~ Story of the Blanks II - Recognition ~

by TheRainbowBlitz

First published 11th of June, 2012

Remember~ maybe you can forget your nightmares... but they won't forget you.

Many month have passed since the events of the Everfree Forest and Hearth's Warming Eve was coming closer with every day. Everypony in Ponyville was already looking forward to it... except for one little filly.

The Everfree events left their mark on Appleblooms heart and turned her intoa very timid filly, still bound to Sunny Town and haunted by several nightmares. Twilight, who gave herself the fault for Appleblooms condition, started to search for a cure to free her from this trauma. Will Twilight and the rest of her friends be able to accomplish that?
And would it be such a good idea after all?

Remember~ maybe you can forget your nightmares... but they won't forget you.

Cover art by =Sofua from DeviantArt.
"Story of the Blanks" and certain characters inside of this story, belongs to Donitz.
MLP belongs to Hasbro~

Chapter 0 - Memories

“… I’m sorry Applebloom... I didn’t mean to bring you into this...”

“… hihi you know, you remind me of somepony... somepony who's very important to me...”

“… there was no other way...”

“… run...”

“… I should have protected her...”

“… follow me Applebloom... follow me...”

“… welcome to Sunny Town...”

“… you know, it's not often that we get visitors out here... so enjoy your stay...”

“… you do not want to remain for the events that will unfold...”

“… the grey-white horse...”

“… hurry back to Ponyville you must...”

“… the curse had befallen her this very night...”

“… all we want is friendship...”

“… for the darkness this night you cannot trust...”

“… even in death they do not understand...”

“… pleeeaaaase stay with us...”

“… it's not right... this... is NOT RIGHT...”

“… unable to die, without a past, a present or a future...”

“… the same thing again... and again... and again...”

“… they'll just reside there forever...”

“… run little filly...”

“… please run, live on for my little daughter... live on for yourself...”

“… don’t be afraid...”

“… Ruby...”

“Ruby wait! What will happen to you and your mother now?”

“We're finally free now... thanks to you, dear Applebloom.”

“But ah didn't do a thing!”

“You did more than you could ever imagine... thank you so much!

Now, it's time for you to go home... farewell Applebloom~

See you later... friend.”

“Ruby.... Huh? N- no, NO! The zombie ponies are comin' back! Ruby, where are ya?
RUBY? NO! DON'T COME ANY CLOSER! STAY AWAY! HEEEELP APPLEJAAAACK! TWIIIILIIIIGHT!”
“Applebloom!” Ah ran upstairs, headin' to Appleblooms room as fast as ah could. Her room wasn't far away from mine, at the end of the second floor of our house. Ah could hear her screamin' and cryin', louder and louder while ah was gettin' closer. Ah lowered mah head and rushed against the door which opened immediately. The room was dark, only the dim light of the corridor
illuminated a piece of her room. Ah noticed a big shiverin' enhancement under the blanket, silent whinin' and stutterin' words were wanderin' through the room.
“Applebloom!” Ah hit the light switch and went directly beside her bed.
“Applebloom, hey sugarcube!” Ah bit in the blanket and threw it on the ground, then ah saw her. Mah little sister, hunched up to a little yellow fur ball, still shiverin' and cryin'. Poor little thing, it shattered mah heart seein' her like that.
“Hey sugarcube, everythin' is alright now, your big sister's here to protect ya.” She looked up
with her big wet orange eyes. Big tears were rollin' down her cheeks, soakin' her yellow fur and white bed sheet. Slowly she began to speak.
“A-Applejack? APPLEJAAACK!” She jumped up and hugged me tightly, pressin' her sad face
onto mah chest. Ah answered with a tight hug too, tryin' to stop her from further cryin'.
Ah gently stroke with mah hoof through her mane. After a while, ah could feel her smilin' on
mah chest, she stopped shiverin', but continued whinin'.
“S-Sis! Ahm so glad to see ya! Please don't let 'em get me, please!”
“Don't worry sugarcube, no one will harm mah little sister as long as ahm around!”
“P- promised?” She hesitantly asked.
“Promised!” She began to hug me even tighter.
“Thanks. ... uhm, sis?”
“Wuzzup sugarcube?” She looked back up into mah face, her big orange eyes growin' bigger.
“Can you... stay here tonight... with me?” Oh Applebloom, how could ah ever deny that?
“Sure, but ya have to promise me that you'll kick those nightmares in their butt if they're comin' back, okay?”
“Promised! With you nearby, ah can take everythin'!”
“That’s mah little sister!” Ah tousled through her mane while both of us began to laugh.
“Well okay then, let's get some sleep, shall we?” Ah pushed the switch again and turned out
the light.
“KYA!” Applebloom screamed as soon as it got dark in her room.
“Don't ya worry sugarcube, ahm here with ya. Remember your promise?”
“Y- yes, uhm no...” Ah went back to Applebloom and poked her nose with mine.
“Don't be afraid, ahm with ya no matter what happens!” She shed a single tear and slowly nodded,
then she laid herself down on her back again. Ah took the blanket and threw it back on the bed, coverin' Applebloom with it's soft and warm wool, then ah laid mahself right next to her.
“Isn't it to cold without the blanket?” Applebloom whispered.
“Don't worry ahm okay, a little breeze won't kill this earth pony that easily!” Ah warmly smiled.
“Oh, okay...” Applebloom cuddled herself deep into her blanket. After a short moment of silence she started
whisperin' again.
“Uhm, sis?”
“What's up?”
“Can you, well... can you please sing that song again, for me?”
“Huh? Song? Do ya mean.... Sure sugarcube.” Applebloom loved music, it wasn't her most favourite hobby, but it still was somethin' she liked to do in her freetime. She normally liked
almost every possible kind of music, but there was one single song in whole Equestria that she
would probably never ever forget. It was called: „Little Sister“.
When Applebloom was just a little baby filly she always played the brave and tough one, but at night she always became very very timid. She was always afraid of the dark, so she used to come to me at night to cuddle with her big sister. Ah asked a certain pony here in Ponyville, if she could write a song for me and mah little Applebloom. Every time she heard that song she became braver and stronger, no matter how frightened she was.
That was a long time ago... oh Applebloom, what happened to ya? She brightly smiled at me, still waitin' for our song to start. Ah wanted to grant her wish, it was all ah could do for now to help her. Ah went closer to Applebloom, puttin' mah arms around her... then ah took a deep breath
and began to sing.

From the mornin',
To the evenin',
To the late late night.
From a seed,
To a apple,
To a apple pie.
From a baby,
To a filly,
To a sisters pride,
You will always be mine.

Little sister~ can't you see?
Things are not as bad as they seems.
Little sister~ don't be afraid,
Being on your side all the time,
Ah'll let our hearts rise and shine.
Little sister,
Can you hear me?
Little sister,
Please don't cry.
Little sister,
hear me whisper,
Ah'll protect you forever.

From the light,
To the night.
From the dusk,
To the dawn.
Ah hear you,
Ahm with you,
Mah little sister,
So don't fear,
'Cause ah am here.
Together we will fight,
The victory is on our side.

And if it's dark and you're alone,
remember me and our song,
Cause this is true,
Applebloom,
mah sister,
Ah love you~

Soon she fell asleep, slowly breathin' and still smilin'. She looked so cute....
“What happened to ya little sister?” Ah lay mah head down on the pillow, pressin' mah sweet little Applebloom tightly against me, cuddlin' and softly pettin' her mane.
“Ah love you Applebloom, ah always will.” Ah gave her a last kiss on her forehead, then ah closed mah eyes and followed her into the world of dreams, protectin' her from everythin' that would try
to harm her.
“Sweet dreams, Applebloom.”

Chapter I - Innocents

6 month have passed since I went to the Everfree Forest, together with the little filly Applebloom who... well, I would feel much better if I didn't had to say that. Applebloom changed.... changed a lot.... I'll guess it's a trauma or something like that. She became very clingy and timid.
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, her two best friends and co founders of their club called „Cutie Mark Crusaders“, started to get worried too, so they asked me to help her out. Unfortunately I didn't had a clue either so I asked princess Celestia and Luna. Although they did seemed to know something, they remained quite and just told me that there won't be anything to fear. That was more than just strange, but I wouldn’t mistrust the princesses in the first place... but that strange feeling in my head kept me thinking about that. So I decided to visit Zecora again in the Everfree Forest, she seemed to knew what will happen before Applebloom got lost that night.
I arrived at her tree house and silently entered through the open door. Zecora, the tall and mysterious zebra living all alone in this cursed forest, should know all about its magic and histories. I looked around, searching for her. In the middle of the room was a big black bowl. To the left and right scattered throughout the room lay several little and big bottles, some of them were empty and some were filled with strange glowing liquids. On some bookshelf’s and tables were, besides more of those bottles, many old looking books, scrolls and some puppets. Voodoo masks were hanging around the windows and walls, watching me from above with a rather creepy stare.
It was still afternoon so the candles weren't burning, sunlight filled the whole location with warm light. No trace of Zecora though, all I noticed was a silent mumbling echoing from one corner to another.
„Zecora? Are you there?“ I walked further through the room when I suddenly heard her voice approaching from around the corner
„Wha-? Oh its you Twilight Sparkle, what a surprise, I didn’t expected your visit twice.“ For some reason she always use to rhyme her sentences, when we all first met that time it was a bit weird but soon we've accustomed with it. Zecora came around the corner and smiled at me, her golden rings which she always use to wear around her neck and leg were brightly reflecting the sunlight.
„Uhm yes well, you know I just brought you some things a few weeks ago.“
„Yes I remember those things indeed, it was very helpful and more I'd need.“ I brought her some books about local herbs and medicine together with some other herbs, medical reports and several other strange things from the hospital and the Ponyville archive. I wonder why she needed that.
„I’m glad I could help you with your....uhm, for what did you need those things anyway?“ She remained quite for a while, but shortly after she answered with a smile.
„Magic is mysterious and very hard to explain, but if you learn and search there won't be complain.“ This really wasn’t the answer I wanted to hear, but I'll guess it wasn’t that important after all, Appleblooms mental condition had a higher priority by now.
„Well, that’s right I'll guess.“
„Whats wrong Twilight you're looking deep, is there something which is taking your sleep?“
„Actually, its about Applebloom. She's... well, she always wants to cuddle, is very timid and... I don’t know, she seems just changed out. I just hope she's not traumatized or something because of our last visit in this forest. I could never forgive me if that’s the case.“
„Don’t worry dear Twilight, she's maybe scared because of the forest at night, give her some time and she'll get very alright.“
„Hmm I hope your right Zecora.“ To be honest, I expected a bit more from her than this but maybe it'll really just takes some more time. I mean she was all alone in this dark and cold forest after all. It was just too much for a filly, but I couldn't watch her like that, I had to do something on my own!
„Trust me, Applebloom is very brave and strong, no fear in the world will last that long.“
„If you say so Zecora, okay but I will still watch her for a while just in case.“
„The idea isn’t bad I have to admit, just stay near her as a friend and she'll get the grip.“
„I will, thanks Zecora. Oh well, its getting dark again and I want to leave before the same happens like last time. See you later Zecora!“ I turned around and headed back through the main door.
„See you later my friend... escape from the night, sometimes it needs a miracle to find back
to the light.“ Zecoras last words were deep and filled with concerns, even she seemed to be worried.
Poor Applebloom, don't worry I'll find a cure for you! Normally there were about 4 more hours left till dusk, but I wanted to get back to my place as fast as I could, back to the library so I could
search for a certain magic spell...

„... cupcakes~ so sweet and tasty, cupcakes~ don’t be to hasty, cupcakes~ cupcakes, cupcakes, CUPCAAAAA-“
„OH STOP SINGING PINKIE!“ Dashie interrupted me again for the hundred and... uhm, many other times since we started baking here at the Sugarcube Corner. It was a bit disappointing, but I knew one of Dashies little secrets. Well I know almost everything about her but that one is the most funniest one... well uhm the second... no wait third.... wait what did I wanted to say? Oh right~
„Oh come on Dashie, I know you love to sing, too!“ Shocking right?
„Wha- What are you talking about?!“
„Hihi, auntie Pinkie knows that you're singing every time when you believe that you're alone~“
„G- Grr- Bah! That’s not true!“ Dashies face turned red, she bit on her teeth and stared away.
„You can't lie to me Dashie~“
„BE QUITE!“ She shouted as loud as she could. The cakes and lamps in the kitchen started to shake while her voice was rushing through the room.
„Whats going on down there?“
„Nothing Mr. Cake!“ She answered nervously.
„Yapp everything is code purple! ….. or was it blue? Green? Maybe even...“
„Well okay then, you know that Hearths Warming Eve is coming closer every day and we need as much food we can store to overcome the winter.“ After saying that Mr. Cake went back upstairs. He's a nice pony but sometimes a bit jazzed. Mr. and Mrs. Cake are the owners of this bakery, I started working for them when I was just a little filly, shortly after I left my home on the rock farm. I miss my family very bad, but I don’t have that much money to visit them... its been around 10 years now since I saw them the last time. Oh well keep smiling Pinkie! You can't be sad, you promised it!
„Yeah yeah whatever, lets just hope that Applejack is doing her job well, too.“ Dashies voice kicked me out of my thoughts and right into the kitchen again.
„Oh I'll guess she'll be alright.“ That’s what I said, but I'll guess that Applejack is still very depressed because of her younger sister Applebloom, poor thing. We continued backing jummy cupcakes and other sweet stuff, until Dashie suddenly stopped and began to talk in a rather silent voice.
„Hey Pinkie...“ She sounded very sad and worried. You know... Applejack is Dashies very very bestest friend ever after all... sometimes I'm a bit jealous about that.
„Whats wrong Dashie?“
„Its about Applejack... and Applebloom of course. Do you think that both of them will get well again some day? It's been almost a half of a year by now, I’m really.... well-“
„You're worried right?“ She looked at me with a very sad expression and nodded.
„Applejack seems so tired, always confused and preoccupied in thoughts. She can't even apple buck like before nor...“ I went over to Dashie and gave her a little hug.
„Don't worry, what would Applejack say if she would be here?“ I stepped back, grabbed one of the cakes standing on one of the tables and modelled a cowboy hat like the one Applejack's wearing.
„Ah ain’t a sissy! It needs much more to get THIS earth pony down that easily sugarcube!“
Dashie started to giggle and shortly after both of us began to laugh, it felt so good.
„Well that was one hell of a show Pinkie!“ Suddenly I heard Applejacks voice approaching from the door to the kitchen, she looked tired as always and her mane was totally muddily.
„A-Applejack! We uhm, we just wanted to bake a.... a „get well cake“ for you and Applebloom so we uhm...“
„So we thought about that time when you tried to catch those Parasprite thingies that day and how funny that was~“ Applejacks tired eyes starred emotionless in our direction, her huge black eye circles seemed to pulse in the light of the kitchen. She just looked like a zombie... scary.
She started to smile a bit and came closer.
„Oh well if that’s all, huff.... sorry girls ahm a bit irritable. Are you two okay? What about our cake store for the winter?“
„Everything is all very alrighty don’t worry~ Right Dashie?“ We were baking for hours now, the results were about 78 cupcakes, 23 small cakes, 2 big cakes, one huuuuuuuuuuuuge cake and a few muffins... wow how productive.
„Huh? Uhm yes, yes everything is alright-y. What about you Applejack, you look terrible!“
„Ahm glad to hear that, and don't ya care about me ahm alright, too. I maybe need a bit sleep but that’s just a little handicap. Here are some more apples, ah stored them in the baskets in front of the door. Wait ah'll gonna get 'em.“ Applejack turned around and tottered to the door of the kitchen when Dashie ran up to her and blocked the way.
„Yes thanks, we can handle it from here, just go and take a nap okay?“ She grinned.
Applejack looked confused but I'll guess she already knew about Dashies concerns.
„Okay sugarcube, but first I have to buck some more apples for our Sweet Apple Acre farm.“
„Your family can do that for you, its not like granny Smith, Big Macintosh and Applebloo...“
Dashie shocked for a moment and remained quiet, Applejack looked to the ground and just smiled.
„Thanks Rainbow, but ah can do this on mah own don't worry!“ She walked past Dashie and disappeared through the entrance of the Sugarcube Corner.
„... come on Dashie, lets contin-“ Suddenly Dashie kicked against the baskets filled with Applejacks apples. Apple juice and apple pieces were flying through the room while the other apples were falling to the ground, scattering over the whole floor. She stomped with her hooves on the ground.
„That’s all Twilights fault! If she didn’t took Applebloom with her into the Everfree forest, she would've never even get this trauma in the first place!“ Maybe it was Twilights fault, but she surely didn’t meant to let that happen to Applebloom. Something must have happened back then, but Dashie wouldn’t believe that.
„Dashie...“
„Sorry Pinkie, I have to go for a flight to come down a bit, see ya later!“ She turned around and rushed out of the door, taking off into the blue sky like a rainbow-colored rocket. I stayed behind and watched her soaring through the clouds. The sun shined from above, taking me a clear sight at Dashie until she disappeared into the blue.
My heart was heavy too, but I couldn’t give in that easily! I didn't wanted some pony to notice that even I, the happiest pony in Equestria could be sad.
„... well Pinkie, you know what you have to do now, right?“ I said to myself.
„The cakes can wait, its time to cheer my friends up! Pinkiiiiiiiiiiiiiiie GO!“ I ran out of the Sugarcube Corner and down the road, not knowing where to start.
„Oh wait!“ Silly filly me, I forgot something! I ran back to the bakery.
„IM GOING OUT FOR A WHILE, DONT WORRY I COME BACK IN AN HOUR! PINKIE PROMISED!“ I shouted up the stairs to inform Mr. and Mrs. Cake, after that I continued my travel through Ponyville.
„What? P-Pinkie? Wait! Where are you going? … hm oh well, time for a little break I'll guess.“

