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“Rarity, my dear, you are a GENIUS!” Rarity said to herself as she finished the last touches on the fancy dress she was making. “What do you think, Opalescence?”

The cat just stared at it, swatting at some of the glass beads dangling from the skirt.

Rarity chuckled. “I knew you’d love it! Just wait until she sees it!”

She jumped upon hearing a knock at her door. “Oh! That must be her now! I do hope she loves it!” Rarity quickly rushed to the door, taking a moment to compose herself, adjusting her glasses to give a more sophisticated appearance before opening it slowly. “Oh, Ditzy, it’s so good to see you. You came just in time, come on in.”

Rarity stepped aside, allowing the pegasus to step into her studio. The pegasus looked around, smiling at the fancy décor. “Thanks again for doing this for me Rarity. I was so excited when I got an invitation to the gala; I nearly forgot I had nothing to wear.”

Rarity let out a laugh. “Nonsense, Ditzy Doo. Anything for a friend. Now let’s try this on.”

A lengthy period of time later, she was fully dressed. Her dress was mostly a soft gray, with golden accents around the hem. Glass beads dangled from various points, glistening in the light of the room, looking like bubbles against the fabric. “Oh my dear, you look simply stunning!” Rarity exclaimed, moving a mirror in front of her.

Ditzy looked at herself in the mirror, a slight blush developing as she admired Rarity’s impeccable handiwork. “It is beautiful, Rarity…you really went out of your way for me.”

“But of course, my dear!” Rarity said, smiling and removing her glasses, her tone changing to a more businesslike one. “But now we must get down to details…” She removed the dress, hanging it up. “I spent a lot of time on your dress, far more than I usually do, and it’s unfortunately going to be a little more than I originally anticipated.”

“Oh…” The pegasus dropped her ears, unable to speak further.

Rarity tilted her head. “You DO intend to pay for this, right?”

Ditzy’s eyes watered. “Rarity…something came up…I had to use the dress fund to pay for my little muffin’s hospital bills…”

“Oh Ditzy, you didn’t try to teach her to fly again, did you?” Rarity asked, her voice a mix of both annoyance and concern.

“No…” Ditzy replied, not wanting to continue this conversation, foolishly hoping that the unicorn wouldn’t press the matter.

“Then what? Surely you can tell me…” Rarity’s voice seemed to be growing slightly impatient. She glanced at the clock.

Ditzy took a deep breath, letting it go slowly, a tear falling down her face. “It was my fault! I was in the kitchen, making some dinner, when I dropped a pot I was reaching for…it landed straight on her head. She never saw it coming.”

Rarity’s eyes rolled. “Ditzy…I doubt that would have warranted a visit to the hospital.”

Ditzy sniffled. “She’s all I have Rarity, please understand. Money has been tight…they just don’t pay mail ponies what they used to. I’m sorry…”

Rarity sighed. “So am I, Ditzy. I’m afraid I won’t be able to give you your dress.”

“…but….” The pegasus stared in disbelief. “Can’t you just give it to me on the promise I’ll pay whenever I get the money?”

“I’m sorry, Ditzy, but if I did that, I’d go out of business. Everypony would take their dress and just never pay. “

Ditzy’s eyes watered heavily. “But I won’t be able to save enough in time! Please!”

Rarity started getting annoyed. “The answer is no, Ditzy! I can’t believe you’d impose so much! I think you should leave.”

The pegasus stood and walked towards the door, her head held low. “I just don’t know what went wrong…”

Rarity closed the door behind her, sighing as she rested her back against it and slid down to a sitting position on the floor. “I don’t know why I did that…I know she’d pay me back…we’ve been friends for years! Well…no sense worrying about it now. I’m late for my weekly spa treatment with Fluttershy.” She quickly gathered her things and trotted out.

A yellow pegasus sat waiting on a wooden bench, thinking to herself and looking at a clock on the wall. She sighed to herself just as Rarity rushed in, panting heavily. “So sorry I’m late, Fluttershy…but let’s not dawdle any longer. I’ll explain later. Girls? The usual!”

The two spa ponies rushed to the front of the counter, leading them into the back and allowing them to soak in the spa. Fluttershy lowered her body, savoring the warm water washing over her fur. She spread her wings and sighed contently, her feathers spreading out and allowing the bath to flow through them. “That reminds me, rarity…how’d it go with Ditzy? Did she like her dress?” She ducked down as Rarity scowled. “Oh…I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to pry.”

“No, no, it’s quite alright Fluttershy.” Rarity sighed, upset. “She had the nerve to walk in and ask to take it without paying! I told her before I started that she’d have to pay for it!”

Fluttershy whimpered, now only her nose above the surface of the water. “Didn’t you tell her the price before you started?”

“Yes, I did. She promised she’d pay it in full.” Rarity replied, trying to calm down before she scared her friend further. “She had to spend it for a trivial trip to the hospital because poor dinky got bumped in the head.”

