> Lana's Absence
>  by Burningbloom78
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Long Road
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A festering question: Who and what is Lana?
 



Axis Stone awoke on his bed with a dull ache in his neck. He swept his hoof along his bedsheets seemingly searching for something, but the area he brushed his hoof along was empty and cold. 

Axis opened his emerald eyes and turned his stiff neck to the right to confirm that something was indeed missing. He shut his eyes and breathed deeply before exhaling a despairing breath.

"Oh, Lana," he mumbled, rubbing his face tiredly. "How many times will it take for me to realize?" It took an immense effort for Axis Stone to sit up on his bed. 

He looked dull eyed at the vacant spot Lana used to lay beside him and turned away toward a window. The sun's light was dim; it was noon, and the rays of the warm sun hardly bled through the blinds. It was dark in his room; Axis himself was merely a silhouette. He found that there was no reason to let the light shine through his bedroom, it would shine on all the objects he had of Lana, casting him further into depression.

"Why am I so tired?" Axis muttered, rubbing his face again. He left the bed and settled his hooves on the cold bedroom surface and stumbled ungracefully toward his bedroom door. 

Axis exited his room and entered the vacant hallway toward his bathroom and went inside. He stared at a mirror situated above his sink. His black mane was a mess, ruffled and shaggy. He shifted his emerald gaze to his matted black coat and patchy white chest and scowled slightly. 

"I've never looked worse," he lamented quietly. He turned his gaze toward the bathroom entrance expecting to see something there beside him, but nothing was there. "I'm getting worse. I have to do something."

Axis Stone attempted to fix up his mane and brush his black coat but found he couldn't summon the effort. He kept trying yet he couldn't get through one stroke before succumbing to the ailing tiredness that continued to fester inside him.

"Lana," he began gruffly, "what am I to do? You always seemed to have the answers without speaking. I am in need of your guidance..."

Failing to even take care of himself, Axis Stone exited his bathroom and lumbered down the stairs into his living room. He expected to hear the excited scampering steps of Lana behind him, but he knew she wasn't there; he was imagining it. 

Axis glowered toward his dull-looking kitchen and turned away. He wasn't hungry. He couldn't stomach breakfast without his best friend eating beside him.

"I need to go for a walk, to try and get better," he told himself, turning toward the front door. His hoof trembled as he placed it on the knob. "What's wrong with my hoof?" He tapped it on the floor, but the trembling wouldn't stop. "Cut it out!"

A sudden fury surged within him, and Axis Stone raised his right hoof and slammed it carelessly against his door. The door rattled and groaned horribly as Axis fought to suppress a roar of pain. He looked at his throbbing hoof and saw it stop shaking.

"There," Axis Stone panted, gritting his teeth. "That's better."

Axis, his face screwed up in pain, looked at his front door and saw a large, cracked dent. He snorted crossly, grabbing the knob again, and wrenching the door open, only to view the rays of light that tried to bleed through his blinded window were gone. He looked up and observed black clouds churning steadily in a frightening spiral. He had forgotten that the pegasi in charge of Ponyville's weather had informed its citizens that today would call for a light shower of rain, and it seems that it just begun.

Axis Stone didn't care about the rain. If his coat got a firm soaking, then so be it. He needed to go on a walk. He stepped outside only for his right front leg to bump into something. Confused and a bit agitated, he gazed down and saw a box wrapped in pink and blue decorative paper tied together with a red ribbon and his vexed expression softened to a sad frown.

"Again?" Axis murmured, picking the box up for further examination. It smelled delicious, most likely filled with freshly baked cookies and muffins. He gave a low, faint chortle at the name written in cursive. "Pinkie Pie just couldn't help herself."

Pinkie Pie was one of Axis' first friends he made growing up in Ponyville when she moved here to pursue her baking career under the Cakes at Sugarcube Corner. He had gone to her parties all the time with Lana accompanying him. She was a sweet mare with an even sweeter heart, a bubbly, comedic genius, a damn good baker of fine confectionary delights, and a good, if sometimes annoying, friend.

Axis stared at the warm, good-smelling box and sighed. He would've thrown it away after he lost his appetite since Lana's death, but he was trying to overcome that despair and accepting Pinkie's gift would be a good first step. And besides, the bubbly mare was going to keep sending him tasty treats. He retreated into his sullen home and placed the box atop his dusty kitchen counter before heading back to his front door.

Looking ahead, Axis Stone saw the Cutie Mark Crusaders: Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo playing in the rain. They weren't fillies anymore; they were slightly older than the last time he saw them, and yet they never passed an opportunity to have some fun. He watched them for a while, inhaling the humid atmosphere before exiting his home, letting the rain pelt his face and coat. It felt oddly refreshing, and Axis welcomed it.

As he began to trot, he was stopped by the young mares calling out his name. Axis saw them rush towards him as if they were going to knock him down and give him a big hug, but then they slowed in their steps a couple of feet away from him. They shuffled on their hooves and gave bashful smiles and awkward waves.

After Lana died, the three young mares visited Axis almost every day to keep him company, but after he told them he needed time alone, they respected his wish and stopped visiting, for six weeks. In fact, Axis told that to every pony he knew and brooded all by himself. This was the first time anypony has seen him since.

"H-Howdy, Axis," Apple Bloom murmured, her eyes flicking towards him and to the ground.

Sweetie Belle, her ears drooped, rubbed her right foreleg awkwardly. "Hey..."

"How's it going?" Scootaloo asked gently.

Axis knew how he must've appeared to the young mares and rubbed the back of his mane. He really should have groomed himself. Luckily, the rain will have smoothed out his coat in time. Other than that, it must be his sunken, glazed, emerald eyes that put them off.

"Hey girls," he said, his voice dry and cracked from lack of use. He cleared it a few times. "I'm well. What's on the agenda for today?"

"Well, not much," Apple Bloom mumbled, glancing at him while shyly playing with her mane. "We were going to head by Zecora's, but Scootaloo splashed me with a puddle on the way, and then Sweetie Belle, then I joined, and, well... yeah. We must look ridiculous, huh?"

Axis Stone shook his head. "Actually, I found it quite amusing and fun," he commented, trying his best to smile but only mustering up the effort to grin. "I was watching for a bit."

