> Refraction
>  by shortskirtsandexplosions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> _j_u_s_t__a__s_p_a_r_k_
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The bell above the door rang as Twilight Sparkle trotted briskly into Sugarcube Corner.

Fluttershy and Applejack looked up from where they sat at a table, sipping from soda bottles.

"Hi, Twilight!" Fluttershy smiled.

"Howdy sugarcube!  About time!  Come and have a squat!"

"Sorry to keep you girls waiting!"  Twilight Sparkle shuffled up to the table, breathless.  "And I hate to say it, but, I-I haven't got too much time to spare."

"Awwwwww..."  Applejack's ears folded beneath her hat.  "Shucks."

"You've really been hitting those books hard lately, haven't you?" Fluttershy remarked.

"This report I'm making on the friendship negotiations with the local diamond dog colony isn't going to write itself!"  Twilight exhaled through a tired smile.  "I've got all of the notes Rarity gave me from her captivity a year ago—"

"Oh yeah!"  Applejack nodded.  "I remember that."

"Erm..."  Fluttershy shuddered. "Me too..."

"But somehow it isn't enough."  Twilight groaned inwardly, rubbing her temple.  "I don't need to focus on just the bad things that the diamond dogs did on the outskirts of Ponyville.  There's something missing.  I need more."

"Hey!"  Pinkie Pie bounced in from the kitchen area of the eatery.  "I heard something about hitting books!"  She spun towards Twilight, chuckling.  "Hiya Twilight!  You want a sledgehammer for that?!"

Applejack and Twilight giggled.

"Pinkie..."  Twilight rolled her eyes, smiling.  "It's not that kind of book hitting."

"I know that, silly filly!"  Pinkie stuck her tongue out then grinned even wider.  "What you really need is a jackhammer!"

"Eugh..."  Applejack rolled her eyes.  "My southeast fields are full of maize and even still they ain't as corny as you, Pinkie!"

"Whatcha want to drink, Twilight?"  Pinkie winked.  "It's on the house!"

"Awwwww... thanks!"  Twilight smiled.  "I... think I'll have a root beer, if that's alright!"

"Rootie Tootie Pootie!"  Pinkie cantered towards the far end of Sugarcube Corner.  "Coming right up!"

"N-not too large a glass, though!"  Twilight called after her.  She looked at the others seated with her.  "Too much sugar makes my mind antsy.  Then the words just jump off the pages, y'know?"

"Heck, that happens to me whenever I read a book," Applejack said with a slight guffaw.

"Whew..."  Twilight leaned back in her seat, exhaling.  "Sure is nice to relax for a bit.  If I didn't have Spike around, I swear, I'd never get anything done!  He keeps me on schedule too.  I got so caught up in my work, I nearly forgot our little get-together."  She paused for a few seconds, then smiled.  "Still, I-I didn't mean to interrupt anything!  What were you girls talking about right before I arrived?"

"Oh, Applejack and I were just discussing how the Gala's right around the corner," Fluttershy said.

"Princess Celestia has extended her invitation again!"  Applejack chuckled.  "Can y'all believe that?!"

"It seems like just yesterday when we were having the best night of our lives," Fluttershy said.  "Well... uh..."  She blushed slightly.  "So to speak."

"Heh..."  Twilight winced.  "Somehow... I don't think just one year is enough for most ponies in Canterlot to forget what happened the first time we went."

"Awwww what the hay?!"  Applejack shrugged. "They'll let us in!  I mean, what do they've got to lose?!"

"Are you serious?"  Fluttershy glanced incredulously at Applejack.  "Surely they must remember the noise, the carnage..."  She gulped.  "...and th-the rampaging animals."

"Yes, but they also remember Rarity's dresses."  Twilight winked.  "I bet that's the real reason they'll let us back!"

"You mean my apple fritters won't win their hoity toity favor?"

Twilight and Fluttershy laughed.

Applejack leaned a hoof to her chin.  "Shoot... who am I kiddin'?  Rarity's the classiest of us all.  I'm sure she's beside herself with this invitation thingy."

"And how."  Fluttershy nodded.  "It's all she talks about when we go to the spa together."

"Oooh..."  Twilight leaned forward, beaming.  "I wonder if she's planning any new dresses for the Gala?!"

"You th-think?!"

"Gala Shmala!"  Fwooooosh!  A blue figure blurred through the window.  Rainbow Dash landed on the table, striking a pose.  "I've got waaaaaay more awesome news!"

"Whoah, there, Rainbow!"  Twilight winced.  "Dramatic entrance, much?"

"Where're yer manners, ya silly varmint?!"  Applejack barked.  "Hooves off the table before Mr. and Mrs. Cake throw us out!"

Rainbow did a backflip and landed beside the group, holding up an opened envelope.  "The weekend after next, there's a wrestling show in Baltimare!  That's just half-a-day's flight from here!"

"So?" Twilight asked.

"So...?!"  Rainbow gawked at her.  "This is finally my chance to show you guys the best professional sports entertainment in the world!"  She spun towards the others, grinning.  "Colt Angle is going to be there!  And the Undertrotter!"  She flew over to Fluttershy, side-hugging her tight.  "The Undertrotter!  Squee!"

"Uhm..."  Fluttershy blushed slightly.  "They... c-certainly picked a bad time."

Rainbow Dash leaned back, blinking.  "Huh?!  What are you talking about?!  We can all take a train there!  It'll only be a day!  I've been wanting to take you guys to a real wrestling show for ages!"

"Rainbow, it's the same weekend as the Grand Galloping Gala!"  Twilight said.  "I mean, the scheduling doesn't exactly surprise me, demographics considered and all..."

"But... but..."  Rainbow Dash slumped back, pouting.  "We've already done a Gala!  Come on, guys!"  She held the envelope up, eyes twinkling.  "Even Dean Marelenkoats Jr is showing up..."

"Rainbow Dash, you can go on and have yerself a grand ol' time watchin' stallions in spandex smack each other in the head," Applejack said.  "But it'd be a shame for the rest of us to turn down the royal invitations we've received."

"Besides, we would love to have you come with us!" Fluttershy exclaimed, smiling.  "Please, Rainbow, won't you join?"

Rainbow gritted her teeth.  She looked at the envelope, at her friends, then at the envelope again.  "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh..."  Her wings drooped as she ripped the flyer to shreds and slumped down with folded forelimbs.  "Fine.  I'll go to the Gala."  She rolled her eyes.  "It wouldn't be fun booing Colt Angle without you guys anyway."

"Awwwww, Rainbow..."  Twilight leaned in to nuzzle her.  "Our awesome pegasus.  Loyal to the end."

"Guhhh!"  Rainbow shrugged her off, nevertheless smiling.  "Just don't get mushy about it, will ya?  Pfffft... the Gala shouldn't be that bad."

"Lightning never strikes twice, ya reckon?"

"Plus, if we're lucky, maybe somepony will hit another pony with a folding chair!"

"Rainbow..."

Pinkie Pie slid up to the table, balancing a tray on her poofy head.  "Heeeeeere's your root beer, Twilight!"  She plopped the tiny glass down onto the table before the mare.  "Careful!  It's foamy!"  She turned towards the pegasus.  "Hiya Dashie!  And here's a tall glass of cider for you!"

"Whoahhh..."  Rainbow Dash's muzzle fell agape as she carefully cradled the glass.  "Pinkie!  How'd you know I'd be swinging by?"

"My left eye was twitching!"  Pinkie the tray around.  "And, on that note, my right fetlock was itching.  So that means—"

The door rang as Rarity rushed in, breathless.  "Sorry I'm late!  We hit the most terrible traffic on the way here!  Fifth and Main Street is muzzle to tail for blocks!"

"—a vanilla cherry smoothie for Rarity!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed melodically.

"Oh, darling, you shouldn't have!" Rarity waved a hoof as she stood in the doorway.  "And here I thought I was the generous one!"

"What are you holding the door open for, Rarity?" Fluttershy asked.

"Just a second, dear."  Rarity turned and faced out the door.  "Spikey Wikeyyyy!"

"C-coming!"  Spike wheezed, stumbling inside while balancing a tall stack of fabrics in his scaled arms.  "You know, for silk sheets, th-these sure way a t-ton!"

"They're only breezy on a dainty lady, Spike."

"Spike...?"  Twilight gave a suspicious stare.  "I thought I had you on reshelving duty."

"Oh Twilight, do be easy on him," Rarity said as she led the dragon whelp to the table.  "After all, I was the one who employed his most gracious assistance in bringing these samples in."  Rarity leaned in and pinched the dragon's cheek.  "And like a dapper gentlecolt, he couldn't resist doing the chivalrous thing!"

"Ehhhh heh heh heh..."  Spike's face reddened as he avoided Rarity's enchanting stare.  "Comnes with the t-territory."

"What kind of samples are these, anyway?" Rainbow Dash asked between cider sips.

"Why, samples of the gowns I'm making for the Gala, of course!"

"Oh really?!"  Fluttershy gasped.  "Oh, Rarity, you shouldn't have!"

"Of course I should!  And I will!"  An airy laugh.  "And I do!  Last year was a complete disaster!  And while I'm not entirely the one to blame, I still feel partially responsible for the chaos that could easily have been avoided!"  She spread several of the silk sheets out.  "This year, things will be different!  I'm going for simplicity!  Something that'll look elegant for all of us, but only with a modicum of frills!"

"Ah, I see what yer gettin' at."  Applejack winked.  "All under-the-radar-like."

"Duaaaaaah!"  Pinkie Pie gasped.  "Is the Gala being held underwater this year?!"

Fluttershy giggled.

"Actually, Pinkie Pie, I think the key word then would be 'sonar.'"

"Twilight..."  Rainbow Dash groaned, emptying her cider mug and wiping her muzzle dry.  "Just quit while you're ahead."

"You think that was funny?"  Pinkie Pie giggle-snorted.  "Here's a real doozie!  What did the killer whale say to his dolphin friend when he offered to turn on the radio?"

"I give," Fluttershy said.  "What?"

"'No thanks!  I'm having a real bad 'haddock!'"

"Ugggggggggh..."  Rainbow Dash's whole body slumped on her wings.

"Heeheehee!"  Pinkie Pie danced in a gleeful little circle.

"What'd we ever do without you, Pinkie?" Spike asked.

"Your homework, probably!"

"But Twilight's always having me re-shelve stuff!  It's not 'homework'... more like 'allwork!'"

"It's okay, Spike." Twilight reached out, patting his shoulder.  "You can have the rest of the day off."

"Whew."  He wiped his scaled brow.

"Besides..."  Twilight giggled.  "Looks like you're Rarity's apprentice for the rest of the evening."

"Er... yeah..."  Spike gulped, fiddling with his claws.  "I-I'm not complaining."

"Now, girls..."  Rarity tilted her chin up proudly while sliding the silk sheets across the table.  "These are the colors I've picked out for each and every one of you.  I've included a rough design of your gowns on a white sheet folded in between the samples.  They're for your eyes and your eyes only.  Now, I want you to take these home tonight.  Then, for the next few evenings if you have to, carefully look them over and decide whether or not the colors I've chosen to you are complementary enough.  If you think so—or if you believe that I should augment the rough designs—then come back and talk with me and we'll choose a final draft.  And then I'll start sewing!"  She beamed, squealing inwardly.  "Mmmmm!  And then we'll be sashaying across the dance floor at the Gala once again!"

"Yeah..."  Rainbow muttered.  "I can hardly wait."

"Rainbow..."  Fluttershy leaned in to nuzzle her.

"Unngh... yeah yeah."  Rainbow smirked.  "I'm thrilled.  Really."

