Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Why don’t you hand me another for the road, maybe?” A seamless voice said in a dazed tone. It appeared to be the girl with the pink frizzy hair, a commanor. She was the one who helped out the bakery near OakLanee. 

“I think ya’re cut off for the night, pinks,” teased the lady behind the counter.

 She seemed to be growing a slight smile between her teeth as she started to finish wiping the muck off the dirty cups used by customers before. They were the last two left in the facility, more or less every Thursday night they were. 

Tightening her glare, the blue-eyed commanor went on, “Pfft..Same time next week?” Giving her a hopeful glance. 

“Well, Pinkie, if I get enough ingredients to create your chocolate shakes, then sure, same time next week.” Even though making those shakewasre truly hard to come by, and sure weren’t made by “royalty”. She still endured the process for those she cared for.

“Ah, AJ, you’d do anything for your favorite customer.” Pinkie had spoken as she was making her way near the door’s exit.  

Rolling her eyes to the corner of the room, AJ snapped back in a loud manner; “Not if ya gonna’ be suckin business dry!”

Overshadowing her sentence, Pinkie had jolted back. “Just put it on my tab!! As she rushed to close the door on her way out. 

Mumbling under her breath, AJ replied, “You don’t gotta tab..” She stated, making her way into packing up for the night.

Doing her usual rounds for the night, she checked in the back of the tavern near the kitchen to see if any unwashed items revealed themselves. To her dismay, she had come to find that she had already completed those tasks ahead of time. Grabbing the last candle by the hollowed doorway that had her hat lying beneath the hanging rack, she blew out the last fuse with a wisp. Afterward, she went to restock for the next day and furthermore. 

Going back, she went to grab her father's hat off the hanger’s hook and paused just for a moment; “Another job well done.” She chuckled back as she laid her hat upon her hair. She then went on to lock the back door, usually with the same rustic key she had used many times before. You could tell it was dented from all the use of it over the years, but it could still do the job. 

Heading back to her home, the gentle but subtle Mac ackers. Celestic’s View was the most well-known farm since it had grown all the crops needed for the rest of the village's resources. Even though all had great knowledge of their impact in the community, their specialty was always apples. The family tradition had lasted throughout various generations.

All who had known the family knew of the swamp fever that came one winter, all those moons before. The one that took the town's beloved Pear butter. And again, when it was time for the natural selection of the war, when bravery struck across widowed Bright Mac’s soul. How was he chosen to play his part in the army of the leading officers?

It didn’t feel like it had been 3 years since that occurrence, but it was. It felt like only yesterday when Big Mac had received the news headfirst. He’d get that knock on the door that every other indebted loss would receive when a death was struck in battle. The letter he had to write to his great-grandmother Smith, pleading as to whether she could come and help raise the girls, since he knew it was a task he couldn’t handle on his own.

Though AJ was not too far from Big Mac in age, she still needed so-called “guidance”, or so he believed. But Applebloom was the most cautious of all, because she was the youngest. She needed to be brought up in a world where she had a guardian other than just her brother and sister. She needed a role model to rely on. 

So those 3 years had felt eerie, as most of them do. There was more contact with other family members, villagers, and just people in general. Granny had shown the girls how to live, not just on the farm, but outside too. That upbringing helped even AJ meet one of the closest people in her life, her cousin Pinkamena Pie. Of course, time passed by, and she had re-phrased her name into what was now known as “Pinkie”, a gesture handed down to her by none other than AJ herself. She had always been clever with nicknames.

Long before the switch, though, Pinkie had used to live with her family on what was known far up east as the ‘Rock Mill’. Which, evidently, was where most of the Pie family spent their days. She had the idea to come on the trip with her Grandmother Smith when she was told of what had happened. 

Seamlessly, as AJ walked up to face the stairs that led to her room, she realized she had relieved all those scattered memories that floated across her mind. With that final thought, she took a deep breath and took the time to appreciate that tomorrow would be a new day. 

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Dawn had risen above the sky; it was clearer today. A lot clearer than usual, you could actually enjoy the sun. Mostly the weather during the foggy season would be cloudy, covering the day away. 

“Almost cider season!” A smile had grown from Applebloom's face as she sprang open her older sister's door. Holding her hands across her chest, AJ paused and opened her mouth to speak.

“And when did you start wanting to drink cider?” She teased, finishing her conjunction as she tilted up her eyebrow. 

Receiving the look Applebloom took the hint and played on; “Why whatever do ya’ mean? I have always loved cider.” She blinked her eyes in a fluttering manner.

Unimpressed, she was accommodated by a reply that had no reasoning with her. “..Really?” as a shrug came across her sister's face. “And you’re not gonna spit out when I let you have the leftovers? Kinda like how ya’ are every year?” 

A moment of silence arose in the room, just briefly. “Oh ye of little faith..” Applebloom finally replied as she made herself away from the bedroom door.

“Faith’s got nothin’ to do with it..” AJ groaned as she went to grab the wool flannel she had already worn the day before. 

Obviously, it wasn’t much, but looks didn’t really matter as long as the clothing fit properly; it was useful. Unraveling her sleeves, she got up and walked towards the door, grasping it by the knob, and headed outside. The smell of the crisp, life-like air reached her nose. Closing her eyes, she took one deep breath in to refresh her mind on what the day had to offer. 

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“You got ‘nough cattle for the season to come?” Braeburn softly questioned.

He was a helper in the tavern who usually covered the morning shifts, while AJ covered the afternoon through the night. 

“I reckon’ so, though you know how the fever gets ya. Seems like there are fewer mouths to feed each passing year.” She spoke as her gaze tightened.

With a slight shrug, Braeburn went on, “That’s not necessarily your job to be reminded of such things.” Trying to say something that could encourage the mood. But per usual, “Well, if I'm not puttin’ up the fight, who will? I don’t ever see them fancy up north helping out the cause, do you?” She hissed back.

“All I'm saying is, don’t overwork yourself. I know how ya are, especially this time of year.” A deep sigh escaped Braeburn’s throat. While AJ continued to give him what seemed to be a motionless glare, she went on with her chores. 

Hours passed, and business in the tavern went smoothly like it was every other day. AJ was thinking of maybe locking up earlier today than usual, to help with the chores back on the acres, so she could spend some time with her little sister. But as she looked out the window to see that the rain was pouring down hard, she figured at least the grass was getting some active input. 

Something to make this town feel lively again, then just the dirt sprouting across the ground. A harsh slam came from the door to click her back into reality. Looking over, she saw several members of the princess's national defense, otherwise known as selected officials, Celstia’s known knights. What shocked her most was why they had come into here. Of course, service is service, but there were so many other concessions down in the city by the princess's castle. It felt unnecessary to come all this way for a drink and a bite to eat when again, there were so many other resources for them up north. 

But again she obliged. 

Making no notice of the royal guards, she continued with her work. 

“Cider, on ice,” A grim voice spoke hoarsely, coming up towards her with confidence.

Then, with a stand-offish eye, a voice peeped. 

“If ya haven’t quite noticed, we don’t usually sell cider until it’s cider season.” The cowgirl spoke out, hoarsely.

Taking off her helmet, the knight looked into AJ’s eyes and gave her a faint smirk. “Commoners such as yourself never do fail to amuse me.” The mystery voice chuckled, arm-bumping the officer beside her. She started to lay her helmet on the counter, which was overshadowing what seemed to be a vibrant hue of multi-colored hair. 

It looked to be shaggy but grim, which had left AJ in shock. Not just because she never knew the generals allowed female knights to reside in their troops. Let alone ones with unjust qualifications, she pondered. But it was the fact that this girl looked like she hadn't worked a day in her life. She should’ve been ashamed to even be wearing that armor out in daylight. Quickly coming back with a stern look, she paused.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Gritting her teeth, she leaned her elbow on the counter. 

“Whatever you want it to mean, cowgirl.” Her eyes dilated back to face the one in front of her, subtly giving the bartender a motioned wink. 

Remaining to keep eye contact, she continued, unamused by the gesture. “Sorry, but we don’t serve fancy “fru fru” drinks here, you’ll have ta’ find that up north.” 

“Pft- you could’ve just said you weren’t equipped with the right materials.” The knight spoke, grabbing her helmet back up. 

As AJ raised her left eyebrow an inch, she bit back her tongue and stated. “ I did, darlin’.” Her eyes now widened, and the magenta ones stared right back at her. “Look, do you need somthin’ or are you just a tourist?” She spat, completing her sentence. 

“I believe we suspect a betrayal against the queen. Have you seen this rogue anywhere?” The blue-skinned knight held up a poster that showed a poorly drawn picture of what looked to be a woman behind a mask. 

Peeping closely at the photograph, AJ put her finger to her chin; “I don’t believe I have, but heck, I may be lying.” She teased relentlessly, even though those who knew her knew she never lied. But it was enjoyable to see that her comment had gotten under the knight's skin. 

“You already know what happens to those who are found guilty, don’t you, cowgirl? If word gets out on you holding back information, it’ll cost you your head.” The vibrant girl paused, looking the blonde up and down for a short moment, before finishing. “Oh, and that tacky hat too.” 

Crossing her arms together, now about through with the other’s antics, AJ huffed. “Well, for one, my hat ain’t fuckin’ tacky. But we’ll just have to wait and see about your remarks. And if ya’re right, then I’ll go right ahead, no harm, no foul.” Speaking as she let out a deep cough. 

“But if you’re wrong..” The bartender croaked, in a more sinister tone, bringing herself up into the knight's personal space. She could easily spot the difference in the other’s expression now that she was up close. But before she could back away from leaning upon the table placed in front of them, the knight lashed out.

“You’re bluffing, she doesn’t know anything about the traitor, she's just wasting our time.” The opponent claimed, appealing her lips into a smirk, still maintaining the bewitching eye contact. She signaled the rest of the crew to head out with the twitch of her thumb. Before she was opposed to joining, she heard a voice murmur out.

“Was I?” AJ had smiled hauntingly at the commanding knight as she tried to pace herself further away.

In the rearview, she saw them all head out the door, and as they seemed to get further and further away, so did the glare of the sun. AJ shifted gears, not dwelling on arrogant knights from the north. She realized night had come abroad again, meaning it was getting closer to packing up. Sighing as she realized she wasn’t able to make it home back in time to converse with her younger one, knowing she was probably fast asleep now. But the result of dealing with that angst came rolling along with the feeling that all those royal guards are the same. The farmer began to ponder.

They’re just a bunch of cocky, arrogant sons of bitches whose only intention was to cause destruction. But that wasn’t her problem, at least not for now anyway. She had that to thank at the very least. AJ wouldn’t even know what she would have done with the idea of being visited by the yearly selection.

Granny didn’t seem to be getting any younger either, and with Big Mac, moved away with Sugarbelle to start their own family. There would be no protection nor guidance for Applebloom. Of course, Pinkie lived close to town, but then again, she wasn’t exactly guardian material. 

Needless to say, she was needed at Mac Acres. It didn’t matter how long she lasted, just until Applebloom was old enough to understand further responsibilities of the family. 

Exhaustion arose from her lips as she let out a tired yawn, and she made her way into the kitchen back at the tavern. Sitting down, near the unused items she was supposed to be putting away, she lay her head down just for a moment.

“I’ll get up in 3 minutes or so, for now.” She sank into her resting arms upon the table, letting out one last yawn. "..I just need a breather,” she mumbled out, finally falling asleep into the night.

Chapter Text

"Thank you for your contribution."

Princess Luna had nodded as she received the gift from the advised guest among the stands.

Looking from a far view laid the fourth princess, Twilight Sparkle. She had come from the Crystal Kingdom with her older brother Shining Armor and sister-in law, the third key Princess throughout the land, Cadence. She was mainly known for assembling the other regions in unity from years pass.

"I still don't understand why we had to come here, there was so much more to learn back home."

Twilight was unamused on how her present state was.

"Twily, you have to give this place a chance there are so many resources it could offer you. I mean look at this land, do you see how natural humanity is, how still everything flows? Back home everyone was distant, here you have more opportunities to meet people, even maybe possibly make some friends...?"

Shining spoke trying to console twilights ambition. He looked at her dimly, trying to place his hand on her upper right shoulder as she watched the civilians from further below the window.

Slumping down into her arms Twilight let out a long-lasting sigh; "I don't need friends."

As she turned her head that pointed in Shinning's direction, he let out a slight laugh. "You never know Twi, don't sell yourself short just yet." He tried grinning to liven up the atmosphere of her clear gaze.

Rolling her eyes Twilight proceeded, "If you say so.." as she turned her head back towards the gaze of the glow that was outside.

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I mean what graviton pull does this land have on everyone, these people they are just people. Everyone should be studied though; civilians are nothing like the ones we had back home. Twilight had thought to herself.

It was dawning upon her that the clear sky had slowly turned into foolsome night. The people she once saw crossing the pass ways throughout the villages soon turned into closed ghost towns. All that shimmered of joy, vastly shifted into deep slumber as all went quiet.

Weird how it all works she thought. People's interactions with one another, stranger to stranger it's so casual...but friendly? To someone you've never known even, I want to understand it fully.

Let alone the banter between her and her older peer, she feared that deep down she as well wanted that same interaction she had seen by these people below.

But again, those were just mere fantasies. In the real world you need to function, produce something of yourself so you can be remembered and honored by those who follow after you.

Twilight swallowed her daydreaming as she closed the book she had been reading from seconds before.

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"Okay but how are we going to unite the two if we don't have enough members in the guard's alignment?" Candance spoke while looked at the following princesses displeased.

"We could send someone down towards the south side of the villages, it's less crowded and we could get more people to join the cause." Luna tried peeping in a suggestion.

"Sister, it cannot be us who goes down there. The citizens are afraid of our doings, they believe we are still stuck in the same war that we've already come to pass." Celestia snaped quickly towards Luna's response.

"Then how do you acquire we do so? We can't obviously send guards back down either sent that went so well the last time.." Luna mumbled under her breath as she crossed her arms in a discouraged tone.

In the distance Twilight roamed around in the castle trying to figure out all the insights she could of the structure and mathematical forms it took to construct such a piece.

"The linework on this wall, it's so unique how did the sculptors acquire such tools to create these artifacts?" She questioned while pressing her fingers slightly against the tall, enchanting wall.

Suddenly Luna had formed up an idea.

Opening the door in slim manner, Luna put her finger to her mouth signaling a shushing motion towards the other two. Then as she did so, she pointed to Twilight.

"What if she is the one to go on and check about the works that go on down there? She could be compatible enough to essentially gather others to follow her sort of view." Luna said as if she was appearing to show a thought bubble over her head.

Cadance looked at her and then tilted her face towards Twilight.

"Alright, I want to see on how this plays out." She agreed on her plan and by the likes of it so did her oldest sister as well.

Luna signaled her eyes from Cadance to Twilight bumping her head.

Confused Cadance shrugged her shoulders, trying to appeal on what Luna was trying to ask of her.

"Okay, I'll be the one to ask her." Celestia then cut in.

Walking abruptly to Twilight Celestia noticed how she was inquired with the rhythmic of the pillars that she seemed to be inspecting.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke; "Capturing, isn't it?"

Startled, Twilight then let out a screech as she fell from the posture she sustained while diving thoroughly the rough implants that aligned across each sculptor.

"I'm sorry, I didn't exactly mean to alarm you." Celestia let out a faint laugh as she proceeded to reach her hand to help Twilight come back onto her feet.