Fluttershy blushed slightly. “Rarity, you know how protective she is of her daughter. Dinky’s all she’s got.”

Rarity sighed. “Yes, but that doesn’t excuse not paying. I DO have a business to run.”

“Oh rarity…you know she’d have paid you back. Couldn’t you have-“

“No!” Rarity started, quickly stopping herself before she scared her friend. “If I did it for her, I’d have to do it for everypony, and then I’d never make ANY money.”

“I’m sorry…I shouldn’t have told you how to run your business…please don’t be angry.” Futtershy sunk completely into the water, occasionally sticking her nose up to breathe.

Rarity looked at her. “I’m not. You just don’t know how it works…bills pile up quickly. You’re lucky you live in a tree, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy’s eyes opened wide. “Rarity! Your mane!”

Rarity looked into a mirror, her pupils shrinking at the sight. Her mane and tail had lost their luster, turning a faded shade of purple. She gasped. “Girls! Emergency! Extra shampoo!”

The two spa ponies rushed to her, working up a huge lather all over her mane and tail, letting it soak in. “There” Rarity said in relief, “that should take care of it.”

“I hope so…I’ve never seen THAT happen before…well, not since Discord-“

Rarity held a hoof to her muzzle. “Don’t even bring that up!” She shuddered. “I STILL feel awful about it.”

“Rarity, that was two months ago. Please try to calm down.” Fluttershy tried to soothe her friend’s mind and allow her to enjoy the rest of the afternoon together. She felt like she was failing.

Rarity sighed. “You’re right…I can’t change the past, but no sense ruining the present over it.” She gave a weak smile and settled down. The two ponies enjoyed the rest of their day together, moving on to other topics and forgetting about the events of the day. “Fluttershy, could you be a dear and pay the girls?”

Fluttershy looked at her, confused. “But Rarity…don’t you usually pay for both of us?”

Rarity looked at her. “Right…sorry…but I was counting on that dress sale today…without the money from Ditzy, I can’t afford it.

Fluttershy looked at the bill. “Oh my…it’s almost twice as much as usual…”

Rarity stopped for a minute to think. “Oh! It’s probably the shampoo…I guess I went a little overboard with it. I’m sure you can handle it though.”

They parted with a brief hug and Rarity returned to her studio, feeling refreshed. “I’m home Opal!” She dropped her things on the floor, flopping onto her bed. She felt Opal swatting at her tail. “Opal, how many times have I to…” she trailed off as she noticed her tail, which was now fully gray. She screamed loudly, running into the bathroom, coming out several hours later, completely distraught. “Why isn’t it working! I’ve tried every trick in the book, right down to DYING it back to its original color!” She dove onto the bed, sobbing slightly into her pillow.

Rarity woke up the next morning feeling sick to her stomach. She looked around her room. ‘Did I cry myself to sleep last night? Or was it all just some terrible dream?’

She struggled out of bed, keeping her eyes closed as she walked into the bathroom to look at herself. She nearly fainted right there and then. Her mane and tail were still gray, only a hint of purple remaining. “Oh no…what am I going to do!? I have to open up soon…but I can’t go out like this! I’m hideous!” She quickly threw a fashionable ensemble on, covering herself. ‘There…now nopony will ever have to know.’ She thought to herself triumphantly.

Her store was soon bustling with excited patrons who were all discussing their future dresses as Rarity watched, grinning at her prospective new sales. Her smile faded, however, when she saw Ditzy returning, a small pouch hung around her neck. Ditzy slowly trotted to her, removing the pouch and offering it.

Rarity sighed, knowing she was not going to like what she heared. “What is it now, Ditzy? What is this?”

From Ditzy’s expression, she could see that the pegasus had been crying for a long while. “I asked some friends for some help…it’s not the full price, but it should be about half…will you accept this as a down payment for my dress? I should be able to pay the rest off within the next month or so…”

She felt her rage building up, glaring down the now-frightened mare in front of her. “Ditzy, I TOLD you that the dress was to be paid in full! You accepted!” She was painfully aware of the crowd looking at her as she verbally beat the pegasus, who was lowering herself with each word, her head drooped low in shame.”

“I’m sorry Rarity! I just…it was so beautiful…and since we have been-“

“What? Friends!? You are trying to CHEAT me on my dresses! I’m insulted you thought I would accept this!” Rarity continued to berate her, growing angrier by the second.

“But…”

“NO!” She yelled, her face turning red. “Get out!”

Ditzy instantly stood up and turned to run, tripping over a dress rack and knocking it over, the edge catching Rarity’s clothing and tearing it off with a loud ripping sound. Rarity’s blood was boiling. “You will NEVER get that dress! Don’t ever come back!”