"I can't wait!" Twilight said, drinking up her root beer.  "Especially since I'll be done with my paper by then!"

"Oh, Twilight, darling."  Rarity smiled across the table.  "Are you still slaving away at that diamond dog report?"

"Well, it has to be done sooner than later, Rarity," Twilight said.  "After all, this is a special occasion!  I mean... just think about it!"  She blinked brightly at the other ponies.  "Barely a year ago, the diamond dogs wouldn't have even thought of speaking amicably with ponykind!  But over the last few weeks, they've been making contact—friendly contact!  They helped an injured filly stuck along the country path!  They worked to put out a house that had caught fire!  And now we've learned that when the parapsrites swarmed Ponyville, they were doing their best to shoo the pests away!"

"I suppose beneath all of that coarse fur and uncouth slobber there's..."  Rarity gulped.  "...something that stands to be respected."

"I think kindness can be found in any creature," Fluttershy said, smiling gently.  "At least, it's what I've always believed.  It's nice to see it happening with those who we once thought were monsters."

"I still think it's a bit of a stretch to tack it all on friendship, Twilight," Applejack said.  "But, I-I'm not the expert on it like you are."

"Are you kidding?!"  Twilight gaped.  "Of course you're an expert!  You all are!  It's no silly coincidence that creatures like the diamond dogs have warmed up to ponykind since we all became best friends!"

"You mean before you showed up in Ponyville, Twilight," Rainbow said with a smirk.

The others chuckled.

Twilight rolled her eyes.  "You girls really need to give yourself more credit."  Twilight stood up and leaned over.  "You too, Spike."  She nuzzled him dearly.  "I'd be nowhere without my favorite assistant."

"Awwwwwwwww..."  Spike chuckled and shoved her back.  "Please.  Not in front of the other unicorn."

Twilight giggled, stepping back.  "Well, I-I'm sorry, but I really gotta go.  The sooner I get this done—"

"Right."  Rarity nodded.  "Just don't forget the samples I gave you."

"I wouldn't dream of it!" Twilight levitated the tiny silk sheets and waved at the group.  "Thanks, everypony!  Sorry for having to stop and go so quickly."

"It's okay, Twilight."

"Dun ya fret, sugarcube.  We know yer busy."

"We're just glad we got to see you at all, darling."

"Don't work your brain noodle too hard, Twilight!"  Pinkie said and bounced.  "At least not before pouring some milk and cheese in!"

"Aaaaaaaaand on that note."  Twilight turned and trotted out Sugarcube Corner while the rest of the table giggled merrily.

The sun was just starting to set when Twilight made her way home.  The unicorn hummed to herself, cantering at a happy pace.  She glanced aside at her fellow neighbors, exchanging smiles and waves.  Families were gathering on their front lawns, reuniting after a long day of work and school.  Shops were closing as elderly clerks trotted their way slowly to their apartments across town.

On the last block before the treehouse, Twilight slowed her pace, drinking in the cool, crisp air... the tranquility of the moment that washed over her like a velvet curtain.  The air grew darker, with the barest hint of starlight peeking through the cosmic veil.  Twilight stared up at the heavens, contemplating the serenity of the moment, until at last several jutting branches stretched into view.  With an inward breath, Twilight smiled and opened the front door to her library home.

The first thing she saw was a wooden floor covered from wall to wall with stacks of books.  She was too afraid to even breathe, for fear that the slightest exhale would send the tall towers crashing over.

"Ohhhhhhhhh Spike," Twilight sighed.  Nevertheless, she smiled to herself.  "Maybe I should start paying you in rubies."

The unicorn gently placed the silk samples onto a nearby table.  Trotting ahead, she approached the first of many bookstacks and levitated them with her magic.  She then turned, preparing to carry them to the nearest empty shelf, when a voice suddenly resonated across the chamber.

"Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight gasped.  In an instant, every book thudded to the floor.  She spun about, squinting.  "What... wh-who's there?!"

At first, Twilight saw nothing.  Then, from the shadows, a pair of bright eyes lit up.  She saw a tall figure with outstretched wings standing just beyond focus.

"Princess Celestia?!" was the first thing Twilight sputtered.  For a reason she did not quite understand, her blood ran cold.  She gulped.  "Luna...?"

The eyes narrowed.  "Are you happy, Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight blinked.  She raised a nervous hoof, leaning her head to the side.  "Uhhhh..."

"Are you happy?"

With a gulp, Twilight said.  "Yes.  I... I mean of course!  Why wouldn't I be?"

The eyes stared coldly at her.

Twilight took a brave step.  "Just who are—?"

The figure jolted forward.  A beam of bright light soared outward, striking Twilight in the chest.  The unicorn shrieked, instantly burning.  Her body slammed back into the back wall of the library.

> _j_u___t__a__s_p_a_r_k_
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The bell above the door rang as Twilight Sparkle trotted briskly into Sugarcube Corner.

Fluttershy and Applejack looked up from where they sat at a table, sipping from soda bottles.

"Hi, Twilight!" Fluttershy smiled.

"Howdy sugarcube!  About time!  Come and have a squat!"

"Sorry to keep you girls waiting!"  Twilight Sparkle shuffled up to the table, breathless.  "And I hate to say it, but, I-I haven't got too much time to spare."

"Awwwwww..."  Applejack's ears folded beneath her hat.  "Shucks."

"You've really been hitting those books hard lately, haven't you?" Fluttershy remarked.

"This report I'm making on the friendship negotiations with the local diamond dog colony isn't going to write itself!"  Twilight exhaled through a tired smile.  "I've got all of the notes Rarity gave me from her captivity a year ago—"

"Oh yeah!"  Applejack nodded.  "I remember that."

"Erm..."  Fluttershy shuddered. "Me too..."

"But somehow it isn't enough."  Twilight groaned inwardly, rubbing her temple.  "I don't need to focus on just the bad things that the diamond dogs did on the outskirts of Ponyville.  There's something missing.  I need more."

"Hey!"  Pinkie Pie bounced in from the kitchen area of the eatery.  "I heard something about hitting books!"  She spun towards Twilight, chuckling.  "Hiya Twilight!  You want a sledgehammer for that?!"

Applejack and Twilight giggled.

"Pinkie..."  Twilight rolled her eyes, smiling.  "It's not that kind of book hitting."

"I know that, silly filly!"  Pinkie stuck her tongue out then grinned even wider.  "What you really need is a jackhammer!"

"Eugh..."  Applejack rolled her eyes.  "My southeast fields are full of maize and even still they ain't as corny as you, Pinkie!"

"Whatcha want to drink, Twilight?"  Pinkie winked.  "It's on the house!"

"Awwwww... thanks!"  Twilight smiled.  "I... think I'll have a root beer, if that's alright!"

"Rootie Tootie Pootie!"  Pinkie cantered towards the far end of Sugarcube Corner.  "Coming right up!"

"N-not too large a glass, though!"  Twilight called after her.  She looked at the others seated with her.  "Too much sugar makes my mind antsy.  Then the words just jump off the pages, y'know?"

"Heck, that happens to me whenever I read a book," Applejack said with a slight guffaw.

"Whew..."  Twilight leaned back in her seat, exhaling.  "Sure is nice to relax for a bit.  Ever since I became the treehouse's head librarian, it's been a job-and-a-half just keeping the place nice and tidy!  I swear, if I wasn't working on reports around the clock, I'd start hiring for volunteer assistants!  So, I-I hope you don't hate me too much for almost-forgetting our little get-together."  She paused for a few seconds, then smiled.  "But don't let me interrupt you!  What were you girls talking about right before I arrived?"

"Oh, Applejack and I were just discussing how the Gala's right around the corner," Fluttershy said.

"Princess Celestia has extended her invitation again!"  Applejack chuckled.  "Can y'all believe that?!"

"It seems like just yesterday when we were having the best night of our lives," Fluttershy said.  "Well... uh..."  She blushed slightly.  "So to speak."

"Heh..."  Twilight winced.  "Somehow... I don't think just one year is enough for most ponies in Canterlot to forget what happened the first time we went."

"Awwww what the hay?!"  Applejack shrugged. "They'll let us in!  I mean, what do they've got to lose?!"

"Are you serious?"  Fluttershy glanced incredulously at Applejack.  "Surely they must remember the noise, the carnage..."  She gulped.  "...and th-the rampaging animals."

"Yes, but they also remember Rarity's dresses."  Twilight winked.  "I bet that's the real reason they'll let us back!"

"You mean my apple fritters won't win their hoity toity favor?"

Twilight and Fluttershy laughed.

Applejack smirked, leaning a hoof to her chin.  "Shoot... who am I kiddin'?  Rarity's the classiest of us all.  I'm sure she's beside herself with this invitation thingy."

"And how."  Fluttershy nodded.  "It's all she talks about when we go to the spa together."

"Oooh..."  Twilight leaned forward, beaming.  "I wonder if she's planning any new dresses for the Gala?!"

"You th-think?!"

"Gala Shmala!"  Fwooooosh!  A blue figure blurred through the window.  Rainbow Dash landed on the table, striking a pose.  "I've got waaaaaay more awesome news!"

"Whoah, there, Rainbow!"  Twilight winced.  "Dramatic entrance, much?"

"Where're yer manners, ya silly varmint?!"  Applejack barked.  "Hooves off the table before Mr. and Mrs. Cake throw us out!"

Rainbow did a backflip and landed beside the group, holding up an opened envelope.  "The weekend after next, there's a wrestling show in Baltimare!  That's just half-a-day's flight from here!"

"So?" Twilight asked.

"So...?!"  Rainbow gawked at her.  "This is finally my chance to show you guys the best professional sports entertainment in the world!"  She spun towards the others, grinning.  "Colt Angle is going to be there!  And the Undertrotter!"  She flew over to Fluttershy, side-hugging her tight.  "The Undertrotter!  Squee!"

"Uhm..."  Fluttershy blushed slightly.  "They... c-certainly picked a bad time."

Rainbow Dash leaned back, blinking.  "Huh?!  What are you talking about?!  We can all take a train there!  It'll only be a day!  I've been wanting to take you guys to a real wrestling show for ages!"

"Rainbow, it's the same weekend as the Grand Galloping Gala!"  Twilight said.  "I mean, the scheduling doesn't exactly surprise me, demographics considered and all..."

"But... but..."  Rainbow Dash slumped back, pouting.  "We've already done a Gala!  Come on, guys!"  She held the envelope up, eyes twinkling.  "Even Dean Marelenkoats Jr is showing up..."

"Rainbow Dash, you can go on and have yerself a grand ol' time watchin' stallions in spandex smack each other in the head," Applejack said.  "But it'd be a shame for the rest of us to turn down the royal invitations we've received."

"Besides, we would love to have you come with us!" Fluttershy exclaimed, smiling.  "Please, Rainbow, won't you join?"

Rainbow gritted her teeth.  She looked at the envelope, at her friends, then at the envelope again.  "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh..."  Her wings drooped as she ripped the flyer to shreds and slumped down with folded forelimbs.  "Fine.  I'll go to the Gala."  She rolled her eyes.  "It wouldn't be fun booing Colt Angle without you guys anyway."

"Awwwww, Rainbow..."  Twilight leaned in to nuzzle her.  "Our awesome pegasus.  Loyal to the end."

"Guhhh!"  Rainbow shrugged her off, nevertheless smiling.  "Just don't get mushy about it, will ya?  Pfffft... the Gala shouldn't be that bad."

"Lightning never strikes twice, ya reckon?"

"Plus, if we're lucky, maybe somepony will hit another pony with a folding chair!"

"Rainbow..."