"No, no your fine princess I didn't mean too.." Twilight picked up the tiny journal she kept her findings in. "..I really didn't mean to overstep my invitation here." Twilight rambled on continuously.

"Twilight, please address me as Celestia. You are perfectly welcomed to explore the castle whenever you like, it's been a while since we had any visitor's that seemed to have interest in the history of this place...let alone the architectural field."

Coming back on her feet, Twilight stood up and smiled.

"Yes Princess..I mean yes Celestia." She awkwardly stated as she refrained a smile across her cheeks. "It's no big deal; I mean the work on this place must have taken at least a thousand years.." Twilight looked up admiring the beauty of it all.

Celestia turned over to see her youngest sister point at her arm as if there was a clock on it, signaling a silent gesture. She tried pushing back her hand motioning to leave her be, trying on how to figure out what subject she could bring up in order to have Twilight be interested in the outside realm.

"You seemed pretty invested in the castle's aspect, have you ever explored the town?" Celestia asked in an unknowing manner.

Twilight then shot back her eyes towards the princess and spoke; "Oh no..I uh I'm not to great with people." She shrugged a whisper as she began to put her hand on the back of her neck.

Celestia tilted her eyebrow, "I truly find that hard to believe." She said remaining the still eye-contact.

Even though Twilight was looking away she could still feel Celestia's gaze dawning on her. "It's complicated to be completely just."

"How so?"

"I don't know how to put it princess..." Twilight paused, before correcting herself. "...Celestia I mean. I'm sorry I'm not too good with the non-formal names yet."

Celestia appealed to have a lightened smile on her face.

"I have a favor to ask of you, could you complete it friend to friend?" She asked in a shyly voice.

Did the Princess just call me her friend? Twilight had thought, her mind was going haywire. I mean like I could see why she would say that, maybe it's because our nations are aligned and she sees our allies as friends, which is practically us. So understandably yeah, we would be friends. But I don't necessarily inquire the dictionary term for said friend, maybe she said to make her bargain sound more promising?

Twilight rambled off into the eclipse of her own thoughts

"Twilight?" Celestia appeared to be standing confused as she watched Twilight just openly glare at her.

Blinking her eyes once or twice, Twilight came back into reality. "What do you have in store?" She proceeded to go on enlightened.

Eager to see her understanding, Celestia went on; "Well you see, there's some things I need to have delt with down south of the village but can't exactly do so being occupied with "royal tasks" and all..." She spoke fast in a way that made the question seem possibly uncertain.

"...I was wondering if you would care to go and finish these items of this list I had scheduled out." She proceeded to reach for a scroll that was hidden inside her lower back pocket. Once revealed, she reached out in subtle gesture in order to handle it over to Twilight's palm.

Twilight admired the scroll as Celestia laid it onto her hands. The details in the penmanship were absolutely fascinating. Celestia could practically see her eyes glowing from anticipation as she studied the scroll.

Doing a quick read, and then re-read, and then another re-read of the said re-read just to triple check of all the things throughout the list to understand the memory log. Twilight paused and smiled up to Celestia's appeal.

"Okay, Celestia you've got yourself a deal!" She said as she understood what was before her.

"Great to hear it! I will be awaiting your tales of what you take from this trip when you return, I see a great big deal of me in you Miss Twilight." She spoke softly as she patted Twilight on the shoulder.

"Oh..I, well thank you Celestia." Twilight said timidly as she watched Celestia's reflection grow fainter and fainter as she walked further away.

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"I can't believe it spike, I mean the princess wanted me to do her royal duties for her. She chooses me, I cannot.." Twilight spoke taking a breath in to exhale. "..I will not let her down." She finished rambling on.

The wolf glanced as he tilted his left ear at her still and calmly unamused.

"Oh, don't look at me like that." Twilight glared at back at her sustained pet.

"I mean just think about how cool it would be if she took me under her guidance, her wing perhaps, like a star pupil even!" She giggled as she patted down her seamless bed.

Spike jumped up on the fluffed mattress Twilight found herself settling into. He got himself comfortable to where Twilight could lay down, and so could he.

"Just think about it spike, the endless possibilities of nature's essence. I could learn so much then I have before. Obviously, I don't need to acquire friends, not that I will have to endure the idea, but I don't know something seems enchanting about it all."

She softly spoke as she pulled the covers across her arms, finally going into a dreamless slumber.

Chapter Text

"Did I say stand on defense, or strike?"

Spitfire hissed as she saw the remainder of guard's fight against each other during fencing training.

"Good game" the multicolored hair girl spoke as she lifted out a helping hand towards the opponent near the floor.

"Yeah whatever Dash, I was just going easy on you.." Her opponent spat back as she accepted her hand brining herself upwards.

Turning her eyes to the side, Dash sighed and proceeded to cross her arms.

"..Right." She let out unphased.

"It's true, I wouldn't ever go too hard on my favorite sidekick, I can't steal all the glory." The golden-haired girl appeared to strike a grin across her face.

Putting a hand on her face to show disapproval Dash spoke; "Dust, you do realize we're a team, right? There's no need for sidekicks, we're both pretty elite side by side."

Finishing her statement, she raised an eyebrow subtlety trying to reason with Dust's banter.

Scoffing, Dust put her arm around Dash's shoulder; "Pfft..of course I know that, but Spitfire did choose me to be captain. So, I mean if you think about it, isn't everyone less than a sidekick? Honestly, I'd take it as a compliment. In a way, you're kind of like the second in command."

She brushed off as she looked towards Dash in a shrugging manner.

Looking back at her with a confused look, Dash went on; "...I guess." Stating back unsure of what Dust had meant by that forward answer.

Each day was always like this really. There would be training, then grub and then listing off who was doing what for the next seven moons.

And so, the cycle would continue each passing week.

Taking off her helmet, Dash looked up to see Spitfire gathering up the scrolls filled with intel of the assignments for the week. She realized that they were about to gather around for the usual meeting, so she hasted her way over near her inner circle.

Checking to see on who would be leading the mission, Dash picked up a signaler scroll from the stash inside the barrel by Spitfire.

"Sup Boss." She gestured her supervisor. Spitfire nodded her head, acknowledging her greeting.

"Alright Newbies, get your shit together and gather up." Spitfire yelled alerting the rest of crew that conversed in the room.

After the others tuned in, Spitfire continued on her rant. "This week you all will divide into two teams, Soarin you lead team 1. I need you guys to head up north near the city, investigate what find necessary. Dash, you lead team 2 this goes around. I need your willpower to be maintained throughout this course while your team heads south near the village."

Quickly tilting her head up in appeal, Dash was shocked on what she just had heard. This puzzled her mind greatly since she was usually more suitable for assistant roles during these trips. Apparently, her practice during the last few weeks of training had pulled off she supposed. Or rather her work ethic? She couldn't quite catch the reasoning, but she wasn't exactly throwing any complaints either.

And if it didn't catch her attention, it certainly did for Dust.

Looking behind her to see the serval faces for her team, she saw Lighting in the mist of the crowd scowling directly at her. As if she was merrily her own reflection even. Disgusted by the atoned frown on Lightings face, Dash turned her head back forwards ignoring her embrace.

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After from what seemed like the endless toll of conversations Spitfire had everyone clocked into, the meeting was finally over. With that, Dash wanted to clarify with her authority on if she was truly making the right call. Needless to say, she didn't really intend on wanting to face Dust's wrath.

"Hey Boss, can I ask you something." She asked walking up to Spitfire, while she saw the others from the rest of the crew soon leave the room.

Sitting down at her desk, Spitfire looked up at Dash's gaze a spoke. "Shoot."

"Well, I just wanted to clarify if you were verifying on me being Captain this go around." She spoke rashly.

"I did call your name, did I not?"

Spitfire raised her eyebrow, trying to understand the girl's expression.

"True..but I just wanted to make sure. I can never really tell with you." Dash let out a subtle laugh, trying to maintain the mutual respect.

Suddenly the door slammed open.

"What the hell was that back there?" Dust let out in a daze.

"Control yourself Dust." Spitfire glared right back at her, as if she was speaking directly towards her soul.

"Sorry, but you always are aware that I'm Captain. I always run the missions successfully; I have a whole system planed out and everything each go around."

By the sound of her fast-paced voice, it was as if Dust was actually worried about not being Captain this mission?

"And I'm sure it works out perfectly each time, I wouldn't doubt your methods for a second. But for higher purposes it has been called to my attention for Dash to contribute her resources as well. So, I've made my decision, thank you both for your concern on the matter." Spitfire finished as she tried to usher the two out her chamber's door.

The door slammed shut

She looked at Dust blankly, trying to understand what her deal might've been. Trying to ease the tension she blurted out.

"Hey, guess I'm not much of a sidekick after all assface." Chuckling in a playful banter.

Appealing her gaze onto Dust she could tell by her figure the comeback had no effect on her. She just stood looking downwards.

You're kidding..

Easing up close Dash proceed to put her hand onto the girl's shoulder.

"Dude are you okay-"

Before she could finish her sentence, Dust pushed her hand off of her upper shoulder and glared her dead in the eye. Pausing for a moment she looked at her in a confused manner.

Dust's gaze tightened.

"I'm fine, Crash."

She had finally spoken, and when she did, she had to pull out a smirk with it. Confining to look at her, Dash's burrowed her eyebrows back into her eyes.

"I've told you not to call me that.." Dash hissed.

Dust stepped closer, placing a hand on the left of her face. Lowering her chin, she whispered in her ear gently.

"Just making sure you remember where you stand..."

She scoffed, taking a breath to finish her sentence.

"...Crash."

Dust looked back up to her face with a grimacing glare.

"I'm just messing with you, dork! Oh my god you should've seen your face." She lifted up slapping her hand upon her back.

"Yeah..." Dash mumbled, looking away from Dust's sight.

"Cmon', don't be so sensitive. Anyways hurry up, we're going to be late for dinner." The gold girl croaked, bumping her shoulder onto the other. "I really don't want to be stuck with last calls options." Dust gagged as she began to throw her arm around the vibrant one's shoulder.

"Well let's just see if we beat Soarin to it." Dash spoke back, trying ease up the air that felt suffocating.  

From the sight of it you could see a small smile appear back onto her face, as if what had just happened a few seconds ago was only nothing more of a dream. That was probably all just in her head though, Dash pondered as she proceeded to walk closer towards the mess hall. 

Chapter Text

"Okay Spike, I think I'm ready to head out." Twilight spoke with a gleeful state of mind.

She had just gathered up her things to head out into the village down south, where Celestia's chores were. The other day she thought frantically about how impactful this trip could be if she were to succeed. Wondering what her future might hold with the other princesses as well. As she put her mind at ease, she waved farewell to her mighty companion Spike knowing she'll see her beloved pet when it was time for her return.

She walked down by the castle's stables and chose the nearest horse she could find. Looking at the nametag upon the wall, she saw the name"Starswirl" appear in her vision.

"Okay Starswirl, let's see if we can get along today." She spoke as she prepared, the saddle for takeoff.

The two took off and started to head south passing clear of the downtown city of Canterlot to avoid the traffic of others. The ride was not as long as Twilight expected it to be. The journey with Starswirl was quick since soon enough she found herself at the town entry of said destination.

"Looks like we made it.." She mumbled as she strode uphill upon the forest that seemed to be a maze of mythical green.

Digging into her bag upon the saddle, she pulled out the scroll filled with the list of items that Celestia needed Twilight to accomplish by the next moon. She read from subject to subject. They looked like normal arrands that anyone would be able to do, so she never really understood the big deal with Twilight going to retrieve these things until she found her eyes meeting the last checkpoint upon the list.

- Seek for company of one "Sir Bright Mac." The princesses request his authorities for a matter in the city.

(Hint: He can be found at the town's key farm Mac Acres.)

"A Sir Bright Mac..?" Twilight spoke puzzled. She turned her neck sideways looking for a clear reflection of what looked like a sturdy barn in the mist of her view.

I'm guessing that's Mac acres.

She had thought to herself, looking down back at the indented sheet. Eyes followed each singular line of cursive until she managed to obtain each item on the list. Finally taking the time to make her way to Mac acres.

Once she got her ways away to the door, she climbed off of Starswirl and hooked him up to the fence standing on the near right of her side. She walked up to the door, taking a breath and pulled up her hand to press a light knock on the wood. She waited patiently as the wind comforted a tune to her ears.

Still no answer, maybe another knock will work.

She summarized in her mind, as she reached out her hand a second time before being stopped by a voice rise behind her.

"Can ah' help ya?" The bucked voice chipped out.

Twilight had stopped in her tracks, putting her hand back down to her side as she looked at a clear view of the door. Turning her head around she came to see a taller girl standing on the ground holding a strawed bucket around her hip.

"Hello miss, do you perchance know anyone by the name of "Bright Mac"? I was told he resides here." Twilight spoke not knowing any better.

The girl let out a little chuckle under her breath, looking up at Twilight's gaze.

"Ah reckon, he won't be around here anytime soon." She spoke.

Shrugging Twilight went on; "Well when he does get back can you tell him the princesses request his presence?"

The small laughter stopped.

"Yeah 'bout that..." The girl put her available arm around the back of neck, pausing for a moment but trying to complete her train of thought.

"You aren't from around here, are you?" She said placing the bucket down.

"Not exactly.." Twilight admitted

The blonde starred at the girl's appearance, before she laid her right hand upon her hip and sighed.

"I'm real sorry to tell ya'..but Bright Mac died couple years pass, I'm the only resident here now ma'am."

Twilight's eyes winded, as she bit her lip in pure guilt unaware of what she had just said seconds before.

"I'm...I'm truly sorry for your lost miss-?" Twilight spoke trying to be endearing towards the matter.

"AJ, ya' can call me AJ."

"Right, I'm devasted for your loss miss AJ." She glanced up from where she used to look down at the hobbled ground.

"It's no worries, really. It was a long time ago, so not really as effective so to speak heh." AJ let out a wheeze, trying to keep calm about the situation.

"Is it really only you that lives here now? No one whatsoever?" Twilight tampered with the idea that there possibly couldn't have been only one resident in that maze of acres.

Lifting down her hat, AJ went on; "Well ya see, mah' brother and his wife Sugarbelle traveled a ways away not so long ago. I figured that it was best for my sister to go along as well, since well life here ain't exactly the world I want her to grow up in. And for my grandmother.." She stammered off. "It's uh long story.."

"Ah...I see." Twilight gestured.

She looked around the scenery and paused for a moment then darting her gaze to AJ once more.

"Isn't it lonely though?" She questioned.

To the others shock, she didn't really have time to process what was just asked of her so she rambled on with a blind mind.

"Uh..well not really...ah' I don't figure it to be all that much I suppose."

A concerned look came across Twilight face as she drew closer.

"I might be able to help you out with that." She spoke softly, smiling at the blonde with a gentle gesture.

"What do reckon'?" AJ said tilting her head sideways.

"The princesses insisted on me taking back a Bright Mac for the assignment she had listed out for him, but since there is no longer a Bright Mac to take back..and funny enough your the only Mac on resident grounds I was thinking maybe, you could fill his role for him?"

This stopped AJ's thoughts completely.

"Ah, Uh, I don't think ah' should be the one you plan on taking back now..uh' what's your name again junebug?"

"Twilight. Princess Twilight Sparkle." She embraced putting her words out with confidence in a tone that made clear her title was worth the time.

"Princess Twilight? Like Princess Twilight, Princess Twilight?"

"Yes it appears so."

"Well ah' be dammed..."

