14. Keeping Secrets
“—does Canterlot City have superheroes?”
“—Adagio Dazzle used some sort of mass hypnosis—”
“—details are still unclear, but last night at the Grand Gallant Gala—”
“—eyewitness reports of two supposed ‘magical girls’ fighting Adagio Dazzle—”
“—no official statement from the police.”
“—There are no confirmed identities, but we do have photos and camera footage—”
Sunset pinched the bridge of her nose as Artemis flipped between different news stations. “How bad is it?”
Using his free hand to cover his mouth, Artemis could only grunt. He paused his channel hopping when Moondancer appeared in front of the camera.
“I will not comment on the absurd speculation that there might be super-powered individuals in Canterlot,” Moondancer said smoothly. “Nor will I speculate on how Adagio did what she did. The facts are: Adagio attacked the Gala, manipulated the masses, and was stopped before any serious damage could be done. For that, I am grateful.”
“At least she didn’t sell us out,” Rainbow said, leaning over the couch.
“She knows that if we go down, we could take her with us,” Sunset retorted. She thought she heard Fluttershy mumble something, but when she looked over, Fluttershy was staring out the window.
“This is all mah fault,” Applejack said. She sat at the kitchen table, face buried in her arms.
Rarity put a hand over hers. “You couldn’t have known Adagio was going to be there. And you did the right thing.”
“So far, they haven’t revealed any identities,” Artemis said. The news showed a shaky video taken on a phone camera. Rainbow with her mask on and Applejack with a scarf over her head traded blows with Adagio before she blasted a firework and the phone dropped to the floor.
“Are we seriously going to believe this superhero angle?” a pundit asked. “We’ve got a handful of pictures, a blurry video, and word of mouth from very confused people.”
Selena sat opposite of Applejack, tapping her finger against the table. “Secret identities or not, we’ve created a stir. The general public is going to be heightened to anything out of the ordinary.”
“What do we do now?” Twilight asked. “If Tempest or Adagio attacks again, we can’t ignore it.”
“As far as Adagio is concerned, I don’t think we have to worry about her for the time being.” Artemis set the remote down and looked at the Crystal Heart sitting in the middle of the table.
Applejack raised her head. “That reminds me. Durin’ our fight, Adagio seemed to have trouble using her shard piece. Like, it wasn’t as strong as it was before.”
“Hey, yeah!” Rainbow chimed in. “She blasted me with Pinkie’s firework power and like, it hurt, but it didn’t hurt that much.”
Artemis pulled on his goatee. “She is using only a single shard of Sacanas. And magic isn’t infinite. Perhaps she’s running out of juice for it.”
Sunset nodded. “She hasn’t absorbed any of our powers since the botanical garden. If she’s used up all the magic in the shard—”
“It’s only a matter of time before she figures that out herself and tries something desperate,” Twilight said with a cold edge that made Sunset shudder. “Once she does, we’ll have her cornered.”
“That still leaves Tempest,” Trixie said. “She won’t hesitate to keep throwing mischief at us if her plan really is to make more magic.”
“But if something happens to us, wouldn’t that ruin her plan, too?” Fluttershy asked.
Artemis set the remote down and crossed his arms. “We’re truly in uncharted territory now. Even if Tempest halts her attacks, the dice have already been cast. Like Selena said, the public knows something strange is happening.”
“Nothing we can do about it now. The question I’m concerned about is, can they trace it back to us?” Sunset said. She kept her voice even, but her stomach roiled. They were edging closer to the realization of one of her oldest fears since she had stepped through the portal. What was she to do if people in suits came knocking on the door?
“We now go live to Canterlot PD headquarters where Police Commissioner Martial has an official statement regarding the events of last night”
Everyone refocused on the T.V. screen as a burly man with a thin mustache stepped up to a podium.
“In regards to the attack last night at the Grand Gallant Gala, I would first like to confirm that there were no casualties or serious injuries,” Martial said in a surprisingly soft-spoken voice. “I would like to commend my department for a swift and immediate response to the situation.”
“Yeah, too bad the situation was over when you got there,” Rainbow muttered.
“Here are the facts as we know them. At approximately ten-thirty yesterday night, Adagio Dazzle infiltrated the Castle Hotel and subdued both management and security. Then, by currently unknown means, she proceeded to induce mass hypnosis over those in attendance at the gala. Before Canterlot PD could respond to the initial threat, two vigilantes confronted Adagio and forced her to flee. Her current whereabouts are unknown. As for those who were affected by her hypnotism, there appear to be no lasting effects beyond a loss of memory during the incident. We are monitoring them for any long-term problems.”
Cameras flashed as reporters unleashed a flurry of questions, everyone talking over each other.
“Do you have any idea of who the vigilantes are?” one reporter shouted over the cacophony.
