Twilight shifted awkwardly on the couch, trying to find a spot that actually felt comfortable to her. Yet try as she might, she was forced to close her book and reluctantly stand up. Glaring down at the beige couch, the unicorn used her magic to fluff the cushions, smooth out any errant creases and place them back in the exact right place.

Smiling faintly, the pony sat back down, wiggled her butt, and grabbed her book. “Now where was I?” she muttered.

The book itself was the perfect light reading material, an obscure history book about a war fought between dragons and minotaurs. It was filled with scholarly notations, detailed descriptions and references which pointed to other books that may shed additional light on the conflict. It was the type of tome that would suck Twilight in for a good thirty-two hours, leaving the unicorn content with the knowledge she had gained from it.

Yet she had also read the same line six times now and still couldn't recall what the content of the sentence actually was. Furrowing her brow and reading it for a seventh time, Twilight felt a brief moment of elation when the information stuck. Only to try and recall it a second time and come up with a fat load of nothing.

“Gah!” she yelled, placing the book back on the table and dropping her face into a throw pillow. “Why can't the girls get here already? This waiting is killing me.”

Lips pursed, the unicorn groaned. “It's also making me talk to myself again, though I suppose this time it is warranted as I’ve never actually been to a sleepover, nevermind hosted one.”

The pony couldn't help but chuckle to herself. “It may have taken you longer than most fillies, but you’re finally having your friends over for the night. Even though you're old enough to drink, join the guard, and buy a house.”

She sighed bitterly, releasing all the breath from her lungs until nothing was left. The dead mare resisted the urge to inhale and merely lay there, focusing on her other senses. There was no sound save for the occasional creaking noise caused by the tree shifting in the wind. Neither was there a smell, though that may have been due to the fact that Twilight had gone noseblind to the scent of paper and wood.

Her sixth sense of detecting life was the only thing that seemed to pick up anything, as the unicorn could feel all of the plants she had hung around the library emitting energy. She could also feel the library itself, and the odd person who walked close to her home, as well as the guards stationed outside of it. The pony could even get the occasional flash of information like if a pony was full of life, or was sick or otherwise unwell, provided she focused.

For a while she lay there, sensing those around her and feeling out where they were in relation to herself. Suddenly she felt a life force so vibrant and so powerful that it made her stomach rumble, and her mouth salivate.

Shaking her head, Twilight quickly got off the couch, ran a hoof down her face, and made her way over to the door, opening it just in time to see a confused Applejack with her hoof raised as if she had been milliseconds from knocking.

“Well, howdy there, cousin. Smelled me comin’, did ya?” Applejack announced with a smile.

Twilight was about to reply, only for her gaze to linger over the farm pony’s strange form for a moment. The unicorn wasn't used to the way that Bloomberg had completely covered her hard-working friend in the thick, root-like exterior. Though the plant apparently didn't cause any issues with breathing, eating, or such, Twilight was still a little struck by the pony’s odd new appearance.

Shaking her head, Twilight forced her gaze to meet Applejack’s. “Err, sort of? You emit life force like a pregnant mother.”

“I’m not sure what to say to that, but thanks, I think?” Applejack exclaimed. “So can I come in?”

“Oh right, of course.” Twilight stepped to the side. “Sorry about that, I’m still not used to seeing you like this. It's a bit like staring into the sun to be honest.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment of my radiant beauty,” Applejack remarked, dropping a duffle bag next to the door and opening her hooves. “So, how ya been?”

Twilight kicked the door shut and eagerly hugged Applejack back, squeezing the pony tightly. “No complaints, really. Just been practicing my magic and trying to figure out more alternatives to normal spells.”

Applejack smiled and took a step back. “You know you can take a bite out of me if you want. I got more than enough of the stuff.”

Twilight blushed slightly. “Well, if you insist.”

Applejack shuddered as a thin stream of green floated off of her being and disappeared into Twilight’s mouth. “Feel better?” asked the farm pony.

The unicorn nodded. “Quite, thank you.”

