Zecora motioned for the two ponies to follow her. The unicorns complied, walking behind the zebra, going into her hut. She put the bag containing the flower in a table, and turned around to look at both –now more than- friends.
“Rejoice, ponies, for your Princess. She’ll soon be freed of her illness.”
She walked around her hut, picking different herbs and spices out of shelves while two pairs of eyes followed her every movement. Once she had put on the table everything she found necessary for her goal, she stopped in front of the ponies.
“If you want, go back to town. It’ll be a while before I manage this one.”
Both mares nodded, bowing to the zebra, who smiled.
“Thank you for everything, Zecora. We’ll come back later,” answered Twilight, turning to leave. Rarity walked over to the striped equine and briefly entwined their heads.
“Thank you, darling.” The white unicorn followed her purple friend through the door and joined her in the path. Both looked at each other, and with smiles on their faces, set off to the village, the singing of birds and the cries of the forest creatures accompanying them all the way until the exit. Coming out of the trees, they spied Fluttershy’s cottage near. But upon approaching it, both mares were surprised to not find anypony or any animal near or inside it.
“It’s probable that Fliuttershy is down at the farm, is she is with all her animal friends. No other place in Ponyville can house them.” Twilight continued her trot, with nary another glance towards the pegasus’ empty house. Rarity followed her.
“That is most certainly right, We’ll find her later.” Both unicorns took the path that led to the town’s center, walking slowly below the morning’s burning sun. In the market plaza, a stall that bore a very long line gave them another surprise, standing between Applejack’s stand and Carrot Top’s one. Nearing the stalls, they recognized the fillies running it. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were hard at work, serving apple juice for thirsty ponies. The elder unicorns turned to Applejack, whose stand had a much smaller line.
“What’s all this, A.J. It’s an Apple family business?”
“Howdy, Twilight, Rarity! Nay, it ain’t anything like that. This blasted heat might damage our crops seriously, so Apple Bloom asked us for some, and with the other crusaders has been selling cold juice these past weeks, and it’s a doozy. They haven’t said anything about just where did they get the snow to cool it down, tho’…” The orange mare casted a glance at the three fillies, as did Rarity, to whom Sweetie Belle had told nothing in the days she had remained in the tent.
“We shall talk to them later, Applejack.”
“You’re right, Rares. Now, girls, excuse me, but the line is waiting.”
“Of course, dear. By the way, the antidote for the Princess’ sickness is almost ready. We’ll pick it in a couple of hours.”
“That’s mighty fine, girls. Hope this’ll get fixed real soon.”
The unicorns parted from the market, saying goodbye to her friend, and arrived at the library, coming inside and putting the saddlebags next to the door.
“Spike, we’re here!” called Twilight, out loud. S mall steps hurried downstairs and the dragon assistant appeared before them. He went and hugged Twilight strongly, breaking from her to give Rarity an even stronger hug.
“Twilight, Rarity! It’s been so lonely here… But I’ve taken good care of the library! Also I’ve looked after your Boutique, Rarity, with some help from the other girls.” He looked at the white unicorn expectantly. Both mares gave each other a quick glance before Rarity approached him.
“That’s really sweet, Spikey wikey. I have some gems for you that I’ll give you later. For now, we’ll rest a little.”
The unicorns slept for the next two hours; Rarity occupied a guest room in the library since she didn’t feel like going all the way to the boutique. Upon waking, noon was already upon the town and they came down to the main room. Spike waited for them with some light daisy sandwiches. While eating, Twilight dictated a letter to Luna making her know the potion would be ready soon and they would deliver it later that day. Afterwards, they came to an accord that Zecora might not be yet done, so the three, with Spike riding on Twilight’s back, went out to meet their friends and see how they were doing, as well as fill them on the news. Sugarcube Corner was the nearest place, so they headed there first. To their surprise, it was fully packed with ponies. Upon entering, they caught sight of Mr. Cake and Pinkie attending behind the counter; the bakery’s owner dispatched the clients while the pink mare packed their pastries. Upon seeing her friends, she waved her hooves briefly.
“Hullo, girls, Spike! Sorry, I can’t go to play now. The bakery’s busy and Mrs. Cake is watching Pumpkin and Pound, so we’ll have to talk later!” After saying this, Pinkie tossed three cupcakes towards them, which Spike caught after a jump, dividing them among the three.