„Okay let's see.... OH! Yes right here!“
„Ouch!“
„Sorry Fluttershy dear, I didn't meant to prick you.“
„Oh uhm, its okay.“ Rarity and I were up the whole night now, making dresses and other things like accessories for her boutique. It all started a few days ago when she asked me to borrow her some of my sheep's for their wool. I couldn't deny my help but I also couldn’t let those poor things getting a cold so close before Hearths Warming Eve. Gladly she promised me to make some pullovers for them in return, so they'll have it warm and comfy throughout the winter time. Now, 4 days later, she still works like mad on her dresses.
I said I'll help her, now I’m here, playing the fashion model for her like back then when I was a model for Photo Finish. Well I have to admit... it was a quite nice feeling being admired by so many ponies I didn't even knew, it made me feel so pretty and.... Oh my, that sounds so selfish! Oh Fluttershy be more reserved!
„Fluttershy my dear is everything alright?“
„Hm? Oh I’m so sorry, I've just... uhm.“
„Don't worry dear I’m almost done. After this we can go into the spa okay? I need something relaxing too after all this work.“ She walked back to the table where all the fabrics were laying on and took a long purple piece of silk, then she came back and hovered it around me with
her magical horn.
„Now to the grandé finale! Hold your breath dear.“
„Why- uff!“ She wrapped the piece of silk very tight around my belly, like a corset. I tried to hold my breath but it was just too tight. I hope she'll hurry or else...
„It's... PERFECT! Oh dear it looks so marvellous, so fancy and just-“ I couldn't hold my breath any longer and released a deep breath, the brooch which held the two ends of the silk together were ripped apart and flew through the room.
„Huff, huff... oh Rarity I’m so sorry I didn't wanted to-“
„Hahaha oh my dear Fluttershy it's okay, I guess it was a bit too tight for you. I'm the one who should apologize, here let me help you out of this dress.“ Rarity used her magic to open the buttons of my dress and let it slightly glide down my back, putting it back into the chest in the corner of
the room.
„It's a great dress, but I have to rethink it's measures.“
„I'm so sorry Rarity.“
„For what my dear?“
„Well because I'm too...“ My voice sank down and became squeaky, it was so embarrassing to me.
„... too fat.“ I lowered my head to the ground and blushed, it had to be my fault that her beautiful dress became a failure, just because I'm too fat.
„Oh darling.“ Rarity came closer to me and poked me with her nose.
„You're not fat! My measures were too small, not even the thinnest pony model in whole Equestria could have ever been able to wear that without breathing correctly. I'm a bit tired but the deadlines are running out and everypony wants their winter cloth so there's no break for me and-“ Rarity talked like a machine, unstoppable and getting louder with every word.
„Uhm Rarity are you okay?“ She stopped and massaged her head with her hooves.
„Yes, yes, yes. Sorry Fluttershy, come on let's go to the spa.“
„Sister?“ A cute little voice came out of the other room. A few seconds later the little sister of
Rarity came through the door, looking very depressed. She is one of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, a really cute bunch of three fillies- Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and... oh my, I'll guess I knew what could have been the reason for her depression. It tore my heart apart when I heard about Applebloom for the first time, poor little thing.
„Hey my dear, are you crying?“
„Uhm... n-no I just...“ Rarity looked at me with a confused stare until I noticed that she meant Sweetie Belle instead of me. That was so embarrassing!
„S-sorry...“ I looked away, hoping Rarity would forget it very fast.
„Uhm sister?“ Sweetie Belle started to talk again with a lowered voice.
„Whats wrong Sweetie?“
„Its about Applebloom, I asked Twilight to have a look at her but she just ran away. I’m very worried about her, will she be alright soon?“ Oh Sweetie Belle...
„Oh my dear Sweetie Belle, you know that Applebloom had a very hard time when she got lost in the Everfree Forest. Don't blame Twilight, she'll try to cure her I'm sure of it! She already gives herself the fault for Appleblooms condition but...“ Sweetie Belle raised her voice and interrupted Rarity.
„Maybe it WAS her fault! She COULD have protected her, but she didn't! SHE JUST LEFT HER ALONE!“
„SWEETIE BELLE! Watch your voice!“ Rarity shouted.
Sweetie lowered her head and became silent again.
„I- I’m sorry, I just......“ Suddenly she started to chortle and sniff, her eyes became wet... oh my poor baby. I wanted to say something but.... I didn't knew what I could say by now to cheer her up.
„Oh sweetie don't cry.“ Rarity went over to Sweetie Belle and hugged her tight. At that moment it was clear to me that it had to be done by her big sister, I couldn't give her as much love as her own sister after all. Sweetie Belle wrapped her arms around Raritys neck and pressed her face into Raritys shoulder.
„I’m sorry, I didn't meant to shout at you, but there is no reason to talk that bad about a friend of yours. You know Twilight and she would never do something like that, would she?“
„We-Well I know but... its not fair! She is the greatest magician in whole Equestria, why couldn't she just protect her or something?
„Dear you know your little friend, I suppose that Applebloom maybe got curious and sneaked into the forest to investigate something or was searching for adventures like you three always do.
No one really knows what happened, Twilight said that she was trying to open the blocked way, after a few minutes when it was done she noticed that Applebloom was already gone.“
„But what about Appleblooms story? What did she said?“
„Uhm.... you see, she's still a bit confused so she... well...“ It was hard to explain but the poor Applebloom doesn't seemed to want to talk about what happened, maybe it was too horrible.
I asked her too back then, but everything she always said was „Ah'm fine.“
Maybe it was nothing but...
„..... she is no longer a Cutie Mark Crusader...“ What did she say?
„What do you say?“ Rarity gasped.
„She told me... us, that she doesn’t want to belong to the club anymore. It's too dangerous she said.“
Applebloom left the club? Oh my! I have to talk to her, but first I should try to cheer Sweetie Belle up a bit!
„Uhm... Rarity?“ I slowly went up to Rarity, speaking as silently as I could.
„What is it Fluttershy?“ She answered.
„S-sorry for interrupting you but... may I talk to Sweetie Belle for a moment?“
Rarity looked back to her little sister, who was still sadly looking to the ground.
„Sure darling.“
„Thank you Rarity.“ I went beside Sweetie Belle and put my hoof on her little shoulder.
„Hey Sweetie Belle don't be sad, I'll talk to Applebloom and ask her what happened okay? Don't worry we can fix this, we will help her out.“ She looked up to me with her big green eyes.
„Can you, uhm, we really do that?“
„Sure, I'll promise you that.“ Sweetie Belle started to smile again and nodded.
„Alright! But what can I do? Oh I know I'll make her a wonderful hat just like Applejacks!“
„That’s a great idea, I will go and talk to her in the meantime.“
„Okay, thank you Fluttershy!“ Sweetie Belle rushed through the door into the next room and started the sewing machine.
„Thank you darling, you really know how to cheer everypony up.“
„Thanks, well I hope you're right and it works for Applebloom too. Uhm- and about the spa...“
Rarity started to smile and slapped with her hoof on my back.
„It's okay my dear, just go and take care of Applebloom. I will stay here and help Sweetie Belle sewing that hat. We can go to the spa some other time.“
„Thank you Rarity, till later then.“ I rushed through the entrance of the Carousel Boutique and started my search for the sad little Applebloom.
„I hope she's alright.“

„... NO! ITS NOT HER FAULT!“
„IT IIIIS HER FAULT! SHE WAS THE ONE WHO TOOK YOUR LITTLE SISTER INTO THE EVERFREE FOREST!“
„RAINBOW STOP BEEING SO STUBBORN!“
„I-AM-NOT-STUBBORN! IT'S THE TRUTH! IT'S HER FAULT THAT APPLEBLLOM IS-“
„Uhm- sis? Is everythin' alright?“ A silent noise broke the high tension which filled the barn.
My adrenaline kept rushing through my body, prepared to punch anything around me as strong as I could to leave some steam. But then Applebloom, our little filly of sorrow came across so I had to calm down. Applejacks expression fell to the ground when she saw her little sister timidly peeking around the corner of the barn entrance. She tried to smile, but it was hard because of the previous conversation with me. Applebloom went over to Applejack and started to cuddle her leg, she answered with a soft poke of her nose....
„Are... are ya' two quarrelling because of me?“ Applejack looked up to me and started to frown.
„I uhm... well...“ The little filly carefully looked up to me too with her big wet orange eyes and started to speak silently.
„Please don’t quarrel, not because of me! Ahm so sorry for making y’all so much trouble!
Ah'll make it up to ya' again... promised! But please be good company again!“
„Applebloom...“ Applejack sighted.
Seeing those both sister having their nerves at the breaking point did hurt me badly, it was like
a punch in my stomach. Applejack is one of my bestest friends in whole Equestria,
it was just... gosh I couldn't stay here any longer!
„DARNIT!“ I dashed out of the barn and ran as far away as I could, trying to suppress my tears.
The last thing I wanted was for Applejack to see me crying like a little baby filly!
„Oh hey RainboooOOOOAAAAH!“
„SCOOTALOO?!“ I tried to avoid that little pegasi filly by turning to the right, but what I didn't saw was that large massive tree which I rammed instead. My head was ringing like a giant bell when the still vibrating tree rejected me and tossed me to the ground. Pain and aggression floated my brain and made me starting to scream.
„GAAAAAAAAAAH!“
„OH GREAT CELESTIA! Is everything alright Rainbow Dash?“ Scootaloo went beside me, totally nervous, searching my body for wounds and scratches.
My mind was still crowded with all sorts of emotions, not to mention the physical pain caused by that darn tree. I tried to calm down a bit. Although it wasn’t that easy I made it to lower my anger and responded to Scoot.
„Gnnn yeah don't, ow, worry Scootster. I'm alright!“ Scoot still looked worried and stared at me.
„Are you sure? The tree itself is still shaking!“
„So what? Maybe its a rubber-tree or something! Does it really matter? Just let me alone!“ I stood up and just wanted to fly away when Scoot suddenly grabbed my tail and pulled me back.
„WAIT! Uhm- I mean please wait a minute Rainbow Dash.“
„Oh man, what is it kid?“ Scoot looked away like she would be concerned about anything, maybe she knew what was driven me angry and was now trying to talk about it.
„Why are you so angry? D- do you hate me, too?“
„What?“ She let go of me and turned around, still looking to the ground she continued.
„I don’t know, it seems that you don’t like me, nopony does. The older ponies are too busy, most of the younger ones are making fun of me because I can't fly that well and because I'm still blank at my flank. My greatest idol don't wants to talk to me and now... one of my best friends doesn't want to play nor talk to me anymore either!“ Scoot... darn, is everypony in ponyville depressed?
Great, now I had a bad conscience too! Did I really ignored Scoot that often? No nonsense!
… well I couldn't just left her behind like that, I had to say at least something cheerful to her... but what? I was not really good in cheering other ponies up, that’s Fluttershys job.
„Listen Scoot... I- uhm, well I'm sorry if I maybeeee ignored you sometimes, I didn't meant to I
was just too busy sometimes... I'll guess.“
„That’s okay it's not that bad after all, but why did Applebloom rejected me as her friend? Did I do something wrong?“ Applebloom, Applebloom, Applebloom... gosh I'm getting sick of hearing that name all the time, why can't she just go to a psychiatrist or something?
„Listen kid, uhm- Scoot. It's not because of you it's because of Twilight! She took Applebloom into the Everfree Forest and lost her in the middle of the night, that’s why Applebloom got that timid.“
„Oh you mean the story with those zombies? That’s just some kind of petty excuse, I’m sure of it!“
„No it's the truth that she- wait... what did you say?“ Did she just said zombies?
„Zombies... you know- creepy muddy fellows with red eyes and such, it sounded more like a Ponywood movie. Why would she lie to me?“
Jepp she was right that really sounded like a petty excuse, Applebloom must had hallucinations followed by nightmares or something like that. Poor thing.
„Does any other pony know about that, too?“
„I dunno, why should she lie to other ponies, too?“
„Maybe to hide the truth? I can't say by now but I'll find out what happened!“
„I’m sure you will! You can make everything!“
„Hehe thanks ki- uhm Scoot.“ I turned around and spread my wings, ready for take of.
„... till someday then...“ Scoot's sad voice poked my ears. I looked back and saw her walking away slowly with a lowered head. Well Scootaloo is quiet cute and kinda cool too, much more different than the other fillys in her age. Maybe I was too rough to her the last few times we met, she's my biggest fan after all so I'll guess I should take her with me. I flew a small flip and landed right in front of her again. She felt back on her butt and starred up to me, her purple eyes grew bigger.
„C'mon Scoot, ready for a flight?“ Her eyes started to sparkle, her mouth still opened and speechless.
„B- but I can't fly.“ She stuttered.
„So what? Hopp on my back Scoot and hold on tight!“ She gasped for excitement and started to hyperventilate. It would’ve taken hours until she would jump on my back on her own so I took her and threw her on my back myself. She wasn't that heavy, like a little orange plush with a cool short violet haircut. I began to run, shortly after I dashed into the sky with a high speed.
Scoot who still tried to hold onto something on my back started to scream.
„I told you to hold on tight!“ After a few meters up high in the clouds she stopped screaming for fear and started to scream and laugh out of excitement.
„YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH THATS SO AWESOOOOOME!“ Hehe she remembered me on myself when I was as old as her now. Don't worry kid, someday you can fly that high and fast on your own... heh, well okay NOT as fast as me, but maybe fast enough to keep up with me. Someday...

Chapter II - Cure

Books, books, books.... An endless amount of precious books, stocked in several bookshelves all around the main room of the library, my home, my paradise.
Well, as a student of the great princess Celestia, it is my duty to keep raising my horizon when ever
I can after all. Haha but that’s not the only reason why I love books that much, nononono-
Those hundreds and thousands of pages, which are filled with that much knowledge anypony could ever possibly know, are just amazing! Wonderful fantasy stories, a few poems and all of the historical secrets, which were around me day after day. It tickled in my hooves when I
even thought about it.
„Ouh come on Twilight, you have to concentrate!“ I was searching for hours now, but it seemed that the book I was searching for, disappeared all of the sudden! I climbed up every ladder, searched every shelf and every book in this room, but still nothing.
„YO TWI-“
„BWAAAAH!“ Shocked from the sudden approached voice, I felt down the ladder and landed directly into a ocean of books underneath me.
„-light? Uhm you okay?“ That voice could only belonged to one pon- uhm dragon.
„SPIKE!“ Darn it, I told you not to scream when I'm up that high searching for books!“
„Uhm, sorry Twilight I didn't meant to, it's just that princess Celestia wanted to talk to-“
„CELESTIA?!“ I quick adrenaline rush shot through my body when I heard that name.
Celestia? HERE? FOR ME? I dashed out of the door of the library and right outside into the small garden behind my house. I hysterically looked around, searching for the princess, but no trace of our highness at all. Nothing but a blue sky, some white clouds, green grass and a bright shining sun.
„Princess? Are- uhm are you there? ... somewhere?“
„Gosh Twilight, what’s gotten into you?“ Spike!
„YOU TOLD ME THAT THE PRINCESS IS HERE!“
„Well, nooooo? You just interrupted me and rushed out of the room. It wasn't my fault this time!“
Hmpf he was right, how embarrassing....
„Well... sorry Spike, I'm a bit overworked since the last few weeks, just tell me what you wanted to tell!“ I smiled down at my little purple dragon friend. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and raised an eyebrow like he was waiting for something.
„... hmpf please?“ Spike started to smile and clapping his hands.
„Wow the great Twilight did just admitted a mistake to me-“
„Don't play it to far.“ He nervously grinned, then he began to continue.
„Oh hrhrhrmmm, okay sooo princess Celestia wanted to talk to you.“
„Yes I got that, but WHEEERE?“
„Well uhm... here, I'll guess?“
„WHEN?“ It really pulled my nerves that Spike just couldn’t hand over the full information at once!
„At 6 pm.! Gosh Twi calm down a bit!“ Calm down... that was almost the ONLY thing I wasn't able to by now! Princess Celestia... what could she have wanted from me? And 6 pm., that would be too late, at this time Fluttershy should already-
„Everything alright Twi?“ Spikes voice threw me out of my thoughts.
„Yes I'm fine... huff just, just help me searching that darn book!“
„Book? Which book do you mean?“
„It's a special and very rare book about mental healing. I forgot its title, but I know that the book itself has a red cover and a average size.“
„Mental healing? That’s strange, since when do you have such a book?“
„Oh, I didn’t even knew that I got it, right until I've found it one day, buried under some old books.“ It was the day when Rainbow Dash crashed into my library, the day of the youth flight competition in Cloudsdale to be more precisely. She turned this whole place upside down, right after Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie helped me to tidy up. After the events in Cloudsdale, everypony returned back home, except for Rainbow Dash who was hanging out with the Wonderbolt, after her victory in the competition. I forgot that my place was still looking like a battlefield and Spike had his day off, sooooo it was up to me to tidy everything up... again. While doing so, I've found that weird book, it was dusty and lightly damaged but it looked quite interesting, so I decided to put it back into the shelf. Normally I know every single book and their places in here, but this book just seemed to be disappeared! A few month later I asked Owlicious to have a look for it, but not even he found it.
„A rare old book, red cover, average size, hm? Twilight, almost EVERY book in here fits to this description! No wonder you cant find it, especially without knowing the title itself, you're looking for a needle in a haystack!“
„Yes, I know Spike! But I have to give it another try, I HAVE to!“
„Why? For what do you need mental healing?“ What a stupid question.
„You know exactly why.“ Spike stared at me, scratching his head with his fingers.
„Oh, you mean because of my nightmares lately? Well, that’s very kind of you Twilight, but don’t you think its more because of that bad sunflower stew from last we-“
„Nooooo Spike, its much more important than that!“ Spike looked depressed to the ground and crossed his arms again.
„... it IS very important for me...“ He silently muttered.
„Huff.. sorry Spike, but I’m a bit in a hurry and the stress is poison for my nerves. Please stay with the main topic, okay?“
„Uhm, I’m sorry?“
„Its okay. Well whatever, I meant Applebloom.“
„Applebloom?“ He asked with a rather confused expression.
„Uhm duh, yeees Applebloom. Don’t you think she’s a bit strange since the last few month?“
„The only one who's very strange by now is you Twi. Okay, maybe Applebloom became a bit timid and stuff, but it has its reason after all.“
„What reason?“ That made me curious, lets see what he knew that I didn’t.
„Well... I don’t know, BUT there surely IS a reason.“ I put a hoof on my face and massaged my forehead, somehow I expected something like that.
„Sure Spike... but until we find out WHAT reason it is, please help me finding that bo-“
„TWILIGHT!“ Suddenly Rainbows voice rushed through the door, followed by heavy knocking sounds. Oh gosh not her, not now. Rainbow hated me for what I did, that means- for what she thought I didn’t did. I couldn’t ignore her, nor reject her. Its Rainbow Dash, my best friend... and she would smash my door sooner or later anyway, so I had to let her in.
„Spike listen carefully! The book isn’t in this room, but I haven’t checked the second floor now, please take a look okay? I will take care of Rainbow.“
„Yeah okay I can do it, but why-“
„GO SPIKE!“
„Okay, okay... gosh take a break Twi, or else your unicorn will burst!“ Spike walked up the stairs angrily muttering. I was sorry being so harsh to my poor little Spike, but the time was knocking at the door, and Rainbow too. I ran up to the entrance and turned the doorknob.
„Hey Rainbow, wh-“ She pushed me aside and rushed into the room.
„We want answers Twilight!“ Rainbow shouted.
„YES!“
„Hm?“ I just noticed that Scootaloo was sitting on Rainbows back, that was a bit strange.
„Tell us what happened that day!“ Rainbow continued.
„I already told you what I know!“
„LIAR! You surely know more than that!“
„Yeah, spit it out!“ Scootaloo shouted. She hid herself behind Rainbows wing, when I started to look back at her.
„Hmpf, fine! I tell you what happened... again!“