Pinkie Pie slid up to the table, balancing a tray on her poofy head.  "Heeeeeere's your root beer, Twilight!"  She plopped the tiny glass down onto the table before the mare.  "Careful!  It's foamy!"  She turned towards the pegasus.  "Hiya Dashie!  And here's a tall glass of cider for you!"

"Whoahhh..."  Rainbow Dash's muzzle fell agape as she carefully cradled the glass.  "Pinkie!  How'd you know I'd be swinging by?"

"My left eye was twitching!"  Pinkie the tray around.  "And, on that note, my right fetlock was itching.  So that means—"

The door rang as Rarity rushed in, breathless.  "Sorry I'm late!  Gnnngh!"  She sweated and winced, her horn straining to levitate several silken sheets in after her.  "Mmmff!  I h-hit the most terrible traffic on the way here!"

"—a vanilla cherry smoothie for Rarity!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed melodically.

"Oh, darling, you sh-shouldn't have!" Rarity grunted, struggling to keep the silk sheets from slipping.  "And h-here I thought... mmmff... I was the generous one!"

"Land's sakes, Rarity!"  Applejack got up and briskly trotted over.  "Lemme lend you a hoof with that, darlin'!"

"Oomfa!"  Rarity dropped half of the silk sheets on Applejack's backside.  She exhaled with relief.  "Much appreciated, Applejack, and not a second too soon!  Why... I was almost perspiring!"

"Wouldn't that be a dag-blame'd shame?" Applejack said with a smirk.

"Pinkie, that marvelous smoothie is just what I need right now."  Rarity rushed over to the table and took a dainty sip.  "Mmmmm...  That certainly hits the spot after a long, taxing day."

"The heck's gotten you so frazzled in the first place?" Rainbow asked, sipping on her cider.  "And what's with all the silk napkins?"

"Rainbow Dash!  Surely you jest!"  Rarity recoiled, then gestured at the sheets Applejack was placing on the table.  "Why, these are samples of the gowns I'm making for the Gala, of course!"

"Oh really?!"  Fluttershy gasped.  "Oh, Rarity, you shouldn't have!"

"Of course I should!  And I will!"  An airy laugh.  "And I do!  Last year was a complete disaster!  And while I'm not entirely the one to blame, I still feel partially responsible for the chaos that could easily have been avoided!"  She spread several of the silk sheets out.  "This year, things will be different!  I'm going for simplicity!  Something that'll look elegant for all of us, but only with a modicum of frills!"

"Ah, I see what yer gettin' at."  Applejack smirked.  "All under-the-radar-like."

"Duaaaaaah!"  Pinkie Pie gasped.  "Is the Gala being held underwater this year?!"

Fluttershy giggled.

"Actually, Pinkie Pie, I think the key word then would be 'sonar.'"

"Twilight..."  Rainbow Dash groaned, emptying her cider mug and wiping her muzzle dry.  "Just quit while you're ahead."

"You think that was funny?"  Pinkie Pie giggle-snorted.  "Here's a real doozie!  What did the killer whale say to his dolphin friend when he offered to turn on the radio?"

"I give," Fluttershy said.  "What?"

"'No thanks!  I'm having a real bad 'haddock!'"

"Ugggggggggh..."  Rainbow Dash's whole body slumped on her wings.

"Heeheehee!"  Pinkie Pie danced in a gleeful little circle.

Twilight gave a long-winded sigh.  "Service with a smile, even if it's a weary one."  She raised her root beer and winked.  "That's why I come to Sugarcube Corner and noplace else."

"I know!  Heehee!  I'm full of murk, aren't I?"

"I think the word is 'mirth.'"

"That too!  Heeehee!"

"Ughhh..."

"Ahem.  Now, girls..."  Rarity tilted her chin up proudly while sliding the silk sheets across the table.  "These are the colors I've picked out for each and every one of you.  I've included a rough design of your gowns on a white sheet folded in between the samples.  They're for your eyes and your eyes only.  Now, I want you to take these home tonight.  Then, for the next few evenings if you have to, carefully look them over and decide whether or not the colors I've chosen to you are complementary enough.  If you think so—or if you believe that I should augment the rough designs—then come back and talk with me and we'll choose a final draft.  And then I'll start sewing!"  She beamed, squealing inwardly.  "Mmmmm!  And then we'll be sashaying across the dance floor at the Gala once again!"

"Yeah..."  Rainbow muttered.  "I can hardly wait."

"Rainbow..."  Fluttershy leaned in to nuzzle her.

"Unngh... yeah yeah."  Rainbow smirked.  "I'm thrilled.  Really."

"I can't wait!" Twilight said, drinking up her root beer.  "Especially since I'll be done with my paper by then!"

"Oh, Twilight, darling."  Rarity smirked across the table.  "Are you still slaving away at that diamond dog report?"

"Well, it has to be done sooner than later, Rarity," Twilight said.  "After all, this is a special occasion!  I mean... just think about it!"  She blinked brightly at the other ponies.  "Barely a year ago, the diamond dogs wouldn't have even thought of speaking amicably with ponykind!  But over the last few weeks, they've been making contact—friendly contact!  They helped an injured filly stuck along the country path!  They worked to put out a house that had caught fire!  And now we've learned that when the parasprites swarmed Ponyville, they were doing their best to shoo the pests away!"

"I suppose beneath all of that coarse fur and uncouth slobber there's..."  Rarity gulped.  "...something that stands to be respected."

"I think kindness can be found in any creature," Fluttershy said with a smile.  "At least, it's what I've always believed.  It's nice to see it happening with those who we once thought were monsters."

"I still think it's a bit of a stretch to tack it all on friendship, Twilight," Applejack said.  "But, I-I'm not the expert on it like you are."

"Are you kidding?!"  Twilight gaped.  "Of course you're an expert!  You all are!  It's no silly coincidence that creatures like the diamond dogs have warmed up to ponykind since we all became best friends!"

"You mean before you showed up in Ponyville, Twilight," Rainbow said with a smirk.

The others chuckled.

Twilight rolled her eyes with a smirk.  "You girls really need to give yourself more credit."  She stood up.  "Well, I'm sorry, but I really gotta go.  The sooner I get this done—"

"Right."  Rarity nodded.  "Just don't forget the samples I gave you."

"I wouldn't dream of it!" Twilight levitated the tiny silk sheets and waved at the group.  "Thanks, everypony!  Sorry for having to stop and go so quickly."

"It's okay, Twilight."  Fluttershy craned her head to the side.  "Would you like one of us to walk you home?"

"Walk me home?"  Twilight blinked.  "What for?"  She giggled.  "This is Ponyville, not Detrot."

"We know that, but—"

"Besides, it's not even dark yet."

"It's just that, for a pony who writes so many reports about friendship, well..." Fluttershy fidgeted.  "You... still insist on living in that old, dusty library all by your lonesome."

"Hah!  Are you kidding?  It's not so bad!"  Twilight winked. "After all, I've got all the books in the world to distract me."

"I suppose so.  Even still, if you want the company..."

"Heehee... what do you think I came here for?"  Twilight smiled.  "Anyways, see you all later.  Sorry again for coming and going."

"Dun ya fret, sugarcube.  We know yer busy."

"We're just glad we got to see you at all, darling."

"Don't work your brain noodle too hard, Twilight!"  Pinkie said and bounced.  "At least not before pouring some milk and cheese in!"

"Heeheehee... whatever you say, Pinkie."  Twilight turned and trotted out Sugarcube Corner while the rest of the table giggled merrily.

She took her time trotting home, enjoying the setting sun and the sights of sleepy ponies shuffling leisurely to their sleepy little homes.  On the last straightaway between her and the library, Twilight enjoyed some skygazing, sighing with a contented smile.  At last, before evening completely fell, she opened the door to her library and stepped in.

The entire front room was in dissarray.  Books were stacked in leaning towers and there were heaps of scrap paper careening off the edges of desks.  Twilight could only groan to herself as she trotted past the scholastic squalor.

"For real, though," she muttered to herself.  "I need to put up a bulletin for an assistant.  This is getting s-silly."

She had just begun levitating the first of many stacks of books when a voice echoed from the shadows.

"Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight gasped.  In an instant, every book thudded to the floor.  She spun about, squinting.  "What... wh-who's there?!"

A tall figure stood, its wings outstretched just beyond focus.  A pair of glowing eyes hovered close to the ceiling.

"Princess Celestia?!" Twilight sputtered.  A nervous chill ran through her body.  She gulped.  "Luna...?"

The eyes narrowed.  "Are you happy, Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight blinked.  "Uhhhh..."

"Are you happy?"

With a gulp, Twilight said.  "Yes.  I'm happy."  She nodded.  "Why wouldn't I be?"

The eyes stared coldly at her.

Twilight took a brave step.  "Who are you?"

A beam of bright light soared from the figure, striking Twilight in the chest.  The unicorn shrieked in pain.  Her body flew back, slamming into the library wall.
> _j_u___t__a__s_p_a___k_
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The bell above the door rang as Twilight Sparkle trotted into Sugarcube Corner.

Fluttershy and Applejack looked up from where they sat at a table, sipping from soda bottles.

"Hi, Twilight,"Fluttershy said with a calm wave.

"Howdy there sugarcube.  Join us, why don'tcha?!"

"I'm sorry to keep you girls waiting," Twilight Sparkle said as as she trotted up to the table.  "And I hate to say it, but, I-I haven't got too much time to spare."

"Well, alrighty then."  Applejack nodded.  "Still, it's nice seein' ya, in any case, Twilight."

"You've really been studying a lot lately, haven't you?" Fluttershy remarked.

"This report I'm making on the friendship negotiations with the local diamond dog colony isn't going to write itself!"  Twilight exhaled through a tired smile.  "It'd help if I knew anything about them."

"Well..."  Applejack fiddled with her soda bottle.  "Do you know any books on them?"

"Barely any resources, actually."  Twilight sighed, rubbing her tired eyes.  "I spent all last night looking for some sort of biological or anthropological report on sentient canine subspecies, but I've had no luck."  She looked over at Fluttershy, blinking.  "I was kind of hoping you might have something to say on the topic, Fluttershy."

The mare nearly choked on her last soda sip.  She wiped her muzzle shivering.  "M-me?"

"You are a certified expert on animals, aren't you?"

"Animals are one thing."  Fluttershy bit her lip.  "M-monsters are another."

"But that's just it!"  Twilight exclaimed.  "The goal of my report is to prove to other ponies that these diamond dogs are not monsters!"

"Good luck with that, Twilight," Applejack muttered.  "Them dirty varmints have done nothin' but attack ponies whenever they come within a horseshoe's throw of those dirty holes they be diggin'."

"I know... I know."  Twilight fiddled with her hooves.  "I just wish there was some way of making first contact with them... to prove to the diamond dogs that ponies only want peace and harmony!"

"Well?!"  Pinkie Pie bounced in from the kitchen area of the eatery.  "You ever thought about throwing them a bone?!  That's always worked with Applejack's dog!"

"Pinkie..."  Applejack glared tiredly at her.  "As much as I hate to admit it, these mutts are a tad bit higher on the food chain than Winona."

"... ... ..."  Pinke blinked.  "How about a dog bone sprinkled with powdered sugar?"

"Unnnngh..."  Twilight headdesk'd.  "Pinkie..."

"Want something to drink, Twilight?"  Pinkie winked.  "You look exhausted, so it's on the house!"

Twilight looked up with a tired smile.  "That would be wonderful, Pinkie," she said.  "Could I have a root beer?"

"You could!  But may you?"

"Pinkieeeeee..."

"Heehee!"  Pinkie bounced away.  "Coming right up!"