“Not a problem,” Applejack declared before trotting over to the living area and sprawling out on the floor across from the couch. “So how goes the spell learnin? I bet it feels a lot like figuring out how to ride a bike all over again.”

Twilight sighed and flopped down from across her friend. “That's one way of putting it, though it feels a lot like going from a bicycle to a unicycle.”

“Oh, how so?” Applejack inquired, raising an eyebrow.

“Like the light spell for example.” Twilight lit her horn and cast a quick spell on her hoof, which now glowed a faint ethereal blue. “The end result is the same as the normal light spell, but it only works on living things and uses their life force as a power source.”

Applejack winced. “So it's like burning someone up but real slow?”

Twilight shook her head. “It only uses the amount of energy you would normally give off as excess and can't be altered to be used as an offensive spell. It could also work on anything that's alive like a plant or even fungus.”

“That does seem a bit bass-ackwards when compared to your normal spell slingin’,” Applejack remarked, scratching her head. “Or at least from what you’ve told me anyway.”

Twilight nodded. “That's exactly it. I’ve also replaced my telekinesis spell, but it's even weirder. Here, watch.”

Twilight extended a hoof towards the history book sitting on the other side of the table, her horn glowing faintly. Immediately a faint ethereal hoof scooped up the book and placed it in Twilight’s grasp before vanishing.

Applejack pushed her trademark stetson up and scratched her head. “Well, ain't that just the strangest lookin’ thing I’ve seen in awhile. Almost seems like you conjured a ghost or something, or at least part of one.”

“You are actually pretty close.” Twilight raised her foreleg. “That was actually part of my soul that I stretched and altered with a tiny aplication of life force in order to make it solid.”

“Huh.” Applejack shook her head. “Seems like yer figuring everything out at least. Learn anything big yet?”

Twilight shook her head. “I’ve been trying to learn how to resurrect someone, but it's difficult and finicky. I can only really do it if they died relatively cleanly and if I can get to them right after they expire.”

Applejack shivered. “No offence, cus, but would ya mind if we changed the subject? This whole raisin’ the dead thing gives me the heebie jeebies, even if I brought it up.”

Twilight nodded. “Sure, why don't you tell me a bit how it's been at the farm? I bet it's hard getting used to everything.”

A wide grin immediately spread across Applejack’s face. “Quite the opposite in fact. Now that were in sync with the forest, it feels like a member of the family, ya know? Like for example we always seem to know which tree is ready to be harvested, and the apples always land where we want ‘em to.”

“Huh, that is pretty convenient,” Twilight muttered.

“It can be a might bit creepy though,” Applejack warned. “Sometimes we’ll wake up and the dishes will be done, or a strange gust of wind will sweep the floors for us.”

“I wish the forest would clean my house for me,” Twilight remarked, grinning.

“Oh I ain't complainin’,” Applejack hastily replied. “It's just a little odd and will take some gettin’ used to.”

“Speaking of getting used to things, how is the family dealing with, well…” Twilight gestured to Applejack’s body vaguely.

The farm pony grinned even wider. “Oh, it's like day and night, Twilight. I feel better than I ever have, Granny is up and about for the first time in forever and Apple Bloom can't stop showing off around town.”

“And Big Macintosh?”

Applejack chuckled. “That guy can't stop talkin’, though I can't say I blame him. Going from monosyllabic to being able to say whatever you want whenever you want is quite the change.”

“True.”

The farm pony raised an eyebrow. “Say, I know this may seem a bit out of the blue, but are you sure you’re feelin’ alright? You look a little down.”

Twilight hastily shook her head. “I’m fine. I assure you. I probably just overdid it with the spells yesterday.”

That didn't seem to stymie Applejack’s worries one bit and the pony continued to study her friend closely. “Really now? ‘Cause it feels like you’re holdin’ back a hurt or somethin’.”

“Really. I’m fine,” Twilight stressed.

Applejack raised her forehooves. “Alright, alright. I ain't gonna push ya, but if ya wanna talk, I’ll be here.”

