Denial
Fluttershy’s funeral was brief and simple. Only her closest friends attended, and the procession only lasted a few short minutes. Pinkie lifted her front half onto the side of her casket, tears falling from her face as she looked down at her friend, fur and mane completely gray. She noted that Twilight, once again, had opted to bury her with her element around her neck. “Fluttershy…why didn’t you talk to us? Why didn’t you ask for help? Why did this have to happen to you?” The pink earth pony sniffled heavily, speaking barely in a whisper. “Of all the ponies in Ponyville, you deserved this the least. I just don’t understand…”
Her four friends watched as her casket was slowly lowered into the ground, all four crying and hugging one another. “Are ya sure this is for the best? Nopony else came…” Apple Jack asked, concerned that her closest friend’s funeral had been such a minor event.
“It’s what she would have wanted. You know how she hates being the center of attention.” Twilight replied.
The orange mare sniffled. “I hear ya, but it just doesn’t seem right. She may not have been as well loved as Pinkie, but she never once did anything to anypony, and everypony loved her.”
Rainbow backed away, unable to hold her sadness in any longer. She sniffled and lowered her head, bursting into heavy sobs.
Apple Jack approached her friend and patted her shoulder. “There there…let it out, Rainbow. It’s not healthy to keep your emotions pent up like that. She was your friend too.”
The pegasus sniffled. “She was a friend, but…I’m not supposed to cry! I’m a future Wonderbolt! I have to prove to them I’m just as strong as they are!”
The orange pony smiled softly. “Being strong and not mourning your friends are two separate things. I’m sure even the Wonderbolts cry sometimes.”
Rainbow huffed. “Well not me! I’m going to be STRONGER than them then!”
Pinkie bounced up to the two. “Rainbow, I love a smile as much as the next pony, but there are just times when smiling isn’t right. Please don’t forget you just lost a foalhood friend.”
Twilight hugged the blue pegasus. “She’s right you know…as much as I hate to admit it.”
Rainbow stood up suddenly, turning around and glaring at her friends, scowling. “What about Rarity!? She passed away and you all threw a PARTY!”
Pinkie winced at her harsh words. “Rainbow, that’s not fair. We miss her just as much as we do Fluttershy.”
Twilight stepped forward, interrupting her. “But we can’t dwell on the sad things. They wouldn’t want us to be sad forever.”
The pink pony, pushed her way between them, looking Rainbow Dash in the eyes. “You know that party was meant to cheer us up, not to celebrate losing a good friend! If you’re going to be a mean grumpy pants, then you shouldn’t have gone!”
Rainbow looked hurt. “Pinkie, you know I would never miss your parties. You’re my best friend!”
Her comment was responded with a sharp glare from Pinkie. “Well you certainly don’t ACT like it sometimes!”
“Alright girls, settle down.” Apple Jack stepped in to break up the argument. “We all miss her, and we’d never be glad she’s gone. But we can’t dwell on this. Pinkie, would you be so kind as to throw another party? We all know Fluttershy wouldn’t want us to be so upset just because she’s no longer with us.”
“Okie dokie lokie!” She replied, skipping away.
The orange earth pony watched her friend, sighing. “Well, I should get to finishing up the harvest before pinkie’s party. Wouldn’t want to have Big Macintosh do ALL the work.”
Twilight gave a concerned glance. “Apple Jack…your closest friend just passed away. I think you should take a day or two off, just take it easy a bit.”
Apple Jack looked at her for a moment. “Nothin doin, Twilight. Work has to get done, friends or no.”
“But-“
“Twilight, I appreciate what you’re tryin to do, but it ain’t gonna work. You of all ponies should know that if I say I’m gonna work, I’m gonna work.”
Twilight sighed, defeated. “Just don’t work too hard.”
***
The three ponies went their separate ways. Twilight returned to her library, heart heavy and her emotions getting the better of her. She sat down on the floor, levitating a leather bound book from one of the shelves. She laid it down in front of her, opening to reveal it to be a scrapbook. Her eyes slowly analyzed every inch of every Fluttershy and Rarity photo. She wiped her eyes to stop her tears from raining down on the protective sleeves holding her precious memories.
Spike’s voice echoed from the stairs. “Twilight? Maybe we should write a letter to the princess. I think she’d want to hear what’s been going on. Maybe she can shed some light on what’s been happening?”
The purple unicorn shook her head. “No, I shouldn’t bother her unless I know it’s going to happen again. She’s very busy, and worrying about lost ponies isn’t going to help her workload.”
“You’re the boss, Twilight.” Spike replied, knowing there was no way to win this discussion. His eyes shot open as the unicorn pulled him into a hug.
“Oh Spike…” she cried. “Why did this have to happen?”
The dragon remained silent, just returning her hug and letting her let her emotions out.
***
Apple Jack gingerly picked a juicy red apple from a tree, dropping it into a basket, which was halfway full of apples. She lifted her head and wiped her brow, gazing at the horizon. The sun was beginning to set, and the air starting to become crisp and cool. It was at this moment that she noticed Pinkie standing behind her. “Oh, Apple Jack! Don’t mind me.”
The orange pony chuckled. “Not at all, Pinkie. You’re a welcome sight. What can I do ya for?”
