Broken

“Oh,” Rarity said as she realized who she almost walked into, “Twilight, what are you doing out so late?”

“I was just trying to clear my head...” Twilight said, “What are you doing out here? Were you looking for me?” Twilight asked.

“Actually, I just got finished walking Spike back home,” Rarity said as Twilight raised an eyebrow, “You see, he and I were having such a great conversation, and I didn't want it to end so soon, so we just walked and talked.”

“I see,” Twilight said, somehow thinking that there was more to it than just that, “You two seem pretty close, you and Spike.”

“Oh yes,” Rarity said enthusiastically, “I must say, I've become quite fond of him. I can see why you depend on him so much.”

“Yeah, he's very dependable,” Twilight said, feeling oddly uncomfortable for some reason. This was the first time she and Rarity had ever had contact without Applejack nearby. She didn't seem like a bad pony, but there was something about her that Twilight felt funny about.

“I was curious actually,” Rarity said, “What is your relationship with Spike?” Rarity asked.

“W-what do you mean?” Twilight asked, her heart racing for some reason.

“Well, you two seem so close,” Rarity continued, “I was just wondering if there was anything... going on between you two.”

“Oh no,” Twilight said all too quickly, “He and I grew up together. He's been with me since we were kids, after I was adopted by Celestia.”

“I see,” Rarity said nodding her head, “So... is it safe to say that you two are basically brother and sister then?” Rarity asked.

“I... guess that's the gist of our current relationship, yes,” Twilight said, wondering why Rarity was probing her like this, “Why do you ask?”

“Oh, just curious is all,” Rarity said, “Since he and I are becoming such good friends, I figured I needed to know how you felt about him, just in case I was... stepping on anyone's hooves. You know what I mean, right?”

Did she? Twilight wasn't sure what she meant. She knew what she thought she meant, but there was no way she was actually interested in Spike? I mean, look at her? She was practically a super model, and that was without the alicorn transformation.

But if she were interested in Spike, what did that mean for Twilight?

“Yes, I know what you means,” Twilight said, “Actually... Spike is very important to me,” Twilight walked up to Rarity a bit, “I care about him deeply.”

“Funny,” Rarity said walking up to Twilight, “Because he's becoming someone I care deeply about also.”

“I see,” Twilight said, now getting confirmation of what Rarity was saying. She knew at that moment also that she and Rarity were probably not going to get along too well.

“We're... not going to have a problem... with me caring about Spike, are we?” Rarity asked with a smirk.

“That depends I suppose,” Twilight said, “There's nothing inherently wrong with both of us caring for Spike, but I should warn you in advance, I don't trust other unicorns.”

“Really?” Rarity asked with what Twilight could tell was fake surprise, “And here I thought I was imagining the tension between us.”

“It's nothing personal, just I come from Canterlot. You know, the unicorn capital of Equestria. I know how unicorns can be. Also, the pony that hurt in the past was a unicorn.”

“Which then tainted your view of unicorns in general,” Rarity stated.

“Something like that, yeah,” Twilight answered.

“Well, what does that mean for us then?” Rarity asked.

“As long as we stay out of each others' way, nothing,” Twilight stated.

“I was thinking the same thing,” Rarity said, “I knew you were a smart pony.”

“I just hope you're a smart pony,” Twilight said, making Rarity laugh.

“I'm smart enough, I'll say that,” she said walking past Twilight, who was seething for some reason on the inside, “Oh, before I go. Did Applejack ask you anything today?”

“She asked me to join you guys as a strategist,” Twilight said, “I haven't made my decision yet.”

“If you're worried about Spike investigating, then don't,” Rarity turned to Twilight and glared at her seriously, “He has me protecting him now. You know, the one with the magic of harmony.”

“Are you trying to imply something?” Twilight asked turning back to Rarity.

“I'm just saying that I personally think that labyrinths aren't a place for civilians,” Rarity said, “Unless you have power, you'll die in there.”

“That's all the more reason I should be there then,” Twilight said, “Spike is a civilian too, after all.”

“True, true,” Rarity stated, now smirking again, “However, suppose he had power. That would change things, wouldn't it?”

“What are you-”

“I'll see you around, Twilight dear,” Rarity said sauntering off. Damn, that pony really rubbed Twilight the wrong way. She was beginning to see why Applejack didn't seem to like her too much. Arrogant, snobby, stuck up, and over all a complete bitch.

Just like the unicorns in Canterlot.