“Thank you, Applejack, but really, it's okay, I-” Twilight paused and turned to the door. “Rarity is here, one moment.”

“Go ahead, I’ll go put the kettle on,” Applejack declared, her knees creaking like a branch in the breeze.

Twilight nodded and made her way over to the door just in time to see Rarity fussing nervously with a hoof-held mirror and a comb. Her mane was perfectly coiffed as usual, but it seemed longer than before, as if the mare had finally let it grow out a little rather than continuing to cut it every two weeks like clockwork. She also had a silk scarf draped over her shoulders, and a small bag placed on her back.

The arachne’s mandibles clicked in irritation and Rarity hastily put away her comb. “Ah, good evening, darling. I should have known you would have seen me coming,” Rarity declared, smiling softly.

“I’ve been practicing, and it's hard to turn off, so to speak.” Twilight stepped aside and extended a hoof. “Come on in. Applejack is already here.”

“Of course she would be the first to arrive. She is my greatest admirer, after all,” Rarity replied with a wink as she scurried inside.

“I heard that, and I ain't!” shouted Applejack from the other room.

“She's got quite the sense of hearing, now doesn't she?” Rarity remarked as she placed her bulging overnight bag on an end table.

Twilight nodded and shut the door. “Just about every sense of hers seems to have received a boost.”

Rarity smirked as Applejack walked back into the room, a teapot and three cups balanced atop one hoof. “Though apparently not her sense of taste, considering she is still wearing that dreadful old hat of hers,” Rarity exclaimed, flashing Twilight a wink.

“I do so have good taste,” retorted Applejack as she placed the platter on the table. “This hat has got sentimental value, is all.”

“Oh, I know, darling. But it couldn't hurt to change it up every once in a while. Variety is the spice of life, you know,” Rarity asserted.

Applejack snorted. “I’ll think about it. Now what do y'all want?”

“Cinnamon please,” Twilight announced.

“Just mint for me,” Rarity added.

Applejack nodded and closed her eyes, a large, bud-covered branch reaching out from the tree atop her back. The limb contorted and shifted until two large bulbs began to grow outwards from the main bulk and stopped when they were about the size of golf balls. Shutting her eyes a little tighter, Applejack focused, pushing her magic into the bulbs and causing them to pulse once before turning brown. A second later and they opened to reveal a stick of cinnamon and an already dried mint leaf.

“There ya are,” Applejack declared with a smile. “Enjoy.”

“Are you sure this doesn't count as cannibalism?” remarked Rarity as she plucked the mint from Bloomberg’s branch and placed it in her tea.

Applejack snorted. “It ain't cannibalism, Rares. Besides, we’re two different species, so even if it was, it wouldn't be.”

Twilight chuckled. “That's not the most succinct manner of putting it, but you are right. Oh and thank you, by the way.”

“Don't mention it,” Applejack declared, a third bulb appearing along the branch, from which a tiny pink apple emerged. “Just lemme know how it tastes, I’ve been practicin’ a bunch recently.”

“Well, it sure smells nice,” Rarity exclaimed, breathing deeply. “The mint even dissolved perfectly.”

Twilight nodded, the unicorn watching as the stick of cinnamon broke apart in the water, turning it a light brown color. “You are getting quite skilled at that, you know.”

Applejack smirked. “I’m trying to master making more complicated stuff like flowers and whatnot, but it's easier to produce stuff I’ve ingested before.”

“Fascinating,” Twilight exclaimed. “I wonder if Bloomberg is somehow analyzing the contents of your stomach through magical means.”

“I wouldn't mind lettin’ ya do a couple tests.” Applejack smirked. “So long as you ain't about to cut me open or nothing.”

Twilight snorted and rolled her eyes. “You know I wouldn't do that.”

“I don't know, darling. Sometimes when you get into one of your moods, it sure seems like you might,” Rarity commented.

The unicorn groaned and angrily sipped her tea... as angrily as one can sip tea.