"Make it extra tall, if that's okay"  Twilight called after her.  She looked at the others seated with her.  "I really need the energy to stay up."  She rubbed her tired muzzle.  "It's going to be a long night."

"A long night to a long week," Applejack said, nodding.

"Anyways..."  Twilight folded her hooves atop the table.  "What were you girls talking about right before I arrived?"

"Oh..."  Fluttershy sighed, staring at her half-empty bottle.  "Applejack and I were just talking about the Grand Galloping Gala."

"It's the weekend after next,"  Applejack said.  "Can y'all believe that?!"

"It seems like just yesterday when they were posting banners about it all over town," Fluttershy said in a melancholic tone.  "Oh, how I would love to go to one of those dances sometime."

"You, Fluttershy?"  Twilight blinked, then grinned.  "Really?"

"Mmmm..."  Fluttershy nodded.  "Just once."  She glanced at Applejack.  "N-not for the actual dance!  But... I-I've always wanted to visit the Canterlot Gardens.  They have the most rare flora and fauna on display there."

"Heh, we know, sugarcube."  Applejack rolled her eyes with a playful smirk.  "You've told us plenty of times."

"You know, Fluttershy..."  Twilight leaned forward, wagging her eyebrows.  "Princess Celestia invites me to the Gala every year.  If I asked her nicely, I'm willing to bet I could take you along with me."

"Oh!"  Fluttershy instantly winced.  "Oh n-no!  I couldn't!  Don't even think about it!"

"Fluttershy!"  Twilight chuckled.  "It's just a dance!  It's not like you would be alone!"

"I... I-I just can't h-handle large crowds like that!"  Fluttershy gulped.  "I'm always afraid that something terrible is going to happen and I wouldn't even kn-know what to do with myself!"

"From what the newspapers said, Canterlot Castle didn't spontaneously blow up last year!"  Twilight smirked even more. "I doubt this year would be any different!  Honestly, what's to be afraid of?!"

"I'm sorry, Twilight."  Fluttershy bit her lip.  "I... I-I just can't do it.  Besides, it's not like I have anything to wear."

"Yeah..."  Twilight nodded slowly, gazing into the far corner of the eatery.  "To be honest, I spent four whole months saving up for the dress I wore last year.  This time around, I-I don't think I could even afford a gown for myself!"

"Well don't look at me!"  Applejack chortled.  "I'd much rather chop off my two left hooves than go to one of those fru-fruey events!"

"Really?"  Fluttershy blinked at her.  "Don't you think you'd sell a lot of apples if you were to rent out a market stand there?"

"Pffft... ain't worth the expense, darlin'.  Believe me, I've figured it all out ages ago... at least as best as I can muster with fancy mathematics."

"Mathematics?!"  Fwooooosh!  A blue figure blurred through the window.  Rainbow Dash landed on the table, bearing a sour grimace.  "Ewww!  Why talk about math on an awesome day like this?!"

"Rainbow..."  Twilight sighed.  "Must you?"

"Hooves off the table, ya crazy filly!"  Applejack barked.  "How many times do I gotta tell ya?"

"Pffft!  Party pooper!"  Rainbow did a backflip and landed beside the group, holding up an open envelope.  "Just for that, I'm not inviting you along for the most awesome event in Baltimare this weekend!"

"Why?  What's happenin' in Baltimare?"

"Why, only the most star-studded line-up of professional wrestlers ever!"  Rainbow brandished the flyer with pride.  "Colt Angle!  The Undertrotter!"  She squee'd.  "The Undertrotter!  Can you believe it?!  One night only!"

"Why, shoot!"  Applejack smirked.  "That sounds like a real treat!"

"Dang straight!"

"I wouldn't mind joinin' you for some good ol' mind-numbin' fun!"

"Pffft!  What would you rather be doing?!"  Rainbow Dash stuck her tongue out.  "Going to some stupid gala?"

Fluttershy let loose a tiny whimper.

Rainbow Dash gestured towards the pegasus.  "What's her deal?"

"Oh, the typical Gala Funk," Twilight said with a slight chuckle.  "Still, we are our own worst enemies."

"That and the market value for dresses," Fluttershy grumbled.

"Awwwwwwww..."  Rainbow flew in and threw a forelimb around Fluttershy, side-hugging her.  "Cheer up, Fluttershy!  Come with Applejack and me to see Dean Marelenkoats Jr put a punk or two into the Texoats Cloverleaf!"

"Uhhh..."  Fluttershy squirmed.  "C-can I think about it?"

"Girl, it's wrestling!  What's to think about?!"

Applejack guffawed.

"Well..."  Fluttershy sighed through a nervous smile.  "If it means so much to you, Rainbow, I'll go."

"Woohoo!"  Rainbow pumped a hoof, then glanced aside.  "Twilight?  What about you?"

"Well... uhm..."  Twilight fidgeted.  "I've... uh... g-got this diamond dog report, and... uh..."

"Pfft?!  You mean you'd rather spend your time wasted over stupid pit bulls than even stupider pit fighters?!"

Pinkie Pie slid up to the table, balancing a tray on her poofy head.  "Heeeeeere's your root beer, Twilight!"

"Ooooh!"  Twilight gladly grasped the tall glass from the tray with magical telekinesis.  "Saved by the Pinkie!"

"Hiya Dashie!"  Pinkie turned towards the pegasus with a beaming smile.  "Here, have a tall glass of cider!"

"Hey, th-thanks!"  Rainbow grasped the container, took a sip, and waved the flyer before the mare's nose.  "Say, Pinkie, you up for some wrestling the weekend after next?"

"I dunno, Rainbow.  Do you think your thighs can handle it?"

"No... I mean watching wrestling, doofus!"

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhh..."  Pinkie blinked.  "Is El Donkey going to be there?"

Rainbow made a face.  "Who?!"

Pinkie shrieked in her face.  "Who are you to doubt El Donkey?!"

"I-I'm starting to change my mind," Fluttershy said in a murmuring voice.

"Oh come on!"  Rainbow squawked.  "Fluttershy, it's just pageantry!  Only, y'know... with more sweat and spandex!"

"And blading," Applejack said, pointing.  "Don't forget the one thang still keepin' Ric Flank in the biz."

"Bl-bl-blading?!"  Fluttershy stammered, eyes turning to pinpricks.

"Aaaaaugh!  Darn it, AJ!  Now you've gone and done it!"

"Heh heh heh heh..."

"Wow, as riveting as this conversation is..."  Twilight sipped and sipped and guzzled her root beer.

"Whoah whoah whoah!"  Pinkie waved her forelimbs, giggling.  "Careful, Twilight!  Or you'll float away!  You shouldn't shove that many sparkles and bubbles together!"

"Nnngh..."  Twilight slapped the empty glass down onto the table and wiped her muzzle.  "I-I really need to get this paper over and done with."

"Awwwwwww..."  Rainbow Dash pouted.  "But you just got here!"

"No, you just got here."  Twilight giggled lightly.  "I, on the other hoof, have a really difficult paper to finish, and though this distraction was nice, I'm nowhere closer to my goal."

"Say, you need any help with it?"  Rainbow Dash flew a little higher, grinning.  "I know a thing or two about dogs!"

Twilight raised an eyebrow.  "Like what?"

"... ... ...they like fire hydrants?"

"Ungh..."  Applejack face-hoofed while Fluttershy giggled.

"Rainbow, I don't think Celestia's going to appreciate any fire hydrant non-sequiturs in my paper," Twilight droned.

"Well, how about some company for moral support?" Rainbow exclaimed.  "You can come up with your own nod seculars!"

"Thanks... but no.  I concentrate the best when I'm studying alone."  Twilight shrugged.  "I always have."

"Wouldn't you at least let us walk you home, Twilight?"  Fluttershy asked.  "It's a long way from here to there."

Twilight opened her mouth, hesitated, then ultimately said.  "Thanks.  But I'm good."  She smiled.  "Besides, you've all done enough to help me as it is.  The real crux of a report like this is the power of friendship.  And just knowing that you guys are here... and you're always around when I need you... well..."  She sighed warmly.  "It's a real blessing.  And that's something that the diamond dogs don't have, which might explain why they're so angry and grumpy all the time."

"See?"  Rainbow grinned, winking.  "And who says you didn't need us to come up with something?"

"Heeheehee... well."  Twilight shrugged.  "It's a start, I guess."  She leaned in to nuzzle them one by one, starting with Fluttershy and ending with Pinkie Pie.  "Thanks a ton, girls.  I don't know where I'd be without you.  Just... everything you have to give me... even just by being here."  She gulped.  "It's so generous.  Really.  It is."

"Works both ways, darlin'," Applejack said with a smile.  "We're plum happy to have you around.  If you need anythang, just ask."

"Right..."  Twilight nodded, trotting out the door.  "I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

She took her time in trotting home.  The sights and sounds of Ponyville settled around her like a cool blanket with the fall of evening.  When she reached the front door to her library, she froze in place.  Biting her lip, she turned and glanced behind her.  The streets were empty, and the shadows were intensifying by the minute.  Twilight wasn't sure why, but her heart started pounding in her chest.

Nevertheless, she turned the doorknob and stepped inside.  All was dark beyond the tall stacks of books, save for two fixed points of light.  An eerie voice resonated from the luminescent spots, instantly chilling Twilight to the bone.

"Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight froze in place, her muzzle agape.

The eyes narrowed.  "Are you happy now, Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight clenched her teeth.  She looked towards the door that she had just closed, then nervously back at the winged shadow.  "...yes?"

A solid beam of light struck the unicorn's chest.  Writhing in agony, Twilight felt the world spin as she was collided with the wall behind her.

> _j_u___t__a____p_a___k_
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The bell above the door rang as Lone Star trotted into Sugarcube Corner.  One of several books slipped from her grasp, and she struggled to float them back up with a sparkling horn.  Gulping, she gazed across the eatery.

Cantershy and Apple Jewel sat at a table in the far corner of the place.  Neither of them looked up.

Lone Star bore a bashful smile.  She shuffled briskly across the eatery and stood before the table, hugging the books to her chest.  "Uhm... D-do you girls mind if I join you?"

"Hmmm?"  Cantershy looked up with a flounce of her short mane.  She smiled.  "Not at all, Lone Star.  Here..."  She shuffled to the side, making room.  "You can take the chair next to mine."

"Th-thanks."  Lone Star slid into her seat.  She smiled across the way.  "Good afternoon, Apple Jewel."

"Yes, indeed."  Apple Jewel had her nose deep in that day's edition of the Neigh York Times.  "I wish I could say the same about Uncle Orange's stocks."

"Oh..."  Lone Star winced slightly.  "Are they doing b-badly?"

"Bad enough that I don't mind being distracted by redundant inquiries," the orange mare grumbled.

"Eep!"  Lone Star ducked her head.  "I-I'm sorry!  I just thought..."

"Nnngh... don't take it the wrong way, darling."  Apple Jewel took a dainty sip from a teacup and stared across the table with bored, green eyes.  "The Gala is coming up, and I've allowed the stress of it to get to me, I suppose.  I used to think that, this far from Manehattan, country life would give me an escape from the trivialities of affluent social circles.  But, once you've tasted of the Big Apple, I suppose there truly is no going back to what we were born into."

"The Gala is coming up?"  Lone Star's ears perked up.  "Oh, th-that's wonderful!"  She glanced aside.  "Isn't that wonderful?"

"Mmmm..."  Cantershy bit her lip, gazing out the nearest window.  "I don't really think so..."

"Wouldn't you want to go to something like that someday, Cantershy?" Lone Star asked.  "I grew up in Canterlot, you know!  My brother's Captain of the Guard!  I bet if I played my cards right, I could get the two of us in!"

