Apple Bloom's Hero

Applejack tried to go to work at the club, but Rarity stopped her. She told Applejack that she was too stressed out to work well, and she was right. She wouldn't have been able to dance well enough to really get tips.

In terms of Mr. Rich, Rarity literally forbade Applejack from stepping foot near his place. She tried to tell Rarity that Rich wasn't really that bad, but Rarity wasn't hearing it.

As such, Applejack instead went to see Granny Smith in the hospital, where she told her what happened. Naturally Applejack was in her alicorn form.

“Oh Applejack, Ah'm sorry ya went through all that,” Granny Smith said placing a hoof on Applejack's.

“Thankfully things worked themselves out,” Applejack said, “You were right 'bout Rarity. She saved my life actually.”

“See, Ah told ya,” Granny Smith said with a smile, “That mare was yer best friend an' ya didn't even know it.”

“Oddly, Ah think yer right,” Applejack said, “Ah don't know what it is, but fer some reason this jus' feels right. Like it needed to be like this.”

“Y'all were probably good friends in another lifetime,” Granny Smith said, “Or even in another version of this time. Either way, Ah'm just happy to see you two finally close.”

She started coughing, alerting Applejack.

“Granny! Ah'll prepare the spell to-”

“No Applejack, not this time,” Granny Smith said softly, shocking Applejack immensely.

“W-what?! Granny Smith, ya can't give up! Ah can at least-

“Applejack honey, Ah'm tired,” Granny Smith said, “Ah wanted ta stick around ta look after you, but now Ah see yer gonna be fine. You got someone now who loves you probably as much as Ah do. As long as ya keep Rarity close, you'll be fine. That bein said, Ah think it's 'bout time Ah started packin my bags an' moving to the Orchard in the sky.”

Applejack hated hearing Granny Smith talk like that, but she didn't sound sad at all. She sounded… peaceful. She was ready to pass on, now that she knew her granddaughter was taken care of. She felt afraid, but Applejack knew that the right thing was to let her go.

“Granny, should Ah… tell Apple Bloom an' Macintosh about what Ah am now?” Applejack asked somberly.

“Most definitely,” Granny Smith said without hesitation, “We're yer family, Applejack. Even if you were estranged from us, yer still an Ambrosia. Macintosh an' Apple Bloom will always look out fer ya,” she turned to Applejack and smiled, “Ah'll stick around fer Apple Bloom's birthday. After that though, Ah'll be makin my leave.”

“Granny Smith…!” Applejack broke down and hugged her grandmother tightly, “Thank you! Thank you fer everythin! Fer forgivin me when Ah came home, fer bein my rock through my fight against the nightmares, an' fer bein the best guardian ever! Ah'll never ferget ya!”

“Ah know ya won't, dear,” Granny Smith said returning the embrace, “You'll take care of the family from now on, right?”

“Ah will,” Applejack said, “Along with defendin our home from nightmares, Ah'll protect our land, an' all of Macintosh and Apple Bloom's descendants.”

Granny Smith smiled, “You've gotten so much stronger. Ah'm proud of ya, Abigail.”

Applejack shook her head smiling, thinking about one particular alabaster white, stuck up, prissy alicorn, “Naw, Ah ain't no stronger than Ah was before. Ah jus'… have some wonderful friends.”

Applejack shifted back into her earth pony form and walked to the waiting room, pleased to see Rarity sitting out in the lobby waiting for her.

“I had a feeling you were here,” Rarity said trotting over to Applejack, “How's your grandmother?”

Applejack sighed, “She's… ready ta pass on.”

“Oh dear,” Rarity looked crestfallen, “Applejack, I'm terribly-”

“No, it's fine,” Applejack said, “She says that it's time, an' Ah agree. Besides, Ah think Ah'll be fine now. Ah've got Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Spike,” she looked down blushing, “an'… you.”

Rarity smiled and embraced Applejack, “And you'll always have me, love. I'll never leave you.”

“Promise?” Applejack asked.

“Promise.”

Applejack and Rarity walked out of the hospital together into town. On the way back to their houses, they passed by the market, where Applejack saw the chemistry set Apple Bloom wanted in a store window. She sighed sadly.

