Chapter Eleven: Fall

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A wooden sound had invaded the rhythm of Applejack’s trot. Every third step produced an almost hollow clunk, sharply contrasting the dense, solid noise her hooves made when they met the ground. Having a wooden peg for almost half of her left hind felt as unnatural to her as the sound it made. It was an awkward trot, at that. The peg lacked the control and strength of her well conditioned muscles and her sturdy hoof, but at the very least, she figured it was better than not having any support at all. Applejack’s wounds had healed well, or at least as well as they ever would. Several scars cut deep trenches through the mark on her left flank, stopping abruptly where the rest of her leg should have started; a grim reminder of how close she had come to death.

Despite all this, her determination to get back to her old life was unwavering. As soon as the doctors had given her the okay, Applejack was up and active again. Rainbow Dash remained a near constant at her side with each and every step she took toward recovery. Applejack wouldn’t have had it any other way. However, there was another issue that continued to weigh on her thoughts that warm autumn afternoon.

Applejack looked to her winged companion, receiving a warm smile and a nod of encouragement.

“Leaves‘ll start turnin’ soon,” she commented, glancing off the path. “Applebuckin’s right around the corner, ya know…”

Dash’s smile faded. “AJ, we talked about this already…”

“Ah know… Ah jus’… Ah…” She looked away and snorted. “It ain’t fair! Ah can walk jus’ fin—”

The farmer stumbled as she lost her concentration, but Dash was there to catch her. Applejack trembled slightly in Rainbow’s embrace, as embarrassed as she was frustrated.

“You done yet, hotshot?”

Applejack remained silent, staring down at the ground. She felt a muzzle between her ears, nuzzling into her mane, and she relaxed with a defeated sigh.

“Look…” Dash started, speaking in a gentle, hushed tone. “I know how important this is to you, but you’re not back at your peak yet. I don’t want you to hurt yourself. Braeburn will be here in a few days, and I’m gonna help out too. The apples will be alright without you this time, okay?”

“Ain’t just about the apples, Dash…” The earth pony tried to turn and look up at her. “You know that.”

The pegasus sighed quietly, settling her chin into Applejack’s mane and giving her a squeeze. “Yeah… Yeah, I know.”

Applejack inhaled slowly, preparing to continue her argument, when a faint and familiar voice reached her ears. It wasn’t uncommon to hear Big Macintosh as he worked around the farm. However, it was uncommon to hear an unfamiliar voice respond to him, especially if the voice was that of a female. As if sensing her curiosity, Rainbow perked up in the direction from which she had heard them.

“Who was that?” the pegasus murmured as she glanced back at Applejack.

“Ah ain’t too sure, mahself…”

A grin spread across Rainbow’s lips. “Wanna go check it out?”

As much as she knew that Dash was only feeding into her curiosity to distract her, Applejack was genuinely interested in finding out the who’s and why’s of this rare occurrence. A burst of Macintosh’s laughter echoed through the trees, joined by the mystery lady a moment later. Swallowing her pride, Applejack nodded.

“This ain’t over, though,” she informed the pegasus as she shifted her weight back to her three remaining hooves.

Rainbow Dash just snickered and shook her head, then motioned for Applejack to follow.

Together, they moved away from the well worn path between the trees, passing through the cool shadows of the orchard as they closed in on the source. After about a minute of awkward sneaking, the blond mare spotted her brother in a small clearing. Dash pulled her behind a tree as Big Macintosh glanced their way. Slowly, cautiously, she peered around the side, Rainbow just about on top of her, and her eyes widened as she got a look at his companion. Seated beside the stallion was a cow. She lacked spots, and her coat reminded Applejack of the color of coffee with plenty of milk. Around the tuft of her tail, and in the neatly trimmed bangs of her mane, she wore pink ribbons.

“Atta’ boy, Mac,” Rainbow whispered, snickering.

When Applejack noticed the plaid blanket under them, and the open picnic basket placed just about in its center, it occurred to her that Big Macintosh wasn’t out in the orchard to do work.

Macintosh smiled, leaning closer to nuzzle the cow’s cheek. “She’s almost a grown mare. ‘sides, the one that was causin’ all the trouble is long gone. Maybe she’ll meet a colt… or a filly. She might be takin’ after Applejack in that respect. Anyway, Ah figure a lil’ time without supervision might do ‘er some good.”

“You’re not worried about her wandering into the Everfree Forest?” The cow chewed her lower lip. “It was dangerous before, but those… things live in there now, with Nightmare Moon!”

“Oh, naw!” The stallion gave a deep chuckle. “They’re good ponies! Princess Luna ain’t so bad, neither. Applebloom don’t gotta worry ‘bout a hair on her head if she visits them… ‘less sis’ finds out.” He chuckled a little more and shook his head.

Applejack felt herself go red in the face. She started to step forward when she felt Rainbow’s teeth on her tail, yanking her back. Applejack snorted, glancing back at the pegasus.

“Woah, woah,” she mumbled with the earth pony’s tail in her mouth. She spat it out and cocked a brow. “What are you doing?”

Applejack turned back to her brother’s picnic and cocked a forehoof. “Ah’m gonna go smack some sense inta mah brother is all.”

“He’s in the middle of a date, AJ!” Dash whispered shrilly. “You can’t just go charging in there.”

“Apparently, Applebloom’s safety ain’t a concern fer him!” she growled in response.

“Oh,” the cow began, a twinge of anxiety in her voice. “Who was that?”

“Probably jus’ mah other sister, who should know better…” Macintosh cast a glare in their direction, upturning a forehoof. “Don’tcha worry yerself, Brie.”

Dash rolled her eyes and smiled. “Come on, Applejack. Let’s go.”

Reluctantly, Applejack followed the pegasus back to the path, silently fuming every step of the way. Dash met her cold stare and flashed a nervous smile.

“Come on, now. Cheer up, AJ…” She lifted a hoof to Applejack’s shoulder. “Is it really such a—”

“Yes, Dash! It’s a very big deal!” The earth pony pushed her hoof aside, glaring back at her. “Those blood suckers almost killed her! Ah don’t want her anywhere near ‘em!”

Dash cocked a brow. “You don’t want her anywhere near Fluttershy or Zecora? Two ponies that have been your close friends for years?”

“They’re different now!”

“No, they’re really not.” The earth pony shook her head, but Rainbow continued. “They’re the exact same ponies you’ve always known. I’ve visited them enough to see that.”