“Ok, Pinkie, we’ll see you later.” They waved goodbye to the bakers, who answered silently, and took their leave. They headed towards Rainbow Dash’s cloud, standing right below it.
“Rainbow Dash!” screamed both Twilight and Spike, while Rarity limited herself to look up, taking care to shield from the sunlight. Soon, a multicolored blur sped down from the nimbus, landing next to them. The athletic mare beamed at them.
“Long time no see, girls! All cool down here? “
“Yes, Rainbow, and how’ve you been?”
“Oh, just dandy, you know. This heat is bothersome at times, but that’s not gonna stop Equestria’s fastest flier!” She flapped her wings, showing them proudly. Her three friends chuckled. She looked from one unicorn to the other. “So, you got that seed stuff covered now?”
“Princess Luna helped us a little, too. Thanks to her, the germination time was cut back around a week. Zecora’s preparing the potion right now. I think that we can get it to Canterlot in the evening. Will you come with us?”
The rainbow mare nodded. “I can take this evening out of my schedule, there’s not gonna be much weather action today. I hope it works, this gets harder everyday…”
“Well, we trust Zecora, she’s the most knowledgeable one around here when it comes to herbs and plants. Anyway, we’ll see you later, Rainbow. We’ll go towards Sweet Apple Acres now.” Upon hearing this, the pegasus let out a chuckle, which called towards the unicorn’s attention. Spike’s eyes lighted up and he smile, which, he being in Twilight’s back, went unnoticed.
“What’s funny, Dash?” asked Twilight, looking at her friend. Rarity joined her.
“Yes, darling, what happens?” The cyan pony laughed and shot herself up to her cloud.
“Sorry, not telling, you’ll find out soon. See you soon!”
Spike suppressed giggles covering his mouth.
The slow trot finally had them in front of the farm’s gates. They crossed them, and looked at the fields, which were covered in plastic sheets. Seeing an orange shape among the trees, they trotted towards it. It grew defined the closer they were, taking Applejack’s shape. They approached her happily, and she recognized them.
“Twilight, Rarity? You finally finished that thing o’ yours?”
Twilight smiled as she met the earth pony and crossed her neck with her, as did Rarity.
“Yes, we’re finished at last. Now Zecora is making the potion and I believe we can go and deliver it this evening. Do you think you can go with us?”
“Sure, Sugarcube. Ya’ll goin’ to ask Fluttershy, too?”
“Yes, of course. Is she here?”
“She has been staying here for some time now with those critters of hers. She’s back there, with Big Macintosh now.”
Hearing this, both unicorns looked confused.
“With Big Macintosh? Fluttershy?”
“Yes. Don’t tell me ya haven’t heard none of it. Spike, haven’t ya’ll told ‘em anything?” Applejack looked at the small dragon, a frown on her face. The small dragon chuckled nervously, while the unicorns looked back and forth. Rarity snapped.
“Oh, please! First Rainbow Dash and now you two? Just what is going on here? Tell us! We certainly seem t have missed on a lot of things while down there and nopony bothered to tell us? This is certainly unjust, let me tell you, Applejack!”
The orange mare backed down, raising a hoof. “Whoa, whoa, calm down there, Rares. Is not really that bad. Big Mac and
Fluttershy are seein’ each other, ‘s all.”
After some seconds, both Twilight and Rarity’s face were alight, they eyes opened and both sped to Applejack’s side; Spike almost fell off of Twilight.
“Is that true, darling?”
“How much time have they been going out now?”
“Well, it’s just been a few days now. Being those two, they have limited themselves to being together while making their respective jobs. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, mind ya. Ah’m happy to see them both like that. Why don’t ya’ll go there now?”
“It’ll be our pleasure indeed, dear,” answered Rarity, leading the way towards the back of the farm.
Big Macintosh and Fluttershy were next to a line of apple trees. The red stallion was performing his accustomed task of kicking the apples into the baskets, while the pegasus mare watched him, some bunnies and squirrels accompanying the both of them. Twilight and Rarity stopped at a certain distance, watching the couple from afar. He worked as usual while she stood near him, just watching; Fluttershy wasn’t a very physical pony after all, though she was happy to help if she was truly needed. They went from tree to tree as the loads were obtained, until the cart that held the bushels was full. In that moment, both unicorns and Spike approached them. Only then did Fluttershy see then.