Martial cleared his throat. “We do not at this time. While we appreciate what these individuals have done, we cannot and will not condone vigilante justice.”
“Is there any truth to the rumors of them or Adagio having superpowers?” someone shouted.
“We’re not going to speculate on that at this time,” Martial said gruffly.
“But how do you account for Adagio’s actions? Or what eye-witnesses reported seeing?”
Sunset could see a vein bulge in Martial’s temple even through the television. “There is a lot of confusion about the situation as it stands. So, I will not feed into any rumors surrounding it.”
“Do you have a plan to apprehend Adagio Dazzle?”
“We’re working with national security on the matter. That’s all I can say.”
A flurry of reporters tried to talk over each other again, but the commissioner had decided enough was enough and stepped away from the podium. Artemis hit the mute button and faced everyone else.
“Well, as far as the news is concerned, your secret’s safe for now.”
“Yeah, publicly, the police know nothing,” Sunset said. “But that could be because they don’t want to share anything. And I really don’t like his comment about working with national security.”
Artemis pulled on his goatee. “I hate to say it, but we just have to see how things play out. The hearsay and confusion should give us cover for at least a little while longer.”
“And after that?” Twilight asked.
Artemis folded his arms. “Hope our deeds have spoken for us, and convince everyone we’re the good guys.”
Fluttershy gave a quiet sigh. “Does anyone remember when we used to be normal high school students?”
They all sat in contemplation for a moment before Applejack stood from her chair, eyes down on her phone. “Ah gotta go.”
“Is something wrong?” Rarity asked.
“No. Well… Ah don’t know. Rara—er, Coloratura wants to talk.” Applejack looked at her phone again with a guilty grimace. “And after last night, Ah owe her some sort of explanation. Ah don’t know how much she knows, so maybe this’ll be a good way to gauge what anyone else might remember.”
Sunset couldn’t undo the knot of worry in her stomach but knew her friends couldn’t hide in her house forever. “Just be careful.”
Applejack gave a weak smile. “Don’t worry, sugarcube. We’ll find a way through this.” She gave everyone a wave and departed from the kitchen.
Trixie crossed her legs and grumbled, “Trixie still can’t believe she’s friends with Countess Coloratura.”
Twilight got up next. “I should go too. I don’t want to be late for my internship.”
Sunset puckered her lips. Twilight had been at this internship for a week and it was all she would talk about. Or rather, not talk about. Thanks to some dumb NDA paper, Twilight could barely say what she was actually doing. All Sunset knew was that it was taking up most of Twilight’s time now, and there was only a month left before school started.
“Why don’t I give you a ride,” Sunset offered.
Judging by Twilight’s expression, Sunset wagered that was a thought that had never crossed her girlfriend’s mind. “Sure, that’d be great!”
“So, is the meeting adjourned then?” Rainbow asked.
“I suppose there really isn’t anything else we can do at the moment except keep our guard up,” Rarity said.
Selena nodded. “Let’s hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”
After a round of goodbyes, Sunset and Twilight followed their friends out the front door and climbed onto Sunset’s motorcycle. Twilight flashed her phone to give Sunset directions. The lab was on the edge of town.
Sunset started the engine and felt Twilight hug her waist. Underneath her helmet, Sunset gave a bittersweet sigh. She and Twilight’s first one-on-one time in days and they wouldn’t be able to talk to each other. She gave the engine a loud rev to vent, then took off down the street.
As heavy as the thoughts weighing on Sunset’s mind were, she had to focus on the road. Still, it was hard to fight the twinges of annoyance and, dare she say it, jealousy she felt driving Twilight to the place keeping them apart. Magical mayhem, national security, a soul-sucking warlock, and all Sunset wanted to do was spend time with her girlfriend. Apparently, that was becoming too much to ask.
It was a twenty-minute drive that ended with a winding road along the outskirts of the city. Sunset brought her bike to a stop at the front curb and appraised the lab. The only thing notable about it was the large satellite dish.
Twilight got off and handed Sunset her helmet. “Thank you for the ride, Sunnykins!” She reached up and kissed Sunset on the cheek. “I’ll call you tonight before bed, okay?”
Sunset stretched a thin smile across her face. “Yeah, sounds good. You have fun.”
“I will!” Twilight gave a wave and walked through the sliding doors.
Sunset lingered for a moment longer before storing Twilight’s helmet and putting her own back on. Was this how the rest of her summer was going to go? Fearing exposure while counting down the days until Twilight departed?
She turned her bike back on, revved as loud as she could, and peeled out as she left the parking lot.
*******
Twilight stepped into the lab’s main lobby, the glass doors closing behind her with a soft hiss. She let out a relieved sigh as the air conditioner rolled over her.
“Good afternoon, Twilight,” Amber said, clicking away at her keyboard.
