//------------------------------//
// Chapter 36 
// Story: A New Beginning in a New Land 
// by REDACTED99999 
//------------------------------//

Jax was breathing heavily. He was way out of form. He let himself fall down on the grass. “So what you’re… *huff* saying is…” He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “You understand how it works?” He asked Twilight.
“Yes, now I just need to make a prototype and present it to Filthy Rich. He’s going to take over from there.” Twilight explained.
They had just finished the race. Of course Applejack was done way before them, him and Twilight having gone in a slow and steady pace, but they were still done before Fluttershy and Rainbow who still weren’t even in sight. 
“Here ya go, sugarcube.” Applejack came over with a big wooden mug of water. “They give them out over there.” She said and pointed when she noticed Jax inquisitive look.
“Yeah, no, I was wondering about why it was a wooden mug, but whatever. Thanks.” He took the mug and drank the sweet sweet relief. “Ahh, much better.”
His clothes were still sweaty and he was itchy random places, but the water helped.
“So… Filthy Rich, eh? Sounds like a money-grabber.”
“Don’t let the name fool ya, Mr. Rich has been buyin’ from Sweet Apple Acres for a looong time. He’s alright in my book.” Applejack informed him.
“Alright, if he has your seal of approval I can’t really say much.” Jax didn’t really think any pony would try to cheat one of the princesses, but if he had been the one to choose someone, it wouldn’t have been someone called Filthy Rich.
It was really nice of Twilight to do this for him. Ponies were nice. He liked ponies, much better than humans… Except Max and Lizza of course. He missed those two.
…
Throwing himself into melancholy wasn’t a good idea, he knew that. He quickly tried diverging his thoughts from the track they were taking.
Luna… wasn’t there with him. She left him without saying goodbye. He could still remember her slow turning towards him, the speech he had prepared for her, the sudden teleportation.
…
Fuck he was bad at that.
“Something wrong?” Twilight looked at him with worry clear in her eyes.
“What? No, it’s nothing. I just… It’s nothing.” She didn’t look very convinced.
“Jax…”
“Hey, there’s Fluttershy and Rainbow! Looks like they’re the last.” He changed the subject. Twilight took the hint and didn’t ask again, but she didn’t look happy about it. Applejack also gave him a look.
Fluttershy looked like she was ready to lie down and die, while Rainbow, who looked as energetic as always, was cheering her on from right behind her.
“You can do it Fluttershy, look the finish line is right there, just a few more steps, that’s it, come on.” She urged her on, and it seemed to be working, ‘cause Fluttershy kept running.
“I’ll go get some water for her.” Twilight told them. Jax agreed that she looked like she needed it.
Applejack’s smile turned into surprise as Fluttershy made it over the finish line, with Rainbow behind her.
“Did… did Rainbow Dash just finish in last place?” She asked with disbelief.
“Looks like it.”
Applejack started laughing. “Ah never thought Ah’d see the day. She really has changed.”
Jax looked at her, looked at Rainbow Dash, and back at her. “She has?”
“Yeah. Was a time where Rainbow Dash wouldn’t place last for anythin’ in the world. Now it’s like she didn’t even notice.”
He looked over at Rainbow Dash again, who was placing Fluttershy on her back with the help of Twilight, and making her way over.
“I think there’s a lot that Rainbow Dash would do for her friends.” He smiled at Applejack who simply nodded. “Hey Fluttershy, congratulations on finishing.” 
He said when they were close enough to hear. Fluttershy just gave him a tired smile, one that looked a bit proud nonetheless.
Rainbow Dash looked proud as hell, like she just won first place. “Yeah, isn’t it awesome? I told her she could do it, and she did.” She sounded very excited.
Fluttershy nuzzled deeper into Rainbow Dash in her embarrassment. It looked like she was trying to hide in her rainbow-colored mane. “I couldn’t have done it without you Rainbow Dash.” She said meekly.
“Yeah, I am pretty awesome.” Rainbow Dash was not one to shrug off acknowledgement.
She laid down Fluttershy gently next to Jax. Just then a familiar tiny pony came over, looking every kind of defeated. What was her name again? Scooterloo?
“Hey squirt. What’s up?” Rainbow Dash asked cheerfully, oblivious to the young pony’s mood.
“You lost…” The kid looked like her whole world had crashed around her. “Not just second or third place… Last place.” Jax saw the first tears fall as she turned around and ran.
“I… Scootaloo! Wait!” Rainbow called out to her fan, confusion clear on her face.
“Oh… I’m sorry, this is my fault. If you didn’t-“ Fluttershy started saying, ears folded.
“No!” Rainbow said with conviction. Her stance softened at Fluttershy’s flinch. She gently laid a hoof on her withers and smiled. “This is nopony’s fault. I’ll have a talk with the squirt. Everything will be fine, you’ll see. I’ll be back, and we can all go to Sugarcube Corner for a victory milkshake.”
“A-alright.” Fluttershy meekly replied.
Rainbow gave her one last smile, before she beat her wings, and dashed in the direction Scootaloo had disappeared to.
…
“I… guess we’re waiting here then.” Jax said in the silence.