“Hi, girls! You’re finally free? Is everything alright?” asked the butter mare softly, coming to embrace her friends. Big Mac greeted them with a nod of his head and a “Howdy, Miss Twilight, Miss Rarity?” before attaching himself to the cart and pulling the apples. Rarity saw him leave and turned towards Fluttershy.
“So, darling, you absolutely must tell m… us, about this dazzling achievement of yours!”
Fluttershy blushed strongly, half her face hiding into her pink bangs. Her voice was almost inaudible. Twilight and Spike just observed from the side.
“Please, dear. We’re among friends, aren’t we?” pressed Rarity, gently, beckoning the pegasus to tall. Fluttershy slowly pulled herself out.
“Well, I… I just approached him a few days ago and let him know of my feelings… After so much time, coming here and seeing him from afar, I was with him here.. and I decided that if I didn’t do something now, I probably never would. So, um…” She retreated into herself again. Twilight and Rarity beamed and approached to hug their friend.
“Oh, darling, congratulations! Be very happy, alright?” the white unicorn smiled and nuzzled her friend; Fluttershy had closed her eyes, but a big smile in her lips presented itself along her strong blush.
“Those are quite good news, Fluttershy! I can’t wait to organize the wedding. A wedding that goes the proper way since the beginning!” the purple unicorn’s ears perked up, as she also hugged her friend. Fluttershy opened her eyes.
“Um, but Twilight… is a little too soon for that. Not that I wouldn’t like it someday…”
Now the studious unicorn blushed also, less remarkably. “You’re right, Fluttershy. I’ll wait.”
The four friends laughed merrily and turned to follow Big Mac and into the Apple house, chatting animatedly.
“By the way, Fluttershy, once the antidote is ready, we’ll go to deliver it to Canterlot. Will you come too? The other girls already said yes,” asked Twilight as they were entering the house, where Granny Smith and the familiar smell of warm, tasty apple pie waited for them. “Howdy, girls?! Long time no see!”
“Yes, Twilight, that sounds lovely. I’ll go with you.”
“Excellent! Now we only need to go and pick it up. I think meeting in a couple hours at the station will be fine, don’t you?”
Fluttershy and Applejack nodded, and everypony sat down to enioy the delicious cake.
They finally parted ways, and set pace once again for the forest. Upon arriving, they saw the smoke coming out of the chimney. Twilight knocked at the hut’s door. Zecora’s voice answered loudly.
“I’m coming, don’t go roaming!”
After about a minute, in which they heard her hoofsteps around the room, the door was finally opened. The zebra called them inside.
“It’s quite hot in here, but I just need a couple minutes, Twilight dear.”
They waited patiently until Zecora finally put the fire out, and poured the potion in a flask using a spoon. She corked it and passed it to Twilight.
“With this, it should be fine. The Princess will be back in the line.”
“We thank you so much, Zecora. I’ll come back later, is that right?”
“Yes, indeed. And call me whenever you need.”
-------
The seven friends boarded the second Friendship Express of the evening. The remedy was safe in Twilight’s bags, which she held onto. She sat next to the window and could do nothing more that watch out of the window. Next to her were sitting Rainbow Dash and Applejack, who were engaged in a hoofwrestle contest. In the other seat, Rarity was in front of her, looking at her, as well as Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie occupied herself in eating cupcakes along Spike, who sat in front of her, in table, and writing down new recipes.
“Twilight, darling, I know you’re worried, but everything will come out fine.”
The purple unicorn slowly turned to look into Rarity’s eyes, briefly. They shone briely when looking at her.
“I hope so, Rarity.”
-------
The seven bowed upon meeting the Princess of the Night. They all observed the bags that her eyes had below them, as well as a certain thinness that was beginning to show, even under the princess’ high disguise of royal strength. Her voice was uncharacteristically soft as she addressed them.
“Good evening to you all. I assume you bring the antidote now? Pardon me for cutting the talk in such manner, but this is
extremely important.”
“Yes, Princess. It is here.” Twilight pulled the flask out of her bags and Luna levitated it to herself, examining it. She finally looked at them again.
“I humbly thank you for your services, as well as your friend Zecora, whom I shall talk to afterwards. For now, I am going to provide the first dose to Celestia. I’d invite you, but going near her now is nigh impossible for anypony but me. I will meet you again soon here. For now, be free.”
