It was a normal day in post-apocalyptic, futuristic Manehattan. The year was 2022, and the Mane 5 were in a bar which they visited on occasion, sitting at the table which they normally sat at. Dash got up and went to the counter to get more drinks. Applejack sighed and leaned back in her chair, her heavy two-handed ax leaning against the wall nearby. She was wearing her cowboy hat, cowboy boots, torn jeans shorts and a checkered shirt that's knotted together on her chest. She also wears fingerless gloves in the color of her skin. They're out of leather and have metal plates to protect the knuckles.

"Ah really wanna know why Pinkie left us..." she mumbled as she took the last gulp of her mug of hard apple cider.

Dash, who wore a black tank top and black shorts with a sword sheath on both hips, came back and set a drink down in front of Twilight before kissing her cheek. "Don't worry about it, AJ," she said, taking the seat next to Twilight. "We've been doing fine without her..."

Rarity nodded in agreement and took her glass of wine. "Right, Darling, we don't need her. If she wants to be alone, we can't stop her," she stated and huffed at the end, obviously not okay with Pinkie's decision. She was wearing a feather hat in rose along with a matching and elegant looking top. She also wore a white skirt that is slightly see through and reaches down passed her knees and is partially open in the front. Beneath it she wore tight, high stockings in rose and a darker shade for her high heels.

Twilight shook her head and brought her hand down on the table with an loud bang. "Guys! Can you please stop that? Of course, we did just fine up to now, but we're still Pinkie's friends... Even if she sees it differently," she said in a upset tone. The purple mare was wearing a dark purple hoodie which revealed her belly, fingerless black gloves and camouflage baggie pants.

Dash smiled and patted her shoulder. "You're right... But you saw her when she left. Getting her to come back won't be easy. Maybe even impossible."

Twilight looked at Dash and sighed before slumping down on the table with her arms crossed under her chin. "I know... but we have to try it."

Dash nodded. "Okay... We'll try..."

Rarity nodded, too. "Right, we have to at least try to get her back."

Applejack just huffed and got up, heading over to the bar to get a new mug of apple cider.

Dash rubbed Twilight's back. "I'll go with you first thing tomorrow... even if no one else will go, okay?"

"Thank you Rainbow, I appreciate it a lot." Twilight said and leaned in, kissing Dash's cheek.

"Well, I will go too of course," Rarity stated and smiled. "We are all friends after all, right?"

Fluttershy smiled. "Me, too." The yellow mare was wearing a short green skirt and a white sleeveless t-shirt.

"Yeah, Ah guess Ah'll go too," Applejack threw in as she came back to the table with a sigh, sitting back down in her chair and setting her mug in front of her.

Dash smiled. "So, it's settled then. Tomorrow, we go see Pinks."

Twilight smiled. "Thank you all, guys. I know we can get Pinkie Pie back."

Applejack sighed. "Ah sure hope so..." She then raised her mug and took a few gulps.

Dash smiled and was about to take a sip of her own drink when their was a scream outside. Dash stood up and put her hands on her sword handles. "Hear that?"

"It came from outside!" Twilight said and got up herself.

AJ jumped to her feet and grabbed her two-handed ax that leaned against the wall. "Do ya think it's them again?" she asked.

Fluttershy slowly stood up. "Duty calls," she said, slowly walking to the door and opening it.

Outside, a mare was pinned down by a large hairy creature of some kind. Looked like a cross between a bat and a lizard. It was black and fury with the wings of a bat and body of a snake. It also had legs like a lizard and a mouth like a snake. It snarled and hissed as its tail wagged back and forth violently.

Shy just stared at it. "Wh-What is that thing?"

Applejack got out and next to Shy, looking at it. "Ah don't care 'bout what that thing is. Ah just know we don't have time ta fool around."

Twilight quickly raised her hands as her eyes began to glow. "I'll pin it down!" she said to the others as tentacle-like plants grew out of the ground next to the creature and the mare beneath.

The tentacles quickly wrapped around the beings jaw and neck as well as it's wings and the middle of it's body. The mare took this opportunity to slide out from under the creature and run away. Dash darted between the two mares and pulled out her swords, holding the left one backwards as she charged the creature.

Rarity had grabbed her bow and was aiming, giving Rainbow Dash back up just in case. Dash leapt into the air and swung her sword as the creature broke free of Twilight's vines and whipped her with its tail. She let out an "oof" as she was hit in the stomach, knocking her to the ground. Fluttershy gasped as she reached behind her in her hair and threw a small dagger towards the creature. It dodged it and hissed at her as she began throwing a countless number of knives at it. It held out its wing as some hit it.

The creature let out a screech as Shy gasped in triumph. "I damaged it!"

Applejack dashed toward the creature, holding her big and heavy ax behind her, ready to swing it as Rarity fired a few arrows at it. Only they were blocked by it's wings.

"Damn varmint!" Applejack growled as she swung her ax, but was too slow and the creature dodged it, swiping AJ's back with its tail and making her fall face first to the ground, groaning in pain.

Fluttershy gasped and ran over to her. "You okay?"

Applejack got up slowly, groaning. "Ah'm fine, sugarcube," she said. "We need to cut its wings off."

Shy nodded and looked over at Rainbow Dash. She ran over to her and knelt down. "Dashie. Its wings."

The cyan mare nodded. "Yeah... Got it." She then took off with both swords drawn as the creature swung its wing.

Dash did a power slide under it and she swung her sword at it. The creature let out a screech of pain as the sword cut a big slit in the wing.

Twilight quickly ran over to Rarity. "I'll enchant your next arrow. Make it count," she explained.

Rarity nodded and aimed at the creature. "Okay, I got it," she said as Twilight cast her spell.

The head of the arrow began to glow and formed a crescent-like blade. The fashionista then fired at the beast, it dodged the arrow but due to the blade it cut it's right wing's tip off, making the creature screech again in pain.

Dash took this opportunity to cut the wing off at the base, making the creature screech louder. It whacked her hard in the stomach, knocking her back. "Damn..." she wheezed, realizing just how hard the creature could hit up close. "Don't get... too cl... too close..." she wheezed.

"Rainbow! Are you alright?" Twilight asked worried as Applejack run towards thee creature, throwing herself between RD and the beast as it whipped again, but Applejack managed to block it with her axe, the force still strong enough to push her backwards a few feet. "Darn it! This thing sure is strong." she mumbled through gritted teeth.

Fluttershy circled the creature, throwing her knives at it as some hit it while some were blocked by its other wing.

Applejack looked over her shoulder at Rainbow Dash. "Ah think we should attack it together," she stated, raising her heavy ax before her.

Dash coughed and nodded. "Yeah," she said, standing up and readying her swords as she stepped up to AJ.

"Okay, then, sugarcube. Get ready!" AJ growled as she readied her ax. "CHARGE!" she yelled as she took off towards the beast. Twilight and Rarity had another blade arrow ready in case AJ needed back-up.

Dash ran beside her friend as the creature turned to face them, hissing as its one remaining wing was out by its side.

AJ jumped in the air and swung her ax in a downward motion. The blade of her ax hit its head right in the center, splitting it in half.

"Gotcha!" the farm mare exclaimed as she landed on her feet in front of the creature, her ax smeared with its blood as well as her face.

Dash slowed down as she walked up to it. She then stabbed her right sword into its head, directly between the eyes. "Can never be too sure."

"True. Better cut its head off, RD," AJ replied and turned to the others.

Twilight and Rarity slowly approached them, eyeing the dead creature.

"What in the world is this thing?" the fashionista asked.

"I don't know but, whatever it was, it was very aggressive and strong," Twilight replied.

Dash raised her swords and lobbed its head off before wiping her forehead with her arm. "We have to clear this mess off the streets."

Twilight sighed. "Seems that way. Well, we could take its body out of town to the fields and burn it there," she stated and Applejack nodded, buckling her ax to her back and grabbing its tail. "Let's get this mess outta here."

Dash looked at Twilight. "Could you carry the wing we cut off with your magic?

"Sure, no problem," Twilight replied and nodded.

She raised her right hand and aimed her palm at the wing. It began to glow in a pale purple aura as it began to float. AJ huffed as she began to drag the dead body towards the fields. "It's mighty heavy." she grunted.

Dash nodded and pulled with her. "Sure is. Hope there's... no more..."

The group slowly made their way out of town, approaching the fields.

"We are here. Just lay it down on the field and take a few steps back. I'll burn it," Twilight said as she let the wing drop to the ground.

Dash let go and joined Fluttershy as they watched.

Applejack let go as well and got over to Rarity as Twilight nodded.

"Okay then..." She raised both her hands and closed her eyes. As she opened them again they were glowing white and the air around the dead creature's body began to heat up before it suddenly burst into flames.

Dash looked at Twilight. "Shall we head back now?"

"Yes. Just let us hope that this one was the only one in town," the purple mare replied and went over to Dash.

Dash nodded. "I think we'd have heard it if there was."

"Alright, then. Ah'll head back, too," Applejack said and turned around, leaving the group while waving goodbye.

Twilight got close to Dash and hugged her. "Let's head home, too."

Dash smiled. "Let's." Fluttershy turned from the fire and walked away. "I'm gonna head back, too."

Rarity turned to leave as well. "I will see you tomorrow, girls," she said as she waved goodbye as well, heading towards her home.

Dash put her arm around Twilight. "Come on," she said, heading back to their home.

Rainbow opened the door to the bedroom with a sigh. "Finally some peace..."

"Yes, some peace..." Twilight mumbled quietly as she entered the bedroom. She seemed like something was bothering her.

Dash pulled her tank top off, now standing in her blue bra. "Something wrong?" she asked, tossing her top into the hamper.

"Well..." Twilight stopped and slumped down on the edge of the bed, looking at the floor. "You saw how much trouble we had with that thing this evening..."

Dash slid out of her shorts, now in her blue panties before sitting down beside Twilight. "And you think... we may need Pinks more than we think?"

Twilight nodded. "Yes, we do... I mean, tonight it was just one. But, what if the next time we have to fight more of them?" she asked and looked up at Dash with a worried look.

Dash sighed. "Then... we need to try our best tomorrow, huh?"

Twilight nodded. "I guess so..." she said and leaned in to Dash, hugging her softly.

Dash hugged back. "You know it won't be easy, right? Pinks is... sorta a wild card."

"I know... but... we really need her, Dash..." Twilight replied and looked up at the cyan mare.

"We'll get her back. I mean... she's a great fighter... Great with guns... not so bad with a blade..."

Twilight sighed. "Yeah... but I think I need to get my head clear for now... or else I won't be able to sleep tonight," she mumbled.

"Need help relaxing?" asked Dash.

Twilight blushed lightly and nodded. "That would be great." she said softly.

Dash smiled and rubbed her cheek. "Turn around."

The purple mare smiled and turned her back to Rainbow Dash, still sitting on the bed. The cyan mare put her hands on Twilight's shoulders, rubbing them.

"Ohhh... This is great," Twilight moaned out, her shoulders slowly relaxing as she sighed contently. "You're so good at this, Rainbow..."

"I practiced just for you, ya know..."

"Really? Just for me?"

"Of course. I was terrible at this before we started our relationship."

Twilight chuckled. "Well... you are great at it now. I have to repay you for this. Maybe I'll practice massaging, too," she replied and moaned softly as all her tension slowly faded away.

Dash smiled and removed her hands before sliding them up under Twilight's shirt and rubbing her bare shoulders. "This is better, yeah?"