“Sorry…” Ditzy mumbled before leaving, tears falling from her eyes, leaving a trail behind her as she galloped out as fast as she could.

She sighed sadly, suddenly feeling both sick and angry at herself for treating her friend so harshly. “I’m sorry everypony…but I need to close shop early today. I’m not feeling well…I’m sorry.”

The customers slowly left, feeling confused. Rarity could hear many of them talking quietly, knowing it was about her now exposed mane and tail. Tears welled up in her eyes as she locked the door, running upstairs and sniffling, looking at her cat. “I was too hard on Ditzy…it’s not her fault.” She sighed slightly “I’ll have to write a letter to apologize. But for now…” she holds her stomach, wincing in pain. “Now I think I need some rest.”

Twilight laid silently on her bed, a candle burning on her nightstand as she read through another of her favorite books. “Ahh… So nice to have some quiet time, right, Spike?”

The dragon mumbled in his sleep, rolling over. Twilight couldn’t help but giggle. She looked up as she heard a knock on the door. “Who do you suppose would be here at THIS hour?” She got up and walked slowly downstairs, the knocking growing more insistent.

She slowly opened the door. “I’m sorry, but the library-“ She was cut off as the door was forced open and Rarity burst in, wearing a heavy cloak that appeared hastily put together. “Rarity, what are you-“

“Are we alone?” Rarity asked in a panic.

“What?”

“Are we alone?”

Twilight tilted her head. “What are you going on about? Of course we’re alone…just you and me…oh, and spike asleep upstairs. What are you doing here? And why are you wearing such an unfashionable cloak? It’s not like you.”

Rarity removed the cloak and looked at her; all color had faded from her mane. Twilight could see the problem extended to her tail as well. She was shocked to notice that Rarity’s coat had also started to lose its luster. “Oh dear Celestia! Rarity, what happened!?”

“I…I don’t know! I was hoping you could shed some light on it. It’s been like this all day. And I’ve been feeling dreadfully sick.” Rarity wobbled and laid down on the floor.

Twilight’s eyes widened. She quickly levitated a pillow and a blanket to her friend. “Why didn’t you go to the hospital? You look terrible!”

“That’s EXACTLY why Twilight! I’m hideous!” Rarity looked at her, eyes filled with tears.

“Rarity, you’re clearly sick! I don’t know what you expect me to do, but I study magic, not medicine!”

Rarity stood up, pushing her nose uncomfortably close, pleading. “In all my years, I’ve NEVER had this happen. I don’t think it IS an illness.”

“But Rarity, you clearly are feeling ill. At least the hospital can help THAT.”

“Please, Twilight…you’re the only pony who can find out what is causing this!”

Twilight sighed. “Of course Rarity. You know I’ll look this up, but please, in the mean time, go spend the night at the hospital. I don’t want to see you neglecting your health on account of your hair color.”

“You act like it’s nothing! I’ll have you know I spent a LOT of time keeping my mane absolutely perfect! I put more pride in my mane than I do with my dresses!”

Twilight couldn’t reply. She wasn’t sure how, or if anything would just upset her friend further. She just stared, mouth hung open as she spoke.

Rarity thought for a moment. “You don’t think Ditzy had anything to do with this!?”

Twilight shook her shock from her head. “Why would Ditzy have ANYTHING to do with your mane? Furthermore, HOW could she?”

“We…had a small disagreement yesterday, which spilled over to this morning. She didn’t have the money to pay for her dress. I couldn’t just GIVE it to her…if I started doing favors for one pony, soon EVERY pony in Ponyville would be demanding the same treatment. I didn’t want to do it, but business is business.”

“Rarity, that’s not like you.”

Rarity looks up at her. “When I feel better, I’ll send her an apology. I was just upset is all. I was wrong. Thank you, Twilight. I look forward to your findings.” She stood up and left, walking towards her home.

Twilight began scanning her shelves. Her hip bumped a stack of books, causing them to topple. “oh shoot…I should have had spike clean this up before bed. Oh well. There’s always tomorrow.” She began to stack the books, stopping at a familiar one. She opened it to see the Elements of Harmony. To her amazement, Celestia had allowed her to hold onto them after the incident with Discord. She smiled at the memory of her friends.

Something immediately caught her attention. She nearly dropped the book as she noticed Rarity’s element. “What is…?” The jewel in the center had begun to lose its color, now a dull hue of purple, muddied down with gray. “This can’t be good.” She quickly began to sort through her books, hovering them in the air as she rapidly glanced between titles.

Rarity was woken up by the sound of Sweetie Belle scooting her body along the floor. She groaned loudly. “Rarity! Wake up already! You promised to take me and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders to the park today!”

Rarity sat up. “Alright Sweetie…I’m awake. But I don’t feel very well today.”

Sweetie Belle looked at her. “What happened, sister!? Your mane is all gray!”

