//------------------------------// // The Magic Left Behind // Story: Equestria Girls: Love Is Magic // by onekface //------------------------------// Chapter 6: The Magic Left Behind (Canterlot Day-Spa) (Afternoon) Applejack felt the tension on her shoulder melt as she sat on the sofa, her hair wrapped in a warm towel while a masseuse attended her feet putting pressure in places that just sent electricity running through her body. She wasn’t the kind of girl who’d go for this kind of treatment. Applejack always thought that hard work and labor were its own reward. But considering the things she just went through she didn’t think anyone would think any less of her. Heck, if her body could melt then and there, she probably wouldn’t even care. “Ahhh~~ Now this is the life.” A moan of pleasure escaped Rarity’s lips, two slices of cucumber placed upon her eyes combined with a thick layer of moisturizer. Two professionals catered to her hands and feet giving her the stature of a spoiled princess. “What better way to spend the afternoon than being pampered from head to toe by true masters?” There were a lot of things Applejack could say there but she decided to keep them to herself. “This sure is great Rarity. But you sure we should’ve left the others off on their own? I feel bad for not helping.” “At tut tut.” One of the spa employees waggled her finger in Rarity’s stead. “Applejack sweedom. Your desire to help is most welcoming but there are times when you need to simply sit back and enjoy the view.” “Not much of a view with these pickles on my face.” “Cucumber actually.” She corrected pleasingly. “And I was being metaphorical. You work far too much and have absolutely no time for yourself. How could you possibly enjoy this world if you don’t stop by and smell the roses?” Applejack shrugged. “I’ve always been a hard worker. You have to be when you’re running a farm as big as the one we have. Besides, it’s a lot more fun when you’ve got friends and family with you. Don’t you feel the same?” “Yes dear. I enjoy making clothes just as much as you enjoy raising your farm animals. Work is part of life. But that’s still no excuse for overtaxing your body. Why even the mere thought alone is enough to get me wrinkles.” “Rarity… you think everything gives you wrinkles.” “And they do.” She insisted. “Which is why we are here – to continue the good fight against time and nature! To hold back the tide of pimples and hair loss. Which reminds me. I’m feeling a rather terrible itch. Aloe! Better make it a triple for today.” Applejack wanted to laugh as the attendee complied to Rarity’s wishes, applying more moisturizer on her face. Who knew that coming to a day-spa like this would be considered a crusade against mother-nature herself? “But enough about all this work talk and wrinkles. We’re here to relax. Why don’t we speak of more pleasant topics?” The cowgirl raised an imaginary cup over her hand. “I guess a little pampering won’t hurt.” The fashionista’s face beamed at the thought. “Speaking of pampering, you looked pretty comfy having Flash Sentry hover over you like that.” She groaned miserably in reply. “If you can call it that. He wasn’t exactly that helpful.” “Oh darling. Come now. The boy looked worried. I thought it was very sweet that he was willing to look after you. Having a man like him attend to your every need is a pleasure all on its own.” Oh yeah sure – until he goes into the kitchen and whips you up a meal that’ll literally kill you. “Just make sure he doesn’t go into the kitchen.” Applejack remarked. Though she would admit that it was nice to have someone watch over her. If that boy didn’t come when he did, she probably would still be working on that barn fixing up something that can’t be done. Heck she’d probably collapse from exhaustion alone in the middle of the field. If Flash found her like that, he’d have a stroke. Heck she can already picture him carrying her up like a bride and whisking her off to the nearest hospital. “Oooh? Now there’s a reaction I’d never thought I’d see.” Rarity took one cucumber off her eye just in time to see her friend deep in thought. And whatever it was clearly got the cowgirl’s cheeks to warm up. “It’s… it’s nothing.” She stuttered. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” “Oh don’t be such a sauerkraut.” The fashionista cooed. “Attention-to-details is something of a specialty of mine. Come now. Did something happen? Tell me everything.” Figured she’d be thirsty for gossip. “Nothing happened.” Applejack insisted. “Aww… boo. What a bore. I was hoping for something… spicy.” She gave the fashion-maniac a glare. “You do know that he and Sunset used to date, right?” “Your point?” Was she serious right now? “Pfft. I’m joking darling. I know exactly what you mean. It’s just that I’ve never seen you with that kind of expression before. It’s actually kind of refreshing. To think that the strong and independent Applejack would have such an adorable side hiding under all that calluses.” (The Sleepy Siren) Rainbow Dash stood at the front of the store with Fluttershy and Pinkpie Pie on her flanks. The Sleepy Siren, whose name is just too much of a coincidence, was a run of the mill internet café. While it served patrons with access to the internet, they also served a good selection of pastries on the side. The air here was thick with coffee. You can practically smell it from a mile away. Through the glassed door they could see Adagio, the leader of the group, standing by the counter with an irritated expression on her face. While her powers may have been sealed away that didn’t exactly make her any less dangerous. With a brave face, she pushed door and entered. “Welcome to Sleepy Sirens. What can I get…” Adagio recited her welcome line in a tone that was pretty much as bored as she was. She stopped though when she realized who it was. “Oh… it’s you. What do you want?” “Cut the act, Adagio.” Rainbow Dash threw out an accusing finger at her. “Spill the beans! We know you’re behind it all!” “Did someone say beans?” Sonata, the cheerful sounding Siren asked, holding said coffee beans. She waved at her former enemies, not a trace of malice on her face. “Oh! Hi guys. You here for our famous latte? We’re having a special discount just for today!” “Oh oh oh! I’ll have one!” Pinkie requested matching Sonata’s wavelength almost instantly. Adagio rolled her eyes and slowly slapped Rainbow finger away. “What. Are. You. Idiots. Talking. About?” “Drop the cookie act sister! Stop pretending like you don’t have anything to do with the wolf that’s been stalking us.” “We got cookies too!” “I’ll take five!” The leader of the Sirens scoffed and brushed the side of her puffy hair. “I have no idea what you’re going on about. Do we look like the kind of people who’d keep pets?” “No. But you look like the kind of people who can use magic to summon monsters that attack our friends!” Rainbow added accusingly. “Admit it! You’re the ones behind it all!” Again Adagio groaned. “Ok. You are going to start making sense in the next three shakes or I am calling for security.” “Oh! We also got fruit shakes! Apple or coconut? They’re really good~~.” “Sonata!” The orangette snapped. “Not… now.” “Ah… right. Sorry.” The cheery Siren smiled softly towards Pinkie. “That’ll be 4.99. Please and thank you.” Ignoring the two airheads, Adagio poked back at Rainbow. “If this is some kind of prank, you guys are terrible at it. Whatever it is you think we did, we didn’t do it.” “Oh really?” Dash challenged. “So you’re saying that you don’t have anything to do with the strange magic that’s been going around the city lately?” Well so much for subtlety. “Of course n… wait… did you say magic?” Adagio looked to her companions who quickly gave out the similar knowing expression. “Are you talking about that weird fuzzy magic that’s been hanging around that weird museum?” “AHA! I knew it! You are responsible!” Thankfully Fluttershy pulled her friend back before she could continue with her accusations. “You know about it?” “Of course we know. We might’ve lost our forms but we are still creatures of magic.” The Siren boss lady stated in her annoyed attitude. “Sensing strange energy like that is child’s play. But if you think we’re responsible – then think again. We have standards.” “And we’re just supposed to take your word for it?” “Do I look like I care about what you think?” Fluttershy hastily interjected pushing the two away. “I’m sorry for Rainbow Dash. It’s just that two of our friends have already been attacked recently and we’re looking for any clues that could lead us to the culprit.” “Well…” Adagio rubbed her chin looking somewhat half between interested and annoyed. “That does make us the likely suspects. I could totally see myself doing something that would make you all… disappear. But sadly… no. We’re not the ones you’re looking for.” “Besides. After what you did to us during our musical performance, we barely have