Author's Notes:

So yeah, apologies with how long it took to get back to this. I needed to figure out where to really take this arc, as I needed to know what exactly I wanted to deconstruct with Applejack here. I had an idea, but it wasn't completely fleshed out. As you can see here, that's all changed, so for the next month I'm going to try and work on this character arc.

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Superiority

Things had settled down for the most part in Ponyville. There was usually a period of at least a week or two of peace in between Nightmare attacks, which worked well for Twilight, who spent these times doing research on the Nightmares and Nightmare Night.

At least, as much as she could with the limited knowledge she had.

“Is there really nothing on it?” Twilight asked closing her book and sitting back in her chair. The bell on the door chimed as it opened. She was about to groan at being interrupted, but stopped when she saw Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo walk in, “Oh, hi you two.”

“Heya Twilight,” Dash said, “Hope you don't mind us stopping by.”

“I don't mind you stopping in to see me,” Twilight said, “You two are always welcome.”

“Hey, I'm gonna check out the mythology section,” Scootaloo said.

“Alright, let me know if you find anything you like, okay?” Dash said. Scootaloo nodded and galloped away. Twilight walked over to Dash as they both looked at Scootaloo.

“How are things between you two?” Twilight asked.

“They're pretty good,” Dash said smiling softly, “I thought it'd be harder, you know? But I sort of fell right into the role of mother.”

“I could tell you'd be a great mother,” Twilight said, “All you have to do is love her, and you seem to be an expert on that subject.”

“Thanks,” Dash said chuckling, “Not just for that, but for talking to the Princess. Thanks to you and Spike, Scootaloo and I can actually be a family now.”

“I never liked the Council,” Twilight said seriously, “They're always trying to make decisions without Princess Celestia's consent. For the most part she lets them do what they want because it's harmless, but sometimes they can be real pigheaded.”

“Well, I'm happy I have a connection into royalty,” Dash said, catching herself, “Um, don't think that's the only reason I became friends with you. Because it's totally not, okay?”

Twilight giggled, “It's fine. I trust you. Besides, Applejack told me that you're a pretty bad liar, so I'd know.”

“W-well she's one to talk,” Dash defended, blushing a bit, “She's an even worse liar than me.”

Twilight laughed out loud at that, and soon Rainbow Dash joined her. She couldn't remember the last time she laughed so hard. Not even Spike made her laugh as much as Rainbow Dash did.

“So what brings you guys over here?” Twilight said, “Besides gracing me with your “amazingly sexy” presence.”

Dash sighed playfully, “Am I that obvious?” she asked flicking her mane sensually, “Well, Scootaloo wanted to check out a few more books on alicorns. She's become really obsessed with them.”

“Considering her mother is one, I'm not too surprised,” Twilight said, “We actually have a couple of new books in today. I'll go see if any of them are to Scootaloo's liking.”

“Thanks Twilight,” Rainbow Dash said. Twilight nodded smiling and trotted off, leaving Dash alone in the lobby to watch the library.

Just as Dash sat down, the door chimed again. This time another unicorn walked in. She had an azure blue coat, light blue mane that was thick and wavy, matching tail, and was wearing a black witch's hat and cape. On her flank was a Cutie Mark of a magical wand. Dash looked at her, and immediately felt something dark on her.

There was something not right about that pony.

She sauntered inside and looked around, stopping when she saw Rainbow Dash eying her.

“Oh hello,” the unicorn mare said, her voice deep and sultry, “Like what you see?”

“S-sorry,” Dash said looking away, “I was just taken aback by your presence. I'm watching the library for my friend, see.”

“Your friend?” the unicorn asked, “I didn't know little Twilie had those anymore.”

“You know Twilight?” Dash said, frowning as the gears started to turn in her head.

“She hasn't told you about me?” the unicorn asked sauntering over to Rainbow Dash, “I'm hurt. To think she'd not only replace me with some winged mule, but she wouldn't even tell her about who she was replacing.”

“What the?” Dash said, not sure what she felt more of. Offended at that obviously racist remark, or wary at the identity of this pony, “Okay, who the hell are-”

“Dash, I found some books I think Scootaloo will love,” Twilight said trotting back into the lobby, “Turns out we have three new books on-” she stopped, freezing in place and dropping the books on the floor when she saw the unicorn.

“Twilight!” the unicorn said galloping over to Twilight and getting right in her face, “You remember me, right?”

“T-Trixie…” Twilight said, trembling and stepping away from the unicorn, a look of panic coming over her.