***

Rainbow Dash scouted the ground for her number one fan. When she found her running towards the Everfree Forest, she swept down and caught her between her forelegs. She resisted at first, but stopped when Rainbow flew upwards again.
She could feel Scootaloo shaking in her grasp, whether it was from the crying, or from fear of suddenly being airborne, Rainbow didn’t know. She tightened her grip on the filly, just in case.
When she found a suitable cloud that wasn’t a raincloud, she placed Scootaloo on it.
Scootaloo looked over the edge nervously, testing the cloud under her hooves. “What’s wrong? Never been on a cloud before?” Rainbow asked. She was a bit disappointed in the filly, and it must have leaked into her voice, because Scootaloo flinched.
“N-no. N-not as far as I remember.” 
That had been a stupid question. Scootaloo was grounded, with nopony to take her up… “I never did take you out flying before, did I?” She waved it off with a hoof. They could discuss that another time. “Listen, what was that all about? Everypony was happy-“
“You were happy to be in last place?!” Scootaloo asked, clearly surprised. The tear stains were still visible, even when she had stopped crying.
“I was happy to help a friend gain some confidence.” Her voice was a little angrier then she meant for it to be.
“But you’re Rainbow Dash! You’re the best! I had a bet Apple Bloom that you would win over her sister, and now I owe her ten bits. I don’t have ten bits!”
Rainbow Dash massaged her temples. “Alright, first of all, don’t bet money you don’t have. Second of all, there are things better than winning.”
Scootaloo gasped loudly. “But… but you- you’re the fastest pony in the world, and you lost to Fluttershy. Fluttershy! That’s not not winning, that’s…” Scootaloo scrounged up her muzzle, looking for the words.
Rainbow Dash managed to control herself at the words and not angrily put her hoof down. You never know how stable these kinds of clouds were.
She took a couple of deep breaths.
“That’s even worse than losing!” Scootaloo finally decided.
“Alright that’s enough!” She angrily stomped on the cloud, that shook dangerously, but held together by some miracle. “Fluttershy isn’t fast no matter how you look at it, but you know what?! I. Don’t. Care! If you, or anypony else for that matter, think that there’s something wrong with coming in behind Fluttershy you can go-“ She stopped abruptly, remembering who she was talking to. Scootaloo looked at her with shock… and a bit of fear. Rainbow Dash had never raised her voice at her before, but defending Fluttershy was something she had done for a long time. It was almost habit by now. She took some more deep breaths. She could do this, a little sister to sister talk, to make the squirt see it from her side.
“Listen, Scoots.” She started again, voice a bit softer, like Fluttershy had taught her. She laid down so they were on the same level. “Fluttershy is my friend. For ponies like you and me, there is nothing in this world more important than friends. If being a winner means leaving my friends behind, then I don’t want to be a winner.” Scootaloo still looked uncertain, so she decided to try something else. “Alright, what if… What if you were in a race, and you convinced Sweetie Bell to run, even though she didn’t want to. When the race starts, you realize that all the fastest runners are actually slower than you, and you can win. Do you leave Sweetie Bell behind even though you were the one who told her to come? Do you simply break the trust she had in you?”
“Well…” Scootaloo’s eyes darted back and forth. She closed her eyes and sighed. Then she looked back at Rainbow Dash with a certainty that was welcome. “No. I wouldn’t leave her behind.”
“Good.” Rainbow gave a satisfied nod. Then she took in Scootaloo in a hug. “Then don’t expect me to.”
For a while, they just sat like that, embracing each other, until Scootaloo finally spoke with a small voice. “I… I’m sorry.”
“It’s cool.” Rainbow looked down at her number one fan. She felt sorry for the orphan. Rainbow knew how it was to be alone most of the time, but at least her dad had been there once in a while. Scootaloo didn’t even have as little as that. “Hey, I’ll give you ten bits, and we can go give them to Apple Bloom. Then you can join us in Sugarcube Corner for a victory milkshake. Wait here, I’ll just get my saddlebag.”
She let go of Scootaloo and was just about to jump off when Scootaloo spoke again. “Wait! Can… can I come with you? I’ve never been in your house before…”
“Sure. Jump up.” She lowered down so that Scootaloo could climb up. Scootaloo looked like  hearthwarming had come early and she received the greatest gift in the world.

