//------------------------------//
// Part 18: Lunch. 
// Story: True Harmony 
// by Saturni_Rose 
//------------------------------//

Applejack darted in and out of the kitchen. She hadn’t had this many guests since the last time it had been her turn to host the family reunion. Despite some supposed cousins being so distant, she wasn’t even sure they were on the old Apple tree, she’d seen to their needs just the same. They couldn’t hold a melting candle to who sat at her table now. Not that she didn’t appreciate them; they were certainly family. Allegedly, in some cases. But those folks out there, they were like family too, one she got a say in picking and choosing. No uncertainty about it. And she wouldn’t have chosen any different. Out she came with fresh drinks of water, lemonade, and iced tea. “Alrighty, lemme see if I remembered here correctly.” 
As she set them down at the various spots, Rarity reached out, again begging: “Really, darling, why don’t you let me give you some help.” 
“Nothin’ doin’, Rares. Y’all are Apple family guests, so it’s my duty to treat ya right.” She nodded, very affirmed. A big red figure shuffled past, and she gave him a quick hug, thinking it overdue. “Thanks a ton for helping with lunch, Big Mac.” 
The huge stallion grew a grin across his broad face. He nodded and simply said: “Yup.” 
He was a man of few words, her elder brother. Still, she knew better than anyone every intent behind that single word. Mac could be very eloquent when he had the motivation for it, it just so happened he typically spoke a very nuanced, seemingly simplistic language most of the time. 
Applebloom leaned upon the table from the far end, where she sat beside Sweetie and Scootaloo. What had really surprised her, however, was she’d invited Brightwick, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon as well. Applejack had been under the impression she didn’t get on too well with the latter two. Even still, through a mouthful of PB&J, her little sister called: “E’ryone hafs a play ah—” she gulped, “and a drink. Come siddown already, AJ.” 
“Hooves off the table at lunch.” chided Applejack from across the way. “And don’t go yappin’ with yer mouth so full like that, it’s bad manners.” 
Applebloom sat back, abashed, and ran a napkin down her mouth. “Sorry, sis.” 
“You didn’t tell me your older sister ran her own business.” cooed Diamond, leaning over to Applebloom while stealing a peek at AJ check in with her guests. 
Bloom rolled her eyes. “Pretty sure I did, Dia, she’s basically the coolest older sis ever.” 
Silver leaned back in her seat and called out: “Oh, thanks again for having us, miss Applejack. Sorry if Dia and I were being too picky about our salads.” 
Applejack chuckled as she pat Rarity’s shoulders. “Ain’t no thing, li’l darling. I’ve got friends with refined tastes myself, so I keep a little expensive dressing around just for them.” 
“Oh do stop it.” Rarity said, chagrined. Despite the mild embarrassment, she reached up and touched the hoof at her shoulder, tenderly. 
“I dunno,” said Gilda across from her, poking her fork into her bowl again, “I think they’re onto something. This stuff is pretty good.” 
“It’s okay.” balked Rainbow at the griffin’s side after another bite. “Like I’m glad I tried it, but I think I still should’ve gone with good ol’ honey mustard.” 
Leaning toward her, Gilda pinched her pointer claw and thumb. “See, Dash, this is the difference between you jocks and us artistes. We just have, like, a taste for finer things.” 
Fluttershy gently nudged her ribs from the griffin’s other side. “Don’t be rude, Gilda.”
“Yeah,” agreed Dash with a grin, “and don’t forget your jock origins, girl.” 
“Okay, okay,” balked the griffin with a playful roll of her eyes, “my apologies. In an ounce of fairness, honey mustards do go nicely with baked cauliflower.” 
Rainbow stole a swig of lemonade before shaking her head. “No way. Buffalo sauce all the way.” 
“That stuff just isn’t spicy enough for me anymore.” Trixie looked up from her water. When she got a couple looks of disbelief, she raised her snide nose. “Oh, trust me, girls. While doing shows back east, I had sauces that would curl back every pretty hair on your little heads.” She blinked at Gilda for half a second before adding: “Or feathers, in your case. No offense.” 
Gilda shook her head and raised a glass. “Hey, none taken.” 