“What's wrong, dear?” Rarity asked.

“It's jus'… Apple Bloom's birthday is tomorrow. The reason Ah was so determined ta work today was so Ah'd at least have the money ta get her the chemistry set she wanted.”

“I see…” Rarity said looking at the chemistry set herself, “Applejack, you know working wouldn't have been a good idea though, right? You're still shaken up from yesterday, and I'll be damned if I let you go back to Filthy Rich after what he did to you.”

“Ah know, an' yer right on both accounts,” Applejack said sadly, “But he still owns the deeds ta the land, so Ah'm gonna have ta go back ta Mr. Rich at some point. Worst of all, at least ta me, Apple Bloom's gonna be real disappointed when Ah tell her that Ah couldn't keep my promise. Macintosh was right, Ah bit off more than Ah could chew.”

“Everything will be fine, Applejack,” Rarity said nuzzling Applejack, “You tried your best. No, you couldn't do it alone, but now you have true friends. As for Filthy Rich, I'm going to make sure he never touches you again.”

“Rarity-”

“I'm serious. He doesn't deserve to have a mare as beautiful as you,” Rarity said, “I'm going to find a way to save you and your land.”

“That ain't all, Rarity,” Applejack said trotting away from Rarity a bit and looking down, “The truth is… there's a sick part of me that sorta… craves him now.”

Rarity was wide eyed, “W-what…? Applejack dear, what do you…”

“My body… it jus' reacts ta his touch,” Applejack said sadly, “When he puts that collar around my neck, Ah feel ashamed, but at the same time my body jus' lights up,” she laughed ruefully, “God, he's right 'bout me, ain't he? Ah like workin at Sapphire's club 'cause of the attention, an' Ah actually enjoy the way Mr. Rich treats me to some sick degree. Ah really am a slut, huh?”

“Oh honey, that's wrong,” Rarity said walking over to Applejack, “There's nothing wrong with you. Personally, I enjoy all of the attention I get from stallions, and I'm guessing the only other pony you've ever had relations with was…”

Applejack sighed, “Flim. Golly, if he saw what Ah've been reduced to now… Listen, yer bringin Sweetie Belle over tomorrow for Apple Bloom's birthday, right? Could ya maybe bring the others with ya?”

“Sure,” Rarity said, still looking at Applejack worried, “Do you wish for some time alone?”

“Ah… think that's fer the best. Ah'll see ya tomorrow, okay?”

“Yes, see you tomorrow.”

As Applejack walked off home, where she'd probably cry herself to sleep, Rarity turned to the window looking at the chemistry set with a serious expression.

“I must do something,” Rarity said, “Someone as lovely as her shouldn't think so low of herself.”

The next day, naturally Apple Bloom was ecstatic. She was finally eight years old, meaning chances were her Cutie Mark would come in around this year. She was actually the youngest of her friends by a few months, so now all three of them were eight. This meant they could probably expect to get their Cutie Marks around the same time.

Apple Bloom was expected to see Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo of course, so naturally Rainbow Dash and Rarity were also there too. She didn't expect to see Twilight, Spike, and Fluttershy to come too. It was nice though. Apple Bloom was really social, and she liked having so many ponies (dragons too) at her party.

The doctors even let Granny Smith come home just for the party, and she seemed oddly even livelier than ever.

Macintosh ordered a special cake from Sugar Cube corner, and the pink pony that works there (Pinkamena was it?) brought it over, where they put the candles on it and set it down singing happy birthday to Apple Bloom. Oddly, Pinkamena stuck around for a bit after that, but no one questioned it.

“So, do you know what you're going to wish for?” Scootaloo asked Apple Bloom.

“Ah don't need ta wish fer anythin,” Apple Bloom said smiling, “Ah've got everythin Ah'd ever want right here,” she looked up at Applejack, “Includin the best big sister in the world.”

“Oh Apple Bloom…” Applejack said, trying her best to hide her disappointment in herself.

“So in that case,” Apple Bloom closed her eyes and blew out the candles, “Everyone else gets their wishes granted. That's all Ah want.”