Apple Bloom uttered an abashed giggle which got Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to gaze at her with sly knowing looks, bumping her forward with their flanks until she was almost touching Axis. "W-W-Well, do you...want to, uh...join me- US! Join us?!" she stammered, blushing profusely.

"Not right now. I'm just going for a trot." He saw Apple Bloom deflate and quickly added, "Maybe tomorrow, you three can visit me and have some of the treats Pinkie Pie sent me. Sound good?"

Apple Bloom's eyes shined with a gleam Axis couldn't figure out. "Is it okay for us?" she asked. "Are you...better?"

"Better?" Axis echoed, confused.

Sweetie Belle stepped in. "What she means to say is that it's been a long time since we last saw you," she clarified quickly, chuckling.

"Oh. I'm trying," he told the three. He knew they were concerned for him. "I'll get better soon, I hope."

"Yeah, that'd be good," Scootaloo said. "We missed hanging out with you, Axis. We know things haven't been...easy for you, but just know we all love and support you."

"You can always talk to us about anything, okay?" Sweetie Belle chimed in.

"We got your back," Apple Bloom affirmed fiercely. "If you ever need anything..." She leaned close to him, her eyes brimming with a bright shine. "I mean anything, we will do it for you without question. Just come find any of us."

Axis felt touched by their words, but most notably by Apple Bloom's. He placed a hoof on her head, causing Apple Bloom to freeze up. "You and your friends are very kind and I appreciate it. I really do. It makes things easier for me," he told them earnestly. "Y'all are sweethearts."

Apple Bloom had this dopey look on her face, and she was giggling weirdly. Axis never could figure out why that would happen whenever she was around him, and just before he could ask, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle dragged Apple Bloom away from him and began trotting away to visit Zecora. Axis watched after them fondly, seeing Apple Bloom's two friends muttering something quickly in her ears. 

Shaking his head and feeling a little better than he has in a long while, Axis Stone resumes his walk. He didn't see much of anypony during the rain shower. Eventually, he makes it to Sugarcube Corner.

"Hmm, perhaps I should pay a visit to Pinkie," Axis suggested, trotting up to the door but only to back away when it swung open.

A large cake with black and white frosting along with a comically large umbrella was being carried by Applejack's older brother, Big Macintosh. It was very reminiscent of a certain cake he was told about called the Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness, or the MMMM cake a few years back. Axis was out of town with Lana when his friends delivered the cake to Canterlot for some large competition.

Coming out behind him was Sugar Belle, Big Mac's wife, using her magic to balance the large cake as her husband was having trouble keeping it steady.

Giving Big Mac some room, Axis gets out of the way as he saw the stallion struggling to carry the giant cake. Sweating and trying to take a breath for the journey home, Axis assumed, Big Mac turns to his direction and widens his eyes as if he couldn't believe who he was looking at. Sugar Belle joined him, just as surprised.

"Axis, is that you?" Sugar Belle ventured; her eyes growing wide. "Sweet Celestia, your coat is soaked!"

Axis Stone glanced away for a moment. "Big Mac. Sugar Belle. Nice to see you both," he said awkwardly. "Been a while."

"Eeyep," Big Mac panted, still stunned. "Long time."

"How've you been, honey?" Sugar Belle murmured gently. "We haven't seen you around since...well, you know."

Axis Stone liked Sugar Belle. The unicorn was a gentle soul with a passion for baking, and a nice friend. Big Mac was a good friend also. He remembered helping the Apple Family with Applebuck Season a few times. He quickly grew to admire Big Mac in particular for the stallion's unflagging diligence to hard work and his easy-to-talk-to demeanor; he never seemed to judge, and Axis liked that about him.

"I've been well," Axis replied, rubbing his wet mane. He gazed at the cake. "So, what's the occasion?"

Sugar Belle uttered an awkward titter. "It's nothing special, just an order for a client," she answered, waving her hoof in the air. Axis had forgotten that Sugar Belle was Mrs. Cake's apprentice. "Big Mac and I were just about to head to the train station, but getting there might take longer than we expected..."

Big Mac's legs were shaking, and he held an expression of struggle. "Eeyep!" he breathed out, his voice trembling.

"Do you need any...help?" Axis asked.

Sugar Belle shook her head quickly. "Oh, no, no, we're fine, honey!" she insisted. "We'll just take our time getting there; we're ahead of schedule by a day!"

"See you around?" Big Mac asked. "Winona misses ya, y'know."

Winona was the lovable dog of the Apple Family. She got along quite well with Lana, who could match the dog's unending enthusiasm. Whenever she and Axis would visit, Winona seemed to burst with a sudden joy. The dog loved Axis as well, but it was Lana who could keep up with the dog rather than he did.

Axis nodded. "How is she doing?" he asked, a grin appearing on his face.

"She's been slow lately," Sugar Belle answered with a sad frown, "but that's to be expected as she ages. Although..." She paused for a moment before going on. "It seems her loss of energy is because of, uh, well... you know. All she does is lay on the porch with her paws tucked under her staring out into the farm. She's been...depressed."

Axis Stone's grin vanished, and a new wave of sadness swept over him. "She took Lana's death pretty hard, didn't she?" he rasped quietly. He saw Sugar Belle flinch slightly and Big Mac look away. "For the love of Celestia..."

"Y-Yes," Sugar Belle stammered, shuffling lightly on her hooves. "Applejack has been trying to encourage Winona, but a lot doesn't seem to be working. But don't worry too much for her; she'll be back to her old self eventually."

"Eeyep," Big Mac said. He glanced at Sugar Belle and nudged his head forward to the direction of the train station.

"Oh, yes, of course. Almost forgot!" she said. She trotted up to Axis and kissed him on his cheek. "Go and see Pinkie Pie. She's been talking about you today. We'll have to catch up later, okay?"

Axis Stone nodded. "Yes, of course," he murmured. He gazed at Big Mac. "Take your time, alright? I'll see you around."

The red stallion dipped his head in agreement. "Good to see you," he replied gruffly as he began to hull the humongous cake with the help of Sugar Belle.

Axis Stone watched his two friends as they got further and further away. Sighing heavily, he shakes as much water as he could from his dark coat before heading inside. Fresh, delectable scents hit his nose as he breathed them in and exhaled. He always liked coming to Sugarcube Corner to visit Pinkie; she would have a bag of tasty treats to give to him and Lana to share.