“Hi, Miss Amber,” Twilight said. “How are—”
A loud rev made Twilight jump and spin around in time to see Sunset peel out of the parking lot and drive down the road. Amber giggled behind her.
“She seems like quite the rebel.”
The corners of Twilight’s lips twitched upward. “You have no idea.” Though, she couldn’t tell if that outburst had been Sunset showing off her rebellious spirit, or something else. She could always ask later.
“Miss Starlight is having lunch in the cafeteria if you would like to join her,” Amber said, pointing down the hall.
“Thank you,” Twilight said, giving a grateful bow of her head. She set off down the quiet corridor, stomach rumbling at the mention of lunch. She had rushed over to the Lulamoon’s house after guzzling a quick bowl of cereal. With all of the tension, she had forgotten how hungry she actually was.
Her phone buzzed in her skirt pocket. Twilight stopped and reached for it, hoping it wasn’t one of her friends with more bad news. Fortunately, it was just Cadence asking for a video call. Twilight tapped the answer button. “Hello?”
After a brief delay, Cadence’s face appeared. “Hi, ladybug!” There were tears in her eyes, but a smile on her face.
Twilight’s heart fluttered. “Cadence, what’s—?”
Cadence moved out of frame and revealed Shining, sitting upright in his hospital bed, a tired smile on his face. “Hey, Twily,” he said in a gravelly voice.
“Shiny!” Twilight clapped a hand over her mouth. She jogged down the hall, peeking her head into every lab window until she found an empty one and ducked inside. “You’re awake! How are you?”
He gave a weak shrug of his good shoulder. “I’ve been better.”
Twilight laughed, followed by a hiccup, followed by a sob.
“It’s okay, Twily. I’m okay.”
“I-I know! I was just… I was so scared! I th-thought I might actually lose you!”
Shining’s smile dropped. “I know. I’m sorry I made you all worry.”
Cadence popped her head back into frame. “The doctors said he’ll be here a while, and he might have some nerve damage in his left arm, but he’s going to be fine. I wanted to call and share the good news.”
Twilight emphatically nodded her head and gave another happy sob. “That’s good. Th-that’s great! H-how long have you been awake?”
“Twenty minutes?” Shining said, grinning again. “Long enough to want to get out of bed already.”
“You’re not moving an inch unless the doctor says so!” Cadence shouted.
Seeing Shining wince got another laugh out of Twilight. And each laugh removed the weight she had been carrying in her heart. Yes, Artemis had said he had healed Shining, but seeming him awake, seeing him talk. Twilight could finally, truly believe he was safe.
Cadence softened her expression as she looked back at Twilight. “Okay, ladybug. I just wanted to call and tell you the good news. Shining still needs plenty of rest.”
Shining gave a longstanding sigh.
Twilight nodded. “I know. Take good care of him.”
“You know I will. Love you.”
“Love you, Twilight,” Shining said, giving a small wave with his good arm.
“Love both of you, too.” Twilight waved before hanging up the phone. She collapsed onto one of the lab stools and let out one powerful sob before taking her glasses off and wiping her eyes.
“He’s okay. He’s okay. He’s okay. It’s okay.”
She repeated her mantra ad infinitum, picturing Shining’s tired, smiling face in her head until it stuck in her heart and pumped relief through the rest of her body. She would get to keep her BBBFF. Adagio had failed.
Adagio.
Twilight gripped the sides of the stool until her knuckles turned white. Underneath the joy and comfort, a sea of rage still churned. She would never forgive Adagio. And it would be a long time until she forgave herself for failing to bring Adagio down when she had the chance.
Twilight released the stool and brought a hand to her chest, inhaling as she did. She exhaled and pushed it away. She still had work to do. And she was still hungry.
She repeated her calming technique a few more times, then cleaned her glasses off and continued on her way to lunch.
The cafeteria was strikingly similar to the one at CHS, with two rows of rectangular tables taking up the center of the room and a handful of single-chair tables lining the walls. Unlike CHS, the lunches served were actually appetizing. As Twilight got in line, she saw today’s special was chicken stir fry on a bed of rice, with freshly baked cookies as a dessert.
Grabbing herself a plate, Twilight turned toward the seating area and saw Starlight waving her down. Twilight obliged, seating herself across from Starlight and Double Diamond. At the table as well were Night Glider; Party Favor, another of Starlight’s top assistants, and Sugar Belle, the head of the food and nutrition division of research. While Sugar Belle didn’t cook in the kitchens, a lot of recipes were apparently inspired by her.
“Good afternoon, Twilight,” Starlight said with her pleasant smile. It quickly drooped. “What’s wrong? Your eyes are red.”
“Oh!” Twilight rubbed them, knowing full well it would just make it worse. “It’s nothing. Really. They’re actually happy tears.”
