> Dear Twilight Sparkle
>  by Penmore
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Long Awaited Reply
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

I apologize for the delayed reply for all the letters and reports you have sent me. I finally found time in my schedule to sit down and read each and every one of your scrolls. While I do appreciate your attention to detail as evident by the sheer amount of reports and letters you have sent, I do wish you kept them to a minimum. You must realize that, by being a co-ruler, Equestria must always come first and foremost in my priorities. While I am not at liberty to say what exactly I was doing, know that, had it not been significant as it was, I would have replied to you quicker. I am also to understand that, during this the time you have been conducting research on the Magic of Friendship, your habits of being an introvert have become more prominent. You cannot carry out research on the Magic of Friendship if you hide away in the library and ignore your friends. I must ask that you immediately stop whatever it is you are doing and relax for the time being. Spend time with your friends and learn the true meaning of friendship that one cannot learn from books alone. If you happen to learn anything, do send me a report with your findings. Once again, I do ask that you keep your letters to a minimum as I cannot honestly read each and every single document you send because of waiting for my reply. Now go and enjoy the company of your friends, and visit your family as I am sure they are worried about you.

Sincerely,
Princess Celestia





"Spike! Spike!" yelled Twilight as she re-read the letter for the fifth time since it arrived.

She had been lying in bed quietly staring at the ceiling since last night's breakdown. She didn't know how long she had cried but, knew that it was enough for her eyes hurt from lack of moisture. The morning had been cruel as the sun had risen once more and shone its light through the curtains. The light that indicated Princess Celestia was in fine health and yet had not answered her for three months and fourteen days. Today would have marked it as three months and fifteen days if not for Spike immediately rushing in to hand her the letter.

The letter she had been waiting for all this time, the letter that had guidance from her idol, teacher, inspiration, and most importantly her Princess. Had she not found her eyes hurting and straining to keep open she would have cried again. Spike had left her to read the letter once delivered to start working on breakfast. He had the biggest smile Twilight had ever seen; it was a smile she had not seen him make for a long time. Three months and fourteen days to be exact and yet, she understood why he had the smile.

Twilight had a smile to match the jubilation she felt because of the piece of paper. As she kept jumping up and down on her bed, she noticed her reflection in the full body mirror in front of the bed. Her man and tail were in disarray and seemed to have split ends everywhere. Her coat was dull and not as beautiful and soft looking as she remembered. There were spots on her face and muzzle of wet, matted fur. It was not the most pleasant of sights, especially while looking at everything with dark circles under her eyes.

"You call for me Twilight?" came the voice of her number one draconic assistant and best friend as he opened the door and waited for her to finish her jumping.

"Yes I did Spike, I wanted to ask if you could contact everypony and let them know to come here around noon. I would say immediately but, looking at myself in the mirror I can tell that I have been neglecting personal hygiene for a while." She said, getting down from the bed and walking to the mirror to get a better look at herself.

"Yea… I kinda noticed that part." Spike walked over to the window and opened it to let some fresh air in and the stagnant air out. "I've been trying to get you to take a bath for a while now. Thankfully, with the mood you're in, you can take a nice, long, hot bath before doing anything else. I'll reheat breakfast once you're out and ready and I'll make sure to contact the girls while you're in there."

Spike had anticipated her reaction to some extent and already ate while she was re-reading the letter. He wasn't her number one assistant for nothing; it was times like these that he seemed to have some insight as to how she would react. He finished making the bed and walked to the dresser to get out some towels and her brush, setting them down on the foot of the bed before heading for the door.

"Thank you, Spike, I'll do just that. Oh, and can you make…"

"Yes, yes, I made daisy pancakes with apple cinnamon oatmeal on the side and got out some fresh squeezed orange juice for you."

Spike smiled and laughed at Twilight's look of surprise. It always seemed to take her unaware when he seemed to know what she was thinking or going to say before she even said or thought it.

"Thank you again, Spike. I don't know what I would do without you" She grabbed him with her magic and started to pull him into a hug before he stopped it.

"Its no problem Twilight but, I would appreciate it if you would wait until after you got yourself cleaned up before you hugged me."

"Oh… right… heh, sorry Spike."

"I'll be downstairs if you need me and if I don't answer just know I'll be getting the word out to the girls and should be back shortly. I have to clean up the place again before they show up so I shouldn't be long." He said heading back to the main part of the library to start the morning's activities.

"Ok Spike!"

Twilight smiled once more and headed for the bathroom but, not before reading the letter for a sixth and seventh time. It filled her with a sense of purpose that she had been missing for so long. The lack of direction from the princess was rare as it was the first time she had been without her teachings after growing up in the palace. The day was looking brighter, and so was the future. Though she couldn't help and feel that something was wrong. She thought about it and brought a foreleg to her head only to stop and realize how dirty it was. She pushed the thought away and headed into the bathroom for a long, hot, bath.
> Making plans
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Thank you for coming girls, I hope I didn't catch you all at a wrong time." Twilight said as she came down the stairs fresh and with the scent of strawberries lingering from the shampoo she used.

"Nah, I wasn't doing anything important. Besides, this is the first time in a long time that you called us over." Rainbow Dash had answered before she started to wolf down some of the pancakes Spike had made for Twilight.

The rest of the girls voiced their agreement with Dash and took sips from the tea and apple juice that Spike had laid out for them. Though, even with smiles on their faces, Twilight felt awful about ignoring their pleas to spend time together for so long. It wasn't something a friend did, and there was no telling how much she missed in their lives.

She sat down at the head of the table and thanked Spike as he set down a cup of orange juice in front of her before sitting down at the opposite side. She looked around the table and saw each mare and the baby dragon give her a look of expectation. Twilight didn't know where to start, after spending so much time alone and away how could she just ask them to make time for her now? Why would they do so if she had been ignoring them for three months without so much as a second glance? She felt like a horrible friend if she was even considered that by them anymore.

"Twi' ya'll alright?" asked a concerned orange pony from her left.

"I'm sorry Applejack; that goes towards all of you, including you Spike. I haven't been the greatest friend to any of you, and I can't help but feel awful about it. I just couldn't think of anything else. Not receiving a letter for so long had made my mind race with so many possibilities and all of them just made me feel worse and worse."

All of them turned to face each other with a look of concern, and confusion as to where this was heading.

"I called all of you here because I wanted to apologize. I received a letter from the princess telling me to not to go back to how I was before coming to Ponyville. I'm still new to being a good friend to anypony but, even I know that just sending you girls away each time you tried to help didn't help build our relationship. I'm sorry, for everything."

They all looked at each other and nodded in agreement before looking back at Twilight.

"Twilight, Darling, we understand and its ok. While we didn't exactly expect this kind of reaction over such a thing, it certainly gave us a view of how you think. To be perfectly honest, it is truly a bit of a relief to know you're doing better now." Said the pony fashionista to the right of Twilight as she took another sip of her tea.

"Twilight, I know that I'm not exactly the best for these kinds of situations but, I'm glad that you're ok now. I was worried when even after trying to invite you to a museum you decided not to go. Especially a Wonderbolt museum, I mean, it's the Wonderbolts for Celestia's sake." Added the prismatic mare next to Rarity.

"I agree with them Twilight; I'm happy that you're doing fine. We were all anxious about the situation." Said the yellow mare located next to A.J.

Pinkie Pie simply smiled from the other side of Fluttershy with a look as if she knew it was going to be alright from now on. She had taken it rather harder than the rest when Twilight kept refusing to go to any form of parties during her self-imposed isolation. Her hair lost its bounce, and her coat seemed to be a shade darker. While she continued to plan parties and help the ponies of Ponyville to smile, she didn't have the same kind of enthusiasm knowing there was nothing she could do to help her friend.

"Listen Twilight, I know that you want to put all the blame on yourself for some reason but, you have to realize that it's not entirely your fault. I've been here with you all this time, and I for one can say that the princess could have done more to reply to any of your letters. I can honestly say I'm surprised this one even came. I won't say that there isn't anything you could have done but, at least now you have a reply from her." Spike said with slight venom when he mentioned the princess.

Twilight was surprised that he of all her friends would say something like that. He grew up with her and the princess and thought he viewed the princess in a motherly sort of way. At the same time, it dawned on her that the whole situation might have been harder on him than the girls. Being by her side and constantly trying to get her out of her moods was a task even she had to admit would be far too taxing on anypony, let alone a baby dragon. How had he put up her for so long? She made a mental note to thank him later somehow and ask why he even put up with her all the time.

"Spike, please don't say that. The princess replied, and that's all I can ask for right now. We'll talk later about this but, for now, I just want to apologize to you and the girls."

"Fine, I'll keep you to that statement. We'll talk later about all of this and the princess." Spike huffed, and a small amount of green smoke came out of his nostrils as he crossed his arms and leaned back into his chair.

"Thank you, Spike. Girls, the other reason I called you here was to ask if we could spend more time together. I know you've agreed it was ok but, I want to make it up to all of you individually. It was also something that the princess suggested in her letter, so I want to do that along with some other things. Maybe it'll help me with my studies and keep my mind off recent events."

Twilight proceeded to tell everypony about the contents of the letter, and they all agreed to set a week for each of them to get to know each other better after her isolation. She even set aside time for her family and a separate week for Spike. It had all been planned and with all of them finishing a late lunch prepared by Spike they left to get ready for their week with her. Twilight passed the rest of the day getting ready for the weeks to come as well and with the help of Spike had everything ready for the first week. As Spike headed to get some sleep, Twilight stayed behind to write a quick letter to the princess and asked Spike to send it before he went to bed. He hesitated a bit at the request only to cave at the look Twilight gave him.

"Fine Twilight I'll send it but, not right now. I'm sure the princess is preparing to sleep just like everypony else. I'll send it first thing tomorrow morning ok?"

"Ok, thank you Spike" she kissed his forehead and headed past him to her bed.

"Yea, no problem Twilight. No problem at all..." he watched her go upstairs and clutched the letter tight.
> On The Farm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Morning Spike." Twilight sang as Spike was coming down from the room.

It was weird, to say the least for Twilight to wake up before Spike as he usually had to have breakfast ready. It was even weirder for her voice to be coming from the kitchen. Though it was certainly not out of the ordinary for smoke to be rising and Spike taking over. Twilight apologized and sat down after being told not to bother him cooking, he appreciated the gesture, but would rather not lose their new home to one of Twilight's attempts at the culinary arts.

"Here you go Twilight, I managed to salvage the pancake mix and added blueberries along with bits of peaches. Oh, and here is some cucumber water to go along with it." Spike set both of the items in front of Twilight while serving himself some rather blackened discs to go with his drink.

"Spike, you don't have to eat them. I know I messed up but, you shouldn't submit yourself to eating my failure at cooking."

"Twilight, its fine, I'm eating them not because I'm your assistant but by my freewill. Besides, its' not every day you try and make breakfast, and I certainly haven't seen you this lively in a long time. Also, these aren't that bad really what with me being a dragon and all its' like eating a rather dull gem." He took a bite with a resounding crunch and gulped down some of the water to help it along.

"Thank you, Spike, again." Twilight started to eat her pancakes, and the meal was mostly silent. Only slight conversation with how the time apart would be handled between the two of them.

"So you'll be spending, at least, a week with AJ, Rarity, Fluttershy, Dash, and Pinkie in that order?" Spike asked cleaning the plates off the table.

"Yes, once done Mom and Dad should be coming here to spend some time together and get to know everypony. After they leave, that's when you and I will be spending time together. I promise Spike; I want to make sure that the time we spend together is more than just work. I want to thank you for everything you've done for me."

Spike stopped washing the dishes and wipes his claws on the apron he wore. "I understand Twilight and don't worry so much about it. I do it because you're family to me, and its just something family does for each other."

Twilight pulled the baby dragon with her magic into a hug. She always had trouble seeing him as more than a baby dragon but, it was a time like this she realized that he was growing into a handsome drake. One that was mature beyond his years and smarter than most his age. Spike hugged her back and pulled away to continue washing the dishes. Twilight went upstairs and started to gather her things for the beginning of the week. Once ready she went downstairs to say goodbye to Spike. He would be in charge of the library while she was gone but, she would occasionally come by and check on him and ask for her letters to be sent in case she learned anything on friendship.

Applejack stood at the entrance to the farm waiting for the purple unicorn mare to arrive. She had the week planned out for the two of them and couldn't wait to spend time with her friend. It was hard to know that she couldn't do much to get Twilight to come outside, and it didn't help that she needed to take care of the farm as well. She had tried the least since it was around the time that Big Mac went to visit relatives to help with a huge harvest. With him having returned last week she now had more time to spend with her friends. AJ was looking forward to spending her time with Twilight.

"Applejack! How are you? You didn't have to wait here for me." Twilight said approaching AJ and initiating a hug.

"I know sugarcube but, its' been a long time since we last spent some time together and I wanted to start as soon as you came."

They pulled apart and walked towards the house to put away Twilight's things and begin their day. Once settled in and knowing that she was going to sleep in AJ's room, Twilight spent the next few minutes going on about sleepovers.

"Oh, and we can do our manes and make-up. It says here in Ch.5 that it's' one of the top ten things to do when having a sleepover. Oooh and then theres…"

"Twi, I get that you're as excited to try out some of the things as I am spending time with you but, sometimes its' best we just go with the flow." AJ grabbed the book and put it on her nightstand much to Twilight's disappointment.

"You're right AJ; I got a bit carried away for a moment. The week is about spending time together and knowing one another better than before. I guess we can't exactly do that if I rely on a book the whole time."

They walked outside, and Twilight said hello to Granny Smith as she was cooking Lunch. AJ grabbed a couple of apple ciders from the fridge and led Twilight to the south field. The field was one of the few with nearly all the apples harvested. They sat near one of the nearby trees and relaxed for a bit.

"Applejack, I never really realized how beautiful your farm is, the fresh air and the trees that span for acres. I've never actually took the time to appreciate such things."

"I know, I love this place and wouldn't trade for anything in the world." She took a sip of her cider and enjoyed the breeze that blew through the field.

"I have to thank you again for letting me spend the week here; I know you're busy with taking care of the farm, and I'll be glad to help out any way I can while I'm here." Twilight finished her cider and put it in a bag she had brought for trash. She also took AJ's empty bottle once she finished.

"Its' ok Twi, I'm glad you're finally out of your place after so long. I'd appreciate the help, love it honestly, but we would rather not just use magic for doing things here. Here, we rely on our natural earth pony magic. Magic is handy and can be faster at doing just about everything here, but it just isn't the same as relying on your body and the feeling after finishing a hard task."

"I think I understand Applejack if you believe that magic won't result in the way you want it to then I'll be happy to help without using my magic."

AJ looked at Twilight with a slight smile which turned into a grin and eventually a full on laugh. She laughed for a good minute and Twilight just let her continue with a frown. AJ stopped after another minute and wiped away a tear before regaining her composure.

"Sorry about that Twi, I didn't mean to laugh so much about what you said. It's just that you going a day, much less a week, without using your magic is kinda funny. I mean, you are the element of magic so you'll excuse me if the idea is ridiculous."

Twilight got up and walked closer to AJ with determination in her eye. "I can get along just fine without my magic. I don't see how hard it'll be just to move something around and harvest apples. While, I understand that it requires strength and endurance it doesn't mean that I don't want to help."

"Alright, alright, sorry Twi. I should know better than to expect less of you or anypony else for that matter. If you want to help, then you're more than welcome to for the week. Though, I did just want you to be around to talk when I work and relax so we could just take it slow."

"Please Applejack, let me help. I want to know what its' like to go through a day on the farm just like you. I want to relate better to the kinds of hardships you have in your life, and maybe we can bond a bit closer in the process."

"Hardships huh?" AJ looked at her and for a moment, she looked rather sad. It was only the briefest of frowns but, it was enough for Twilight to notice.

"Alright then Twi, I'll let you help out on the farm. I just want you to remember that if at any point in time you feel like quitting, I won't hold it against you. Not only are you not as athletic as Dash or I but, you've never worked on a farm before I take it."

"Fine, I'll let you know if it gets too hard. I, however, doubt that it'll get to that point, and I'll be more than enough help." Twilight smiled at her statement, and AJ just shook her head.

They walked back to the house to get ready for lunch and on the way AJ told Twilight all the things they would be doing before dinner. It was more than Twilight had thought, and already she regretted her previous boasting but, she pushed aside her doubts and looked forward to helping her friend. Anything to show her sincerity on wanting to know her better. Who knows maybe it would all end in a friendship report in the end. They reached the house and washed their hooves upstairs before lunch. Just before heading down Twilight stopped by AJ's room, AJ followed close behind wondering what she was doing.

"Twi? Lunch is on aren't you going to eat?"

"Oh I will Applejack, I just need to write a quick letter to the princess about how I'll be doing farm work without magic for the week. Have to keep her up to date with my studies right?"

"Oh… right…" AJ frowned as Twilight began to write. It was a short letter, and Twilight didn't write for long.

"Ok, now I just need to give it to Spike to send after lunch, and we'll be set."

"Uh, Twi?"

"Yes, Applejack?"

"I have to pick up Applebloom after lunch, so maybe I can drop it off at the library? Besides you can help Big Mac for a bit while until I return. Let you get used to it a bit before getting to hard stuff."

Twilight thought about it for a second and didn't seem to mind. It made sense to her since AJ had to pick up her sister and it wouldn't take long. She floated the scroll over to her, and AJ put it under her hat. Twilight smiled and thanked her again before heading downstairs, leaving AJ alone in the room.

AJ sighed and took the letter from under her hat. Looking at the scroll she had doubts about whether Twilight really wanted by spending time together by choice or just to please the princess. For now, she knew it was best to just ignore it the mixed feelings she was getting from all of this and returned the letter under her hat and headed down for lunch.
> Just drop it
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Twi, no offense or nothing, but I think you should quit while you're ahead." Applejack watched as Twilight had failed to catch any of the apples falling from the tree she had been trying to buck for the past three hours.

"I got this Applejack, just because it took me so long to successfully buck a tree doesn't mean I won't be able to get the next step." Twilight reared up to buck the tree once more and try for the 39th time at harvesting apples. "Oh, and none taken."

"Twi please just admit you can't do it without your magic. There ain't no shame in admitting when you're wrong. I would think that you of all ponies would know that considering your views on friendship before coming here."

Twilight ignored the comment and bucked the tree, she immediately got the basket ready to catch any of the fruit lodged free by the shockwaves and was reward by catching one of them. "See, I told you I could do it even if it took a while." She smiled excitedly with a newfound confidence in her farming abilities.

"Well, I gotta say that I didn't expect much and I can safely say that you've at least surprised me by catching anything. I'm glad that you're at least having fun Twi, but if you could just focus more on spending time together than work I'd appreciate it."

AJ had moved from watching Twilight to grabbing hold of one of the free baskets and placing it under the same tree. With a motion that told of years of practice and precision, she bucked the tree, and the apples fell perfectly into the basket she had set. She hauled the delectable morsels onto the carriage she had brought and returned to a very unamused Twilight.

"You didn't have to do that you know, I could have done it myself." She pouted as AJ returned from her task.

"I know you could have Twi. Unfortunately, I can't stick around to watch you do so for what I think would be the whole week. Now if you're ready, we can head inside for dinner and after that, you can listen to some of Granny Smith's stories before we rest for the night."

"Ok, but I'm still going to help out in some way. I don't want to just stand around doing nothing while you work. If I can lessen your workload even just a tiny bit, then I'll be happy."

"Thanks, Twi, while I don't rightly know what you could do to help right now, I appreciate it all the same."

They gathered the baskets that AJ had filled while Twilight had tried her luck at bucking. It was more than Twilight thought was possible for one lone mare to harvest, and while it was impressive, she couldn't help and feel as if AJ was pushing herself more than usual. It was as if she was forcing herself to do more than usual.

"No, that's silly." Twilight said as she pushed the thought away.

They brought the cart to the barn and unloaded the basket setting them aside to be sorted through after dinner. As Twilight set the last of the baskets down in order by number of apples inside and color, she joined AJ on the walk back. It was a walk of relative silence, only breaking when Twilight asked the about the organizational techniques used for separating each apple into the proper group for distribution.

To which, AJ just answered, "We pick out the good ones, and use the bad ones for compost and pig feed."

"There has to be more to it than that. Surely, you don't expect me to believe that you just pick ones without more thought."

"Twi, Don't worry so much about it. We know what we're doing here, all of the Apple family have been taught the particulars by Granny Smith and she was taught by our Great Grandpa Gravenstein when they first settled here. I understand if it seems different from what you're used to doing, but we've been doing this since before you came to Ponyville."

"Sorry Applejack, I guess I'm just a bit too eager to help here. I also seem to be saying sorry a lot lately. Though, I can't say that being sorry about things wouldn't be far from the truth after staying isolated for so long."

A.J stopped and looked back at Twilight. She gave Twilight a concerned look and sighed. "Twi, you have to stop saying you're sorry. You've already apologized to all of us, and we forgave you. I mean, sure it wasn't exactly an easy thing considering how much we tried only to be outdone by a single letter from the princess…" A slight hint of venom was in her voice at the mention of the princess, but it was so quick and subtle that Twilight just missed it. "Regardless, what I'm trying to say Twi is that you need to stop apologizing and focus on the now. It's not every day we spend time together let alone a week so let's make the most of it without feeling sorry for ourselves ok?"

"Ok Applejack, I understand." Giving A.J a slight smile she pulled her into a quick hug and then continued to walk towards the house. A.J was slowly coming up behind her with a rather neutral facial expression.

They got arrived and inside were greeted by Granny Smith wearing an annoyed frown because of them being a bit late. Big Mac and Applebloom were already seated and waited for them impatiently to sit so they could start eating. It was for good reason as Granny had outdone herself after finding out Twilight would be staying with them. Hospitality had no limits towards a guest of the Apple family. There were dishes even the siblings rarely saw unless it was a reunion and even then they were rare. 

Granny Smith had made Greek yogurt caramel fruit dip, slow-cooker daisy and tomato sandwiches with apple bbq sauce; warm winter rose sangria, Dutch apple pie, apple glazed kale and spinach with a mix of nuts, smoky apple cider, and caramelized apples with onions. All of which had even Twilight slightly regretting that she would only be here for a week. 

They ate in relative silence, not due to having no topic, but because the food was so good nopony could get a moment without stuffing themselves. The only real thought anypony had at the table was the wish that Twilight would stay over more often. Granny Smith just had a look of pride at everypony enjoying her food.

After dinner, Twilight followed A.J back to the barn to sort through the previously harvested apples. It was a rather slow journey as they had eaten more than they thought was possible for either of them. Even if it was a pretty bad choice on their part, they regretted nothing about it. At least not until they had to sit down and sort the apples, the smell of which made them a bit nauseous.

"Ok, Twi, what we need to do is go through each of these baskets and separate any apples that might contain worms or bruises. If you find ones with worms just set them to the side, and as for the ones with injuries use an empty basket for them. We'll use those as feed for the other animals and compost for the damaged ones."