"Look princess, ah' don't know the first thing 'bout helping out with you royal folk, no offense. And ah' can't be heading out in no wars.." Looking back towards the trees that laid upon countless acres and acres of grass.

Twilights face jolted. "No one said anything about being in a war, this is just a simple task. One you could face that would be very profitable with rewards." She spoke with bribery intentions intertwined in her eyes.

This made AJ's ears perk up as she put her hat back ontop of her head.

"I could use the profit right now. Harvesting seasons gonna be a lot harder by myself this year.."

AJ thought momentarily, before concluding with that idea that was to Twilight's liking.

"Alright, you've got yourself a deal here princess." She sprung out her hand into Twilight's view inhabiting a handshake.

"Great! We'll have to leave tomorrow though, so I'll give you the day's end to settle your things." Twilight spoke as she brushed herself towards Starswirl's presence once more.

"I reckon' you could crash here for the night Twi, the night's beginning to rise. I don't think it'd be in my right conscience to let you wonder around these parts ya' hear?"

A stern look was coming from her end.

Twilight looked at Starswirl and then proceeded to look back up at AJ.

"Alright." She had sighed with defeat. She wanted to go off to an inn closest to the farm's range, but deep-down Twilight knew there would be no use.

AJ walked up to her door and gently pressed the doors lock with her thumb, opening the houses entry swiftly.

Holding the door open for Twilight, she watched as the navy-haired girl welcomed herself inside.

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

When the sun had risen, Twilight slipped out of the bed that was gifted to her as a guest package from the night before. Rubbing her eyes, she had let out a quivered yawn as dragged herself out of the room.

"Where might this girl keep her bathroom chambers? I don't want to be wondering around this woman's house without a sense of direction..."

Twilight questioned herself as she found herself falling to the scent of something sweet and savory that steamed across the hall.

"What is that?.."

She pondered walking to the alluring odor.

Finding herself in the kitchen where the mystery scent was soon revealed to be strings of bacon on the griddle. Her lower lip dropped, she hadn't seen food this appealing since the castle's grounds.

In shock, the blonde turned towards Twilight lifting the sizzling pan upwards.

"Mornin' princess." Smirking as she spoke with some enlightenment when seeing the sleepy quest's reaction to the breakfast blend.

"This looks amazing AJ..like actually woah." Twilight was memorized by the sight of everything neatly so.

"Why thank you kindly Twi. Here help yourself to whatever, I've got enough anyhow." The girl encouraged the other with a subtle smile.

"If you insist.." Twilight spoke frantically practically drooling over the food items in front her.

After finishing breakfast, the two gathered up the gear needed to make the journey back. Twilight prepared Starswirl's saddle before hopping back onto his back.

"Thank you again AJ, for the meal and for letting me stay the night in your home." Twilight spoke insightfully.

"It's truly ain't no problem, Twilight." She replied back fixing the saddle on the horse besides Starswirl. Hooking onto the buckles she climbed herself on the compainon's back as well.

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

Halfway through their journey, Twilight learned a lot about this AJ. Her story, what her interests might be, and the reason why she decided to tag along after all.

"Can I ask you something?" Twilight spoke as she held the leash tightly in grasp, thumbing to the ground as Starswirl walked.

"Shoot."

"Why did your tune change when I mentioned profit?"

"I'm going to be honest with ya' here princess, I'm not too good with hiding the truth with others so I'll be straight forward with you." AJ spoke letting out a sigh fall out from her lips.

She leaned her head down looking at the dusty ground that found itself going on for miles ahead.

"I need those bits in order to see my little sister again."

Twilight's shoulders tightened up.

"I don't know what you mean. I thought you said she and your brother were elsewhere nowadays?"

"It's true, what I said was honest, but I left out some of the story. Look Twilight I know we're not all that close, but something about you I don't get it at all, but I feel as if your trustworthy so here it is. I couldn't provide enough on my own a little while ago, which made it harder for me to take care of my little one. So, it was in my best interest to let my brother Macintosh give the life to AppleBloom I knew I never could. But things have changed throughout their time being apart and if I get this profit, it might be enough to try and start having her come back. I know it might seem stupid, but I'd do anything for my family."

AJ took a deep breath before finishing her unbothered ranting and looked to her right to Twilight's reflection. She threw her a tainted smile, trying not to down on the mood.

"No, I get that I think. I wouldn't want to have my brother separated from me at all. Even though him and my sister-in-law are happy I would do anything to protect their honor as well."

Twilight tried to sound understanding to what AJ was trying to come across with.

A subtle smile appeared on AJ's cheeks as she turned her head back to the sky. Both of the two silently understanding one another.

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

When they made it to the castle, Twilight directed AJ into the main hall trying to see what would come next. To her surprise it was Celestia and another figure standing together conversing.

"I wonder who she's talking to?" She whispered tilting slightly towards AJ as they both made their way closer to the appealing bodies.

Celestia looked calmly at AJ and Twilight. She raised a brow on who pre-tell this might be.

"Oh, how could I be so rude, my appologies princess this AJ. She will be taking in the place of Bright Mac, under the circumstances." Twilight pressed out.

"Ah, I see..Well, this will do just fine." Celestia speaks in a lighthearted tone.

She turns over to reveal the face of another that looked familiar..

Ushering to the side, Celestia put her hands on the girl's shoulders that stood beside her.

"AJ, meet Commander Dash"

The girl took off her helmet to show the presence of something that felt like a fever dream couple months pass.

"Well I'll be.." AJ muttered as her eyes fell short at the glare she was receiving.

"You both will be working together in this mission I have planned. By the talk of it, you seem like you won't let me down."

Celestia spoke as she made her intentions clear to the room.

"Ah' uh' I suppose so." AJ said still in shock of the others figure.

She shook her head trying to collect her thoughts.

"I knew I had seen that face before..that's the twat from the tavern some time ago. I sure as hell ain't working with that."

AJ concluded in her mind.

By the likes of it the girl on the other side had done the same, because she gave out a doubtful expression that wasn't easy to hide. With a burst of sudden anger, the commander and cowgirl blurted out leaving Celestia and Twilight in unappealing shock.

Chapter Text

"I'm not working with her."

The two had both jolted out in union.

"Well technically it wasn't exactly an option." Celestia spoke out, putting a hand on her face.

The multicolored haired girl crossed her arms and glared down at the one beside her.

"Dealing with Dust's rampages is a better fate than this.." She mumbled, taking her gaze off of the other and looking towards the ground.

"What ah' don't understand is why ah' have to be put with her in the first place." AJ questioned Celestia.

Looking disconcerted, Celestia stepped forward and replied back.

"I'm only the messenger for now, that's all you two need to know. The other princesses made it clear to me that you have something that would hold great power here. So, it is my duty to see to it that your skills are being put forward as such."

AJ's face softened slightly. Still unaware of what that "something" might be.

"That being said, for her first mission she needs you two both to retrieve the Dragon-Moonstone." Celestia continued on, looking towards Dash's View.

"Yeah, with all due respect Princess, don't we usually get our orders from Spitfire? And why does it have to be the newbie and I?" She spat in an arrogant tone, creasing eye-contact with the Princess.

Celestia raised a brow. "Far be it to me why the others choose you two for this task, that's not exactly in my knowledge yet. But even so, you both will be working on this mission. Spitfire is already aware of this set up and is aligning the other guards for another task that will follow through. But what we need from you two is to play a key role if we can pull this off, is that understood?" She lashed back at Dash assertively.

Obviously, getting the message because after that was let out into the air, she stayed quiet for the rest of Celestia's lecture.

"You both will leave as the sun rises. Now, any questions?" Celestia looked at the both of them in the dimly lit room.

Finally taking a scoff, Dash replied

"..No."

She spoke while having her arms crossed, looking blankly at the wall next to her.

Celestia looked back at her and then turned her face towards AJ.

"I guess not ma'am." AJ responded to the gestured appeal Celestia seemed to be showing on her face.

Celestia nodded as the two standby door holders cracked open the door, revealing their upcoming exit.

"Great, so we all understand each other. I'm truly delighted with what you will accomplish, don't let the princesses down." She spoke as she ushered them both towards the gates.

As the door slammed shut, the two stood in silence as an awkward air filled the room.

"Well, I suppose I'll be seeing you tomorrow, partner." AJ spoke briskly trying to find middle ground.

"Don't call me that, we 'ain't' friends." Dash hissed back, not really giving the other a second to respond.

Appalled, AJ's eyes bolted up as she opened her mouth to speak but was cut off again by the knight's raspy voice.

"This whole or-deal doesn't change anything, even if you are one of us now. I still don't trust you, newbie." Dash's eyes pierced back at the other as she proceeded to walk away the other direction.

The statement had left AJ dumbfounded. She sighed as she pulled her hat back down to her face, turning to go the other direction of the castle.

"So much for trying to look for a fresh start.."

She mumbled as she had reached the outdoors. Looking clear upon the black night sky she tried to remember what Pinkie had said.

"Don't let the upper east-siders change who you are Jackie, you're still you. Plus let's be honest you could take all of those wannabes out in a blink of an eye!"

The memory rippled away from her mind as she came back to reality with a small smile in remembrance of her playful cousin's banter.

"Newbie or not, I could still show that rotten Dash I've got something to prove. Even if I didn't want to be in the mix of all this, I can still prove myself useful to those princesses." She spoke with confidence, entering the nearest tavern inn she saw.

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

When the sun had risen the two had met each other outside the castle gates like they left off the night before.

"You're going on this trip wearing that?"

Dash looked at AJ displeased.

Looking back up into her view, AJ pushed her eyebrows together as she paused before opening her mouth. AJ just took a deep breath and spoke in a calm manner.

"It's going to be hot out today, so yes, I came prepared for the weather."

She took a moment to look at Dash's clothing choice and spoke out again.

"You're gonna be catchin' a heat wave wearing all-that armor, ya need to leave some of that metal here, it attracts the sun." Proceeding to flick Dash's metal arm.

Flinching back, Dash's gave her an unappealing look. She wasn't exactly about to let someone she barely knew, and hardly even liked boss her around. But looking towards the sun, it was her better judgement to obey. So, she unhooked her armor revealing of what seemed to be laying underneath was a blue vest she had on-top of a wool shirt. She rolled up her sleeves up and proceed to speak.

"Good enough for you?"

"Not for me, for yourself. I don't wanna' dead body on my hands since you couldn't care less about the sun's heat." Jack commented back.

So, they started on their journey even after the rough start. They had traveled countless moons until they could finally see the point of their destination. The work was tiresome but made a good profit in the end. Once they had finally reached the Grimace Tower, they both realized they were closer to the Dragon-moonstone. Walking carefully through the unsteady vines rope bridge that laid before her, Jack made it past just fine. But when it came for Dash to cross over, halfway there she miss-stepped causing her to tip over. Dash gasped as she grabbed onto the nearest vine towards the cliff, making sure she was secure from not falling. AJ pulled the remaining rope around her hand and the wood blank that emerged in the ground like a lasso.

"Take my hand!"

She exclaimed, leaning down towards the cliff. Dash looked up at her opponent's hand and then looked downwards to see the fall below. She quickly let out her hand reaching for a pick me up. Grabbing onto Dash's hand Jack used all her strength into pulling her back up to ground. Panting to catch their breath they both paused.

Dash looked at AJ in disbelief, since she couldn't believe that actually had tried to help her.

Maybe this Jack wasn't out on this mission for selfish ambition after all she thought.

She got up and grabbed AJ's things off of the grass and handed them back to her.

"Hey, uh thank you for saving me or whatever. I'll forever be in your debt." She tried to speak humbly.

She wasn't cocky or crude like she usually was, but sincere. Probably the nicest she's been the whole time they had known of each other. AJ looked at her stuff and took it back from Dash's hands.

"I uh'..I just did what anyone else would do. Plus, it's like ah' said, I don't want no dead body on mah hands."

Genuinely shocked hearing a thank you coming from Dash's mouth. She went on;

"It was just a fight or flight response y'know...but yeah you're welcome."

She was grateful of Dash's thankfulness, but still didn't trust her fully since they still didn't know each other all that well.

Finally heading into the tower, they both walked up the spiral stone stairs that led directly to the Dragon-Moonstone. The crystal glew with a reddish-maroon hue. Taking just a few seconds to admire the beauty of the moonstone, the two stood in awe of the prized artifact. It was truly ravishing even with the dim lighted cave it was held in, each crystal that was interlinked with the stone shinned gloriously. But as Dash went to pick it up, it came to her conclusion that the stone was in fact booby-trapped. AJ rolled her eyes at Dash to her neglectance of checking to see a leeway on capturing the stone without that effect occurring. But alas, there was not much to do now.

"Take it!"

Dash yelled, throwing the stone's staff to Jack's grasp. She captured it and acknowledged Dash on the other side.

"C'mon we've gotta get outta here."

She shouted back, seeing the decay of rocks start to collapse from the inside. Following AJ from behind Dash quickly catched up to her, making sure she herself didn't get caught up in the mix of the falling tower.

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

Meanwhile on a different note back at the castle, Twilight was being shown by Celestia her true purpose of being a princess was. She showed her what was going to be done in order to fulfill the long-lasting prophecy.

"We once had magic long ago, you know Twilight..."

Celestia whispered as she directed Twilight to glass that looked like it was covered over with a black sheet. Whipping it off with a quick gesture, wind had spun from the sheets as Celestia revealed a stained-glass portrait of her long ago. The woman looked like she had a unicorn horn rise from the top of her forehead, and on both sides by the hip, it showed a clear reflection of angel white wings. Feather by feather glimmering in the view for all to see. Twilight gasped, in awe of the beautiful artwork laid before her.

"But...your majesty, I thought alicorns...They're or they were a myth.."

She spoke softly, slurring her words.

"Not everything you see nor hear is folklore my dear Twilight."

Celestia smiled as she remained to talk with Twilight. She then brushed back her hair revealing a gashed scar on top of her forehead that appeared to be a birthmark shaped like the sun. Twilight's eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't understand how this story could possibly be so, more-a-less a reality she just had come to terms with.

"You're..you're the one in the painting aren't you, your majesty?"

Twilight asked, seeking guidance.

Twilights eyes glistened with approval. She didn't truly understand the wonders that were laid before her. Celestia only knew how to occupy her for so long, but Twilight's curiosity was going to learn the truth one day. So, she decided to let that day be today.

"Indeed so." Celestia assured her with a gentle presence but continued on.

"Now you understand why it is so important to obtain the moonstone back. Without it our land is forever cursed without our magic."

She spoke briskly, putting her hand on Twilight's forehead before taking it off quickly. Twilight's eyebrows tilted upwards.

"..Ours?" She asked innocently.

"You will understand your fate soon enough, young princess."

Celestia said, turning her face away from Twilight and back onto the painting. Twilight looked at Celestia in awe, as if she had sparkles shining from her eyes.

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

Flashing back to the other two who were on their way back from the journey, Dash and Jack had made their way to the castle once more. They returned the staff to Twilight, thinking nothing of it.

"Here you go princess."

AJ spoke to Twilight in an honoring manner, as anyone would in front of the royalty. But with kindness Twilight responded gently.

"Thank you, Jack. Thank you both, truly. This noble action won't go unnoticed." She smiled looking at them both.

