Dependence

The labyrinth formed was what looked like a canyon of sorts. Walking through the canyon in the general direction of the mansion was a nightmare shaped like a giant hornet. As it was a blue type, its stripes were dark blue and yellow, and its eyes were light blue.

Rarity ran into the labyrinth and glared at the nightmare.

“Hmph, is this all?” Rarity taunted, her entire body glowing, “And here I was worried. Don't die too soon now.”

A light purple gemstone latched onto Rarity's chest, immediately creating her blue crystal chest plate. She flinched slightly from the influx of power as her entire body began to glow white.

Her body grew slightly, and her horn grew to be two times its previous length. She elegantly spun around as the rest of her regalia latched onto her body as her mane and tail grew in volume and length.

Large white wings appeared on her back, and the last thing that appeared on her was her crystal tiara. She flew around a bit, and then elegantly landed with one foot raised, ending her transformation.

The nightmare must have realized what Rarity was, because it flew up and pointed its stinger at Rarity and began firing at her.

Rarity took to the skies and flew around the labyrinth as the monster rapid fired its stinger at her. Rarity turned to it and charged up her magic, firing three lasers at it.

The lasers hit the nightmare in the face, which seemed to anger it. It charged at her, but she flew above it, and then tackled it in the back, impaling it with her horn and knocking it onto the ground.

She jumped off it and landed in front of it. The nightmare hissed loudly at Rarity as she dusted herself off, and she turned to the monster with a sultry smile. She winked at the nightmare to provoke it, and the nightmare flew up again. This time it fired a stream of electricity at Rarity, knocking her back.

She flipped in the air and landed on her feet. Once she stood up, she saw the hornet nightmare fly into her and tackle her into a mountain. The hornet slowly flew back away from Rarity and pointed its stinger at her. It fired its electric blast at her, electrocuting her.

She fell to the ground and forced herself to her feet. She looked up at the nightmare and gritted her teeth. She was beginning to think that she bit off more than she could chew.

This thing is tough. Are you sure you can't come to help me?

Oddly, Applejack's mental voice was moaning a bit as she spoke.

Sorry… Ah'm a little… tied up at the… moment…! Ah can't… help…!

What the hell was she doing? Normally she'd be right there to help if Rarity asked. If she couldn't come to help though…

It's fine Applejack. I'll manage.

Sorry… Rarity… Good luck…

Rarity sighed and charged up as much magic as she could, and fired five lasers at the nightmare, knocking it out of the sky. Once it landed, she galloped over to it and began slashing it with her horn. The nightmare knocked her back, and then turned to the side whacking her with its tail/stinger.

Rarity rolled to her feet, and looked up at the nightmare's face. It had a crack. Maybe she could actually banish it now.

Rarity nodded to herself and galloped toward the nightmare, firing her lasers at its face until it cracked open. She then jumped onto its face and fired her banishing spell at it.

The nightmare thrashed wildly trying to knock her off. It was a rough ride, but after a few seconds the nightmare vanished, making Rarity fall to the ground.

The labyrinth vanished, and Rarity found herself right in front of Filthy Rich's manor. As she reverted back to her unicorn form, she was unaware of the unicorn that stood nearby glaring at her demonically.

“Only one this time?” Trixie asked, her eyes glowing red, “I'm going to have to up the ante if I want her to show up.”

Rarity went to the park and sat down after that little ordeal. She didn't expect that fight to be so tough. Then again, they were talking about how the nightmares were getting stronger, including the blue types. It would have been better if she had help fighting it.

Speaking of…

Why didn't Applejack come to her aid? Sure, they didn't get along well outside battle, but when it came to Element of Harmony business, Applejack was always the most dedicated. The only time she wouldn't have dropped everything to come to her aid would be if she couldn't.

She wasn't in any danger or anything, was she?

Rarity looked back at the mansion in the distance and saw a sight she didn't think she'd ever see. She saw Applejack stepping out of the mansion, wearing a trench coat and heavier make-up than usual. Her mane was out like it would be transformed, and she looked a mess.

