Applejack runs away, and this time it doesn't seem like she's coming back. And it's all Rainbow's fault.
It started out innocently enough. Rainbow Dash received a prank love letter, and decided to laugh about it with Applejack. Problem is, it wasn't a prank; and Applejack had been the one who sent it.
Now Applejack has disappeared, and Rainbow Dash is determined to find her and bring her back.
Because they're friends. Yeah. Friends.
Special thanks to TwilightUCrazy for the idea and invaluable suggestions for this story.
Nervous excitement. Perhaps that is the best term for it. The feeling that comes when you've done something nice for another pony, and you're just waiting for them to notice. Applejack felt that as she bucked yet another tree. She had left another letter this morning, hoof delivered, in her mailbox.
Well, more accurately, she'd paid off the mailpony with a few apples to break the mail code and deliver it by hoof without a stamp or return address; but really, who was paying attention to that?
She couldn't suppress a giggle. She'd really gone all out in this letter. She'd even rubbed it in her mane to give it her scent. She'd then had a minor panic attack wondering if she'd gone too far, but then decided to send it anyway. After all, she’d already dropped numerous hints about her identity in the letters she'd previously sent, and she didn’t think Rainbow Dash was going to pick up on something as small as her scent. Then again, she'd been sending these letters for months; Rainbow should have figured it out by now. All Applejack had to do was wait for her to arrive.
She could see it now. Rainbow would show up, blushing as she shyly admitted she returned Applejack's feelings. Then she would be confused, awkward, unsure where to go from there. Then Applejack would take charge, and invite her over for dinner that night. It would be just the two of them that night. She'd make something delicious for dinner, pull out some of the cider they had stored, and then they'd go to the pond way to the south of their property, where they'd play games on the sandy beach together until falling asleep in each other's embrace, the closeness of their bodies keeping them both warm through the night.
Then it happened. Rainbow arrived at the farm, with a letter in her hoof and a beautiful rainbow contrail behind her. Applejack licked her lips as Rainbow landed with all the natural grace of a pegasus. This was it.
“Applejack!” she called in greeting.
“H- Hey, Rainbow,” Applejack said, internally cringing at the hitch in her voice. “What brings you out here?”
“I got another one,” Rainbow answered.
“Another one? Another what?” Applejack asked, trying to keep a tremor out of her voice. Here it was! The moment of truth!
“Another stupid love letter thing. It stopped for a bit but then it started up again. Just when I thought I was done with this, I get this in the mail.”
Applejack winced. She had intentionally stopped sending letters for a brief time, in an attempt to be mysterious. Apparently, it hadn't worked.
Rainbow didn’t notice Applejack’s reaction and continued, “And this one is the sappiest one I’ve gotten yet. Just listen to this.” She cleared her throat and began to read. “'Your colors brighten up my day, and make my heart beat faster every time you come by'.”
Applejack could only listen in horror as Rainbow Dash slowly ripped to shreds her carefully chosen words.
“‘I can’t describe how happy it makes me just to see you flying. I feel I could watch you forever’.”
Applejack had heard the term ‘heartbreak’ before, but never had she ever experienced anything like it. It was unexpectedly painful; truly and literally painful.
Obliviously, Rainbow continued, “‘And if I could just sleep next to you, I would be happy for the rest of my life’.” Rainbow burst out laughing again. “I gotta say, I’ve had a ton of these, but this one’s the best.”
“Y- yeah,” Applejack whispered, feeling the beginning of hot tears forming in the corner of her eyes.
“I thought this was a prank at first, but then they kept coming. But it’s not like it matters. I mean, can you imagine? Somepony being so desperate that they’d send all these letters like this?”
“I- I thought it’d be nice,” Applejack whimpered. Her mental images of Rainbow across the dinner table and laying next to her on the beach dissolved into Rainbow pointing and laughing a loud, mocking laugh. She looked at the ground and bit her lower lip. Why?
“Yeah, but seriously? I mean, if this mare doesn’t even have the stones to say this to my face, then it’s not even worth checking her out, am I right?”
“I- I guess… but…”
“Seriously, though. I’d never date such a pansy. But hey, this bit about my cutie mark is absolutely priceless. Let me read it to you.”
Applejack bit her lower lip harder. Not that part. Anything but that part. “Rainbow, don’t…”
But Rainbow didn’t hear, or didn’t care. “‘I could stare at it all day. The colors, the shape, it's perfect and perfectly you. Even the thought of caressing it sends shivers up my spine, and I could rest my head on it and sleep happy’.” Rainbow laughed as she tore up the letter. “It’s just ridiculous! I mean-”
But Rainbow was suddenly interrupted by an apple, striking her hard right between her eyes. She looked back at Applejack and opened her mouth to angrily protest, but Applejack’s expression made her stop short. It all clicked in an instant. “Y- you? It was you? The whole time, it was you?”
Applejack couldn’t even say anything. It was all she could do to hold the tears in long enough to spin around and run. Blinded by her hot tears, she ran headlong through the orchard; leaving behind a completely dumbfounded Rainbow Dash.
* * *
Rainbow Dash sat on a cloud and stared at nothing in particular. The pain from being hit with an apple had faded, but it had quickly been replaced with something else.
Guilt.
Apparently, she'd really hurt Applejack. Like, really hurt. Applejack was the nicest, getting-along-est pony ever. And Rainbow had made her mad enough to throw an apple. That hadn't been her intent. Really. She hadn’t known the letters had been from her. It just hadn’t seemed like an Applejack-y thing to do.
Of course, hurting friends wasn’t a Rainbow-y thing to do, either, and she’d just done that.
She groaned and buried her face in her cloud. She really felt guilty. Had she ruined their friendship? She had, hadn’t she?
Rainbow sat up. But what if she hadn’t? What if this were something they could both laugh at? Applejack was tough. She probably had already bounced back and was back to work.
Rainbow got up and spread her wings. Only one way to find out.
* * *
Rainbow landed on the front porch of the farmhouse of Sweet Apple Acres and hesitated before knocking. The need for reassurance that she hadn’t irreparably ruined their friendship won over her fear, so she screwed up her courage and knocked. To her surprise, the door opened to reveal not Applejack, not Apple Bloom, or even Granny Smith. Any of them would have been preferable. Instead, the door opened to reveal Big Macintosh.
Now, Rainbow Dash had spent a lot of time on Sweet Apple Acres, and she knew a lot about the family dynamics. You didn’t bother Applejack when her tail was swishing erratically, you left Apple Bloom a wide berth when she was pouting, you ducked for cover when Granny Smith was wearing a frying pan, and when Macintosh’s expression turned stony--exactly like it was now--you left him alone.
But Rainbow didn’t come all this way just to turn back now, so against her better judgement she started the conversation. “Hey, Mac.”
Mac just looked at her.
“I came by to see Applejack.”
Mac just looked at her.
“You know, just to kindof clear the air.”
Mac didn’t even blink.
“It’s… you know…”
Mac just looked at her.
“It’s not like… but…”
Mac just looked at her.
“You know what? Good talk. Good talk. I’ll just… be going now.” And she turned and flew away.
When she was out of sight, she landed on the ground and buried her face in her hooves. Yeah. She’d messed up big time.
Twilight Sparkle was reading yet another book on her list when Pinkie Pie popped her head out of the top shelf of Twilight’s closet.
“Hey, Twilight!” she called. “What's up?”
Twilight, long since used to Pinkie’s strange appearances, barely looked up. “Hi, Pinkie,” she said.
Pinkie extracted herself from the top shelf, turning around tail-first and backing out, and then letting herself down slowly. “You know who I haven’t seen around in a while?”
“Who?”
“Applejack.”
“Don’t be silly, Pinkie, Applejack was… Applejack…” Twilight paused. Come to think of it, she couldn’t think of the last time she had seen Applejack around.
“See? And when was the last time Rainbow Dash crashed into your windows?”