"Pinkie," Axis called as he got up to the counter and leaned against it. "Pinkie, you there?"

Almost in an instant after he called her name, Axis Stone saw a pink blur rush out of the kitchen, go behind him, and picked him up with unnatural strength. Axis felt his insides squish as a squeal of utter delight filled his ears. It took a moment to process what had happened. It seemed Pinkie Pie was very happy to see him.

"Pinkie, please," Axis Stone pleaded through bated breath, struggling to breathe. "I'm happy to see you too, but you gotta let me go now!"

At that, Axis Stone felt Pinkie release him, letting him sprawl  across the colorful palate floor. Though relieved, Axis looked to his friend and felt his eyes bulge in shock. He saw her leap into the air and plummet, flank first, on his stomach, knocking what little air he had left from his body. 

Dazed, Axis felt the mare nuzzle him affectionately against his neck and embracing him with a tight, but not bone-crushing hug.

"AXIS!" Pinkie shrieked happily. She inhaled a large amount of air. "OHMYGOSHIMSOHAPPYTOSEEYOUDIDYOULIKETHETREATSIGAVEYOUIHOPEYOUDIDBECAUSEIWORKEDREALLYHARDONTHEMTOHELPYOUGETBETTER!!!"

Pinkie Pie was well known for her odd eccentricities and hyperactive behavior, especially toward her friends whom she cares immensely for. She's the Element of Laughter, a great friend, a joy to be around, and pretty damn funny when she wanted to make a joke. Axis valued their relationship. However, there were times when Pinkie's overbearing happiness would overextend, and this was one of those times.

Axis Stone patted Pinkie's back rapidly and struggled to separate himself. "Yes, I appreciate the treats you had sent me," he grunted in exasperation. "It... It was very sweet. How've you been?"

Pinkie had her big puffy pink mane in a large bun, she wore an apron adorned with various colorful shapes, and glitter sparkled and twinkled on her bright visage. "I have been AMAZING!" she babbled on merrily; she was quite literally vibrating with joy. "I just finished that large chocolate cake Big Mac and Sugar Belle left with, the Cakes let me run the bakery while their away, and my childhood friend just showed up wanting to see me! Today has been a great day! And let me tell you about..."

Axis Stone watched Pinkie Pie's motor mouth ramble on and on with a starry stare. There was a certain underlying feeling bubbling inside Axis that he thought he had lost after Lana's death, and it could have been Pinkie Pie's infectious happiness. Being with Pinkie was lifting his forlorn spirit.

Starry-eyed, Axis hadn't noticed that Pinkie was getting close to his face. Extremely close. Before he could say anything, he felt her nuzzle his face tenderly and fought to contain a gasp of surprise.

"P-Pinkie?!" Axis blurted, his cheeks turning red. He studied her face, and saw that Pinkie Pie held a doleful look; her ears drooped sadly, and her posture sagged. "What's the matter?"

"I missed you," she murmured softly, her large blue eyes glistening; she was on the verge of crying. 

Axis knew that Pinkie hardly changed her sunny disposition, rarely delving into sadness or anger, but when she did dip into those emotions, it would be noticeable and a cause for worry. Axis could barely recall a time when Pinkie Pie looked so miserable.

Alarmed, Axis Stone said, "I missed you too, but you don't have to cry or anything. I just needed some time to myself."

Pinkie Pie shook her head. "I was worried about you," she began wretchedly, "and I know you wanted privacy after what happened, it just..." Pinkie Pie paused for a moment, straining to hold back a sob. "She was your everything, and when she died, I thought...I thought..."

"Pinkie, stop," Axis bade seriously, wiping a tear from Pinkie's eye. He figured that Pinkie believed he'd do something to himself while he was grieving for Lana, and... she wasn't too far off. "I'm still here. I would never do something like that even if the possibility was there. I wouldn't cause you so much pain. I've known you since we were both little ponies."

"I know, but I was scared," she rasped miserably, her breath shuddering as she held onto him tightly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have left you alone for weeks; what kind of friend am I to leave you fighting this alone? I'm a bad friend!"

"No, you're not," Axis hissed quietly. He placed his head against Pinkie's. "I needed time alone. If I ever needed anypony after Lana died, I would come to you in a heartbeat, but I needed time to let everything sink in. I didn't want to bog you down with that; I would rather see you smiling in this shop than you being with me."

Pinkie gazed at him, unblinking. "You know I would mourn with you; Lana was my best friend too," she told him, her glossy blue eyes shining. "You always had other ponies interests at heart; that's what makes you a good, good friend."

Axis placed his muzzle on Pinkie's and nuzzled her. "Sorry I made you wait," he whispered gently. "I'm trying to get better. It's why I'm outside to begin with; I'm taking a walk around Ponyville, just like Lana and I used to do every day. I'll be fine."

When they broke apart, Pinkie stared into Axis' eyes for a long moment before dipping her head. "Okay," she murmured, getting off of him and dusting her colorful apron with a hoof. She still looked unhappy.

"I'll get better faster if you give me a smile," Axis said, getting up from the floor. "I can't go on without one."

Pinkie Pie stared at him, and then she bashfully dipped her head and gave him a cute, meek smile.

Axis smiled back and butted Pinkie softly against her side. "That's better," he told her, a sudden feeling of delight sparking faintly inside him. "Anypony ever told you that you have a beautiful smile?"

Pinkie Pie giggled, her cheeks giving off a dark color. "Just you," she replied, a hint of her old peppy self beginning to return. "I-I have to get back to baking, but promise you'll come visit more? I really missed you."

Out of the Mane Six, Pinkie Pie was the pony Axis Stone spent the most time with, frequently making visits to Sugarcube Corner just to speak with the pink mare for hours, even opting to assist in her passion: baking. Aside from being with Lana, Axis had the most fun with the mare.

Axis nodded, feeling an old surge of happiness growing within him. "Of course," he told her, embracing Pinkie affectionately before breaking away, heading towards the exit. "It'll be like old times."

As he turned to leave, he could feel Pinkie Pie's gaze at the back of his skull and knew she was watching him with worry. He had to get better to put his childhood friend at ease.

"Wait!" she called after him. Axis turned around to see the mare rummaging through her puffy pink mane and digging out a blue umbrella and giving it to him. "No more soakings with this over your head!"

Axis held the umbrella in his hoof. "Thanks," he muttered, giving an awkward laugh.