She shook it off and walked into the library, where she saw Spike sitting on a couch reading. When he saw Twilight, he jumped out of his seat and ran over to her.

“Twilight! Thank God, I was so worried!” he said.

“Y-you were?” Twilight asked, feeling flushed for some reason.

“Yes! I came home and you weren't here. With how you were this morning, I was afraid that a nightmare had taken you.”

He cared about her. She could tell.

“N-no. I spent some time with Rainbow Dash, and then ran into Fluttershy at the fountain,” Twilight explained, “So I was with Elements for most of the day.”

Spike breathed out in relief, “That's good. If anything happened, they'd be able to protect you. God, if anything happened to you, I'd-” Twilight, unable to hold it in anymore, embraced Spike, “Whoa! This is a shock.”

“Thank you for worrying about me,” Twilight said lovingly, “I love you so much.”

Spike chuckled, “Aw, I love you too, Twilight,” he said returning the hug, “Hey, what do you say we order out today. I hear the pizza here is amazing.”

“Great!” Twilight said feeling elated, “Let's head out right now!”

Spike laughed as Twilight ran over to the door, “Okay, okay. I'm coming.”

She had nothing to worry about. Spike was hers. If Rarity thought she could take him away from her, she had another thing coming. Sure, she was sexy, and she could probably get Spike in bed with her, but that was it.

When it came to who Spike came home to, Twilight won that fight.

“Oh Twilight, you are so adorable,” Rarity said to herself as she sauntered back to her place. She was so obvious, yet somehow Spike couldn't see it. Maybe it was because they were already so close. It felt natural being around Twilight, so he didn't need to make any moves on her. Truth was, Twilight could be a vicious rival, as she did have an edge.

But she didn't have the guts to do what was necessary to get Spike. In love, one needed to be aggressive and grab what they wanted. Twilight may have Spike now, but Rarity made sure Spike would never forget about her.

“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle called out when Rarity walked inside.

“Sweetie Belle, what are you doing still up?” Rarity lightly scolded as she hugged her little sister.

“I wanted to see you before I went to bed,” Sweetie Belle said, “Besides, I wanted you to tuck me in.”

“Now Sweetie Belle, don't you think you're getting a little old for that?” Rarity asked.

“I'm not turning ten for another two years,” Sweetie Belle said, “And that's why I like coming over here. Mommy doesn't tuck me in anymore, but you do.”

Rarity smiled warmly hearing that. Sweetie Belle pretended to be mature, and in some degrees she was really mature for her age, but there was this aspect of Sweetie Belle that refused to grow up. Their mother sent Sweetie Belle to live with Rarity hoping that she would mature.

Too bad for her that Rarity had other plans for Sweetie Belle. She was determined to ensure that her little sister could enjoy her childhood for as long as possible. All kids matured at a different pace, and to force it to happen faster than necessary could damage Sweetie Belle's mentality.

Rarity knew from experience.

“So, what did you think of Spike, hm?” Rarity asked her little sister as she walked her up to her room.

“He seems nice and all,” Sweetie Belle said trailing off a bit.

“But...” Rarity said, urging Sweetie Belle to continue.

“He seems sort of like an idiot to me,” Sweetie Belle said, making Rarity laugh.

“Sadly, that might be the case,” Rarity said, “But he is sweet.”

“Yeah, you seemed too be really enjoying yourself with him,” Sweetie Belle said with a smirk. Rarity was sure her face turned beet red.

“H-how much did you hear?” Rarity asked.

“Probably more than you wanted,” Sweetie Belle taunted, “Don't worry, I went outside to play when you started screaming.”

Geez, she didn't know she was that loud. Then again, while she had slept with many stallions, Spike was the first dragon she had ever had sex with. For a second she wasn't even sure she could take him.

You SHOULD be jealous of me, Twilight.

“Then I'll just have to plan ahead next time,” Rarity said to herself.

“Does that mean you're seeing him again?” Sweetie Belle asked hopefully. Rarity gave a pained smile, but it soon softened when she saw the happy smile on her little sister's face.

“I think so,” Rarity said. Sweetie Belle jumped into her bed and lied down, allowing Rarity to pull the covers over her beloved little sister.

“I'm glad you met Spike,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Oh?”

“You stopped smiling a little after my school play,” Sweetie Belle said, “I always wondered if you didn't like it. Like... maybe you were disappointed.”

