The Cakezilla - It's Not That Simple

>”Thanks for bringing me to the A.K. Yearling signing, Anon!” Twilight says, looking down at her three Daring Do books excitedly.
“Yeah of course, Twi! It’s no problem.” You reply while getting on your toes trying to see the front of the line.
>The two of you have been in line for almost half an hour before almost reaching the front.
> Her voice softens,”I feel kind of bad making you drive all the way here. It was crazy getting here.”
>San Franciscolt is known for being a tourist city, and being in a mall during the weekend with a famous author in town makes the trip even more hectic.
“Well, what can you do? It’s San Franciscolt, no surprise it’s gonna be packed. And besides, I wanted to go too!”
>”Are you sure Anon? You only brought one book.”
“You can only bring three books, and the books I read were yours. So I just brought the limited edition one you got for me when we were kids.” You bring up the paperback book.
>Twilight gasps and looks at you with a huge smile on her face.
>”Really?! You still have that?” She giggles, “And what do you mean ‘limited edition’?”
“Don’t you remember?” You clear your throat, “‘Anon, this is a limited edition book from A.K. Yearling herself! You better treasure it!’ Of course the price tag was still on the back of the book when you gave it to me. But it was a birthday gift, so I’ll consider it ‘limited edition’.”

>She pouts, “That never happened! And then was back from when we were seven, so I thought you might’ve lost it after ten years!”
You laugh, “Come on Twilight, you had some tears in your eyes when you gave it to me because you wanted to use that money to get another book.”
>”I did not! Hmph!” She swiftly turns her head and walks forward in line.
>It’s apparent she’s not looking where she’s walking as she bumps into the person in front, causing her to drop their books as well as Twilight’s.
>”Oh I’m sorry I didn’t mean to.” She says while crouching down to pick up her books.
>The person in front turns around and helps Twilight, and as the person goes to get back up, the hood covering her head falls down.
>Rainbow streaked hair comes from beneath the hood and Twilight immediately recognizes her.
>”Rainbow Dash? I didn’t know you–“
>Rainbow Dash suddenly starts to shush her.
>”Shh! Shh! Keep it down will ya?!”
“Are you two okay?” You ask helping Twilight up while Rainbow Dash picks herself up.
>”I’m fine but you two… Both of you better not breathe so much as a word that I was here.” She glares at both of you immensely.
>”What, why?” Twilight tilts her head.
>”Because reading is for eggheads like you guys. And I’m not gonna be called an egghead by the team.”
“Wow, nice to meet you too.” You roll your eyes.
>Before she could reply, a man called her up to get her books signed.
>As she left, you ask Twilight who is that girl.

>”Rainbow Dash, varsity captain of the school’s soccer team. I met her back in middle school in English class. She wouldn’t stop pestering me unless I ‘helped’ her with most of her homework.”
“Oh? How come you never talk to me about her?”
>”It’s because just thinking about her sometimes annoys me. Although, she has some good aspects about her.”
“Like?”
>She stares at the ceiling trying to think of something good to say about Rainbow Dash.
>By the time she’s able to come up with something, the man told her to go up to get her book signed.
>”She has something, but nothing too commendable that you can say off the top of your head.” She says before walking away.
>As soon as she walks away, Rainbow Dash comes up to you.
>”Meet me in the food court after both of you are done.”
“Huh? Why?”
>”Just do it!” She says as she storms off.
>The man calls you up as you watch her walk away.
>When you walk up to A.K. Yearling, you see Twilight to the side eagerly waiting for you to get your book signed.
>”And whom should I make this book out to?” She takes your book and flips to the front page.
“Anon, please.”
>”Alright, and there.” She says after autographing, but before she returns the book, she examines it. “How come it’s a little beat up around the edges?”
“Oh haha, sorry. The book’s ten years old.”
>”Is it?”
You point with your thumb at Twilight, “Yeah, she gave it to me when we were kids. She told me it was ‘limited edition’.”

>She looks at Twilight, then back at you, and gave you a long, hard look before chuckling.
>”Kid, let me tell you something. Sometimes you don’t need to go an adventure just to find the treasure you WANT. Because more than likely, the treasure you NEED, could be right in front of you.”
“Uh, I’m sorry, I don’t follow..?” You look at her quizzically.
>She laughs and waves you off, and you walk over to Twilight.
>”Well, how was it?” She asks energetically.
“Pretty cool. She did ask about the ‘limited edition’ part.”
>”Can we please stop talking about that?” Twilight groans as she walks away.
>As she walks away, what Yearling told you plays back in your head.
>Could she be talking about Twilight when she says treasure?
>Sure, she’s been your childhood friend ever since, but you’ve never looked at her in that light.
>Maybe the reason Yearling said what she said is because Twilight likes you?
>”Jeez Anon, are you listening?” Twilight asks a little irritated.
“Y-Yeah of course!” You rub the back of your neck.
>”Anyways, as I was saying, Yearling said you’re my precious treasure.” Twilight blushes around the last part of her sentence.
“Oh? What’d you tell her about me?”
>”That how we’ve done everything together since we were kids. All the laughs we shared, the fun times we had…” She begins to trail off as her eyes begin to become teary.
“Twilight, are you okay? You’re crying.”
>She quickly rubs her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt.

>”It’s just tears of joy. I’m just really happy when I’m with you, Anon.” She grins up at you while brushing up against you.
“Yeah, me too!” You smile back.
>”So where are we headed now?” She asks.
“Well, Rainbow Dash told us to meet her at the food court, so let’s head over there?”
>”Really, what for?”
“Beats me. Maybe to keep us quiet about us seeing her here?”
>The two of you walk to the food court where you see Rainbow Dash impatiently waiting for you at a table.
>”Took you two long enough to get here.”
>You and Twilight take a seat next to each other, and you notice Rainbow Dash arch an eyebrow as Twilight scoots closer next to you.
>”Are you two going out or something?”
>Twilight becomes flustered from the question as her face turns a bright red.
>However you maintain your composure and answer calmly.
“People ask us about that a lot, but no, we’re just close.”
>Although Rainbow Dash doesn’t seem convinced, she starts talking about what she called you two over here for.


>”Anyways, I want you two to keep me being here a secret. Like, absolutely no one can know that I was here.”
“We weren’t planning on telling anyone, but why?”
>”It’s kind of…” She grumbles something incoherent.
“It’s what..?”
>”It’s embarrassing okay?! If the team were to find out someone like me is reading for fun, I’d get called a nerd to no ends! And let me tell you, I’m not a nerd.”
>”You’d better hide yourself then. I think I see people from the soccer team over there.” Twilight says as she points to a group of people by a food stand.
>You can see that one of them is wearing a Canterlot High soccer team hoodie.
“I also think they’re also headed this way.” You say.
>”WHAT?! No way!” Rainbow Dash panics.
“Here, put your hood on and put your head down. Also give me your books.” You instruct as you put your own book in Twilight’s bag.
>”Okay so if they come here, I’ll try to lead them away.” Twilight says.
“And if they try to talk to Rainbow Dash?”
>Twilight tries to come up with a plan, but she can’t think of one and just shrugs.
“I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
>”What does that mean?!” Rainbow Dash asks popping her head up from her arms.
“You don’t get to complain since we’re helping you out, now work with us here.” You say as you push her head back down.
>”Anon they’re coming!” Twilight warns.

>”Twilight? Twilight Sparkle?” A girl asks with white fluffy hair that kind of spiked up at the top.
>”Yeah that’s me. How’s it going, Cloudchaser?” Twilight replies, nervously smiling.
>”Awesome! I was wondering if that was you or not, I’m like, am I tripping? What’re you guys here for?”
>”Oh we’re here for an A.K. Yearling autograph session.” Twilight explains while showing one of her books to her.
>”A.K. Yearling, as in the author of the Daring Do books? No way, that’s awesome! She’s here today?” She exclaims as she hands the book to her friend to check it out.
>”Yeah! You wanna go? I could take you.” Twilight offers while getting up and trying to lead them away.
> She looks at you and Rainbow Dash. ”Sure! What about your friends though?”
“Oh! Uh, I’m fine. I already got my books signed. Just gonna, uh, rest here.” You quickly respond.
>She points to Rainbow Dash,”And, your other friend?”
“Yeah uh… She’s kind of going through a crisis right now.” You nudge her foot with yours, hoping she gets the hint.
>”Really? She doesn’t seem to be–“
“She just uh, finished crying. Who knows when she’ll break down again?” You put a little bit of emphasis on “crying” and “again” while nudging her foot a little harder this time.
>Sure enough, Rainbow Dash gets what you’re trying to do and starts sobbing without lifting her head.

>”Oh no she’s crying again. Probably having too many people here is troubling her. Come on let’s go.” Twilight added, trying to get them to leave.
>They reluctantly concede and you wait before they’re out of sight to tell Rainbow Dash the coast is clear.
“They’re gone, you can bring your head up.”
>”Thanks, you guys are life savers.” She says, her tone is friendlier than before.
You smile, “Nah, I didn’t do much. Twilight did all the work, she is the one who lead them away after all.”
>”Speaking of Twilight, it’s probably not my place to ask this but, are you dense?” She asked solemnly.
“Excuse me?”
>She leans over the table, “It’s obvious Twilight’s head over heels for you, dude. Don’t you get that?”
>You open your mouth to respond, but she’s right, Twilight likes you, but the feelings aren’t mutual.
“I know…” You barely get those words out.
>”She must be in a lot of pain. Who knows when she started liking you, but you just can’t keep leading her on like this.”
“But I don’t…” You’re unable to finish the sentence.
>”Want to hurt her? She’s gotta get shot down, dude. It’ll end uglier if you don’t.”
>Somehow this infuriates you.
>A random girl you’ve just met and she’s talking to you as if she knows everything about you.
“And who do you think you are? Telling me that what I’m doing isn’t the best. I don’t even know you, and yet you’re acting as if you know everything about me and Twilight!”

>A brief silence sweeps over the two of you, and you break the ice by apologizing.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to lash out. You’re right, I should–“
>Rainbow Dash stands up and interrupts you.
>”Nah, you’re right. I don’t know anything. But you know, you could always try dating her, you never know. Then again, who knows, it might crash or something. Anyways, I’ll catch you later, yeah?”
>Then she runs off before you can say anything.
>As you were about to get up to give chase, Twilight returns.
>”Anon? What happened?” She asks while trying to find where Rainbow Dash ran off to.
“We… Kinda got in a little fight.”
>The two of you sit down and you dig your face into your hands.
>”What did you two fight about? It’s not like both of you to act this way.”
>Where do you even begin?
>You can’t just tell Twilight that you fought because of her.
“Uh, tell me more about Rainbow Dash.” You say.
>Twilight clenches her fists and stares intensely down at her feet.
>Tears start to form in her eyes and she’s trying desperately to hold them back.
>She takes a deep breath, “She… She likes you.”

“What do you mean she likes me? I don’t even know her and I just met her!”
>Twilight speaks softly, “But you have met her, you just don’t remember.”
“W-When?”
>”We were all kids, around ten I think. She came to visit for a few days or so, and then left because her family was only visiting,” She explains, “You did get injured before she left, so that’s why you might not remember.”
“Well, fill me in.”

>You are now Twilight, ten years old.
>”BOOM!” Anon yells as he jumps from his seat on the couch, almost making you drop your book.
“H-Hey Anon! Be careful!” You say, finding your place on the page before Anon interrupted.
>Anon laughs, “Sorry Twilight, this boss was super tough to beat. What are you reading anyways?”
“It’s our next Halloween costume! I’m reading about how Star Swirl the Bearded and how he made the cloning spell. Maybe we can both dress up like him!”
>Anon plops back on the couch, “Is there anywhere in the book that says he has a spell that pops up more candy?”
You giggle, “No, but there is a duplication spell. Maybe we can use that?”
>”Sure, sounds good!”
>Anon’s mom walks in to the room, “Kids, look over here a minute. Anon, your father’s friend came to visit from the military and he brought his daughter.”
>She looks behind her and ushers in a kid with messy rainbow hair into the room.
>”This is Rainbow Dash, come on say hello.”
>”Hey.” She says while looking down at the ground.

>”Now I want you all to play along nicely and have a good time while she’s here okay? I’ll be in the kitchen finishing up some cookies.” Anon’s mom says as she leaves.
>You and Anon walk up to Rainbow Dash.
“Hi! I’m Twilight, nice to meet you!”
>”And I’m Anon, coolest person you’ll ever meet!” He greets while puffing out his chest with a huge grin on his face.
>”Uh… Okay? I’m Rainbow Dash.” She says as she looks over to the T.V., “No way! You have the newest Legend of Equestria game?”
>”Yeah, I just beat the part where Discord made a huge cotton candy monster! Wanna play?”
>”Yeah sure!”
>The three of you return to the couch and you go back to your book.
>”What’re you reading, Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asks.
“Oh! I’m reading about Star Swirl the Bearded. Anon and I are going to use his cloning spell for Halloween.”
>”Really? That sounds cool!”
>”Are you gonna be here for Halloween, Dashie?” Anon asks.
>Rainbow Dash looks at Anon weirdly before responding.
>”Dashie? And yeah I think so.”
“Maybe we can be Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and Anon can be Discord then! What do you think?” You suggest.
>”That sounds rad! Oh wait. Since there’s three of us, do you guys know who the Wonderbolts are?”
“Yeah, Anon talks–“
>Anon jumps from the couch, “OH NO WAY! You know them too?! They’re so cool when they’re flying upside down!”

>Rainbow Dash also jumps from the couch, meeting his excitement, “Or, or, when they fly really high up, and just fall straight down!”
“I think those are called–“You start before Anon cuts you off.
>”How about when they make a loop and then fly away really fast?”
“Anon, I don’t think they fly away faste–“
>”Yeah or when they make those super crazy zig zags in the air!” Rainbow Dash interrupts, “I wanna be a Wonderbolt when I grow up!”
>”Me too! We should both be Wonderbolts when we grow up! Then we can fly together and do awesome tricks in the air!” Anon adds.
>Anon and Rainbow Dash continue to laugh and cheer together as they talk about the Wonderbolts and how they want to become them.
>Somehow you feel happy for Anon because he always has this goofy grin on his face whenever he gets excited about something, but at the same time, there’s this indescribable feeling you have.
>It’s like your chest hurts a lot and like all there’s a hole inside of it, and there’s something forming in your throat.
>Anon looks over to you, “Oh and Twilight can be our manager or something! She’s really good at keeping things in order. Sometimes she gets madder than my mom when my room is messy.”
>Rainbow Dash throws an arm around you and another one around Anon, “Then we’ll become Wonderbolts when we’re older!”
>”YEAH! Let’s do it!” Anon says while throwing his arm around Rainbow Dash.
“Y-Yeah!” You say quietly.
>The two of them laugh and you force yourself to laugh along.

>”Kids! Cookies are done! Come here and have a snack!” Anon’s mom yells from the kitchen.
>”Dashie, let’s go get some cookies! My mom makes awesome cookies.” Anon says as he grabs her hand and starts running to the kitchen.
>”Alright!” She says running with Anon.
>When they reach the door to the kitchen, Anon looks back and calls for you.
>”Twilight come on! Me and Dashie will eat all the cookies before you can get here!”
You force the words through your teeth, just like your smile, “Yeah, I’ll be right there!”
>As you enter the kitchen, you can already see Rainbow Dash and Anon shoving cookies in their mouth and chugging milk as they explain to Anon’s mom about how they’re going to be Wonderbolts for Halloween and when they grow up.
>There are only a few cookies left by the time you sit down, but you take one anyways and reluctantly nibble on it.
>”Hey so I was thinking, how about after we eat, we show Rainbow Dash our secret base?” Anon suggests, making you gasp.
>”Something wrong, Twilight?” Anon’s mom asks as she puts a glass of milk in front of you.
“N-Nothing. I just thought it was a good idea too.” You lie.
>That “secret base” Anon’s talking about is supposed to be just for you and him only!
>He even told you that “no one besides us will know about this place”!
>And now he’s bringing someone he just met there?

>”Just make sure all of you are here before it gets dark okay? We’ll be having barbecue tonight with Rainbow Dash’s and Twilight’s parents.” Anon’s mom says as she tends to the dishes.
>”What’s this secret place you’re talking about?” Rainbow Dash asks with a mouthful of cookies.
>”Twilight and I found it when we were adventuring by the lake near our houses. There’s this one spot where you can get a really nice look at the lake.” Anon explains, stuffing his mouth with more cookies, “Maybe if we’re lucky, we can see fireflies!”
>”That sounds super cool, let’s go now!” Rainbow Dash exclaims.
>Anon and Rainbow Dash chug their milk and start to leave the table.
>”Come on Twilight, let’s go!” Anon says, putting on his shoes.
“O-Okay!” You respond taking a sip of your milk.
>Usually you would have one glass of milk and two or three cookies before Anon ate them all.
>But you’ve only finished one cookie, and drank barely any of your milk.
>Anon’s mom took notice of this and asks if anything’s wrong.
>You lie and say that everything’s fine and you were just not hungry.
>The three of you leave Anon’s house and make your way to the “secret base” by the lake.
>There, Anon climbs a tree like he always does, leaving you and Rainbow Dash on the ground.
>”Hey, you should come up here! It’s really nice up here!” He calls from above.
“Anon, you know I can’t climb!” You yell back.
>Looking over to Rainbow Dash, you see she’s already making her way up the tree.

>She reaches Anon and you yell, “Hey be careful! That tree looks really old and the branches could break!”
>”Wow, Anon, this looks… Awesome.” She says as she walks on the same branch as Anon, but she walks a bit farther on it than him.
>Anon smirks, “I know right? Hey be careful, the branch might break like Twilight said.”
>Sure enough it does, making Rainbow Dash lose her footing.
>However Anon catches her wrist and pulls her into a hug.
“Hey are you two ok–“You yell, but stop as you watch Rainbow Dash and Anon hug for a while without saying anything.
>After what seems like an eternity, Anon broke the silence by saying,“Um, maybe we should get down from here. After all, it doesn’t look–“
>Before Anon could finish the sentence, the base of the branch that connects to the tree snaps off.
>Anon and Rainbow Dash fall a few feet down, but Anon breaks her fall.
>As you run over to him, you’re in shock from what you see.
>Rainbow Dash’s lips are pressing against Anon’s lips.
>The two of them are furiously blushing, and after a few seconds, Rainbow Dash gets off of him in a scurry and helps him up.
>”Did we just uh…” Rainbow Dash starts, unable to finish the sentence or look at him.
>”K-Kiss? Y-Yeah, I think so.” Anon finishes, rubbing the back of his head.
>You don’t know why, but you really want to cry right now.
>Is this what your books talk about when they talk about jealousy or heart break?

>”Are you okay though, Dashie?” Anon asks Rainbow Dash.
>”Y-Yeah, I’m alright. You?”
> He begins to lose his balance and then falls to the ground,”I don’t know. Everything just feels a little fuzzy and I feel sleepy.”
>The tears are now falling rapidly down your cheeks as you begin to sob.
>Rainbow Dash goes down on her knees and starts shaking Anon while calling out his name, but he wouldn’t wake up.
>You’re not sure, but you think Rainbow Dash is trying to tell you something, but you just fall to your knees and cry even harder.
>Then everything from there was a blur and can’t remember anything that happens.
>The next clearest memory you have is in the hospital with Anon and Rainbow Dash.
>Anon is still unconscious, but the doctors explains that it’s a concussion, although not a fatal one, and he should be fine when he wakes up.
>At one point it’s just you and Rainbow Dash in the room.
>”Hey Twilight? I’m sorry.” She says.
“What? Sorry for what?”
>”Hurting Anon.” She whispers.
“Oh. It’s not your fault though.” You try to console her.
>”Can I tell you something?”
“Sure, what is it?”
>She rubs her eyes and chuckles, “That was my first kiss.”
A lump in your throat forms, making it hard to speak, “O-Oh.”
>A brief silence sweeps the room.
>”Can I tell you another thing?” She asks softly.
>You just want her to shut up, but instead, you just nod your head.

>”It sucks that I’m leaving. I hope Anon wakes up before I leave.” She pauses and looks down at her feet, “I think I… I ‘like, LIKE’ Anon.”
>As you open your mouth to say something, nothing comes out.
>She quickly perks up and laughs,”Oh but hey, if Anon doesn’t wake up before then, can you please not tell him I said that?”
>You nod and the two of you fall silent.
>A couple of days pass.
>Anon didn’t wake up until after Rainbow Dash left and he seems that he can’t remember her.
>”What happened?” He asks, massaging the back of his head.
>Before you tell him what happened, you remember Rainbow Dash’s favor.
“You fell from a tree at our secret base.”
>”Why were we there?”
“You just wanted to go there for some reason.” You say, thinking this is the best course of action.
>Anon looks down at his chest,”Huh. What’s this?”
>He holds up a necklace of a cloud with a blue, yellow, and red thunderbolt.
>Even you are confused; when did she put that on him?
>It’s probably before she left that she put it on him.
You clench your fists and say, “I don’t know.”

>Three years later, you are in middle school.
> It’s the first day of school and you and Anon walk through the school doors.
>”Man, we’re almost high schoolers, can you believe that?” Anon says while yawning.
You look up from your book and look at him skeptically, “Anon, were you up playing video games last night?”
>”W-What?! Pfftt… No.”
>However you don’t believe him and stare at him angrily.
>”Okay, fine yes. But it was because Norman found this sweet dungeon, and we just had to explore it.”
“What am I going to do with you?” You sigh.
>Anon and you part ways, both going to your first period classes.
>As you take your seat, a familiar voice speaks to you from behind.
>”Hey egghead, long time no see!”
>Turning around, you see a girl with rainbow hair waving at you.
“R-Rainbow Dash?!”
> She puffs out her chest. ”The one and only!”
“What are – When did –“You’re at a loss for words.
>”I moved here a week before school started. Thought I would go ahead and surprise you and Anon.”
>”That… That’s great!” You smile nervously.
>The bell rings and the teacher starts quieting the class.
>”Let’s talk later at lunch!” She whispers.
>Lunch rolls around and you and Rainbow Dash sit on the bleachers eating lunch.
>”So how’s it going?” She asks as she takes a bite out of her sandwich.
“Swell! How about you?”
>”Not so awesome, that’s why I’m here.”
“What happened?”

>She leans back on to the row behind her, “Mom and Dad got into a wicked nasty fight. So mom got me and we moved away from Manehattan.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Do you know what the fight was about?”
>”Something about Dad moving overseas, but she didn’t want that, so she had us move over here. Dad wasn’t too happy about it, but they thought it’d be the best for me to stay. So even though he didn’t like it, Mom forced him to get us some place to stay here.”
“So it wasn’t really a fight..?”
>”Oh no it was, both my parents are stubborn people, I think that’s where I get it from. But in the end, my mom had the better argument and Dad had no choice but to concede. So, here I am.”
“How’s your dad?”
>She burps,”He’s off in some country fighting a war or something.”
“Oh my gosh, is he going to be okay?”
>”Probably, he’s like a general or something. He’s not gonna be fighting, but probably some peace ambassador or whatever.”
“Oh, that’s good. How long is he going to be there?”
>”Dunno, few years? He said he’ll visit every now and then.”
You take a sip from your water bottle, “I see.”
>She hooks her arm around your shoulders as she throws herself forward, almost knocking the water bottle out of your hands.
>”So enough about me, how’re you and Anon?”
“We’re fine. Nothing much has changed.”
>She digs a finger into your cheek, “You didn’t tell him about me liking him right?”

“No I didn’t!” You say as you push the finger away from you.
>She releases her arm and gets up to stretch,”Good, because I still like him and I want to tell him that myself!”
“Dashie, about that…”
>”Man… Do you think he’ll be surprised to see me? Maybe we’ll start dating right away! Haha, who knows?” She says cheerfully.
>The bell rings as you are about to speak.
>She jumps down from the bleachers,”Well there’s the bell, I’ll catch you later, Twi.”
>All you could do is wave goodbye, unsure what will become of Rainbow Dash as she meets Anon.
>It’s after school and you’re at your locker, organizing your stuff.
>Rainbow Dash appears suddenly and closes your locker, then takes you by the hand and leads you inside the bathroom.
>”WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME HE DOESN’T REMEMBER ME, DAMN IT?!” She yells as she grabs the collar of your shirt.
>Tears are streaming down her cheeks and you can tell she’s fighting so hard not to break down sobbing.
“R-Rainbow…”
>She releases her grip and turns away,“Sorry, lost my cool there.”
“Rainbow I’m sorry, I meant to tell you earlier, but…” You go silent.
>After a while, Rainbow Dash speaks up, “Well, fill me in.”
>You explain to her how Anon woke up, not being able to remember anything for the past few hours from when he got his concussion.
>As you finish, Rainbow Dash says one thing you’ll never forget.

>”I still like Anon no matter what. I’ll wait for him to come around, and if I need to, I’ll go to him first.”
>And then, she runs away as fast as she can.