"Oh yeah... much better." The purple mare moaned and tilted her head slightly back, enjoying the massage.

"And your skin feels nice as always."

Twilight blushed. "Thanks... Hmm... Feels really good..."

The purple mare unzipped her short hoodie and took it off, throwing it aside and revealing a very dark, purple bra. Dash nuzzled the back of Twilight's neck as she rubbed.

"Hmm... I could get used to this," moaned the purple mare with a smile as she reached her arms up and behind herself, running her fingers through Rainbow Dash's mane.

Dash smiled and slowly moved her hands to the back of Twilight's bra. "May I?"

Twilight giggled softly. "Sure."

The cyan mare undid the strap before undoing her own. She then put her hands on Twilight's shoulders and slid the strap down her arm before lightly kissing her right shoulder. "Remember when... we were just... friends?" she asked between kisses.

"Hmmm... Yes... Why?" asked Twilight softly between coos as she felt the mare's soft lips on her shoulder.

"Look at... how far we've... come."

Twi chuckled softly. "I know what you mean Rainbow..." she said softly and gently grabbed the cyan mare's hands, placing them gently on her soft breasts. "I love you so much... Dashie."

Dash rested her chin on Twilight's right shoulder, her bare breasts pressing against the purple mare's back. "I love you, too, Twi," she said, lightly squeezing her marefriend's mounds.

Twilight moaned softly. "Hmm... It feels so nice," she cooed softly and rubbed her palms over RD's hands while the mare squeezed her soft mounds.

Dash laid down on the bed on her side, gently taking Twilight down with her. She then used her right hand to slip out of her panties. Twilight giggled in a playful manner and rolled onto her side as well, watching Ranbow taking off her panites with a faint blush.

"You look so... sexy, Dashie," she said softly and placed her right hand on Dash's side, slowly trailing it down her hip and thigh and back up.

"You, too... Now, why am I the only one who's naked?"

Twilight chuckled. "Maybe because you are the fastest mare in Equestria?" she asked, joking and poking her tounge out.

Dash quickly gave it a lick. "Got that right."

Twilight blushed lightly and giggled. She then grabbed her belt and undid it slowly as she licked her lips. "I think you could help me... Dashie," she said playfully and rolled onto her back, raising her flank a bit so Dash could remove her pants.

The rainbow-maned mare smiled and slowly slid them off. "Mmm... You have... the hottest ass I've ever seen..."

Twilight smirked as she sat up, bringing her face close to Rainbow's. "Does that mean you never use a mirror?" she asked and winked.

"Oh, you..." said Dash with a smile before sliding Twilight's panties off, trailing her hand down the mare's leg as she did so.

She then giggled as she got on top of Twilight and laid down on top of her. She grabbed Twilight's left hand and interlocked their fingers. "You know, there's... no one I'd rather be with than you."

Twilight giggled and squeezed Rainbow's hand lightly as she looked up at her. "I couldn't think of anyone else to be together with too, Dashie. Even if you did call me an egghead at times," she said softly and made a cute pout, teasing the cyan mare.

Dash chuckled and ran her fingers through Twilight's mane. "The sexiest egghead I know."

"I love you so much. You always get me to smile" Twi said softly and layed her free arm around Dash's neck, pulling her down into a soft kiss.

Dash kissed back, rubbing Twilight's cheek. The purple mare moaned softly into the kiss and slowly slid her tongue in between RD's lips. Dash licked it before slipping it into Twilight's mouth. Twilight kept the kiss going as she rubbed her own tongue along Dash's. She then gently slid her hand down the cyan mare's back and she kept inching her hand lower. Dash let out a soft moan, feeling Twilight's hand slip lower.

The mare then, rested her hand softly on Rainbow's butt cheek, squeezing it lightly as she broke the kiss gently, panting a little. "You are so sexy, Dashie." she whispered in a sensual tone.

"Oh? Is it my... silky... rainbow hair?" asked Dash, shaking her head lightly as her hair flew back and forth gently.

Twi chuckled at this. "That, too. I love the colors of your hair, but... I actually meant your body and your voice," she said, a small blush appearing on her cheeks.

The mare giggled. "I like your voice and body, too. And back on the subject of hair... that pink streak in your hair..." she said, trailing the highlight with hr finger. "That's sexy, too."

"Hehe... Oh, Dashie... I never thought you'd be this cute... back when we were just friends..." Twilight said and kissed the cyan mare's cheek.

"Yeah, I... only show my sensitive side to those I'm intimate with. So, the only one who knows me this way is... you."

"I love this side of you. You should try to show it to the others as well, but I guess you're as shy as Fluttershy when it comes to that, right?" Twilight asked teasingly.

"I just... wanna look tough for the others, ya know... But, I guess I could... lighten up a bit..."

Twilight smiled, understanding. "You don't have to, Dashie... Besides, I know that AJ would probably tease you for it and I know what happens when you two start to argue and fight," she said with a soft chuckle, trailing her hand back up on the cyan mare's back and then slowly sliding it to Dash's side.

"Yeah... Who knows, though... Maybe one day..."

"Maybe," Twilight smiled and trailed her hand to Dash's breasts, gently rubbing the left one. "I love you the way you are, Dashie."

Dash smiled and rolled off Twilight, laying beside her on her side. "Mmm... Then, I promise not to change."

Twilight rolled onto her side, facing RD. "So, want to go a little further tonight?" she asked sensually as she trailed her hand slowly down between the cyan mare's legs, smirking,

Dash grinned. "I know what you want," said Dash, gently gripping Twilight's left breast.

The purple mare moaned softly and smiled. "You do?" she asked, smiling sensually as she rubbed between Dash's legs.

The next day was quiet and gloomy. Twilight and Rainbow were slowly approaching the path that led down to Pinkie's home as Applejack and Rarity catched up to them. "Hey there Twi, RD. Ya'll ready?" The farm mare asked.

"Yeah, but..." said Dash, looking around. "Where's--"

"I'm here!" called a soft voice as Fluttershy ran up behind them. "Sorry... I had to find enough courage to come. You know how scary she can be, right?"

AJ smiled and placed her right hand on Shy's shoulder. "Don't'cha worryin' yer little head 'bout it. Ah don't think she'd start a fight with us just because we're askin' her to come back."

"Still... She gives me the creeps." Dash smiled. "I'm sure it's gonna be just fine."

Twilight sighed as she looked down the path to Pinkie's house. "I hope so."

Rarity smiled. "Oh, come on. There is no use in standing here and waiting," the fashonista said and slowly started walking down the path.

Twilight and Applejack followed her. "She's right." the purple mare said.

The others followed, Dash with one hand on her right sword just in case.

"Ya nervous, sugarcube?" Applejack asked the cyan mare as she noticed this.

"Just a precaution. This is Pinkamena we're talking about."

"Ah know, RD, but think about it... She'll see ya ready ta draw yer sword and may think that ya don't trust her anymore... Ah think--"

AJ was cut off by Twilight. "We're here, girls." she said as the group stood infront of the drawbridge that was pulled up.
Pinkamena owned a two-story house with a personally-dug pit surrounding it. A drawbridge connected the two pieces of land. Also, the land the house is on is big enough to walk around like a little island. Next to the drawbridge was a hand scanner. Back when the girls were a team, all their handprints would make the drawbridge come down.

Rarity approached the hand scanner. "I don't think our hands will work anymore, huh?" she asked, unsure.

"I don't think so either," stated Twilight.

"Come on, ya two. Ya never know," Applejack said and placed her right hand on the scanner.

It made a low hum before beeping twice, the drawbridge slowly lowering.

"Huh... She left our prints in the scanner..." said Dash.

Applejack smiled. "Hoo whee. What did Ah tell ya girls? She's still trustin' us," she said.

Twilight frowned at this. "I don't know. I still don't feel like cheering in victory just yet," she stated as she approached the bridge.

Dash tapped it with her boot. "Hmm... Come on, girls," she said, slowly walking across with Fluttershy close behind her.

Twilight, Rarity, and Applejack followed closely as well. "I hope she's home right now," Rarity mumbled.

Dash approached the front door and knocked. "When there was no answer she opened it, stepping inside. "Hello!" she called. When there was no answer again she looked around. To the left was a staircase that led up. In front of them was a hallway that led to the kitchen and on the right was a doorway that led to the living room. "Twilight. Why don't you check the kitchen and Shy check the living room. Rarity and AJ will come with me upstairs. She's gotta be here somewhere... I hope."

"Alright, then, girls, call out for us when you find her." Twilight said and made her way over to the kitchen, following the hallway. Rarity and Applejack followed Dash upstairs.

Shy made her way into the living room. "Hello?"

Dash looked around upstairs. "All right... AJ, check the guest bedroom and Rarity, check the master bedroom."

Rarity nodded and went over to the master bedroom door, opening it slowly. "Ah don't know RD. Seems like she's not at home to me," the farm mare said as she walked over to the guest room.

The kitchen was dark as Twilight entered. She could hardly see a thing.

Twilight squinted her eyes. "Why does it have to be so dark in here?" she asked herself quietly as she lit up her horn so she could see.

Just then a bullet shot passed her face and hit the wall to her left.

Twilight was startled and her light spell stopped as she fell on her butt. "AHHH!" she screamed in shock.

AJ turned around as she heard the scream, grabbing the handle of her ax. "Ya'll hear that? That's Twilight!" she said and ran over to the staircase.

Rarity left the master bedroom and followed quickly. Dash let out a gasp and pulled out her swords, following AJ and Rarity.

Fluttershy let out an "Eep" as she ran to Twilight's aid.

"P-Pinkie?" Twilight asked, shocked. "Wh-Why did you shoot at me?" she asked into the darkness, lighting up her horn again.

Applejack and Rarity had made their way down the stairs and into the hallway. "Twilight!" they exclaimed as they approached the kitchen door, meeting Fluttershy there.

The pink mare was seated at the far end of the table with her feet up on it. She had black leather suit that covered all but her head. She also had on black boots. She was silhouetted in shadow but her eyes were clearly visible. "Well well well... Look who decided to pay a visit..."

Twilight slowly got up and dusted off her legs. "Pinkie! Why did you shoot at me?" she repeated her question as Applejack and Rarity entered the kitchen as well.

The fashionista then switched the lights on.

The pink mare got up and placed her hands on the table. "Why are you here? I thought I told you girls that I wanted to part in your little club," she spat.

"Pinkie, look, it's not the time for this. We really need ya back. First off, we're yer friends and second, yesterday we had an encounter with a weird creature that attacked a mare in town," Applejack said and approached the pink mare slowly.

Pinks narrowed her eyes. "A weird creature, huh?"

Rarity nodded. "Yes, it was gross," she said.

"That's not the point. We want you back, Pinkie. We are all friends. I don't understand what makes you think differently," Twilight said, looking at the pink mare with concern in her eyes.

"Because you slow me down. I'm better off by myself," she said, heading to the fridge next to the table and opening it. She leaned in to look inside, her long hair blocking her face from view. "I suppose the civilized thing would be for me to offer you girls a drink. Thirsty?"

Twilight sighed and shook her head. "Pinkie... Look... Friends are helping each other, and that thing-- that creature that we fought yesterday, it was really strong and evil. Even you would've had a problem beating it alone... And what if there are more of them next time?" the purple mare explained.

Pinks pulled out a bottle of hard cider and popped the top. "Fight harder."