Pinkie Pie smiled widely. "No problem!" she shouted, then she looked more serious. "You'll always have me." She stepped closer to him until their muzzles touched. "Always."

Axis gazed deeply into those wide blue pools and felt his coat turn hot as he fought to not blush. Silent but grateful for Pinkie Pie's unwavering support, he nodded bashfully, turning away and heading back outside with Pinkie looking after him.

Sighing deeply, Axis continued his trot around Ponyville. The pitter-patter of the rain pelting the umbrella was steadily increasing, and he knew this rain shower wasn't going to let up anytime soon; he was grateful for the umbrella. Passing houses, Axis noticed ponies beginning to exit their homes. It seemed that a lot of ponies wanted to take a trot around the town. 

When he met the eyes of the ponies roaming about, they'd halt and stare at him as if he was something they've never seen before. Their eyes would grow wide, and their mouths would be agape, shocked or surprised by what they saw. Axis spent most of his life growing up in Ponyville, and a lot of these ponies did as well; he knew them, and they knew him. They were around the same age as he was and he was a very active member of the community, especially with Lana by his side. When news passed around about her death, a lot of the ponies were stricken with a pained silence and life around Ponyville seem to grow dull with the town losing some of its shine.

Lana was the type to make friends wherever she went regardless of the difference between her and the rest of the ponies. It would take only one meeting for a pony to become her friend, so when she and Axis would take their daily walks, they were usually given gifts and treats. Now those same ponies were staring at him with their hooves over their mouths, looks of pity and sadness in their eyes. Axis was beginning to feel uncomfortable and glanced at the wet ground to avoid their gazes. Everypony loved Lana, but he wished they didn't make her loss be so apparent.

Trotting at a quicker pace, Axis found that his hooves had guided him to Carousel Boutique, the home of the well-known fashionista and friend of his, Rarity. He knocked a little hard on her door and it didn't take long until he heard the mare coming to answer.

Rarity opened the door with a foxy smile, her hoof in the air and announcing, "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where things are-" Rarity stopped midway through her slogan, her diamond-blue eyes wide. "Axis? Dear, is that you?"

Axis nodded faintly, an anxious look on his face. Rarity was a pony he spent some time with; he had helped the mare model some suits and the like when he wasn't busy with his job. She was the best for fashion tips, and her, Sweetie Belle, and even Opalescence surprisingly, liked having Lana around them.

"It's been a while," he said, a hoof scuffling the ground. "How you been?"

Rarity stared at him for a moment before shaking her head as if to clear it. "Axis, I... Your coat and mane are a mess. Come inside and I'll fix you right up. Such a crime will not be tolerated!" she declared, grabbing onto Axis and dragging him inside the building.

Axis stood in the middle of Rarity's workroom. A plethora of materials and supplies for clothes were everywhere an eye looked, the pony mannequins were outfitted with two-piece suits and dresses studded with gems of varying colors, large movable screens for ponies to try out clothes, and a display stage that either featured Rarity's new outfit, one in development, or for a pony getting fitted by Rarity.

Everything was bright and colorful; there was a lot of pink and purple, varying shapes that consisted of hearts, diamonds, and stars. Axis had forgotten how elegant and sophisticated everything was.

"Stand right there for me and keep still," Rarity ordered him. Axis complied. Rarity came up to him with a brush. "Let's get you back to looking handsome."

Axis watched on in silence as Rarity gently, but efficiently, groomed his mane and coat with a brush held by her magic. The feeling of the brush was soft yet firm, and Axis slowly felt relaxed by the rhythmic strokes, his eyes half-lidded as if he was drifting off to sleep.

"I'm amazed you let your coat go ungroomed, and your mane too; I recall quite distinctly how often you ventured to Lotus and Aloe's spa," Rarity said as she continued working, adding a luxurious comb and a bottle of mane spray in the mix. "I remember you, me, and Fluttershy going for our usuals during our weekly spa meet up."

She was right. Axis was well known for spending time with Rarity and Fluttershy at the spa on a weekly basis, hanging out and making casual conversation. Although, it was usually Rarity doing the speaking while he and Fluttershy would comment when they could get a word in. It was about fashion, as usual.

Rarity trotted up to him and examined his chest closely. Axis, though having a black coat, had a white marking in the center, turning a portion of that fur white. He would've been considered to be a true, black-coated pony if it wasn't for the white marking on his chest.

The white marking was how he met the fashionista, because the mare was enamored with it. Rarity always showed great interest in Axis' wellbeing and his coat especially; she was always being careful and giving it special attention and treatment whenever Axis had agreed to model for her on countless occasions.

"How are you?" she asked him, still working.

Axis was getting to feel a bit flustered; Rarity was pampering him, and it has been something he had forgotten she liked to do with him. "I've been well," he started, resisting the urge to move. He had to get used to standing still again.

"Don't try to fidget; I'm nearly done," Rarity told him curtly. "And it's nice to see you up and about after so long. I've missed you, and so did Opal."

"How is she?" Axis asked.

Rarity waved off the question while she trotted to his backside. "She's been well, except recently Opal has been...gloomy, to say the least."

"Gloomy?"

Rarity nodded. "She's not been her usual self lately. I thought she might've been sick, so I took her to see Fluttershy, but she told me that Opal was healthy." A silence filled the air for a while until she spoke again. "She told me the reason why Opal has been so...out of it. I think you know why."

"It's Lana," Axis said, his heart suddenly feeling heavy. "I was told that Winona felt similarly. I take it she took her loss hard?"

Rarity sighed but she tried to keep her voice tart and calm. "Yes, that's correct. She always got along with Opal, which is an achievement regarding their stark differences... After she passed, Opal seemed to have less energy than before; she doesn't even complain when I pamper her anymore."

Opal was a touchy and temperamental cat, often lashing out at most ponies, even Rarity, but whenever Lana was around, the pesky feline accepted her with sheathed claws. It was certainly surprising that Opal would be groomed so easily when she normally would put up a fight. Like a lot of ponies, Lana was important to her.

He turned his head to glance at her; Rarity looked a little despondent. "Oh, Rarity, I'm sorry to hear about Opal," Axis said, his voice drenched with an oncoming wave of misery.

Rarity raised her hoof in the air to silence him. "You need not apologize; Opal will be back to her old self soon."