“Oh good, I had thought you'd completely forgotten me, seeing as how you replaced me and all,” the unicorn, identified as Trixie said.

“Y-you need to leave…” Twilight stammered.

“Why so soon?” Trixie asked, “We just met up. Don't you want to know what I've been up to? After I was disgraced in the academy? After I left that horrid place?”

“I…” Twilight said, backing up against a wall as Trixie continued to approach her.

“Has the princess been treating you well, Twilight?” Trixie asked, “Still being coddled by Her Majesty? I see you're just as weak now as you were back then. Seeing you like this is driving me crazy though,” Trixie got in close to Twilight, who closed her eyes in panic as Trixie whispered into her ear, “I know you fear me… Twilie…”

Trixie was about to lick her ear, but a hoof grabbed her shoulder stopping her.

“Hey? Ever hear of personal space?” Dash asked seriously. Trixie laughed sensually and turned to Dash.

“Who are you supposed to be? Her body guard or something?” Trixie asked.

“If I have to be, yeah,” Dash said narrowing her eyes, “She clearly wants you to leave, so I think that's a good idea, before I have to throw you out.” Trixie laughed again.

“A plebeian such as yourself threatens moi? One who is clearly of a superior class than you? I think not. I'm not afraid of you or Little Miss Perfect here,” Trixie turned back to Twilight, “But I see when I'm not wanted. I'll leave you alone, for now… Twilie…” she quickly licked Twilight's cheek, a motion that made Twilight visibly panic.

“Bitch!” Dash shouted, about to grab Trixie just before she teleported away from her back to the front door, “How the hell?!”

“Hopefully next time it'll be just the two of us,” Trixie said, “See you again soon, Twilie.”

Trixie sauntered out of the library as Twilight fell to the ground trembling. Dash immediately knelt down to her.

“Twilight, talk to me!” Dash said, “Are you okay?”

“Trixie's back…” Twilight muttered, “She's here… she's going to come after me… she's going to hurt me…”

“Twilight!” Dash fussed.

“Trixie's… going to hurt me… I know it…”

“TWILIGHT!!!” Dash screamed, snapping Twilight out of her daze, “She's gone. She's not going to hurt you, okay?”

“Dash…!” Twilight said before breaking down and falling into Dash's embrace. Scootaloo, who was hiding behind a bookshelf the entire time ran over to them.

“Is Miss Sparkle going to be okay?” Scootaloo asked.

“She will be,” Dash said, “Scootaloo, I need you to try and track down Spike and bring him here. I'm going to call my friends and bring them here, okay?”

“Got it!” Scootaloo said galloping out of the library. Tightening her embrace, Dash mentally reached out to her other Elements.

Hey! We have an emergency! The Captain needs us! Get to the library quick!

A few seconds to a minute later, Applejack, Fluttershy, and even Rarity ran into the library. Spike and Scootaloo were with Rarity when they came in, and Spike immediately pulled Twilight into her embrace as she sobbed.

“Damn it,” Spike said, “I'm sorry Twilight.”

“It's not your fault,” Twilight said, “I didn't know that Trixie was in Ponyville.”

“If I had known, I would have told you,” Fluttershy said softly, “Who is that pony anyway?”

“Beatrix Lulamoon,” Spike said, “Trixie for short. She's the pony who attacked Twilight years ago, causing her to be afraid of being touched.”

“What was she doin here?” Applejack asked, “She didn't come here jus' ta harass Twilight, did she?”

“I think she did,” Dash said, “She seemed to almost get off on seeing Twilight so afraid of her.”

“Well, be that as it may,” Rarity said turning away, “She's not a major threat.”

“We don't know that,” Applejack said, “She could attack Twilight or somethin. As she's the chosen pony, we need ta-”

“What? Are we supposed to defend her from every solitary thing in the world?” Rarity asked turning to Applejack, “We're her guardians against the nightmares, but I don't remember signing on to be her personal lap dog. This Trixie can't do anything except harass her outside the labyrinths. Until she becomes a threat inside the labyrinths, this isn't my problem.”

“Yer seriously not gonna help her?” Applejack asked incredulous, “Ah should have known you'd be too selfish ta even lift a hoof. Ain't like she's yer friend or anythin.”

“Glad we have that understanding,” Rarity said turning her nose to the air and trotting to the door, “Spike, if you want to stay with Twilight for the rest of the day that's fine. I'll be able to manage on my own.”

Spike sighed, “Alright. I'll stop by later this week.”

“I'll be waiting for you,” Rarity said. She took one last look at Twilight and then walked out of the door. It was Rainbow Dash that broke the silence that followed her departure.

