn’t come by the next day or the one after that. Perhaps I was wrong again? I guess-

“Yah weren’t wrong, Ah-”

The words began to blur as Applebloom’s tears fell upon the words of Diamond, smearing them beyond recognition. Her heart was threatening to rip itself from her chest; it hurt so much. Her words came out as barely a whisper as the ruined pages fell to the floor.

“Ah was. And now, Ahm too late ta tell ya, aren’t Ah Diamond?”

***

Applebloom’s hoofsteps echoed in her ears as she walked down the stone walkway. It was a sunny day in Canterlot, but all Applebloom could see was a gray tint to the bright colors of the garden; as the paved walkway wound through it. Behind her, the heavy oak door of the Rich Manor slammed shut.

Her heart was limply beating in her chest, and she felt half dead. In her forehoof was a bouquet of roses; which dragged on the ground behind her. Applebloom’s head was spinning. I was too late.

In her head, the meeting with Spoiled Rich played. It flashed before her eyes; burrowing into her brain. It was like an ice pick. Deeper and deeper the haunting echo of the event wound into the crevices of her mind. Too late. Too late.

***

Applebloom hollowly pushed opened the door to the Apple Family Homestead. Her hoofsteps thudded heavily on the ancient timbers as she trudged across the kitchen floor.

“Hey kiddo!”

Off to the side, Rainbow Dash sat next to Applejack and sported a brilliant set of Crystalline Apple earrings; enameled with bright reds and resembling a certain mare’s Cutie Mark. Cheerily, she called out a hello to the young mare, but Applebloom didn’t respond; she continued on her way towards the stairs.

“Hey Sugarcube, are ya al-”

Applejack’s concern was ignored as Applebloom dragged herself up the stairs; hearing none of it. She didn’t hear anything at all, except the words too late echoing in the recesses of her mind. Her eyes were open, but they beheld nothing. As she flung herself on the bed, Applebloom was essentially dead to the world; just watching the scenes of the meadow and the manor play out in a loop.

Round and round, the merry-go-round of images played, like some nightmarish fever dream, before her eyes. The confession of love, the heart-wrenching discovery; it wouldn’t stop. Her senses were completely overloaded; all this information came so fast. Her feelings, Diamond’s pain; her actions, her reasoning...It all came in a flash. She hadn’t even time to sort it all out and now it was too late. Too late. Argh! So frustrating! What do I do?

She wanted to scream to rage. Yet all she could do was cry. And as the tears fell upon her comforter she kicked out in frustration and her hoof made contact with something. The fluttering caused from contact caused Applebloom to bolt upright and turn to look at the object. What in the-

It was a parchment, only it wasn’t. The words seemed to hover in the air, made of tiny- crystals? Applebloom poked at the strange words. They wiggled, before reassembling themselves. Written upon nothing, the tiny crystals spelled out a message:

My Dearest Daughter Applebloom,

Your Appointment is scheduled for now.

Please say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to confirm.

Applebloom stared at the strange message in wondrous fascination. Say yes or no to confirm? My daughter? What in the name of Celestia- Could it be Mom? What if it’s Mom- No. No, that's wishful thinking. I wonder what will happen if-

“Ah say yes?”

Her eyes opened wide in trepidation as she realized she had spoken it out loud. The words began to glow with a pink fire and circled her at an increasing rate while changing into a new message:

Thank you. She will see you now.

Wait, what? What do you mean now? Faster and faster the words circled her while growing brighter and brighter. Within seconds the pink fire exploded outward and when the dust settled, Applebloom was gone, the bedroom empty once more.