>Present day, you are Anon.
>The story Twilight just told you is pretty heavy as you take a long time trying to comprehend what she just told you.
“And so, how come she hasn’t talked to me until now?”
>”I bet it was too painful for her to talk to you.”
“And you’ve never talked to me about this before?”
>”I’m sorry.”
“Haha, at least you still kept being her friend, even after what happened in the bathroom.”
>Twilight keeps silent and just stares at the floor.
“For what it’s worth, Twi, I’m not mad nor do I blame you for anything.” You say as you put a hand on her shoulder.
>She looks at you and softly smiles as she quietly elicits a small “Thanks.”
>Rainbow Dash’s books are still on the table in front of you, and out of curiosity you look through them.
>There’s a piece of paper serving as a bookmark halfway through one of the books and you examine it.
>At the top of the paper it titles “Wonderbolts”.
>It’s a crude picture of two people flying in two planes with arrows pointing to the two pilots.
>One of the arrows says “me” while the other one says “Anon”.
>As you stare more and more at this picture, you’re able to remember something from when you were unconscious as a child.
>A room, the hospital room you were recuperating in.

>”It’s probably before she left that she put it on you.” Twilight’s words play back in your head.
>The necklace right? She was talking about the necklace?
>But it’s the picture you need to remember, you feel like you’ve seen it before.
>As you go deeper into thought, you start to vaguely remember a small girl calling your name.
>”Anon! Anon! You’re waking up!” She said.
>But you were still groggy and barely able to think.
>She holds up the picture you’re holding in your hands,”Look, I drew a picture of us. Oh but I really like this picture so I kinda wanna keep it.”
> A shadowy figure appears behind Rainbow Dash.
>”Rainbow Dash, we got to go now.”
>”Okay hold on,” She puts something around your neck,”Let’s meet again in the Wonderbolt Academy.”
>And that’s all you can remember.
You stand up and stretch, “Well, it’s still early in the day. How about we go do something?”
>”Like what?” Twilight asks, looking up at you.
“We could find Rainbow Dash and return these books to her.” You say while picking up the books.

>Then Twilight’s phone rings, letting her know she has a new message.
>She reads it and says, “Sorry Anon, CSF wants me at the school for an emergency meeting. Do you think you can give me a ride? I’ll give you Dashie’s info on the way.”
“Alright, sure. Say, isn’t CSF that one club at school for college or something?”
>”Yup. Canterlot Scholarship Federation. You should join, seeing as how it’s our last year here.”
“Nah, I’m not that crazy about college.”
>”Anon… What do you plan to do after high school then?”
“Dunno…” You trail off.
>The rest of the walk to the car is silent.
>As you reach your car, Twilight suddenly hugs you.
“Twilight?”
>”Don’t leave me.” She says into your chest.
“W-What?”
>She looks up at you with teary eyes, “Stay by my side, forever?”
“Yeah, sure. We’ve been together since we were kids and–“
>”I DON’T MEAN IT LIKE THAT!” Her embrace tightens.
>She gets on her toes and engages you in a kiss.

“Tw-Twilight?!” you exclaim, pulling away from her kiss.
>However you’re still entangled in her wrap, ”Do you not like me, Anon?” Twilight asks with tears streaming down her cheeks.
“No… It’s not that,” you reply softly while wiping away her tears with your thumb.
>”Then what? Why can’t you look at me?” her voice quivers.
You look around for an excuse or a way out but nothing comes up, ”I… I do… It’s just…”
>”It’s just what?” she asks as she leans in closer as she fights back the tears.
>Then her phone rings once more with another message alert.
“Haha, that’s right, we gotta get you to school. Your club must be–“
>”ANON, ANSWER ME!” she yells, drawing the attention of people around you.
“Twilight, people are staring, let’s just continue this later,” you say as you walk away.
>She tightly grips the back of your shirt,”I don’t care! I love you, Anon!”
“Twilight…” you whisper without turning around.
>”Anon, please…” She slowly buries her head into your back.
>You can feel her tears beginning to seep through your shirt and the warmth from her sobs.
>If the silence between you two right now could kill, then the world would’ve met its end by now.
>How are you supposed to respond to this sudden confession?
> “She must be in a lot of pain. Who knows when she started liking you, but you just can’t keep leading her on like this” Rainbow Dash’s words play over in your head.

“I know that…” you mutter through your teeth.
>Twilight lifts up her head, and you turn around.
>Her eyes are red from crying, but you avoid eye contact and push away from her.
>To your surprise, she didn’t resist.
“Come on, let’s go,” you say as you open the door for her.
>You enter the driver’s seat, turn on the car, and exit the parking lot.
>Halfway to the school, you try to spark a conversation.
”M-Man, that signing was awesome…” you say nervously.
>Twilight doesn’t say anything and stares at the floor.
“A.K. Yearling’s a pretty cool woman, don’t you think?”
>She looks like she nodded her head, but you’re not sure since she still didn’t say anything.
You sigh, “Small talk’s really not helping, huh?”
>”An answer… Would be nice,” She says quietly as she stares out the window.
>The rest of the trip is completed in more awkward and painful silence.
>You pull up to the school and she immediately gets out and starts walking away.
“H-Hey! Call me if you need a ride home later!” you yell out your window.
>But she just ignores you and continues walking away.
“Great,” you sigh, dropping your head on the steering wheel.
>Soon you drive home, and upon arriving, you see an unfamiliar car in the driveway.
>When you enter the house, you’re instantly greeted by your mom from the living room.
>”Anon! Welcome home. Come in here, I want you to meet someone.”

>As you walk into the living room, you see another person sitting on the couch opposite from your mother.
>”Hello Anon, I’m Mrs. Dash. Do you remember me?” she asks as you sit down.
“No, I’m afraid I don’t, sorry.”
>”Oh it’s no problem. Can’t say I blame you. I’m really thankful for what you did years ago though, so thank you.”
“Are you talking about when I broke Rainbow Dash’s fall? If so, don’t worry about it, it’s fine.”
>Both Rainbow Dash’s and your mom are shocked from what you just said.
>”You remember..? Since when, Anon..?” your mom asks.
“Just recently, Twilight told me about everything that happened.” you pause, coming to a sudden realization, “Wait, how come you never told me?”
>Your mom palms her face, “I told you that you fell from a tree. At the time Rainbow Dash or Twilight couldn’t tell me what happened since they were too busy sobbing. And I didn’t want to ask any further because it wouldn’t be right.”
“Oh yeah huh…”
>”How come Twilight told you only now?”
“It’s because I ran into Rainbow Dash for the first time again ever since that nasty spill I had,” you explain, “Rainbow Dash acted kinda cold towards me even though I was meeting her for the first – uh, in a long time. Then Twilight told me what happened after all these years.”
>”Honestly, that girl,” Rainbow Dash’s mom groans as she pinches the bridge of her nose, “I’m so sorry for her behavior, Anon. I don’t know where she gets her stubbornness from.”

>You remember how Twilight told you when Rainbow Dash moved back here in middle school because of how her parents got into a fight.
You chuckle awkwardly, “I wonder…”
>”But my have you grown into a wonderful, young man! Tell me, how are you and Twilight?”
“Ah, we’re fine,” you lie through your teeth.
>”That’s good to hear! Is there – “
Not wanting to stay on this topic longer you interrupt Rainbow Dash’s mom, “Actually we met Rainbow Dash at an A.K. Yearling signing, and she forgot her books with us. Do you think you can hand these back to Rainbow Dash please?”
>”Actually Anon,” your mom says while getting up, “Mrs. Dash and I are going out to go shopping for dinner at their place later. Why don’t you give it to her there when you come?”
“Oh, okay. Then I’ll go freshen up,” you excuse yourself and head upstairs.
>Dinner at Rainbow Dash’s place seems nice, but you can’t get rid of what happened with Twilight out of your head.
>Is she going to be okay?
>It’s not your fault since you don’t like her in that sort of way, right?
>But at the same time, maybe there was a nicer way to let her down.
>A glimmer in your closet catches your attention and stops you from your depressing thoughts.
>It’s on the floor towards the back of your closet.
>You pick up the box and when you dust it off, you see a label on the side of the box that says “TIME CAPSULE” in bold letters.
>But the glimmer came from inside the box and usually time capsules are closed.

>As you look at the top of the box, you see the flaps are rotting with holes and mold.
“Ugh, disgusting,” you groan.
>At least now you have an explanation as to why you were able to see the glimmer from the box.
>When you unpack the contents of the box, the first thing you lay your hands on is the necklace Rainbow Dash gave you ten years ago.
“Oh right, this necklace,” you whisper, “I wonder why I never wore this.”
>After studying it for a bit more, you put it on and continue looking inside the box.
>The next thing you see is the old gaming console you used to play on all the time.
“Hey, I remember this. Let’s see if it still works.”
>You plug it into the TV in your room and boot it up.
>The TV displays the console’s manufacturer and then asks you to put in a cartridge.
>Reaching back inside the box, you find a notebook instead of the game cartridge.
“Scroll of the Ancients,” you read aloud the front cover of the notebook.
>On the first page is your name signed followed by “how to get to the secret garden”.
>As you flip through the pages, you are instructed on how to get a secret level in the Legend of Equestria game.
>Although many people on the internet have found it and shared it, you have never been to it yourself.
>Before you ask yourself why, you see a note on the last page that says you’re not allowed to visit it without her.
>Her?
>Who’s her? Twilight?

>When you look back inside the box, there is the game cartridge, but before you can pick it up, your phone rings.
You pick up the phone, “Hello?”
>”Anon,” your mom says, “We’ll be at the Dashs’ in less than twenty minutes. Make sure you’re on way there by then.”
“But didn’t you just leave like five minutes ago?”
>”Try more than half an hour.”
“What?” you ask as you look at the clock.
>She’s right, it’s been more than half an hour since you went upstairs.
“Ah, sorry, I’m on my way there!”
>”Sometimes I don’t know what to do with you,” your mom says as she hangs up the phone.
>You unplug the console from the TV and put everything back inside the box.
>You’re about to leave your bedroom when you look back at the box and decide to bring it along with you.
>Maybe Rainbow Dash might know something.
>Upon arriving to Rainbow Dash’s house, you decide to take out your necklace and display it over your shirt.
>Then after ringing the doorbell, you hear someone yelling that they’re coming.
>On second thought, maybe showing your necklace isn’t a good idea, so you try to put it back inside your shirt.
>But you’re wearing a button-up shirt with the top button closed, and so you struggle putting back it in.
>The door opens and instead of putting the necklace back inside, you look like you’re strangling yourself before this beautiful girl.
>She has a nice, sky-blue blouse on with her rainbow-streaked, loose and tousled hair tied up.

>Your heart skips a beat upon looking at her and you stop in place to admire her beauty.
“Anon?” she asks as she looks at you weirdly.
”R-Rainbow Dash?” you stutter out the words, barely maintaining your composure.
>”Yeah, what are you doing?”
“Uh,” you yank the necklace down from your collar, snapping it off, “Nothing. Just uh, fixing my collar.”
>”That’s a total lie, what’s in your hand?”
”Nothing!”
>”Riiiight, then why is your fist clenched?”
“That’s just your imagination,” you say as you stuff the necklace in your back pocket.
>She grins arrogantly, “Now I’m curious.” Rainbow Dash tries to reach for your back pocket, but you step to the side, dodging her.
“Seriously, nothing major.”
>”Oh so now you’re dodging me? Did I tell you that I’m the school’s soccer team varsity captain?”
“Yeah, and?”
>”You can’t run from me forever, I’ll outrun you! HAH!”
>She lunges towards you, but you once again dance around her.
>”Not bad, now I’m serious too.”
“Rainbow Dash, wait!”
>”Not a chance!” she yells as she lunges at you once more.
>But she wasn’t aiming for your back pocket, she’s aiming for your feet!
>A cheap shot to your ankles from Rainbow Dash makes you lose your balance.
>As you fall down, you flail your arms around, and they somehow manage to wrap around Rainbow Dash’s waist, making her fall down with you.
>The impact disorients you a bit, but as you begin to come to, a familiar feeling comes as well.

>Something soft atop your lips, a subtly sweet fragrance, and a comforting and soothing warmth that surrounds your body.
>You felt this before, but where?
>When you open your eyes, your eyes meet Rainbow Dash’s.
>The two of you stay with your lips locked for a few more seconds before she slowly lifts her lips away, but ever so slightly.
>Nothing is said as the two of you continue to gaze into each other’s eyes.
>After a while, she brings her lips back down onto yours and you bring her closer to you.
>Before you can enjoy the rest of the kiss, a bizarre sensation takes you.
>A flood of memories rush through your head allowing you to figure out why this feeling is so familiar.
>It’s because it happened ten years ago.
You take your hands and gently place them on the side of Rainbow Dash’s face and slightly raise her face off yours and whisper, “I remember.”

>”What do you mean?” she asks.
“Everything. From ten years ago. I remember it all, Dashie,” you say with a sincere smile.
>”Anon,” she smiles back.
>Tears fall from her face onto yours and you gently wipe it from her face.
>Yet another familiar feeling comes to you as you do this.
>Twilight comes to mind of when she was crying as she confessed to you earlier.
“I’m sorry, Twilight,” you mutter without thinking.
>”Oh, that’s right,” Rainbow Dash says as she quickly gets up.
“Huh? What’s wrong Rainbow Dash?” you ask as you scurry to your feet.
>”You have Twilight, it’s not right for me to take you away from her,” she says as she turns around, as if she was hiding something.
>[Oh damn it!] You think to yourself as you realize what you just did.
“Dashie, wait,” you say as you reach for her hand.
>She smacks it away upon contact, “DON’T –,” she takes a deep breath, “Don’t touch me.”
>You open your mouth to try and say something, but you think whatever you say might make it worse.
>”Come on… I think I hear our parents pulling up in the driveway,” she says as she walks away briskly.
>But your parents were only at the end of the street, so Rainbow Dash just used that as an excuse to get away.
>A hole starts to form in your chest and is gradually growing larger and because of it, breathing became a tad difficult.
>Your parents pull up into the driveway and they greet you.
>Unable to say anything, you just force a smile and wave.

>”Hello Anon, did you just get here?” Rainbow Dash’s mom asks.
>Before you can answer, Rainbow Dash steps out the front door once more and greets her mom.
>When did she go back inside the house? Was it when she walked away?
>”Hey mom, I got the table set. Did you get some potatoes while you were out?”
>”Ah shoot! That’s what I was forgetting!”
>”It’s okay, I’ll make a quick run to the store to get some,” she looks to you and smiles bleakly, “Oh hey Anon, when did you get here?”
>It feels like something just stabbed you through the chest upon hearing that question and your breathing is all sorts of messed up at this point.
>All attention is on you now, to make matters worse.
>Do you tell the truth or just play along?
“J-Just got here,” you say softly.
>Your mom arches an eyebrow, but before she can say anything, Rainbow Dash speaks up, “Well, nice to see you! Anyway, mom, I’ll make a quick run to get potatoes.”
>”Hold on, Rainbow Dash, I got po–,” your mom says, but Rainbow Dash already began her run to the store.
“I–I think I’ll go with,” you say as you begin to chase after her.
>”Sorry Anon,” Rainbow Dash’s mom stops you, “Do you think you can help with the groceries? I think there’s too much for us two to handle.”
>As you were about to decline, your mom drops two heavy bags of groceries in your arms.
>”You’re also gonna help with cooking too.”
“But mom, I– “

>”No buts. Now, let’s go.”
>You look towards the direction Rainbow Dash ran in before going in.
>After bringing all the groceries in, you help prepare dinner by making the stew.
>Then the main dish.
>And while you were at it, the side dishes as well.
>”Should we stop him? He’s practically making all the dishes,” Rainbow Dash’s mom says worriedly.
>”He’s an excellent cook taught by yours truly,” your mom boasts.
>”Yes but, we didn’t do anything to help. He just started cooking everything on his own.”
>”Just let him be, he has something on his mind. Hopefully this will help him clear his mind,” your mom says as she stares at you.
>Just then, Rainbow Dash walks through the front door, “Hey, I got the potatoes.”
>”Thanks dear, but I don’t think we need them anymore,” her mom says.
>”Why not? Ooh, what smells good?” Rainbow Dash asks as she sniffs the air.
>”Take a look in the kitchen,” your mom says as she points to you.
>Rainbow Dash takes a peak around the corner of the kitchen to find you chopping tomatoes for the salad.
>You see her out of the corner of your eye, smile gently, and wave to her.
>She approaches you slowly as she looks at all the food you made, “You made all this?”
“Yeah, had something on my mind,” you reply as you go back to chopping tomatoes.
>”I see. Anything I can do to help?”
“Not really, food’s almost done. Thanks though.”
>”Okay then, I’ll just be in the other room then.”

“Actually, wait,” you turn your head towards her, “There’s something I want to talk about.”
>”There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Rainbow Dash, wait – AH SHIT!” you yell as you drop the knife and pinch your thumb.
>You accidentally cut your thumb and now it’s bleeding a lot.
“What happened?!” Rainbow Dash asks as she rushes to your side.
You put your thumb to your lips and begin sucking, “Ah cawt muh dumb. Ah dunt fhink it’s anyding too bad dough.”
>”Here let me see,” she says as she takes your hand and examines it, “Oh, it’s just a minor cut. Here let’s wash it.”
>She turns on the sink and puts your thumb under some running water.
>Then she softly washes the blood from your thumb and then dries it with a paper towel.
>”Keep pressure on it while I find a band-aid.”
>You do as your told as she looks in a drawer for a band-aid.
>”Okay here, give me your thumb,” she says and she puts the band-aid around it.
“Thanks, Rainbow Dash,” you smile as you bend your thumb up and down a few times.
>”Be more careful next time!” she says as she flicks your forehead.
“Will do, don’t worry,” you say as you go back to finishing the tomatoes.
>”What are you doing? Here give me that,” she says as she takes the knife and cuts the tomatoes in your place, “I don’t want you cutting yourself again. I can take care of the tomatoes, just put the food on the table or something.”
“Are you sure? I’m fine, really. The blood has probably clotted by now, and –“

>”I’m sure, I can take care of this. It’s just salad right? You got everything else done, so just leave this to me and take it to easy.”
You smile and softly say, “Thanks Dashie, you’re a life saver.”
>She stops cutting and cracks a small smile and whispers, “You idiot, you’re the life saver.”
“Huh?”
>Her face turns red and she yells at you, “N-Nothing! Now go put the food on the table.”
>You do as you’re told and start putting food on the table.
>As you put the last dish on the table, you’re surprised to see your dad enter the room.
>”Alright, let’s eat!” he says as he pops a dinner roll in his mouth as he takes his seat.
>”Come on honey, show some respect!” your mom gently hits on him the arm.
>”The food looks good, Anon! Thank you for cooking!” Rainbow Dash’s mom says.
“Ah it was no problem at all, and actually, Rainbow Dash helped too!”
>”Yup that’s right! Alright get ready for this awesome salad,” she brags as she puts the salad bowl on the table.
>It is an absolute disaster.
>The lettuce is buried under a mountain of black pepper and salt, the tomatoes are all cut unevenly, and the dressing hasn’t been properly mixed in.
>”Uh dear, what is that?” her mom asks.
>”It’s salad,” Rainbow Dash says.
>”It doesn’t look like salad,” your dad says.
>Your mom hits him again, “Dear! I’m sure it tastes good.”
>Everybody gets some of the “salad” Rainbow Dash made, and stares at it on their plate.

>”Well go ahead, dig in,” she says as she takes the first bite.
>Everybody, including you, all takes a bite, and everybody had the same reaction.
>Coughing violently and rushing for a swig of water.
>”Man, this tastes horrible!” Rainbow Dash yells, “I’m so sorry Anon.”
“Huh? It’s not bad for your first time,” you say as you stomach her salad without making any terrible reactions.
>”How can you eat that – OW!” your dad asks before your mom stepped on his foot.
>Rainbow Dash looks at you in amazement as you eat her salad without throwing up.
>Dinner continues on with your dad telling funny stories, your mom telling stories about how big of idiot both you and your dad are, and Rainbow Dash’s mom filling all you in.
>After dinner, you sit outside on the porch with stomach medicine and a bottle of water.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have tried so hard to show off,” you mutter as you down the stomach medicine.
>”Hey,” Rainbow Dash greets as she sits down next to you, “Here.”
>She hands you a popsicle and you take it.
“Thanks,” you say as you put it in your mouth.
>The two of you just silently and idly look at the street for a while.
>”Sorry about earlier,” she says quietly.
“You should be,” you say arrogantly.
>”What?!” she ask as she flares up with anger.

“Making me cook dinner all by myself. Well, it might’ve been for the best, seeing as how well your salad turned out,” you laugh.
>”Why you!” she says as she punches your arm, “That’s not what I was talking about!”
“Haha, I know, I know,” you say as you rub your arm.
>Another moment of silence passes before you speak up.
“You know, you wouldn’t be taking me away from Twilight.”
>”What do you mean?”
“She confessed to me earlier today, but I couldn’t give her an answer.”
>”Why not?”
“I don’t like her in that way.”
>”So when you said ‘sorry’”?
“That’s my answer to her. She didn’t have an answer then, because I didn’t have one either. But now I do, and it’s ‘sorry’.”
>”’Sorry?’”
“Yeah, sorry that I can’t like you, Twilight, because I like someone else.”
>”Who?”
You reach into your back pocket for the necklace and you show it to Rainbow Dash, “With the girl who gave me this necklace.”
>Rainbow Dash cups her mouth with her hands and gasps, “Anon, you…”
You laugh once more, “I wonder if that girl will go out with me, heard she’s quite stubborn.”
>”Anon, I…”
“So, Dashie, will you be my girlfriend?”

>Rainbow Dash throws her arms around you and hugs you tightly, “Of course I will.”
“I’m glad you like, ‘LIKE’ me,” you say as you wrap your arm around her.
>”Oh shut up,” she says bashfully as you can feel the warmth from her blushing face.
“I could,” you say as you cup her chin between your finger and thumb, “Or we could do this.”
>Then you slightly raise her head as you bring yours closer to her, and kiss.
>But before you can enjoy the rest of the kiss, your parents call the two of you.
>The two of you separate and giggle, then head on in.
>When you enter, you hear your mom on the phone, and your dad along with Rainbow Dash’s mom rush up to you.
>”It’s an emergency,” he says.
“What happened?”
>Your dad and Rainbow Dash’s mom exchanges worried glances and your dad puts his hands on your shoulders, “I’m going to need you to stay calm, okay?”
“Sure dad, what’s wrong?”
>He takes a deep breath before speaking, “Twilight’s in the hospital.”

“She’s what?” you ask unable to grasp the situation.
>You think back to when she confessed to you.
>Was it because you didn’t give her an answer that caused her to collapse?
>”Apparently an hour or so earlier, she collapsed and was rushed to hospital,” your dad explained.
>What if she passes away because of you?
>”ANON STOP!” Rainbow Dash yells.
“Huh, what?” you ask, then you see that the stoplight ahead changed to red and you slam on the brakes.
>The car comes to a screeching stop and rocks yours and Rainbow Dash’s head a bit.
>”Anon pull the car over as soon as the light turns green.”
“But we got to get to the hospital.”
>”I know, I’ll drive, so pull over.”
“The hospital though…”
>”ANON!” she yells as she slaps you on the cheek, “WE’RE GOING TO GET TO THE HOSPITAL, BUT WE’RE GONNA GET THERE ALIVE.”
You cup your cheek and breathe in deeply, “Okay. I’ll pull over.”
>The light turns green and you pull into the nearest parking lot.
>As you and Rainbow Dash get out to switch seats, you hug her from behind.
“Is it my fault?” you ask her as you put your head down on her shoulder.
>She gently puts her hand on your arm, “No, it’s not.”
“Then, did I do something wrong?”
>”Besides rushing out the door and into your car after your dad told you to stay calm, I wouldn’t say you did anything wrong.”
You hug her tighter, “It’s unfair.”
>She hugs your arms that are wrapped around her, “It really is.”

“I’m sorry,” you say as you soften your embrace.
>”It’s fine, I’ll be there for you just like you were there for me, okay?” she says as she turns around in your arms in order to face you.
“Thank you,” you say as you put on a grin that goes from ear to ear, “Man, I’m so lucky to have you.”
>”Don’t think that’ll get you off the hook for acting like an idiot,” she says as she kisses your cheek, “Now let’s go, she’s waiting.”
>The two of you get in the car and drive to the hospital.
>Once there, the nurse at the front desk says that Twilight has already been released from the emergency room and gave you the number of the room she was admitted into.
>You stop before her door, unable to move.
>But then, Rainbow Dash takes your hand in hers and says, “It’s okay, I’m here.”
>The two of you enter the room to find Twilight sitting up in her bed, eating and chatting with Fluttershy.
“Twilight?” you ask, “You’re okay?”
>”Anon!” she exclaims, “You’re here!”
“Yeah I heard about your collapse, are you okay? What happened?”
>”I’m fine, just a little tired,” she explains with a smile, “How are you?”
“Ah, I was just having dinner with Rainbow Dash and our folks when we got the call,” you say as you motion for Rainbow Dash to get closer.
>”Hey Twi,” she says as she hugs her, “Glad to see you’re doing okay.”
>”You too,” Twilight says as she hugs back Rainbow Dash.
“Man, I was so freaked out to hear you got hospitalized,” you say followed by a sigh of relief.

