A Reason to Fight

Even though Twilight and Spike had a lot of fun last night, she kept feeling like something was off. It was like something was happening, or she needed to be doing something that she wasn't doing. That feeling stayed with her all night, but she didn't speak out on it.

When she woke up the following morning though, that feeling hadn't left her. In fact, it just got worse. As she sat in her bed she thought about Applejack, and what she had asked her to do. What if they were fighting a nightmare last night? Did they fight every night? If so, then did Applejack need her help?

Was she okay?

After taking her shower, she went to the kitchen, where she saw Spike setting the table for breakfast.

“Good morning,” Spike said cheerfully, “I made pancakes.”

“Morning Spike,” Twilight said sitting down in front of her plate. As she cut a piece and took a bite, she practically melted. Spike was a fantastic cook, which was perfect since she was a terrible cook.

“I can take care of the library today if you want,” Spike said, but Twilight shook her head.

“I don't want to leave you alone,” Twilight said, “I was out for most of the day yesterday, so I should stay here and-”

“Yesterday the library was closed,” Spike said, “The last time it was open, you managed it. Now it's my turn.”

Twilight sighed looking down, her chest feeling a little funny. There was another reason why she wanted to be close to Spike besides just helping him. A white, purple maned reason.

“Spike?”

“Yeah Twilight?”

“What do you think of Rarity?”

Spike looked surprised, “What do I think of Rarity? Why do you ask?”

“I ran into her on the way in yesterday?” Twilight said softly, not meeting Spike in the eyes.

“I see,” Spike said thoughtfully, “Yeah, I could see that. She walked me home last night.”

“She... told me...”

“You're not worried about her stealing me from you are you?” Spike teased.

“N-no! Not at all,” Twilight looked away blushing, “You wouldn't leave me.”

“Of course I wouldn't,” Spike said, “Even if Rarity and I start spending more time together, there's no way I could forget about you.”

Twilight smiled hearing that. She loved Spike so much.

“Actually, there is something I need to tell you,” Spike said, catching Twilight's attention.

“Yeah?”

“Well, yesterday when Rarity asked to meet up with me, she-” the doorbell rang, cutting him off, “Huh... who could that be?”

“I'll get it,” Twilight said getting up. She was wondering what Spike was about to tell her, but with how the doorbell was ringing it sounded urgent. When she opened the door, she saw Pinkamena standing there.

“Pinkamena?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight, Applejack needs you,” Pinkamena said.

“Applejack?” Twilight asked, “How do you-”

“I'll get Rainbow Dash to talk to Fluttershy. Tell Spike that he needs to meet up with Rarity as soon as possible.”

“Hold on,” Twilight said, “What is this about?”

“The team will be broken if we don't act now,” Pinkamena said turning to leave, “Everything is counting on this.”

“Wait!” Twilight called out stopping Pinkamena, “Why are you telling me this? Couldn't you talk to Applejack?”

“That's not where I'm supposed to be,” Pinkamena said cryptically, “You're the one who has to help her. Don't worry, Twilight. Just follow your heart. You'll say the right thing.”

With that Pinkamena walked off. Twilight went back inside where she saw Spike walking downstairs.

“Who was that?” Spike asked.

“Someone I met a few days ago,” Twilight said, “I think Rarity might be in trouble...”

“What? How do you know?” Spike asked suddenly. He looked really worried, just like when he thought Twilight was missing. She let it go before she spoke again.

“It's too weird to explain, just...” she hated what she was about to say, “go to Rarity's. I'm heading to Applejack's.”

“Is it an element related problem?” Spike asked. Twilight wasn't sure, but she nodded slowly, “Alright. I'm heading out now.”

Spike ran out of the library, heading over to where Twilight assumed was Rarity's place. She growled inwardly before setting the “closed” sign on the door and galloping over to Applejack's place, silently wondering how much Pinkamena knew. She almost sounded like she knew about the Elements of Harmony.

Was she...

Spike rang the doorbell and waited. Was she in trouble? It took a bit, but the door opened after a few seconds, once again revealing Sweetie Belle. This time though, she didn't look too happy.

“Hey,” Spike said, “Is Rarity home?”

Sweetie Belle nodded, “She's up in her room. She was really upset when she woke up,” she said sadly.

“How in the world...” Spike asked, wondering how Twilight knew that Rarity needed him.

“Rarity was so happy yesterday,” Sweetie Belle continued sadly, “It was the first time since my play that she was actually happy, but now she's back to the way she was before.”