***

It poured down by the time they finally made it to Sugarcube Corner. It didn’t make much difference for Jax, who had been all sweaty anyway, but Scootaloo, who had joined them, seemed to dislike being drenched.
“Hey Dashie, Jaxie, AJ, Twi, Fluttershy, and Scootaloo! What can I help you with? Oh, are you here for your victory milkshakes?!” Pinkie sounded excited, as she usually was.
“Hey Pinkie. Yeah, first rounds on me.” Rainbow Dash declared to Jax’ joy.
“Okie dokie lokie!” 
The rest of the day was spent in the good company of his friends.

***

Luna awoke with disdain. Her wing was lain protectively over her blanket, probably by habit.
She had actually fallen asleep after… Well it had only been a couple of hours, but it was still more than she had gotten combined after she had left Jax.
She still had a little time before her court. She levitated the last page of her book and skimmed it, before levitating some more parchment over. She could do this. She just… she had to do it. If she didn’t do something, her thoughts would just drift to Jax and how she had left him.
She started levitating every object in her room. She still needed to train her multitasking.

***

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
Once again, Jax was awoken by knocking. He groaned and turned. No way was he waking at sunrise on a Sunday. No. Nope. Not happening.
For a while nothing happened, but just as he was drifting off again…
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
Why was she such a crazy knocker? “Nobody’s home! Go away!” He shouted from his warm bed. Which he wasn’t leaving, under no circumstances.
To his horror he heard the door open up. He groaned again and buried himself under his blanket. If he ignored them, they might go away.
“Oh, uhm, are you sure we can just walk in Applejack? He told us to go away…” The meek voice of Fluttershy blended with hooves on wood.
“It’s fine sugarcube, he said he would help on the farm. Ah think he just needs a reminder.” Applejack said from the doorway to his bedroom.
Jax groaned. He had said that, yes, but he thought he could at least relax on Sunday.
He pulled the blanket away and looked at Applejack with tired eyes. “… Right. Let me just get clothes on.” He had promised after all. As reluctant as he was to leave his warm bed, he wasn’t going to leave Applejack hanging.
“That’s the spirit.” She told him with a smile.
“Oh, isn’t Mr. Bear here? How are you two doing so far?” Fluttershy asked.
“No, he’s been off on some kind of adventure for a couple of days. We’re doing fine though, he’s a real sweetheart just as you said.” Jax answered as he got his clothes on.
“That’s good to hear.” Fluttershy sighed in relief. “I brought some things for him. You can… you can pay me back when you get the bits.” She sounded nervous for some reason.
“Sure thing Fluttershy. Just put it on the table.” She seemed to relax at his response. He went over to the bathroom to wash himself up. “Is there breakfast at your place, AJ?”
“Yeup. You better hurry before it’s all gone.” She said with a teasing tone.

***

Jax stood in the field with Applejack. They had eaten breakfast moments before, an amazing amount of it was apple flavored. Fluttershy, Pinkie, Twilight, Spike, and even Rarity was there. Rainbow had apparently been busy with her job on the weather team.
The others apparently already knew what to do on the farm, so they went about doing it. Jax was new so he got the rundown - or so he thought.
“Alright sugarcube… wait here.” She ran off somewhere, and was back with Big Mac before he could question what was going on. She placed, yes placed, Big Mac a few steps away. It looked like Big Mac was more confused than him, and who could blame him?
“Alright… now, just tell Big Mac all your worries while you buck trees.” Applejack told him.
“What? But I thought we established…” Aaaand she was gone. “…That I can’t buck trees…” He looked at her disappearing form, at the tree he stood beside, then at Big Mac, who was also looking at him.
“You know what this is about?”
“Nope.”
“… Alright. You doing well?” He didn’t really know what to do or say. He didn’t want to kick the tree, seeing how it didn’t go very well last time.
“Yeup.”
“That’s good… How about you buck the trees and I carry the baskets over to the cart?”
“Yeup.” Big Mac went over to the tree he was standing by and kicked it.