“What the hell do you see in that bitch?” Dash asked.

“It's complicated,” Spike said, “I'll talk to her later, but right now…”

“Twilight is more important,” Fluttershy said, “If you want, Dash and I can keep an eye out for Trixie.”

“That's okay,” Twilight said, “I appreciate you guys wanting to stay, but I don't want to be a burden.”

“Aw, Twilight, ya ain't a burden to any of us,” Applejack said, “We're a team, remember? Unlike some of us, we look out fer our own no matter what.”

“But Rarity is right,” Twilight said with visible hesitation, “As much as I really hate admitting that, you all can't drop everything because Trixie is in town. I have Spike with me, so that should be enough.”

“Yeah, well I'm still gonna check on you from time to time,” Dash said, “I'd be a terrible friend if I didn't.”

“I'll check on you too,” Scootaloo said, “Any friend of my Mom's is a friend of mine.”

Twilight smiled at Scootaloo, who she was really beginning to like. Every team needed at least one tag along kid.

Applejack looked up at the clock, “Shoot, it's already that time? Ah gotta go fer now, but Ah'll be checkin on ya too, alright?”

“Alright. Thanks everyone,” Twilight said. Once everyone left the library, Twilight leaned into Spike smiling, “Thanks for staying with me Spike.”

“Hey, it's no problem at all,” Spike said, “I'm sorry if Rarity upset you.”

“Rarity is just being Rarity,” Twilight said, “I'm not going to let her attitude screw with me. She's a bitch, but sadly she does have a point. Trixie isn't as big of a problem as the nightmares.”

“Yeah, that's true…” Spike said, clearly unsure. Twilight pushed to her feet and walked over to her desk.

“I've been trying to figure out more about the nightmares and when Nightmare Night could begin,” Twilight said, “So far I've come up with nothing though.”

“Rarity showed me a really old book today that spoke of the Elements of Harmony,” Spike said, “But it was calling them relics of magic that were used by two legendary ponies to stop a demon of some sort.”

“Ugh, more myths,” Twilight groaned, “How are we supposed to learn what these things are if all we have to go on is legends and myths with questionable accuracy?”

“Maybe…” Spike trailed off thinking to himself.

“Maybe what?” Twilight asked.

“Um, nothing,” Spike said, “Hey, maybe we could consult with Mom on this.”

“I don't know Spike,” Twilight said, “The others didn't really want anyone to know about their fight. If we told the Princess…”

“But she already knows a bit, right?” Spike asked, “We told her about the Elements existing. Maybe if we told her about how much trouble we're having with this, she might be able to guide us.”

“Mmm…” Twilight thought hard about it, “Well, I suppose it would be nice to see her again…”

“How about I send her a letter and we plan a visit,” Spike said, “I'm sure she'd love to meet our friends.”

“Well… okay,” Twilight said, “But we need to at least talk to Applejack and the others about this first. I don't want to overstep our boundaries at all.”

“I'll ask Rarity about it tomorrow,” Spike said, “Then she can help me reach the others,” Spike must have noticed how tense she was still, because he walked over to her, “You're not too worried about Trixie, are you?”

“Why was she here?” Twilight asked, “She's been gone for years, and then all of a sudden she shows up here just to exert her power over me?”

“Why knows,” Spike said, “I heard from Minuette and Lyra that Trixie was seen practicing black magic before leaving Mom's school. But hey, it's not like she can actually do anything, right? I mean, you have an army of alicorn princesses defending you plus me, a fire breathing dragon who's your best friend. Trixie would have to be absolutely insane or an arch mage of the highest caliber to face those odds.”

“I suppose you're right,” Twilight said, even though she was still terrified. Something told Twilight that she might have been one of those things, and she was worried of which one, if not both. One thing was definitely for sure though.

She was going to run into Trixie again at some point.

“Everyone, Ah'm home,” Applejack said walking into the house. She saw Macintosh sorting through some of the mail on the couch and walked over to him, “Anythin fer me?”

“Eeyup,” Macintosh said handing her an envelop with fancy writing, addressed to “Abigail Jaqueline”. She opened the letter inside, feeling an odd mix of emotions when she read the simple one sentence letter.

One one hoof, this meant that he read her letter and could probably strike a deal of some sort. On the other hoof, said deal would involve…

“Applejack?” Macintosh asked, catching Applejack off guard.

“Yeah?”

“Ya alright there, sis? Yer looking a little pale.”