Rarity looked down, the subject clearly bothering her. “I know…I don’t know what happened, but Twilight promised to find out. Please, ask somepony else to take you to the park today Sweetie Belle. I don’t feel well yet. I think I’m sick.”

“I don’t think sick is the word I’d use.” Sweetie said, half-heartedly trying to lighten the mood, however futile the attempt would be. She heard Rarity’s stomach grumble. “Oh! A chance to practice my cooking!”

Rarity leaped out of bed to stop her. “No!” She regained her composure. “I mean, no…that won’t be necessary. I’ll just go visit Fluttershy. She has some medicine at her house that might help me feel a little better anyway.

“But what about the park!?” Sweetie asked, clearly begging and hurt that her sister would break her promise.

“I understand you want to go to the park, Sweetie Belle, but my health comes first. You wouldn’t want me to get worse, would you? I’ll just take you some other time.”

Sweetie sighed and hugged her sister. “Alright, but promise me you’ll get better quickly so you can take us.”

“I promise. And the moment I feel better, I’ll take you and your friends to the park.”

“Yay!” Sweetie Belle’s mood instantly switched to excited at the promise. She ran outside to entertain herself as Rarity packed her bags to leave.

Rarity stopped just outside her door. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to pay a visit to Twilight to see if she’s found anything yet.” She trotted to the library, knocking slowly. She suddenly found herself out of breath.

The door opened slowly. Twilight instantly swung it open wide upon sight of her friend. “Rarity! What are you doing here!? You look even worse than last night!”

“I’m sorry Twilight. I just couldn’t sleep well. Did you find anything?”

Twilight stepped aside, allowing Rarity to lie down on the floor. “No…unfortunately. I’m sorry Rarity. I stayed up all night. But I’ll certainly keep looking.”

Rarity stood up, “Alright. Thank you, Twilight. I’m going to go stay with Fluttershy. I think it might be best to have somepony make sure I’m alright until I recover.” She slowly walked out, finding herself unable to drag her suitcase. “Oh no…I’m sorry to impose Twilight. I can’t seem to lift my bag.”

“I’ll take it. You shouldn’t go alone. Let’s go.” Twilight grabbed the bag, helping Rarity make the long trip to Fluttershy’s tree.

Fluttershy answered her door, almost fainting at the state Rarity was in. She quickly helped her upstairs. “Now just you rest, Rarity. You don’t have to say anything. I’ll do everything I can.”

“Thank you, Fluttershy. You’re such a good friend.” She hugged the pegasus with her right hoof, getting comfortable in the soft bed.

Fluttershy flew back downstairs. “What happened? She wasn’t this bad yesterday!”

“I don’t know!” Twilight replied, almost unable to form a sentence. “But it gets worse. Her Element…it’s gone completely gray! I think the two situations might be related in some way.”

Fluttershy gasped. “But, how? Could this be Discord’s doing?”

“That doesn’t seem likely…or even possible. Discord has been resealed in stone and has no more power. I don’t see how he could be doing anything.” Twilight did her best to calm the situation.

“I’ll take good care of her. You just figure out what is happening.” Fluttershy replied softly, seeming to calm down some.

Twilight nodded. “I always do.” She trotted for home, resuming her search. It grew dark before she realized.

Spike walked by her. “Twilight, you’ve been pulling every book off the shelves for HOURS! Get some rest before you hurt yourself.”

“I can’t Spike. Rarity’s in trouble and I can’t rest until I find out why.”

“Just don’t make too big a mess. It took me all day to clean up your LAST one.” He grumbled and walked upstairs, falling asleep instantly the moment he laid down.

Twilight continued sifting through books, glancing occasionally at Rarity’s element. It suddenly shook slightly. As she approached, it let out a loud crack, the gem shattering, although remaining inside the necklace. “Oh no…Rarity!”

Fluttershy carried a tray of hot tea to her bedroom, opening the door. “Rarity! You’ve been sleeping all day. I brought you some tea. I hope you’re thirsty.” The room was completely dark. She flipped a light on to see Rarity lying motionless in bed. “Rarity! Are you ok?”

The platter fell to the floor with a resounding crash as Fluttershy rushed to her friend’s side, eyes flooding with tears. “Rarity! Please speak to me! It’s Fluttershy! Your best friend! Please be ok!” She rested her ear on Rarity’s chest, hugging the pony tightly. She sobbed helplessly as she listened to the weakening beats of her heart.

Thathump…thathump…

Thathump…thathump…

Thathump…

Thathump…

Thump…

Depression

Rarity’s funeral proceeded slowly. A small orchestra played slow, melancholy music as many of her former customers lined up to pay their respects to Ponyville’s finest fashionista. Twilight sat down, watching over the procession, Fluttershy tearing up next to her. “Please calm down, Fluttershy. You did everything you could. Nopony blames you for this.”

