"Got you!" said Scootaloo.

"Where?" said Sweetie Belle. "I can't see."

"Here, diagonally."

"Pretty sneaky, Scootaloo."

"My turn!" said Apple Bloom.

Sweetie Belle switched places with Apple Bloom, content to sit out and watch for a round. Scootaloo reset the game, and then she and Apple Bloom took turns dropping plastic discs into a vertical grid.

Something on the edge of vision caught Sweetie Belle's attention. She glanced up at the window for a better look. A pair of piercing, red embers gazed back from the darkness outside. Staring through her, deep into her soul.

Sweetie Belle fell back with a shriek of terror. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo jumped in surprise, and looked at the same window. They saw only the silhouettes of apple trees against the night sky. The unseen predator had vanished as suddenly as it had appeared.

"Why did you scream?" said Scootaloo.

"There was a monster outside!" said Sweetie Belle.

"A monster?" said Apple Bloom. "There aren't any monsters at Sweet Apple Acres!"

"I saw eyes! Glowing, red eyes!" said Sweetie Belle. "Whatever it was moved when I screamed, but it was just outside the window!"

"Ooh, spooky!" said Scootaloo. "What do you think it was?"

"There ain't nothin' out there!" said Apple Bloom. "I'll prove it!"

"Apple Bloom, no!" said Sweetie Belle. "I know I saw something out there! We should all just stay inside tonight."

"What if there really is something out there?" said Scootaloo. "It is kind of spooky, and dark. Not that I'm scared, or anything!"

"You two just wait here. I'll go outside and show you there's nothin' out there."

Apple Bloom exited the crusaders' clubhouse. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle sat in silence, nervously eyeing one another. A sharp scream tore through the air, and both fillies jumped. They ran outside and looked around in a panic.

"Apple Bloom! Where are you, Apple Bloom?" said Scootaloo. "Come on, this isn't funny!"

"Apple Bloom, are you all right?" said Sweetie Belle. "Say something!"

"Let's split up and look for her!"

"Are you crazy? That's a terrible idea! Apple Bloom could be seriously hurt, or worse! We need an adult! Let's go get Applejack!"

"But... Fine, let's go!"

The two fillies made a mad dash for the Apple family house. After a brief sprint through the orchard at midnight, they made it inside safely. They charged upstairs, into Applejack's room.

"Applejack, Applejack!" said Sweetie Belle.

Scootaloo leapt onto the bed and began jumping up and down. "Come on, wake up! We need you!"

Applejack stirred. "What are you two carryin' on about? Where's Apple Bloom?"

"That's the problem!" said Sweetie Belle. "We saw some kind of monster, and it got Apple Bloom!"

Applejack sighed. "You fillies have been readin' too many scary stories."

"No, really!" said Scootaloo. "She screamed, and then she was gone!"

"Well, where is she?" said Applejack.

"We don't know!" said Sweetie Belle. "She went outside and screamed, and then there was no trace of her. She might be hurt, or even—"

"Simmer down," said Applejack. "She probably just spooked herself and ran off into the orchard. I'll go look for her. You two stay here. We don't need three fillies runnin' around in the dark."

"Be careful!" said Scootaloo.

"Don't let it get you, too!" said Sweetie Belle.

"There's nothin' out there. Everything's fine! You two just calm down. I'll find Apple Bloom, and the three of you will laugh about this in the mornin'."

Applejack crawled out of bed and stretched. The tired and slightly annoyed farm pony trotted down the stairs. She lit a lantern, then hung it from her neck by a cord. Armed with light, the orange pony ventured out into the darkness.

"Apple Bloom~! Come on out now. There's nothin' to be scared of, your big sister's here. It's time to quit hidin' and come inside!"

Applejack wandered the Apple Family's property, calling out to Apple Bloom again and again. Her calls went unanswered. The farm pony checked the clubhouse first, then searched the barn. She systematically eliminated every hiding place she knew Apple Bloom to use. Her best guesses followed.

As more and more time passed without sight of Apple Bloom, Applejack began to worry. She ran between the trees, loudly calling out for her little sister and hearing nothing in response. Her swift trot shook the lantern, making it bounce against her chest. The light it cast wobbled and danced, bending the shadows into wicked shapes.

Just as the sun began to rise, Applejack tripped over something. She landed on her lantern, pressing her bare flesh against hot glass. Applejack winced and shifted to her side to keep from burning herself further. The lantern, fortunately, remained intact after the fall.

Applejack looked back to see what had tripped her. A lump of yellow fur, bearing two tufts of bright red hair. Apple Bloom lay motionless in the grass. A long, deep incision meandered from the side of her neck to the middle of her back. The fur surrounding her wound was soaked with blood, but only the slightest trickle came out of the cut itself.

"Apple Bloom!"

Applejack checked her little sister for a pulse. Faint, but still alive. She gently lifted the filly and laid her across her back. Then, she set off towards the hospital in a swift but cautious trot. It took every ounce of the farm pony's will to contain her panic.

"Hang in there, Apple Bloom! I'm not gonna let you die!"

Apple Bloom lay all but motionless on her hospital bed. If not for her shallow breathing and the occasional twitch, she could be mistaken for a corpse. A series of thick bandages trailed across her neck, and disappeared beneath a green hospital gown. Twilight Sparkle sat nearby, speed-reading her way through a stack of books.

Opposite the bed from Twilight, Applejack paced. Her expression was lost somewhere between anger and worry. Spike sat next to Twilight, watching Applejack and twiddling his claws. None of them said a word. Only background noise filled in the otherwise absolute silence.

Suddenly, Spike belched. A scroll popped out of his mouth, along with a puff of green flame. Twilight snagged the scroll with her magic the instant it appeared. She unfurled the letter, allowing an enclosed triangular shard to fall to the floor. Temporarily ignoring the shrapnel, Twilight read the letter aloud.

Dear Twilight,

Though I am loath to admit it, I fear the attack on Apple Bloom can only mean one thing. Forgotten has resurfaced. I have done battle with this being in the past. On different occasions I have turned her to stone, thrown her into space, and even destroyed her body with a magical explosion. All to no avail. No matter how thorough my methods, Forgotten always finds a way to return. I can, at best, buy a few decades of peace.

I am happy to hear that Apple Bloom is alive. Most of Forgotten's victims do not survive. Forgotten is not a true immortal, but a lich. While she cannot die, she must use the blood of young ponies to restore and preserve her body. This obviously cannot be tolerated, but I have come to accept that violence is not the answer.

As fighting Forgotten has never once worked as more than a short-term solution, I have thought up an alternative. She was, at one time, a pony. If any of her former self remains, it may be possible to reason with her.

This requires a gentle touch. I suggest that Fluttershy speak to Forgotten. If Fluttershy can convince Forgotten to coexist peacefully, she will have saved countless foals. Please do not send her to do this alone. Forgotten has proven herself to be very dangerous. Should things go awry, do not attempt to fight her. Get yourselves to safety, and let me handle the rest.

I wish you luck in peacefully resolving this situation. Please write again as soon as you have an update. I am enclosing a fragment of Forgotten's skull, which you may use to track her with your magic.

Yours,

Princess Celestia

Twilight put the scroll aside, and telekinetically lifted the skull fragment from the floor. She eyed the bone piece with a grimace. "Eww. This was part of somepony's skull?"

Applejack fumed. "That thing tried to kill Apple Bloom, and the princess wants us to talk to it? No! I ain't havin' that! I say we track that critter down, march right up to it, and kick its head clean off!"

"Applejack, you need to calm down," said Twilight. "Princess Celestia said violence isn't the answer. If blowing Forgotten up didn't keep her away, I don't think kicking her head off is going to work any better."