Applejack snorted. “Ah don’t much fancy you visitin’ ‘em either! An’ what…” She glanced off to the side, cringing as her imagination began to run wild. “What if…”

“Applejack, no offense, but you really need to let it go.”

Dash lifted her hoof to Applejack’s shoulder again. This time, she let it stay.

“Am Ah…” Applejack trailed off, glancing up as the pegasus nudged her gently, brow knitted with concern. “Am Ah wrong to be a lil’ worried ‘bout the whole situation?”

“No… But you can’t shelter Applebloom just because of what happened. Zecora is Applebloom’s friend, and you used to trust her enough to let Applebloom canter off into the Everfree Forest to visit her. This really isn’t any different, if you ask me.”

Applejack let out a long sigh, glancing down at the dirt. “Maybe… maybe yer right. But if she’s gonna visit, Ah’m goin’ with her.”

Dash’s smile returned. “Alright, that’s a good start. How about we head back home?”

“Yeah…” Applejack muttered. “Alright.”

“Maybe take a nice, long bath when we get there?”

Applejack met Dash’s gaze, noting the little twinkle in her eye, and she couldn’t help but grin. She took a deep breath, exhaling some of the tension. “That sounds perty good right ‘bout now.”

\/ /\ /\ \/

In little more than a month, many things had changed for Pinkie Pie. For what Fluttershy believed to be the second time in Pinkie’s entire life, she had moved. The pink mare claimed that her new home in the Everfree Forest was comfortable, and very much to her liking, but that it still felt a bit strange to wake up somewhere other than her room above Sugarcube Corner.

Fluttershy figured part of that was the fact that Pinkie was not sharing this new home with a married couple that she loved like her own parents. The Cakes, mister, misses, and the twins, had been very sad to see her go, but Cup and Carrot clearly understood; it was time for Pinkie to set out on her own. Of course, Pinkie wasn’t actually living by herself. Without much need for convincing, Fluttershy had agreed to let Pinkie move in with her once her new home was finished. Pinkie had refused to wait that long, keeping Fluttershy company for the few weeks that she had to spend living in a very lavish tent within the dilapidated throne room of Luna’s castle.

Just thinking back on it brought a smile to Fluttershy’s lips. She was still subject to the occasional depths of depression, but they were becoming few and far between. Even then, Pinkie Pie was all Fluttershy needed whenever she started to feel down, and for that, there were no words to express her gratitude for Pinkie’s companionship.

This, along with a few more idle ponderings, was at the forefront of Fluttershy’s thoughts as she stood at the side of Pinkie’s bed. She took a deep breath as the pink mare stirred under the sheets, letting it out in a quiet sigh of relief when Pinkie settled back into a deep sleep.

Very slowly, the pegasus leaned forward, listening carefully for a change in Pinkie’s pulse. Her lips parted, her fangs quickly drying, only to be slicked down again by a pass of her tongue. With all the precision of a surgeon, she brought the points of her fangs to the soft, warm flesh of Pinkie’s neck, biting down on her artery and slowly drawing out several gulps of blood. Immediately, her senses peaked, the depth and contours of her vision sharpening, every sound becoming its own separate symphony. The sensation made her tingle from head to hoof, but those few gulps were all she would allow herself.

Fluttershy pulled back, occasionally slathering her tongue over the bite marks until she had the bandages ready. She carefully pressed the pair into place, grinning as she noticed the heart pattern across the adhesive. Pinkie squirmed again, mumbling something unintelligible and smiling. A moment later, she rolled over and went still again.

Satisfied, Fluttershy took a step back, briefly looking around the room. The sun had yet to rise, but she could see clearly through the darkness. Only a few boxes remained unopened in Pinkie’s room; the last things she had yet to unpack. She glanced back to the bed as Gummy let out a snoring grunt, still curled up in Pinkie’s mane. Angel was fast asleep between Pinkie’s hinds, his nose and whiskers twitching.

Pinkie’s room was adjacent to hers, just across the hall. Her door was wide open, her knitting supplies spread across the table, but she had already been occupying herself with that for hours. Outside, the leaves rustled around a breeze, carrying the opening notes of the day’s birdsong. The thought of going outside made her shiver with anticipation.

She smiled, admiring Pinkie for a few moments more. Try as she might to place what it was that had changed between them, how it was possible for Pinkie to help her now when she had been unable to help before, the solution eluded her. With another quiet, happy sigh, she slowly crossed the room, trotted down the hall, and descended the stairs.

The peacefulness of the surrounding woodlands met her ears the moment she opened the front door. From across the gorge, the occasional, distant calls of the various creatures inhabiting the Everfree Forest mingled on the wind, joined by the much closer sound of waking birds, rushing water and rustling leaves. Fluttershy took several steps beyond the threshold, closing the door behind her, and slowly surveyed her surroundings.

At her request, their home had been constructed close to the remains of the castle wall, but tucked away in the cool shade of several large trees and shrubs. Unless one knew exactly where to look, it was effectively hidden by the surrounding foliage. In a short span of time, due to its seclusion and despite Pinkie’s antics, it had become a haven for wildlife.

She looked a bit higher, noting motion in the darkness; birds preening in preparation for flight and branches shifting in the wind. Beyond that, she could see the silhouette of the ruins standing out against the thawing cold of the night sky. It was Fluttershy’s understanding that Luna wanted a great deal of the ruins to be left alone. Instead of fully restoring the castle, the night princess had ordained multiple residences to be constructed around the perimeter of the castle ruins, much like her own. For the time being, they were occupied by the many construction workers that Luna had hired from all over Equestria.

Fluttershy started down the worn path, humming along with the birds as they warmed up, occasionally bidding “good morning” when they crossed her path. Zecora’s home had been constructed about a minute’s trot from her front door, much closer to the cliffs overlooking the river. While not quite as unique as the home she had made in a tree, the zebra was already well on her way to making it truly stand out. The pegasus paused to admire the pair of masks that hung over her doorway. In her heightened state, Zecora’s heartbeat was easy to pick out, but it was an earthy scraping sound caught her attention a moment later.

She stepped around the side of the house, finding herself face to face with the zebra herself

“Oh!” Fluttershy glanced down, flashing a nervous grin. “Good morning, Zecora.”