"Alright, I got it Applejack. Are you sure that I can't help with improving the system a bit, though? I mean it just seems a little tedious if you have to sort through all of them like that and I know that if I use magic, I'll be able to search through them a lot quicker."

"Twi, what did I say about using magic?"

"I know, I know, but I'm sure if you just gave it a shot it would help reduce the amount of time you spend doing something like this and open up more time for us to do some more bonding."

"No thanks Twi, even if it would go faster, it takes time to look through each and every apple with a discerning eye. If there is even one bad apple, it could ruin the whole bunch. It would be safer to give each apple the attention they deserve."

Spending the next hour sorting through the apples was mundane, to say the least. It was easy enough for Applejack as she was used to such work, but Twilight seemed to be having a unique reaction to it. She sat there only using her magic to float an apple to her and placing it in the necessary pile. She was beginning to understand how Spike felt whenever she wished to reshelve the books back in Canterlot. Making a mental note to let baby dragon have the next shelf day off, she looked over to A.J to find her humming a rather odd tune.

It was one she had heard somewhere before, but couldn't remember where for the life of her. It was one of those songs that you might have heard in passing, and remember hearing it only after hearing it slightly. It was a song that was on the tip of her tongue, and yet she couldn't place it.

"What are you humming Applejack?" she finally asked

"Huh?! Oh, sorry Twi. Guess I just a bit too focused on the work. I completely forgot you were here and started humming." She blushed as if somepony had caught her in the middle of something extremely embarrassing.

"I take it that you hum that song a lot when you do this type of work?"

"Yea, it… the song is something my mom used to sing to me whenever I had a bad day. Of course, she also sang it as a lullaby, but it's been so long that I forgot the words to it. I was only a filly back then, only slightly younger than Applebloom is now. I… I should have paid more attention to it back then, but what did I know? I was still only a foal." She took off her hat and looked at something on the inside. Twilight wasn't able to see what she was looking at but from the look on A.J it had to be something of critical importance.

"Applejack… What happened to your parents?" curious as to why she had never met them before, and thinking they were on a possible trip, it started to make sense, but Twilight asked the one question that she should have left alone.

Looking up at Twilight A.J put the hat back on and turned back to the baskets. "Sorry Twi, I… I just don't want to talk about it, let's just get back to work." She started to sort through the apples once more only to stop as she felt a hoof on her shoulder.

"Applejack, are you sure you don't want to talk about it? I can tell that this is something that's bothering you quite a bit. Maybe..."

"Drop it Twi! I said that I didn't want to talk about so just stop!" she stomped her hoof with a resounding crash that echoed through the barn. It was surprising enough that she had yelled at Twilight, but the combined force of her shout and the stomp had caught Twilight off guard. She stepped away from A.J with her ears folded and regretting having pushed the subject.

A.J seemed to be shaking a bit, whether it was from anger or from realizing what she had done Twilight didn't know. Without another word she walked out of the barn and slammed the door leaving a worried and confused Twilight behind to think of what she had just done.
> Family
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Mama?"

"Yes, sugar cube?"

"When is daddy coming back?"

"He'll be back soon enough darling. In fact, a letter arrived this morning from your Pa. What say you and me read it together?"

"Ok!"

"Alright then, come on up here and we can read it together."

A knock came from the doorway of the room before the filly could finish climbing onto the bed. The knock came from an old mare that seemed to be trying her hardest to stay emotionless. As she walked inside and surveyed the room, the foal caught her attention, and her face twitched with a hint of breaking the stoic look.

"Applejack, Sweetie. Can you get Big Mac from the southern field? I need to talk to your Ma for a bit."

"Awww, but we were gonna read a letter from daddy. Can't it wait Granny?"

"She's right Granny Smith; I'm sure whatever it is can at least wait for a bit right?"

The old mare gave A.J a stern look and gave the same treatment to the mare lying in bed. "Autumn Gold, this is important. I need to talk to you now; the letter can wait. A.J go and get your brother and don't give me any lip young filly or I know somepony who won't be getting any dessert tonight."

"No! Its apple fritters day! I'll get him Granny, please don't take away the fritters."

A.J sped past the mare at the door leaving the two alone in the room to discuss whatever had made the usually cheerful Granny take a serious tone.

"Granny, what could be so important that you had to threaten A.J like that?" Autumn asked as she tried to prop herself up on the bed careful to not jostle the baby.

"Autumn, sweetie. I need you to stay calm and listen to everything I have to say." Granny Smith said, as she closed the door and took a seat next to her daughter-in-law.

"Granny? What's wrong? What's going on?" panic was stirring in Autumn's voice as she saw Granny Smith slowly breakdown.

"It's about Charles, there was… an accident…"





Twilight had left the barn in search of A.J after the outburst while she didn't exactly know the origin of A.J suddenly yelling, Twilight knew she had pushed the subject of A.J's parents a little too much. It hadn't occurred to her that the farmer's parents were no longer around, though the subject wasn't something she was familiar with in the slightest. As Twilight ran across the apple trees, she spotted a mass of red disappear behind a tree. She stopped and went directly in the direction she spotted it.

Big Mac had finished harvesting his daily quota and was caught off guard when Twilight suddenly appeared in front of him. He finished loading the last of the baskets as she tried to catch her breath.

"Big Mac! Have you seen Applejack?! She ran off somewhere, and I need to apologize."

"Eeenope"

"Oh dear, you wouldn't happen to know where she usually goes do you?"

"Eeeyup."

"Perfect! Can you tell me where that would be?"

"Eeenope"

Twilight stopped her slight panic and looked towards Big Mac. He stood perfectly still and towered over her. He seemed to be giving off an air of intimidation, but that couldn't be right. Could it?

"What do you mean no? Why won't you tell me where she is? I need to find her and apologize."

"That is exactly why I won't tell you." He moved past her and put the harness on to drag the cart towards the barn. Twilight followed him close behind.

"I'm not sure I follow. Why would my apologizing be the reason for not telling me where she is?"

Big Mac came gave her a slight glance and kept moving. "Twilight, I know that you and A.J are friends. At least by what she tells me, and with everything that happened with you and the rest of the girls I know that she's the Element of Honesty. All of you saved Equestria and the Princess, and for that, I'll be forever grateful." He came to a stop and turned to look at the purple unicorn.

"However, even if she says you're a friend, I don't quite see it that way, and that's due to the fact of your isolation. Three months she worried Twilight, three months she after the initial attempts of trying to get you out. For those three months, it was obvious that she was hurting, she won't ever say it and even if you ask her, she'll deflect it as she does for anything that might be unpleasant for her."

At this point, Big Mac had come closer to her and looked down with a face of absolute authority. Twilight had recoiled and tried to make herself as small as possible underneath the intense gaze.

"Now, I know the reason you're here is to try and be a better friend, and I respect that. A.J seems happier that you're working for it, and I'm glad that she's happy. But, what I can't be happy about is the fact that you caused her to feel the way she did. She is one of the few ponies around that never really gave up on you, but for you to come here, to our home and do something to make her run off is something I can't ignore."

Twilight felt as if Celestia herself had been reprimanding her. The feeling of failing a test couldn't compare to how she currently felt under the stare of the giant stallion.

"Between you and me Twilight I don't care if you were Celestia herself, anypony that would make my family feel the way you had A.J feel wouldn't go unscathed. The only thing keeping me from throwing you out of here is A.J wanting to make this visit work. Believe me, when I say, that if you think I'm about to tell you where she is after whatever happened between you two, then you have to be delusional."

He turned away and hooked the cart once more. Giving one last glance at shaken purple mess that was Twilight, he started his trek towards the barn once more. Twilight watched him leave, and it was a while before she had composed herself enough to move. She was surprised that the usually quiet stallion had said as much as she did, but what caught her off guard was what he said to her.

Had her isolation affected A.J so much? It had only been a couple of months to Twilight, and while she knew the girls hadn't taken it well, she had no idea as to what they were feeling throughout that time. Was she such a horrible friend? Was all of this just a mistake?

"No. No. This isn't a mistake; I'm doing this to get closer to the girls and apologize for being away for so long. I may have been a horrible friend during that time, but that doesn't mean I can't fix this."

She moved towards the west grove and started her search for A.J again. This time, she would apologize. This time, she would listen to what A.J had to say about her isolation. This time, things would be different, she would be different, they would be different. She ran through the rows of trees and was near the end of the grove. The sun had started to set and night was becoming more apparent in the sky. She was about to turn back when she saw a silhouette by a tree to the far right of the grove. She walked towards the shadowy figure slowly and heard a familiar humming.

A.J sat against the tree humming the song that had caused the outburst. She had her mane loose, and her hat was set beside her. The breeze blew through her fur and mane making it seem like small streaks of gold gently blowing in the wind. Twilight had come close enough to hear the humming loud and clear but didn't proceed until A.J acknowledged her. The song ended after another minute, and A.J looked towards Twilight. Tying her mane once more into a ponytail and donning her hat, she moved towards the direction Twilight had come.

"Let's go Twi; dinner should be ready by now. Granny Smith hates it whenever anypony is late to any meal she prepares."

"Applejack, we shoul.."

"Twilight!" A.J yelled abruptly, making the unicorn take a step back

"It's fine, words were said, and nothing can change what happened. What we can do, though, is put it behind us and move on. Now let's go before the food gets cold."

A.J continued towards the house with Twilight following behind her downcast. She knew by now that unless they talked about what happened, nothing would change between them. It was only the beginning of the week, and she still had time before going leaving to spend time with Fluttershy to set things right. Before the end of the week, she and A.J would talk about what happened; she just needed the right moment to bring it up. But, before all of that she needed to find out what happened to her parent's, and that meant talking to the Apple family patriarch.
> Side: Father and Son
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"We gather today to say goodbye to Charles Ross Apple, who was cut down before his time due to unfortunate circumstances. We knew him as hard working, loyal, kind, generous, and brave stallion. He was a father of three and a loving husband to Autumn Gold Apple. He took over the farm at a young age when he showed tremendous talent in business and helped shape what the Sweet Apple Acres is today. There was no pony in town that did not know him as anything less than a great friend. Ponyville has lost many great ponies in the time was founded, and Charles is no less as inspiring with his help towards developing the town alongside his best friend, Filthy Rich." The pony clad in a dark robe and white collar stepped down from the podium as Filthy Rich took the stage.

Everypony around A.J was crying and wearing the same dark clothing. She, herself, wore a black dress which made her extremely uncomfortable and fidgety. The only thing that kept her in place was Big Mac to her right as he held her hoof and squeezed each time she started to move. She didn't quite understand why everypony was crying. She didn't know why Mr. Filthy and that pony from before were talking about her father. She had less of a clue as to why Granny and her mom hadn't said anything all throughout the week about her dad.

"Big Mac?" she asked quietly and got his attention.

"Why are we here? Why is everypony talking about daddy and crying?

"Not now A.J, just sit still and pay attention."

"But why? I want to go home. I want to see daddy."

"A.J, not now. Keep quiet and pay attention to what is happening."

She frowned at the denial of returning home, she looked to her left and saw her mom and Granny Smith crying as time went on. Mr. Filthy was talking about her dad on the stage as well, and she could see that he was having a hard time to keep from crying. Why was everypony crying? Why was there a stage? What was the point of having a big picture of her dad on the stage and some box? Was it a party? If it was then, it wasn't a good party with everypony crying around her.

As Filthy Rich finished his eulogy and stood to the right, A.J noticed Granny Smith going up there this time. She sat up and paid attention as ignoring anything Granny said would result in punishment later on. She didn't want to go another day without dessert and especially since tonight was zap apple turnover night.

"Thank ya kindly Filthy." Granny said as she took her position behind the podium with help from Filthy Rich.

"Please Granny Smith, it's just Rich."

She nodded and turned to face the crowd; she looked out to see more than half of the town had turned up for her son. Their friend and one of the few ponies looked to for guidance other than the mayor. She was about to speak when she noticed her family, the family that Charles had left behind. The family that was her last connection to him, a sudden wave of emotion came over her. She tried to speak, but could do nothing except cry and wail. Filthy had to support her as she kept trying to compose herself, only to help lead her offstage when it was fruitless. She sat back down next to Autumn, and they both held onto each other crying.

It was then that A.J felt her hoof become lighter and saw Big Mac going up the stage. It caught everypony by surprise as he was the last pony they expected to have something to say. Though, with this being the type of event it was it only seemed right to let him do as he pleased.

Big Mac was big for his age and quickly took the spot Granny had previously walked away from a mess. He looked to Filthy and thanked him for everything he said. Big Mac had no speech ready; this was spur of the moment, and it looked as if he was blanking out on what to say.

"Before anything else, I want to thank everypony here on behalf of my mother, sisters, Granny, and myself, for your efforts, large and small, to be here today, and to mark the passing of my father. I am honored to be here to speak to all of you. Honored to be able to talk about my dad for the stallion he strove to be all his life."

"Each of you here had your relationship with my father, each with your set of memories and words to describe him. I don't know what kind of stallion he was to all of you individually. What I do know is the type of stallion he was in my eyes, the kind of father, and role model he was to me. He will never truly be gone as his will lives on inside each of us, and will continue to do so until the day all of us here have passed."

"Big Mac?" A.J called to him, only to receive a short glance as he continued.

"My father showed me how to do everything he did on the farm the first chance he got. He taught me how to plow, how to harvest, how to plant, and how to tend to every bit of the farm that might be in decline. He was a harsh teacher, I was a stubborn student, and he never once went easy on me for anything. It was those lessons that shaped who I am today; it was those punishments for spilling cider, slacking off, crushing apples, or leaving thing half done that kept me from giving in completely. My father was a hard stallion, but despite his lessons and the way he taught, he was my father."

"He showed up for all of my events at school; he cared for his family when they were ill or injured. He showed me that despite being such a hard stallion, family always came first. I remember once, not too long ago, I had tried to run away. I was sick of his lectures, tired of the work put on me, and tired of not being able to do what I wanted."

Silence had taken hold of the crowd; they had not expected him of all ponies to try and run from responsibility. From the looks Granny Smith and his mother had, it was the first time they had heard of this as well. A.J just kept staring at her brother, taking in everything he was saying.

"I was halfway towards Canterlot having taken the train and getting off at a town a couple of hours away. Just as I was boarding the next train, my father came up from out of nowhere and grabbed me kicking and screaming. He led me to the field outside the town, and that was when I got a good look at him. He was breathing heavily, his fur was caked in sweat and dirt, and his hat was missing. The same hat that he would tan my hide for messing with, the same one that was given to him by his father. He loved that thing more than anything else as it was the last gift given to him by Grandpa."

"My father strode up to me, and before I could even ask what he was doing, he started to wail on me. He kept doing so for a good hour, and I fought back. When we were done, and I was lying on the ground he picked me up and put me on his back, going back in the direction of the farm. It wasn't until we reached the outskirts of the farm when he let me down and looked at me."

"That was when my father said these words:"





"Mac, I know exactly how you're feeling. I ran away from my Pa too; the only difference is that I kept running. I ran and ran never looking back as he kept yelling. I kept running for years, wandering from place to place, and never truly knowing what it was I wanted to do with my life. It wasn't until I met your mother and she asked to meet my folks that I started to realize that, even after running for so long, I would never get away. So I came back, I came back here to the place I hated only to find my Ma, your granny, alone and the farm practically in shambles. It was when I met Ma again that I discovered pa had left years ago to search for me. He kept searching and searching year after year. Apparently, I was always gone a couple of days before he got close. Ma received word that he had died of a heart attack a year before my coming back. He died somewhere that wasn't home, somewhere out there searching for me. His jackass of a son who was too stubborn and ignorant of his feelings. All my life I felt like I wasn't good enough for him and in the end I was the only thing he thought about on his deathbed. That hat was the only thing he left me and while I would sooner give my forelegs than lose it. I would sooner die than lose you."

"Family will always come first Mac, and while I might not say it out loud, know that I love you. I'm proud of you and the type of stallion you're becoming; I have never wished for you gone and never want to lose you. If you feel the need to leave once then let me know before you do so, because if you don't, I'll just hunt you down again and beat some sense into you. I'll do what my Pa tried to do to me. Now let's go home, your Ma will probably have both our hides after she sees us like this, but don't worry, I'll say it was my fault."





Big Mac could be seen crying, and yet he stood firmly behind that podium. He stood tall and proud talking about his father. His voice never cracked and wavered, and while he was visibly crying, he spoke as if it was the single most important thing he would ever do in his life.

"It was at that point, that I realized I was much like my father. Seeking approval from the only father figure I had in my life only to never get it. But, unlike my father, I received it in the end. I got what had been searching for more than half his life only to be denied when grandpa died. I took it upon myself to always be there for my family and never waver when it concerns them. My father taught me many things, and he wore many masks. I will never forget him."

He left the stage thanking Filthy once more before stepping down. He sat back down next to A.J and held her hoof again. A.J kept starting at him until he grabbed her hoof, it was at this point she realized that he was shaking, he had been shaking this whole time, and she hadn't truly noticed it. Nopony had noticed it, as the shaking was so small that it could not be visible. That's when it hit her. This gathering was not a party; this was a gathering to say goodbye. It was to say goodbye to her dad, and from what Mac had said, it was a final goodbye. She broke down crying and didn't stop until she passed out in Autumn's hooves.
> Trust
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Both Applejack and Twilight received a scolding for letting the food almost go to waste by Granny Smith. Big Mac just sat in his seat and ate silently, while Applebloom kept asking Twilight questions about her life in Canterlot. A.J just kept to herself only answering here there if Granny asked something or telling Applebloom to calm down and eat. Twilight had tried to talk to A.J once more after dinner when they returned to sort the apples but was just deflected with questions about her family instead. A.J was better at changing the subject at hoof than Twilight gave her credit for in the first place. The night went on uneventfully, and the Apple family plus their guest slept through the night.

Twilight was awoken by the sounds of the rooster going off in the field who signaled the start of a new morning. She was not used to getting up so early but adjusted nonetheless due to her study habits. She noticed that the room was empty other than herself as A.J had apparently gotten up earlier to either start working or avoid her. It didn't surprise her in the least as she still felt guilty for pushing a subject that A.J was adamant on avoiding. That, however, didn't mean she wouldn't keep trying to talk about it. It was evident to her that A.J was suffering because of the matter and according to everything, Twilight has read friends help each other through such problems.

"I have to show her how good of a friend I am, and for that to happen I have to make her open up to me enough to talk about such things."

Twilight brushed her mane and went downstairs to find everypony except A.J at the table eating breakfast. Mac gave her a cursory glance; Granny invited her to sit and piled food on her plate while Applebloom continued her barrage of questions from last night.

"So is it true that you hatched Spike all by yourself when you were mah age?"

"Well actually I was a bit younger than you are now, but yes that did happen. It was during my entrance exam to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns."

"Wow, Twilight that must have been the best day of your life."

"Well, it sure was one of the best days of my life. It was the same day I got my cutie mark and became the personal student of the Princess…" She trailed off slightly, and a tinge of sadness could be caught in her eyes at the mention of Princess Celestia.

Big Mac caught it just in time and cleared his throat before putting away the dishes. Everypony looked at him, and he motioned for Twilight to follow him.

"Applebloom, it's time for your chores. Make sure to have them done before you leave for school. Granny I'll be at the east field today and have Twilight help me for a bit. Let A.J know where to find us once she's done feeding the hogs."

"Alrighty Big Mac, I'll let her know. Be sure to bring in our portion of apples to fill the pantry. Having an extra mouth to feed does make a difference, and I don't want to skimp out on hospitality."

"Yes, ma'am. Come on Twilight."

Twilight finished her last bit of apple pancakes and followed after Mac as he stepped outside. She stopped at the doorway and turned back before going further. "Granny Smith? If it's not too much trouble would it be alright if we talked about something later today?"

"Why sure sweetie, I'll make time before tonight's dinner, just be sure you're done with everything A.J and Mac have for you before then. Even if you are a guest, you still have to work if you want to eat around here."

"Got it, thank you, Granny Smith. I'll see you before dinner." She walked outside only to run into Mac immediately outside the door.

"What are you going to ask her?"

This was the second time the stallion was looming over her, the second time he had a threating tone in his voice, and the second time he eyed her with nothing short of suspicion. Twilight took a step back and looked as the stallion eased back a little to give her room.

"I was going to ask her about why Applejack won't talk about your parents. I figured that I should ask Granny Smith given how she's lived the longest and probably knows a lot more about it than anypony else…"

"Twilight… I've warned you once, and I'll do so again. If you're doing this just because of some need to fix whatever problem is in front of you, then you need to stop right now. I will throw you out regardless of what Granny or A.J say about it. Granny may be the one the farm is under and A.J may be the one ponies see as the icon for the farm, but be advised that I'm the one in charge of things around here. I'm the one that keeps things afloat, the one that knows the business better than A.J, the one that'll inherit the farm once Granny passes, and the one looking out for the family. So if you think I'll stand aside and watch you make my family into some experiment of yours just to satisfy the Princess, then you're even dumber than I initially thought."

"I'm not doing this for the Princess! I know that it looks bad considering what happened these past few months, but I swear I'm not trying to do this just to send a report to the Princess!"

"Are you sure about that Twilight? Can you honestly say that even if you never have the answer you're looking for; you'll back down enough to just let things be? That this whole week here with A.J is truly just for the two of you to get closer and not because you're studying friendship?"

"I... I…" Twilight stood still trying to gather her thoughts. It wasn't the first time she thought about writing to the Princess about the whole situation. She had wanted to send a letter first thing that morning but figured she would do it after her talk with Granny Smith. The only question that lingered was if she was doing all of this for A.J or herself. Did she only think of this as an attempt for a friendship report? Was she so obsessed with pleasing the princess? Surely, that couldn't be the case…

"I'm sure Big Mac. I'm doing this because I'm her friend. I want us to be closer and if doing this helps me do that then so be it."

Mac looked at her one last time and walked off to the east field, Twilight followed close behind. The walk was silent, and only nods and looks went between the two as they got the carts and baskets loaded. It was agonizing for Twilight as she was still thinking about what Mac had said to her before coming to the east field. She bucked trees for a good two hours before taking a break for water; she watched as Big Mac kept going at a pace much faster her; which was to be expected from the difference in experience.

"Hey Twi, sorry it took so long to get you. The hogs were a mite picky about what they wanted to eat today." A.J said as she came up behind Twilight resting underneath one of the trees she had successfully harvested.

"Oh! It's ok Applejack; I don't want you to change your way of doing things around the farm just for me. Besides, I think the exercise is good for me considering… you know."

"Yea, I can see it's doing you a bit of good. Helping with the bit of pudge you have." A.J poked at Twilight's barrel and laughed as the unicorn flushed with embarrassment.

"Applejack!"

"Oh calm down Twi, it's perfectly natural. Given the time you were holed up in that library I'm surprised you didn't come out a tad bigger."