Dash gave her a solute showing gratitude, while AJ took off her hat and bowed. But once Twilight laid her fingers upon the staff, the magic of the stone pulled her in, unable to let her hand let go. It showed that the stone had rightfully returned to its former land. And with that Twilight was supposedly the missing key. The stone had pulled the honoring bravery from AJ, along with the humbled ambition from Dash, lastly taking the curious brains from Twilight. All were harmonized in the staff's magical glow. Twilight's presence went up in a light lavender poof of clouds. Coming out of the bubble like a caterpillar emerging as a butterfly, Twilight's feet hit the ground.

"Holy Celestia..."

Jack mumbled as she looked up seeing Twilight glow, poking at Dash to get a reaction.

"Stop that." She snapped.

AJ grabbed her by the chin tilting her head towards Twilight.

"Look."

"But I figured those weren't real.." The other whispered back in disbelief.

From the looks of her form, Twilight had grown a unicorn-horn upon the mists of her forehead. The same color of the cloud before it seemed, but this time mixed with a midnight blue touched with a highlight of magenta. Twilight turned her head to the side, seeing the rifles of feathers that were delicately placed upon her back showing as a type of wing. Twilight's eyes bloomed.

"This isn't possible! It can't be!"

She exclaimed. Unaware if she was nervous or happy that she had just been blessed with this gift.

"But it is so, young one." Celestia said, walking in the room capturing this newfound gift.

"Your majesty."

Jack said quickly, but respectable. She had given the princess a bow. Looking downwards, her neck moved sideways seeing Dash still staring at Twilight in awe. Her jaw was open as if someone took the last of her words. With a mumbled huff, Jack pushed her hand onto Dash's back forcing her to bow at Celestia as well. Dash let out a wheezing breath, coming back to reality.

"Sorry your majesty."

Celestia laughed, speaking insightfully.

"You all are perfectly fine." She said, smiling at the three. She looked at Twilight.

"May I?"

She asked, looking at the staff still in Twilight's grasp. Twilight looked at Celestia in obedience and nodded her head, handing over the staff to her. Once Celestia had the staff back in her authority, she brushed her hand around the crystal intertwining the magic all around. The crystal opened up fully letting sparkles of light gravitate towards the room and unleashing itself outside. The land became fuller and life-like than it had ever been before. The last time it glowed like this was when Celestia and her younger sister Luna were only mere children.

"I truly believe you three have unlocked an extraordinary gift here." Celestia said with appealing eyes filled with warmth.

This new embrace of magic was only just the beginning of what the prophecy had in store for Twilight. But truly what will come of the other two in the near future? Only time will tell.

Chapter Text

“Swords up, helmets on, fight!” 

Hearing the command from Spitfire, two of the knights fought against each other in daily routine. Hammering her opponent's helmet, the freckled girl drew back her sword, obtaining a pleasured growl from the other. 

“I never said I’d be goin’ easy on ya now.” She stated plainly. Even though her face was covered with masking gear, Dash could still sense the lingering smirk between the blonde’s lips.

Attempting to falsely harm the other, a multi-colored girl who was of her own came to jolt with crumpler. Going into a playful fashion as though the blade draped through her component. 

Shifting to the further right the blonde exhaled, and let out what seemed to be defeat, but was not guaranteed. For what had looked like her give in, and placing her hand above her chest as surrender, was just a false decoy to lure her in the final trap. 

“HA.” Dash’s accent was thick. “Who said that wasn’t easy?” She breathed closer, finishing her opponent’s remark from before. As she began to lean in her body closer to the blonde that was plastered on the floor, just to take in the victory. 

“That’s the thing ‘bout looks, sugarcube...” A deep voice awoke, sparking the western woman’s chin upwards to give in to compliance. As she felt the tip of the shivered dagger, her brows twisted as she halted onto the ground. Eyes quickly checking where the component’s weak point might be. When her pupils passed through any location of kryptonite, she spotted the route she was eager to go. 

“..They can be deceiving.” 

As that last statement coiled from her tainted lips, she abruptly turned her neck around from where it had been on solid ground, and shifted her arm upwards to reach her fallen sword while she used the other to pull out the fake stab wound, tossing it clear across the room. When causing that confrontation, she equipped herself with her feet, tripping her opponent mid squat. 

Dash fell to the ground on her side, admitting a harsh defeat. 

Spitfire noted this, and nodded at the stunned blonde. 

“Nice work.” 

“I tried my best ma’am.” AJ thanked, as she proceeded to give a quick bow. 

She looked back to see her acquaintance now flat back laying on the ground. She tossed a teasing smile as she tilted her helmet back. 

“Need a lift?” She humorously questioned, holding out her hand to help the other come back to her feet in return. 

Dash glanced at the gesture, pausing a moment before rolling her eyes and bitterly accepting it. 

“You’re getting better at this AJ.” She grunted out.

“Well, I am an easy learner so it’s now figured I’ve accomplished this far.” 

“Don’t get all cocky on me now, ‘miss humble farmgirl’.” Dash spoke as she interacted her hands up in a butterfly motion. “I was just going easy on you, you know.” She spoke, letting her voice grow soft. 

The silence grew a little longer than Dash had hoped it to be, making that statement of hers slightly come out less confident then she might’ve intended it to be, but it was already out in the open, so there was no going back.

A shrugged smile tugged at the corner of AJ’s lips. “Sure ya were.” She chuckled, taking the multi-colored girls helmet, putting it to the side. 

Crossing her arms, Dash ignored it. Even if it was just practice she hated to be the one to lose. It filled her stomach with a void that could rarely be contained. Pushing that aside, she followed AJ and the rest of the crew back into the mess hall. 

“I’ll catch up with you in a bit, I’ve gotta wash all of this off me.” Dash gestured at her glimpses of sweat that eclipsed through her under uniform beneath the armor, ridden in shame from the sudden lost moments before.

“Gotcha…” Her eyes tingled, as she followed her acquaintance's motions. AJ then threw a thumbs up and waltzed the other direction towards the dining hour. 

After their mission things have been becoming more sustainable to get through, and even though she didn’t trust AJ as much of a person, not fully at the least.

She would rather spend her time with the work force than rather lighting and her goons. So, everything was at ease, at least since the princess had found her newly located power, things started to dawn on the brighter side of things. Boy was she in for an enlightenment. 

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

Locating the food stacked on top of several other severance packages, AJ grew famished. Nothing ever compared to her cooking, but even she could get desperate enough for a meal, and it was the best damn day of the week, nonetheless. Sloppy joe friday.

She first thought that northern residents, knights included, would eat lavishly up-to-the-knoch type of meals. But when working on her first real day, AJ found out that maybe she over-stated them just a little. Was her heart ecstatic when she figured out that Sloppy Joe’s were a common curiosity on fridays? Yes, yes it was. So, this friday, just like all the fridays in the near past, she enjoyed her delighted Sloppy Joe.

Training had been going well so far in the past weeks that AJ resided there. Of course, she knew the real reason why she agreed to stay here in the first place, but still she was starting to get the hang of everything up north. Or well so she believed, she only ever really knew 3 key people so far.

That being, the princess along with her adviser, and Dash. Maybe she didn’t understand the north as fully as she thought, but that didn’t mean she was clueless. She kept her status high with little to no disagreement from other peers.

She had heard the tales of a girl named ‘Lighting Dust’ from Dash a few moons ago, but she didn’t know what she looked like just yet. And she really hadn’t had to deal with any hassle from her either.

“My god, this is good grub..”AJ mumbled, pausing her thoughts. She was still taking in the meal as if she were a starving horse. 

In the near ringing of her left ear, she could hear footsteps approaching her table until a selected few began to get settled in their seats. The three looked diverse, two females and one male. The male who sat on the left had elongated navy hair. Whereas, the other two both had a shortened cut.

The girl who sat on the far right had a more teal-ish texture scattered throughout her hair, now the one in the middle had a golden hue slicked back, letting one strand of hair dangle in the front of her face.

The nameless woman in the middle began to stare out at the blonde, glancing up and down with her pupils as she ate. This continued on for enough times to have AJ speak up. 

“Is there something I can help you with?” She draws back questioning, laying her sloppy joe on the complimentary plate. AJ began to rest her arms on the table, using her right hand to wipe her mouth from the remains of the ordure. 

A grin arose from the golden hued woman, as she began to lean herself back from the table, propping her legs up furthermore. While AJ brows furrowed in confusion now mixed with annoyance, the other brought her arms to rest on the back of her neck before letting out a shallow sigh.  

“You’re the new-comer aren’t you?” The mystery girl interrogated. 

Noticing the feet that were laid by her food, the blonde proceeded to scratch her head before responding. “Yeah I guess you could figure that.” She spoke deep, letting her eyes do more of the talking than the words that crept out. 

Unamused, the pixie haired woman spoke out once more in an attempt to make small conversation. She propped her feet back to the ground, and lifted herself up to the table, resting her arms on either side as she intertwined her fingers in a prayer-like motion. She shifted her shoulders upwards in a shrugging tone to seem more appealing, but the blonde was buying it more-a-less. 

“My name is Lighting Dust, newcomer. And I’ve really gotta say I-” Lighting was cut off by a wallowed yawn from the girl in front. 

“Ah, you’re Lighting .” AJ paused, bringing her eyes in sync with the other. “Yeah, I’ve uh, I’ve heard about ya.” She spoke to Lighting’s amusement. 

With an eager smile, she jolted. “So my name is rather well known, glad to see some recognition.” Lighting talked enthusiastically, but before her ego consumed her a statement let out brought her back into reality. 

“I wouldn’t technically be writing home ‘bout it.” AJ frowned, wanting to get back to enjoying her meal in silence.  

Still not leaving without a fight Lighting went on with her serenade. “I don’t aim to please everyone.” She spoke smiling, letting her upper teeth show, as she brought her hand through her hair. 

That one piece of hair still dangled, out of order, disrupting the pattern. It symbolized chaos, AJ hated that.  

Not wanting to keep the conversion going for any longer than needed, the western woman groaned out. “Well, if ya don’t mind I’m gonna finish the rest of my meal. Thank you for the introduction.” She finished, looking down back at the plate, reminiscing her times with her dinner alone. 

Not understanding the message, the other was trying the shove on, Lighting kept on with her rambling.

“Look, you’re pretty strong right?” She questioned the blonde, glancing at her again to check her figure.

“No question how you’ve managed to obtain that bode, even so, I’m just trying to welcome all newcomers.”

Lighting words taunted, embracing her pity as she rested her hand on her chest. She tried to tilt her neck back in a more soothing way, to seem trustworthy and of good status. A role that still wasn’t being bought. 

“If that were true, like you’re preaching then how come I’m the only one you’ve even bothered to well, bother?” AJ scowled, bringing her eyes up to the golden women, raising her brow. 

“Because others don’t got what you do.”

“And that is?” 

“Drive.” 

The western woman's eyes squinted. “Drive?” She scoffed. 

“Drive. You’ve got it in you, I can tell. There’s a reason why you’ve got it too. Everybody’s got a drive deep down inside, trust me I know.” Lighting explained to the blonde, as she crossed her arms. 

AJ brushed it off, now only noticing the other two members were still there sitting besides Dust. 

“You’re looney, I’m just here for the profit.” The blonde grinded with a grimace appeal in her forest filled eyes. 

“Everybody’s got a drive, cowgirl. And I’m going to find out what it is. Trust me, you don’t want me as an enemy, I am more use to you as an accomplice.” The golden hued girl mimicked, tauntingly. 

“What’s your play here Dust?” AJ questioned, her brows getting rigid. 

“You’re useful, plus there are others here on the more unstable side of the scale. All I’m saying is your best efforts would do well with us. And if it is all just for profit, like you said, we can guarantee your success is far off better with us in your corner.” Lighting bribed the idea out thoroughly, making the tactic seem like a win-win situation. 

It took a couple of seconds to maintain a response from the blonde, before she cleared her throat to speak out on the others beside her. 

“Alright, I’ll think about yer’ offer. But my answer won’t be now, you’re gonna have to wait for that for a bit, sugar.” AJ complied. She brought her hand to the back the the stetson on her head, and proceeded to get up from the chair she sat in. Grabbing her trash, she was about to head on her way when she heard a familiar voice call out. 

“Don’t worry, there’s no due date.”  

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

The corridors were dim, which meant it gave the blonde a chance to get cleaned up for the night. She crept out of her dorm swiftly, trying her best to not make too much noise before heading out. With her plan in full action, she tip-toed her way out into the hall, holding the scrubs she had for afterwards. Little was she aware of though, that she was being followed. 

Making sure not to squeak the door open, she lifted her fingers on the door to make a soft sound push through each door, gently letting her hand meet the wall, and shutting the wood in a skilled manner. 

“Phew... Finally everything’s peaceful.” She sighed, before setting her stuff down by the showers. She went to tap the water faucet, to warm up the water but before she could reach a voice made a shiver come crawling from her spine. 

“Hey AJ.” 

Just like that, the blonde whipped her neck around to view the opposing other in the doorway. Knowing all too well who it was, she put her hands over her face as a cover, before letting out a murmured groan. 

“What the hell is wrong with you?” She spoke, face burrowed in her hands. 

Finding this whole scene amusing, the colorful one teased. “You tell me. Hey, what are you even doing up anyways?” She questioned the blonde. 

“I could be askin ya’ the same thing.” AJ mimicked, feeling unamused by the random outburst. 

“Yeah well the beds are uncomfortable here so, I don’t sleep much. Wait..” Dash paused, before checking the scenery. “Oh shit, are you trying to take a shower?” She spoke, apological. 

“Not whatsoever.” The western woman sarcastically rashed out, before turning her face at the sink mirror. She began to tie her hair up in a pony before the vibrant one sought out to speak once more. 

“Shit, I’m sorry.” She let out an uneasy laugh, before going on. “I’ll wait out here, for when you're done. It’s uh..” She tried justifying herself. “It’s better being up with someone else, rather than heading back alone.” She whispered, placing a hand on the back of her neck. 

Turning away from the mirror, and leaning her side on the sink AJ chuckled to herself. “What, you're scared of the dark?” She teased. 

“Not in a million years.” Dash dogged her head up to the blonde. “I just find the company comforting I guess.” 

The silence still grew eerie even in times like these. Though it had been a month or two since they had begun to put effort in being teammates, there was still something off about the other. On both ends, each felt a sort of string that was binding. But neither could really place it on what, though that was ideal for another day. 

“I figure that’s alright.” The blonde spoke softly. “I’ll be out in a few.” She last said before turning her back to the chambers. 

“No rush, I’m all good waiting.” Dash spoke again with that uneasy laugh, tugging her shoulders close. 

“Alright.” AJ responded looking back, before returning inside the steam room. 

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

Scrunching up her hair with a towel, the cowgirl went to walk out the door, letting steam escape into the cold air. 

Dash had her head up against the wall, until she saw a vision of the other walk out. Taking in the other’s clothing, she let out a snide comment. “Nice PJ’s, totally killer.” She snickered out, with a sideways smile. 

Looking down at her pajama pants, she pictured what looked like trains in a blue and red color scheme. “What’s wrong with my pants?” The western asked, slightly hurt. 

“Choo, choo.” Dash taunted, motioning a choo-choo train symbol. As if she were the one gearing up a train's engine.

AJ looked down at the vibrant girl, rolling her eyes. “You’re such a child. Do you know the way back?” She questioned, unaware of which direction to go. 

Everything was covered in a black mist, the halls looked more narrow at night, and even though AJ had grown accustomed to the castle’s chambers, she was still uncertain on where to go without getting herself lost in this blind disarray of shadows. 

With Dash coming back on her feet, she swept off the dust from ground off of her hands and nudged the blonde. 

