Part 20 – End
Dazzleglow lingered in the living area of Paradise Estate, while Raspberry Jam ferried tea to her every so often.
Peach Blossom and Princess Aquamarine were in Applejack’s room, watching to ensure there were no aftereffects from the dark magic. The building had been peacefully silent, to the point it was unnerving.
Pearly too stayed in the living area, and due to this, Starglow sat also. The fire crackled quietly in the fireplace, Raspberry Jam regularly feeding it logs to keep it going. With the next tea she brought, she also brought a blanket, and draped it around Dazzleglow’s shoulders.
“You look exhausted,” she told her.
Dazzleglow held the cup between her hooves. “I just can’t believe it’s finally over.”
Raspberry Jam rested her head on Dazzleglow’s. “It is. And you’ve been so very brave throughout.” She looked over to Pearly and smiled. “You too. Your cousin is lucky to have you.”
Pearly’s cheeks flushed and she dipped her head. “I didn’t do anything though.”
Starglow nudged. “You did though. You did the best thing you could’ve. You believed Baby Moondancer.”
Pearly said nothing, though her cheeks turned an even brighter red.
There was a tinkle, and Peach Blossom flew down the stairs back into the living area. She landed next to Dazzleglow then put her hoof over the unicorn’s.
“Applejack has recounted what happened. There is much she cannot recall, only flashes, as she describes, of her time here,” Peach Blossom explained. She looked to Dazzleglow. “She would like to see you.”
Dazzleglow’s eyes widened, and she felt her stomach grow cold. Both Raspberry Jam and Starglow moved to either side of her.
“You can decline this, she does understand if you choose to. But she would like to apologize for her behaviour and what she has put you through.”
Raspberry Jam pulled Dazzleglow close. “We’ll be right there, if you want to.”
Dazzleglow nodded then stood up, heading up the stairs and along the corridor.
Applejack was set up in one of the bedrooms. Princess Aquamarine and Milky Way also sat in the room, Aquamarine next to the bed. She looked over, nodded to Dazzleglow then moved away from the side of the bed. Dazzleglow approached and took up the vacant chair.
Applejack turned to her, then smiled nervously. “I’m glad to see you’re all right,” she said quietly.
Dazzleglow said nothing.
“I’m sorry I caused you so much trouble.” She glanced away. “I don’t remember much, but I remember you. I remember you welcomed me in and took care of me that first night.”
Dazzleglow shook her head. “I couldn’t leave you out there, nor turn you away.”
“And this is how I repay you,” Applejack moaned, a tear running down her cheek.
Dazzleglow reached out and held Applejack’s hoof between her own. “It wasn’t you. It was whatever magic that took hold of you.”
Aquamarine nodded. “Indeed. And I will find out what kind of magic it was, and where it came from.”
Applejack nodded. “I don’t plan to stay long.” She laughed nervously, without humour. “I think I may have worn out my welcome.”
Aquamarine ushered Dazzleglow out of the room once more, where Sparkler met her. Her friend followed her back downstairs, and sat with Raspberry Jam and Starglow. Immediately, Raspberry Jam was on her feet, already bustling her way to the kitchen.
“What did she say?” Starglow asked.
“She doesn’t remember much, only the first night she got here,” Dazzleglow told her.
“She claims she came here in her ‘lucid’ moments for help,” Peach Blossom added.
“She did say she’s leaving soon. She’s very apologetic about it.”
Sparkler looked to her friend. “What about you? Your visit didn’t exactly go as planned.”
At this, Raspberry Jam returned with tea and cakes. She handed them out, then sat down once more. “I overheard. We’d be glad to have you,” she paused and looked to the other glowing ponies. “All of you, staying with us, for however long you like.”
Dazzleglow smiled. “Thank you, Raspberry Jam.”
~
In the days that followed, Applejack recovered enough to leave Paradise Estate. She was sent on her way with sparkling stones, cake and fruit to keep her going for her journey. Still she did not meet Dazzleglow’s eyes, though the unicorn did come to see her off and wished her well.
The rest of the glowing, magical ponies left a few days after, leaving Dazzleglow alone at Paradise Estate. Raspberry Jam spent her time doting on her, while Sparkler rarely left her side. Both ponies recognised the events of the past few weeks had taken a heavy toll on her. Dazzleglow however, was glad of their support and let them bring her tea, cake and varying shiny stones Sparkler found on their walks.
When night came, Dazzleglow found she could not be alone in a room. Her eyes shot open at every noise, her newly acquired nightlight was a permanent fixture, and she often found herself asleep in the chairs of the living area. Though worried, her friends did not chide her for falling asleep in chairs. Instead, they put a blanket over her and waited till she awoke.
~
Another few days went by before a letter came for Dazzleglow from Princess Aquamarine. As before, Dazzleglow felt nervous when she opened it, hoping it was not news that another pony like Applejack had been found.
It was not.
Dazzleglow read over the letter, a frown forming on her face. The Princess Pony spoke of the same dark magic being picked up around other areas, including Pony Land. The letter did not, at least, ask her to use her magic against it, only to be vigilant against it.
It did not ease Dazzleglow’s mind.
She put the letter away in her bag as she gathered her things together. Today was the day she would return to her friends and the house with the stars thatched into its roof.
Sparkler found her first.
“Oh! I thought you were outside,” she said, trotting into the room.
Dazzleglow shook her head. “No, I was getting things prepared before I left.”
Sparkler’s face fell. “You’re leaving?”
Dazzleglow nodded. “My friends will be missing me.”
“I’ll miss you too.”
Dazzleglow hugged her. “Oh I know. And I’ll miss you too.”
Sparkler let go of her. “At least promise you’ll visit again soon. Starglow too. I think Pearly misses her.”
“I’ll bring Starglow and the prettiest stones I can find for your collection.”
Sparkler smiled. This was the Dazzleglow she knew.
The two unicorns made their way through the house and out of the door. Sparkler kept pace until Paradise Estate was a pink dot on the horizon. She looked back at it, then back to Dazzleglow.
“Off you go, I’ll be fine the rest of the way,” Dazzleglow assured her.
With a last hug, Sparkler turned and walked back to Paradise Estate.
The End
My Little Obsession 