Rarity frowned and trotted over to her as she left the mansion's walkway.

“Well, you look absolutely dreadful,” Rarity said. Applejack froze at the sound of her voice.

“Ah'm… guessin you were able to banish the nightmare?” Applejack asked.

“No thanks to my partner, yes,” Rarity shot. Applejack sighed.

“Look, Ah'm sorry. You know me, if Ah could-”

“I know, Applejack, and that's why I'm worried,” Rarity said walking in front of Applejack and looking her in the eyes, “You'd never decline help from a fellow Element without good reason, and you were clearly within range.”

“What are ya implyin?” Applejack asked narrowing her eyes.

“I saw you leave Filthy Rich's mansion. What business did you have with him, anyway?”

“My business with Filthy Rich is none of yer business!” Applejack shot, “Ah jus' needed his help with somethin, is all.”

“Yet you couldn't ask him to wait for a few minutes?” Rarity asked.

“Why do you care so much? The nightmare is gone, ain't it?” Applejack asked.

“That nightmare was making its way to the mansion,” Rarity said, shocking Applejack.

“It… it was…?”

“You were there, so if anything happened that was attracting that nightmare or possibly even being manipulated by it, you'd be the best one to ask. Yet once again, I'm guessing you weren't there for investigation, so what else could you be there for?”

“Once again, that's none of yer business!” Applejack said pushing past Rarity. The action knocked something out of her pocket. Rarity looked and saw a wad of bills.

“Applejack…” Rarity said, eyes wide, “You didn't…”

Applejack snatched the bills and stuffed them back into her pocket turning her back to Rarity. She didn't say anything or move for the longest time, but Rarity could see she was trembling.

“Don't… say… anything…” Applejack said.

“You are having trouble, aren't you?” Rarity asked, “Applejack, I can-”

“AH SAID DON'T SAY ANYTHING!!!” Applejack screamed, “Ah don't want yer pity or yer money! Ah don't want anythin from you!”

“You hate me so much that you're even determined to decline my help?” Rarity asked, “Do you know how stubborn you're being right now?”

“Ah ain't gonna be indebted to you!” Applejack said.

“So you'd rather be indebted to him?!” Rarity asked, “God Applejack, you're so-”

“What?!” Applejack turned back to Rarity, “What am Ah Rarity?! Jus' come out an' say it!!”

Rarity and Applejack glared at each other for a few long seconds, until Rarity sighed closing her eyes, “What's the point? You've already formed your opinion of me,” Rarity walked past Applejack in the direction of her home, “We need to talk to Twilight and the others about this nightmare. I'll see you at the library.”

Now alone, Applejack took a deep breath to try and calm herself down. Once she was calm enough, she began walking back to her house, but the walk was long and heavy. Once inside, she saw that everyone had gone to bed already.

She trotted up to her room, threw off her coat and the horrible ensemble Filthy Rich made her wear before falling onto her bed, now unable to keep her tears inside.

“Why won't you leave me alone…?” Applejack sobbed, “Even now, yer still throwin yer money in my face…!”

As for Rarity, she lied down on her bed covering her eyes as oddly, tears were building up in her eyes. Why did seeing Applejack in pain like that hurt her so much? Why did it hurt when Applejack declined her help again? Why did it always hurt when Applejack said those hurtful things to her.

And why did Rarity not just say “fuck it” a long time ago?

“Stupid, stupid Applejack…!” Rarity said, “I want to help you, but you keep pushing me away…! You're too independent for your own good…!” tears started streaming from her eyes, “I…”

“Ah…” Applejack said, gritting her teeth as her tears continued to flow.

I hate that about you so much!

The next day, everyone gathered everyone back at the library for another meeting. Once again, Pinkamena was there too, this time upstairs looking at various books on the shelves. She always seemed to be there during the more serious meetings.

“So the next one is going to attack Rich's family?” Twilight asked.

“That's what it looks like,” Applejack said, “Rarity said that it was makin it's way there.”