Fluttershy sniffled heavily, trying to hold back her sobs long enough to speak. “I should have stayed with her…or checked on her sooner. She would have been okay if I just stayed at her side.”

Twilight lifted her chin, looking into her eyes. “You don’t know that. It could have just been her time.”

“But…she was just fine the day before. She didn’t talk to anypony else. It must have been my fault.” Fluttershy replied sadly.

Twilight pulled her into a warm hug, letting the yellow pegasus cry into her body. She stroked her back reassuringly. “It’s going to be alright Fluttershy. You can’t beat yourself up over this. There was nothing you could have done. There was nothing any of us could have done…” She sighed and rested her head on Fluttershy’s, tears rolling down her cheek now as well. “I’m sorry Fluttershy…”

The two sat there as the line slowly worked its way through, now only a couple ponies left, Ditzy and Dinky taking up the rear. Ditzy extended her wing over her daughter, who cried endlessly into her body. “It’s ok, my little muffin…just think of it as Rarity taking a long, peaceful sleep.”

This seemed to cheer up the young filly, if only slightly. She sniffled and wiped the tears from her eyes, walking up to the casket and gazing in. Rarity was indeed lying peacefully inside, her body completely gray. She noticed that Twilight had placed her element around her neck, making her appear even more beautiful as the sun caused the golden choker to shine slightly, despite the cracked and broken gem in the center.

Dinky put her front hooves back on the ground, hugging her mother. She resumed crying silently as Ditzy looked in on her old friend. “I’m sorry Rarity. I didn’t mean for this. You’ve always been such a good friend.” Her eyes flooded with tears, dripping endlessly onto Rarity’s soft fur as she continued. “Please forgive me.” She laid a white rose on her chest, walking off with her head held low.

Twilight’s mourning was cut short by the sensation of something nudging her hip. She opened her eyes and looked down to see Sweetie Belle, eyes filled with tears. “Fluttershy…I need to talk to sweetie belle.”

Fluttershy nodded slowly. “Alright…I understand.” She walked away, trying to maintain a strong appearance for her friends, but failing miserably.

“Come here, Sweetie Belle…” Twilight hugged the filly tightly, much in the same way she did Fluttershy. “This must be terribly difficult for you.”

Sweetie Belle broke into heavy sobs, crying into Twilight’s already soaked fur for several minutes, unable to speak. She slowly managed to control her emotions long enough to say something, however. “It’s not fair! She promised! I hate her! Why did she have to leave!?”

Twilight was taken aback, remaining silent while she formulated a response. “Sweetie, I know it seems unfair, and it is, but these things happen. There’s nothing you, or I, or anypony can do about it. Some things we just…” She sniffled, “…have to accept. But you can’t hate her for this. It’s not like she wanted to break her promise.”

Sweetie Belle continued crying for a long time, sobbing into Twilight’s body. After roughly an hour, she grew silent. Twilight looked down to see she had cried herself to sleep. “Sweetie Belle…” She laid down and rested her head on the soft grass, sniffling. Her eyes slowly closed, hoping that when she woke up, her nightmare would be over and Rarity would, in fact, be alive and well.

A small drop of water woke Twilight from her dreamless sleep. Rarity was now buried, the fresh earth only recently filled in. She looked down at Sweetie, nuzzling her. “Come on Sweetie Belle…it’s starting to rain. We should go home.”

Sweetie Belle unwillingly stood up with a tired groan. She leaned into Twilight as they walked, the rain picking up. Their manes started to droop as the rain began to fall heavier and heavier, the sidewalks now submerged beneath a layer of water. Their hooves splashed around the water. Twilight thought to herself, then leapt into the air, landing with a loud splash, which caught Sweetie Belle off guard. She let out a shriek and jumped to the side, falling over with a splash.

She looked annoyed at first, but her face lightened when she saw Twilight’s mischievous smirk, causing her to laugh. The rain was warm. The late summer heat was preventing the two from being cold as their laughter echoed through the empty streets. The two ponies romped and chased and splashed each other, giggling the entire way to Twilight’s home. “Oh, do come in, Sweetie Belle. I’ll have spike get some hot chocolate running while we go dry off.” She gave the filly a nuzzle, glad she could cheer her young friend up. “Spike, could you be a dear and get some hot chocolate running? Sweetie Belle has had a bit of a rough day.”

“I can imagine.” Spike replied, sounding thoroughly depressed, apparently having been crying himself. “Goodbye…my dearest Rarity…nevermore shall I lay eyes upon your beauty.” He kissed a small locket-sized picture of her.

Twilight glanced quickly at Sweetie Belle, who’s eyes had begun to tear up again. “Spike! Now!” Her tone changed as she shifted her focus to the now-crying filly. “There there, Sweetie Belle, please don’t cry.” She hugged the small unicorn, sighing. “Let’s get you dried off and we can have a nice quiet dinner. How does that sound?”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes lit up at the prospect of food. She hadn’t eaten all day, and she was very hungry.