“Well, you know how you said we should have a party? I thought it might be a good idea to have a slumber party!”
Apple Jack laughed heartily. “Yeah, that one I had with Twilight sure was a blast. It’s a shame Rarity won’t be coming to this one.” Her tone was far more cavalier than her words would suggest.
The party pony frowned, looking at her friend with concern. “You say that like it doesn’t bother you.”
Thinking for a moment, Apple Jack pulled another apple from the tree, placing it in the basket. “No sense frettin over what can’t be helped. She’s gone, Pinkie. We’re just going to have to accept that. The same goes for Fluttershy. Now I don’t want to hear any more about it.”
Pinkie sighed, looking down for a moment. “Okie…dokie…lokie…” She perked up almost instantly. “Here you go!” She hopped forward, handing the now-slightly startled pony a white envelope. “It’s a party invitation. I honestly don’t know why I keep giving these out, seeing as I’d never refuse a friend, and EVERYpony in ponyville is my friend. I guess I just love handing these out.”
“And I appreciate it. Unfortunately, due to the two funerals, I’ve already taken too much time off, and won’t be able to make it.” Apple Jack replied.
The pink earth pony looked around. “But Apple Jack…the apples aren’t even ripe yet. You’re really just wasting your time picking the few quick ones. A few extra days isn’t going to hurt them any.”
“Pinkie, what do you know about farmin? You live all comfy cozy in your little sweet shop eatin cake all day. If I don’t harvest these apples, I’ll lose the farm.”
Pinkie sat down, looking at her. “Apple Jack…I may not know much about farming, but I know a LOT about business. And it just doesn’t pay to put so much effort into so few apples. You’re bothered by something. Please, I want to help.”
Apple Jack was clearly getting annoyed, and pressed her nose firmly against pinkies, pushing until the slightly scared pink pony was now lying on her back. “Look, I ain’t discussin this anymore. I’m fine.”
Pinkie slowly rolled onto her hooves and walked away, looking down. She returned quickly and handed her friend the invitation. “Just in case you change your mind.”
“I won’t, but alright. I’ll hold onto it.”
The pink pony left her, talking to herself. “Why won’t she come? She’s clearly upset…” She put it out of her mind and trotted towards Twilght’s library.
***
A knock on the door pulled Twilight away from her book. She got up and walked downstairs to see who her visitor was. “Oh, hello Pinkie. I see you have invitations.”
Pinkie bounced cheerfully. “Yep! I figured a slumber party would be a GREAT way to cheer everypony up.”
Twilight smiled. “What a wonderful idea! I bet everypony will enjoy that.”
“Well…not everypony…” remarked pinkie, her smile fading.
“Whatever do you mean?” Twilight asked, concerned.
Pinkie sighed. “I probably shouldn’t say this, but I’m really concerned about Apple Jack. She said she wasn’t going to make it because she needs to pick apples.”
Twilight chuckled. “Well she IS a farm pony…”
“Yes, but most of the apples aren’t even ripe yet! She’s clearly upset and denying it.”
Twilight thought for a minute, a sensation of dread briefly washing over her body. “Alright Pinkie. I’ll look into it.”
Pinkie’s smile returned. She looked relieved. “Thanks Twilight. If anypony can help her, it’s you.”
Twilight said goodbye to her friend, opening the invitation. “You are invited to a slumber party tonight with Ponyville’s Premier Party Planner, Pinkamena Diane Pie. Please present this upon arrival and join in the fun.” She noted that the invitation wasn’t as cheerful as most of Pinkie’s are. “I can’t really blame her for not putting her all into this. But still, it will be good for us to spend a night together. I hope Apple Jack’s alright.”
The unicorn took a brief look at the remaining Elements of Harmony. They appeared unchanged and Apple Jack’s was as vibrant as it ever was. “Well, they all SEEM alright…”
“Who you talking to, Twilight?” Spike’s voice came from the kitchen.
“Oh, nopony, Spike. Just thinking out loud.” She replied.
Sweetie Belle walked down the stairs, looking towards Twilight. “Thank you for letting me stay with you, Twilight. I’m sorry if I’m a burden.”
“Oh, not at all sweetie.” She gave the filly a warm hug. ‘Have I really become Sweetie Belle’s surrogate sister?’ She thought to herself. “Sweetie Belle…what do you think of me?”
The white unicorn thought for a moment before cuddling into Twilight’s body. “I…don’t know…I guess you’re like my sister…like…Rarity…” She gave a soft sniffle.
Twilight looked sad, hugging her tightly. “I think I’d like that.” She hugged her young friend, savoring the embrace. “If you’d like, I could set up one of the side rooms as your bedroom.”
“I think I’d rather stay in your room, Twilight. If that’s alright.”
“Of course, honey.” Twilight said, feeling increasingly more comfortable with the arrangement. “Listen, Sweetie…I have some business to take care of in Sweet Apple Acres. Would you like to come?”
“No, that’s alright, Twilight. I think I’ll keep Spike company.” She giggled.
***
It was already getting late as Twilight neared the farm. She stopped a moment to gaze around. It took a few minutes before she was able to spot Apple Jack pulling apples one at a time from a tree in the distance. She trotted up to her friend. “Apple Jack…what are you doing? Wouldn’t it be faster to just buck them down?”