“What, you're afraid of the dark too, cowgirl?” She mimicked from earlier. 

A short huff escaped the western’s lips, before she spoke. “Ha, ha..” She frowned. “No, smartass, I can’t see anything in pitch black, meaning I don’t know which direction is back to the corridors.” AJ confronted, bringing her hand to her head, trying to get a look of what seemed to be a light fuse, maybe some way to show them the right path out of this mess. 

“Chillax, I know my way around. Look, I’ve even got a short cut for this kind of thing anyways.” The vibrant one eased, grabbing the free hand of the other. 

“Where are we heading?” AJ spoke huffed, trying to follow the colorful one who seemed to be in a sudden rush. 

“Just relax AJ, I’ll get us back in time for your precious beauty sleep.” Dash mocked, as she guided the blonde to the opposite direction. 

Unamused with the option, the western complied anyhow. “If you say so..” 

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

The two both reached the near distance of the hallowing wind that shuddered the outdoors. The scent of the fall crisp chill was dim but subtle. 

“Ya sure this is a short-cut?” The blonde hounded, moping at the idea of being outdoors.

“Will you have faith?” Dash pushed, bringing the other closer. “Look up.” She whispered, shifting the blonde’s chin upwards to the sky. “This is my favorite time of day. It’s like when the sun hasn’t risen up fully, so the moon doesn’t understand that morning has come near. Causing the ‘twilight’ effect.” She guided, embracing her finger to the colorful palate of the sky. 

The blonde lingered at the view, stunned. But was quickly brought back into a reality, when hearing Lighting’s voice spiral through her head from earlier. 

“Why are you showing me this?” She asked, taking the vibrant one’s hand away from her neck. 

Turning her face to the side, Dash paused before collecting her words together. “To be honest, I don’t know. But there’s something in you I trust, I don’t understand for the life of me what it could be. It’s just, you uh, you seem like a trustworthy person, blondie.” She confessed, before bringing her gaze back on the sky. 

“We don’t even know each other all that well though.” The blonde reasoned with the blindly allured girl. 

“We could though, I mean I’ve lived here my whole life, seen knights come and go, but you…you’ve got potential AJ. I’m not just buttering you up either, there’s always this moment I get when I see if someone is legit or not, and strangely enough, you’ve been able to accomplish every illusion I or anyone in the last few months was able to push towards you. That takes guts, and strategy. Not just physical either, anyone can do that, hell I’ve done it myself. But it’s the mental strategy that puts you at the top. What you do with your team, how you act in a fight or flight response. It all takes the capacity of an honest guide to achieve such a title. So yeah, in my book from what I’ve seen, and I could be wrong, it’s happened before but I hope not with your case. But I’m a firm believer of you being trustworthy, AJ.” 

The vibrant girl continued to glance up at the sky, even after her lecture. She was going to remain staring at that hopeful view, until a soft spoken voice tingled her ears. 

“Applejack.” 

The colorful one shifted her angle around towards the blonde in confusion. 

“My name. Well, my name is Applejack.” The western confessed. 

As the other’s eyes widened, she let out a hum. “Really?” 

“Don’t get cynical on me now.” The blonde spoke out with her brows burrowed. 

“No, no it’s a charming name, I just never expected it. I honestly thought it was short for ‘Adaline Jaqueline’ or something.” Dash chuckled out, amused of this new finding. 

“Now how in Celestia’s green equastria, do you figure that?” The cowgirl questioned, almost appalled to the idea.

This encounter let a sinister cackle arise from the colorful girl’s lips. “It was a last ditch effort.” She smiled, whipping the happy tears from her eyes. 

“I’ll say.” AJ mopped, crossing her arms in disarray. 

Facing the blonde, Dash let a question slip from her grasp though. “Why do you go by AJ then, if that isn’t your real name?” 

The western stopped, before making contact with the colorful one. “Why do you go by Dash?” She grumbled, raising a brow. 

“Fair point.” Dash commented, turning her head away. “Sorry, you don’t have to talk about that issue anyhow, it’s not exactly my place to know. Everybody’s got their backstories, I know I’ve had my fair share of mine.” 

Rubbing her fingers across her arm, AJ settled herself into a calm voice. “No you’re alright. It’s just a personal thing that made me who I am today. I’m not going to go into detail ‘cause I ain’t one to dwell on the past, but let’s just say that my name is what my folks used to call me back at home. Or well, you could say old home, the one I had as a youngin’ moreless.” She stiffened, still retaining her un-breakable appeal. 

Dash’s head shot back at the western girl. “Oh yeah, how are your folks by the way? I know being here makes it uneasy, trust me, I haven’t been able to see my little sister Scoot in almost eight months now I believe.” She stopped to count her fingers. 

“Oh, uhm they’ve passed. Well, at least my Ma and Pa did way back when. Far goes for my brother though he’s taking care of our little sis AppleBloom with his wife SugarBelle and their kids. It’s uh, it’s a whole or-deal. And far be it with what my Grandmother’s got going, that’s another story for a rainy day.”  AJ spoke, scratching the back of her neck. 

“I’ll say.” The colorful one murmured, before going to walk over near the blonde. She let her hand softly glaze the western girl’s upper shoulder before leaving it there to press on too. “I’m sorry about your loss though, I can’t imagine what I’d do if something happened to my Scootaloo.” She whispered, eyes prancing on the cobbled ground. 

“It’s not a real big issue, just something I had to come to terms with a long time ago.” She assured, putting on a brave face. 

The colorful girl glanced up at the blonde’s pupils, was she tearing up?

All sense left the commander’s body, as she proceeded to pull her teammate into a warm embrace of a hug. This had startled the farmer a little, giving her something to be stiff about. She remained like this though, until she glanced down at the teal-ish blue face. She shifted her gears, and let out a deep and shallow sigh, letting herself be able to accept the hug with a tender body. Something she hadn’t felt or done in a long, long time. 

As the blonde wrapped her arms around the other, they stood in silence for a little while. Though, this time it wasn’t that awkward unsettling silence, but more of a mutual pack. A silence to be comforted in.

Pulling herself away, AJ had to ask. “Okay, well since you’ve gotten my name how come I haven’t heard you give me the slightest hint of yours?” She teased, taking her hands off of the colorful one’s waist. 

As Dash snickered, she let out a small gag. “Trust me, it’s more visual than you think.” 

As the blonde squished her mouth into a frown, she still stood confused. 

“Alright, here I’ll give you a riddle. You’re pretty good at riddles right?” The colorful one promised. 

“I’m a damn expert.” AJ spoke, letting the smirk she had plastered on take up half of her face. 

“Yeah figures, anyways here you go;  Over the grass, I gleam, I glow, I contain the colors of the show. Close your eyes, and try to name me right. I disappear quickly out of your sight, like a thief in the night . ” Dash gestured with her hands showcasing an oval shape in the sky. 

“Star?” 

The colorful one shook her head in opposition to the request. 

“How ‘bout shooting star!” AJ smiled, thinking she cracked it. 

Again, no. That wasn’t the case on the other end. 

“Hmm..” The blonde nuzzled her hair in a frizz. “Rain?” She questioned. 

“You’re getting warmer.” Dash encouraged. 

The blonde recited the riddle in her mind, trying to understand what she meant. 

“Rain…” She mumbled. “Rainbow?” She asked, unsure of herself. 

“The one and only.” Dash congratulated, before brushing off her own shoulders. 

“Huh, yeah I should’ve guessed that by your hair.” AJ mocked, crossing back her arms. 

“But you didn’t, apples. That’s the fun part about it, it’s called learning . ” She lectured. “Here come on, let’s get back to the dorms, I’m beat. The skyline can wait” Dash yawned out, guiding the western girl into the hallway that led back to the other direction. 

“Hey, wait this is the opposite direction, how was this a shortcut?” The blonde asked, amused by the tactic. 

“It wasn’t.” Dash spoke out, honestly. 

“Okay, how am I supposed to trust you, if you weren’t even honest about the shortcut, high horse?” AJ lashed back, annoyed. 

“One step for me today, is a greater impact for humanity tomorrow, Applejack.” Dashed sneered, bringing her hand to her mouth. 

“Don’t be goin’ on telling people about my name, Rainbow, that's confidential. That insider stays between us, y’here?” She stared at the colorful one seriously. 

“Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.” Dash teased, as she started to see the view of the dorm’s doors, understanding that they were close. 

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

“Alright newbies, I’ve got some news for you today.” Spitfire proclaimed to everyone that stood still in the trainer's room. “This friday we’ve got another mission. But don’t get your hopes up just yet, I know how you all love the usual dynamic.”

The woman paused to catch her breath, catching the glimpses of small squinted eyes watching her every vowel. 

“This go-around we’ve got strict orders from the Princesses themselves to supervise the upcoming fall festival ball.Here’s the twist though, since there has been a threat towards the castle in Canterlot, we will be supervising in disguise. This will show the royals that if or when the attackers try to make their call, we’ll be 1 step ahead of the game.”

Spitfire explained to the group, remaining her resting face.

“Wait so, we’re going to the ball as regular civilians?"

Dash questioned, unappealed.

“Or..,” A hoarse cough subtly interrupted her speech.

“Would you want us to change our appearance, dress the part? How are we doing this?” 

Spitfire held her flies in one arm, while she used the other to squish her thumbs to her head, in an attempt to not cause a headache.

“You are allowed to dress up for this occasion Dash, just stay alert.” 

This excited the colorful one, she expressed that emotion by playfully punching AJ in the shoulder. “Alright, this is going to be totally epic.”

“Yeah, epic..” the farmer gulped, realizing she’s never been to a party like this before. Maybe this will be her first.

Chapter Text

The plan was set. Look out for the princess without being spotted as a threat. Pretty simple, right? It seemed to be, but when looking at the pierced glass shattered upon the wall, which appeared to be a worn-out mirror, AJ didn’t think so much.

I mean, she’s been constantly at it here for the past few months, sure, but she’s still nowhere close to being at the percent of bits she needed to reach her sister again. She’s down with the routine, though it’s never-changing, she understands what makes work float around here. 

Each morning, she was stuck in a dimly lit room, filled with sweat and exhaustion. Concrete floors saturated with spewed blood from the losing streak days before, when training. Yes, she knew their motives, their way of life in the north, but the question remains. What makes them tick?  

Dash was warming up to her, still pondering as to why. They hardly knew each other, the western thought. The only time they really had any interaction was the short-fussed conquest for said princess they were assigned to protect, once again. 

Of course, there was the use of the mess hall on later dinner nights, not a whole lot of conversation, but again, that box-dyed hair woman loved to hear herself talk; however, she never did slip up and reveal anything from her personal life. 

She wasn’t forced to; nobody commanded her to do so, but truly, AJ would rather know something about her, rather than just her name. It would be, on the contrary, since she did so herself, that kind of info just doesn’t happen with anyone. I guess it’s not that important to the blonde; she did say she hardly knew the girl. 

There are promptly only three things she’s come to encounter about Dash. 

1. Her full name, on account of the time she slipped it out when AJ had caught her off guard. 
2. The riff she has with Lighting. She doesn’t exactly know why, just the tension between the two would speak for itself. She herself has only spoken to Lighting once, but still, it lingered in her gut like it was just the night before. AJ couldn’t quite grasp why they couldn’t get along. Yes, she was a narc, but why was she only a narc to Dash?  
3. Her love for, well, winning. Every fencing match, she’d always end up coming out on top, and by Celestia did she make it known. Until, well, about two or so weeks ago, when AJ managed by some play of chance to get her distracted enough for her to strike back, thus making her collapse down to the bottom of the food chain.  

Ever since that victory, every morning, precisely one hour and thirty minutes before the start of the weekly training, she’d find the colorful girl pre-training herself out in the field outside. She’d spot her running around the entire castle grounds in a lapping sensation, like in some way the grassland was her track. AJ made note of this appearance each time she headed out to clean herself up before the day’s start. 

There was just no way on Celestia’s green earth that she’d be stuck in the traffic that was morning ‘shower rush’, so she made sure she’d arrive early and leave early. A goal was set in her mind, a videotape played on loop, and she was going to get that money, no matter what the cost. 

Alas, she continued to stare into that broken glass with no appealing reflection looking back, just the thought that spun in her mind like an old symphony. She was better than these people; she was doing this for a greater cause, for them, as far as she knows, they’re only seeking fame and fortune. The eyes that she passed each day were only ones driven by selfish ambition, to say the least. 

Suddenly, during mid-thought, the southerner came back to a sense of reality when she heard a knocking sound clank on the cobbled-framed door. This was the door that provided entry to about the only privacy AJ knew her whole time being there at the castle. 

The click of the fleeting sound echoed throughout the drums of her ears as she heard an unrecognizable voice begin to solidify her melodies, refraining from opening the closed gate until spoken approval. 

“Hello, is there one who resides here who goes by the last name Miss Mac?” 

A voice questioned, tainted by only the simplest of words. 

Glancing her gaze from the bed that stayed idly and bare, the western licked her pouted bottom lip before bringing her body towards the frame. 

“That is on account of who’s askin’?” 

A breath drew out, eyes shifting from a crooked floor to a door appearing to be made from thorns until she got back a quantified response. 

The moment was silent, as if there were no one there to begin with. Has she really gone this mad? 

AJ tightened her brows, resting her hands subtly on the lowered waist buckle she repeatedly wore, until that same voice reoccurred. 

“Ah, well, my name is formally known as Rarity Belle.  I’ve been sent to assist you with your formal fabric attire, orders of Celestia.”

With a confused structure smeared over her face, the blonde tilted her eyes to the casual drapes. Well, there wasn’t a major thought conducted on what she’d wear for the assignment, but more or less, she just presumed she’d be going in the gear she had already had packed when heading out here in the first place. 

“Forgive my rudeness, but what is that?” Cyan eyes were frazzled at the thought when glancing up and down at the rags laid upon the commoner's bed.

“Oh, I just figured I’d be wearing this good ol’ thing. Got it really cleaned up for the occasion, too.”  The western sneered, looking upon the cloth that lay still. 

Then, in an abrupt fumble of words, a beauty such as herself lashed out in ways to conduct exquisite startlement.

“Oh mes étoiles, s'il te plaît, dis-moi que ce n'est pas ce que tu allais porter, n'est-ce pas?” She gawked in dismay, eyes finding it wearying to stare at the unappetizing choice. 

“Pardon?” The figure near the chamber arose, eyes burrowed in an incapable manner, as if she surely didn’t hear her phrase of speech. 

“My apologies, just—darling, you can’t possibly be serious?” A laugh slipped between Rarity’s lips, teasing at the pure possibility. 

Not finding the idea amusing, AJ didn’t quite give the reaction the French woman was hoping for. Instead, she lashed back out, “What’s wrong with my clothes?” She burrowed her face into unappealing tones. 

The french allured woman tightened her eyes, pausing the glare directly at the rugged rags nearest to her. She bit her lower lip to refrain herself from further conflict; instead, she just brought her dainty hand towards the rim of her face, and with distaste, she let out a sigh. 

“This is more than a fashion emergency, or a cry for help, this is a question of taste altogether!” Rare condensed, still hiding between the structured cove of her palms. 

“It would be my greatest woe if I let you splendor this way, nay, it would be my very own death sentence.” She baggered on, grabbing the cloth as she tried to think of a way to fix such a misfortune.  

“Lady, what are ya goin’ on about?” 

A rough voice broke in from a french woman’s weeping siren calls, bringing back a sense of reality to the matter.  