Applejack grit her teeth in anger. "Why are ya treatin' us like that? What did we do to ya? Just because ya think we'd slow ya down? Pah, ya wouldn't stand a chance against one of these things alone!" the farm mare spat out.

In the blink of an eye, Pinks had a gun drawn on AJ. "I'm faster than you think," she said, taking a sip of hard cider.

Applejack growled as she brought her fist down on the table, the wood creaking. "Yeah, yer maybe faster with that gun of yers, but in a fight with just yer hands ya wouldn't stand a chance against me," the farm mare growled out.

Twilight gasped. "AJ stop!"

Pinks narrowed her eyes and lowered the bottle, her finger slowly squeezing the trigger.

Applejack began to sweat as she noticed Pinkie starting to pull the trigger. "Ya really so scared of a fight, one on one against me, that ya would shoot me, sugarcube?" she asked, trying to play cool.

Pinks hesitated before pulling the trigger all the way.

"PINKIE!" Twilight and Rarity yelled and closed their eyes in shock.

A loud click sounded which meant that the gun wasn't loaded.

Applejack's eyes had widened at this and she sighed relieved. She could've sworn that her heart stopped beating for a moment.

"Y-Ya really think... yer hot stuff with those shitty guns of yers, huh? I challange ya to a fight against me. Come on, missy. No weapons and we'll see..." the farm mare said nervously.

"Applejack! Enough..." Twilight said worried.

Pinks grinned and holstered her gun. "Really wanna get the shit kicked outta you that badly, huh?"

Applejack grinned back. "Ya really think ya could keep up with me? Ya know how strong Ah am," the farm mare replied.

"R-Rainbow! Do something!" Twilight said, worried, grabbing the cyan mare's left hand as she looked up at her.

Dash looked at her before sighing. "Applejack," she said sternly. "Let it go."

The farm mare grolwed. "No, Ah ain't! Here we are, asking her, OUR FRIEND... to help us-- To come back to us... and she's treating us like we'd slow her down? Ah say she needs teh learn a lesson about friendship the hard way, and know what?" Applejack paused and then eyed Pinkie again. "Let's make a bet... If Ah win, ya'll come back to us. If you win, we'll leave ya alone. What'cha say?"

"Ah say... yer on," said Pinks in a southern accent.

Applejack smiled broadly. "Then move yer fat pink butt out. Ah'm waitin' on yeh," AJ said and left the room, heading for the door as she grabbed her ax. She took it off her back and leaned it against the wall next to the door as she stepped out.

Twilight groaned and went over to Pinkie. "Why did you have to agree to this bet? Pinkie, we are your friends. I am your friend! I don't want to see you get hurt!" she said, desperately hoping she could avoid this fight.

The pink mare smiled at her. "I'm not gonna get hurt, Twi," she said before walking passed her and following AJ outside.

Twilight dropped into a chair at the kitchen table. "Why do they have to be so stubborn?" she asked as tears welled up in her eyes.

Rarity went over to Fluttershy. "I think we all should go outside as well. We need to keep an eye on them. If we can't stop them, we have to at least make sure they're not hurting each other badly," the fashionista said.

Applejack was standing in front of the house, cracking her knuckles as she waited for the pink mare. "Can't wait at all..." she mumbled with gritted teeth.

The pink mare walked passed her and over the drawbridge, heading into the field.

Rainbow Dash went over to Twilight and knelt down. "I'm sorry, Twilight. But... maybe they have to settle this. I mean AJ's a good fighter but Pinks is well-rounded. Who know? Maybe she's been practicing while she was away. I guess what I'm trying to get at is... it could go either way. And we need to be there for them in case they take it too far, yeah?"

Twilight nodded. "I guess you're right." The purple mare then got up and hugged Dash. "I just hope this doesn't turn out too badly." she said.

Applejack followed Pinkie to the field. "Ready teh get yer pink flank get kicked to the moon?" she asked with an grin as Rarity and Fluttershy stood outside at the front door of the house.

"I simply can not understand why they have to fight," the fashionista stated, annoyed.

Pinks undid her gun belt and dropped it to the ground before sliding her sword out of the sheath on her back and stabbed it into the ground. She then took a few steps forward, away from her weapons. "Ready?"

Applejack raised her fists. "Ready when yeh are, sugarcube," she said with a grin.

The pink mare ran up to her and swung her fist.

Applejack's eyes widened and she quickly raised her arms to block Pinkie's fist. Darn it! She's fast! the farm mare thought surprised.

The pink mare then swung her other fist low towards AJ's stomach. The farm mare quickly jumped backwards to dodge the blow. She then lunged forward and swung her right fist toward the pink mare's stomach with all her power. Pinks grabbed it with her left hand and countered with a punch from her right towards AJ's cheek. The farm mare grunted in pain and growled. "Yer damn fast... fer a pink wuss!" she growled. She then reached her free hand behind Pinkie's neck, grabbing hold of the back as she brought up her right knee to the pink mare's stomach. The pink mare let out a grunt before grabbing the leg and flipping AJ over. AJ landed on her back with a small grunt before rolling backwards and pushing herself back onto her legs in a swift motion.

"Ah'm impressed. Ah didn't think Ah'd need teh give it mah all to beat ya up," she said as she stood there, her hands raised and waiting for the pink mare to charge.

Pinks smiled and ran at her, dropping to the ground and swiping a leg at Applejack's.

"Wah!" the farm mare exclaimed, stumbling backwards to dodge the pink mare's leg. This caused her to loose her balance.

Pinkamena took this opportunity to lunge at her.

"Shit!" Applejack raised her arms to block as she noticed the next blow of Pinkie would definitely hit her. This made her trip and fell onto her back.

The pink mare pinned her to the ground and gripped her arms before pinning them, too. "I always figured you to be the one on top, AJ."

Applejack growled and pushed Pinkie's hands up with her arms. "Yeh forget one thing, Pinky! Ah'm way stronger than ya!" The farm mare grunted and swiftly twisted her hands so that Pinkie lost her grip on them. She then grabbed the mare's arms at the elbows, thrusting her hips upwards so she could bring her knee between herself and the pink mare.

The pink mare glared at her. "We'll see..."

AJ then let go of the pink mare's arms and rolled to her feet, standing up quickly and turning toward her. "When Ah'm done with yeh, the only thing ya'll see are stars!" she said angrily.

The pink mare stood, too. ""You talk a big talk... but you're nothing."

"Ah'm nothin'? A friend's nothin' fer yeh?! I swear to ya, if Ah get to hit yeh just one time with all mah strength, ya won't wake up fer weeks!" the farm mare growled and charged, raising her right hand to next her head. She planned on putting all her strength into this blow.

Pinks pulled her leg back and kicked AJ in the stomach as hard as she could. Applejack grunted but kept moving forwards, pushing Pinks' leg with her stomach as she swung her right arm. The blow just missed Pinkie's head by half an inch, but the pink mare could feel the blow in the air as her hair began to wave slightly.

"Darn... it!" the farm mare groaned as she dropped to her knees and grabbed her stomach.

Pinks grinned. "Get up, AJ!" she yelled, kicking her in the side, hard.

AJ grunted in pain and rolled onto her back from the kick. "Shit!" The farm mare coughed up some blood. The last kick from the pink mare had hurt her badly. "Seems... like it wasn't a good idea... putting all mah hope... in just... one blow," she thought as she tried to roll onto her hands and knees, trying to get up again.

Pinks eyed the blood and sighed, holding out her hand to help her up. "Don't get the wrong idea, AJ..."

The farm mare eyed the hand, holding her stomach with her right hand as she reached her left out to grab it, huffing. The pink mare helped her up and used her own body to support her. Applejack looked away from her as she gritted her teeth.

"Darn it... Yeh were just... lucky mah last blow... missed yer head..." she mumbled, frustrated.

Pinkamena smiled. "We can get you fixed up back in my house... but then I want you gone."

"Ah don't need yer help! Ya know what? Actually... Ah really liked yeh back when yeh were the funny one, Pinks... Sure, yeh were annoying at times... but... yeh were our friend!" the farm mare groaned out and pushed the pink mare away from her, stumbling forward and falling to her knees.

Twilight gasped as she exited the house and saw AJ on the ground. Rarity just kept staring at Pinkie and Applejack.

"Look, AJ... I may not wanna be a part of your group... I may prefer it solo... but that doesn't mean I don't care when you're in trouble."

The farm mare glared at her. "Yeah? Well, where were ya yesterday, then? If ya care 'bout us, then help us!" she spat out and coughed again. A little more blood came out as she slowly and shakily got up to her feet. "Ya know? Ah would help yeh, no matter what, Pinks... but... Ah can't see how ya'd do the same fer one of us!"

"I'm trying to help you right now, AJ. I admit, that kick was a cheap shot but we were fighting. Now, let me fix it."

"Heh... Ya really think it's yer fault Ah was hurt that much from yer kick? Ah put everything Ah had into that last hit. It wasn't only the force of yer kick..." the farm mare replied, she then raised her hand to her mouth as she coughed again. Seeing the blood she sighed. "Ah galdarnit! Okay... Ah got it... Yer stronger," she groaned out, hating to admit this to the pink mare for she had been so proud about her strength.

Pinks put a hand on her hip and looked away slightly. "Yeah. I am... Now, you're really not gonna let me help you, are you?"

Applejack bit her lip as she looked away. "W-Would yeh help me, Pinks?" she mumbled, not quite loud enough for the pink mare to understand her words properly.

"What?" asked the pink mare, leaning in.

Applejack blushed in shame. "W-Would ya lend me a hand here? Ah... Ah really could use some help, Pinks," she repeated, louder this time as she groaned and dropped to her knees again.

Pinks knelt down. "Put your arm around me." The farm mare did so and looked away, feeling ashamed that she had to admit to the pink mare that she'd lost. "Now, come on," said the pink mare. "Let's go inside."

Applejack didn't say anything as she followed the pink mare, still holding her aching stomach.

"AJ! A-Are you alright?" Twilight asked, worried as she approached them.

The farm mare just looked at the ground as the pink mare walked passed Twilight, still holding onto AJ. The purple mare looked sad as she slowly followed them inside with Rarity close behind her.

Pinks led AJ into the upstairs bathroom and over to the closed toilet. "Have a seat."

The farm mare grunted in pain as she sat down, clenching her fists in frustration. "S-Still can't believe it," she mumbled through gritted teeth.

"You actually thought you could win?" asked Pinks, looking through the medicine cabinet and pulling out bandages.

"Ah was sure teh win... Why didn't mah last punch hit ya? Yeh would still countin' stars from it..." Applejack replied and huffed.

Twilight slowly entered the bathroom. "H-How is she, Pinkie?" she asked worried.

The pink mare eyed her as she went over to AJ. "I dunno. You got some kind of x-ray spell?"

Twi shook her head as a few tears appeared in her eyes. "N-No, but... m-maybe Fluttershy c-could take a look. She may be able to... f-feel if something's broken," she mumbled as she wiped her eyes with her hands.

Dash stepped up behind the purple mare. "Twi?" she asked, concerned and hating to see her mate upset.

The pink mare looked at AJ's stomach. "I'll need you to take your shirt off."

Applejack sighed. "Ah got it." she said and undid the knot of her red and white checkered shirt, exposing her bare breasts with an small blush.

Twilight turned to Dash, her head low as she sniffled. "Where's Fluttershy?" she asked softly.