“I live nearby, so I was able to sense it,” Rarity said, “It was so late, and I figured everyone would be asleep by then, so I took care of it.”

Twilight could tell there was more going on, but she didn't press it. She did sense a little tension between Applejack and Rarity, at least more tension than usual.

Who knew what that mare did to set Applejack off.

“Fluttershy and I did run into some odd looking avatars yesterday, right Partner?” Rainbow Dash asked Fluttershy, who nodded.

“They were bug types, like spiders,” Fluttershy stated, “I think they're left over nightmares from the Everfree Forest.”

“But we took out the red type in the forest, didn't we?” Spike asked, “Didn't that disperse them or something?”

“Sadly, until we find the Element of Laughter an' learn how ta awaken Twilight's abilities as the chosen pony, there ain't a way to permanently destroy any of these nightmares,” Applejack explained. They didn't notice, but Pinkamena looked to the side seriously when Applejack said that.

“Though it is rather unusual,” Rarity said, “Why are the ones in the Everfree Forest coming into Ponyville? They're not smart enough to change tactics like that.”

“Maybe they're being led there by something,” Fluttershy suggested, “Or maybe even someone.”

“We don't know where the nightmares are coming from,” Spike said, “We can't rule out the possibility that somepony is actually creating them.”

“That's crazy,” Dash said, “How could anypony create those monsters let alone lead them?”

“Well, how can a regular pony ascend to alicorn state through will alone?” Rarity asked. Rainbow Dash sighed in defeat.

“Point made,” Dash said.

“We need to look into this angle,” Twilight said, “Two of us need to keep an eye on Mr. Rich's mansion and his family, while the rest of us be on the lookout for anypony who looks suspicious. Unicorn, pegasus, earth pony, I don't care. If the nightmare works similar to the magic of harmony, it could grant that sort of power to anyone regardless of race.”

“I volunteer to watch Rich's place,” Rarity said suddenly, surprising everyone there, “What?”

“Um, no offense, but you're never this… proactive,” Dash said. Rarity turned her nose to the air.

“I have my reasons for keeping that place safe,” Rarity said, “Applejack, I'm assuming you'll be coming with me?”

“Yeah… Ah will,” Applejack said looking at Rarity suspiciously. Okay, seriously, what was going on with these two today?

“Fluttershy and I can keep a look out around town from the sky,” Rainbow Dash said, “I have a day off from work, so I'll be fine.”

“I'm a freelance worker, so my schedule is clear anyway,” Fluttershy added, “There's somepony I want to investigate anyway, so this is perfect.”

“Spike,” Twilight said, “I want you to stay close to me this time.”

“Because of Trixie?” Spike asked.

“Y-yeah, that's it,” Twilight said, looking away from Spike and blushing. She briefly looked at Rarity, who narrowed her eyes at Twilight knowingly.

She knows the real reason.

“Well then, I better get going,” Rarity said, “I finished my work early, so I can spend some time watching over the mansion. Applejack, what about you?”

“Ah… can't make it till later,” Applejack said, “Ya know Ah'll be around, but…”

“I see,” Rarity said, “Well then, as long as you're nearby nothing is wrong. Twilight, everyone, if you'd excuse me.”

Rarity, as usual, was the first one to leave. Pinkamena closed the book she was reading and left shortly after as Rainbow Dash walked over to Applejack.

“Hey, you okay?” Rainbow Dash asked, “You and Rarity seem a little more tense than usual.”

“You two didn't have another fight, did you?” Fluttershy asked.

“It ain't no different than usual,” Applejack said, “She an' Ah will deal with it, like always.”

“Augh! Shoot!” Spike shouted, getting everyone's attention, “Twilight, there was that other thing we needed to ask everyone about!”

“Right!” Twilight exclaimed, “Ugh, why does Rarity always leave like that?!”

“I'll go after her and ask her directly,” Spike said running out of the library. Twilight sighed shaking her head, but then looked up at the others as they stared at her in confusion.

“Is there somethin ya wanna ask us?” Applejack asked.