“Oh no, not at all Sweetie,” Rarity said, “Something happened that day, and it affected me is all,” Rarity placed a hoof on her sister's shoulder, “You... don't remember what happened after we left the school, do you?”

Sweetie Belle shook her head, “You said that I was so tired that I fell asleep after the play,” Sweetie Belle answered. Flashes of that night came to Rarity, but she shook it off.

“That's right,” Rarity said softly, “Anything else was just a horrible dream,” Rarity kissed Sweetie Belle on the cheek, “Good night, Little Sister.”

“Good night Big Sister,” Sweetie Belle said yawning, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Rarity said. She left Sweetie Belle's room and went to her room, feeling her eyes water a bit. She was so envious of her sister for being able to forget that night. Even more envious of how she could sleep soundly. Unlike her older sister, who had to stay alert at all times, especially at night.

Proven when her heart started racing, and she felt an odd sense of dread. She was still getting used to being able to sense nightmares. The first few times she almost didn't make it to the action, which didn't go well with Applejack.

Rarity was much better now though, and she wasn't going to miss the action ever again.

“Showtime then?” Rarity asked herself. It was a shame that Spike was probably going to miss this one, but it didn't feel necessarily strong. She could handle it herself.

This nightmare was an odd bipedal bipedal like creature with blue and black skin, red eyes, and no mouth. It sort of looked like a bug, as it had bug like wings on its back, and it flew really fast despite its odd stature.

Still, he was nowhere near as fast as Rainbow Dash, she and Applejack both in their alicorn forms and on the scene.

“Get back here!” Rainbow Dash shouted flying after the nightmare. The monster turned around and punched forward, sending a blue energy fist at the cyan alicorn, but she flew to the side out of the way. Rainbow Dash then turned into a bolt of lightning and tackled the nightmare, knocking it to the ground and in front of Applejack.

Applejack charged over to the nightmare and tried slashing it with her horn, but the nightmare blocked the attack and punched her back. As Applejack fell back, Rainbow Dash charged down toward the nightmare leading with her horn. The nightmare dodged to the left, spun around, and kicked her in the side knocking her into a tree.

“Dash!” Applejack shouted. The nightmare turned to her and began walking over to her. She slammed a hoof on the ground raising a piece of land in front of her before buck kicking it at the monster. The nightmare swiped it away with its hand, actually shattering it. Applejack backed away from the nightmare, fully aware of her trembling legs.

Ah don't know what to do...

Dash stood up as best as she could and charged into the nightmare as a bolt of lightning, knocking it into a building. The nightmare kicked Dash back, but when it jumped up to drop kick her, she dashed back, and then dashed all around the nightmare as a bolt of lightning trying to do as much damage as she could.

The nightmare reached out a hand and somehow grabbed Rainbow Dash by the neck, and then threw her aside, seeming to knock her out.

“Dash, no!” Applejack screamed. She then looked at the nightmare in horror as it slowly walked over to her. She used as much magic as she could, throwing as many magically formed stalagmites, boulders, anything else she could think of at the monster, who simply punched, kicked, and slashed all of them away.

Nothin is workin!

Why ain't it workin this time?!

“Stay back...” Applejack said under her throat, “Stay BACK!!!”

This time she didn't allow her magic to form. She merely fired her raw magic at the nightmare. She'd normally wait until the nightmare was weakened to use this as a finishing move, but she just wanted this fight to end.

Die...

Please just die!

The nightmare held his hands forward to block the spell, and simply waited it out it seemed. Eventually Applejack was too tired to keep firing, and she fell to the ground in exhaustion. The nightmare roared loudly, and then jumped into the air activating its wings and charging up some sort of attack. Applejack looked up weakly at the nightmare.

Ah don't... want this...

Ah don't... want to die...

She looked back at Rainbow Dash, who was clearly too injured to fight anymore, and then looked back up at the nightmare. She didn't have enough energy to fight, but all of a sudden she had enough energy to stand. As the nightmare fired down at her, she jumped away screaming, and galloped deeper into the labyrinth, the nightmare chasing after her.

“Applejack!” Dash said trying to get up. She had overexerted herself, and now couldn't muster up enough energy to help her friend, who was apparently having some sort of weird panic attack.

“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity called out running over to her, already in her alicorn form as well.

“Rarity? How did you know...?”

“Elements of Harmony can sense nightmares,” Rarity explained, “I imagine Fluttershy will be here soon as well. What the hell, Dash?! This is a nightmare, not an avatar! A rookie Element shouldn't-”

“I didn't come here alone,” Dash said standing up, “Applejack asked me to help her with this one.”