“Hey,” Spike knelt down to Sweetie Belle, “That's why I'm here. I got her to smile yesterday, right?” Sweetie Belle nodded, “Well, give me a few minutes, and I'll have her smiling again.”

“Should I go outside then?” Sweetie Belle asked, confusing Spike, “Yesterday Rarity started moaning really loudly, saying things like “Oh yes!” and “Oh my-”

“Augh!!!” Spike shouted, cutting Sweetie Belle off. Good grief, this kid was scary, “Um, probably best to play it safe, so yeah.”

“Alrighty,” Sweetie Belle said happily, skipping past Spike, “I'm counting on you, Spikey.”

“Spikey?” Spike asked, unsure of his new nickname, nor what to make of Rarity's little sister. Was she extremely childish, or too mature for her own good? None of that mattered though. She confirmed what Spike was afraid of. Rarity was in trouble.

He went upstairs to her room, which was of course shut. He tried the door nob, but it stopped, meaning Rarity had it locked, so he knocked instead.

“Sweetie Belle, I'm not feeling well,” Rarity said somberly inside.

“Sweetie Belle told me,” Spike said, “That's why I'm here.”

Immediately the door opened, and Rarity looked at Spike in shock, “Spike...”

“Hi Rarity,” Spike said with a smile.

“You... came...” Rarity said softly, her eyes watering a bit.

“Of course I did,” Spike said, “You need someone, right? I promised you that you wouldn't be alone anymore, and I meant it.”

“You came here... for me...” Rarity said to herself. Suddenly she jumped on Spike, embracing him and knocking him to the ground.

“Whoa!” Spike shouted as he fell. It didn't really hurt, but he could tell that Rarity was in some sort of pain as she held Spike tightly, “Hey, what's wrong?”

“Stay with me today,” Rarity said, trembling but not looking up at Spike, “Please Spike. I need you.”

Oh boy, this wasn't good. He had told Twilight that he'd take care of the library, but Rarity clearly needed him. He couldn't just leave her alone, but it didn't look like she would be telling him what was wrong anytime soon. That being said, he smiled and began rubbing Rarity's back.

“Of course I'll stay with you,” Spike said, “In fact, why don't we go out today, just the two of us?”

Rarity met Spike's eyes and smiled lovingly, “Oh Spike,” she began tearing up, “Thank you.”

She kissed Spike deeply, still not letting him up. It was as if she intended to keep him trapped right there on the ground. Well, he didn't mind it at all. What guy in their right mind would be upset having a hot woman on top of him kissing him?

Still, he'd have to apologize to Twilight later for not coming through. She'd understand though, right?

The walk to Sweet Apple Acres was a slow one for Twilight. She just had so much on her mind. She figured Spike would be busy with Rarity all day, and she didn't want to know what they'd be doing, even if she had an idea.

Spike's mine. You can't have him.

She thought that, yet she had just given Spike to her. Damn it, it was like Rarity was winning and she wasn't even trying. Was she in competition with Rarity over Spike? It was pretty clear that Rarity liked Spike, but Spike was with Twilight most of the time. Besides, Spike promised he wouldn't leave her alone.

Then there was Applejack, who might have needed her. Was she hurt because Twilight wasn't there? What did Pinkamena mean when she said that “the team would be broken”? She wasn't talking about the Elements of Harmony, was she?

“Hey! Twilight!” she heard from her side. She turned and saw Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, Dash waving to her. Twilight smiled and trotted over to them, feeling a sense of comfort in seeing both of them together. Pegasi were known as the most honorable of the three types of ponies, at least that's what Twilight had read in a book. Based on the fact that the first two official friends she made in Ponyville were pegasi, the book wasn't too far off.

“Dash, Fluttershy,” Twilight said when she reached them, “What are you two doing together?”

“Dash came to me first,” Fluttershy said looking to the side a bit, “She was worried about me.”

“Yeah I was,” Dash said, “I was going to check on you anyway, but this weird pink pony came to me and said that I needed to take you for a walk or something.”

“Did this pink pony have a Cutie Mark of three balloons?” Twilight asked, getting a nod from Dash, “Pinkamena...”

“Is that her name?” Dash asked, “Kind of exotic sounding, isn't it?”

“You mean that strange baker living with the Cakes?” Fluttershy said, “I've heard some creepy things about her. Why did she come to you, Twilight?”

“She told me that Applejack needed me,” Twilight said, “I think she's in trouble.”