“Well… Spike and I wanted to consult with someone special about the issue of Nightmare Night,” Twilight said, “But we didn't feel right now asking you all first. You see…”

“You want to ask the Princess about Nightmare Night?” Rarity asked after Spike caught up to her in Ponyville park and filled her in on everything.

“Mom knows a lot about ancient magic,” Spike said, “And she's an alicorn herself. She might have an idea of when it is.”

“You really didn't need to consult with me on this,” Rarity said looking away, “I'm fine with whatever the majority vote is. Not like my opinion matters much in this team.”

“That's not true!” Spike said, surprising Rarity, “You're opinion matters just as much as everyone else! At least, it matters to me.”

“Spike… I…” Rarity sighed, “You must think of me as a horrible pony after how I acted with the Trixie incident.”

“I'd never think of you as a bad pony,” Spike said honestly, “You have your reasons for not wanting to get involved, and I respect that.”

“Oh Spike…” Rarity said.

“But, I wish you'd at least keep an eye on Trixie,” Spike continued, “She may not be a nightmare, but she's unpredictable, and Twilight seems to seriously think she's going to hurt her. Sure, Twilight's prone to overreacting to things, but if she feels her life is in danger, there must be a reason for it.”

“Damn it,” Rarity said looking away a bit, “For you, Spike, I'll keep an eye on both of them.”

“Rarity,” Spike said smiling.

“But, my feelings before still stand. I'm not going to coddle Twilight. Her neurosis and phobia isn't an excuse for her to be weak.”

“No, you're right,” Spike said, “I appreciate you being there for Twilight like you do. Like I said, she needs someone in her life that isn't going to just be nice to her for no reason. Seriously, thank you Rarity.”

Rarity smiled warmly, “You're welcome, Spike,” she then pulled him in and kissed him lovingly, “I'll see you later.”

“Yeah, see you later,” Spike said smiling. He turned and walked back to the library.

“Oh, and Spike?” Rarity called out stopping him, “Do try to remember who you belong to, hm?”

She fluttered her eyelashes and swished her tail strategically, loving the silly lovesick/lustful look that came over Spike's face. She giggled and sauntered off, once again confirming to herself that Spike was still hers.

You're going to have to try harder than that, Twilight.

Talk to the Princess, huh? Applejack had to admit, she was reluctant to get Princess Celestia involved in their fight. Still, she was an alicorn like them, albeit from a different source. Applejack didn't know how old she was, so she might know something.

“So, think we'll meet her?” Dash asked walking next to Applejack.

“Hm?” Applejack asked.

“The Princess. We're friends with Twilight and Spike now, and we're alicorns too.”

“Yeah, that's true,” Applejack said, “But Ah wouldn't hold yer breath. We may be alicorns, but we're not recognized as official princesses.”

“Not yet anyway,” Dash said under her throat.

“Applejack! Mom!” Scootaloo called out. Both mares looked ahead and saw Scootaloo on her scooter driving over to them at high speed.

“Scootaloo, what's wrong?” Dash asked.

“Apple Bloom told me to get Applejack! It's Granny Smith!”

“What about her?!” Applejack asked suddenly.

“She's in the hospital!” Scootaloo said. Applejack was wide eyed for a second before she galloped to the hospital. She heard Dash call after her, but she couldn't stop.

It only took her a few minutes to get to the hospital, where she saw Macintosh and Apple Bloom in the lobby, Macintosh holding a sobbing Apple Bloom.

“Apple Bloom! Macintosh!” Applejack called out. Apple Bloom immediately ran over to Applejack and embraced her.

“Applejack! Granny Smith collapsed at home!” Apple Bloom sobbed.

“Do we know what happened?” Applejack asked.

“The doctors said her heart started failin her,” Macintosh said, “They're surprised she's lastin this long.”

“Excuse me,” a doctor said walking over to Applejack, “Are you the eldest granddaughter?”

“Ah am,” Applejack said.

“Miss Smith wanted to see you,” the doctor said, “For some reason, she insists on meeting you privately. She said you'd understand.”