Twilight thought for a moment. “I thought she was on tour?”
“Nope. She’s back. The Wonderbolts are taking a month and a half break from their tour.”
Twilight paused, not even flinching when it suddenly became apparent that Pinkie was laying on her table with her face an inch from Twilight’s with no regard for her personal space. “All I’m saying is that something’s wrong, Twilight. And we need to find out what!”
Twilight marked her place in the book and shut it. Without looking up, she addressed something she knew was going to come. “No, Pinkie, we’re not wearing the hats this time.”
“Aww…”
* * *
“Why did I think it was a good idea to see Rainbow first?” Twilight panted.
“Because you’re not in shape enough to run allll the way to Sweet Apple Acres,” Pinkie answered. “Stop asking silly questions!”
Twilight felt that it was not a silly question, and that she was indeed in relatively good shape, but had had trouble keeping up with Pinkie’s rapid and sustained sprint; which, it should be said, was a pace that was definitely not advised in the long-distance chapter of “A Runner’s Guide to All Things Running”. Then again, she was too out of breath to do much but pant and glare her protest.
“Hurry up and catch your breath!” Pinkie said, completely unsympathetic to Twilight’s plight. “We’re going fishing for pegasi!”
“Fishing for pega-?”
But she figured out what Pinkie meant when she picked up a rock and threw it through Rainbow’s window. This, as can be imagined, got quite the reaction.
“Hey!” Rainbow poked her head out of the now-shattered window, waving the rock threateningly. “Which one of you idiots is about to buy me a new window?”
“Hi Rainbow!” Pinkie called cheerfully. “I’m that idiot!”
Rainbow dropped the rock in surprise. “Pinkie? What are you doing throwing rocks in my house? Couldn’t you just pop out of my closet again?”
Pinkie cocked her head. “How would I do that? I'm an earth pony, silly!”
Rainbow cocked her head, about to start on a long list of things Pinkie shouldn't have been able to do but did anyway; but Twilight decided it was time to intervene. “We just haven’t seen you in a while, and thought we’d come say hi.”
Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Hi,” she said, thoroughly unconvinced.
“We got a little worried about you. Are you doing ok?” Twilight asked.
“Yeah. I’m fine.”
Pinkie tilted an ear. “I’m having trouble believing that. Do you need a party?”
“No! And it has nothing to do with Applejack! Now go away!” Rainbow attempted to slam the window shut, but her hoof hit nothing but air because the glass was gone. Snarling, she tore a chunk of cloud out of the floor with her teeth and stuffed it in the window hole, effectively plugging it.
“Hmm,” Twilight said, tapping her chin. “Whatever Applejack and Rainbow Dash are doing, it's definitely connected. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?”
“How weird it is that I've never actually thrown a welcome party for a chihuahua?” Pinkie suggested.
Twilight suppressed the desire to facehoof.
* * *
The two arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, neither panting this time. Twilight spotted Apple Bloom, kicking a rock along the ground, and walked over to talk with her.
“Apple Bloom,” she asked, “you ok?”
Apple Bloom shrugged.
Pinkie held out a floating balloon in a small attempt for a smile, but didn't get a reaction. Her ears fell. This was more serious than she thought if a balloon couldn't get a smile.
“What's wrong?” Twilight asked.
“Ah haven’t seen Applejack in a while,” Apple Bloom said. “Said she left to clear her head and she never came back.”
Twilight and Pinkie looked at each other. “When was that?”
“This morning. She missed lunch.” Apple Bloom frowned. “She never misses lunch. And now Ah can't find her anywhere.”
To say this was a red flag to Twilight would be a massive understatement. She looked back at Pinkie. “We've got to get back to Rainbow. We've got to find Applejack.”
“Wheee!” Pinkie cheered. “I love looking for Applejack!”
Twilight facehoofed. “I worry about you, Pinkie. Often.”
* * *
When they arrived back at Rainbow’s house, Pinkie picked up another rock; but Twilight rested a hoof on hers and stopped her. “We need to talk to her in a safer, less-expensive manner.”
“What do you mean?”
Twilight smiled and lit her horn, preparing a teleportation spell. “We’re going to come out of her closet.”
* * *
Rainbow tried to ignore the muffled cries coming from her closet. 'Tried' being the operative word. However...
“Ouch! Ugh! Pinkie, move your rump!”
“Twilight, I'm pretty certain that's not my rump.”
“Wait. What? Then what's… ow! My eye!”
“Ooh, I found a tail! I think it's mine! I'm gonna pull on it.”
“Pinkie-!”
Rainbow had had enough, and tore open her closet door. Two ponies came tumbling out, legs and manes and clothes going everywhere.
Pinkie was the first to recover. “I was wrong!” Pinkie chirped brightly around the long purple tail clamped in her mouth. “It was your tail!”
“No, really?” Twilight said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Who ever would have guessed?”
Rainbow cleared her throat pointedly. “So, is there a good reason you two featherbrains are in my closet?”
Pinkie spat out Twilight's tail and popped up. “Yes! We have a very good reason!” she proclaimed loudly, “and I shall inform you of that reason as soon as I think of it!”
Twilight might have facehoofed, were her hooves not currently tangled up in a Wonderbolts blanket. “We're here about Applejack, remember?” she prompted.
Pinkie brightened. “Oh, right! Applejack!”
Rainbow's face contorted into a scowl. “There is nothing going on between me and Applejack.”
Twilight tried to suppress it. Really, she did. She honestly put forth an effort. She legitimately tried. She made a serious attempt.
“Applejack and me,” she corrected.
Rainbow growled, but took a step back as Pinkie appeared in front of her.
“I don't think so,” she said. “I haven't seen her in a long, long, long time, and I haven't seen you in a long, long, long time either. It's gotta be connected!”
“It's not! Just leave me alone!” Rainbow said, shoving Pinkie away.
That was not the wisest decision. Pinkie ducked and grabbed her right foreleg. With a quick turn and bump of her hips, Rainbow went flying over her head and landed hard on her back, briefly stunning her. Her eyes crossed, and she shook her head to clear it. When she had, she felt Pinkie perching herself on Rainbow's chest.
“I'm not leaving until you spill,” Pinkie said firmly as she crossed her forelegs. “You're both my friends, and there's something wrong with you and I won't sleep until it's resolved!”
Rainbow crossed her forelegs right back and glared.
Pinkie narrowed her eyes, and leaned down and plucked a feather from Rainbow's wing.
Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Pinkie, you can't tickle a pegasus with their own fea-”
But apparently you can tickle a pegasus with her own feather, and Rainbow struggled fruitlessly to free herself while laughing uncontrollably. Pinkie almost looked like a spider, moving around and holding Rainbow down no matter what she tried.
“Ok, ok!” she squealed. “I- I'll talk! I'll talk!”
Pinkie pulled the feather back, but didn't drop it or get off.
Rainbow managed to catch her breath. “Wait. What do you mean you haven't seen Applejack?”
“Apple Bloom said she left to clear her head and never came back,” Twilight said.
Rainbow wilted slightly. “Oh… she would, huh…”
“What?”
“Nothing!” Rainbow said far too quickly. “I mean, uh… i- it's not the first time Applejack has run away from home, right?” She chuckled nervously.
“Yeah; but it's the first time I wasn't called to throw her a going away forever party!”
“Pinkie, you've never thrown her a going away forever party,” Twilight pointed out.
Pinkie cocked her head. “I haven't?”
Rainbow stopped this conversation by pushing Pinkie off as she was distracted. “Look, Applejack is missing and we need to find her. Let's go!”
* * *
But knowing you need to find Applejack and actually finding Applejack are two different things.
They had split up ten minutes ago, but everypony they'd asked had been unable to answer and everywhere they'd looked had been distinctly Applejackless.
They happened to meet up at a stall space that looked oddly empty. Twilight cringed as she realized it was where Applejack's cart usually was.
“So how goes the search for you girls?” Rainbow asked.