>”You’re one to talk, Mr.I’m-gonna-drive-like-a-maniac-to-get-here. I thought we were gonna get hospitalized too if I didn’t take the wheel,” she says angrily as she pinches your cheek.
“Ow, ahm shorry, it wan’t habben again!”
>”Man I can’t believe I’m dating an idiot,” she says as she sighs in annoyance while crossing her arms.
>Your heart drops down to your stomach upon hearing what Rainbow Dash said.
>She doesn’t know how bad it was earlier between you and Twilight.
>Who knows what she’ll do–
>”Oh you two are going out now? Congratulations!” she says with a cheery disposition.
>Did you hear that right?
>No tears, no yelling, just… “congratulations”?
“Th-thanks,” you stutter out the words, still in disbelief.
>”Hey can you two exit the room for a bit, I wanna talk to Anon for a bit in light of Rainbow Dash and Anon going out,” she says to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.
>”What are you going to tell him?” Fluttershy asks.
>”Something to make sure he won’t screw up with Rainbow Dash.”
>”Are you sure?”
>”Yes, yes, now go,” she says and the two exit the room.
>Silence sweeps over the room and the only noise there is comes from the faint buzzing of the light and the beeps from the heart rate monitor.
You decide to be the first to break the ice, “Twilight, I’m sorry.”
>”Don’t be,” she says.
You ignore her, “I’m sorry. It was stupid of me to not give you a proper answer.”

>”I said don’t be sorry, I should be sorry for pressuring you.”
“But you still deserve an answer.”
>She says nothing.
“I’m sorry, Twilight, but I can’t have the same feelings for you. I’m in love with Rainbow Dash.”
>Another silence sweeps the room, but only for a short while.
>”It’s not fair. I was here longer,” she says softly with tears in her eyes.
“Twilight…”
>”Shut up! Let me vent,” she jokes as the tears stream down her eyes, “I’ve had feelings for you so long, and the minute she comes into your life, she takes you away. It’s like everything I’ve done didn’t matter! I wonder what she did to make someone as oblivious as you to make her like you.”
“Ouch,” you say, but you can’t help but think you deserve this.
>She sighs and smiles, “Oh well, I’ll call it my loss. Anon come here.”
>You approach her and she hugs you tightly.
>“You may be an idiot, but you’re a good idiot.”
“Uh, thanks?”
>She pushes you away, “That was a compliment. Now you better take care of her. Just because I liked you, and known you longer, doesn’t mean you should take my feelings into consideration when it comes to her, okay?”
“What the? You’re not making sense, but okay, I won’t. Although, I’ll still care for you all the same,” you chuckle.
>”You’ll be in deep trouble if you hurt her.”
“Yeah, yeah, I won’t.”

>Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash come in and Rainbow Dash speaks up, “Sorry to be interrupting you two, but Anon, there’s a police officer at the main lobby who wants to have a word with us.”
>”Anon!” Twilight exclaims as she stares at you sternly.
“Ah, don’t worry. I’ll explain the situation and maybe he’ll let us off easy?”
>”Gosh, Rainbow Dash, you sure got yourself a keeper,” Twilight says.
>She laughs, “Yeah I did, didn’t I?”
>The two of you leave the room, but as you step out the door, you hear Twilight say something.
>”Fluttershy… Nurse… IV… Now.”
“Wait, what?” you mutter as you start to go back inside the room.
>”We can talk to them later, come on, we’re already in trouble with the officer, it’ll be even worse to keep him waiting,” Rainbow Dash as she takes your hand and leads you to the front lobby.
>There you meet the officer waiting for you.
>”I assume you’re Anon and Rainbow Dash?”
“Uh yes, sir, we are.”
>”Do you two have any idea of how reckless you were driving?”
“Sorry sir, I was… I was…” you look around for an excuse.
>”He was distracted!” Rainbow Dash speaks up, “He was out of it because our friend, who is very important to us, got hospitalized. And when he heard the news, he rushed to the hospital.”
“Yeah, sorry. I’ve known her for years, and this is the first time she’s collapsed. So I overreacted and rushed here.”

>The police officer studies the two of you and sighs, “Alright well, I’ll let you two off, since you two didn’t break any traffic rules. Don’t let me catch you two again, you hear?”
“Yes sir!”
>”Yes sir!”
>The two of you watch as the police office exits the hospital and sigh in relief.
You laugh nervously, “See, easy?”
>Rainbow Dash punches you on the arm and turns around, “Come on, let’s get back to Twilight.”
>Oh right, Twilight.
>What was that all about earlier when you were leaving her room?
“H-Hey! Wait for me!” you yell to Rainbow Dash as you run to catch up.
>The two of you return to Twilight’s room, but you overhear her talking to someone before entering.
“Wait,” you say to Rainbow Dash as you grab her hand.
>”What’s the matter?” she asks as she looks at you weirdly.
“Hold on, just listen.”
>You close your eyes and try to focus on what’s being said inside Twilight’s room.
>”No, I’m fine,” you can hear Twilight’s voice, but who is she talking to?
>”No Fluttershy, I’m not going to tell him.”
>”I don’t care, he doesn’t need to know.”
>What is she talking about?
>”So what?! It shouldn’t be any of his concern!”
>”I’m sorry, but look, Anon doesn’t need to know about my condition.”
>”I know the chances aren’t great, but I’m gonna go through with it.”

>”With the heart I have now, doctors say I don’t have long to live. It’s better I get the surgery.”
>”Anon doesn’t need the extra burden of me, he needs to focus on Rainbow Dash.”
>”Maybe it would be easier if I’m gone, that way it can just be him and her…”
>You can hear faint sobs coming from the room.
>Rainbow Dash squeezes your arm and rests her head on it as she begins to cry.
>What do you do?
>“… doesn’t mean you should take my feelings into consideration when it comes to her, okay?” Twilight’s words play back in your head.
>Is that what she meant by that?
>She knew she has a chance of dying, so is that why she said that?
“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” you say softly as you grit your teeth and clench your fists.
>” Although, I’ll still care for you all the same,” your own words play back in your head.
>Both Rainbow Dash and Twilight are crying and all that’s happening to you is a flurry of emotions flowing through you.
>Rage, despair, exasperation; it’s all too much for you to handle at once.
“What do I do…” you ask to nobody as you fight back the tears.

>You take a deep breath and hold it in for a minute.
>Upon exhaling, it seems like you’ve also expelled the negative emotions manifesting inside you, allowing you to think a little clearer.
>Sooner or later, you have to go back inside that room, but the question is, how do you act once you’re inside?
>Do you pretend like you didn’t hear a thing?
>Or do you walk in ready to discuss Twilight’s condition?
>All of a sudden, you feel something trickling down your arm.
>When you look to see what it is, you can see that it’s Rainbow Dash’s tears.
“Hey, come here,” you whisper to her as you wrap her in a hug.
>Rainbow Dash quickly hugs you tightly as she buries her head into your chest and starts sobbing violently.
“It’s okay, it’s okay,” you say as you stroke her hair.
>”No it’s not! It’s not okay!” she cries into your chest.
>Her legs begin to give out and you gently lower her down to the floor.
“Don’t say that,” you say softly as you hug her tighter.
>She says nothing in response and you can feel her gripping the back of your shirt tighter.
>You just sit there in the hallway, not thinking of anything while Rainbow Dash cries in your arms.
>Is there nothing you can do?
>[Am I just an idiot who can’t do anything?] you think to yourself.
>After a while, Rainbow Dash’s sobs start softening, bringing you back to your senses.
>[Wait, an idiot?] you mull over the idea in your head.

“Hey, Dashie,” you say softly and weakly while looking at the ceiling.
>She rubs her eyes and looks up without saying anything.
“I’m an idiot right?”
>”What are you talking about?” she asks, her voice rasp from crying.
“Everybody seems to say so.”
>”Anon…”
You look down at her with a smile, “And with idiots, ignorance is bliss right?”
>”What? Don’t be an idiot right now.”
You slightly push her away in order for you to get up and begin to pace back and forth, “No that’s exactly what I need to be right now. See to us idiots, we’re stupid and we just don’t get it.”
>Rainbow Dash repositions herself on the floor to see you better, “Huh?”
“Life is… Life is… It’s not that simple, right? But to an idiot, it actually is that simple. And everyone who isn’t an idiot, it’s like the hardest thing to think about!”
>”Uh, okay?” she replies as she looks at you as if you’ve gone insane, which you probably have.
“And Twilight… Twilight,” you snap your fingers, “She isn’t an idiot!”
>”Okaaaay,” she says as she stands up, “You’re insane, let’s go home.”
“No wait, I know I am. Listen, I think everyone’s insane, but they think that they’re sane, which really makes them, well, insane. I think I’m being sane by being insane.”
>”Yeah.”
“So you get what I’m saying?”
>”No yeah, you’re insane. Which is why I’m taking you home, NOW.”
“Hold on, just come with me,” you grab Rainbow Dash’s hand and barge into Twilight’s room.

>”Anon!” she exclaims.
“You’re not an idiot!” you yell as you point a finger at her.
>The whole room goes silent and stares at you.
>”Uh, thank you?” she responds as she eyes you weirdly.
“No that’s a bad thing! I – no, we overheard you outside. Everything you said, we heard it all. And let me tell you, you should be an idiot!”
>”Excuse me?!” Twilight flares up.
>”Anon, hold on,” Rainbow Dash says through her gritted teeth, “Come here a sec.”

You look towards her expecting a slap, and sure enough you were about to receive one, but you catch her wrist halfway, “I’ll let you slap me in a bit, but hold on, lemme finish.”
After releasing her wrist, you take another deep breath, “You’re thinking way too much, Twilight. But that’s to be expected of someone who’s not an idiot. However, when you over think, you make problems that don’t even exist!
“‘It’s not my problem?’ ‘I shouldn’t be troubled by it?’ ‘It’ll make life easier for me and Rainbow Dash?’ Get outta here with that!
“It most definitely is my problem! I should totally be troubled by it! And it’ll make life twice as harder for me and Rainbow Dash!
“Do you know how incredibly selfish you’re being?! News flash, it’s not that simple! Leaving us now would make more problems than it would solve!
“Life’s hard, yeah I know. It’s unfair, a load of bull, and more than half of the time, it looks bleak and desolate. But you know what; you’re not the only one suffering. We’re all fighting our own battles and demons, so what gives you the right to surrender to yours?
“We’re all friends and we’re all there for each other. The minute one of us falls, we’re all there to pick that one up and keep going,” you pause and take a deep breath, “SO LISTEN UP! YOU’RE GOING TO BE AN IDIOT AND GET THAT SURGERY. THEN YOU’RE GONNA COME BACK AFTER AND TELL ME OFF FOR BEING AN IDIOT!”

>The room goes silent once more with the only sounds coming from your heavy breathing and the beeps from the monitor.
>Tears stream down Twilight’s cheeks as she smiles, “That’s rare, Anon getting mad.”
“Yeah, I hate it too,” you say as you rub the back of your neck.
>A nurse comes in and hisses at all of you, “Can you please keep it down? You’re disturbing the other patients!”
“Ah sorry,” you put a hand over your mouth then whisper, “Won’t happen again.”
>The nurse rolls her eyes and before leaving says, “Okay, also ten minutes before visiting hours are over. So wrap it up here.”
>”Hey Rainbow Dash,” Twilight speaks up, “Can you slap Anon now?”
“Wait what?!”
>”Why, of course!” Rainbow Dash says as she turns you around and slaps you across the face, but not as hard as she did in the car earlier.
You cup your cheek, “Ah! What happened to being a pacifist, Twilight?!”
>”I am one,” she laughs, “Rainbow Dash was the one who did it.”
You see Fluttershy giggle and exclaim, “Fluttershy, you too?”
>”Sorry Anon, I can’t help it,” she says.
“Man, I just can’t seem to win,” you sigh with dejection.
>”Don’t worry,” Rainbow Dash says as she puts an arm around you, “If it makes you feel better, at least you’re my loser.”
“How is that supposed to make me feel better?”
>”Why I oughtta…” she says angrily as she pinches the same cheek she slapped you with.
“OW, OW, OW, Dashie, not dat cheek, pwease!”

>Twilight laughs warmly and says, “Anon, thank you. I’m sorry for acting foolishly, and don’t worry, I’ll be sure to tell you off soon.”
You look at her and smile from ear to ear, “Yeah, please do.”
>”Oh gosh, it’s getting pretty late. We should get going!” Fluttershy says.
>”Rainbow Dash, can I talk to you before you leave?” Twilight asks.
>”Huh? Yeah, sure,” she says as she looks to you.
“Don’t worry, we’ll just be outside.”
>Both you and Fluttershy exit the room and wait for Rainbow Dash.
“What a crazy day, huh?”
>”It sure was,” Fluttershy says as she sighs.
“Are your parents going to be okay with you staying out so late?”
>”Oh no, don’t worry about them. I called them and explained what happened and they said to take as much time as I need.”
“Well that’s good. Wanna get a snack or something with me and Dashie before you head home?”
>”Sure, that would be nice,” she says.
>Then, Rainbow Dash comes out of the room smiling.

“Yo, you look happy. What’d you two talk about?” you ask.
>She laughs and walks ahead, “I’ll tell you later, let’s go.”
“Hey come on tell me!”
>”It’s a secret!”
“Will you tell me if I buy you something to eat?”
>”Maaaaybeee,” she sings the word to mock you.
You shake your head, “Come on Fluttershy, let’s go.”
>The three of you reach the elevators, and when one opens, a familiar face comes up.
>It’s Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor, and he’s staring you down menacingly.
>”Anon,” he says in a low tone, “Mind if we have a word?”
You gulp, “S-Sure…?”

>He looks to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, “He’ll only be a minute, why don’t you two wait downstairs?”
>Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looks at you worriedly.
You flash them a smile and reassure them, “I’ll be fine; I’ll catch up with you two in a bit.”
>Without taking their eyes of you, they enter the elevator and leave.
“So wha– ” you begin to ask before Shining Armor grabs you by the collar.
>However, he just hangs his head down and mutters, ”Why couldn’t you be with her?”
“Shining, I,” you begin to explain yourself, but he slams you against the wall.
>”You… You’re the reason why she’s still kicking. A-And without you…”
“Shining wait,” you say weakly.
>He lifts his head up to look at you with his eyes red from holding back tears and trying to suppress his anger.
>You’re in absolute shock since you’ve never seen him like this before.
“H-Hold on, Shining, I can e-explain,” you say, struggling for air.
>Shining stares at you for another few seconds and releases his grip on your collar.
You fall to the floor and start gasping for air, “Nice to see you too, Shining.”
>”Sorry about that, Anon, I overreacted,” he says as helps you up.
“Don’t worry,” you clear your throat, “It happens to the best of us.”
>After you regain your breath, you tell him how you’ve never had feelings for Twilight, how she was losing her will to live because of you, and how you set her straight and made her go through with the surgery.

>”Anon, I’m so sorry,” he says with great remorse, “But thank you. For all you’ve done.”
You rub the back of your head, “Don’t think too much of it; it was nothing, really. I mean, anybody would’ve done the same.”
>”Twilight, she,” he sighs, “She had this whole plan of confessing to you. But I’ve known you two since you guys started school. So I was worried on how she was gonna react when you’ll turn her down.”
“Wait, you knew?”
>”Of course, it’s pretty obvious that you have no feelings for her.”
“Oh jeez.”
>”Don’t worry, I’m not mad. It’s your life; not mine, not hers, but yours.”
>A brief moment of silence passes before he speaks up again, “Well, you should go back to your friends downstairs. But one last thing before you go, promise me something.”
“Sure, what is it?”
>He puts his hands on your shoulders and looks you dead in the eye, “That you’ll look after Twilight in my stead no matter what.”
“What do you mean?”
>”I’m being stationed overseas and I leave next week. Don’t know when I’ll be back too,” he says.
>Shining Armor is enlisted in the military, and he’s leaving too, so it makes sense why he would entrust Twilight to you.
You put a firm hand on his forearm and look at him with confidence, “Don’t worry, I will.”
>The two of you shake hands and you take your leave.
>Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy greet you at the elevator and ask what happened.
“Ah, nothing much, just talked to him about Twilight,” you say.

>They look at you suspiciously, but you just remain coy; you decide that it’s better not to tell them about Shining Armor roughing you up.
>The three of you exit the hospital and pile into your car and drive off.
>You drive to a coffee shop for a quick bite and drop off Fluttershy at home after.
As you start to drive away, you look to Rainbow Dash, “Hey, wanna go somewhere for a bit?”
>”Like where?”
“Our secret base?”
>She takes your hand that you’re not driving with and holds it, “Sounds good.”
>The two of you reach the secret base you used to go to all the time as children.
>”It’s been a while since I was here,” she says as she walks around admiring the scenery, “It’s a little different than I remember.”
“Well, it has been ten years since you’ve been here, and it was also during the day too,” you say as you follow behind her.
>”It’s more,” she looks out to the lake that has the reflection of the full moon and stars on it, “Beautiful.”
“Like you?” you ask as you wrap an arm around her.
>”Oh shut up,” she says as she rests her head on your shoulder.
>Nothing is said as the two of you just enjoy each other’s company while looking out onto the lake.
>As you look over to Rainbow Dash, you can see her lips gleaming in the moonlight.
>Something overcomes you and you slowly start approaching it.
>Rainbow Dash looks turns her head your way and becomes surprised to see your face so close to hers.
>”A-Anon?!”

You become self aware of what you’re doing and immediately back up, “S-Sorry!”
>Blood rushes to your head and you wonder if she’s blushing as well.
>Hold on, she didn’t hit you, so was it okay for you to get that close to her?
>But you don’t want to test that theory, at least, not right now.
>Suddenly, you remember something as you pick up a rock off the ground and throw it to another edge of the lake.
>The rock makes a bang sound as it lands and something starts flying out.
>”Anon? What was that?” Rainbow Dash asks as she looks to where you threw then at you.
You point a finger to the lake, which now has a lot of fireflies hovering over it, “Look.”
>Rainbow Dash gasps in amazement as the sight of fireflies flying across the lake captivates her.
>”Somehow,” she says while extending her hand out toward the fireflies as if trying to catch one, “It feels like this sight can make all your troubles go away.”
You walk over to a tree and sit down, “This scene is a pretty good refresher after a long day.”
>”All thanks to you,” she giggles as she walks over to you and sits down, “I don’t know if I should thank you or punch you.”
“I’d rather get thanks, if you don’t mind,” you say as you lay your head back on the trunk of the tree.
>”Fine,” she says as she lays her head on your shoulder, “Thanks.”
>You wrap an arm around her and smile.
>”This is nice, I wish it can always be like this.”
“Yeah, me too,” you say softly.

>Nothing more is said and you just watch the fireflies dance in the moonlight on top of the lake.
>The next few days, tension is at an all time high, but Twilight comes out okay.
>It’ll be a few weeks before she can get discharged, but she’s recovering extremely fast.
>”I have to tell you off, so maybe that’s why I’m recovering really fast,” she jokes.
>She has been released from the hospital before the school year ended, and everything goes back to normal, with the exception of you dating Rainbow Dash.
>Summer came and went in the blink of an eye.
>Maybe being with Rainbow Dash makes time go inexplicably fast.
>As much as you want to complain, you’re just thankful that you’re with her.
>It’s nearing Christmas time now and Rainbow Dash decides to call you out for a date.
>The two of you decide to go to some restaurant in San Franciscolt to have a nice dinner.
“Well this is a nice change of pace, usually we’d be stuffing our faces with a burger,” you say as you look at the menu.
>”Well we have been going out since springtime, and it’s nearing Christmas, so I thought it would be nice,” she replies softly.
>You know something’s up; she would’ve had said something snarky back but instead she didn’t say anything of the sort.
“Dashie, what’s wrong?”
>She sighs and puts the menu down, “We can’t spend Christmas and maybe New Year’s together.”
“Why not?”
>”My dad’s coming home from overseas, but he wants to spend the holidays in our house in Manehattan.”

>”I’m sorry, Anon,” her voice trails off.
“Hey,” you reach for her hand across the table, “Don’t be. It’s fine.”
>”But we were looking forward to spending it together.”
“I know but, there’ll be other times for us to hang out.”
>She eyes you suspiciously, “Anon, you’re getting rid of me so easily, is there something you want to tell me?”
“W-What? Like?”
>”Is there someone else?”
You roll your eyes and scoff, “Yeah, I’m cheating on you with my parents. My folks are extremely crazy about Christmas and New Years and think that it should be celebrated as a family. So I couldn’t go with you to Manehattan even if I tried.”
>”Oh, I see,” she says as she looks down at her plate, “Sorry.”
“Nah, it’s fine, let’s just celebrate our Christmas early then.”
>”That sounds lame,” she groans, “I want to spend Christmas on the real Christmas day. Why is my dad so lame?”
“We can’t really do anything about it, can we?”
>”I guess. So what are we gonna do?”
You sip some water as you think, “How about the amusement park?”
>”Flim and Flam’s Funland?”
“Yeah! Heard they were doing some cool Christmas thing with the park.”
>She thinks over the idea and smiles, “Alright, let’s go!”
“Next week sound good?”
>”Yeah, can’t wait!”
>The next week the two of you go to the park and see it’s been decorated in accordance with Christmas.
“Wow, they really went all out with the Christmas décor,” you say as you admire the white trees, the giant inflatable snowmen and Santas, and the giant Christmas tree in the middle of the park.
>”Well duh, it is an amusement park,” she says as she hooks her arm around yours, “Anyway, what should we go on first?”
“Maybe something easy.”

>Rainbow Dash ignores you as she starts leading you to one of the most dastardly rides.
>With the ride looking like it has an infinite amount of loops, drops, and sharp curves, you begin to lose all your strength.
“U-Uh, D-Dashie, maybe we s-should leave this for l-later,” you stutter.
>”Pfft, come on Anon, what are you, scared?”
“Greatly so,” you respond quickly; you were never really good with roller coasters.
>”Don’t be such a baby,” she pinches your cheek lightly, “Mommy will be here to hold your hand.”
“I’m not a baby, let’s go,” you say as you stiffen up.
>As you approach the entrance to the roller coaster train, you begin to shake in fear.
>”Are you okay, Anon?” Rainbow Dash snickers.
“T-Totally f-f-fine!”
>The train approaches and you take your seat next to Rainbow Dash.
>Somehow, you regret suggesting the amusement park now.
>You reach for Rainbow Dash’s hand and clench it tightly.
>She looks at you and taunts, “Don’t worry, mommy’s here.”
You roll your eyes, “Oh shut up.”
>The ride wasn’t as bad as you imagined it to be, in fact, it was actually enjoyable.
>Especially the drops; feeling the wind brush past you rapidly was exhilarating.
“Man, that was pretty fun, wouldn’t you say so, Dashie?” you laugh as you look over to her.
>There are tears forming on the corner of her eyes and she’s holding the safety bar with everything she has.
>”I thought w-we were gonna d-die,” she whispers.

You smirk and hold her hand, “It’s okay Dashie, mommy will hold your hand.”
>She regains her energy and punches your arm, “Shut up!”
>The two of you exit the ride and head over to the petting zoo for a break.
>There, you meet Fluttershy who works part time there.
>She informs you that there will be a fireworks display later at night, and that the two of you should start lining up for the Ferris wheel an hour before for a special surprise.
>You thank her and go on a couple of more rides before doing so.
>”I wonder what that special surprise is,” Rainbow Dash says as she looks up at the Ferris wheel.
>As you and Rainbow Dash line up for the Ferris wheel, a worker puts a velvet rope behind you two and announces that the Ferris wheel is closed.
Before he could leave, you call for him, “Hey, what’s going on?”
>”Congratulations sir,” he says, “You are the last two lucky people to get on the Ferris wheel for the fireworks display!”
>”Oh sweet, really?” Rainbow Dash asks.
>”Yes ma’am! The Ferris wheel will stop in its path for you to watch the fireworks display. To see the fireworks from atop the Ferris wheel… Best seats in the park if you ask me!”
“We gotta thank Fluttershy later for the heads up,” you say to Rainbow Dash.
>”I know right?”
>After waiting a while in line, the two of you enter the carriage and it takes you up to the top before stopping.
>From there, you’re able to see the whole park dazzling with lights.