“That's mighty sweet of ya, Apple Bloom,” Granny Smith said, “Yer a true angel.”

“Eeyup,” Macintosh said with a smile.

“A-Apple Bloom,” Applejack said placing a hoof on Apple Bloom's shoulder, “Ah know yer happy an' all, but um…”

“Somethin the matter, Applejack?” Apple Bloom asked.

“It's jus'… Ah wanted ta make this day special fer ya, but in the end, Ah-”

“Oh, Applejack darling, before that she should open your present,” Rarity said immediately cutting Applejack off, confusing her.

“Um… present…?” Applejack asked as Rarity walked off grabbing a box with her magic and giving it to Apple Bloom.

“Like she said, she wanted this day to be special,” Rarity said, “Why don't you open it, darling?”

Apple Bloom looked a little confused, but she opened the box. When she saw what it was, her eyes lit up.

“Oh my gosh! Ya got it fer me!” Apple Bloom said, revealing the chemistry set, “It's the exact one! It's even the deluxe edition!” she shot up and embraced Applejack, “Thank you so much, Applejack!”

“B-but… Ah…” Applejack looked so confused. How did this…?

“How wonderful,” Rarity said, “All of that hard work paid off in the end, didn't it Applejack?”

Applejack looked at Rarity intently, before a look of understanding came over her, “Yeah, it sure did.”

As Applejack returned the embrace, she mouthed out “thank you” to Rarity. She graciously nodded smiling warmly. If anyone had been watching Pinkamena, they would have seen her smile in relief.

Toward the end of the party, Rarity sat outside thinking to herself about how much things changed so much between her and Applejack. It felt nice to see her smile, and to know that she was the one who brought out that smile.

“That was impressive,” Rarity heard behind her, “I have to admit, you've really thrown me for a loop these past few days.”

Rarity chuckled to herself as Twilight stood next to her leaning against the porch banister, “Surprised to see me not acting like a complete bitch?”

“In a word, yes,” Twilight said honestly, “The way you helped Applejack, not just with the nightmare, but just now. She couldn't have afforded that gift herself, yet you went out of your way to get it for her, and then gave it to Apple Bloom in Applejack's name.”

“Well, I am the Element of Generosity, after all,” Rarity said.

“I'm just surprised to see you acting like it for once,” Twilight said closing her eyes.

“Well don't think this changes anything between us,” Rarity said standing up and turning to Twilight with a dangerous smirk, “I still want Spike, Twilight.”

Twilight sighed, “I realize, and I've been thinking a lot about that. If this is what Spike sees in you, then I can see why he'd fall in love with you,” Twilight turned to Rarity and glared at her, “But that doesn't mean I'm giving up either. I love Spike more than anything, and just because now I'm sure that you're feelings for him are genuine doesn't mean I'm backing down. In fact, now I'm going to work even harder.”

“Ooh, you're actually rather vicious yourself, Twilight,” Rarity taunted, “I like this new fire in your eyes.”

“So go on, have your fun with Spike,” Twilight said seriously, “I said it before, and I'll say it again, you can have sex with him all you want, but in the end, Spike will always come home to me.”

“In that case, I think I'll take him for myself tomorrow. Early too, that way he'll spend the entire day with me.”

Rarity and Twilight glared at each other, Rarity smirking arrogantly while Twilight's look was one of sheer venom. She would be nicer to Applejack, and she might look out for Trixie, but she had no intentions of stopping this game with Twilight. She did love Spike, and she was going to do everything in her power to make Spike hers in the end.

“By the way,” Rarity said trotted off a bit, “Did you hear back from Princess Celestia yet?”

“I did,” Twilight said, “She's going to be stopping by in order to meet all of you and tell us a bit of what she knows about Nightmare Moon. I was surprised, but she's heard the stories and even knows about the nightmares.”

“So that gives us something to look forward to,” Rarity said, “In the meantime, I'm going to let Spike know that I want to see him tomorrow. Tootles, darling.”

As she walked back into the house, she couldn't help but laugh. She knew she was coming off as a total heartless bitch to Twilight, but in the end, she'd be better off for this. Why, she was already starting to improve.