“Happy tears?” Sugar Belle asked innocuously. “I hope it was really good news if it made you cry.”
“It was. Umm…” Twilight bit her lip. “You see… my brother, Shining Armor, was in the hospital. He was… he got hurt very badly. But he just woke up, and the doctors say he’s going to be okay.”
“Goodness,” Starlight said, covering her mouth. “I can see why the news would make you so emotional. I’m happy to hear he’ll make a full recovery at least. If you don’t mind me asking, what occurred to put him in such a state in the first place?”
Twilight bit her lip harder. She was afraid someone would ask more questions. They didn’t need to know all the facts. The less said about Adagio, the better.
“He got hurt trying to catch a robber.” Technically true; Adagio had been robbing a jewelry store when Shining had interrupted her.
Night Glider snapped her fingers. “Wait, I know that name! He was one of the police trying to stop Adagio, wasn’t he? It was on the news last week!”
Sweat broke out on the back of Twilight’s neck. “Ye-yeah…”
“Oh, then we’re really glad he’s okay,” Sugar Belle said. “There’s been nothing but bad news about Adagio. She can supposedly hypnotize people, and do other mysterious things.”
“I would love to explore how she can cause this supposed hypnosis. Especially in large numbers,” Starlight said with casual curiosity. “Did you see the report about the Gala last night?”
Party Favor nodded vigorously. “It’s exciting, isn’t it? I know it’s all just speculation, but can you imagine it? Superheroes in Canterlot!”
Twilight clasped her hands together under the table, praying for a way out of this conversation.
Double Diamond took a bite of his cookie. “I don’t know. That camera was pretty shaky. And we just said that Adagio can hypnotize people, so who knows what they really saw. Hypnotism is one thing, but actual superpowers?”
“Now, now, don’t be like that, Diamond,” Starlight gently admonished. “We’re scientists. We keep our minds open to all possibilities until they are disproven. And even then, there’s wiggle room. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if magic and superpowers really did exist? Imagine the new fields of research we would have.”
Starlight fixed her eyes on Twilight. “What do you think, Twilight?”
“Me? Oh, I-I, umm… I don’t know,” Twilight sputtered out. “M-magic seems a little out there. I-I mean, I don’t disbelieve in magic. I just don’t know anything about it! But if it did exist, yes, the possibilities it would create would be endless!”
Starlight nodded sagely. “See? Another open-minded soul.” She leaned back in her chair. “If magic existed, and was freely accessible, I believe it could solve many of the world’s problems. Diseases cured, famine prevented, climate change averted. No poverty, no handicaps, everyone could have lives of comfort and plenty, sharing equally in the benefits. .”
Some of the tension in Twilight’s shoulders melted away. She remembered having similar thoughts during Sunset’s magic lessons. How wonderful would it be to never have to step foot into a hospital again because powers like Fluttershy’s were commonplace?
“Do you really believe civilization could achieve that?” Twilight asked in a mousy voice.
“I do,” Starlight said with a smile. “The universe is too big not to have a little fantasy in it. Besides, most things considered ‘magic’ are just technologies we haven’t understood yet. I would love to analyze whatever Adagio is using, or those mysterious vigilantes who stopped her. Humanely, of course.”
Twilight finally broke from Starlight’s gaze and focused on her food. If only she knew what Twilight knew—how close magic was. But in its current form, localized to a handful of people, how could they make that wonderful future come true? She then thought of Stygian’s journal and the pocket dimension containing this world’s lost magic.
If only she could find a way to access it. If only there was a real way to study magic.
If only…
*******
When Applejack pulled up the dirt driveway to her house, a jet-black limo was already parked out front. Applejack parked behind it and hopped out. Her stomach rolled as she power-walked the rest of the way, pausing at the front door to take a deep breath.
What am Ah supposed to say? Ah know a lot of what happened was in the heat of the moment. But…
But, if Rara had reached out to her, then she must be willing to hear Applejack out, right? All she had to do was give a genuine apology.
Applejack pushed the door open to find Rara, Big Mac, and Granny Smith sitting in the living room. Big Mac sat in one of the recliners while Rara and Granny Smith shared the old lime green couch, a book settled between them.
“Ooh, look at this one!” Granny said pointing to the book. “Pear snapped a picture of you two after we came back from the beach! You two were more sand than girls!”
Rara snorted and laughed. “Oh my gosh! My hair is practically brown!”
Big Mac nodded and chuckled. “Papa had to hose you two down first before we could put you in the tub.”
Applejack’s face heated up as the cloudy memory made its way to the surface. She closed the door behind her and cleared her throat.
Granny looked up. “There she is! Ah was just showin’ little Rara here some old pictures. You two were as thick as thieves back then.”