As the pegasus slowly lifted her gaze, the soft glow of Zecora’s eyes stood out in the darkness . Her hooves and fetlocks were smeared with dirt, a small satchel with a few digging tools resting against her shoulder. Several plant stems protruded from either side of Zecora’s mouth, all of them vanishing as she dipped her muzzle into a satchel on her opposite shoulder.

The zebra gave her a big, toothy smile. “Always a pleasure, Fluttershy. May I ask why you’ve stopped by?”

“I um… I just wanted to get out of the house… before the sun comes up. I’m sorry for interrupting you.”

“You’ve not interrupted a thing, my dear.” Zecora stepped around Fluttershy, moving toward her front door. “I just finished gardening; never you fear.”

Fluttershy looked over the small, fenced in plot, tracing Zecora’s hoofprints though the tilled soil. “Don’t you usually gather your ingredients from the Everfree forest?”

“That was fine when there was not such demand, but I’m facing a shortage at my potions stand.” A trickling sound reached her ears. She glanced back to the zebra, watching her wash her hooves. “The basic ingredients rarely stay on my shelf, so it is more practical to grow them myself.”

“Well… if you’re selling so much that you’re having a hard time keeping your stock, I think that’s wonderful! I mean… That does mean business is going well, right?”

“Oh yes, business is going very well. There’s no ailment which my brews cannot quell! With, but a single exception…” The zebra bristled, glancing away. “The cure to this curse seems beyond my perception.”

“Don’t say that, Zecora… I’m sure you’ll figure it out if you keep trying.” Fluttershy smiled and nodded. “I know you can do it.”

“Yes, you’re right, I mustn’t lose hope. In the mean time, I’ll just have to cope.” Zecora put her forehoof on the handle of her front door, smiling back at Fluttershy. “I have work to do, but you’re welcome to join me. Perhaps you would enjoy a hot cup of tea?”

Fluttershy shook her head, glancing off toward the castle. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to keep walking.” She turned back toward Zecora, head low. “Thank you very much for the offer though. Maybe some other time?”

“Yes, of course, when you find it more opportune. You’re always welcome, and I hope to see you soon.”

As Fluttershy continued down the path, she noticed a few lights flickering in the windows of some of the houses. For a moment, she feared that she might have woken the occupants. At the very least, the house Trixie was staying in was still completely dark.

Two earth pony guards were stationed by the castle’s front entrance, blinking blearily and standing up straight as she approached. It was Luna’s castle now, but there were at least two dozen of Celestia’s guards in circulation. Only a fraction of that number was on permanent assignment. She shrank back as they looked her over. After nodding to one another, the one to the right gave the wall a kick, and the enormous doors swung inward.

With a nod and a “thank you,” she passed into the chamber that once held the Elements of Harmony. This was one such area that Luna had decided to leave alone, effectively repurposing it as a courtyard, or perhaps an open-air marketplace. The Elements’ pedestal remained proudly in the center, covered in ivy that wavered in the gentle breeze. Behind that, the main spire of the castle stood tall against the glow of the rising sun, surrounded by scaffolding that looked skeletal in the early light. During the day, she knew that this space would be absolutely packed with ponies going about their business; buying, selling, and conversing. Her gaze swept over the dozen or so carts and stands that lined the walls of the courtyard. Soon, they would be full of fruits, vegetables, baked goods, drinks, and other merchandise.

The potions stand caught her eye as she approached the back wall. It was a structure that was built to completely shelter both the salespony and the client from the sun. A very strange looking sign hung over the front, carved and painted with exotic patterns. The fine silk drapes billowed in the wind. Fluttershy had no doubts about Zecora’s skill in alchemy, but the sheer uniqueness of her place of business certainly served as a form of advertising.

Fluttershy came to a stop in front of another doorway. Where there had once been the open mouth of an interior hallway, a second set of double-doors had been set into the castle wall, concealing it. A pair of pegasi stood on either side of the door, one of which possessing leathery, bat-like wings. She glanced to the mismatched pair of guards and smiled skittishly. They, in turn, glanced to one another and nodded. The door creaked open moments later.

Inside, the sound of her hooves reverberated off the walls. While the spire overlooking the courtyard was undergoing renovation, this hallway already resembled something more regal. It had been freshly restored and decorated, though it lacked a rug to cover the freshly installed marble of the floor. Instead of a straight shot to the throne room, as it had once been, the hall now opened into a recently added antechamber. Like the spire, it was far from finished. Tools and hunks of stone lay scattered across the room, and scaffolding stretched along the walls from floor to ceiling. A fine coat of dust had settled over everything during the night.

She made a lonely trail of tracks through the room, meandering toward the passage to the garden.

“Ah, Fluttershy…” The pegasus winced and froze to the spot, ears swiveling. “My apologies, it was not my intention to startle you.”

Fluttershy relaxed as she recognized Princess Luna’s voice, looking toward its origin. Luna stood among the scaffolding, regarding her with a playful grin. Her very presence instilled a feeling of comfort in Fluttershy, despite the fact that she still found the moon princess to be rather imposing.

“And what brings you to my little work in progress on the dawn of this fine day?”

“I… Oh, well, you see, Pinkie Pie is still asleep, and um…” She turned and tapped her forehoof against the floor, kicking up a small cloud of dust. “I just wanted to get some fresh air.”

“Yes, I imagine it must get rather boring when your friends spend half their time asleep. I understand you’ve taken up knitting to help you pass the time others spend in bed?” Fluttershy nodded sheepishly. The moon princess adopted a warmer smile in response. “There’s no shame in taking up a hobby to keep yourself occupied. Personally, I’ve always been fond of star gazing.”

At a loss for words, Fluttershy nodded again. The pegasus flinched as Luna glided off the scaffolding, a much larger cloud of dust billowing up around her when she touched down. Her conflicted feelings intensified as Luna approached her, half wanting to flee, half yearning to stay.

“Might I ask where you’re heading?”

Fluttershy took a step back, ears splaying. “Th-the garden...”

As if sensing her discomfort, the moon princess stepped into a more casual stance, lowering her head to eye level with Fluttershy. Her expression softened, losing its regal edge.

“I know that you and I have not spoken much,” she began, speaking more gently than Fluttershy believed her to be capable of. “But, should you ever feel the desire to do so, I want you to know that I will always be more than willing to listen.”