“Did she now?” Rarity asked. If Dash didn't know better, she almost looked hurt.

“Rarity...” Dash began, “Are you okay?”

“Where is Applejack now?” Rarity asked too quickly.

“She ran deeper into the labyrinth,” Dash said, “She looked like she was panicked.”

“Damn it Applejack,” Rarity said glaring forward.

“I'm here!” Fluttershy shouted flying down to them, “Dash, Rarity, where's Applejack?”

“Deeper in,” Rarity said harshly, “Come on. Our “fearless” leader needs us.”

Fluttershy nodded, and the two of them galloped deeper into the labyrinth after Applejack. Dash hadn't been in the team for very long, but she was beginning to see the dynamics. It looked like Rarity was second in command after Applejack, and Fluttershy was closer to where Dash was, as she hadn't been an Element for very long it seemed.

If that was the case, shouldn't Applejack have asked one of them to help her with this fight?

Applejack had been running as fast as she could, but the nightmare was fast. Too fast, as it was right behind her still. It fired an energy fist at Applejack, knocking her to the ground.

She tried to stand, but the nightmare landed, putting its foot on her back and pushing her into the ground. She screamed in pain and fear, knowing that the nightmare was too close to her now. The nightmare held its hand right at her neck, almost as if telling Applejack what it planned to do to her.

“No...” Applejack begged, “Please no...”

The nightmare raised its hand into the air about to strike, and Applejack found it too hard to hold in her tears.

“NO!!!!” she screamed.

Right before the nightmare could hit her, a barrage of white lasers hit it in the back. As the nightmare turned around, a burst of wind knocked it away from Applejack. Fluttershy and Rarity ran to the scene, the former running to Applejack's aid while the latter stood in front of them glaring at the nightmare.

“Applejack, are you okay?” Fluttershy asked.

“F-Fluttershy...” Applejack said, trying to hide her tears, but failing miserably.

Rarity charged up and fired four lasers at the nightmare, who flew away right before the attacks hit. Rarity continued to fire at the nightmare until it eventually flew off. She was about to run after it, but she noticed that the labyrinth was vanishing around them, being replaced with an alleyway.

Rarity sighed, and then turned to Applejack with a look of sheer venom.

“You... are the biggest idiot I have ever seen!” Rarity shouted.

“Rarity?” Fluttershy asked, shocked by Rarity's sudden outburst. Rainbow Dash ran up to them just in time to see Rarity walk up to Applejack, pick her up, and slap her across the face.

“Whoa!” Dash shouted, “What was-”

“Stay out of it!” Rarity shouted, “I don't know what's more upsetting! The fact that I saw you of all ponies cowering in fear of something like that, or the fact that you decided to ask the rookie to join you in this fight instead of the one with two whole months of experience with the magic of harmony!”

“She was closer!” Applejack defended, “The labyrinth appeared, an' Ah acted quickly! Ah called the first pony Ah could think of!”

“Funny how the first one you thought of was your best friend as opposed to the one who's had your back since the beginning! This isn't a game, Applejack!”

When she said that, Applejack exploded and actually punched Rarity in the face knocking her to the ground. Both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were horrified seeing this unfold.

“You've got some nerve sayin that ta me!” Applejack shouted, “Talkin like yer some serious warrior, when all you do is prance around usin the magic of harmony whenever it suits ya, but then go right back ta bein a selfish, stuck up bitch afterward!”

“Bitch huh?” Rarity said getting up and wiping her mouth, “You should look mirror!” Rarity charged at Applejack and the two alicorns clashed horns, both of them glaring at each other.

Fluttershy gasped in shock, and Rainbow Dash just grimaced looking at the site before her. She didn't know that the blood between these two was this bad.

“From the moment I joined you, all you've done is criticize me at every turn!” Rarity shouted.

“Ah wouldn't criticize ya if ya did yer job properly!”

“Oh, you mean cowering in fear of a blue type?! That was really impressive, Applejack, oh fearless leader!”

“Ah wasn't cowerin!” Applejack shouted, “The nightmare jus' caught me off guard! Ah wasn't afraid!”

“And you're supposed to be the Element of Honesty, lying to my face like that!”

“At least Ah try ta live up ta mah Element, unlike you, flauntin yer money and good looks! If ya want mah honest opinion, yer the most selfish, self centered bitch Ah've ever seen, an' the last pony Ah'd ever choose ta be the Element of Generosity!”