Granny Smith began to cackle lightly from her end of the crowded table. She gave Trixie a shrewd look. “Betcha never been to the bayous out southwest o’ here. One spoonful of their tofu gumbo, and you’d lose that snooty tone o’ voice right quick, gehehe!” 
Trixie laughed right alongside her. “I haven’t, but maybe we’ll have to take that trip. The Great and Powerful Trixie does not back down from a challenge.” 
Applejack couldn’t help but chuckle. Looking about the table, she asked aloud: “Okay, though, every creature here have what they asked for?” When she got thankful nods, she said: “Good.” 
She made her way to the doorway leading into the kitchen. But she couldn’t help stealing one last glance back at the scene before her. Trixie continued bickering with Granny Smith over the spiciest things they’d ever eaten. Rarity discussed costuming with Gilda, who mentioned the little bit of carpentry she’d picked up, Fluttershy confirming even as Rainbow scoffed. Diamond seemed to be boring Bloom with the finer points of running a business like theirs, while Scootaloo and Brightwick argued, apparently, over which of the Elements would be scariest if Nightmare possessed like the ‘Pink Shadow.’ Silver and Sweetie, meanwhile, took turns braiding each others’ hair in between bites, gushing about who made the cutest couple, trying to keep to a hush even as they giggled mischievously when Gilda came into their equations and assessments. 
A wistful sigh escaped Applejack. She couldn’t help it. This had been meant to merely be a gathering of the Elements, awaiting Luna’s call to join her so they could finally pull Pinkie out of the dark. But when lunch had been brought up, one extra friend suddenly got invited along, then another, and so it grew. And yet, she found she didn’t mind one bit. Always having had her hooves full at the farm, AJ found it hard to make new friends. Pinkie had been how she’d met most of their mutual group. And now her circle grew hale and hearty, all after Luna showed up in her life. 
As she went in to get her and her brother’s drinks while he fixed their plates, she couldn’t help but think she still owed a good deal of thanks to the alicorn. Her home had never felt so warm and lively outside of the odd reunion falling to her to host. And she couldn’t help but smile, loving every minute of it. Meeting Mac by the doorframe, she asked: “Shall we?” 





Applejack had to peel herself away from the window. The afternoon was dragging on. What was a simple, friendly little lunch get together had gotten stretched out longer than she ever would have expected. Rarity pulled her back to the living room. “I’m sure things are still going swimmingly, darling. But as they say, a watched pot doesn’t boil, hmm?” 
She hesitated, stealing one last peek down the path leaving her estate, thinking she’d finally spotted some movement. It turned out to be an autumnal breeze scattering leaves across dirt that had been packed down hard by generations of hooves and wagon wheels. Nodding, finally leaving it behind, she told Rarity: “Yeah, I s’pose you’re right.” 
“Of course I am, dear. Come, come, join us for tea and relax.” Rarity sat her down on the sofa and took the spot next to her. She could tell the dear was still very pensive, so she laid her head across her shoulder, lovingly sidling up beside her. 
“Did they put on any coffee?” Applejack asked, poking her head up. “I think I’d rather have a cup of coffee.” 
Rarity pulled her back down into the seat and pat her chest. “Yes, yes, there will be coffee as well. Though I’d say you shouldn’t have more than one cup. We don’t need you getting any more antsy on us.” 
Snorting, Applejack replied: “Fine, fine. I’m fine, okay?” She glanced back at the window. “Just… woulda thought we’d be hopping to it by now.” 
Normally, Rarity saved this as a last result. But this was dire. So she pulled on her chin and gently, softly, tenderly kissed her freckled cheek. It was easy enough to ignore the playful displays of squeaky little gagging noises, especially since they were defended right away by the other half of the children who told them not to make grossed out noises at their sisters. Perhaps some day, when things were calmer, they’d also be sisters in law. Who could say what the future held in store for them. For now, though, this was nice enough. 
“Relax.” Rarity told the now much calmer, albeit somewhat embarrassed mare. “Within the hour, I’m sure we’ll get called to our positions, then by tomorrow, everything will be right as rain.” 
“Okay.” muttered Applejack sheepishly. 