"We don't know that! Maybe she's like a cat, and her nine lives ain't run out yet?"

"I think we should follow the princess on this one. She knows what we're dealing with a lot better than we do."

"But—"

"Applejack, just breathe. You look like you're about to blow a fuse. I know you're upset about what happened to Apple Bloom, but anger isn't helping anything. If we go at this carelessly, we might just make everything worse. Go for a trot and cool down for a while. Get some fresh air."

"Well, all right. Can't say I won't be just as angry when I get back, though."

Applejack left the hospital room. Twilight turned her attention to Spike. "Run and fetch Fluttershy. I remember seeing the word 'lich' in one of these books. I'm going to learn all I can about what we're dealing with before she gets here."

"Right now? She's probably still asleep."

"Yes, right now! This is important! Apple Bloom almost died!"

"O-okay! I'll be back in two shakes of a dragon's tail!"

Spike scampered out of the room, leaving Twilight alone with Apple Bloom. Twi flipped through her books until she found mention of liches. She studied intensely, pushing herself to read as fast as possible.

---

A short while later, Fluttershy stepped into the room. Spike lounged lazily on her back. The yellow pegasus pony's concerned expression turned into one of dread when she saw the bandages on Apple Bloom's neck.

"What happened to Apple Bloom? Was she in an accident?" said Fluttershy.

"This was no accident. Apple Bloom was attacked." said Twilight.

"Goodness! Does Applejack know?"

"Applejack found her like this. She isn't taking it well. I convinced her to go for a trot to calm down just before I sent for you."

"Why would somepony do this to Apple Bloom?"

"The creature responsible isn't a pony. At least, not anymore. What we're dealing with is a lich."

"A what?"

"An undying monster. A dead pony who still walks! She calls herself Forgotten, but I did some research. Forgotten's name first appears right around the time stories about a lich named Varinia drop off. I think they're the same creature! If that's true, she's been around for over a thousand years! In life, Varinia was—"

"Um, I don't mean to cut you off Twilight, but why would a lich attack Apple Bloom?"

"To steal her blood. Princess Celestia says she has a history of attacking fillies this way. Apple Bloom is lucky Applejack found her in time. Most of Forgotten's victims don't make it."

"Why would she take Apple Bloom's blood? That's awful!"

"Forgotten uses filly blood as a catalyst in rejuvenation spells to preserve her body. You see, liches live forever and are immune to illness, but their bodies fall apart over time. Their cells die at an unnaturally slow rate, but new cells are never made. This book on the undead has a fascinating section all about liches!"

"Can't Princess Celestia do something to stop her?"

"She's tried, a lot. Forgotten will stay gone for a while, but she always finds a way to come back within a few decades. Princess Celestia can't kill Forgotten permanently, for no lack of trying. She wants us to take a different approach."

"What do you mean?"

"Fluttershy, you can find the good in anypony. It's your specialty. Fighting Forgotten gets us nowhere. The princess sent me a letter asking that you use your talents to fix this mess without violence."

"I'm flattered, but what can I do?"

"Just go talk to her. Try to appeal to any good that might still exist in her. Try to make her see that what she's doing is wrong."

"What if she attacks me?"

"Don't worry, I'll be waiting nearby. If things go sour, just scream. I'll defend you with my magic."

"B-but—"

"The princess wouldn't ask you to do this if she wasn't confident in you. I won't let that monster hurt you, I promise. If she comes at you, I'll protect you."

"Where am I even supposed to find Forgotten?"

"That part will be simple. The princess sent me a skull fragment so that I can track her. I can take you right to her hiding place. After that, it's up to you."

Fluttershy stood at the mouth of a large cavern. She had been hesitating for a long time, and didn't know what to expect on the inside. An unnatural chill hung in the air, warding away most animals and insects. Despite the summer heat, the temperature near the cave was downright cold. She breathed deeply of the stale air, then headed inside.

An undulating corridor twisted every which way. It would be all but impossible to navigate in the dark. The lantern around Fluttershy's neck guided her safely. The further she went into the cave, the more she felt something. It wasn't just cold, still air. There was something wrong here.

Fluttershy's stomach did backflips. Her heart tried to crawl up her throat and escape. The ominous feeling only grew stronger with each step she took. It made her physically ill. The very fabric of reality had been stained by some dark perversion against nature, and even coming near it repulsed Fluttershy.

Then, Fluttershy stepped on something squishy. She looked down. Round, shiny. It took her some time to recognize what she was looking at. More so to admit to herself what she was seeing. Eyes.

A pony's eyes laid on the floor in a puddle of blood. Flesh, muscle, and optic nerve still clung to them. They even had eyelids and eyelashes. One had been crushed under Fluttershy's hoof. The other stared upwards, returning Fluttershy's gaze. The golden iris shimmered in the light of Fluttershy's lantern.

Fluttershy had the foresight to push her lantern aside before puking. She hadn't eaten anything yet, so all that came up was a thin stream of bile. She spent a few seconds retching. Each glance at the disembodied eyeball brought on another dry heave. She closed her eyes tight and whimpered. It took every fiber of her being to resist sobbing.

Ahead, the narrow corridor opened into a cavern. Fluttershy could just barely see light in the distance. She took a deep breath, only to be reminded that the air sickened her. Steeling her reserve in a less breathy way, Fluttershy marched. Onward, into certain death.

The interior of the cave had been furnished with the opulence of a palace. Expensive rugs stretched across the floor, marble sculptures stood upon the few patches of even flooring, and badly water-damaged paintings hung from the cavern walls. Fluttershy followed the distant flicker of light deeper into the cave.

Fluttershy soon found herself in another large chamber. Golden sconces lined the walls, bearing scented candles. Dim, flickering light danced throughout the room. Other corridors snaked off into the darkness. In the center, resting upon a chaise longue, was a bony unicorn mare.

Her dark teal mane and tail stood out against a pale, beige coat. She had no eyes, but each empty socket bore a speck of unnatural luminescence. Two motes of red light, like hot coals amidst a black abyss. Blood oozed from the skin around her eye sockets.

"You really are a terrible assassin, my dear," said the lichpony. "I heard every step you took."

"Um, I'm not an assassin," said Fluttershy.

"Oh? Then why are you here? You're a bit old to be a sacrifice, but I could still kill you if that's what you're after."

"N-no, I'm happy being alive. I just want to talk, Forgotten. I-I mean, Varinia."

"Vah-rin-ee-ah. Yes, that is my name! I haven't heard it in so long that I had forgotten what it sounds like. You have earned my respect, little pony. You may say your piece. Just watch that you don't arouse my ire."

"I want you to stop hurting foals."

"Why would I do a silly thing like that?"

"Um…because it's wrong?"

"What was that, dear?"

"It's wrong to steal blood from foals, please stop."

Varinia laughed, then stood from her chaise longue and approached Fluttershy. "Wrong? You mortals and your ethics. If not for taking in the blood of youth, I'd be nothing but bones! Would you allow such beauty to fade for the sake of a few commoners? Their deaths are a small price to pay for my eternity."

"What if somepony took your daughter from you? How would you feel?"

"Daughter? How ludicrous. No stallion is worthy of planting his seed in me. I have my way with males, and then kill them before they finish."

"Well then, what if it happened to you? What if somepony had captured you as a filly and bled you dry for their own vanity? You've lived your life and then some, you must let everypony else live theirs."

Fluttershy continued to expound the moral ramifications of cannibalizing foals for eternal youth. Varinia appeared to lose interest in the sermon, and allowed her gaze to wander. Undaunted by the lack of attention, Fluttershy continued to lecture the undead horror before her. Suddenly, Varinia's expression softened.