“Well, since I'm in a generous mood, allow me to share my personal opinion of you! You call me a bitch, but you're the phoniest, most self righteous bitch I've ever laid eyes on! A coward like you is the last pony I'd ever pick for the Element of Honestly, let alone leader!”

“Fer the last time Ah wasn't cowerin in fear!!!” Applejack shouted pushing against Rarity's horn, “You jus' want me ta admit that Ah'm weak so you'll have a reason ta brag ta yer new boy toy Spike!”

“How DARE you!” Rarity retaliated, pushing against Applejack's horn, “Insinuating that Spike is just an accessory to me! You know nothing!”

“Ah know enough! He'd go perfectly with all the other accessories ya collected over the years! Ah bet ya never had ta sacrifice anythin in yer entire life!”

“I sacrifice everyday of my life! I didn't ask to be an Element of Harmony, but now that I am one I deserve a bit of respect!”

“Ah'll respect ya once ya prove ta me yer more than jus' a prissy know-it-all!”

“I don't have to prove anything to you!”

“That's ENOUGH!!!” Fluttershy screamed, using her magic to push Applejack and Rarity apart from each other, “Look at you two! We're supposed to be a team!”

“Tell that to her!” Rarity said, “She knows I'd be better help against that nightmare, but she instead chose to work with the rookie because she's her best friend!”

“At least mah best friend respects the magic of harmony and lives up ta her element!” Applejack retorted.

“Well, you don't have to worry about me tarnishing the name of the Elements of Harmony anymore!” Rarity said walking to the exit of the alley.

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.

“I've decided to give my services to someone else,” Rarity stated, “Someone who actually respects me,” she stopped right next to Rainbow Dash, “Don't let her lead you to death. If I were you, I'd leave too.”

With that Rarity left, changing back into her unicorn state as she turned the corner. Fluttershy was about to fly after Rarity, but...

“Leave her,” Applejack said suddenly, shocking Fluttershy.

“Applejack!” Fluttershy said incredulously.

“We're better off without her on our team,” Applejack said, still not turning around. Fluttershy frowned at Applejack, and then looked down.

“She is right though,” Fluttershy said, “Nothing against Rainbow Dash, but she needs more training before you send her into battle like that. You should have at least called one of us too just in case-”

“Ah don't need a lecture from you either!” Applejack snapped turning to Fluttershy, who looked really hurt.

“Maybe that wasn't the only thing Rarity was right about,” Fluttershy said before turning to leave the alley too, changing back into her pegasus form as she took to the skies. Rainbow Dash couldn't say anything. She didn't know who's side she was on, as Applejack was her friend, but if what Rarity said was true then...

“Applejack...” Rainbow Dash said slowly walking over to her.

“Ah bet ya wanna leave too, right?” Applejack asked, her voice cracking as a sign she was close to breaking down.

“I...” Rainbow Dash was at a loss for words, looking at her friend in this state.

“GO THEN!!!” Applejack screamed, “Leave me alone!!! Ah don't need you!!!”

Dash frowned, and then turned to the exit as well, “I think you do need to take a look at yourself in the mirror, AJ,” Dash said before walking out of the alley, changing back into her pegasus form before flying off.

“FINE!!!” Applejack cried, “Ah don't need any of the Elements! Ah can fight on mah own! Ah don't need you or ANYONE!!!!”

She changed back into her earth pony form, breaking down completely. Now she was truly alone, and an easy target for whenever the next nightmare decided to attack. She'd fight, of course, but she'd be alone, and she'd probably die.

All because she was too cowardly to admit that Rarity was right.

Pinkamena sighed, “This won't do at all,” she said looking down from the roof she was resting on. From there she saw the entire fight, and it wasn't pretty. Applejack looked absolutely broken now, and with the way all of her friends walked away like that.

“How are we supposed to come together as a team like this?” Pinkamena asked, “I may have to intervene sooner than I had planned.”

She turned and walked off, heading back to her place. She couldn't help them in battle yet, but she could at least make sure that her team didn't break up before they were even completely formed. They needed each other. She just needed to get Applejack and Rarity to realize that.

Author's Notes:

Geez, things are really heating up here, aren't they? What, did you think that the Mane 6 were just going to automatically be friends? This is one of the biggest deconstructions in this story. People with such differences in personality don't become friends that fast. I wonder if you can figure out the other deconstructions in this story.

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