Applejack did understand. Without saying a word, she let go of Apple Bloom and started making her way to Granny Smith's room.

“Applejack, let me come with ya!” Apple Bloom said.

“Sorry Apple Bloom, but Ah need ya ta stay here with Macintosh,” Applejack said, “Everythin is gonna be alright Apple Bloom.”

Apple Bloom looked disappointed, but she nodded in understanding. Applejack was her hero after all. She could make everything better. She always did.

Applejack just hoped that she'd be able to live up to that expectation.

When she walked into the room, the doctor closed the door behind her. Granny Smith was the only one in the room, lying on the bed with her eyes closed.

Applejack called on the magic of harmony, shifting back into her true alicorn state and trotting over to Granny Smith's side. Immediately she began casting her magic, empowering Granny Smith's body. After a second, the elderly earth pony opened her eyes and turned to her granddaughter.

“Oh hello sweetie,” Granny Smith said, as positive as always.

“Are you alright, Granny Smith?” Applejack asked.

“Ah'm fine,” Granny Smith said sitting up, “Jus' pushed myself a little too hard. Macintosh needed a little help around the house, an' Ah was feelin better, so Ah thought Ah'd earn my keep.”

“Granny Smith…” Applejack sighed, “Ya should have waited till Ah got back.”

“Yer already doin too much,” Granny Smith said, “Between supportin the family, an' fightin those nightmares, someone's gotta look out fer ya.”

She was so strong. Nothing like Applejack. Nothing like how Apple Bloom saw her. Why couldn't the magic of harmony have chosen Granny Smith? The magic could have kept her eternally young, and she'd do the Element of Honesty justice. She was honestly strong willed.

Applejack was nothing but a liar.

The doctor knocked on the door to get Applejack's attention. Applejack immediately turned back into her earth pony state.

“Come in,” Applejack said. The doctor opened the door and walked in a bit.

“Miss Jacquelyn, can I talk to you outside?” the doctor asked. Applejack nodded and followed the doctor outside the room, “Her heart isn't going to last much longer. We need to keep her here so she'll be able to get the best treatment.”

“That's fine,” Applejack said, “Do whatever ya have ta do.”

“That's the thing, Miss Jacquelyn,” the doctor said, “With the state she's in, the expenses would still cost quite a bit, even with her healthcare.”

“How much?” Applejack asked. The doctor showed her his clipboard with the cost circled. That was way more zeroes than she was expecting, “Ahh…”

“We can't afford to move her,” the doctor warned, “Can you cover these-”

“Yes,” Applejack said, “Ah can cover this. Ah actually have the money right now.”

“Oh,” the doctor said, clearly surprised, “Well then, come with me and we'll fill out the paperwork.”

Applejack followed the doctor to the front desk, where she filled out the paper work and paid for Granny Smith's treatment. Macintosh walked over to her, shocked when she reached into her saddlebag and pulled out the money.

“Where the hell did ya…” Macintosh asked.

“That ain't important,” Applejack said, “Granny Smith is gonna be stayin here.”

“Applejack, we can't afford-”

“Yes we can,” Applejack said, “Ah've got it all taken care of.”

Applejack walked over to Apple Bloom and guided her out of the hospital, knowing full well that Macintosh was glaring at her.

“Is Granny Smith gonna die too?” Apple Bloom asked Applejack as they walked back home.

“Ah…” Applejack looked away a bit, “Ah'm sure the doctors 're gonna do everything in their power to help her. Ah don't want you ta worry 'bout that though. Yer birthday's in a few days, an' Ah'm gonna make sure it's a good one regardless of all of this.”

“Really?” Apple Bloom asked looking up at her sister, “Ya don't have ta do go outta yer way, Applejack.”

“Apple Bloom, when have Ah ever let ya down?” Applejack asked.

“Never,” Apple Bloom said.

“So when Ah say Ah'm gonna give ya the best eighth birthday, ya know Ah'm gonna provide,” Applejack said nuzzling her sister. Once they got home, Macintosh pulled Applejack aside.