The Night Princess departed from the throne room, leaving the seven friends looking at each other. She reached Celestia’s room. The area around it still held an even more impressive magical aura around it, She opened the door and entered the room where the Sun Princess rested, for lack of a better word. The royal pony was diminished, her muscles, usually firm and strong, were bulging in a malnourished body. Her pearl white skin had yellowed with the days and she was abnormally thin. If it kept going like that, she would soon start to show ribs. Celestia wouldn’t die, but suffered enormously her affliction. Luna approached her, and with her magic, held the thrashing mare in place, firmly but gently, and opened her mouth to let some drops of the potion drop. Satisfied when she heard Celestia gulp down the liquid, she smiled slightly to her unreachable sister.
“Everything will be fine soon, sister.”
Dinner at the castle was mostly silent, except for Twlight briefing Luna the details about the potions, as well as how it should be administered. The Princess excused herself after dinner, and they were shown to their respective rooms. But nopony was in the mood to go to sleep. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Applejack went for a stroll in the castle gardens, letting the cool air of the night wash over them. Pinkie and Spike went to the kitchen, where the cooks were working some night plates for castle servants and engaged in discussion about cakes and desserts. Twilight and Rarity headed to the former’s room, where the purple unicorn sat on the bed and the white one chose a satin sofa.
“Why can’t we come out, Rarity? Big Mac and Fluttershy did do so already, and they’ve had just about the same time that we do.” The addressed mare got off the sofa and headed towards her marefriend.
“I want that as much as you do, Twilight. But I think that we really should wait some more to see how this turns out. We also have to think how to talk to Spike. I just ask for a couple weeks, would that be fine?”
Twilight turned and looked into Rarity’s blue eyes again, said mare diving into her purple pupils as well. She smiled softly. Rarity advanced and kissed her gently, only their lips touching, but enough to fill them both of a warm glee. They separated and embraced, staying like that for some time.
They came back to Ponyville in the following morning, ready to assume their normal lives, or what they would pass as normal lives.
The Saturday after their return to the castle, in Sweet Apple Acres, more exactly in a tree-house built upon a certain three, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were sitting around like they had been for twenty minutes. Sweetie Belle was about to protest when a whoosh could be heard coming all the way from the sky. A blue blur zapped through the door and Rainbow Dash came to a halt inside.
“You came, Rainbow Dash! I knew you would!” cried the excited orange filly.
“Of course, Scoots. Nothing stops the fastest flier in Equestria! … Well, almost nothing…” Rainbow corrected herself upon seeing an unicorn and an earth pony glaring at her. “Sorry, girls, got some knot to tie in the Weather Team, but I’m here now. So, how have things been going….?”
The four ponies huddled together, enjoying the privacy of the small house.
In the night of that very same day, veiled by the shadows of the dark and lighted by the shine of the moon upon them, two figures sneaked over. In a library left back them, a baby dragon slept calmly. One of the two figures carried a basket in her mouth and almost hopped excitedly.
“My first picnic with a marefriend… This is so exciting!”
“Twilight, dear, slow down a little or you will wake up the whole town, and it’s not going to be as romantic. And I would not like that…” Rarity brushed herself against her marefriend, whose blush wasn’t noticeable by her dark coat and the black night.
They both giggled softly and headed towards the Whitetail Woods.
As the days passed, the heat began to recede, becoming more bearable. Luna attended constantly to her sister, who now opened her eyes and looked up to her, thanking her silently. In the course of a few days, Celestia returned from the grip of her sickness. She finally came out of bed and decided to give a great banquet in order to celebrate it. Also, the Princess of the Sun was absolutely famished after those weeks. A devious grin appeared in her face, restoring to her the life that she hadn’t seemed to have up until that point.
“Bring Pinkie Pie here,” ordered her, using her most authoritative voice.
The Castle was all bustle and hustle for the next few days as the Great Royal Dinner in celebration of the Princess Return was announced, invitations delivered all around Equestria. Plenty of farmers and food producers saw their products being requested in great quantities, ensuring of course, that it would not result in a shortage of food for the land. A lot of the apple produce that remained at the Apple family barn was also shipped over there. A certain orange mare was mostly delighted.
“Those stuck up Canterlotians finally will know just what the good food is really like!”
In between the preparations for the event that had everypony excited, all the unicorn’s magic came back. Pegasi and earth ponies were almost turned blind and deaf by the light shows and the scream that resounded as one all over Equestria.