Twilight's face scrunched, and she pushed A.J a bit. To which, A.J shoved back with the same force. They laughed about it for a while, and soon Twilight followed A.J to the well near the main barn. They waved goodbye to Big Mac and took one of the carts that were already full of packed baskets. When they reached the barn, they unloaded, and A.J left Twilight to sort them as she returned the cart to where Mac was still harvesting. Upon A.J's return, they finally started on the task for that day.

"Alright, the well is getting on in years and is barely holding together as it is. So what we're doing is replacing any of the stones and finding out what the water level is at compared to two years ago."

"Why two years ago?"

"That was the last time we had to fix the well. Usually, we do this at least once a year, but we didn't have the funds for the materials last year."
"Alright, let's get to work then."

They work kept them busy as it was delicate work to replace the stones without any tumbling into the water and contaminating it. Throughout the work Twilight couldn't help but feel as if she should at least try talking to A.J once more before the talk with Granny Smith. However, each time the thought came it went away just as quickly as Big Mac's words kept echoing in her mind. She decided against bringing it up again and kept to the task at hoof. All she wanted to know would be answered when she finally got to talk to Granny. Her question could wait until then.

As they set the last of the stones and made a record of the water level, they lay down to enjoy the brief rest.

"So… I hear from Mac that you want to talk to Granny. Any particular reason as to why?"

Twilight looked away from the gaze and swatted at some grass in front of her. "Oh, just to ask about the history of the farm and things like that."

A.J just stared at her a while longer before getting up and packing away the tools and extra materials back in the barn. "Twi, I want you to know that I trust you. Despite everything that has happened these past few months and yesterday. I want you to know that I've always been there for you and always will be."

"Applejack…"

"However, trust is something that can easily be lost… So please understand when I say that I hope all you do is ask about the farm..."

A.J turned to look at Twilight, and they shared a moment in silence as the wind picked up and blew through their manes. A.J pulled her hat down on her face and turned towards the east field.

"Granny told me that once you're done here to go to the house for that talk. I'll be helping Big Mac for the rest of the time so once you're done get us for dinner."

Twilight watched her walk away and felt like the biggest idiot in the world. She hadn't exactly lied to A.J when she said her questions were about the farm. She just didn't mention that the farm could also include its residents… past and present.

"I'm sorry A.J. I promise this will be the last time I do something like this."
> A Conversation With Granny Smith
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight stepped into the kitchen to find Granny Smith putting down a plate of cheese and apple slices. There was already a plate on both sides and a pitcher of lemonade to accompany the light meal. The rest of the kitchen had pots and pans cooking something underneath their lids. Granny put them to a slow simmer and sat down; motioning for Twilight to do the same.

"Thank you once again for taking the time to talk to me, Granny Smith. This means a lot to me, and it will help clear up some confusion on my part." Twilight said as she sat down and poured the drinks for the both of them using her magic.

"No trouble at all sweetie, just a bit outta nowhere. I don't think I could be much help to the Princess's prized student." Granny took a sip of the lemonade and watched as Twilight set down slices and cheese on their plates.

"Oh, don't be like that Granny Smith. I've heard that you've been here since the found of Ponyville, so I'm sure there is a lot I could learn from you. Though, to be honest, there are some things, in particular, I want to know about."

"Oh? What would they be? And, please just Granny'll do."

"Well, what I wanted to talk to you about was more about someponies in particular. Specifically, Applejack's parents if that's alright with you…" Twilight had to look away at asking such a question. It would undoubtedly bring up bad memories for the old mare, but she couldn't back down now. Not when she finally had the chance to know why A.J was acting the way she was whenever the topic was brought up.

"You… want to know about my son and his wife? That's certainly not something I get asked every day. Well, I guess that's fine then, what do you want to know?"

This was it, she wanted to ask so many questions, but the fact that it was such a touchy subject made it clear that she needed to proceed with caution. She needed to ease her way into this kind of conversation and rightly asking about the death of her son and daughter-in-law was not the way to do it. "Well, to start, I'd like to know their names and how they met."

"My son's name was Charles Ross Apple, and his wife was Autumn Gold. They met in Prance during the time Charles was gone on his journey of sorts. It wasn't until they decided to marry that he came to introduce her to me, it was also the same day he decided to take over the farm with her."

"Just you? What of your husband?"

"Alexander Apple was his name; he died far away from here chasing after Charles. He never got say goodbye… I never got to say goodbye…" Granny was holding back tears, and tried her best to keep her composure in front of Twilight. She blew into the hoofkerchief provided by Twilight and wiped any stray tears.

"Sorry, I didn't mean..."

"Its ok dear, I'm just not used to talking about him as much to other ponies. I'm all right, let's continue." 

"Right, well, what did you mean he chased after your son? Was this journey dangerous or something?"

"Not exactly, Charles was a stubborn stallion just like his Pa, and it didn't help that they fought about everything. It got to the point where he just up and ran off without so much as a goodbye or note. That was when Alexander went after him to bring him back or at least try talking sense into him. I never saw him again until a letter arrived asking for identification of a body. It was the hardest trip I ever made."

Twilight started to feel guilty about bringing up such horrible memories for Granny Smith. The feeling of prying into something best left alone was becoming more apparent as the story went on, but she couldn't help the need to know, to learn about why things were the way they were.

"So your son, Charles, came back to find you alone? Is that why he took over the farm? Along with Autumn?"

"Yes, he took it harder than I thought he would. After learning of his father's death, he wouldn't eat or move from his grave for at least a week. When he finally did move, he told Autumn that she was free to leave as he would stay to keep the farm going. She refused to go, and a few months later they married. I couldn't have asked for a better wife for my son even if Celestia herself offered. I loved them both, and they brought me so much happiness after such dark days."

"I'm so happy for you Granny; I can't even begin to imagine how you must have felt alone to tend to the farm all those years."

"Well, it wasn't easy, and it fell into a steep decline seeing as Alex used most of the funds to chase after Charles, but I don't regret letting him. I'd do anything for that stubborn old fool, even if it meant being unable to afford help."

"You loved him didn't you Granny?"

"Yes, I did, and still do."

There was a moment of silence as they each took a sip of their drinks respectively, and ate some of the snacks as Twilight refilled the glasses. Twilight enjoyed the momentary lapse in conversation as she was working her way up to the main reason she had asked for the talk in the first place. It would mean seeing Granny in pain for remembering, but she was so close to the truth of it all that she didn't want to stop halfway. And yet, it didn't feel right to her. It felt like she was sullying the memories of Granny with her need to fix a problem. The thought was prominent in her mind, but she didn't pay it much heed as it was replaced with even more questions as to what exactly happened to make A.J act so distant.

"Granny? I know this might be a bit much, and you don't have to answer if you don't want to."

Granny Smith sipped her lemonade and raised an eyebrow as Twilight started to fidget in her seat. "What is it dear?"

"Well… What happened to them? Charles and Autumn."

Granny put her glass down and ate another apple slice. She took a deep breath and looked out the window for what seemed like forever to Twilight. The silence was getting to her, and the guilt was starting to get too heavy. She expected some form of response instead of just silence. Even a slight deflection would be better than having to sit there not knowing what the old mare was thinking. Was she thinking of telling Twilight to get out? Did she ask too much too soon? Were the events so traumatic that she just couldn't bring herself to talk about them? Was she disappointed at Twilight for asking such personal questions? Especially after hiding away for three months and causing A.J to act slightly off the whole time? Had she really only brought up the subject just to satisfy her own needs? What of A.J? Would this all result in her losing a friend? A friend that had put her complete trust in her. Twilight started to sweat harder than she thought possible, and her breathing was getting haphazard. It was deafening how long the silence was lasting; she couldn't take much more of it, and it had only been five minutes of waiting.

"It was when Autumn was pregnant with Applebloom that it happened."
> A Letter from Filthy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"There was an accident…"

"An accident Granny? Wait… you don't mean…"

"Charles isn't coming back Autumn… My boy, your husband, is gone."

Autumn didn't immediately react; she just looked at Granny Smith to her stomach. To the daughter that her husband blessed her a few months before his trip to help the farm expand distribution. Before he left he promised to write whenever the chance presented itself, she had received countless letters. They were about the progress he and Filthy Rich were making with establishing further distribution. About the small fights and arguments, he had with Filthy when matters didn't seem reasonable. The complaints about delays receiving her replies and news of the family. The biggest news that came from one of the letters though was his mention of another reason he made the trip. He wanted to get enough bits to pay for the wedding they couldn't have all those years ago.

When Charles had taken over the farm, he poured every last bit he had into restoring it to working condition. Autumn had given him her savings as well to help out and while there were times they went without much on the table it was well worth it. They had built the farm back up, and several branches of the Apple family came to help with the rebuilding. The wedding they had all those years ago was simple, with only Granny Smith and preacher present near his father's grave. It was all he could afford at the time, and he always regretted not letting her have the dream weddings she had talked about when he proposed.

Now that plan was gone along with Charles; it was just another nail in the coffin of her dreams. Dreams of a happy and whole family, about spending the rest of her years with the stallion she loved. Watching their children grow and make something of themselves. Of seeing her husband hold his second daughter for the first time. All of it was gone in an instant because of events that she could do nothing about. Her tears flowed down onto the blanket covering her shaking body. She cried alongside Granny Smith as she rubbed her second daughter and tried to reassure her as she kicked. The poor filly would never get to meet her father, never get to hug him or hear his voice. Never see him face to face or have memories of him to speak of in the future. She cried for her daughter as she would now be denied all of that in her life.

"How?"

Granny Smith wiped a tear away and presented a letter to Autumn. Autumn took it in hoof and read silently the events to rob her family of a great father, husband, and son.

Dear Apple Family,

It comes with severe regret to inform all of you through a letter that there has been a horrible accident. Charles, my best friend, has met with a tragedy as we were coming back from the Griffonstone. There was a fire in the engine room of the airship, and an emergency landing was to be done immediately. The fire had started making its way towards the passenger rooms and spread quickly as everypony tried to evacuate to the front of the ship for pegasi to help lower them to safety. 

All of the passengers before were able to get off safely until an explosion rocked the ship and knocked several ponies overboard without assistance. Charles and I were among them; I had regained my senses only to watch as Charles dove to save a foal that had gotten launched further than the rest. He managed to save the foal, but there were not enough pegasi to carry the both of them. Know that even in his last moments he stood firm in his belief of helping others. He threw the child to the closest pegasus, and that was the last I saw him alive as he fell into the ravine. I have never in my life regretted being born an earth pony more than I did at that moment. Knowing that I could do nothing as he fell will haunt me for years to come. I apologize for being unable to bring him back safely to all of you.

We were able to locate him and are now in the process of preparing the moving him from Griffonstone to Ponyville. I have already made several arrangements for the funeral and will cover all expenses. We shall arrive within the week and once again I am truly sorry for being unable to do more than this.

Your friend,
Filthy Rich

Autumn smiled as she cried when she read of his selfless act. It was just like him to put others before himself. It was a trait she had fallen in love with when they first met, but now more than ever had she wished he was a bit more selfish. She knew it meant that it would mean death for a small foal, and that was an awful thing to want. But, if that wish alone would let her husband come back safely, let her hear his laugh, and hug her once more; then she wouldn't hesitate to make it.





Twilight listened as Granny Smith recounted the events of that day. She listened in silence and cried when Granny reached the part about the letter. To have lost their father so young was something she couldn't comprehend as her father was still alive and in her life. The thought of him never being there from the beginning caused her to feel the heartbreak even deeper. There was nothing she could say or do to make it better as Granny finished her story.

Granny Smith passed a hoofkerchief to Twilight as she wiped the last tear from her eye. She started to clean up the plates as Twilight tried to compose herself. Once the dishes were washed and put away, she finished the last touches on dinner and let them cool. When Granny sat back down Twilight gulped down a glass of water she was presented.

"I'm sorry about that Granny, I just… I'm sorry for asking you about what happened. I'm so sorry."

"It's ok dear; enough time has passed for me to cope with the loss and it does me good to let it out every once in a while."

Granny Smith continued telling Twilight about the funeral and the countless ponies that had shown up. The impact her son had on the community as a whole, the speech Filthy had given and the words shared by Big Mac. It had come to surprise once again that Big Mac had been able to say what he did at the funeral. She, once again, didn't picture him as one to do what he did; that is until recent events came to mind about his protective nature. This is probably where it stemmed from, and grew into what it was today. While everything Granny told Twilight was touching and informative, it left out one of the most crucial part. A part such as Autumn's fate and why A.J was avoiding talking about her.

"What of Autumn? What happened to her?"

Granny Smith looked at the clock on the wall and got up to prepare dinner as Twilight waited for an answer.

"I think that's enough for today Twilight. I'll tell you the rest tomorrow morning, for now, can you please fetch the others for dinner? I need to set the table for all of us while you do so."

"Oh… ok then, I'll get them, Granny Smith."

As Twilight opened the door, she tripped over something blocking the way, when she turned to see what had caused her to trip she felt all the air escape her body. There in light of the kitchen she saw Applebloom crying as she looked at her and ran off. Before Twilight could go after her, she was once again blocked by somepony. This pony, however, was not towering over her, but that didn't make them any less threatening. Twilight looked up from rubbing her muzzle into Applejack's eyes, eyes full of rage and disappointment.

"I trusted you Twilight. How could you?"

It was all Twilight heard as A.J ran off in the direction Applebloom disappeared. Leaving her dazed as to what just happened and what it all meant for her and the friendship she had with A.J. If there was even still a friendship to speak of after all of this.
> Too Early
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Applejack! Wait!"

Twilight called out to the farm pony in the hope of her at least slowing down, but it was useless. A.J was in much better shape than she could ever hope to be and she soon lost track of her through the maze of apple trees. Twilight headed back to the house to wait for both A.J and Applebloom to return. As she walked in through the kitchen door, she looked to see Granny Smith and Big Mac turn to meet her gaze.

"Twilight, outside now!" Big Mac said as he pushed past the purple mare.

Granny Smith stopped her as she was about to step outside. She looked at her and motioned her to sit. Granny went outside to talk to Mac and came back minutes later.
"I told him to calm down for a bit. He may run the farm now that I'm old, but there ain't no way I'm giving up on running this family. Now, I think you need an explanation as to what just happened."

"I'm sorry Granny, I didn't mean for any of this to happen… I just wanted to know more about all of you. I wanted to get closer to Applejack…"

Granny sighed and sat down, but not before pouring water for the both of them. "Dear, you have to understand something. Talking about their parents is something they don't want to do because of two main reasons. The first being how young they were when it happened and the second is what we've been holding back on telling Applebloom because of her age."

"You mean… Applebloom doesn't know how they died?"

"Not exactly, she knows that they've passed on that much is true. The things she doesn't know is how Charles and the circumstances of Autumn's death. If she was there listening to what I told you then, she heard for the first time how he died. How he just gave his life for a foal he that had no relation to us whatsoever, and how he could have come back alive."

"But, he died a great and selfless pony. There shouldn't be anything to be sad about that."

"He died never seeing Applebloom; his death robbed her of one of the most crucial ponies a filly needs in life. She has always wanted to know her father and knowing that he had a chance to be here in her life might be causing her some confusion as to why he would throw it away for some random pony."

Twilight was shocked that she could even think the death of a father was something to overlook just because he died a hero. It didn't matter to a child if their parent was Princess or Prince. What mattered was them being a part of their life, being there for the good and bad regardless of what they did.

"I wanted to save this for tomorrow, considering how much I've brought up of the past. Unfortunately, because of this, I might as well let you know.

"Let me know what?"

"How their mother died."





"You should be resting!"

"Granny, I'm fine! Somepony needs to oversee the workers we hired. Mac is still a bit young to take over, and A.J is still a filly. I'd let you do it, but you can barely travel as much as I could."

Granny Smith did not like the current situation. Her pregnant daughter-in-law was going around overseeing the day to day operations of the farm ever since Charles passed away. Big Mac had tried to take over, but the older stallion workers only regarded him as a foal in over his head. It took Autumn weeks to get everything running smoothly once again. Filthy dropped by when he had a chance to check up on his best friend's family, but with the coming birth of his daughter, the time between each visit was growing.

If it weren't for the fact that her hip gave out unexpectedly with too much activity, Granny would have taken over instead of the pregnant mare. It was hopeless to think of that now; Autumn was always set in her ways once she had a task. It was like talking to a wall with how she would just keep going pregnant or not.

"Fine then, but at least make sure you lay down when you can. Don't strain yourself and absolutely no physical work. Got it?"

"Yes Granny, I know what I'm doing. If anything happens Mac will be beside me most of the time and I'll make sure to send him for you in case it does. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to oversee the final harvest in the south field before the scheduled storm hits tomorrow."

Autumn took off slowly towards the southern apple field and Big Mac joined her halfway as he finished unloading a cart. Granny Smith couldn't help but worry that she was only doing so much to forget about the pain of losing Charles. She sighed and smiled at how much Autumn and Charles were meant for each other. Both stubborn and unrelenting in their specific ways.

Granny made her way into town and towards the schoolhouse to pick up Applejack as it was getting to be the time they let all those foals and fillies loose on the town. She stopped by to pick up some groceries at the market for dinner and made sure to bring a freshly baked fritter for A.J. It was something she began to do as the filly had changed after Charles' funeral. It was as if all the vim and vigor had just left the poor girl. She had cried herself to sleep for days after and the only thing that could help sooth her, was Autumn's lullaby. However, lately with the constant supervision of the farm Autumn hadn't sung to her in a while. It left A.J tired and feeling lonely every night.

Granny had tried to sing her some of the lullabies she knew as she couldn't even begin to learn the one Autumn sung, but it didn't have the same effect. A.J needed her mother to be there and nothing could substitute her, not even Granny. She waited outside the entrance to the school as the children ran past. She didn't see A.J anywhere in the crowd and couldn't help, but wonder what was taking her.

"Granny Smith?" asked a voice from to her right.

"Oh, yes? Sorry sonny, you spooked me a bit."

"I apologize for that. I'm Preston Prep; you may call me Mr. Prep. I teach the class Applejack is in." he said stepping aside to reveal A.J with a black eye and covered in dirt.

"Applejack! What in tarnation happened to you filly?" Granny screamed in both shock and anger as looking at the scene before her meant only one thing. A.J had gotten into a fight; that was something she wouldn't tolerate regardless of who started it.

"It wasn't my fault! One of them prim and proper types was making fun of the farm!"

"Applejack! That is no excuse for fighting, just wait until your mother hears about this."

"Not like she even pays attention to me anymore…"

"Young filly, you will not talk about your mama that way. Now get your things while I talk to your teacher."

Applejack turned to go back inside and walked slowly to her classroom.

"Now Applejack!"

A.J immediately tucked tail and ran to get her things. "I'm so sorry about that Mr. Prep, what of the other filly/foal?"

"They're a bit bruised, but A.J got the worst of it as that black eye will take some time to heal. Though I have to say off the record, that filly has a rather mighty buck for being so small. Knocked the air right out of me as I stepped in to stop the fight."

"Takes after her Pa with that, he always did have more strength than other foals his age."

"Yes, I remember that as well. Once again, I'm sorry for your loss. He was a great stallion."

"Thank you. So what are you going to do with her?"

"I'm afraid the rules are strict on matters like these, she and the filly she fought will be suspended for two days minimum. I've already given them the work they'll miss so they should have plenty to do during that time."

"I see… well, then I'll be sure to keep track of that. Sorry about all this."

"It's alright Granny Smith, thank you for understanding and I hope to see her again in two days."

As Prep walked off, A.J came up with her saddlebags and helped Granny carry the groceries back to the farm house. The whole walk back she was given one lecture after another by Granny Smith. Once they reached the farm, everything seemed slightly darker, probably because of the clouds coming in for the storm. That was when Big Mac came out of the house just as they were about to enter.

"Granny! It's Ma! She fell into the well!"

"What?!" both Granny Smith and A.J yelled as they heard the news.

"We just got her out, it took a while because we didn't want to jostle the baby, but because of that, she's down with a fever. I sent one of the farmhooves to fetch the doctor so they should be here soon."

"How did this all happen?" Granny sat down at the kitchen table as they walked inside. A.J went running up to Autumn's room only to be stopped by Big Mac.

"Let me go! I want to see Ma!"

"Not now A.J! She's resting right now and you barging in there before the doctor checks her won't do any good. Now sit down until he gets here." Big Mac put her in the chair and kept an eye on her so she wouldn't just leave.

"Right, well, she fell in the well because the stones were in need of replacing. She had leaned on it to get some water and next thing everypony knows a shriek caused us to turn and see her fall inside. Thankfully she didn't get hurt, but as I said she came down with a fever and we have no idea how it affected the baby."

Just then the door burst open and the doctor along with the farmhoof came in. "Where is she?"

Everypony followed Granny Smith as she got up faster than they thought the old mare could move. They reached the room and walked in taking care not to make much noise. Inside Autumn had woken up due to the noise downstairs. Granny and Mac rushed to her side along with the doctor. A.J stood at the doorway with the farmhoof not knowing what to do. The doctor did what he could but his expression turned from neutral to grim as he finished.

"We have to get her to the hospital now! The baby was startled by the fall and is moving around too much. That much movement could cause them to be in an awkward position when being delivered."

"But, the due date isn't until two weeks from now." Granny said as she placed a damp towel on Autumn's forehead.

"The fall has made this into a premature birth; we don't have time as the fever could make the procedure rather fatal for her because of how her body is trying to fight it off."

"Granny, do what he says. We need to get to the hospital before something happens to the baby." Autumn said as she held Granny's hoof tightly.

Big Mac took that as his cue to get things ready; he took the farmhoof with him as Granny and the Doctor tried to help Autumn downstairs. Throughout all of this commotion A.J just kept looking on as everypony ran around her. She didn't know what to do about all of this except just look on. It was terrifying as she heard something might happen to her mother, it was too much.

"A.J! Ask your brother if the cart is ready to take her!" Granny yelled as she tried to keep Autumn from falling over.

As A.J went downstairs, she found her brother carrying bags outside. "Mac, Granny wants to know if the cart is ready."

"Just about, we just need…"

There were several cracks and a loud boom that came from outside. They looked on as the skies became covered in dark clouds. The pegasi had done their jobs ahead of schedule. The storm had come early, and there was nothing they could do to stop it.
> Big Sister A.J
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"A.J tell Granny we need more time to prepare the cart for the trip through the storm. I'm not sure how long it'll take so just have everything ready."

"Ok!"

As she ran to back upstairs, she was met by the doctor and the two mares at the top. She took a moment to explain the situation to all of them while helping to get Autumn downstairs. Once at the bottom she went to get some water while the Doctor and Granny sat her mother down on the couch. All the while Autumn was crying in agony and sweating profusely due to the cold and the contractions.

"This is ideally the worst situation we could have right now. The contractions are getting shorter, and the fever is getting worse. The storm coming early is not something we need right now, and she needs to better medical attention than I can give her right now."