6 month ago

„Lets see... darn it, where did I put them? SPIIIIIKE?“
„What’s wrong Twi?“ Spike slowly went around the corner, yawning and rubbing his eyes.
„Did you saw my books? One is called >Everfree botany< and the second one's >Historical
mysteries of Equestria<.“
„Uhm, I guess I saw them just a minute ago. Wait a second.“ Spike lurched into the next room.
I was sorry that I woke up Spike that early in the morning, but I needed his help. He's my assistant and friend... well okay even more than that, you could say we’re like siblings. Without him I would probably even forget my head if it wouldn’t be sticking on my neck. Unfortunately Owliscious were sleeping by this time of day, so I couldn’t ask him to help me instead of Spike.
I will bring him some gems from Rarity as a reward after I'll return from Zecora.
„Here you go Twi-“ Spike felt to the ground. The two books he was carrying were landing next to me, along with some missing scrolls too.
„Oh right the scrolls, I almost forget them. Thanks Spi- oh.“ He didn’t moved a muscle and began to snore silently. Poor little dragon, he fell asleep... literally. I used my magic to carry him up the stairs right into his bed, where he could sleep much more comfortable. After doing so, I turned myself around and checked my inventory.
„Okay what do we have here...
- Two books: >Everfree botany< and >Historical mysteries<
- Four sealed Scrolls with strange insignias
- 6 local herbs from Ponyville
- 2 herbs from the botanical garden in Canterlot
Great! I have everything I need, now I can go to Zecora.“ I carefully stuffed everything into my bags and just wanted to go, until it knocked at my door.
„Hm? Who could it be that early in the morning?“
„Twilight Sparkle, in the name of Princess Celestia, open the door!“ It was the voice of a celestial guardian, did something happen to the princess? I opened up the door and saw a tall stallion, his shiny golden armor reflected the rising sun, which blinded me for a few seconds.
„What’s wrong? Can I help you?“
„The princess is still waiting for the special delivery you wanted to send a few days ago.
Is everything alright with it?“ Special delivery? DEAR CELESTIA! I promised princess Celestia to bring her-

„Boooooooooooooooriiiiiiiiiing! We don’t want to hear something useless about you and the princess, we want to know something about the events in the Everfree forest!“
„Yeah that’s right!“ Scootaloo added.
„Hmpf okay, lets go on then...“

6 month ago, just a bit later that day

„Applebloom you wait her okay?“
„What? But ah wanted to say he-“ I had to cut her short and continued.
„There’s no time for small talk, I'll give her the bags and we're out of here. We'll visit her again some other day when its not that late, okay? Wait a moment, don’t run away!“ I ran ahead to Zecoras tree, where she already welcomed me with a warm smile.
„Hey Zecora, I brought you the things you wanted.“ I turned my head to the side, took the bags from my back and placed it against Zecoras door.
„Kind ponies, I thank you for delivering what’s told.“
„Glad to help.“ We started to smile on each other. My smile was a mixture of kindness and relief,
I was carrying these heavy bags for hours now and I was more than glad to finally got rid of them.
My back already started to hurt, next time I'll send Spike to correct things he messed up in the first place! However, I just wanted to ask Zecora, for what she needed all those things anyway, when suddenly her expression grew much more serious.
„Hm? What's wrong Zeco-“ Zecora cut me short.
„You do not want to remain for the events that will unfold! Hurry back to Ponyville you must, for the darkness this night you cannot trust!“ I had to admit that I got concerned, I looked into Zecoras turquoise eyes, they were deep and empty, almost soulless. First, I thought that she might made a joke or something like that, but that wasn’t Zecoras style after all, nor did she looked like that.
I tried to say something, but I couldn't. I decided to ran back to Applebloom, following Zecoras advice and getting back home till it's getting darker.
„What the hay did that mean?“ Applebloom nervously asked.
„I don’t know, but we should better hurry up and go home, come on Applebloom!“ I walked ahead. If even Zecora was worried, what could that mean? Zecora is the wisest inhabitant in Ponyville and she lives in the most dangerous place in whole Equestria, why is she acting so strange?
Maybe it was nothing, maybe she just wanted to have her peace. Either way I hurried up to get out of this creepy forest as soon as I... wait a second! I turned around and noticed, that Applebloom was still standing in front of Zecoras tree, although she promised me to stay close at all time!
„Applebloom!“ I shouted.
„Uhm, yeah ahm coming!“ Finally she turned around and followed my back on the bleak area.
The sun was gone, it got colder and darker. I wanted to use my magic to cast a little light sphere in front of us, but Lunas moon was still brightly shining from above, so there was no actual reason to do so. It was only barely enough to see where we’re going, but it had to suffice. I was just too tired to use magic. After a few minutes we arrived at a small passage.
„What’s that?“ A big trunk blocked our way.
„How in Equestria did this tree fall? I didn’t even hear a sound.“
„Maybe it was...... a ghost?“ Applebloom and her ghosts again. I really had to talk to Pinkie Pie,
she's always telling these little fillies the weirdest things. Seriously, ghosts?
I looked back to Applebloom and started to laugh.
„Oh silly, I already told you there aren't such thing like ghosts. Never mind, lets see what we have here.“ I tried to examine the trunk. It was quite tall and surely extremely heavy too.
Climbing over it could be too difficult, there was no other way around and because of its size, pushing would cause nothing. Soooo there was only one option left...
„Hmm maybe I could carry it away with a bit magic, stay behind Applebloom!“ I spread my arms and legs, lowered my body and concentrated myself. My body had to be as stable as I could get it, because of the enormous strength, I had to bring up to move that thing away. I let the magic spread through me, canalised it into my horn which started to glow. I could feel the trunk, its weight.
My back started to hurt again and I started to sweat, but I couldn’t give up now. My concentration was at its limit and the earth underneath me seemed to vibrate, while I lifted the huge trunk and threw it away as far as I could. A cumbersome loud sound echoed through the silence of the night, finally it was done and that stupid thing was gone. I was totally exhausted, my muscles were feeling like old gum, forcing me to sit down for a moment.
„Woooooow Twilight that was AWESOME!“ Applebloom hysterical said.
„Hah, hah... thanks! Phew, it wasn’t easy but now we...“ I looked up again and saw something that took even my last nerve away.
„OU COME OOOOON!“ Another trunk right in front of us.... no, no... there were more than just one, the whole passage was blocked by trunks! That was impossible! That couldn’t be! How come that, lets say, 28 trunks fell down at the same time without anypony hearing it?! That was ridiculous! But it was NO ghost, that’s for sure! I just wanted to tell Applebloom that we should go back to Zecoras place, but then I saw Appleblooms frightened expression. I couldn’t give up, I had to at least try it again, I had to bring her home.
„Hah.. well don’t worry.“ I stood back up.
„Stay right there Applebloom, this may take a while.“ So I tried to move as many trunks as I could. After about 6 trunks I collapsed and fell on my butt.
„Hah, hah, hah.... almost... done!“ I was really exhausted, my back ached. This used to be a drop in
the bucket... this passage was just nearly impossible to clear.
„Come on Twilight, you cant give up!“ I muttered.
I stood back up, getting into position for trunk number 7. It was hard, but my concentration
had to last for the remaining 22 trunks.
„Hey Twilight! There's-“
„Not now Applebloom, I have to concentrate!“
„But...“
„Please, just wait there okay? I'll do my best!“ I was sorry for Applebloom, but I neither had the time, nor the nerves to spare my time with her fantasy stories about ghosts and monsters.

„THERE WE HAVE IT!“ Rainbow shouted.
„I neither had the time, nor the nerves to spare my time with Applebloom!“
„What?! Did you even listen? I said: But I neither had the time, nor the nerves to spare my time with HER FANTASY STORIES ABOUT GHOSTS AND MONSTERS!“
„Ou c'mon Twilight, this is an even bigger proof for your inability!“
„Why are you so mean? I told you, I tried my best to get her home!“ Why was Rainbow so mean to me? I tried to bring Applebloom home with all I got, I pushed to my personal limits of magic to do so! Why couldn't she understand?
„Uhm Twilight, u okay?“ Scootaloo probably noticed the tear that was running down my cheek, I thought I could prevent that by looking to the side.
„Pah, let her Scoot, she may now finally realized her mistakes.“
„I-“ Before I could continue, my door swang open and a orange mare ran in.
„RAINBOW DASH!“ It was Applejack, she went just between me and Rainbow, her angry eyes pointed right into the ones of the cyan pegasus.
„A-Applejack?“ She stuttered.
„Ah knew you would come here to nag at the poor Twilight!“
„B-but I was right! She just said that-“
„Ah was sorry for Applebloom, but ah neither had the time, nor the nerves to spare mah time with her fantasy stories about ghosts and monsters?“
„Y-yes.“
„But didn’t she even said: But then ah saw Appleblooms frightened expression, ah couldn’t give up,
ah had to at least try it again, ah had to bring her home?“
„Well...“
„She nearly died tryin' to bring mah little sister back home! What did you do that time?“
„Me? I didn’t even knew that the both were in the Everfree forest!“
„There ya have it, you didn’t even knew it! She told you where she wanted to go that mornin', but you didn’t listen again, didn’t you?“
„I...“ Rainbow Dash took a few steps backwards, lowered her head and remained silent,.
„If Twilight died that day, if she got hurt by trying to push away those trunks or somethin' like that, would that have satisfied your mind Rainbow?“ Rainbow Dash didn’t said a word,
she just stood there.
„Why are you nagging at her anyway? She is your best friend! Why can't you just believe her like ah can? Aren’t ya the element of loyalty?“ Rainbow started embarrassed to paw the ground with her hoof, her head still pointed downwards. Somehow... I felt sorry for Rainbow by now, sure she hurt me too, but... this was no solution at all. I went over to Applejack and put my hoof on her back.
„Its okay Applejack, thanks but... on some kind of way she’s right. I mean, I had to be much more assertive to Applebloom. I shouldn’t took her into the forest in the first place, it was my fault.“
Both Rainbow and Applejack looked up to me.
„Twilight...“
„But Rainbow, please don’t judge me that harsh, I told you I was sorry for it. I did everything I could to bring her home!“ The two mares watched each others, after that, they looked back at me.
„Rainbow, ahm sorry for shouting at you.“
„No! No, Applejack it was my fault, I’m just too stubborn I'll guess. And Twilight... I'm-“
„IT'S PAAAAAAAAARTEEEEEY TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME!“ Suddenly bombs, filled with tons of confetti, exploded inside of my house and a pink fur ball jumped inside.
„Hayaaa girls! It's up to the great and funny-full Pinkie Pie to cheer the gang up again!“
Great and what?
„C'mon girls have a smile, smile, smile!“ She jumped over to Rainbow and grabbed her.
„Pinkie what are you-“ She threw Rainbow into the arms of Applejack, who embraced each others in the action of this event.
„Yaaaaay you see? Everything’s fine again~“ Pinkie jumped into my direction.
„Now to you Twilight~ Hihihi.“
„Waitwaitwaitwait! Pinkie we were just about to make up with each others, right girls?“
Both of them hysterically nodded.
„Oh? …... wow I’m faster than I thought. I should use this super-pony powers to rescue the world from disharmony! The Super-Duper-Ultra-Fast-Pink-Party-Pony! But you all can call me SDUFPPP~ Hihi say it three times in a row!“
„.... yeah but not now Pinkie, just calm down for a moment. Listen up girls, I just-“
„What in everything that looks graceful and fashionable happened here?“ Dear Celestia, how many ponies are keep coming?
„Hey Scootaloo~“ Sweetie Belle said with her sweet singing voice.
„Oh, hey Sweetie Belle.“
„What’s going on here?“
„To be honest, I have no clue.“ Scootaloo sighted.
„Oh dear. Twilight.... your house is totally...“
„Yes Rarity, I know. But that’s not important by now! More important is-“
„YO TWI, I'VE FOUND YOUR BOOK!“ Errr perfect timing Spike...
„GREAT, CAN YOU PLEASE BRING IT DOWN TO ME?“
„MAYBE I CAN, MAYBE NOT. I HAVE SOME CONDITIONS THAT HAS TO BE FULFILLED FIRST. FIRST OF ALL, A APOLOGIZE FROM YOU WOULD BE VERY KIND, SECOND-“
Gosh Spike, I didn’t had time for such games.
„RARITY IS HERE TOO~“ As soon as the sentence was spoken, Spike was already standing next to me with the book in his hands.
„Hey Rarity, uhm do you want something to drink, or eat or maybe-“
„Keep breathing Spike.“ I took the book from the hyperventilating little dragon and opened
its index.
„Uhm a glass of water would be ni-“
„A glass of water is as good as ready for you, don’t move I'll be right back!“ Spike dashed into the kitchen and brought the item of desire to Rarity.
„Here you go, the best glass and the best water in whole Equestria!“ Rarity took the glass with her magic and smiled back at the red headed little Spike.
„Thank you my dear.“
„Nah, that was nothing! If I can do anything else for you then just say a word, I’m right here for you, whatever happens, the great Spike will always-“
„We got it Spike, please be quite for a while, we haven’t much time left!“
„What are you talkin' about sugarcube?“ Applejack asked.
„Listen, we all know about Appleblooms problem, that means... we don’t know exactly why she has them in the first place. I asked everypony for help, but neither Zecora nor the princesses seems to know something, so I was searching for this book the last few days.“ Now I got the attention from every pony in this room. They all looked quizzical in my direction, ready to absorb every of my words.
„This book is called >Mental healing<, it has a spell in it, that could let Applebloom forget her nightmares, or whatever she saw back then in the Everfree forest. It could fix everything!“
The ponies where watching each others randomly, their expression went from delighted to warily.
„Well if that works, mah little sister would be like before?“ Applejack hesitantly asked.
„She would get normal again? That’s great!“ Rainbow Dash shouted.
„Normal eh? But... what if there’s somethin' that she better shouldn’t forget? What if there’s somethin' she should remember?“
„Darling, in her condition she only hurts you and herself. It's not healthy for both of you.“
„She's right Applejack, please give it a try.“ I said.
Applejack seemed to be worried about something, did she knew something that we shouldn’t?
„Applejack?“ She seemed to be absorbed in thoughts, but soon she reacted.
„Hm? Oh, uhm... well okay, lets go search for her then.“
„That won't be necessary... Fluttershy is already on the way here along with Applebloom.“
„What?“ Everypony shocked.
„Yes, I met Fluttershy on the way home, she was already searching for Applebloom, so I asked her to bring her to my place as soon as she can.“
„But why didn’t you invited us to this party, too?“ Pinkie Pie asked.
„Well, somehow I knew you girls would show up. Don’t worry, I'll promise that everything will be alright again!“
„Say the Pinkie swear!“
„Ou Pinkie come on.“
„Pluuuueeeeeeeaaaaaaaassssssseeeeee.“
„Gosh not that again! Well okay, okay... Open my heart and hope to fly, put a cupcake in my eye.“
„Alrighty!“ Pinkie grinned.
„Uhm... Twilight? Are you here?“ The silent voice of Fluttershy ran through the room.
„Oh great your here, come in Fluttershy.“ Fluttershy slowly came into the library, the timid little Applebloom on her back.
„What's goin' on here? Scoot? Sweetie Belle?“ Applebloom nervously asked.
„It's okay Applebloom, today your nightmares will be over.“ I softly said.
„W-what do you mean? Sis?“ Applebloom anxiously looked over to Applejack, but she remained quiet.
„Please, hold still for a moment.“ Applebloom nervously looked around, staring down at my book.
„.... no.... NO AH DONT WANT TO!“ She jumped off Fluttershys back and ran to the door.
„Rainbow!“
„I’m on it!“ Rainbow dashed to the door and blocked it successfully.
„Don’t worry little one, everything will be okay soon.“ Appleblooms eyes grew bigger while her pupils grew smaller.
„Little one... little one... no, NO!“ She ran to the windows.
„Don’t let here get away!“ Rarity blocked one of the windows, Spike the second and Pinkie the third one. Applebloom went backwards, her legs were shaking and small tears were rolling down her cheeks.
„No please, you don’t understand!“
„Don’t worry honey, it won't hurt.“ Rarity softly said.
„Don’t call me like that, DONT CALL ME LIKE THAT!“ Applebloom shouted, still walking backwards.
„Fluttershy, please hold her so she can calm herself down a bit.“
Fluttershy flew up to Applebloom and embraced her softly.
„NO! Fluttershy please lemme go!“ Fluttershy unsurely looked over to me, it was hard for her too, no doubt about it, but it had to be done. Applebloom had to get her normal life back, her life as a normal unconcerned filly. I started to read the spell, canalizing the magic into my horn and aiming it onto Applebloom.
„Why are ya' doin' this to me? What have ah done to ya'?“ She cried.
Don’t worry Applebloom, when this is over, we can have new adventures as Cutie Mark Crusaders!“ Scootaloo grinned.
„Yes, she's right! Oh and I have a special present for you, but its not done yet. You'll get it after it's done okay? I hope you'll like it.“ Sweetie Belle said.
„No please, help me! Do something! Ah can't forget, AH CAN'T!“ She looked over to her sister who was sadly looking down at her, too.
„Please sis help me, don’t let them do this to me! Ah told you that ah can't forget it! It's for the sake of us all!“ What did that mean? We all looked over to Applejack who closed her eyes, trying to suppress some tears, which were rolling down anyway. For a moment, everything remained quiet.
„Applejack?“ Applebloom whispered.
Applejack slowly looked up to her little sister, her eyes were filled with tears and regret. She watched her for a few second, then she opened her mouth.
„It'll be the best for you. Ah want that you get your smile back.“
„... sis?“ Applejack bit on her lips and turned herself around.
„Don’t worry Applebloom, I will fix my mistake and cure you once and for all.“
„... sis... „ Without another word, Applebloom remained quiet, too.
I released a small sphere of blue light, which illuminated the whole room and washed away everything. Appleblooms fears, her nightmares and every memory of the events of the Everfree forest.

„Twilight wait!“

„P-princess?

Chapter III - Shards

“Applebloom? Are you here, somewhere?” Me and Sweetie Belle went to Sweet Apple Acre to see Applebloom. Granny Smith told us, that she would be inside of an old shack near the barn, so we went there to search for her.
“Applebloom? Is that you?” Sweetie Belle noticed a small yellow furball in the corner of the shack, it was too dark too say for certain that it's Applebloom, but the silent muttering voice at least sounded like her.
“Applebloom?”
“Know ah remember... ah remember everythin'!” She said.
“What do you mean?”
“Ah remember...” Applebloom turned around with a big grin on her face.
“Ah remember the place Pinkie Pie told me!”
“That's awesome!” I shouted.
“Yeah, that means new adventures!”
“C'mon girls, let's go!”
“THE NEW ADVENTURES OF THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADER TRESURE HUNTERS!”
We all shouted simutaneously as we ran out of the shack. It was a great feeling to do new adventures with my friends after all this time, everything was just like before.
“Outta mah way sis!” Applejack came across with tons of apples in her bags.
“Woah slow down sugarcube! Some ponies have to work ya know.”
“Sorry sis, I see ya later!”
“Bye Applejack!”
“Yes, bye! “

“Wow, what was that all about?” I had to admit that ah was more than just happy, that mah little sister Applebloom could finally laugh again.
“Ain't it heart warming?” Ah turned around and noticed that Big Macintosh just went around the corner of the barn, along with a big apple cart strapped around his hip.
“Big brother what are ya doin' here? Ah thought you had your day off today.”
“Nope, you probably misheard a little detail in that sentence.”
“What do ya mean?”
“Well, you're the one who has her day off today.” A day off? For me? Oh no sir, you can't be
serious bout that.
“Don't look at me like this sis, you heard what I said.”
“C'mon you can't be serious bout that! I mean, who should help you buckin' these apples?”
“Don't ya worry, ah'll handle that.”
“What? Oh no, ya have to get me off this plantation first!” Big Mac started to smile.
“Eeyupp, ah thought you would say that. Rainbow?”
“Wha- WUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!” Before ah could even get what happened, a colourful bolt dashed out of the clouds and took me with it.
“THANKS BIGMAC!”
“RAAAAAAIIIINBOOOOOOOOW!” Ah looked up and saw that cyan pegasus pony brightly grinning down at me.
“WHAT IN TARNATION ARE YA DOIN'? TAKE ME BACK TO THE GROUND!”
“ Sorry Applejack, but you are so going to have fun today!”
“AH'LL SHOW YOU FUN ONCE WE'RE LANDIN'!”
“Don't be mad at me, you'll see you'll like it!”