“Nothin doin, Twilight. Most of em ain’t ripe yet.” The orange mare replied, pulling another one down.
“Then why not just leave them there? This isn’t very efficient.” Her concern was growing by the minute.
“Now don’t YOU start this on me too. Let me run my own farm. Don’t you have some books to reorganize?”
Twilight did her best to restrain her agitation at that cold remark. “Apple Jack…Pinkie Pie is having a party tonight, and we want you to be there.”
Apple Jack sighed in frustration. “As I already told Pinkie, I can’t make it. I have work to do.”
“Apple Jack…please. You’re my friend. You know I’d never ask you to do anything that would cost you your home.”
“Then stop asking me to attend another of Pinkie’s stupid parties. I can’t make it!” She retorted coldly.
Twilight teleported in front of her. “STUPID!? This is NOT the Apple Jack I became friends with.” She sighed and took a minute to regain her composure. “Alright, look…do whatever it is you have to do here. But please come to pinkie’s party when you finish. We’re your friends. This party will be good for us.”
Apple Jack snorted. “I’m fine, Twilight. Stop worryin ‘bout me.”
“Then come to the party.”
She sighed, defeated. “Alright, Twilight. When I’m done, I’ll come. Just to prove I’m alright, I’ll join you.”
The purple unicorn sighed in relief. “Thank you, Apple Jack.” She hugged her friend and trotted off.
***
Laughter echoed through Sugarcube corner as Apple Jack slowly ascended the stairs to Pinkie’s room, knocking lightly on the door. It swung open wide, revealing Pinkie on the other side with Twilight and Rainbow Dash sitting in the center of the floor, giggling to each other. Pinkie pulled the orange earth pony into the room. “So glad you could make it Apple Jack! We saved you some punch and cake if you’d like!”
Apple Jack looked around the room as she walked further in. She was surprised to see Pound and Pumpkin cake sitting in front of her friends, babbling playfully. The decorations seemed sparse, just a couple balloons that she was sure Pinkie normally had floating around anyway. The punch and a half-eaten cake sat on a dresser on the wall. She sat down in front of her two friends while Pinkie placed a plate and glass in front of her containing the cake and punch. “Eat up Apple Jack, there’s plenty for everypony!”
“Uh..pinkie, are you sure it’s a good idea to keep the foals up this late?” Apple Jack remarked.
Pinkie stopped her bouncing. “Oh Apple Jack, don’t worry. I promised to have them in bed at a reasonable hour. Besides, they always make me smile, so I thought they could help my friends smile too!” She tickles them playfully, eliciting ecstatic giggles.
The orange mare looked down at the plate. The cake was a vibrant mix of various colors, although there seemed to be a distinct lack of white, purple, yellow, and pink. ‘That Pinkie Pie…always knows how to make everypony smile.’ She took a bite of the cake. It appeared to be a mix of white and chocolate. The texture was very moist, and the frosting was the perfect balance of both weight and thickness. “So, what did I miss?”
“Not much…we decided to hold off anything fun until you got here.” Rainbow replied.
Apple Jack looked at her with a smile. “Well that was mighty nice of you, Rainbow. But I told y’all I don’t need any cheering up. I’m fine, really.”
Rainbow chuckled. “Well then you won’t have any trouble enjoying this party!”
“The decorations seem a little…less than Pinkie’s usual parties.”
Pinkie hopped up behind her. “Yeah, I’m sorry. It was short notice, and I didn’t want to give the impression that I don’t care about our friends.”
Twilight stepped in to lighten the mood. “Let’s not worry about it. It’s still a Pinkie party, and Pinkie parties are always spectacular. We don’t need fancy decorations to have fun. I brought this for that!” She pulled out her sleepover book.
The pink party mare giggled. “Oh Twilight, can’t you be more spontaneous? There’s so much more to learn that you can’t get from a book.” She took the book and slipped it under her bed. “I’ll give it back tomorrow morning if you promise not to let a book tell you to have fun.”
Twilight sighed with a bemused smile. “Alright Pinkie, you win…no books.” The girls all laughed.
Apple Jack took another bite of the cake. “This cake is delicious, Pinkie.”
Pinkie bounced about the room. “Of course it is, I made it myself! I put extra happy and sugar in it!”
Twilight chuckled. “Um…Pinkie…happy isn’t something one can normally put in food.”
The party mare looked at her. “Oh Twilight, why are you always so factual? Lighten up! It’s a party! Speaking of which…does anypony want smores!?” She ran out and ran back in carrying a table with a portable burner, graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows. “Sorry I don’t have an actual fire. Mr. and Mrs. Cake said I’m not allowed to light campfires in my room.”
The girls laughed heavily, grabbing their marshmallows and holding them over the burner. “Do you think Pound and Pumpkin would like some?” Rainbow said, looking down at the two.
Pinkie laughed, setting up two spoons with marshmallows on the scoop, the handles sticking off the edge of the table. “Not to worry, I planned ahead! Heads up you two!” She slammed her hoof down on the handles, launching the marshmallows into the air. Pound Cake flew up, catching it in his mouth and somersaulting back to the ground. Pumpkin backed up and stood up on her hind legs, catching it and chewing loudly.