Applejack chuckled and gave her friend a firm pat on the back. “Aww, we’re just teasin’ you, cousin. Though I think we should change the subject.”

“Speaking of which, where is little Spikey Wikey today? He and Sweetie Belle aren't spending the day together for once,” Rarity remarked.

Instantly all of Twilight’s lingering irritation vanished and she smiled faintly. “He's hanging out with a few new friends he made after I encouraged him to join a gaming group that had just started up.”

“Oh yeah, Big Macintosh said something about that the other day, apparently he's going to the same place now that he can talk,” Applejack added, scratching her head. “I still don't know what they actually do, but he seemed quite excited to join in.”

“It's called roleplaying, darling, and no, not the kind you’re thinking about,” Rarity quipped, smirking at the already blushing Applejack.

“I wasn't thinkin’ anything dirty at all,” Applejack retorted irritably.

Twilight chuckled. “Either way, Spike has had a lot of fun there, and it's been nice to know that he's getting out more often and meeting new people.”

“Agreed,” declared Applejack with a smile of her own. “It's been great seeing Big Macintosh open up and gush about things he enjoys.” The farm pony chuckled. “Even if it's hard to get a word in edgewise these days.”

Twilight nodded. “Speaking of new friends, how has lessons with Trixie and her mother been, Rarity?”

The arachne blushed slightly and nearly choked on her tea. “I, uh, great. Perfect. Couldn't be better.”

“Oh, so things are coming along well then? You can make that iron silk stuff?” Applejack asked.

Rarity shook her head. “I’m afraid that is a little beyond me, but I did make this scarf and though it is not quite to the level of silk steel, it is durable.”

Twilight sat up a little straighter. “So it is called silk steel then?”

Rarity blushed again. “Yes. It seems as though I wasn't quite right with my previous assumption of its name, or even how it was made.”

Applejack shrugged. “That's understandable, seeing as how no one around even knows how to make the stuff anymore. Speaking of which, what all goes into producing silk steel anywho?”

“Lots of stuff. Your mood, your diet, your activity level, and that's before you’ve even begun to weave the stuff.” The arachne sighed, mandibles drooping. “After that it's a lot of instinct and patience.”

“Sounds difficult,” remarked Twilight.

Rarity nodded slowly. “It is unbelievably complicated, and yet you can't really practice. You can only keep trying and hope it works out.”

“I’m sure you’ll get it eventually, Rares, you ain't the type to just give up,” Applejack declared with a grin.

“Thank you, darling. I needed that,” Rarity replied softly, placing a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder.

“Sooo, how is working with Trixie going? She can be quite the handful during our study sessions,” Twilight remarked, sipping her tea.

“I wouldn't say that,” Rarity retorted, only to realize how tense she had gotten, forcing herself to relax. “She’s really not so bad once you get to know her.”

“You’re just sayin’ that ‘cause you and her both have a flair for the dramatic,” Applejack added with a smirk.

Rarity scoffed. “Yes well, all good creators have a certain je ne sais quoi about them.”

Twilight cocked her head. “But Applejack makes plenty of things, and she certainly doesn't have that same air of mystery. No offence, Applejack.”

The earth pony shrugged her bark-covered shoulders. “None taken. I’m pretty plain, and that's just how I like it.”

Rarity sighed. “Honestly, darling, sometimes you can be quite bone-headed. What I mean by creator is more of an artist, so to speak.”

“I suppose making dresses is kind of like an art form,” Twilight murmured.

“So I don't mean to change the subject all of a sudden, but where is everyone else? I thought for sure that Pinkie Pie would be here by now,” Applejack interjected.

Twilight sighed and shook her head. “Pinkie Pie had to attend some sort of special ritual that just came up, and the other two are supposed to be here after their date.”

Applejack snorted. “Good luck with that.”

Twilight blinked. “What do you mean?”

“I think what Applejack means to say is that I wouldn't expect them to show up,” Rarity said. “Those two do have a habit of getting lost in their own little world.”