Twilight shook her head. Pinkie frowned.
Rainbow groaned. “So nopony’s seen Applejack?”
“Applejack?”
All three spun around to see Carrot Top, listening in on their conversation. “Did you say you were looking for Applejack?”
Rainbow nodded. “Why?”
“I saw her at the train station earlier, when I went to see off Written Script.” She sighed wistfully, missing him already.
“The train station?” Twilight asked. “What was she doing there?”
Carrot Top raised an eyebrow. “Buying a ticket, of course. What else do you do at a train station?”
“Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! I know this one!” Pinkie raised a hoof excitedly.
Carrot Top (and the rest) pointedly ignored her.
“To where?” Rainbow demanded.
Carrot Top rolled her eyes. “How would I know that? She said something about seeing family, that’s all I remember.”
“That narrows it down,” Rainbow muttered bitterly. “She’s got family from here to Vanhoover.”
Twilight was a bit more gracious. “Thank you, Golden,” she said. “We’ll find her.”
Carrot Top waved goodbye as the three ran (and bounced) away.
* * *
The teller merely shrugged. “I’ve seen a lot of ponies today. I don’t remember where they all go.”
“It is not that busy!” Rainbow protested angrily, gesturing at the nearly-empty platform. “I just want to know where Applejack went!”
The teller seemed to smirk as he said, “I’m sorry, I can’t help you.”
Rainbow growled… and then brightened, smiling a downright devious smile. “Oh, Pinkie Pie?”
Pinkie’s smiling face slowly appeared from under the counter.
“Look at that pony there in the ticket booth,” Rainbow said. “He’s so stressed that he can’t remember where Applejack went.”
The pony inside the booth shifted uncomfortably. He had the vague feeling that something was going to go very, very wrong, very, very quickly.
Pinkie cocked her head. “He is?”
“He is,” Rainbow confirmed. “And you know what unstresses ponies?”
“A… party?” Pinkie guessed.
“That’s right!” Rainbow said. “Poor, stressed teller, there in the little box… You’d better go in there and make sure he has a chance to relax.” Rainbow's eyes narrowed as she watched him begin to sweat. “Just you, and him, in that little box, with all the party supplies you can bring. You'll need streamers, you'll need cake, you'll need balloons, you'll need party games…”
Pinkie tapped her hoof on her chin and a slow smile spread across her face; but before she could do anything, he snapped. It would be preferable to be in a broken shark cage than a tiny box with Pinkie.
“No! I’m fine! I’m not stressed at all! See?” He desperately dug through the stack of papers on his desk, searching for the ticket stub. “There, see? Ticket purchased, cash, for Manehattan!”
“Manehattan?” Twilight whispered.
Rainbow grinned. “Thank you. And thank you too, Pinkie!”
“What’d I do?” Pinkie asked, her oblivious smile still on her face.
Manehattan was not known for being the most friendly of places. Sure, there was the whole band-together-in-the-face-of-trouble thing, but as a general rule, it was survival of the fittest.
This, of course, was mitigated if you happened to know somepony. And Applejack knew a couple that were very willing to help.
“...and that's why I'm leaving,” she said with a sheepish smile. “Can you help me?”
Mosely considered her story. “And you're sure about this?”
Applejack nodded. “Very sure. I can't stay there, and I certainly couldn't survive here. No offense, of course.”
Her uncle Orange nodded slowly. “Wherever you're from, or wherever you're going, you're kin; so I think we'd be willing to help you out.”
Her aunt nodded. “But if you ever want to come back, we'll be here.”
Applejack nodded and brusquely wiped a hoof over her eyes. “Y'all are the best,” she said.
* * *
Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and Pinkie Pie all rested in the train car on its journey to Manehattan. For some reason, Twilight felt drained, as though she had run a half-marathon. Rainbow also stared morosely out the window, and even Pinkie Pie was quietly (relatively speaking, of course) amusing herself
A plump mare came by, pushing a large cart loaded with snacks. “Anything from the trolley, dearies?” she asked.
Rainbow waved her off, still looking distractedly out the window. Twilight numbly passed over a few bits and received a biscuit in return. Pinkie relieved her of the largest cupcake she sold and slid the bits over with her tongue.
The mare, understandably disgusted by this, slid them into her purse by touching them as little as possible and then continued on her route. She asked the same question of the ponies in the booth behind.
Rainbow's ears pricked up as she heard a familiar voice say, “Oh, no thank you. I’m watching my figure.”
Rainbow looked up and her eyes narrowed. “I know that voice,” she whispered. She sprinted into the corridor, pushing the mare out of the way and jamming her head into the booth.
Rarity and Fluttershy sat there, both trying very hard to look nonchalant.
They were not succeeding.
“Were you spying on me?” Rainbow demanded.
Rarity had the decency to blush slightly. “A lady does nothing of the sort. We saw you looking for Applejack, and we simply had to see what was going on.”
“So you were spying on me!”
Rarity winced. “...Kindof?”
“Ugh!” Rainbow groused, folding her forelegs. “What is wrong with you ponies?”
Rarity cleared her throat, and when she spoke again, she was calm, crisp, and professional. “Rainbow Dash, it's nothing personal. It's just that Applejack is our good friend, too, and if something's going on…”
“There is nothing going on!” Rainbow nearly shouted.
“You keep saying that, but nopony's believing it,” Rarity said in that same maddeningly calm voice. “I'm sure you'll feel better when you just tell us…”
“I'm not telling you anything!” Rainbow snarled, pushing Rarity over and turning to leave. She shouldered her way past Twilight and made for her cabin, where she intended to shut the door behind her and lock it.
This plan was interrupted when Pinkie grabbed Rainbow's shoulder and slammed her into the hallway wall. Rainbow's eyes widened at the strength of her grip. It was sometimes easy to forget that happy-go-lucky Pinkie Pie was not just fluff and stuff.
“I haven't slept in three days, Rainbow,” she growled, holding the pegasus against the wall. “That's how worried I've been. So you'd better talk, or I'll make you as miserable as I am!”
“Pinkie, that's not healthy!” Twilight gasped. “You have to sleep sometime!”
Pinkie ignored her. “Talk!”
“Look, I…”
“Talk!”
Rainbow jammed her hooves protectively over her head. “She started writing me these gushy love notes but I didn’t know they were from her and so I showed her one and made fun of it and she threw an apple at my head and I haven't seen her since!”
Silence followed her revelation, and she opened one eye to check her friends' reactions. None of them seemed pleased. Most seemed surprised. Fluttershy looked somewhat disappointed.
“Gushy?”
“Made fun of?”
“Love notes?”
“An apple?”
Everypony turned to look at Pinkie, who held her hooves up disarmingly. “What?”
The focus quickly returned to Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow, darling,” Rarity said hesitantly. “That's… That's not a good thing to do.”
“I know!”
“Do you?” Fluttershy asked quietly. “Do you know she bared her soul to write those? Do you know she offered her everything to you? She trusted you with her most prized possession—her undying love—and you threw it away.”
“I didn't know it was her!” Rainbow protested.
“She was there,” Fluttershy insisted. “If you'd truly read her letters, you would have seen her. Hiding there, between the lines, hoping for you to notice her because she didn't dare say those things to your face.” She looked up. “She's just a pony like you and me. Sometimes things are too big and scary for just one mare.”
Rainbow's eyes widened. “You helped her write them,” she realized.
Fluttershy blushed slightly and looked down again, but she persevered on. “I did. I didn't know what kind of reaction she would get, but I didn't expect that, even from you.” Still looking down, she stood up. “I need some air,” she said softly as she left.
Rainbow Dash looked around at the others. Nopony would meet her eyes. “What?” she snapped. “I didn't know, ok?”
“You… you made her sad,” Pinkie said in disbelief, sounding confused and supremely disappointed that one of her friends could do that to another. Even her mane seemed to have lost a bit of its bounce. “I think I need another cupcake.” She too left the cabin.