“That was AWESOME!” Rainbow remarked, laughing at the sight. “Do it again!”
Pinkie shook her head. “Now Rainbow…you know what happens when you give a foal too many sweets.”
The cyan pegasus tilted her head. “Refresh my memory…”
“The sugar in the sweets gives them too much energy and they not only bounce off the walls…sometimes literally, but they are unable to sleep.” Twilight answered.
***
For the next several hours, the girls enjoyed their snacks and laughed together. Pinkie put the foals to bed and returned. “So, we ready for some more fun!?”
Apple Jack yawned. “I dunno, Pinkie…I’m kinda tired.”
“Me too” Rainbow replied. “I was up all day keeping the skies clear.”
Twilight smirked. “I thought you could do that in ten seconds flat.”
“Well, yeah, but…hey, I’d like to see YOU do ANYTHING in ten seconds and without a checklist, Twilight.” The pegasus rebutted.
The girls laughed again. Pinkie slipped into bed. “Alright girls, if you wanna go to bed now, that’s fine. I could only find one extra blanket and pillow, so one of you will have to share my bed, and the other two will have to share the spare blanket. Sorry girls.”
Apple Jack chuckled. “Nah, it’s alright Pinkie. Twilight, would you mind sharing the floor with me?”
“Not at all, Apple Jack.” The unicorn smiled and spread the blanket out, snuggling up against her friend. Both of them were asleep in minutes.
***
Apple Jack opened her eyes, gazing at the rays of sun shining through Pinkie’s window. She looked about to see that nopony else was awake. It didn’t surprise her that she was the first one up. She’d been waking up early since she was a filly on the farm. Work started at daybreak, and time would wait for nopony. She slowly stood up and stepped off the blanket stretching out. Twilight stirred slightly. ‘I’d better go before they wake up…I don’t need them pestering me about workin again.’ She thought to herself. Her hooves made soft thumps on the floor as she crept as silently as possible to the door, opening it.
“Apple Jack? Why are you leaving?” Twilight’s voice rang through here ears like a dropped pot. “Shouldn’t you wait for the other girls to wake up first? Surely you don’t-“
“I do, Twilight…” She interrupted. “Please don’t think any less of me for having to work.”
The unicorn sighed. “I don’t, but…I know you’re hiding your true…” she stopped mid sentence, a look of terror on her face. “Apple Jack! Your tail!”
The sudden outburst woke everypony up. They all gazed at Apple Jack’s now-faded, barely yellow tail. Twilight ran up and inspected it. “Oh no…” She began to hyperventilate. The unicorn took a moment to compose herself. “This is exactly what happened to fluttershy and Rarity before they…”
A pink hoof rushed up and cut her off. “Twilight! This party was supposed to cheer everypony up! Please save the doom and gloom for later.”
Twilight’s hooves tapped on the floor anxiously. “But Pinkie! This is serious!”
“I’m fine, everypony. Please let me be.” Apple Jack left, closing the door behind her. She sighed sadly as she walked down the stairs. ‘Why do you do this to yourself? They only want to help,’ she thought to herself. ‘What if Twilight IS right? Am I really hiding what I truly feel? No…I’m the element of honesty…and that includes being honest with myself! I’m too busy to worry about what’s already happened. Being sad won’t make them come back. They’d want it this way.’
Twilight sighed, using her magic to fold up the blanket. “I’m sorry Pinkie. I didn’t mean to end your wonderful party on such a sad note.”
Pinkie pulled Twilight’s book out from under her bed, returning it. “Don’t worry about it Twilight. It’s not your fault.”
Twilight looked down. “But I AM worried about it. I think I should go see Princess Celestia. She might know what this is and how to cure it.”
Rainbow stretched and fell out of bed. “Ow…” She quickly stood up and regained her composure. “That sounds like a good idea. I don’t think any of us can handle the loss of another friend.”
***
The train chugged slowly into Ponyville station. A purple unicorn with saddlebags and a smaller dragon stare at each other for a brief period. Twilight hugged her assistant and handed him a list. “These are all the chores I’d like done by the time I get back.”
“I still don’t see why I couldn’t have just sent a letter.” The dragon replied.
Twilight sighed. “Spike, some things are best done in person, and a letter won’t convey the urgency of this problem. She pulled a book from one of her saddlebags, opening it to reveal the four remaining elements of harmony. Spike’s eyes widened as he saw that Apple Jack’s had already begun to fade. “This is why I have to go in person. Princess Celestia knows more about these elements than anypony. I’ll be back in a couple days. Please don’t make a mess. I told Sweetie Belle to be on her best behavior, so she shouldn’t give you any trouble.”
“Alright, Twilight. You can count on me.” Spike replied. “Good luck.”
Twilight nodded as she boarded the train. She looked down the aisle of the passenger cabin, and flopped down in an empty seat, placing her saddlebags on the floor with a sigh. “Please be okay Apple Jack…I’ll never forgive myself if another of my friends passes away…” She gave one last look out the window. Spike was waving her off. It was all she could do to manage a slight smile and wave back halfheartedly.