“... hm? Twilight?” I awoke early in the morning, earlier than usual. Something woke me up this time, a series of dull sounds echoing from the library in the lower floor, like books flying to the ground.
“Gosh Twi, can't you just rest for one single day?” I slowly stood up, out of my cuddly warm bed and made my first step on the cold wooden floor.
“Brrr oh man, this is way to cold for a little dragon! Feels like a freezer, not to mention how cold it must be outside!” I rubbed my hands against each other to make them a bit warmer, but it seemed useless.
“Great, I'll guess its time for some new winter clothes made by the wonderful Rarity.”
My heart started to jump again while thinking of that beautiful white mare. Her wonderful snow white fur, her amazing deep blue eyes, her wonderful violet mane...
“Well, I should REALLY pay her a visit today, I mean, to uhm, for our winter clothes of course!”
I grabbed my scarf and ran down the stairs to-
“What in Celestias name happened here?!” Almost every book in this library were lying on the ground! I just sorted them a few days ago!
“TWILIGHT!” No response, nothing but more dull sounds echoing through the next room.
I tried to wade through the ocean of books, a hard task for a small dragon like me compared to all those books she had. I finally arrived at the next door and tried to shout for Twi again.
“HEY TWILIGHT! WHAT ARE Y-” two seconds later she stood in front of me, her mane totally rumpled and with big bags around her hip.
“Oh Spike I'm glad you're awake!” She grinned.
“Uhm, Twilight? Were you up the whole night?”
“Nooo not the whole night, only 90 percent of it.”
“Okay?” She seemed kind of fit, no dark eye circles or something like that. Something was strange... more than usual. She went past me and directly to the main entrance.
“Come on Spike! We are in a hurry!” We?
“We?” I asked.
“Yes, WE. Come I'll tell you everything along the way.”
“What? No, I don't go out into the cold! Do I look like a fool?” Well, actually I wanted to out just a few minutes ago... but that reason was different and much more important!
“Ou come on Spike, I bet you wanted to go to Rarity with the poor excuse of collecting our winter cloth.” ... damn Twilight and her sharp-mindedness.
“I uhm... hmpf, okay okay, but I hope it's very VERY important!” She used her magic to wrap the scarf around my neck and placing a wool cap onto my head.
“Yes it is, but don't worry Spike, you can go to Rarity after We're done, okay?”
“Well, okay.” I walked next to her at the door.
“Can you at least tell me where we're going?”
“Sure.” She went through the door and turned around.
“We're going to the Everfree forest.”

The Cutie Mark Chapter - The Greatest Treasure

“Okay, ready everypony?” Applebloom shouted while we were wandering through the wood near Ponyville.
“Oh yeah! That'll be so awesome! Just think of it, we're getting real treasure hunter cutie marks!”
“Yay and think of all the diamond and gems we'll find!”
“For what do you need diamonds and gems Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked.
“Well duh, I need them if I want to be such a great fashion designer like my big sister.”
“But Sweetie Belle, maybe the treasure is somethin' totally different.” Applebloom said.
“Yeah, maybe it's a hypervelocity scooter or something like that!”
“A scooter? Oh c'mon Scootaloo, do ya really think that pirates are goin' to bury a scooter?”
“Pah, pirates are cool and scooters are cool, case closed! What do YOU think is inside?”
Applebloom scratched her head with her hoof and looked around.
“Oh I know! Maybe there are golden Zap-Apples inside!” Both of us remained quiet while Applebloom continued to grin.
“Uhm Applebloom, don't take it the wrong way but I don't think that there are Zap-Apples inside...”
“Why that Sweetie Belle?” Well I thought that would be obvious.
“Well uhm, wouldn't Zap-Apples usually rot after all these years under the earth?” Applebloom looked at me and started to smile.
“Well, usually yes, buuuuuuuut these are GOLDEN Zap-Apples! They are UN-rotable!”
“Yeah and UN-eatable!” Scootaloo started to laugh, rolling herself over the ground.
“Oh gosh Applebloom, that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!”
“HEY but your stupid scooter does exist huh?”
“YES IT DOES!”
“NO IT DOESN'T!”
“YES IT DOES!”
“NO IT DOESN'T!”
“GIRLS!” Both Applebloom and Scootaloo became silent, looking at me with wide opened eyes.
“Uhm sorry, but shouldn't we better concentrate on our journey instead of just yelling on each other?” Both started to frown again, until Scootaloo turned herself around.
“You're right, let's go then! The first filly who finds the treasure wins!” And with the end of the sentence, Scootaloo rushed ahead.
“SCOOTALOO THATS NOT FAIR!” Hmm, this situation seemed kind of familiar.
“... huh...” Applebloom moaned.
“Everything alright Applebloom?” She looked confused to the ground, but a few seconds later she answered.
“Hm? No, uhm yes. It's nothin', just some kinda deja-vu or somethin'.” A Deja-vu?
“GIRLSGIRLSGIRLSGIRLSGIRLS!” Scootaloo screamed.
“Scootaloo?”
“YOU HAVE TO COME! NOW! HUUUUUURRY UUUUUP!”
“What the hay has driven into her?”
“I don't know, maybe she has found the treasure?”
“NO WAY!” Applebloom began to run to Scootaloos direction.
“APPLEBLOOM WAIT!” I ran after her as fast as I could. Trees and bushes were flashing by, yellow and red leafs were dancing through the wind, the cold wind slapping against our faces while running down the path. It took a few minutes until we've finally saw Scootaloo, standing on a giant hill, frantically waving her hooves.
“Scootaloo what-”
“What IS this?”
“I have noooooooo clue, but it's quite suspicious don't you think?”
“It really is suspicious, but do ya really think it's the place where the treasure is hidden?”
Scootaloo slapped her hoof on her face and shaked her head.
“Oh c'mon Applebloom, isn't it OBVIOUS? This is the wood Pinkie told you, it's supposed to be a buried treasure AND this is a giant hill in the middle of this path.”
“Thats the point, it's TOO obvious! Ah mean, wouldn't a pirate bury his treasure a bit more, well “hidden” than that?”
“Applebloom's right Scootaloo, it surely is a trap!” Scootaloo looked around and back to the hill she was sitting on. After awhile she started to sigh and jumped off.
“Maybe you're right... darn, I thought I've found it.”

“Applebloom? Didn't you tell us before, that you could remember the place Pinkie told you?”
“Well, yes ah did... but it's not really accurate.”
“C'mon Applebloom spit it out! What did Pinkie told you?”
“Uhm... To find the greatest treasure of em' all, you don't have to be very tall. Go to the woods near the town and stop making such a frown. The treasure is near, but you won't find it on your own,
just go on and watch... it's right in front of your nose.” Me and Scootaloo were looking onto each other. Her eyes were telling me that she was sharing the same level of confusion like I did.
“Oooookay?”
“Well, it's still Pinkie after all.”
“Don't worry girls, ahm sure she hid some sorta hint in this message or somethin'.”
“Great and what could that be?”
“Maybe... we should follow that path?” We sat down for a while, thinking about our next steps.
I thought about Appleblooms, well I mean, Pinkies words and tried to figure out, what secret hint Pinkie could've hidden in that message. It took about five minutes until Scootaloo stood up and started to walk down the path.
“Where are ya goin' Scoot?” She turned around and grumbled: “This is boring, I'll continue to search for it the old way.”
“W-wait Scoot!” Applebloom stood up and ran after Scoot again.
“Girls we really should..., hmpf, never mind.” I stood up and slowly followed them.
“Sustaining a friendship is quite hard, right?” A silent female voice approached from behind, making me cringe for a second.
“Huh? Who-” I could feel how everything around me grew colder with every minute.
“They say friendship can last forever... but I never made such an experience.”
“Girls? This isn't funny!” Suddenly I could feel a cold hoof onto my shoulder, I was like paralyzed.
“You're Sweetie Belle, right? Please protect your friends! You have to, please!”
“SWEETIE BELLE!”
“KYAAAAAAA!”
“Gosh, what's wrong with you?” I turned myself around and saw Scootaloo, standing there with a raised eyebrow.
“SCOOTALOO! STOP SCARING ME LIKE THAT!”
“Wowowow calm down you little marshmallow! I haven't done a thing!”
“Oh really? … oh, really?”
“What is takin' so long? Let's go girls it's gettin' late! We have to hurry if we want to find that treasure till dusk!” Applebloom shouted.
“Sweetie Belle has gone nuts or something.”
“NO I'M NOT! I just....”
“Let's go Sweetie Belle, we haven't much time left!” Applebloom and Scootaloo were walking ahead, leaving me behind again. It was a strange feeling back then, but if it wasn't Scootaloo, who was it? Nah it had to be her, I mean, ghosts are only existing in the Everfree forest after all!
“Hmpf, alright then. Don't worry Scootaloo, I'll have my revenge! Hihihihi.” I stood up and walked down the wooded trail, following my two friends to find the greatest treasure ever.

“... the greatest treasure ever...”

The Friendship Chapter - An Unbreakable Bound

“Fluttershy dear, would you please help me decorate these tables?”
“Uhm sure, just a second please.” Fluttershy was just helping Pinkie with the cakes while I had the job to decorate all the picnic tables. I mean, considering the fact that I'm the greatest fashionista in whole Equestria, it was the perfect job for me. Well, better than making me dirty with this gluey frosting of Pinkies cakes.
“Hey Rarity, how's it going with the tables?” Pinkie asked.
“Oh I'm almost done, just a few little details here and there.”
“Great! I can't wait to open the buffet!”
“But you already ate about 50% of the cakes already!” It was quite interesting how much cake a single pony could eat in such a short time. Pinkie- the pony with the bottomless stomach.
“Yes I know, but they're soooooooooooo sweet and tasty!” She opened her mouth and ate another giant cake with a single gulp.
“Oh my.”
“Eeew, well okay then. Uhm, Fluttershy?”
“Oh right, I'm coming. Angel, could you please please help Pinkie instead?” Her little white bunny Angel nodded and jumped into Pinkies direction.
“Hihi well hi there, do you wanna help me with the food?” Soon after Pinkie and Angel were jumping back into the small cabin.
“Pinkie really is a strange pony.”
“You think so?”
“Did you never noticed how- oh, please hold this for a minute, dear.”
“Sure.” I gave some of the light blue ribbons, which were supposed to be decorations for the tables, to Fluttershy. They were wonderful, but the tables themselves were too overloaded to work
properly .
“Well, like I said... Pinkie is really strange. I mean, she eats cake like a garbage chute, but still doesn't grow fat. I mean look at me! I ate one little cupcake and my belly grew that big!
That's not fair!”
“But, you're not fat Rarity! You are the slimmest one of us.”
“How kind of you my dear. I need a ribbon.”
“Okay.” She gave me one of the ribbons, then I continued.
“The second thing is her happy attitude. She's always happy, no matter what happens. Don't get me wrong, it's a really good attitude, but isn't it quite hard to keep that up?”
“Oh well, Pinkie is just a optimist, but even she can cry sometimes... well, I guess.”
“Hm, I don't know. I saw her laughing, screaming, dancing, singing, eating, drinking but never crying. Scissor please.” Fluttershy gave me the scissor and answered.
“Don't you remember that time when princess Luna showed up again? Princess Celestia and Luna were hugging each other and shedding tears. At that point, Pinkie started to cry.”
“Hmmm you're right, but I don't think it was real.”
“And what's with her birthday party? You know, the day when she was totally depressed and sad, because she thought we didn't wanted to be friends with her anymore.”
“Hm well okay, you're right. Strange I totally forgot that.” A few last stitches and the last tablecloth was finished.
“Finally done. Thanks Fluttershy dear, now we only have to wait for our last two guests.”
“Yay~” Fluttershy squeaked.
“Oh and like I said, don't get me wrong, I really like Pinkie Pie, she's just a bit strange sometimes.”
“Hihi well, she's just Pinkie Pie.” Both of us started to laugh. Fluttershy was right, Pinkie was no pony at all, she was a mystery.
“Are you two talking about me?”
“AAH!” Pinkie jumped out of the nowhere and startled me.
“PINKIE!” The pink pony just continued to laugh.
“Whats wrong? Is everything ready?”
“Yes we've just finished the decorations. What's with the food?”
“Everything is alrighty! Oh and Rainbow Dash and Applejack just showed up, too~”
“Oh really? Whe-”
“RAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIINBOOOOOOOOOOOOW!” A scream approached from the sky, getting louder and louder and finally landed in the giant lake behind us.
“WAAAAVE!” Due to the impact of the falling thing, a huge wave washed over the whole picnic place. After it was gone, the decorations, tables and party hats where scattered all around the place. But that wasn't the worst of all!
“MY MAAAANE!” My beautiful mane was totally soaked with water and hanging down into my face. It took so long too style it that way and now it was ruined!
“Sheesh, if ah get this rainbow colored blockhead ah will... huh? What are you guys doin' here?”
Applejack just came out of the water, her mane soaked and ruined like mine.
“This is a welcoming party!” Pinkie shouted.
“A welcomin' party? For whom?”
“For you you dummy~”
“For me?” Applejack shook her body like a dog to clear herself from the water, tossing it right into my direction like expected.
“Hey watch out! I just try to save my hair here!”
“Oh sorry princess, how careless from me. Shall ah call a doctor for your mane?”
“PAH!” I didn't had the nerves to talk to her right now, I had better things to do.
“Hehehe, but seriously girls, what are ya' doin' here?”
“Pinkie already told you that it's a welcoming party for you!” Rainbow Dash said while landing next to Pinkie.
“RAINBOW!” Applejack growled.
“Hey don't be mad at me! All of us were the same opinion!”
“Which opinion?”
“Well, uhm... we thought you could need some vacation.... maybe.” Fluttershy said.
“Vacation... for me? Hm, ah don't know.”
“Ou c'mon Applejack! You're always working so hard every day, you really need a vacation!”
“Hmm, but what about Sweet Apple Acre?”
“Big Mac will handle that.”
“And Granny Smith?”
“She's old enough to watch for herself.”
“And what about Applebloom?”
“She's fine again right? Don't worry I bet she's playing with her friends again while we speak.”
“Eyupp Rainbow is right Applejack. I gave them a little hint where they can find a giant treasure near Ponyville.” Treasure?
“There's a treasure near Ponyville?! What's inside? Gems? Diamonds? Rainbow Crystals?”
I shouted out of the cabin.
“Rainbow- what?” Rainbow Dash asked confused.
“Well yes and noooo. It really IS really valuable, but-” Then Pinkie got interrupted by
Applejack again.
“That doesn't matter now! Did you at least send them somewhere safe?”
“Uhm duh, sure I did you silly. It's inside of a small wood... but I forgot the name.”
“It is safe, believe me.” rainbow Dash added.
“Yes, yes but the trea-” And again I was cut off by Applejack.
“Well okay, ah'll guess that's fine then.”
“YAAAAAY LET'S PAAAAARTEEEEEEEY!” Pinkie shouted.
“But the treasure... hmpf, forget it!”

The sun was about to set and everypony seemed to had a good time.
The cakes, apples, sandwiches and milk bottles were empty and the was about to grow colder and colder. We were laying on the dark grass near the lake, relaxing and silently breathing.
Applejack, me, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity. Too bad that Twilight and Spike didn't wanted to come, too. It was a peaceful place, around ten minutes away from Ponyville and although it normally was a bit too quiet for me, it had it's special charm. The hooves behind my head, the legs crossed and the warm-cold breeze of the autumn blowing through my mane... it was so wonderful
I could have napped away in seconds.
“Hey girls...” Fluttershy quietly said.
“Sup' Fluttershy?”
“Do you... well, do you think that friendship lasts forever?” That was a weird question, a bit sappy too, but somehow... interesting.
“Hihihi, oh you silly~ Of course it does!”
“Yes of course darling! I would never forget a good friend.”
“Me neither, you betcha'!”
“I see... what do you think Rainbow Dash?” Hmm that was a topic I really wanted to evade but, well, it was too late now too make a drawback. What should I say?
“C'mon Rainbow, talk to us.”
“Yeah, yeah okay! Uhm, well I think... I would never forget a friend. Never!” Although I blamed Twilight for something she haven't done in the first place. Maybe it wasn't her fault but, gosh I don't know. I started to feel bad for some reason. Everything became quiet again for a while.
The wind blew through the trees, making their last few leafs rustle through the dusk.
“What if-” Fluttershy started again.
“What darling?”
“Oh, it's nothing.”
“C,mon Fluttershy, spit it out.”
“Yeah let us hear.”
“Well...” Fluttershy seemed to shed a tear, sparkling in the light of the sinking sun.
“... what if... we have to go some day?”
“What do you mean?” Pinkie asked. Fluttershy closed her eyes and laid her arms around her little bunny Angel, who was sleeping on her belly. Her voice got shaky, was she crying?
“What if, we have to pass on some day? Do you believe... friendship will-” Before she could even spell it, Pinkie already laid her arms around Fluttershy.
“It will! It will keep existing... no matter what happens, friendship won't go away. Never!”
Rarity stood up and went on the other side of Fluttershy, laying her arms around her too.
“Don't worry darling, we'll stay with you whatever happens!” That was... BAH too sappy! It's just... it's just...
“Rainbow.”
“Huh?” I looked up, not knowing that a tear ran down my cheek. Applejack was standing right above me, softly smiling, holding her hoof over my chest.
“Let's join our friends.” Joining these crybabies? Somehow, I felt strange. I don't cry, I can't cry!
... I don't want to... I cried enough. Applejack stared at me for a while, still smiling. She knew me, she knew that I wanted to join them... darn it.
“Fine, If you insist it...” She grabbed my hoof and dragged me to the others.
The sun kept sinking, the wind grew colder and we... we lay together on the lake, hugging each others and dreaming. A dream, were friendship should never die, were time didn't exist.

“... friendship... does it really last forever?”