"Shy's downstairs. Worried," said Dash.

"D-Do you think... she could come here to check on AJ?" Twi asked. "I don't know how much Pinkie know's about anatomy and stuff." She sniffled again, hugging Rainbow as she was about to cry.

"I will get her," stated Rarity, and made her way downstairs.

Dash nodded and kissed Twilight's cheek.

Pinks touched AJ's side gently. "Hurt here?"

Applejack hissed slightly. "A lil' bit," she replied.

Pinks took her hand away. "I see bruising. Won't know if I broke anything until Shy gets here.

The farm mare sighed. "Ya know pinks?..." she stopped and slowly looked up at the pink mare. "Ah'll miss the time where we just hung out together..." the farm mare said with a small smile.

Pinks looked her in the eyes briefly before returning her gaze to the farm mare's waist. "At the time... I enjoyed it, too... Then, the world went to shit and only the strong survive." She placed her hand on AJ's stomach and rubbed it with her index finger. "Ever been to the Forbidden Zone?"

Applejack hissed as Pinkie touched her stomach, right on the spot where Pinks' kick had hit her. "N-No Ah haven't," she replied.

"Fluttershy? Where are you?" Rarity called out as she was looking downstairs for the timid mare.

She found her sitting on the couch. The yellow mare looked up at her. "How is she?"

Rarity's ears drooped slightly. "Well... we need you to check her, Fluttershy, seems like they overdid it." the white mare mare replied.

Shy nodded and stood. "Okay..."

"Well, we keep to our half of Equestria... and the monsters stick to theirs." Pinks eyed AJ's breasts. "They're big, ya know..."

Applejack tilted her head slightly. "The monsters?" she asked, blushing as she noticed the pink mare's stare on her bare tits.

Pinks smiled. "Yes... The monsters," she said, looking up at AJ. "Snake-like creatures with bat wings. Seen any?"

Applejack's eyes widened. "We... just killed one of these things yesterday!" she replied hastily and then groaned again, holding her stomach. "Darn it."

"There's more. Lot's more." She smiled. "You were always a looker, AJ... We could've had something," she said teasingly.

The farm mare blushed deeper and raised her hands to cover her tits but she hissed and lower her arms again from the pain. "Wh-What are ya talkin' 'bout?" she asked nervously.

Pinks giggled, seeing AJ try and cover up. "Don't worry. I'm not gonna rape you, AJ. I'm trying to help you."

Applejack was still blushing deeply and looked away as her nipples hardened from the teasing. Rarity poked her head into the bathroom.

"Ahem... I got Fluttershy," she stated.

Pinks smirked as she eyed the hardening nipples. Fluttershy squeezed passed the three mares and stopped, blushing when she saw AJ. She soon shook the momentary shock away and knelt beside her on the left.

"Doesn't look too bad," she said, leaning in. "Lots of bruises. You'll be in pain for a little while but then it should go away."

Twilight sighed, relieved. "Oh god, thanks," she mumbled and hugged Rainbow even tighter.

Applejack looked at Shy, crooking an eyebrow. "Ya sure, sugarcube? Ah feel like... this crazy pink mare has torn mah stomach into pieces," she asked the timid mare with a groan.

"It'll feel that way, yes. But there's no permanent damage."

Applejack nodded. "Okay, well, could anyone get mah shirt knotted?" she asked as she slowly got up to her feet, still holding her stomach.

Pinks turned her back to the others as she leaned in close to AJ's ear. "Gonna walk around with hard nipples, are ya?" she whispered.

The farm mare gasped and blushed hard as she stumbled away from her. "A-Ah d-don't know what'cha mean," she replied. shakily.

"Look down," said Pinks. "You'll get it."

Applejack hesitated but then looked down and gasped, quickly raising her hands to cover up her hard nipples. She grunted hard in pain and dropped to her knees. "Ahh, sh-shit!" she yelped out.

Pinks looked at the others in the doorway. "Could you girls excuse us?"

Rarity just nodded and left the room as Twi turned to Pinks and nodded as well. "Okay... Come, Dash. Let's wait outside," she said softly as she turned back to the cyan mare.

Dash left and Shy followed them, closing the door behind her. Pinks then looked back at AJ. "Okay... If you don't wanna walk around with hard nips, then let's do something about them."

Applejack looked up at the pink mare, blushing hard. "What are ya goin' teh do?" she asked with a small grunt.

She was still on her knees with her right arm covering her dangling tits as she supported her upper body with her left hand on the ground.

"Well, do you wanna walk around like that?"

"'Course not!" AJ replied and huffed.

"Then... will you allow me to help you? It won't mean anything. Just one mare doing another a favor."

Applejack kept blushing hard. "W-What e-exactly are ya talkin' 'bout? G-Gonna help me teh knot mah shirt?" she asked, getting nervous as she wasn't sure what the pink mare had in mind.

"No... To un-harden your nipples, silly."

AJ's eyes widened at this. "Y-Ya mean... TH-THAT?" she asked, slightly shocked at the offer.

Pinks smiled. "You're still uptight. You need to learn to loosen up. Have some fun just for the sake of having fun."

Applejack gulped and began to get more nervous. "W-Why... do yeh want to... do that? Are ya a filly fooler? Or do ya just want teh get even the last bit of mah pride crushed?" she asked nervously, feeling her nethers slowly heating up and getting moist from all the teasing.

"Well, I do appreciate a mare's body... but I also like a colt's... Anyways, back to y..." She stopped and sniffed before kneeling down. "What's that I smell?"

The farm mare looked at her crotch, ashamed as she noticed it herself. The scent of her arousal was in the air as her marehood dripped into her panties and shorts.

"N-Nothin'." AJ mumbled. obviously lying.

Pinks grinned. "Now, I know you don't wanna walk around like that, right?"

Applejack bit her lower lip and clenched her eyes shut in shame as she nodded.

Pinks placed her hands on AJ's shoulders. "Let me help you back onto the toilet seat, okay? Then, I can help you."

The farm mare nodded quietly and slowly got up, laying her arm around the pink mare as she blushed hard.

Pinks then helped her back up onto the toilet and then stood. Placing a hand on AJ's cheek, she smiled and rubbed gently. "Remember... Don't get any ideas of this meaning something."

"Y-Yeh teased me... Ah'm not havin' any Ideas... If it wasn't fer yer teasin' and all... Ah wouldn't be... ya know..." AJ replied nervously, her body shaking slightly as a small, wet spot slowly grew on her jeans' crotch.

Pinks reached down and lightly gripped AJ's right breast.

The farm mare gasped softly and looked at the wall to her right as she bit her lower lip.

"Embarrassed?" asked the pink mare, feeling the mare's breast while looking at her face.

Applejack stifled a small moan and looked at Pinks. "A-Ah'm.... just surprised yer... so helpful that yer even doin' that." she replied.

The pink mare smiled and leaned in, taking AJ's hard left nipple in her mouth and sucking it.

The farm mare gasped sharply and blushed hard at this, letting out a small moan. "Oh, mah stars..."

Pinks kept sucking, licking it with her tongue as she did. AJ tried her best to keep herself still as she bit her lower lip to stifle the next moan.

Pinks suddenly stopped and licked up to AJ's cheek. "You know, I... don't think your nipples should be our main concern at this point."

AJ panted slightly, her marehood had started to leak wildly from arousal. "J-Just try to... not be too good with that... 'cause it's really hard to not move already," she stated shyly.

The pink mare nodded, sliding her hand down AJ's chest and stomach and and slipping it in her pants. She maneuvered her way into AJ's panties and began rubbing her slit.

"Oh f-fuck!" the farm mare gasped and moaned out as her body went stiff as she felt her wet outer lips get rubbed. She could feel Pinkie's fingers sliding up and down between them.

The pink mare wrapped her left arm around AJ's waist to make sure she didn't move too much, her face near AJ's as she smiled. "Like it?"

AJ blushed deep red and avoided eye contact. "S-Stop t-teasin' me," she mumbled, ashamed as she tried to stifle another moan.

Pinks began rubbing a little faster.

AJ arched her back slightly and closed her eyes as she moaned louder. She tried her best to keep quiet so the rest of the group wouldn't hear her. She didn't know whether or not if they were still close to the bathroom.

Pinks pulled her hand out and gripped AJ's pants before sliding them down.

AJ panted lightly and looked down at Pinkie. Her face was still red as she wad the pink mare, spreading her legs slowly. "Don't get any wrong ideas yerself..."

Pinks set AJ's pants aside and then placed her hands on the farm mare's hips. "Don't worry... I'm just helping you." She then leaned in and began licking her former friend's slit.

AJ gasped and threw her head back. "OH, GOSH!"

Pinks giggled and stuck her tongue inside, flicking it around.

The farm mare moaned loudly, not able to control herself any longer as she enjoyed the pleasure of the pink mare's tongue inside her. Her legs were twitching slightly. "Y-Yer... r-really... good at this, Pinks," she moaned out.

Pinks began sucking before moving up to AJ's clit. While she sucked on that, she used her right hand to finger the mare's pussy.

AJ's body twitched in pleasure as she arched her back, grunting slightly as she felt the strong pain in her stomach but she could care less about that. "Oh shit! K-Keep goin'."

The pink mare used two fingers now and pumped faster as she gave the clit a few love nibbles.

Applejack gasped loudly and quickly brought her hands to her mouth as she let out a hearty moan as her pleasure raised fast. "HOLY COW! P-PINKIE!"

The pink mare kept it up as she reached up with her free hand and twisted AJ's right nipple.

The farm mare squirmed and shook in bliss as she came closer and closer to her climax. "P-Pinkie... A-Ah'm about teh... teh..."

Pinks move her mouth over the entire slit and continued licking the clit with her tongue.

"AH'M CUMMIN'!" the farm mare yelled and grunted as she arched her back hard, causing her strong pain as she squirted a few small bursts of her mare juice into the pink mare's face.

The pink mare kept licking, waiting for AJ's orgasm to end.

AJ bit into her right hand as she panted heavily through her nose, trying to keep herself from yelling more as her marehood twitched, dribbling her juices to the toilet lid wildly as her orgasm finally stopped.

Pinks licked up the juices form the sensitive slit and then stood, raising her sticky, wet fingers up near her nose. "Mmm... You taste... AND smell good..."

Applejack blushed as she watched Pinkie sniff her juices. Her legs were still shaking as she panted, still in the afterglow of her orgasm. "Y-Yer... n-not gonna tell any of the others 'bout this, right, Pinks?" she asked, sounding ashamed.

The pink mare licked her fingers clean before smiling. "Of course not."

"G-Good... N-Now, if ya'll excuse me..." AJ said and got up with a grunt, grabbing her stomach as she stumbled over to the bathroom door. She totally forgot about her pants and about her breasts still being exposed as she was still coming down from her climax.

"AJ..." said Pinks, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

The farm mare stopped and turned to Pinkie. "W-What do yeh mea-." She just then noticed her pants still laying at the toilet and she looked down, seeing her shirt still open. She let out a gasp and her face went crimson red in shame.

Pinks stepped up to her and placed her hand on her cheek. "I got you, AJ, okay? I'm not gonna let you do something like that."

Applejack looked into Pinkie's eyes, gulping slightly. "Wh-What do yeh mean... with not lettin' me do somethin' like that, exactly?" she asked shakily.

"Like what you were about to do. Walk out there naked."