The train lurched forward and slowly set off to its next destination. Twilight returned her element book to her saddlebag. She thought for a moment, beginning to levitate another out, but thinking better of it and closing the clasp, closing her eyes. The soft clicker clack of the metal wheels over the rail seemed to soothe her thoughts somewhat, and sleep found her before too long.
***
A firm nudge caused Twilight to open her eyes. A conductor was looking down at her. “You’ve reached your destination miss. It’s time to disembark.”
She nodded and grabbed her bags, walking steadily off the train without a word. The Canterlot train station was well and above what Ponyville’s had to offer. It was far busier, and the station itself had a lot of fancier decorations and comforts. Twilight sighed and looked at the ground as she left the station. She collided with somepony, causing her to fall to the ground with a loud surprised yelp. The purple unicorn looked up to see her mentor and teacher looking down with a concerned expression. “My dear student…whatever is bothering you surely can’t be so bad that you can’t pay attention to where you’re walking.”
Twilight hugged the princess. “No…it’s worse…but we can’t talk here.”
“Of course not, Twilight. Let’s go. I’ve arranged a room at the castle we can talk in as long as you need.”
“Thank you, Princess.” The unicorn replied. “I just don’t know what to do anymore.”
The two walked slowly to the castle. Twilight was surprised to notice that she wasn’t being taken to an empty guest room, but rather to Celestia’s private chambers. “Princess Celestia…am I really allowed in here? This is your private room!” Twilight could feel her entire face blushing as she entered her mentor’s room for the first time, feeling completely out of place. Her hooves brushed over the soft, plush carpet. She was speechless as she looked about. The room itself was relatively simple, but what wasn’t plain was lavishly decorated and in immaculate condition. What truly caught her attention, however, was the small library of books she had stacked up on shelves around the room. “I…this is…”
Celestia chuckled. “I bet you don’t have anything like this at your library in Ponyville. My favorite decoration is probably this window over here.” The sight nearly made Twilight’s jaw hit the floor. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Celestia’s window was a beautiful stained glass artwork of her and Luna, apparently hugging one another. The light shined peacefully through it, projecting the beauty onto the floor. “I had this made shortly after I sent my sister to the moon in hopes that she would wish to make amends, and wished every day for it to happen since. It was thanks to you that this dream was realized.”
“It must have been so hard for you…” Twilight said thoughtfully.
Celestia sighed, looking at it. “It was the most painful decision I ever had to make. And to this day, not a moment goes by that I think to myself if there was any other way…But that’s in the past.” She suddenly brightened her expression, looking towards Twilight. “What brings you to Canterlot, my faithful student?”
“Well…” Twilight was silent for a moment, trying to consider the best way to say what needed to be said. She ultimately decided to just pull the book from her saddlebag and open it, revealing the four elements, one of which was nearly completely gray.
“Oh dear! What happened to the other two? And why is this one gray!?” The princess asked with urgency.
Twilight shook her head. “I…Fluttershy and Rarity both have theirs…I gave them their elements after they…passed away…”
Celestia’s expression softened and turned quickly to sympathy. “Oh my dear student…I’m so sorry.” The two shared a brief, sad hug. “I know how much they meant to you. I hope you’ll continue your studies…”
The unicorn thought for a moment. “I will…but something concerns me…which is why I am here…Apple Jack’s, as you see, is fading. The effect is also visible on her body. It seems that her mane and tail are starting to fade. If the process works like it did with Rarity, then her body will be next, she’ll grow weak, and then…” She paused not wanting to think about what happens next. Her eyes started to fill with tears, quivering as the salty liquid building up in them reflected the light.
The princess smiled slightly. “You seem stressed. Why not go freshen up? I have your old room all ready for you.”
“If it’s alright, princess, I’d just like to take a walk through the gardens to clear my head a bit.” She replied.
“By all means, my dear student. Take all the time you need.” She led Twilight out, opening the large, grand gates to give her access to the garden, returning to her work.
***
Twilight dragged her hooves through the soft grass, listening to the sounds of all the animals. She briefly glanced at each stone statue as she passed it. She usually enjoyed walking casually through the garden and taking in the atmosphere. But today was different. She had pressing business to attend to…and she had too much on her mind. “UGH!” she shouted, furiously trying to shake her thoughts from her head, to no avail. “Why can’t I focus!? I have to help my friends!” Her eyes narrowed as she stopped in front of yet another statue, glaring at it like it had insulted her. “This is all your fault, I just know it!” Discord’s statue stood before her, seemingly oblivious to her existence. His frightened expression at the thought of returning to stone still remained. “I know you had something to do with this…but what? What did you do to us!?”
She suddenly looked at the ground, feeling embarrassed. “Now look at me…I’m yelling at a statue…what’s happening to you Twilight?” The fact that she was now talking to herself barely registered in her mind. “You’re not acting like yourself! You can do this! FOCUS!”