The Twilight Chapter - Walking Through The Past

“The Everfree forest, a place, so mysterious and scary. No one really knows it's secrets nor it's actual size. It's filled with endless myths, legends and tons of-”
“Boredom.” Spike sighted.
“Ou c'mon Spike! This is the most interesting place in whole Equestria! No one, not even the princessess themselves are knowing everything about it!”
“Twilight... this is a forest. A normal, green and boring forest.”
“Hmpf, just be quiet and follow me.”
“Yes ma'am miss forest ranger!” He grumbled. Spike was still angry because I didn't let him go
to Rarity. Sometimes he's really acting like a little baby dragon! But whatever, there was something more important to do than caring about our lovesick Spike. Something happened to Applebloom that night and I had to find out what.
“left – Ponyville, right – Everfree Forest” We came to an T-shaped crossroad, the same were I met Applebloom a few month ago. This is where everything began. Oh Applebloom, I should have stayed with “NO!” Well, that wasn't important anymore, it was time to enter the forest once more.
Spike and I were walking through the huge entrance of the Everfree forest. After a few minutes, we were surrounded by huge trees and strange flora. Only a few rays of light were shining through the treetops, dark green grass rustled underneath our steps. I tried to remember the way, but it was quite difficult because everything in this forest seemed to look alike.
“Twilight it's so boring and cold in here, let's go home already.” Spike sighted.
“No Spike, not yet! It has to be here somewhere!”
“What has to be here somewhere?”
“The place where I lost Applebloom that night.”
“Oh I see. Aaaaand how does that place looks like?” That was a very good question and I hated the fact that I didn't knew it either.
“Well, uhm... there were trees and some bushes... and leafs?”
“... yeah, sure. You know what? I think you forgot the place!”
“NO! I know the place! It's... Oh, over there!” I finally found a place which was more than familiar to me.
“Holy... wow, that's what I call deep.” Spike starred into the deep, black emptiness in which Applebloom and I were starring that day.
“This is the abyss we've crossed that day, it seems to have no bottom and no other way over besides that trunk over there.” I pointed to the left were the giant trunk was laying, but it was gone since that day.
“Huh? But there is no trunk Twilight.”
“Yes I know, it disappeared shortly after we've passed it on our way out.”
“It... disappeared? How?” That was a really good question.
“I... have no clue. BUT that doesn't matter right now, we have to get over there somehow!”
“Maybe Rainbow Dash could fly over to build a bridge for us or something.”
“Yeeeaaah, OR we could use a other trunk as a bridge.”
“Well, that could work too.”
I looked around to find a fitting tree that I could use, but every tree seemed to be too small. That was weird, they were huge, really huge but not huge enough for the abyss. Where did that trunk came from that day?
“Twilight!” Spike shouted.
“Wha-” I turned my head to the right and held my breath. It was exactly the same trunk we've used that day... already placed over the bottomless gap.
“It's that trunk, but how did it came here again? It wasn't here a minute ago!”
“Okay I admit it, it IS a bit scary! You won, bye!” Spike turned around and tried to run away.
“Wowowow hold it Spike! You are coming with me, no complains!” I grabbed his scarf with my magic and pulled him back to me.
“Ou man!” He crossed his arms in front of his chest and made a frown.
“Don't be such a baby, come on now.” We continued our travel through the forest, after a while we arrived at that special place where I lost Applebloom.
“This is it. This is the place which was blocked by hundreds of trunks.”
“Hundreds? How does they even fit in here? The path is only about 2 metres wide!”
“But I tell you, it was a countless amount of giant trunks! There was no other way around!”
Spike looked around and started to embrace himself.
“Brrr that gives me the creeps. Let's go home!”
“No, not yet! Applebloom disappeared here somewhere and we're not leaving until I know what happened!” I walked ahead and looked around. The sun, which came through some places of the treetops, were giving me a better sight of my surroundings. It just looked like the rest of the forest, some bushes, many tall trees along the path, slightly dark grass on the ground... nothing suspicious at all! Following this path would lead to a shortcut to Zecoras home, in its opposite direction was the exit to Ponyville. The trees were standing so tightly together that no pony could get through there... so where did she go?
“Hihihi.”
“Huh?” I could swear I heard somepony giggling from behind one of the trees.
“Everything alright Twi... Twilight?”
“Follow me Spike!” I ran ahead, around the tree and...
“There's a secret path!” Spike gasped.
“So this is the place where Applebloom went!” I slowly went through the small void between the trees. It took a few minutes, but soon after we came to a small passage. Everything was still the same like before. The grass, the sun, the trees... no trace that Applebloom went through here.
“Twilight, please let's turn around and go home! I don't trust this place!” Spike jumped against my leg and hugged it tightly.
“Oh please Spike, you're acting like-” Wait a minute, he's acting like Applebloom!
“Hihihi” That giggling again! I ran down that passage, jumping over several stones and branches, getting closer to the voice echoing through the forest.
My pulse was rising, my heart started to beat faster, adrenaline rushed through my body. What ever harmed Applebloom had to be nearby! I could feel it! I-
“Applebloom?”
“Wa-? AAAH!” Shocked from the suddenly approached voice from the side, I tripped and fell hardly to the ground. I landed on the side, causing a moderate pain at my chest and right hoof.
“Ouch! DARN IT SPIKE!”
“Oh my! Sorry about that! I didn't meant to scare you nor to let that happen!”
“Huh?” When I looked up, I saw a green mare with a green mane standing in front of me. She seemed to be the same age and size like me. Her brightly green eyes were looking concerned, holding her hoof in my direction to help me up. What was a pony doing here after all?
“Here, let me help you.” I grabbed her hoof and stood up.
“Uhm, thank you very much.”
“You don't have to thank me, I mean, I was the one who made you trip in the first place.”
“Nononono it was my fault, I should have acted a bit more concentrated.” We were looking onto each other and began to laugh.
“Oh whatever, I just hope you haven't hurt yourself too much.”
“No, it's nothing serious.”
“I'm glad to hear that.”
“TWILIGHT!” Spike appeared around the corner of the trees, sweating and deeply gasping.
“Oh hey Spike~” He ran in front of us and fell over on his face.
“Next time... please... tell me before... you run away like that... Twilight!”
“WOW A BABY DRAGON!” The strange mare went over to Spike and rolled him on his back.
”Uhm... Twilight? Have you changed your hair, fur... and eye color?”
“Spike, I'm over here. And let me guess, he is soooo cute and adorable?”
“Wha? Uhm, yes yes maybe, but in the first place he's really interesting!” She hastily examined Spike with her hooves, Spike himself was laughing like he got tickled.
“Interesting?” I asked her.
“Yes! I mean dragons themselves are really amazing creatures! Their behaving, their body, their nature itself... I could read tons of books about dragons each day!” The loves to read?
“So you like dragons and reading?” She stopped and turned herself back to me.
“Not only dragons, everything! I love to read about many things like strange herbs, animals and even medicine and first aid.” She looked totally excited talking about books... just like me sometimes. Hm, maybe she wasn't that strange at all, but there was still something around her which made me leery.
“What are you doing in the Everfree forest? I mean, it's not really safe in here.”
“Oh, I was searching for... something.” She looked to the side like she was in trance or something.
“So, what did you lose?” She remained quiet.
“Did it belong to you, a friend or family member of yours?”
“It's not an “it”, it's more a friend to be certain, but it's been a while since I saw her the last time.”
A friend? Did she mean...
“Is it Applebloom?” Her green eyes grew bigger and she started to brightly smile at me.
“You know her?”
“Y-yes I do, she's a friend of mine.”
“Thats wonderful! You don't know how long I was searching for her!” She seemed to be so happy knowing that I knew Applebloom, but why?
“Where is she? Please tell me!” Should I tell her? Maybe she was the one who made her like this.
“I-uhm.”
“OUCH! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING YOU SUGAR-FREAK!”
“WHY DON'T YOU WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING YOU LAZY BLOCKHEAD?”
Two male voices where approaching from behind, maybe friends of her?
“Who is that? We should check-” Before I could end this sentence, the mare ran in front of me and grinned.
“Oh that's okay, they're a few friends of mine. We were searching for Applebloom for a few month now and we are very tired. That's probably the reason why some of us are getting irritable.”
Hmm I didn't knew what to do. I couldn't just let them wander around in this cursed forest, nor could I trust them that easily. I thought about taking them back to Ponyville would be the best solution, although I would keep an eye on them.
“So, can you please tell us where Applebloom is? Is she allright? Did something happen to her?
Please tell us!” Her sad eyes were starring into mine.
“She's allright, don't worry. You can come with us to Ponyville, it's too dangerous in here.”
“Oh thank you, thank you, thank you! COME ON GUYS! I'VE FOUND APPLEBLOOM!”
So we turned around and headed back to Ponyville. Spike was silently sleeping on my back while that mysterious mare was walking next to me, her friends behind us.
There was still something strange around here, about that passage... something told me that
I had to come back later.
“Oh by the way, my name is Twilight Sparkle and this is Spike. What's your name?”
“It's Leafs... Three Leafs.”

Chapter IV - Return

“Aaaw that's totally depressing!”
“Don't worry Scootaloo, maybe we'll find it tomorrow.” Sweetie Belle said.
“She's right, don't worry Scoot, your Hyper-whatever scooter won't drive anywhere!”
“Hmpf, yeah maybe.” I was pretty sure Applebloom was sarcastic, but I was too tired to get angry... so I held myself back. The sun was about to go down again and everypony already went home. We went down the small path to Ponyville, the sky filled with many kinds of red colored shades, the grass was rustling because of the cold wind blowing through the meadows. It was quite peaceful out here, but also kinda boring. At times like that, I always imagined how it would be soaring through the sky, rushing through the fluffy clouds, bathing inside of these amazing colors... aaw man!
I so hoped to find it out some day. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle seemed to be very tired too, they haven't said a word for quite a while. After about ten minutes we've finally arrived in our little village. The streets were empty, no pony anywhere as expected. We came across some small shops, went past the market and the Sucarcube Corner. It looked like a ghost town, which wasn't that unusual for that time of the day, although they were still at least a few ponies outside.
“Where is everypony? It's like a ghost town!”
“You don't say, Applebloom.” I answered.
“Maybe they're on a special event like a celebration... or is there a official holiday?”
“Does it matter? It's around late evening, I'll guess they're all at home.” I said.
“Hey girls, over there!” Sweetie pointed with her hoof into the direction of the Ponyville town hall. We saw a huge bunch of ponies standing in front of it, talking with each others.
“Ah wonder what they're doin'.”
“They are welcoming our new guests.” A female pony replied while trotting past us.
“New guests?”
“At this time?”
“Uuh maybe they're adventurers or something like that!”
“Well girls, there's only one way to find out, c'mon!” Applebloom grinned as she ran to the town hall. Sweetie Belle and I were following her until we've reached the colorful pony crowd.
“Ah can't see them! Ah can't see anythin' from here!” Applebloom said.
“Darn, it sucks being so small!”
“Applebloom, Scootaloo follow me! I've found a way through the crowd!.” Sweetie turned around and slowly went between the first two ponies in front of us. Almost more than half of Ponyville seemed to be there. We went past the crowd of mares and colts, getting nearer to the stage with slowly steps.
“I think I can see something... it's a green mare I'll guess.”
“A green mare? I can see a grey colt with black mane.”
“A green mare and a grey colt with black mane? Hm.” Applebloom mumbled.
“Look, isn't it Twilight?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Yeah you're right, but what is she doing on the stage?” We've found a little space between a few ponies were we gathered together. From there we could still barely see the stage, but it was better than before and we could also hear much more clearly. The major mare was standing in front of the podium, talking about Ponyville and stuff, nothing important at all.
“... but now to something special my dear ponies. Our dear Twilight has found a group of ponies inside of the Everfree Forest. They have lost their home and were now aimlessly wandering around.
What do you think? Shall we welcome our new guests Ponyville-style?”
Everypony began to scream 'YAAAY!' and began to stomp on the ground. Afterwards, Twilight came to the major and replaced her at the podium.
“While me and Spike were walking through the forest for some of my researches, I suddenly heard a strange voice and investigated it immediately. Well, what I've found was a funny bunch of native ponies, who seemed to have lost their home and everything they got throughout a mysterious natural catastrophe.” A natural catastrophe? When did that happen?
Twilight turned herself around and continued.
“Come on up and tell us something more about you.” She smiled.
“A natural catastrophe? Wow, that's bad.”
“Shh Sweetie, they're now telling something about themselves!” I whispered.
The first one who went up to the podium was a strong, sporty looking colt with brown fur and a cheeky orange mane. He grinned and began to talk.
“Greetings Ponyville! May I introduce myself? I am Gladstone... THE awesome Gladstone!
I'm the fastest and strongest pony in whole Equestria!”
“PAH! Who does that guy think he is? Rainbow Dash is the fastest and most awesome pony in Equestria!”
“Calm down Scoot, maybe he's just a bit conceited.” Sweetie Belle added.
“Oh come on Glad! Don't be so snooty in front of our new friends!” A grey colt with a crazy looking black mane walked to the podium and kicked this 'Gladstone'-guy away.
“My turn! HIIIIYAAAA PONYVILLE! Grey Hoof at your service- Celebration planner extraordinaire! I'm throwing the greatest and craziest parties you've ever seen! I can't wait for it,
even thinking of all the cupcakes makes me hungry.” He seemed to be kind of hyperactive, was he related to Pinkie? Whatever, shortly after the next pony came to the podium... very slowly though.
It was a shy looking colt with a lightly orange fur and blue mane. He hesitantly looked into the pony crowd underneath him and silently started to talk.
“Uhm, hi my name is Roneo.... I'm kind, I love animals and nature... that's it, thanks for listening.” He turned around and walked back to the others, without saying another word.
“That was weird.” Sweetie said.
“Indeed.”
The next pony was a mare... a beautiful white mare with a very long red mane.
“Wow, that mare looks almost like a second Rarity!”
“You're right. I'll guess sis would really like her mane, too.” Sweetie grinned.
She gracefully walked over the stage and smiled.
“Good evening dear ponies, my name is Starlet and I'm a fashion-designer. I can make any kind of clothes and dresses, so please talk to me if you want some of my outstanding fashion magic.
Thank you very much.”
“Uuuh it seems that your sister just got competition.”
“Competition? Not for my sister, she's the best fashion designer ever!”
“Hehehe, I was just kidding. Whatever, I think she's the last one.”
“Hello dear Ponyville.” Suddenly an unknown female voice approached from the stage.
There was another mare standing in front of the podium all of the sudden. Her fur and mane was green, although her mane color was a bit darker. Speaking about 'dark', something about that mare was... I don't know, strange and stuff.
“I'm very glad to be here and I thank you all for your hospitality! My name is-”
“Three Leaf...” Applebloom silently mumbled.
“Hm? Did you say something?”
“Huh, what? Sorry, ah was just a bit carried away.” She answered with a confused stare.
“Ooookay?”
“-Three Leaf, I am the major of our former home town. It's a shame that our wonderful town got crushed by nature, but we've learned to look forward and to overcome this pain very quick.
Although the wounds are still fresh, so we would like to avoid this topic for a little while longer,
we hope that you understand that. But please, lets forget this tragedy and lets start a new beginning.
May this town be... our new home!”
Everypony began to cheer and smile, pah, just because we've got some new ponies in Ponyville!
“What an overraction, they're just normal ponies like us!”
“But they went through so much trouble and sorrow, I think it will be lovely having them around.”
“Sweetie Belle, your sooo naive.”
“No, I'm not!”
“Yes you- BAH, I'm too tired for this game, I'm going home now.” I turned around and was just about to go back the way we came.
“Applebloom!” The voice of that strange green mare appeared again.
“Applebloom! There you are my dear!” She jumped down the stage and ran through the crowd, the rest of her friends were following.
“It's soooo great to see you again!” She rushed to Applebloom and hugged her very tightly.
“Ark, hey uhm... the pleasure is all mine... ah'll guess?” Applebloom moaned.
“Do you know each other?” I asked.
“Uhm, noooo?” Suddenly that green mare let Applebloom go and stared down at her, she seemed kind of shocked about her words.
“You... can't remember me?” She hesitantly asked.
“No? Should ah know ya'?” The mare remained quiet for a while, then her friends came up with a big smile.
“Yo little one, everything alright?” 'Gladstone' yelled.
“Hiya lil' lady!”
“Hey sweetie~”
“Hi there...”
Now everyone of these strange 'guests' were standing in front of the poor little Applebloom.
That was so totally awkward, especially for her.
“What's wrong lil' lady? It's me, Gray!”
“Uhm... nice to meet ya'?”
“She really can't remember, can she?”
“No, but that's not bad, pity but not bad. Come on guys, let's go get some sleep.” Green Leaf turned around and disappeared inside of the crowd. The other ponies were staring confused onto each other, but soon after they followed her.
“What in tarnation was that?” Applebloom asked with a raised eyebrow.
“I dunno... but it was weird.” The crowd was now about to split and everypony went home.
The sun was gone and princess Lunas moon took it's place on the sky.
“Well, whatever girls, lets go home already.”
“Yeah you're right Scootaloo. You're coming Applebloom?”
“Huh? Uhm yeah I-”
“Applebloom?” Twilight shouted from the stage.
“Twilight? What does she want?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Maybe she wants to talk?”
“Ah'll better go and see what she wants from me. You two go ahead, we'll meet again tomorrow at Sweet Apple Acre for the treasure hunt part two. Good night girls!” She grinned and ran up to the stage, leaving the two of us behind.
“Hmm well okay then, lets go Sweetie Belle.” So we turned around and headed back home, filled with joy and excitement for the next day and the next treasure hunt.