enough magic to sustain ourselves.” Aria added appearing out from the backroom. “Spending that kind of energy to simply hurt you girls is just a waste.” “Totally. We had to resort to working in this wretched place just to keep us fed.” Here? In this dusty store at the edge of the city? Fluttershy looked around and tilted her head sideways. “The internet café?” “You think we’d work here for the money? Oh please.” Adagio scoffed at them waggling three fingers and rolling each down with each remark. “The work hours here are atrocious, the pay is lame and the customers are complete jerks. If it wasn’t for necessity’s sake I’d sooner burn this place to the ground.” Yeesh… talk about extreme measures. “But you’d be surprised how much negative energy comes from this place. Some hothead online players, a blogger posting a mean comment yet being anonymous. You know… the usual?” That does make sense. The internet has been a boiling pot for all manner of perversions. Where else would you get such a powerful yet natural dose of negative energy in this world? “So you’re not responsible for the strange magic?” “Sweetie. Please. We’re Sirens. We have standards.” She poked over the Fluttershy’s face. “Now unless you want to make a purchase, I suggest you move along. I have customers to attend.” Adagio gestured to the back where a line of patrons were piling in. “Just one more question, if you’d be so kindly.” The animal lover spoke. “Would you know anyone who might’ve used that kind of magic?” “No.” The answer was straight, plain and simple. “But if it’ll help get you off my counter, I can give you one bit of information.” Oh! That was progress. “That magic source that’s coming from the museum has been getting weaker.” “Weaker? What do you mean?” “Think of magical energy as fire. You can convert the magic to become spells or objects if you know the recipe. I know someone used that magic source at least four times.” “Four?” “It means someone used it. Now the source itself has become weaker and weaker. Soon there won’t be any magic left. I’d give it a week or two before it burns out. Now shoo. I got paying customers to deal with.” Rainbow and Fluttershy looked to one another and agreed to part off, Pinkie falling not far behind with another pack of treats in her arms. “Bye! Come again soon!” (Parking lot) “Two weeks?” Sunset looked startled at the revelation of this new information. “Are you sure?” “That’s what Adagio said.” Fluttershy said on the other line. She could hear Rainbow Dash saying something about not trusting their word it but she ignored that. “I don’t think she was lying to us. And I don’t believe that the Dazzlings are responsible for this either. Sorry. But I believe that this might be a dead end.” “No, that’s fine.” Sunset waved it off even though she knew that she couldn’t see her. “You got us more information. I count that as a win in my book.” “How are things there? Did you find anything?” “Just rocks and rubble. Nothing else to go on. No magic trace or anything.” She paused. “But the good news is that we did find her phone.” “And in good condition!” Sunset chuckled softly at her. “Anyway, this place seems like a bust. We’ll give it another look but I don’t think we’ll find anything else here. Let’s meet up at the diner downtown in about an hour? We’ll go over everything we know together.” Both sides hung up leaving Sunset to look over Twilight as she searched the parking lot. There was hardly anything there – or anyone for that matter. “Got anything?” “No.” Came her sad and disappointing answer. “I really thought we’d get at least something, but my tracker isn’t picking anything other than the source from the museum. It’s like that monster didn’t leave any trace behind.” “Well you did say it was a ghost. And ghosts don’t exactly leave a lot. Unless you know a thing or two about ectoplasm.” Twilight gave her a scowling look. “That’s ridiculous. Ghosts are simply fictional beings. They don’t really exists. And I called the monster ethereal. A totally different concept.” Sunset gave out a coy smile which somehow irritated her. “Sure. I believe that. And… speaking of the museum, I still can’t believe you blew Timber off yesterday. That was really not cool to break a promise.” “I thought we were through this!” Twilight groaned, having one hand on her face. “I needed to see the artifact for myself. Get a first-hand experience. Besides, it all worked out in the end.” “More like you were lucky that Flash was