Applejack pulled her stetson over her face to hide her deepening blush and grumble. She tipped it back up and said, “Thanks for keepin’ her company, Granny. Do you wanna head up to my room, Rara?”
Rara stood and nodded. “Sure.” She gave Granny Smith and Big Mac a grateful smile. “Thank you for the pictures and stories.”
“Anytime, sweetheart!” Granny said as she got up using her cane. “I’m putin’ a pie in the oven if you wanna stay for supper.”
“That sounds lovely,” Rara said with a polite bow. As Granny shuffled off, Rara followed Applejack upstairs. They settled in her room, Rara taking the desk chair and Applejack dropping down onto her bed.
Applejack pursed her lips and inhaled slowly, making a low whistle as she did. “So…” she said after her chest was empty.
Rara raised her hands and flopped them into her lap. “I don’t even know where to start.” She pinched the space between her eyebrows. “Actually, I do. Applejack, are we friends?”
Applejack bolted upright. “Of course we are!”
“Then why did you lie to me?” It wasn’t a shout or a yell; it was a desperate question.
“Ah…” Applejack slumped forward and dragged her hands down her face. “Ah did it because you’re mah friend. Ah wanted you to be happy, and you wanted to do all these fancy things and take me to these fancy places, and Ah didn’t know how to say no. Ah convinced mahself Ah was havin’ fun because Ah was spendin’ time with you. But the paparazzi and the press and…”
She finally took a breath. “It reminded me of when we were kids. Ah just wanted to hang out with you. But anytime we weren’t on the farm, you’d attract everyone else with your looks or your voice, and Ah’d get pushed to the side. And it was never your fault! And you never got a big head about it, which is one of the best things about you!”
Applejack slumped forward even further, straining her neck and shoulders. “And it started happenin’ again. But instead of kid stuff, we were doin’ all these highfalutin things. Ah’m… Ah’m not cut out for fancy social life, Rara. You can take the girl out the country, but you can’t take the country outta the girl. Ah’m so happy you’re successful, but this—” She gestured to the orchard out the window. “—this is where Ah’m comfortable. And Ah’m so sorry Ah couldn’t be honest with you upfront.”
Rara kept her eyes on the carpet. She looked like a puppy being scolded. “And my music?” she whispered hesitantly.
Applejack swept her hat off and pressed it against her chest. “Ah’m really, really sorry, Rara. Ah… Ah don’t hate it. Ah said that in the heat of the moment. Your music is great! But… it ain’t for me.”
Silence fell between them, heavy from the weight of Applejack’s confession. The longer it dragged out, the more Applejack squirmed. She opened her mouth several times but had nothing left to say other than more apologies.
Rara sucked in a breath and cupped her hands over her eyes. “God, I remember you being difficult sometimes, but never this difficult.” Applejack thought she heard a trace of amusement in her voice. When Rara lowered her hand, her eyes were damp.
“Was it really that hard just to tell me you didn’t want to do any of my ideas?”
“Ah didn’t want to make you mad! Ah wanted to hang out, Ah just…” Applejack heaved a sigh. “It was dumb. Ah’m sorry. Ah wish Ah could make it up to you.”
Rara wiped her eyes. “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t hurt, A.J. And a little betrayed.”
“Ah’m sorry.”
She held a hand up. “I know you are. I’m mad at what you did… but I can tell you feel bad about it at least.” Rara gave the air in front of her a frustrated squeeze. “I have so many feelings right now that everything is just… tangled up in a dumb knot!”
“Ah’m sorry—”
“Stop apologizing,” Rara said sharply. “I know you’re sorry. I’m just trying to process everything. Just…”
Rara looked Applejack in the eye. “Please, tell me the truth. Last night… that was you fighting, wasn’t it?”
Applejack’s stomach churned. “How much do you remember?”
“Part of it’s a blur. But, I remember the fight in the lobby. And you, or, someone who looks a lot like you, and some other girl fighting Adagio. But, they had pony ears! And one was super strong and the other was super fast, and I sound completely crazy, right?”
It only took Applejack a second to make her decision. She had lied enough. “No, you’re not crazy, Rara. That was me. Ah… well, Ah have magic.”
“Magic?” Rara said dumbly.
Applejack nodded.
“Like, like spells and wizards and dragons?”
“Well, not quite like that. It’s… uh, just let me show you.” Applejack closed her eyes and let her magic well up inside her. Her ears burst to life atop her head, and her ponytail doubled in length. When she opened her eyes, Rara had jumped to her feet, hands covering her mouth.
“Oh. My. God.”
Applejack gave a nervous chuckle. “Yeah. It’s… a long story. And you probably wouldn’t believe most of it.”
Rara took a half-step forward. “Umm… can I… touch them?” She pointed to Applejack’s ears.