Both Fluttershy and Dash looked away seriously. Oh no, was she...

“Um, probably best that you keep your distance from Applejack,” Dash said, “Trust me, I'm her best friend, and I know how she gets when she's upset.”

“Upset?” Twilight walked over to Dash, “What happened? Why is she upset?”

“Last night,” Fluttershy began, “she and Dash were fighting a nightmare, but she had a panic attack of some sort. Rarity and I came to help, but afterwards...”

“Rarity just blew up on Applejack,” Dash continued, “It was pretty ugly, actually, and Rarity said that she didn't want anything to do with the team. Applejack basically said goodbye and good riddance.”

“Rarity...” Twilight growled, suddenly feeling like finding Rarity and giving her a piece of her mind.

“Truth is, Rarity did have a point though,” Fluttershy said, shocking Twilight.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“She was upset that Applejack didn't call her for help against the nightmare,” Fluttershy began, “Rarity has been an Element of two months, so she has more experience dealing with actual nightmares. The last one we fought together was the first red type I had ever faced.”

“So, she was angry because Applejack chose to work with Dash instead of her?” Twilight asked, more so herself than the others. She was starting to piece it together what happened.

“Were Applejack and Rarity partners or something?” Dash asked, a question that Twilight was wondering too.

“Sort of,” Fluttershy said with a grimace, “They've never gotten along, but they're a great team together. Also, I think they became Elements close to around the same time.”

“Yet Applejack chose her best friend over her actual partner,” Twilight said, “Yeah, I can see why she'd be upset, but to leave the team...”

“Well, Fluttershy and I decided not to separate,” Dash said.

“You did?” Twilight asked.

“We're both inexperienced, but I've know a bit more about the magic of harmony then Dash does, so I offered to teach her what I knew,” Fluttershy explained.

“And how awesome of a tag team would that be?” Dash asked, picking up where Fluttershy left off, “The fastest flier and the most graceful flier in Ponyville?! Together in one team?! We'd be so badass that we could sell tickets!”

Fluttershy stepped back a bit hiding her face behind her long mane, “Um, let's not get ahead of ourselves...” she said shyly.

“Aw, come on!” Dash urged, “You gotta admit, that would be cool, right?” Dash put a foreleg around Fluttershy and pointed to the sky, “The Ultimate Flying Combo, one pierces the heavens, and the other one dances in the sky.”

When Dash said that, Fluttershy tensed up visibly for some reason. Twilight was about to ask her what was wrong, but both mares looked up with expressions akin to shock and dread. Fluttershy looked to the side with what Twilight thought was the scariest glare.

“Nightmare,” she said, “This way.”

Fluttershy galloped off, surprising both Dash and Twilight.

“Hey! Wait up Partner!” Dash shouted galloping after them. Twilight wanted to continue to Applejack's place, but she needed to see where this nightmare was. She galloped after the two pegasi, who stopped in front of an alleyway.

“This is where we fought the last nightmare,” Dash said.

“Of course,” Fluttershy said as if realizing something, “After the argument Rarity and Applejack had, they attracted another nightmare,” oddly, Fluttershy began sniffing the air, “I think its stronger than the last one too.”

Twilight wanted to ask Fluttershy if she could seriously smell the nightmare, but instead looked deeper into the alley, where she saw the same sort of portal from the Everfree Forest. They did appear outside the forest.

“W-what are we going to do?” Twilight asked.

“You're not going to do anything,” Rainbow Dash said to Twilight, “Damn it, if this thing is tougher than the one from last night, we'd need Applejack or Rarity's help.”

“They'll come,” Fluttershy said, “I know they will. Until then though,” she turned to Twilight, “I think you should go talk to Applejack. Tell her about this, and lead her to this area. Dash and I will hold the nightmare off until you get here.”

Before Twilight could say anything, Fluttershy galloped into the labyrinth entrance.

“Sheesh,” Dash said, “And I thought I was reckless,” she turned to Twilight too, “But she's right. Applejack probably isn't going to show up unless you bring her here.”

“I don't know if-”

“I believe in you,” Dash said, shocking Twilight, “I'm sure Fluttershy believes in you as well.”

With that Rainbow Dash galloped into the labyrinth after Fluttershy. Twilight was alone, left with the job of bringing Applejack here to the labyrinth. Could she even do it? If the fight was as bad as Twilight thought it was, then would Applejack even want to go in there?