Rainbow looked at the two remaining ponies, as if challenging them to also find fault with her. Rarity continued fiddling with her hooves, but Twilight seemed to be deep in thought.
“How do you feel about Applejack?” Twilight finally asked.
Rainbow realized she didn't have an answer for that, so she turned to fly away.
Twilight was faster. She lit her horn and grabbed Rainbow by the tail, jerking her to a sudden stop.
Just like Applejack used to do.
She landed hard on the ground. “I don't know,” she whispered. “I… I don't know. I think... I don't know.”
Twilight released her tail and leaned down to give Rainbow a comforting hug. “It's ok,” she said softly. “From what I've read, love is a complicated thing. You'll figure out where you stand soon enough.”
Rarity looked out the window. “I wonder where Applejack is now?” she murmured.
* * *
“Where you headed?” the ticket salespony asked, looking supremely bored.
“What’s the farthest place I can buy a ticket for?” Applejack asked.
The mare rolled her eyes and looked back at her book. “The IRS will find you anyway, ‘snot worth running away.”
Applejack’s eyes narrowed. “I asked, what’s the farthest place I can buy a ticket for?”
Realizing that this earth pony was going to play hardball, the mare became more cooperative. “Tar Sash,” she said, gesturing at a city on the edge of the map behind her. “Named for the streaks of crude oil in the ground and known for its kerosene industry. Fairly busy port; if you're good at hard labor you'll get a job no problem, and the work's tough so the pay's not terrible.”
The pony in line behind Applejack shuffled uncomfortably.
Applejack shrugged. “Sounds ok to me.” She reached into her saddlebags for the fare.
“Are you certain that is wise?” the pony behind her asked.
“Oh, fairly certain,” Applejack said airily, counting up her bits.
She was interrupted when the pony behind her reached around and rested a dark blue hoof on hers. “Trust us,” she said. “This is not the decision you wish to make.”
Applejack turned and looked into her eyes, but as her green eyes met the deep blue eyes of her assailant, her annoyance melted into shock.
Princess Luna, for it was indeed she, nodded; and then turned and walked away. She paused only long enough to gesture for Applejack to follow before continuing to walk away at a steady pace. Applejack hesitated, but then did so.
Together the two walked, the princess of the night and the farmer. Though Luna wore no disguise other than her cloak, nopony seemed to notice that they were in the presence of royalty. They walked through the city and into a deserted park, where the trees were thick and the world was dark. Luna seemed to relax a bit as she stepped out of the sun.
Applejack finally broke the silence. “Is there a reason you're not, like, disguised more?” she asked.
“It is somewhat of a joke,” Luna admitted. “I don’t disguise myself, and yet I often avoid detection. Things are often best hidden in plain sight. Much like my practice of placing new constellations in the sky and waiting for somepony to notice them.”
Applejack paused. “How often do you do that?”
“Once every year.”
“And how many ponies have noticed?” Applejack asked with some trepidation. As much as she loved late night picnics looking at stars, she hadn't exactly memorized the Astronomer's Almanac of all Things Astronomy or anything. She certainly didn’t know of any new or recent constellations.
Luna frowned ever so slightly. “So far? Five, counting Twilight Sparkle.”
Applejack flinched. It had been two years since Luna had returned.
Luna didn't seem to notice. “It hurts to give of yourself and receive nothing for your efforts,” she remarked.
Applejack tensed, but then relaxed. “So you know how I feel, then, I guess,” she mumbled.
Luna lay down on the ground and gestured with a nod that Applejack should join her. Applejack hesitantly did so; it was so surreal to see royalty acting like a normal pony. “Perhaps,” Luna said. “I imagine your feelings have something to do with the dreams you've been having of late?”
Applejack shot to her hooves. “Y- you've seen those?” she stammered.
Luna shrugged, undisturbed at her outburst. “I have seen a lot of things, Applejack.”
“Yeah, but... Those are my nightmares!” Painful as the nightmares had been, Applejack couldn't help but feel somewhat violated. Flashbacks began running through her head. Rainbow pushing her away when she leaned in for a kiss, laughing at her as she fell sprawled out on the ground. Rainbow ripping up all of her letters. Rainbow kicking sand on her picnic, on the food she'd lovingly prepared.
Luna's voice broke her out of her mental torture. “Much of what I've seen and conquered can only be seen in nightmares,” Luna said simply. “Perhaps that is why I find myself drawn to them; I alone control the night and everything that in it is, and when something causes my little ponies pain, I feel it is my duty to…”
“What if it's another pony?” Applejack blurted.
Luna raised an eyebrow, wordlessly asking for more information, but other than that gave no other reaction.
“What if it's another pony? What if you love another pony, but sh- they don't even look at you? They mock you? They tear down your best efforts and make light of everythin' and poke fun at your lovin' words...” She dropped to the ground. “It just ain't fair.”
Luna merely nodded, apparently unsurprised that Applejack had just confessed to being in love with another mare. “It is different, giving of yourself and giving yourself. You did the second, and that is the most painful of all.”
Applejack nodded.
“I confused the two,” Luna admitted. “My night was ignored, but I interpreted that as me being shunned. In my blindness I did things...” Her voice trailed off, and she opened her eyes and met Applejack's gaze. “But we are not speaking of me, are we?”
Applejack shook her head.
Luna sighed. “The thing is... Please do not do anything rash, Applejack.”
“Huh?”
“You have the bits for a ticket on a ship to go far away, I know. And I am forbidden to interfere with the waking affairs of our ponies—if you run, you can still make the last boarding call—but I know enough to know that running away will solve nothing.”
“So what should I do?” Applejack challenged.
Luna gave a wry smile. “I cannot interfere, remember? But years of experience means I can tell you this: you will not mend your heart on your own.”
Applejack bit her lip.
Luna smiled and tossed her head. She bit her cloak and flipped it over her head, and it dissolved into inky shadows and disappeared. She spread her wings and took off, shrinking away into the bright sky, and leaving a pondering Applejack behind.
Rainbow flew up the flight of stairs (because why else would they be called that?) and skidded to a stop at the door. She knocked quickly and waited. Then she knocked again. She waited. Then she knocked again. This was important!
The door opened. The stallion looked down his nose at her, which was rather impressive as she was currently hovering in the air. His eyes were narrowed, but they narrowed even further when he saw her. “I heard you the first time,” he said coldly.
“Yeah, sorry about that, but it's kindof important.”
“You are miss Rainbow Dash, correct?”
Rainbow dropped to the ground. “Yeah, how'd you know?”
“I've… heard of you.”
“Only good things, though, right?” Rainbow said hopefully.
The stallion sniffed. “Hardly.” He then shut the door on Rainbow's face.
Rainbow stood dumbstruck for a moment, and then began pounding on the door again. “Hey, you've gotta talk to me!”
“I 'gotta' do no such thing,” came the snarky reply. “Now go away, or I shall call for the guard.”
Rainbow growled and stuck her face up against the door. “Yeah, well, they'll have to take you away, too, because my hoof will be so far up your-”
Mosely Orange paused as the sound of scuffles and no less than four other female voices came, scolding and hissing at Rainbow.
A few moments later, another knock came, and a voice with a gentle accent spoke. “What Rainbow meant to say was, we've come hoping you could tell us something if Applejack's whereabouts. We're worried about her.”
“'We'?” Mosely asked flatly.
“All of us,” the voice emphasized.
Curiosity overcame suspicion, and he opened the door. Five ponies stood there now, and Rainbow had been pushed to the back, looking suitably apologetic.
The white unicorn who had spoken continued. “We're worried she may do something drastic,” she admitted. “You haven't seen her recently, have you?”
He pursed his lips and glanced at Rainbow before responding. “Yes, Applejack came here; but I don't feel I-”
“She went to the docks,” Mrs. Orange said, appearing behind her husband.
Mosely looked back. “Darling,” he started, chiding.