Axis Stone looked around the workroom. "Where is she?"

"Upstairs napping," Rarity answered, nearly done grooming Axis. "She's been doing that a lot lately too. Don't try to worry too much about her."

Axis nodded, looking toward the stairs that led up to the upper level of the building. He wished Opal really was okay. After a few minutes, Rarity had finished smoothing out Axis' coat and mane, so he looked as if he cared about himself. He was grateful to her, bowing his head to show his thanks.

"Remember to keep yourself looking handsome, Axis; you don't look too good with a ragged mane and coat," she told him, lifting up her glasses as they had slipped off a little. "Taking care of yourself is important." She shuffled on her hooves. "It's good to see you again. It really is."

Axis stared at Rarity for a moment before giving her a heartfelt hug. "It's been hard lately, and I couldn't muster up the energy to take care of myself ever since Lana died. I'll promise to make an effort from now on."

Rarity nodded silently, breaking the hug and gazing at him. "Things have been a bit...awkward with the girls. Maybe with you back, everything can return to some form of normalcy."

"It's why I'm out here, to get back into the swing of things," Axis said. He didn't know things have been strained with his friends since he secluded himself. "I'm visiting you and the rest of the girls as my new routine trot. I've been to see Pinkie."

Rarity gave Axis a knowing look and he felt his coat grow hot. "How is she? She's been quite busy, so I haven't seen her out of the bakery much. I guess everypony is trying to keep themselves busy these days."

"She's fine," Axis muttered, rubbing the back of his head. "We had a talk and things are going smoothly."

"You two have always been so close," Rarity pointed out, winking. She leaned toward him; her eyes half lidded. "Very close. That's good. I think she needed you, more than the rest of us. So, are you off?"

Axis Stone nodded. Rarity seemed to be in the middle of a project judging from the glasses she wore when she worked, and the fabric wrapped loosely around her neck, and he didn't want to hold her up longer than he should. "I'll be heading to the farm to check up on Applejack," he told her, beginning to make his way to the door with Rarity behind him.

"Applejack has been running herself ragged lately," Rarity said, a hint of worry in her voice. "With Big Mac and her little sister taking up work elsewhere than the farm, and with Granny Smith feeling her age, Applejack has been running the farm mostly by herself."

"Last I heard, Rainbow was helping her around the farm, granted that was weeks ago," Axis said.

"Her and Applejack haven't been too...close since, well, you know," Rarity murmured. "They still love each other as friends, it's just...they stopped hanging out. Everypony has been feeling your absence as well as...hers, so when you talk to them, things should somewhat go back to normal."

A rise of anxiety pumped through Axis' heart, and he wondered what he should say when he talks to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. He sighed inwardly; he would just have to go and find out.

"Thanks for the grooming, Rarity; it helps," Axis said as he trotted out the door and back into the rain. He heard Rarity calling out a farewell, wanting to go to the spa next week with him and Fluttershy. 

Trotting onwards, the rain pelting the umbrella, Axis takes a long amble until he finds himself on the dirt path that led straight into Sweet Apple Acres. As the farm slowly came into view, a wicked blur passed by overhead, sweeping up a gust of wind that buffeted Axis' newly groomed coat and mane. Steadying himself, he looked to the grey-filled sky and saw Rainbow Dash taking refuge under a tree, looking glum and vexed.

Axis was told how strained some of his friends had become since his seclusion and he truly wondered if things would go back to normal or some form of it when he presented himself. Perhaps it was Rarity's wishful thinking talking to him then, but Axis wanted to believe it anyway.

Axis Stone trotted up to the tree, which was an apple tree, and thumped lightly on the wood to grab Rainbow's attention. He saw Rainbow Dash's ear twitch in annoyance, and he heard her grumbling as if she was interrupted from a peaceful slumber.

"Beat it, whoever you are," Rainbow Dash spat irritably; she looked wet and miserable. "You're butting in on my nap time."

Axis shook his head and sighed; Rainbow Dash was a difficult pony to speak to when she was in a foul mood, but he wouldn't be deterred by her dismissive words and knocked on the trunk of the tree harder. 

"I thought I told you to beat it!" Axis saw Rainbow whip around to face him, fury flaring in her eyes. "What's the big id-" She stopped as her eyes widened, her hooves covering her mouth in surprise as if she was looking at an extremely rare edition of a Daring Do book. "A-Axis?" she murmured hoarsely, hardly believing what she was seeing. "Is... Is that you?"

Axis nodded silently, meekly scuffing his hoof on the inundated earth; he was beginning to feel abashed at Rainbow's stare. "Long time," he said.

Rainbow swooped down from the tree and slammed herself against Axis, causing him to stumble into the apple tree. He watched in shock as Rainbow Dash stood over him, her eyes widened to great big orbs as she looked him up and down. Then, without warning, she pressed her muzzle against his neck.

"It's you!" she hollered, hugging him tightly.

Axis strained for breath. "It's good to see you too, but you need to let go of me so I can breathe!"

"Oh. Sorry." Rainbow Dash released Axis from her killer embrace and helped him up off the ground. "I haven't seen you in weeks, no pony has!" she said, a smile crossing her face. "It's been so long, ya grease monkey!"

Axis Stone stifled a sigh of vexation at Rainbow's jibe. He was a mechanic who worked for Mayor Mare in Town Hall, and he was frequently called a gearhead, Mr. Wrench, Sir Fix-a-Lot, and many others, but Rainbow's favorite name for him was calling him a grease monkey. Axis didn't like the name-calling at first, but as he began to spend time with Rainbow over the years as the mare's crashes had them meeting each other constantly, he had tolerated the name-calling.

He sighed. Ever since Lana died, Axis had lost the passion for his job and resigned as the local go-to mechanic and left Mayor Mare to hire other ponies with a similar talent. Although he didn't work anymore, he had become very well off when Twilight informed her sister-in-law and Princess Celestia of his skills, allowing Axis to take up repair jobs at the royal castles and acquiring large sums of bits for his hefty hoofwork before his seclusion.

Even when he quit his job out of grief and a loss of passion, it didn't stop Rainbow from calling him mechanic-related nicknames.

"It's good to see you," Axis grunted, cracking his back. "How you been? Wonderbolts treating you well?"