The doctor kept checking his watch and the making note of the intervals between each cry while Granny kept wiping the sweat off Autumn. She grew restless as the storm could be heard becoming stronger and the wind harsher. A.J could do nothing other than fetching fresh towels and more water for her mother.

"Is there anything you could give her for the pain or fever at least? I can't just leave her suffering like this." Granny asked trying her best not to let her voice crack with worry.

"I could give her some painkillers for the contractions, but it won't do anything for her fever, and if I give her something for her fever, I won't be able to do anything about the pain. Not to mention the effect it might have on the baby. It's best we leave her as she is until we reach the hospital if we can."

"Is Mama gonna be alright? She's going to be okay right?"

They all looked at A.J as she talked and couldn't bring themselves to say anything. It was the look she gave them that made them hesitate. The look of a child fearing the loss of something important.

"A.J"

The others were surprised at the sudden disturbance in silence. Autumn had called out for her fearful daughter and held out a hoof. A.J went closer to her and held onto the hoof which in turn pulled her into a hug.

"It'll be ok my little apple slice. It'll be ok, no need to cry. I'll pull through this and so will your little sister. It'll all right don't worry, don't cr..Aahhhhh"

The doctor pushed A.J aside, and Granny held on to her as Autumn's screams kept getting louder. A.J watched as her mother kept crying in pain the doctor getting something out of his bag and injecting her with something she didn't know. She watched as Big Mac helped load her onto the cart along with Granny. She sat in the same cart Granny still holding her while the doctor tried to lessen the pain any way he could. The wind creeping in through the thin cloth and the water pouring into the cart made the situation worse for her fever. After what seemed forever, they finally reached the hospital only to have her mother taken from her and rushed somewhere deep inside with Granny close behind.



The storm raged on outside banging against the windows and flooding the bottom floor. The nurses could be seen carrying sandbags to stack against the water while Big Mac held on to A.J trying to sooth her.

"A.J you should get some sleep, I'll wake you if anything happens."

"No! I want to be up for when I can see Mama."

"She'll be ok, if anypony can get through this, it's her."

"But Mac, you didn't see her before they got her in there. She was in so much pain, and she was so pale."

Mac just held her tighter trying not to worry himself about he heard. They had already lost their father, and A.J's reaction was not positive. It had affected her enough for Mac to notice the difference. She got into more fights; she ignored most of what Granny and their mother told her. She didn't even care much for her chores, much less the farm. There was no telling what would happen to her if something happened to their mother. She was too young to lose her father and with the threat of losing her mother it would probably scar in some possibly irreversible way.

They waited and waited for any form of news about their mother. Mac leaving temporarily to fetch some food and use the restroom. A.J the whole time would just sit close to Mac feeling safe as the sense of family was close by during such a tense situation. It wasn't until five hours had passed that Granny had come out from the back of the long corridor.

"Big Mac, your mother wants to talk to you. I'll watch over A.J for now."

He left in the direction Granny came, and A.J tried to follow only to be stopped by Granny. A.J thought she saw something in Granny Smith's eyes, but it was too fast to make clear of what it had been.

"Is Mama ok? What happened to her? Why can't I see her?"

"Applejack…"

"Please Granny, I want to see Mama! Let me see her!"

"Applejack please…"

"Please, Granny let me see her! I promise I'll be good! I won't get into fights anymore! I'll do my chores and work the farm! Please!"

"Applejack!"

Granny rarely yelled at her and when she did it was because she did something terrible. This made A.J shrink back and start crying, and Granny just held her until she stopped. It was only for a short while as Big Mac came back with a stern look. He gave a nod to Granny, and she followed after him taking A.J along. A.J was still sniffling as they came to the room. When they opened the door, she saw Autumn (her mother) strapped to a lot of machines and wearing a strange transparent mask. Autumn turned to them and smiled; it was a weak smile one that looked as if it took a lot of effort to make.

"Mama!" A.J rushed forward to the bed clinging to Autumn.

Granny and Big Mac could only watch, not saying anything as A.J held on.

"A.J…" Autumn said, her voice so soft it could be mistaken as a whisper.

"Mama?"

"A.J… I'm sorry. I can't keep our promise. I'm so sorry sweetie."

"No! Mama, it'll be fine! You said it'd be all right!"

"Shhhh, A.J listen to what I have to say."

A.J could only nod as she cried listening to her mother.

"A.J, you're a big sister now. Just like Big Mac watched over you, you watch over your sister ok?"

"But!"

"Shhh, she's still so young and so weak. It'll be a while before she can go home, but she's your sister. She'll make mistakes, and she might frustrate you at times, but she's family. No matter what happens… through the good or bad be there for her."

"I will; I'll take care of her! Just please… don't leave me, Mama."

A.J felt hooves around her as Autumn picked her up and hugged her. Autumn stroked her mane and kissed her forehead. "I know you'll be the best big sister ever my little apple slice, take care of Applebloom." Autumn kept stroking her mane and A.J could only snuggle closer and cry.

It was then that Autumn sang the lullaby that A.J grew to love and hadn't heard in a long time. The lullaby she didn't understand but felt at peace when sung. The one from her mother's homeland. It was the first song she remembered her mother sang to her and now… it was the last. Big Mac and Granny watched as she went to sleep crying with a smile and as Autumn passed with one of her own. It would take another week for A.J to stop being depressed and an extra three days after before she would see Applebloom for the first time. Each time she was asked if something was wrong she just deflected it with something else. It was like she was lying, but never actually telling a lie. It felt like she just kept avoiding something to everypony who tried.

The whole time she could hear the cries of the small filly once she was released from the hospital. She kept crying day in and day out, only stopping to sleep and eat. Each day passing day she would ignore the cries during her depression, and it wasn't until she saw Applebloom that she knew her last promise wasn't being kept.

"Applebloom… sorry, I haven't been the best sister to you. I just couldn't stand thinking about our Ma, and how…" She picked up her still crying sister and tried to console her.

"You've been crying this whole time A.B; you need to give your voice a rest before you wear yourself out."

"Hold her for a while longer A.J; I need to get her bottle."

"Ok Granny." A.J kept rubbing Applebloom's back trying to get her to calm down. Nothing had worked, and nothing seemed even to come close to making her sleep peacefully. Until…

"I know that when Ma tried to calm me down, she usually sang to me. I might not know what she was saying. I never really bothered to ask, but I can at least remember how it went."

Granny Smith returned quickly as she didn't hear any more crying. She thought something had happened to girls. When she arrived, she found Applejack holding a sleeping Applebloom and humming a familiar song.
> The Promise of a Son
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight took a moment to take everything she had just heard into consideration. She replayed the events of the past few days in her head and realized how insensitive she had been to Applejack. She had tried to pry into a subject so sensitive that, even as the Element of Honesty, Applejack had trouble being honest. Not to mention letting Applebloom hear the fact that she had a chance to know her father only to be denied due to some random foal. She understood why Big Mac acted the way he did towards her, despite saving all of Equestria.

"I need to see her… I have to find her!" Twilight sprang from her seat and rushed out the kitchen door only to collide with Big Mac as he blocked the way once again.

Omphh… Mac! Sorry I..."

"Stop, just stop Twilight. You've done enough, I think it's time for you to leave."

"But I can fix this! If you'll just let me talk to Applejack you'll see that I can fix it."

"Twilight…"

"I know what happened now, I just need to talk to her about what she felt and why she's avoiding the issue. Given time, I can have her back to normal no problem."

That was when Twilight found herself on the ground, her face in pain from something that came so suddenly. Big Mac had just smacked her for all he was worth, him, the gentle giant.

"Normal? Normal?! What do you know about normal?! You're part of the reason she's been feeling so crappy in the first place. Now you come here and try to "fix" her? She's not some project or assignment gone wrong! She and Applebloom are my sisters! I'll be damned if I let some crazy, self-centered pony like you get anywhere near them again!"

He grabbed Twilight his mouth and dragged her to the entrance of the farm. She didn't resist; still in shock from the sudden violent action. Once they arrived Big Mac threw her out onto the ground. She grunted from the slight impact and started to cry, wondering how it had come to this. But, she knew how it was her inquisitive nature that lead her to this point. Her need to "fix" what she thought broken or off. Her want to solve a problem, especially one about the subject she had been tasked to learn by the Princess herself.

"If I see you here again I'll call the cops. So leave, go back to your tree, and do my family a favor by staying away." Mac walked away leaving her as she picked herself up and continued to cry. He knew that A.J would probably have some words for him later on, but he didn't care. His family's well-being came first and foremost.




"Mac.."

"I'm here Ma." He grabbed hold of her hoof as he got close to where she lay.

"Mac, my handsome little foal… No… My big strong stallion. I'm sorry for having to leave you so soon. I'm sorry I couldn't teach you more about the farm."

"Don't Ma, you've done more than enough. You've taken care of all of us when Pa died, you're a wonder mother. Nothing will ever change that, so, please… please don't do this to us… to me…"

He brought her hoof to his head and cried. It was the second time he had cried in his life since his father passed away, and it was just as painful. He felt Autumn stroke his mane and hug him as he continued to cry. They held each other until he stopped and regain his composure, each of them wiping away the tears left behind.

"Mac, you're in charge of the farm now. I've left it so it'll be under Granny's name, but you'll inherit it and manage it. Take care of them Mac, take care of all of them. Be as strong as your father, but remember to be yourself as well. I've wanted to see you have a family of your own someday, I'm sorry that neither I nor your father will be able to see it. I'm so sorry…"

"I'll take care of them Ma, no matter what happens. I'll take care of all them, even if they come to resent me. I'll protect them, I promise."

"Thank you Mac, I know you will." She squeezed his hoof once more and kissed his forehead. "Get A.J for me."

Big Mac stood up and wiped his face of any indication he'd cried. He walked to the door and was about through when he heard his mother one more time.
"Mac, I love you. I'm sorry."

He wanted to cry again, he wanted to yell and curse the world for being so unfair. But, in the end, he didn't do either. He just closed the door and headed to get A.J.




Twilight cried all the way back to the treehouse, just outside she noticed the lights were on and saw Spike awake still cleaning. She did her best to compose herself and walked in, surprising Spike as she did.

"Twilight? Why are you here so late?"

"I uh… talked to A.J about finding some new ways to cultivate a field. I'll be doing some research for a while. Don't worry I'll go back tomorrow."

She tried her best to smile and reassure Spike that nothing was wrong. Spike put away the mop and bucket he had out. He went to the kitchen and came out a few minutes later to find Twilight sitting on the couch. He put a plate of carrots and celery in front of her along with a cup of Jasmine tea.

"What happened?" he asked as he sat next to her.

"What do you mean? Nothing happened, I'm just trying to figure out where to start that research."

"Twilight, I've known you all my life. Give me some credit, if I didn't know when you were depressed then what kind of assistant would I be? What kind of friend for that matter?"

Twilight was surprised, only slightly, at Spike's words. It was true that he had helped before and she was always with him but was it really that obvious to him that something went wrong? Was she really that easy to read? No, it wasn't that, it was the fact that Spike was her friend and family that made it obvious to him.

"Wait, what's that on your face? How did you get that bruise?!"

"Oh, uhh nothing. I just tripped and fell on an apple tree root."

"Twilight, stop trying to hide things from me. I may be a baby dragon, but that doesn't mean I'm stupid."

She looked away with a slight blush from trying to hide it. "Big Mac smacked me…"

"He what?!"

"It's ok, I deserved it… I messed up. Oh, Spike! I messed up so bad! I've lost Applejack! I've betrayed her trust and now she hates me!"

She grabbed the miniature dragon and hugged him as she cried. The anger that was welling inside him dissipated as he hugged her back and stroked her mane. It had been a long night for her as she cried herself to sleep. He let her lay on the couch and covered her with a blanket. He had a lot of questions racing through his mind as to how it had come to this. But, those could wait until the morning when Twilight was awake. For now, he let her sleep and stayed by her side holding her hoof.
> Teacher and Student
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"That's everything that happened. What do you think I should do Spike?" Twilight took another bite of the daisy pancakes he had prepared for her that morning.

It had been a long night for her as she tossed and turned throughout her sleep. When it was near sunrise she woke up in a sweaty fright to find Spike still holding her hoof. She smiled at the action and levitated the small dragon to their room and onto the bed. That was the first time in a long time they had slept together like when they were young. It calmed her down and let her rest a while longer in peace.

When she finally got up from her bed she found Spike was gone and the smell of breakfast being made. When she proceeded down the stairs she saw that the dragon had finished cleaning from last night and the table occupied by a large meal. Spike had finished cleaning once she sat down and joined her in eating as she recounted what happened at the farm. Spike just sat in silence, his expressions changing only slightly as if he knew what was coming next.

"Twilight, please don't take this the wrong way, but have you actually thought about anything you said to her before actually saying it?"

"What do mean? I was just trying to be a good friend. She looked so sad when the subject came up, I couldn't just leave her like that."

"Twilight, I get that you're just trying to be a friend and I agree that just leaving Applejack like that would be something even I'd hate to do."

"Exactly! So…"

"But! That doesn't mean you have to go behind her back when she said she'd tell you at some point in the future. She said that she trusted you and you betrayed that trust. You should have waited for her to open up about the matter instead of cutting open the wound without any regard to how she felt. I can somewhat understand the things Big Mac said; I don't like the fact he hit you or threw you out, but you not only did you upset A.J, you also upset Applebloom by letting her hear about her father! She's still a filly Twilight!"

"I… I wasn't trying to… I didn't mean…"

"Let's just finish breakfast first, we can talk more about this afterward and figure out what to do."

The rest of the meal was taken in silence as Twilight was mulling over what Spike had said to her. When they were done Twilight moved to the main part of the library and sat on one of the couches, while Spike cleaned up the remains of the meal and washed the dishes. Twilight stared at all the books around her and wondered if any could contain a solution to everything that was happening. That was when it hit her, she still hadn't received a reply to the letter she sent the first day on the farm.

"Spike!"

"Yea Twilight?"

"Did you get a letter from A.J around the first day I was gone to send to the Princess?"

There was a moment of relative silence as no answer came from the kitchen. Twilight wondered if Spike had heard her clearly and was about to ask once more until she heard him speak.

"Yea… I got it… Why do you ask?"

"Have I gotten a reply yet? Maybe the Princess would be able to help me with this problem, while I don't particularly like the fact that I'll be bothering her for help. I just can't seem to think of a way to start fixing this screw-up."

"No reply yet." He replied as he dried his claws on his apron, walking out of the kitchen and proceeding to the library. "Are you sure it's wise to ask her for help?"

"Why wouldn't it be? She's my teacher and I'm her student. She has to know something that could help right? I mean, she is the Princess of Equestria." Twilight had raised an eyebrow when Spike had asked that question as if he didn't want her to contact the Princess.

"I guess you're right." He said with his back turned as he put his apron to hang. For a moment, and only a moment, Twilight thought she saw him clench his claw.

"I'll write up the letter, send it to her when I'm done. In the meantime, can you think of anything I could do?"

Twilight walked to a nearby desk and started to write about the situation to the Princess and requesting assistance. Spike just stood by in silence, he hadn't moved from behind her and whether or not he was thinking of anything to help the situation was a mystery as Twilight kept writing. Once finished, she handed the letter to him and it disappeared in a blaze of emerald flames.

"Ok, hopefully, she'll reply soon enough. Did you think of anything Spike?"

He was starting in the direction the smoke had disappeared in a daze. Twilight thought it was weird for the usually attentive dragon. She reached out to put a hoof on his shoulder only to stop halfway as he turned around.

"I might have, though, I kind of doubt it'll be anything important."

"It's… it's ok Spike, anything can be useful at this point. What is it?"

"Well, after hearing the story about her parents and Applebloom's birth. It seems to me that the thing she's been avoiding the most is her mother's death. She lost her father only a few weeks before so the loss of her mother would have had to hit her hard."

"You're right, she was really sensitive around the topic of her mom more than anything else. It was especially true when I asked about the song she was humming."

Spike took a seat on one of the couches and watched as Twilight began to pace around. She usually only did this when she was thinking of all the possible avenues of approach to a problem at hoof.

"That song, maybe… maybe if I found out what song it actually was…"

"Twilight, you said you'd drop that. We're trying to smooth all this out not cause another incident. The song idea is good, but I think maybe not the right approach."

Twilight paced around again and the library was blanketed in silence once more. Spike looked on as her mind was at work. Eventually, he left to prepare lunch and set the table for the meal. At one point he disappeared upstairs, though, Twilight didn't notice it as she was busy with her contemplating. Once he returned the food was finished and put some finishing touches before grabbing Twilight.

"Twilight, lunch is ready. Put a mental bookmark in it and come eat. I made spaghetti with some garlic bread and some lava cake for dessert."

"Thank you Spike; I'll be there in a bit. I think I've almost got an idea… I got it! How about I teach Applejack Prench? Her mom was from Prance and the song she sang was in Prench. So if she learned the language then maybe she would be able to discern what the song was herself."

Spike took a minute to think about the idea as he poured water for the each of them. He sat down and served the food then really thought about whether this would help or just be some kind of half-baked, roundabout way for Twilight to get A.J to talk about it.

"Honestly Twilight? I have no idea whether or not that would work. It really doesn't seem like much of a plan in the first place, but I don't think there's anything else to work with at this point. I'll go explain things to Applejack later on since Big Mac doesn't want you on the farm. I'll also try to smooth things out with him if I can."

"Thank you, Spike, again, for everything." Twilight sat down and ate the lunch he prepared. They talked about what he was doing while she was gone and he explained that he was just running the library.

After lunch and clean up, Spike left for Sweet Apple Acres while Twilight prepared all the necessary materials to teach somepony Prench. It would be the first time she'd teach somepony other than Spike, but nerves aside she wanted this to work. If it could lessen the animosity between her and A.J, then it would be worth it. She wanted some way to apologize for everything she'd done so far, she wanted her trust back, but most of all she wanted her friend back.

It took a most of the day for Spike to return and by that time Twilight had already set up several lesson plans. She was ready for this to last a long time and for every possible question that Applejack would have during the teaching.

"Spike! Welcome back, how did it go? Here let me help you with that." She levitated the groceries he brought back which explained why he had taken so long. He probably only had enough food in the house for himself due to her planning to be away for so long.

"Well, I talked to Big Mac about what happened and we got into an argument towards the end, but he said he'd allow you back only on the condition that it's only for two hours a day."

"Well it's a start, I'll make sure to apologize to him sincerely. What of Applejack?"

At this point, Spike closed the door as he had been standing in the doorway the whole time. He took a seat at one of the desks and took a deep breath.

"Spi…"

"She said No. She doesn't want to learn Prench and would prefer to be left alone for a while."

"Wha…" Twilight once again felt despair as all the plans she had made had been destroyed. She hadn't really accounted for the possibility of her rejecting the offer. She realized that this had affected her ex-friend more than she thought.

"Twilight, stop. Don't do this right now, I do have some good news."

"What could possibly be good news at this moment?"

"I found a student for you so the material won't go to waste. Not to mention maybe that whole song idea won't go to waste. Only… there is a condition with this too."

Twilight sat down and threw her forelegs up in the air in frustration. "Great, another one! Well, what is it this time?"

Spike took a moment to let her calm down and motioned for her to take a seat before she did anything else in her state. "She wants to hear the whole story of the day she was born."
> Omelette du Fromage
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“So together it would be Omelette du fromage. Which means… what?” Twilight looked to her student as she levitated the chalk to point at the word she had written in Prench.

“Uh… cheese omelet?” Applebloom answered trying her best to remember the amount of knowledge she was presented by the purple unicorn.

It had been two days since Twilight was kicked out of the farm and during that time Applebloom came and listened to the story of her birth and spent the better part of that day crying. It was Saturday morning and the two were once again in front of Twilight’s board going over what they had learned in their limited amount of time. Today and Sunday were the only few days Twilight had left to teach Applebloom enough Prench to help her guess what the lullaby consisted. The coming Monday marked the beginning of a new week and it meant Twilight would have no time to teach the filly due to having allotted that time week with Rarity.

“Is there still nothing that sounds remotely to the humming Applebloom? I know it’s not right asking you to help the situation between me and A.J but I have no pony else to turn to right now.”

“I’m sorry Twilight, I truly am but even when I try to hum the words I’ve learned so far it just doesn’t sound right. Maybe… maybe this is just a waste of time for the both of us. I mean, I don’t even know if it was something she made up on the spot or an actual lullaby.”

“I thought the exact same thing, and while I don’t have any books on Prench lullabies, I did request one from the Canterlot Library. Spike should be bringing it back as we speak since it was returned today until then I can only teach you words and phrases until you recognize something.”

“I know, but what exactly is me knowing the lullaby going to do? I know it’ll help me know the song my mother used to sing and get closer to her in some way, but I’ve got no clue as to how it’ll help things between you and A.J.”

“See, my way of thinking is if she’s able to learn what exactly the song was then she’ll have something to remember your mother. If she has that then maybe, she’ll be able to forgive me enough to talk to me. I just want the chance to apologize properly for behaving the way I did.”

“I guess that makes sense?” Applebloom scratched her head and looked back at the notes she had taken the past few days. “Hey, Twilight?”

“Yes, Applebloom?”

“You’ve taught me a lot of conversational Prench but what about the stuff that has to do with farms?”

“Oh, well let’s try that next then. Since we’re on the subject of omelets, let’s talk about the products that make them. The first being fromage which is cheese that is a byproduct of dairy or laitier.” Twilight answered levitating a book in front of her and writing the words on the blackboard for Applebloom to copy.

“Laitier” Applebloom mumbled as she copied down what was being written.

“Right, and as we know dairy comes from a cow or vache. The eggs or des oeufs come from chickens better known as poulets. The s in poulets indicates the plural form just like des and the s at the end of oeufs indicates the plural form of egg.”

“So the singular for egg is oeuf and for a chicken it’s poulet?”

“Correct! You’re really catching on quickly Applebloom. I’m impressed with the progress we’ve been making even if this doesn’t go how I’ve planned. Once I’ve got enough free time how about you come back and I’ll continue teaching you Prench?”

“Sounds good to me, this is actually kinda fun.”

“Great!” Twilight smiled before turning back to the board. “Now let’s try forming a sentence. Given everything I’ve taught you before and what you’ve learned now. Form a sentence with the words oeuf and poulet.”

“Ok, uh hold gimme a minute.”

“Let me know when you’re ready.”

Applebloom took a minute to look at her past notes and wrote down something in her notebook. Taking a minute to look it over she smiled, satisfied with what she had written. “I’m ready now Twilight.”

“Go ahead Applebloom.”

“Un blanc de poulet pondu un oeuf.”

“Translation?”

“A white chicken laid an egg.”

“Correct! Now there are several ways to write that sentence one of them using the word hen instead of chicken which, funny enough, is similar to poulet except the t isn’t used which makes it poule. Which would make the sentence come out as Un poule blanche pondu un oeuf.”