"W-Well, th-thank ya, Pinks..." AJ mumbled, ashamed, and looked away slightly, scratching her cheek with her right index finger. "Y-Ya know? A-Ah... um... Ah... r-really..." she stammered cutely, but she felt too nervous to say what she had in mind.

"You really what?" asked the pink mare, removing her hand and heading over to grab the farm mare's pants.

"N-Nothin'... Nothin' important..." AJ stammered and turned her back to the pink mare. "Ah just wish yeh'd come back... Ah'll... No... We'll miss ya, Pinks," the farm mare said softly.

The pink mare stopped briefly before picking up the pants and standing back up. She then slowly turned to AJ. "I told you before... I prefer it alone..." She stepped up to AJ. "But... I guess I can let you girls hang out here sometime... if you promise not to try and get me to come back..."

Applejack sighed. "Well... Ah can't speak fer the others, but Ah learned my lesson today. Ah'm not gonna try teh get yeh teh come back," she replied weakly.

Pinks hesitated before setting AJ's pants on the toilet seat and gently wrapping her arms around the mare's waist and resting her chin on the mare's right shoulder. "AJ..." She let out a sigh. "Tell you what... Why don't you take the guest bedroom and rest there until you feel better, okay?"

AJ blushed hard again. "A-Ah dunno... Th-They need me in case one of those things shows up again," she replied, her heart beating faster at the close contact.

"But do you think you'll be able to help them like this?"

"I mean... you carry a big-ass battle ax. Could you swing it hard enough, let alone lift it?"

The farm mare hung her head. "N-No... Ah guess Ah can't... but Ah hafta..." she mumbled, clenching her fists.

"Look, it's my fault your like this... Don't beat yourself up over it."

"Yeh don't understand, Pinks. We already had trouble with one of those when we were five... Without me... shit... Ah don't wanna see mah friends hurt," AJ said and turned around, looking into Pinkie's eyes. "Ah'm sorry, but Ah hafta be there for our friends."

Pinks sighed and pulled away from AJ, grabbing her pants again. "Yeah, 'cause... I don't know anything about survival. So, go ahead... try and help them... and try not to die." She then held out AJ's clothes to her. "Here. Guest room is across the hall."

Applejack grabbed her shorts and looked at Pinks, then back at her shorts. "Um... Ah hate to be a bother... b-but... c-could ya help me teh get into these?" she asked, ashamed, knowing she'd probably feel too much pain trying it herself.

Pinks stared into her eyes before sighing and grabbing a piece of toilet paper before pressing it to AJ's slit.

The farm mare gasped, slightly startled as she looked down and blushed. "U-Uh, th-thanks..."

Pinks tossed the paper into the trash and grabbed the mare's panties. "Right leg up."

AJ kept blushing as she placed her right hand on Pinkie's shoulder for support as she raised her right leg.

Pinks slipped her panties on that leg. "Now, the left."

The farm mare lowered her right leg and lifted her left one.

Pinks slipped the panties onto that leg a she pulled them up. She then grabbed the pants and squished them so the pants legs weren't hanging down. She then lowered them to the floor. "Step into them."

AJ slowly stepped into her shorts and sighed. "Ah can't even get mah pants on mahself..." she mumbled, frustrated.

"That's why I want you to stay here and rest," said Pinks, pulling her pants up and standing.

Applejack sighed again and buckled her belt. "Ya don't understand it, right? At least Ah'm tryin' teh help mah friends... Somethin' ya could try, too," she said, and raised her arms to knot her shirt, but stopped and grunted again, groaning in annoyance. "C-Could yeh?"

"You can't even dress yourself, AJ. How do you expect to help protect your friends? Now, you make it seem like I don't care. Like, I'm trying to take you from them, or something. But, you couldn't be any further from the truth."

Applejack bit her lower lip, looking at the ground. "A-Ah know... y-yer right... b-but still." she replied weakly.

"Look at it from their perspective. What would THEY want you to do?"

"Ah got it... Ah'll stay here until Ah'm able teh raise ma ax and swing it," AJ said and looked at Pinks. "Now... c-could ya maybe tie ma shirt, ya know? These two are gettin' mighty cold," she added and motioned down to her breasts with her eyes.

Pinks nodded and tied her shirt closed. "Thank you... Now, do you want me to take you into the bedroom or back downstairs with your friends?"

"Ah'll at least tell 'em that Ah'm stayin' here," AJ replied and opened the bathroom door. She stopped briefly. "Thank yeh... Pinks," she mumbled before leaving the room.

Pinks nodded and looked away. "You're welcome..." she muttered.

Twilight and Rarity where sitting on the couch in the living room downstairs. Applejack was slowly limping down the stairs as Dash's ears perked at the sound of the stairs creaking. She then stood up.

Applejack reached the bottom of the stairs, her mane a mess and she hold her stomach as she sighed, having finally got the stairs behind her. "Hey ya'll," she said and chuckled.

Twilight got up as well and turned to the farm mare. "Are you alright, AJ? What took you two so long?"

"Y-Yeah. Ah'm alright," she replied with a chuckle.

"So, what took you so long?" asked Dash.

"N-Nothin'... We, uh... We just talked 'bout somethin'," AJ said, getting slightly nervous.

"What'd you talk about?" asked Fluttershy.

"U-Um... We talked about me stayin' here until... until Ah feel better," the farm mare answered, hoping no more questions would come about what they did up in the bathroom for so long.

Dash nodded. "I think that's smart. Not only are you our teammate but you're a friend. We'd be devastated if you... you know..."

"If Ah what?" Applejack asked curiously.

Twilight sighed. "I think she means that you could get hurt further, or even... die," the purple mare explained.

Dash nodded.

"Oh... Well, Ah really wanna help ya'll and Ah'm really sorry Ah lost the fight and the bet... Ah was just so sure Ah would beat her easily." Applejack explained as her ears drooped in shame.

"It's okay, AJ... I mean I'm not fond of the fact that you just fought against our friend to get her back, but at least you'll be better soon if you rest," Twilight said and smiled.

Rarity nodded in agreement. "She's right, darling. Just rest. We will cover the rest."

Pinkamena then came down the stairs as she eyed the group through her long hair.

Twilight looked at the pink mare. "You really won't come back?" she asked with little hope in her eyes.

"No..." she said. "But, I will let you come here when you want... if you stop asking me that."

Twilight sighed and nodded. "I see... Well, at least you'll still be our friend, right?" the mare asked.

Pinkamena hesitated and eyed AJ before looking away slightly. "Sure..."

"Well, then, girls... I think we should leave Pinkie alone for now... Get well soon, AJ," Twilight stated and smiled.

"Will do, Twi," said AJ. "Sorry, again, girls."

Dash walked up to AJ and hugged her gently. "Take care."

AJ blushed lightly at the hug. "Uh, sure, yeh too."

Dash broke the hug and looked at Pinkamena. "Thank you."

The pink mare just nodded before Dash turned and left, followed by Fluttershy.

"Thanks, Pinkie. Bye, you two," Twilight said as she followed the rest of the group outside.

Pinkamena sighed and looked at AJ. "Shall I take you to your room now?"

AJ nodded and turned to the pink mare. "Yeah, Ah think Ah should finally get off mah feet and take some rest," she repled and limped over to the stairs.

The pink mare held out her hand. The farm mare smiled weakly and took it. "Thank ya, sugarcube." The pink mare smiled slightly and helped the far mare up the stairs. "Yer not goin' teh rape me at night, right?" AJ asked jokingly, chuckling softly.

"Not unless you want me to," said Pinks with a smile as she led AJ towards the guest room.

Applejack stared at Pinkie with a blush at this, gulping. "Y-Yer jokin' right? Ya... Y-Ya wouldn't... u-um... well... do... ya know... with me if Ah asked, right?" the farm mare asked nervously.

"Why? Would you ask?"

Applejack quickly looked away. "'C-'Course Ah w-wouldn't," she answered nervously, gulping.

Pinks opened the door and led AJ over to the bed. "Here," she said, pulling the covers back.

"Th-Thanks..." mumbled AJ and sat down on the edge of the bed, trying to slip off her right cowboy boot with her left foot.

"Here," said Pinks, gripping her boot. "I'll get them."

AJ sighed, defeated. "Thanks again, Pinks," she mumbled and let herself fall to her back, her legs still hanging over the edge.

The pink mare slid them off and set them by the bed. "What about your pants? Wanna sleep in your jeans?"

The farm mare shook her head. "Um... No, actually not," she replied.

The pink mare nodded and undid her jeans before slipping them off, too. She set them by her boots and then looked at her. "Okay. Legs in."

Applejack sighed and slowly raised her legs onto the bed, turning her side to Pinkamena.

Pinks pulled the covers over her. She then hesitated. "AJ... I want you to know that... You're wrong... I didn't leave the team because I didn't like working with you girls." She then rubbed AJ's cheek before heading towards the door. "There's more to it than that..."

Applejack tilted her head. "W-What do yeh mean with that, Pinks?" she asked surprised and confused.

The pink mare stopped in the doorway with her left hand on the frame. She hesitated before looking over her shoulder. "Get some rest, AJ," she said, closing the door.

"P-PINKIE!" AJ shouted after her and sat up, groaning in pain. "Ugh, damn!" the farm mare sighed and dropped back down into her pillow. She undid her shirt and threw it aside with some trouble.

Dash and the others continued on the path back town before Dash stopped.

Twilight noticed her marefriend had stopped and stopped, herself. "Something wrong, Dashie?" she asked softly as she turned to her.

"What Pinkie said... about the other creatures... We need to stop them or they could overrun us."

Twilight's expression changed to a sad one as she approached Dash. "I know, but... without AJ?" she asked, worried.

Dash rubbed her forehead. "I know... We should wait until she's better."

"Definitely. Let's hope she'll be good as soon as possible... We will need all the help we can get," the purple mare said and kissed Dash's cheek.

Dash let out a sigh. "Why did Pinkie change so suddenly?"

"I don't know, but there is still hope she'll come back. We just have to believe in that," Twilight said and gently stroked Dash's left cheek.

"Yeah, I know, but... I meant short term. Think about it, Twilight... At first, she was dead-set on having nothing to do with us. Then, when she hurt Applejack, she helped her in and gave her a place to rest. And AJ was the one who was aggressive towards her. Then, afterwards, she accepted our friendship..." Dash looked away slightly before looking back at Twilight. "I just don't know what to think."

"You're right... That is weird... Well, maybe she already thinks about coming back. She probably has her reasons to act like she did," the purple mare mumbled, thinking.

"Yeah... I'm sure she has her reasons..." She hesitated. "Shall we head back now?"

Twilight nodded and smiled softly. "Yes, let's," she said and hugged the cyan mare's left arm while slowly starting to walk.

Dash and the others began moving again. The cyan mare looked back down the path to Pinkie's.

Twilight pulled the door to the bar open and sighed as she stepped in. "Feels different... maybe because now two of us are missing," she stated.

Rarity stepped next to the purple mare and laid her right hand on Twi's left shoulder. "I will get the drinks, darling," she said and went to the counter.

Dash took Twilight's hand. "Come on. Let's find a table."

The purple mare nodded and followed Dash, soon they found a table in a corner.

Shy sat down across from them. "So, what's the plan?" she asked.

Twilight thought for a bit, then looked up to Fluttershy. "Well, I would say..."

Rarity just then approached the table with the drinks. "Here you go girls, the usual for everyone." she said as she sat down nest to Shy.