“Mare's intuition,” she said primly. “I can see that most of these ponies have Applejack's happiness at heart.”
Rainbow held up her hooves. “I didn't know they were from her, ok?” she defended herself.
“I was referring to her,” she said flatly, pointing a hoof towards Pinkie Pie. Pinkie was currently making faces into the spoon collection hanging on the wall and giggling uncontrollably at her distorted reflections.
Mosely blinked. “How did she get inside our house?” he asked.
* * *
The docks were noisy and busy. It wasn't long before they were able to determine that she had not found work there, which left a much less comfortable option.
“You think she bought a ticket to someplace?” Rainbow asked. “Where would she go?”
“I don't know,” Twilight admitted. “But we won't let that stop us. We've got to talk to every ticket salespony. Pictures ready?”
Each held up their image of Applejack and nodded. Pinkie snapped to a salute.
“Then let's get looking!” Twilight said. She started with the first window. “Excuse me, have you seen this pony?”
The mare looked and nodded. “Yeah. I saw her here yesterday.”
Twilight nodded and began to walk. “Right, sorry to bother-” She skidded to a stop. “Wait. What?”
Her friends quickly gathered. Had it really been that easy?
“Saw her yesterday,” the mare repeated. “She was talking to Luna.”
“As in, Princess Luna?” Twilight asked, surprised.
The ticketpony nodded. “She's the one. You don't see her every day,” she said. “Stopped her from buying a ticket, even. She was going to go to Tar Sash.”
Rainbow squinted at the map. “But that’s like, forever away,” she protested.
The ticketpony shrugged. “It sounded like she was trying to run away from something.”
Everypony glanced over at Rainbow Dash before quickly looking away. Rainbow glared down at nothing in particular.
“So what’s the plan now?” Rarity asked as they walked away.
“Now, we go to Canterlot,” Twilight said. “We know she stayed here, but Manehattan is just too big; if we try to look for Applejack here, we’ll never find anything. Luna has to know something. The next train leaves at eight-thirty in the morning. Fluttershy, Rarity, you two go check and see if Applejack went back to the Oranges. The rest of us will find some place to sleep tonight and tomorrow we'll get there as quickly as we can.”
“I hope she's doing all right,” Rarity said, casting a glance up at the darkening sky. “I hope she's not shivering in the cold, all wet and alone…”
* * *
Applejack shivered in the dark alley. She'd been too embarrassed to have asked for money and then return, so she stubbornly remained in the alleyway leaning against the wall. She pulled the newspaper tighter, slid her hat over her eyes, and tried to get some sleep.
Perhaps she did sleep; perhaps she didn't. The wind rustled some of the papers and trash, and Applejack's ears pricked up. She waited. That hadn't been just wind. Somepony was there. They came nearer, and Applejack waited.
She leaned forward, spun, and lashed out with her hind hooves, ready to tear this pony's head off.
There was the loud clang of ponyshoe on ponyshoe as the pony caught her hooves.
Applejack's eyes bugged out of her head. They'd caught one of her kicks? How? She looked behind her, and then her eyes widened even further.
"Peace, Applejack," Luna said with a smile, gently setting Applejack's hooves down. "I mean you no harm."
"Princess! I- I didn't mean..."
"It is fine," Luna said. "Is there a reason you've chosen this alleyway as your home?"
Applejack looked down. "Just felt embarrassed," she admitted quietly. "Couldn't leave, couldn't go back, figured I'd stay and clear my head a bit."
"Well, you are most welcome to come clear your head in Canterlot," Luna said.
Applejack paused. "Really?"
"Most certainly," Luna nodded.
Applejack raised an eyebrow. "And that's not interfering?"
Luna straightened up and rested a hoof on her chest. "Wouldst thou accuse me of breaking mine own rules? Never! Dear Applejack, you and the rest of the Elements are Friends of the Crown, and as such are welcome to stay at the castle at any time as you so desire." She looked around at the dirty alleyway and lifted a hoof, as if afraid to leave it on the ground for too long. "And, correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that you would so desire."
Applejack smiled. "Yeah, I'd like that."
The two mares walked out through the night. A clearly drunk stallion approached, and leered at them. "Hey there. Ain't you two prime specimens of-"
"Scram!" Luna proclaimed, the force pushing him backwards.
The stallion stumbled and fell right on his tail before getting up and scrambling away.
Luna turned to Applejack. "Did I say that right?" she asked. "And do ponies still say that?" she asked.
"What do you mean there's no eight-fifteen train to Canterlot?" Rainbow demanded.
"I mean, there's no eight-fifteen to Canterlot," the stallion said, sounding supremely bored. "It's been cancelled."
"So uncancel it!"
"That's really not an option."
Rainbow threw her hooves up and let out an inequine scream of frustration. Twilight stepped up. "So when is the next one?"
"There's one at ten and one at eleven thirty."
Rainbow calmed slightly. "So let's get tickets for the train at ten."
"I'm afraid that's not possible either. The ponies who were supposed to go on the eight-fifteen have been rescheduled and there is no more room." He smirked. "You might be able to purchase some first-class tickets for the eleven thirty, though. Full price."
Fluttershy and Rarity had to jump forward and forcefully restrain an infuriated Rainbow Dash.
Pinkie stuck her tongue out at him. "You're being a painy-pain," she said. Then, her eyes widened, and her smile brightened. "I bet you need a party!"
Rainbow stopped struggling. As one, the other ponies slowly backed away and left him to his fate.
* * *
Rainbow looked over at the fan of tickets Pinkie Pie held in her mouth. "So he just gave you these tickets?"
"Yep!" Pinkie said brightly.
"They're first class," Rarity breathed.
"For free?" Rainbow asked.
"Yep!" Pinkie confirmed. "He said something about shreds of sanity. I prefer shredded cheese. Or shreds of carrots in carrot cake."
Rainbow pulled her into a hug. "Pinkie, you're the best. We'll be up there in no time."
Twilight didn't have the heart to remind her that Canterlot was still a day and a half's train ride away.
* * *
“Thanks again for lettin’ me stay here,” Applejack said.
“Any time,” Luna said, feeling the strange modern phrase roll off her tongue. She always had a soft spot for the mares that had rescued her, and she worried. Applejack hadn't left her room all day. In fact, that's what Luna had come for; giving Applejack some food. Of course, some of the servants had balked at the idea of a princess doing such menial labor; but then they were reminded that it would be wiser to balk at the idea of disagreeing with a princess.
“Sorry I ain't been too social,” Applejack said as she took a bite of the turnover. While not her grandmother’s cooking, it was still very rich, and she quickly took another.
“Oh, it's quite all right,” Luna said. “If I were to be honest, going out doesn't always appeal to me much, either.” Her voice flattened. “Politics and petty nobility squabbles are things I certainly haven't missed in my absence.”
“Heh…” Applejack cracked a smile. “Wouldn't like that any myself, either.”
“You are more than free to move about the castle,” Luna continued. “For rainy days, though, I recommend visiting the library. It is most peaceful there.”
Applejack nodded gratefully. “I'll do that,” she said. She wasn't usually much for reading, but for this she might make an exception. It sounded like a welcome escape.
* * *
The train ride up to Canterlot was done in relative silence. Fluttershy had worried all night with Rarity, and the two of them were sleeping against each other on one of the throne-like seats. Pinkie Pie had eaten her weight in the complimentary snacks and was currently hanging her head out the window, letting her tongue flap in the breeze. Twilight looked out the window at the gathering clouds, and Rainbow Dash sat pondering.
“What if we don’t find her?” Rainbow asked.
Twilight looked up.
“What if she left another way?” Rainbow asked. “What if she took another train or hopped on an airship or something and disappeared off the face of Equestria forever?”
“Would that bother you?” Twilight asked.
“Yes!” Rainbow snapped. “That would definitely bother me! I lo-” She paused. “I really care about her,” she finished lamely. “And I maybe really want to see her again.”