there. Otherwise security would’ve just thrown you to the curb. You can’t just show up like that on the very last minute.” “It was a magical emergency!” “You blew off a whole date.” “Half! HALF a date.” That didn’t exactly make it sound better. “Besides, I promised that I’d make it up to him later. This situation we’re dealing right now is big.” “Big enough to blow off your boyfriend to hang around with another boy?” “Hey no fair! Flash was just around when I needed help. And to answer that question: Yes. It is.” Sunset recoiled from that answer. She certainly wasn’t expecting her friend to simply agree. “Don’t you think that this situation is important? I mean look what happened to Applejack. She and Big Mac got hurt because of this thing.” “Yeah, but how is that our fault?” “Because we’re the only ones who have the ability to fight this creature.” She reasoned angrily, eyes fuming. “You know that this world isn’t exactly ruled by magic like in your Equestria. No one else has any kind of defense against that kind of power. What if this monster starts to go on a rampage? Innocent people could be in danger because we didn’t stop it.” “I know. But remember, we can’t be responsible for every magical disaster. At least… not you guys. We’re still kids.” “Kids with powerful magic that we hardly know anything about!” Twilight covered her mouth when she realized her voice snapped. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to yell. It’s just that… you once said that we were all given these powers for a reason. I’d like to believe we were given them to protect and help people. And seeing these magical nature hurting folks… I can’t help but feel like I haven’t done my best.” She glanced over to the crowd in the distance holding a wistful look. “No one here knows what we go through with our lives. All the power, the burden we have to hold back. It feels… heavy sometimes.” “Twilight.” Sunset skipped over to the girl, holding her shoulder. “Since when did you start thinking like this?” “Ever since our Spring Break.” She answered. “After you and Princess Twilight decided to lock the portal with your magic key, that whole event with the Storm King got me thinking that… those people in the cruise could’ve gotten seriously hurt.” “But they didn’t. We saved them.” “Exactly. We saved them because of our powers.” Twilight countered. “Do you think any of them would’ve been able to handle the Storm King or carry a thousand pounds worth of equipment with their minds? Of course not. And… that’s exactly what scares me.” She shuddered at the thought. “If we couldn’t save them or protect them… then it would’ve been our fault. Because we didn’t try hard enough.” Wow… talk about heavy. Even Sunset was beginning to feel the weight of her burdens. But there was some truth in there. Even she knew that the humans of this world had little to no defense against magic. It’s why the Sirens were able to influence them so easily or how she nearly turned an entire student body into a personal army of mindless zombies. There was simply nothing here that can counter that. If magic was allowed to run rampant like it did during their cruise… no one would be safe. It would continue to evolve, changing the world in ways they could never imagine. The damage that could happen would be… irreparable. “I guess you’re right there.” Sunset agreed after a short pause. “But you should’ve told me about this earlier. I would’ve helped you look for an answer. You know you can tell me anything, right?” “I know. It’s just that… I don’t want to fail. Not with this. Not when those that I care about can get hurt.” “Hey. We’ll figure it out.” The redhead carried her out of the parking lot and back into the light. “Whatever happens, we’ll see it through. Together.” “I…… well…” Twilight slumped. “Yeah. I guess we will.” “That’s the spirit! Now come on. It’s passed noon. And I figure neither of us wants to be caught here out in the dark.” On that, they both can agree on. (Diner) Ding! “Order up!” The smell of burgers and fries was heavy in the air that evening as Sunset and her friends gathered around the table. The information they’ve gathered was sparse at best but it was a step in the right direction. It would certainly be a lot easier if they had an obvious suspect to go with. “So here’s what we know so far.” Sunset recapped, using a pen and pad to jot down their intel. “We all know that this strange magic is coming from these objects in the museum. We also know