~The next morning~

“Oh no this is bad, this is soo BAD! How could I oversleep this important order from Canterlot?”
Because of our little picnic-evening yesterday, I totally forgot to set my alarm for today!
That was just terrible!
“Hearth's Warming Eve is coming closer and my Canterlot winter fashion is still unfinished!
Okay, calm down Rarity dear... there is still some time left... you can still make it!” I ran down into my storage room to get some fabric and gems, without even styling my fur and mane first.
I looked horrible! I thought I would die if somepony would see me like tha-
“Hi Rarity!”
“KYAAAAAAAA!” A voice appeared from behind and made me jump under the next table.
“What's wrong sis? It's just me, Sweetie Belle.” Sweetie Belle! Maybe she could help me?
No wait... the last time she tried to help me was a catastrophe! Well, at least she was no customer.
I crept out from under the table and tried to straighten my mane a bit with my hooves.
“Oh Sweetie, don't scare me like that! I'm in a hurry today and I can't risk to lose any more time!”
“Uhm, excuse me?” A female voice asked.
“In a moment dear. So Sweetie, like I'd said-” Wait, what was that? A female voice?
I turned around and saw a strange new pony, standing right in front of me.
“AH!” I jumped back under the table as fast as I could.
“S-sorry we're closed today, please come back later!”
“Oh it's you again.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Hm? Do I know you little filly?” The strange mare answered with a elegant voice.
“Yes, I saw you yesterday standing on the stage of the town hall.”
“Oh? Oh right you're one of Appleblooms friends, right?”
“That's right. Nice to see you again.”
“Hihi, same here.” They knew each other?
“Hey sis come out, she's a friend!” Sweetie shouted. I slowly came out again and scrutinized the mare. She was a very noble looking mare with a beautiful white fur like mine... well, usually.
Her clear blue eyes were wandering through my boutique, finally landing on me.
“Oh, hi again dear. May I say that your boutique is really magnificent? Your clothes and dresses are just outstanding!”
“Well, thank you miss-”
“Oh pardon me, where are my manors? Hello, my name is Starlet, Starlet Shine.” She smiled.
“Nice to meet you miss Shine.”
“Please call me Starlet my dear.” She added.
“Uhm, as you wish. I'm Rarity, high-class fashionista and fashion designer of Ponyville.” She really seemed to have class, did she came from Canterlot? If so, I had to impress her somehow!
“Please, feel free to look around, if you need help just tell me.”
“I will, thank you.” She smiled, then she continued walking gracefully through the room.
Where did she came from? I never saw her before, not even when I was visiting Canterlot.
I observed the mare a bit while longer while she was looking around. She went from one dress to another, always carefully looking for their sewing styles. Maybe she had an eye for good dresses?
“Oh what's that? It looks magnificent!” She moaned. She stood right in front of my newest creation. It was a very fine blue coat with synthetic wool and polished icy looking sapphires. It was a part of my Canterlot- OH NO! MY WINTER COLLECTION!
“OH NO!” I sreamed.
“What's wrong my dear?”
“N-nothing, really! I'll be back soon! Sweetie, please follow me!”
“But didn't you said that I should never ever again try to help-” I ran up to her and covered her mouth with my hoof.
“Heh it's okay Sweetie, you can always help me if you want to! Please take your time Starlet.”
I pushed Sweetie Belle into the next room and closed the door.
“What's wrong Rarity?”
“Listen Sweetie, we haven't got much time! I need to finish some more clothes till the end of this day! I want you to bring me a few things from the storage, okay? Here's a list, hurry up now!”
I gave her a quick written note into her mouth and pushed her back outside. I had to stay calm no matter what happened! First I had to style myself up a bit, after that I had to take care of my new and noble customer before she would leave forever. In the meantime Sweetie should have already brought the needful pieces for my new Canterlot collection, making it much more easier for me to sew everything together in time. That was a good idea, well done Rarity!
“Rarity?”
“WHAT IS IT SWEETIE BE-” I turned around and looked into the eyes of Starlet again. I just shouted at my new customer from Canterlot... how embarrassing!
“Oh uhm, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to-” But then she cut me short.
“Don't worry dear, I just wanted to ask you if everything is alright.” She kindly smiled.
“Well... yes, uhm not really. But it's okay, I can handle it!”
“May I help you?”
“Help me? Nononono it's okay I-” Oh who was I lying at? I really needed help!
“I would really appreciate a bit help.”
“Okay then, just tell me what I have to do my dear.” She was very kind, I really started to like her. But could I really take help from a pony I never saw before? Whatever, it was better than nothing...
“Thank you very much. Do you already have some experience in fashion design?”
“Me? Well of course I have. You know, I was the greatest fashion designer back in my old home town.”
“Oh really? Hihi, I almost thought something like that. Your style and behaving is so graceful and neat. Besides that, I really like your mane.” After saying that, I could swear I heard Sweetie Belle
laughing.
“Thank you, I like your mane t- Uhm...”
“My... OH NO, MY MANE! How embarrassing!” She put her hoof onto my shoulder and started to laugh.
”It's okay my dear, you don't want to know how I look like at the morning. Come on, let's get started shall we?” Her words were comforting and the clothes were much more important at the moment, so...
“Okay Starlet, dear. Thank you very much.”
“No problem Rarity, I'm always glad if I can help a friend in need.”

“So much to do, so much to do, so much to DOOO!” There was still so much to do for Hearth's Warming Eve! I mean, Dashie and I made tons of cakes a few days ago, but then there was that crazy accident aaaaand.... Well, yeah okay I admit it... I ate them all! I felt so bad about that so I had to bake them all again, which means I had to make about sixty cakes at one day!
And the worst of all: “I'm sooo huuuungry!”
Mr. and Mrs. Cake were at home with their little baby fillies. They didn't even knew that I was still in the bakery today, because they thought that the food was already finished for tomorrows celebration. I couldn't ask for help either! Neither the Cakes nor my friends... they've trusted me
and I didn't wanted to disappoint them!
“Okay lets see... I need sugar, something sweet, more sugar, a bit vanilla and strawberry flavour, more more sugar, chocolate aaaaaand sugar.” I ran through the bakery, searching for the ingredients
I needed while the time was drifting by very fast. Luckily the bakery was closed so I couldn't get distracted by any customer or something like that. Heh, and they said I'm not thinking things through. A few minutes later I've found everything I needed for the sixty cakes.
“Great! Good news: I have everything I need! Bad news: THERE'S NO TIME TO BAKE SIXTY CAKES! No, there HAS to be a way! Come on Pinkie, think harder!” After thinking things through... again, I found out that it was nearly impossible to bake that much cakes in such a short amount of time. I had to ask somepony for help, but who?
“Uuh is that strawberry?”
“GAH!” Scared to the hoof I jumped up at the ceiling. When I looked back down, I saw a grey colt brightly grinning at me.
“Who- who are you? What are you? How did you came in here?”
“I'm Gray Hoof, I'm hungry aaand through the window silly.”
“Oooooh of course, I knew I forgot something.” To be honest, I really forgot to close the windows. Oh my, some customers were really addicted to our cakes.
“Uhm, how can you stand at the ceiling without falling?”
“Oh, I don't believe in gravity.” I jumped back down to the ground and pushed that colt out of the kitchen.
“Hey whoa, calm down will ya?”
“Sooooorry but I have to work, see ya!” I closed the door behind him and went back to the kitchen.
“So, where was I? Right, the window!” I jumped over to the mentioned window above the left most counter of the kitchen and closed it. Now that everything was closed and locked, I had enough free space to concentrate on the-
“Wow, those recipes are just amazing! Is this a six floored birthday cake with caramelized apple pieces?”
“What?” I turned around and saw that crazy colt again, reading my personal cookbook at the other side of the room!
“How did you-?”
“You should lock the door to the cellar a bit more carefully~ Uuuh a recipe for a
'Apple-Pancake-Special'! What's that?”
“Oh it's delicious, NOW GO OUT!” After pushing him back outside of the Sugarcube Corner, I used a few tables and crates to block the entrance and the cellar door... just in case.
“Oh man, who's that crazy guy anyway? Reading my personal cookbook, that's way more private than my personal diary!” It actually really was, but don't ask me why. Now that EVERYTHING was closed, locked and barricaded, I could finally start baking. A few hours were drifting by and that strange colt didn't showed up again, luckily. I've managed to create three cakes, a few muffins and about thirty cupcakes, minus the cake I ate a few minutes ago and another two muffins and
cupcakes made a total ooooof... thirty-three cakes.
“Okay Pinkie, half way done... now I only have to-” While turning around to the other side of the kitchen, I noticed that the table was shaking. The table base seemed to break any minute!
“OH NO!” I tried to hold the table as long as I could. I had to find something that I could use as a replacement for the loose table base to underpin it... but I wasn't fast enough. I slipped and felt down along with the table and everything on it. It got dark, gooey and cold. I stood up from the cold floor and wiped my face. I knew what happened even though I don't wanted to believe it.
I turned around and saw the tasty cakes... scattered on the floor, mixed to a gooey colorful mess under my hooves.
“.Noo... my work, all these endless hours of work...” I sank to the ground and started to cry.
This wasn't fair! I knew that it was my fault from the beginning, but still! Why was life so cruel
to me?
“Hey pinkie, what's wrong?” Suddenly I could hear that colt again from before. He put his hoof onto my shoulder and tried to look into my eyes, which were covered by my flattened hair.
“Don't cry, it's not that bad at all! I mean look at all those crazy colors you've made,
they're totally... well, crazy!” Then he began to laugh. I shove some of my hair aside and looked to the ground, too. Well, he was right, they were some crazy colors on the floor... but still.
Even though I was totally depressed, I couldn't deny myself for a little smile.
“Hihi you see? It's not that bad right?”
“No... not really.” I looked into his face and his turquoise eyes. He seemed to be almost like me, kind, funny and very optimistic. Maybe I was a bit too harsh to him at the beginning.
“Thanks for cheering me up and... well, sorry that I've kicked you out of the store that rude.”
“It's okay 'pinkie', now come on and let's clean this up, I'll help you.”
“You would help me?” Maybe he could-
“Of course! We will clean this mess up and afterwards I'll help you re-bake these cakes, okay?”
“That would be great! Thank you-? Wait, what was your name?”
“Oh right, my name's Gray, nice to meet you!” Gray huh? What a nice pony and a really good friend, too. Thank Celestia that he came by today!
“Okay let's start then... uhm by the way, how did you know that my name's Pinkie?”
“It is? I just called you 'pinkie' because of your fur and mane color.” He grinned.
“Oh? Hihi well, I could've thought the same about your name, too.” Both of us began to laugh,
the feeling of loneliness and hopelessness was fading away and I felt that everything would get better from now on.
“Thank you Gray.”
“No problem Pinkie, I'm always glad if I can help a friend in need.”

What a wonderful day! Although the poor ground and trees were already bald and covered with tons of snow, the sun was still brightly shining from the sky. It was quite warm, but still very freezing out here. Luckily Rarity held her promise and made a couple of winter cloth for me and my animal friends at home. With my new green scarf, tightly tied around my neck and the cute green woolly hat on my head, it wasn't so cold anymore and the way to the market was really enjoying again. While slowly walking on I thought it would be nice to hum a little song I always used to sing when I was younger. It was so fitting to the current atmosphere of Ponyville.
Speaking of Ponyville, every house was colorfully decorated with many golden bells, beautiful garlands and fir branches. On top of it, the sunlight, which was softly reflected by the new fallen snow that morning, gave Ponyville the Hearth's Warming Eve atmosphere I loved so much.
“Oh I almost forgot what I wanted to buy!” I silently mumbled.
“Okay sooo, I need some carrots for my little bunny, a few cherries, some bags with bird seed, uhm... where's my checklist?” I turned my head aside to search my bag for the list I made at home. Normally I had my own garden where I could grow most of the fruits and vegetables I needed, but at this time of the year it was very hard to do so and I only had a scant stock unfortunately.
“Come on little paper, where are you?” Suddenly I got roughly pitchforked on the icy ground.
“Hey, watch out!” Oh my, I accidently bumped into an older colt which seemed to be very angry.
“Oh, uhm, I'm so sorry!” I hesitantly said, but he continued staring at me with his angry eyes.
“Hmpf, unbelievable!” Then he walked away, still railing against me... I thought everypony had
a good time this time of the year. Maybe I was mistaken, but on the other hoof it was my fault for not watching were I was going. I looked around and saw my bag and its content scattered all over the snow.
“Oh great job Fluttershy...” I silently whimpered.
“A-are you alright?” A quiet whisper softly asked. I looked up and saw a shy-looking colt in front of me. He had a light orange fur and blue mane which covered one of his blue eyes, while the other one was watching me worriedly. I never saw that colt before, was he a visitor?
“Here, uhm, let me help you.” He put out his hoof and began to smile.
It took a while for me until I finally grabbed his hoof and stood back up again. He was so kind
and looked so... different than the other ponies around. He was kind of-
“You, uhm, you squeeze my hoof a bit to hard.”
“Wha- oh my!” I brightly blushed while walking back a few steps.
“I- I'm sorry I didn't mean to- I mean... thank you! I-” What was that strange feeling? I was totally confused, overwhelmed by these strange situation.
“No, no I'm sorry! I didn't wanted to complain, I mean to offend you or something.” Both of us remained quiet for a while, staring onto each other.
“Here, let me help you with your bag!” He started to collect the items which fell out of my bag, putting them back inside.
“No please don't put yourself to any bother on my account!” It was so embarrassing for me already, I couldn't let him freeze his hooves for me! I started collecting too, when suddenly our noses met during the course of this action.
“Ah!” Both of us squeaked and blushed. It was such an awkward yet kind of wonderful moment, none of us were moving for a few minutes, then he suddenly turned away.
“Uhm, sorry I- uhm... should better go now, you know... buying some things from the market until
they're closing.” Oh he was about to go to the market, too?
“Wait! Uhm, wait please. May I... well, join you? Please?” Usually I wasn't like that, especially if I didn't knew the pony in the first place, but he was different.
“Huh?” He blushed and lowered his ears.
“Well, if you want to... I'm fine with that, I guess.” My heart made a little jump, I felt so happy all of the sudden and I began to smile.
“Thank you... uhm, my name is Fluttershy by the way.”
“Fluttershy? A nice name, I'm Roneo.”
“Roneo is a really nice name, too.” Both of us began to giggle. Afterwards he took my bag and gave it back to me. Shortly after I continued my way to the market, together with my new friend Roneo... the cute colt who saved my Hearth's Warming Eve.
“... thank you very much Roneo.”
“No problem Fluttershy, I'm always glad if I can help a friend in need.”

“Oh man! Twelve hours... twelve hours of cloud pushing and snowflake crafting! I hate Hearth's Warming Eve!” The same procedure every year! Nothing but work, work, work and work for almost a half a day! Sometimes it was really exhausting working in a weather factory,
especially around autumn and winter. Whatever, luckily it was finally done and everything was in place for the Hearth's Warming Eve snow-attack. And a few month later the next event would
take place in Ponyville.
“Winter Wrap Up.... Pah, first you're working until your wings are falling off to make a wonderful weather like that and afterwards you're working to detroy it.” This really decreased my motivation,
but hey, there were still a few weeks left sooo...
“It's time for a little vacation.” I was laying on a fluffy cloud somewhere near Sweet Apple Acre, taking a little break, resting my eyes and wings and was just about to take a little nap.
“HEY RAINBOW!” I cringed while the loud voice kept echoing through the hills.
“Hmpf, Applejack!” I angrily mumbled.
“AH KNOW YOU'RE UP THERE! COME DOWN FOR A SEC!” She continued.
“I can't hear her, I can't hear her, I can't-” Suddenly something hard hit the backside of my head.
“Ouch! What the- is that an apple?”
“AH CAN DO THIS THE WHOLE DAY YA' KNOW!”
“Oh great Celestia, what does she want from me now?” I jumped off the cloud, slowly flying
down to Applejack who was already waiting with a frown on her face.
“What is it Applejack? I'm tired and just wanted to sleep a bit darn it!”
“Oh sorry for interruptin' you sugarcube, but there's still some work to do and YOU have to help!”
“What? Oh nonono I already worked enough for this year! Who do you think made the weather for Hearth's Warming Eve?” After saying that, Applejack began to laugh.
“Hahaha what? Was this little bit of cloud kickin' too much for our little miss lazybones?” Did she just called me 'lazybones'?
“Did you just called me 'lazybones'?”
“Would you prefer 'lazydash'?” She grinned. I couldn't believe what I just heard! After all these hard hours in the weather factory, working for a good weather and a good harvest for Applejacks family, this is what I should get?
“HEY! Listen blondie, if I wouldn't 'kick some clouds' every day, all you could buck would be
plastic apples!”
“Ah know and ah'm really thankful for that, but you can't tell me that a bit flyin' around and playin' with fluffy clouds can be that exhaustin'!” It can't? She had no idea how much effort it was kicking over hundreds of clouds a day!
“Workin' on a barn is much harder.” She continued.
“Are you kidding me? I could buck every apple on your plantation in less than thirty seconds!”
“Pah, yeah sure sugarcube! Why don't you proof it?” Oh Applejack you couldn't fool me, I knew that trick way too good. She wanted to challenge me so I would do the work for her, well not with this pegasi! I turned around and walked away.
“Bah, nice try Applejack, but I'm no stupid-pony! Ask Fluttershy or somepony else.” Applejack jumped right in front of me and tried to block my way.
“I can fly you know?” I raised my wings and was just about to take off when Applejack suddenly grabbed my hoof.
“What are you-”
“Please Rainbow, you gotta help!” She said with a worried expression.
“Why? What's with the rest of your family?” She sadly looked to the ground.
“Well Applebloom is too small and not strong enough to work that much, besides that she still tries to find that weird treasure Pinkie told her.” Right Pinkie told me about that, too. Heh nice
prank Pinkie.
“And what about BigMacintosh?”
“He wanted to go to the market this mornin' and still didn't return.”
“And what about, uhm, Granny Smith?” Applejack made a frown again and slapped her hoof against her face.
“Yeah okay, I see why this isn't working. But come on, isn't there anypony else who could
help you? I'm really tired and-”
“You know what sugarcube? Forget it, I'll try to handle this on mah own...” She cut me short, soon after she walked past me, sadly looking and sobbing. She's my best friend after all, I couldn't just leave her like that.
“Hmpf, okaaaay... what do I have to do?”
“YEEEE-HAAAAWWW THANK YOU RAINBOW!” She jumped at me, hugging me very tight.
“Arg, stop that! Just tell me what I shall do!” She let go of me and helped me up again.
“Sorry that ah wanted to trick you back then, but ah'm really stressed!” Yeah sure, it's not like this would have been the first time she tried.
“Nah it's alright, but keep in mind that I'm only helping you until BigMac returns, got it?”
“Got it! Well okay, ah still have to harvest the vegetables on the other side of the barn. In the meantime, please try to buck as many apples as you can. Would you do that for me?”
“Bucking some apples? Easy-peasy! Leave it to Rainbow Dash!” I spread my wings and dashed right into the apple plantation.