Twilight smiled. That was all she’d needed to hear. “Don’t worry,” she said. “We’ll find Applejack. I promise.”
* * *
It had been two days since Applejack had arrived at the castle. It was raining, but only a drizzle. Applejack hated drizzles; it was as if the sky was waffling between raining and not raining. If it were going to rain, it should just pony up and do it. None of this fake rain drizzle horseapples.
She wandered the shelves of the library, looking at all the books. This made the Ponyville library look like the stack of books under her bed. She stopped and stared at the numerous books, all with different covers in different colors. It was really beautiful. Maybe this was why Twilight liked living in a library.
Then again, Rainbow Dash liked libraries, too…
“Can I help you find something?”
Applejack spun around. A unicorn librarian sat at a desk, nearly hidden behind a wall of books.
“No, I don't think..." An idea suddenly occurred to her. "How about memory stuff?” Applejack asked.
The mare nodded and pushed her glasses up to her forehead. “To remember, or forget?”
“Prolly forget,” Applejack said.
“Most ponies use the anatomy reference books.” She directed a hoof towards some absolutely monstrously thick books.
Applejack raised an eyebrow. “And just how in the hay do those help?”
“You bash them against your head until you can't remember what you came to forget!” She laughed. It was a quiet but high-pitched and nasally snickering, and it grated harshly against Applejack's spine. Applejack glared.
The librarian's laugh dropped off, and she was serious again. “May I see your library card?”
“Library card?”
“Memory potions and spells are in section 503 in the Forbidden wing,” she explained. “I just need your library card to show you have access and I'll let you in.”
Applejack pursed her lips. “Nope, don't have one of those. Guess I'll ask Luna for one la-”
“Wait.” She held up a hoof. “You're the pony Luna's been taking care of?”
Applejack nodded.
The librarian hopped off her stool. “Then I'll take you there. Just follow me!”
She led the way to some rooms far in the back, until they reached hall 500. Applejack shuddered. This entire hall had felt darker than the rest of the library, as if it knew it had secrets waiting that probably shouldn't ever have been revealed. Each offshoot of the passageway was guarded by a stone wall with two doorways, both glowing with a red forcefield. The librarian stopped under section 503 and stuck her horn into the slot between them, and the forcefield on the right vanished.
“Stay as long as you want,” she said, extending a hoof to let Applejack know she could enter. “Just push that lever there when you want to leave.”
Applejack nodded her thanks and entered. Section 503 was a relatively small section; it was more like a broom closet than a cave, though it was also carved out of rock. A table with four chairs around it sat in the center, and against the rear wall was a single shelf that had all the books on it. Applejack looked over the covers.
Forgetfulness and You: What you can do when you can't remember what you're doing
Memory Potions for Dummies
Memory Retention Spells for Aged Ponies
Applejack cracked a smile. It deepened into a frown as she found another book close to the other end of the shelf.
Forgetting
A simple word, but full of import. Maybe it was the gold lettering or how thin it was, but Applejack found herself drawn to the book. It seemed to be newer, as if it were a new translation of an older manuscript. She brought it to the table and began to read.
If there is one subject that must be treated with respect, it is that of forgetting. This book deals not with forgetting affairs or poor social interactions, though readers seeking cures for such incidents may find some of the recipes herein to be of some use. Rather, this book deals with permanent erasure of memory, a responsibility which is not to be assumed lightly. Aside from the smaller tasks, such as the potion to help foals forget terrifying nightmares or the post-birth concoction, many of the mixtures in this volume involve water from Tranquil Lake. Of course, the Lake will be discussed in its own chapter, with the dangers and warnings a powerful artifact such as it merits.
Applejack quickly flipped back to the table of contents, found the page where the chapter on Tranquil Lake was to start, and flipped to that page.
At least, she tried to; but the pages of that section had all been ripped out. She ran a hoof over the torn edges. It had been too smooth a tear to be anything but magic. She frowned. Who had done that? And why?
“I see you took my advice.”
Applejack jumped. She slammed the book shut and spun around. Luna stood outside the barrier, and Applejack dropped into a bow; as well as she could from her seat at the table, that is.
“Rise,” Luna said, lighting her horn and walking through the barrier. “We are friends, are we not?”
Applejack blushed slightly. “Right.”
“It is good to see you here,” Luna continued. “Reading is a most enjoyable pursuit when you wish to leave something behind.” She cleared her throat and straightened up. “When my watch alerted me to your presence here, I had assumed you had gone to section 509, looking for love potions. I am glad to see I was mistaken.”
“Love potions? Really?” Applejack hadn't even considered that option, and was mildly offended that Luna had even considered that a possibility. If Rainbow Dash didn't love her for real, it wasn't even worth it.
Luna misunderstood the reason for her surprise, and nodded. “Yes. Real love potions. We keep them locked away, and for good reason. Can you imagine the chaos that would result if potions like those were left out to where any foal could get their hooves on them?”
Applejack coughed and brought a hoof up to scratch the back of her neck. “Yeah,” she said uncomfortably. “That'd be pretty messy.”
“There are much better ways to soothe pain, ways that give true and lasting results.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “When Celestia is sad or stressed, she eats cake. Often, she orders cakes to be sent to her room from various bakeries so it does not appear that she is overeating. Once, two bakeries happened to deliver their cakes at the same time.”
Applejack winced. “Bet that ended well,” she said sarcastically. Bakers tended to be quite proud of their craft.
“Medics did have to be called,” Luna admitted. “But both cakes were delicious.” She paused. “What are you studying, anyway?”
“Just this,” Applejack said. “Do you know about Tranquil Lake?”
Luna frowned. “No, I cannot say that I do,” she said. “Unless… Oh!” She brightened. “It is the Lake of Tranquility!” Her smile of success quickly turned horrified as her pupils shrunk to pinpricks, and she closed her mouth.
Applejack waited, but Luna did not expand on that. “And what's the Lake of Tranquility?” she asked, prompting.
“It is nothing,” Luna said, a bit too quickly. “A thing of legend. Likely it does not even exist anymore.” She paused, realizing that she was only digging herself a deeper hole. “Though that is making the assumption that it ever existed; which I can assure you it never has.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow and pointed at the book in front of her.
Luna bowed her head and sighed in defeat. “It is known as the Lake of Tranquility, or the Well of Forgetfulness. It is a magical source of water which can soothe the pains of anypony—even those of the princesses.”
Applejack perked up, but Luna was not finished.
“However, it comes at a terrible price; the loss of all the memories and feelings of that which caused them the pain.” She met Applejack's eyes. “It is a fate not many choose, and many who do drink of the lake come to regret it.”
Applejack nodded slowly.
“So it would not be a good idea to seek out this lake.”
Applejack nodded slowly.
“And it is not marked on any of the maps of Canterlot in the maps section of this library.”
Applejack nodded slowly.
Luna paused, then exhaled slowly. “I am not good with misdirection,” she admitted. “Perhaps you would like to accompany me to a play tonight?”
“Yeah,” Applejack said, already making plans to return. Maps and cartography was in the 220 wing, wasn't it? And maps weren't forbidden information. “That sounds good.”
Early the next morning, Applejack arose and headed out the door. She retrieved traveling rations from the kitchen (who still had a standing order from Luna to keep her comfortable), gathered what other supplies and clothing she needed, and headed out the side door. She sighed, looked back one last time, and then prepared to descend the staircase.
“You make your choice, then.”
Applejack jumped, and spun around to see Luna. She had been almost invisible, standing in the shadows against the wall and behind the pillar. She stepped forward, smiling sadly.
“When do you sleep?” Applejack demanded.
“That is unimportant,” Luna said. “What is important is that you are prepared to accept the consequences of your choice.”
Applejack rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Look, I made my choice, and I know what I'm doing, so don't even try to…”
Her voice trailed off as she opened her eyes and realized that Luna was no longer there.
Had Luna ever been there?