"Er... n-no thanks, Lone Star."  Cantershy smiled nervously.  "That is very nice of you to offer, but... it j-just wouldn't be right."

"But..."  Lone Star gulped.  "You could have fun."  She glanced at the two.  "We could have fun!"

"I've been to it before," Apple Jewel said, stifling a yawn.  "Trust me, it's not worth all of the outrageous pomp."

"Besides, it's simply not my kind of thing," Cantershy said through a sigh.  "I'd much rather stay at home and do more writing."

"Awwwwww..."  Lone Star smiled sweetly.  "You know, you could always come and do that at the library!  It's not too hard!"  She gestured at her books.  "Why, even I take my studies on the go!"

"But that's your talent, Lone Star," Cantershy said.  "Studying magic.  Just because you do it well doesn't mean others can."

The unicorn exhaled, glancing loosely at her own cutie mark, a bland geometric star floating in the middle of her lavender coat.  "Still... I-I wouldn't mind the company..."

"That's what we're enjoying at the moment, yes?"  Apple Jewel flipped a page of her newspaper.  "I mean, how else do you enjoy company?"

Lone Star was about to open her mouth when a figure shuffled up.

"Hello there."  A mare with straight pink hair stared—more like glared—at the table's newly seated patron.  "Welcome to Sugarcube Corner," she unenthusiastically droned.  "What can I get for you today, ma'am?"

"Oh!  Uhm..."  Lone Star squirmed, thinking aloud:  "Do you serve root beer?"

"Yeah."

"Do you serve it in a large glass?"

"Yeah."

"Well... then... uhhhhhhh..."  Lone Star smiled thinly.  "I'll have one of those, please.  Thanks!"

"Yeah..."  The mare scribbled on a notepad, blowing her fuchsia bangs back with a sigh.

"And... uhm..."  Cantershy raised an empty glass.  "More iced tea?  I mean... if th-that's okay with you..."

"Hmmmph..."  The mare took the glass and trotted off.  "Whatever."

Lone Star blinked after the mare as she made her way to the kitchen.  "Well, the service here really doesn't live up to the place's name!"

"I can tell that something's bothering that pony," Cantershy said.  "But I can't tell exactly what."

"Don't pay her any mind, darling," Apple Jewel said, flipping to another page.  "She's on the Cakes' Pity Payroll."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Some problem child adopted from a rock farm, from what I hear," the mare continued.  "Not that I'm an expert on the local gossip of these agricultural plebeians, mind you."

"She looks like she's been through a lot."  Cantershy glanced at Lone Star.  "Pinkamena, I think is her name?"

"Where'd you hear that from, darling?"

"The local day spa.  Word travels quickly in this town."

"I-I wouldn't know," Lone Star said with a shrug.  "I'm still new here.  It's difficult enough getting used to you girls."  She instantly winced.  "Th-that didn't mean how it sounded like!"

"It's okay, Lone Star," Cantershy said with a gentle smile.  "We know you're a nice pony."

"Mmmm... yes..."  Apple Jewel muttered over her newspaper.  "A regular Canterlot Princess."

"Uhh... thanks?"  Lone Star blinked.  "I-I think."

"What are you working on, Lone Star?" Cantershy asked.

"Huh?  Oh!  You mean what I'm studying?"  Lone Star flipped through the various texts.  "Well, that depends.  You ever heard of diamond dogs?"

"Diamond... d-dogs?"

"Not a clue?"

Cantershy shook her head.  "I-I'm not exactly an expert on animals."

"Well, I'll tell you what I've learned so far—"

Just then, the waitress trotted back, slapping down the root beer onto the table.  A little bit of the frothy drink splattered onto the pages of Lone Star's open book.

"H-hey!"  Lone Star grimaced, fumbling to dry the tome with a napkin.  "Watch it!"

"What does this look like?" the mare droned.  "A library?"  She slapped the refilled iced tea onto Cantershy's side with even less grace.  "There.  Remember, there's a refill limit, kay?"

"Thank you, Pinkamena," Cantershy said with a pleasant smile.  "I appreciate you getting that for me."

"Hrmmph..."  Apple Jewel rolled her green eyes.  "Of course you would."

In the meantime, the waitress was busy squinting at the dainty pegasus.  "...how do you know my name?"

"Oh.  You mean 'Pinkamena?'"  Cantershy shrugged.  "I've heard it in passing... word of muzzle, I guess.  I think it's really pretty!"  She smiled.  "Just like your mane!"

Pinkamena merely snarled.  "It's not nice to talk about other ponies behind their backs!"

"Huh?"  Cantershy blinked.  Under the waitress' glare, she suddenly trembled.  "I... I-I swear I didn't mean anything bad by it!"

"Yeah, well, not all of us have to change our names to be accepted around here!" Pinkamena snapped.  "Isn't that right, Fluttershy?"

Lone Star instantly cringed.

Cantershy's muzzle fell agape.  "Where..."  Her brow furrowed.  "Who have you been talking to?!"

"Pffft..."  Pinkamena rolled her blue eyes.  "I mean, who hasn't heard that old jingle about the local pegasus with weak wings?!"  Her voiced lifted, only to resonate with a mock tone:  "'Fluttershy!  Fluttershy!  Fluttershy can hardly fly!'"

"Stop it..."  Cantershy squeaked.

Pinkamena only barked louder:  "'Fluttershy!  Fluttershy!  Fluttershy can hardly fly!'"

"I said st-stop it!"  Cantershy jumped to her hooves, knocking her table over.  She quivered from head to tail, eyes watering.  "You... you..."  She wept.  "You're a meanie!  And I hate your mane!"  Spinning, she ran out of Sugarcube Corner, sobbing.

"Cantershy!" Lone Star stammered, wide-eyed.

"Hmmph..."  Pinkamena tossed her mane, stomping off.  "What a laugh."

Lone Star snarled at the mare.  "That wasn't very nice!"

"Life's not very nice!" Pinkamena hissed over her shoulder in mid-march.  "You try eating gravel for breakfast every morning of your foalhood and see how cheery you friggin' get!"

Mrs. Cake had burst out of the kitchen, gawking at the runaway customer.  She instantly snapped at the waitress.  "Pinkamena!  How many times have I told you about yelling at—?"

"Yeah yeah, blow it out your doughnut hole."  And with that, Pinkamena kicked her way through the kitchen door and stormed off.

"Apple Jewel!"  Lone Star gasped at her remaining friend.  "Didn't you see Cantershy gallop off crying just now?!  We've got to go find her!"

"What's the use?"  Apple Jewel yawned.  "The mare's never going to change."

"But she needs our help—!"

"You can't help ponies who won't help themselves," the mare returned calmly.  "One of the first platitudes Aunt and Uncle Orange taught me."

Lone Star glared at her, huffing and puffing.  "You know, Apple Jewel..."  She angrily scooped up her books.  "If you were as dependable as you were brutally honest, then you wouldn't have to treat the newspaper as your only friend!"

"Why not?" the mare droned tiredly.  "It's the most loyal thing around here."

Lone Star was already galloping out into the falling evening.  "Cantershy!"  She panted, spinning about and looking down every street.  "Cantershy!  Come back!  Don't run like this!  Please!"

A few ponies blinked her way, but most of the populace paid her no mind.  The roads stretched on, empty and quiet.  Like the friend who had just run away.

It didn't stop Lone Star from trotting down each avenue, searching intently.  She called Cantershy's name several more times, but even ten minutes into the hunt she knew just how futile it was.  Her gallop turned into a slumped trot as she hugged the sidewalks closely, staring down at the cracks in the concrete.

"Silly pony," she muttered aloud.  "If only you told us where you lived..."

At last, Lone Star's sighs dragged her home.  She wandered towards the town library, fiddling with her keys at the front door.  She paused, lingering to take one last, forlorn look at the night-drenched streets.  Cantershy was gone, a complete stranger at that point.

Ears drooped under a cloud of failure, Lone Star opened the library and stepped in.  All of the books were lined neatly on their shelves.  There wasn't a single spot of dust to be found in the place.  The place was clean—of course it was.  Lone Star had all the time in the world to keep it that way.

There was no relishing the spotlessness of the place.  Head hung, Lone Star wandered up the stairs towards her bedroom—when she spotted something out of the corner of her vision.  She glanced aside, then gasped, nearly falling off the steps.

A figure stood in the shadows, wings outstretched.  "Twilight Sparkle," said the cold voice, accompanied by even colder eyes.

Lone Star merely blinked, face awash with confusion.  "'Twilight?'"

The eyes narrowed.  "Are you happy now, Twilight Sparkle?"

Lone Star slowly cocked her head to the side, muzzle agape.  At last, she murmured, "Yeah?"

Her eyes reflected a deathly beam of light, like a distant sparkle, suddenly bright and encompassing.
> ___u___t__a____p_____k_
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The door to the diner rattled open.  As soon as Lone Star stepped in, she gasped and pressed herself against the frame just as two large stallions rushed out the exit, nearly plowing her over.  She watched the surly patrons leave, sighed, then shuffled her way nervously into the crowded, rowdy place.  She looked left and right, biting her lip.  Her ears twitched from the racuous voices and occasional clatter of plates.

At last, she found a tiny booth nestled in the corner.  Apple Jewel sat against the window, writing notes in an open briefcase that was sitting atop the table.  Across from her, Cantershy sat, hugging herself and wincing with each loud noise that echoed throughout the place.

"And, at this rate, Apple and Orange Reality will have a hoofhold in the predominating market," Apple Jewel said.  "Condos are sprouting all up in Neigh Jersey.  The wealthy are moving out into the fringe suburbs, and that's precisely where my Uncle and I are making our move."

"That's... uh..."  Cantershy gulped, barely touching her plate of food.  "That's g-good to hear, Apple Jewel."

"Hmmmph.  I know you're not sincere, darling, but would it kill you to at least put on a convincing face?"

Cantershy merely bowed her head.  "I'm sorry..."

"Really, girls?" Lone Star muttered as she slid into the spot next to Apple Jewel.  "This is the best place we could find for lunch?"

"The 'best place?'" Apple Jewel remarked.  "No.  But certainly an opportune location.  It is on the way to the bank, after all."

"Right.  Funny you should bring up the bank!  Because I was thinking of pulling some money out of my savings so that we could—"

"Lone Star, what are you doing?"

The unicorn blinked at her refined friend.  "I'm... sitting here.  Next to you."

"We've been over this.  I would very much wish that you wouldn't."

"Please, AJ!"  Lone Star chuckled.  "What, do I smell all of the sudden—?"

"Actually, yes.  Like musky old books."  Apple Jewel sipped from a mug of coffee.  "And don't call me 'AJ.'  It's most uncouth."

"Hmmm..."  Lone Star gritted her teeth.  "Very well..."  She slid out of her seat and sat on the booth opposite of Apple Jewel, right next to Cantershy.  "I swear, Apple Jewel, you're going to choke on your hoof one of these days."  She glanced aside.  "Hey, Cantershy."

"H-hello..."  The mare trembled, eyes locked on the tabletop.

"Now, darling, I believe you were desperate to relate something to us."

"R-right!"  Lone Star smiled.  "The idea came to me while I was working on a report about diamond dogs earlier—"

"Diamond what now?"

"Erm... s-sorry.  I guess what I was studying isn't important."

"I would certainly hope not."

Lone Star struggled to talk above the noise of the crowd, making Cantershy wince even more.  "I was thinking—I've built up quite a savings these past few years!  If I make a withdrawal at the start of this month, then I just might have enough to buy us three dresses!"

"Dresses for what?"

"The Grand Galloping Gala, of course!"  Lone Star beamed, staring at the other two.  "How about it, girls?!  It's just the weekend after next!  My brother could get us in, and I could find us something really nice to wear!"