Hours were passing by and the sun was about to go down. I tried as hard as I could to buck every tree, but because of my already tired wings and the endless-seeming amount of apples, I soon decided to make a little break. I used a few apples to build some kinda bed for me to lay down for a while. This plantation had about hundreds of trees... nah even more I guess. I managed to harvest enough apples to fill twenty baskets and still got more than two-hundred left! Good thing I didn't let it snow here by now, it would have turned this whole job into a icy business.
While I was laying on the cold self-made bed of apples, I looked up into the colorful sky and thought about my life.
I had a good job as a weather manager, great friends and a awesome life... besides that I was
blessed with incredible talent and an outstanding look.
“Hehe oh Rainbow Dash, why are you so awesome?” I laughed.
“Hahahaha, that was a good one you weirdo!” A male voice sneeringly answered.
“HEY! Who's there?” I jumped up and looked around. Nopony should ever laugh about me!
“Huh?” Suddenly I saw a colt laying on a bunch of leaves underneath one of the trees. It was a strong looking colt, almost as big as BigMac, but it wasn't him. This colt had a brownish fur and a cheeky orange mane, his eyes were closed... was he asleep? I flew up to him and poked him with my hoof repeatedly.
“Hey! Stop it Gray!.” He grumbled.
“Who the heck is 'Gray'? Wake up already!” He slowly opened his amber colored eyes and
began to distort his mouth.
“Huh? Hey you're not Gray. Who are you?” He asked.
“Me? Who are you? You DO know this is the plantation of the Apple Family right? What are you doing here?” He slowly got up and rubbed his eyes.
“If you MUST know, I'm Gladstone. Yeah you heard right, I'm THE awesome Gladstone! But I won't give any autographs today.” What an arrogant blockhead! But somehow the name seemed familiar to me... but why?
“Oh how disappointing mister arrogant, would you instead please leave this plantation?!”
“Hey why are you so rude, what have I done to you?”
“What you've done to me? I tell you! Nopony makes fun of me!”
“And you are?” He insensibly answered. Gosh how I hated this guy!
“I'm the 'weirdo' you were just talking about!”
“Weirdo? Oooh hahahaha.” He began to laugh! Why did he began to laugh?
“Listen miss color-mane, I didn't meant to offend you. I was talking about some other colt.
His name is Gray and he's a real REAL weirdo. “ He continued with a grin. So he wasn't talking about me? That was kinda embarrassing.
“Oh... well uhm, sorry for being so rude to you. But still, you're on a private plantation, so what are you doing here anyway?”
“Well, before you showed up I was just about to take a little nap. Hehe but thanks anyway for waking me up. I dreamed that I was trapped in a small room with Gray and he kept talking about parties an other mindless stuff.” Hm this Gray guy reminded me on some special pink pony I knew,
maybe they were related to each other or something? Whatever, I still had a job to do and I don't wanted to waste any more time, so I turned around and continued with the apple bucking. The sun almost disappeared behind the hills and it began to get colder, not the best or comfortable conditions to work, but I made a promise so...
“Hey where are you going color-mane?”
“Sorry but I'm busy! And stop calling me 'color-mane'!” I kept on bucking while this strange Gladstone guy kept on following me wherever I went.
“Do you really want to buck all these apples? You do know that there are at least a thousand trees around here?”
“Duh, thanks for the hint smarty-pants.”
“C'mon let me help you!” Helping me? Well I had to admit that a bit help would have been nice, especially for this stupid kind of work. On the other hoof, I didn't knew him and who knows if Applejack would accept letting a stranger bucking her precious apples. No, I had to do this on
my own! I just had about one... thousand... trees left...
“... what do you know about apple bucking?” I asked.
“Hmm you kick some trees and collect some apples?” Well that was enough to know about
this job so, why not?
“Fine, but listen 'Gladstone', don't screw around because I'm helping a friend out here and I don't want to disappoint her! Got it?”
“Yes sir, got it sir! No screwing around sir!” He raised his hoof and saluted in front of me with a very silly face expression. It looked so funny that I couldn't deny a slightly grin.
“Hey I've managed to let you smile! Well that's one step into the right direction.”
“Which direction?” I asked.
“To friendship of course. You know, after we've lost our home, many of my former friends disappeared without a trace...” He looked sad all of the sudden, but what did he mean? Wasn't he a native of Ponyville? Thinking of it, I realized that I never saw him before.
“Oh... I'm sorry.” Suddenly I began to feel bad. I was so rude and tried to ignore him, while he was only searching for new friends. We remained quiet for a while, looking around and waiting for the sun to go down.
“Sorry for being so rude, I'm just very tired and stressed.” I slowly began.
“Hey no problem, I'm not made of sugar. If I would, Gray would've probably already eaten me in a second.” We began to smile and the annoying colt from before disappeared. He was funny and
from his behaving even a little bit like me... even though I was not that arrogant as he was.
“Hey, isn't there still a job to do miss color-mane?” He was right! Darn it I almost forgot the apples!
“Yeah, sure. Let's get this over with.” I sighted.
“Stop sighing, I know how we could bring some more action in this situation. What about a little competition? A race if you want.” A race? He was an earth pony, how should he ever keep up with
a pegasi, especially me? I looked in his amber colored eyes and saw a strange spark shining inside.
It was the same flame I felt when I was about to attempt a race, a spark of excitement if you want.
He wasn't kidding, he knew what he was doing... and this seemed to be interesting.
“A race? Against me? Oh boy, you don't stand a chance!” We began to grin again.
“Well okay then, a race through the plantation. With enough speed, we should be able to harvest more apples in minutes and are also able to have some fun.”
“Sounds like a good idea to me. Well, then Gladstone...” We walked to the next tree nearby and marked it with a few apples on the ground, afterwards we went in our racing position and grinned on each other.
“By the way, the name's Rainbow Dash. Better remind that name because it'll go into the history books!”
“Good luck with that, I am already in the history books.” We started to laugh. Shortly after the sun was gone and our race was about to start.
“By the way, thanks for helping.”
“No problem Rainbow, I'm always glad if I can help a friend in need.”

“This... is just amazing!” Three Leafs said in excitement.
“Thank you. It took a while until my collection of rare books got that big, but it was totally
worth it.” I proudly answered. Leafs seemed to be the smartest pony in her group, kinda like me.
It was a real pleasure hanging around with her, talking about all sorts of science and old myths.
She knew a lot of things, like the legend of some sort of Crystal Empire, the story of Discord, the old myth of a mystical cure and she was even a big fan of Star Swirl the bearded! I was so happy that I found her and her friends inside of the Everfree Forest, I had to show her my collection.
“Do you have a copy of 'Legendary Creatures'?” She asked.
“Pff sure, right here.” I used my magic to take the book out of the bookshelf and hovered it over to her. She took the book with great excitement and began to read. From what she told me, she had a big collection of books too back in her old village, but it got destroyed unfortunately.
“Oh Twilight this is just wonderful! I could stay here forever!”
“Well, you can stay as long as you want until you get your own house in Ponyville.”
“R-really? Awww thank you Twi!” She jumped at me and began to hug me tight.
“You're welcome Leafs. But come on, I want to show you the rest of the house.” She smiled and nodded, her eyes filled with glee. We walked through the different rooms of the house. I showed
her the kitchen, my working room, bedroom and lastly my laboratory in the cellar.
“Wow... I don't know what to say but... wow.” Leafs slowly walked through the lab, looking herself around like a little filly in Sugarcube Corner. She curiously examined almost every corner, it was really amusing watching her doing so.
“Twilight Sparkle, you are the most awesome pony I've ever met in my whole life!”
“Thanks again Leafs, I can say the same about you.”
“Really? Oh thank you very much!”
“Oh come on you two, we have to go!” Spike shouted from above the stairs.
“Go? Where?” Leafs asked. Suddenly I remembered, the Hearth's Warming Eve performance was airing tomorrow! I also remembered the tension I had because of that, I didn't even learn my whole text by now! I wondered if my friends learned their texts, if they didn't, the whole show would end in an catastrophe! It's a theatre play of the history of Equestria and my very first performance on
stage! Besides that, it's also the most important thing in the year right after Winter Wrap Up!
“Everything alright Twi?” Leafs asked worried.
“Hm? Oh uhm, yes. Eeeeeverythings perfect!” Suddenly my tension grew bigger and I began to get nervous. I felt like that one time I forgot to write a report to princess Celestia!
“Are you sure? You look... weird.”
“Well, tomorrow's a very important Hearth's Warming Eve theatre play in Canterlot called
'The history of Equestria'. It's a tradition and every pony in Ponyville, Canterlot and surroundings will be there!” Saying that just raised my tension even more.
“Oh a theatre play? I love the theatre! Can I help you somehow?”
“Helping me? Uhm, let's see... you can help me with my text if you want.”
“How shall I-”
“PLEASE!” I shouted. Leafs looked at me like I was crazy or something... well, she was probably right. There were two things in Equestria who were able to drive me insane. First there was stress which got even worse when I forgot very important things like that. Secondly... there was Pinkie.
“Uhm, sorry for shouting at you... I'm just a bit stressed. This is my very first performance you know and I'm really really nervous.”
“Oh you're an actor in this show? That's great! You shouldn't be nervous, you should be excited!
I mean, isn't there anything more awesome than taking part in a famous show like that?”
Well, she was right... but thinking about all these ponies watching and grading me... brrr.
Besides that, even princess Celestia and princess Luna would be there!
“Twiiiiily?” Leafs placed her arm around my neck and shook me a bit.
“Hey come on, I'll help you with the text okay? Besides that, there are still some rehearsals
today right?”
“Yes, but-” Before I could finish my sentence, I got cut short by Leafs.
“You see? No problem! Let's get this over with shall we? Where's your text?” She asked. I used my magic to get my script, placing it right onto her other hoof.
“SWEET PRINCESS! You're Clover the Clever? The magician of princess Platinum and apprentice
of Star Swirl the bearded? What an honor!” We gasped.
“Yes, you see? That's such a heavy burden! What if I fail? What if-” And again she cut me short.
“Nope don't end this sentence because you won't fail! Now come on, let's get some practice.”
She put the script into her mouth and shove me back up the stairs, right into the entrance hall.
“What's gotten into Twilight?” Spike asked.
“Oh nothing, just a bit stage fright.” Leafs answered with a worried smile.
“Hahahaha really? Poor Twilight.” He continued laughing while walking outside, what a great help.
“What a charming little dragon you got there.”
“Spike is not a bad dragon. He's my number one assistant after all and helped me out very often,
but sometimes he's a bit... well, childish.” Probably because he was still a very young dragon.
“If he's your assistant, why isn't he helping you with your text?”
“Because he has his own text in the show, he's the narrator you know.”
“Oh I see. Well whatever, we still have a lot of work to do. Come on, we can start practising on our way to the rehearsals.” She said with a big friendly smile.
“And do you really believe I could make it?” I hesitantly asked.
“I don't just believe it, I know it!” I had to say it again, I was so happy that I found her inside of the Everfree Forest. Even though I had that strange feeling that I forgot something in that forest...
Well, I had more important things to do by now. I would check the forest some other time again.
“Thank you very much Leafs.”
“No problem Twilight, I'm always glad if I can help a friend in need.”

... helping...

... a friend in need...

... Applebloom...

Chapter V - Hearth's Warming Grief

“The fire of friendship lives in our hearts
As long as it burns, we can not drift apart!
Though quarrels arise, their numbers are few

Laughter and singing will see us through!
Will see us through~
We are a circle of pony friends
A circle of friends, we'll be 'til the very end~ “

That was amazing! Rarity and her friends were singing the wonderful Hearth's Warming Eve ballad 'Circle of friendship' on the stage. Their beautiful voices, all these colorful decorations,
golden bells which were aiding the song with their sweet tinkling and the slowly falling snow outside of the huge windows... everything was just stunningly beautiful! Everypony was so touched of the atmosphere, they began to hug each other, laughing and some were even crying.
Even Scootaloo, Applebloom and myself lay our hooves onto each others shoulders.
Hearth's Warming Eve truly was the best time of the year ever! Rarity looked so stunningly wonderful in her princess Platinum dress, just like the rest of the gang... well except for Twilight and her simple brownish robe. Well, she was Clover the Clever after all- a magician apprentice who weren't that rich that time. Besides that, she really played her role very well.
Everypony on stage were bowing down for the last time, then the curtain got closed and the fancy dressed guests were cheering and stomping with their hooves on the ground.
Even from down here, we could see and hear both princesses clapping their hooves of the balcony above. Princess Celestia seemed to be very amazed, just like princess Luna and even prince Blueblood. The lights got dimmed and most of the guests were already leaving, besides us of course. We wanted to visit the cast backstage to congratulate them for this outstanding show.
“Uff.” I gasped. Suddenly I realized that Applebloom kept pressing me against her chest, tighter and tighter each second.
“Uhm... Applebloom? Would you mind-?” Scootaloo gasped, too. Applebloom suddenly shaked her head and let go of us again.
“Woah, sorry girls... ah was just passed out for a while ah guess.” She hesitantly answered with a smile. Applebloom acted kinda weird since a few weeks and it didn't changed a bit. Sometimes she seemed to be totally sunk in thoughts, sometimes she mumbled strange stuff... hm, maybe it was nothing. I guess she was just very touched this time, just like everypony else in this theatre.
“You alright Applebloom?” Scootaloo asked.
“Yeah, why?”
“... I was just wondering. Well, come on girls! Let's get backstage!” Scootaloo jumped on the stage and disappeared behind the curtain.
“Yay, wait for us Scootaloo!” I followed her right away.
“Applebloom, may we talk to you for a moment?” Huh? That sounded like-
“P-princess Celestia? Princess Luna?” What did the princesses want from Applebloom? I sneaked back to the side of the red curtain and peaked through a small gap nearby. Princess Celestia and Luna were standing right in front of Applebloom, their faces marked with concerns.
“How are you doing little Applebloom? Is everything alright?” Luna kindly asked.
“Yeah sure, ah'm fine. Why?”
“Are you sure? You know you can talk to us if something worries you.”
“Okaaaay, thank you your highness.” Applebloom slowly answered. All three remained silent for a few seconds, but then Celestia went up to Applebloom and lowered her head. Celestias eyes were now on the same level as hers, looking deeply inside without moving.
“Tell me little Applebloom, is there anything... anything that seemed strange yet very familiar to you? Something deep inside, maybe a voice or something similar?” Celestias stare was cold
but also worried and caring at the same time. Applebloom fell back on her flank, still staring into her violet eyes like if she was hypnotized.
“Ah... ah don't- ” She silently mumbled, until Celestia cut her short.
“Think Applebloom, it's very important! It's still inside of you right? You can hear her...”
“You scare me princess.” Applebloom said with a shaky voice.
“Sister! That's enough, maybe it's better the way it is.” Luna interrupted. Celestia slowly closed her eyes and raised her head again.
“I'm sorry Applebloom, please forgive me.” Applebloom started to smile a bit and nodded.
“It's okay princess, ah could never be mad at you.” Celestia smiled and turned around while Luna was already walking out of the theatre hall.
“Come on sister, you still have to create a sunny day for tomorrow!” Luna said.
“I'm coming Luna dear.” Suddenly Applebloom's expression grew weird. She stared to the ground, her eyes looked slightly drifted away.
“... sunny... town...” She mumbled with a strange voice. Celestia and Luna stopped moving and turned around. Shocked and speechless they were staring on Applebloom.
“What was that Applebloom?” Celestia asked with big opened eyes, but Applebloom
remained quiet.
“Tia... does that mean-” Luna tried to ask.
“We have to go, come Luna!” She turned around again and walked away very fast. Applebloom shaked her head and looked confused into the princesses direction.
“Huh? Uhm princess? Where are you going?” But they didn't answer, instead they flew away into the night sky.
“That was weird. Whatever, ah hope ah didn't miss Applejack and the others!” She was just about to jump at the stage, so I quickly hid myself behind the scenery. She ran past me without even
noticing that I was listening the whole time.
“Applebloom? What's wrong with you? And what is this 'sunny town?” Did she mean a
sunny-town?” I kept watching her running around the corner leading into the changing rooms.
I didn't knew what to do by now, so I decided to keep it our, no my little secret.

“We should be so honored that princess Celestia chose us! She must really think we exemplify
what good friends are!” Twilight proudly said. Ah was so glad that everythin' went as planned even though Twilight seemed to be totally wired up at first. When she came to the rehearsals, she was always shakin' like a rattlesnake. Besides that she kept forgettin' her text right in the middle of the scenes. First ah thought she would leave the group, but thanks to her mysterious new friend she finally made it to overcome her stagefright. Ah never saw her friend, everythin' ah knew 'bout her was her name, which was... darn, ah forgot it.
Whatever, ah was very happy for Twilight and smiled along with the others.
The show was done, the day almost over and we already brought our scratchy costumes back into the dressing rooms again. Everypony else like the stagehooves or helpers were already cleanin' up the stage and takin' off the decorations. Some of them already left the theatre, probably to continue the Hearth's Warmin' Eve celebration inside of the Canterlot Castle along with the princesses.
It surely would be pretty glamorous, fancy and all that stuff, so nothin' for this earth pony. Ah wanted to celebrate this day the way it should be celebrated- At home together with the rest of mah family like every year. Applebloom already told me she would visit me backstage after the show.
A few minutes already passed, so ah decided to walk a bit in her direction so ah could just
pick her up.
“Please...”
“Huh?” What was that? A filly-like voice? It felt like it got whispered right into mah ear. I turned around, but all ah saw was Carrot top who was already leavin'. Besides that ah knew Carrots voice and it definitely wasn't hers.
“... protect her!” The voice seemed to be shaky, like she was scared or nervous. Ah continued lookin' around, but couldn't find out it's origin.
“... they're here... you have to leave!” Suddenly ah noticed somethin' at the other side of the window to mah left. It looked like a small silhouette , a filly?
“What the-”
“Please!” Suddenly the windows smashed open, ice cold wind and a huge wave of snowflakes were rushin' into the big room. Ah closed mah eyes, protectin' them with one of mah hooves to evade the snow. They were the same windows like before when we got ready for the theatre play, was that just a coincident? When the snow lowered ah opened mah eyes again and looked back up to the window were the silhouette was standin'. Outside was nothin' but snow, no filly anywhere.
Were ah hallucinatin'?
“Applejack! I thought you closed all the windows!” Rarity angrily said. Well, actually ah did but it somehow opened again for whatever reason. Hey wait a minute! Why did ah get the fault for that? Rainbow Dash could fly! She could've closed the big windows with ease! Ah turned around and faced Rarity to tell her just that.
“Don't blame me! Rainbow Dash should have flown up there and shut it! After all she's got wings!”
Rainbow Dash, who was just flyin' above our heads, placed her hooves against her hip and began
to make a frown.
“Why do I always have to do all the high-up chores?” Rainbow flew down to Twilight and pointed her hoof right onto her horn.
“Why can't Twilight use her magic for a change?” She continued. Everypony gathered 'round and started to argue. Nopony wanted to be blamed, so we almost simultaneously kept on arguin' for a couple of minutes.
“Why shall I use my magic for something that trivial? You could close the window by flying in a few seconds!” Twilight angrily answered.
“So what? You could do that without even moving a single hair!”
“Why does Rainbow Dash has to close the window just because of her wings? What about Fluttershy? She has wings too, or am I mistaken?” Pinkie interjected.
“Excuse me? You know that I can't fly that well, Rainbow Dash is way better than me! Besides that,
what about you and Rarity? You two could have closed it too, right?” Fluttershy confidently answered.
“She's right Pinkie! Don't blame Fluttershy alone!” Ah aided.
“Me? Closing that cold, dirty window? Oh for goodness sake I can't believe you actually want me to do something like that!” Rarity snooty denied.
“You can use magic too you kn-” Just when the discussion began to grow bigger a frightening growl echoed through the room. Everpony was like paralysed, silently watching each others with big shocked eyes.
“You know what? I've got it!” Rainbow hesitantly said. Shortly after she flew over to the windows and closed them with a slightly 'click'. We looked at each others again and began to laugh.
Lookin' back, this was more than just silly. Arguin' with your best friends, especially at
Hearth's Warmin' Eve, was just stupid!
“Rainbow Dash!” That sounded like-
“Yo Scootaloo, what are you doing here?” Rainbow Dash grinned while slowly hoverin' back down to the ground. Scootaloo stopped right in front of her, brightly smilin' and starin at her with big shiny eyes.
“Your performance was just awesome Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow raised her head and posed
as chesty as possible.
“Thank you Scoot, but it wasn't my performance, it was me! Without me as an actor, the whole theatre play would have probably failed badly!” Oh you gotta be kiddin' me!
“Hi Scootaloo.” Fluttershy kindly said.
“Where are Sweetie Belle and Applebloom?”
“They're right behind... me?” She turned around, her eyes confusingly searchin' for her lost friends.
“Uhm, maybe they got lost on the way here?”
“They're still in front of the stage.” An unknown female voice answered. All of us were lookin'
into the direction of the approached voice, which seemed to come from the other end of the room.
A strange green pony was standin' there right next to the back entrance. Who in tarnation was that?
A visitor? A new pony? Or just somepony from Canterlot ah haven't met before? She came closer to our small group, her face decorated with a big smile.
“Leeeaaaaaf!” Twilight yelled. She ran up to her and began to hug the new pony.
“Twily you were amazing!” They knew each other?
“Thank you! But to be honest, I could've never ever made it without your help!” Twilight was so full of glee, it wasn't that big of a surprise that everypony was slightly confused too besides me.
“Who's that?” Probably one of the best questions Pinkie ever made.
“Oh sorry girls, may I introduce you to my new friend- Three Leaf. She's one of the new
ponies who came here a few days ago.” New ponies? A few days ago? What did ah miss?
Leaf went into the middle of our group and began to giggle.
“Yes, she's right. We've lost our homes during an incident a few weeks ago. Luckily we soon
found my little Twily over here and her little dragon friend, who really helped us out by bringing us here. Like she said, my name's Three Leaf and I'm very pleased to meet you all!” An incident?
Ah didn't knew what to say, but somehow did that new pony made me feel strange.
“Three Leaf? Oh! Then you surely know Gray, too! ... right?” Pinkie overanxiously said.
“Did I just heard my name?” Another unknown voice?
“GRAAAAAAY!” Pinkie jumped into the same corner where Leaf was standin' a few minutes
ago, but this time there was another strange new pony. A grey colt to be certain.
She jumped him to the ground, huggin' him the same way Twilight did with Leaf.
“Graaay!”
“Pinkiiiiie!” Both began to giggle. Ah guess the word 'weird' would've been a bit too underrated for this situation. To cap it all- three other new ponies were followin' through the back entrance.
“Oh my, it's pretty dusty in here.” A snobbish white mare said while holding up her long red mane.
“Starlet dear, over here!” Even Rarity knew one of the new ponies?
“Roneo!” Fluttershy squeaked.
“Fluttershy, nice to see you again!”
“Yo Dashstar!” A strong looking colt yelled.
“Yo Gladstone pal! Did you saw my awesome performance?” Everypony were meetin' up with their new friends, talkin', laughin' and huggin'. Everypony was so busy cheerin' with their new friends, that ah felt kinda cut out. Like a rotten apple, layin' inside of a basket full of sweet delicious ones.
“Applejack!” Hm? Ah turned around and looked down. It was mah lil' sister Applebloom, brightly smilin' and jumpin'.
“You were just amazing!”
“Hehe thanks Applebloom.” Ah looked over mah shoulder, watchin' mah cast away friends, still talkin', laughin'... ignorin' me. Ah normally wanted to ask them to come celebratin'
Hearth's Warmin' Eve at Sweet Apple Acre... but ah guess they had better things to do this year.
“Come on sis, let's go home.” I lifted her up and sat her onto mah back, slowly walkin' out of the room. Applebloom looked confused and switched her eyes between me and the others.
“What's with the rest? I thought we wanted to celebrate with our friends, like every year.”
It broke mah heart, but ah didn't wanted to disturb the others. Besides that, the new ponies were a
bit too sketchy for mah taste.
“Not this year. Sorry, Applebloom.”
Applebloom remained silent, but ah could feel her getting' sad.
Ah'm really sorry.