A warm, fuzzy feeling settled in Fluttershy’s breast. “Thank you,” the pegasus replied, a delicate smile coming to her lips. “And I’m sorry that I’ve been… well… avoiding you. I just… You’re a princess, and…”

Luna cocked a brow, her mischievous grin returning. “And you’re an Element bearer. A hero, no less. It’s not every day that a pony can claim to hold such an honor.” Still grinning, the moon princess bowed deeply. “And it would be my pleasure to accompany such an esteemed guest to her destination.”

“Well, okay...” Fluttershy looked down at her hooves, suddenly feeling bashful.

With Luna at her side, she slowly moved down the corridor, marveling at the improvements that had been made since her last passage. Compared to the decrepit corridor she remembered, it was like being in a completely different building. The floor, walls and ceiling had been fully restored, lanterns flickering along the ornately decorated walls, reflecting off of the finely polished marble. All of the windows facing out toward the garden had been replaced, a pattern like ivy etched into the borders of the glass.

“Is your new home suiting you well?” the princess asked.

“Oh yes, it’s wonderful.” Fluttershy nodded, peering out through the window. “Thank you so much for... well, for having it built in a secluded area.”

“Think nothing of it. But, if I may I inquire...” The pegasus turned back to Luna, ears perked attentively. “With the exception of Pinkie Pie and your other close friends, why do you refrain from interacting with others? Very rarely do I see you far from your home.”

“It’s not that I don’t enjoy company. I’m just...” Fluttershy glanced back down at the marble tiled floor. “I’m not the best at talking to ponies I don’t know very well…”

“That’s quite alright. I knew a mare, a long time ago. She preferred to keep to herself for the most part as well... she told me once that I was the only pony she considered her friend.” Luna looked away, her smile bearing a trace of sadness.

The echo of their hooves faded as they slowed to a stop. She followed Luna’s gaze, inspecting the recently added carving set into the door to the garden. Immediately, Fluttershy recognized the likeness of the mare tending to the roses.

Above the carving, she noticed an inscription. There are no words for what I’ve done to you, or for how sorry I am. Another inscription rested directly under the carving. Fluttershy read along silently: Wherever you are, I hope you find the peace that I denied you.

“Forgive me, I…” Luna closed her eyes, briefly shaking her head. “I shouldn’t talk about her.”

“No, it’s alright. I um… I’d like to hear more about her sometime. If you’d like that, I mean.”

Luna seemed to brighten up at the suggestion. “I would like that very much. Perhaps we can exchange stories?”

Fluttershy nodded deeply. “Of course.” She took a step closer to the door, hesitating. “But, um… Not to be rude, but I have a lot on my mind right now. I just want to be by myself to clear my thoughts.”

“It’s quite alright. I understand.” Luna turned, glancing back with one last smile. “Until we meet again.”

With a creak of hinges and oak, punctuated by a dry click, Fluttershy was alone once again. Outside, the world had come alive with sound. Birds of all sorts had taken to the air, filling the sky with music. Out of the corner of her eye, she sensed a light so intense that it began to blind her. She slowly moved to the center of the garden, facing in the direction of the rising sun, and sat amongst the untamed roses. Dozens of birds began to flock to her, chirping out their cheerful greetings. She spread her wings, giving them more space to perch. Some of them began to preen her feathers and mane. The feel of their tiny feet and their delicate beaks tickled just enough to make her giggle.

As the sun lifted higher, she could see less and less of her surroundings, her vision fading to little more than a white haze. Her strength followed, draining out of her as though someone had pulled a cork. Several of the birds gave chirps of concern, but she just smiled.

“I’m okay,” she told them, swaying in the rays of dawn.

In her mind’s eye, she painted a living picture. The sun was a glowing ember on the horizon, casting shadows that danced and stretched. She imagined all the birds around her as a fluttering pool of color, the roses as a soft, delicate shore. Suddenly, the birds dispersed, dispelling her portrait. Fluttershy kept her eyes closed, rebuilding her surroundings with her imagination. In the place of the birds, she felt a presence. Her ears uncovered no sound and no heartbeat. She remained seated, still and silent, waiting. After several moments, she felt it beside her, as though another pony were sitting next to her.

“This garden is quite an eyesore, isn’t it?”

“Oh, not at all,” Fluttershy answered, smiling. “I think it looks beautiful like this.”

She tilted her head to the side, imagining a mare with brilliant green eyes. Half of the mare’s face was covered by her mane. Fluttershy’s smile was not returned, and the mare glanced away, knitting her brow.

“How much longer are you going to keep doing this? You know how much Pinkie Pie worries when she finds you here.”

“She… she knows I’m okay.” The pegasus began to frown. “Right?”

“Pinkie really cares about you. It’s not fair that you do this to her.”

Fluttershy shook her head. “I’m not doing anything wrong.”

“But you are coming here for the wrong reasons.”

“I don’t want to forget about you.”

“You don’t have to forget, but you also can’t live in the past.” The mare turned back toward her, brow heavy with worry. “Please, don’t make the same mistakes. You need to let it go.”

“I can’t… I mean… I don’t think I’m ready. Every time I think about you, I…”

“It’s alright. These things take time… Tell you what; why don’t you try talking to Pinkie? She wants to help you, and talking about it might make it easier to sort out your feelings. Really, anything is better than sitting alone in a garden, talking to yourself.” The red mare smiled, and then she was gone.

Seconds later, she heard the sound of hooves on grass, accompanied by a steady heartbeat.

“Fluttershy?” Pinkie cautiously whispered.

“I was just thinking about you,” the pegasus murmured, still sitting with her eyes closed and her head raised toward the sky. “I’m sorry for leaving without letting you know where I was going... You just looked so peaceful, and I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“It’s alright,” Pinkie cooed, settling in beside her. “As long as you’re safe and happy, I’m a-okay with whatever shenanigans you want to get up to.”

Fluttershy tilted her head toward Pinkie, revealing her smile. “If you weren’t here for me, I’m not sure that I…” The pegasus leaned closer, resting her head against the side of Pinkie’s neck. “I don’t think I’ve ever said thank you.”

The pegasus felt Pinkie’s head resting against her own. “For what?” the earth pony asked.

“For being such a good friend, and looking out for me, and…” Fluttershy heaved a happy sigh. “Well, for just about everything, really. Thank you.”