>”This is amazing!” Rainbow Dash shouts out with glee.
>Then in the distance, fireworks start to explode in the air.
>”Wow, I’ve never seen fireworks like this before,” she says, “It’s like they’re flowers made out of fire.”
>She rests her head on your shoulder like she usually does and takes your hand in hers.
>It’s a beautiful sight, and being together with her makes this scene all the more pleasant.
>Unfortunately, it’s not going to last since the fireworks will come to an end and she’ll be leaving for Manehattan soon.
>”Remember that day when we started going out?” she asks suddenly.
“Yeah, what about it?”
>”And how we went to the secret base?”
Your mind races back to that day and how you two were watching the fireflies, “Yeah, right now was kinda like back then, huh?”
>”Yeah,” she says as she sits up, “Anon, I… I love you.”
You look at her in surprise, “Dashie, I-I’m so happy to hear that. I love you too.”
>Your face, and probably hers too, is blushing immensely.
>She places her free hand on yours, and by doing so, it brings her face closer to yours.
>Instead of the moon shining upon her lips, it’s the fireworks this time.
>Nevertheless, you’re still attracted to her lips.
>This time, as you bring your lips close to hers, she doesn’t resist and actually speeds up the process by bringing her lips closer as well.
>The two of you are now engaged in a soft, yet passionate kiss.

>Somehow, this kiss is different than all the other kisses you guys have.
>It seems sadder, like there’s a distance growing between you two.
>Is it because she’s leaving for Manehattan?
>But it’s not like you guys aren’t gonna break up, right?
>As the two of you part lips, you see a tear streaming down from her left eye.
>Before you can say anything, she throws her arms around you and buries her head into your chest.
“Hey, D-Dashie, you’re gonna miss the finale.”
>”I don’t care, I’m gonna miss you more.”
“It’s not like you’re gonna be gone forever,” you say as you stroke the back of her head.
>She says nothing and leaves her head on your chest while the finale takes place.
>As you watch the finale by yourself, you can’t help but think about the possibility of you and Rainbow Dash breaking up.

>The next morning Twilight, Fluttershy, and you see off Rainbow Dash at the airport.
>”I’ll text you guys when I touchdown over there,” she says.
>”Have a safe flight, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight says to her as they hug.
>”I’ll miss you, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy says as she holds back her tears.
>”Oh come on, don’t cry,” Rainbow Dash says as she hugs Fluttershy.
>Finally she comes up to you and you notice she clutches one of the straps on her backpack.
“Hey you,” you say as you gently hold her arm, “Don’t look so sad. You’ll be back here before you know it.”
>”Yeah I know,” she says with dejection.

“Come on now, show me a smile,” you say as you begin tickling her sides.
>”Hey stop that,” she laughs as she starts fidgeting around.
“Not until you show me a smile,” you say as you press on with tickling.
>”Okay, okay I’m smiling,” she says as she pushes you away.
“Well then,” you smile at her, “Have a safe flight.”
>”Thanks,” she says as she hugs you.
>”Sorry to interrupt, but we have to go now,” Rainbow Dash’s mom says.
>The two of you part and give each other a quick peck on the lips.
“Wait,” you say before she leaves, “Airplane food, what’s up with that?”
>She rolls her eyes and punches your arm softly, “You’re so lame.”
>You watch her as she passes security and wave to her before she turns the corner to go to her gate.
>”Everything will be fine,” Twilight says to you.
“Oh yeah, I know, it’s just…”
>”Just what?”
“I’m uneasy.”
>”Oh Anon,” Twilight says as she puts a hand on your shoulder, “It’s not like she’s going to be gone forever.”
You flash her a smile, “Yeah, I know.”
>Twilight’s right, Rainbow Dash isn’t going to be gone forever.
>Right?
>A few hours later, you’re at home on the computer when your phone receives a text from Rainbow Dash.
>It says that she’s there at her place and not to worry.
>You ask if you can call, but she says no since she still has to go to a dinner.
>However she can still text even while she’s out, and so you guys text until late into the night.

>But as it nears Christmas day, you start receiving fewer and fewer texts from her, to the point where it’s only one text every few hours.
>This makes you restless, unable to sleep, and worried almost all the time.
>Twilight seems to notice this as she calls you out while you two were studying for finals.
>”Anon, focus!” Twilight exclaims as she taps your book with her pencil.
“Huh what?” you say in a daze.
>”You were spacing out again.”
“Was I? Sorry,” you say as you stretch your arms.
>”What’s wrong?”
“It’s Rainbow Dash, when she got to Manehattan we used to text like crazy. Now I’m barely getting any.”
>”Maybe she’s busy? It is the holidays after all. Moreover, it’s Christmas Eve today.”
“Which reminds me, why are we studying when finals aren’t for another three weeks?”
>”Anon, we’re seniors now. Just because we finished our college applications and are graduating soon, doesn’t mean we can blow off our studies!”
“You–” you begin to say before a text from Rainbow Dash interrupts you.
>It says to pick her up from the airport.
>Since you’re unable to think straight for these past few days, you immediately rush out the door of Twilight’s house and hop in your car.
>You drive as fast as you can to the airport to pick up Rainbow Dash.
>All you can think of is that you get to see her and there’s no time for details.
>As you start to approach the airport, you regain some of your senses and start to think about that text.

>What if that text was a joke?
>It couldn’t be, since you guys haven’t really been texting.
>But what if she sent that to change it up?
>She wouldn’t do that right?
>You park the car and run inside to the terminal for arrivals.
>There, you search the crowd frantically for Rainbow Dash, but couldn’t find her.
>Then you start to ask some concession stand workers if they’ve seen a girl with rainbow-streaked hair, but they all just look at you as if you’re crazy.
>Maybe she’s not here and it was just really a joke.
>As you being to exit the airport you hang your head in shame.
>Suddenly, someone pushes you from behind, making you almost lose your balance.
>When you turn around to see who it is, you’re surprised to see who it is.
“R-Rainbow Dash?!”
>”The one and only,” she says as she smiles from ear to ear, “You know, instead of looking like a maniac trying to find me, you could’ve used your phone.”
“Sorry,” you say as you rub the back of your neck, “I’ve been out of it.”
>”Sorry about that, my folks have been driving me up the wall because of the holidays.”
“Oh right, wait, then how did you get away from them?”
>”It wasn’t easy, but after acting like a baby and throwing tantrums, they finally got tired of me and let me go!” she boasts.
You roll your eyes and shake your head, “You’re here by yourself?”

>”Yeah, I told them I wanted to spend Christmas with Anon no matter what! Although, they’ll only let me spend Christmas Eve, and I have to go back tomorrow…”
“What time tomorrow?”
>”Morning, so I can be back in time for Christmas dinner.”
You look at your watch to see it’s already late in the evening but you shrug, “Well, it’s better than nothing.”
>”Isn’t it?”
“That’s for sure,” you say as you begin to hug her, but she just walks past you.
>”Where’d you park?” she asks, not taking notice of your attempt to hug her.
“In the parking lot? But can I at least have a–”
>”Okay cool, let’s go. Mind helping me with my luggage?” she says as she puts her bag in your hands before she walks towards the lot.
“Nice to see you too,” you mutter under your breath.
>When you’re in the car she doesn’t say a word and just looks at her phone the whole time.
>You try to make conversation, but her responses are so cut and dry that it discourages you from trying to talk.
>Once you get to your place, the first thing she does is greet your parents.
>”Well, it’s nice to see you again,” your mom says, “Your mom told me you were coming. We don’t have any spare rooms, but you can stay in Anon’s room for the night.”
>”Oh thank you, well I’ll just go bring my stuff upstairs then,” Rainbow Dash says as she starts to go upstairs.
>”Now Anon, just because you have a girl sleeping in your room doesn’t mean you can try anything funny,” your mom says to you sternly.

“Huh? Yeah, I won’t do anything,” you say aloof.
>”What’s wrong? Any boy would be happy to have his girlfriend in his room for the night. Did something happen between you and Rainbow Dash?”
>[It’s exactly the opposite, nothing happened.] you think to yourself.
“No, nothing really,” you say as you walk upstairs.
>When you enter your room, you find that Rainbow Dash is in the middle of changing into some pajamas.
You immediately step back out and shout, “S-Sorry about that!”
>”Give me a sec,” Rainbow Dash calls out from inside your room, “Alright I’m done, you can come back in.”
>As you walk back in, you find her lying down on your bed, getting comfy, “I wouldn’t have cared if you saw me changing.”
“What?”
>She sits up while hugging your pillow, “If you came in and saw me changing, I wouldn’t care.”
“Then why’d you tell me to wait until you finished?”
>”So that way your parents wouldn’t get suspicious.”
“Huh, didn’t really think about that,” you say as you sit down on your bed next to her.
>Rainbow Dash buries her face into your pillow, “So what did you see?”
“What do you mean?”
>”You saw me changing, what did you see?”
“Oh! Um,” you look around the room as you think of what to say, “Just you unhooking your bra. B-But, I didn’t see anything past that.”
>”Oh,” Rainbow Dash yawns, “Okay.”
“Are you tired?”
>”Just a little,” she says as she lies back down onto your bed.

>You change into some shorts and lay out a sleeping bag from your closet onto the floor.
“Well, sweet dreams, Dashie,” you say as you go to turn off the lights.
>”Where are you gonna sleep?” she asks.
You point to the sleeping bag, “On the floor.”
>”Don’t be an idiot, get in bed with me,” she says as she lifts the sheets for you to come in.
“Dashie, I don’t think–”
>”Please,” she says, almost in a sob.
>You sigh, turn off the lights, and get into bed with her.
>”Hey face me,” she says softly.
>As you do so, the first thing she does is burry her head into your chest and starts sobbing.
>”I’m sorry, Anon, I know you wanted to do something special, but things back at home have been so stressful. If I were to hug you earlier, I would’ve probably broke down crying, so please, let me stay like this.”
>You just hold her close and let her sob to her heart’s content until sleep took her over.
>As she lies there next to you, tired and depressed, you look up at the ceiling wondering what to do.
>But you’re so out of it that no matter how hard you try to think, nothing comes to mind.
>Soon, sleep takes you too.

>Your eyes slowly open to see Rainbow Dash brushing her hair at your desk.
>Rainbow Dash sees you wake up and greets you, “Hey, Merry Christmas.”
“Ugh, what time is it?” you ask as you rub your eyes to try and wake up.
>”Eight forty.”
“What time is your flight?”
>”Ten, so we have time.”
Your stomach growls loudly, “Man, I’m starving.”

>”I think your mom’s cooking downstairs, let me finish up here and lets go.”
“Hey, about last night,” you begin.
>Rainbow Dash puts her brush down, “Let’s not talk about it.”
Somehow this makes you angry, “Why not?”
>”I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Look, something’s wrong and we need to talk about it.”
>She turns around to face you, “No we don’t, it’s my problems and I get to decide whether or not I should tell you.”
“Yeah well,” your tone becomes harsher, “You’re my girlfriend, and we need to talk about what the Hell is going on here. I don’t know about you, but you coming home all of a sudden and crying in my bed is a pretty big, red flag.”
>”Really?” she asks sarcastically as she crosses her arms, “Is this really what we’re going to be doing Christmas morning?”
You scoff, “A-Are you being serious right now?”
>”Yes, I am.”
“I don’t know what problems you’re having back in Manehattan, but–”
>”That’s right, you don’t know. So just leave it at that.”
“BUT, that doesn’t mean you should try and handle them all by yourself!”
>She stands up and walks to you, flaring with anger, “You think you know everything don’t you?!”
“What?! Of course not! All I’m saying is that I’m here for you and that we should talk!”
>”Well, you’re here and we’re talking, and how’s that going for us? HUH?!”
“The Hell has gotten into you?”
>”You’re one to talk.”
“Oh I’m the one to talk? Well yeah! I’ve been worried sick about you.”

>”Just shut up and leave me alone. They’re my problems, not yours.”
“Oh and I’m not allowed to help you with them whatsoever?”
>”Shut up,” she says as she grits her teeth.
“No! Obviously something’s wrong, and I want to help make it better.”
>”I said shut up!”
“I also deserve to know what’s going on! You’re my girlfriend for God’s sake! I care for you and hate seeing you like this.”
>”SHUT UP!” she yells as she slaps you across the face with such force that it disorients you a bit.
“Ugh, what the–”
>”All you do is make things worse! You think you can help?” she scoffs, “That’s rich. Stop trying to help, you’re not good at it.”
>As you regain your senses, you feel your heart beating faster and your face turning red due to anger.
You clench your fists and grit your teeth, “Pack your stuff, we’re leaving.”
>”Gladly.”
>Rainbow Dash continues to get ready as you quickly get dressed and head to the bathroom.
>There, you wash your face to try and cool off, but it didn’t work.
>So you try brushing your teeth, but you’re still mad.
>After you gargle some mouthwash, you feel stupid and calm down.
>As you exit the bathroom, you see Rainbow Dash about to descend the stairs with her suitcase.
“Here let me get that for you,” you say as you reach for it.
>She doesn’t look at you or say anything as you take her suitcase.
“Yeah, you’re welcome,” you say.
>”I didn’t ask you to,” she replies bitterly.

“It’s called being nice,” you say as you carry her suitcase down the stairs.
>Your mom sees the two of you and greets you from the kitchen, “Merry Christmas you two, breakfast’s almost ready.”
“No time, mom,” you yell from the front door, “Rainbow Dash is leaving.”
>”Oh really? She should at least pack something to eat for her flight.”
You look over to Rainbow Dash, “You want something to eat?”
>But she doesn’t respond and just puts her stuff in your car.
“Looks like we’re good!” you say as you shut the front door to your house.
>The ride to airport is completed in silence and without exchanging looks.
>As you kill the engine, Rainbow Dash quickly gets her stuff from your car and starts walking away.
>By the time you lock your car, she’s already a good distance away, so you have to jog to catch up to her.
“Hey, don’t I at least get a goodbye?”
>”Bye,” she says without stopping or slowing her pace.
You stand in place and yell, “Text me later?!”
>Rainbow Dash continues walking without looking back, and you watch her walk away until you can’t see her anymore.
“Awesome,” you say out loud as you run your hands through your hair.
>As soon as you get home, you just go to your room and sweep off everything on your desk to the side.
>Then you bring out your keyboard, turn on the computer, and start gaming.
>Your mom comes into your room and asks, “Is everything alright? Do you want to eat?”
“Everything’s fine and I’ll eat in a bit.”

>She exhales through her nose and leaves some cookies and milk next to you before leaving.

>It has been a week and she hasn’t replied back to you no matter how many times you call or text.
“God damn it,” you say to Twilight, “How many times do I have to say ‘I’m an idiot’ and ‘I’m sorry’ to her before she forgives me?”
>”It’s okay, Anon, I’m sure everything will turn out okay,” she says as she takes a sip out of her cider.
>It’s New Years Eve and it’s one hour until the new year.
>Twilight and her family are spending New Years with your family, but your mind is on Rainbow Dash.
>”Twilight, can you come here real quick?” Her mom calls for her from the kitchen.
>”Sorry Anon, I’ll be right back.”
“No problem, actually, I’ll just hang out with my dad out back.”
>You join your dad with Twilight’s dad grilling meat in the backyard.
>”Hey son, what’s up?” your dad asks.
“Dad, can I ask you a question?” you ask as you sit down on a bench.
>”Well, if what I’m guessing is right about what you’re gonna ask me, then,” he says as he uncaps a beer and hands it to you, “Then you’re gonna need this.”
>”This looks like a father-son moment. I’ll be inside,” Twilight’s dad says as he pats you on the shoulder, before walking inside.
You look at the bottle and then at him, “You sure?”
>”Sure! Just don’t tell your mom,” he laughs as he sits down next to you, “So tell me, what’s on your mind?”

“It’s Rainbow Dash, Dad, she hasn’t responded to any of my calls or texts. And in all of those texts is me apologizing and calling myself an idiot,” you say as you take a sip of beer.
>”Hmm,” he hums as he drinks from his, “Sometimes, sorry’s not enough.”
“Then what should I do?”
>”Let me ask you this, if you were watching a movie, and it’s really bad – like I’m talking make-you-wanna-puke bad – and someone walked out halfway because they knew it wasn’t going to get any better, would you blame them?”
“No, but how does that apply to me?”
>”Son, your movie with Rainbow Dash isn’t going to get any better, at least for now, so walk out. I’m Sure-as-Hell she already did.”
You stand up, “Dad! What are you saying?!”
>”Maybe it’s not this movie you’ll be together, but maybe in another one – but just as friends and not strangers or enemies.”
“What are you talking about, Dad? We’re still going out!”
>”Wait, what?” he asks in disbelief as he stands up.
“R-Rainbow Dash and I didn’t break up, w-we just had a fight is all. She said nothing about breaking up.”
>”You mean, you didn’t see the letter?”
“W-What letter?”
>”The night before Christmas Eve, Rainbow Dash’s mom called us to tell us Rainbow Dash is gonna stay here for the night. But she wasn’t gonna be here to spend Christmas, but to break up with you and to tell you that she’s gonna move back to Manehattan. Her mom told us that Rainbow Dash was gonna leave you a letter. You mean, you didn’t get it?”

“N-No, this isn’t… You’re lying,” you walk backwards, looking at your dad as if he’s some kind of monster.
>Letter? What letter?
>Break up with you? There’s no way!
>What is this nonsense?
>Sure you had one little fight, but that shouldn’t be enough to break up.
>Your head starts spinning, your body begins to become numb, and your hearing goes deaf.
>You back up into Twilight’s dad, making you fall to the floor.
>He says something as he tries to help you up, but you can’t hear him.
>Your dad said something about a letter, and so you shake off Twilight’s dad and run upstairs to your room.
“Where is it?!” you yell as you tear your room apart for the letter Rainbow Dash wrote.
>Papers go flying, toys and trinkets start falling apart, and clothes are spread out everywhere as you search every nook and cranny of your room for the letter.
>Eventually, you find the letter on the floor wedged between your desk and computer tower.
>On the envelope is your name in Rainbow Dash’s hand writing, and so you open it.
>Inside contains a letter written by none other than Rainbow Dash.
>”Dear Anon, I’m sorry, but I don’t think we can be together anymore. Please forget about me and move on. Thank you, and goodbye. – Rainbow Dash”
You fall to your knees as you finish reading and whisper, “Th-This is a j-joke, right?”
>Someone calls out to you, but you don’t know who and everything just soon fades to black.

>As your eyes open and you begin to come to, a throbbing pain in your head starts to form.
>A bright light blinds and disorients you causing you shut your eyes to shield them from the light.
>The throbbing becomes more intense, so you massage your temples with your thumb and index finger to try and soothe the pain.
>It helps a little bit, but you’re going to need something to keep the pain down.
>You slowly open your eyes once more and see that the light has become a little more bearable.
>Before you get up, you take a quick look around to see where you are.
>Across from you, you can see some holes in the wall that range from small to big.
>When you begin to wonder why there are holes in the wall, your hand starts to sting a little bit.
>Upon inspecting your hand, you see that it’s all bandaged up.
“What the…” you whisper, your voice rasp and dry.
>Something next to you stirs from the sound of your voice.
>As you look to your side, you see a girl resting her head on your shoulder.
>Your vision is still blurry, but you can make out rainbow-streaked hair.
You rub your eyes and ask, “Dashie?”
>Rainbow Dash makes her back straight and stretches her arms, then looks to you, “Anon!”
>When you get a closer look at Rainbow Dash, she looks different from when you last saw her.
>Her hair isn’t as, well, purple.

>Purple?
“Twi-Twilight?” you groan.
>”Hold on, Anon, let me get you some painkillers,” she says as she stands up, “Stay here.”
>She goes to a table on the other side of the room and prepares you some medicine.
>After studying her for a while, you can’t tell who she is, so you hoist yourself up with all your strength and walk towards her.
>As you begin to walk, the world around you begins to spin, making you nauseated.
>You take one step and your foot slips on something, causing you to fall to the floor.
>”Anon!” she yells as she rushes to your side, “I told you to stay here.”
“Who… Who are you?” you ask.
>”It’s me, come on,” she says as she props you up on the side of your bed.
“Who’s me?”
>”Twilight, now, open your mouth,” she says as she puts a glass of water to your lips.
>The water tastes as sweet as honey and tastes even better with every sip you take.
>”Here, painkillers,” she says as she puts some pills in your mouth.
>As you swallow the pills, you start to remember where you are.
“We’re in… My room, right?”
>”Yeah,” she says softly, “Why don’t you lay in bed?”
>Twilight then helps you up onto your bed and lays you down.
>”Try to get some sleep,” she says.
You chuckle, “Doubt I can with this headache. What happened?”
>”Last night, you went crazy. After drinking an insane amount of alcohol, you went absolutely crazy. Punching holes in the wall, breaking your things, the list goes on.”

“Sounds like I had a blast. What stopped me?”
>”After you were done with your rampage, you just laid down on the floor and started crying.”
“Awesome,” you sigh as you look around the room.
>Papers are cluttered everywhere, objects knocked over everywhere, and holes in your walls.
>Twilight notices you looking around your room and takes your hand in hers, “Hey, how are you doing?”
“Despite every instinct I have to say ‘I’m alright; I’m okay’, I’ll be honest. I’m not.”
>She squeezes your hand gently, “Well Anon, I just want to let you know, I’m here for you.”
You squeeze back with the same amount of force and smile, “Thanks, Twilight.”
>She lets go of your hand and stands up, “Okay well on that note, why don’t you get some sleep? You’ll recover faster that way.”
“I guess. The throbbing in my head has gone down a bit, but I don’t think–”
>Twilight puts her hand on the side of your face, “Don’t be so stubborn. I’ll just be here tidying up if you need me.”
“Twilight, you don’t– ”
>”It’s fine, it’s the least I can do. Now, please, get some sleep.”
>Twilight then puts in ear buds and starts tidying up your room.
>As you watch her clean up your room a bit, you slowly start to drift away.
>Suddenly, someone whispers into your ear, “Anon.”
>You open your eyes and you find yourself sitting on the floor with your back resting against on the side of your bed.
>”Anon,” the whisper now turning into a faint sob.

>When you try to move your head to see who it is, you find that your head won’t move as you want it to.
>It’s stuck hanging down looking at the floor and your eyes are flooding with tears.
>Someone hugs your arm and sobs into it, but you still don’t know who since you can’t turn your head to find out.
>Soon that same person lifts her head from your arm and whispers to your ear.
>”You don’t need her, Anon. Just stay here with me and we can be happy together.”
>Then that person turns your head slightly and you see that it’s Twilight next to you.
>You try to say something and move around, but to no avail.
>Twilight closes in as she kisses you and in your mind you scream out.
“Twilight! Wait! NO!”
>But nothing happens as you just sit there and watch as she kisses you.
>She then parts her lips from yours to say, “This can – no, WILL be better than anything you’ve ever had with her.”
“NO!” you yell as you jolt up while gasping for air.
>You’re in a cold sweat and breathing heavily.
>As you study your hands and look around, you realize it was just a dream.
>However, it was too surreal to be just a dream.
>As you get up from bed, you read the clock on your desk to see that it’s still early in the afternoon.
>When you walk over to your desk, you find the letter from Rainbow Dash and immediately stuff it into your pocket.
>Then you grab a matchbox from one of your drawers and head downstairs.

>”Anon,” your mother calls to you as you walk down the stairs, “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine, mom,” you smile, “I just need to take a walk around; get some fresh air, y’know?”
>”Alright, be careful, okay?”
“Yeah sure,” you reply as you head out the door and start walking towards the secret base.
>Once you were there you pull out the letter from Rainbow Dash and look at it.
>The envelope was just plain white, making you chuckle.
“I was expecting a cooler envelope from you, Dashie.”
>Then you bring out the matchbox and a match.
>As you strike the first match, a memory of Rainbow Dash pops into your head.
>It was dinner at the Dashs’ and Rainbow Dash just made that horrible salad.
>”Alright get ready for this awesome salad!” you remember her boasting.
“It wasn’t awesome,” you laugh slightly as you fail to ignite the match, “Damn it.
>You get another match and when you were about strike it, another memory pops up.
>This time, it was the day when Twilight got hospitalized and you and Rainbow Dash went to the secret base.
>”This is nice, I wish it can always be like this.”
“You had that choice,” you say as you shake your head and continue to strike the match, but fail again, “Come on.”
>When you get another match to strike, your eyes start tearing up as you remember another memory.
>The day when you went to the amusement park with her before she left for Manehattan.
>“I love you.”

>Your hands begin shaking violently making you drop everything and your vision is now blurred with tears.
>”I love you,” her words play again in your head, causing you to break down.
You fall to your hands and knees and begin crying, “You say that, yet… You say that and you just leave.”
>Instead of getting depressed, anger just boils up in you as you replay those three words in your head over and over again.
>”I love you.”
“No you don’t,” you whisper.
>”I love you.”
“Shut up.”
>”I love you.”
“SHUT UP!” you yell as you punch the dirt with your injured hand.
>You wince and apply pressure to your hand to try and stop the pain.
>”All you do is make things worse!” you remember Rainbow Dash yelling at you as you look at your hand.
>Suddenly, you sit up straight, get a match, strike it successfully, and ignite the letter.
>As you watch the letter catch on fire, you put it on the water and watch it drift away as it goes up in flames.
>This is supposed to give you some closure, but all it does is deepen the hole in your chest.
>”That’s considered littering, I think,” Twilight’s voice comes from behind you.
“Twilight!” you exclaim as you turn around and see her watching the letter in flames and drifting away, “How long were you here?”
>”The whole time,” she says as she walks to your side, “I was still in your house when you woke up. Then your mom made me keep an eye on you as you left the house.”