***

Big Mac was easy to work with. Jax didn’t have to say a single thing and he didn’t seem to mind at the slightest. Jax got into the rhythm: Pick up full baskets, carry them over to the cart, empty into cart, repeat. When the cart was full, he pushed it back to the barn. It was all hard work. By the time they were done with that part of the orchard, he was sweaty, his back hurt, his hands hurt, his arms- well a lot of pain all over. He was tired as well.
He was on his way back to Big Mac, when he noticed Applejack was talking with him. She looked kind of aggravated. He hid behind a tree, hoping he could find out what the thing earlier had been about.
“What do ya mean he didn’t tell ya anythin’?”
“Well, he didn’t say much. He asked if Ah was doin’ well, and then we went ta work.” Big Mac told his sister.
Applejack looked at her brother with her mouth open. “And ya didn’t ask him how he was doin’?”
Big Mac shrugged. “Nope.”
Applejack facepalmed. “Ah should’ve known… just because Ah talk with ya doesn’t mean he will.”
“Yeup.” Big Mac agreed.
“Alright… let’s go get some grub. Ah’ll try to talk with the girls about it.”
Jax looked at them as they walked back to the house. What was Applejack trying precisely? To get him to talk with Big Mac? Hmmm…
“SOUPS ON, EVERYPONY!” He could use some food. The sun was nearing the horizon. Probably only one or two hours left of sunshine.