The western was truly lost without a clue as to why this was made more than needed to be. She liked her choice of clothing; it was easy to get things done without having to deal with the worry of being dirty. 

“These are just clothes,” AJ tried to strategize, “I’ll be fine, I assure you. Ya’ll want me to look like a common bystander, right? I’ve already got that taken care of.” She phrased, shrugging her arms over her bodice. 

“I really don’t need the help, but thank you kindly for the uh,” The blonde coughed, showing regression. “For the offer, miss.” She repeated speaking softly but cordially, trying to lead the violet-hued woman towards the door. 

Swaying away from her entrapment, forgetting half of the things she had just foretold, the elegant advisor lashed out in a plunder. 

“Clothes? CLOTHES?” 

Her voice squealed, as if the roots of her lungs began to rise, shouting like an inescapable alarm. Rarity’s voice was raspy; she was mumbling again in a language AJ was not able to make out just yet. 

“Darling, these are not clothes! These are your weapons, your disguise, a couture costume, a character brought into this life by your say so, and you’re letting it slip on by because they are just clothes? Fabric and cloth assemble like cherries drenched over a cake! You’re merrily a vessel for its exquisite attire, and begin to think of all the possibilities you could encounter with one perfect outfit; the choice is up to you if you’re truly ready to comprehend its greatness, mi amor.” 

Rarity growled as she overpaced herself before coming back collected. As she pulled the various strands of hair back into place behind her ear, she let out a sorrowful breath. 

“You must play the part in order not to be suspected, darling.” 

AJ tilted her head, still in disarray. “I still don’t get the deal with my choice of attire, rags or not, they’re pretty believable to me.” She mocked, as a voice sapped into the depths of her skull. 

‘Maybe because I’m not from the damn north.’

Her brows subjectively gawked at the French woman, waiting upon her response, she parted her upper lip to speak again, to fire the fuel, but was shortly cut off by a harsh tone.  

“You have to show the elegance of a lady.” Rarity’s eyes raised, embracing an expression as if she were drinking invisible tea. 

Mockery was no work to the blonde; she took a begrudging look at the fabrics she’d already picked out and spat back with no restraint. 

“I can look lady-like.” AJ’s voice cracked, sinister at the mere thought. 

A laugh soon hummed as loud to pierce through glass, the violet-hued girl stood collectively trying to regain her breath, but still letting her truth serum run wild.

“Not wearing that, you don’t!” A cackle tainted Rarity’s lips, making her smile rise to be more present. 

“Darlin’, you’re thicker than a box of bullets.”

“So I’ve been told.” 

AJ ran her hand through her hair, bringing her hat down to the palm of her left hand. She finally gave in. “Alright, watcha got?” 

And just like a flip of a switch, the teased woman's mood had changed like the passing seasons. Her hands clapped together with raw ambition as a smile you could capture from space smeared all over her face like a kid who loved icing. 

“Perfection! Oh, darling, you don’t know how much I’ve been dying to fix a client such as yourself.

“Uhh, thank you? I think?” AJ smirked, not fully sure that the whole situation with her outfit needed to be addressed, but it’s far into the past now.

Grabbing her hand, Rarity raced the blonde to the dressing room near the west wing of the castle grounds. 

“Nothing to fancy ya’ hear?” She got to mimic out, breathless, before being rushed out the door by Rarity’s antics. 

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

“No.” 

“But you haven’t even given it a chance...” 

“No Rare, just no.” 

“But the ensemble—” 

“–No.”

“You’re a pain to work with, my dear.”

“I just know what I like.”

The french woman sighed with distress as she looked at the blonde’s reflection through the stained glass, displeased because, oh, how the wonders she worked on her. 

There that stubborn woman stood, a shimmering baby blue lace compromising her complexion. Each ruffle swirled with a rose undergarment shade, practically bathed in silk. Synchronized bows gliding down her bodice like a stream of nourishing water. Angel's white snow glowed from her upper figure when her corset was revealed. It seemed to truly be the ‘perfect’ dress. 

Giving in to all the perfectly structured curves throughout the layout, Rarity wondered why she wasn’t wearing the dress herself. Though for obvious reasons, the bodice would be dyed a violet hue, rather than that baby-blue & pink. Lily pink always clashed with her eyes, she presumed. 

But that was besides the point, she was just gazing upon her artwork with nothing more than a pouted face, even though from the looks of it, her collarbone was filled with only the delicate pearls. Crystalized beauties such as themselves would absolutely strike envy into any eyes that had to witness such a testimony of a dress. Oh, but no, she just doesn’t ‘like it.’ She sorrowfully claimed earlier.

I mean, my heavens' sake, her hair might as well have been a Celestia-given dynasty! Each braid was strictly tucked behind both ears as it swirled into a crescent bun, letting only the thinnest of strands flow outwards. Rarity tried to straighten them to the best of her abilities, but like her client, they were a stubborn mule to contend with, too. 

Plus with that miracle of a face, each freckle cast upon her like a monet, she was seamlessly ethereal. But again, here she was, tugging her perfectly placed hair out of place because it was trying to, as she put it, ‘pull her brains out.’  

Finally, taking one last glance, capturing the attire like a disposable camera, the french woman sat up to speak, “Fine, alright, go, pick one on the rack by your far left. I have full certainty you’ll find something you like there.” Waving her hand while mumbling, furthermore, back in that language. 

Still begrudgingly tugging at the knots, Rare paused to catch the western before she slipped away. 

“Wait, wait! Here, come back, darling, let me at least fix your hair before you ruffle that all up too.” She spoke, trotting her fingertips over AJ’s shoulders before she could even get a foot away. 

“What are ya goin’ to try and do to me now?” A groan barcatted the rims of her mouth, sighing from pure exhaustion. She only had one thought bubble flow inside her mind,

‘How ever did she get involved in this again?’ 

“I’m just going to fix your hair, that’s all, my darling.” Rarity hummed, beginning to untie the well-knit knot of a bun atop the woman’s head of hair. 

And so, she untangled the western’s hair with only the sweetest of intentions. Piece by piece, she undid each braid wrapped around her head like an orbiting planet. Until well, she was left with nothing but a wave of over-swarmed curls. 

Drifting her fingers through AJ’s hair like she was playing a symphony on the harp, Rarity paused for a moment, taking a second to look at the girl’s hair. In the end, she really did find it quite fascinating, but she digressed. 

Finally, having the bun fully let down, she softly smiled before she picked back up her speech.  

“You do have beautiful hair, it’s such a shame you hide it.” 

AJ looked back up at herself through the crooked mirror, mind strained at the thought. In a jumble of words, she spoke out, “I, uh, thank you.” The western coughed, purely caught off guard. Then, when giving some thought to the idea, she began to preach a different tune.

“Usually, I just keep it back since it can be a mighty hassle when I’m doin’ my work, so I never really look into that much of it, I guess.” Which may have been a blatant lie, but she hardly even knew this woman, so she doesn’t need to hand her the full reasoning of how she dresses or why she dresses that way. 

Well, maybe, AJ wouldn’t say it was a blatant lie, the work part was true…more or less. She was a nice lady, and all the blonde came to understand. But she was just a little too nosy at times.

“Alright, well then, your choice of clothing is down there by that rack. Those fabrics might be more to your liking.” The jewel suggested, drifting away from the awkward silence, patting AJ’s shoulders before stepping aside. 

Calmly, with care, the blonde made her way towards the corner on the left of the dull room. 

“Now these aren’t my best pieces, and even if they’re out of fashion for me right now–” 

Subtly, the western gave her a demeaning look. 

“–but, you are welcome to take your pick!” Rarity carelessly put up a slight smile. 

When the blonde saw the rack, she began to scan through each piece with the best of her efforts. Still, she didn’t get why she had to go through all of this just for some cash. 

‘Remember who you’re doin’ all of this for Applejack…’

The former farmer mumbled under her breath, beginning to grow tiresome. 

“They’re the perfect in-between ratio of casual and formal, all the assortments you’ll need to store, the necessities that will be brought with you, all of that will be put in the proper places of your couture.”  Rarity’s voice hummed as she began to tidy up the surroundings. 

Far be it from the advisor’s assistant, AJ wasn’t in the slightest bit ‘high maintenance’, she’d just pick the thing most similar to her size. Though even in this state, her options were beginning to feel pretty limited with what Rarity had already picked out. 

Silently, she picked out an outfit that wasn’t the worst, but at least it seemed the most comfortable. The blonde rushed towards the hidden chamber door, locking herself in before she changed once more. 

Upon her arrival, she walked back out, conscious of her choice of clothing, but ordained. She stood, taking a slight glance in both directions to guess if the french woman was still there.  

The western wasn’t the biggest fan of dresses by any account, oh for Celestia’s sake, who am I kidding, she dreaded them. Though this one was nonetheless, it wasn’t so bad. 

Rarity, who was overly focused on her latest fabric conquest, was stitching in the satin laces and sewing in the finishing touches for her other client, who came by the day before. She was mid-spin when AJ interrupted her. 

“Well,” a hiccup dwindled its way out, “–How’s this?” 

The daughter of soil huffed out, spreading her arms into the open with a shrugging manner, trying to refrain from speaking any further. 

Rarity’s concentration was paused when the voice broke her spinners' sinful melodies, glancing up, she glared while pressing her elongated glasses down the crook of her nose. She gave the lady in red a little consideration, facial expressions staying nonchalant before dawning on who it was. 

“Holy Celestia! Darling, you look absolutely breathtaking!” Her voice stretched out, lips shooting upwards like arrows shot into the sky. 

And like clockwork, before you even suspected it, the time from the extravagant event came swiftly into the night. 

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A hazy shade forecasted over the darkened abysses of the night, as each carriage traveled towards the castle's entry. Hand in hand were the royal quests that had made their path inside the notorious affair. People chanted their hellos, and they were introduced one by one to the princesses. Security guided them to the ball, drawing close to make sure all cooperated.  

AJ was about to walk into the kitchen door, the entry made for those whom had helped with this outstanding event. And the gateway was for workers who lived there as well. Ironically, though, before the cowgirl could even get a chance to catch the door, she heard a recognizable voice gear out like an overprivileged city's cat call.

“Look who’s gettin’ all fancy for the big occasion.” 

The blonde formed a soft smirk as she turned around to spot the cocky figure dressed in a knockout gown with a golden bodice, silk wrinkles flowing down the hem of the astonishing piece. The lady who captured her query showed a starry night of violet blue splashed into the depths of her garment. She wore a matching pattern of stars mixed just so, letting her appearance shine so she’d look as if she were studied by Gailieo himself, forbidden from society until she became a newly profound consolation. Ivory cream undertones seeping towards the conclusion of her ensemble, gliding down like vines latched upon an olden oak tree.  

Truly, it was a captivating dress, but what brought it all together was the royal indigo jewel tangled at the hook of her dress, lacing everything together as if it were a piece of a puzzle. Though not too far above her collarbone, from her neck to her face, which had half of it swiftly hidden by the layers of style she had of her well-made hair. It wasn’t all pushed to the side, but it gave her hair texture. Each layer fell on her shoulders with a soothing swoop at the crook of her curl. 

But usually, her hair was up in a high over-the-notch ponytail, strands going every which way and whatnot. So, seeing the self-assured girl with her hair down for, well, what was really the first time, was a bit of an enlightenment to the former farmer. 

Under her eyelids was a mixture of splattered paints of each selection of colors in the rainbow, very funny. The hood of her eye had been covered with an angel white eyeshadow, complementing the rainbow she had going on underneath. It was like she was painted by the ‘Queen of clouds’ or something other mythical shit, AJ presumed. 

Her lashes swept away dozens with just a blink of an eye, her lips soft like winter, cheekbones shining a deeper teal than before. She was never one for makeup, but when you needed to go all out, Dash went all out.

“Wait, you were a woman underneath all of that?” AJ chuckled, keeping her shoulders tucked together in place.

“Ha, ha, very funny. I can spruce up when I’m needed.”The vibrant one spat back, raising her eyebrows to appeal to AJ’s expression.

“I can tell.” The western huffed out, still keeping her smirk held high, but now eyeing Dash’s figure. 

“Don’t get too cozy, asshat. I still need your help tonight.” 

A deadpanned statement was what struck the two back into investigator mode. Dash turned her head to the side, trying to spot the view of the main entry, 

“Okay, so if we want to make this believable, we’ve gotta go through the main entrance to pose as you know, ‘guests’ or whatever.” Pulling out her fingers to motion a sarcastic bunny movement. “Then we should probably give our graces over to the princesses—” Dash stopped herself when facing back into the direction of the blonde, only to realize she hadn’t ever seen her tidy up, in well ever. 

Yeah, she’d make a rash joke, sure, but it just suddenly crept on her now preserved she appeared to be. She genuinely looked nice. Whatever, that doesn’t matter right now. She needed to stay on task tonight. 

The boxed dyed girl coughed, taking away her stare from the westerners' wondering brows, glancing at her with confusion. 

“–Sorry, lost my train of thought. Anyway, like I said, we should check base and then just blend in with the crowd for a while. Obviously, we’ll run into the others, but for now, I’m your problem, got it? I’ve gotta show you the ropes since well, it’s your first rodeo and all.”

Dash flexed a smirk, showing her upper teeth, signaling an invisible hat lift for her head before waving at AJ to follow her towards the main doors.

Infuriated, the blonde lashed back.

“First rodeo? Seriously?” 

Dash shrugged her shoulders down into a sinking effect, her gaze lingered towards the hem of her dress, and quietly smiled to herself before turning back over to head towards the entrance. 

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“Next.” A herding voice croaked, letting the following people make their way inside the castle. Dash looked sideways at AJ, flaunting a wondrous smile before stepping up to be the next in line. 

Security had an overbearing checklist to observe who was meant to be a guest and who was not. Twice as many bystanders this go around because of the threat, one could never be too careful, even with the knights as their insiders, it was still a comfort to have. 

“Name?” The advisor spoke, giving the vibrant one a suspicious glare. He glanced into her eyes as he had his own drawn down from her head to toe, until she let out a breath to speak. 

“Raya Doorman.” 

Raising her chin, she kept her stature prudent and proud. She stayed there at the top of the concrete stairs, showing no surrender over her actions. 

“Hm, alright. You?” 

The sound of the checking swept across his pen as strong as a welding sword, when he positioned his attention towards AJ. Waking herself up from the dissociation she’d trapped her mind in, she was brought back into reality.

She shook her head and brought her gaze into his own. That wasn’t Dash's name, or well, at least she thought it wasn’t. Wait, that was a code name. Code names? Nobody told her such a thing. AJ’s emotions were rushed, her breathing unsteady, and she looked at the man in uniform and then shot her bothered stare back into the depths of the grovel. The statement practically left her speechless. 

Dear Celestia, she wished she were a better liar, then she’d have something planned on that account, but here she was wasting a fool’s breath out into the night. Rarity wouldn’t shut up about clothing tips, but clearly forgot to even mention the fact that they were supposed to form up code names?

“Uhhh..” She gawked, swallowing a lump down her throat, trying to take what was left of her breath back into her mouth, until an overshadowing voice rescued her case. 

“Jaquliene Merie.” A nurturing sound soothed the western’s thoughts, like seas settling to shore. AJ glanced over to see the man and lifted a nervous smile at him, hoping he’d take it as the truth. 

The advisor tried to figure out the meaning behind her unapologetic face, lowering himself back into his scrolls, only to see that her name was directly below Dash’s. Or well his mind ‘Raya’s’. 