Applejack shook her head. She pulled out the section of map she had copied, oriented herself, and began to walk through the rain.
From her position high up in the tower, Luna watched her leave, and then sadly returned back to her room.
* * *
Twilight and her friends had sprinted all the way to the castle. Now they faced their fiercest challenge yet.
Two Lunar guards barred the entrance to Luna's room. Their sharp fangs and slitted pupils unnerved even Pinkie Pie.
“State your business,” the Lunar Guard on the right said.
“We're here to see Princess Luna,” Twilight said.
“We can’t let you in,” the Lunar Guard on the left said. “Her majesty is sleeping.”
“Well, her majesty is my only hope to get my friend back,” Rainbow Dash snarled, her anger overcoming her apprehension, “so you’d better step aside or-”
Twilight forcibly pulled Rainbow back down to the ground. “We’ll wait,” Twilight said firmly, “but it is fairly important. It’s about one of the Elements of Harmony.”
“Please,” Fluttershy added.
Both of the guards tensed slightly. That was a matter of national security. It might be worth the wrath of a princess for that. They looked at each other and nodded. One opened the door and slipped inside silently.
From inside, they could hear whispered noises, and then Luna’s voice. “No, I am awake,” Luna said, pushing herself up and poking her head out of the door. Then she saw who was waiting for her, and she took the tiniest of steps back. “Upon further reflection, perhaps I am still asleep,” she said softly.
“Princess Luna!” Twilight bowed with all of her friends.
“We need your help,” Rainbow said. “Where’s Applejack?”
“Applejack…” Luna said hesitantly. “She was here as my guest.”
Twilight reared up happily. “Told you she was safe!” She turned back to Luna. “Where is she now?”
“Gone,” Luna said hesitantly.
“What?!”
Luna tapped her hooves together and looked away. “She may have found out about the Lake of Tranquility, and-”
“What?!” Twilight teleported to land in front of Luna’s face, glaring daggers. “You told her about the Lake?” she demanded.
The guards stepped forward, but Luna waved them down. “We did not mean to,” Luna defended herself. “She found the book on her own; and as of yet our distraction skills are still rusty after a thousand years of solitude.”
“What's so special about a lake?” Pinkie asked.
“And what's wrong with tranquility?” Rarity wondered. Wasn't peace what Applejack was looking for?
“It is a lake that makes ponies forget everything about something hurtful,” Luna explained.
“Everyth-?” Rarity's eyes widened in horror at those implications. “But… no! Everything, that would... No! You have to take us there! Immediately!”
“No need,” Twilight said quickly. “I know the way. But we have to run! We have to get there before she does!”
* * *
Applejack was no stranger to working in harsh weather. This cool rain on the top of the mountain was barely slowing her down. She pulled her poncho tighter and continued walking.
However, one pony can travel much easier than a group of ponies. Twilight and company were only an hour behind, but they were having trouble following. Twilight led the way quickly and efficiently, but the rain and slick paths made travel slow. To further complicate things, the trees were too thick for flying, and getting high enough to fly over them meant that fierce mountain winds would buffet any pegasus who tried, so Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were forced to the ground (much to Rainbow’s displeasure).
“How much further is it?” Rarity asked, holding a hoof in front of her eyes. She wished she’d thought to bring a scarf.
“It’s almost a day’s journey,” Twilight answered. “But Applejack has a head start! We have to keep moving!”
* * *
Applejack arrived as the moon was rising, that magical time when it was neither day nor night. It was a beautiful lake, really. It was smooth and clear and flat as a mirror. It reflected the moon and stars on the inky black sky, and it would have been a perfect place for any picnic.
Most of this beauty was lost on Applejack, who was weighed down under the burden of what she was about to do. She shrugged off the pack and pulled out a goblet from one of the side pockets. She stared at it for a moment. She had taken it from the kitchen and it was much fancier than she was used to, and its golden body gleamed in the moonlight. In its reflection, she could see-
She spun around quickly, but Luna wasn't there. Perhaps it had been a trick of the starlight.
She turned back towards the lake, dipped the goblet in and brought it out, brimming with the cursed water. Applejack looked down at her goblet, and frowned. Memories flew through her head. Happy memories, of Rainbow Dash and her doing things together.
And then she made her decision.
* * *
Twilight burst into the hauntingly familiar meadow, looking around desperately for her friend.
There, in front of her, sat Applejack, still looking into the lake.
And beside her on the grass, an empty golden goblet, resting on its side.
“Applejack!” Twilight howled, as if she were in pain. She broke into a sprint, nearing her friend.
Applejack turned tiredly, her face twisting in confusion. “Twilight?” she asked. “What're you doin' here?”
“We were looking for you, but we got here too late,” Twilight said mournfully.
“'We'?” Applejack asked. In the dark, all she saw was Twilight.
Twilight pulled her into a hug. “I'm so sorry,” she whispered.
“Sorry for what?” Applejack asked, confused even further. She was so confused she didn't even return the hug.
She looked up at the sound of hooves, and backed up as she saw Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy enter the clearing.
And finally, Rainbow Dash. She entered looking just like a puppy, one hoof raised as if uncertain, trying to seem as little a threat as possible.
“Hey,” she said.
Twilight turned back, head bowed. “She won't recognize you,” she said sadly.
“Oh, I recognize you,” Applejack growled, spinning around to keep her out of sight. “Unfortunately.”
Twilight nearly collapsed with relief. “Oh, Applejack. I thought you'd drunk from the lake.”
“Hmm?” Applejack looked over at the goblet, noticing for the first time its position. “Nah, I just set it down. I just wanted to relive those memories one last time before I make my decision.” She glared at Rainbow Dash. “And seein' you here, it really doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.”
Her friends all spoke at once, trying to convince her otherwise.
“You mustn't!”
“It gets better…”
“It's nothing a good party can't fix-”
But all fell silent when Twilight shouted. “Hey!”
Everypony looked at her, but she was only looking at Applejack.
“Applejack, may I speak to you, in private? Please?”
Normally, Applejack wouldn't have accepted. But Twilight seemed so earnest that she found herself accepting.
The two ponies began to walk around the lake in silence. Neither spoke; the only noises were the quiet breeze and their hooves padding against the thick lakeside grass.
When they had walked far enough that the rest of their friends had faded from sight, Twilight finally broke the silence. “Mother was a good spellcaster, but she did like to experiment, you know?”
Applejack's only experience with experiments were when new recipes were being tested. Most of these were tasty results, so honestly, she did not.
Luckily, Twilight didn't seem to need an answer. “One of the things she liked to do was combining spells to see what would happen. One of these experiments backfired, and… well… all they found were a few scraps of her mane and the melted strap of her goggles.”
“That must’ve been hard,” Applejack said.
Twilight nodded. “Being young and headstrong, I looked for something, anything that could ease my pain. Being the princess's student, I had access to any book I wanted in the library. As you probably know, I soon found out about the Lake of Tranquility—you know how much I like research.”
Applejack may have cracked a smile.
“Anyway, I came here, and Celestia didn't make it in time to stop me.” She nodded in response to Applejack's unspoken question. “I drank of the lake.”
“Did it work?”
“Perfectly.” Twilight's voice turned distant. “I can't remember much of anything before I was taken into Princess Celestia's care. I've tried every memory spell and potion I can get my horn on, and it's no use.” She sighed. “That's my biggest regret, drinking from the lake. It doesn't just take the pain; it takes the good parts, too. It's like cutting off your arm because you broke a bone. Do you know how I got Smarty Pants?”
That name only sounded vaguely familiar. “No…?”
“Neither do I. I don’t remember any of my birthday parties, I don’t remember my first memory of Shining Armor, I don’t remember meeting Cadence, I don’t remember anything. It's just an empty numbness, and I hate it. Hate it, Applejack. I hate it so much I went back and ripped all the pages about the Lake out of the book so nopony else could find it; my first and last act of library vandalism.” She paused, and a slight look of terror came into her eyes. “I don't think they've found out yet; please don't tell anypony?”