>You say nothing as you go back to watching the letter which is almost done burning.
>Nothing is said as the two of you watch as the flames die down and the letter dissipates into the water.
>”Does this make you feel better?” she asks.
You sigh, “It’s supposed to.”
>”So what are you going to do now?”
“Dunno.”
>”Typical answer.”
“You have something better?”
>”Yes, I do as a matter of fact,” she says as she brings out a folded paper from her pocket, “This.”
>When you look to see what that paper is, it is none other than the letter Rainbow Dash wrote you.
>Before you open your mouth to ask, Twilight asks for you, “How do I have this letter? You thought you burned that letter. Actually, what you burned was a test I failed. I’m not proud of it, but I couldn’t get rid of it. So I had you do it for me.”
“That’s low,” you say, “How could you switch the papers like that?”
>”I did it for you, because you’re giving up so easily.”
“Wait, what?”
>”Anon, you two were madly in love with each other before she left for Manehattan. Isn’t it odd for her to just get up and leave? Something’s wrong here.”
“But the letter said she wants to break up with me.”
>”Or, it could be a cry for help. Like I said, it seems completely bizarre to just have her drop this letter off at your place!”
“But– ”
>”But nothing! Come on, Anon! How can she say just forget about her so easily? And she wants to break up after liking you for how long? Come on, think about it!”

>It’s true, it’s too weird, even for Rainbow Dash herself.
>But one thing doesn’t make sense.
“Twilight, why are you helping me?”
>”Because, the person I fell in love with isn’t some loser,” she smiles and gives you the letter.
“Twilight,” your voice trails off.
>”I suppose you have an idea on what you have to do?”
“Yeah,” you say as you hug her.
>She squeezes you as you two hug, then she parts away, “Now go, before I regret doing this.”
“Will do,” you say as you begin running home, “Thanks Twilight!”
>”Remember, you’re not a loser!” she yells to you.

-A few days later-

>You’re looking out a window when you receive a text from Twilight.
>She’s wishing you the best of luck and to not give up.
>It’s weird how she’s helping you, but maybe, she’s also helping herself.
>Not seeing you for a while might help her get over you faster and give her a peace of mind.
>As you reply to Twilight, a flight attendant goes up to you, “Excuse me sir, we’ll need you to power that down along with any other electronics you may have.”
“Yeah, no problem,” you say as you hit send, power down your phone, and stuff it into your pocket.
>”Thank you and please enjoy the flight,” she smiles.
“Quick question, how long is the flight?”
>”It will be about six hours from San Franciscolt to Manehattan, so please enjoy flying with Pegasus Airlines.”
“Will do,” you smile and adjust yourself into a comfortable sleeping position.

>A loud chime wakes you from your sleep followed by an announcement, “Ladies and gentlemen, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat is back and tray tables are in their full upright position…”
“Oh it’s just this,” you yawn, still groggy from your nap.
>You follow all standard plane protocol; seats back, trays up, all electronics off, and try to go back to sleep.
>But it’s hard to come by, so you open the shade on the window and look outside.
>Below is Manehattan, which is illuminated by the sun in the horizon.
>It’s beautiful and reminds you of San Franciscolt, but somehow, something feels off.
>Is it Rainbow Dash’s absence that makes you have second thoughts about coming here?
>Could coming to Manehattan be a mistake?
>Would anything change once you’re here, or would it just be a waste of your time?
>All this uncertainty makes you uneasy, but then, you remember it’s that same uncertainty that made you came here in the first place.
>This whole situation was too unorthodox and that letter was all sorts of wrong.
>Breaking up with a letter is ridiculous, almost insulting.
>It’s not that simple… it never is.
>The plane touches down on the runway and starts to taxi towards the gate.

>”Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Manehattan Airport,” the flight attendant says over the speaker, “Local time is 6:46 P.M. and the temperature is forty-five degrees Fahrenheit, seven degrees Celsius…”

>Once inside the terminal, you turn on your phone and were about to ring up your uncle before he calls out for you.
>”Hey Anon! Over here!” he yells as he waves his arms.
“Hey!” you walk over to him and give him a hug, “It’s been a while!”
>”It sure has! Boy… Have you grown!” he says as he holds you from your shoulders.
>”OOOOH, Anon!” a woman sings your name from afar, and judging by the voice, it’s probably your aunt.
>Your aunt comes up to you and gives your uncle a tray of cupcakes to hold as she embraces you in a bear hug.
>”My, have you grown! Last time I saw you, you were just a little-wittle boy!”
“I-I can’t b-breathe,” you say as try to gasp for air while you tap her shoulders to let you go.
>”I’m so sorry, Anon, I’m just so excited to see you,” she says as she grabs the tray of cupcakes from your uncle, “Here, try a cupcake.”
“Oh sweet,” you say as you grab a cupcake and bite into it, “Delicious as always.”
>”Ooh, you’re such a sweetie, Anon. Tell me, do you know how to cook?”
“Well, mom’s the owner of a well known restaurant back home, so she had me help around sometimes. So I’d say yeah, but, I wouldn’t say I’m the best though.”

>Your aunt nudges your uncle with her elbow and smiles, “That’s my sister for you! Running food places must be in the family.”
You take another bite of the cupcake, “Man, mom would love to have this recipe of this cupcake. It’d be a hit back home!”
>”Oh no can do, Anon, it’s property of Sugar Cube Corner!”
>”Speaking of which,” your uncle speaks up, “While you’re here, you’ll be helping out, alright?”
“Yeah, no problem! It’ll be great to learn under you, Uncle Cake! Same goes for Aunty Cake!” you smile as you finish off the cupcake.
>”Nice to see such enthusiasm, alright, let’s go,” Uncle Cake says as he points to the parking lot.
>The drive to Sugar Cube corner is short, but exciting.
>Being able to see the city lights and the mass amount of people walking around reminds you of San Franciscolt.
>”Well, Anon, here we are,” Uncle Cake announces as he pulls up to a nice looking building.
>The building looks like two pieces of cake stacked on top of each other since the pink shades above the windows and doors look like frosting.
“Man,” you chuckle, “It looks like a cake.”
>”Or two sugar cubes, perhaps?” Aunty Cake asks.
>”Well whatever it is, it’s home. You’ll be sleeping upstairs, Anon,” Uncle Cake says as he pats your shoulder and points at a window on the second floor.
>”By the way, we have another person here as well,” Aunty Cake says as she grabs your arm.
“Like, a guest?”
>”No, she rents the other room; the one next to yours actually.”

“Oh, that’s cool, I guess.”
>”She’s from Caliponya just like you are,” Uncle Cake says.
“Cool, who is she?”
>”You’ll meet her in a bit, come, come,” Aunty Cake excitedly ushers you in.
>”Howdy!” a girl with bright, blonde hair greets you, “You must be Ah’non! The name’s Applejack, nice t’meet ya, sugar cube!”
“Uh, hi… Um…” you stutter.
>Applejack’s beauty’s radiating to the point where it leaves you speechless.
>Her gorgeous blonde hair, light green eyes, and a warm and welcoming smile are overwhelming.
>”Well come on, say hi,” Uncle Cake says as he hits your back softly.
“Right, um,” you clear your throat, smile, and extend your hand out, “Anon. Nice to meet you, Applejack.”
>She grabs your hand and squeezes tightly, “Likewise. So Ah heard you’re from Caliponya too?”
>Although her grip is quite firm for your comfort, you can’t help but notice how soft they are.
“Uh, yeah, I am,” you say aloofly, still mesmerized by her beauty.
>”Ya sure do space out a lot,” she laughs as she lets go of your hand, “So, what brings you to Manehattan?”
>”Actually Anon,” Aunty Cake says, “Hold that thought real quick! Let’s close up shop before we hear your story.”
“Yeah, sounds good,” you say as you begin to roll up your sleeves.
>As you help out by stacking chairs, you can’t help but shoot looks to Applejack as she cleans the tables.
>Your eyes trace out Applejack’s well-built, hourglass figure from head to toe.

>She catches you checking her out and she smirks as she winks at you.
>You start blushing immensely and go back to stacking chairs.
>She laughs and walks over to you, “Ya get riled up pretty easily, don’cha Ah’non?”
“I-I have no idea what you’re t-talking about,” you say as you stack the chairs even faster.
>”Okay everybody, let’s gather around,” Aunty Cake says as she puts some hot chocolate on a table, “It’s story time!”
>”Come on, Anon, lay it on us,” Uncle Cake says as he takes a seat.
>”Let’s hear it, sugar cube,” Applejack says as she sits down and crosses her legs.
“Alright, where to begin,” you sigh as you lean back on a table opposite from them, “No better start than the beginning right?”
>You tell them about dinner with the Dash’s, Twilight’s hospitalization, dinner with Rainbow Dash, the date at the amusement park, the fight on Christmas Eve, the tantrum you threw on New Years, then you get to a few days before your flight.
“Mom was furious, I’m telling you,” you say as you sip some hot chocolate, “It was hard to convince her since I just threw a fricken’ tantrum. But I told them how serious I was about Rainbow Dash, and I knew I had to go see her no matter what. Then, Dad got serious.
“I never saw him like that before, he looked me dead in the eye and started questioning me as if we were in some good cop/bad cop scene. ‘How long will you be gone? What about school? Can you handle this?’

“At first, I couldn’t answer these questions, and it made me feel like utter crap. But later that night, I thought about everything, and came back to them the next day.
“I can stay here, at Sugar Cube Corner. I can transfer to Manehattan High, my grades will allow it, and come back in time for college. And yes, I can handle it, because I love Rainbow Dash. Of course, this is the watered down version; the real talk had more yelling, mostly from mom, and dad talking me down.
“Mom was still opposed to the idea, but dad approved. He said that it was the first time he saw me acting like an adult and the fire in my eyes burns like nothing he ever saw before. Which, by the way if you ask me, I think he’s just been watching too much action movies. But he helped made everything possible, so I can’t really say much.”
>”Your father’s right though, Anon,” Uncle Cake nods his head, “Although your actions may be a little far fetched, your ambition is commendable. This Rainbow Dash gal is lucky to have someone as good as you.”
“Haha, tell that to mom! Dad practically had to hold her back as I was going out through the front door. Mom was heavily opposed to it, and probably still is. It’s still funny to think that dad let me go, but hey, I’m not complaining.”
>”Oh dear, don’t worry about your mom, I’ll talk to her,” Aunty Cake says as she hugs you, “Your heart’s in the right place, and you’re a good kid, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

>Suddenly a faint wailing comes from the counter.
>”Oh that must be the baby monitor,” Uncle Cake says as he rushes to the counter, “Looks like the two young’ns upstairs are in trouble. I’ll go ahead and go up first.”
>Aunty Cake gathers all the cups of hot chocolate, “Why don’t you two go up as well? I’ll clean up here. You two have school tomorrow, don’t you?”
>”Sure do,” Applejack says as she stands up and stretch, “C’mon Ah’non, let’s hit the hay.”
“Right,” you say as you gather your bags and head upstairs with Applejack.
>She heads to her room and points to the door next to hers and says, “Well sugar cube, here ya are.”
You smile, “Thanks, see you in the morning.”
>”Hold up a sec, Ah’non.”
“What’s up?”
>”You’re a good fella, don’cha let anyone tell ya anythin’ else,” she says as she puts a hand on your arm.
“Thanks, will do.”
>”Oh and one more thing, ya can count on me if ya need anythin’, alright?”
“Oh yeah, of course. You’ll definitely be my go-to person.”
>She laughs, “You’re gettin’ better by the second! Alrighty then, sleep tight.”
“Yeah, you too,” you say as you head inside.
>Your room is pretty simple; a bed by the far wall, a desk next to the window, and a cabinet and closet.
“Home sweet home, I guess,” you say as you change into some shorts and lay on the bed.
>As you stare at the ceiling waiting for sleep to come, your mind wanders.

>Is it too late to turn back?
>Are you doing the right thing?
>Where do you even begin looking for her?
>What if she really doesn’t want to see you again?
“I swear, I can’t go one minute without being a loser,” you sigh as you get out of bed and head to the kitchen.
>There you get an apple and head to the living room and plop on the couch.
>Hopefully this change of scenery will help you think a little better.
>A change of scene, though?
>Isn’t that all you’ve been doing?
>Going from San Franciscolt all the way to Manehattan for a girl, that’s a pretty big scene change.
>You begin throw the apple up in the air and catching it without thinking about anything.
>The apple’s skin starts to become soft from repeatedly hitting your palm and the softness strangely reminds you of Applejack’s hands.
>Now you begin to wonder, why did you think of Applejack, and not Rainbow Dash?
“Applejack, huh…” you whisper.
>”Eeyup,” Applejack says as she snatches the apple out of the air and takes a bite out of it, “That’s me!”

You sit up straight and look at her, “Applejack?”
>”You called, sugarcube?” she asks as she takes a bite out of the apple.
>She’s in cute, soft pajamas that have apples printed on it and she has her hair down to her waist.
“No it’s just that…” your voice trails off.
>You can’t help but be captivated by her alluring nightwear.
>”It’s just?” she asks as she takes a seat next to you.
“Uh, just, summing up what happened today,” you quickly say.
>”And mah name came up because?”
“Because, uh…” you stall for an excuse, “I haven’t seen someone as pretty as you for a while?”
>She laughs, “Why, how sweet of you, Ah’non. Remember though, you still got that lady friend of yours.”
You give her a half smile, “Yeah… Yeah, I know.”
>”What’s wrong?”
“Lots of things.”
>”Don’t be such a stick in the mud, Ah’non! That’s why ya came here in the first place, ain’t it? To right those wrongs?”
“Well yes, but– ”
>”There ain’t no ‘buts’ ‘bout it! C’mon Ah’non, things ain’t as bad you think they are. Ah mean, ya still had the guts to come all this way, so a few hiccups here and there shouldn’t bring ya down.”
>You open your mouth to argue, but nothing comes out.
>”Looks like Ah’m right, huh?”
>The cockiness from what she said reminds you of Rainbow Dash and catches you off guard.
“Y-Yeah…”
>”Something the matter?”
You shake your head, “No, it just… You helped me realize what I already know, thanks, Applejack.”

>”No problem, sugarcube,” she says softly as she gives you a sincere smile.
“Say, what’s your story? Like, why are you here?”
>She arches an eyebrow, “Something wrong with me being here?”
“N-No! I didn’t mean it like that!”
>She laughs and pats your shoulder, “Man Ah’non, you’re really easy to tease. Ah know what ya meant.”
>As she continues to laugh, you just roll your eyes and sigh, hoping that’s enough to get her to stop.
>”Hoo-ey,” she cheers as she wipes a tear from her eye, “What a laugh.”
“Har, har, very funny.”
>”Ya gotta learn how to lighten up,” she jokes as she catches her breath, “Anyway, mah story begins way back when. Ah was born and raised in the southwest, farm territory, but it didn’t last long. Mah folks wanted more of the corporate business life, and so they moved to Caliponya.”
“Why Caliponya though?”
>”Because mah folks still wanted to live in a farm-like place – don’t ask me, Ah still have a hard time figuring them out to this day – and mah Granny, despite her old age, still was a farmer. She has a farm of her own up in wine country, Napony Valley.”
“She makes wine?”
>”Nah, she runs an apple farm, Sweet Apple Acres, and makes cider. Seems weird, but hey, it’s still nice.”
“I’d imagine. So what about you? What brought you here?”
>”Ah wanted to try the business life just like mah folks.”
“So why not just stay in San Franciscolt? It’s pretty business-y there.”

>”Yeah but, mah folks didn’t know anythin’ ‘bout corporations or the sort. Ah wanted to see what brought them in, from the ground up. If Ah were to start in San Franciscolt, that’d be cheating in a way. Mah folks are there to hold mah hand, and Ah don’t want none of that since mah folks didn’t have anyone to do hold theirs.”
“Wow, that’s some resolve.”
>”Thanks, it wasn’t easy, but here Ah am, and Ah don’t have any regrets about it. Especially now. Getting a room here off an ad online seemed a lil’ suspicious at first, but it turned out to be better than okay. And so Ah’ve been here since the start of middle school.”
“That’s quite the story; thanks for sharing,” you smile.
>”But it’s nowhere near as good as yours,” she smiles back..
“Yeah well, it’s not as good as you think it is when it keeps you up at night,” you sigh.
>”Not even jet lag helps?”
“You would think.”
>”Well here,” she says as she grabs a remote from the coffee table, “How about some T.V.?”
“Don’t we have school tomorrow?”
>”Ah don’t think it matters since you can’t sleep anyway,” she chuckles.
“Alright, true. So what’s to watch?”
>”Anything, Ah guess,” she says as she turns on the T.V. to some Asian drama.
“Can you understand a word they’re saying?”
>”Nah, but it shouldn’t matter; we’re just using it to fall asleep anyhow.”
>The two of you watch the drama without subtitles for about ten minutes before Applejack falls asleep.

>She shivers a bit, so you take off your sweater and lay it on top of her and continue to watch the drama.
>After a few minutes, you fall asleep as well.
>You’re awaken by something really heavy falling to your lap.
>Unfortunately for you, whatever that heavy thing was, fell on your family jewels.
>A sharp pain runs up through your stomach, making you gag a little.
>You double over and slide your hands under the object to cup your downstairs.
>As you breathe heavily, you can smell an apple fragrance and you notice that your hands have something soft atop them.
>After the pain has somewhat subsided, and your breathing went back to normal, you look at what fell onto your lap.
>It’s a blonde head of hair.
>Wait, what?
>Soon, you realized that it’s Applejack, who is still sleeping, that fell onto your lap.
“Applejack,” you try to wake her as you shake her, “Applejack, wake up.”
>She groans and tries to shake you off.
>You raise her head slightly and try to slip away, but she grabs you in a hug as you do so.
>This causes you to lose your balance and fall to the floor.
“Ugh, Applejack, what is– ” you groan but then, she begins to tussle your hair.
>”Who’s a good girl? Who’s a good girl? That’s right, you are!” she laughs.
>Is she still asleep?
You try to push her off you, “Uh, Applejack? I’m not–”
>One of your hands manages to tickle her armpit as she begins to laugh hysterically.
>She immediately wakes up and sits up straight, while still on top you.

>”Top of the mornin’ to you, Ah’non,” she says, out of breath, “What’s going on?”
“G-Good morning to you, too,” you say as you drop your head to the floor and close your eyes.

>”Ah’non, Ah’m still so, so, so sorry for what happened this morning,” Applejack says with remorse as she tugs your sleeve.
You smile at her, “It’s fine, really, don’t worry about it.”
>”But on top of all that, you cooked breakfast as well!” she says as she lowers her cowboy hat in an effort to try and hide her face.
“Like I said, it’s fine. I like cooking anyway, so it’s really no problem.”
>”Is there any way Ah can make it up to you?”
You think for a bit then say, “Actually, we got most of the same classes together except for math and science, how about you help me get to know my way around school?”
>”That’s all?”
“That’s all.”
>”Well then, leave it to me! Hey, at lunch, Ah’ll introduce you to my cousin Braeburn. He goes to the same school as us and is a pretty cool fella. Oh Ah’m sure y’all will get along nicely.”
“I hope so, it’ll be nice to have another friend around here.”
>The two of you approach a building that looks like a government office and Applejack enters.
“Whoa wait, where are you going?” you ask as you grab her hand.
>She looks at you confused, “To school?”
“This is school?” you ask in disbelief as you look up.
>It looks like half a skyscraper for some business or a part of a tech company.

>”Oh right, you’ve lived in San Franciscolt up until now,” she says as she looks up with you, “School’s here look a lil’ different, but they’re still all the same, more or less.”
“I’m used to open campuses, hopefully this won’t be too big of a change.”
>”Oh quit your worrying, it ain’t nothin’ too bad,” she puts a hand on your back and ushers you in, “Besides, we got first period government together, so you ain’t free from me just yet.”
>The two of you walk up some stairs and into a classroom where everybody greets Applejack and looks at you weird.
>But despite the weird looks you’re getting, you just smile and mind your own business.
>Soon the bell rings and the teacher comes in and tells you all to take a seat.
>”I believe we have a new student with us here today,” the teacher says, “Anon? Why don’t you stand up and introduce yourself?”
“Right,” you say as you stand up, “Hey everyone, the name’s Anon. Nice to meet you all.”
>The class all says “hi” and “hey” back to you.
>”Okay Anon, where are you from?” the teacher asks.
“I’m from San Franciscolt, Caliponya.”
>”And can you tell me what circuit is Caliponya in?”
“I think, uh, the Ninth Circuit?”
>”Well done, Anon, now on that note, today’s lesson will be on circuits. Circuits are…”
>As you sit down, Applejack nudges your elbow to get your attention.
>She gives you a smile and a thumbs up, making you feel good on the inside.

>The next two periods follow the same way, you going into different classrooms, introducing yourself, and trying to fit in.
>Although it wasn’t necessarily hard to fit in since everyone there is cool with you.
>Lunch comes around and you’re getting lunch with Applejack at the cafeteria.
>”So how are ya so far?” she asks as she pays for her lunch.
“A little tired, but I’ll manage,” you say as you pay for your lunch.
>”Looks like you’re gettin’ along with everyone, so that’s good.”
“Say, I’ve been meaning to ask…” you say as you sit down at a table.
>”Yeah? What’s up, sugarcube?” she asks as she takes her seat across from you.
“Does Rainbow Dash go to this school?”
>”Nah. If she did, Ah would’ve known by now.”
“But she moved during winter break, shouldn’t she be just starting school with me?”
>”Ah’non, it’s been two weeks since winter break ended.”
“Oh right, sorry,” you say as you take a drink of water.
>”No worries Ah’non, just take it slow, you’ll find her soon.”
“But where do I even start?”
>”Well ya already flew here to Manehattan, didn’t ya? That’s already a start.”
You sigh, “I guess.”
>”Or maybe,” she smirks and brushes your leg with hers, “You came here for me?”
You just take a bite out of your sandwich and sarcastically say, “Yeah, you’re totally right.”
>”Oh someone’s getting’ better at my teasin’.”
“What, did you think it was gonna last on me forever?”
>She laughs and retract her leg, “It would’ve been a heck of a lot more fun.”

>”Howdy y’all,” a voice comes behind you.
>When you turn your head, you see a guy in a cowboy hat similar to Applejack’s.
>”Howdy there, Braeburn!” Applejack greets.
>”You must be Ah’non,” he says as he extends a hand out to you, “Ah’m Braeburn.”
You reach out and shake his hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Anon.”
>He sits down next to you and starts telling his story, “Applejack told you how Ah’m her cousin right? Just like her, Ah also moved here when I was a youngin’. When Ah caught wind of Applejack here movin’ to the big city, Ah wanted to hop along on that wagon. So Ah followed after her back in middle school. Although Ah stay with mah fellow Apples here in the city; Ah ain’t got the same spark as AJ over here, but Ah still got the guts.”
“Dang,” you say in amazement, “That’s quite the story.”
>”That’s the same thing you said about mine,” Applejack says as she looks at you a little annoyed.
“Well it is,” you chuckle nervously, “I-I mean, I’ve never heard anything like it.”
>She laughs, “Ah’m just teasing. Still got it, don’t Ah?”
>You sigh and roll your eyes in contempt.
>Braeburn chuckles a bit and asks, “So Ah’non, what brings ya here?”
“Oh, I came here because–” you begin but you’re interrupted by Applejack.
>”Uh Braeburn! It’s actually a long story, how about he tells you it later at Sugar Cube Corner? Ah gotta show him to his next class since Ah don’t have it with him.”

>She’s a little nervous and as you’re about to ask what’s wrong, she stands up, “C’mon Ah’non, let’s go.”
“Uh,” you stutter and look to Braeburn, “Sorry.”
>Braeburn just smiles and tips his hat, “No problems here. Now, get along, partner.”
>”Well, time’s a-wastin’. Let’s go, Ah’non,” Applejack says as she walks away.
You walk fast in order to catch up with Applejack, “Applejack, wait up!”
>She stops and turns around to face you, “Sorry about that Ah’non. See, your class is on the opposite side of school from mine. So Ah gotta get you there and walk all the way to the other side to be on time for mine.”
“Oh, okay?” you respond, a little confused.
>Applejack walks you to your class, then hurriedly walks away.
>A little weird, but you understand.
>The next three periods are like the first three: different classrooms, introductions, try and fit in, rinse and repeat.
>After school, you walk back to Sugar Cube Corner with Applejack and talk about your first day at a new school.
>When you arrive to Sugar Cube Corner, you see Braeburn standing outside waiting for you two.
>”Howdy slowpokes,” he says as he waves to the two of you.
“Whoa, how’d you get here so fast?” you ask.
>”Wait, more importantly, don’t you have that architecture class to go to today?” Applejack asks.
You look at Braeburn, then to Applejack, “Architecture?”
>”Eeyup,” Braeburn says, “Ah’m studying to become an architectural engineer to build farms and all that.”