someone has used them four times. Considering that there are four artifacts in total, it can’t be a coincidence.” “I don’t know.” Rainbow Dash protested. “I still think that the Dazzlings have something to do with all this. I’m gonna keep one eye open for those three. Just in case.” “We also have a raging shadow wolf monster hunting us and no clue who’s summoning it and why.” “Don’t forget that the whole magic thingie is burning out faster than a birthday cake on a raging birthday party!” Pinkie added stuffing her mouth full of treats. “Yeah. That too. And right now we got a whole mess of questions and not a lot of answers to go by.” “Can’t we just let it be?” Rarity suggested, her whole body gleaming with a soft glow from all the pampering. “If this magic is slowly weakening then surely the problem will resolve itself if we just leave it alone.” “We can’t guarantee what Adagio said is correct.” The redhead explained. Though as much as she would like to believe so, she can’t exactly trust the word of another former villain on a whim. “Even if she was right, there’s no telling what could happen in the next two weeks. We can’t allow this monster to run rampant. Not when we know we can still stop it. We just need to think this through.” “I don’t suppose we could just call Twilight – uh… Princess Twilight I mean.” Applejack put her two bits in. “She’s really our only foreign expert on this whole magic thing. No offense Twily.” The other Twilight brushed it off. “I’m just saying we might need a real professional to deal with this kind of problem.” Sunset agreed on that idea. If anyone could solve a magical problem, it’d be her friend on the other side. “I’ve been writing to Twilight about this whole thing. But from the looks of it, there are some problems happening in Equestria too. It doesn’t look like she’ll be able to help us any time soon. And I really don’t want to use the portal or I’d be risking more magic to leak to this side. We all agreed to put that lock and use it only when absolutely necessary.” Fluttershy sighed. “I guess being a Princess in the other world comes with a lot of responsibility. We can’t always call on her when things look bad here.” “Exactly.” Sunset nodded. “Princess Twilight already has enough on her plate with just one world. Besides, this thing seems to be magic from this world. We’ve fought worse things before. I think we can handle one little wolf.” “I’m game.” Rainbow Dash raised her fists up in approval. “So how do we fight it? Do we Pony-up and blast it with our rainbow beams? Or do we play a jam and blast it with our music?” “First we’ll need to find it.” Twilight spoke up. “I’ll use my tracking device back home and do a full sweep of the city. If the shadow creature shows itself, I’ll let you guys know. “And then we Pony-up?” They rolled their eyes at the bloodthirsty member of the group. “Yes Rainbow Dash. We’ll ‘Pony-up’. But that means we have to be together when the time comes. I don’t suppose you guys will mind a sleepover at my place?” Her friends shouted with approval. They’d never turn away a sleepover. Not to mention they’d all feel a lot safer being together knowing that there was a wolf chasing after them. “I’ll be sure to bring some extra lotion. Can’t be too careful these days.” “Woohoo! Sleepover!” Pinkie cheered. “We’ll make it a party. And then we can take our mind off Applejack’s disaster family reunion.” … … … Wait… the reunion? All eyes turned to the girl in question whose face froze up like ice. “Oh no…” (Applejack’s residence) “Oh I am so stupid! How in the world did I forget!?” Applejack was pretty much desperately screaming in her head as the taxi pulled over to the last stoplight to her farm. Her full attention was directed at her phone noticing the many missed-calls from various family members across the board. She forgot that she put it on silent when she was at the spa and never bothered to turn it back on. No doubt they were wondering why there was no one there to greet them or why the farm looked like it was hit by a storm and an earthquake all at once. She tried to dial them back but every cousins, aunts, uncles or family twice removed wouldn’t answer. Most of them were going straight to voicemail which prompted her to consider the worst case scenario. She bit her nails, trying another number and getting no response. “Oh this is bad. REALLY bad! No one’s answering! Not Uncle Orange, Apple Dumpling or even Apple Cobbler! I’m doomed!” “That’s