Pinkie stared out the window. Her muzzle made fog on the chill glass. From her room she could see them; Twilight and Dashie were still arguing. They hadn’t stopped since—No. I can’t let myself think about that. But it was no use. Not even the baby Cakes had been able to cheer her up, and not for lack of trying.
Hearing a muffled scream, Pinkie looked back up. Dashie was flying away, just like Fluttershy... Bursting into tears, she ran to her bed and flung herself down. Staring at the ceiling, she saw Fluttershy’s hammock hanging from the wall. The soft fabric had a hoof-stitched butterfly on it. All those nights that Fluttershy had lain in it, and now it was empty.
What could have happened? Why would she—NO! Stop it, Pinkie. This isn’t going to help find Fluttershy, and it won’t help you either.
But no matter how much she tried Pinkie couldn’t force herself out of bed. She tossed and turned for a while, but nothing could get her up. Eventually she heard a knock at her door.
“Pinkie, are you alright? You haven’t come out all day. We’re worried about you.”
It was Mrs. Cake, and even though she knew that she should respond, all that came out was another sob. Eventually she heard hoofsteps going down the stairs.
Wait! The butterfly, of course! she thought, as sudden realization swept her mind.
Her mane poofing back to its normal curls, Pinkie leapt up onto her bed, trying desperately to reach the pegasus’ hammock. Eventually, she managed to grasp it in her teeth. Bringing it down from its hangers, she frantically examined the butterfly.
There wasn’t purple on here before! Everypony knows that I don’t use purple when it comes to these projects! Except on Twilight’s stuff, of course, but that’s an excep— No! Focus, Pinkie.
Tucked into the stitch-work of the hammock was a small slip of paper. Barely enough to write on, but knowing Fluttershy’s writing it would have enough. Pinkie slowly opened it, afraid of what she might see. Slowly peeling the corner away, she glanced at the words...
...before quickly looking away.
I can’t do it! The most important piece of paper in my life, and I can’t even look at it! Why is this so hard?
Downcast, the pink mare stared back at the window. Dashie was back, and arguing, like usual. I wonder what they’re talking about.
“We can’t just sit around doing nothing! Flutters needs us!” yelled Rainbow Dash.
“Rainbow, we have no idea where she went. Until we figure something out, the best thing we can do is put out a missing pony’s notification,” retorted Twilight, doing her best to stay calm.
“And then what? Just sit here and go stir crazy? Look around you! Pinkie hasn’t left her room, Rarity already made me five dresses, Applejack’s been bucking like crazy, and Flutters is gone!” objected the pegasus.
“I’m not blind, Rainbow, but I will not go on some blind mission into nowhere!” snapped Twilight. “She could be in the Everfree for all we know. This is killing me too, but for now we have to wait for Celestia’s advice. I even asked Luna and Shining. Somepony’s going to know something.”
“You’re wrong. Nopony even noticed she was gone! How can you be so confident Twilight?”
“Because,” she explained, “I requested to use some forbidden magic to find her. I think the Elements will protect me from any ill effects, but even so I need permission.”
“Twilight... You’d risk that? Wait, what do you mean dangerous?” questioned Rainbow Dash, concern beginning to edge into her voice.
“It’s a bit complicated. I’ll explain later, but I hope I won’t have use it. This is only as a last resort, for when we’ve exhausted all other options. To be perfectly honest, though, this seems like the only option for now. Maybe Celestia will be able to help us.”
“Don’t count on it Twi. I know you’re scared, just like me, but don’t give yourself false hope.”
“Then what was that thing you were doing just a minute ago?” Twilight retorted.
Silence ruled their conversation for a few minutes. Finally Twilight broke it.
“What happened to her in Cloudsdale? She sounded like she hated the place.”
“It’s her parents Twi. I don’t wanna talk about it.”
Pinkie shed another tear as the arguing pair hugged. This time it was of relief. It was funny how just one tear out of so many others could make somepony happy. Maybe there was a message somewhere in that, but Pinkie couldn’t care less. All she knew was that her friend was out there, probably cold and alone.
I need to read that letter.
As far as the eyes could see the serene lake’s waters reflected Luna’s night back into the air. The moon—especially bright—shone beams of silver through the shifting leaves. A cool breeze drifted through the air, gently carrying the broken sobs of an abandoned friend.
Tears sent ripples through the pools of starlight, breaking and merging soft mixes of colors. The crickets had stopped their chirps; the owls silenced their hoots. The songs of night held a gentle interlude, letting grief permeate the now-still air. Even the wind held its breath on this cloudless night. No matter how beautiful, nor how many others were enjoying it, the air was bittersweet and stagnant.
The croak of a single toad broke the silence. A twig snapped as a rabbit crawled into its den. A swift crescendo swept away the silence as night resumed its ballad. Soft and sweet, the music calmed most souls, lulling them to sleep, but even so Applejack’s stubborn heart remained unmoved.
She rarely allowed herself this luxury, instead bottling her sadness, saving it for when she might be able to come here next. No matter how many people told her she had to let it out, she knew that this was her way. Showing weakness around her friends was just as bad as asking for help, and if there was anything that Applejack wanted, it was to tough things out on her own.
Shaking out her mane, Applejack got up in silence, nodding her goodbyes to the one place she had found peace in all these years. Painful memories welled up, threatening to send her into tears again, but she fought back. Solemnly putting on her hat, she walked away.
When Applejack arrived at her home, the lights were still on. They shone through the window and onto the grass, illuminating a small area around the house.
Well that’s just not right. Granny Smith doesn’t let anypony stay up this late.
As she snuck through the door, she realized all too late what she had done. Big Macintosh sat in Granny’s rocker, silently waiting for her to arrive. Waiting for the other pony to speak, Mac slowly rocked, making a creak that was sure to wake up the rest of the family. Since Applejack refused to speak, he began, “Y’know we’re worried ‘bout ya, right?”
"Of course Ah know that. I'd be blind not ta," Applejack responded.
"Then why d'ya keep runnin' away from us?" he retorted.
"Ah ain't runnin' away. Ya should know that 'bout me!" she scoffed. Me? A coward? Hah!
"Look, sis, Ah know yer feelin' really stressed right now. How could ya not be? But what yer doin' here, it just ain't healthy,” he said. “Look around ya! Granny's worried sick, and ya know Ah ain't exaggeratin' when Ah say it. Apple Bloom cries herself ta sleep every time ya leave. We need ya, and we need ta know what the hay is goin' on. Don't ya get that?"
"Well whaddaya expect me ta do!” yelled Applejack. “The one pony who would actually listen ta me is gone! She was there fer me when Ma left, and... Ah can't talk about this stuff ta anypony else no more. Ah just can't."
Suddenly, a creak resounded from the stairs, attracting the attention of the arguing pair. Apple Bloom stood in the doorway, staring at them with forlorn eyes. Tear stains ran down her coat, and her mane was a mess. "Why are ya fightin'? Ain't it bad 'nough already?”
Dearest Acquaintances,
I hope this letter reaches you in good health, but unfortunately, I cannot send this letter on good terms. I have to ask a favor, one that you may not like to do.
Although I know that this will seem like an overreaction, the greater good of Equestria is at stake—not to mention the life of my friend. You may remember her: she has a yellow coat and pink mane, with a trinity of butterflies as her cutie mark.
If any of your agents can find her, please inform me. I know that each of you has something to hide, and I’m afraid that if results are not met, then my tongue may grow loose. If that isn’t enough, then know this: at the moment, we are defenseless. Unless we find her, the Elements will not protect us.
Please find my friend.
With Sincere Apologies,
Rarity