“Wait, what did you say?”

“A white hen laid an egg, that’s the translation for the sentence. It’s amazing how one word can change how the sentence can sound.”

“No, I don’t care about that, I mean how did you say it in Prench?”

“Oh, uh, Un poule blanche pondu un oeuf. Is there something you don’t understand?”

“Un poule blanche…” Applebloom went silent as Twilight watched her go from deep contemplation to humming. She hummed the song that Applejack had the day she visited and upon reaching a certain part sang aloud. “Un poule blanche…”

“Applebloom?”

“That’s it! The song, it had those words in it Twilight! I’m not completely sure but it fits the rhythm. Do you know any song in Prench that have those words?”

It took a moment before Twilight realized what she was asked and began to put her magic into overdrive. She picked out dozens of books from the shelves pertaining to songs and Prench culture. None of them seemed to be what she was looking for but alluded to a song existing with the words. No title was ever present and only a few tidbits of information were scattered in the many volumes and tomes. Applebloom watched in awe as the purple unicorn scanned through each book that was swirling in a vortex of written word and paper. It was an amazing sight to see the smartest pony in town scrambling for the information she was asked to find.

“Argh! None of these books have it! Some of them have something along the same lines but I can’t seem to find those words exactly. Just when we figured out some form of a clue, this is infuriating.”

The books were put back in their proper place on the shelves and Twilight looked back to her student to see her downcast. “I’m sorry I can’t be of much help Applebloom.” She put a hoof around her young charge in an attempt to comfort the filly.

“It’s alright Twilight, I did get my hopes up but I understand if you can’t find it. At least we have a clue now right? That’s something to celebrate at least.”

They both turned as the door to the library opened and Spike walked in with a loaded cart of books. He struggled to force it inside only for it to jerk through the door and tip the books it carried. Before they could fall on him Twilight caught them in her magic and set them down back on the cart.

“Welcome back Spike, are you ok?”

“I’m fine Twilight. I got the books you wanted, along with a few others that I’ve been meaning to get since we’ve moved. How’s learning Prench going Applebloom?”

“Il va tres bien.”

“C’est fantastique. Avez-vous faim?”

“Oui!”

“I’ll go prepare lunch then, let me know if you want anything specific otherwise the menu is a vegetarian lasagna with mashed potatoes and peas.” Spike walked off towards the kitchen and put his apron on before heading inside. “Oh, and for dessert it’s apple pie with ice cream on top.”

“Thank you, Spike! That’s my favorite kind of dessert.” Applebloom said with a smile.

Twilight turned her attention to the cart and put away its contents checking to see if it was the one she had originally asked Spike to acquire. It wasn’t until she reached the bottom that she found the book titled “Tous les jours Berceuses” she opened it scanning each page for only a second but it was all she needed. It only took a minute before she found it, and felt as if one obstacle to regaining her friendship with Applejack had been passed.

“Applebloom it’s here, I found the lullaby your mother used to sing!”

“Really?!” she yelled bounding towards the older mare who showed her the lullaby in question. “I only understand some of these words, and it’s so short… Is this really it Twilight?”

“Well let’s try singing it, that way you’ll know the melody and be able to tell if it is or not.”

“But, I’m still learning Prench. You sing it Twilight.”

“Me?”

“Please?”

Twilight watched as Applebloom made her lower lip quiver and her eyes looked at her like those of a puppy. It was an immediate knock out to her sense and knew she couldn’t say no. “Ok, I’ll sing it Applebloom.”

“Yes!” Applebloom bounded to the couch and took a seat ready for the song that might be the connection to the mother she never met.

“Now, I apologize if it doesn’t sound quite the same as I’m still a bit rusty with my Prench.”

“No worries Twilight.”

Twilight took a deep breath and read the passage one more time; committing the words to memory she relaxed and started to sing.

“That was it… that’s the song A.J hums to me whenever I have a bad day. Twilight, thank you so much.” Applebloom tackled the mare to the ground hugging her with tears in her eyes.

“Oomph, no problem Applebloom. I’m happy that you finally know what the song was your mother used to sing. Perhaps now you two can be a little bit closer.” Twilight hugged the filly back and stroked her mane as she cried with a smile on her face.

The two held each other until Applebloom was ready and composed. Spike had heard the song in the kitchen and came out to see the result as lunch was finished. He let them enjoy the moment a while longer as he set the table in silence and cleaned the kitchen. When he came back out the two ponies had gotten up and cleaned themselves in order to eat. They enjoyed the lunch that Spike prepared and talked about the song during. After lunch, both Twilight and Applebloom set to work on more lessons; this time pertaining to the song and proper pronunciation.

At the end of the day as the sun was setting Applebloom said her goodbyes to the residents of the library and walked towards the farm with a spring in her step. Twilight stood at the doorway smiling a moment longer before putting away all the teaching tools they had used that day.

“Twilight? What are you going to do now that she knows the song? I still don’t get how this is going to work out.” Spike asked as he swept the room and helped store the materials.

“I asked Applebloom to invite Applejack over so we can show her everything we’ve worked on and for a chance to apologize.”

“You think she’s going to accept it? I mean, I understand that it’s a sore subject for her and the being able to know the song might have been a good idea. However, the one you taught was Applebloom since A.J didn’t want to come. Not only that, do you know if she ever told A.J about coming here and learning from you?”

“I’m not sure, but I have to hope for the best. This will work out you’ll see, I’ll apologize and we’ll be friends again.”

Spike kept silent as he dumped the trash into a bag. He took a look at Twilight to find her eyes missing the usual sparkle that she used to have before all this happened. Before the reply from the Princess and before the events with Applejack. It hurt him to see her out of it, but there was nothing he could do during this situation. It was something one lesson she had to learn herself about the hardships of being a friend.

“Has the Princess sent a reply yet Spike?” Twilight asked snapping the dragon out of his deep concentration.

“Oh, uh… not yet Twilight. I’m sure she’ll send one soon, what with everything that’s going on between you and A.J.”

“I hope so Spike. I hope so…”

They finished cleaning and Twilight set to work on what she would say to Applejack the following day. Spike kept silent watch until it was time for him to sleep. He took one last look downstairs at Twilight working on her plans for tomorrow before heading inside. Just before he went to sleep he let out a quiet burp and a scroll fell into his claws.

“I’m sorry Twilight.”






Sunday brought a new day with new possibilities; one of them being the renewal of friendship between A.J and Twilight. Which was the reason Twilight was in such a good mood that day. Spike watched as the smile she wore never left her since she woke up. For the better part of the morning, she kept watch on the front door and getting everything ready for the Apple sisters to arrive. However, as time passed, her enthusiasm dwindled leaving her with face down on the dining room table with Spike just going about his daily tasks.

“Maybe, they aren’t coming Twilight. Last time I talked to Applejack she seemed much too angry, even for Applejack.”

“I’m sure they’re just a little late. Let’s just wait a while longer. Is the food ready?”

“It’s been ready for the past hour, but I guess I can go reheat it.”

“Thank you, Spike.”

As she watched the baby dragon go into the kitchen a knock came from the entrance. She immediately got up and went to the door. She took a moment to take a breath and opened the door.

“Hi, girls! Welcome, come in please.” She said stepping aside and allowing both of the Apple sisters to step in.

Applejack didn’t move and wore a stoic face as she stared at Twilight. The tension was high and it wasn’t until Applebloom pushed her sister that they went inside.

“Applejack, you promised to at least listen.”

“Fine, but I ain’t got all day. Let’s make this quick.” She stepped inside and walked past Twilight who was still trying her best to smile. “For all our sakes.”

They all sat at the dining room table with Applejack and Applebloom right next to each other while Twilight sat across from A.J. The room was silent save for the sounds from the kitchen as Spike brought out the reheated lunch. A.J just sat starting at Twilight with an eyebrow raised and Twilight nervously replied with a smile.

“I thought you’d be hungry so I asked Spike to make us something to eat. I hope you don’t mind.”

“It’s no problem at all, right Applejack?”

“Let’s just cut to the chase. What is so important that you had to rope my sister into getting me to come here?”

Twilight's smile was gone and her ears were folded at the way Applejack was acting. She looked over to Applebloom and saw her mouth a sorry before hitting Applejack's side.

"I called you here because Applebloom and I wanted to show you what we've been working on for the past few days."

"This is where you've been going? You told me that you were doing extra credit at the schoolhouse!"

"Well, it's kind of extra credit since Twilight's been teaching me Prench."

"What?!" Applejack yelled and slammed her hoof on the table shaking the tableware and frightening both her sister and Twilight. "I thought I told you that I didn't want to participate in that."

Twilight regained her composure and smiled meekly. "Well technically, you didn't learn anything. Applebloom is the one that wanted to learn after I met her condition."

"That's not the point here Twilight! You went behind my back again and this time, you involved my sister in a lie!" she took a moment to think about what Twilight said and sat down to look at Applebloom. "What condition?"

Applebloom at this point had retreated in her seat and her ears were folded as she looked away. A.J's gaze was harsh as she waited for an answer only to turn away as she got it from the source of her anger.

"She wanted to know about the day she was born... That was the condition she set for me teaching her."

"You... You told her?! Did you tell her about that? You're not even family and you have the nerve to barge into our business?! She should have heard the story from us, her family!" Applejack had gotten up at this point and walked over to where Twilight was sitting. She stared the unicorn down and kept poking her with a hoof.

Twilight was sweating and looking everywhere except A.J's eyes trying to avoid the scornful look. Spike was coming to separate the two of them but Twilight lifted a hoof to stop him. Applebloom was still cowering in her seat as she watched her sister angrier than she'd ever been.

"Please A.J, I know what I did was wrong and I should have let you tell her the story. However, she wanted to know about it. What else was I supposed to do?"

"You could have told her no! You could have said that it was something she needed to discuss with her family. Instead, you just told her so you could use her to get me here."

"Stop it A.J!"

Both mares turned to see Applebloom with her forelegs on the table. Tears streaming down her cheeks as she got off and walked over to separate the two. She wiped the tears from her eyes and pushed A.J away, she stood between them and looked to her sister.

"Just... Just stop it. I asked her because I wanted to know. You, Big Mac, and Granny have been keeping me in the dark about these things for too long! I deserve to know what happened to Mom and Dad!"

"Applebloom..." A.J tried to reach for her sister only for Applebloom to pull away.

"Twilight told me what happened that day and at first, I was sad and then I got angry. Sad that Ma passed away like she did so soon after Pa, and angry at myself for having part of the blame."

"That ain't fair! You didn't have a say in the matter, she would have chosen you being born safely over anything else!"

"I know that now! Don't you think I'd be able to take it? I may have hardly known them but the things they taught both you and Mac are what you've both taught me! I realized why they choose to do what they did and I've come to terms with it!"

Twilight and A.J watched as the small filly was shaking with anger and grief. The whole time they kept silent as Applebloom tried to compose herself enough to continue. Spike passed the filly a hoofkerchief during the silence and patted her with a knowing look to take her time. She thanked the dragon and he left with the used article.

"Sis... It's been so long. Why can't you accept their deaths? Is it because I'm around? Do I remind you of the time Ma passed away?"

"Stop it! You know that ain't true! I don't blame you for anything!"

"Then what is it? Why can't I ask about Pa or Ma without having you change the subject? Why don't you want to know her native language? What is it you're afraid of?!"

"I'm afraid of forgetting them!" Applejack yelled causing everyone to retreat in surprise from the outburst.

"You have it easy Applebloom, you might not remember them so it might be easier to accept that they're not here. But what about me?! I remember both of them! I remember Pa's funeral and I held Ma's hoof as she died! I can't forget those moments for the rest of my life, but I can hardly remember them before that anymore!"

Applejack turned away and tilted her hat down to cover her tears. "I can't remember Pa's voice or his face. I can't remember Ma's laugh or even the way she used to scold me. I was around them long enough to have it engraved in me and yet I can't remember anything! The only things I have left is this hat and a song I can't even sing or understand."

The room went silent save for Applejack's efforts to fight off her tears. Twilight didn't dare say anything a the moment. Applebloom was still shocked at the confession but was the first to compose herself. She looked at Twilight and gave her a slight nod, and then she took a deep breath.




"Dodo, l'enfant do,

L'enfant dormira bien vite

Dodo, L'enfant do

L'enfant dormira bientot."

"Une poule blanche

Est la dans la grange.

Qui va faire un petit coco

Pour l'enfant qui va fair' dodo."

"Dodo, l'enfant do,

L'enfant dormira bien vite

Dodo, L'enfant do

L'enfant dormira bientot."

"Tout le monde est sage

Dans le voisinage

II est l'heure d'aller dormir

Le sommeil va bientot venir."




Applejack listened as the song echoed through the air and watched as her sister sang it as if it was completely natural. She recognized it right away for the song that her mother used to sing whenever she had a nightmare or experienced a bad day. It was the song she hummed to Applebloom whenever she experienced the same. Now, she listened as her baby sister was singing the original to her.

Applebloom finished and looked around to see Twilight sitting back properly on in her seat. Spike was standing in the doorway to the kitchen still wearing his apron and smiling at her. When she turned to face A.J all she found was a mass of yellow fur as the older mare held her close. She felt water drop on top of her and guessed what was happening. She held her sister close and ignored the sobs coming from her always strong sister.

"Thank you Applebloom. Thank you for singing that song. It's been so long since I've heard it and it's just as beautiful if not more coming from you."

"It was Twilight that helped me learn it. She did her best trying to teach me in order to figure out what the song was, I just practiced it."

A.J held the filly a while longer trying and wiped away the leftover tears when she let her go. She turned towards Twilight who was still sitting down with nervous anticipation of what A.J would say. Applejack took a deep breath and walked over to the unicorn. Twilight was starting to get increasingly nervous the closer she got  and closed her eyes. She felt hooves wrap around her and opened her eyes to A.J hugging her.

"Thank you, Twi."

"You're welcome Applejack" she replied. She wrapped her hooves around the mare. "I'm so sorry for everything. Can you ever forgive me?"

A.J let her go and took a step back to look at Twilight.

"No."

Twilight was left dumbfounded. It wasn't the answer she was expecting. Not after everything that happened. She thought that A.J would at least forgive her, she did thank her after all. Did that count for nothing?

"Wha.. why?!"

"Why? Because you still betrayed my trust Twilight. I told you that I trusted you and what did you do? You ignored it and went behind my back! I can't forgive that Twi."

That was all it took for Twilight to start crying. Spike rushed to her side and held her hoof. Applebloom went to her teacher and tried to console her as well.

"But sis..."

"I know Applebloom, but no matter what she's done for the both of us. It doesn't change the fact that she completely ignored my warnings. For that, I can't just forgive her so easily. My trust and friendship aren't things that come so easy; especially after being betrayed."

"I'm sorry! I'm so so sorry A.J! Please! Please forgive me!" Twilight was rubbing her eyes of tears trying to keep her voice from breaking but failing as A.J only stared at the scene.

"Then work for it."

Everypony looked up from what they were doing to look at A.J.

"Wha...what?" Twilight squeaked out wiping her nose with the hoofkerchief Spike presented her.

"If you want my trust, and more importantly, my friendship again. Then you have to work for it. We may have saved all of Equestria and you may have given me and Applebloom something to remember our mother. But, that doesn't excuse you of what you did. So from now on, you'll have to work at being my friend. No cutting corners and no excuses. Do you think you can handle that?"

Twilight blew into the hoofkerchief once more and nodded. She kept nodding until everypony thought her head would fall off.

"Good." A.J extended her hoof towards Twilight and smiled. "Pleasure to meet you Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight grabbed her hoof and shook it with a small smile. "Nice to meet you too, Applejack."

Applebloom and Spike watched as their respective older family members shook hands in agreement. Twilight's plan hadn't fixed everything that happened between her and A.J. A.J hadn't forgiven Twilight for everything she'd done. But now, their friendship would start anew with Twilight working her way to being a true friend.

"Alright then. Let's eat, I would hate to waste all the food that Spike prepared for us." A.J said as she broke the hoofshake and waved her hoof towards the lunch prepared for the meeting.

"Yes, let's eat; maybe we can get to know each other better?" Twilight asked with a meek tone in her voice.

"I'd like that Twilight. I'd like that a lot."

They sat down in their seats and thanked Spike as he brought out the rest of the food. They ate and talked for the rest of the afternoon and said their goodbyes. A.J asked Twilight to visit the farm once more when the rest of the visits were done and Twilight readily agreed. They didn't hug, instead, they nodded to each other once more as a sign towards the right path.

The day was about to end when Twilight and Spike finished cleaning up after their get together. Twilight prepared some last minute things for her stay with Rarity the following day and was finishing her final triple check on everything she was going to take; when Spike called out to her.

"Twilight?"

"Yes, Spike?"

"You've got a letter..."
> Understanding Circumstances
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Twilight,

The week that you have planned to visit us is the same week of your brother's graduation. We will be picking him up before leaving to visit you in Ponyville. I know we agreed that you'd be coming to Canterlot but your father and I want to see the town where you've decided to stay. We'll be there in about two weeks so look forward to us coming with your brother to see this new place you have for yourself. We can't wait to meet all your friends and spend some time with you. All our love to you and Spike.

Mom & Dad





"Spike when did this arrive?" Twilight asked as she put the letter down on the nearest desk.

"I woke up and found it in my basket. I guess they must have sent it pretty late."

"So that means I might need to push back the week I'll be spending with Fluttershy in case they want to stay longer. That's fine, I'm sure she'll understand if I tell her. It is family after all."

She walked towards the door and levitated her saddlebags on her back while opening the front door. "Spike, if Rarity comes to ask where I am, tell her I went to talk to Fluttershy and I'll head to the boutique afterward." She said before walking out the door to head for the edge of town where Fluttershy lived.

"Sure thing, Twilight. Anything for you." Spike replied as the door closed. 

He took a moment to see if she'd come back and collected the letter she left behind. As he put it away with the rest of the letters in the storage room he took a moment to look towards the area where any letters from the Princess were kept. He stared at the unopened letter he had received at the same time as the one from Twilight's parents; he took it and opened the letter only to scowl as he read it.





It took Twilight only fifteen minutes to reach Fluttershy's house. It was a wonder how the shy pegasus would be brave enough to choose to live near such a dangerous forest as the Everfree, yet, be scared of her own shadow if it towered over her. She crossed the bridge and stood in of the door ready to knock only to stop as she a crash coming from behind the house. As she turned the corner, Twilight found herself speechless as Fluttershy was seemingly attacking a bear three times her size.

She watched the scene as she wrestled the giant to the ground and then cracked it's neck leaving it motionless on the ground. Twilight sprang forward and levitated the yellow attacker away from the corpse.

"Eeeep!" Fluttershy cried; caught unaware in a lavender wave of magic.

"Fluttershy! What are you doing?! Why did you murder this poor animal?"

"Oh, my..." Fluttershy responded as her body was turning around in the air due to the magic. "Twilight, I think you have the wrong idea. I would never harm any of my furry friends. That's especially true for Harry. I was just giving him his monthly massage; the poor dear has so much stress towards the end of each month built up."

As if on cue, the bear slowly got up and stretched his arms; grabbing hold of his yellow caretaker and setting her on the ground. He dusted her off and Fluttershy hugged him before he left to return to his home at a nearby cave.

"Oh... sorry about that. I didn't know that was a thing you did. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions." Twilight's ears folded back and she looked away in embarrassment.

"It's ok, Twilight. No harm was done at all. Though, next time, please warn me before using magic on me like that. If you don't mind that is... and only if you want to."

"I will, I promise. Thank you, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy smiled and sprang into the air. She floated inside through one her windows and came back out with some tea for the both of them. She set it down on a table that was located just behind her house.

"I hope you like chamomile." she said, serving the both of them a cup. "Was there anything you wanted to talk to me about Twilight?" she asked, placing the full cup of tea in front of Twilight as she sat down.

"It's lovely Fluttershy and yes I did want to talk to you about something. Though I can't stay long as this week I start spending time with Rarity." she sipped her tea and smiled as it filled her body with warmth.

"Oh, of course. I do hope everything goes great for the two of you."

"Thank you. Now, as for the reason for my visit. It's about the week I'm supposed to be spending with you."

"Oh yes! I'm so looking forward to it. I can't wait for you to come visit, it's not every day that I get guests. I have so much planned for us to do that I can barely contain myself with how fun it'll be." she said with a smile.

"About that... you see the week I'm spending with my folks is before that and they've decided to come here instead. They're brining my brother so it's going to be a full family type deal."

"I didn't know you had a brother."

"Yea, he's my BBBFF."

Fluttershy looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "BBBFF?"

"Big brother best friend forever."

"Oh! That's adorable. So is there something wrong with them coming here?"

"Well, that's just it. I was planning on visiting them in order to keep things within schedule, but with them coming here it messes that up since they might plan to stay longer. In which case, I came here to tell you that I might need to push back the week I'll spend with you if it does happen."

"Oh..." Fluttershy looked away for a moment and sipped her tea. "That's ok then... I understand."

"You do?! Great! I knew you would Fluttershy." Twilight got up and hugged Fluttershy who returned it in kind. She drank the rest of the tea and set down the cup before gathering her bags. "Well, that's all I wanted to say in regards to me being here. I'll let you know if there's a change in plans. Sorry that I can't make more concrete promises right now.

"No, no, it's fine Twilight. Family comes first after all. I understand completely; I'll just move something aside in case that happens." Fluttershy said with a tone softer than she had been using upon arrival. Her demeanor seemed to have changed and yet she still had a smile on her face.

"You are ok with this, right? Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy looked at her in surprise but replaced it with a warm, small smile. "Yes, don't worry about me Twilight. I'll see you when you come for our time together. I'm sure it'll be fun even if it's pushed back a week."

Twilight smiled back and turned towards the front of the house and eventually Rarity's boutique. She left with the feeling that things were going to be this time around and that she wouldn't do anything to jeopardize her friendships anymore. As she continued past the bridge and down the road she failed to notice the yellow pegasus watch her leave with a sullen expression.

"It's for the best. I can't compete with family, I mean, we barely know each other and I don't blame her for not wanting to spend time with me." Her mane covered her face as she looked at the ground and walked slowly back to the table. "Nopony wants such a failure of a pony as a friend anyways."

She grabbed the dishes and went inside to dump them in the kitchen sink. As she flew to go back outside she stopped by her fireplace mantle and grabbed two tickets that lay on top of it. She took a minute to stare at them before ripping them in half and throwing them away. As they fell into the bin she flew back out and continued about her day with no one but her animals once more.
> A Chat with Rarity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	There was a knock at the door as Rarity put the finishing touches to her latest textile masterpiece.

"Coming!" she said as the door rang open. "Welcome to Carousel Boutique where every garment is chic, unique and magnifique."

"Hi, Rarity. Sorry, I'm late, I had to talk to Fluttershy about something."