“Dude, that’s pretty cool.”
>”Ain’t it though? Unfortunately, class is cancelled today since the professor called in sick. So Ah got some spare time.”
“Oh cool, so I can tell you that story as to why I’m here.”
>”Sorry Ah’non, you might wanna put a rain check on that,” Applejack says as she puts a hand on your shoulder, “All schools within the district just finished school, so we’re gonna need you since we’re gonna be getting a heck of a lot students comin’ in for the next few hours.”
“Oh dang, really?”
>”Eeyup,” Applejack says, “Sorry about that y’all.”
>”Well, Ah’ll just doze off upstairs then,” Braeburn says as he enters the door, “See y’all in a few.”
>Once you’re inside, Uncle Cake hands you an apron and tells you that you’ll be helping him in the kitchen.
>There he teaches you how to make a variety of sweets and food, and has you making what seems like hundreds of each dish he teaches you.
>Applejack wasn’t kidding when she said when ‘a heck of a lot students’ will be coming in.
>In a few hours, most of the students left and there are just a few customers left.
>”Not bad on your first day,” Uncle Cake says as he hands you a bottle of water, “You’re a great cook, Anon.”
>”Ooooh, I see my sister has taught you well,” Aunty Cake says as she hugs you tightly.
“A-Aunty Cake, I-I can’t b-breathe,” you say, gasping for air.
>”I’m so sorry, sweetie, I’m just so proud of you,” she says as she releases you from the hug.

>”You’re pretty good there, Ah’non,” Applejack says as she raises her hand for a high five.
You high five her and say, “Thanks, I had the time of my life.”
>Uncle Cake chuckles, “And what’s that supposed to mean, huh?”
You laugh, “It means I had fun, Uncle Cake.”
>”Yeah, yeah,” he laughs softly and returns to the kitchen.
>Then, Braeburn comes down yawning a bit.
”Hey there, sleep well?” you ask to Braeburn.
>”Eeyup,” he says as he takes a seat near you, “Good job here.”
“Thanks,” you say as you take a seat across from him, “Never had a real job before, so that’s a thing.”
>”But you did good, Ah’non,” Applejack says cheerfully as she takes a seat next to you.
“Thanks,” you say then you look to Braeburn, “Oh right, about that story.”
>”Hoo-ey, here we go,” Braeburn says and leans in closer.
“It’s nothing that grand, but it’s still something.”
>”You might wanna give him the short version, Ah’non, he’s gotta get home soon,” Applejack says.
>”Nah, Ah’m fine. Mah folks won’t throw a hissyfit about it,” Braeburn tells you.
>”Braeburn! What do you think you’re saying?!” Applejack says loudly and sternly.
>Braeburn just gives her a smile and says softly, “Don’t worry about me, AJ, Ah’m fine. Honestly.”

“Uh, what’s going on?” you ask.
>”Ah’d be lyin’ if Ah said ‘nothin’’, but that’s a story for another time,” Braeburn says as he looks to you, “Right now Ah wanna hear your story. So how about this, you tell me the short version, and Ah’ll ask questions if Ah have any?”
“Alright well,” you think for a second, “I guess in short, I came here because of my girlfriend. We were going out for a long time and then–”
>”Sorry,” Braeburn interrupts and raises his hand, “‘Were’?”
“Right well, uh, I mean, like I don’t consider us to be broken up.”
>”So you’re here to find her?”
“Yeah, pretty much.”
>”Are you a stalker?”
“WHAT?! No! It’s not like that, it’s complicated.
>”Huh, sorry, keep going.”
“Anyway, we were going out for a long time, then during winter break, she came to my house on Christmas Eve while she was on a vacation here in Manehattan. After she left my place on Christmas, she left me a letter saying to just forget about her and move on. I followed her here to ask what the Hell any of that meant, since she’s been ignoring me since.”
>”So you aren’t a stalker.”
“N-No, I’m not.”
>”But hot damn, partner, that’s cold. Sorry for calling you a stalker, you’re just here for an explanation.”
“Right.”
>”And how do you know she’s here?”
“My parents told me that she’ll be attending school here in Manehattan, but I dunno where.”
>”What about her parents, haven’t you tried talking to them?”

“I did, but won’t disclose any information about her to me. Apparently Rainbow Dash begged them not to.”
>”Ah see,” Braeburn thinks about it for a bit then smiles, “Well, partner, Ah got your back in your efforts to winning her back! Ya can count on me.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it,” you say.
>He stands up and stretches, “Well Ah guess Ah be best gettin’ home. Applejack here has been doing nothin’ but given me a stink eye the whole time.”
>”Braeburn, you know Ah worry about you, everyone does,” Applejacks says softly, yet sternly.
“Wait, why?” you ask.
>”Ya see, Ah’non, Braeburn here–” Applejack begins, but Braeburn stops her.
>”AJ, Ah appreciate the thought, but Ah’non here don’t need to know. Ah’ll be the one to tell him when the time’s right.”
“What’s going on?”
>Braeburn walks next to you and pats your shoulder, “Like Ah said, when the time’s right.”
>Then he continues to walk towards the door.
You get up and turn to him, “Hey wait, tell–”
>Braeburn then loses balance and falls to the ground.
>”BRAEBURN!” Applejack yells and rushes to his side.
You rush to his side as well to see that he’s passed out, “What’s wrong with him?”
>”Ah’non call an ambulance!” Applejack yells as she tends to Braeburn.
>You get your phone out and call for an ambulance.
>Afterwards, you do what you can to help Braeburn until the paramedics arrive.

>At the hospital you’re waiting in the lobby with Applejack.

>She has her head on your shoulder crying, “Braeburn, you ijit, Ah told you…”
>You say nothing as you just hug her and try to comfort her.
>This reminds you of the time when Twilight had her heart surgery.
>How useless you felt, how hopeless you felt, how Rainbow Dash…
“Rainbow Dash…” you mutter.
>When you look to your side, you see Applejack trying her hardest to stifle her sobs, but they just keep coming.
>Then, the doctor comes in and finds you two.
>”Are you Applejack and Anon?”
“Uh yes, we are. What’s the news, doctor?”
>”Nothing too bad actually, it’s just that he hasn’t been eating properly. So can you two make sure he does? You can see him if you’d like.”
“Thank you doctor,” you say and go to Braeburn’s room with Applejack.
>”Howdy y’all,” Braeburn says and smiles, “Well don’t the two of you look like as if you’ve seen a ghost. And don’t say you did, because Ah ain’t dead nor am Ah dying.”
“You okay, man?” you ask.
>”Ah’m not as fit as a fiddle yet, but Ah’m getting there.”
>”Ah told you, you should’ve gone home,” Applejack says.
>”Ah still would’ve just passed out anyway.”
>”You don’t know how much mah heart hurts right now.”
>”At least you don’t got mah heart, mah heart’s more beat up then a rusty old–”
“Wait, hold on, what?” you look at Braeburn in confusion.
>”Ah shit,” Braeburn cusses under his breath.
“Your heart’s what?” you press on.

>”Did Ah ever tell you that lying ain’t one of the Apple family’s strong suits?” he jokes.
“You have a heart problem?!” you ask loudly.
>”Yeah, well, guess the cat’s outta the bag now, huh?”
>You turn around and walk towards the window.
>Nothing is said for a while and soon, Applejack starts sobbing faintly.
>Before you’re able to say something, someone comes bursting through the door and rushes next to Braeburn.
>”Braeburn I heard what happen, are you okay?” the person asks.
>When you get a good look at that person, you see that she’s in a girl’s uniform, like the one you’ll find at an all girls private school.
>Then when you look at her face, you’ll see that she has the same face and rainbow-streaked hair as someone you know.
“Rainbow Dash?” you ask softly.
>Rainbow Dash looks up and when she sees you, she widens her eyes and asks in utter disbelief, “A-Anon?!”
>The two of you just stare at each other for a short while, then Rainbow Dash asks, “Anon, why are you here?”
“I…” you begin, but think about what to say, “I could ask you the same.”
>”Ah take it you two know each other?” Braeburn asks.
>”Ah’non, don’t tell me that she’s–” Applejack starts to say.
“– the girl I’ve been looking for. She’s my girlfriend,” you finish Applejack’s sentence.
>”Was,” Rainbow Dash says, “Was your girlfriend.”
“But why?! I want to know why!”
>”Because…” her voice trails off.
>Then Braeburn speaks up, “Because I’m the one who stole her away from you.”

“You what?”
>Braeburn sighs and looks at you with guilt in his eyes, “Ah’m so sorry, Ah’non.”
“Hold on, I don’t–” you say as you take a seat and bury your head in your hands.
>Applejack rubs your back gently as you try to make sense of what just happened.
>”Here, why don’t we go for some fresh air?” Applejack suggests as she walks you out.
>The two of you sit on a bench in the court yard staring idly into space.
>Applejack gets you a cup of coffee, but you reject it.
“Sorry, I don’t drink coffee.”
>”You’re gonna need something to warm you up though,” she says.
“I think it’s gonna take more than a cup of coffee to warm me up on the inside.”
>”It’s nice to see you still have a sense of humor,” Applejack says as she wraps an arm around you and snuggles up next to you.
“Applejack…”
>”Shush, Ah don’t need you, or your body at least, going cold on me too,” she says.
>The two of you remain silent as you just continue to stare into nothingness for a while.
>Applejack then speaks up, “Ah’m sorry, Ah’non, Ah should’ve told you.”
“What do you mean?”
>”Ah knew Rainbow Dash all along. Ah knew where she was, and yet, Ah didn’t say anything.”
“Wait, what? Why?”
>”Because Ah knew she was with Braeburn. Ya see, Braeburn doesn’t have long to live. He has a serious heart condition and he doesn’t want to get surgery. Says he’ll just burden his family heavily, and he don’t want none of that.”
“I’ll talk to him, I’ve had a friend back home in the same position, maybe I can–”

>”It’s not like that Ah’non, he said that if he goes through with this surgery, he’ll be taking a great deal of his family’s money. And his family don’t got much money to boot. It’ll take more than one surgery to fix him up, and that’ll have his family give up most, if not all, their money.”
“I… Is there nothing we can do?”
>”There is, let him date Rainbow Dash for the rest of the time that he’s here.”
>That just hit you like a train wreck.
>What do you do?
>Do you fight for the one you love or do you let someone just borrow her?
“But why Rainbow Dash?”
>”Rainbow Dash was here for the first two years of middle school. But while she was here, she was bullied for looking and acting like a boy. However Braeburn didn’t care, and continued to be her friend. Really, it was just me and Braeburn who was her friend during those two years. Then when she told Braeburn that she was gonna leave for Caliponya, he asked her to be his girlfriend. But she said no since she said she was in love with someone else, and Ah assume that’s you, and stopped talking to him.”
“She has a bad habit of doing that.”
>Applejack chuckles, “Then when Braeburn caught wind of her returning to Manehattan for the break, he dropped the news on her that he’s gonna be dead soon. So his dying wish was that she go out with him for the time he has left here.”
“Huh I see,” you think for a bit, “So she doesn’t go to our school?”

>Your question catches Applejack off guard due to its spontaneity, “What? No, she goes to an all girls private school, but that’s all you have to say?”
“Yeah, I guess,” you say as you stand up and walk back to Braeburn’s room.
>”Ah’non wait!” Applejack calls out to you as she goes up next to you, “You’re not mad?”
“I,” you pause, trying to think of what to say, “I don’t know what to be. Honestly, this… This is all too much.”
>”Are you gonna be okay?”
“Eventually, yeah.”
>”No Ah mean, back in Braeburn’s room?”
“Yeah. I’ll manage.”
>Back inside Braeburn’s room, Rainbow Dash walks up to you when you enter, but you ignore her and go to Braeburn.
“Hey man, how’re you?”
>”The same as before, just a little tired, Ah guess,” he says.
“That’s good to hear, anyway, get well soon, yeah?” you say as you turn around and head for the door.
>He looks to Applejack and back to you, “Applejack didn’t tell you mah story?”
“Oh no, she did. Sorry to hear about your condition.”
>”Wait Ah’non, you shouldn’t be the one sorry, it should be me. Had Ah know Ah’d be stealing Rainbow Dash from you Ah… Ah…”
“I don’t think it would’ve made a difference if it was me or some other guy dating Rainbow Dash prior to your dying wish, she would’ve still said yes to you.”
>”Anon!” Rainbow Dash yells.
>Braeburn stops her, “No, Dashie, he’s right.”
>Hearing the name ‘Dashie’ infuriates you to no ends, and you can feel anger starting to form, but you just suppress it with all your might.

You swallow your pride and apologize, “Sorry, that was uncalled for. But seriously, Braeburn, you have nothing to be sorry for. I understand completely, just focus on trying to stay healthy for as long as you can, you hear me?”
>”Well of course, Ah’non, but Ah can’t help but feel bad.”
You smile, “Nah, water under the bridge for me. Just see if you can get better, because I don’t wanna fight for my girlfriend from a sick guy.”
>Braeburn chuckles, “That’s unexpected, I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“If you’ll excuse me then,” you say, unable to take another minute of this.
>The room has become so suffocating and if you stay in here for any longer, you feel like you’re going to snap.
>As you walk out the room, Rainbow Dash chases after you, “Anon wait!”
>You ignore Rainbow Dash and continue walking.
>”ANON!” Rainbow Dash calls out to you again.
>But yet, you keep walking.
>Finally she grabs your arm, forcing you to stop, “Anon wait!”
You turn around and look at her, tears forming in your eyes, “I don’t think there’s anything to talk about.”
>”There obviously is.”
“That’s rich, coming from you.”
>What are you on about?”
“Remember Christmas Eve? ‘It’s my problems and I get to decide whether or not I should tell you.’”
>”Well this includes both of us now, so–”
“You mean to tell me that this didn’t involve me back then?”
>”It was complicated for me back then, okay?”
“Whatever, where do you want to start?”

>”Did you really mean it back there? That you were gonna fight for me?”
“I came to Manehattan in search of you, and to try and get you back. I still want you back, but, I… I don’t know. There’s some uncertainty with me now.”
>”I see…”
“Just one thing, why didn’t you tell me about this back then?”
>”I couldn’t, it would’ve just been messy.”
“As opposed to now?”
>”I… I don’t…”
“Sorry.”
>The two of you just stand there looking at the ground in silence.
>Then Rainbow Dash starts walking back to Braeburn’s room and you just watch her go.
>As soon as Rainbow Dash enters his room, Applejack comes out.
>You give a tight-lipped smile to Applejack and wave to her as she comes near you.
>”Howdy,” she says, “How are you?”
“A wreck, to put it plainly,” you say.
>”Well for the wreck that you say you are, you’re holding it together pretty well.”
“Am I?”
>”Eeyup, c’mon, let’s go home.”
>Then the two of you walk home without saying a word.

-Three weeks later-
>”Oh, good morning, Ah’non,” Applejack says as she walks out the door of Sugar Cube Corner, “You’re up early.”
“Yeah, well, I’m a little impatient, I wanna see Braeburn,” you say as you begin to walk down the street with Applejack.
>”Ah’m surprised actually.”
“With what?”
>”How well you two got along after that night, honestly, Ah thought you’d either be at his throat or lay down and die.”
“Pfft, come on, Applejack, who do you think I am? Braeburn is a pretty cool guy. I’m able to see past what he did.”

>”Ah know, that’s why Ah’m surprised.”
“Man, when he was telling that story about how he went home one summer to help out with the farm, and the horses got loose? Dang, when he was telling the part about how he had to corral them, it was so fricken’ exhilarating. I was on the edge of my seat.”
>”That was pretty exciting. Honestly what bores me so much is when you two start talking about engineering. You go on for hours! Ah think once you went on for a day and a half talking about nothing but engineering!”
“You know, exchanging information about engineering is pretty exciting. I look at architectural engineering in a whole new light because of him. Hopefully he does as well with computer engineering. Although, I wanna be a computer science major.”
>”Hoo-ey, aren’t you two just two peas in a pod?”
You chuckle, “Really? I’m honestly glad I got to know him.
>”Eeyup, well, we’re here,” Applejack says as she stops before the doors of a church.
“Yeah, just in time too. The funeral’s about to start,” you say as you hold open the door for Applejack.
>After the funeral, Braeburn’s mom approaches you, “Are you Ah’non?”
“Yes ma’am, I am,” you say.
>”Thank you for being with Braeburn until the end, it means a lot to me, and Ah’m sure he appreciated it lots.”
“No problem, it was my pleasure. He was a great friend, it’s unfortunate that my time with him was short.”

>”He said he wanted you to have this, it meant a lot to him and you must be a very important friend to receive it” she says as she gives you a gift bag then walks away.
>When you look inside to see what it is, you find a letter on top of the tissue paper.
>You open it and the letter reads, “Every programmer needs his computer, just like how every cowboy needs his hat– B”.
>Then inside the bag is the cowboy hat he wears all the time.
>As you hold the hat in your hands, you can feel the tears starting to fall.
>But Applejack puts a hand on your shoulder and looks at you.
>It’s apparent that she’s fighting back tears of her own, but she just smiles and says, “Remember what he said? No crying even after it’s over?”
“I know, but…”
>”But nothing, sugarcube, but nothing,” she says as she hugs you tightly.
You return the hug and try to fight the tears that are coming, “Right, of course.”
>After you pull away from the hug, you rub your eyes and smile.
>Applejack does the same and as the two of you are about to exit, Rainbow Dash stops you.
>”Hey, Anon, can I have a minute with you?” she asks.
Applejack looks to you with concern, but you just smile and nod to her, “I’ll be fine, just wait for me outside.”
>Applejack puts a hand on your shoulder and smiles before leaving.
>Rainbow Dash and you then take a seat in the pew farthest away from everyone, but none of you say anything for a while.
“So,” you begin, “What’s up?”
>”What now?” she asks.

“About what?”
>”Everything.”
“That’s kinda vague if you think about it.”
>”Okay, about you then.”
“I finish up school here and go back to San Franciscolt for college.”
>”What about us?”
“I don’t know, do you still want to go out?”
>Rainbow Dash says nothing for a while, then speaks up, “No, not really.”
“I figured, do you still want to be friends?”
>”I… I don’t think so.”
“Huh, that sucks. Guess it’s over then.”
>”It’s been over, Anon.”
“Well, at least do one thing for me.”
>”What’s that?”
“Continue to be friends with Twilight, she’s worried sick about you.”
>”Deal.”
You then stand up and face her, “Well then, thank you and, goodbye.”
>She stands up to meet you, “Yeah, same.”
>Once outside, you see Applejack wiping her eyes with a tissue.
“Something about Braeburn telling us not to cry,” you say.
>She hurries to try and hide the tissue and says, “Ah wasn’t crying! Ah just got something caught in mah eyes.”
“Must’ve been a hell of a thing to get your mascara running a bit.”
>She laughs softly, “Oh shut up.”
“What, can’t take a bit of your own teasing?”
>”Well, someone’s walking on sunshine, what happened in there?”
“Just about what you’d expect.”
>”So the two of you are good now?”
“Yeah, more or less. C’mon let’s go home, it’s starting to rain.”
>”Alrighty then, let’s go,” Applejack says.

>Back at home you and Applejack are in the living room lounging around.
>You put in a disc into a gaming console and hand her a controller.
>”What game is this?” she asks.
“I just got it on sale, it’s a puzzle game about portals.”
>”Sounds fun,” she says, “Can’t wait to play.”
>Halfway through the game, it starts to become more intense.
>”Alrighty, Ah’non, Ah need you to put a portal right there after Ah enter this one,” she says.
“Okay, sounds good,” you say as you try to stifle your laughter.
>As she jumps through the portal, you don’t put another portal, causing her character to hit the wall and fall into a pit of spikes.
>Her character blows up into a million pieces, causing you to laugh hard.
>However, she doesn’t take lightly to your disobedience and gets mad at you, “AH’NON! WHAT WAS THAT?!”
“I-I’m sorry,” you say, short of breath.
>”Why you,” she drops her controller and tries to grab you, but you slip away before she could, “Come back here you snake!”
You run to the end of the couch still laughing, “Applejack, w-wait, I’m sorry.”
>”No you ain’t! C’mere!”
>As she ran after you, you circle around the couch to avoid her.
>”Running now will only make things worse for ya, Ah’non,” she threatens.
“Ooooh, I’m so scared,” you taunt.
>”You asked for it!” she says as she jumps on top of the couch, and then onto you.
>She pounces on top of you knocking you down on to the floor.

>But thankfully, it’s carpet and not hardwood floor, so it softens your fall.
>”Hah!” she cheers as she blows a strand of hair to the side, “Look at you now.”
“Ah man, you got me,” you say jokingly, “But, at what cost?”
>”What do you mean?”
You chuckle, “You look really dumb right now.”
>She laughs, “You do too!”
>The two of you laugh heartedly for what seems like an eternity.
>After a while, when you two catch your breath, you stare deep into each other eyes.
>You never really noticed how beautiful how her rich, green eyes are.
“Rainbow Dash…” you speak without thinking.
>It was exactly like that time when Rainbow Dash was on top of you and you said Twilight’s name without thinking.
>”Rainbow Dash… What?” she asks.
>She didn’t overreact like Rainbow Dash did, in fact, it’s like she’s expecting more.
“Rainbow Dash, she… She said she doesn’t wanna be together.”
>”But what about you? Don’t you want to be with her?”
“To be frank, after everything’s that happened, not really. And after that day when we went to the park, I just knew things weren’t gonna work out.”
>”Ah’m sorry to hear that, Ah’non.”
“No, don’t be, after all, it was you who’s helped me through everything. Without you, I don’t know where I’d be.”
>”That day at the park was something, huh?”
You chuckle, “Yeah you could say that again.”

>It was a few days after the day Braeburn was confined in the hospital.
>Applejack and you are sitting in Braeburn’s room, watching him eat some of your cooking.
>”Hoo-ey, Ah’non, this, what do you call this?” he asks as he takes another bite of pasta.
“Beef stroganoff.”
>”Eeyup, that, or this, is delicious! Ever consider becoming a pro chef?”
“I’ve given it some thought, but nah. Really, I just learned how to cook from my mom. She owns a restaurant back home and she’s had me help a lot of times.”
>”You sure about that Ah’non?” Applejack asks, “You’re always cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner at home!”
“Yeah well, it gets my mind off things, y’know?”
>”Ah hear that! Mm-mm! Man, this is good,” he says as he takes another bite.
“Glad to hear you like it,” you say as you hand him a glass of water.
>”Sure beats hospital food, that’s for sure. Hey, next time, can you cook me up a steak?”
“I’m not your personal chef, dude, in fact, I’m supposed to be your rival in winning back Rainbow Dash.”
>”Ah know, but, how can Ah fight back on empty stomach? Hardly seems fair.”
>”Besides,” Applejack adds, “The only food Ah’ve been seeing him eat is yours.”
“God, you’re such a handful, but fine.”
>”Thanks, partner,” he says as he goes to high five you.
You return the high five and say, “You better build me a kickass house later.”
>”Sure thing,” he says as he stuffs his mouth with more of the beef stroganoff.

>”It’s nice to see you to getting along,” Applejack says as she begins peeling an apple.
>”Eeyup, Ah thought Ah’non here would speed things up along and call it lights out for me,” Braeburn says with a mouthful of food.
“C’mon man, I’m not that crazy.”
>”So you are crazy?” Applejack asks.
“Well, yes. But isn’t everybody?”
>”True that, partner,” Braeburn says.
“In any case, I just saw two ways I could’ve handled this. Be a child and throw a temper tantrum, or grow up and try to handle like this an adult. And I think the latter was the better choice since throwing fits isn’t exactly the best way to go about your problems. I can say this from experience.”
>”Dang Ah’non, you’re quite the man. Ah shouldn’t have asked Rainbow Dash to be my dying wish,” he says with dejection.
“Hey, let’s save this for another time. Just be glad that she’s here.”
>”Ah know, but it’s just that, it’s different with her. Things weren’t like how they used to be.”
You chuckle, “What’s this? You’re asking for dating advice with my girlfriend from me?”
>He chuckles too, “Ah guess Ah am.”
“Look dude, things can never be the same as they once were. You gotta realize that and accept that. How else can you start the next chapter if you’re just gonna reread the last one?”
>”Ah’non…”
“Living in the past isn’t living.”
>Applejack hands Braeburn a plate of peeled and sliced apples and says, “He’s right, y’know.”