A pair of forelegs wrapped around Fluttershy, squeezing her tightly. “You don’t have to thank me for that, silly…”

\/ /\ /\ \/

It had been a chilly morning, and even with the sun at not-quite-noon height, the air had a lingering bite of frost to it. For that reason, the crowd had dressed warmly for the most part. A dry rustle of dead leaves crackled softly on the wind; an ocean of red, orange, gold, and brown as far as Rainbow Dash could see. Much closer, lengths of white tape fluttered in the breeze, marking the near and far sides of a path that weaved through the trees. The pegasus knew that by sundown, the branches of every tree around Ponyville would be barren, and the following days would be full of raking. Between Dash’s forelegs, the warmth and toned softness of Applejack shifted slightly as she attempted get comfortable under their shared blanket.

“Yer not torn up on account a sitting outta yer Leaf Run?”

Applejack’s sharp inhale made Rainbow Dash wince. The pegasus glanced away from her, cocking a brow and smiling at Braeburn’s question.

“’s called The Runnin’ of the Leaves, tumbleweed,” Applejack quipped.

“Uh… AJ and I are taking it easy this time around. I mean, it’s only fair that we let some other ponies win after we’ve beat the horseshoes off the competition the last two years.” She gave Applejack a squeeze, meeting her gaze again. “Next year, though, she and I are going to show all these slowpokes a real race! Right, AJ?”

Dash watched as a smile tugged at the corners of Applejack’s lips. The earth pony nodded, but remained silent. All the while, Rainbow could feel Applejack shifting in her grasp again. She frowned as she caught a glimpse Applejack’s forehoof sliding over the mostly concealed stump of her left hind leg, where her flesh met wood. Realizing the motion had been noticed, Applejack quickly looked away.

Oblivious, Braeburn snickered, adjusting the brim of his hat. “Dunno if we’ll be in town fer that, but Ah’m sure you’ll give em’ hell.”

Dash turned back to him, trying to force a smile. “Yeah, it’s fine. You two are a long way from home. Couldn’t expect you to come here just to watch a race.”

“And no disrespect to yer friend Twilight, but Strongheart and Ah ‘re gonna step out a mite early.” Braeburn rolled off his haunches, stretching his fore and hind legs. He briefly glanced to his companion. “Got business ta ‘tend to in Canterlot ‘fore headin’ home.”

Though as far as Dash knew, the buffalo’s full name was still Little Strongheart, little was no longer an appropriate descriptor. In the years since their first meeting, Strongheart had grown considerably larger, now bearing a much stronger resemblance to her kin. The difference in size between Braeburn and Strongheart, as the buffalo sat beside him, struck Dash as near comical. Thankfully, the fits of laughter she experienced over their mismatch had mostly passed.

Little Strongheart smiled as she met Dash’s gaze, offering a deep nod. “We are extremely grateful for your hospitality, however.” She rose slowly, displaying practiced grace despite her larger stature. “And, as always, you are more than welcome to stay with us should you ever find yourselves out on the plains.”

“Same goes fer you an' yours, whenever yer in the area. Plenty o’ room on tha farm.” Applejack began to smile again as she looked between Braeburn and Strongheart. “Ya’ll take care now, an’ good luck.”

A breeze rolled through the trees as they nodded goodbye, the feathers jutting from the band of Braeburn’s stetson fluttering gently. The constant chatter from other spectators prevented a total silence from falling over Rainbow Dash and Applejack as they watched Braeburn and Strongheart depart, but for an uncomfortable stretch of time, they said nothing to one another. After what Dash assumed to have been several minutes, she quietly cleared her throat.

“So…” she began, causing Applejack to turn her way. “What do you make of that?”

“Well, Braeburn sent me a letter about it maybe a year ago, but that’s the first time Ah’ve seen ‘em together.” The earth pony glanced skyward, smiling fondly. “Ah think they’re a pretty cute couple, an Ah’m happy fer ‘em.”

“No, I mean about…” Dash leaned a bit closer, lowering her voice. “You know, what they said is going on in Appleoosa. I thought they settled their land dispute.”

Applejack sighed and leveled her brow. “Things change, Dash. Ah ain’t seen it fer myself, but Ah do know that Braeburn ain’t a liar… An Ah know that the rest o’ mah kin out that way ain’t none too pleased that he’s sidin’ with the buffalo.” She held up a forehoof, rolling it slowly as she spoke. “Ah’m sure the way they see it, they’re just usin’ advances in irrigation and land preparation, takin’ land that ain’t bein’ used by nopony... but they’re just playin’ stupid if they claim they don’t know they’re makin’ life harder fer the buffalo.”

She paused, snorting softly. “It’d be real easy ta just say it ain’t mah fight, since they’re all so far away, an’… Well, Ah ain’t in no shape ta go off playin’ diplomat. But mah family is right in the center of it. Makes me feel guilty even though Ah ain’t done no wrong. Apples are s’posed ta be honest… fair...”

“It’s not your fault, AJ. You couldn’t have known they would do this. Besides, from where I’m sitting, you’re the best damn Apple on your family tree.” The pegasus gave another squeeze. “Not everyone can be as amazing as you.” Applejack’s expression softened, cocking her brow at Dash as she cracked a smile.

“You think Celestia will tell ‘em to stop expandin’ their orchards into buffalo territory?” the earth pony asked when the moment had passed.

“Isn’t that more of a question for Twilight?”

Applejack flashed a sarcastic grin. “Twilight’s runnin’ a race, feather brain. Ah’m askin’ you.”

Dash snickered and nipped the earth pony’s ear. “Uh… I can’t see why she wouldn’t. She wants what’s best for everypony, right? If the Apples out in Appleoosa are taking land away from the buffalo, that’s bad for the buffalo, so she wouldn’t approve.”

“Alright, good. Ah jus…” Applejack sighed quietly. “Ah feel guilty ‘bout conspirin’ ‘gainst mah own family, too. Like Ah’m betrayin’ em by wantin’ Celestia ta tell ‘em to stop bein’ so selfish. Let’s… let’s talk ‘bout somethin’ else.”

The pegasus gave a slow nod. “Like what?”

Rainbow attempted to follow Applejack’s gaze as she turned away, toward the wide path that had been cleared for the race, the ponies on the other side of that path, and the swaying trees behind them.

“Like, do you really think I’ll be ready to take part in the race next year?”