Fluttershy came through a moment later, politely asking everyone what they wanted to drink. Not so much the foals; they weren’t allowed coffee yet, even if Diamond tried to insist her parents let her have the odd cup of cold brew on very special occasions. Silver confirmed it, but she also said she didn’t see what the big deal was, that the stuff was terribly bitter in her eye. After everyone had said which they’d prefer, Gilda made another play at cards against Trixie and Mac. 
Big Mac was proving a tricky opponent, keeping his cards and how good they were very close to the chest. Each new round, he’d give them a single peak and set them all face down, ever to touch again until necessary. His monotonic, stone-faced nature gave him quite the advantage against the two far more outspoken ladies. Even as Trixie swore she’d picked up on his tell, however subtle, he simply chuckled with a shake of his head and a “Nope.” 
The children went back to fussing over little tin pieces on an old board game Applejack had been given when she was much younger. Wick rolled the dice, then excitedly moved her piece to what was apparently a very advantageous space, if the groans of the other girls were anything to go by. Silver had made an assertion at first, about preferring chess. One which AJ tried not to take too personally; a child’s ego was a fragile thing in need of gentle cajoling and encouragement, after all. Despite this, the little gray filly quickly became absorbed, adjusting the frames of her glasses as she pondered the rules and how they interacted. 
Fluttershy went back into the kitchen, where she and Rainbow had both insisted on helping with the dishes. Granny Smith had insisted harder, of course, so had involved herself in the whole process. The old gal kept saying that if someone fed her, she aimed to return the favor one way or another. Some small part of Applejack hoped that when she got to be Granny’s age, she’d stay just as tenacious; she wanted to keep helping those she cared about as long as she could. 
Tea, coffee, and an assortment of shortbread cookies were served. Everyone present drank of the hot, dark concoctions, and ate crumbly sweets. They played. They chatted. On it went. The hour or so wait that Rarity predicted ended up proving true. 
There came a knock at the door. Applejack set her emptied mug aside, great relief washing over her. Big Mac was already setting down what was surely another winning dealing of cards, but she told him she’d get it. He shrugged and went back to beating one very flustered Rainbow Dash, even as Gilda and Trixie nudged her and welcomed her to the world they’d shared for the last hour. 
When she pulled the door open, AJ only halfway recognized the young mare that stood pensively before her. It took her a moment before she remembered the name she’d been given. “Oh, hey. Ruby, right? We uh, met Nightmare Night, I believe?” 
Ruby nodded, mouth tight. She stepped into the precipice and thought to come right out and say what she had to. That’s when she noticed the scene in the living room. When she noticed the children especially, she thought better of it, and beckoned AJ out onto the porch. “I’ve um…I have news; it’s about the thing today.” 
Applejack’s heart sank. Her mind raced as to why she wouldn’t want to say this in front of the little fillies. She glanced at them, cheering and groaning in equal parts as the momentum of their board game seemingly shifted. It had been so fun for them, idly bickering over who’d be winning which hypothetical fights. Nodding to Ruby, she joined her outside. “I take it something, er… delayed someone coming to get us.” 
Ruby licked her dried lips and swallowed thickly. “I don’t know how to say this, I’m sorry. But… something went wrong.” 





Luna found herself in Canterlot castle once more. She was in that old armor and the overly thick black cloak Twilight had given her to wear. From the highest tower she could find, she watched the stars streak by overhead. No amount of music wafting from the grand hall below could remove her from her perch. No longer did she hold any interest in such gatherings. She was plenty content to be their guardian they kept at a healthy distance. A relaxed breath of fresh night air eased through her.
“Hiya.” came a voice behind her. It sounded equal parts apologetic and energetic. 
Turning, Luna found Pinkie Pie exiting the spiral stairs for the balcony she’d stolen away to. She had on that cute dress Rarity had made for her, and seemed completely alone and fully herself. Aside from those wings, of course. But the mask and limp locks were gone. “Oh. Hello.” 
“Mind if I join you?” asked Pinkie, pillbox hat held nervously in her hooves. 
Luna found herself gazing back over the dark horizon. “As you like.” 
Pinkie sidled up by her side. She leaned upon the railing and tried to see what she saw in the stars sparkling in the distance. It didn’t take long for the quiet to grow far too heavy. “I’ve missed you.” 