She looked into the sky. The sun was slowly starting to set in the horizon. ‘I guess I’d better head to my room…it’s getting late. I’ll talk to Celestia tomorrow. I hope I can sleep tonight…” she thought to herself. After a few moments, she convinced her tired hooves to resume moving. Her head was held low as she slowly made her way towards her old room. ‘well…at least the princess was kind enough to allow me to have the comfort of my old room.’ She sighed. ‘It hasn’t changed a bit…like she’d been keeping it exactly the way it was left in case I came back…’ She didn’t want to admit it, but it was a welcome sight. Just seeing her old room freed her mind, if only slightly. ‘I can’t wait to sleep in my old bed again.’
***
Apple Jack pulled another ripe apple from a tree, putting it in her cart. She’d been working since she left, and her mane and tail were completely gray at this point. She sighed. “More gray now…maybe I am lyin to myself…but…that doesn’t even begin to make sense. How would telling a lie cause this?” She saw Apple Bloom walking up in the distance. She stopped and approached her little sister.
“Apple Jack, you’ve been workin all day, and you look exhausted. Please come inside and eat dinner. It’s getting late.” She said, concerned.
AJ pulled another apple down, biting into it. “Nothin doin, Apple Bloom. I want to finish this part of the field today.” She tossed the apple into the air, eating the whole thing in one bite. “Besides, I just ate.” She chuckled lightly, hoping her weak excuse would allow her to continue working uninterrupted.
“But sis! You look horrible! Please stop doing this to yourself! Even Big Macintosh is worried sick about you!” The young filly pleaded with her sister. “Please, Apple Jack…come inside.”
The older sister sighed. “I’m fine, Apple Bloom.”
Apple Bloom glared at her. “No you’re not. I’m not stupid.” She grabbed her sister’s mane and started pulling her towards home.
“I ain’t goin in! Stop this Apple Bloom!” She demanded, getting angry. She was having more trouble resisting Apple Bloom than usual.
Apple Bloom sat down and looked at her with the cutest, most tear-filled eyes she could muster. “Apple Jack…you’re overworking yourself…you’re going to get hurt. Please…for me?”
Apple Jack stopped fighting. “Alright, little sis. You win. I’ve been feeling a little tired lately anyway.” She wobbled, trying to steady herself.
Apple Bloom steadied her. “See what I mean? You’re working too hard.”
The orange pony struggled to stay upright, finally losing the fight and collapsing into a cloud of dust.
“APPLE JACK!” The filly yelled in surprise.
***
The morning sun broke through Twilight’s window, bathing her in its warm light. She awoke from her restless sleep. While the feeling of waking up with the sun used to be a sensation she’d savor every morning, it felt cold and lifeless today. She yawned and looked at herself in the mirror. “I look like a wreck…” She said to her reflection.
After several minutes of brushing, she managed to make herself look like she had at least half a night’s sleep. She left her room, almost immediately bumping into Celestia. “Twilight, good morning. I was about to come see you. Let’s talk over breakfast, shall we?”
Twilight looked at her stomach, which rumbled loudly. “Alright. I’d like that. It’s been so long since we’ve had any time together.”
“Not since the Gala, I’ll wager.” She chuckled at the memory.
“Has Luna been adjusting? I know it must be hard for her to catch up, having been on the moon for a millennium.” Twilight asked, curious as to why she hadn’t seen the younger alicorn around the castle.
Celestia looked down at her. “She’s adjusting well. It’ll take some time for her to learn about how greatly things have changed. It might do her some good to spend some time with you.”
Twilight thought about the proposal. “That sounds like fun. I bet all my friends in Ponyville would love her…well, now that she’s not trying to blanket Equestria in eternal night, that is.” The two shared a laugh.
They walked to the dining hall. It was mostly empty, save for a couple servant ponies setting up the morning meal. The two ponies sat on opposite ends of the long, extravagant table. The pure white tablecloth hung nearly to the floor, and appeared to be made of fine silk. “You don’t seem to spare any expenses here. Every room I’ve seen has been so lavishly decorated. I really envy you. This entire Castle is always so pretty. I bet the garden looks absolutely magical in fall.”
Celestia beamed at her favorite student. “Why Twilight…you’ve lived here for years. Surely you know this by now.”
Twilight sighed. “No, I’m sorry. I’ve spent so much time with my nose stuck in a book, I never took any time to admire the scenery, except for the occasional walk through the garden when I found some free time. I never really stopped to admire much else. My friends all showed me that the only thing books were doing was blocking me from seeing the lessons that truly mattered.”
The princess chuckled and took a sip of tea. “Now that is a lesson you can’t find in a book. Would you like to eat in my room? You seem to have a lot on your mind, and you seem uncomfortable discussing it here.”
Twilight’s eyes widened. “Really? Thank you princess.” The two levitated their meals and trotted briskly to Celestia’s room, lying down on the floor where nopony was around to hear them.
The unicorn sighed. “I’m just overwhelmed. Two of my friends have died and a third…” She sniffled, suddenly losing her appetite.
“My dear student, why are you blaming yourself for this? Surely you are not the cause…” She said, worried.
Twilight shook her head. “No…but I promised Rarity I’d find out what was wrong…and after fluttershy…and now Apple Jack…I just have to stop this before it kills any more of my friends!” She rushed into her teacher’s body, sobbing heavily into her soft, white fur.
The princess spread her wing, covering her distraught student. “Have you found out anything?”