"Oh! Hello, Twilight. It's ok darling, I stopped by the library and Spike told me you went to talk to her. Come in and sit while I make some tea for the two of us."

"Thank you, Rarity." Twilight put her saddle bags by the door and stepped into the kitchen; taking a seat at the table she waited as Rarity served a tray of biscuits as the tea heated.

"Now, before anything, I wanted to have a chat with you."

"Oh? What about Rarity?" Twilight asked as she grabbed a biscuit and nibbled on it.

There was a silent pause as the dressmaker served herself a biscuit. She took a small bite before putting it back down. She started to talk only to be interrupted by the whistle of the kettle. She got up to turn off the stove and prepare the tea while Twilight waited patiently for her.

"Umm... Rarity? What did...."

"Twilight. Is what I've heard about you and Applejack true?"

"What... did you hear?" Twilight put the biscuit down trying her best not to look Rarity in the eyes.

Rarity poured the tea into the cups she'd set and put the kettle back on the stove with her magic as she sat down. "Twilight, please answer the question." she took a sip of the tea after blowing it.

"It's true..." Twilight's ears folded back and she stared at her cup.

Rarity got up and walked over to Twilight. She stood in front of her and without warning slapped her. Before Twilight could respond to it; she was enveloped in a tight hug.

"Thank you, Twilight. Thank you."

The hug went on for another minute until they separated and Rarity sat back down. Twilight rubbed her sore cheek; still dumbfounded as to what exactly happened.

"I guess I should explain my actions."

"Please, I'd like to know why I got slapped."

"You see darling, while I'm grateful that you helped A.J; I don't approve on how you went about it. There things you can and can't do when trying to help a friend and your actions weren't the best. You've caused her a lot of pain because of wanting to make things better for her. The slap was for digging at her wounds in such a reckless manner. As for the hug, I've known A.J far longer than the other girls. We've been together as long as I could remember. We didn't get along at first since my family had recently moved here from Canterlot and I wasn't too happy about it." She sipped her tea and poured some more for Twilight.

"We didn't get along for a long time since I considered her uncultured and dirty."

"Rarity!"

"Please darling, just listen. Anyways, there was one day when we were especially heated and that ended in us fighting. We got suspended for two days and when I returned to school A.J was nowhere to be found. I thought that it strange that she took what I said so seriously and miss class. I was asked to give her the work she missed by the teacher due to our fight and him wanting us to get along; so I went to visit her" She turned the cup in her hooves and looked into the liquid it contained with a solemn expression.

"Frankly, I was completely against the idea but did it due to the threat of getting in further trouble. When I did arrive at the farm, it wasn't how I expected it to be given how much A.J talked about it. The atmosphere itself was dark and everywhere I looked the ponies working there were silently toiling away with somber expressions on their faces. When I got to the house and gave the papers to Big Mac I took the time to ask if I could talk to A.J and apologize."

Twilight kept silent as the story sounded somewhat familiar. She chewed on her biscuit and sipped her tea not wanting to interrupt.

"In reality, I just wanted to antagonize her again. Well, I was allowed and went upstairs expecting another fight; only, what I found was A.J crying in her room. It was unnerving to see the same earth pony that held fast against me no matter what I threw at her so small and fragile. I couldn't bring myself to go inside and left; Granny Smith stopped me just as I was leaving the house and thanked me for coming during such a difficult time. It was then I learned of her mother passing."

"Rarity..."

"I didn't know what to do after hearing something like that. When she finally returned to school she seemed the same but sometimes I would catch her by herself crying. We became friends after we apologized and got to know each other, but... but...." Rarity started to cry as she remembered the past. She hid her face in her hooves and her whole body was shaking.

"Do you know how hard it was for me to see her like that all these years?! I couldn't do anything Twilight. I didn't know what to do to comfort her, I've watched her suffer silently for so long and all my efforts just ended in vain. She's too proud and stubborn to ever accept help and I was too ignorant of the situation to know how to help her. Why couldn't I do anything for her Twilight?! Why did she have to carry such a burden by herself for so long?! Am I that untrustworthy?!" She felt hooves wrap around her and cried into Twilight's chest. She cried multiple years worth of tears for being unable to help her friend. She cried for A.J finally trying to move on from her suffering and she cried tears of joy for Twilight helping the farmer through it.





"Thank you, darling. I'm sorry you had to see me in such a state." Rarity wiped the remaining tears from her bloodshot eyes.

"It's alright, Rarity. I can't begin to imagine how you've been feeling all these years."

"Thank you, but I'm alright now."

Rarity got up and put away the dishes as her tears stopped. " Come now, I'll show you to where you'll be staying." She walked upstairs with Twilight following close behind with her saddlebags. "The room on the right is mine and the one across from it is the guest room. The bathroom is the last door on the left. Oh, and try not to go on the last door on the right. It's my sister's room, but she won't be here for the week as she's visiting our parents."

"Thank you, Rarity. So, uh, is there anything I can help you with during my stay or did you already make plans? Because, if you haven't, I have a book on the do's and don'ts of staying overnight at a friend's house. Chapter thirteen is all about proper etiquette when going on outings."

"How nice..." Rarity shrank back a bit as Twilight shoved the book in her face. "I've made some plans for tomorrow onwards. Today, I just wanted to talk to you about A.J. I thought it would have taken me all day to bring it up, so now I don't have much else planned. I guess we can do something from the book today."

Twilight smiled and stomped in eagerness at the approval of using the book. It instantly made Rarity regret her decision to let Twilight pick their activity for the day.





"You know,this isn't as bad as I thought it would be." Rarity said as she dipped herself into the herbal mixture of the spa's hot spring.

"I'm glad you like it. We actually weren't supposed to be here today but with what happened earlier I thought it'd be a good idea. Chapter 20 does say "When faced with a stressful situation try going to the spa to relieve the tension." Twilight said while the cucumbers dropped as she read the passage.

"Indeed. Though, I do think we should try this without the use of a book. It feels rather impersonal unless it's something you think of yourself. I'm trying to get to know you better Twilight; not a book."

"Sorry, I'm still new to this whole thing." Putting away the book and taking a moment to soak; Twilight wondered what they could possibly do as an activity once done at the spa.

"Twilight?"

"What? Oh, sorry about that Rarity. I was lost in thought for a moment. Did you say something?"

"I asked what you talked to Fluttershy about. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, just merely curious."

"Nothing too important. I was just telling her that I might have to delay our week together since my parent's and brother are coming to stay next week."

"You have a brother?"

"Yes, he's my BBBFF."

"..."

"Big Brother Best Friend Forever."

"Oh, well, that's great dear. I'm glad to hear they're coming. Hopefully, they don't stay longer or at least let you spend that week with Fluttershy."

"Why's that Rarity?"

"Didn't Fluttershy tell you? She got tickets to the Natural History Museum for the two of you. They're holding a special event since they're getting in some new rare animal exhibits." Rarity levitated the cucumbers off her eyes and looked over at Twilight. "Are you sure she didn't say anything?"
> Eyes on Us
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"She didn't say anything when I talked to her."

"Darling, this is Fluttershy we're talking about. The poor dear would sooner ignore what she's feeling than inconvenience someone. Still, it is rather odd that she didn't say anything about it. Probably wanted it to surprise you with it when you spent the week with her."

Twilight thought about the conversation she had with the pegasus in question. Fluttershy did seem to have a bigger smile than usual and when she mentioned she might not be able to join her for the week her disposition changed instantly. She thought for sure it was just a natural response to slightly bad news and that Fluttershy, being how she is, just took it harder than usual. She never really gave it a second thought as to it having some other meaning.

"Oh no... I have to go talk to her." Twilight sprang from the mud bath and shook the mud clinging to her off. It hit Rarity as she finished getting the last of it off.

Twilight started to run towards the door only to be enveloped in a gentle blue light. She turned back to see Rarity wiping herself clean. She hung in the air as the prim and proper unicorn finished and took her to a rest area in the spa. Rarity took a seat and held Twilight in her magic in front of her.

"What were you going to do Twilight?"

"I need to go talk to Fluttershy. I can still fix this, maybe if I get her to talk about what she's feeling then I can smooth things over."

Rarity sighed. "Twilight, I know you mean well but you have to understand that these types of things aren't problems you can just "fix" whenever you feel the need. This isn't some kind of homework or test for you to study. This is real life and real life takes time and effort for anything to change."

"But..."

"Twilight, did you think the same way when you were with A.J?"

"I... Maybe... I'm not sure."

"Twilight, I know you have the best of intentions when it comes to any of us but the fact of the matter is that somewhere deep down you regard this as more of an assignment than anything."

"That's not true! You girls are my friends and I'm just trying to be the best friend I can be!"

"By ignoring our opinions and disregarding what we say?" Rarity levitated the purple mare down.

Twilight stood still trying to figure out whether or not somewhere in the back of her mind she did just regard them as just a means to complete an assignment or actual friends. It never occurred to her that she had actually thought that way considering her choice to stay in Ponyville with them. It couldn't have been just to satisfy the Princess with her mastery of the power of friendship. She turned down the invitation to return to Canterlot because she wanted to be with her friends and she wanted to believe that was the only reason.

"I'm sorry Rarity. I just don't know what to do anymore, this is a lot more complicated than I thought."

"Twilight, darling, if friendship was easy then there would be no fighting all across Equestria. Now, let's continue with our spa day and later today we can both go check on Fluttershy."

"Thank you, Rarity."

"Think nothing of it dear. Now, hurry before we miss our slots for the massage part."





It was mid-afternoon by the time they reached the cottage that housed their pegasus friend. The sight of the area was vastly different than how Twilight had left it. The animals were no longer around and the silence seemed deadly. Both of the unicorns could feel eyes on them despite nothing else within view. The window shutters were closed except for the one upstairs that would be in the bedroom. They knocked on the door and waited for a response; meanwhile, the silence that had been gripping the atmosphere become worse. The only things both of them could hear was the slight breeze and their own breathing.

The door opened slightly with no pony behind it. They tried to look inside only for it to close and Twilight looked down as something hit her leg. It was the small bunny that Fluttershy kept as her personal pet.

"Oh my, Angel what's wrong?" Rarity asked seeing the white fur ball with a scowl on his face.

He made motions with his hands and pointed towards Twilight at the end. Rarity didn't know exactly what to say and Angel, knowing he was getting nowhere, went inside for a brief second. He came out once more with a pad and pencil writing down something and handing it to Rarity.

"Twilight, I think we should leave for now. Fluttershy doesn't want to see anypony right now. We'll come back another day."

"What? Why? Does the note say something about it?" She tried to peek at it only for Rarity to crumple and burn it in her magic.

"I'll tell you later. Let's just go back to the boutique for today. We can stop by the market and get some things for dinner along the way."

Twilight stared at the ashes as they were swept by the breeze and watched Angel go back inside. The feeling of many eyes never left the two of them as both Rarity and herself left for the market. The walk and shopping were done in relative silence with only a few questions as to what to eat. Once they reached the road leading towards the boutique; Rarity caught sight of something moving around the front door. As they got closer she realized who it was prowling around outside her shop and home.

"Sweetie Belle! What are you doing here? I thought that you weren't going to be here for at least another week or so, what happened?"

The small purple and pink maned unicorn with fur much like Rarity's turned to meet them. She rushed forward and tackled Rarity in a hug.

"Rarity! I'm here early because Mom and Dad are going on an extended vacation. Aren't you happy to see me?! Wait... who are you?" the filly asked once she noticed Twilight.

Rarity levitated her sister off and dusted herself off. "Sweetie Belle, this is Twilight Sparkle a new friend I've recently made. She'll be spending the week with me so we can get to know each other better. Twilight, this is my younger sister Sweetie Belle." she said floating the filly towards Twilight.

"Hello there, Miss Twilight." Sweetie Belle said while floating and extending her hoof.

"Just Twilight is fine. Nice to meet you, Sweetie Belle."

They shook hooves and Twilight followed the sisters into the house. Rarity let Sweetie down and they continued to the kitchen where Rarity began to make dinner. In the meantime, Twilight decided to get to know the filly better.

"So, Sweetie Belle, why didn't you go with your parents? I'm sure they wouldn't have minded taking you with them right?"

"Yea... Well, I know how much they wanted to have some time alone so I asked if I could come here early. Besides, I wanted to get to know my way around a lot better before I start school next week."

"Why here though? if you don't mind me asking."

"Well, whenever I visit Rarity it's always when she gets swamped with work. We barely get to spend any time together and I'm usually left to do things on my own. I'm not really allowed to go out since I don't know the place so I just sit around the house most of the time."

"You're not allowed outside?"

"Yea, Rarity thinks I might get lost unless I know my way around better. She was supposed to be the one to show me around but she never does because of work. Sometimes I think she cares more about her job than she does about me."

The look on Sweetie's face went from having a seemingly boundless energy to a solemn sad look. The disappointment she had experienced due to Rarity's passion for fashion seemed to weigh heavily on the young girl. Whether by choice or accident the fashionista had sacrificed time with her sister to focus on her job.

"Sweetie Belle, I'm sure that it's just a case of bad luck. Rarity would never think that way about you. Tell you what, how about you and I go for a walk around Ponyville tomorrow? I still need to get to know the place better myself and I need to visit a friend of mine and Rarity."

"Really?!" The suggestion alone seemed enough to excite Sweetie Belle out her sullen state. "Of course, I'll go with you! I can't wait!"

"Can't wait for what?" Rarity asked as she set the table for dinner.

"Twilight said she'll take me around Ponyville tomorrow! I can go with her right Rarity?"

"I figured, since I need to know the place better myself, I might as well take her along since she also wants to look around."

"That sounds delightful dear, but what about getting to know each other better? Not to mention you only just met each other."

"I think it's a bit moot since your sister will be with us as well. I don't mind, though, I'm sure it'll all work out somehow."

"Please Rarity? Can I go with her?"

Rarity finished setting the food down and took her seat before looking at Twilight and her sister. "I suppose it's fine."

"Yay!"

"Only..."

Twilight and Sweetie looked at Rarity at the possible denial.

"Twilight. I want you to come back here before you meet with Fluttershy. We'll go together in order to sort things out. Promise me that and I have no problem."

"I promise Rarity. I'll come back for you before heading to Fluttershy's house."

"Good. Now, let's eat."
> Cafe Au Lait
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"So where to first Twilight?"

The night prior to Twilight taking Sweetie Belle to get the town better was filled with stories about Rarity and the many customers she had. Being the biggest gossip in the town it seemed like she truly knew things before they started. Sweetie Belle was enraptured by the details that Rarity told about the ponies. The more exciting parts were toned down to her being too young and she didn't understand some of the situations. Nonetheless, she was spending time with her sister and enjoyed every minute of it.

Twilight on the other hoof, simply nodded her head as the stories continued. She had asked questions here and there only to receive vague answers or no answers at all as Rarity was simply talking about rumors. She didn't pay them any mind and would sometimes make gestures towards Sweetie Belle when Rarity was beginning to get into the more mature rumors.

They went to sleep early in order for Twilight and Sweetie to leave early and explore Ponyville. It also allowed Rarity to get some much needed rest before truly beginning the time with Twilight and her sister. She had stayed up late to finish the orders prior to Twilight's arrival and was glad it had worked out after all. Just before they left Rarity remind Twilight once more about her promise and to be back before sundown.

"Well, Sweetie Belle, I think we should look around the shops first. Then we can visit the park and the schoolhouse where you'll be going soon. Then we can visit the library and the market last before returning to the boutique."

"Sounds perfect! Why the library though?"

"Well, what kind of tour would it be if I didn't show you the greatest building of any village, town, or city? Besides, I can introduce you to a potential friend. He's my number one assistant."

"Wow... how great..." She rolled her eyes at the mention of a library being so important. "What's your assistant's name?"

"His name is Spike."

"What kind of pony is he?"

"Let's just say he's not like anyone you've ever met."





"Twilight?"

"Yes, Sweetie Belle?"

"Can we go now? We've been in this place for an hour now. We still have a lot of other places to go."

"Oh! I'm so sorry. I guess I got caught up in all the different styles of quills they have here. Plus, I kind of need a new sofa of my own. The ones the place came with are a bit too stiff."

They left the shop known as the Quills and Sofas after Twilight spent an extra ten minutes placing a bulk order of standard pointed nib quills. Twilight would later come back to complain that the quills she'd receive were instead broad nib quills. It would go down as one of the shop's most difficult time due to her lecture of the differences between each type of nib which would last for three days due to being constantly interrupted by sofa purchases.

The pair headed down the road and briefly stopped by the shops in order to know them for future reference. The clock shop; owned by a stallion obsessed with the inner workings of the intricate devices. The flower shop; run by three mares that reminded  them of Rarity for some peculiar reason. The postal station with the only employee being a very friendly, yet oddly clumsy, yellow maned mare. Every shop and building greeted them with a friendly hellos and a warm goodbye as they continued through the town.

"Twilight, I'm a little hungry. Is it okay if we get something to eat?"

"Of course. I know, let's stop by the Sugar Cube Corner. They have some amazing cupcakes. It'll also give me a chance to say hello to Pinkie Pie. It feels like I haven't seen or spoken to her in ages. Well, all things considered, I guess I haven't..."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, sorry about that. Just remembering something I'd rather not think about."

The Sugar Cube Corner! Originally just a bakery owned by a stallion known as Pan Cake during the time Ponyville was first expanding. It was named simply as the Baked Bakery before he left it to his only son Carrot Cake who would later close it down due to renovations. Once the renovations completed, Carrot Cake would move in with his wife Cup Cake and renamed the place Sugar Cube Corner. He put forth original recipes for all kinds of confectionery treats with the help of his wife who, like him, was a master patisserie. They offered unprecedented first class service to any and all costumers.

However, during the time they were trying to expand their business by accepting custom orders and competing in contests to spread the word of the shop. A lone pink mare came along to help them in their time of need. She had traveled far and wide spreading joy everywhere she stopped until she reached their shop. Upon tasting one of their newest creations, it was love at first bite. She applied for the job and realized quickly that, with her parties and their pastries, anything was possible!

"Uh, thank you Pinkie. That was extremely informative for all of us. Though, I only asked how you were doing." Twilight was standing by the entrance to the shop with Sweetie Belle hiding behind her after the pink mare shot through the air at their arrival.

"Oh! I'm great! Have a seat anywhere, I'll be right with you!"

"We will, thank you again Pinkie." Twilight watched the mare return to the register as she and Sweetie took a pair of window seats. "Are you alright Sweetie?"

"Yea... I forgot how full of energy Ms. Pie is since it's been so long."

"Just Pinkie please!"

"Ahhh!!" They both screamed as the Pinkie Pie appeared next to them without any warning.

"So, what can I get the two of you?"

They took a minute to compose themselves before looking at the menu. Sweetie Belle ordered a Blueberry Tart and Twilight had the slice of Strawberry Cheesecake. They both ordered a Cafe Au Lait for the drink.

"Roger Dodger! I'll be right back with your order." She left the same way she had appeared which left Twilight and Sweetie wondering if she wasn't secretly a unicorn.

"So, where should we go next?"

"Ooo, can we go to the schoolhouse next? I want to see if any pony is still there that's going to be in my class!"

"Of course we can. I was just about to suggest that as I still haven't met the teachers. I might not be one myself, but in case they need any help with assignments or tests I can lend them a hoof."

"Here you go girls!" Pinkie once again caught them unaware as she set down the plates and drinks for them. "Let me know if you need anything else! Oh and I'll see you next week Sweetie Belle."

"Me? Why's that Pinkie?"

"For your; Welcome to Ponyville Party silly."

"Didn't you throw one for me already?"

"No, that was your; Have Fun Visiting Your Sister Party."

"Of course... how silly of me."

"Oh and Twilight?"

"Yes Pinkie?"

"Remember your promise to Rarity, okay?"

"Of course... wait, how did you know about that?"

The entrance bell rang as another customer stepped inside the shop. Pinkie smiled as she left the two of them to eat and ponder as to how she knew about something that only happened yesterday without anyone else around.

"Let's not think too much about it Sweetie Belle."

"Okay..."

Enjoying the cakes and leaving a tip, they said their goodbyes to Pinkie and headed towards the schoolhouse. It was already mid-afternoon and the foals and fillies had headed home for the day. The path was devoid of anypony as they came to the crossroad leading to the place of learning. Sweetie took a look at the other path that led to a small gazebo and saw a filly sitting down inside its shade. Twilight began walking towards the schoolhouse only to stop as she noticed her charge taking the other path.

"Sweetie Belle? I thought you wanted to see where you'll be studying?"

"I did, but look over there." she pointed towards the shadow who was hidden by the sun's light. "I think that's somepony that might be in my class. You don't mind if I go say hello do you?"

"Well..."

"Please?!"

"Okay, I guess it wouldn't hurt. You at least know how to get here for when you're ready to come."

Walking towards the gazebo, they came closer to the pony sitting underneath it. It was a filly with an orange coat and purple mane and tail. She seemed to be hunched over and looking at the concrete. Small water stains forming beneath her. As they approached they noticed somepony else coming to the gazebo.

"Sweetie Belle, wait." Twilight brought the filly back to her side with her magic and watched as the new pony came closer.

"Fluttershy?"

The yellow mare had come to the gazebo and sat down next to the filly. She wrapped a wing around the shaking figure and the filly's crying could be heard in full form. A minute passed and Fluttershy left with the filly down another path.

"Uh, Twilight? Can you put me down now?"

"Yea... Huh? Oh! Yes, of course. Sorry about that Sweetie Belle."

"It's okay." she said as putting her hooves onto solid ground. "Did you know that older pony Twilight?"

"Yea. That was the friend Rarity and I are going to visit. I'm sorry Sweetie Belle but I'm afraid the tour needs to be cut short. I need to talk to your sister about something."

"Awww! I didn't even get to meet Spike yet!"

"Next time. I promise."

They headed back to the boutique as the sun began to set. Twilight was left with questions as to why Fluttershy had been there. Who was the filly that was crying? Why had Fluttershy comforted her? Was she there by pure coincidence or were they related in some way? Again, she was faced with too many questions and not enough answers. She hated being in a situation she couldn't break down properly.

"Sweetie Belle? Do you know the way back home from here?" Twilight asked short of crossing one of the bridges leading back to the center of town.

"Yea, I do. Why?"

"Tell Rarity that I'll be a little late. If she asks say that I went to pick up ingredients for dinner okay?"

"Okay."

Twilight turned around and ran back towards the gazebo. Heading in the direction she saw Fluttershy and the filly leave.

"I'm sorry Rarity. I just have to know what is going on."
> Hide and Seek
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight followed after Fluttershy and the filly for a couple minutes and she finally caught up to them as they reached a small exposure located in Whitetail woods. She watched as Fluttershy spread a blanket on the grass for them from a basket that was, more than likely, left there by animal caregiver. Fluttershy laid down near the center and the filly joined her immediately snuggling up to the older mare. They were starting to talk about something so she cast a hearing spell to listen.