“Fluttershy did mention that there was a chance they may not make it.” Twilight sighed, shoulders slumping. “Sorry girls, I guess this sleepover thing won't work out after all.”

“Aww shucks, cousin. I don't mind if it's just the three of us,” Applejack exclaimed, giving Twilight a firm pat on the back. “We haven't hung out like this much anyhow.”

“I don't think it's ever just been us before,” Rarity added. “I admit I am rather excited by the change of pace. No offence to Pinkie Pie or Rainbow Dash, but being in their company tends to elevate the excitement a bit, and I would like to get at least some sleep today.”

“So you really don't mind?” Twilight asked.

Applejack chuckled. “How could I say no to a face like that? Besides, I ain't never been to one of these things before anyway, so a smaller crowd ain't a bad thing in my book.”

Twilight’s ears perked up. “Wait, you haven't either? I was hoping you would know what to do as there weren’t any books on the subject.”

Rarity smiled and patted her friend’s leg. “Don't worry about a thing, darling. We’ll spend the evening talking about whomever we are pining over, getting makeovers, and maybe telling scary stories later if we’re feeling up to it.”

“That does sound like fun. Oh, and I bought plenty of snacks,” Twilight exclaimed, standing up. “Should I bring them out now?”

Applejack patted her stomach. “Nah, I’m still full on supper. I’d break those out a little later though.”

“So, what do we do first then?” Twilight asked.

“Well, I have been enjoying just catching up with you two, so I say we put on another pot and continue chatting,” Rarity offered. “Provided that's alright with you two.”

“Sure thing,” exclaimed Applejack.

Twilight shrugged. “I don't see why not. I think I will skip the tea though. I can't really taste it anyway.”

“Is that why you seem so down today?” Rarity leaned forward and touched the other mare’s shoulder. “Not like you look bad or anything, it just feels like something is bothering you.”

“It's nothing,” Twilight hastily declared, brushing the other being’s hoof from her shoulder. “Just didn't get too much sleep last night and used a bunch more magic than I probably should.”

“Why don't we break out some cider? I think that would be nice right about now,” Applejack interrupted, standing up from her spot on the floor.

Rarity nodded slowly. “I think that would be an excellent change of pace.”

Twilight relaxed slightly, only now realizing how tense she had suddenly gotten. “Yeah. That might be nice,” she muttered under her breath.

“You didn't,” gaped Rarity, her glass held mid-sip.

Applejack snorted. “I’m not sure why this is a big deal for you. He was being rude, so I told him to shove it, it ain't like he didn't deserve it.”

Twilight shared a glance with Rarity, the two mares both stifling laughter. “Applejack, I don't think he was hitting on you.”

“Err, what do you mean?” Applejack muttered, scratching her head. “Why would he say all that stuff then?”

“He wasn't hitting on you, he was talking about Bloomberg,” Rarity exclaimed, bursting out into a fit of giggles a second later.

“I don't get it,” Applejack deadpanned.

“Really? All of those wood puns and the wood cutting cutie mark wasn't enough of a hint?” Twilight exclaimed.

Applejack opened her mouth, closed it, raised a hoof, and then furrowed her brows. “Oh, now that makes sense. No wonder he kept talkin’ about his axe all funny like.”

Rarity shook her head. “Sometimes I’m not sure which one of you is more oblivious.”

The farm pony snorted. “Well, what about you, Twi? Have you had any interactions with the opposite sex?”

“Or the same sex,” Rarity added hastily.

Twilight’s shoulders slumped and she gazed off into the distance, shaking her head. “No. I’ve had… other things on my mind. Especially considering my condition.” She sighed. “But I don't want to turn this into a pity party, so let’s just move on, please.”

Rarity frowned. “Are you sure, darling? Because if you want to talk-”

“I’m sure,” interrupted Twilight firmly.

“Well, alright,” Applejack perked up suddenly. “Why don't we play some cards? Granny Smith taught me this great game the other day.”

