The Castle of Friendship always seemed out of place compared to its surroundings… it seemed more relative to the Crystal Empire, or even Canterlot rather than in the middle of Ponyville. I won’t lie, I much rather preferred the old Golden Oak Library to this...

My hoofsteps clicking on the crystallized floor echoed through the halls, my eyes darting around the castle as I attempted to gain sight of Twilight Sparkle.

Once I finally saw her, I approached slowly and carefully, since she was flying towards the higher end of the bookshelves.

“Uh, Twilight?”

She jumped, her wings failing her as she fell onto the hard surface. Spike ran up to check in on her, and I cringed as I saw her stand back up.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” I continued.

She shook her body, her wings stretching and fluttering, “Yeah, that’s alright. It’s hard getting used to these when you’ve been a unicorn your whole life.” She looked up at me, a slight smile crossing her cheeks, “What did you need?”

“Ah, I was... just stoppin’ by to check in on you, things have been tough and—“

“Apple Jack,” she began, causing me to pause and give her a questioning look, “Yep, I know the drill: have I been doing okay? You should stop worrying so much about everypony else, it’s going to drain you.”

“A true true friend helps a friend in need.” I smirked, watching as she let out a soft giggle, “Is that a yes then?" I assumed.

"I don't suppose I can feel any other way. It's not like I can stop time... it still goes on, even if nopony wants it to."

I nodded, "I suppose the Princesses are taking it as well as you then?”

Her smile faded, the sudden change in tone catching her rather off guard, “I don’t know. I never asked. But, if you really wanna know what I think: I think Princess Luna is taking it the hardest, the stars have been dimming more and more every night, and it’s starting to worry me. Princess Celestia hasn't been replying to any of my letters and it's... well... frustrating."

“Well, maybe they need time to mourn too.”

"I guess." She continued her work right then and there, organizing books like always. It seemed more like an escape route from the conversation rather than a genuine necessity.

Upon seeing how distant she began acting, I shrugged, “Sorry, I don’t mean to make the mood worse by mentionin’ it.”

She gave me what looked to be an empathetic look… till she spoke up, “Look, I… I don’t want to be... that pony, but I’m kinda busy and I don’t want to talk about that. So if you can, it would be nice if you could leave.”

I nervously laughed, my cheeks flustering and my head burning as I felt suddenly embarrassed, “What?” It was all I managed to get out, unable to understand why she’d say it like that… I understand not wanting to talk about that stuff but…

“I mean, do I have to repeat myself?" she suddenly interrupted my thoughts, "Look just— leave alright? I have enough things to be stressed about, I don’t need to stress about whatever’s going on with you too.”

“I… I beg your pardon? You ain’t the only pony that’s stressed Twilight—!” I stopped, knowing yelling would only escalate the tension more. “I just came in to check in on you, not to rant about my bullshit. So don’t worry about me sitting you down and sayin’ ‘poor pity me’ the whole time, Twilight. I don’t spend enough time sitting around to even listen to my thoughts—let alone share them with everypony else.”

“But that’s what you’re doing?? I’m not stupid. You can pass that as the truth to everypony else but you can’t lie to me, Apple Jack.”

“Ain’t it ironic to tell the literal ‘Element of Honesty’ that she’s lyin’?” I shook my head, “Look I get it. Not wantin’ to talk about that stuff and all, but there’s other ways to say that—and it not involvin’ literal insults to the other pony. If you want me to leave then that’s fine, I get that, but don’t take your anger out on me… cause I played no part in this situation.”

She didn’t reply and kept her back turned to me. Nevertheless it answered my question.
“Unbelievable…” I mumbled under my breath before taking a swift turn towards the door, and as I finally exited the castle, in my head I wished I hadn’t been so hard on her, but it was true. Her tossing her anger onto me wasn’t healthy for either of us, and it was better to hear the brutal truth from me, than to wait and unintentionally lash out at Pinkie or even Fluttershy.

...Regardless of who it could’ve been, it was good she got this wake-up call beforehand.

Author's Note

Little short, but I've been wanting to work on other things as well.
I might post another chapter tonight or tomorrow so keep a look out for that!

I'll try to keep the chapters around 1k (at least) going forward.