Applejack chuckled. “Secret's safe with me.”
Twilight smiled and continued. “Every single important memory I had, my mother was there; and I can't remember her or anything else. I don't even remember what she looked like; Shining had to pull out a family album before I could believe I even had a mother, and even then it still seemed so unreal, like I was looking at something that didn't really exist. And I just…” She sighed. “I don't want any of my friends to have that same regret.”
“Regret? Me?”
Twilight nodded. “Everything from defeating Nightmare Moon to the invasion of Canterlot to your time at Cherry Jubilee's ranch to the first time the Flim Flam Brothers showed up to every one of the Running of the Leaves, Rainbow Dash was there. Apple Bloom's plays and school performances? Rainbow was there. Your birthdays, your celebrations, your rodeos. Rainbow was there. And those are just the ones I've been here for; you knew each other long before I arrived. How did you meet her?”
Applejack grinned. “Found her in a tree one afternoon, just sleepin' the day away. Bucked her right out of the tree.” She laughed. “She looked so adorable there, dazed, upside-down, and covered in leaves and apples... She was mad, but she ended up staying for dinner when we learned she didn't have a place to eat that night.” She paused. “That's the first time she'd ever tried cider. If I'd've known how much she would like it... I'd nearly forgotten about that.”
“There's more, aren't there?” Twilight prompted. “Think. All of your memories, all of your times together, gone. For what?”
Applejack didn't have a good answer. All her reasons for drinking of the lake seemed insignificant now. Better memories flashed through her head. Rainbow in the cider line, her excitement and joyous expressions. Rainbow helping with the harvest, without asking for payment. Winter Wrap-ups and their teams clashing but always getting along in the end. She let out a nervous giggle. Had she really considered throwing away their friendship? Had she really been so blinded by her pain? How could she have been so foolish? I must be dumber than a sack of hammers, she thought to herself.
“Please, Applejack,” Twilight pleaded. “Please. Don't do it.”
Applejack nodded wordlessly. She turned away, setting her back towards the lake forever.
Luna was right. She couldn't do it alone.
But maybe she didn't have to.
* * *
High up in the observational tower, Luna sat back from her telescope and exhaled, relieved. Applejack had done it. She'd stayed strong. She'd made the right choice.
The train ride back to Ponyville was also a quiet one. Perhaps that might have been because this was the first opportunity to rest for most of them.
Pinkie looked at her friends. Rarity slumbered quietly on a bench, Twilight stared out the window, but Applejack and Rainbow Dash continued to sit separately.
“So did it work?” Pinkie whispered in Fluttershy's ear. “Are they happy together again?”
“They're hurting,” Fluttershy corrected quietly. “They've both got scars that need healing; Applejack from getting rejected and Rainbow Dash for hurting a friend she deeply cares about. It's going to take some time before they're back to normal, that's all.”
When they arrived at the train station, Rainbow Dash and Applejack met each other's eyes, and then both turned to go to their respective homes.
* * *
Applejack bucked another tree, and heard the satisfying thumping of apples falling into her baskets. She paused just long enough to push her hat back up and wipe the sweat off her brow before dropping down and preparing to buck again.
She froze as she saw movement. Rainbow Dash approached, walking through the orchard. She looked nervous but resolute, and Applejack stood to face her.
“Hi,” she started.
“Hey,” Rainbow said, bringing a hoof up and scratching the back of her neck. “So, uhh... How's it going?”
“Good,” Applejack said slowly.
“Listen, I… I wanted to apologize.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow.
“For the whole letter thing, and making fun of you and stuff. I really didn't think it was you writing them.”
“You didn't?” Applejack asked flatly.
“It just didn't seem like you, you know?” Rainbow explained, looking down at the ground. “You're the kind of pony who would just go out and get what you wanted. I just figured if you did like me, you'd just get up and ask me.”
Applejack rolled her eyes. “Fine, then. Rainbow Dash, you wanna go out with me?”
“Yeah!” Rainbow shouted, then paused, and then shrugged in an attempt to seem nonchalant. “I mean… yeah, it'd be cool, I guess.”
Applejack blinked. She hadn't really been expecting this answer. “Really?” she finally managed to say.
“Yeah, really.” Rainbow smiled. It was a nervous smile, but a genuine smile. “I'd like that a lot.”
Applejack's eyes narrowed slightly. “What changed?” she asked.
“Nothing, I just… didn't know you felt that way about me; and now that I do, I figure I might as well give this whole thing a try because, well, if I haven't told you this recently, you're pretty awesome yourself. And if you're brave enough to make the first move, I guess I'm brave enough to make a move back.”
Applejack allowed herself a small smile, and she gave Rainbow an affectionate bump with her hips. “Well, good,” she said. “I'm glad you think so. Because tonight, Ponyville's most awesome marefriends are going out for a night on the town.”
“Cool,” Rainbow said, trying (and failing) to keep a wide smile off her face. “See you at seven?”
Applejack nodded. “Sounds good. I'll be waiting.”
“See you then,” Rainbow said, flaring her wings and flying away. As soon as Rainbow thought she was out of sight, she let out a triumphant whoop and performed a celebratory loop. “This was even better than my dream!” she crowed.
Applejack's eyes narrowed.
* * *
Late in the afternoon when the sun was beginning to set, Applejack returned to the farmhouse. She opened the ice box and pulled out a large, cool jug of water. She poured herself a tall glass and drank it greedily. Then she wiped her lips off and spoke. “Thought you said you couldn't interfere,” she said.
“I said, I am forbidden to interfere with the waking affairs of ponies,” Luna said pointedly. “What happens in the Night is my prerogative, and mine alone.” She frowned. “How did you know I was here?”
“I didn't,” Applejack admitted. “That's the fourth time I've said that, just hoping for a reaction. I just expected you to drop by sometime and check on your handiwork.”
Luna placed a hoof on her chest and feigned offense. “Fair Applejack, art thou insinuating that I had anything to do with this? That is, as they say nowadays, 'most uncold'.”
Applejack chuckled. “It's 'uncool', your highness.” Her laugh died away, and she shuffled uncomfortably. “But seriously, though. How much did you do?”
“Do?” Luna asked innocently. “However do you mean?”
“You know, to get me and Rainbow together. She mentioned something about it being better than her dream, and I thought-”
It was Luna's turn to laugh. “Oh, Applejack; I did nothing. Her dream was a bad one; she feared your anger and rejection and she also feared you would have… what is the phrase? 'gotten over her' before she had a chance to express her love.”
“Huh?” Applejack frowned. “But…”
“She reacted to the letters poorly, it is true; but who did she come to? You. Who does she trust most? You. Who is the first one she shares things with, the first one she thinks of? You. She was not expecting you to have such a romantic side, and it surprised her. It took her some time to reconcile her view of you with this new information; but believe you me, she has always admired and loved you.”
Applejack let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. “Is that so?”
“Oh, it is very, very so. Trust me. And if you ever take her up on an offer of intimacy, be advised of her personal preferences.”
Applejack frowned and cocked her head. “Just what's that supposed to mean?” she asked.
A sly smile played on the princess's lips. “Not all of her dreams are of cider baths and first-prize medals, Applejack. She likes being bitten on the neck, having her mane pulled, having her wings bound, and having her cutie mark traced over by a tender tongue.” Luna laughed at the shocked expression on Applejack's face and she turned away, walking out the door and slowly fading from sight into the shadows of the orchard long before her laugh disappeared.
Applejack turned around and headed up the stairs... and then froze, a deep blush coloring her face as something occurred to her. “Wait, your highness!” she called, sprinting downstairs and sticking her head out the door. “You didn't... you know... tell her about my dreams, did you, Princess?”
The orchard remained silent, but Applejack could have sworn she heard a rather un-princess-y giggle come from somewhere in the shadows.