"You're right," said Varinia. "I can't keep doing this. Blood magic or not, I'm old. Old, and scorned, and alone. To think I used to take it as a challenge when ponies told me I'd never defeat Celestia."

"But that's not what I—"

"Your words have moved me. I see now that I'm irrelevant and powerless. Why, I haven't even been able to raise a proper army in over eight hundred years. What hope do I have of taking back what is rightfully mine? You're absolutely right. I should just give up."

"But I didn't s—"

"Thank you for talking to me like another pony, and not some supernatural monster."

"Oh, um. You're welcome. I think?"

The air wavered, and an ornate wooden box appeared beneath the chaise longue. Lacquered mahogany, with finely polished gold accents. Varinia lifted the box via telekinesis and placed it in front of Fluttershy, then opened it. The velvet-lined interior held a glass ball, about three inches across. A dense, colorless fog danced just beneath the surface of the glass. Varinia removed the orb from the box and placed it on the floor of the cave. The lid of the box fell of its own weight.

"This case was made to house my phylactery," said Varinia. "Custom designed, and built of the finest materials and workmanship that money can buy. There is truly nothing else like it. It would mean a lot to me if you, the mare who showed me the error of my ways, were to keep it."

"This is beautiful, but don't you need it?"

Varinia rest her hoof atop the fog-filled glass sphere. "No. Not anymore."

No sooner than she'd finished speaking, Varinia crushed the glass globe underhoof. The colorless fog inside escaped and quickly dissipated into the air. Varinia emitted an ear-splitting howl of agony. Her eyes went dark and great fissures appeared in her skin. Blood flowed freely from her sudden wounds, and flesh fell from her bones. The lichpony hung her head low and allowed a rush of blood and organ fragments to flood out of her mouth, then collapsed into her own crimson mess.

The foul magic holding Varinia's cursed body together had been dispelled, and she was reduced to a blood-drenched pile of flesh and bone in seconds. The wrongness in the air faded almost instantly. Fluttershy stared at the remains in abject horror. Varinia's death was by far the most stunning and grotesque display of suffering Fluttershy had ever seen, and it had been motivated by her words. She couldn't help but feel a sharp pang of guilt, in spite of Varinia's actions.

When the shock wore off, Fluttershy turned her attention to the phylactery case. The yellow pegasus hesitantly reached for the box. The instant she touched it, a spark of electricity stung her hoof. Fluttershy drew back in surprise, then picked up the box and cautiously placed it on her back.

An instant later, Twilight Sparkle and Rarity rushed into the cave. The two unicorns stopped in their tracks at the sight of the bloody mess in front of Fluttershy. They stared for a long time before either spoke.

"Good heavens, Fluttershy!" said Rarity. "What did you do?"

"I didn't do it," said Fluttershy. "She, um, killed herself."

"Suicide! How uncouth!" said Rarity.

"Are you sure, Fluttershy?" said Twilight. "She's been 'killed' before and has survived to butcher more fillies."

"She smashed some kind of glass ball. She called it a phylactery," said Fluttershy.

"A phylactery?" said Twilight. "My book says that's where a lich keeps its soul. They need to keep it safe to remain immortal."

"It was awful," said Fluttershy. "She screamed, and then fell apart. Like her body tore itself to pieces from the inside. S-so much blood…"

"You poor thing, that must have been a traumatic sight," said Rarity. "Come, let's get out of this icky place. I'm treating you to the spa, immediately!"

"I'm not entirely convinced this isn't some kind of trick," said Twilight. "Stay alert, you two. I'm going to check on Apple Bloom. Hopefully Applejack has calmed down since this morning…"

"You're going to see Apple Bloom again?" said Sweetie Belle.

"Why not? We used to hang out every day!" said Scootaloo. "You should come, too. She misses you!"

"I...I can't."

"Why not?"

"I just can't stand to see her so helpless. Remember last time I visited? All I did was cry!"

"What's with you? You've been weird since Apple Bloom got hurt!"

"Every time I look at her, I know she could have died. All three of us could have died. I don't like to think about it. Foalnapping monsters, dying before we even get our cutie marks...it's just too much!"

"But she's going to be okay! Fluttershy got rid of the monster. Everything's going to be fine!"

"I'll hang out when she gets out of the hospital. She's the toughest of the three of us, and seeing her too hurt to even get up is just… I can't do it. Tell her I said hi!"

"Fine, be that way."

The two fillies went their separate ways. Sweetie Belle went home. Scootaloo went to the hospital. She checked in at the front desk. Then, she dashed down the hall. She knew the way to Apple Bloom's room like the back of her hoof.

When Scootaloo entered, she saw Applejack standing next to the hospital bed. Apple Bloom sat up a bit more, with a slight wince. Both earth ponies smiled at Scootaloo.

"Howdy, Scootaloo!" said Applejack. "We were just talking about you!"

"Oh? Good things, I hope!" said Scootaloo.

"Of course!" said Apple Bloom. "Applejack just said you'd be here any minute now, and here you are!"

"Where's Sweetie Belle?" said Applejack.

"She didn't want to visit," said Scootaloo. "She's, uh. Well…"

"It's okay," said Apple Bloom. "What happened to me was really scary. She's probably still spooked."

"That's pretty much exactly what it is," said Scootaloo. "She's being a scaredy-pony."

"Scaredy-pony or not, she still ought to come see Apple Bloom in the hospital," said Applejack. "It ain't right, avoidin' Apple Bloom like that."

"It's okay, really," said Apple Bloom. "I'll see her when I'm all better. We'll get caught up, and go back to crusader business, and everything will be back to normal!"

"I'll leave y'all be so you can have some filly time. Take care!" Applejack kissed Apple Bloom on the forehead, then left.

Scootaloo trotted over to Apple Bloom's bedside. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm a little stronger every day! The doctor says I can go home tomorrow if I promise to take it easy. Big Macintosh and Granny Smith brought me some apple pie, and Applejack read to me just like she did when I was little. Today has been pretty good!"

"Great! You sound a lot better, too."

"You know, you don't have to come visit every day. I'm sure you want to hang out with Sweetie Belle, too."

"I know I don't have to visit every day. I want to visit, because I like you."

"Aw shucks, Scootaloo. I like you too!"

"I mean I like you. Like-like."

Apple Bloom blushed. "You're kiddin', right?"

Scootaloo blushed deeply, and stared at the floor. After a moment of awkward silence, Scootaloo put her hooves up on the hospital bed and craned her neck to kiss Apple Bloom on the cheek. The gesture of affection caused both fillies to blush more intensely. Scootaloo rushed out of the room without another word.

Something caught Apple Bloom's eye just before Scootaloo made it out the door. "Scootaloo, wait! You got your cutie mark!"

A thousand shades of orange danced amongst the trees and throughout the outer edge of Ponyville. The Everfree Forest, outside the care and maintenance of ponies, had suffered a long drought. In the heat of the summer sun, the dehydrated vegetation took flame. The fire spread quickly, engulfing much of the forest and a small stretch of Ponyville.

Twilight Sparkle gazed through the library window with a worried expression. The early evening sky was illuminated and tinged orange by bright and abundant flames. Dark clouds of smoke rolled up from seemingly everywhere. Rarity wedged in beside Twilight, mashing cheek-to-cheek with her to get a better look.

"It's awfully intense out there. Do you think everything will be all right?" said Rarity.

"I don't know," said Twilight. "The pegasi are working their hardest to put out the fires, but there's only so much that rain can do. They have it contained, at least. Your boutique should be safe, though you're still welcome to stay the night here."

"Thank you. I believe I will! Fire or no fire, it's been entirely too long since our last sleepover. Perhaps Spikey-Wikey could join us this time. Where is he, anyway?"

"He went to check on Fluttershy. The fire was spreading towards her end of town."