Twilight smiled. “Well, I guess that settles it. Come on honey. Let’s dry off while spike prepares everything.” She led Sweetie Belle upstairs, grabbing a soft towel. “This is the softest towel I have. I hope you like it.” Sweetie nearly melted as she was wrapped in it, the soft fibers caressing her fur, virtually pulling the water off of her body. She watched as Twilight grabbed another and wrapped herself in it. The two unicorns shared a soft giggle and embraced each other.

“Thank you, Twilight.” Sweetie said suddenly, catching her off guard.

“Oh…of course. I’m always happy to help.” Twilight closed her eyes, resting her head on the filly’s, smiling softly to herself. “If you ever need anything, Sweetie Belle, don’t hesitate to stop by. I’ll always make time for you.”

Her kind words were rewarded with a closer snuggle. She couldn’t imagine how wonderful it would feel, and how much she wished she grew up with a sister, just so she could have felt this every day.

The door to Fluttershy’s room opened, eliciting a gasp from the yellow pegasus. “Oh, it’s only you, Angel Bunny. I’m…I’m not really in the mood right now…please come back later.” She laid her head back into her pillow, which was clearly soaked, even in the dim light. The sound of her soft sobs filled the room.

Angel hopped up onto the bed, poking her with a sealed envelope. Her hoof brushed him away. “Please…not now…”

The flustered bunny hopped on top of her, using his large hind leg to thump firmly on her head, desperate to get her attention. “No Angel.” She lifted him up and put him on the floor. He hopped up and down in frustration, hopping back onto the bed and slamming his body into her. “Angel Bunny!” She sits up, glaring down at him. He looks up at her and waves the envelope. “I said no! I’m sorry, but I’m not in the mood for this right now…” Tears fall from her eyes, landing on either side of the white bunny. She lowered her head. “I’m sorry…I know what you’re trying to do. Please, just not this one, alright?”

The bunny gave her a soft hug, bouncing out of the room. She flopped down on the bed, placing the envelope on the desk next to her, sniffling into her pillow again.

Sugarcube corner was alive with music and action that night. Pound and Pumpkin Cake had been allowed to stay up to enjoy Pinkie’s magnificent cheer-up party. Pound Cake flew about the room, swatting at floating balloons, while Pumpkin Cake was content to chew on the party hats. Pinkie trotted to the door, opening it. “Hello Twilight!”

Sweetie Belle stepped out from behind the purple unicorn. “I hope you don’t mind I brought Sweetie Belle along,” Twilight interjected.

“The more the merrier. And we need LOTS of merry today!” Pinkie couldn’t help but giggle at her own joke, followed immediately by Twilight.

“Are we the first ones here?” Twilight asked.

“Yep yep! Why don’t you help yourself to Pinkie Pie’s extra special super happy punch while we wait for the other guests to arrive?” The pink pony bounced around her friend, gracefully skipping along.

Twilight entered the house, looking around. The room was lavishly decorated with excessive numbers of streamers, balloons, and party hats. “Well this is cheerful, even by Pinkie’s standards. We should have no problem getting into the spirit of THIS party.” The purple unicorn laughed, walking to the punch bowl.

“Well this punch is indeed happy…” Twilight joked, looking at the festively colored bowl, various colored ice cubes decorating the drink itself. “Would you like some Sweetie Belle?”

“No thank you. Not right now.”

Twilight hugged the filly. “Please try to cheer up, Sweetie. I know it’s hard, but you can’t be upset forever.”

Sweetie Belle sighed, sniffling. “I’m not even sure I want to be here…”

“Oh come on, it’ll be fun! Look, Pinkie’s already setting up Pin the Tail on the Pony.”

The party continued for several hours. The sun having long since set, the four friends disperse. Twilight stopped and turned back to look at Pinkie. “I hope Fluttershy’s alright. She never misses your parties.”

Pinkie swallowed another large slice of cake. “I’m sure she’s fine. She seemed to take this whole thing pretty hard. I’ll save her a slice and bring it to her place tomorrow.”

Twilight couldn’t help but smile. “You’re such a good friend, Pinkie. Please give her my regards.”

“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie replied, closing the door.

Twilight looked down at Sweetie Belle. “You look so tired, darling…here…” She knelt down and allowed sweetie to climb up onto her back, curling up on the mare’s warm body.

“Thank you Twilight…” she yawned.

A pink hoof knocks on Fluttershy’s door. The door opened just a crack, revealing a tired eye gazing out. “Oh…hello Pinkie.”

Pinkie placed the plate of cake she was holding in her mouth down on the ground. “Good morning Fluttershy! We didn’t see you at my party yesterday. I’m sure you just didn’t see the invitation I left.”