"... you Fluttershy. I'm sorry about this."

"It's fine Scootaloo. I understand you've been having such a hard time lately. You can come to me whenever you need anything." Fluttershy covered the filly with a wing and pulled her in closer. "Are you sure that can't talk to someone in your family about all this?"

"No! No... please I... I can't bother them with it. It's hard enough as it is when I keep getting all those looks from them."

"Shh. It's okay dear. I'm sorry I brought it up."

"Thank you. Sorry, it’s like that’s all I'm saying to you lately. It’s just, I don't get many chances to talk to somepony about all of it."

"It's perfectly alright. I hardly get to say what I want to say all the time. I regret it immediately and I feel terrible about it for a long time but, when I do get a chance, the burden lifts."

"Did something happen Fluttershy?"

The yellow mare shifted and lifted her wing over the filly. She seemed to shrink into herself at the question and went from smiling warmly to looking incredibly lonely.

"I... I have a new friend that, until recently, I've tried my best to cheer her up."

"What happened recently?"

"She finally got a reply to something she'd been waiting for a long time. It made her so happy and I was happy that she was happy. It’s just... I can't get it out of my head that all it took was a reply by one pony to get her out of being so sad for so long. I tried so hard Scootaloo. I kept at it for months and then at some point it affected me just as strongly."

The frail mare's body started to shake and tears were welling up in her eyes. It wasn't until Scootaloo got closer and held her hoof that she continued her story.

"Scootaloo, you've told me before that sometimes you think things are hopeless no matter how hard you try. I've told you that you have to keep a positive attitude and continue at your own pace."

"Yea. I still think that way sometimes but I get what you were trying to tell me."

"Well, what if you kept trying and trying at your own pace, trying to do something for somepony else knowing that you had problems yourself to deal with? Seeing that, no matter what you said or did, they never changed? They kept getting worse and worse and when you thought they would never get out of it; they suddenly recover due to somepony completely different?"

"Fluttershy..."

"I'm so useless Scootaloo. I can't even make one of the few friends I have happy. I can't do anything right! I couldn't make a difference at all! I tried to follow my own advice and it amounted to nothing!" The mare grabbed Scootaloo and started to yell as she cried.

The filly did her best to hold onto Fluttershy. She cried along with her knowing the feeling and yet not really understanding.

"I took the time! I went out of my way like I do for so many other ponies! I put myself out there in order to see her smile again! But, in the end, all it took was a single letter from somepony else! I can't take it Scootaloo! I can't do anything right!"

"Stop it! Stop! You can do things right Fluttershy! You've helped me and my dad for so long. You've never asked for anything in return and have always been there for us! You're not useless! You're not unwanted! You can make someone smile!"

They held each other as the sun's light began to fade through the trees. Their cries echoing through the woods and the animals leaving them alone unable to do anything. It was clear that Fluttershy was talking about Twilight. Twilight knew she was the pony that had ignored her and caused her to have these feelings. She knew that, by disregarding her attempts, she led Fluttershy down a road of depreciation and depression. Yet, all she could do was cry and hide.

She hid knowing that, despite her intentions of recovering her friendships, she'd broken a promise to one friend and caused another to doubt her actions as a whole. Applejack came to her mind and what she said kept echoing. The fact that she treated all of this as an assignment was pushed to the front of her thoughts. Rarity had warned her to take their feelings into consideration and yet she persisted in trying to think of solutions to everything.

"Thank you, Scootaloo. I'm sorry that you had to see me like that." Fluttershy said, wiping the tears from her eyes with a hoof and doing the same to the filly with one of her wings.

"It’s the least I could do. I'm sorry I yelled at you."

Twilight tried to stay quiet while still listening to them. The only problem was that her magic was wavering at the thought of continuing. She released the spell and sneaked away as the two continued to talk about something. She crawled through the brush silently until she reached a distance far enough to walk. As she came out of the bushes, she noticed that the sun had gone down.

"I should stop by the market. I still have some time to get stuff for dinner. I'll apologize for being late."

Alone she walked, distancing herself from the woods and going over the bridge to town. She stayed silent as she passed the houses with soft lights and the square with ponies out to enjoy the night air. As she came to the market; she noticed that most of them were beginning to pack. She went around gathering ingredients for dinner; pleading with each owner to let her buy despite the time. She did all this trying to ignore the constant replay of the conversation she'd heard. The one showing one of the consequences of her actions and how heavily they affected one of her friends.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry."

"You should be."

Twilight turned around at the reply to find Rarity looking at her. The unicorn walked closer but dropped her anger in place of concern.

"Darling? Why are you crying? I mean, I might be angry at you for being so late but I'm not that angry about it."

"No, sorry Rarity. I was just thinking of something else. It’s not about this at all, I am sorry about being late though."

“Well, what were you crying about then? Did something bad happen?”

“No. It’s not that… well not really. I don’t know, maybe it did.”

"You can tell me whenever you're ready. I'll listen to you.”

"It’s just… Rarity? Am I a horrible pony?”

“I’m sorry?”

“Am I a horrible pony?”

“Twilight, darling, why are you asking such a question? What makes you think you’re a horrible pony?”

“Tell me the truth Rarity. Was the time I locked myself away and the time I ignored all of you girls make you hate me? Was the fact that what it took, in order for me to go outside and talk to you girls again, a letter, make you think all you did to help was worthless? Am I really just horrible pony?”

“Twilight! Snap out of it!” A resounding slap echoed through the air and the few remaining ponies in the market turned at the source of the sound.

“Rarity…” Twilight said as the food she’d bought hit the ground.

“Twilight. I admit that, while the combined efforts of all of us didn’t get you out of your depression and a letter did, cause me to be slightly perturbed; I do not hold a grudge against you. There are times when I have trouble getting over even just a passing bad remark of the work I do but I don’t hold a grudge.”

“But…”

“I did my part as a friend and tried to get you to see what you were doing. We all did and at some point it just took somepony else to make you see it. I have some rather nasty feelings about it, that much is true. However, I do not hold a grudge nor has it affected me in a negative way. I’m simply happy that you are outside and talking to us again. I’m happy that I have my friend back.”

Rarity pulled the bookish mare closer and hugged her. They held each other for a quick minute and separated as Twilight gathered the fallen food.

“Thank you, Rarity. I’m sorry about that.”

“Think nothing of it dear. Though, the things you’ve done with Applejack is an entirely different matter. I have already said my thoughts on the subject and would rather leave it at that. I did want to go and visit Fluttershy today but seeing as to how late it has gotten. I think it would be best to try tomorrow.”

“Fluttershy… Tomorrow… Yea, you’re right.”

“Excellent. Here, let me hold the bags to make up for slapping you.”

Twilight laughed as Rarity covered the bags in her magic and hovered them overhead. The purple mare turned to walk towards the boutique only to stop when she noticed Rarity still waiting and looking around.

“Rarity? What’s wrong? Aren’t we going back?”

“Oh, we’ll catch up dear. You can go on ahead.”

“We?”

“Me and Sweetie Belle.”

“Oh! You brought her along?”

“W-What are you saying Twilight? She’s been with you this whole time.”

"..."

"Twilight?”

Rarity closed the distance between them as Twilight started to sweat and looked around the area. She kept looking around as she searched only to be stopped by a hoof pulling her head straight ahead.

“Twilight! Where is Sweetie Belle?! Where is my sister?!"
> Apologies and Search Parties
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Sweetie watched as Twilight ran back towards the area they saw the filly crying. She turned back and headed towards the shops.

"If I remember correctly it's just past the market and to the... left?" she said to herself passing through crowds of older ponies coming back from their daily grind. She weaved through them offering apologies for those she bumped into and found herself at the open market.

"I never did get to shop around here. Maybe I can find something to surprise Rarity!" She ran towards the market and looked at the wares of any stores still open.

"There isn't much here that Rarity would like... Oh! What's that?" She ran towards the back end of the market and hid behind one of the empty stalls. "Is that? No way!" She hid behind stall as her voice attracted attention. She peeked around the stall and proceeded to follow who she saw.





"What do you mean you let her go home by herself?!"

"I'm sorry Rarity. I asked her if she knew the way back and she said yes so I let her go ahead of me. I didn't think it would turn out like this."

"I told you that she gets lost easily! Do you honestly believe that you aren't to blame if anything happens to her? Dear Celestia! What if something has happened? What am I going to do?"

Rarity was starting to panic more so than she did when learning about Sweetie's disappearance. She paced back and forth and continued to bring up several scenarios of what might have happened to the filly. Twilight kept watching as her friend's emotions kept changing from anger, panic, and sadness.

"Rarity!"

"What?!"

"I think we should start searching for her immediately. I'll look for her around town while you let every pony else know she is missing."

"You're... You're right. Making a scene here isn't going to find her any quicker. I'll go let Applejack know and then let the proper authorities help as well."

"Ok, I'll go check everywhere I went with her." Twilight was turned to run only to be halted by a bubble of magic owned by her fashionista friend. "Rarity?"

"Twilight, If anything has happened to my sister I swear by Celestia that whatever Nightmare Moon would have done to us would be nothing compared to what I'll do to you. Got it?"

Twilight nodded slowly at the obvious threat. Rarity let her down in front of her and grabbed Twilight by her neck pulling her closer. 

"Good." 

Rarity let her go and went off in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres leaving Twilight to catch up to the sudden threat the ivory unicorn had made.

"I'll think about this later. I have to find Sweetie Belle."

Twilight ran towards the shops she visited with the young filly only to find them closed and the owners already gone. The few ponies she saw and asked had not seen the girl anywhere. As she ran towards the fountain she caught sight of a mass of red coming towards her. She stopped in front of the fountain and turned to see Big Mac slowing down to meet her.

"Big Mac?"

"Twilight, we've heard what happened. A.J is with Rarity right now looking around the outskirts. Applebloom and Granny went to inform the authorities so I'm here to help you search."

"I..."

"Before you say anything, I have to say that I went too far in hitting you. For that, I'm sorry but I won't apologize for kicking you out. The way you handled everything was beyond idiotic, especially coming from some pony like you. If it makes you feel any better A.J gave me quite the shiner once she found out."

"No, I don't hold it against you. Like you said, I should have gone about everything in a completely different way. I was too occupied with trying to make things right that I failed to take anything into consideration in regards to her feelings."

"We'll agree to disagree. Now, where's the last place you saw her?"

"On the bridge back to town coming from the schoolhouse."

"How did you two become separated? Rarity didn't tell us that part at all."

"I... kind of... let her go back on her own..."

"Wha... What in the name of Celestia were you thinking?!"

"She said she knew the way back!"

"What could be so important that you would let a filly that barely knows the town? What were doing?!"

"Stop yelling at me!"

Mac took a step back at the sudden spike in volume coming from the unicorn.

"S-Sorry. I just..."

"Let's just find Sweetie Belle. Any place else you two were going to check out today that you haven't checked yet?"

"Well we left the schoolhouse early and after that I was suppose to let her meet Spike."

"I'll go check the schoolhouse then. You check in with Spike."

"Wait! I don't think she'll be there."

"Why's that?"

"If she was there then I would have seen her coming back."

"Coming back? What exactly were you doing?"

"N-Nothing. Let's just go check the library. Though, I doubt she'll be there as well. She would have been found by now."

They ran towards the library and watched as the several other ponies were going around searching for something. Mac asked what happened and they were informed that Granny Smith had explained everything to every pony. They returned to their own search efforts and soon arrived in front of the library.

"Spike! Are you here?!" Twilight called out as she and Mac stormed through the door.

"Twilight? I didn't know... You!" The baby dragon yelled as he rushed towards Mac.

Spike jumped and just when it looked like he was about to bite Mac; Twilight stopped him with her magic. She held him in the air as he struggled and screamed words she knew he shouldn't know.

"Spike! What are you doing?!"

"Let me go Twilight!"

"Not until you calm down and explain yourself."

"This guy hit you! You think I'm just going to let him walk around like nothing happened?! Let me down so I can teach him what happens to people that mess with my family."

"Spike, calm down!"

"It's alright Twilight. Let him go and do what he needs to do."

"Mac?"

"Please, Twilight."

She let the dragon down and he immediately tackled the stallion; at least, he tried to anyways. It resulted in him just trying to push Mac down to no avail. The stallion stood still as the small dragon tried his best. It wasn't until Spike let go that Mac brought his face down to his level.

"Go ahead. Hit me; I understand the feeling of someone hurting your family so I want you to do it."

"Fine." Spike reared back only to extended his claws and swipe at Mac. The action left scars under his right eye and started to bleed.

"Spike!"

Mac flinched but otherwise stopped Twilight from interfering. "It's fine, this will heal with time and I deserve it. We have more important matters at hoof."

"But... you're right. Spike have you seen a filly with a white coat, and purple and pink mane?"

"What's this about?"

"Spike, please. Rarity's sister is missing and we're trying to find her. Are you sure you haven't seen her?"

"She was Rarity's sister?!"

"You've seen her?!"

"Yea, I was out getting some groceries and saw a filly that looked like that follow some mare in a hood. I wasn't sure what was going on but they went towards the Everfree. You don't think..."

"Mac! Can you go tell every pony else about this? Me and Spike will head towards the Everfree and see if we can pick up the trail."

"Sure thing Twilight."

Mac turned and left in a hurry to inform the others as Twilight levitated Spike onto her back. They left the library and headed towards the outskirts of the Everfree before the search party arrived.

"She can't have gone in there... right?"

"I don't know Spike. I really hope she hasn't but this is the best lead we have right now. Let's go and stay close to me no matter what happens. Okay?"

"Okay."
> Accusations and Excuses.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The Everfree was filled with mysteries beyond anyone's understanding. The fact that the Castle of the Two Sisters was located inside more than likely had something to do with why the forest itself was so dangerous. Was it because of the leftover magic from when Celestia fought with Nightmare Moon? Or was it something else that covered in area in a blanket of uncontrollable magic? Regardless, the forest thrived on it and the creatures that lived within it's boundaries learned to adapt.

It was a wonder of modern magic each time Twilight had stepped within the dangerous forest. She would have loved to take the time to study such a habitat and it's residents but this trip into the dense vegetation of death had another purpose. That purpose being the search for Sweetie Belle.

"Twilight, I don't know about this. Maybe, just maybe, I mistook some pony else for her coming heading towards here. Shouldn't we wait for the others?"

"No, Spike. We need to find her, every second we waste could mean the poor filly encountering something far too dangerous for her to handle. We can't waste time waiting for the others to gather."

"If you say so. Any idea as to where she might have headed?"

Twilight's horn light up and a quick flash of magic revealed hoof prints leading inside. The only problem with the spell was that the prints weren't alone. The tracks of other creatures and animals showed up as well covering most of the ones that looked to be made by ponies. The spell also gave no clue as to how old any of the tracks were; it was during times like this Twilight silently wished she'd have taken the time to learn how to track.

"Let's go, Spike. If we follow the hoof prints we might be able to find her at some point."

"Twilight, I really think we should wait for the others. This isn't safe for either of us if we go alone. The last time we tried going through you almost died twice over. In fact, if it wasn't for the girls you and I wouldn't have made it past the first hour."

"All the more reason we should go and find her. A filly all by herself in such a place is practically a death sentence. You can stay here if you want but I'm going to find her." Twilight started walking into the brush leaving the baby dragon behind.

She made multiple stops to try and find the tracks left by ponies as others were beginning to overlay the initial prints she'd followed. As she came upon the a familiar stream there was a rustle coming from behind her.

"Who's there?" Twilight asked as her magic started to gather.

"It's me Twilight." answered the voice as the owner came into view.

"Spike?!" She rushed towards him as he brushed off leaves clinging to his body. "I thought you didn't want to come with me?"

"I said I didn't want us to go alone. I couldn't just leave you to go into the woods without anyone else. I followed you shortly after you left me at the entrance. It was a bit tough to keep up and I didn't want to yell in case of monsters being close."

"Sorry about that Spike. I just want to find her as soon as possible." Twilight said as she levitated the young drake onto her back.

"I understand why you want to find her but you seem to be in much more of a rush than necessary. Is something wrong Twilight?"

"I... No, nothing's wrong. Let's go."

The pair crossed the stream and continued to follow the tracks. Soon they started to hear voices yelling the filly's name as they ventured deeper in to the forest. The search party had apparently caught up and were now joining in the hopes of coming across Sweetie.

"Uh... Twilight?"

"Not now Spike. I'm trying to figure out which one of these tracks is more recent."

"But, Twilight."

"Spike, please I need to concentrate."

"Twilight!" he yelled turning her head towards the direction he was looking.

"Wha..." she said as her vision was filled with lights that seemed to twinkle in the shadows of the trees.

"You think it has anything to do with Sweetie Belle?"

"I'm not sure, but we don't have much to work with otherwise."

The lights seemed to be moving further and further as they headed towards their direction. Twilight picked up the pace and brushed aside branches and bushes as they tried to block her path. The closer they came to the lights the clearer they could hear a noise being made as they kept appearing. The noise seemed somewhat familiar but the rustling of the bushes, snapping of twigs, and Twilight's own labored breathing almost drowned it out.

They bushed through a dense bush to come upon a clearing and the source of the lights dancing in the darkness. A large cart was moving in front of them and from the front of it came the lights. The owner seemed to not have noticed the commotion they made crashing through the environment as the cart kept on it's relatively silent trek.

"Stop!" Twilight yelled as she ran to whomever was pulling the mobile home in the dark woods of terror.

"What?" came a soft voice as the cart began grinding to a halt. A noise could be heard and Twilight stopped midway to see a cloaked figure coming from the front to investigate the new voice. "Wh-who's there?" the figure asked in a feminine voice while holding up a lantern to light the area better.

"I'm sorry to bother you. I'm Twilight Sparkle and this is Spike. We saw strange lights dancing around here and followed them to your cart. What are you doing out here?"

"I could ask the same of you. This isn't the best place for anypony to be wondering around. Are you lost or something?"

"No, we're looking for someone. Spike said he might have seen her wander into these woods."

"Oh. I take it the one you're looking for is a small filly with a white coat and multi-colored mane?"

"Yes! Her name is Sweetie Belle. Have you seen her?"

The figure led them towards the back of the cart and opened the door leading inside. She hung the lantern on a hook just outside letting a soft glow fill the inside. Twilight peeked inside to see a small figure on bed.

"Sweetie Belle!"

"Shhhhh. The poor thing is trying to sleep."

"Sorry."

"Why is she with you? Did you find her out here or was it you that took her?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"I remember the cloak and the fact that you're out here in the Everfree with Sweetie just confirms that you're the one she was following."

"Are you accusing me of fillynapping the girl?"

"If the horseshoe fits."

"Spike, that's enough. I'm sorry about that; it's been a long day and the whole town is practically searching for her right now but it's no excuse for trying to blame you for something you obviously didn't do."

"Hmmmph. If I knew there were such ingrates in the town I would have changed my mind about going to visit. Lucky for all of you that I didn't and that's especially true for the poor girl." The door closed and the lantern was once again taken as the owner returned to the front.

"Very lucky. Still, what exactly is she doing with you?"

"I noticed someone following me when returning from the market in town. I didn't know who it was and tried to lose them only to find out it was a filly as she started to cry from being lost."

"Why would she follow you though?"

"She told me that she was a fan of my work. I've traveled all across Equestria in order to entertain many ponies so I tend to run into fans every now and then. Just, not some as foolish as her. I mean, what could have she been thinking following me into a place like this?"

"She's new to the town. I was suppose to show her around but something came up and I told her to go back home alone. She must have seen you and thought it okay to follow you into the Everfree since I've never told her about it's dangers."

"So the foolish one is you? Why am I not surprised? Parents these days have no concern for their children until it's too late. Come along, I was heading towards the town before you two came along."

"Parent?! I'm just her sister's friend."

"So you're practically a stranger then? How do I know you're not the one trying to fillynap her then?"

"Wha..."

"Hold on now. Miss... sorry I never got your name." Spike interrupted as he jumped off Twilight and in between the two mares.

The figure lowered her hood letting her silver mane hang loose as she extended her hoof towards the dragon. "Trixie. Trixie Lulamoon."
> Great and Powerful
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Twilight!" Applebloom yelled as she saw her Prench tutor come out of the forest with Spike and another mare.

"Applebloom?" Spike hopped off of Twilight and ran to meet her halfway.

"Hey, Spike! Who's that you two are with?"

"Her? She's-"

"The Great and Powerful Trixie!" the azure mare yelled and threw down a smoke bomb only to reappear next to the two. "Pleasure." she said as extending her hoof.

Applebloom shook it as Twilight joined the rest of them. She had a look of confusion for a moment only to realize why she'd called out.

"Twilight, did you find that Sweetie girl anywhere?"

"Actually, Trixie is the one that found her. She's sleeping inside her wagon and we were on our way back to Rarity's."

"You found her?! That's fantastic!" they all watched as the filly jumped around excitedly only to stop as she gasped. "Twilight you have to let the other ponies know. They're all still searching for her in the forest."

"Oh dear. I don't think there would be any way for me to find them all. Was there some pony in charge of the search party?"

"Yea. Mayor Mare is waiting on the edge of town for any and all updates. I'm here cuz Applejack and Big Mac told me to let them know if anything changes. They went inside as well but they should be back pretty soon."

"Changes? Does that mean something happened?" Spike asked.

"Nah, I was just waiting for them to let them know we've got no leads. Though, now that Ms. Trixie here found Sweetie we should really head back to Mayor Mare and let her sound the alarm. It'll let all the ponies know to come back."

"Let's not waste any time then. I would really like for tonight to be done and over with. Trixie needs her beauty sleep and that can't happen unless my bed is free." Trixie attached the reigns once more and pulled the cart along following along with Twilight and Spike as Applebloom led the way.

They passed several ponies who stopped to quest what they were doing. Twilight had informed them of what happened and one of them went ahead to inform the Mayor. Soon, the alarm could be heard echoing through the cold night informing all the ponies to gather. As they reached the edge, Mayor Mare along with Rarity and Granny Smith waited for them. The pony that went ahead had indeed done his job and the last of the search parties arrived shortly after the group.

"Twilight!" Rarity yelled running towards the purple mare. "They said you found her. Where is she?!" Twilight found herself being shaken as she tried to explain.

"Rarity, calm down. Trixie is the one who found her." Spike separated them before Twilight found herself sick.

"Trixie? Who's Trixie?"

It was then that a loud boom went off and smoke cover the cart as a stage appeared. Fireworks went out and lights were turned on as a voice echoed for all the ponies to hear. "I, am The Great and Powerful Trixie!" wearing a matching cape and magician's cap she stood center stage. "Watch and be amazed at magic like you've never seen before!" At this more fireworks shot out from behind and exploded in the sky forming her name.

The door to the wagon opened and Sweetie Belle stepped out clutching a blanket. Her mane was a mess and her fur was slightly matted from sweat. "Can't a pony get some decent sleep around here?" she asked rubbing her eyes.