“Sure?”
Rara closed the gap between them and rubbed Applejack’s right ear with her thumb and index finger. “It’s so soft…”
Applejack reflexively leaned into Rara’s gentle massage. It felt… strangely relaxing.
“Are these horse ears?”
“Pony.”
“Why a pony?”
“Like Ah said, it’s a long story.”
Rara released Applejack’s ear and stepped back. “And… they give you super strength?”
“Sorta, yeah. It’s complicated. But basically, mah friends and Ah have different superpowers and we protect the city from bad guys and monsters.”
“Okay…” Rara put her hands on the sides of her head and started pacing in a short circle. “Okay! So, you’re a superhero from a comic book! Are there any other revelations you need to drop on me?”
Applejack could have told Rara she and her friends were facing the end of the world if they couldn’t stop Tirek, but thought that maybe that was a need-to-know situation, and she didn’t need to stress her friend out any more.
“No, that about covers it.”
“Oh, good.” Rara collapsed into her chair and pressed her palms against her eyes. “This is crazy. My life is crazy.”
“Tell me about it,” Applejack muttered. She powered down and dropped her hat back on her head. “Uh, if you could not go spreadin’ that around, that’d be great.”
Rara uncovered one eye. “No one would believe me anyway. I’m still having trouble believing it.”
“Fair.”
Silence covered them again. Before it could get too heavy, Applejack asked, “So, where do we go from here?”
“I don’t know.” Rara shook her head. “You lied to me, but you did for a good reason, I guess, and you also saved my life, but you don’t even like my music.”
She pulled her hands down and looked out the window. “Applejack… are we really still friends?”
“Of course we are!” Applejack said automatically. “Ah told you, Ah did all those things because you’re mah friend!”
“But you weren’t having fun. Applejack, it’s been years since we’ve talked to each other. Maybe we’ve just… grown too different.”
“Bullcrap!” Applejack said forcefully, getting Rara to look back at her in surprise. “You’ve met Rarity. She’s prim, she’s fussy, she’d never be caught in a cornfield unless it was part of the latest fashion trend. She’s the exact opposite of me. Pinkie Pie is loud, silly, and Ah can’t guess what goes on in her head. Twilight is the smartest girl Ah’ve ever met.
“All of mah friends are so different from each other. If you wrote it down on paper, it’d sound like we don’t match up at all. But we’re all just different puzzle pieces that fit together. They’re some of mah best friends. Sure, you’re a pop star and Ah’m still just a farm girl.”
Applejack wiped her eyes. “That don’t mean we can’t be friends either.”
Rara stared, her mouth slightly ajar. “Applejack, that was…” She closed her mouth and swallowed. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right.”
Applejack exhaled, finally undoing the knot in her stomach. “Ah’m sorry Ah lied to you.”
Rara exhaled too. “Apology accepted. Let’s just… no, I don’t want to start over…”
“Let’s try again?” Applejack offered.
“Yeah,” Rara said, smiling, “let’s try again. What do you wanna do, A.J.?”
Applejack grinned. “Ah’ve got an idea. C’mon!” She leaped up from her bed and led Rara downstairs, stopping at the closet to pull out two fishing rods and a tackle box.
Rara jumped and clapped her hands together. “We’re going to the pond? I haven’t been fishing since… since the last time we were together!”
“Then what are we waitin’ for?” Applejack handed her a pole. “Let’s skedaddle!”
The two girls stepped out into the hot summer air and onto the dirt path leading into the orchard. They suffered in the swelter for only a minute before the fruit trees cast their branches out and guarded them from the sun’s rays.
Rara and Applejack walked shoulder to shoulder, the silence between them filled with rustling leaves and buzzing insects. It was the kind of silence Applejack could appreciate.
As the path dipped and curved around a bend, Rara cleared her throat. “Since we’re confessing everything, I guess I should tell you something, too.”
“What’s up?”
Rara stared at her fishing pole. “You said my music wasn’t for you. Well… sometimes, it’s not for me either.”
Applejack cocked her head. “Whaddya mean?”
“I…” Rara kicked a rock on the path and watched it tumble the rest of the way down the hill. “Don’t get me wrong. I love my fans. I love being the Countess. I love the lights and the pageantry and the performances! But… when I first started out… this isn’t exactly how I pictured myself.”
They reached the bottom of the hill, exiting the neat rows of the orchard and crossing over into the sporadic wilderness that marked the edge of the Everfree.
“The Countess is a mask. She’s a character. And it’s fun! She’s one of the biggest pop stars of the decade.” Rara slumped her shoulders. “But she’s not me. All those songs are written by my talent team. And again, they’re fine! But… I guess that’s the problem. They’re just fine. None of it comes from my soul. Coloratura has never gotten to be on stage.”