"Well as I was about to say, I guess the current plan is to wait for Applejack to get well soon and, until then, we have to watch out if any more of these beasts will show up," the purple mare finished.

"You're talking about the Skrawl?" called a mare from two tables away. She had a black cowboy hat on and a black leather coat. She, herself was black with long black hair.

Twilight's ears perked up and she looked to the black mare. "Excuse me, the what?" she asked curiously.

"The Skrawl," the mare repeated.

Rarity turned around and looked the mare over. "Oh my, darling, black on black just looks awful," she mumbled to herself.

Twilight stood up. "Mind to sit with us and tell us what you know about them?" she asked the black mare.

The mare eyed her before drinking the last of her drink and setting the glass down. She then stood up, reveling she was completely clothed in black. Black shirt under her long, black leather coat, black boots, black leather jeans, and black leather gloves. Her hair was longer than Pinks', going down to her butt in the back. Her bangs on the side of hr head came down over her shoulders and stopped at her elbows. She also had bangs in the front that cover a little less than half of her eyes.

"Pinks would like her," mumbled Dash.

The mare then came over and sat beside Shy, who seemed a little intimidated.

Twilight nodded at Dash's remark, then looked to the black mare. "First, my name is Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends..." The purple mare paused and pointed to Dash. "That's Rainbow Dash. The one next to you is Fluttershy and the white mare is Rarity," she said, introducing her frinds and then looked the black mare over. "Who are you?" she asked curiously.

"Midnight." the mare replied.

"Nice to meet you, Midnight," Twilight said and smiled. "About the creatures-- the "Skrawl", you called them... What do you know about them?" she asked, interested.

"They're home is about the size of a small town. With a big enough force, you could wipe them out in a day or two. They're wings, however, can block most attacks. They don't do good against powerful ranged attacks, though. Like, guns or arrows. They, themselves, are magic resistant so spells won't work on them, but you can use spells that don't affect them directly like fireballs and whatnot. They don't usually travel in packs unless the entire species feels threatened. That one you killed today... Just be glad there was just one."

Twilight nodded. "I see. Well, we are glad it was just one... We had enough trouble with it. But, one of our friends said they usually stay in their half of Equestria... you know... the Forbidden Zone," she said.

"Yes. But they seem a little bit aggressive as of late. Like they're getting ready to expand."

"Get ready to expand?" Twilight asked curiously and began to think. "That's not good at all, we need to stop them before they can even start with their plan." she said and stood up, but stopped and groaned. "Damn... without AJ we can do nothing but wait," the purple mare said and sat back down.

Midnight smirked. "Your other friend?" she asked before pulling out a gun and set it on the table. "Let me know when you're ready," she said with a smile.

Twilight looked at the gun. "Well... I appreciate the offer, but... how good are you with these?"

"Very."

"Okay, you're in," Twilight said as Rarity gasped.

"But, Twilight, you can't just--."

She was cut off by the purple mare. "Sorry, Rarity, but we need all the help we can get, remember? AJ's injured and Pinks won't come back to help us..." she explained.

Dash put a hand on Rarity's shoulder. "I know what you're trying say, but Twilight's right."

The white mare sighed and looked at Dash, before turning to Midnight. "Well, I guess... Welcome to our group, Midnight."

The mare smiled and holstered her gun. "Now, the only plan I can think of is kill any and all you see. Sneaking won't work on them and they're to random to come up with anything strategic."

"Good to have someone with us that knows how to handle these creatures. I think I will do some studying tonight. I need stronger spells. The plant growth and control spell is useless and maybe I can find better spells to enchant your arrows, Rarity," Twilight explained.

Rarity nodded. "Good, but don't be up too long. You need to be well-rested," the white mare said and smiled.

"Don't worry," said Dash. "I'll make sure she gets to bed on time."

Twilight gave Dash's remark a small giggle. "So, Midnight, where are you staying?"

"I live in the black house on the edge of town." Dash rolled her eyed, looking way from Midnight.

"Darling, it seems you like the color black a little too much," Rarity said and crooked her eyebrow.

"I grew up in darkness. Black is all I know."

"Anyways, do you know any weak spots of the Skrawl, Midnight?" asked Twilight curiously, taking a few sips of her drink.

Midnight turned form Rarity and looked at Twilight. "Cutting both wings off helps make killing them easier. In the brain or heart. I find through the mouth with a long sword the best way. I suppose an arrow would work if it was shot with enough force..."

"Well, I think I can put more force into my attacks," said Rarity with a sigh.

"I'll look for a spell to get Rarity's arrows as powerful as they can be," Twilight stated and began to think again, grabbing a note pad from her hoodie pocket along with a pen. She then started to make notes.

Dash smirked at the notepad as Midnight pulled out two blades and began scraping them together. She seemed to be as well-rounded as Pinkamena. All that need to be proven was her hand-to-hand combat.

Twilight noticed the blades, looking up at Midnight and then back to her note pad, before nodding and putting it away again. "You're good with guns. How good are you with those blades?" the purple mare asked.

"When you've lived a life like mine... you need to be good at everything."

Twilight leaned back. "Well, you're saying you're good with guns, and you're saying you're good with blades... Could you prove that?" she asked, both kindly and interested, wanting to know how good this mare really was.

Midnight raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

"I could conjur a Dummy, or I could try to pin you down with my plant control spell and you'd have to dodge... What do you think?" Twilight asked and smiled softly.

"I have something better in mind. Come by my place tomorrow and I'll give you a demonstration before we head out."

Twilight tilted her head, but nodded. "Okay, we will," the purple mare said and got up, stretching her arms. "I think we should get some rest if we're gonna head out tomorrow."

"Good idea," said Midnight, standing up. "I'll see you all tomorrow."

"Yes. Good night, Midnight. See you tomorrow," Twilight said as Rarity got up as well, looking at Fluttershy. "You okay, Darling? You were so quiet," she said to the timid mare.

Midnight eyed Fluttershy before turning and walking away. "She was... a little intimidating, is all..." she said softly.

"She doesn't seem too bad, Shy, don't worry," Twilight said and smiled, rubbing the mare's shoulder. "So, girls... See you all tomorrow. Good night."

Dash stood up with a sigh and stretched. "Night, you two," she said, putting an arm around Twilight.

Twilight smiled and laid her arm around Dash's waist as she followed the cyan mare out of the bar.

Rarity looked at Fluttershy and sighed. "I'll walk you home, Darling. Just let me pay for the drinks," she said softly, smiling at the shy mare.

The yellow mare nodded, smiling back. "Okay..."

Twilight opened the front door of her home and entered. "What do you think about Midnight, Dashe?" she asked as she kicked her shoes off and sighed.

"Midnight, seems... okay... but dangerous. I know she wants to help but you heard her mention her past. The kind of life she's led."

Twilight nodded and went over to the couch, sitting down. "I know, that's why I asked you... I don't like to imagine what kind of past she has, but to be honest? At the moment, we have to trust her," the purple mare said and placed her feet on the table, lighting up her horn. She floated a few books over from the shelves at the far wall to her right as she grabbed the note book from her pocket.

"Yeah, I mean... she seems cool, and all. AND she knows about the creatures, the... Skrawl. We need her." She hesitated for a moment. "And, technically... if Pinks never joins us... we're replacing HER... not Applejack."

Twilight looked up at Rainbow, frowning. "No one will be replaced! No one could replace a true friend, Dashie," she replied, and then grabbed one of the books that were floating in the air around her, flipping through the pages.

"I didn't mean it like that, Twilight... I meant as a teammate. We need someone who's good at guns and willing to play on a team."

The purple mare sighed and stacked the books on the table as she stretched her limbs out. "I know... It just hurt to hear the words "replaced" and "friend" in one go... But, you're right... As a teammate... we need to replace Pinkie... for now..."

"For now..." Dash repeated. "I'd still like to have Pinks back," she said, sitting on the couch.

"Me ,too, Dash," mumbled Twi, and leaned in to the cyan mare, resting her head on Dash's shoulder.

It was almost night time now as Pinks opened the door to Applejack's room. "You awake?" she whispered, in case AJ wasn't.

AJ was laying on her side, her back to the door. "Pinkie?" she asked as she slowly rolled over, groaning slightly. "What is it?" she asked curiously.

Her Stetson hat was laying on the night stand and her long, blonde mane was open. Her red hairband was laying next to her hat.

The pink mare stepped inside. "I just wanted to check on you. I'm not... disturbing you, am I?"

"No. Couldn't sleep anyway. The dumb pain keeps me awake every time I try to roll over, or somethin'," the farm mare replied.

Pinks was now wearing a red bra and panties as she closed the door and sat in a chair beside the bed nearest AJ. "I can't sleep either 'cause... I still feel bad about... what I did."

"Ya mean, kickin' me? Shoot, Sugarcube, it's alright... Ah was the one that challenged yeh after all," Applejack said and smiled.

"Guess I don't know my own strength... I didn't think I'd hurt you this badly."

Applejack chuckled at this. "Ya still thinking it was all yer strength, eh? Remember how much Ah put ma weight into that punch? It's ma own recklessness that got me into this bed," the farm mare said. "But ya still surprised me... Yer really fast and yer fancy moves were awesome," the mare said and smiled.

The pink mare nodded. "So, it... wasn't when I kicked you while you were down that made you... cough up blood?"

AJ shook her head. "Nah, it was the first kick that knocked me out... The second kick was just like the cherry on the pie." she explained. "It just took ma body a few seconds to notice it, ya know?"

Pinks nodded and exhaled sharply, feeling slightly relieved. "Good... Well, not good, but... you know..."

AJ chuckled softly. "Yeah, Ah know... Still, yeh won and Ah lost... Because of me... we hafta stop askin' ya teh come back... Ah feel really... banged up 'bout that. Ah was so sure Ah could win that Ah barked louder than a damn Timberwolf," she said with a sigh.

"Stop blaming yourself for me not coming back... and stop making what happened seem like it was nothing but a bet. I didn't like it... but... I wanted to show you I can handle myself."

"Yeah, and yeh proved it... That's why Ah'm so frustrated 'bout it..." AJ stated and stared at the ceiling.

"Don't beat yourself up over it," said Pinks before letting out a chuckle. "No pun intended."

AJ chuckled, too. "Really? No pun? That's a shame... Ah liked yer silly puns and pranks, Pinks," the farm mare said and smiled up at her.

"Yeah, everyone did... but I grew out of it. I think the whole... world-going-to-shit thing had something to do with it, too..."

"Yeah, probably... well, it's not helpin' thinkin' 'bout it all the time, right? We hafta do what we can teh change it back ta good... That's the reason why we fight, ain't it?"

"Yeah... but I can't fight if I'm all hyper and energetic, right? I need to stay calm and focused and not worry about what icing to put on the cake."

"True... but would it be that hard teh smile and cheer up friends... while not fightin'? Ah mean, Ah'm just askin'." Applejack said and slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position with a grunt.

Pinks smiled briefly. "I haven't made anyone laugh for years..."

Applejack was blushing just slightly. Her breasts had slipped into free view bu she didn't seemed to be bothered that much about it anymore. "Well... ya could practice... Try to learn it again, or somethin'," she said softly.

"Yeah... maybe..." said Pinks, before eying AJ's hair. "Your hair looks nice down," she said with a small smile.

AJ smiled. "Yers too, Pinks. But yer curly hair looked good, too," she replied softly.

"I think long hair is sexier."