"I'm the head of the team until Spitfire recovers from a wing injury she sustained during training," Rainbow said. She sounded a bit doleful for Spitfire but also delighted that she was picked to lead the team until she recovered. "It's been a busy couple of weeks, but nothing the greatest flyer in Equestria can't handle."

Axis Stone nodded, a wry look across his face. Rainbow was a hardworking showoff, but she always backed her words up. "I've heard things haven't been too great with our friends," he said more seriously. He saw Rainbow lose her smile to be replaced with a glum frown. "You and Applejack fighting?"

Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her neck, taking a trot next to the apple tree and sat down. "Not exactly, but... I don't know," she told Axis, shaking her head. "Ever since... you know, and you held up in your house, things haven't been going so smoothly with everypony. It's like everything has gotten hard to do, and with our pets acting so strangely... I just don't know."

Axis knew that everything seemed darker than usual, like there was a looming sorrow residing over the town. A lot of the stares toward Axis when he was trotting to Rarity's home were filled with a silent sadness. Even the pets have been feeling unwell. It occurred to him that Pinkie didn't say anything about Gummy, but he assumed that the gator was unwell too. 

Everything stemmed from Lana's death and his seclusion. Axis and Lana were well known in the community; just seeing him and Lana together lifted the spirits of any ponies they came across. After what happened, Ponyville seemed like it would never recover from the tragedy.

"Applejack and I are still friends, but she's been so busy running the farm and worried about her dog, she became stressed," Rainbow said. "I've been trying to get her to stop and take a break, but she doesn't listen to a word I say. It got to a point where we began arguing about stuff that didn't matter; I got so angry I stormed off." Rainbow groaned and rubbed her eyes. "I can't be around everypony like I used to, not when I'm a wonderbolt. It's so annoying! Maybe you can talk to her? Make that mare see sense."

"I will try," Axis promised. "I'll talk to her, don't worry."

Rainbow Dash grinned at him. "You were always a good problem solver, grease monkey," she jeered playfully, but Axis knew she was trying to make herself feel better. "If anypony can get Applejack to relax, it'd be you."

"How's Tank?" Axis asked, almost forgetting.

Rainbow Dash shrugged. "He's been eating less lately, most likely because of... what happened, and he hasn't felt the need to fly either. Though you don't have to worry, Tank is a strong one; just look at his owner," she told Axis with a prideful grin, but then it lessoned. "The rest of our pets really loved her, so it's been a rough time for them. Tank will pull through."

Rainbow Dash gave Axis another hug before flying off. He watched her silently, going into the clouds and disappearing out of sight. 

Gripping his umbrella and leaving the apple tree, Axis Stone enters Sweet Apple Acres. He always liked coming here when he was a colt. He would often help the Apple Family buck apples from the trees, carry feed and such to the animals, and help Big Mac plough the fields. He came over so often that he was considered a family member, acting like a brother to Big Mac, Applejack and Apple Bloom.

Axis' home wasn't bad by any means, but he was often left alone by his mother and taken care of by a mare who lived in Canterlot with connections to the royal family. He wondered how he would settle Applejack's nerves and thought if he even could. When that mare was set on something, especially if she's stubborn, it would become quite the toil.

Axis looked around the farm until he spotted Applejack bucking apples from the apple trees, but he noticed how hard she was kicking them. The trees struck would shake with not just apples falling off, but the leaves and bark of the trees. 

Axis knew how important the trees were to the Apple Family; it is how they are able to do business and make a living, and seeing Applejack, who normally took care of the trees like they were her own foals, disturbed him greatly. Plus, she was doing it in the rain, and her coat was soaked.

As Axis trotted slowly towards her with trepidation, he heard her grumble something about Rainbow Dash, her dog, and the weather. He sighed and shook his head, bracing himself for the confrontation. He stood behind the panting mare and studied her: Applejack's sides heaved from exhaustion; her strong hind legs trembled from nonstop overuse. 

Before he could speak, Applejack's ears twitched and she stopped mumbling.

"Rainbow, I thought I told y'all I ain't need no help," she said, fuming. "If y'all gonna start again, then don't bother and leave me be!"

"Wrong pony," Axis said, hanging the umbrella over him and Applejack. He saw her go rigid and turn her head slowly to him. She gasped once and covered her mouth with a muddy hoof. "Hey, Applejack. It's been a while."

Applejack stared at Axis in stunned silence, trailing her glistening emerald eyes over his body. She tried to trot to him for a closer look, but she stumbled and lost her footing. Luckily, she was caught by Axis just before she fell and he sat her down gently on the ground, careful to keep the umbrella over them.

"Axis, i-is that you?" Applejack asked, barely able to believe he was next to her. "I haven't seen you in so long since..."

"Had a long time to think while I was grieving. Hay, I'm still grieving, but I wanted to make an effort to get better and going outside for a trot to see my best friends seemed like a good place to start," Axis Stone explained, getting close to Applejack until their coats brushed. "You've been busy, haven't you?" Axis gazed down at Applejack's muddy hooves and frowned. "You shouldn't be out here working."

A light of defiance gleamed in Applejack's eyes. "I got to," she snorted, fiercely rubbing the mud off her hooves. "The trees ain't gonna buck themselves."

"You're exhausted," Axis pointed out, his voice as soft as the rain. "I'm convinced that if you keep going, you'd keel over. You don't need to push yourself so hard, it won't help anypony." He looked more serious, and Applejack glanced away, embarrassed. "You've been stressed lately; Rarity and Rainbow are concerned about you."

Applejack drew in the fresh afternoon air and heaved a heavy exhale. "I know," she admitted, casting her forlorn gaze to the ground. "I don't know what's wrong with me. Everything seems to be harder than it should."

"I heard about Winona. I'm sorry to hear that she isn't doing too well."

"She really misses her, y'know? I've never seen her like this before. She's always been a happy dog, but now she looks as if she aged five years; she's so tired all the time and she doesn't want to do anything but eat and sleep."

"She loved Lana," Axis said, seeing Applejack flinch a little from hearing the name. "Lana and I nearly grew up with you and your siblings. It must feel like losing a sister to her. It must stress you out."

Applejack nodded, leaning against Axis and staring out to the barn. "Granny is getting too old to help around the farm anymore, Apple Bloom is growing up and spending more time at the schoolhouse, and Big Mac lives with Sugar Belle in Ponyville and is too busy to work around the farm like he used to." She heaved a dejected sigh. "My dog is depressed... I feel like I'm alone."