“And I you.” said Luna without hesitation, even as she kept her eyes forward. “The real you.” 
“I’m…” Pinkie stammered and gritted her teeth and chewed her lip. A bitter chuckle escaped her. “S-sorry, it’s just—the words, they’re so hard sometimes, you know?” 
Luna finally turned toward her and held out a hoof. “Then don’t speak them.” 
Pinkie looked at the offered hoof, then up at her. “I don’t…” 
The music grew louder, as though the entire rest of the castle between them and the hall suddenly didn’t matter. And why should it? Luna wanted the music now, so music she got. “Life is so fleeting. Share a dance with me. After all, I hear you dance a hot tango, whatever that is.” 
Pinkie’s lower lip quivered and her eyes turned glossy. It took a deep, deep breath and it took a lot of nodding to keep the tears at bay, but she did eventually take that hoof. The two of them vaulted over the rail and landed their hooves upon the solid air beyond it. Together, they waltzed in each others’ embrace in the night sky, no wings required. After all, it was a dream; they worked in every way they shouldn’t. 
As they went on, the music slowed, and Pinkie rested her head across Luna’s shoulder. It was strong; she loved the way it tensed with muscle as she moved. Luna was so strong, and she really respected and admired that. She couldn’t help but smile. Because she really admired it, truth be told. In her wildest dreams—yes, even wilder than this one—it was Luna carrying her, across who knew what threshold, she didn’t care. As long as it was in her hooves. 
“I doubt this is a tango,” Luna said at last, holding dearly onto Pinkie’s back, “nor is it a very ‘hot’ dance, I suppose. But then, you are still quite a good dancer. You showed me that plenty of times.” 
“You’re very good yourself.” hummed Pinkie with a sigh. She lifted up her other hoof and held onto Luna’s shoulders. It was almost funny how much she didn’t want to let go. “You’re too good, even.” 
A bitter laugh bubbled up from Luna. “You should know by now that’s not true, my dear. You’ve been given a look into some of my furthest, darkest memories, after all.” 
Pinkie’s chin scraped the crushed back velvet as she shook her head but still clung tightly to her. “But that’s not the mare you are anymore. It’s not the mare I fell for, the one who’s doing everything she can to be better.” 
Luna tried to ignore it as a couple stars in the night sky above them widened out, opening like eyes to watch them. “There will always be more to do before I’m worthy of one as kind and sweet as you.” 
She finally pulled herself away from Luna’s embrace and glared up at her. “Don’t say that! After what I did to you about your sister? And the way I acted after? A-and here lately, when… when I…” 
It was so hard watching a mare so usually full of joy falter. Let alone shudder the way Pinkie was in her hooves. Those big blue eyes shut tight as the first few drops spilled across those pink cheeks. Luna pulled her back against her shoulder and laid her chin upon her head. “Shh,” she told her, “it’s okay dear. It’s like what you say for me: that’s not the mare you want to be.” 
“No.” whined Pinkie as they clung to each other, that crushed black velvet crinkling under her desperate hooves. “I know you take me seriously. You’re one of the only people who ever did.” 
As they floated across the air like that, Luna could feel her heart aching. “And you’re one of the first people to make me believe I really could be something better than my past.” 
Then it was Pinkie’s turn to let a bitter laugh escape her. “Maybe Rainbow’s right. We’re both awful in our own special ways. We’re both tired of the way people look at us. We…” 
Luna waited for some finished thought that never came. So she kissed the top of Pinkie’s head and told her: “Then I’m glad you’re awful too.” 
“Snrk.” Pinkie snickered and looked up at her as she wiped away at her cheeks. “Hey, c’mon now, you’re not supposed to agree to that part.” 
Luna’s grin was wry. “Then don’t word it so. But oh how catty we two can be.” Pinkie giggled in her hold. “We can be so snide and snarky, too. A right pair of jesters, we; you with your quick wit, and mine dry.” 
“Well,” mused Pinkie, “then I guess I’m glad you’re awful too, and that we got to be awful together.” 