“Like I said,” Rarity said to herself, “Coddling her won't help her at all. She needs something to fight for,” she closed her eyes and smiled to herself, “It's truly a shame, because you and I could have been great friends.”

“Ugh! That bitch!” Twilight fussed, “She's doing this on purpose! I can't stand unicorns!”

“Rarity getting under yer skin, eh?” Applejack asked walking to the porch over to Twilight.

“I know you two are friends and all, but she and I are never going to be close,” Twilight said.

“Ah understand,” Applejack said, “She ain't perfect, but she's nice in her own alpha bitchy way,” she sat down next to Twilight on the steps, “She really came through in the end.”

“That she did,” Twilight said sitting down herself, “I feel sort of odd about her, because I know she's not that bad of a pony, but she's still so… ugh… you know?”

“Rarity's complicated, but Ah think she likes ya in her own way,” Applejack said, “Ah don't know what her agenda is with you an' Spike, but Ah don't think she means ta be a bitch,” she caught herself, “Alright, she probably does mean ta be a bitch about it.”

“Mm hm,” Twilight nodded, “But… I think I understand. She's in love too, and she wants to be with the one she loves. I can't fault her for that. It's just, why did she have to fall in love with Spike?”

“He's easy ta fall in love with,” Applejack said, “Ah'll admit, my heart fluttered a bit a few times Ah was with him. He's a great guy, jus' ain't really my type.”

“I'd hope Rich isn't your type either,” Twilight said looking at Applejack nervously.

“Naw, he ain't,” Applejack said darkly, “He's the exact opposite of my type. Sadly, that's probably all Ah'm good for in that department now.”

“No Applejack, you're worth way more,” Twilight said, “I hope that one day, you get to see the stallion you were in love with again, and that you can be happy with him.”

“That would be nice, but even without what Rich did ta me, that wouldn't be possible,” Applejack said, “Becomin Elements of Harmony meant we had to sacrifice a lot more than jus' our mortal lives.”

Twilight was confused by what she meant by that. What else did they have to give up?

“Thanks fer comin, Twilight,” Applejack said, “Since meetin ya, Ah've really changed fer the better. Ah'd hug ya, but…”

“It's… okay,” Twilight said with a soft smile, “I'm fine with you touching me, as long as you ask first.”

Applejack smiled, and the two mares hugged. While she still couldn't stand Rarity, her opinion of Applejack was definitely the opposite.

That night after the party, Apple Bloom was of course messing around with her new chemistry set. She knew that she probably needed to be in bed, but she was just so excited. Now she could begin creating her own potions.

As she was planning her first potion, there was a knock on her door.

“Apple Bloom? Ya up?” Applejack asked from outside.

“Um… kinda… sorta…” Apple Bloom sighed and opened her door, “Yeah, Ah was up. Sorry sis, Ah wanted ta get started on-”

“It's alright, Apple Bloom,” Applejack said with a smile, “Ah actually wanted ta show ya somethin. Ah planned on tellin you an' Macintosh at the same time, but he's already asleep.”

“Yeah, he an' Fluttershy spent a lot of time talkin at the party,” Apple Bloom said, “Think he fancies her?”

“Maybe,” Applejack said, “Could Ah… come in fer this?”

“Yeah, sure,” Apple Bloom said letting Applejack walk into the room.

“Close the door, alright? Like Ah said, Ah'm gonna show Macintosh this too eventually, but right now this stays between us. Only Scootaloo knows right now.”

“What about yer friends?” Apple Bloom asked, “Do they know?”

“Funny, cause this involves all of them too,” Applejack said looking out the window, “Ah'm sure you've heard the rumors of the alicorns that live here in Ponyville.”

“Yeah, Ah've heard of em,” Apple Bloom said, “Scootaloo was even believin her Mom was one fer a minute there.”

“An' tell me,” Applejack asked, still not looking at her sister, “What do you think of the rumors?”

“Well, Ah don't know if Ah believe them or not, but Ah'd say anythin is possible,” Apple Bloom said, “Ah've always been more of a realist myself though. Ah didn't think Scootaloo's Mom was an alicorn, but that doesn't mean they ain't here in Ponyville.”

