Twilight dropped her head, letting out a puff of air. The crescent moon reflected off her windows, shining in her eyes. She squinted, refusing the light. She nudged her door open, listening to that familiar creaking noise. She could hear flashes of laughter here and there, a laugh she may never hear again.
What about her element?
They hadn't used the elements for about a year, after all two of the six had left. Thankfully, they hadn't needed to use the elements.
But what if today, we need them? Rarity stayed true to hers, and I'm positive Rainbow is still loyal to her roots...but what about Pinkie? What will we do without her? Equestria...what will happen to it? What will happen to her...?
Twilight shook her head briskly, widening her eyes a bit. She let her shoulders down a bit, her hoofsteps upstairs heavy. She illuminated the darkness with a soft glow from her horn, though she didn't need it. Twilight could walk her house blindfolded and not trip a single time. She trudged up the stairs, kicking an old bed aside. She didn't know why she'd kept it there; she had no use for it anymore. He wasn't coming back, obviously. Those scales would never take a rest there again, so why was the bed still on the floor? In the same exact spot, no less. The blue blanket still kept its ruffles and crinkles, though it was obvious it was out of use.
A light slowly left the room as Twilight dimmed her horn. She lay her head down on her pillow, a cloud of dust coughing up from the old feathers.
Is she gone? Did we lose her?
Twilight wanted to forget. She wanted to pretend it'd never happened. However, Pinkie was all she had left in the world, besides Cadence. Twilight didn't want to admit it, but she'd felt more lonely than ever before. That day- that day when Pinkie had returned to apologize, she felt it again. She remembered how magical friendship truly was. And now, that feeling was gone. It had been burned in the fire with Pinkie. She couldn't forget, no matter how hard she tried. She didn't want to care, yet she had to. What else was there to live for?
I can't go on with my studies on friendship if I have no friends left... but with no studies and no friends, what else will I do?
Twilight forced her eyes shut and pressed her lips together.
I can't change anything, and believe me, I've tried my best. Luna...? Luna...? Is this a nightmare? Am I dreaming? Why are you doing this to me? No- Why am I doing this to me?
Twilight gasped, opening her eyes. "No," she said aloud, "No." Twilight raised her head briskly, slamming her hooves into the sheets. "There is something to live for. I've not tried my best. This is just some illusion... There is more, I just know it," she called to herself, her words firm. "I won't quit. I won't quit."
Twilight got up, cantering down her stairs. "I'll certainly lose her if I'm not at least trying to keep her," she said as she opened the door. "I don't want to lose her on my account." Twilight ran out into the night, illuminating her horn once more. It flickered, giving sudden bursts of light to guide her path. She could see her breath, though the air wasn't too cold. It felt nice brushing against her fur as she ran.
"Where are ya goin'?" Twilight screeched to a halt, looking around. "Don'tcha know it's late, sugar?"
That voice...
Applejack stopped letting the shadows conceal her, placing herself in front of Twilight. Applejack sighed, putting a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "Ah know you're worried, Twi. We all are. But don'tcha think ya should take care of yerself before Pinkie?" Twilight shook her head. "But Twi-"
"Applejack, she needs us. I-I don't want to lose her," Twilight replied. Applejack shook Twilight, tears forming in her eyes.
"I don't want to lose her either, Twi. Nopony warns to lose her. I don't want to lose you in the process though. Just-" Applejack sighed "-promise me you'll take care of yourself." Twilight closed her eyes, mumbling a bit.
"...I..." She started to talk, but barley any sound was audible. She whistled her air out of her mouth, trying again. "I..." Twilight choked over her words, bracing her body. Applejack quivered, shuddering as a cool breeze brushed past them both. Twilight embraced the wind, pushing her nose into it. Applejack ducked her head away, shunning the air. She stood, staring at the mare in front of her. Twilight looked sickly, her body thinner than before. Applejack couldn't- and wouldn't -move. Twilight did the same, trying many times to speak. Unfortunately, each time she tried she utterly failed.
"Look-"
"I can't promise that," Twilight spoke at last, cutting off Applejack. "I can't promise my own safety until I'm one hundred percent sure about...her. She's... like family to me."
"Stop it, Twilight. Stop, please. The whole town is worried about her, but who's worrying about you? Certainly not yourself, I see. I'm crazy worried about you. You haven't been talking to the townsponies, Celestia, Luna, or Cadence anymore. I never see you outside your library, and every time I hear somepony tried to visit you... They say you weren't taking visitors. I know you're upset, Twilight. I am too... But don't let your feelings for Pinkie weigh out your own health."
"AJ..." Twilight said, mystified. "Your...accent..."
"Go home, Twi. Go home for me." Applejack ignored Twilight's remark, and firmly commanded her. "Go home now," she hissed.
"But Pinkie-"
"Now!"
Twilight teared up, galloping back home. Her tears came down in a stream, rolling down her chest and leaving a trail behind her.
I'm so sorry, Pinkie. I couldn't be there for you. Don't hate me, I tried my best. I promise to be there tomorrow. I don't want to leave you...so please, don't leave me.