Applejack chukled. "It sure is..."

"So, how'd you girls lower the bridge?" asked Pinks. "Did you do it?"

"Oh, that, yeah... Ah thought it was worth a shot so Ah tried it," AJ said and smiled.

Pinks nodded with a smile. "Yeah, I figured it was you."

The farm mare tilted her head at this. "How so?"

Pinkamena hesitated, looking away slightly.

"Um, Pinks? Why'd ya figure it was me who lowered the bridge?" Applejack asked again, getting curious.

Pinks sighed. "Because... Because, your handprint... was the only one I kept logged in... with the scanner..."

"Why?" Applejack asked, blushing slightly. "Say, Pinks... Could it be that... well, Ah dunno how to put this... Could it be that... this thing... ya know... back in yer bathroom..." she stammered, getting a little nervous as she tried to find the words.

Pinks quickly stood up. "Sorry..." She quickly moved to the door. "Sleep well, AJ..."

"W-Wait! Pinkie!" Applejack exclaimed quickly. "Th-This meant more teh ya, right?"

Pinks said nothing as she left, but AJ could've sworn she saw her nod right before the door shut.

AJ blushed slightly. She slowly laid down on her back and smiled. "Silly pink mare," she mumbled as she looked at the ceiling, sighing.

Twilight and Dash stood outside the bar, waiting for the other two.

Rarity slowly approached them, smiling. "Well, hello there, girls."

Dash smiled. "Hey, Rarity." Right behind her was Shy. "Didn't me so long this time."

Twilight smiled. "Okay, everyone's here. Let's meet with Midnight, then, shall we?" the purple mare asked.

Shy nodded. "Let's get this over with..."

Twilight nodded and began walking down the road. "I'm curious about what Midnight meant when she said she had a better way to prove her talent with her weapons."

"I hope it's nothing dangerous," said Fluttershy.

"Don't worry, Shy. She might be a little creepy, but I think Midnight wouldn't do anything reckless if she is just half as professional as she says she is," Twilight said calmly, smiling at the shy mare.

The group continued walking until they reached the houses on the outside of town. "She said she lives on the outside so let's go down this road and circle the are until we find it," said Dash as she took a right.

"She also mentioned it was a black house," Rarity stated as she followed Dash along with Twilight.

Shy looked around but didn't say anything until she pointed to a tall, three-stroy, black house with a blood red door. "Th-That one?"

Twilight looked at Fluttershy and then to the house the timid mare had pointed to. "Looks like it, Come on girls." The purple mare quickly made her way over to the front door of the house.

The front looked normal. No moats, pits, or electric fences. Just a red door and doorbell.

Twilight raised her hand and knocked a few times. "Midnight? It's us! You there?"

After a brief moment or two, the door opened and Midnight leaned against the frame. She was wearing a black tank top and shorts. They were the same color has her so could be mistaken for being nude from afar. "Hey..." she said. "Good thing I have cameras everywhere 'cause I did NOT hear that knock where I was," she said with a smirk.

Twilight blushed lightly. In the first moment, she thought Midnight was naked, and then she acknowledged the mare's remark. "A-Anyway, we're here as you asked." the purple mare said and smiled.

Midnight nodded. "Come on in," said Midnight, leaving the doorway.

The first floor was completely open apart from a door off to the left. Stairs were on the right which led up to the second floor. On the opposite side of the room from the door was the kitchen and on the left was the living room with a large flatscreen TV. A small training area was set up in the middle of the room with a punching bag and weights.

Twilight entered slowly, followed by Rarity. "It's nice here, Midnight," Twilight said and smiled.

"Thanks," she said, walking passed the punching bag as she dragged her hand across it. "You girls hungry?" she asked.

"Well, me and Dashie had just a small breakfast, so, sure," the purple mare said and turned to Rarity and Fluttershy. "How about you, girls?"

Rarity nodded. "I'm starving," the white mare replied.

Fluttershy smiled. "Me, too."

Midnight nodded and headed to the kitchen area and began opening cabinets. One with plates, one with oatmeal mix, and one with cereal. "See, anything you want?" asked Midnight as she opened the fridge, revealing fruit. She then opened the freezer section. Inside was mac and cheese.

"I think, I'd like some juice and a bowl with that oatmeal mix." Twilight replied and smiled. "I will take the same." Rarity threw in.

"Cereal," said Shy as Dash smiled.

"Oatmeal," replied the cyan mare.

Midnight nodded and turned the stove on. "Have a seat at the table. Shouldn't take long," she said as she grabbed three pans and set them on the stove, filling them with water and grabbed the oatmeal packets.

"Thank you, Midnight. That's really kind of you," Twilight said as she got over to the table and sat down.

"Well, you just met me. I have to make a good first impression, don't I?" she asked with a smile as she got Fluttershy a bowl of cereal and set it in front of her. "Cereal doesn't take a s long as oatmeal." Shy giggled as Midnight handed her a spoon. The black mare then began whistling as she headed back to the stove.

Twilight chuckled and looked at Midnight. "Well, you are doing a very good, first impression. You seem really nice," the purple mare said kindly.

Midnight smiled and looked over her shoulder. "I try." The water began to bubble before she poured one oatmeal packet into each pan and began stirring each.

Rarity giggled and looked at Midnight. "I have to say, I'm sorry, Midnight. You had me thinking you were just a creepy mare, yesterday at the bar," she said kindly. "But you are most certainly not creepy at all."

"I'm only this way to those I wanna be friends with. So, I'm not like this all the time."

"We are really glad that you want to be friends with us. Not only do we love to make new friends, but also, we need lots of help," Twilight stated and sighed.

"With the Skrawl, I know. There isn't a lot of them... but, they're dangerous and tough."

"Yeah, the Skrawl, I just hope we can manage it. I learned a few spells tonight that should work just fine with them," the purple mare explained and smiled.

"Let us hope," said Midnight, pouring the oatmeal into three bowls and bringing them over, setting one down in front of Twilight, Dash, and Rarity.

"Oh, that looks divine, darling," said Rarity.

"Thank you." Twilight licked her lips and began to eat.

Midnight sat down at the table and watched them. "When you're done, I can show you my skills."

"Oh, right. What way will you show your skills to us?" Twilight asked and kept eating while looking curiously at the black mare.

"Downstairs. You'll see."

Twi nodded and continued eating, soon she finished her meal and sighed. "That was really good."

Midnight smiled. "Glad yo liked it. Now, tell me a little about yourselves. The famous protectors... I'm sure you must have... some war stories, yeah?"

"Uh, sure, let me think..." the purple mare said and put her right hand to her chin. "Oh, right. One of the hardest fights we've ever had was back in the past when our group used to count 6 members... When we were complete..." she explained and looked at the rest of the group. "Do you know of a creature called Kryo, Midnight?" Twilight asked, looking at the black mare.

"I heard there was once many but only a few are left. You fought one?"

Twilight thought back and remembered that day. "We were told about one of these beasts attacking a village near a cave. It was cold winter..." she sighed. "Let's just say these Kryos are really huge. They're like gigantic scorpions that are made out of thick Ice. Their breath freezes everything that comes into contact with it. We fought that beast for quite a while after we spotted it deep in its cave," she explained

"How'd you kill it?"

Twilight chuckled weakly at this question. "Well, we soon noticed that neither arrows, nor throwing knives, swords or guns had much effect on that beast and my magic wasn't too strong back then. All the fire spells I had were easily taken out by its ice cold breath. It probably would've killed us all if it wasn't for Applejack and her badass strength combined with her heavy, two-handed war ax. She managed to split it in half with it," the purple mare explained.

"And where is Applejack?"

Twilight sighed and hung her head. "She's currently staying with the former sixth member of our group, Pinkie Pie. AJ challenged Pinkie Pie to a battle, hand-to-hand, and got beaten up a little," she explained.

"The mare that defeated the Kryo?"

Twilight nodded. "Yeah, why?"

"This Pinkie Pie sounds skilled. I'd like to meet her some time... What's her weapon of choice?"

Twilight giggled. "You'd be surprised. She has two guns, like you, and she's also really good with blades. I didn't see all of the battle of the two, but I think she managed to beat AJ because she's way more agile."

"She uses her opponent's strength against them... Very nice."

Twilight nodded and smiled weakly. "Yes, she is quite skilled... A shame she left us."

"Yeah..." said Midnight as she got up and took all the bowls, setting them in the sink. "Now, come," she said, heading to the door that was off to the left. "Time to show you downstairs."

Twilight got up and nodded. "Okay, well I'm really curious to see how good you are and what kind of way you'll show us your skills," the mare stated as she followed Midnight.

Rarity got up, herself, following her as well. Rainbow Dash got up and went over to Twilight as Shy got up. Midnight eyed Shy and gave her a smile, making her blush slightly. The black mare then opened the door and headed down the stairs.

"Oh right! You mentioned your past, yesterday. Think you could tell us something about you, Midnight?" Twi asked as she followed the black mare down the stairs.

Midnight hesitated before speaking. "I grew up alone since my parents were killed by a bandit when I was 8."

"Oh... I'm sorry," The purple mare said in a slightly sad tone.

"Yeah... Then, I tracked him to his camp and gutted him... That little fuck..." she muttered.

Twilight's eyes widened. "B-Back when you were 8?" she asked, sounding shocked as she moved closer to Rainbow Dash.

"It was a dark time for me," said Midnight. "I had just watched my parents murdered..."

Twilight hung her head as she gently hugged Dash's right arm as they climbed down the stairs, not knowing what to say to this.

Midnight eyed her. "You asked."

"I know," mumbled Twi, and looked at Midnight. "Sorry for asking."

"It's fine. You should know about who's on your team. You should also know that during a night of crying, Princess Luna visited me in my sleep. I asked her if every now and then she could come visit me in my dreams. Like a counselor, ya know?"

"Princess Luna? And did she visit you in your dreams?" Twi asked curiously.

"Yeah, she did."

The purple mare smiled as Rarity whined. "Are we there yet? I simply despise climbing stairs in high heels. My feet are killing me," the white mare stated in a whiny tone.

Midnight and smiled as she stopped at the bottom. "We're at the bottom." She then flipped a switch and the lights came on, revealing a shooting range and all assortments of one-handed weapons.

Twilight looked around with wide eyes. "Wow." she simply stated.

"I practice in here."

"Pinkie would like this..." Twilight said and stepped up to the weapons on the wall. "Maybe I should learn to use swords, I'm always relying on my magic," she thought aloud.

Midnight stepped up beside her. "Want some sword training?"

The purple mare thought for a bit and then nodded. "Yeah, I guess it would be wise to know how to use one of these," she replied and smiled at Midnight.

Midnight nodded. "I'll go find us some training swords," she said as she walked away.

Dash waited till she was gone before walking up to Twilight. "How come you never asked me?"

Twilight looked at Dash and tilted her head, thinking. "Um... I dunno... I just never thought about learning it before, I guess," the mare replied and smiled.

Dash hesitated before smiling. "Okay..."

"Everything alright, Dashie?" Twi asked curiously as she gently stroked Dash's shoulder.

Dash smiled and nodded, placing her hand on the left side of Twi's neck and rubbed gently. "Yeah, I... I guess it's just weird seeing you train with swords with someone else, but... I-I don't think anything of it."

"It's just a little training, Dashie," Twilight spoke softly and kissed Dash on the lips, smiling.