Twilight spent a few minutes soaking her teacher’s body before composing herself enough to form a reply. “No…nothing outside of what Fluttershy suggested before she left…” Her sobs overtook her again, prompting the teacher to give her a soft nuzzle in attempt to calm her down.
Celestia stayed still for a moment, giving her student time to let her emotions out. After several minutes, she spoke again. “What did she suggest, my student?”
“She…” Twilight sniffled, managing to calm down considerably, enough to pull her head out from her teacher’s body and look her in the eyes. Hers were red and puffy from the tears. “She asked if maybe this had something to do with Discord…but he’s still a statue. He couldn’t have done anything…”
“Twilight…” She started, seemingly unsure of herself.
Twilight grew concerned. She’d never heard the princess sound so hesitant before. “What’s wrong?”
“Twilight, I’m going to give you authorization to access every section of the Canterlot library. That includes the books on all forms of forbidden magic. If you promise never to use them or even practice them, you shall have full access to these sections to see if you can find a possible cause and remedy.” She stood up, magically scribbling a quill across a piece of parchment and giving it to the unicorn. “Report to me anything you find this afternoon. I wish you the best of luck.”
The unicorn was speechless. She took the note and ran out. A moment later, she ran back in, hugging Celestia tightly. The princess wrapped her front leg around her student before allowing her to dash off again. She smiled slightly. “Good luck, my dear student.”
***
Twilight ran to the restricted section of the library, practically throwing her note at the guard. She dashed in and immediately began to pull several books off the shelves. She quickly flopped down on the floor, reading through every word of every book. She stopped for a moment to look through the dusty wing of the library. “I’m going to be here a while…I’d better read fast.”
Slowly but surely, the books piled up on the floor, one after another after another. The neat stacks of semi-organized titles grew as she filtered through each one. “Ancient plagues? No…that’s not it…modern necromancy? No, not likely…” She stacked the two books, looking through a couple more titles. “Mysterious spells and Forbidden hexes….maybe…” She quickly flipped through a couple pages. “This is just a concept book…it doesn’t go into any details about the spells. What about…no, not this one either!”
She sighed, exasperated and took a moment to rub her eyes. “If I keep going at this pace, my eyes are going to look like Ditzy’s.” The unicorn thought about that prospect for a moment before laughing slightly. “That’d be an experience. I wonder if she can even read like that…It’s a wonder she can even see. I have to remember to ask her if I can run a couple tests later.” She shook her head to focus herself and resumed flipping through her books.
***
The sun was quickly setting as she pulled the last book off the shelves. “Nothing! UGH! I thought this wing would have SOMETHING, but there’s just nothing here…and now I have to go back. I hope the princess can forgive me for failing her.”
She rushed back, leaving the room in the mess it was in. She plowed over the guard as she ran out, knocking both him and herself to the floor. “I’m so sorry sir! I’m in a rush to get back to the princess. Please forgive the mess…I’ll come back to clean it up, I promise!”
The guard looked her over. “Twilight Sparkle! I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you. I haven’t seen you since you were a tiny little filly! Don’t worry about the mess. I’ll take care of it. Go see the princess.”
“Thank you SO much!” She ran off without another word, knocking frantically on Celestia’s door.
The door swung open. “My dear student, what has you so worked up?”
Twilight nearly collapsed after walking in. She flopped on the soft rug and laid her head down, covering it with her front hooves. “I looked through everything in that section of the library…through every single book…I’m sorry, princess…I’ve…failed…”
“Twilight, my dear student…you did your best. It’s not your fault there wasn’t any information. I’m sorry. Do not blame yourself.” The princess did her best to console her protégé student.
“I’m just so worried…what if Apple Jack…” She sniffled, standing and leaning into her teacher’s body. She smiled slightly as the princess rested her cheek against her neck, providing some comfort.
“There’s still hope, Twilight. She’s still alive. You’ll just have to try again tomorrow. Surely there’s a book in our library that can help you.”
Twilight sniffled. “Alright…I’ll try again tomorrow. I won’t stop until I’ve found a cure.”
“That’s the spirit, Twilight. I have faith in you. I always have.” The princess smiled.
Twilight was both surprised and comforted by her mentor’s words. She sounded more like a mother than a teacher. Of course, after several years of one on one study, this didn’t overly shock her. Twilight loved her, and that’s all that mattered. “Thank you, Princess…I’ll do my best.”
The princess didn’t reply. She didn’t have to. Twilight knew what she wanted to say, and that was enough. The two enjoyed the quiet ambience of the room, only broken by a small fire in the fireplace against the wall, inviting a little more heat and light into the dimly lit room. Their shadows danced on the wall, the flickering fire distorting them rhythmically.
A sudden crash through the window shook them both from their moment and caused them to look at the offending sound. Celestia’s stained glass window had been shattered. Debris and glass shards littered the room, and a gray pegasus with a yellow mane now lay on the bed, wings kinked at odd angles.
“Ditzy!” Twilight yelled, upset that she interrupted her moment with the princess, and slightly embarrassed she saw it. “What do you think you’re doing! You’ve smashed Princess Celestia’s window! That window was beautiful! I hope you have enough to pay to replace it!”