“Um…actually…” she started, her eye looking down at the floor, “I did see it. Angel brought it up to my room.”

The pink earth pony looked somewhat hurt that she’d so blatantly ignore a party invitation. “Why didn’t you come? The party was SUPER fun! It would have cheered you right up!” She bounced several times to emphasize her point. “Oh! I brought you some cake! Can…I come in?”

“I’d…rather you not. My house is still a bit of a mess.”

Pinkie kept bouncing. “That’s ok! I’ll help you clean up! That’s what friends are for.”

The yellow Pegasus sighed. “No, that won’t be necessary, thank you.”

“Is something wrong, Fluttershy? You know you can talk to me.” Pinkie’s smile slowly faded. She knew something was wrong, but knew that forcing the matter wouldn’t accomplish anything. Her hoof rested against the door, only applying light pressure. She tilted her head at various angles in an attempt to get a better look at her sullen friend and the inside of the house, which was surprisingly dark, given that it was late morning.

“No, it’s nothing. Thank you for your concern, but I’m alright…” She hoped her friend would buy the lie and leave without pushing further.

There was a long, awkward silence. “okie dokie lokie. Just let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

The yellow pegasus averted her eyes, simply closing the door.

Pinkie knocked again, waiting a moment. “Alright, I’ll just leave your cake here then!” She bounced away, her cheerful demeanor returning.

Fluttershy leaned against the door, pulling her knees in and sitting upright against it before leaning forward, folding her forelegs and crying into them.

A sudden knock at the door brought the pegasus back to her senses. She wasn’t sure if she’d been sitting there for a few minutes, or a few hours. All she knew is that her backside hurt, and that her eyes were unfocused. She gave a light sniffle and wiped the remaining tears from her eyes, shaking her vision back into focus. There was another knock at the door, reminding her why she was standing in the first place. She slowly turned around and hesitantly opened the door a notch, just enough to look out and no farther. “Who’s there?”

A quick glance at the sky had revealed that the sun had moved significantly since she last opened her door. She must have been out for about three hours according to the shadows on the ground. Her eyes glanced down at the pony who knocked.

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom were standing on her welcome mat. They were all wearing their Cutie Mark Crusader cloaks. Fluttershy sighed. “Oh no…I forgot, didn’t I?”

She didn’t need an answer. The expression on Scootaloo’s face said everything. “Fluttershy! You were supposed to meet us in the park an hour ago to teach us about all the animals in Ponyville for a homework assignment!”

“I’m sorry girls…I wanted to, but something came up and I had to do something here. I’ll make it up to you, I promise. I just…can’t today.”

Sweetie Belle stepped forward. “Is there anything we can do to help?” She made glances at her friends, who both nodded in agreement. “We’ll do anything you need.”

“Oh no, that won’t be necessary. I’ve got it under control,” Fluttershy insisted. “Just go run along and play. You don’t have to concern yourselves with me.”

“Nonsense, Fluttershy,” Apple Bloom stated. “My big sis would have a conniption if I didn’t do everything I could to help. If it’s too big for us, we’ll just call Big Macintosh over. Nothing’s too big for HIM.”

The other two fillies looked at her, mouths agape. “A ca-what now?” Scootaloo asked, puzzled.

“A conniption. I heard Twilight use it a couple days ago about Rarity’s reactions to my sister’s love of getting dirty.” Apple bloom giggled, suddenly feeling smart.

“What are you, a dictionary?” Scootaloo interjected after a brief pause.

“Better than a chicken!” Apple Bloom retorted. They both stuck their tongues out at each other before laughing.

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. “What they mean is, we want to help you with whatever is wrong, Fluttershy. Just tell us.”

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.” Fluttershy said quickly.

“Oh come on! We’re trying to help!” Scootaloo insisted.

Fluttershy cowered slightly at Scootaloo’s annoyance. “There’s nothing you can help with, just go. I just want to be alone.”

“We…are…helping!” Schootaloo pushed through the door, knocking Fluttershy over and forcing her way into the house. She looked around, unable to see without any significant source of light.

Fluttershy stood up, dazed slightly. “How…dare…you…”

Scootaloo stopped, knowing she had crossed the line.

“How DARE you!” Fluttershy stood in the shadows, glaring at her.

The pegasus filly cowered down, frightened. “Fluttershy, I’m sorry…I didn’t mean-“

“Get out!” The normally calm and shy pony shoved her out, furious. “Didn’t your parents teach you anything about how one has to be invited into a house before entering!? Go away!” She slammed the door. The three fillies could hear it locking.

Apple Bloom knocked gently. “Fluttershy? What about our assignment?”

“Ask Twilight!” The words echoed through their minds, leaving a hollow feeling in their stomachs.

Angel Bunny hopped up and rubbed his body against Fluttershy. Her hoof gently stroked over his back. “Oh Angel…they probably hate me now. Maybe I was too hard on them?”