“With me as your coach?” Dash closed her eyes and held her head up high, grinning confidently. “I am one hundred percent confident that you’ll be ready to leave all the other ponies in the dust. Eeexcept for me, of course.” She opened one eye, peering back at Applejack. “I’m not gonna take it easy on you just cause you’re one leg short.”

As soon as the words had left her lips, Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth, an intense feeling of regret coming over her. What little cheer Applejack had was washed right out of her, the delicate smile she had worn vanishing under a more somber expression.

“Wait…” Dash started to plead. Applejack looked away, snorting as the pegasus tried to hold onto her. “Wait, I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry.” Dash leaned forward, nosing Applejack between the ears. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

Applejack stopped squirming, but remained tense. After what felt like an eternity, the earth pony glanced back at her.

“Am Ah still perty, Dash? An’ be honest with me. Ah’m a grown mare, Ah can take the truth.”

The pegasus parted her lips, taken completely by surprise. “What kinda question is that? Of course you’re still pretty!”

“Even though Ah’m missin’ a leg?” Applejack shifted again, moving Dash’s left forehoof to the remains of her left leg. “Even with the scars on mah flank?

“Applejack, you have always been, and still are, the absolute most beautiful, awesome, amazing mare I’ve ever known.” Rainbow Dash looked deep into her eyes and smiled. “Nothing will ever change that.”

“Good.” Applejack turned completely around, taking most of the blanket in the process. With a brow cocked, and a wide grin across her face, she added, “’Cause Ah always said Ah could beat ya with one leg tied, so yer gonna have plenty a time ta stare at mah butt from second place.”

Just like that, Dash’s concern melted away. She snorted, giggled, and mussed the earth pony’s mane with a forehoof, all while Applejack laughed with her. A much more comfortable silence fell over them after that, the likes of which Dash spent staring deep into her lover’s eyes in admiration. She began to lean in for a kiss when a steady rumbling rolled in from the distance. Immediately, the crowd was hushed. A single voice echoed out over the rising thunder. Even from so far away, it was unmistakably Pinkie Pie.

Applejack tapped her on the shoulder and began to point, eyes lit up with excitement. “Here they come,” she whispered at a near squeal. “How do ya think Twilight’s doin’?”

“That egghead is probably doing great, like always.” The pegasus turned toward the sound, one foreleg around Applejack’s back. “I’ll be surprised if she’s doing worse than fourth. You uh…” She nodded skyward. “Wanna go up for a better look?”

With an eager nod, Applejack shed her side of the blanket. She leaned into Dash, and the pegasus cradled her in her forelegs, holding her tight. The rest of the blanket slid off as Rainbow spread her wings, letting the breeze ruffle her feathers before she beat them against the air. They were high above the crowd in seconds.

From the air, Dash could see the dust cloud kicked up by dozens of ponies galloping together, some of them at full tilt, others quickly dropping back as they tired out. As expected, Twilight Sparkle was near the head of them all. At a glance, she looked to be doing as well as third place, tied with another pony trying to nose ahead of her.

“Aaaaaaand we’re closing in on the finish line, everypony! Get your cameras ready, cause this is gonna be a close one!”

Below, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of whistling, whooping, and hollering. Dash spotted Pinkie’s balloon floating lazily above the stampede, maintaining roughly the same altitude as her. The bubbly mare babbled on excitedly as she followed the race, slipping a “Hi Rainbow Dash! Hi Applejack!” into her commentary as she drifted by. Rainbow Dash glanced back down just in time to watch Twilight outrun her competition for third place, and the pegasus screamed out a cheer in unison with Applejack. The racing ponies passed by, pounding on toward the checkered tape of the finish line. A beautiful, seemingly endless cloud of leaves swirled in their combined back-draft, filling the air with fluttering color.

“Ladies and gentleponies,” Pinkie cried, “the winner of this year’s Running of the Leaves is—” To Dash’s mild disappointment, the combined roar of the spectators was enough to completely drown out the announcer. Of course, seeing that she and Applejack weren’t among the competitors, the winner didn’t really matter to her.

“Hang on, AJ!”

Rainbow Dash gave Applejack a little squeeze, grinning as the farmer met her gaze. She tilted toward the winner’s circle and stopped flapping, the wind tossing her mane and howling in her ears as she streaked through the air. All the while, the earth pony squealed with glee like a foal on a carnival ride, clinging to Dash for dear life.

The pegasus pulled out of her dive, gliding into a hover several noses above the ground. Carefully, she let Applejack down, making sure she had her balance before landing herself. The fresh coating of leaves gave a satisfying crunch under her hooves. Pinkie Pie’s balloon touched down a few dozen paces from them. Pinkie bounded out moments later, dressed in some kind of baggy sweater and waving excitedly. She stayed put, however, turning and peering back into the balloon’s basket.

“Come on now, silly,” she heard Pinkie say. “These are your friends!”

A pair of yellow ears and a flowing pink mane slowly peeked over the rim. Dash could see that Fluttershy had her eyes closed, but every so often, she would attempt to squint, her brow scrunching up in the process. As Dash continued to watch, Pinkie reached into the basket, taking Fluttershy by the forehooves and helping her climb out. With the timid pegasus safely on the ground, Pinkie slowly led her toward them, smiling brightly all the while.

“Why is she bringin’ her over here?” Applejack muttered.

“AJ, please… It’s Fluttershy.”

“Ah know damn well who it is, an’ she makes me uncomfertable.”

Dash snorted. “You’re being ridiculous. It’s the middle of the day. She’s powerless right now.”

“Zecora sure weren’t powerless when she tore through them guards…” Applejack quickly glanced between the approaching mares and Dash. She whispered, “Ah don’t feel safe around her, alright? Nothin’ against Fluttershy, she’s sweet as can be, but if she loses control—”

Fluttershy abruptly stopped several steps away, her ears splaying. “It’s okay, Applejack… I can go somewhere else. I’m sorry for upsetting you.”

“No, it’s fine.” Dash shot a disapproving glare to the farmer pony. “AJ just thinks you haven’t had any blood to drink recently. You’ve had your fill, right? That means it’s safe to be around you.”

Her head hanging low, Fluttershy seemed to shrink back.

“Hey!” Pinkie stepped in front of the retreating pegasus, giving them both the stink eye. “You can’t just ask her that kinda thing! That’s totally personal! I don’t ask if you’ve eaten anything because I’m afraid you’ll eat me, do I?!”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack shared a quick, startled glance at one another. While Dash began to snicker, the blond mare donned a scowl as her cheeks burned. Pinkie held her position, with her brow weighing heavily as she glanced between them.