"You aren't alone," Axis whispered in her ears. "Everything will be fine; it'll just take time."

"Well, at least seeing you lifted my spirits a bit," she said, a small smile appearing on her face. "I missed you, Axis. Not having you and Lana around has put a damper on everypony, so it's nice to see you out and about again."

Axis had to agree, though it stung to not have Lana by his side. "You need to make up with Rainbow Dash," he told her, his tone reproachful. "She's worried about you, and she told me you and her had a little fight."

"That was the stress talking; I know I shouldn't have said what I said," Applejack murmured, gazing at Axis. "I'm sorry. When she comes back, I'll apologize. The gal's been stressed too."

"Good to hear," Axis said, standing with Applejack following suit. "Get some rest. I gotta head out to see Twilight. Haven't seen her in a bit."

"Sounds like a plan," Applejack agreed, stretching her limbs until they popped. She leaned to Axis and butted him with her head lightly. "Twilight's doing fine last I heard, but she would love to see you again. Take care and come and see me when you got the time; your help around here could brighten things up for once."

Axis Stone nodded and returned the headbutt before heading off to leave Applejack and to see Twilight Sparkle. The path back into town was quick and the stares Axis received earlier was less. He even got a few small smiles from the residents, and he waved at them meekly before hurrying his pace to Twilight's castle. 

When he reached the base of the castle and slowly made his way up the wet steps, careful to not slip, and found himself at the great crystal door and knocked lightly on its shiny surface. Axis waited, darting his gaze around the town. There weren't a lot of ponies walking around.

He continued to watch them until he heard the crystal door open. He turned to see Princess Twilight Sparkle in a dark purple nightgown holding a Daring Do book with a pencil being held in her magic along with a pen behind her left ear. She seemed to be engrossed in the adventurous book, and when she tore herself away from it and looked at Axis, the stallion expected the mare to gasp in shock, but instead, Twilight's eyes glimmered with a faint glow and her face held a gentle look.

Twilight was a pony Axis had known ever since he was colt. He met her through Princess Cadance, who was his foalsitter on multiple occasions whenever his mother was busy with work, and he often had playdates with a young Twilight Sparkle. In a way, she was almost like a sister to him even though they grew apart when they got older and then later reunited a few years ago when she came to Ponyville to oversee the Summer Sun Celebration.

"Axis," she breathed, her voice sounding serene and relieved at seeing him. She leaned lazily against the crystal door, and she was bit taller the last time he saw her. "It's good to see you, after so long. How are you?"

Axis felt anxious. Twilight gazed at him with such a look of sisterly love that it was almost overwhelming. After what happened to Lana, Twilight was incredibly supportive, and when Axis told her he needed time to grieve, she kept her distance at his behest, but she told him that he could come over at any time and that she would welcome him with open hooves and a gracious smile.

Axis swallowed before answering. "I'm well," he told her. "I had some time to think about after what happened, and I'm trying to brave through this. I wanted to go on a trot around Ponyville and visit my best friends. It's nice to see you, Twilight..."

Twilight said nothing, only beckoning Axis forward with a hoof. Silent, he obeyed without question, trotting up to Twilight and burying his face against her chest as she held onto him tightly. 

"I missed you," she told him softly, burying her muzzle in his mane. "You look well; I assume you been to Rarity?"

"Yes, I did," he replied. "Everypony has been doing okay so far, but things could be going better. I'm glad to see you are in good spirits."

"Ponies have been different after what happened," she told him, breaking the hug and gazing at Axis with affection. "It's as if they had shared in your grief. You and Lana were special, and you both always made each day a bit brighter. Don't worry for our friends and the ponies of Ponyville; time will heal all of us."

Though he could do nothing but worry, Axis did feel calmed by Twilight's soothing words. "How have you been, Twilight?"

"I've been quite well," she told him with a smile. "Spike is too. He's upstairs resting."

"That's good." Axis was glad Spike wasn't feeling depressed like most other ponies. "How's Owlowiscious?"

"A bit slow lately, and he hasn't been eating much, only sleeping," Twilight answered, her smile faltering slightly. "I think it's because of what happened. Lana was well liked with the rest of the pets, and news of her death must've sent them down the path of grief, but you don't need to worry too much. It happens, and Owlowiscious will recover, in time."

Lana and Owlowiscious got along quite well. The owl had often followed her around the crystal castle or around when Axis and his friends went on picnics. They were good friends and good company, and it stung to hear that the owl was depressed like the rest of the pets. He hoped they all got better soon.

"Have you been to see Fluttershy yet?" Twilight asked him. Axis shook his head. "She would love to hear from you. She's been busy with the animal sanctuary. She looked fine if not a little downcast the last I saw her. I think seeing you would really help her, more than you might think. Can you do that for me, Axis?"

"Of course," he told her with a firm nod. He was going to see Fluttershy anyway. "After I talk with her, I'll head back home."

"Would you like to come over sometime this week?" Twilight asked hopefully, her cheeks turning a faint scarlet. "I missed our reading sessions..."

Axis Stone gave the alicorn a grin. "Sure, I would like that," he said. He looked at the Daring Do book and then back at Twilight. "I'll be going now; I don't want to interrupt your thrilling read."

Twilight chuckled bashfully. "Rainbow has been sending me copies of the books and she got me hooked on them. I'm almost done with this one. I've been making notes every step of the way; it's so fun! I can't wait to share them with you."

Axis shook his head. He was in for a long session if he knew Twilight. After giving her another loving embrace, he set off to make his way towards Fluttershy's cottage on the edge of town, the rain pelting the umbrella lightly. 

Axis wondered how Fluttershy was doing after the wake of what happened with Lana and felt a slight shred of unease. Fluttershy had a strong connection with animals, and she loved Lana as much as she loved her bunny, Angel. Losing Lana might've felt like losing one of her own. Then again, Fluttershy could be a tough cookie; she's been around animals who have died or were dying.

As he thought about what to expect, Axis found that his hooves were taking him outside Ponyville and over a small bridge that led to Fluttershy's home. Once he crossed it, he saw the cottage in the near distance. He noticed the pitter-patter of the rain above him lessened and wondered if by the time he got home if the rain shower would stop.