"I hope the poor dear is all right!"

"Spike's a dragon. A little fire won't bother him."

"I meant Fluttershy."

"She'll be okay. My number one assistant wouldn't let anything happen to her!"

---

Fluttershy found herself in a small clearing, with flame to every side. She had braved the fire with the intent of leading animals to safety, only to find that the animals had long since fled. Her courage evaporated quickly in the heat of the forest fire.

Spike dashed through the woods, running as fast as his stubby little dragon-legs would carry him. His only guide through the inferno was a trail of hoof prints in the dead grass and dusty, dry dirt. He soon spotted Fluttershy and broke into a full sprint.

"Fluttershy!" said Spike. "Come on, we have to get out of here!"

"No, I can't!" said Fluttershy. "There's too much fire! There's no way out!"

"Come with me, I'll get you out safe! We'll just go back the way I came in!"

"It's too narrow, I'll get burned! Let's stay here until the fire goes out. It's safe here."

"No, it isn't! There's too much smoke! One of these trees could fall! We have to get back to Ponyville!"

Spike grabbed Fluttershy by the hoof and made a futile attempt to drag her. Fluttershy leaned away from Spike and flapped her wings. The two of them managed to go nowhere, neither able to summon the strength to move the other.

"Come on Fluttershy, stop fighting! I'm trying to help you!"

"No! I don't want to die!"

The base of an old maple tree began to give out. The telltale cracking went unheard over the mighty roar of the flame. While the two friends struggled, the tree leaned ever further to one side. The dry, dead wood finally gave way, and the burning tree was felled by its own weight. Spike had the misfortune of standing just where the timber fell, and was smashed beneath the mass of burning wood. The tree also pinned Fluttershy's left foreleg and left wing.

Fluttershy shrieked in agony, and struggled against the weight of the tree. Her efforts put strain on her leg and wing, and did little more than bring her further pain. Neither the tree nor her flesh would give, leaving her trapped. Fluttershy screamed herself hoarse in between fits of coughing, but there was nopony around to hear her.

Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity sat near a hole in the ground. Many other ponies sat further back from the four. A small, stone marker protruded from the dirt on the other side of the hole. Simple block letters were engraved into its surface.

SPIKE

Twilight Sparkle stood behind the headstone. The other ponies remained silent, with heads respectfully bowed, while Twilight orated. Tears twinkled in her eyes, but she held herself together well enough to deliver Spike's eulogy.

"Spike was the best assistant I've ever had, but he was more than that. He was also a beloved friend. He gave his life trying to rescue Fluttershy, and I know he'd have done the same for anypony in danger. What he did was brave, and selfless. A true act of heroism. He will be sorely missed, but I have never been more proud of him."

Twilight stepped around the grave and joined her friends. The gravediggers approached and began shoveling dirt into the hole. The sound of dirt hitting Spike's coffin broke Twilight's composure. She shut her eyes tight, and tears flowed freely down her cheeks. She opened her eyes when Rarity hugged her, and saw streams of mascara running down Rarity's cheeks.

"He lived a good life," said Rarity. "Not a long one, but a good one. He was always surrounded by friends and loved ones."

"Yeah…" said Twilight.

"That was a beautiful eulogy," said Rarity. "A fitting send-off for our dearly departed dragon."

Rainbow Dash hugged Twilight from the other side. "I hear he died instantly. He probably didn't feel a thing."

"That doesn't really make me feel better," said Twilight.

"I'm sorry," said Rainbow Dash. "That sounded better in my head."

"It's okay," said Twilight. "Your heart's in the right place."

"Why isn't Princess Celestia here?" said Rainbow Dash. "She knew Spike, too. She should come pay her respects."

"That would be incredibly insensitive," said Rarity. "Think about it. Princess Celestia is immortal. For an undying pony to come to a funeral would be an insult to the deceased."

"H-hello, am I too late?"

Twilight looked up to see Fluttershy approaching. Bandages covered much of her left side, hiding the burns beneath. Her left leg and left wing had received particular care. She walked with a severe limp. Despite her attempts to hide it, she was clearly in a great deal of pain.

"Fluttershy, you shouldn't be up so soon," said Twilight. "Your wounds need time to heal."

"My doctor told me the same thing," said Fluttershy. "I'll go back to the hospital, I promise. I just didn't want to miss Spike's funeral. Especially since this is all my fault."

"Fluttershy!" said Rarity. "My goodness. What would make you say such a ridiculous thing?"

"If I had followed Spike when he came for me, he would still be alive."

"Nopony blames you for what happened," said Rainbow Dash. "You were scared!"

"But—"

"Fluttershy, you're one of the closest friends Spike had," said Twilight. "You were so important to him that he gave his life trying to save you. Do you think he'd want you to feel bad about that?"

"No…"

Twilight hugged Fluttershy, causing her to wince. "It hurts me deeply to know Spike is gone, but it would be even worse to lose two friends on the same day. You survived, and that's nothing to feel guilty for."

"O-okay…"

Fluttershy's friends gathered around her for a group hug. The affectionate gesture put uncomfortable pressure on Fluttershy's injuries. She grit her teeth and bore it, grateful to have such loving friends. After a few painful moments, the group hug ended.

"School's lettin' out soon," said Applejack. "I still ain't told Apple Bloom about Spike. I don't even know what to say, but she'll figure it out on her own if I don't tell her."

"I don't think Sweetie Belle knows either," said Rarity. "I think our parents should be the ones to talk to her about death, but I feel like I should tell her something."

"I should get back to Sweet Apple Acres," said Applejack. "Sorry to leave early."

"No, it's okay," said Twilight. "I understand completely."

"I must be going, as well," said Rarity.

Applejack and Rarity each hugged Twilight, then went on their way. Pinkie Pie hugged Twilight next, but didn't let go. She rest her head on Twilight's shoulder. Her hair hung straight down, as it often did when she was in a poor mood. Her face was wet with tears. Most unusually, she hadn't spoken a single word all day.

"Pinkie Pie, are you all right?" said Twilight.

Pinkie sniffled and shook her head. Twilight gave Pinkie a friendly squeeze. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy joined in, group hugging Pinkie. The four mares held each other and quietly cried, just a few feet away from Spike's final resting place.

---

Elsewhere, school let out. A crowd of colts and fillies dispersed and went their separate ways. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle headed towards Sweet Apple Acres. Suddenly, Scootaloo stopped.

"Hey, Sweetie Belle. Hang back for a minute. I need to ask you something," said Scootaloo. "Go on ahead, Apple Bloom. We'll meet you there."

Apple Bloom resumed walking. "All right. See y'all soon!"

"What's up, Scootaloo?" said Sweetie Belle.

"Could you, uh. How do I say this without being mean…"

"Say what? What's going on?"

"Can you hang out somewhere else today?"

"But we've been hanging out every day since Apple Bloom got out of the hospital! And almost every day before that!"

"I want to be alone with Apple Bloom for a while."

"What? Why?!"

"Because I think I've finally figured out what my cutie mark means."

"Really? Don't leave me in suspense!"

"My destiny is to spend the rest of my life with Apple Bloom. She and I were meant to be together! It's what my cutie mark is telling me!"

"Are you sure? How do you know? What if it just means you really like apples?"

"Don't question love, Sweetie Belle! You have no idea what kind of powers are at work, here!"

Scootaloo turned and ran away. Sweetie Belle sighed, then began a long and lonesome walk home. She passed by a small herd of unicorns. All of them bore artwork-related cutie marks. Palettes, chisels, pencils, and more.

"Hey, Sweetie Belle!"

Sweetie turned to face the crowd of unfamiliar faces. "Hi, do I know you?"

