(Inspired by the song Maps from Hey Ocean! Find it here
(A.N. Alternate version with a fitting song can be found here. Was unable to post that version due to copyrighted lyrics. It's highly recommended you go to that version for a more complete story!)
Twilight lowered herself on a small tree stump, feeling the soft dirt beneath her hooves. Turning her head upwards, she spotted the two benches just in front of her, one to the right and one to the left. She fixed her eyes on the dark green hue of the seats, her eyes carefully examining the grains that ran along them. In between the benches and right in the middle of Twilight’s gaze sat a table, made of a much lighter wood. At least, that’s what Twilight thought, but the orange glow of the setting sun which had been cast upon the scene had her questioning her observations.
Tilting her head to the left, she caught sight of the huge red barn, a landmark that brought her a sense of comfort and peace. While to her right, she spotted an orange mare not a meter away from her, sitting on a stump as well. The mare’s blonde mane was tied up in a ponytail, and the familiar stetson hat that sat at the top of her head brought some much needed warmth into Twilight’s heart.
Lifting her left hoof, Applejack grasped the neck of a guitar which sat on her lap as she pressed the strings against the board. She tilted her head upwards to look Twilight in her eyes, not a smile on either of their faces. The only response Twilight gave was a soft nod and immediately, the beautiful melody of the guitar filled the late evening air of Sweet Apple Acres.
Once one phrase of the chords had passed, Twilight opened her mouth to let out a beautiful singing voice,
She opened her eyes, staring once again at the still-empty benches. Shutting her eyes, she continued to sing with neither a frown, nor a smile on her lips.
As soon as Twilight started on the chorus, she took a peek and noticed the flowing pink mane and butter-colored coat of an approaching pegasus. Her smile slowly grew as she continued to sing, with Applejack joining in.
Fluttershy sat on the bench to Twilight’s right, lifting her hoof to feel the pearl white petals of the lily flower nestled in her mane. She turned back to the unicorn, spotting a faint smile on the lips of her dear friend as Twilight continued to sing.
Fluttershy demurely rested her hooves in front of her. Taking a quick glimpse of Applejack, she turned her attention back down to the dirt floor. As the beautiful tone of Twilight’s voice once again reached her ears, a hint of a smile escaped onto her face.
The yellow pegasus’ attention was drawn to the direction that she had come from, noticing another pony flying along as Twilight started the chorus once again. The figure was draped in a black cloak, the rays of light only illuminating her outline. Twilight had also taken a peek and as both of them saw the figure, their smiles grew even wider, but it didn’t stop her from continuing her song. Fluttershy joined in with the two ponies as well, adding her soft tone.
The cloaked figure sat across Fluttershy, bits of her multicolored mane could be seen jutting out from the hood. The figure crossed her forehooves and bowed her head, making sure her face was hidden from all of the ponies around her. Upon hearing Twilight’s voice, she too, couldn’t help but smile under her disguise.
Applejack tilted her head upwards, spotting another figure trotting towards them. Still strumming, she watched the curly purple mane and beautiful white coat of the mare glisten under the evening sun as she took a seat beside Fluttershy. In the pony’s hoof gripped a candle, the flame dancing lively on the wick. Turning her gaze back down to her instrument, she beamed under the safety of her hat.
Rarity brought her left hoof to her muzzle, giggling at the sight of her friends as the flame grew in intensity. Glancing up, she noticed another mare approaching. The newcomer trotted gleefully, a bounce in each step. As she came closer, her fluffy pink mane and tail could be seen by the five ponies sitting there. What caught their eyes was a small orange butterfly which had nestled itself at the peak of her mane. She settled down in a matter of seconds, the four ponies’ attention now turned towards Twilight and Applejack.
Twilight sung with a much larger smile on her face, tilting her head upwards to the sky with her eyes closed.
Applejack moved her beaming head up to meet the eyes of the four ponies in front of her. As Twilight finished singing the last words, she gave a firm nod, which caused the smiles of all the ponies to turn into grins. Each of them drew a deep breath, before harmonizing with Twilight’s crooning.
Each of the six looked around, taking in the sight of the familiar faces around them. Rarity raised her hooves to just under her chin, watching Pinkie as she moved her hooves to her side. Pinkie stared at the cloaked figure with a grin so wide it made her eyes close. The figure didn’t move from her position, her hooves still crossed, only taking a peek at the yellow pegasus from her peripheral vision. Fluttershy shifted herself so that she could stare at Applejack as she continued to sing with the rest.
Fluttershy combed the lily out of her mane, placing it tenderly on the wooden table just in front of her. As her grin softened into a sincere smile, a sigh escaped her lips.
The cloaked figure tossed her hood back, the face of Rainbow Dash obvious to everypony now. Uncrossing her hooves, she unbuttoned her cloak and tossed it to the table in the middle.
Rarity sat the candle on an empty space on the table before snuffing out the flame with her hoof. Turning towards the rest, she smirked before dusting her seat and settling down again.
Pinkie lifted the butterfly, placing it on the small vacant space next to Rarity’s candle with smoke tendrils still rising. The butterfly sat, motionless, not so much as a twitch from it.
Applejack sat the guitar down with the lightest touch she could muster. Turning to her right, she leaned down and picked up a violin and a bow, the shining wood finish glittering under the sun. As she ran the bow through the strings, the soothing sounds resonated through the empty setting.
Licking her lips, Twilight turned to her friends and opened her mouth to speak, “I’m glad you all found the way.”
Applejack played a few more notes, sustaining the last one for a short while before letting it fade away in a decrescendo.
Twilight saw the grins on all of her friend’s faces, a sight that tugged forcefully on her heartstrings, bringing her to the edge of tears. With all the strength she could muster, Twilight muttered out, “Welcome back.”