She saw that smile fading and Luna knew she’d spotted the white starry eyes appearing in the dark above them, watching and waiting for this vile display to be over surely. She sighed and tried to keep her attention just a little longer. “The only thing that will be better is when we meet again, we may try to shed our old awful skins and be not the mares we were, but the mares we want to be. And… I look forward to making that attempt. With you, of course. If you’d still have me.” 
Pinkie practically scoffed. “I should be saying that to you. I…” Her gaze faltered. “I haven’t been fighting this as much as I should, huh? I let the nasty feelings eat me up like—like… like me at a slice of cake.” 
“To be fair, cake is delicious. I’m especially fond of chocolate.” When that failed to lift her spirits, Luna pulled her a little closer. Their chests pressed in together and she hoped that Pinkie felt her heart thrumming for her. “You’ve tried, though, and I respect that. It can be so difficult. But still you put in the effort. I love that about you—how tenacious you are when you’ve set your mind to something, even as the rest of the world tells you it’s foolish.” 
Pinkie’s eyelashes fluttered like soft, delicate butterfly wings. She reached her hoof up and cupped one cheek. Rising upon her hindlegs a tiny bit, she reared until their lips were but inches apart. Oh how easy it would be to steal a kiss. But in her thumping heart of hearts, she felt she hadn’t earned it. Instead, her lips quavered into a frown and she told her: “I’m so, so sorry I stabbed you.” 
Luna’s breath briefly caught in her throat. It was no small part of her that wanted to silence her fretting with a kiss. In truth, she didn’t even remember that. Though it certainly explained how she ended up dreaming again so soon. Oh well. she thought. At least it’s a pleasant dream this time.
More stars opened into white eyes and light began to wash away the darkness. Their time was coming to an end. Luna told her: “It’s quite alright. I’ll make sure to live so I can find you again, and you can make it up to me then.” 
“I promise you I will.” said Pinkie as the light washed over them. “I promise… I love you.” 
Luna thankfully rejoined the land of the living with tangerine streaks bleeding across the guest room she’d slept in the prior night. It was all too weak of an attempt at rising, but even that proved too painful. Instead, she glanced to the window to see evening rapidly approaching. It seemed as though she’d failed Pinkie. Something she quietly swore wouldn’t happen again. 
Realizing at last there was some sort of weight upon her stomach, Luna glanced down to find her sister, dozing awkwardly between a chair and the edge of her bed. Her head had slumped onto her belly when she’d finally given into exhaustion. But Luna found she couldn’t blame her. At least it wasn’t her chest, the sides of which she was in no rush to examine beneath these now—in all likeliness—ruined sheets. 
One navy hoof left the sheets behind to rest upon her slumbering sister’s head. It had been a long, long time since she’d seen her looking so vulnerable. And it had been even longer since she felt her so close to her. She brushed some of her mane aside to see those resting eyes. 
Luna glanced out the window to watch the clouds roll by, listlessly, lazily slow. They were warmly wrapped in shades of orange, yellow, pink, and purple. What a lovely sight. There they stayed, just like that for what felt like long hours. It was almost peaceful. 





Come evening, Luna was sitting up stiffly against a pile of pillows, steadily picking at a dinner she thought was far too nice in quality considering how hard she’d failed those she cared about that day. But hunger would not allow her to deny just about anything to eat at that point. That’s when a knock came upon the door to the guestroom she worried she’d be occupying for far longer than she wanted. Chewing it up as fast as she could, she gulped it down and said: “C-come in.” 
Princess Twilight poked her head in. “Sorry to disturb your much needed bedrest, Luna.” 
Luna gingerly placed the tray further down her lap, mindful of the stitches tugging at her ribs. “No, no, please do come in. I’ve been meaning to come and find you. My sister tells me you got Sunset and I out of there, despite your injured leg. So I really need to thank you.” 
Twilight limped in, her sprained hoof from where Pinkie had twisted it round too hard in a sling by her chest. “What can I say,” she said with an abashed chuckle, “your plan was a good one.” 
“Fat lot of good it did us.” Luna’s eyes rolled so hard, they might well go tumbling out of her skull. “Really, though, you did excellently. You were a lifesaver today, and shall have my eternal gratitude henceforth.” 
Twilight’s weak smile grew a little stronger. “Well. With commiseration out of the way, do you think you’d be up to some company?” 