“So with that, just because Rainbow Dash puts crap on the table, doesn’t mean you have to take it, it’s more about what you do with it. If things aren’t right, then make them.”
>”Thanks Ah’non, sorry about this,” he says as he eats one of the apples.
“Nah, don’t be, it’s fine since it’s only natural,” you smile as you lie through your teeth.
>You want to say something else, but you just bite your tongue and suppress your negative emotions.
>Braebun looks up at you and smiles weakly.
>He then looks at the door and smiles with a bit more strength and greets someone, “Howdy there.”
>When you look to see who it is, you see that it’s Rainbow Dash carrying flowers.
>”I got you these,” she says to Braeburn as she holds up the flowers, “Is there a vase here?”
“Yeah I got you, hold on,” you say as you hand her the vase off the night stand, “Here.”
>”Thanks,” she says meekly and avoiding eye contact.
>Rainbow Dash puts the flowers in the vase and puts it back on the nightstand.
>She then walks around to the other side of Braeburn and takes a seat.
>You try to say something, but Rainbow Dash just hanging her head and looking down at the floor discourages you from doing so.
>Braeburn then looks to Applejack and he whispers something into her ear.
>She nods and then pulls away.
>”Say, don’t it smell kinda beefy in here?” Braeburn says sarcastically.
>”Ah agree,” Applejack says sarcastically as well, “Maybe it’s from the beef stroganoff?”

>”Ah think it’s coming from somewhere else.”
>”Like where?”
>”Ah wonder,” Braeburn says as he looks to you and Rainbow Dash.
>”Braeburn please don’t do this,” Rainbow Dash says.
“She’s right,” you say.
>”But if we don’t do this now, then it’ll never blow over,” Braeburn says, “Applejack, if you’d be so kind.”
>”Of course,” she says as she stands up, “Alright you two, go solve your differences. And don’t come back until you do.”
>Applejack then pushes you and Rainbow Dash out the room then locks the door behind you.
>Rainbow Dash begins wailing on the door, “Hey! Let us back in!”
>But Applejack wouldn’t open the door.
>Rainbow Dash then tries to twist the handle, but it wouldn’t budge.
“Maybe you should give up,” you suggest, “She’s not gonna let us back in.”
>Rainbow Dash turns around and looks at you with contempt and says, “Why are you so calm about this?”
“You heard them. They’re not gonna let us back in until we settle whatever differences we have.”
>”I really, REALLY don’t want to.”
“So what, we’re gonna be that couple who’s always mad at each other?”
>”Anon, we’re not together.”
“Like the Hell we aren’t. If you’re gonna dump me then dump me properly.”
>”Fine, it’s over.”
“I can’t accept it.”
>”W-Wait,” Rainbow Dash stutters out of confusion, “What do you mean you can’t accept it?”
“Until you give me a good reason as to why you’re breaking up with me, then I’m considering us to still be together.”

>”Are you stupid?”
“Just as much as you are.”
>The two of you just stare intently into each other’s eyes, not with passion however, but with anger.
You sigh and say, “Come on, let’s talk about this somewhere else.”
>”I’m not talking about anything,” she says as she folds her arms.
“Then let’s just go somewhere, we’re disturbing the other patients.”
>”Where to?”
“There’s a park down the street, we can go there.”
>”Fine, but don’t expect me to talk on the way there.”
>You don’t respond and just start walking away.
>Rainbow Dash takes that as an insult and walks briskly ahead of you.
>However you maintain your composure and continue walking at your own pace.
>The two of you don’t talk, let alone exchange glances, with each other during the walk to the park.
>Once you’re there, Rainbow Dash takes a seat on a bench and you go behind it and lean up against it.
>After a few minutes, Rainbow Dash asks softly, “Why… Why did you have to come here?”
You breathe deeply and without looking at her say, “Because of you.”
>”You’re just making things more difficult.”
“Things were never easy in the first place.”
>”Can’t you just accept the fact that we’re not together anymore?”
“No.”
>”Why?”
“Because,” you turn your head towards her, “I’m in love with you.”
>She lowers her head in a way so that her hair shields her eyes from your gaze.
>Also, you notice that she’s clenching her fists on her lap in order to hold down anger or tears, maybe both.

>”I know, that’s why you have to go,” she says, almost in a whisper.
“What do you mean?”
>”I can’t stand to see you hurt by me, by my actions.”
“Rainbow Dash, whatever it is, we can get through it, together!”
>She raises her head quickly and looks at you angrily with tears in her eyes and exclaims, “It’s not that simple! Put yourself in my position, would you?”
“I… I…” you’re at a loss for words.
>”You can’t, can you?”
“Just because I can’t doesn’t mean I won’t try to understand your position and try my best to help you.”
>”Anon, please, just leave me alone.”
“And do what? Watch you suffer alone? Hell no!”
>”That’s why I told you to just forget about me and move on.”
“I can’t for two reasons. One, you’re outta your mind, and two, I can’t get you out of mine.”
>”But why?”
“That’s a question you should already know the answer to. Of course I’m not gonna let that breakup letter slide, I want a reason.”
>”Haven’t you got the reason already upon coming here?”
“Yeah, no thanks to you. I had to learn everything the hard way. Why couldn’t you just tell me?”
>”Because,” she pauses a bit and puts her head back down, “I didn’t know what to do.”
“That’s just more of a reason for you to tell me about it back then!”
>”Do you think it would’ve played out any differently?!” she yells without raising her head.
“S-Surely it could have.”

>Rainbow Dash stands up and looks at you with tears streaming down her face, “You wouldn’t have known what to do either, Anon! It would just make things harder than it already is!”
>She then turns around and runs away from you.
>As you are about to give chase to her, a girl who’s probably no more than five feet tall and purple hair steps out from behind a tree and stops you.
>”Not so fast, mister,” the girl says.
“Look, little girl, I’m sorry, but I have to–”
>”LITTLE?!” the girl yells, “WHO YOU CALLIN’ LITTLE?!”
“Uh…”
>”Now you look here, I’m Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash’s little sister, and I’m not gonna let you hurt her anymore!” Scootaloo says as she takes a fighting position.
“Sister? Rainbow Dash doesn’t have siblings.”
>”Well uh, we’re not really, but we’re close enough to be sisters!”
“I get it, but anyway I gotta go after her,” you say as you try to walk around Scootaloo.
>”I said you’re not going after her!” she says as she steps in front of you.
“I’m not gonna fight you.”
>”Yeah, but you know who is?” a voice comes from behind you.
>When you turn around to look who it is, you see another girl about Scootaloo’s height who has reddish-pink hair and behind her is three nasty looking thugs.
>”Babs!” Scootaloo cries out.
>”Rainbow Dash is a very important person to us, ya hear? It’d be best for you to stay your distance, or else my boys here will mess you up,” Babs says as she cracks her neck.
“Hey, I don’t want any trouble, I just need to–”

>”Get lost,” Babs says as she finishes your sentence, “Or today ain’t gonna be your day.”
“Alright, fine,” you say as you start to walk past Scootaloo.
>Scootaloo steps in front of you again and says, “Nuh-uh, not this way.”
“Right, of course,” you say as you walk the other way, “I’ll just go… THIS WAY!”
>You then turn around and run past Scootaloo.
>”HEY GET BACK HERE!” Babs yell.
>You’re almost out of the park until Scootaloo cuts you off on her scooter.
>The three thugs following Babs are now circling you.
>”Get a last look at the sunshine, bruva, cause it’ll be lights out for you,” she says as she cracks her knuckles.
“Guys, I don’t want any trouble, seriously,” you plead.
>”Too late for that, you already dug your own grave when you ran away. Now, get ‘im!” Babs yells.
>The thug in front of you charges at you, but you step to the side avoiding him.
>Another thug tries to punch you in the face; however, you just bob and weave past him.
“Please! Don’t do this! I don’t want to fight,” you say.
>”Aww, is the little baby gonna cry to mommy?” Babs taunts.
“Uh, sure, if that’s what it takes to stop this fight,” you say.
>”Screw you, wise guy. Fellas, kick his teeth in.”
“This isn’t going to end well,” you say as you take a defensive position.
>One thug comes at you and tries to punch you.
>You duck down, avoiding the punch, and then you deliver a swift uppercut to his jaw, knocking him out.

>As the thug hits the floor, another thug comes at you with another punch.
>But before he can come close to reaching you, you give a round house kick to his side, knocking the wind out of him.
>Next, you follow up by closing the distance between you two and you repeatedly punch his stomach with your fists.
>All of a sudden, he places a firm grip on your shoulders, stopping your flurry of blows.
>He then cocks his head back, preparing for a head butt.
“Still got my legs free, yo,” you say as you lean back to allow more space for you to raise your leg.
>The thug begins to bring his head down, but your leg comes down faster and digs into his thigh.
>He yells in pain and falls down to the ground, where he is at eye level with your knees.
>Without hesitation, you knee him hard in the face, making the thug lose consciousness.
>But as you finish with that thug, the last thug tackles you from behind.
>You’re now on the floor with the thug on top trying to punch your head in to the pavement.
>In addition from rolling side to side, you bring your bring your arms up to cover your face.
>He lands heavy hits to your arms, but it’s nothing you can’t handle, however you’ve got to do something about your position and fast.
>You realize that thug is not completely on you, allowing your legs to move freely.
>So you bring your quickly bring your leg up and knee him in the butt.

>This isn’t enough to get him off you, but it buys you a second to act since the thug stops his punching.
>In that second, you punch straight up and land a blow onto his chin, disorienting him.
>Then you push him off you and crawl away until you’re a good distance away from him.
>Afterwards, you get up on your feet and catch your breath.
>The thug does the same as he wipes the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand.
>As you take a closer look at the back of his hand, you can see blood on it.
>He then reaches into his back pocket and brings out a switchblade.
“Seriously,” you say, short of breath, “As if being outnumbered wasn’t bad enough, you’re gonna bring out a knife?”
>The thug just stares at you menacingly as he circles around you slowly waiting for opportunity to strike.
>You do the same and try to think of a plan.
>When you survey your surroundings, you see a garbage can with stuff overflowing to your side.
>This gives you an idea.
>Instead of continuing the circle with the thug, you stand still, hoping he takes the bait.
>Sure enough he does as he rushes forward with his knife.
>But you roll to the side, avoiding him and the knife completely, and end up by the garbage can.
>You reach inside and pull out whatever you get.
>It’s a half eaten sloppy joe.
>The thug turns around and rushes at you again, but at the same time, you throw the sloppy joe at his feet.

>The thug turns around and rushes at you again, but at the same time, you throw the sloppy joe at his feet.
>His feet slip on it, causing him to slide a little bit before falling on his back.
>However, the fall did not make the thug lose his grip on the knife as he’s still holding on to it.
>Without skipping a beat, you run up to his hand, and stomp on his wrist.
>This causes the thug to release his hold on the knife, and when he does, you kick it away.
>Then you grab the thug by the collar of his shirt and punch him across the face, knocking him out.
>After you do, you wipe your hand on his shirt to get rid of the filth from the sloppy joe.
>As you get up and brush yourself off, you see Babs pointing the knife at you.
>”Wh-Who are y-you?” she stutters with fear.
“I think what you mean to ask is how I’m able to fight like the way I do. It’s because I watch a lot of action movies.”
>”S-Seriously?”
“Kinda, and I’ve been taking Muay Thai up until two years ago.”
>”What’s that?”
“Uh, kickboxing.”
>Just then, Applejack comes up from behind Babs and yells, “WHAT IN TARNATION IS GOIN’ ON HERE?!”

>”A-Applejack!” Babs yells in surprise with the knife still in her hands.
>”Is that a knife in your hands?” Applejack asks.
>”Yeah, but uh, it’s not what you think,” Babs says as she hides the knife behind her back.
>Applejack glares at her while pointing a finger at her and angrily says, “Give me the knife, now.”
>Babs hesitates and backs up a bit, “Wait, Applejack, you don’t understand, we gotta stop that guy over there,” she says as she points to you.
>Applejack arches an eyebrow and asks, “Who, Ah’non?”
>”Y-Yeah! He’s a monster,” Babs says before realizing something, “Wait, y’know the guy?”
>”He lives with me, and he ain’t a monster,” she says as she puts her hand out, “Now give me the knife.”
>Babs reluctantly puts the knife in Applejack’s hand and walks behind her while being wary of you.
>Applejack then walks up to you to take a good look at you and asks, “What happened here?”
You take a deep breath, “Uh, I got jumped? I guess.”
>”Ah think it may be the other way ‘round here. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, more importantly, why are you here?”
>”Well, when a large crowd starts gatherin’ ‘round someplace, you know somethin’s goin’ down. Ah also saw Rainbow Dash runnin’ away from here a while ago, what was that about?”
“I’ll explain later, do you know which way she went?”
>”Well she ran towards the direction of the hospital, but Ah reckon she went past the hospital. She could be anywhere by now.”
“I gotta go catch up to her,” you say as you begin to run, but all of a sudden your body tenses up.
>Everything feels strained and two times heavier than usual.
>”Ah’non?” Applejack asks as she comes near you, “What’s wrong?”
“The fight probably wore out my body and now I have no energy left.”
>”Are you okay?”
“Yeah, well, no. I’m fine, but I’m used to stretches and warm ups before sparring.”
>”You’ve fought before?”
“I’ve been taking kickboxing lessons up until two years ago.”
>”How come you didn’t tell me?”

“I didn’t think it was worth mentioning.”
>”Well tell me more about it later, for now, what happened here?”
>”Uh Applejack?” Scootaloo comes up to you and Applejack with her phone, “Here.”
>Applejack takes Scootaloo’s phone and watches a video she took on the whole fight.
>It starts from where you pleaded not to fight and ends a second after you punch the last thug on the ground.
>”That was quite the hoedown, Ah’non,” Applejack says as she gives the phone back to Scootaloo.
“Thanks but, my body feels like it’s under a ton of pressure right now,” you say as you try your best to keep standing.
>”It’s probably the stress from all that fighting, here let’s take a seat,” Applejack says as she helps you onto the nearest bench.
>”Applejack, who is he?” Scootaloo asks.
>”Scootaloo, he’s not what you think he is. Ah’non here is a good person. Rainbow Dash is his girlfriend and they were just having a couple’s fight.”
You chuckle, “That’s a nice thought.”
>Applejack looks at you weird and asks, “What do you mean?”
“Let’s just say, I don’t know for sure if we’re a couple or not.”
>Babs speaks up, “But wait, I thought cousin Braeburn was Rainbow Dash’s boyfriend.”
>”Well, uh,” Applejack stutters.
>”Yeah, that’s what Rainbow Dash told me ever since she came back here,” Scootaloo adds.
>You look at her in shock, unable to grasp what she said.
“D-Did she say anything about me?” you ask hesitantly.
>”She didn’t say anything about you. Actually, I don’t think she’s ever talked about you,” she says.
>A familiar feeling of sorrow rises within you; it’s as if something stabbed you in the chest.
>Just like the time when Rainbow Dash pretended that you never came to her house before your parents came home.
>However this time, there’s no sporadic breathing, just a lump in your throat.
>Applejack grabs your hand with both with hers, “Ah’non Ah–“
But before she can continue, you put your free hand on top of hers and flash a smile at her, “It’s okay, really.”

>”So uh… Anon… Who are you?” Scootaloo asks.
>”Ya see, Ah’non here–“ Applejack begins but you interrupt her by standing up all of a sudden.
“To be honest, I don’t know who I am anymore.”
>”What’s that thing called when ya can’t remember things? A-Amnee-Amnesia?” Babs asks, “Sorry if my boys here gave you a hard poundin’.”
>”No, it’s not that, Babs, it’s something else,” Applejack explains as she gets up and holds your arm.
>”Then what?”
>”Look, why don’t ya take care of these guys here and head over to Braeburn after? Ah’ll take care of Ah’non here.”
>”Alright,” Babs says as she turns to Scootaloo, “Hey Scoots, you got some water? Let’s splash some water on these guys’ faces and get going.”
>”Yeah, I have some in my bag,” Scootaloo says as she grabs a water bottle out of her bag.
>”Ah’non, can ya walk?” Applejack asks as she takes your arm and puts it around her shoulders as she wraps her arm around your back.
“Yeah, where are we going?”
>”Home, it ain’t that far from here. Lean on me for support, okay?”
“Yeah, will do,” you say as you grit your teeth upon taking your first step.
>Every step you take shoots pain up your legs and makes it harder to breathe.
>But soon, the two of you make it back to Sugar Cube Corner where you collapse onto the couch.
“Oh thank God,” you pant for air, “I don’t think I could’ve taken another step.”
>”Stay put, Ah’ll get ya some water,” Applejack says as she goes to the kitchen.
“Wait… Wait, what about Braeburn?” you yell followed by a violent cough.
>Applejack rushes back to your side with a glass and pitcher of water, “He’s fine, don’t worry,” she says as she puts the glass to your lips, “Now drink up.”
>The water tastes as sweet as honey and you gulp it down rapidly.
“Another, please,” you say and Applejack gives you another glass.
>After your sixth glass of water, you feel as if some of the pain has been alleviated.
“Well, I think I can go ahead and die peacefully now,” you joke.

“Ow!” you wince in pain, “Come on now.”
>”Oh sorry, sorry,” she says as she gently strokes your arm.
“Applejack, I... I…” you whisper.
>Applejack brushes a part of your hair to the side and softly shushes you, “Shhh, don’t say anything.”
>She then wraps her arms around your head and brings you in close.
>Something starts to well in your throat as your eyes begin to become watery.
>”Just feel what ya need to feel right now,” she says as she puts her head down on the side of yours, “Ah’m here for ya.”
“Th-Thank you,” you say, trying not to choke on your tears.
>As Applejack held you in her arms, you found yourself beginning to weep.
>You don’t know whether the pain came from Rainbow Dash, the pain, or maybe a combination of both.
>Could it even be from delight since it’s been a long time you’ve felt at ease due to Applejack’s embrace?
>Although the warmth and comfort coming from Applejack’s embrace was soothing, it wasn’t enough.
You throw your arms around her and hug her tightly and say, “I l-love her and yet… And yet…”
>Applejack hugs you back just as tightly, “Ah’non…”
>After a while when the crying has subsided, you catch your breath and gently push away from her.
>”Feeling better?” she asks as she smiles softly.
You rub your eyes, “Way, tha-” your voice trails off as you look into her eyes.
>”What’s wrong?”
“Your eyes…”
>”Huh? Is there something in ‘em?”
“No, it’s just,” you pause, studying her eyes, “They’re glistening.”
>”Are they now?” she say rubs her eyes.
“Were you crying too?”
>”Just a little.”
“Why?”

>”To see ya in so much pain… It breaks mah heart.”
>Her words didn’t sit with you well.
>Why would it break her heart?
>Sure, it’s sad when you see someone crying, but you wouldn’t think it’s enough to get a broken heart.
>Unless…
“Applejack, why would it break your heart?”
>She doesn’t say anything as she sighs and looks away.
>Then she takes a deep breath, looks you in the eyes, and says firmly, “Ah’non.”
“Y-Yes?”
>”Ah’m in love with ya.”

>You just lie there with your mouth open, but unable to say anything.
>Applejack’s in love with you, but why?
“W-why?” you stutter almost inaudibly, “I’m in love with…”
>Hold on.
>Are you really in love with Rainbow Dash?
>”Ah know you’re in love with Rainbow Dash and all but, Ah can’t really help who Ah fall in love with can Ah?” she says as she smiles weakly.
“Since when have you…”
>”Ever since ya came here the first night. Ah thought it was amazing that you’ll go to the ends of the Earth for the one ya love. It makes mah heart skip a beat every time Ah think about it.”
“Applejack…”
>”And when Ah see you hurtin’ like this, it hurts me too, ya know? So Ah wanna do whatever Ah can so you won’t get hurt. But Ah guess Ah’m not really doin’ a good job at that.”
You grab her hand firmly and say, “No, listen, thank you. I feel a lot better now thanks to you. It’s hard to prevent something like this, but because of you, I feel like… Like… Like there’s hope. Like there’s always a bright side to something awful and you’re always the one who gets me to that bright side.”
>”Ah’non…”
“Listen,” you say as you stand up, “I want you to–”
>Although you are feeling better, your body still hasn’t fully recovered and is still worn out pretty bad causing you to lose your balance and fall.
>You close your eyes and brace for impact, but instead something breaks your fall.
>However you quickly realize that it wasn’t something that broke your fall, it was someone.
“Applejack, are you okay?” you ask as you open your eyes, “I’m so–”
>When you fully open your eyes, you see that your face is so close to hers that the tip of your nose is barely touching hers.
>”Ah’non?” Applejack calls out as she opens her eyes, “What’s–”
>She also sees how close your faces are and she begins to blush.
>Nothing further is said as the two of you just stare into each other’s eyes.
“You,” you begin to say but stop because your lips almost touched hers.

>No this isn’t right, you should back off… You have Rainbow Dash.
>Right?
>But right now is more real than what you’re currently having with Rainbow Dash.
>But then again, the reason you came to Manehattan was for Rainbow Dash.
>If you were to go with Applejack, it would go against everything you worked for up until this point.
>All this uncertainty makes your mind go blank and unable to think clearly.
>As you were about to push yourself off Applejack, something as clear as day strikes you.
>Her warmth.
>The warmth that Applejack radiates has brought you back from the harsh cold that Rainbow Dash kept throwing your way.
>Every time you were about to kick in the bucket, Applejack would be there to help you to stay strong.
>”Ah’non, Ah’m sorry, Ah shouldn’t ha–” Applejack begins to say but you interrupt her by pressing your lips against hers.
>This kiss, you think it’s wrong, but somehow, it feels right.
>However, with this kiss, it’s as if everything has become clear to you.
>When you’re chasing after Rainbow Dash, you always feel like you’re lost, even when you’re in your most secure place.
>But then you realize after all this time that your most secure place is with Applejack.
>As the two of you part lips, Applejack asks you, “Why? What about Rainbow Dash?”
“With Rainbow Dash, it’s not that simple since I’m always left in the dark, but with you, it’s like, all the questions I have can always be answered.”
>”So what you’re saying is, I’m plain and simple?” Applejack asks with contempt.
“WHAT?! N-No, not like th-that, what I m-meant was–” you start to explain but she shuts you up with another kiss.
>”Sugarcube, ya really gotta learn how to lighten up,” she chuckles as she gives you a wink.
You sigh, “Does that mean we’re together?”
>”It sounds like you don’t want us to be.”
“N-No! I mean, that s-sigh was for when you w-were tea-,” you pause, realizing that she was teasing you again, “Har, har, very funny.”
>”Then, we’re together.”

You smile, “Yes we are,” you say as you lean in for another kiss.
>Within that moment, you and Applejack became an official couple.
>Whenever you visited Braeburn, Rainbow Dash was never there at the same time.
>It’s like she’s purposely avoiding you, but you could care less at this point.
>This whole thing with Rainbow Dash is like a bad movie, if you’ve sat through half of it and has sucked every second so far, it’s probably not going to get great right at the end and make it all worthwhile.
>No one should blame you if you decide to walk out early.
>And Actually, on your way out of that movie, you found someone who’s willing to go see a better movie with you.


[Present day]

“Huh, now that I think about it, the real memorable and important part was after the park,” you say as you get up.
>”It’s still sad to think about what happened between you and Rainbow Dash,” Applejack says as she gets up and brushes herself off.
“Come on now,” you say as you lean against the back of the couch and wrap your hand around Applejack’s waist, bringing her in closer to you, “But it thanks to that sadness that helped us become happier.”
>Applejack rolls her eyes, “Ya always know how to make a girl feel special.”
“Well, you know what I mean.”
>She just chuckles in response and lowers her head in for a kiss.
>”KIDS! YOU GOT MAIL!” Aunty Cake yells from downstairs.
>”Huh, Ah wonder what’s that about,” Applejack asks as she lifts up her head.
“Only one way to find out, let’s go,” you say as you hold her hand and walk downstairs.
>At the bottom of the stairs, Aunty Cake was waiting eagerly for the two of you with the mail in her hands.
>”Here’s the mail, hurry up and open it!” she says, barely able to contain her excitement.
“Alright, alright,” you say as you grab one of the envelopes.
>You study the front of the envelope and see that it’s from the University of Caliponya Saddle Cruise.

>When you open the envelope and read the contents of it, you burst into joy.
“Yes! I got accepted!” you yell as you hug Applejack.
>”Congrats!” Applejack and Aunty Cake scream in unison.
>Uncle Cake hears all the commotion and walks up to you all, “What’s with the noise?”
>”Anon here got accepted into the college of his choice!” Aunty Cake says as she hugs Uncle Cake.
>”Well, I’ll be! We’re celebrating tonight!” Uncle Cake cheers.
“I’m thinking, breakfast for dinner? With lots of bacon?” you ask.
>Uncle Cake nods, “You got it!”
>”Oooooh Anon, I’m so proud of you!” Aunty Cake says as she wraps you and Applejack in a tight squeeze.
>Both you and Applejack can’t breathe and start to rapidly tap on Aunty Cake to let go.
“Hey wait, Applejack has a letter too, why don’t you open it up?” you ask.
>”Alrighty then, give me a second,” she says as she opens the envelope and reads it.
>All of a sudden, she gasps while smiling wildly.
>”OOOOOHHH! It looks like we have more good news!” Aunty Cake shrieks, “Come on tell us, tell us!”
>”Granny Smith wants me to inherit the apple farm and cider business!” Applejack exclaims.
>”Oh that’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you!” Aunty Cake says as she hugs Applejack.
>”Mrs. C-Cake, A-Ah c-can– ” Applejack tries to say.
“Hey, Aunty Cake, you’re kinda suffocating Applejack here,” you say as you separate her and Applejack.
>”Oh I’m so sorry! I just get so excited, here, I’ll go bake you your favorite deserts in celebration!” Aunty Cake says as she scurries off to the kitchen.
>Applejack turns to you, “Ah’non, Granny Smith wants me to take over!”
“Hey that’s great!” you say as you hug her.
>”This is a great opportunity for you to meet my family in Caliponya!”
“And we won’t be too far from each other so this is perfect!”
>”My oh my, this is gonna be great!” she says as she throws her arms behind your head.
“Isn’t it?” you say as you bring her in close for a kiss.