“What if Ah told you… that Scootaloo was right,” Applejack asked, “That… Rainbow Dash was actually… an alicorn, an' so were my friends Fluttershy an' Rarity…”

“Wait… yer tellin me that the four alicorns in Ponyville are real?” Apple Bloom asked, “Hold on,” she lightly bit her foreleg to try and wake up, “Nope, Ah ain't dreamin,” Applejack laughed a bit at that, “But… how could you be friends with three alicorns? Unless…” her eyes went wide as a thought came to mind.

Applejack sighed, “Ah think ya understand then,” she slowly turned to Apple Bloom, and something odd happened to her. Her entire body started glowing a bit, “This ain't what Ah really am, Apple Bloom. A few months ago, somethin happened ta me, an' Ah changed… What you've been seein before is more of a mask. The real me…”

Applejack's entire body glowed golden. She grew to about Big Macintosh's height, if not a little bigger, and Apple Bloom saw a pair of wings sprout out of her back, and a long sharp horn come out of her forehead. When the glowing stopped, she was now wearing golden regalia like Princess Celestia, and her hat looked fancier with a golden trim, almost more like a crown.

But what Apple Bloom couldn't take her eyes off of were the wings and the horn. She looked so beautiful now that Apple Bloom felt a lump in her throat, like she was about to cry.

“Applejack…” Apple Bloom said, her eyes watering as tears built up.

“Ah'm an alicorn, Apple Bloom. This is… the true me,” Applejack said somberly looking away, “Ah'm sorry Ah kept this from ya fer so long. Ah wasn't sure if you could-” she was cut off by her sister running up to her and hugging her leg, “A-Apple Bloom…?”

“Ah knew it…” Apple Bloom sobbed, “You really are the most amazin pony in the world.”

Applejack's eyes slowly widened, “Oh Apple Bloom…”

“This is the best gift ya ever gave me,” Apple Bloom said, “Knowin that my big sister is an alicorn, an' that she's trusts me enough with her secret. Ah'll protect yer secret, Applejack.”

Applejack broke down and embraced her sister tightly, “Ah love you so much, Apple Bloom.”

“Ah love you too, Applejack,” Apple Bloom said, smiling in her beloved sister's embrace. She truly was her own personal super hero. She was always there for her, and always pulled through. No matter what, she's always have faith in her big sister.

Dear Princess Celestia, (a few tear stains mar the letter a bit)

You do not know me, at least not yet. My name is Ruth Marie Bella, but my nickname is “Rarity”. You and I shall soon meet in person, for I am one of the ponies that your student Twilight and your son Spike wish to introduce you too. I am the Element of Generosity.

I do not come to you now though with Element business. We shall take care of that among your arrival at your leisure. I come to you today with a personal issue, and the only reason I am bothering you with this is because Spike tells me you could probably help me.

My best friend and fellow Element, Applejack, is in a horrible deal with a stallion named Filthy Rich. He cheated her father in a business deal, and upon his death now claimed full ownership of her family's land. What's worse is that he's using this deal as means to force Applejack to work for him as his servant.

This wouldn't be so bad, except for the nature of her servitude. I do not wish to put her business out there, but he is a horrible pony, and what he's doing to her is not legal by any means. She lacks the power to stop this, but I do not. With your help, I would like to not only sue Filthy Rich for his treatment of my dear friend, but I would also like to reclaim the land from him and gain dual ownership along with Applejack.

I know that this is not exactly as big of a case as one would normally bring to you, as it only concerns Applejack and her family, but I beg of you, please help me! I cannot bear to see her suffering like this! I hate asking this of you, but as Filthy Rich is a well known figure here in Ponyville, I doubt anyone here would assist me.

You are the only one I can turn to for this. I know that this isn't any of my business, but Applejack is as dear to me as your son. If you cannot help me, I'll try to understand, but I cannot back down from this.

I hope to hear your reply soon, and I'm looking forward to meeting you in person.

Sincerely yours,
Rarity.

PS: Do you know how to get in touch with Golden Apple Incorporated? I have business with one of the twin owners, and need to speak to him in person.

End of Arc 4