Luna blinked at her a moment, twiddling her hooves. “Erm. I suppose? Who’s, ah, who’s come to pay me a visit?” 
The princess leaned back through the door frame and called out to them before quickly making way. Fluttershy was first through the door, looking on the verge of breaking down weeping at any given moment. She rushed to Luna’s bedside, bemoaning: “I’m so glad you’re okay! But I’m also still so cross with you!” 
Luna grimaced, watching her tremble between concern and indignation. “I know, dear. I’m sorry.” 
Rainbow had come in behind her, quickly finding a corner to brood in, hooves crossing as she scowled at Luna. Next was Applejack, hat in her hoof, followed by Rarity. Luna’s mouth went slightly agape when she saw Rarity wearing that sword. She swallowed thickly, looking at the consternated faces around her. Like Fluttershy, doubtless, they were upset, both with and over her. “Well. Hello, everypony. I am… sorry we have to meet like this.” 
Applejack held her hat to her chest. “I was right shaken when Ruby told me what happened. We…” She looked around at her friends. “Well, despite everything, some of us figured we’d best come pay a visit.” 
“S-so,” added Rarity, her lip quivering, “you’d best recover from this so we won’t feel bad being cross with you as Fluttershy said. I-I mean that, missy.” 
Rainbow cleared her throat. The others looked over to her. “Yeah. Uh. It’d be great if I could stop getting mad at my friends only to have them go off and get themselves into danger, or whatever.” She felt at the back of her neck, finding something far more interesting about the floor than the weak alicorn before her. “But. Yeah. I’m happy you’re in one piece. I guess.” 
Luna sniffled. It was about as tender and heartfelt as she expected she’d typically get out of Rainbow, even in better circumstances. “You needn’t worry about me, girls. I’ve survived worse than dagger wounds.” 
The others looked at those bandages, unable to ignore how fresh they were. Fluttershy reached out, hoof hovering above one. The imagery of what Luna had told her about her past flashed in her mind, and she sucked air through her teeth, cringing away. “We don’t… have to hear about all that again.” 
Applejack, meanwhile, looked her up and down, less convinced. “Really? ‘Cause right now, you’re lookin’ a bit on the lucky side to be alive.” She turned and bowed to Twilight. “Thanks for havin’ her back, by the way, your majesty.” 
“O-oh, my pleasure.” said Twilight sheepishly. 
Luna laughed rather smugly. Then the air of confidence faded. “Ow.” She gripped at her side. “Okay, but listen here. Pinkie had me right where she wanted. She could have punctured my lungs and left me guttering for breath.” 
Fluttershy winced. “Could we not with such detail?” 
“Sorry dear.” said Luna, patting her shoulder. “Either way, I’d say it proves me right. Pinkie’s still in there, holding this thing back from doing worse. She’s…” Her voice faltered, recalling their brief dance through that sweetest of dreams. “She’s so much tougher than any of us give her credit for.” 
“I think I have to concur.” said Twilight. She showed the girls her sling. “I foolishly let my guard down, and she could have easily done a lot worse to my leg with that chance. She also could have gotten me instead of Luna. What villain gives up a chance at taking out a princess?” 
They mumbled and muttered. Rainbow spoke out. “That’s all good and well. She’s still in there, great. But your shot to drag her out went up and smoke, so…” She looked around at the disappointed faces. Clearly they felt this was an inappropriate time to lay it on so bluntly. Shaking it off, she found she didn’t care. “Look. I am glad you’re okay, Luna. But I wanna know if you have another plan, here. Because I’m still worried about my other best friend, okay?” 
Luna nodded, almost sagely so. “That’s more than fair, Rainbow. I also appreciate your concern—moon above knows I don’t deserve it.” 
“I’ll say.” added Rainbow, even as Fluttershy shot her a vicious glare. 
“But,” continued Luna unimpeded, “as it just so happens, I do have another plan. One that will require all hooves on deck. No more leaving my friends behind, this I swear.” She looked around at the curious looks on their faces. Her own expression was steadily becoming a touch more excited by the moment. “I’ll also need the assistance of Trixie, Gilda, Galahad, and any others we can find. It’s going to be big.”