"Uhm..."  Cantershy shuddered.  "I-I don't know about that..."

"Oh please, darling," Apple Jewel droned Cantershy's way.  "Just come out with it.  You don't want to go to such a glamorous event."  Apple Jewel stifled a dainty yawn and continued writing across her document.  "And neither would I."

"Oh come on!"  Lone Star pouted.  "Why not?"

"I've got better things to do than waste anypony's fortune on frivolous evening parties."

"But don't you believe in having fun?!  Living a little?!  What are we put on this earth for if not to enjoy the benefits of harmony?!"  Lone Star gently elbowed Cantershy, making her shudder.  "How about it, Cantershy?  When was the last time you ever had a good laugh at something?"

"Uhm... I d-don't see anything that's worth laughing about," Cantershy whimpered, staring out the window.  "I... I-I really don't like it here."  She gulped.  "It's too noisy."

"But... b-but I thought we came here in order to have lunch—"

"Face it, Lone Star, she simply isn't an outside pony," Apple Jewel said.  "And she never was.  If all these years she had just listened to me when I told her what a big waste of time it was to—"

"What?!"  Lone Star frowned.  "Live a little?  Go outside and get some fresh air?"  She reached over and squeezed Cantershy's shoulders.  "You know, if you had spent your foalhood being a little more supportive of our friend here, Apple Jewel, then I wouldn't have to be playing catch-up so bad!"

"Please..."  Cantershy clenched her teeth.  "D-don't fight over me..."

"Why are you terribly passionate over the insufferable Gala anyways?"  Apple Jewel squinted across the table.  "If you want so terribly to go, make your withdrawal and spend all the money on just yourself!"

"I'm not doing that!  I wish to be generous to you girls!"

"Please, Lone Star, let it rest."

"Well, maybe I won't let it rest!"  She said firmly.  "Maybe... j-just maybe I want a little more out of our lives!"

"You expect too much—"

"Maybe I'm tired of all this miserable shuffling around and doing nothing!"  Lone Star stood up, leaning forward with a frown.  "Maybe I want something sweeter and happier out of our friendship!"

"I... I-I wanna go..." Cantershy squeaked.

Lone Star gave her a double-take.  "H-huh?!"

"Please..."  Cantershy sniffled and fidgeted, pushing against Lone Star.  "I-I've had enough of this place.  I want to g-go home."

"But... b-but...!"  Lone Star stumbled out of the booth, reluctantly making room for the fumbling mare.  "Cantershy...!"

"Now you've gone and done it, darling," Apple Jewel muttered.

"What do you mean I've gone and done it?!"

"I'm sorry..."  Cantershy fought a sob, teeth clattering.  "I tried!  I-I really did!"  She galloped off, nearly tripping a waitress who snapped angrily at her as she rushed by.  "S-so sorry!"

"But... but..."  Lone Star blinked awkwardly at the mare's exit.  "I... I just wanted us to do something fun for a change."

"You should know very well that Cantershy can't very well handle fun," Apple Jewel said in a dull tone.  "She can't handle much of anything."

"Oh yeah?!"  Lone Star turned and snarled at the elegant pony.  "The least we can do is try to give her some support!  You know just as well as I do how sensitive she is!"

"I'm not about to lie to anypony, dear, much less a mare as far-gone as Cante—"

"Stop hiding behind your brutal honesty!" Lone Star growled.  "Take a page out of Cantershy's book!  Be kind!"

"Oh, please..."  Apple Jewel chuckled airily.  "Lone Star, there comes a time when even the most prudent mare's generosity wanes thin."

"We're supposed to help each other out, Apple Jewel!" Lone Star exclaimed.  "We're supposed to be loyal to each other!  That's the crux of friendship!"

Apple Jewel's emerald eyes glinted at her.  "You would lecture me on friendship?  You of all ponies."

"I..."  Lone Star suddenly grimaced.  "I—"

"You?"  Apple Jewel slowly stood up, eyes icy cold.  "A pony who's only mark in the social circles is the one day at age seven when she accidentally spilled purple ink across her older brother's Canterlot Guard uniform?"

"But... that was j-just—"

"You seem to lecture an awful lot about 'friendship,' Lone Star, but you hardly have any grasp on the matter.  If there's nothing I detest more in life, it's a pony who makes bold claims about others without knowing a single thing about herself."  She slapped her briefcase shut and gathered her belongings.  "And need I remind you, it was your idea that we engage in these regular luncheons.  So the next time you consider lashing out at somepony for dragging Cantershy to places she can't handle, try giving a long monologue to the mirror.  I promise you it'll listen better."

Lone Star bit her lip, gazing into the distance while Apple Jewel trotted past her.

"You can handle the tip on your own," the mare muttered as she exited the diner.  "You certainly have enough money to throw at things lately."  And she was gone.

Slowly, Lone Star slumped back to her seat.  She sighed into her hooves, seeking solace from the words still ringing in her skull.  The loud clatter of the diner didn't make things any easier.  She considered ordering something to eat... or perhaps to drink.  Instead, all she did was a whole lot of sitting in place, gazing out the window as the sun set over the outer fringes of Ponyville.

Hours passed.  When, at last, the outside world had become so dark that she was starting to see nothing but her own sad reflection, she gave in.  Tossing a few bits onto the empty table, Lone Star stood up and trotted out on stiff legs.

Her stroll home was a lonesome, labored thing.  Even the stars felt closer to her than the buildings—much less the flickering hint of lights therein.  She coughed a few times, but there was no echo.  If she didn't look up every now and then to see the sidewalks on either side of her, she would have guessed she was trotting down the heart of a deep abyss.

Nevertheless, in due time, she arrived at her library.  When she shut the door behind her, she clenched her teeth, shutting her eyes tight.  All she could see was Apple Jewel's angry face.  Beyond even that—like a fluttering moth in the deep corner of her subconscious—Cantershy was shivering, and the image forced a whimpering breath from the mare's lungs.

"Twilight Sparkle."

Lone Star's eyes opened, like fiery embers.

The figure stood in the shadows, wings stretched.

Something snarled out of Lone Star's muzzle, powered by all of the burning frustrations of the day.  "Who are you...?"

"Are you happy now?"  The figure's glowing eyeslits narrowed.  "Twilight Sparkle?"

Lone Star was already galloping towards her.  "I said... who are you?!" she screamed.

A flash of light enveloped the library, burning everything, burning her.

> ___u______a____p_______
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Lone Star poked her head into the diner.  She paused, blinking, her eyes sweeping from side to side.  More than once she had to squeeze against one wall or another, avoiding the bodies of large stallions or impatient mares as they brushed their way down the claustrophobic interior.

Looking and looking, Lone Star couldn't find any sign of her friend.  So she trotted even deeper into the diner, checking every table.  When at last she had scoured every aisle and booth of the place—summoning no small amount of suspicious glares from the owners—she nervously made her way back outside, taking deep breaths as a cold shudder fell through her figure.

A shape in her peripheral vision mimicked her shivering limbs.

With a jolt, Lone Star looked to her right.  Her lips pursed.  "Cantershy...?"  She trotted briskly to the next building along the edge of Ponyville.  There, a dainty pegasus sat, curled up tight in the corner of a lonesome bench.  "Cantershy, what gives?  I thought we agreed to meet up inside the diner!"

"Mmmm..."  Cantershy squeaked inwardly, her eyes locked in a thousand-mile stare.

"Cantershy..."  Lone Star knelt down low, smiling gently at her friend.  "Cantershy, talk to me.  It's okay.  I'm not mad.  I'm just... a little confused, is all."

"I... I-I tried, Lone Star."  Cantershy's breaths came in tiny spasms.  "I-I really did.  But... I couldn't.  I-I just couldn't..."

Lone Star sighed, ears drooping.  "Oh Cantershy..."

"It was t-too loud in there."  Cantershy clenched her eyes shut, shivering even harder.  "Too... t-too many ponies.  They were all looking at me... getting ready to laugh at me."

"They were not!"  Lone Star rasped.  She chuckled good-naturedly.  "Cantershy, you have to stop expecting the worst out of everypony!  How else are you going to get out and have some real fun in your life?"

"I-I left my apartment, d-didn't I?"  Cantershot gulped.  "Isn't th-that enough?"

"Cantershy, if you just keep letting the world roll over you like this, how are you ever going to get anywhere?"

"I... I-I'm fine at home."  The mare gulped.  "F-fine with being inside.  There's n-nopony to laugh at me in there."

"There's nopony to laugh at you period!  Honestly, Cantershy!  What's there to be afraid of?"

"Mmmm..."  Cantershy hid her face in her forelimbs.  "Everything."

Lone Star opened her mouth, paused, then sighed.  She slumped back before the bench, limbs limp.

"I'm sorry..." Cantershy quietly wept.

"Please, just..."  Lone Star clenched her eyes shut, inhaling sharply through her nostrils.  "... just don't."  She gulped.  "Don't be sorry, Cantershy.  It's..."

"I can tell you're mad at me."

"I'm not mad, Cantershy."

"Yes you are—"

"I'm not mad."  Lone Star clasped Cantershy's forelimbs.  "Look at me."

Cantershy nervously squinted one eye open.  Then the other.

Lone Star smiled softly.  "I'm worried about you.  You're my best friend.  My one and only.  And I want what's best for you!  But I can't do all the work by myself!  You have to be willing to take a leap of faith, sweetie!  Don't think of it as as perilous dive!  Think of it as... b-baby steps!"

Cantershy said nothing.  She merely bowed her head.

"If you can't do the diner, how about some shopping in the market downtown?"

"Mmmm-mmmm..."  Cantershy shook her head.

"Uhhhh..."  Lone Star fidgeted.  "A movie?  You know, at the movie theatre?"

Cantershy shook her head again.

Lone Star bit her lip.  She brightened.  "H-how about the park?!  A nice stroll at sunset!  You'd like that, huh?"

Cantershy chewed on her lower lip.

"Well...?"  Lone Star grinned.

Cantershy gulped.  "Okay..." she murmured.

"Heehee... now that's something, at least!"  Lone Star helped the mare up onto her hooves.  "Here, let's walk together, Cantershy.  You can lean against me if you want."

"Th-thanks..."  The dainty pegasus shuddered with each step.  "I... d-didn't have anything to eat since breakfast."

"You know, we could have done something about that just now."

Cantershy clenched her teeth.

"Sorry."  Lone Star cleared her throat.  "No more talking about the diner."

"Mmmm... th-thank you."

The two trotted quietly side by side through the streets of Ponyville.  When at last they had made it to the park, it was growing dark.  Cantershy trembled more, her eyes darting between every strange shadow.  Lone Star eased the mare by squeezing her shoulder every now and then.  Gradually, Cantershy relaxed, especially when the lanterns of the park flickered to life over their heads.  Within the hour, they had found a nice lone bench to sit on, serenaded by crickets between the words of Lone Star's rambling voice.

"...there'll be lots of famous dignitaries and celebrities there, for sure."  Lone Star took a deep breath.  "I mean, I-I doubt that I'll meet any of them.  I'm no princess or anything... heheh..."  She brushed back her purple mane while dangling a pair of hooves off the bench.  "But I'll certainly feel like one for one night.  M-maybe two."  She gulped.  "I... I-I'm not sure why I'm so bent on attending the Gala.  It's... not like I'm going to h-have these many bits to spend freely anytime soon.  But... I-I just have to go there.  For me, you know?"

She turned and smiled at Cantershy.