-------
The night of the Royal Dinner finally arrived. Hundreds of small tables had been set in the Royal Gardens, which were illuminated by floating lamps everywhere. At the head of all them, a large table had been prepared. In it sat, Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, the Elements, the Crusaders, Zecora, the royal advisors, among whom Greyhorn could be found, and P rince Blueblood, who sat at a corner of the table and from whom Rarity had made sure to put all the possible distance between them.
The chattering ponies all around fell silent at once when Celestia stood up and cleared her throat. Amplifying her voice by magic, she addressed all of them.
“My little ponies, it is an honor for me that you share with us this night in which we celebrate my recovery. The last few weeks have been especially harsh for our land, and I apologize deeply for it. I apologize to the unicorns, whose magic was taken away so suddenly and who had a great deal of difficulty. Also to the earth ponies and the hard working farmers whose harvests were greatly affected. And finally to the pegasi, who had to work even harder than ever to cover for the days of blazing heat. I apologize once more and thank you for your understanding. For this is my entire fault.”
The silence that fell upon the gardens was only interrupted by the whistling of the wind and the carts that waiters pulled around, serving to the ponies.
“Two months ago, I went on a journey to Zebrica, for a reunion with its leaders. Such reunions are done in order to keep the links among our nations, even if few of our race live in there and few of them live in here.”
Now all the looks had turned upon Zecora, whom a few ponies had noticed but now stood in the spotlight. The zebra seemed unnerved by this. The speech continued.
“And from them, I received a great variety of gifts, including many kinds of sweets. However, among those sweets was one prepared with a plant that is harmful to unicorns. Well, I still ate it.”
The wind blew harder. Everypony was silent as they looked to their Princess, who had a sheepish smile planted on her face. Only Zecora chuckled, looking into the crowd of ponies.
“I won’t do it again, I promise. And now, the following issue.” She motioned to her right, where the six friends and Zecora were sitting.
“Once again, thanks to the Elements of Harmony, the crisis was solved. They talked to a very good friend of theirs, the gentle zebra, Zecora, and she provided the means for my recovering, which Twilight Sparkle and Rarity brought forth. I ask of all you, a great applause for these three heroines.”
The hooves thumping began in the First Table, courtesy of Shining, Cadence, Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack, Fluttershy and the Crusaders. It soon extender among all the tables The resonance on the floor awoke the birds and sent them flying and the creatures in the gardens ran away –Fluttershy looked around, worried- . Twilight and Rarity were flustered, their faces red. Zecora only smiled and thanked them.
The rest of the dinner went on mostly in calm. When it was over, most of the guests left by carriages set up for that purpose. The Elements, the Crusaders and Zecora stayed inside the castle. The zebra was whisked away for a chat with the Royal Sisters, and all the others went to rest.
The normal Ponyville greeted them as they descended from the Express. Twilight turned to look at Zecora.
“Thank you for everything, Zecora. We couldn’t have achieved anything without you.”
“It Is all my pleasure. I advised the Princess to take everything with measure. I presume that I’ll be seeing you soon.” The zebra turned back and left, leaving the ponies pondering her words. They gave up soon. They all went back to their respective homes.
-------
“Twilight, you’ve got a letter!”
“I’m coming, Spike!”
The lavender unicorn trotted over and picked the letter up.
Dear Twilight Sparkle
We have something that we would like to discuss with you. Please come over to the castle as soon as you can, sending us a note beforehoof. We’ll be waiting to hear from you.
Princesses Celestia and Luna of Equestria
P.S. Bring Rarity along if you like.
She finished reading the letter and her face turned crimson. Spike looked at her.
“What do they mean ‘bring Rarity along’, Twilight?”
The purple unicorn turned away to run.
“HEY, TWILIGHT!”
In a certain bakery near there, a pink pony jumped around, creating and baking cupcakes and muffins, singing heartily to herself. A pair of foals, unicorn and pegasus, looked up to her curiously. Smiling, she approached the two babies.
“Oh, Pumpkin, Pound, I’m so excited. I wish those two would just come out right now so I could throw for them the biggest PARTY!” But time’s to time… Auntie Pinkie be watching over them, and will wait for the right moment…”
The pink mare turned to look at what was seemingly a wall.
“Don’t you all think so too?”