“Ah don't know where that money came from,” Macintosh said, “But Ah'm pretty sure that money was what you were gonna use fer Apple Bloom's birthday party, right?”

“What of it?” Applejack asked looking away, “Ah got that before, an' Ah'll get more.”

“Applejack, we got bills comin in,” Macintosh said, “Even with her job at the club, unless we skimp a bit on-”

“We ain't skimpin on Apple Bloom's birthday,” Applejack said, “Ah promised Ah would get her the best birthday, an' Ah never back down on my promises.”

Macintosh sighed, “What sort of plan do ya have? Ya plan on askin yer friend Rarity ta cover-”

“That mare ain't my friend!” Applejack shouted, “Ah ain't gonna be indebted ta her!”

“Applejack, what do ya got against her anyway?” Macintosh said, “Ah met her myself, an' she seems nice enough, even if she's a little stuck up.”

“Believe me, it's all an act,” Applejack said venomously turning her back to her older brother, “That mare will say an' do anythin ta look good in the eyes of other ponies so she can get what she wants.”

“How do ya know that?” Macintosh asked.

“Cause Ah used ta be jus' like her,” Applejack said walking back to her room. If she was going to make this happen, she needed to work extra hard. It was a good thing she asked for extra hours at the club. She'd be able to work there for a bit, and then make her way to Rich's mansion.

At least she'd be able to relax and blow off some steam before then.

After putting on her make-up and brushing her hair, she started making her way to the Midnight Haven where she worked part time three days a week.

When she turned the corner to the red light section of Ponyville, she saw a stallion wearing a trench coat and hat waiting for her. He trotted over to her and raised his hat, revealing Filthy Rich.

“I had a feeling I'd run into you here, Abigail,” Filthy Rich said with an arrogant smirk.

“Mr. Rich,” Applejack said stepping back a bit, “Ah ain't-” she caught herself when she saw him raise his eyebrows, “I'm not due till later tonight, M-Master.”

“I heard about what happened to your grandmother,” Filthy Rich said, “I might be willing to cover her medical expenses, assuming you're willing to compensate me generously.”

He began caressing the side of her face. She knew exactly what he wanted. Ever since his wife left him, he had wanted her to be his full time slave. She couldn't move in, as she needed to take care of her family, but Filthy Rich certainly had a plan for that.

“What will it be, Abigail?” Filthy Rich asked, “Are you going to do what you have to do for your family?”

Applejack closed her eyes painfully, “Y-yes…”

“Beg me,” Filthy Rich commanded. Applejack took a deep breath.

“P-please Master… I'll do anything…” Applejack begged, trembling as she spoke. She was getting sick to her stomach, hating that she was groveling before this stallion.

“Good girl,” Filthy Rich said, “Starting today, you belong to me,” he reached into his trench coat pocket and pulled out a dark red choker, “You're to wear this at all times from now on. During the days when you don't work at the club, you are to come to my mansion and work as my personal servant. After work today, we'll fill out a contract, making it official.”

“Yes… Master…” Applejack said putting the choker around her neck.

“Also,” Filthy Rich pulled out a small red pill shaped device, “Tonight, I want you to work with this inside you.”

He was not serious, was he? He wanted her to work with that thing inside of her? He must have been trying to humiliate her. Wait, this was Filthy Rich, of course he was trying to humiliate her.

Still, looking into his eyes let her know she didn't have a choice.

“Yes Master,” Applejack said, “I understand.”

“That's a good pet,” Filthy Rich said before pulling her into a passionate kiss. She felt herself die inside, and for the first time she absolutely dreaded going into work today. Filthy Rich was going to do everything in his power to make sure she didn't have a job after this. That she'd have to depend on him.

As she made out with her Master, she was unaware of the alabaster white unicorn watching her from behind a corner. Rarity glared in their direction, and then sauntered off.

Author's Notes:

Hate Filthy Rich yet? I know I do.

Also, I'm curious if anyone here knows what I'm deconstructing with Applejack yet. This story is really fun to write, but it's hard taking all of the mane 6 and deconstructing them.

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