"And I'll be taking as many photographs as I can.  Heck, I might even pay a stallion to take a photo of me beside the front gate of the Castle!  I'll be sure to have him frame the picture just a little bit to the side."  She winked.  "That way, it'll be like you're there with me."  Twilight exhaled out her nostrils as she gazed down at her hooves once more.  "You... will be there with me, Cantershy.  In a lot of ways.  I'll be dreaming up all sorts of conversations to have with you once I return... about the expensive dresses I see, the sweet foods I taste, even—heehee—the handsome stallions that'll wink at the other mares and—"

"Lone Star?"

The unicorn's ears perked up.  She turned towards her.  "Y-yes, Cantershy?"  She leaned over.  "What is it?"

Cantershy looked up, her eyes glossy in the buzzing lanternlight of the empty park.  "...why do you hang out with me?"

Lone Star blinked.  Her lips pursed, lost between searching for an answer and simply repeating Cantershy's words.

The pegasus continued.  "There is nothing special about me.  Nothing fun... nothing exciting."  She gulped.  "And yet, you've shown up out of nowhere, a newcomer to Ponyville, and... you've stuck by my side... you've talked to me... invited me to places... given me gifts."  Cantershy sighed.  "At times, I think I'm the only reason you even stay in this town.  But I simply don't understand.  What's so special about me?"

"Cantershy..."  Lone Star murmured, her muzzle agape.  "You're my friend."

"Why?"

Lone Star blinked.

Cantershy sniffled.  "I'm nothing.  But you?  You deserve so much better."

Silence.

Lone Star took a deep breath.  She pivoted about and grasped Cantershy's hooves with her own.  "I'm going to tell you the Honest-to-Celestia truth," she said in a firm tone.  "Are you listening?"

Cantershy hesitantly nodded.

"Okay."  Lone Star gulped and leaned forward.  "Cantershy, you are the nicest, gentlest, most sincere pony I know.  I don't care how delicate or squeamish you may be on the outside.  But deep within, there is something... something..."  She gritted her teeth.  "I-I can't put my hoof on it!  But, Cantershy, you and I... we have something that cannot be erased."  Lone Star sniffled suddenly. She fought the moisture in her eyes and spoke, "You are more than the reason why I stay in Ponyville.  You are the reason why I get up in the morning.  I am here... we are all here to make connections with one another.  And you, Cantershy, are my one and only connection.  And though you might sell yourself short, you mean the whole world to me."  She gave a fragile smile, eyes watery.  "You are my whole world.  This friendship... this connection we have is harmonious.  It has to be.  Without it... where would we be?  What would we be doing?  I..."

She grimaced, looking past Cantershy as the night's collective starlight coalesced like a spark in her eyes and was gone again.

"...I cannot even pretend to imagine just... h-how empty... how purposeless..."  She gulped.  "Without... without..."  She clenched her eyes, or else she might melt.

Cantershy gazed at her.

After a labored breath, Lone Star reopened her eyes, bearing a determined frown.  "You mean so much to me, Cantershy.  And it breaks my heart to see you just... l-let the world shove you into a corner, deep in darkness... when there is so much to seek... to find... to explore and relish.  And the world could certainly use more of you... of your kindness... of your tender-hearted gentleness.  It really could, Cantershy.  I really wish you could see it."

Cantershy was silent for a long time.  At last she murmured, "I'm afraid of a lot of things, Lone Star," she said.  "But most of all... I'm afraid of what will happen to you when I'm gone."

Lone Star grimaced at that.  Her eyes instantly welled up again.

"Sorry."  Cantershy shuddered, bowing her head.  "I... I-I'm sorry—"

"Don't."  Lone Star's voice cracked on a sob.  She leaned forward, resting her forehead against Cantershy's.  "Don't."  She would have said more words.  She should have, but she sobbed instead.  A fluttering little cry, like the breaths forever pent-up inside her quiet friend.  Weakly, Lone Star grasped the back of Cantershy's head, feeling her soft short bangs as she nuzzled her gently, stifling the tears between them.  After five shuddering minutes, Lone Star looked up, and something brazen and fiery shimmered from beyond the veil.  "Tomorrow... we'll try again.  I'll be early this time, Cantershy."

"Lone Star—"

"We'll go inside the diner together.  Okay?"  Lone Star gulped, nodding her head against Cantershy's.  She squeezed the mare's shoulder.  "No pony deserves to go alone into this world without a friend.  I won't let that happen to you."

Cantershy fidgeted.  At last, she sighed.  "Okay..."

"Okay?"

"Okay, Lone Star."

Lone Star managed the briefest of smiles.  She nuzzled Cantershy once more.  "Here, sweetie..."  She stood up, helping the delicate mare off the bench.  "I'll walk you home."

Lone Star did, and when Cantershy walked the rest of the path to her apartment's front door, the unicorn stood at the fence just outside the yard.  Lone Star sat back on her haunches, hugging herself, even minutes past Cantershy's departure.  At last, bathed in twinkling starlight, Lone Star turned hesitantly toward the far side of town.

She trotted through darkness, untouched and unseen, until even the sound of her hoofsteps no longer resonated in her throbbing ears.

She didn't realize that she was inside the library until she felt the cold creak of the door shutting behind her.  She gazed across the shelves covered in dusty books, the desks crumpled over with notes full of woeful words for nopony to read.

Lone Star stifled a whimper.  She was already turning her head towards the shadowy corner just as that voice lifted icily across the domain.

"Twilight Sparkle?"

A tear ran down Lone Star's cheek.  "Please.  No more."  She hiccuped on a sob.  "End it here."

"Are you happy, now?"  The hovering eyes lit up.

Lone Star seethed:  "I beg y—"

Everything was consumed in the bright beam.

> __________a____________
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Lone Star's eyes opened, twitching.  She inhaled.  Exhaled.  She gulped and glanced all around.

Ponies trotted back and forth across the streets of Canterlot.  Rich ponies.  Well-to-do ponies.  Families.  Couples.  Foals.  Guards on patrol.

Lone Star trembled slightly.  She looked down at the table where she sat on the cafe patio.  Every seat was empty but hers.  A half-eaten muffin lay sideways on her plate.  The rest of it didn't look very appealing—not even the crumbs.

The mare sighed, a very natural thing.  To her right was a tall stack of books.  She was halfway through reading them.  Or perhaps she was behind.  A gust of wind blew coldly between the Canterlot building fronts.  Two strands of Lone Star's mane dangled loosely before her eyes.  She used a pulse of magic to brush them back into place.  Nopony noticed.

Lone Star spent the next hour and a half reading over the notes she had taken for her research assignment on sentient canine species in the lower Equestrian Highlands.  Every fact taken about the creatures was based on pure conjecture and scientific speculation.  The mare wondered if an expedition would ever be sent to speak with the dogs in their alleged habitat.  Lone Star decided that she would be lucky just to read about it some day.  She certainly wouldn't ever be going out to find out on her own.

The more she read over the notes, the harder it was for her to keep her eyes open.  Lone Star had just written on the notecards two days ago, but it somehow felt as though she had read the very same words at least a hundred times before.  Her mouth went dry from the bitter staleness of the moment, the ever-perpetual hush that rang in her ears.  In a brief moment of lucidity, she realized that she had no inner voice to mentally read the notes with, for she had never spoken out loud long enough to memorize the sound.

When she slapped the books shut, it was a thunderous thing.  Lone Star's heart rate increased for a few seconds, a delicious thing, but it soon subsided.  She slid the tomes into her saddlebag, left a tip, and trotted away from the table.  Before she was a block away, she paused and looked back at the cafe.  A waitress came out and cleaned the patio table, her face deadpan.  She didn't make eye contact with Lone Star—or with anypony.  She finished her job, leaving the cafe spotless, sterile, like nopony was ever there.

Lone Star trotted on through the streets of Canterlot.  She heard muttered gossip from huddled groups of mares, uproarious laughter from a group of college stallions trotting briskly in the opposite direction.  Through the window to an antique store, she spotted a mother browsing a shelf of toys with her daughter.  Through the next window, a gaggle of mares sat around a table, sipping on ice cream sundaes while they chatted over the day's events.

Lone Star lingered, chewing on the edge of her lip.  She felt something in the depths of her stomach, an indefinable flutter.  It was soon replaced with a startled gasp as she heard somepony calling out behind her.  She spun around to see a mare galloping her way, smiling.  Lone Star flinched at the last second, and it was with good timing.  The mare zoomed past her and threw herself into the forelimbs of another pony.  The two hugged each other, giggling and embracing each other before swiftly trotting into the nearby restaurant.

For the next twenty minutes, Lone Star didn't stop for any more distractions.  She stared at the sidewalk, counting the cracks.  When she reached roughly two hundred, she looked up, and there stood the steep steps to the Canterlot Public Library before her.  Trotting up and through the entrance, Lone Star approached the book depository at the far end of the spacious, empty lobby.  Her hoofsteps echoed all the way to the drop slot and all the way to the far end of the building.  Nopony turned their heads.  Everyone sat at their tables, reading various texts, their faces blander than the sheets of paper beneath their astute gaze.

For the next hour, Lone Star trotted the aisles and aisles of books.  The archives were dead quiet, and its tall shelves divided the place like gravestones.  Even if there was a pony browsing in the next immediate aisle, Lone Star couldn't see them through the forest of dusty tomes.  Dutifully, the unicorn followed the index numbers to the research guide that she was looking for, and she grabbed it from a low shelf without any trouble.

While she was slipping it into her bag, she heard a shuffling sound from two aisles away.  She turned her head and glanced across the interior.  A young college mare was bouncing, struggling to reach up and grab a book from a high shelf.  Not long after, a stallion trotted up, reaching up with his strong arm and hoofing the book to her.  The mare grasped it, thanking him with a kindly nuzzle.

Lone Star blinked.  For the briefest of moments, one of her lips curved upwards.  Th-Thap!  Her book slipped from her grasp.  Wincing, she scrambled down to her knees and scooped it back up.  With a nervous breath, she glanced back down the aisles.

The two ponies were gone.  All was perfectly desolate.

A shudder ran through the mare's body.  Lone Star hugged the book to her chest.  It was cold to the touch, chillingly so.  She only hugged it tighter, re-acquainting herself with the smell of dust and decay, the scent of ennui that trailed after every shadow, the same darkness that waited for her on the trot home.

With only a moment's hesitation, Lone Star stood up on wobbly legs.  She shuffled the long way back to the massive library's front entrance.  At the checkout, an old mare dispassionately stamped Lone Star's books with the quiet poise of an undertaker.  In the cold light of a faded lamp, her wrinkled coat looked brighter than the young unicorn's.  At last, she held the book out at hoof's length; she might as well have been offering it to thin air.  Lone Star took the book with a polite nod.  The librarian said nothing.

Lone Star's path home alternated between dismal darkness and a ghostly yellow haze.  She stared down at the cobblestone street beneath her hooves while golden street lights intermittently illuminated her stroll.  Her eyes darted between the fissures in the stone and the tiny tufts of grass that had managed to grow between the slabs.  Life was strangely beautiful, in the places where it was quiet, where hidden things sprouted in gracefully undisturbed ugliness.  Lone Star felt that she was the only pony capable of perceiving this.  It was her only saving grace.

She rounded the last intersection with a slight chill.  The steps leading up to her third story apartment weren't too steep, but she took her time anyways.  From across the street, she heard cheery voices.  She lingered, one hoof on the railing to the stairwell.  With each ascending step, she got a better and better view of the second story balcony across the way.  Four middle-aged ponies had gathered around a table, burning the chaff of their years with wine and poker.  One made a joke and slapped another's shoulder.  An aged stallion laughed while dealing, his baggy eyes like a squinting infant's in the moonlight.  And then Lone Star saw nothing, for she had reached the floor her room was on.