"No," said a blue pony with a green mane. "We go to the same school, but we have not spoken. My name is Bebe. These are my friends; Marble, Clay, Sketch, and Florence."

"It's nice to meet all of you!"

"Why are you walking home alone?" said Clay. "Where are your friends?"

"They're hanging out with each other," said Sweetie Belle. "They want to be alone, they said."

"Why not hang out with us, instead?" said Marble.

"Really? But I don't know how to do any artsy stuff."

"You could be a model," said Florence.

"Yes, your mane is fabulous!" said Sketch. "You must let me draw it!"

"I'm flattered. You guys really want me to model for you?"

"Of course," said Bebe. "Landscapes and abstraction have grown ever so boring. A live model would be a nice change of pace for all of us. If you want to, that is."

"Sure! That sounds a lot better than sitting at home by myself!"

---

Apple Bloom sat in the crusaders' club house, alone. She idly traced her hoof along the ugly scar on her neck. It was still a bit tender, despite the months since the attack. After a few minutes of silent solitude, Scootaloo joined her.

"Howdy, Scootaloo!"

"Hey, Apple Bloom!"

"Where's Sweetie Belle?"

"She had something important to do, so she won't be joining us. It's just you and me today."

"Oh, all right."

"I've been thinking about some stuff. I know what my cutie mark means, now. My destiny is to always be by your side."

"How do you know It doesn't just mean you like apples a whole bunch?"

"We were meant to be together. I didn't get it at first, but now I know. It has to be true. Don't you see? We're soul mates!"

"I like you and all, but I don't know about us bein' each others' special someponies. I need to think about this."

"That's okay! I can wait." Scootaloo moved closer, until her nose was touching Apple Bloom's. "I'd wait until the end of time for you."

Applejack poked her head into the clubhouse to check on the fillies therein. The sight of Apple Bloom and Scootaloo standing nose-to-nose furrowed Applejack's brow. "What are you two doin'?" The sudden boom of her voice made the fillies jump.

"N-nothing!" said Scootaloo. "Apple Bloom just had something in her eye, and I was helping her get it out!"

"We were just standin' here, talkin'. She wasn't tryin' to kiss me."

"Uh huh. New rule: you two ain't allowed to spend time together unless there's an adult present."

"That's not fair!" said Scootaloo.

"We didn't do anything!" said Apple Bloom.

"There ain't gonna be no hanky-panky on my watch!" said Applejack. "Y'all are too young!"

"What's hanky-panky?" said Apple Bloom.

"It doesn't matter what it is, because it ain't happenin'."

"I don't think she knows, either," said Scootaloo.

"Scootaloo, go home. Apple Bloom, it's time to do chores. Tomorrow, you two can have some good, clean, supervised fun."

"What chores? I don't have anything for today!"

"I'm gonna find something for you, to keep your little mind out of the gutter."

Scootaloo left, and Applejack put Apple Bloom to work. With only a break for dinner, Apple Bloom was made to perform various forms of busy work until bed time.

A trio of soft knocks drew Twilight Sparkle's attention from her book. She left her studies and answered the door. Rainbow Dash stood outside, wearing a soft smile.

"What's up, bookworm?"

"Oh, hello Rainbow Dash. I'm just studying."

"Still? You've had your nose in a book for weeks!"

"I'm trying to figure out what's up with Fluttershy. Her wounds don't seem to be healing, but they're not festering, either. Her injuries just stay the same. It's weird."

"Yeah, that left wing is a mess. Did you find anything?"

"No. None of my medical textbooks cover this. It doesn't make any sense!"

"You need a break. Forget about Fluttershy for a while."

"But—"

"Come on! I want you to watch the sunset with me!"

Twilight eyed her friend strangely. "That doesn't seem like you."

Rainbow Dash blushed. "What? I'm a pegasus pony. I'm allowed to think the sky is pretty!"

"Well, it has been pretty lonely here since Spike passed away. It would be good for me to get out for a while."

"That's the spirit! Race you to the top of the big hill!"

"Race?"

"Onetwothreego!"

Rainbow Dash took off in a blur, leaving her friend behind. Twilight closed up the library, then ran after Rainbow Dash. She quickly became winded, but put forth her best effort at keeping Rainbow Dash in sight.

"Rainbow, slow down!"

"No! You run faster!"

Twilight kept her eyes on the blue pegasus and did her best to catch up. Rainbow Dash led her through the outskirts of Ponyville, and then out of town. As the two ponies started up a tall hill, Rainbow Dash sped up and vanished. Twilight Sparkle reached the top of the hill alone and stood, panting.

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash took Twilight to the ground with a flying tackle from behind. She rolled in the grass with Twilight held snugly in her forelegs, giggling like a filly.

"You got here first! You beat me, Twilight!"

Twilight laughed. "Did you let me win?"

Rainbow Dash sat up and feigned indignation. "Me, throw a race? Never! You won fair and square."

Twilight sat up as well and hugged Rainbow Dash. The two ponies leaned on each other and stared at the sky. The brilliant blue had already begun to pinken. The sky shifted through a dozen shades of red-gold before fading into a deep indigo.

Countless stars dotted the night sky. Twilight searched for constellations with a smile spanning her face. For the moment, all of her troubles were forgotten. There was nothing in the world except for the night sky, and the two mares relaxing beneath it.

Twilight nuzzled Rainbow Dash's neck and whispered, "You're my best friend, Rainbow."

"Just a friend?"

Twilight gave Rainbow a strange look, and opened her mouth to speak. Before she could say a word, Rainbow Dash planted a forceful kiss on Twilight's lips. Once the initial shock wore off, Twilight leaned in to the kiss and surrendered herself to Rainbow Dash. Time stood still. It seemed that nary a second had passed once the kiss ended.

"Dash, I had no idea!"

"I love you, Twilight Sparkle."

"I-I love you too, Rainbow Dash!"

Harvest season had come to Sweet Apple Acres, and the trees were brimming with big, juicy apples. Applejack and Big Macintosh were hard at work bucking apples. Apple Bloom helped to carry the apples, but her siblings were cautious not to overwhelm her.

Scootaloo came trotting into the orchard, as she had done daily for the longest time. With a spring in her step and a smile upon her face, she made a beeline for Applejack as soon as she saw her.

"Hey Applejack!"

"Howdy, Scootaloo! It's applebuck season, so Apple Bloom won't be able to play today."

"I know. I actually came by to help out, if there's a place for me."

"Well, shucks! It's right nice of you to be so neighborly! I think I can find something for you to do."

"I should prove my worth to the family if I'm going to ask for Apple Bloom's hoof in marriage some day."

A little misty-eyed, Applejack hugged Scootaloo. "You're a good mare, Scootaloo. I'd be honored to call you my sister-in-law some day."

"Thanks, Applejack! I feel the same way about you."

"Scootaloo!"

Apple Bloom came charging out of the orchard. Applejack released Scootaloo just in time to watch Apple Bloom hug-tackle her. Apple Bloom moved her muzzle dangerously close to Scootaloo's.

"On the cheek!" said Applejack.

Both fillies froze in place and stared at Applejack. After a moment of awkward silence, Scootaloo turned her head to the side. Apple Bloom planted a chaste kiss on her cheek.

"Great! Now, let's get to work! I think if both of y'all work together, you might even be able to buck some apples!"

Within a couple of hours, Applejack, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom worked their way through a significant stretch of orchard. Scootaloo stopped when they came upon a tree with no apples. It was healthy looking, like all the rest, but only bore buds.

"What's up with this tree?" said Scootaloo.

"No idea," said Applejack. "It's long overdue, but it's never once made apples."

"It looks like it's budding."

"It buds every year, but the buds never blossom. No blossoms, no apples. We might have to cut it down if this keeps up."