Dash kissed back and then pulled away, nodding. "I know, Twilight... I know..."

The purple mare smiled at the cyan mare. "And, besides... you can still teach me, too, if you want," she whispered with a small wink.

"Mmm... You mean special training?"

"Maaaaybe," Twi replied and giggled.

Dash gave her a lusty smile before grabbing her top lip gently with her teeth before slowly sliding them off.

Twilight blushed and giggled more. "Oh, you... Save it for tonight," she whispered,

The cyan mare giggled. "It's a date, then."

The purple mare nodded and hugged Dash. "Yes, it is," she replied.

Midnight came over and smiled, holding two training swords.

"Oh, these are for training, right?" Twilight asked, excited, as she spotted the two swords the black mare held.

The sword blades seemed to be holographic. "Yes. The blades can pass through anything except the other sword hologram. This way it avoids injury. If the hologram passes though a live object, it beeps and flashes red."

Twilight eyed it curiously. "Wow... Interesting... and very practical for training," she stated, amazed.

Midnight demonstrated as she held out her arm and swiped the sword at it. It went through her arm and flashed red, making a beeping noise.

Twilight smiled and turned to Rainbow. "Isn't that awesome, Dashie? That way I can learn to use a sword without getting hurt," she stated excited.

Dash smiled and rubbed her shoulder. "Any extras?" asked Dash. "I'd like to train with Twi some time, too."

Midnight smiled. "Of course... I know mares in love when I see it." She hesitated. "You can have these two when we're done. I have more." Dash nodded and smiled. "Thanks."

"Great! Okay. I guess, before I start my training, you could show us your skill, Midnight?" Twilight said and smiled, wanting to see how good this mare could handle her weapons.

Midnight nodded and turned off the sword holograms, holding out both handles to Twilight. "Here. Hold onto the Holo-Swords for me, kay?"

"Sure. No problem," the mare replied and took the holo-swords.

Midnight went over to a nearby rack and pulled a dual gun holster off it, strapping it around hr waist. She then went over to the gun rack and pulled two pistols off before spinning them around on her fingers briefly before slipping them into her holsters. Midnight then stepped up to an ammo rack and pulled out a pouch of glowing green ammo mags and strapped them to her belt. "Ready for something totally badass?" she asked with a grin, looking over her shoulder at the other mares.

Twilight nodded, eagerly wanting to see as Rarity smiled. "Darling, you are talking quite big. How about you put on a big show for us, then?" the white mare said with a chuckle.

"Alright. Now these are Holo-Bullets. Everything you're about to see cannot harm you so don't run and please... don't blink." She looked up at the ceiling, her empty guns out by the side. "Simulation start!" she yelled.

A buzzer sounded as the room lit up with a green tint. Holes in the ceiling opened up as holographic, spherical droids flew out. Midnight threw her guns up into the air and pulled out two ammo cartridges, one in each hand. As the guns came down, she threw the mags up inside them and then grabbed them, shooting both droids as more came out. Some fired at her and she ducked and dodge while firing her guns at them. Rarity was staring in awe with her mouth agape as Twilight watched the show closely, impressed by the black mare's agility. Midnight holstered her right gun and pulled a black, sword handle off the back of her belt and pressed a button. A green blade shot out of it as she twirled it and began spinning it around, deflecting bullets and shooting back at the droids. The scene was a flash of red and a burst of bullets as Midnight showed of her skills.

"She could even be better than Pinkie Pie." Twilight mumbled to Dash in amazement, thoroughly impressed by the show.

This kept going on until she blew up all but two droids. She leaped in the air and kitthe ground on one knee as she stabbed the one on her right and shot the one on her left. Both exploded before she slowly stood up. "Simulation End," said a computerized voice. Midnight turned off her sword and attached it to her belt before holstering her gun.

Twilight began to clap her hands. "I'm really impressed. That was awesome!"

Dash did, too. "Damn, girl. You got skill."

Midnight smiled and gave a nod. "I had years of practice and a lot of time to myself."

Rarity was applauding as well. "With someone like you in our team, we would be unstoppable, darling."

"Best thing is... that didn't even tire me out." she then looked at Twilight. "Ready for your training?"

"Sure. Can't wait at all," Twilight replied and brought Midnight the training swords. "How shall we start?"

Midnight took one and turned it on. "Button on the bottom," she said.

Twilight nodded and pressed the button, turning her sword on as well.

Midnight began to circle her. "Ever used a sword before, Twilight?"

"No. First time," Twilight replied and eyed Midnight as she held her sword in her right hand.

"Then you should know that the sword, like all other weapons, are an extension of YOU. If you pour your soul into it, you can do lots. First, I'll start you off with reaction timing. When I say block, I want you to block. Got it?"

Twilight nodded, listening to Midnight's words. "I will try my best. I'm usually a very quick learner," she stated and received a small giggle from Rarity.

"Oh, darling, this will be a little harder then reading books."

Midnight smiled. "Fair Rarity is right," she said in a regal tone. "Much harder than books. In fact, if you're careful-- Block," she said, swinging her sword quickly at the purple mare.

"Ahh!" Twilight gasped and clenched her eyes shut as she raised her sword in front of her face, hitting Dash with it on the way up.

She just missed Midnight's attack as the black mare sighed. "Eyes open, Twilight. You both failed to block my attack and you killed your marefriend."

The purple mare opened her eyes slowly, flinching as she heard that she had hit Dash. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't knew the training started already. You surprised me," she mumbled, ashamed.

"Death won't wait until you're ready, Twilight. It strikes when you least expect it. Block," she said, spinning around and swiping her blade in a horizontal motion.

The purple mare shrieked and stumbled backwards as she managed to block Midnight's strike in the last second but, unfortunately, she didn't hold it strong enoug and Midnight's blade pushed her own into her stomach.

Midnight reached out and held her arm in case she was about to fall over. "Hold your ground. Always be ready. Always be alert. Listen to the sounds around you. Listen to what your opponent is saying. Sometimes they give you clues when they may attack... And you have to be ready... Now, what word are you supposed to listen for?"

Twilight took hold of Midnight's hand and sighed as she regained her balance. She then looked up at the black mare. "Which word? I... um... I didn't think you'd mean an actual word... More like words that give me a clue..." she replied, unsure, and clenched her hand around her holo-sword, grabbing it tightly as she looked the black mare over, not wanting to fail again.

"Which word have I been saying to you right before I attack?"

"U-Um... I think it was block?" Twilight replied half-hearted, her eyes still kept looking at Midnight's hands, concentrated.

"Right. Now, I want you hear for that word. Memorize the way it sounds and as soon as you hear me start to say it... I want you to already be ready. Block."

Twilight gasped as she heard her say block and took a small jump back, grabbing her sword with both hands and holding it in front of her.

Midnight smiled. "Good," she said, starting to turn around. "Block," she said, swinging her sword at Twilight.

The purple mare eyed the black mare's blade and quickly raised her own in front of her chest as she noticed the strike aiming for it, blocking her attack*

Midnight grinned. "Not bad. Now, let's try it without the warnings, shall we?"

"O-Okay." Twilight replied a little nervous as she eyed the black mare.

Midnight twirled her sword before suddenly swinging it at Twilight.

"Ahh!" the purple mare moved her sword as quick as she could to block Midnight's strike, but she had been too slow, getting hit again. "This is really hard."

"Of course. I didn't learn this in a day, ya know." She swung again.

Again, Twilight failed to block and flinched as Midnight's blade buzzed, indicating the hit.

Midnight twirled her blade again. "Come on, Twilight. Focus. I thought mares were good at that."

"I-It's hardly the same to focus on casting a spell... and you are really fast, too," Twilight replied with a slight whine in her voice.

"No, it's not. Concentration is concentration. Clear your mind and focus. Anticipate where and when I'm gonna attack." Midnight swung again, aiming for Twilight's neck.

The mare gasped and stepped back, raising her sword up to her neck, blocking Midnight's attack but stabbing the holo-blade into her chin.

"Good block, Twilight," said the black mare. "But, you just killed yourself."

"Huh?" Twilight looked down and noticed the blade was now just sticking in her face. "S-Sorry..." she said and blushed in shame as she lowered the blade again.

"Shall we take a break?" asked Midnight. "Maybe you need some time to wake up."

Twilight sighed with a small blush of shame. "Y-Yeah... I think that would be great. Sorry, Midnight."

"Don't be sorry. You're doing good so far. Just can't keep stabbing yourself in the face. I mean... imagine if we were using real swords."

"I know... I just don't know how long this thing is without looking at it," mumbled the purple mare.

"Well, you can get to know it better while we're on our break."

Twilight nodded. "Okay, I'll try to concentrate and focus." she replied and turned her holo-sword off. "Shall we head upstairs and do a little walk, or something? I could really use that to clear my mind." she suggested.

"Do as you please," said Midnight with a smile. "I'm heading up to the punching bag," she said, heading towards the stairs.

Twilight smiled and turned to Dash. "What do you think? Was I good?" she asked as she hugged her marefriend softly, pouting slightly.

Dash smiled and hugged back. "Yeah... Except when you impaled me in the head," she said with a chuckle.

Twilight's ears drooped at this. "I know. Sorry. I didn't meant to kill you," she replied with an deep blush.

Dash rubbed Twilight's back. "It's okay..."

Rarity stretched out and yawned. "I don't know. A walk would be lovely, but I still feel tired and a long walk in these high heels? Never," the white mare said as she went over to the stairs. "Maybe I will head home." she added.

"I have two guest rooms, Rarity. Take one, if you want."

"Oh, that would be marvelous, thank you, deary," The fashionista replied and smiled. "Would you lead the way?"

Midnight nodded and stopped at the stairs. "Follow me."

Fluttershy followed Rarity. "I think I'll rest on the couch," said the shy mare.

Rarity followed Midnight upstairs along with Fluttershy.

Twilight looked up at Dash and smiled. "Come on. Let's head outside and take a little walk, shall we?"

Dash nodded. "Sure. Come on."

Midnight led them upstairs and then walked over to the punching bag. "Second floor, second door on the right," she said to Rarity.

Rarity nodded and headed upstairs. "Thank you again, Deary." she said in a grateful tone, disappearing upstairs.

Fluttershy headed over to the couch.

Twilight headed upstairs and over to the front door. "We will take a little walk. Be back soon," she said to Midnight, smiling.

Midnight smiled and punched the bag. "Door'll be open. Have a nice walk."

Dash joined Twilight and put an arm around her.

"Thanks. See you," Twilight replied as she left the house with Dash.

Fluttershy was sitting on the couch with her hands on her lap as she looked around the room, too shy to make eye contact with the black mare.

Midnight punched the punching bag repeatedly with grunts as the bag moved a lot, showing how hard she could punch.

Fluttershy let out a small "eep" and then looked at Midnight, watching her punch the punching bag, getting a little nervous as she saw how strong this mare was.

Midnight noticed Shy was looking at her and stopped. "Something wrong?"

The shy mare shook her head slowly, looking away slightly. "N-No... Y-You just reminded me of someone," she spoke timidly.

"Oh? Who?"

"A-Applejack... She a-always trained by punching on an old oak tree on her farm," Shy replied softly.

"I see..." said Midnight, slowly walking towards Fluttershy.

Shy turned her head slightly and hid her face halfway behind her mane, looking up at Midnight.

The mare smiled and sat down next to her. "Don't be afraid, Shy... I can be gentle, too," she said, running a finger through Shy's mane.