***

Jax ate the rest of the cake he had in his fridge. The dinner at Applejack’s place had been good, but he could always eat some cake.
He looked at the items Fluttershy had left behind. Some special kind of shampoo, a sturdy looking brush… a tennis ball. Jax threw the ball at the wall and caught it when it bounced back. Neat. Was he supposed to play fetch with his bear or something? That would be pretty cool.
He put the stuff where he thought they belonged. He also finally moved the pile of letters from the table to one of the empty drawers.
Just as he sat down again, there was a knock on the door. He got up with a groan, his aching body complaining about… well, moving in general. When he went to open, he was met by Lyra and a familiar looking earth pony, with Fluttershy standing shyly behind them, by herself. The earth pony was gray, with a black mane and a treble cleft as her mark. There was something familiar about that mark…
“Hey Jax.” Lyra said cheerfully.
“Hey Lyra, Fluttershy, and…”
“Hello Mr. Jax. My name is Octavia Melody.” She said with an English accent. Of course since England didn’t exist here… Whatever.
Suddenly his memory jolted, and he snapped his fingers in recognition. “Octavia! You’re the one who played the cello at my ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party, together with that dj. That was awesome.” He smiled at her. She looked a bit nervous.
“Yes… Well, thank you, it is always nice to find ponies who appreciate your work.”
“Octavia has a favor to ask.” Lyra butted in, oblivious to the glare she received from Octavia.
“I was getting to that, Lyra.” She focused on Jax again and cleared her throat. “My friend Vinyl, the dj, really liked the song you sang at your party. She mentioned it reminded her of her home, and with her birthday coming up, I thought who better to sing at her party than you?”
“Oh… uhm, I’m not a singer…” He answered, while scratching his arm and looking to the side. 
“It is true that you did seem… a bit rough around the edges, but I would really appreciate it if you could do it. Vinyl liked it, and it’s her party. I’m going to play a piece as well, but I know she would much rather prefer something… well, something like what you sang. I will pay you, of course.”
“Come on, Jax. It will be great!” Lyra tried.
“I don’t know guys…” He tried not to look at their expectant faces. He really wasn’t comfortable with this.
“Uhmm… I don’t mean to butt in…” Fluttershy started with her soft voice. “but I couldn’t help but overhear… Jax, you did seem to enjoy yourself up on the scene as far as I remember, once you started singing.”
“Yeah… but I was also tipsy and stuff… It made it easier…” He was looking to the side, but looked at Fluttershy when she giggled.
“I was like that once as well. I just couldn’t get myself to perform in front of everypony, even though I loved singing. One day I learned that I was being silly. If I love singing, then I can do it in front of everypony as well. That’s why I joined the Pony Tones-“
“Wait, you’re in a band?!” Jax asked surprised. He had not seen that coming.
“Well, yeah, I mean-“
“That’s amazing!” He looked at her with renewed respect. Fluttershy, the soft-spoken pegasus, was singing in a band. Alright, if she could do it, then he could as well.
“When is the party?” He asked Octavia.
“In… in four days” She was obviously surprised at his sudden determination.
“Alright, I’ll do it. But only one song, okay?”
A smile spread on Octavia’s face, and her eyes shone with happiness. “That will suffice, I believe. Thank you very much, Mr. Jax.” She extended her hoof.
“Please, just Jax.” He said as he took her hoof and gave it a gentle shake. “I’ll try to pick a song to sing then. See you in four days.”
As they went away, Lyra turned to Octavia. “See? I told you he was nice.” It made Jax smile.
He turned towards Fluttershy, who still stood there. “And what can I help you with?”
“Can I… come in?” She sounded a bit unsure, and hid a bit behind her pink mane.
“Sure.” He was tired, but he made room for her and they went into the living room/kitchen. “Tea? I can’t really offer anything else at the moment. Well apples, I have lots of those.”
“Yes, tea please.” She sat down in a chair.
He started heating the water, and prepared the cups.
Silence reigned while the water heated. Jax didn’t know what to say, and he was too tired to think of something. He just kind of looked at her, thinking back to the time she had saved his life. He had just kind of accepted that he was going to die, then a yellow pegasus suddenly appears and talks to him… it had been kind of surrealistic. When he woke up he was in a small bed, his wounds had been treated, and he felt much better. This little, shy, soft-spoken mare had saved his life, and he was going to repay the favor, if nothing else, then by getting her together with Rainbow Dash somehow.
“If you wanted to talk with me, then why didn’t you come with me when I left the farm?” He started. He didn’t really care, but she seemed uncomfortable with him just staring at her.
“Oh… Applejack talked with us… about you. After you left.”
He turned around and started pouring the boiling water into the cups. “Oh really? What did she say?”
“Oh we weren’t saying anything bad about you, she just… she just said you might be a little more sad than you let on. So I…” She just kind of trailed off.
“You wanted to check up on me?” He finished, handing her the tea.
“Yes. I hope you don’t mind. You’re probably tired after all the work on the farm.” He couldn’t really argue with that, but he didn’t feel like turning her away was the right thing to do… even if he didn’t want to hear what she was going to say. They were all taking it way out of proportion.
“It’s… fine. I’m fine. Everything’s fine.” He might have sounded a bit grumpy. Fluttershy hid a bit more in her mane.
“I…” Suddenly she raised her head and looked him dead in the eye. “I don’t believe you.” He looked back, even though he was a little taken aback. They held eye-contact for a couple of seconds, the tension building, before she looked down at the table again and he could breathe again. “but I can understand if you don’t want to talk with me about it.” 
The sentence sounded to him like she was belittling herself, but the soft kind of smile she had, said otherwise. He couldn’t argue against it either, since he didn’t really want to talk to anybody about it.
Just then, the door opened and Mr. Bear came in. He nonchalantly closed the door after himself.
Jax looked at him in shock. It looked like he had traveled through mud for days and days, his entire lower half covered in the stuff. The upper half looked like it somehow attracted all manners of random forest things to be intertwined with the fur. Twigs and leaves, yes, but also stones, bugs, and something that looked like half a berry bush.
“Oh, is that a fish for Jax you have there, Mr. Bear?” Fluttershy asked the dirty bear.
“Rawr.” Came the dampened answer. He did indeed have a fish in his mouth, a big one.
“Oh, but you are spreading mud on the floor. Let’s get the fish into the fridge so we can give you a nice bath.” Fluttershy smiled kindly at the bear, who roared happily. She really did have a way with animals. Jax finally got himself together and closed his mouth.
The rest of the day was spent cleaning a dirty bear, and the dirty footprints he had left behind on the floor. Fluttershy, being the big sweetheart that she was, helped with everything, taking the chance to teach Jax a little more about taking care of a bear.