"No, don't cut it down!" said Apple Bloom. "It's a late bloomer, but so am I!" Apple Bloom stepped closer to the tree, and stroked the bark with her hoof. "There, there. Nopony's gonna cut you down. Just take your time, and bloom when you're ready."

Suddenly, the buds on the apple tree began to blossom. One after another. Applejack watched in utter astonishment as dozens of tiny, white flowers popped up all over the tree. The image of a trio of apple blossoms appeared on Apple Bloom's backside.

"Did that tree just listen to you?" said Applejack.

"Apple Bloom, look! You got your cutie mark!" said Scootaloo.

"My special talent is soothing apple trees!" said Apple Bloom. "I'm a tree-whisperer!"

Scootaloo took Apple Bloom in a fierce, celebratory kiss. The smooch momentarily stunned Apple Bloom, but she quickly recovered and returned the affection with equal passion.

"Hey, you two! On the— Aw, hay. I guess just this once is all right." Applejack looked away and tried her best to tune out the sound of fillies kissing. "Y'all can stop any time. This is gettin' mighty awkward."

Rainbow Dash shifted and stirred. She was awake, but too comfortable to move. The mattress beneath her wasn't as soft as her cloud bed, but much warmer. When Rainbow finally opened her eyes, she saw Twilight Sparkle staring at her.

"Good morning, sleepy head," said Twilight.

"How long have you been awake?"

"About an hour." Twilight stretched her legs. "I didn't want to wake you. You're so cute when you're asleep."

Rainbow kissed Twilight on the nose. "You're cute all the time."

"I am not."

"You so are."

"Even right now, with bed head?"

"Adorable. The disheveled look really suits you."

Twilight blushed. "Thank you."

The two mares cuddled for a while longer. Rainbow was the first to leave the embrace. She detangled herself from Twilight and crawled out of bed. She stretched her legs and wings. Twilight remained in bed.

"Hey, Rainbow?"

"Yeah, Twi?"

"Do you want to move in with me?"

"Wow. I don't know, Twilight. That's kind of a big step."

"How so? You've slept here every night for a month."

"That's true. All right, I'll move in with you. On one condition."

"Name it."

Rainbow Dash re-joined Twilight Sparkle on the bed and touched noses with her. "I want you to marry me."

"Wh—"

"Not right away. Just promise me that, some day, we'll get hitched."

Twilight kissed Rainbow on the lips. "I promise."

"Then I'm all yours."

"Can you stick around for a little while? I mean, you don't have to clear the skies right away, do you?"

"I don't think anypony will mind if I stay just a little longer." Rainbow grinned. "Why? Do you want to play some more?"

"Actually, I was going to offer you breakfast, as a thank-you for last night. But, I don't see why it can't be both."

Twilight gave Rainbow another kiss, then crawled out of bed. She swayed her hips while she walked, confident that Rainbow would stare at her rear. Rainbow indeed stared. She followed Twilight's rump with her eyes until Twilight rounded the corner and disappeared from view. Rainbow relaxed on the bed, and reminisced on the events of the previous night whilst awaiting her breakfast.

---

A while later, Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle got cleaned up and went their separate ways. Rainbow set about her duties as a weather pony, while Twilight went for a trot through town.

Twilight Sparkle had no pressing duties for the day. Only some re-shelving that she could do any time. Being alone in the library only reminded her of death, and made her miss Spike. Twilight intended to preserve her good mood for as long as possible, and that meant avoiding the library unless she had company.

Fluttershy stood in the market. Her body language expressed profound confusion. The other ponies went about their business as though she weren't there. Those who knew her respected her anti-social tendencies. Those who didn't barely even noticed she was there. Twilight spotted Fluttershy and trotted over with a smile.

"Hello, Fluttershy! How has your day been?" said Twilight.

Fluttershy turned to have Twilight. Her eyes were cloudy and unfocused. "T-Twilight? Help me, I can't see."

"What happened to your eyes?"

"I don't know. I just woke up like this. I'm scared."

"How did you get to town?"

"I was trying to find the library. I just did my best to keep the road under my hooves. But then I started to hear so many other ponies talking around me, and I don't want to bump into anypony, and—" Fluttershy's voice degraded into a series of incomprehensible mumbles and whimpers.

"All right, just calm down. I'm here now."

"I want my sight back. Please, Twilight."

"I'd love to, but I'm not a doctor. Come with me, I'll guide you to the hospital."

"Can't you just zap my eyes with your magic and fix them?"

"There are limits to what magic can do. I'll try to find a vision spell, but I'm not sure one exists. Just put your wing across my back and stay by my side no matter what. I'll get you to a doctor. If there's no way to get your sight back, you can move in with Dashie and me. We'll take care of you."

"You live with Rainbow Dash?"

"Yeah. We're sort of engaged. Isn't that great?"

"Oh my…"

"Is something wrong?"

"N-no. I'm just really happy for you. For both of you."

Fluttershy put her good wing over Twilight, and the two ponies walked through town together. Fluttershy turned her head in the direction of sounds she heard, but never left Twilight's side. Her world had become a dark and frightening place, but Twilight provided a beacon of comfort and certainty.

---

Meanwhile, Rarity made her way through Sweet Apple Acres. Her mane and tail were immaculately primped. Even more so than usual. She reached the Apple family home and delicately rapped on the door. A few seconds later, Applejack answered the door and smiled.

"Applejack, darling! Just the mare I was looking for!" said Rarity.

"Great timing, Rarity!" said Applejack. "I was just fixin' to come see you!"

"Oh my. What a wonderful coincidence! It must be fate."

"Well, I don't know about fate, but you are the best dressmaker in town. I need you to make me a weddin' dress."

Rarity blushed. "A wedding dress? My goodness, isn't this moving a little fast?"

"I don't reckon. Prairie Song an' I have been talkin' this out for two years now."

Rarity furrowed her brow. "Prairie Song? Who is Prairie Song?"

"My pen pal from Dodge City. We've been real sweet on each other for a long time. He's movin' to Ponyville, an' he wants to get hitched as soon as he gets here."

Rarity's eye twitched. "Why are you only just mentioning this?"

"I wanted to keep the weddin' a surprise. I actually plan to tell everypony today."

"You didn't think to say anything at all about this pen pal of yours to any of your friends, until there's a wedding planned?"

"Nopony ever asked."

"You could have told me you have a coltfriend!"

"Are you all right? You seem awful mad."

Rarity audibly gritted her teeth. "Not at all, darling! I'm just so excited for you!"

"Good. I'd hate to think you're sore at me."

"Why would anypony be sore at you after such a wonderful and sudden announcement? Does anypony else know?"

"I told Granny Smith, Big Macintosh, and Apple Bloom this mornin'. I was fixin' to come see you next."

"Well, isn't that thoughtful? I should probably start planning your dress, so I can have it done in time."

"Hang on. Didn't you say you had somethin' to tell me?"

"Er, yes. I did say that. Well, see, I have some free time in-between projects. I feel like making a dress for a dear friend, and I thought 'Gee, it certainly has been a while since I made something for Applejack!' So, I came over to see if you'd like a dress. That makes sense, right?"

"Wow, that's some coincidence! It must be fate, like you said."

"Yes, it really must. Well, ta-ta for now. I'm sure you have a lot to do."

"Take care, Rarity."

"You too."

Rarity turned and trotted away. She strained herself to smile all the way back to the Carousel Boutique. She walked inside, went upstairs to her bedroom, and leapt into bed. Rarity buried her face in her pillow, and let out an ear-shattering scream of frustration. The pillow could only do so much to muffle it.

Fluttershy squirmed and whimpered. It was her least favorite part of the day, and being blind only made it scarier. Twilight Sparkle delicately peeled off Fluttershy's bandages. They had a tendency to stick, and Twilight could tell it hurt her friend to remove them. She did her best to minimize Fluttershy's suffering, but there was simply nothing to be done.

One bandage proved to be particularly stubborn. Twilight did her best to remove it gently, but it would not budge. Twilight pulled hard, making Fluttershy cry out in pain.

"It hurts!" said Fluttershy.

"I'm sorry. Just hold still," said Twilight.

"Stop pulling!"

"I have to get this old bandage off and give you a fresh one. If I don't, you'll get an infection."

"But it's stuck!"

"Just relax. I'm going to count to three, and then pull it off with one good yank. It will only hurt for a second."

"O-okay."

"One, two, three!"

Twilight gave the bandage a mighty tug. The bandage came off, followed by a splash of blood. Some of it splattered onto Twilight's face. A single drop made it into her mouth. Twilight spat on the floor with a grimace.

"Bleh! I got some of your blood in my mouth!"

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. Now, let's get a fresh bandage on that wound."

"Thank you so much for taking care of me."

"It's no trouble. I know you'd do the same for me if I were blind."

"Of course!"

With the last bandage removed, Twilight set about cleaning Fluttershy's wounds. Once she had finished, she applied fresh bandages to Fluttershy's various injuries and burns. Then, she mopped the blood from the floor.

"What shall we do today?" said Twilight.

"I feel kind of silly saying this, but will you read to me?" said Fluttershy.

"That's not silly at all! I'd love to read to you. Anything in particular?"

"Do you have any books about animals?"

"Plenty! Follow me, I'll tell you about a few and you can pick one out."

---

Elsewhere, Sweetie Belle stood perfectly still. She did her best not to move a muscle, save for breathing. She'd been in the same position for much of the morning, and her neck was getting stiff.

Bebe's brush slid smoothly across the canvas. He delicately added some swirls of purple to the mass of pink. After just a few minutes more, Bebe put down his brush and stepped back.

"Finished!" said Bebe.

Sweetie Belle stretched, then walked around to the other side of the easel for a look.

"Beautiful!" said Sweetie Belle.

"I just paint what I see. I'm lucky to have such a lovely model."

Sweetie blushed. "How did you get so good?"

"Practice. I try to finish at least one practice painting every day."

"This is a practice painting? But it's incredible!"

"Every painting is a practice painting."

"What do you mean?"

"Creating is a nonstop learning experience. There is no mastery, only improvement. Every work must be an earnest attempt to outdo the last. The day I decide I can't improve any further is the day I've given up on art."

"Do you think I could paint as well as you some day?"

"Of course. If you practice daily, your skills will grow just as mine have."

"I don't even know where to start."

"I've improved much more quickly since I started painting you. Let's switch roles for a bit. You paint, and I pose. I think painting a live model will help you as it helped me."

"What if it's not any good?"

"Don't think about it that way. No masterpiece was a first attempt. Just do your best."

"All right."

Bebe set aside his painting of Sweetie Belle, then placed a fresh canvas on the easel. He walked around to where Sweetie Belle had been standing moments ago, and struck a pose. Sweetie took a long look at Bebe. With some reluctance, she picked up a brush and dabbed it in paint. Glancing from Bebe to the canvas and back, Sweetie finally touched the brush to the plain white surface. She did her best to follow Bebe's contours with her eyes and replicate them with the brush.

Sweetie Belle took her time and tried to nail down the basic shape of Bebe's figure. It wasn't as daunting a task as she'd imagined, but still wasn't coming along as well as she'd hoped. After a while, she finished her depiction of his body and stopped to rinse the brush.

"I don't think this is going to come out so good."

"That's okay. Just do your best now, and make the next one better. All you have to do is set your mind to it."

Sweetie Belle dabbed the brush and resumed painting, with a grin. Her brush danced across the canvas. It didn't take her long to mimic the shape of Bebe's mane. She finished up by adding detail to his eyes, then stepped back to admire her work. The wet paint blended at the border between Bebe's coat and mane in a quite unintended way.

Bebe made his way to the other side of the easel and smiled. "Not bad for your first time. You have a lot of potential. I don't remember making such a goofy expression, though."

"Don't be silly. Colts' faces always look goofy."

"Only when we're around pretty fillies, like you."

Sweetie Belle giggled. "Flatterer."

"Flattery? Goodness, no. I mean everything I say. An artist has eyes for beauty, and you are beautiful. Oh, and I see you've earned your cutie mark."

Sweetie Belle gasped and twisted around to examine her own flank. The image of a palette and brush greeted her. "I did! Gosh, it looks almost just like yours!"

"It is as I suspected all along."

"What's that?"

Bebe touched noses with Sweetie. "From the moment we met, I felt we were soul mates. Now, I know for sure."

"Is it normal for a painter to fall in love with her subject?"

"It must be. The same thing happened to me, as well."

"Kiss me, silly colt."

The two little ponies tilted their heads to either side, and shared a tender kiss. Bebe broke away after a moment to whisper in Sweetie's ear.

"Let's celebrate your newfound discovery."

The tone of Bebe's voice sent a chill through Sweetie Belle. She stepped back, wide-eyed and blushing. A hoof on Bebe's chest kept him at distance.

"N-no. I mean someday, sure, but I'm not ready for that sort of thing now."

"Don't apologize, my dear. It is your choice and yours alone what you do with your body. I will wait for you, and when we share that moment, it will be all the more special."

"Thank you. You're a true gentlecolt."

"Always. I hope you won't mind joining this gentlecolt for dinner, tonight? Earning a cutie mark is always a special occasion, and should be treated as one."

Sweetie Belle kissed Bebe on the nose. "It's a date. Though you could have offered dinner before propositioning me."

"I'm a colt. Our priorities are different."

Applejack stood perfectly still, scarcely breathing. Rarity worked meticulously to put the final touches on Applejack's makeup. She double- and triple-checked, then stepped away with a smile.

"Well? Tell me, darling. Do you love it?" said Rarity.

Applejack tilted her head from side to side, examining Rarity's work. "I gotta tell ya, Rare. I was skeptical about those fancy make-up skills of yours, but I really do look good."

"Skeptical? Why on earth would you be skeptical?"

"I was worried you'd make me look like you. Not that you ain't beautiful, it just ain't my style. But this you just did, this is great."

"I know my friends. As much as I'd love to fancy you up, I think you'd have a heart attack if I did."

The two mares shared a laugh, then left Applejack's room. Big Macintosh was waiting outside. Applejack gave him a hug.

"It sure was sweet of you to put off your trip until after the weddin'," said Applejack.

"I wouldn't miss your special day," said Big Macintosh.

"Why are you moving to Appleloosa, anyway?" said Rarity. "That's a bit far."

"Yeah, you never told me, neither," said Applejack.

Big Macintosh blushed. "Reasons."

Applejack's lips curled in a knowing smile. "Uh huh. Tell him I said 'howdy' when you get there."

"Eeyup."

The trio made their way outside, where some of the guests had already gathered. Mostly Applejack's family, but her friends and their families had come as well. The younger ponies, and Winona, played in the orchard. The adults stood around and talked.

Fluttershy stood near the Apple family home, alone. She turned towards the sound of ponies walking behind her. Applejack grimaced at the sight of Fluttershy's eyes, but said nothing. Rarity looked around, eyeing the gathered guests.

Applejack got within whisper-range of Rarity. "How do I communicate with Fluttershy? Do I have to speak in braille?"

"Braille isn't a language, it's a— wait, what?" Rarity sighed. "She's blind, she—"

"I can hear just fine," said Fluttershy.