>Summer is here and you and Applejack are at the Manehattan Airport.
>Aunty Cake can barely hold in her tears as she sees you off.
>”Don’t you two be strangers now, you hear me?” she says, trying not to choke on her tears.
>You and Applejack flash a worried look at each other and go in and hug Aunty Cake.
>As the two of you expected, she wraps in you the tightest bear hug you’ve ever been in.
>After almost suffocating to death, she releases the two of you and pulls something out of her bag.
>”Here are some cupcakes just in case you two get hungry on the way,” she says as she hands you a box of cupcakes.
>”Thanks, Ah’ll miss these,” Applejack says as she puts the box in her bag.
>”D-Don’t s-say–” Aunty Cake says as she begins bawling her eyes out.
>Uncle Cake wraps an arm around her and says, “Don’t worry about her, she’ll be fine. You two take care now, and like Aunty Cake here said, don’t be strangers, you hear?”
“Yes sir,” you say as you extend a hand out for a handshake.
>He accepts and says, “Well, have a safe flight.”
>The two of you pass airport security and wave bye to Aunty and Uncle Cake before going to your gate.
>”Ah’m gonna miss them,” Applejack says as she wipes the corner of eyes with a tissue.
“Yeah me too,” you say as you put an arm around her.

>The flight was almost ten hours long with one stop over in Southern Caliponya, but the two of you finally arrive at Stallion County Airport.
>There you’re greeted by Applejack’s older brother, Big Macintosh, and her younger sister, Applebloom.
“Hey there, you must be Big Macintosh,” you say as you extend a hand out.
>”Eeyup,” Big Macintosh says in a deep voice as he shakes your hand.
>”And Ah’m Applebloom!” Applebloom says in an accent remarkably similar to Applejacks that it almost throws you off.
“H-Hey there, Applebloom, how’s it going?”
>”Awesome, thanks for asking! Actually, you’re Applejack’s boyfriend, right? Ah wanna know if y’all have–”

>”Oh it’s so great to see you two again,” Applejack says as she suddenly hugs them, “Well we best be getting on our way! It’s gonna be a long drive back to the farm.”
>”Eeyup,” Big Mac says.
>In the truck, Applejack and Applebloom are talking a million words per minute, talking about what’s been going on while Applejack has been away.
>They seem to be really enjoying themselves but you’re very tired from the plane ride and you begin to doze off.
>”Ah’non, Ah’non, wake up, we’re here,” Applejack calls out to you as she shakes you awake.
“Huh, what? I’m up,” you say groggily as you rub your eyes.
>When you look out the window, you see a vast orchard filled with beautiful apple trees.
“Wow,” you say with awe, “This is amazing.”
>”Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres, Ah’non,” Applejack greets you.
>Big Mac parks the car in the driveway of an elegant country house and helps with the luggage.
“Oh, thank you, but I can–” you say as you try to get your luggage.
>”Eeyup,” Big Mac says as he carries all your luggage with one arm and all of Applejack’s in the other.
“Uh…” you stutter in shock.
>”Yeah, mah brother’s quite the powerhouse, ain’t he? Let’s get goin’ now, Sugarcube,” Applejack says as she pats you on the back.
>As you walk up to the porch, you see an elderly woman sitting on a rocking chair.
>”Granny!” Applejack shouts as she runs to Granny Smith and hugs her.
>”Applejack! Why, it’s been so long! It’s nice to see you!” Granny Smith says as she hugs her back.
>Granny Smith then looks to you, “You must be Anon. Well, aren’t you a handsome young man? You’re just as handsome, if not more, as Applejack tells me you are!”
>”Granny!” Applejack exclaims.
“She says what now?” you ask as you smile slyly at Applejack.
>”Ah yes, she would go on nonstop about how great you are and how–”
>”Ah think we should go wash up for dinner!” Applejack says as her face turns a bright red.
“No please, Granny Smith, continue,” you say.
>”Ah’non!”

>Granny Smith laughs, “I’ll tell you more over dinner, that way Applejack here can’t get away.”
“Oh boy, here we go,” Applejack groans as she enters the house.
You laugh and run after Applejack, “Applejack wait! I’m sorry!”
>She turns around and crosses her arms while arching an eyebrow, “Are ya really?”
“Yeah, well, kinda. I mean, you’re always teasing me, so it’s kinda nice to see you on the receiving end.”
>She exhales in contempt and turns around, “Come on, Ah’ll show ya your room.”
“I’ll take that as you forgive me then?” you ask as you try to stifle your laughter.
>Applejack says nothing as she stomps up the stairs.
>You follow her up the stairs where she leads you to the guest bedroom where you’ll be staying for the next few nights.
>As you enter the room and look around, you’re taken by its gorgeous interior.
>It’s as if you’ve just checked into a five star hotel room, but in the country.
>”So the bathroom’s down the hall and mah room’s right across the hall from yours, so if you need me, just holler,” she says.
“Sounds like you’re inviting me in,” you say as you plop yourself onto the bed.
>”Oh, Ah have a very special surprise for you tomorrow,” Applejack says alluringly as she slowly leaves your room.
>What did she just say?
“W-Wait!” you say frantically as you scramble to your feet, “What did you just say?!”
>But it’s too late, Applejack has already left.
>You hang your head and sigh, wondering if what you just heard from her is what you think it is.
Suddenly, you hear someone entering your room, “Applejack, what did you–”
>You stop midsentence to see that the person who entered your room wasn’t Applejack, but instead, Big Mac, with your luggage.
“Oh, hey, Big Mac, thought you were Applejack,” you chuckle nervously, “You can just leave my stuff there, thanks.”
>”Eeyup,” he says as he lays down your luggage and leaves.
>As Big Mac leaves your room, Applebloom comes in.
>”Hey Ah’non!” she greets you.

“Hey, what’s up, Applebloom?”
>”Mah sister wanted me to call ya down for dinner.”
“Man, you guys work fast.”
>”What do you mean?”
“We just got here and dinner’s already ready?”
>”Oh we had it goin’ on before y’all got here. We thought y’all might be starving.”
“Oh, well, thanks!”
>”Speakin’ of thing goin’ on before y’all got here, can ya tell me about you and sis?”
“Uh, s-sure?”
>”Did y’all do it?”
You cough due to the straightforwardness of the question, “Excuse me?”
>”Judging by that reaction, Ah’d say no.”
“Uh, well…”
>”Y’know sis tells me a lot about you.”
“Oh, like what?”
>”She tells me how much ya make her happy and that y’all are lucky to have found each other.”
You smile, “Wow really?”
>”Yeah, Ah’ve never seen sis as happy when she talks about ya. Thanks for makin’ mah sis happy, Ah’non.”
“Yeah, no problem.”
>”Anyway, let’s get some dinner.”
“Sounds good.”
>But before she exits, she turns around again and asks, “So just to be sure, the answer is no, right?”
“To what?”
>”Y’know, if y’all did it or not!”
“I… Uh… Well…”
>”C’mon Ah wanna know!”
“Wh-Why?”
>”Yes, why do ya wanna know, Applebloom?” Applejack asks dauntingly as she appears behind Applebloom.
>Applebloom turns around slowly and is stricken with fear, “S-Sis! A-Ah was j-just getting Ah-Ah’non here for d-dinner!”
>”Oh is that so? Then why was it taking it so long?”
>”B-Because Ah was just a-asking some… Uh… Some questions?”
>”Like what?”
>”Uh, y’know, uh,” Applebloom stalls, desperately looking for an excuse.
You decide to step in and save her, “She was asking about how we met and all.”
>”Really?” Applejack asks skeptically.
>”Y-YES! Ah was very interested in k-knowing so Ah just asked a load of questions!” Applebloom says.
>Applejack lowered her face to become eye level with Applebloom, ”And one of those questions didn’t happen to be about Ah’non and me ‘doin’ it’, did it?”
>Applebloom is now fozen in fear and unable to speak.

“W-Well, it came up, but something else would be said to change the topic, you know?” you say.
>Applejack crosses her arm and looks at you, “Well fine, if you say so,” she then turns to Applebloom, “You’re lucky Ah’non here saved ya or you’d be in deep trouble.”
>”Thanks Ah’non!” Applebloom mouths out the words and you smile in response.
>Applejack saw this and pinches Applebloom’s ear and says while exiting, “C’mon you two, dinner’s ready.”
>Before you were about to head downstairs, your phone rings and when you check the caller ID, you see that it’s Twilight.
“Hey, I’ll be down in a minute, I got someone calling me,” you say.
>”Alrighty then, don’t take too long,” Applejack says.
You answer the phone, “Hello?”
>”Ah’non? Hey!” Twilight greets.
“Hey, what’s up?”
>”I heard you’re back! Where are you?”
“Oh yeah, I’m up here in Napony Valley, why?”
>Twilight says nothing and stays silent for a few seconds.
“Hello?”
>”Y-Yeah, um, when are you going to be back here?”
“The day after tomorrow.”
>”Oh really? Well, there’s the annual summer festival happening in San Franciscolt, so I hope you haven’t forgotten about that.”
“U-Uh, of c-course not!”
>”You did, didn’t you?”
“Well, it just kinda slipped mind, but I remember now!”
>”Anyway, make sure you don’t miss it, okay?”
“Yeah, I’ll be back in time for it, don’t worry.”
>”Well then, good night.”
“Night.”
>You hang up and wonder what all that was about.
>Twilight sounded like she was a little skeptical the whole time.
>But of what?

>Anyway, you think nothing of it and head downstairs where dinner is waiting for you.
>Dinner with the Apples is boisterous, nevertheless, enjoyable.
>It is filled with laughter, embarrassing stories, and good food.
>Towards desert is when the conversation started being centered to you.
>”So, Anon, how’d you meet Applejack?” Granny Smith asks.

>You tell them how you met a girl here in Caliponya and chased her all the way to Manehattan, just to find out that the real girl for you is Applejack.
>”Well, ain’t you a fine, young man,” Granny Smith says.
>”Eeyup,” Big Mac says as he nods his head in agreement.
>”Are ya gonna stay here forever?” Applebloom asks.
“Ah, well no. I got accepted in a college in Saddle Cruise, so I’ll be staying there.”
>”But don’t ya got folks in San Franciscolt?” Applejack asks.
“Yeah, I’ll meet them on the way there. I’m not moving to Saddle Cruise until August, so I got some time to spend back home.”
>”Why don’t you go and meet them?” Granny Smith asks Applejack.
“Yeah, there’s the annual summer festival happening in San Franciscolt next week.”
>Applejack puts her hand on top of yours and says, ”Ah’d love to Ah’non, but Granny here is gonna teach me the ropes to this place and–”
>”Oh come on now, Applejack, it won’t take that long. I can let you go for a little while in time for that festival!” Granny Smith says.
>”But–”
>”No ‘buts’, you’re going and that’s that.”
“Isn’t that great, Applejack?” you say.
>”Yeah!” she says as she smiles to you.
>After dinner you lay in bed, staring at your phone until you fall asleep, when Applejack comes in.
>She’s in a beautiful, pink, silky night gown and her hair is all let down.
>”Did y’all do it?” Applebloom’s words play back in your head.
>No way, this isn’t that, right?
“A-Applejack?” you call out.
>”Hey there, Sugarcube,” she says as she sits on the side of your bed, “How are ya?”
“F-Fine, thanks for asking,” you say as you sit up, “What’s up?”
>”Can’t sleep, jet lag and all.”
You sigh in relief, “Really? I’m ready to crash, haha.”
>”Ah know, Ah’m sorry.”
“No, no it’s fine!” you say as you lift the blankets up, motioning for her to get under, “Let’s talk until you’re sleepy.
>She gets under the sheets with you and gets herself comfortable next to you, “Okay.”
“So where do you wanna start?”

>”How about,” she says as yawns and stretches, “When we first met?”
>Applejack rests her head on your shoulder as she hugs you gently.
“Alrighty then, let’s see… Oh remember,” you begin but you see that she’s already fallen asleep.
>You kiss her on the top of her head and fall asleep yourself.

>Something stirs you awake and when you open your eyes, you see Applejack trying to silently get out of bed.
“Where do you think you’re going?” you ask groggily as you hug her by the waist, not allowing her to escape.
>She laughs and tries to break free, “Ah’non, no!”
“I’m not letting you!” you say as you bring her back into bed and begin tickling her.
>”Ah-Ah-Ah’non! P-Please!”
“Please what?” you ask sarcastically as you go for her armpits, which is her weak spot.
>As you begin tickling her armpits, she begins laughing hysterically and starts bucking around like crazy.
>After a while you get tired and lay down next to Applejack who is out of breath.
“What time is it anyway?”
>”I-It’s,” Applejack says breathless, “E-Eight.”
“Man, I can’t remember the last time I slept so well.”
>Applejack turns to face you and asks, “Really?”
“Yeah, we should sleep together more often,” you as you give her a peck on the lips.
>”Ah’m couldn’t agree more,” she chuckles.
>Just then a knock came from the door.
>”If y’all are done with your tickle fights, Granny said to come down for breakfast!” Applebloom says.
>The two of you suddenly become embarrassed and Applejack’s face turns red.
>”B-Be down there s-soon!” she says.
“Well, that just happened,” you say.
>”Yeah, it did,” Applejack chuckles.
>After breakfast Applejack takes you for a tour around the orchard.
“Man, I’ve never seen so many apple trees in one place before.”
>”Well it is an apple farm after all.”
“Yeah, I know, but like, man, this is amazing.”
>”Here,” she says as she kicks a tree and an apple falls into her hands, “Taste it.”
>You take the apple from her and take a bite into it.

>The apple is not like any apple you buy from the store, for the apple Applejack just gave you is so juicy and sweet.
“Oh man, this is delicious!”
>”Ain’t it?” she says as she takes a bite out of your apple.
“Hey, get your own!” you joke.
>She just laughs and gives you a quick kiss on the cheek.
>On the next part of the tour, she brings you to a cellar where all the apple cider is made kept.
>She gets a glass and fills it with some cider and gives it to you.
>”Sweet Apple Acres apple cider, best in the whole world,” she proudly says.
“I’ll hold you to it,” you say as you take a sip, “And yes, I’d say it is.”
>Just like the apple it’s made from, the cider is just as sweet and delicious.
>”Actually, Sweet Apple Acres doesn’t just do ciders and apples, we do much more!”
“Oh? Like what?”
>”If we head to town, we have a bakery set up where we take some of the apples from our orchard and turn them into baked goods.”
“Let’s go check it out!”
>So then the two of you borrow a car and drive to the town with Applejack’s bakery.
>As you enter, someone greets Applejack in a lilting voice.
>”Hey there, Applejack!” a girl with pink hair says.
>”Howdy there, Pinkie, it’s been a long time!” Applejack says.
>”Oh my gosh, it’s been, like, forever since we last saw each other, how have things been?! And who’s this guy? Is this THE Anon you’ve been telling me about? He’s everything like you told me about! You’ve got to tell me more. Oh hey, Anon, nice to meet you, I’m Pinkie Pie, but you can just call me Pinkie! Nice to meet you!”
“Oh, hello, nice to meet you too,” you say, a little confused.
>”Yeah, Pinkie here always talks up a storm every time, you get used to it,” Applejack says.
>”That is so true! Not only that, but sometimes people tells me to slow down because I’m talking too fast! Can you believe that? I don’t think I’m talking too fast either, I just like to talk a lot!” Pinkie rapidly says.

>”Anyway, Pinkie, what’s on the menu today?” Applejack asks.
>”Well today we have apple pie, apple cake, apple strudels, apple tarts, apple flambé, apple sweet rolls, apple buns, apple turnover, ap–”
>”Ah think we’ll just have the apple pie,” Applejack stops her.
>”You guys want the Apple family special pie? Coming right up!” Pinkie says as she disappears into the kitchen.
“She seems nice,” you say, “She just, talks a lot.”
>”Yeah, she’s really friendly and has been that way ever since we were youngin’s, come on, let’s find a seat,” Applejack says as she looks for a seat.
>But the place is packed with people, making it almost impossible to find a seat.
“Business is really booming here, huh?”
>”Mhmm, it’s been like this ever since Ah was young and oh,” she says as she points to some seats by the window, “An open table, let’s take it!”
>The two of you take a seat and Applejack continues with her story, “So where were we? Oh right, Pinkie and Ah have been working at this place ever since we were youngin’s. Of course Ah stopped in the summer before middle school because Ah was off to Manehattan.”
“So what did you two do here?”
>”Well we weren’t old enough to be working the kitchen, so we just took people’s orders,” Applejack says followed by a sigh.
“What’s wrong? Is the nostalgia too strong?”
>”No, it’s just, work.”
“What about it?”
>”You’re off to college and Ah’m takin’ over mah Granny’s farm, we’re gonna see less of each other.”
“Hey, don’t talk like that,” you say as you hold her hand, “We’re only two hours apart, I’ll drive up here every chance I get.”
>”Really?”
“Yeah, it’ll be no problem! It’s just a two hour drive. Besides, we got our phones and computers, we can literally see each other whenever we want.”
>”You’re right,” Applejack says as she leans over the table and gives you a quick kiss on the lips, “Sorry about that, Sugarcube.”

>”AWWWW! You two look so cute together!” Pinkie Pie says as she comes to your table with the slices of pie, “I hate to be a party pooper but here are your pies! Please enjoy!”
>After you guys finish your pies, the day came to a close and you’re lying in bed with Applejack waiting for sleep to take you two.
>”Ah’ve never been in a long distance relationship before,” she says randomly.
“Where did that come from?” you ask.
>”Ah mean, you’re headed back home, and then to college.”
“Yeah but, we’re not too far apart.”
>”Things are just gonna be a little bit lonely without ya here.”
“C’mon now, don’t talk like that, it’s not like you’re never gonna see me again.”
>”Ah know, Ah just love you.”
“I love you too,” you say as you kiss her, “Anyway, you’re coming to San Franciscolt next week!”
>”Of course, Ah can’t wait to see you then!”
“What are you talking about? You’re already seeing me now, aren’t you?”
>”Oh shush!” she says as she puts rests head on your shoulder and falls asleep.
“Good night, Applejack,” you say as you kiss the top of her head.
>”Nighty night, Ah’non,” she yawns.
>The next morning, you’re loading your stuff in the back of Big Mac’s truck.
“Sure you don’t wanna come along?” you ask Applejack.
>”Yeah, ya know, Ah wanna learn the ropes as quickly as possible so Ah can see you in San Franciscolt,” she says as she wipes the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief.
“Don’t cry now, we’re not gonna be away for long.”
>”Yeah,” she says as she tries to restrain her sniffles, “Yeah, no, we’re not.”
“Y’know, I’m always just a text or a call away.”
>”Ah know, Ah’ll make sure to always text and call, so ya better make sure you’re there when Ah do.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” you say as you hug her.
>Applejack hugs back tighter than says, “Ah’ll miss you.”
“I will too.”
>The two of you part and Applejack says, “Well take care then.”
“You too.”
>You enter Big Mac’s truck and wave goodbye to Applejack as you and Big Mac drive off.

>After twenty minutes of driving, you receive a text from Twilight asking if you can meet her in San Franciscolt.
“Hey, Big Macintosh?”
>”Eeyup,” he responds.
“I think San Franciscolt would be closer than where you’re originally gonna drop me off, is it alright if you just drop me off in San Franciscolt?”
>”Eeyup.”
>About forty-five minutes later, you reach San Franciscolt and say goodbye to Big Mac.
>You walk for a good ten minutes to a café to meet up with Twilight who was already there waiting for you.
“Hey Twi, long time, no see!” you say as you hug her.
>”Hey Anon, it’s nice to see you too! Want something to drink?” Twilight asks.
“Uh, yeah, I–”
>”Don’t drink coffee, right? It’s okay, I already got you some tea, should be here soon.”
“But it’s sum–”
>”Summer, yes, so that’s why I ordered you iced tea, just like how I’m drinking iced coffee, haha. You still got all your bags! You haven’t gone home yet?”
“Ah, no, I just got back from Napony Valley.”
>”So tell me about Napony Valley, Manehattan, everything!”
>You proceed to tell Twilight about everything that happened in Manehattan from Braeburn and Applejack to everything that went down with Rainbow Dash and then you tell her about all the things you did in Napony Valley and why you went there.
“And so yeah, that’s pretty much it. I thought it’d be a great idea to visit Napony Valley and meet Applejack’s family before heading to Saddle Cruise for college. How have things been here?”
>”Things have been same old, same old.”
“Oh rea–”
>”Yes, really,” she abruptly says as she sips the straw.
“Okay, what’s up?”
>”What do you mean ‘what’s up?’ There’s nothing ‘up’, well there is, but it’s just either the ceiling, trees, or the sky.”
“Very convincing, Twi, now tell me.”
>”Would you believe me if I said I was just really excited to see you again?”
“Definitely.”
>She sighs, “I wish I could tell you, but I can’t.”
“Why not?”

>”The person who told me the thing I can’t tell you, made me promise to them that I can’t tell you.”
“And so you’re on edge because of it?”
>”Yeah, but you know I’ve never been one to hide things well.”
“You’d be an amazing undercover agent.”
>”Anon, please.”
“Yeah, yeah, well look. I’m not gonna ask since you can’t tell.”
>”But you are very nosy.”
“I’ll do my best to contain myself. Anyway, how have things been?”
>”It’s been great, I got accepted into University of Caliponya San Franciscolt and believe it or not, I met someone.”
“Oh? Who?”
>”His name is Flash Sentry, and he’s amazing. You’ll meet him next week!”
“At the festival?”
>”Yeah! He’s funny, cool, and a musician!”
“What does he play?”
>”It’s like a mix between Matchbox Twenty and The Fray. Most people are confused, but I totally get it.”
“Wait, so rock?”
>”Anyway, you’ll like him.”
“Yeah? I’m looking forward to meeting him then.”
>”Oh look at the time, it’s late afternoon already! Let’s start heading home.”
“Oh yeah, you’re right, let’s go.”
>Twilight and you take the train back home where you’re greeted by your parents at the station.
>After exchanging greetings, your parents drop Twilight off home and head home yourself.
>There you tell them everything’s that happened from Manehattan to Napony Valley.
>”I’m sorry things didn’t work out between you and Rainbow Dash, honey,” your mom says.
>”Yes, you two looked like you were happy together,” your dad says.
“It’s fine, really, I’m happier with Applejack now, anyway.”
>”That’s good to hear,” your dad says as he pats you on the shoulder.
>”Hold on, Anon, I have to ask you a very important question,” your mom says.
You gulp, “W-What is it?”
>”Who’s the better cook, my sister or me?”
You give her a thumb up and look at her with confidence, “You are.”
>Your mom holds her head up proudly, “That’s right, I’ve taught you well.”

>”Did you teach him well, or did you just each him to say that you’re the better cook?” your dad asks skeptically.
>Your mom looks at you and you nod.
“No, she really is the better cook.”
>Your dad sighs, not wanting to argue any further while your mom starts boasting.
>When you head up to your room, you receive a call from Applejack.
“Hello?”
>”Howdy, Sugarcube, how’s it going?”
“Hey, it’s great, I’m home now.”
>”That’s great to hear!”
“How are things back there?”
>”It’s been crazy, but Ah’m gettin’ there!”
“Sounds like you’ll be here in time of the festival!”
>”Yeah, speaking of which, ya never gave me the exact details.”
“Oh, it’s a two day long festival held on the weekend of next week and it’s hosted by the Japan Town neighborhood.”
>”Really?”
“Yeah, I mainly go for the food though, I don’t understand the performances.”
>”How come?”
“They’re all in Japanese and although they’re fun to watch, I don’t know what’s going on half of the time.”
>”Are the performances at least good?”
“Yeah they are, especially the ones in Union Square, those are the best ones.”
>”Hoo-ey! Ah’m getting excited now!”
“It’s your first time?”
>”Eeyup, Ah’ve never been down in the city that much, but Ah’m sure it’ll be twice as fun with ya!”
“Certainly, I can’t wait to see you.”
>”Me too.”
>The two of you talk for the rest of the night until one of you falls asleep.

CHOOSE YOUR ENDING
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ENDING B:
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ENDING B: