//------------------------------//
// Chapter Nine: The Seven Musketeers 
// Story: The Failure 
// by sparklerthesableye 
//------------------------------//

	Rarity, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, and Princess Cadence were prepared, and headed towards Derpy's house, which Derpy had willingly traded for a spot in AJ's barn. On the way there, Rarity got bored and wanted to spark a conversation.

"So, Cadence. How are things at the Crystal Empire?" Cadence made a shrug-like motion.

"Oh, fine. Shining usually does a lot of the work, because he says he doesn't want me to get stressed. I think he just likes to work." The two girls giggled at that.

"Hey, Applejack," said Twilight. Applejack looked at her. "Do you think we're doing the right thing? Helping a changeling like this?" Applejack gave a mature smile.

"Ah don't honestly know,* but we should still help. Cadence is here, an' ah think you two could probably handle a rowdy changeling. If Thunder Strike really does love him, everything should turn out jus' fine an' dandy." Twilight let AJ's words sink in.

"Yeah. You're right." Twilight leaned in closer to Applejack. "I have a more private matter to discuss, too. Can you keep it a secret?" Applejack nodded, and Twilight started whispering. "Do you ever think about love?"