“Sure,” muttered Twilight, “that sounds like fun.”

“Aaand voila!” Rarity declared, dramatically revealing a full length mirror that showed two very different mares staring back at them from within the glass.

Applejack gaped silently at her much longer and now braided orange mane. “Wow, it’s so real,” she muttered in disbelief.

“This is quite impressive,” remarked Twilight as she stared at her own longer mane which had been done up in the back and was held in place by a non-existent silver tiara.

“Yes, well. I learned a thing or two from our mutual time-displaced friend,” Rarity declared with a smile. “It turns out that even my puny horn can cast a mid-tier illusion spell.”

“Ya know, I kind of like it,” remarked Applejack as she turned her head from side to side, watching as the long braid swung back and forth as if it were real. “Kinda makes me wanna grow it out.”

“Yeah,” muttered Twilight as she looked at her longer mane. “I would too, provided I could, that is.”

“Oh, I just assumed…” Rarity coughed awkwardly and scuttled closer. “Well, don't worry, darling. You can come to me day or night, and I’ll cast it again for you.”

“Maybe you could enchant some sort of fancy crowny thing to make it permanent,” Applejack added.

“It's fine, girls.” Twilight’s horn glowed and she dispelled the illusion. “I like my mane how it is.”

Rarity sighed. “I’m sorry, darling. Would it help if you could touch it? Trixie says that there are some illusions that can provide the more tactile feel you are looking for.”

“That would be nice, but seriously, I’m fine. Why don't we have some of that wine Rarity talked about earlier? I’ll go get it,” Twilight replied, already trotting towards the kitchen.

“I suppose that doesn't sound too bad…” Applejack murmured, sharing a glance with Rarity as soon as the unicorn was out of the room. “So we gonna get her talk, or is this just gonna keep getting more and more awkward?”

Rarity pursed her lips as she stared at the kitchen door. “Leave it to me, darling. I have just the thing in mind.”

Rarity sighed as she set down her glass of wine, her cheeks having gained a slight rosy tint to them over the last few minutes. “This is just what I needed,” she declared.

Applejack nodded, swirling the glass of hard apple cider in her hoof. “Yeah, it really feels good to just sit and chat in a closer setting like this.”

Twilight pursed her lips and nodded, staring down at her untouched glass of life force-infused wine. “I suppose it is a pleasant change of pace.”

“Speaking of which, I was wondering if you would come with me when I visit my parents next week or so. Their graves are a good distance from town, and I wouldn't feel safe going alone,” Rarity asked suddenly, turning to Applejack.

Who nodded quickly. “Of course, Rares. I’d ask for the same in return, if you wouldn't mind. I know my parents aren't too far from town, but whoever sent that poor thing after us is still out there, and I’d feel better with someone watching my back.”

Rarity smiled faintly. “Absolutely. Say, Twilight, I know this may be rather sudden, but have you ever considered having a service for your mother?”

Twilight blinked in shock, pausing mid-sip. “N-no. I haven't.”

“You should give it some thought then. I’m sure there's some space still left up on the family plot,” Applejack offered.

Twilight shook her head. “I’m afraid that only after her killer has been dealt with can she rest.”

“Look, darling. I know this may sound rather rude, but would your mother be okay with you making that decision for her?” Rarity gently asked.

“Yes, she would.” Twilight declared only to wince. “I mean. Maybe?”

“We don't know your mom, but we do know what you’re going through. Just give it some thought, okay?” Applejack exclaimed.

Twilight opened her mouth to offer some manner of retort, only to realize just how true her friend’s words were. Both the earth pony and arachne had lost not just one parent but both of them, and right in front of them no less. Yet even Rarity who had someone concrete to blame for their death had not postponed putting her parents to rest.

The unicorn wilted slightly, the bit of indignation and anger she had felt welling inside of herself slowly getting snuffed out. In the face of what her friends had suffered, Twilight felt almost a little selfish for feeling the way she did. The pony wondered if she even had the authority to put off such a thing in the first place, as there was a chance her father was still alive.