Passing by several doors, she heard music, foals crying, and even an occasional argument rattling through the walls.  They all summoned the same flutter just as equally.  Lone Star's ears twitched, and soon all was silent, for she was at her door.  Fumbling through the saddlebag, she produced her keys and undid the locks.  The entrance opened with a familiar creak.  She lingered in the frame, waiting for nothing, everything.  Hooves echoed from the far end of the corridor.  Lone Star glanced down.  A mare reached out of her apartment to grab a newspaper, laughing at something somepony said, then returned just as swiftly to continue the muffled conversation inside.  And just like that, the silence returned.

Lone Star's nostrils flared.  At last she looked ahead and stepped forward, surrendering to the shadows.  Inside, it smelled just like the Canterlot library.  When Lone Star flipped on a light, it revealed full walls stacked up with books.  Most of them were spilling off the shelves, piled so high on the floor that they were veritable pieces of furniture themselves.  On her way to the kitchen, Lone Star had to step over three separate rows.  Flipping on another light, she dropped her books onto the nearby table and went about preparing herself a light salad.  It was a very dull task, and she took her time.  There was nothing to wait for, nothing to delay.  The cold water from the tap as she washed the lettuce felt piping hot compared to the chill of the place.  Every hoofstep's echo died in an instant from how tight and constricting the walls were.

At last, Lone Star had made a bowl for herself.  She didn't use any dressing; there wasn't much purpose in spicing anything.  She placed the dish onto the table with a quiet clatter and slid a seat up.  Opening her saddlebag, she pulled the first of many books out.  The moment she opened it, her eyes tripped over the sight of a wrinkly red bookmark.  For the life of her, she couldn't guess if she had somehow placed it there before.  Had it been months?  Years?"

Before she knew it, full minutes had ticked by.  Lone Star glanced down at her bowl of delicious lettuce leaves, and they could just as well have been moth wings.  Her stomach didn't make one gurgle.  The emptiness was everywhere and everything.  Soon, her gaze had drifted to the far walls of the living room, to the window drapes that hung in the dim purple sighs of dying starlight.  The world was spinning on without her, somewhere beyond the veil, in the silver streaking cosmos where everything receded away from her.  Always.

For a moment, Lone Star felt like she was choking.  She opened her mouth and the resulting exhale made her wheeze.  The mare trembled from her head to her hooves.  Numbly, she watched as her legs slid out from beneath the chair, and she got up.  She began trotting across awkwardly across the kitchen, to where—she wasn't sure.  It wasn't until her legs gave out that she realized there was no destination, just as there was no beginning.

Lone Star collapsed to her haunches.  She slid her back against the wall until she was curling her forelimbs to her chest.  There, deflated, she wept, quietly and limply, into the shadows that knew no other sound.  When the tears squeezed out from her eyes, she rubbed them across her cheeks.  They were the warmest things she had felt all day.  All week.  All month.

There was no wailing, no sobbing, only the soft release of something that had nowhere to go.  Thus, when the strange voice resonated throughout the apartment, it startled Lone Star with a heavy jolt.

"Twilight Sparkle..."

Sniffling, the unicorn peaked up past her forelimbs.

It stood in the corner, its body an enormous black shape against the tight walls of the apartment.  A pair of eyes glimmered, piercing into Lone Star's mind.

"Are you happy... now, Twilight Sparkle?"  Wings spread.  A hollow breath.

Lone Star shivered.  She clenched her eyes shut.  Her head bowed to oblivion.

As the silence wore on, the eyes flickered.  A fixed point of burning light appeared above the shadow's crown.

"... ... ...yes."

The light fizzled.  The eyes narrowed.

Sniffling, Lone Star raised her head, and it was with frown.  "Yes," she repeated, a venomous whisper.  "Even n-now..."  She gulped.  Her teeth clenched.  "Even with all of this... and even w-without..."

The figure stared at her in stern silence.  Studying.

"I am happy."  Lone Star stood up.  She trembled—but this time with quaking ferocity.  "And I am confident.  Don't... d-do not confuse these tears for sorrow."  She rubbed her muzzle dry, snarling.  "I weep not for what I've never had, but for what I've not found yet.  Like a foal misses her mother, or a lover coming home from the war..."

The eyes burned brighter.  "Twilight—"

"This is not all I am!" the mare shrieked, hyperventilating.  She kept her gaze resolutely on the shadow as she hollered, "Somewhere, there is a spark!  I feel it!  Just beyond the twinkling edge of day, it waits for me!  It holds me close at night and in the morning..."  She clenched her teeth, whimpering.  "That spark will light up the world... my world." She gulped hard and slammed her hooves down.  "You will not take that away from me!  You cannot take away my hope!  I'm meant to be more than this... to have more than this!  We all are!  We..."

At last, she heaved, and she collapsed to her knees once again.  When she wept this time, it was through an angry scowl.

"We are h-harmony... and we are love."  Lone Star clenched her head as she shut her eyes tight.  "I don't know where you all are... I don't know where you've all been taken... but I know you are all real. And... I love you..."  Her voice squeaked between sniffles.  "With all that I am and all that I ever will be, I love you... and I trust that each and every one of you are there... waiting for me... as I will forever wait for you..."  She covered her face and sobbed.  "You f-fill me with such joy... how c-could I ever forget you... why would I ever...?"

The silence of the apartment remained shattered from the unicorn's persistent weeping.  Not long after, a warm hoof caressed her mane, tilting her chin up.

"Thank you, Twilight.  Somehow... I knew that you... and you alone would restore my hope."

Lone Star sniffled.  She tilted her head up.  "Your hope...?"  Almost instantly, her shuddering breaths ceased.  A pair of wide violet eyes blinked.

An identical pair of violet eyes gazed back.  A majestic alicorn stood out of the shadows, her lavender coat shining immaculately in its own nebulous light.  A purple mane billowed with a windless shimmer while her wings stretched wide, the feathery tips twinkling in an ethereal glow.

"I've lived for so many years in shadow," the alicorn said.  "I had always assumed that chaos had triumphed.  To think that my wisdom is so frail, to have surrendered to despair so easily..."

"I..."  Lone Star rubbed her cheek, leaning foalishly into the alicorn's caress.  "I'm afraid that I-I don't understand... why... wh-why have you—?"

"A harsh experiment, but an experiment nonetheless," the alicorn said, her eyes glowing once again.  "And, in truth, science has never let me down.  Nor have you."

"But... but when have we ever met before?"

"We will," she said.  "Not long from now, when all hope is taken from us, as is the way of all things.  And if you're not careful, our misery will make us one and the same.  But not this time; that is my promise."  A soft, lavender smile.  "Thanks to you, I now know that the spark had never truly gone away, nor was it ever some foolish phantom to begin with.  The spark is always with me.  It's just that the light from it has been refracted over the centuries, making it hard for me to see all of the wonderful blessings it has permanently etched into my soul... making it hard for me to hold faith in them."

"The... c-centuries?"  Lone Star murmured.

"Shhhhhh..."  She rested a hoof against Lone Star's horn.  "Be at peace.  I will restore unto you what you've restored unto me."  Tears laced those glowing eyes, their beads bending the magical light in every direction, filling the dreadful shadows with color for the first time in ages.  "Harmony always comes around, Twilight Sparkle.  All it takes is time."

Lone Star would have said something, but she was suddenly burning in a great brightness.  She didn't gasp nor scream.  The flame was cleansing, filling every pore and niche of her being.  And by the time the flash of light had ended...
> _j_u_s_t__a__s_p_a_r_k_
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	...Twilight stood in her library, gasping.  A crimson sheen hung over the books that Spike had left scattered about earlier that afternoon.  Twilight glanced out the window to see a melting sunset.  Suddenly, her vision blurred, for she was crying.  She tried rubbing her eyes dry, but the tears kept coming.  She couldn't stay in one place.  She could hardly breathe.

Bursting through her door, she stumbled outside and broke into a swift gallop.  Several ponies gasped, stopping in mid-trot to gaze worriedly at her.  Several called out to her, asking her what was wrong.  Twilight ignored them all, speeding across town, stretching her lungs to the breaking point.  At last, she saw Sugarcube Corner and she made an ardent beeline.  She considered teleporting the rest of the way, but there was no time to cast a spell.  There wasn't time to even stop and think.

At last, Twilight slammed her way into the eatery, nearly knocking the doorbell off its fastener above.

Her friends stopped looking through Rarity's dress samples, their heads snapping towards Twilight in an instant.  The whole table gawked at her with wide eyes.

"Twilight?" Fluttershy stammered.

"Everythang okay, sugarcube?"

"Twilight!"  Rarity gasped.  "You look like  you've seen a ghost!  Whatever is the matter, darling?"

Twilight breathed.  Heaved.  She trotted forward, ran forward, stumbled forward.  She swept Spike up in her forelimbs, hugging him deeply.  As soon as Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie leaned down, she stood up and nuzzled them both, one after another.  Her every other breath was punctuated with pent-up sobs, framed through a delicate smile as she hugged each mare in equal turn.

"Twilight!"  Applejack fanned her with her hat, a spontaneously goofy gesture.  "Slow down, darlin'!  There're plenty of us to go around—!"

"I love you..."  Twilight shuddered, hugging Rarity as she leaned over the mare's shoulder to rub cheeks with Fluttershy.  "I love you all."  She hiccuped on a sob, cracking the twentieth tear-stained smile since she entered the place.  "I j-just want you to know that."

"We we do, Twilight!"  Rarity gave her a gentle squeeze.  "You don't need to tell us twice—"

"No, I do!  I really do!"  Twilight sniffled, her voice weak and wavery.  "Every second of every hour!  Every hour of every day!  Every day of every year!"  She trotted towards Applejack, only to trip.  The mare caught her, and Twilight nuzzled her close, weeping.  "I love and adore you all so... s-so much.  You mean the world to me.  Please... I wish you could understand..."

"Understand what?!"  Rainbow Dash hovered at a safe distance, shrugging.  "What gives?!  Why are you so friggin' mushy all of the sudden?!"

"Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie Pie hollered like a living megaphone.  She stretched her forelimb up impossibly high and yanked Rainbow down before shoving her cheek against Twilight's.  "Shut up and hug our Twilight!  Nowwwww!"

"Augh!"  Rainbow winced, smiling nervously into Twilight's embrace.  "Uhhh... h-how you doing there, Tw-Twilight?"

"I'm happy..."  Twilight sniffled, smiling as Fluttershy and Spike closed in to turn it into a group hug.  "I'm j-just so happy to have all of you as friends."  She clenched her eyes shut.  "I'll never forget you... ever..."

"Why would you ever forget us, Twilight?"  Fluttershy said, smiling.  "We're not going to leave you!"

"Y-yeah!  What she said!"  Rainbow smirked.  "We're totally by your side!  Rain or shine!"

"Just... thank you..." Twilight murmured, breathily now.  "Thank you... thank you so... so much..."

> _s_o_m_e_w_h_e_r_e__s_o_m_e_t_i_m_e_
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	On a plateau, somewhere, sometime...

Overlooking the desolate plains of a once fertile land...

She sits, her horn bathed in stars, and other dying things.

There's a ringing in her ears, a voice from long ago.

The light beaming from her horn focuses, bending from several colors into one fixed point.  When at last all is clear, she exhales.

Her glowing eyes open, wet with tears.

"You're welcome," she says, folding her wings to the vestiges of eternity.  A smile crosses her lavender cheeks, a very warm thing.  "And thank you."

On majestic legs, the alicorn stands.  She turns around, facing the ever-dimming horizon.  When she trots forward, she does so humming.