She'd have to. She was an Element of Harmony after all.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash galloped deeper into the labyrinth, which was identical to the one from last night. They didn't see any avatars, which was ominous.

Dash took a look at Fluttershy, who had a very serious look on her face. When she saw her before, she seemed rather timid and quiet, but something changed within her the second she sensed the nightmare. Her sniffing the air didn't get past Dash either. What was this pony's deal? She acted almost like an animal.

At least she was domesticated.

“Stop!” Fluttershy shouted. They stopped in a clearing, where they saw the blue nightmare from before holding its head.

“This is our chance,” Dash said, “Let's get the jump on him while-”

“Wait,” Fluttershy said holding her wing out in front of Dash, “This isn't good. It's evolving.”

“What do you mean evolving?” Dash asked, watching the nightmare go through some sort of odd change. Its muscles got bigger, and its body changed, becoming heavily armored. On its head was shot out a horn like a rhinoceros beetle, and its body looked like it was changing color.

“Nightmares come in two categories,” Fluttershy explained, “Blue types, which are low levels but still dangerous, and red types, which have the power to draw other ponies into labyrinths and create avatars.”

“Avatars?! You mean this guy is...” as if answering Dash's question, the nightmare's colors changed to red. It looked at Dash and Fluttershy, giving a shrill cry. Next to it, gray copies of it formed and surrounded them. Those were probably its avatars.

“Shit! This is bad!” Dash said looking around, “What do we do?”

She turned to Fluttershy, who had closed her eyes and seemed to be saying some sort of mantra to herself over and over.

“Stay in control... Stay in control... Stay in control...”

“Fluttershy? Are you okay?” Dash asked.

“Transform,” Fluttershy commanded, “We have to trust in Twilight.”

“Geez, talk about a crash course in nightmare hunting!” Dash said. The two mares shifted into their alicorn forms and shot in separate directions, engaging the enemies surrounding them.

“Rarity? Are you okay?” Spike asked Rarity as they walked through Ponyville. She had spaced out for a second there. Rarity bit her lip before turning to Spike with a smile.

“Yes. Nothing for us to worry about,” Rarity said, “Come Spike. I'll show you my favorite spot.”

She trotted ahead, but Spike folded his arms watching her. What if she sensed a nightmare attack? Why didn't she go after it if she did? Did this have something to do with what had her so upset?

“I'll get to the bottom of this,” Spike said, running after Rarity.

“Applejack?!” Twilight called out knocking on her door, “It's me, Twilight! The others need you!”

The door opened, but it wasn't Applejack who answered it. It was a very large red stallion with a blond mane and tail. His Cutie Mark was a large green apple, and he wore a yoke on around his neck.

“Um... hi,” Twilight said, nervous as the large stallion looked at her with a somewhat bored expression on his face. Or was it relaxed? She couldn't tell. He didn't say anything. He just looked at her with the same expression on his face.

“Is... Applejack home?” Twilight asked after a second.

“Eeyup,” the stallion said simply, pointing to the barn. Was that where she was?

“T-thank you...” Twilight said stepping away from the extremely intimidating stallion. He nodded and stepped back inside, closing the door. Twilight let go of a breath she didn't even realize she was holding, and galloped to the barn.

This was where she learned what was happening in Ponyville. Maybe Twilight would learn another truth here today.

She opened the barn door and stepped inside. It was quiet, and she didn't sense any activity.

“Hello?” Twilight called out walking around, “Um, it's me Applejack. I came here to talk.”

“Twilight?” Twilight turned around and saw Applejack walk out from behind a block of hay, “What 're you doin here?”

Her eyes were red a bit. Had she been crying? The thought of it seemed... odd to Twilight.

“You sensed it, didn't you?” Twilight said, “There's a nightmare in Ponyville right now.”

“Yeah, Ah sensed it...” Applejack looked down seriously, “Ah'm sure the other's can handle it.”

“Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash sent me here to get you though,” Twilight explained, “They think its a strong one.”

Applejack grimaced a bit before speaking again, “Ah...”

“Applejack, is this because I wasn't there for you?” Twilight asked, “Is that why you're so upset?”

“What?” Applejack looked at Twilight in shock, “What makes ya think that?”

“I heard from Fluttershy and Dash that you had a big fight with Rarity,” Twilight looked down in sadness, “You said before that you had a hard time working together, so maybe if I had been there this wouldn't have-”

“Twilight, stop,” Applejack said, “Ah can't let ya stand there an' blame yerself for what happened yesterday. Yeah, Rarity an' Ah had a fight, but it wasn't yer fault,” she looked away in shame, “It ain't even Rarity's fault. Ah wanted ta blame her, but everything she said was the truth 'bout me.”