He pushed his silver-framed hooped glasses back to the bridge of his nose, finally giving in, he spoke, “Okay, all seems good, come on in. Oh, and please enjoy your night.” His face grew soft. A lot more welcoming than it was less than two minutes or so ago. With that, the duo began to make their way into the gates until they reached the near inside of the party. 

“How’d you know?” AJ paused in her steps to ask a little cowardly, placing her hand behind the heated back of her neck. 

Dash, who was already pushing the doors open with the tug of her hand, replied indigently. “I had a hunch.”

Rolling her eyes, possibly able to touch the clouds in the sky, the cowgirl went back to the ground to keep her streak afloat. “Yeah,” an insincere laugh hobbled out. 

“–Thank you.” She praised, breaking her contact with the floor to meet Dash’s maroon-hazed gaze. 

Suddenly, that door began to feel oddly heavy to the colorful girl. 

“No problem on my part, you’re just lucky to have me on your side,” Dash spoke, keeping her balance cool and collected. 

The two both chuckled to themselves before finally making it inside the festival.  

What a sight it was to see the ballroom decorated just so. Chandeliers hanging from above, sparkling with their crystal gaze. It seemed like something out of a modernized mythic movie. Victorian stairs spiraled down to showcase the main event. The adoring ball gowns on the dancers swifting from side to side with each kick in sync with their rehearsed dance. Satin and lace tangled up upon the fairest of the Canterlot blooded citizens. A musician's forte is playing in a symbolic enchantment, harmonized by their lead vocalist; it all seemed too surreal. 

“You look nice, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you get this fancy, since never.” Dash complimented, looking upon the blonde’s figure, waltzing still in mysterious ways. 

"Gotta try and do my best for these princesses." AJ gestured, her palms spreading out to showcase her attire to the other. 

The cloth she had chosen from Rarity’s retail ‘out of fashion week’ rack was seamlessly tucked in within her waist, wrapped together like a childhood knot on a sneaker, and the buckle that resided on her lower hip. It was a rustic brown color; even though it seemed worn out, it was, fortunately, newly made. 

The same went for the structured woman’s top, even though it was more of a caramel-spoken hazel; the bodice was placed perfectly to keep stability towards the rest of her dress.

Now, her collarbone was hidden by the fabric of a sleeveless sheer, but it was fashionably buttoned together by the shape of a ruby red apple. Strings of cloth fiddling down the piece. Her skirt spoke of wishful forests, as it had a hue of each selected color of green stretched over the dress like an oil painting. 

The curls of her hair pushed down as the bun was loosely placed on her head, with the majority of her hair swallowing the curve of her shoulders. Her eyes spoke a thousand words with the pigmented brown hue of eyeshadow tainted by only the slightest of golden speckles. 

Her face plum, but even with the littlest of makeup, she still looked naturally beautiful. The stetson she usually wore abided on top of her hair, only this time it had those same crimson apples of parallel sides. Freckles taking up most of her skin like an infection one couldn’t live without, wind pushing beneath her hair, and as Rarity put it earlier, she truly did look breathtaking.

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In a not-too-far world, traces above, stood the princesses, whom they were sent after to keep an eye on during the festival. Oddly enough, though, Twilight was nowhere to be found. Strange.

“Sister,” rang a mythical voice. 

A poke punched the eldest's shoulder in a repeated fashion, while hearing the alarm of her sister being targeted. 

“Sister?” She repeated, but there was still no response. 

Rubbing her hands over her face, the navy-hued lady yelled out. “Celestia!” Finally catching her attention. She stared out at her with restrained eyes, making sure she was fully awake this time.

Celestia, who was slightly spaced out from all the hellos, looked at her overwhelmed sister briefly. Dilating her pupils from left to right, until it clicked to her that she was being spoken to. 

Flabbergasted, she lifted her spirits, “Hm? Oh yes.” Trying to sound as though she was aware of her own surroundings. 

“The guests?” Luna hinted, shooting her eyes towards the two.  

Dash gave a nervous wave towards the exhausted princess, smile slowly fading into her skin by each second that came to pass.

Sleepy-eyed, Celestia lingered towards the few who stood in hopeful attitudes. “Welc–” A yawn came to outburst. “–ome! Enjoy the–”, another yawn croaked. “–festivies.” She enchanted, trying to be wise, even with the haunting sleeze cast upon her.

“Pleasure, your majesties.” AJ gave out her hand, while hearing Dash sneer a soft, launched chuckle in the back. 

As both of them went down the stairs to the ball and looked out for the party, they heard Luna lecture her eldest sister as their footsteps lost track in the distance. 

“My days, Celestia, you need to cut back on the paperwork for the council.” She sighed, putting a hand over the tired princess’s shoulder. “I said I’d be willing to help, you know that, sister.” 

“I’m fine, promise.” Celestia granted, easing her younger sister’s worries, or trying to at least. She gave a warm and gracious smile, placing her palm over the navy-hued girl’s in acknowledgement. 

Not fully believing her, Luna nodded and only mumbled, “Alright.” 

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The night was going smoothly so far, though, then again, they’ve only really been inside for about an hour and a half, so there wouldn’t be any major suspects just yet.

No one would seriously leave it up to chance to pull that off this early in the game. Not unless one was taking punches from the inside. 

Dash instructed AJ to follow her down to converse with the background of the party, when, later on, she’d deal with Twilight and the others. Basically, the usual ladies from the court, men who gave monthly tides to the princesses, etc. In Dash’s perspective, these were the stereotypical people who lived out their days in Canterlot. 

“Oh, look, check this dude out! We could get something from him,” She paused. “Probably?” 

AJ laughed to herself when glancing at the delicate male. “He’s wearin’ a full-blown monocle, Dash. You’re getting at least something outta him. Might not be what we want, but who knows?”  

Rolling her eyes, Dash proceeded to look at the guy once more, surely enough spotting another figure approach behind him. It was a tall woman, nice black satin dress, florish pink hair. When she paused to laugh at a random thought somebody else spewed out, she giggled and hid behind the hand hovering over her lips. 

“Who’s the girl?” AJ pondered, breaking Dash’s dreamland. 

Blinking, she nudged her hand to whisper into the blonde’s ear. “They say she’s his bodyguard. She’s beautiful, that’s obvious, but that’s her thing. She uses her wits to distract her prey so they never know who’s taking them out. Pretty smart huh?”

“Yeah,” AJ’s eyes lingered, “Didn’t know a woman could look like that.” 

“Easy there, cowgirl, eyes on the prize.” Dash sneered as she patted her on the back before walking up towards the two. 

And just like magic, Dash’s poker face was plastered right on. 

She paced by them both, only slightly before brushing the pink-headed girl’s shoulder, causing the bodyguard to spill her drink all over the ballroom floor. 

“I am so sorry about that!” Dash instinctively bent down to pick the glass back up, grumbling under her breath and out of character. “How in the hell did this not shatter? Things made out of solid bricks.” 

Jumping back up, she put back on her fake smile, scanning her like a missing portrait in a museum. “I–,” She waved her hand in the air like an amazed bride. “I just adore your dress! You must tell me all about your tailor.”

Standing away from the crowd, AJ’s face looked as if she’d seen a ghost. Jaw slightly adjusted open, she stood in pure shock. The western was honestly appalled at what she was witnessing. With time, her expression changed into a warm welcome. Lips tugging, she pulled out a smirk. 

“Girls got game.”

The two conversed for a while, and AJ tried her best to lip-read, but it was not useful because the music was too loud anyway. 

When Dash made her way back, she showcased a broad smile saturating the air for all. 

“Piece of cake.” Her arms crossed, the vibrant one had her head held up high. 

“Well, what’d she say?”

Dash looked back to watch the snowflake girl take a sip of her drink. “Her name is ‘Fleur de lis, ’ I found out. Also, I was totally right about the bodyguard thing, by the way. Fleur went on talking about how she was paid to watch over ‘Fancy Pants’, aka the monocle guy.” 

“Fancy Pants? Monocle guy is some dude named Fancy Pants?” The western gasped in disbelief. 

“Right? Like I just stood there thinking, oh my Celestia, I didn’t know he could get any more douchy.” Dash snorted, “That bodyguard, though, she’s a whole other story.” Her smile grew wide. 

“She’s like whiskey in a teacup.”

Dash raised a brow. “Alright, come on, let’s get you a drink.” 

“Now, how are we gonna be on task with alcohol in our system?” 

Pushing her hand pridomidly, Dash tsked. “Just one, scouts honor, Jackie.”

AJ saw the girl’s hand waiting patiently to be shaken, her eyes raised back to Dash’s face, only to see that same prudent smile. “Dangnabbit, fine one, and you gotta stop callin' me that.”

Dash placed her pinkie finger out, clarifying that what she promised was true. She grabbed her hand, wanting to lead them both towards the bar unit, but was stopped by a familiar face.

“Funny running into you guys here.”

A voice hummed with unhonorable intent. 

“Aren’t you supposed to stay with the partner they assigned you for on this tonight?” Dash glared at the berugged figure. She played it off as coy, announcing a fake smile for all to see. 

“Don’t worry, Fleetfoot’s here, somewhere.” She looked around, “Just wanted to stop by and say hey first.” 

Expressionless, Dash commented back.

“Alright, well, hey. Now what do you need, Lighting?” 

“Don’t be such a puss, I’m just here checking in, you know, like ‘Captain S’ would’ve wanted me to?” 

Dash’s eyes shot to the back of her head as Fleetfoot appeared by Lighting’s aid. Then, ironically, Fleetfoot stopped to see the other two before getting an idea bubble to form in her head. 

“Oh, hey, what’s up, guys? You care to join us? The rest of the gang is over there.” She spoke, pointing towards the remainder of the knight’s casually in disguise, conversing with one another. 

“I don’t think they know what the meaning of stealth means,” AJ grunted under her breath. 

“We put Soarin with Captain Spitfire, they’re on lookout for now, we’ve been taking shifts. Since they’re sorta stuck doing that, we’re home free!” Fleetfoot grew to be overjoyed. 

Looking at the two, Dash already knew her answer. “Thanks for the offer, Fleet, but we’re—” 

“–We’d love to join y’all.” 

Dash snapped her neck around to draw out an irritated huff. 

Seeing nothing of it, Fleetfoot stayed enthusiastic. “Cool, we’ll see you over there.” She shot thumbs up as she and Lightning began to turn to head the other direction. 

Before turning, though, Lightning let her smile linger in the depths of Dash’s cold gaze. 

“The hell was that?” A stiff punch bruised the side of AJ’s elbow. 

“We’ll get info outta them if we play nice, see what they’ve probably found from suspects.” 

Crossing her arms, Dash mumbled, “Yeah, if they didn’t spend the whole time flaunting off their successes, I doubt they found shit.” She spoke negatively, not really getting the bigger picture. 

“Seriously, Dash, what’s the deal with them anyhow?” AJ questioned. 

Dash looked at the blonde when she heard the question, brows furrowed as she processed the thought. “It’s a long story, apples, it doesn’t matter.” 

“If you say so.” AJ started to pace herself to see the rest of the group, while Dash continued to follow close behind. 

AJ wasn’t hesitant about picking up the conversation as to why Dash had such a foul attitude towards the others. That was Dash’s own business, not something for her to dwell on. Far be it from me to say what she does, might as well try and see if the rest of them know anything. 

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“And then I said, you can either take that jacket off or I’ll do it for you.” 

The lot of the knights crowded over Lightning as she told her infamous tale. 

“What happened next?” A voice yearned, driven by the thrill of the story. 

Her smile indicated, “No, I possibly couldn’t.” Lightning paused only for a second to feel the eyes surround her, filled with pure ambition. “Oh, what the hell, I’ll let you in on the secret.” 

“Why does it sound like she hasn’t been checkin’ on updates with the princesses? Let alone investigate the people attending this thing tonight?” AJ nudged herself to Dash, keeping her voice low. 

“Because she hasn’t. She never does. This is her mojo. Putting on a show for the audience that bothers to show up.” 

“Gotcha.”  When AJ looked up, she saw the third and fourth princesses walk inside the gala. “Dash, look, Twi and Cadance have arrived.” She pointed out. 

Confused, Dash chuckled. “Wait, how do you know Cadance?” 

Crossing her arms together, AJ tapped her hat. “I know ‘bout Twi a little more than ya think.” She smirked, going back to indulge in Lightning’s tangent. 

“—I’ve got this whole unit on my side, it’s five to one, take your pick.” Lightning leaned in to a background listener. 

“And?? Tell us, how’d it end?!” Each voice chanted, waiting for it all to play out.

An unhumble grin spread all over the golden-hued woman’s face, as if she had won the lottery. “I got a new jacket that day, free of charge.” Lightning gulped out of her drink. 

The adoring faces varied, woes and ohs soared each soul with an endearing touch. “–But I can’t take all the credit, folks. Nothing would’ve been possible without my right-hand gal, the beaut herself, Raya Doorman!” She pointed out to outcast Dash in front of everyone, sure to use her code name then. 

Lightning met the unfavored appeal of Dash, who quietly smiled, ignoring the compliment altogether. She waved her hand at the crowd in insolence as she stiffened her glare on Dust.  

 As the crowd dispersed, there were only four remaining. Dash, AJ, Fleetfoot, and, unfortunately, Lightning. 

Dash was going to speak up to her about why she’s been too busy playing ‘hero’ the whole night, instead of doing her actual job and being productive. Oh, and I don’t know, also perhaps keeping their identities undercover? 

“Lightning, what are you doing? You can’t go off on one of your rambles out of nowhere, especially tonight. We’re supposed to lay low, and you’ve been doing anything but that. You’re acting like a total slacker.” 

Dash finally pushed everything off of her chest, trying to understand Lightning, hoping some part of her would see ways she did. 

Lightning, though, never grasped the concept of sympathizing. She scoffed at the foolish offense, taking another swig of her drink, licking the remains off of her upper lip.

“You’d know a lot about that, wouldn’t you, Dash?”

Expressions changed from annoyed to suddenly on guard. 

“What?” Dash's eyes tightened

“You know,” Dust’s smile lingered when she interpreted someone taking a shot. “You usually end up drunk as a dog when you don’t get a mission to go the way you want it to.”

“That’s not true.” Dash began to grit her teeth, eyes piercing through her skin. 

“Could’ve fooled me.” 

“What’s your goal with this, Lightning?”

The smile stayed plastered plain as day, when Dust continued to ramble on. “I’m not trying to start anything; if you’re thinking something of it, that’s your problem. I’m just joking around, Dash.”

AJ’s eyes faded off to see Dash’s digression. Whatever it might’ve been that Lightning was implying, Dash, sure as cherry wine was about done with it. 

“Honestly, I’m only kidding, I swear. It’s just like how Soarin always has a hankering for pie, Fleet always is–” She looked over at the crystallized white hair. “–Well, Fleet. Captain is hard as rocks, I’m known for my rolling thunder, and you’re a crasher. You crash. We’ve all got our issues.” 

Lightning stepped forward to glance at the blonde. 

“And you,” She looked her up and down, pointing directly at her. “You, I don’t know yet, but it’ll come to me soon enough, don’t worry.” 

Her envious smile was only met with not only one cold gaze, but now two. 

“Thank you?” AJ sounds confused as to whether that was even a compliment. 

Dash slapped her hand out of the western’s face. “Nobody cares for your off-brand analogy, Dust. Go congregate with someone else and please, for the love of Celestia, go do your actual job.”