The rabbit shook his head.

“This isn’t like me. I should go apologize tomorrow.” She sniffled slightly. “I’m starting to sound like Rarity before she-“ She stopped short, the effect of her words hitting her like a brick wall. “Rarity! What if…”

Twilight shuffled through the tomes in her library, the floor now a sea of books. Spike tripped over one lying on the stairs, falling into the mess with a crash. He stood upright, his small size forcing him to swim through them. “Twilight, what in Equestria are you doing!? It’s not like you to make such a mess.”

“I know Spike, but I promised Rarity I’d find out what was wrong with her.” She sighed, dropping another book into the pile.

“Rarity was buried yesterday…she passed away three days ago. Even if you DID find out what happened, it wouldn’t do her any good.”

“I’m sorry. I made a promise, and whether she’s there or not, I intend to keep it. What if it happens to somepony else?”

“She was just sick, Twilight.”

“There HAS to be more to it than that. It isn’t possible for somepony to pass away with such minor symptoms. Besides, that doesn’t explain the gray mane or the shattered element of generosity.” Twilight dove back into the books, swimming and digging through them until a knock at her door shook her concentration.

She opened it. “Hello girls, you’re back early. I would have thought Fluttershy would have kept you most of the afternoon…is something wrong?”

Sweetie Belle looked at her friends before solemnly taking a step into the library. “She…wasn’t at the park. We went to see her, but she was acting strange.”

“Strange?” Twilight tilted her head in confusion. “What exactly do you mean? Was she mean to you?”

“Yes!” Scootaloo blurted out.

Sweetie Belle glared at the filly. “Only because Scootaloo thought it would be a smart idea to just force her way into her house and demand to be able to help!”

“Alright…she wasn’t mean. But that doesn’t mean she wasn’t angry.” Scootaloo commented.

Twilight let out a little chuckle. “Well I can’t exactly blame her. If you pushed my door in and barged into my home, I’d be a little upset too.”

The pegasus filly rolled her eyes. “This is a library Twilight…people do that all the time.”

“And Fluttershy’s house isn’t a library. You should have more respect.”

Apple Bloom looked at her, then down at the ground. “I know…we apologized. But she really was acting strange. She wouldn’t open the door, and her house was really dark.”

Twilight thought for a moment. “Well, maybe she was taking a nap?”

“I guess that makes sense.” Apple Bloom replied. “But why would she leave a slice of cake on her doorstep?”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Oh dear. Pinkie delivered that this morning. She told me she left it there.”

Scootaloo let out a sigh. “Well it was still there when WE arrived. Are you sure that Fluttershy hasn’t been replaced by some cake hating alien?”

Twilight laughed. “Now what kind of silly-“ Her eyes shot open, pupils dilating. “I’m sorry girls, but I need to do some emergency studying. If you come by tomorrow, I’ll be happy to welcome you in, but I need to be alone now.” She slammed the door, knocking the trio back from the force.

Scootaloo moaned and rubbed her backside. “Well THAT was rude…”

Twilight sparkle rapidly flipped through several books, stopping to look at her remaining collection of the Elements of Harmony. “It’s worse than I thought!” Fluttershy’s element was fully gray, and on the verge of shattering. “I don’t have much time!” She bolted out the door, charging through the still confused fillies on her doorstep, element in her mouth.

The crisp night air caressed Twilight’s mane as she galloped at full speed towards Fluttershy’s home, mane and tail whipping in the breeze. She skidded to a stop as Fluttershy’s residence came into view, looking at the choker in her mouth. “Oh, I hope I’m not too late!” Her front hooves pranced on the ground before she dashed off again. She panted heavily, refusing to let the burning sensation in her lungs slow her down. “Fluttershy! Please listen!”

She smashed through the front door, colliding with a wall and falling to the ground, dazed. She stood up after a second and shook herself off, looking around. It was far too dark to see anything. She could see that the windows had been covered by curtains, and that the smell of dust permeated the air. “It’s only been two days…how could it be so dusty in here?”

She felt a thumping on her leg. “Huh?” The unicorn looked down. “Oh, Angel…where’s Fluttershy? I’m worried sick about her.”

The rabbit quickly hopped away, leading her out through the back door. He pointed to a small bridge overlooking a small creek that ran behind her house. Atop the bridge, she could see a shadowy figure sitting. “She’s alright…” The purple mare’s heart skipped a beat as she began to run towards her friend. “Fluttershy!”

All at once her heart stopped cold, her hopes instantly plummeted. She could feel the choker she was carrying shake heavily, finally cracking and shattering loudly. She stopped in her tracks, tears welling up in her eyes before running down her face. She could now make out the figure was indeed Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy…no…” She sniffled, watching helplessly as the pony in the distance fell forward, laying flat on the bridge, remaining still.

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.