Despite his faults, Twilight wasn't sure if she could even bring herself to bury her mother knowing full well that the stallion she loved didn't consent to such a thing. That thought felt hollow however, as Twilight knew that in the end, Velvet would not wish to be buried somewhere that was ruled by the pony who had killed her. But Twilight couldn't be sure of even that, as they had never had such a heavy discussion before her untimely demise.

“But there is no body to bury, what's the point?” Twilight muttered weakly.

“The body may be gone, but the spirit continues on,” Applejack whispered, a gentle smile spreading across her face. “You should know this better than most.”

“A funeral is only partially for the benefit of the deceased, as it also helps those they leave behind,” Rarity added.

“I…” Twilight sniffed, looking down at the floor. “I never thought of it like that.”

“I know you want revenge and to find out what happened to the rest of your family, but that may take quite a while,” Rarity began. “Revenge can't keep you going for that long, trust me.”

Twilight looked up at her friend and stared into those kind and patient blue orbs. “I suppose so, but Shining Armor and Night Light are probably still out there. Surely they should be here for such a thing.”

“I got this one,” declared Applejack solemnly, leaning forward. “After my parents passed, we had two funerals, one for just us kids and one for the rest of the Apple family. Granny Smith chose to do this because she wanted to give us the chance to mourn her in private while the rest of them traveled here from all over the forest.”

“I suppose, but how does that work anyway?” Twilight offered.

“Simple. You just do it again, only the second time obviously you don't bury ‘em again,” Applejack exclaimed. “We just left a small pile of dirt that wasn't filled in from the first time and then when the family came down they each had a chance to add a bit.”

“That does sound… nice,” Twilight admitted.

“And I’m sure that after you find your family and explain everything, they would understand,” Rarity exclaimed, touching Twilight’s shoulder briefly.

The unicorn nodded slowly. “I never even thought about doing that. I’ve just been so caught up in all this planning, and just surviving that I… Oh, what a fool I’ve been.”

“Shhh. I am sure your mother would understand,” Rarity whispered gently.

“Yeah, and we ain't saying that's what you need to do or anything. It's just, ya know, an option,” Applejack added.

“Exactly. If you feel that waiting is best, no one would judge you harshly for that,” Rarity stated firmly.

“N-no, this is what she would have wanted, and what I think I need,” Twilight muttered half to herself.

“Are ya sure? ‘Cause I know it might have sounded like we were trying to convince you to go this way, but it really was just an offer,” Applejack pointed out.

Twilight shook her head. “After we laid the old Twilight to rest, I considered doing something like this, but I got so angry that I couldn't even think straight. After I helped you both, I’ve gained a bit of perspective, and I feel like this is what she would want me to do.”

“A little anger is understandable,” Rarity offered.

“But what I felt wasn't anger, it was rage pure and simple.” Twilight stared down at her forehooves with a look of shame. “Even if I know that Sunset Shimmer wasn't truly at fault for what she did, I can't help but hate her, and that hate blinded me.”

“It's not easy to push down those emotions, they ain't much fun to deal with,” Applejack exclaimed, chuckling slightly. “I did the same thing for years, so don't beat yourself up too much.”

Twilight smiled faintly. “Thank you, girls. Maybe after the play in the park is over, we can plan something nice.”

“So long as you aren't putting it off for good,” warned Rarity.

Twilight shook her head. “Something tells me that would be the best time to have it.”

“Oh? Got a gut feeling about it?” Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah, something like that,” Twilight shrugged. “I can't quite explain it.”

“You don't have to, darling. Sometimes we must go with that feeling, even if it doesn't make sense,” Rarity explained.

Twilight’s smile slowly grew. “Thank you, girls. I don't think I would have really considered doing something about these feelings unless you two had brought it up.”

“And don't think I haven't noticed the way you resent what you’ve become,” Rarity warned, waggling a hoof at the other mare. “We will deal with that in time, but only when you’re ready.”