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity rushed forward and wrapped the filly in hooves. She proceeded to cover her in affection as ponies immediately surrounded the sisters. All the while, Trixie was left ignored by all save for a few interested in her act.

"Ms. Trixie, on behalf of Ponyville; I, Mayor Mare, must thank you for finding the young filly before anything unfortunate occurred. Regardless, I must ask you not put on your show here as we're all very likely tired and in need of rest. Please visit my office tomorrow morning I'll be more than happy to help you get a performance permit."

Trixie jumped off the stage and kicked it as she landed safely. The stage flipped back and returned to it's normal wagon state.

"Very well. Thank you, Mayor." Trixie put her cap and cap away as Rarity came having finished her tearful reunion.

"Ms. Trixie?"

"Trixie is fine. I'd rather not get into the whole Great and Powerful bit as even I need to give it a rest at times."

"Very well, Trixie. I wanted to thank you for saving my sister. I don't know how I can ever repay you but I swear I'll do my best. Please, stop by my boutique in the morning and I'll see if I can't add more to your wardrobe. Free of charge, of course."

"Having my cape mended and a new dress or two would be nice. Okay, thank you. I do have some advice though."

"Oh?"

"You might want to teach your sister not to follow strangers so readily. Even if they've seen them before."

"What do you mean?"

"She didn't tell you?" Trixie looked at the filly who tried to hide herself behind Rarity as the topic came up.

"Sweetie Belle? What does she mean?"

"I... I..." The little unicorn did her best to try not to cry as the truth of the matter came out.

"Apparently, your sister has seen my show before and took it upon herself to follow me into the woods. I'm not entirely sure what in all of Equestria she thought would happen but I shook her off my trail thinking it was something or some pony else. It wasn't until I doubled back to find her crying about being lost that I brought her to my wagon."

"Sweetie Belle!! What have I told you about following strangers?! You're beyond lucky to have been found by Trixie otherwise you'd be stuck out in the woods or worse!"

"I'm sorry sis. I just thought I'd be able to see the show again..."

"We'll talk about this later. For now, thank Trixie for taking care of you and let's get some rest."

"Thank you Ms. Trixie. I'm sorry for causing you trouble."

Trixie sighed and patted the filly's head. "It's fine. I've done my fair share of bad moves when I was young. Just, be sure to listen to your sister and not do something like that again. Okay?"

"Okay."

The showmare watched the two walk off before she strapped the reins again and pull her wagon towards the center of town. Rarity, in the meantime, stopped to wait for Twilight to say goodbye to Spike before continuing the return to the boutique. The walk was silent as Sweetie Belle fell asleep while riding on Rarity. Neither unicorn wanting to wake the filly from her slumber it was just a silent agreement to wait until they were back at Rarity's house.





As Rarity descended the stairs after putting Sweetie to bed, she found Twilight waiting at the dinner table a cup of tea waiting for the tired designer.

"She asleep?"

"Yes, I didn't wake her as I put her to bed." Rarity sighed as she took a sip of the tea.

"That's good. I thought..."

"Twilight. What were you doing?"

"W-what do you mean?"

"Twilight. Big Mac told me you what you told him. How you were already at the schoolhouse. It was why you let Sweetie go back on her own wasn't it?"

"I--" Twilight shifted in her seat trying to look away from the stare her friend was giving her.

"Twilight, just tell me what you were doing. Please."

"I wasn't doing anything. I just wanted some time alone is all." She didn't want to lie to Rarity but she didn't want to let her know about breaking her promise concerning Fluttershy. It was bad enough she left her sister to wander around and end up in the forest. She didn't want her to know it happened because of a broken promise.

Rarity's reaction to it was a lot different than Twilight had thought. As the ivory unicorn left her seat to walk next to Twilight and strike her. Twilight was sent tumbling back bleeding slightly from her mouth and fear forming in her eyes.

"You left her alone because you wanted to be alone?! I told you to watch out for her! She's only a filly and new to the town so you thought it was a good idea to let her walk back on her own?! She could have died tonight Twilight! My sister could have died tonight and all because you wanted to be alone?!"

"I'm sorry! I just..." Twilight yelled as tears kept flowing and her body began to shake with each step Rarity took towards her.

"You just what?! She gets lost easily and it was why I told you to look out for her! Yet, you chose your own needs rather than look after my sister! If it was Spike and I left him alone to wander into the Everfree don't you think you'd care less about my needs?! This is not the way friendship works Twilight! I forgave you for ignoring us, I forgave you for bringing up Applejack's past and even thanked you for helping her. But this, this I can't forgive. Get out." 

The fashionista was looming over Twilight at this point and tears were falling from her as well whether they were for Sweetie Belle or something else Twilight didn't know.

"Rarity? Please just... let me explain."

"I've had enough Twilight. I can barely stand to look at you any longer. Take your things and get out of my house."

"But-"

"Get out!" Rarity screamed at the top of her lungs.

A noise came from the top of the stairs and a voice called out breaking the silence the yell had created.

"Rarity? What's going on?"

"Go back to sleep Sweetie Belle."

"But, I heard you screaming... is something wrong?"

"Not now Sweetie. Go back to bed."

"Why's Twilight crying?"

"Go to your room! Now!"

The filly stumbled back and ran upstairs; a door could be heard being closed and silence blanketed the room once more. Rarity turned away from the purple unicorn underneath her and took a few steps towards the stairs. She stopped halfway and Twilight heard her as she picked herself up.

"I don't want to see you here once I'm done talking to Sweetie. In fact, just don't come back here again. I'll let you know when I want to talk to you."





The night wind was cold and cut through Twilight's fur as she closed the door to the boutique. She'd messed up again and more than likely lost another friend. She didn't want to go back to the library for fear of Spike asking questions. She didn't want to disappoint any pony else at the moment. She walked through the town as the lights of the few ponies left awake died down. She didn't know what to do until she walked into what she though was a wall since she had been looking at the ground the whole time only to find it was a familiar wagon.

A noise came inside and the window rushed open for a tired Trixie to look out into the night.

"What is it?! Can't you see I'm trying to get Great and Powerful some sleep?" she yelled as her eyes tried to adjust to the moonlight.

"Sorry about that Trixie. I wasn't watching where I was going."

Trixie looked down to see the mare she met in the forest. She was about to yell again when she noticed dried blood on her mouth. She closed the window and stepped outside to help her up.

"It's fine. Not like I was sleeping anyways. Come inside and I'll see what I can do about that cut."

"Are you sure? I don't want to bother you more than I already have tonight."

"I'm not going to say it again. Now, come on it's cold out tonight and I'd rather get sleep in before tomorrow."

The pair walked inside and the light from the wagon showed shadows dancing around. It was a while before the light went out and the only sounds left were those of the night winds.
> Bright Side
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The sound of porcelain and metal rang through the air as a few rays of sunlight sneaked their way through the curtains onto Twilight. She shifted around trying to get away only to fall flat on her face with a yelp. She made a mental note to order a larger bed and softer carpets only to toss it aside as hoofsteps came up to her and a soft blue aura covered her body.

"Well, at least you're awake now. Celestia knows I've been trying to wake you for the past hour." a gentle voice said as the aura set Twilight down on the bed once more and left her to fold the blanket that tumbled with her.

"Wha- where am I?"

"Come now Sparkle. I don't have time to cater to you. I have things to do so I would appreciate it if you'd hurry up and become a little more coherent and less shabby looking."

Twilight shook her head as her vision started to gain focus. She looked around to find herself in an unfamiliar environment. It wasn't until a cup floated in front of her that she noticed who had been talking. The magician from the previous night known as Trixie was looking at her with an exasperated look while setting down plates on a small folding table.

"Are you going to take it or not?" she said with a bit of irritation in her voice.

"Oh! Sorry, yes. Thank you." Twilight took hold of the cup in her hooves to find it filled with coffee which helped her mind clear the remaining fog away.

"Come on then. Have a seat so we can talk." Trixie motioned towards the table as she set down the cereal and milk for the both of them.

"Thank you again for last night Trixie."

"Don't mention it. It would have bothered me if I had just left a victim of abuse just walking around without proper care."

"Abuse?" confusion flashed across Twilight's face before realizing what the mare had meant. "Oh! No, no no. It wasn't abuse at all I can assure you. I just had an argument with my friend last night and well, she might not be my friend anymore." she stared into her cup before the sound of cereal hitting a bowl snapped her out of the melancholy.

"I see. Is this the same friend whose sister you lost track of?"

"Y-yea."

"Well, can you blame her?"

"What?"

Trixie had a spoonful of the cereal and motioned for Twilight to do the same. Satisfied at the fact Twilight understood she wiped away the milk with a napkin before continuing. "I said, Can you blame her? Honestly, the fact that you lost her sister is bad enough but to have her be in the Everfree forest of all places? You're lucky she didn't press charges for negligence. Then again, she still might press charges if she's as mad as you say."

"She'd never do that!"

"Are you certain? How well do you actually know her?"

"She- I- I... I guess I don't really know her all that well. This week was supposed to be us spending the time to do just that and now it's ruined."

"Well, I for one want to thank you despite everything that happened last night."

The thought of being thanked for the events of last night solidified the look of confusion on Twilight's face but before she could ask why Trixie replied.

"If you hadn't of lost track of Sweetie then I wouldn't have found her. The fact of the matter is that if I hadn't of found her then I wouldn't be here with a way to secure a performing permit free of charge. I ran out of bits buying supplies and stocking the wagon so this really helped me out. Don't get me wrong, it's horrible judgment on your part but at least some good came out of it, right?"

"I... guess?"

"Wonderful, now, be a dear and finish your meal as I have an appointment with the mayor today and I'd rather get ready to perform before midday."

"Right. Sorry."

The two silently finished their breakfast and Trixie took a moment to wash the dishes as Twilight helped clean the table. The table was put away and Twilight realized how small the wagon had truly been. The one piece of furniture that took up more than it's fair share was the bed with a chest beside it which seemed to hold Trixie's props. There was a basket filled with dishes towards the end of the bed and two crates stacked on top filled with food. The table they had used leaned against the chest in the small space between it and the wagon wall. The rest of the wagon was bare but except for the many posters of famous magicians on it's walls.

"Are you coming or should I take your dumb look as a way of saying you want to help me out?" Trixie said as she waited for the purple mare by the open door.

"Sorry, I was just looking around." she shook her head before walking outside and letting Trixie lock the door. "Did you say you needed help?"

Trixie checked the door to see if it was checked before turning around and lifting Twilight's head. "Yes, it's just a bunch of setting up I need to do but seeing as your plans for the week are up in smoke I'd say you're the perfect pony to help me out."

"Uh... what are you doing?"

"Just checking to see if the cut has healed." She retracted her hoof with small smile. "It looks like it healed properly. You won't even get a scar out of it. So, do you want to help me or is there something else you need to do today?"

"I was going to see if I could get Rarity to talk to me."

"Bad idea. Trust me on this Sparkle. If someone was mad enough at you to hit you then you might want to let them have more than just the night to cool off."

"Oh..." Twilight looked at the ground as her ears folded back at the thought of Rarity still being as angry as last night.

"Tell you what." Trixie sighed. "I need to go visit her today anyways so I can get my cape mended for the show tonight. How's about I just bring you up as a topic and see what it would take to have her at least listen?"

"Really? You'd do that for me?"

"Sure, it's no fur off my hide. Besides, if it'll get you to help me set up then all the better. I plan to put on the best show possible seeing as the fact I saved a filly will attract more of a crowd which means more bits."

"You're profiting off of saving a filly from possible death?" Twilight asked dumbfounded.

"I never said it was completely unselfish. Besides, a mare has to eat."

Twilight watched stood in silence at the fact that some pony would think the life of a filly would be second to gathering a crowd but brushed it away as she noticed Trixie walking away. She ran after her and the two headed towards city hall in silence. With any luck, Trixie might be able to help her salvage the ruined relationship between her and Rarity.
> Pre-Show
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The meeting with Mayor Mare went quickly as she had already drawn up the paperwork before turning in the night prior. Twilight stood by as Trixie and the Mayor posed for a few photos and the magician was handed the papers without a problem. They thanked the Mayor once more before walking out and encountering some of the ponies that had gathered to see what the commotion was about. Trixie took the chance to promote her show as they asked if she was the one to save Sweetie and Twilight was once again stuck on the sidelines.

After an hour of shaking hooves and self-promotion Trixie once again joined the purple mare who at this point had simply sat on one of the benches just outside City hall.

"Ready to go?" the illusionist asked to the seemingly spaced out mare.

"Yea." Twilight joined her as they walked back to the wagon. "So, what exactly do you need me to do in terms of setting up?"

"Well, It's nothing too complicated. The side of my wagon opens up to form a small stage but in order to perform the way I want to today I need to get the bigger stage ready."

"So you want me to make the stage?"

"Let me finish Sparkle."

"You can just call me Twilight."

"No thanks."

"Oh... Can I ask why?"

Trixie stopped mid-step causing Twilight to abruptly stop before crashing into her. "Look, Twilight Sparkle. For what it's worth, you seem like a good enough pony to get to know but with what you've told me I'd really rather not associate myself with you more than necessary. No offense but you're not exactly what I'm looking for in a friend. Not to mention that I travel, not just around Equestria, I mean around the world. I have no idea where I'll be until I arrive and having friends in one place is simply impossible due to how little erratic contact could end up being."

"You can't have possibly gone this long without having a few friends, right?"

"Well, you're correct on that part but, like I said I'd really rather not make any friends." Trixie turned and continue to walk towards her wagon. "Its always bad news either way." she mumbled low enough to barely register as anything.

As the pair approached the wagon Twilight noticed a shadow disappearing behind the side of the wagon. Before she could say anything Trixie picked up her pace which prompted the impromptu stage hoof to follow. As they rounded the corner Twilight skid to a halt as Trixie suddenly stopped just as she turned. The resulting hasty brake caused her to fall flat on her face next to the showmare.

"Whoa. Are you alright?" an orange pegasus filly asked coming closer as Twilight wiped the dust off her fur.

"Y-yea. Thanks."

"What exactly are you doing around my wagon?" Trixie asked interrupting the two's exchange.

"Sorry, I just wanted to know when the show would start."

"Ah, It's not going to be ready until some time later tonight." Trixie replied with a smile at the potential fan. "What's your name little one?"

"Scootaloo. Sorry if I caused trouble I've just never seen a traveling magic show before."

"Tut tut. It's not a magic show my dear Scootaloo." With a trained hoof, she quickly threw something down which caused a cloud of smoke to appear. Once it cleared she was gone causing the two ponies left behind to search for her. 

"It is a magic event! One that will forever change your views on magic as you know it!" Trixie's voice echoed as her wagon shook and the two backed away from the mobile home. Latches came undone and a small wooden stage released from the side as fireworks shot up and some trumpets released a blast once another puff of smoke appeared in the center. "Behold, the wondrous feats of The Great and Powerful Trixie!"

The showmare was in her signature hat and cape as a crowd began to form and she began to perform for them. As the crowd began to settle down Twilight noticed A.J and Rarity in the crowd and left Scootaloo to enjoy the show.

"Hi, Applejack." Twilight said coming closer to the two and was about to greet Rarity when she saw her turn and walk away with a slight scowl.

"Hey, Twilight. You holding up okay?" A.J asked walking some distance away from the stage as to not interrupt.

"Wha-what do you mean?"

"Twilight, we both know what happened last night and you agreed to start fresh before any of that happened. Well, I can't rightly keep my end of that if you aren't honest with me."

"I'm sorry." Twilight sighed "I seem to keep saying that more and more these days."

"It's certainly become a regular for you that's true but it wouldn't be if you didn't make these types of situations yourself."

"But, I didn't mean for any of that to happen."

"It don't matter whether or not you wanted it to happen. What matters is that it did and your decision is what made it happen. Mac told me about you being at the schoolhouse rather than looking after Sweetie but nothing else. What was so dang important that you left that filly by herself?"

"You won't tell Rarity will you?" Twilight asked with a pleading look

"Well, that all depends on whether or not it's a good reason. I've known her longer than you so if she asks directly there's little I can do than tell her."

"Fine. That's fair I guess." a boom went off behind them and they both turned to see a living light show that formed the shapes of Trixie and a bear of some kind. The crowd seemed to be impressed and shocked as they stomped.

"You were saying?" A.J said breaking them both from the rather glamorous distraction.

"Right, I uh... might have gone after Fluttershy when I saw her at the schoolhouse with a filly."

"So you were with Fluttershy the whole time?"

"N-not exactly?"

"Exactly what were you doing then?" A.J eyed her suspiciously at the response.

"I might have been kind of... maybe been spying on her?" she tried to hide behind an awkward smile only to be reward with A.J taking a deep breath as she took off her hat.

"Twilight... I thought you learned your lesson the first time you did something like that."

"But, I couldn't help it! I'd never seen that Fluttershy interact with anyone other than the five of us and her walking away with that filly was strange enough considering how she usually acts around strangers."

"Fine, let's say this isn't as bad as it sounds. Why exactly couldn't you just tell Rarity the truth then? By what she said you left her sister go off on her own just so you could spend some time alone."

"I couldn't. I promised her that I wouldn't go see Fluttershy without her."

"So you broke a promise?" A.J brought a hoof to her face as she tried to rub her eyes. "Is this going to be what's like being your friend? You just breaking promises and spying on others when you feel like it? Listen sugarcube, the thing between you and me is one thing but the fact that you just took all of that happened with us and did this just says you don't view anyone on the same level as you."

"That's not tru-"

"I ain't done." A.J said lifting a hoof to stop Twilight from talking. "I know that I said I'd give you a second chance but all of this is really making me rethink even that. Now, I know I'll probably regret this but I'll go ahead and try to calm Rarity down from completely trying to ignore you so you can talk to her."

"Really?" Twilight said with obvious surprise in her voice.

"Yea, I'll do my best anyways but I ain't gonna promise nothing other than that. However, if and when you two actually talk I expect nothing less than the truth from you. Got it?"

"Y-yes, of course. I'll tell her everything."

"Good, but now this is the real catch. If you can't or won't tell her everything then I will and at that point you can consider this thing between us over. I'm not about to try being friends with some pony that treats promises like nothing. We may be part of the elements but that doesn't mean I have to be anything other than professional towards that regard."

Twilight was about to speak when another loud crash rang through the air and made her turn to see more fireworks shoot out from the stage as Trixie bowed to the thunderous stomping of the ponies. She presented her hat which was soon filled with bits and waved the audience goodbye as they dispersed. At that, Twilight turned back towards A.J only to see her walking away. She started to go after her but was caught off guard as a sudden figure appeared out of the sky in front of her.

"What did you do?" the prismatic mare yelled causing A.J to stop halfway.

"Rainbow? What do you mean? What's going on?" Twilight started to panic as the pegasus mare stalked towards her.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about!" Rainbow grabbed Twilight by the scruff and pulled her closer to stare her down. "What did you do to Fluttershy?" she yelled causing the petrified pony in her hooves to start shaking a little.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I haven't spoken to her since at least two days ago." Twilight struggled to say as Rainbow made it hard for her to focus on much else.

"Rainbow Dash! You let her go right now!" A.J yelled as she separated the angry pegasus away from Twilight.

"Stay out of this A.J! This is between me and her!" she shoved A.J away only to be stopped by a blue field of magic before reaching Twilight.

"Alright, that's enough of that." Trixie said coming up from behind to stand next to Twilight.

"Who do you think you are?" Rainbow yelled trying to bust through the bubble that now formed around her.

"Someone that knows the general idea of social grace. In case you haven't noticed, you three are attracting a lot of attention with all this yelling so I suggest you cool off before your business becomes the town's business." she waved a hoof around which caused the other three to see other ponies whispering about what was happening.

"Fine, whatever. I get it already, just let me out." Rainbow took deep breaths and blew the hair out of her face as A.J stepped between her and Twilight once more. "A.J, I need to talk to Twilight. Now."

"No. You're not in the right state of mind. I know you Dash and this isn't you calm. Now, come with me back to the farm until you are calm. Otherwise, you can forget about having a private talk with Twilight."

"Are you serious?" she yelled.

"Do I look like I'm not?" A.J yelled back.

The two stared at each other for a good minute before Dash turned around and headed for the farm with A.J close behind. She stopped and turned around once more to face the two unicorns. "Thank you. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't stepped in when you did Miss Trixie."

"Just Trixie is fine. You don't have to thank me for anything. I just don't particularly like witnessing any type of violence. Not to mention that if I have ponies fighting right after my show it'll be bad publicity. Now, if you'll excuse me I have another show to set up for so I'll be taking my helper back now. Let's go Sparkle."

Twilight who had been standing there dumbfounded throughout the whole exchange could only nod slightly as sweat dripped down her brow. She waved goodbye to A.J who did the same and followed close after the showmare.

"Trixie... I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything then. It's like I told your farmer friend there, I only stepped in for my own interests and nothing else. So if you're done being an emotional punching bag for the day, I suggest we get to work as I have a show to put on in a couple hours."

Twilight watched the azure mare continue towards the wagon in awe of her ability to deal with such situations with ease. Regardless of whether or not it was for the right reasons, she knew that the way Trixie handled herself was from a point of experience. Time passed as Trixie gave out instructions as to where to put certain props and helped set up the major stage for the show that would go on that night. At little past three in the afternoon they stopped for a lunch break with no obvious sign of A.J or Rainbow returning.

"Alright, I've got some daisy, kale, and spinach sandwiches along with a pitcher of peach juice." Trixie said levitating the table from that morning along with the items out of the wagon and setting them down near the completed stage. She took the pitcher and served herself some of the juice and began drinking as Twilight began to eat.

"You're not having any of the sandwiches?"

"No, I already ate some as I was preparing them. Besides, I need to go to get my cape mended before the show."

"Oh! I almost forgot about that." Twilight said with a mouthful of the delicious meal.

"Ugh, have some manners Sparkle." she levitated a napkin to the purple mare who accepted it with a blush.

"Sorry. Thanks again Trixie."

"Enough already with the constant thanking. I keep telling you it's nothing and yet you keep making it more than it really is by doing that. Now, go ahead and finish your meal while I head over to the shop and don't worry I'll be sure to keep my end of the deal. Look after the place while I'm gone and make sure no one touches anything. If even one thing is moved slightly then it'll cause any of the acts to go wrong."

Trixie left and Twilight sat by waiting for her return. She didn't know how long it would take but with the skill Rarity had it shouldn't be too long. She looked out onto the stage and props and wondered how some of them would be used. While she might have been Celestia's personal protege and the embodiment of the element of magic, it didn't mean she knew everything that dealt with it. The things Trixie could do were astounding from what Twilight caught of her act hours before.

Lost in her imagination of the acts to come she failed to notice the shadow that passed by from above until she heard hooves touch the ground. She looked behind her to see Rainbow Dash once again looking a lot calmer than earlier that day.

"Rainbow..."

"Let's talk."