Applejack turned her back to Twilight, who was too confused right now.

“Applejack, what are you talking about?” Twilight asked.

“Ya came here, hopin Ah could come an' save Dash an' Fluttershy like a hero, right? After all, Ah'm the Element of Honesty,” she started trembling, “Ah've been fightin the nightmare fer 'bout three months now, so Ah'm the most experienced. Well, Ah can't save 'em. Ah can't save anyone...”

“Why not?” Twilight asked, “You're so strong. I bet you could take on that nightmare by yourself.”

“No Twilight, Ah couldn't,” Applejack turned around to look at Twilight, who was shocked by what she saw.

Tears.

“Applejack...?”

“Ah can't help 'em...” Applejack sobbed, “Cause... Ah'm scared...”

Wait. Did Twilight hear Applejack correctly? Was she... afraid of the nightmares? Applejack, Element of Honesty, sworn to defend Ponyville, was afraid?

“Scared?” Twilight asked, “I don't...”

“What? Ya don't believe it?” Applejack asked harshly, “Is it disappointing? Are ya disappointed in me?! Think Ah'm a coward?!”

“Applejack, you're scaring me,” Twilight said, her heart racing looking at someone she once thought was the strongest pony in the world break down.

“Well, that's what Ah am! A coward! Ah always have been!” Applejack screamed, falling to the ground and breaking down into heavy sobs, “When Ah faced mah first nightmare, Ah was too afraid ta do anythin,” she said through her tears, “Ah trembled the entire time, an' Ah only killed it based on luck.

“Ah met Rarity fightin mah first red type. Ah was so happy ta have somepony next ta me. She an' Ah jus' couldn't click though, an' Ah realized that Ah couldn't count on her ta...”

“To what?” Twilight asked softly, kneeling down in front of the crying mare.

“To... protect me...” Applejack admitted, surprising Twilight, “Ah was still alone. Even when Fluttershy joined us, she kept her distance from everyone, only showin up when she was called. Ah couldn't depend on anyone...”

“Until Dash became an Element, right?” Twilight probed. The shocked look on Applejack's face was all the confirmation she needed, “That's why you brought her with you yesterday instead of calling Rarity or Fluttershy. She's your friend, and you felt safe with her.”

“Is that so wrong?” Applejack asked earnestly, “Is it bad that Ah wanted someone ta take care of me?”

“I don't think so,” Twilight said, “Even with your power, you're still a pony. You have... fears...”

It was then that Twilight realized something major. Why Applejack wanted her help so badly. Before Twilight was wondering what somepony like her could do for someone as amazing as Applejack, but looking at her like this, it made sense. She wanted someone who could bring everyone together. She actually needed Twilight.

“I get it now,” Twilight said, “This is why you turned to me for help.”

Applejack nodded, “Ah felt safe followin yer guidance. Ah don't know what Ah'm doin half the time, but when Ah followed yer lead, Ah knew Ah'd be okay,” Applejack lowered her head in shame, “But... seein me like this now... Ah guess ya don't want anythin ta do with me anymore. You an' everyone else...”

“I'm not going to leave you,” Twilight said, “In fact, I'll do it.”

Applejack looked at Twilight in shock, “Ya... mean it?”

Twilight nodded, “I didn't think I could be any help to you and the others, since I didn't have the magic of harmony. Looking at you though, I feel like maybe I could help you. So... I'll be your strategist.”

“Twilight...” Applejack said, tears falling from her eyes as she smiled. Twilight hesitated for a second, but soon wrapped her forelegs around Applejack in an embrace.

“I'll never leave you, Applejack. You're not alone anymore.”

“Thank you,” Applejack said wrapping her forelegs around Twilight, “Thank you so much Twilight!”

Twilight helped Applejack up, “First, we need to find Rarity. You two need to work things out if we're going to help the others.”

Applejack looked down, but nodded. She and Twilight ran out of the barn into town, Twilight wondering if Pinkamena knew this was what Applejack needed.

They didn't realize it, but Pinkamena was standing right outside the barn listening to their conversation. She watched the two of them gallop into town, smiling softly as she breathed out in relief.

“Glad I was able to fix that,” she said to herself, “I'll be able to join you guys soon, I'm sure.”

Author's Notes:

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