“Heh, thanks.” Twilight smirked. “Though I think I’ve more or less come to grips with that to be honest. It's just annoying at this point. Maybe after I’ve had more time to decompress, I’ll figure out a way around some of the more irritating limitations of my current predicament.”

“Atta girl,” Applejack exclaimed, patting Twilight on the back. “It's all just a puzzle. One I’m sure you’ll figure out in due time.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “You should be lucky I am not technically alive, because I’m pretty sure you would have knocked the wind out of me otherwise.”

Applejack chuckled. “You may be as thin as a toothpick, but you’re tough. I’m sure you woulda been alright.”

“I wouldn't count on that. You wouldn't want to knock something loose, now would you?” Rarity retorted.

“Bah, she's fine,” Applejack declared.

Twilight winced and rubbed the back of her neck. “Sorry I’ve been such a downer, by the way. I guess this hasn't been the best sleepover ever.”

“Well, technically speakin’, it's been the best and worst one I’ve ever been to,” Applejack remarked.

Rarity sighed and ran a hoof down her face. “Could you at least try to have a little tact for once?”

“Nah, the last time I had one of those, I forgot it on Granny Smith’s rocking chair and nearly got grounded because of it,” Applejack replied.

Rarity groaned even louder, burying her head in her hooves. “Moon above, give me strength.”

Twilight giggled and subtly wiped a stray tear from her face. “You know, we still do have some time left. We could still salvage this sleepover.”

“And I know just how to do it,” Applejack declared, reaching into her bag and pulling out an unlabeled pitch black bottle. “With this.”

“What is that?” Twilight asked, cocking her head.

“Don't tell me that's what I think it is,” Rarity muttered with a hint of fear.

“Eeyup. It's Granny’s black label reserve.” Applejack winked. “I buried it out in the orchard in order to keep it for myself.”

“Is that alcohol?” Twilight asked. “‘Cause that probably won’t do anything to me, all things considered.”

“That isn't alcohol, it's paint thinner, and it doesn't even have a label on it anyway,” Rarity retorted, crossing her hooves over her chest.

“It's just a name, Rarity, it ain't meant to be literal,” Applejack declared.

“Is it actually paint thinner though?” Twilight asked, eying the tall bottle curiously.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Do you really think I’d try and poison you, girls?”

“No.”

“Yes.”

Applejack frowned and shot Rarity a glare. “Really?”

The arachne sighed slowly. “Okay so maybe it isn't poison, but I’m only having a single cup of that nasty stuff, and after this I get to choose what we do.”

“Perfect, and I got just the drinking game to go with it.” Applejack pulled a package of cards out of seemingly nowhere and began to shuffle them.

“Oh? I’ve never played a drinking game before, or had more than a single cup of wine to be honest,” Twilight remarked as she leaned in.

Rarity paused and glanced nervously at her undead friend. “Are you sure this is a good idea? I know most alcohol doesn't affect you, but I’ve seen this stuff take down a grown minotaur before.”

“I’m sure it will be fine?” Twilight asked hesitantly. “Right?”

If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon!

Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.
This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: Apollyon6024, Astor Corruscare, BeenMcsqueen, Blade Tech, Canaray in the coal mine, ceepert, Corey Peters, Craig Aoki, Dale Maines, DioKyo, Doomgooey, Dragons'Sheppard1995, Facinus, Free, Grub, Ivar, Jacob Hawkins, Jacob Lorenzo, Jeffrey Perigo, Jwarrior, Kali, Lich-Lord Krosis, M, Makani, Megatyrant, Menthol Qtip, Mephia Keibin, Mike, Mikhalia Banks, Mirvra, Mop Hop, Nathan Brown, Nfreak, Octavia & Lowbar, Pacsik, Peter Coulthard, Prysm, Random reader, Ray Man, Rhys Southall, Soundtea, Starless, Steven Lawrence, Tiwake, Todd Herron, Trash Panda, Travis Houck, Venerable Ro, Vigilant Watch, Hannibal, aaaand Xvos1337!