“Gosh, Rara.” Applejack had no idea how stardom worked. But by the look in Rara’s eyes and the way her head drooped, it sounded oppressive. “Haven’t you told anyone how you feel?”
“I don’t want to sound ungrateful. And… I don’t know… maybe I never realized how much it bothered me until now. I don’t want to give up being the Countess. I just want to be myself from time to time.”
“Ah mean, that makes sense to me. You can’t be a performer twenty-four/seven.”
“Yeah, but that’s what everyone expects. I can’t walk into a stadium as just Coloratura.” She gave a rough shake of her head, flailing her ringlets. “But, that’s not important right now. I just wanted to get that off my chest. Let’s focus on us today, please.”
Applejack wanted to pry a little deeper, hopefully to find a solution for her friend. But, she was also tired of talking about Hollywood, so she decided to respect Rara’s wishes.
The forest opened up into a glade, the trees parting to create a single large shaft of sunlight to hit the surface of the sizable pond. Frogs croaked somewhere on the far side, hidden in the grotto of fallen logs and moss. The girls climbed onto a large, flat boulder and set up their lines, attaching bobbers and worms before casting out into the middle of the water.
Applejack inhaled the aroma of loam and pond muck. To her, it was as sweet as apple pie. Rara did likewise and leaned on Applejack’s shoulder.
“Hey, did you guys ever catch Otto?” Rara asked, referencing the biggest fish that swam in the lake.
“Nope! He’s still in there, too! Saw him not too long ago!”
“Seriously? He’s almost as stubborn as you.”
Applejack nudged Rara in the ribs, both of them laughing. “Remember when we dove in thinkin’ we could ride him?”
“I still say we could have.”
“Yeah, if we didn’t drown first.”
“Remember the seaweed monster?”
“You mean when mah cousin Hayseed thought he was being funny?”
“I laughed.”
“Ah had nightmares!”
“Okay, what about the frog contest?”
“Still can’t believe Pa actually cooked one of them.”
“Yeah, but it was actually tasty.”
“Yeah, it was!”
An hour went by without a single tug on their lines. They didn’t notice. They reminisced, swapped stories, and laughed. Everything Applejack wanted.
After another of their laughing fits died down, Rara jumped up and set her pole down, pinning it with her leg. “I almost forgot!” She reached into her pocket and grabbed something, hiding it in her fist.
“Here. I brought this with me hoping that we would make up.” When Applejack extended her hand, Rara dropped something small and red into her palm.
Pulling it close, Applejack saw it was the ruby red brooch she had been eyeing at the jewelry store last week. “What… when did you…?”
“I saw you eyeing it,” Rara said teasingly. “So, I doubled back the next day and snagged it. I wanted it to be a surprise. So, what do you think?”
A goofy smile spread over Applejack. She was never one for fancy jewelry, but this was beautiful in her eyes. She held it between her thumb and index finger and raised it up to catch it in one of the streams of sunlight. Perhaps it was her imagination, but she thought it had shone in rainbow colors for a second.
She pulled her hat off and pinned it just left of center before admiring it and putting it back on.
“As perfect as a pear.”
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KISS DAMN YOU!! Also Rarity will be jealous
i was really hoping they would make out, not gonna lie
I knew Rara and AJ would reconcile! One's stubborn while the other's sweet.
As for Twilight, her seeing Shiny again was a great boon for her heart. Even so, her rage and self-resentment still linger. To make matters worse, a seed has been planted in her mind, and it may have glasses wreathed in flame...
That is a remarkably Rousseauan mindset there Glimglam. Sure, there are benefits. But there are far too many unscrupulous people in the world to allow paracausality to be dispensed so flagrantly.
Also, I don't believe a word that comes form your mouth.
Well, I think Adagio is going to have one last big attempt to gain power at the end of this volume. Twilight and Starlight are a dangerous combination, but who knows maybe Twilight will redeeem Starlight like she did in the show. And Applejack and Rara, perfect little interactions that reminded me of the original Long Road to Friendship story.
Element Keys for Chest so far (updated):
Laughter Key- Sonata's bracelet
Honesty Key- Red ruby brooch from RaRa
Magic Key- ?
Kindness Key- Bracelet from Dash and Soarin
Generosity Key- ?
Loyalty Key- Scarf from Fluttershy
Empathy Key- ?
The fluffiness the single characters have been getting is super adorable, loving it! As for Sunsets fear for her and Twilight and Twilight not noticing the strain….scared, worried, and anxious.
Thanks for feeding us with this wonderful chapter!
While the day is saved and the public doesn't know their identities, our heroes are not out of danger yet!
I'm at least glad that Shining Armor has recovered (mostly) and AJ and Rara made up!