“Ah'm fine, Macintosh,” Applejack said tearing the letter up, “Ah need ta step out fer the night. If Ah don't make it back before Apple Bloom goes ta bed, give her a kiss on the forehead fer me.”

“Sure thing,” Macintosh said, a look of concern on his face as Applejack trotted upstairs, “But, where exactly are ya-”

“Don't worry about it,” Applejack said, “Jus' leave everythin ta me, alright?”

With that she walked up into her room, where she sat down in front of her vanity mirror and looked at herself, trying to mentally prepare herself for what she was about to do. Besides doing work around the farm and fighting nightmares, she had two other jobs she did that brought money to the household. It was thanks to these jobs that they were able to still live so comfortably while still paying for Granny Smith's medicine.

While one of her jobs was at least tolerable, the one she had today she hated with a burning passion. Still, she was summoned, and she never ignored a summon from this stallion. She was essentially this stallion's property.

“Well, no point in stallin,” Applejack said undoing her ponytail and letting her mane flow freely, “It'll be better ta jus' get it over with.”

She stood up and walked to her closet, pulling out the outfit she'd need for today. She had two variants of this outfit, and while she preferred the red one, her master liked the black one the most.

After everything that happened at Twilight's library, Rarity went to the spa to relax. She knew that everyone hated her for what she said concerning Twilight, but that was their problem. Rarity didn't have to be the one everyone liked. Spike didn't hate her, and based on his expression he understood why she said what she did.

As long as she had Spike, she'd be fine.

“Damn it, Rarity,” she said to herself lying in the hot tub, “You're a bitch till the bitter end. It's no wonder everyone hates you.”

Why did it bother her so much? She didn't really care what any of them thought of her, not even Fluttershy. She promised to always see her as a friend no matter what, and she had Spike now. So why did she still feel like the worst pony in the world.

Maybe it was because she still hated her guts.

She was liked by pretty much everyone. She didn't have to put on airs and be extra extravagant to get attention. She had a personality that drew people in, not push them away. She was everything that Rarity wanted to be, but wasn't.

Yet she never noticed it herself.

“Goddamn it!” Rarity swore, “Even now you still think of me as your superior, don't you?” she leaned into the water closing her eyes, “I hate you so much… Applejack.”

Donning her trench coat, she made her way to the fancy mansion in the far eastern end of Ponyville. She hated how she had to walk past Rarity's place in order to get here. There was always a risk of the pompous unicorn seeing her.

The last thing she needed was to give her another reason to look down on her.

When she reached the front door, she started trembling. It was the same every time she did it. She hated this stallion so much, yet she hated how much she partially loved the attention she got from him.

Fuck… Ah really am a slut, aren't I?

She ran the doorbell, and a few seconds later a maid opened the door.

“H-hello,” Applejack said, using her old Manehatten accent, “Master Rich summoned me here.”

“Yes Abigail, right this way,” the maid said escorting Applejack inside. She led her to the living room, where Applejack saw two more maids waiting for her. They approached her and took her coat, revealing the black leather outfit underneath. Said outfit consisted of a corset, black panties, fishnet stockings, and black high heels on her hind legs.

The maid she met earlier took her to a red pillow that had a pair of shackled sitting on it. The maid put the shackles on Applejack's fore hooves, and another maid put a collar around her neck and chained a leash to the wall behind her.

As they left, Applejack looked down in shame. She was careful not to cry too much, else she'd ruin the make up she put on just for this occasion. It only took a few seconds before the stallion who owned her walked into the living room, with his trademark smirk.

“Early as always I see,” the stallion, Filthy Rich said, “Such a good pet.”

“T-thank you… Master,” Applejack said, not looking her master in the eyes. No sooner than she said that, did a feeling of dread come over her. Damn it, why did a nightmare have to appear now of all times.

Applejack, I sense you nearby. Are you able to help take care of this one?

And of course, of all the Elements, it had to be Rarity within range.

Ah can't. Somethin came up, an' Ah can't leave. Ah need you ta handle this.

She heard Rarity groan in her head.

Fine, I'll take care of it. I should at least be able to drive it away.

Thanks Rarity.

“Is something the matter, pet?” Filthy Rich asked lifting her face to his.

“N-no Master,” Applejack said, “Everything is fine.”

“Show me,” Filthy Rich ordered, “Let me know that everything is okay.”

With that, he pulled her in and kissed her passionately, much like how Applejack wished she could kiss Flim.

At least she could count on Rarity to deal with the nightmare. Sure, they didn't get along outside of battle, but Applejack at least trusted Rarity in battle. She was just as dedicated to fighting the nightmares as she was.