***

Jax woke up by Mr. Bear poking him with his snout. He was happy to be free of the nightmare he was having, they seemed to get worse, but he was still groggy as hell. “Whacha need?” His voice was even raspy.
“Rawr?” Mr. Bear indicated the window above the bed. The curtains were drawn… was someone out there?
Jax peeked out, but could only see the apple orchard. Suddenly understanding dawned. It was sunrise. He needed to help Applejack again today. He really needed an alarm.
He forced himself out of the bed. He had signed up for this himself, no use complaining about it now.
He made it out to the farm, enjoying the sight of the sunrise and the deep red color it brought with it.
It was… Moonday.

Watch the skies on Moonday.

So she had written… he wondered what she was planning. He moved his hand up to his aching heart. Why did it hurt so much to think about her?
He shook his head. He would see when it was time.
“Good morning, Jax.” Rarity’s sophisticated voice called out to him.
“Good morning, Rarity. You know, some people would be surprised to see you helping out at a farm.”
“Yes, well, while it may not be favorite pastime, Applejack needs my help. Let it not be said that Rarity does not help her friends.” She said with pride.
Jax chuckled. “It’s the last thing I would say, that’s for sure.”
“Oh, but darling, I have good news. With your and Luna’s article in the Canterlot Informant, rumors are finally calming down, even in Canterlot. Please do try to be on your best behavior… Well, not that you aren’t normally behaving well, you are, but while the fire may be doused, it is not out, and a single spark can reset the flame.” Rarity warned him.
“It’s funny how rumors are compared to fire.” He laughed. “Well, I’ll be even more careful than normal, but I seriously don’t know how I can be any less threatening. Ponies just take things way out of proportion.”
“Oh, some ponies are better than others. The ponies in Canterlot that kept spreading new rumors about you… If I could just get my hooves on them…” She said with disdain.
“Yeah, but there needs to be someone willing to listen for rumors to work.” He countered.
“Yes, well, hopefully that will be over now.” She said, giving him a sideways glance. “So… darling…” Oh God… “How are you doing?”
He sighed. “Everything’s fine. Just as I’ve told Twilight and Fluttershy.” He reminded himself that they were just worried about him. They were being their usual nice selves. He shouldn’t complain.
“Well… If you say so darling.” Another one that didn’t believe him. 
Luckily they were almost at the farm, and she didn’t say anything else about it.