11716205
I think Fluttershy already has the key of Kindness, she got it, but didn't realize it, but she already has 3 keys, she got it when she went to the movies with Rainbow Dash and Soarin, her key is a bracelet
11716205
We have not gotten keys for Magic, Kindness, Generosity, or Empathy, but I could swear Rainbow’s Loyalty key was the scarf she received from Fluttershy after settling matters with her and Soarin.
Very beautiful chapter. Sometimes the best thing to do to handle awkwardness in friendships or the like is just to talk. Rip the band-aid off and work through the tears and pain so the healing can go smoother. We all want to be good to people, to not make them upset, but he fact of the matter is, we all will at some point. It doesn't even necessarily have to be anyone's fault; differences just make it happen. Through talking and working it out can solutions be found, and even deeper stuff revealed to help make things better, such as when Rara revealed how she felt about her music. And good to see it appears that Applejack has gotten her key now.
And the magic is seeping closer and closer into being discovered. As much as the police and all are downplaying it, who knows how much they know and even if it's nothing how long the girls can keep it under wraps. Sunset's fears about the men in suits certainly makes her keep others at arm's length about all this, and her building tension over not getting to be with Sci-Twi before she leaves makes it worse for her. She has no time for herself to feel happy. Meanwhile, Starlight is clearly planting seeds into Sci-Twi's head, to make her start to think like them on what magic can do. While it could be beneficial, even magic has its limits. And sometimes you need to consider the risks of something over the benefits.
Still, good for Sci-Twi to get a moment's relief in knowing Shining Armor is gonna be OK. The whole family has been put through a lot and they need any good news they can get.
Spectacular chapter and, as always, I eagerly await the next! ^_^
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We maaaay have gotten Kindness. Back in Canterlot Chronicles, we had this bit-
That prismatic shimmer may indicate it is one of the keys.
Loved this chapter, AJ and Rara are so cute.
The hell it is.
A cornered animal is dangerous.
God, you need therapy.
Sounds about right.
You also need therapy.
Oh I bet.
You absolutely know more than you're letting on.
I feel like "could" is doing some Olympic level heavy lifting.
Of course.
Easy there...
Let's hope this doesn't go poorly.
She does that a lot.
Foreshadowing is a narrative device-
Aaaw!
11716265
oh thats right, missed that, ty
11716265
updated it, are the keys right?
Best possible theory we got present.
Yep...
Seems like a recipe for disaster imo.
https://m.Must be hard to do.
11716560
as it seems to me, yes, it is quite true, if you think logically, then yes, everything is so, and there will be 3 keys, but they will be the most difficult and long
So much whizzing around!
Unkempt Twilight with an enigma of a Starlight around to openly manipulate her.
Fluttershy and Moondancer budding a surprise romance and maybe turnaround.
AJ earns her key, with Rarity to hopefully follow soon.
A lovely journey of life and growth.
Wonderful, Abli, indeed.
11716205
Rarity's key is no doubt coming, I'm thinking a piece of fabric between her and Coco or similar.
Magic will most likely be near the tail end as part of the fourth part finale.
Empathy is harder to pin down, but to throw another dart on the board, I'm guessing Sunset and Adiago have a heart to heart. Maybe the Spear's remains.
Second friendship key acquired.
I imagine Rarity is next with Coco Pommel.
The plot thickens 😎👍
Don't trust the glimmer, Twilight. shes got a smile like a car salesman.
11717653
More like a shark
11717746
If youve ever had to negotiate from a less than advantageous position, it feels like the same thing.
Twilight no. That's what John Hammon Thought when trying to bring back dinosaurs, and I think we all know how THAT turned out.
Calling it now, Twilight (inadvertently) helps Starlight kickstart the Apocalypse and the end of this part, which will lead us to the next part which will be about fixing it. With Angsty guilt ridden Twilight thrown in for good measure.
11716025
11716051
I'm pretty sure Albino said at some point that there will be no romance between them.
But, yes, it is very cute.
An open and honest conversation between Applejack and Rara has been a long time coming. Glad they worked that out. Twilight is still in the lair of the beast without knowing it. Sunset's probably going to feel vindicated and then real shitty when that all comes tumbling down
Several things I predict happening:
1. Adagio is about to become a cornered animal, the most dangerous of adversaries.
2. Moondancer is going to have Tempest and Tirek breathing harder down her neck after her latest screwup.
3. Twilight is going to lose more of her innocence and gain a murderous anger towards their enemies.
4. The fact we haven't seen much of Starlight lately is a very, very, very bad omen.
11728385
At least Moondancer has Adagio's seemingly chaotic and random attack to blame this time. Seems she had no idea anything magical would happen at the gala.
Called it! I knew that ruby-red brooch was going to be important. I also suspected that it was going to be AJ’s key.
Double called it! Twilight is headed for the path of a villain.