a bit of an exaggeration, don’t you think?” Twilight tried to laugh it off only to earn herself a strangling grip from Applejack. “Don’t you get it!? This is the family reunion! The biggest gathering of the whole family! Only one of us gets to host a reunion once a year and this was my time to shine! I promised them games, music, singing and a barn full of our family’s special cider! If they find out that I got none of those and the house looks like a whole lotta mess, they’ll never let me host another one ever again…… EVER!” “Breathe Applejack. Breathe!” Sunset tried to sooth her but it looked like she was getting a panic attack. “Calm down now.” “Don’t tell to CALM DOWN!” She was starting to look like Princess Twilight when she’s panicking. When her phone rang, her hand teleported to it. “AHA! Apple Bloom! Sugar Cube! Where are ya!?” “Applejack? We’re at home. Where are you? The whole family’s been looking for ya.” “The whole family!?” “Yup. Uncle Bushel just arrived with Uncle Cobbler. We’re at the barn right now.” The barn!? No! That’s the worst place to be in right now! “You’d better hurry back. Things are getting really crazy over here and we could really use your help.” “I know. I know! I messed up!” Applejack groaned. “I should’ve called them when I had the chance. How bad is it? Is it bad? Are they all mad?” “Mad?” The girl on the other line sounded unsure. There were noises in the background. Some yells and barks but nothing she could make out. “Well… they’re a little agitated with Granny but… uh… HEY! Apple Dazzle, Jonagold, you put that down! Ow! Hey! Stop that! I’m not gonna tell on you if you don’t stop! Ow! G… give that back! Stop!” The line suddenly went dead leaving Applejack holding a terrified expression. “She sounded… well?” Pinkie tried to chip in but that only made it worse. “I knew it! It’s over!” The cowgirl exploded in terror. “The family is on a rampage and now they’re taking it on Granny and Apple Bloom!” “Now that’s an exaggeration.” Sunset added, quickly breathing a sigh of relief when the stoplight turned green. “I’m sure it’s nothing serious.” “Nothing serious!? DID YOU NOT HEAR that call, woman!? They’re clearly being hung to dry! We’re doomed! It’s serious family capital punishment! It’s over! Say goodbye to yours truly!” “Will you calm down!!?” Rainbow Dash barked from the passenger seat, a cookie in hand. “Your doom and gloom is making me nervous and I can eat when I’m nervous!” Sunset wanted to try to ease her friend but was quickly stopped when she saw the farm coming into view. “We’re coming up on the house now.” “I can’t watch!” Applejack shrunk into the seat, her heart thumping heavily on her ribs. She closed her eyes shut hoping that this would all be over soon. She expected her friends to sigh and groan, awkwardly waving to see her entire family giving out disappointed and upsetting gazes upon them. But strangely enough there was nothing. The gang had suddenly gone quiet like their voices were stolen – or were they mesmerized by something? “How bad is it? Are they mad? They do look upset?” “Uh… Applejack.” “No wait! Don’t tell me! I don’t wanna know! Just hide me!” “Applejack.” Twilight poked at her, her face locked to the window. “You… might want to see this.” Applejack didn’t feel like raising her head. She was far too afraid to face the judging look of her family. But oddly enough she took a quick peek. Bracing herself for what was to come. And when she did…… her mind died out. An ocean of light greeted the girls in a bright and warm embrace. A large crowd had gathered there, no doubt the majority of the Apple Family itself. They huddled in groups eating and cheering while smiles and laughter passed around like a currency to be spent. A big open area was made as a temporary dance floor. Wide swaths of tables and chairs lined the area with bottles of empty cider stacked up on one corner, and a giant buffet table right in the middle for all to pinch from. The gang slowly got out of the taxi with Applejack being the last. An array of colors welcomed the girls in the form of banners and decorations. Sunset paid the driver, not even remotely interested in the change. All their eyes were locked at the sight, some of them wondering if they were dreaming. “Ow! Pinkie!” Twilight was shocked out of her gawking face. The bubblegum gal snickered. “Sorry. You looked like you needed a pinch. But yeah! Woohoo! PARTY!!!” “Applejack!” It was Apple Bloom’s voice that broke her big