***

The day was just as rough as the last one. Applejack paired him with Big Mac again, and this time he did ask how Jax was doing, but after telling him he was fine, not much was said.
They continued working until the sun was low on the horizon, with only a couple of breaks and lunch. It was hard work, but Jax didn’t mind. He could manage, and he got food out of it.
They entered the farmhouse to find an extra pony at the table. “Rainbow Dash?”
“Hey Jax!” She answered happily. “Sorry I’m late, I had to work overtime because somepony asked me to clear the night sky.”
“Well I hope it wasn’t too much trouble. I really appreciate it though. You’re pretty goddamn awesome, Rainbow.”
“Yeah… I am.” She stated with satisfaction. It was clear that she liked the attention, so Jax decided to put it on thick. She deserved it after all.
“No, no, I mean it. It’s like the room just got twenty percent cooler just because you’re here with us.”
“Sugarcube, the last thing Rainbow needs is a bigger ego.” Applejack interfered.
“Hey! It’s not having a big ego if it’s true” She shot back, even sticking out her tongue at Applejack. They all laughed at that.
“Alright, alright. Settle down y’all. Ah’ll let ya have that one Rainbow.” Jax and Big Mac took their seats in the meanwhile. “Ah just wanted to take this time to tell y’all that we really appreciate the help. We’re doin’ so well that Big Mac and I can carry on by ourselves in a weeks’ time.”
General cheers resounded from the table.
“To friendship! May it overcome all obstacles!” Twilight shouted with her mug raised. It was a little… weird, cheering to friendship, but at the same time kind of fun.
“To friendship!” They all cheered. Jax had been afraid that they were going to ask about him again, but it seemed like everyone was fine enjoying the atmosphere.
They made it all the way through dinner and desert, before Rainbow of all ponies finally took it upon herself to breach the subject. Well, after she noticed Applejack’s gesturing that is, which was after Jax, who was halfway to the door by then. He could see where this was going.
“So, Jax.” She started. He stopped, but didn’t look back. “How are- hey come back!”
Jax ran out of that door faster than a cat on fire. He didn’t make it very far though, only just past the first trees of the sunset illuminated landscape, before a mare landed before him. It was Rainbow Dash after all.
“Why are you running?” She asked, her voice laced with confusion. He could hear the others running out as well.
“Oh God! I don’t want to hear that question again! I’m fine! Okay? Everything is fine. Yes, Luna left me after over a month of being together non-stop, and yes, it hurt like hell when she… when she teleported away, and yes, I cried like a bitch just because I saw the stars that one night, but… I… I’m…” Rainbow Dash was looking at him with apprehension now. He realized she must be confused by the tears running freely from his eyes. When did that happen?
“You’re not fine.” Rainbow said firmly. She took a step forward and raised herself on her back legs, placing her front hooves on his chest. “And that’s okay. It’s okay to cry now and again. It’s okay to complain to your friends. Friends are awesome Jax, they are there for you when you’re happy… and they will listen to you when you’re sad. When you try to take on everything by yourself… well, why do you think we’re all out here on the farm, helping Applejack?”
Jax felt… like he could really use a hug. He lowered himself, and embraced the soft pony in front of him. She returned the gesture instantly.
“She’s right, you know. We all knew you weren’t fine, and we tried to help in our own way, but you just didn’t want to open up to any of us.” Twilight said from behind him. “I was a little scared that you didn’t see us as friends…”
“I do…” He tried to control his sobbing. “I do Twilight. It’s just hard for me to talk about stuff that bothers me. I’ve been a little miserable since Luna left, even though I know she probably had some kind of reason to just… to not say goodbye. It hurt. And I just walk around now, trying to ignore the fact that she’s not by my side. It’s hard, y’know? Harder than I ever thought it could be… I’ve never felt this way before. I dunno what to do…”
“How about we start with a group hug?!” Pinkie suggested. It came out of the blue, Jax couldn’t help but chortle. He didn’t know himself how he felt about the idea, but apparently the others agreed. He was soon hugged by ponies from all sides. It felt… really good actually. Kind of warm and cozy, like being draped by Luna’s wing again. The rest of the tears were shed with a smile on his face.
“… Shouldn’t the stars be out by now? And where’s the moon?” Twilight asked from his back where she had chosen to hug him. He looked up, and sure enough, neither stars nor the moon had come out. It was just… dark. They all looked at the lack of anything on the sky. Jax remembered Luna’s note… what was she planning?
Then it started. Slowly at first, with one or two shooting stars showing themselves, then more and more started shooting, until it was like the entire sky was covered by a meteor shower.
There were no words to describe how beautiful it was. The entire night sky, filled with shooting stars. If he hadn’t already been crying, Jax might have started right then out of appreciation of the beauty he was witnessing.
Twilight seemed to share his opinion, having to dry a tear or two, while Rainbow Dash just looked awestruck. They were all watching the show with wonder in their eyes. 
Jax let himself fall backwards, so he could watch without straining his neck. Thankfully, Twilight got out just in time.
He didn’t know what to say. Maybe he didn’t need to say anything at all. Rainbow Dash took a spot beside him in the same position, and others followed their example. Time seemed to be a distant memory, as Jax just let himself be caught in the moment. He had never seen a meteor shower, but he had a feeling it paled in comparison. It was simply… amazing.
He had no idea how much time passed with them just lying there, it could have been half the night for all he knew, but less and less stars seemed to be shooting. Then, some of them started gathering, making up a human, filling half the sky. He was standing up, facing stars that gathered into… an alicorn. They were way more detailed than last time he had done this with Luna. Had she been practicing? When they started moving, he noticed that the ‘animation’ was way better than last time as well.
The alicorn, who seemed to have a starry mane and tail, ran across the sky and threw herself at the human, who caught her and held her close.
Jax started laughing, while he cried. It was beautiful, it was crazy, it made him question if her reputation wouldn’t have been better preserved if she had stayed with him… and it made him love her even more.
Applejack looked at him with concern. “You alright there, partner?”
“Yes.” He answered honestly. “I really am.”













***

Finally… He was finally there. The cursed forest lay behind him, and he stared at rows upon rows of apple trees. Now… he just had to choose his first target…