Axis begun to see animals roaming about around the cottage. They all seemed to be lethargic and slow, not having enough energy. He wondered if this was because of Lana. Axis never took her to see Fluttershy at her house often. Perhaps it was a different reason, hopefully. 

He trotted carefully over the animals and made his way to the cottage door and knocked lightly. He heard a meek voice calling out. The door opened slightly and Fluttershy peeked from the other side timidly, but then her eyes grew into large orbs of shock as they met Axis'. 

Angel was there on the floor with a box of tissues, his pristine white fur he kept so neatly groomed was matted and dull, and his gleaming black eyes seemed to look a darkish grey. He was the only pet of the Mane Six he had seen today.

"Hey, Fluttershy," Axis greeted, giving a small wave.

Fluttershy stared at him for a long moment before widening the door and trotting up to him, her eyes glistening as if she was about the start crying. "Axis," she murmured miserably, her trembling voice barely audible. She shoved her muzzle against his neck, wrapping her hooves around him. "I haven't seen you in so long. Oh, Axis, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry..."

For a moment, Axis didn't know what she was apologizing for, but then he remembered and his ears drooped. He held onto Fluttershy as she began to weep. "I don't blame you," he told her. "You know I don't. Not even Dr. Fauna knew; it all caught us off guard." Dr. Fauna is a well-known veterinarian that has a running record of aiding Axis' friends with each of their respective animals.

"But I should've known!" she wailed, gazing at him despondently with tears streaming down her cheeks. "All the times I've been with her... I should have known! I'm an animal caretaker expert; that's my job. It's my fault Lana died of cancer..."

Axis heaved a heavy sigh. Lana was a subject of a cancer that was discovered late. She wasn't showing any symptoms that could have helped to root it out. The cancer took over Lana quickly and she had died shortly after before Axis, Fluttershy, and Dr. Fauna could do anything to fight it. It greatly upset Fluttershy, and Axis was just as guilty as she felt.

"I told you that I don't blame you for Lana's death," he stressed. "I know it hurts, but there was nothing any of us could do to save my dog." He sighed again. "I am here to get better. I'm taking a trot just like she and I used to. I am working through this grief, and I can't get better if you are going to keep blaming yourself for something that was out of your control."

He watched Fluttershy sniffle, and he helped wipe the tears from her eyes. He would've cried too if he had any tears left to shed.

"We have to move on, but we don't need to rush," he told her softly. "We can take the time to grieve as long as we need, but we will have to stop eventually. Lana would have rather seen you with a smile than a sad frown. Me too. It hurts, oh, how it hurts, but that's part of the healing process. I would never blame you. So please, Fluttershy, do not blame yourself."

Fluttershy could only stare at Axis Stone's sorrowful countenance. Angel thumped her right foreleg softly with a paw. She gazed down at the bunny. Angel grieved with her; Axis could tell. He stopped taking care of himself to focus on Fluttershy. The bunny either bullied his owner into doing what he wanted or outright refusing to work with her on several occasions to a point that Fluttershy had to usually barter and plea with the bunny. But now, he was there only for her and not himself, and that made Axis silently grateful.

Fluttershy gazed back at Axis Stone. "Okay," she said, her voice still shaky but she was getting it under control. She picked up Angel Bunny and settled him on her back. "Would you like some tea? I was just going to brew some for today."

As much as Axis wanted that, he respectfully declined the kind offer. He was getting tired from the trot. "I just wanted to see how you were doing. It's been a long time since I left my house. I saw that the animals seem a bit slow."

"The rains does that to them," she replied, getting under Axis' umbrella, brushing her coat against his and leaning her head on him. "They like the rain on their bodies; I sometimes like to join them. The sanctuary is doing well, and all of the animals are well cared for. It's nice to see you again after so long..."

"Yeah," was Axis' only response. 

He and Fluttershy alongside Angel Bunny, stared out into the distance for a long while. Words were hardly exchanged and the only movement they made was to get more comfortable. Axis didn't know how long he was with Fluttershy, but by the time he decided to head back home, the rain had stopped. He said his farewells to Fluttershy and Angel, trotting back into Ponyville.

The sun barely shone across the town, only in faint fragments of light that broke through the swirling dark clouds above. Puddles lay strewn across the town, and Axis splashed in some while heading home. He didn't feel happy about it, but it reminded of him of Lana doing the same thing excitedly, and those were good memories. 

Tons of ponies had begun to leave their homes to start the rest of the day. Axis gotten some stares, but they were pleasant and accompanied by waves, showing him that the residents of Ponyville were glad to see him.

When Axis reached his house, Pinkie Pie was there waiting for him. He waved at the mare, feeling suddenly joyful. He felt his hooves trotting a bit faster to meet her. When he got to her, he and Pinkie embraced one another lovingly.

"What are you doing here?" Axis asked, feeling a smile beginning to creep on his face. "Don't you need to be at the bakery?"

Pinkie nodded. "I do, but I'm on break, and I was thinking we could spend some time together until I have to get back to work!"

Axis was tired, but when he was with Pinkie, his exhaustion slowly ebbed away. He was happy to see her, even more so when she wanted to hang out with him. Axis found himself agreeing.

"I'd like that," Axis said, a warmth in his eyes. "I'm glad you're here; it makes getting through this much easier."

Pinkie Pie's eyes shined with a pleasant glow. She brushed her coat against his. "Like I said, I'll be there for you. Always."

Axis led the way inside his house with Pinkie Pie beside him. It was dark as usual, and for the first time since he lost Lana, he had searched for the light switch and flipped it, illuminating his home. There was a bookshelf that had pictures of a golden-haired dog with Axis during varying stages of his life. Some had his friends in them, others had his mother, while the rest was just him and his dog.

Pinkie Pie gazed at the pictures somberly. "Lana took good photos."

Axis agreed, his expression a bittersweet smile. He pointed to one in the middle that depicted him as a colt and holding Lana when she was a puppy. "This one is my favorite."

"Mine too," Pinkie added, leaning against him. "Tell me more about these older pictures." She narrowed her eyes and pointed to one. "That one!"

Axis Stone chuckled. "Where do I begin?" He grabbed one that was situated on the far right of the shelf. It depicted him and Lana with his mother on a cold Hearth's Warming. They all looked messy and disorganized, but they were smiling widely. "This one was crazy. It all started when Lana..."