"Oh. Uh, sorry," said Applejack. "I heard about your eyes goin' bad, and all. I meant to come visit you at the library, but I've been busy plannin' for the weddin'."

"It's all right," said Fluttershy. "I'm glad I could be here today."

"Twilight and Rainbow Dash still aren't here?" said Rarity.

"They've got time," said Applejack. "Prairie Song and his family ain't gettin' here until the next train comes in."

"Twilight's been pretty sick. Rainbow probably won't wake her until the last minute," said Fluttershy.

Rarity rolled her eyes. "Yes, I'm sure that's exactly why they're late."

"You don't think Twilight's really sick?" said Applejack.

"I'm sure she is. I just don't think a tummy ache is what's keeping her in bed all day."

---

"Come on, Twilight. We're going to be late!" said Rainbow Dash.

Twilight Sparkle stumbled down the stairs. She nearly fell twice. "Sorry. I'm coming."

"Maybe we shouldn't go, after all. You're really not looking good."

"Nonsense. I wouldn't miss Applejack's wedding! Where's Fluttershy?"

"She went ahead with Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Come on, let's get you to a doctor."

"I have an appointment on friday, remember? I'll be okay. I'm just tired because the cramps kept me up all night."

"You're sure you still want to go?"

"I appreciate the concern, but we can't miss A-App…"

Twilight fell to the floor with a thud. Her hooves scratched at the floor in a vain attempt to get up. She panted and wheezed with increasingly labored breaths. Rainbow Dash rushed to her side and tried to help her up.

"Twilight! Are you all right?"

Twilight attempted to speak, but could only manage a weak groan. Rainbow hoisted Twilight onto her back and charged out the door. In a full-blown panic, she barely stopped to consider that they were expected somewhere. Rainbow ground to a halt at the sight of a colt.

"Hey, kid!"

"It's Chip Mint. Whoa, what's wrong with her?"

"I don't know. Hey, how would you like to make five bits?"

"Okay, sure!"

"I don't have it on me, but I'll pay you as soon as I get back from the hospital. Do you know where Sweet Apple Acres is?"

"Sure I do!"

"Great. Get there as fast as you can. Tell Applejack that Rainbow Dash sent you, and that Twilight collapsed, so we can't make it to the wedding."

"I can do that! Wow, this is the third time this week somepony has paid me to deliver a message. I should become a courier!"

"That's great, just go!"

Rainbow Dash stuck around just long enough to make sure Chip Mint was headed in the right direction, then spread her wings and took off. She flew towards the hospital as quickly as she could without losing Twilight.

Rainbow hit the ground in a full sprint and opened the front door of the hospital with her face. She charged past the reception desk, all the way to the urgent treatment center.

"Help! Please, help! My fiancée collapsed!" said Rainbow.

"What happened to her?" said the doctor.

"I don't know! She's been sick for two weeks. She had an appointment scheduled for friday, but she just collapsed today! Please, save her!"

A pair of nurses rolled a gurney up next to Rainbow Dash. They moved Twilight from Rainbow's back to the gurney, then started to roll away. Rainbow tried to follow, but the doctor placed a hoof on her shoulder.

"I need you to stay in the waiting room for now. Okay?"

"But—"

"We'll do everything we can for her, I promise. I just need you to sit tight in the waiting room and let us work."

"A-all right."

Rainbow Dash returned to the waiting room and took a seat. She did her best to remain calm, but couldn't keep her breathing steady. Her mind would accept no distractions. Nothing could take her thoughts away from worry. Rainbow buried her face in her wings and quietly sobbed.

---

Later that evening, Twilight Sparkle awoke. She opened her eyes to see Rainbow Dash standing next to her. She tried to sit up, but Rainbow placed a hoof on her chest.

"Don't try to get up. Just rest," said Rainbow Dash.

"Have you been crying?" said Twilight Sparkle.

"Yeah. I was scared."

"What happened? Where am I?"

"You collapsed, so I brought you to the hospital. Just in the nick of time, too. The doctor told me you nearly…" Rainbow sniffled. "I'm glad you're awake. How do you feel?"

"Tired, and a little sore. What's wrong with me?"

"I don't know. They had to give you a blood transfusion. I offered my blood, but they said it wasn't compatible."

"A transfusion? Are you sure?"

"That's what they said."

"But why?"

"I didn't ask. This medical stuff goes over my head. I'm just happy you're alive. The doctor can explain in the morning."

Rainbow mounted the bed and gave Twilight a hug. Twilight did her best to return the gesture without dislodging the IV in her foreleg. Nurse Redheart entered the room and politely cleared her throat.

"I hope this isn't a bad time," said Nurse Redheart.

"Oh, not at all," said Twilight. "But can you tell me what happened to me?"

Redheart removed Twilight's empty IV bag and replaced it with a full one. "Heart failure, brought on by an unknown toxin. We resuscitated you and removed all traces of the toxin from your system, but the damage is done. You have degradation in multiple organs, particularly your heart and liver. You'll recover to an extent, but much of the damage is permanent. We've placed you on a donor list, but the donor pool is pretty small. Not many ponies suffer accidents that leave their organs intact. And given your blood type, well…I wouldn't hold my breath."

"What do you mean, an unknown toxin?"

"Something nopony at this hospital has seen before. A sample has been sent to Canterlot for testing. Whatever it is, it's extremely lethal and mildly corrosive. Even the trace amount we found nearly did you in. A larger dose would have killed you in seconds."

"How would I even come into contact with something like that?"

"I was hoping you'd know. Do you remember eating anything strange? Being bitten by something? Perhaps you stepped on something sharp? It has to have entered your bloodstream somehow."

Twilight Sparkle racked her brain for any relevant event. "No, nothing out of the ordinary has happened to me recently."

"Very strange. Hopefully the specialists in Canterlot can figure something out."

"How long until I can go home?"

"You can check out at any time, but I'd recommend you stay here for at least a few days. You'll need to stay in bed for at least a week. Don't drink any caffeine, and don't do anything…" Redheart looked at Rainbow Dash. "Strenuous."

"No more jogging. Got it," said Rainbow.

"For how long?" said Twilight.

"Indefinite," said Redheart. "You're in a fragile state, and you will be until we find you a suitable donor. Caffeine can shut down your damaged liver. Anything that gets your heart beating too fast can kill you. You'll also have to avoid staying up late."

Twilight sighed. "I guess that means no more all-nighters studying."

"Absolutely. Your next all-night study session could be your last. You have limits, now. Just take it easy. If you pace yourself, you can still lead a normal life. I'm going to finish my rounds. Ring the buzzer if you need anything."

"Thank you."

Nurse Redheart turned and walked out of the room. As soon as she was gone, Rainbow Dash kissed Twilight on the nose.

"Are you going to be all right only reading sixteen hours a day?"

"I suppose I have to be. I'll get used to it. Gosh, so many books unread. What if I don't have time to read them all?"

"Shh. None of that. You have plenty of reading left in you. The bookworm I fell in love with would take this in stride."

"Thank you, Rainbow. Um…will you stay with me?"

"Of course I will. I don't mind to sleep here."

"No, I mean after this. When I'm out of the hospital, do you still want to be my special somepony?"

"Well, yeah. Why wouldn't I?"

"You heard what the nurse said. I can't do anything strenuous. That means we can't…you know. Maybe not ever again."

"That's the farthest thing from my mind right now."

"Really?"

"I love you, Twilight. I just want you to be all right. I can live without sex, but I don't want to live without you."

"That's so sweet. I love you too, Rainbow Dash!"

Rainbow kissed Twilight on the lips. "After I clear the sky tomorrow morning, I'll bring you some books so you're not bored."

"You're the best, Dashie!"

Rainbow smiled. "You know it!"