“I um…” Fluttershy’s gentle voice broke the tension. She stepped out from behind Pinkie. “I fed recently, before going up in the balloon. I’m not thirsty at all right now, but if you still want me to leave…”

Applejack sighed. “Naw… Ya don’t gotta go nowhere. That weren’t… civil of me. Ah’m sorry.”

“Didn’t mean anything by it,” Dash added. “The drinking comment, I mean.”

Fluttershy smiled and shook her head. Apparently satisfied, Pinkie relaxed and stepped out of her defensive stance, the cheer quickly returning to her expression as she approached. Fluttershy followed close behind. The moment Pinkie came within a few noses of them, she struck the ground with a forehoof and bounded back to the balloon, leaving a very surprised pegasus in her wake. Murmuring something too quiet for Dash to understand, Fluttershy took a cautious step forward, slowly swiveling her ears. Applejack flashed a nervous frown and took a step back.

“Sorry!” Pinkie shouted across the open as she bounced back toward the group.

Dash cocked her head. Pinkie appeared to have the pole of an umbrella between her teeth. Without warning, the bubbly mare stabbed the umbrella into the ground on the exact spot she had made an imprint with her hoof less than a minute ago. The umbrella opened with a whoosh, and Fluttershy was completely blanketed in shadow. She squinted out of one eye first, and then, with a relieved smile, she slowly opened the other. Their soft glow was just barely visible from the shade of the umbrella.

“Thank you,” she softly said as she set herself down in the grass.

Without hesitation, Pinkie settled in beside her, giving an enthusiastic nod. “Don’t mention it!”

“Oh!” All four ponies turned toward the sound of Rarity’s voice, spotting her as she edged out of the crowd. The fashionista reared up, looking back into the mass of ponies. “Twilight, I’ve found them!”

A cheerful round of not quite simultaneous greetings poured out of them, nodding and waving in the pale unicorn’s direction. Never one to miss out on the chance to dress for an occasion, Rarity wore a fluffy looking parka with the hood folded back, the curls of her mane gathering in it and spilling over the sides. She smiled as she dropped back to all fours, giggling to herself as she joined the group.

“And you’re all looking simply lovely today! Applejack, Fluttershy, glad to see the two of you out and about.” Rarity paused as her gaze passed over Pinkie. “Good heavens, what is that?”

Failing to recognize the loathing in Rarity’s voice, Pinkie Pie grinned proudly. “Fluttershy taught me how to knit!”

Dash snickered as she watched Rarity and Fluttershy exchange glances. Fluttershy arched her brows and shrugged. Rarity sighed and approached the edge of the umbrella’s shadow. Before she could comment further, Pinkie changed the subject.

“Hi, Twilight! Hi, Spike!” The pink mare got back to her hooves and waved, grinning from ear to ear. Rainbow Dash glanced in the direction Pinkie was speaking, smiling as she caught sight of the unicorn and her draconic assistant. “Jeeze, wow! You’re taller than I remember, little guy!”

Spike looked the same as he always did to the pegasus, but then, Pinkie hadn’t seen him as often as she used to. Thinking back, Spike did seem a bit bigger than Rainbow remembered.

The little dragon grinned bashfully. “Aw, you’re just saying that, Pinkie!”

“And Twilight!” Pinkie threw her forelegs around the beaming unicorn. “You did super great today! We’re all so proud of you!”

Everypony gave nods and exclaimations of agreement. As it turned out, Dash had guessed correctly from the air. A medal bearing the number three hung from Twilight’s neck, and the scholarly unicorn seemed quite pleased with herself.

“Thanks girls! I actually trained for a few weeks before the marathon this time.” Twilight smiled, glancing around. “Could you tell?”

“Oh yeah!” Dash grinned, nodding, but not as enthusiastically as Pinkie. “Course, when AJ and I are in there next year—” Rarity cocked a brow, Spike rolled his eyes, and Applejack nudged the pegasus in the side, snickering. Dash cleared her throat. “Seriously, you did a totally awesome job, Twilight. I can’t wait to race with you next year.”

Twilight took a deep breath and grinned, looking almost bashful. “Thanks, Rainbow Dash. So what are you girls up to today?”

“Pinkie and I… ” Fluttershy hesitated as attention shifted to her, but as she looked to Pinkie, she smiled and continued. “We’re going to go visit the Cakes. You’re all more than welcome to join us, if you want to.”

“Ah’m down fer that. They got hot cocoa, right?” Applejack asked. Pinkie grinned and nodded in response. Applejack followed her example.

Rarity looked away from Pinkie’s sweater, ears perked. “Cocoa sounds just divine! Count me in.”

“Twilight, please tell me there’s time in your schedule for hanging out.” Spike peered up at her with big, puppy dog eyes. “Pleeeeease.”

“Pleaaaaase,” Pinkie mimicked, sliding in next to him.

“Well…” Twilight glanced away, then turned back toward them with a big smile. “I made sure this entire day was free, just in case eyerypony wanted to get together.” She giggled as Pinkie and Spike hugged her. “Now, how about we head over there? I seriously need to get off my hooves for a while.”

\/ /\ /\ \/

Ooooh, I should have sent out the invitations earlier! I should have sent them out at least a week in advance! Of course everypony else is busy; they didn’t know I was throwing a party this year! Pinkie Pie growled under her breath between outbursts, pressing her face against the window and scanning the darkened street for would be party goers. Not a single one! Ugh, this is a disaster! I’ve got all these balloons and streamers and cake and there’s nobody to enjoy it but Gummy! Well, Gummy and… She flopped down onto her haunches, and looked across the room.

Fluttershy gazed back at her, frowning, brow knitted with concern. Pinkie realized that it might have been difficult for any other pony to take her seriously, considering that she was dressed in a suit and matching bowler hat, with a pair of glasses that had a fake nose and mustache attached. For the timid pegasus, however, it was clear that Pinkie’s colorful display of frustration was anything but amusing. With this in mind, Pinkie sighed softly, leaning back against the wall.