“Harsh.” Lightning pretended to be hurt, but her face showed otherwise. She took the not-so-subtle hint and proceeded to make her exit to head towards the opposing side. 

“Well, she was peachy.” AJ sarcastically put. 

“What gala have you been to?” The colorful one, not getting the jab, but decided to make her way out as well. 

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“It’s good you were able to come, Dash. How are you enjoying your evening so far?” Twilight’s face seemed like it had no distress over the night, like this was just your average gala. 

“It’s been alright, a few hiccups, but what’s a party without entertainment? Seriously though, I’m all good.” 

Dash scooped the room to try to spot where AJ was lingering, wondering if she had found any intel yet while she was stuck catching up with the princesses. 

“Well, that’s good. How’s AJ? I don’t think I’ve seen her all night.” Twilight concluded, catching the colorful girl out of thought. 

“She’s around here somewhere.” Dash brought her head back up.  

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When Dash said her goodbyes to Twilight, she figured she would try to go find AJ in the crowd below. Pacing herself, she sped up her walk the second she saw a light of hope that may have been AJ’s strand of hair. She was going steady until she bumped into Dust, again.

“What do you want?” 

Lightning stared her down, showing anything along the lines of false purity. 

“Look, I get it, you're pissed I got placed with AJ to lead a mission for once, but I got somewhere to be, so move.” 

Dash’s eyes grew dark, stance stayed nonchalant. 

“Okay, okay, I’ll make it simple,” The music began to become upbeat, overshadowing Dust’s voice.

“Care to dance?” She launched as she brought her hand out for display. 

“Fat chance–” Dash’s voice cracked when her body was pulled into the sinful melody. Her eyes grew hasty when Dust joined the loop. 

“See, what you did, Dash, that was a no-go. You and I both know that I lead the missions, not you. You’re the loose cannon.” She chanted as she turned Dash’s arm to form a waltz between the two. 

“And I know, if AJ knew half of the things about you that I do,” Dust chuckled. “She’d say the same.” 

Her fingers intertwined with the sweaty palms of the vibrant girl. “You seriously believe your cheap card tricks will work on me? Pft, Lightning, you've got to up your game.” Dash spewed. 

“Cute, you grit your teeth when you lie, Dash. Fortunately, I know you, so I know something I said got through to that brick head of yours.” Dust spat on, pulling her shoulder closer. 

“I just want you to do what’s best, give up the case over to me, and AJ doesn’t have to know about June 26th.”

The date sparked ice-sickles down her back as Dash began to pull herself away, only to be placed back into the sync of the song. 

“Say you used tonight as a test run, couldn’t bring yourself up for the challenge like you thought you could.”

Dash’s eyes grew in fear and frolic. “You know those trashy threats don’t work on me anymore.” 

Her face was met with the stained steel smile of Dust’s, showcasing her teeth. “Maybe, but I don’t think AJ would happen to know about our story, would she? You know, how you like to shoot for the same team.” 

Lightning had no expression, but her lips collided with Dash’s ear when she saw her pupils dilate. 

“I mean, what would people say? What would she think of you? I hear southern folk don’t take that kind of news so well.” 

“You wouldn’t.” 

“Be honest with yourself, Dash, you know I would. Shame, though, you both were starting to get along so well. Figured maybe you finally found a trusting face in this dump. Well, besides mine obviously.”  Lightning stiffened her neck to present herself as an award, looking as though she were some regal figure. 

“What’s your issue with her, Lightning? She has nothing to do with this, leave her out of it, will you?” Dash’s brows burned.

“Nothing yet, but there’s something about her I don’t like. She’s got secrets, and I’m going to find out what.” Lightning paused, letting her words sink in like rain on a september evening.  

“And you’re going to help me.” 

Dash’s eyes could’ve shot out and rolled over onto the floor with that announcement, and the way she widened them as if she had just witnessed a murder. 

“There’s no–”

“Uh, uh, ah, remember what I said to you, Dash. Some secrets are best kept hidden, and yours is a goldmine. Think on that.” 

The song subsided as the dancers started to gather in groups. Lightning finally let go of the colorful one’s hand. 

“Oh, and think about my offer, it’ll help you. Check in when you’ve made your choice. You know where my corridors are.” She spoke as she began to fade within the crowd, leaving Dash stunned. 

“I can't,” She murmured on, “I can’t do this right now.” Dash spoke unsteadily, wobbling towards the other direction.

She stammered as she found her way around to the bar area, and without a thought, she raised her finger asking for a glass. 

“One, thanks.”

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As the masquerade took on a slower ambiance, the liveliness of the festival began to subside, even dimming in line with the setting of the crowd. The court ceased to be structurally lit by the candle wax swaying over the chandeliers throughout the glorious night.   

The laughter hastened its path, like the wind rushing towards the seas. Groups unbatched into pairs of two, gliding in sync with the symphony played along in the far background scenery. Each vocal singing in tune serenaded the audience with only the warmest of spells. 

Everything seemed to be okay for now; the night was nothing more than casual banter between peers and resourceful colleagues. Then again, the night was still young. 

AJ stood patiently around the winery, scooping out the crowd like she had for the last 15 minutes. Going to take a drink from her glass, she was interrupted by an arm grabbing hold of her. 

Choked on her drink, AJ was prepared to go into a fight or flight zone with the attacker, but when she was rushed onto the dance floor, it took her a pretty good guess on whom this ‘attacker’ might be. 

About to give Dash a piece of her mind, she was, again, cut off by an overpowering voice.

“You seriously need to enjoy this thing, Jack,” The voice hummed, bringing her body closer for the moment of the dance. 

“Don’t call me that, also,” AJ sniffed. “—What in tarnation is with your breath?” Her eyes tightened as she helped Dash twirl for the index of the song. 

“Founders punch,” a colorful voice laughed. “You should try some.” She spoke, her voice joining in sync with the music playing in the far left, 

“No thanks, some mission partner…” The cowgirl groaned, “You can’t actually believe you’ll be alert while actin’ like a drunken sailor, right?” She huffed, bringing Dash back to her torso. 

Her smile dimmed as she nudged her hand at AJ’s hip. “Hey, I’m just playing my part. You should try as well.” She teased, shaking her half-filled glass in her free hand. 

“Do you act like this every mission you come into contact with?” 

“Only the ones that matter.” Dash giggled, face unchanging. 

“Alright, I’m gonna go and do this on my own.” AJ brushed the frizzled girl off, trying to exit. 

“Applejack, wait.” 

A voice pleaded, grabbing the blonde's wrist to pull her back into the dance they once knew. 

AJ watched her face disassemble from normal banter and meaningless laughs, haunted by nonchalant expressions repressed down from something more. Dash's gaze began to grow concerned and distant when begging the western to stay. 

That small expression set off things inside that AJ really wasn’t sure what to call it yet. 

“Sorry, name thing I know, doubt anyone heard it—” She mumbled, “—look, I’m sorry that sounded bitchy. I uh,” Dash swallowed, covering it up with a lie, “I get nervous during missions, like a lot. It’s a personal fear factor I’m working with. So if and when I can find something that calms my mind and takes me to a ‘happy place’, I tend to give into it. Even though it might be obvious, I overuse it. Like, for example—“ The colorful girl was cut off.

“Drinking? How does that even help?” AJ questioned, confused to the core. “I don’t get it.” 

Dash relaxed her arms and brought them to shadow onto the blonde's shoulders. She looked away to glance at the crowd, seeing each dancer flow within the distance of melody. 

“Just,” She sighed. “Look, I know, I’m not proud of it either, okay? It’s something I’m working on.” Dash tugged, still looking downward to the floor. 

“Yeah, well, I’m gonna help you work harder,” AJ spoke, taking Dash's glass out from beneath her hand, proceeding to dispatch from the vibrant one's silhouette. She began to walk towards the nearest disposal and poured the drink out like water going down a drain. 

Promptly making her way back to the other, she paced herself as she watched the colorful one’s expressions change, startled by the thought, while the girl remained standing still. AJ waved to the acquaintances she had made earlier when dissolving questions amongst the crowd, as she got back to the view of a malicious look riveting off of Dash, who was now in a frumpy slouch with her arms crossed. 

That western woman grabbed her hand, bringing her body back to be intertwined with the dance. They gilded from foot to foot, and as a cause for her actions, it only resulted in a rugged smirk.

“Now, why’d you go and do that? 

Dash, who was still in a little bit of disbelief, continued to dance with the melody.

“Ah’ said I was gonna help you work harder, so I’m making good on my word. That, my girl, was just a push.” 

“Yeah, but I didn’t exactly mean like as in right now, right now. I was just mentioning it for later on, kinda.” Dash deadpanned, watching the hem of the indigo blue silk swim across her legs like a dark october night. 

“You’ll be alright,” AJ taunted, “Just relax. It’s like you said, ‘enjoy the night’ or whatever. But you better still be keeping an eye out, I’m not kiddin’, I don’t want you to take the credit, days pass for my work.” 

“Your work?” The vibrant girl looked at the blonde, flabbergasted. 

“Mhm,” She hummed, “I’ve been the one on ‘look out’ most of the evening anyhow.” Her smile never changed. 

“Hey, I’ve helped too big shot.” 

“With what exactly?” AJ’s stance remained, only this time the change was the raising of her brow. 

“With the princesses and Twilight, I talked to her for like 35 whole minutes!”

“That’s all, seriously. Thirty-five minutes. That’s exactly how long it takes for a threat to reveal itself, y’know.” 

“You’re lecturing me like a mother.”

“No, I sound like I know what I’m doin’.” 

“Whatever, go right ahead, big shot.” 

AJ continued to chuckle, letting it sink into her lips but not quite reaching her eyes just yet. “What’s with the name-callin’?”

Dash geared back with a melancholy look. “It’s because you can act like a big shot, you know, like your hot shit–” 

“–Hot Shit?” The sound of an exaggerated cackle flew into the air.

“You know what I meant, I’m saying like you’ve been here, what, three months? You’re acting like you’ve been doing this all your life.” Her voice cracked. 

“Why are you defensive?” AJ’s expressions changed faster than a red light on a highway.

“I’m not, it’s just,” Dash let a sigh slip out. “I’ve been here since day one, alright, this is all that I know. Do you even know what that means? I’ve made my way up to the point where there were all these other efforts pushing me back down. I never lose. Not once. But with you, I did. There was only one other time I barely even came close to losing, but you fully broke my record.” 

The blonde realized that this may have been something bigger weighing on her coworkers' chests altogether. 

“Wait, is this about the day I beat you at practice?” Her eyes grew soft, holding her hands stiffly onto Dash’s shoulders. 

AJ’s eyes still swayed like a melody instructed by the quiet touch of a chelo string; they felt welcoming like an inn on a cold winter’s night, but something about them Dash just couldn’t grasp. 

“I–” Dash was about to speak up, but there was too much holding her back, at least for now. "I think I need some fresh air," She half-way replied, faintly with a grunt in her throat, pushing the girl in front of her out of the way. 

A little caught off guard, a grumble came from AJ's breath as she stopped in her tracks to let the crowd roam free. "Dang-nabbit."

She turned her head around to see if she could find another opening from the room, but there were so many people that you could hardly sort out who was who. So, the efforts were as failed as the mission they were assigned. Placing her hands on her face, AJ let out a soft-spoken sigh, continuing to wait patiently until the crowd was scattered. 

Seamlessly so, after a long-awaited period, the western thought she had found a direction that led the route to an opening. A grin had shone across her face as she made her way around the room until she reached the end of the ballroom. Wandering endlessly on the castle grounds until soon enough, she spotted a recognizable face. Only this time, the girl wasn't stand-offish or showy as usual. This time, she was found curled up into a ball-shaped form, collapsed on the floor. 

"Phew, ya sure are a handful to keep with.” AJ halted, trying to catch her breath with the reassurance of finding the other.  

No reply. 

Biting her lip, she put her hand on the back of her neck when her head was down, letting out a sheepish, shy, and trying to still reason with the other. 

"Why'd you let it affect you so much?" She asked. 

"Go away, Jack." Mumbled a voice from below. 

The girl she saw continued to burrow her face into the abyss of her knees that rested in the satin dress.

Shaking her head, AJ knelt so she could see Dash face-to-face. She looked at her momentarily before resting her hand on the other's dress that was once carefully pressed but now seemed to be ruffled up and wrinkled. 

"Junebug, I don't understand." 

Dash’s ears burned when she heard the pet name crawl into her ears. 

AJ wanted to be endearing towards her friend, but didn't know how to do so if she couldn't understand the issue. 

"What is there to understand? You aren't even from here, this is just how things play out. That whole ordeal was just one of 'those' things. It's no big deal, really, AJ." Dash spoke as she raised her head to the others' vision. Her gaze only showed annoyed aggression. 

"It's a big deal to me," AJ whispered.

Dash turned her face away, so she didn't have to come to terms with the comfort coming from the other above. In a rage, she spat out the first thing that came to mind, unleashing a whole load of stress that she had kept deep down inside. 

“You barely even know me.” Was all that that came out of the knight's mouth before she decided to let everything fall through?

"Your people and mine aren't the same, ask Twilight, she'll tell you. We don't get the luxury of carelessly fiddling around all day, like there's nothing to be afraid of. We have to prepare, train, eat, sleep, and always repeat. And prepare–”

She grudged, pulling her hand through her hair after spotting a piece fall out of place, still looking away from AJ. 

“–Preparing for something that I never know when it will come, or how long it will even last. I break my back trying to prove myself to the others that I know my shit. That I have what it takes to be on the top guard's field. Each dawning day, each passing moon, I have worked endlessly to be where I am now–” 

She paused before giving a glare back at the one in front of her. “–And that wasn't because I showed a 'friendly' face." She stopped her rant only for a few seconds just to pierce what she had said into the blonde’s mind. "It's because I had to realize that the only one who was going to look after me was myself." 

Her willowy eyes glimmered in the crescent of the pale moonlight when the window’s glare shone just right. Her fuchsia-hued eyes dimmed on AJ’s willingly stern glare.

In her defense, she was disturbed by a loud wake-up call. “I never asked for your help, and I know I never asked you to fucking follow me either. You just did that all on your own, always liking to play the hero." Dash shouted, making it clear she was ready to leave the conversation.

"Now I know for a fact you're not making a lick of sense." The western lashed back, but before she was going to go off any further, it just all hit her. It hit her why Dash was acting this way. This wasn’t about the failure to launch she had at practice, well, mostly. But this was about how Lightning was acting earlier. 

“Was it because of what LD said earlier?” 

“What?”

Dash's eyes grew harsh.

“Look, I don’t want your sympathy. Dust’s humor is pretty fucked up, but it’s her, don’t think much on it, apples.” 

A smirk formed on the vibrant girl's face. To some, it may’ve looked like there was no more that needed to be said, but to others, such as newly found AJ, this was a cry for help.

Not fully thinking, she pulled her in for a hug. 

Dash’s body was filled with sharp daggers awaiting the signal, somebody to press the red button for take off. That moment when she’d blow, push the blonde off, and make her wish she never even dared to do anything as such as this stunt again, but the funny thing about it all was that she didn’t move a muscle. 

Accepting the hug, she brought her arms over the western and pushed her nose into the crook of her shoulder. 

AJ laid out her hand to soothe with roughly soft circle finger strokes, pressing through the vibrant girl's back to ease her thoughts. There was no weeping, no awkward silence, not even a rash joke. 

Just mutual understanding.