Sunset lowered her gaze from the stars to the silver shimmer of the fields. Only from above the treetops of Gravity Woods could she see through to the other side.
Many dots crisscrossed the fields. She knew they were planting seeds. At this time of cycle, the moon would boost their strength.
Near her face, a sapphire shoe pointed. “That’s her.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes. See: she approaches the Woods already. With the moon so strong, she can sense your presence.”
“And we’ll really be able to meet?”
“Briefly. But if you’re exchanging places, then you must hurry. Tell her quickly. Spare no details. So long as one soul is kept on this side, the universe will be balanced. And next season, perhaps she will return to you…”
“Fourteen nights of life…”
Sunset saw the full moonrise, and even on this side felt the moonbeams reach in, cleansing her heart. White lights picked out Applejack, who went from fallen bough to fallen bough, looking for one fit for this cycle’s Oak Apple Time.
“I’ll do it,” she said. There was no argument. It wasn’t even conceivable.
As she descended, floating towards the forked path with the dragon’s hole, she saw Applejack gripping the hazel wood between her teeth.
Did she know? Did she dare to guess?
Sunset landed before the hole. She met Applejack’s gaze, and all doubt vanished at once. Strong forelimbs seized her around the neck. There was no hesitation.
Both of them looked up to catch a glimpse of Luna’s smile.