She doesn’t even like Nightmare Night. She’s not even dressed up. She’s just been standing over there and drinking the punch and watching me have a super crazy meltdown. Why is she letting me use her house to throw this bomb of a party? Maybe she was hoping some of her friends would show up? Sorry, kiddo… I dropped the ball on that one. It’s just… The pegasus cocked her head as a tiny smile started to spread over Pinkie’s lips. Looks like it’s just you and me, Fluttershy.

“Pinkie… It’s okay, really.” Fluttershy bit her lower lip for a moment, glancing around the room. She motioned to the front door, adding, “I’m sure they’re on their way. You’ll hear a knock any minute now, and then you’ll get to throw your party.”

Flashing a half hearted smile, Pinkie shook her head. “It’s getting waaaay too late. If anyone was going to come, they would have been here by now.”

“Oh…” Fluttershy chewed her lower lip again, slowly trotting toward Pinkie. “Well, um, would you like to go see what Zecora is up to?”

“Mmmmnope. The Ponyville Nightmare Night committee hired her to do her usual storytelling bit. She told me Celestia gave her special permission to be out after dark just for tonight.”

The pegasus sat down beside her. “Trixie?”

Pinkie shook her head. “Doing magic for the Ponyville party.”

“Um… Princess Luna?”

“Making appearances.” Pinkie grinned, her joke glasses shifting with her cheeks. “It’s Nightmare Night, silly.”

Seemingly out of suggestions, the corners of Fluttershy’s mouth dipped into a frown, ears splaying. After a few moments of silence, her ears perked. The word “cute” did not even begin to describe Pinkie’s opinion of the display.

“You can still go out trick-or-treating,” Fluttershy offered. “Isn’t that what Scootaloo is doing?”

“Probably!” For several seconds, the bubbly earth pony brightened up. Her energy faded when those seconds passed, but her smile did not. “Hey, you can’t come with me if I do that, silly. I’d rather stay here.”

Fluttershy tilted her head to one side, a delicate smile on her lips. “I don’t mind. I don’t really like Nightmare Night anyway. Go on, have fun.”

Still smiling, Pinkie shook her head again. “It’s not really worth it if you can’t tag along.”

“Oh, Pinkie… I… You don’t…” Fluttershy looked away, but Pinkie glimpsed the start of a blush on her cheeks. “You’re always so nice to me, and…” The pegasus gasped quietly, a tiny shiver running through her. Pinkie feared for a moment that Fluttershy might begin to cry. “And I…”

Okay, she’s not crying. That’s good. But she’s so quiet all the sudden… Oh, no, she’s making noise again! Wait, still not crying. That was a deep breath. Is… Did she shudder again? Maybe she’s crying all quiet like. Should… should I say something? I should at least ask her if she’s okay.

Before Pinkie could get a word in, the pegasus turned just slightly, glancing back out of the corner of her eye.

“Well,” Fluttershy finally mumbled, “thank you.”

“Oh, come on, silly. How many times do I have to tell you that you don’t need to thank me? You’re my friend.”

Still looking to the far side of the room, the pegasus nearly whispered, “There’s… there’s something I want to ask you. I don’t know if I should, though. I mean… You’re my friend, and no matter what, I wouldn’t ever want to change that.”

When Fluttershy turned back toward Pinkie, she paused, her lips moving without making any sound. The pegasus looked down afterwards, her cheeks now a bright shade of red.

Pinkie reached out, putting her forehooves on Fluttershy’s. “I didn’t really hear what you just said! But, whatever it is that you want to tell me, I Pinkie-Promise that I won’t get upset.”

“I um… I… I said that I… That… Pinkie…” Fluttershy slowly lifted her head, briefly meeting Pinkie’s gaze. “I’m worried because... I think that what I’m about to tell you will change things… you know… between us.”

“Oh… you’re not gonna tell me you want me to move out, are you?” Pinkie withdrew her hooves, tucking them under her chin. “I’m sorry I make so much noise sometimes, I just get so energetic and I wanna jump and dance and sing!”

The pegasus giggled, shaking her head, but she continue to avoid eye contact. “No, Pinkie, I like that about you. If it were just up to me, we would sit around doing nothing all the time, but you… you want me to go places with you, and have fun. I wouldn’t ever want you to change that.”

“Iiiis this about how I leave the front door open sometimes?”

Fluttershy outright laughed at that, leaning forward and smiling up at the earth pony. “Okay… while I do want you to work on that, I don’t think that would…” Her confidence evaporated, and she glanced away again. “That wouldn’t change things…”

“Okay, well…” Pinkie put her hooves back on Fluttershy’s. “What do you wanna tell me?”

Several seconds of silence followed. Fluttershy punctuated them by taking a deep breath, finally locking eyes with Pinkie. “I’ve been… thinking a lot lately… I don’t know if this happened because you’ve been living here with me, or if I’ve always felt like this and just never realized it, but I… Pinkie, I…”

The winged mare exhaled. “I like you… no, that’s not… I... I think I’ve fallen in love with you.” Pinkie felt her jaw drop, but she couldn’t close her mouth, and she couldn’t look away. “No... Oh no... This was a mistake… I’m sorry that I told you. I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable… but I felt like I wasn’t being honest by keeping it to myself. If you want, you can just pretend I never said anything, okay?”

“Oh…” Pinkie mumbled. “Hey, Fluttershy....” The earth pony began to smile. “You just took the words right outta my mouth.”

Fluttershy’s eyes opened wide. “R-really?”

“See… I thought, she just got out of a relationship, and she’s probably still really upset, and she won’t want to date a silly-nilly pony like me! And… well, I was just gonna keep it to myself until who-knows-when. But I guess I was wrong, huh?”

All Fluttershy seemed capable of at that moment was a nod, blushing intensely; her gentle smile could melt glaciers. She parted her lips, starting and stopping several times before she finally whispered, “What happens now?”

Pinkie leaned a little closer, sliding a forehoof to Fluttershy’s breast. “What do you want to happen now?”

“C-can we maybe…” Fluttershy drifted a few noses closer. The heat of her breath rolled over Pinkie’s coat. She looked up, timid, but eager. “You know… kiss a little?”

Somewhere in the back of Pinkie’s mind was the fear that she was dreaming the whole thing up, but she pushed the thought from her mind, lifting her forelegs higher, cradling the pegasus against her. The gentle glow of Fluttershy’s gaze was intoxicating. She took a deep, slow breath through her nose as she closed her eyes.

“Mmhmm… I was hoping you would ask...”

\/ /\ /\ \/