Celestia stopped her tirade with a hoof to her shoulder. “It’s alright, Twilight…these things happen.” Her horn glowed, and the shards levitated off the ground, placing themselves back into the shattered frame piece by piece before glowing brightly and completely repairing themselves. Twilight looked in amazement at the newly repaired window. It was like Ditzy never broke it.
Ditzy moaned and stood up. “Ow…sorry about breaking your window again, Princess, but I was told to take this straight to Twilight, and not to let anything slow me down.”
The alicorn looked at the pegasus. “It’s quite alright. Would you mind telling us who sent you? And what your business with Twilight is? Surely you are still doing your rounds.”
Ditzy shook herself off, pulling a letter from her mailbag. “Apple Bloom gave this to me. She said it was urgent and couldn’t wait.” She handed the Unicorn the letter and left the room, leaving the two alone to read it.
Twilight opened the envelope and read it. “Oh no! It’s worse than I thought! Apple Jack collapsed while working. She’s in her room, and they don’t think she’ll get better! Oh what do I do…” She started pacing back and forth.
“Calm yourself, dear student. It is too late to do anything right now. Get some rest and take the first train in the morning.” Princess Celestia nudged the unicorn, calming her slightly.
Twilight sighed. “Thank you, princess. I still have so much to learn. Good night.”
The alicorn smiled slightly. “Good night, my dear student. Sleep well.”
***
The train was late...it always was, but today it seemed especially late...as if the fates themselves had conspired to keep her from her ailing friend. “Oh come on! Where is it!?” The impatient pony paced frantically, her head low. Her eyes were sunken, and looked extremely tired. She had been tossing and turning all night. Combined with her poor sleep the night before, it was only her worry that kept her moving. She heard a train whistle in the distance. “Finally!”
The unloading passengers seemed to take forever. A steady stream of ponies disembarked. She took particular notice of two sisters she had seen around Ponyville on occasion. They were laughing and nuzzling one another. “Oh…I hope Apple Jack is alright…”
The stream died to a trickle, still not slow enough to allow boarding, but just slow enough to tease the patience. Twilight tapped her hooves on the ground, darting in the moment she saw a chance. The train car was packed. She couldn’t see a place to sit down. The train suddenly lurched forward, launching her off balance. She regained it, however, and stood steadily until the train reached full speed. Her hooves clopped loudly as she paced back and forth on the hard floor, thinking to herself, and not caring who notices.
An engineer walked up to her. “Miss, I’m going to have to ask you to sit down. You’re starting to worry our other passengers.”
“Worry? WORRY!? My best friend is DYING!” Twilight exclaimed, suddenly aware she was causing a big scene.
“I’m very sorry, but your pacing and scaring everypony isn’t going to make this train arrive any sooner. Please sit down.”
She sighed, realizing he was right. “I’m sorry sir…I’m just stressed.” She found an empty seat and took it, trying not to make eye contact with anypony else. The faces eventually went back to their business, allowing for a disturbance free ride.
Twilight didn’t even wait for the train to stop, leaping out the door the moment she got a chance. She tripped, but ignored the pain. She could deal with any damage after she made it to Sweet Apple Acres.
“Ohh…why does Apple Jack have to live so far from the train!?” Her lungs burned heavily as she passed ponies in the street. They looked at her as she whizzed by. She couldn’t care less. Her friend was dying, and she wasn’t there. “Please don’t let Apple Jack die before I can reach her…not again…”
***
Big Macintosh, Granny smith, and Apple Bloom all sat around Apple Jack’s room. They sniffled and held each other, watching their beloved relative lie helpless in her bed. Her body had faded to gray. Her breathing was shallow. Her hat was hung on the bedpost with loving care, awaiting its owner.
Apple Bloom hesitantly walked to her sister’s bedside, hopping on top of it. “Sis? Please wake up…you’re scaring us…” Her eyes welled up when there was no response. Her tears slowly fell to the bed, dampening the blankets. “Apple Jack! Wake up!” She nudged her sister’s cheek. The pony didn’t react. She barely moved. “Apple Jack! It’s me! Your little sis! Apple Bloom! Please don’t leave me alone!” She began to sob openly, collapsing on top of the bed, resting her head on her sister’s chest. Her eyes closed, too blurry to see properly anyway.
She opened them as she felt something placed on her head. Apple Jack was indeed awake, although very weak. She had used the last of her strength to give her hat to Apple Bloom. “Take care of this…for me…” The colorless earth pony exhaled, her head sinking into the pillow, and her arm falling lifelessly to the bed. Her eyes closed one last time.
Apple Bloom burst into heavy sobs, burying her head in her sister’s body. “No! Please don’t leave us! I don’t want to be alone!”
Granny Smith hugged her, pulling her off the bed. “Yer never alone, youngun. We’re always here for you.” The two hugged tenderly.
They all looked up as they heard hoofsteps coming up the stairs. With a loud crash, the door was nearly knocked clean off its hinges. Twilight looked into the room, her body completely exhausted. “APPLE JACK!”
The other ponies in their room shook their heads. “No…I’m too late…” The unicorn sniffled before collapsing, her fatigue finally getting the better of her. She never even felt herself hit the floor.