sister’s trance. “There you are! Where’d ya been?” “Apple Bloom?” The girl replied still in shock. “How… did you…? The field is… and the barn is all…” She pointed at the large tall red building at the side of her house which she was sure was burned down last night. “I have no idea. The party was in full swing when Granny and I got back from the hospital.” “But I thought you… and Granny were… in trouble?” “Trouble? Us?” The little apple raised a brow. “Why would we be in trouble? Granny’s over there playing cards with Goldie and her cousins. But the bigger question is… how in the world did you get all this done!?” Me? Did I do this? Applejack wasn’t sure anymore. Actually… she wasn’t even sure if this whole thing wasn’t just a figment of her imagination. An illusion created by her fear and anxiety. “I did?” “Yeah! How’d you get the barn fixed so fast? How’d you set up the whole place? Granny and I thought you’d up and call off the reunion.” She was. At least… that was the idea at first. “Hey! There’s our star of the hour!” A bombastic voice boomed from a middle-aged couple who quickly came by and grabbed Applejack in a loving hug. “Applejack, sweedom! There you are!” “Where’ve ya been?” “Great party! Probably the best one yet!” “Almost thought we’d have to run this place without ya.” The poor girl was bombarded with praises and compliments, so much so that it left her stunned and confused. She had a list of question on her and not enough time for answers. “And that boy you brought in was a real game changer!” What boy? “Guys!” A familiar voice chimed from the back of the crowd wading through masses of the Apple Family. The boy looked practically haggard, like he just came through a tornado. “Flash?” Sunset gave him a puzzled stare. “Oh thank god you’re all here. I was beginning to think you wouldn’t make it.” The lightning boy smiled. “I would’ve called you earlier but your family is really energetic after we fixed the barn.” “You?” Applejack stuttered in disbelief directing that question back. “You did all this? But… how?” He shrugged with a nod that was brimming with humility. “I called up a friend who… called a friend who called a contractor. It took some effort but we managed to get the whole replace renovated. You like it?” “I love it!” Pinkie blew out a party whistle, quickly descending upon the giant cake at the buffet table. Some of the children joined in as well, laughing and chuckling like nothing mattered in the world. “Double frosting! My favorite!” “This is awesome!” Rainbow squealed, her face practically beaming from ear to ear. “We can still have a proper party! Hey. What about our instruments?” “In the barn. They’re all set.” Flash answered gesturing to the stage that he set up for the band. “You think you can play a tune?” “Ha! Watch us! Come on guys!” The speedster was at the stage already shouting on the mic. Fluttershy chuckled at her childish notion and slowly joined her. “I… wh… I don’t…” Applejack on the other hand still seemed to be in shock. “Is… she ok?” “Just give her a moment. It’ll pass.” Sunset reassured them. “Come on. I’ll go and rock bass in her place.” With a wave she and the other members of the Rainbooms got up on stage, readying their instruments. They shot each other a knowing look and played a tune with Rainbow Dash in the lead. The song alone attracted the whole family to the dance floor shaking the very earth itself. “I… I don’t get it.” Applejack said finally, her mind sane enough to form proper sentences and questions. “How? How did you do it? The barn was burned.” Flash again waved it off. “Oh it was nothing. The construction team were real pros. They got it fixed in just a few hours.” “But the field…” “Covered them up and flattened the dirt in.” “The animals?” “Hired the ranchers next door. They were good at it too.” “The tables? The decorations? The food?” “Rented them, and there was a store throwing out some old holiday decorations so we put those instead. As for the food, I hired a caterer from the city. Bought a whole mess of apple-cider too. Not bad eh?” How can you say that so easily? Applejack calculated the cost in her head and she was convinced that there was just no way could she count that high. “But… why?” She asked like it was the strangest puzzled in the world. “Why would you…?” “Why not?” He shrugged back, answering her question with a question. “You’re always so hard working Applejack. I figured you could use a break. And… it sounded to me like this whole reunion meant a lot to you. It might not be as good as what you planned but I figured I can do something just as fun.” There he goes again with that smile. That goofy smile that won over Princess Twilight. “Besides, it’s the least I could do to help you girls with your magical adventures.” “I…” Applejack looked at him, unable to find the words. She wanted to laugh, cry and punch something really hard all at once. She wanted to do something to show her appreciation, to tell him how grateful she was. But nothing came. All she could do was stand there, stare at his face, her cheeks flushed as her heart beats to the rhythm of the song playing in the background. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” He nodded back and cringed when he noted some of the apple family calling out to him. “Uh speaking of which. You mind dancing with me right now? I really need a good excuse not to join your extended-family over there. No offense to them, but I’m pretty sure they’re secretly trying to kill me with their love and attention.” The cowgirl stifled a laugh. That kind of love sounded a lot like the Cobblers. “Sure thing partner.” She grabbed his arm and drag him into the dance floor, a big’ole smile plastered on her face. The party went on through the night thankfully without hindrance and the Rainbooms played on until dark. xxxxxxxxxx “That was the greatest, bestest, most fantastic party… EVER!” Apple Bloom crashed into the living room practically hopping on the couch holding the widest smile she’s had in weeks. “I can’t wait for the next one. We should totally hold it again next year!” “If it means I can beat Goldie in that ring toss game a few more times, then I’m all for it.” Granny Smith readily agreed patting her small granddaughter over the head while holding on a small stack of money in the one hand. “She always was a sucker in our little games.” “Alright you guys. Hold your horses.” Applejack smiled. “Let’s not count our chickens before they hatch. Besides, Golden Delicious volunteered to hold the next one and I’ll be honest, he can have it.” It was just too much work and too costly for her book. “I think I’ve had enough of a party to last me a lifetime.” “He’ll never be able to top what you did tonight big sis! Not in a million years.” Nope. No he won’t. And it technically wasn’t her who made all this arrangements. “It was also nice for that young man to help out.” The old apple lady winked. “What was his name again? Flutterina something?” “Flash Sentry.” Apple Bloom answered. “He’s from our school. He’s the one that asked big sis to dance with.” “Oh~~~ did he now?” Granny Smith grinned, her tone dripping with suggestion. Applejack’s eyes narrowed. “Granny…” “Oh don’t mind me. I’ll just be over here, waiting. Why don’t you two hop on to bed now?” “Aww, but it’s still so early!” No it isn’t. It’s already half passed midnight. It’s technically tomorrow. “I’m still excited from the partying. I don’t even think I can sleep tonight.” “Hehe… you and me both Apple Bloom.” Applejack readily agreed on that. The party might be dying down now with everyone already heading home but she still felt energized. Perhaps that spa treatment with Rarity really did loosen her up. “Oh! Soup. Did you make this soup Granny?” Heh. Even after all the food in the party she’s still hun… Wait… soup? “Apple Bloom, don’t…!” But it was too late. The little apple took one sip and her face went paler than concrete. “GAHHH! My tongue!! Water! WATER!” She ran off into the kitchen grabbing the closest liquid she could find and chugged it down. Applejack couldn’t help but laugh. She should’ve thrown that thing away when she got back. It must’ve fallen off her mind after all the partying. Quietly the cowgirl approached the bowl by the couch, staring onto the oddly colored meal. The face of a certain blue haired boy came to mind causing her to snort amusingly. The smell of the soup reached her nose and already she could tell how bad it would taste. Still… that didn’t stop her from picking up her spoon and took a mouthful. And just like the first time, it was horrible. It was sour and sweet at the same time, and a multitude of flavors exploded into her mouth, none of them good. It was absolutely the worst soup ever made in the history of mankind. An abomination of the culinary world. … But even so… why? Why did she like it so much? Why did her cheeks brighten thinking of him? And why can’t she get this stupid grin off her face?