... please...

... protect her...

The wind was getting colder, the moon blocked by the silent clouds high up in the sky. The snow kept falling from above, landing on the dead ground like a feather, joining their friends to become a beautiful blanket of ice, resting on the landscape called Equestria. Underneath this wonderful snowy white, there was a big threat growing, day by day... waiting for the moment to consume all life this land had to give. My worst fear was about to become reality, even though I hoped it wouldn't.
Foolish me, why didn't I stop that before it even started?
Sitting on top of the third highest mountain of Equestria, I watched the life of the ponies in Ponyville. I saw many things, many ponies, creatures... legends.
I could see Ponyville, unaware of the incoming danger, resting right underneath my hooves. The Canterlot castle, majestically sitting on the top of everything, holding the mightiest beings this world had to give. And in the east of them all, I saw the Everfree Forest. Many legends were born
in this cursed forest, some died in there.
The world hasn't changed, it was still so full of sorrow and distrust, hate and envy...
And now they're back, claiming the one thing they could never get.

“My dearest daughter, I hope you can save them... before it's too late.”
“Don't worry my dear friend, everything will fall into place once the time has come.” She answered with a warm smile.
“You were always by my side, that's why I'll trust you. But tell me... you know your fate, do you?”
“Yes, I'm well aware of that.” Even though she always used to be confident and optimistic,
her eyes filled with grief and concernes.
“And you still want to stay with that decision?”
“I will. I owe it to my subjects and my sister.” A sacrifice for the public good, not everypony would be able to make such an decision with that kind of confidence she had.
“... you're a brave and kind hearted mare, you know that? Whatever happens, I wish you all the
luck Equestria can offer. I have to leave now, but we'll see again some day princess.”
The world around me began to fade, along with the snow, the light and the only friend I would follow even into the depth of nothingness itself.

“Yes... some day. Thank you, my friend.”

Chapter VI - Distrust

“Wake up.” A cute little voice whispered.
“Please, wake up.” It silently repeated. I slowly opened my eyes and held my breath. Even though I knew my eyes were open, everything around me was still dark, like I was starring into nothingness itself. Even when I closed my eyes, it was still a little brighter than my surroundings.
I panicked. My legs were shaking and I started to look around very hectically, trying to find something I could orient myself on. But there was nothing! No ground, no sky, not even wind!
“You're Twilight, right?” That voice appeared again. It sounded female, but not familiar.
Why did she knew my name? I tried to open my mouth to answer, to ask her where I was,
but I wasn't able to say a single word. I panicked again, choked and screamed, without even
making a silent noise. I was hovering in mid-air, without knowing where I was and without the ability to speak... it was like I was trapped inside of a total different world!
“It's okay Twilight, don't be afraid. You're in a world far beyond the one you know. There is no air, no water, no pain and no sorrow in this world.” The voice continued.
“It's hard to say where exactly you are or who I am, but that's not important for now. As long as you can't talk in here, there is nothing for you to fear. At the moment you're just asleep, in safety.”
I was asleep? So this was nothing more than a weird dream? That was good to know, although still very confusing. I never had such a dream before in my entire life.
“I'm so sorry for causing all these troubles to you and your little filly friend.” Huh? Filly-friend? What did she mean by that?
“Please, listen carefully Twilight! They're back! They're watching you!” The voice got shaky, then turned silent. I turned my head from left to right several times, but there was still nothing than endless darkness. I tried to use my light-sphere spell, but not even my magic seemed to work in this creepy place.
“You have to protect her! You have to stop these... monsters.” Her last sentence sounded kind
of sad, almost like she regretted saying that, but why and what was she talking about anyway?
“Go back to the place where you've found these monsters, back into the forest! There you'll find
the truth!” Back into the forest? Which forest? Still puzzled I suddenly noticed that everything around me started to turn darkish red. Wherever I was, I at least was now able to see something more than just pitch black. But the color wasn't the only thing I saw that moment. A small silhouette appeared right in front of me. It was the silhouette of a little filly, her sad looking orange eyes were lifeless and silently starring at me, glowing right through the black fog surrounding her.
“Please, save my friend!”

“OUCH!” I opened my eyes, again and noticed that I landed on the floor of my bedroom. My blanket was half on the bed and half on the ground while my pillow was right on top of my head. The small table right next to me was laying on the floor too, probably because of the obvious fact that I just fell on it two seconds ago.
So, was it just a dream? Or did I accidently fell on my head right before I even got this dream?
That could've explained why that dream was that weird in the first place. Hm... but it somehow felt so realistic and-
“Ouch, my head.” Well, whatever that was, I couldn't get a clear thought with a ringing head like that. I slowly got back up onto my shaky legs.
“Great, I guess I just got myself a second horn.” My head was still pounding, but at least it wasn't
bleeding or something.
“A little bit medicine will fix that. Spike? Do we still have some- Spike?” I was surprised when I starred into his empty little bed. According to his still untouched looking bed, he probably stayed up the whole night again. Cleaning up the library, hanging around with Pinkie, Fluttershy or somepony else, or maybe he just fell asleep by doing anything of these, who knows. I shook my head and
went downstairs, but even the library was Spike-free. I walked into the kitchen, checked the storage rooms and even the celler, but no trace of Spike at all, not even Owlicious.
“Okaaaay? Where is everypon- uhm, everyone?” I was used to it that Spike sometimes spent the night at some of our friends places, but not without telling me first or without leaving a letter first.
And especially Owlicious... hm, well okay he always used to sleep during daytime so it wasn't that strange. But still, something WAS strange in this town the last few days. I walked back into the kitchen, searching the cupboards for some painkillers and maybe also some things to make a little breakfast.
“I was pretty sure we had some painkillers around here somewhere.” Suddenly a loud
knocking-sound echoed through the library.
“A visitor? That early in the morning?” I never got a visitor around that time of the day, it wasn't even sunrise. Nevertheless I walked into the library and to the front door. The knocking got louder and was repeated in nervously short intervals. It felt like hammers which were constantly slamming onto my head. I hurried up and opened the door. The sad and exhausted looking face of
my crazy, and usually happiest, friend Pinkie Pie was starring at me from beyond the door sill.
She was totally upset if not depressed to the bones. Her long pink mane was deflated, lifelessly hanging down into her tears covered face.
“TWIIIILIIIIIGHT!” She shouted with a shrill voice and jumped into my arms.
“Pinkie!? Ouch! Not that tight please! W-what in Celestias name has gotten into you?”
“GUMMY IS GONE!” Gummy? Oh right her little baby alligator... or crocodile. He was gone?
“Nah, nah Pinkie. Calm down and tell me what happened.” I walked with her into my kitchen and sat her onto one of the chairs next to the dining table. It was very hard getting out of her incredibly strong embrace, but after a bit of struggling I finally made it to slip through. I knew that was harsh, but she almost broke my spine, not to mention my still pounding head.
She was still crying, which was very VERY unusual for Pinkie, but I somehow could understand her feelings for the loss of her little pet.
“Don't cry Pinkie, tell me what happened.”
“I was just searching for Gummy yesterday evening to give him his food but I couldn't find him then I remembered that he usually likes to play hide and seek and I thought he wanted to play hide and seek and he was hiding so I should seek him!” She answered hysterically without even breathing once. Listening to her made me feel dizzy with every second passing by.
“Uhm...”
“But when I gave up two hours later he still didn't came out and I started to get worried so I searched for him again and again and again and again and again and again-” Oh sweet Celestia!
“PINKIE! I got it, please go on!”
“Well I searched the whole night, all Ponyville and even everyponies house such as yours!”
“I see. Hm, maybe he- Wait, what?!?”
“And now I'm pretty sure he got Gummy-napped!” It was more than amazing how much and fast a pony could talk in a row without breathing, besides that, I was pretty sure that she was just overreacting. Gummy was a strange animal, maybe he was still hiding somewhere and Pinkie just couldn't find him by now, that's all. I felt sorry for her, but who would kidnap a baby alligator or crocodile? I had to be honest with her.
“Pinkie, don't you think you're, well, overreacting a tiny little bit?” She suddenly stopped crying and looked at me with a deep frown on her face.
“Overreacting? I'M OVERREACTING?” She screamed.
“You don't understand how I feel, DO YOU?!? And I'm also very sure it doesn't matter to you either, right? What would you do if spike gets SPIKENAPPED?” Was that even a word?
“Oh come on Pinkie, that's ridiculous!”
“You... you... YOU ARE SO DAMN COLD TWILIGHT! I'LL GO TALK TO A REAL FRIEND! Thanks... FOR NOTHING!” She angrily stomped out of my house, still screaming and nagging.
My head was now seconds away from detonation. Sure I felt very bad that I couldn't help Pinkie, but there was no actual reason for being worried at all! I decided to talk to her again later that day AFTER she calmed down a bit. First I needed something to calm my head, so I followed the slight road of destruction Pinkie left on her way out and went outside.

“BOOONBOOOON WHERE ARE YOU?”
“CLOUDCHASER? IF YOU CAN HERE ME, PLEASE ANSWER!”
“DADDY WHERE ARE YOU?”
When I reached the center of Ponyville I couldn't believe my eyes. Almost everypony in Ponyville was hysterically running around, searching for somepony they seemed to miss! Many where loaded with bags filled with placards or photos of their missing friends or family members. What in Equestria was going on here?
“ANGEL? ANGEL! PLEASE, HAS SOMEPONY SEEN A LITTLE WHITE BUNNY?”
Fluttershy? With big tears rolling down her cheeks and tons of photos of her little bunny friend,
she was flying hardly two hooves above the ground through the town. She flew right past me without even noticing my presence.
“YO TANK! COME HERE YOU LITTLE JOKESTER! I HAVE ENOUGH OF THIS GAME!
TANK!” Rainbow Dash shouted while flying over my head. So even Rainbow Dash was missing her pet? It was a flying tortoise! Who would kidnap a flying tortoise for crying out loud?
“Gummy, Bunny and now even Tank? Who would do something like that?”
“TWILIGHT!” A shrill voice shouted at me from the side.
“Rarity?” With a terrified expression on her face she ran towards me.
“Twilight! This is a catastrophe!” She hysterically said while gasping for exhaustion.
“Wha-” I tried to say something, but got cut short before I was even able to.
“Everypony in town seems to disappear all of the sudden! My dear little Opalescence is gone TOO!” She shouted.
“Oh come on Rarity, maybe she's just, uhm, playing outside or... something?”
“My Opalescence? Playing outside, risking to make her outstanding white fur all dirty? Oh you got to be kidding me darling!“
“Well, maybe she's- huh?” I suddenly noticed that she got a small silvery chain tied around her hip,
while its other end was tied around a little unhappy looking filly.
“Sweetie Belle, is that you?”
“Hi Twilight.” She squeaked with a half smile.
“Why is she tied up with that chain?”
“Isn't that obvious? Who ever kidnapped all these ponies and animals around here is still on the loose! And as long as that's the case, my little Sweetie will stay by my side whatever happens!
If he or she tries to even look at her, I will show this pony how a real lady can fight if she has to!”
She angrily snorted. Shortly after she turned around and ran away, dragging the poor little Sweetie Belle right behind her over the ground.
“Uhm, okay... keep it up.” That was really weird, who would do something like that? Come on Twilight, think! When did all of this started? I had to check the missing pony reports which were hanging around Ponyville for more clues. I went over to the black board right in front of the town hall. When I arrived I could feel my throat getting constricted and my jaw falling to the ground.
“Great Celestia...” The whole board was filled with missing pony reports, posters, pictures and more. Over fifty ponies were already missing, along with the pets from Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash! That was insane! Mares and colts, young and old... there seemed to be no exceptions!
“This can't be real, why should anypony do that? Hmm, maybe it wasn't a pony, instead it
could be a... monster? A monster!” Suddenly I began to understand! That dream wasn't just a fake produced by a little headache, no, it was some kind of warning! But by whom?
“Huh?” I noticed an older looking piece of paper in the right corner of the board.
“Big Macintosh?” According to the date, he was gone missing two weeks ago! Why didn't Applejack mentioned it earlier? Something wasn't right, I had to see how Applejack and Applebloom was doing. I used my teleportation spell to get to Sweet Apple Acre as fast as possible, just to see the poor farm sunk in a silent cold fog. The fields and trees were covered with a thick carpet of snow, no hooveprints anywhere. I slowly walked to the barn in the centre of the gigantic plantation. Everywhere around me was nothing but dead plants and silence. It felt like walking over a graveyard which honestly gave me the creeps. The entrance of the barn itself was blocked by hundreds of empty crates, baskets and some broken barrows. The windows were covered with wooden planks, making it look even more like a sad ruin.
“APPLEJAAACK? ARE YOU IN THERE? IT'S ME, TWILIGHT!” Minutes were passing by,
but I got no answer. I started to get even more worried than I was already. I ran over to their house just a few metres away from the barn, but even this was blocked and barricaded from the in- and outside.
“APPLEJACK? APPLEBLOOM? IT'S ME TWILIGHT! PLEASE ANSWER ME!” And again I didn't get an answer, not even a slight knocking or something.
“Okay, I'm coming in now!” I had to know what was going on here! I used my teleportation spell once again to enter the house. Inside it was dark, but at least a little bit warmer than it was outside.
“Ouch! Stupid toolbox!” While wandering through the empty living room I accidently hit a hard adamant piece of metal with my left hoof. It hurt, but it wasn't as bad as the still pounding headache.
“Wait, am I a dumbpony?” I used my light-sphere spell to illuminate the whole room. Everywhere around my were wooden planks leaning against the wall, boxes filled with nails, tools and broken furniture.
The front door was nailed up and well hidden behind a huge wooden closet. It seemed that Applejack and her family were well aware of the trouble around Ponyville and already made some precaution. Hm thinking about it, I haven't seen Applejack for quite a while now...
“Oh my Applejack, what happened to you?” I continued my search through the house of the apple family. The kitchen was a total mess, plates and empty crates everyhwere. Like back in the living room, every window was covered with wooden planks and the door was nailed up and blocked, too.
It looked like there was nopony around here for ages!
“Huh?” A little whistling sound echoed through the kitchen. The sound was shrill and feisty,
it stung through the silence like a sharp needle. I knew that sound already, it was the sound of a
sweet tasty tea which waited for its owner to get it off the oven. That was a very satisfying sound, because a tea usually takes about five minutes to cook, so its owner had to be-
“AH GOTCHA NOW YOU DIRTY RATTLESNAKE!” That was Appleja-
“ARK!” A hard object hit the back off my head and threw me to the ground. The sound of vibrating sheet metal was ringing through my ears while my surroundings got blurry, then black.

“Where's that stupid tortoise? TANK!” I searched for several days now, but there was still no trace of my little Tank! First I thought he got lost somewhere, maybe even crashed into
something... again. But even if he did, he would have been way too tough to get seriously injured by that! Besides, Tank always found the way back home, so the only reason why he didn't came back by now must've meant that something bad happened! I've checked every corner of Ponyville, most parts of its surroundings and even Canterlot several times and I slowly began to get worried.
I never was the sentimental type of pony, but knowing that Tank was gone made me feel...
kinda sad. It was a strange mixture of sadness and rage growing inside of my belly. If Tank really got Tank-napped, I would beat the hay out of the culprit who did that!
“Wait! I haven't checked Ghastly Gorge! With all these unstable rock walls inside of it, it's the
most dangerous place for a flying tortoise who can't even fly straight!” I turned around and flew as fast as I could to Ghastly Gorge at the far end of Ponyville. I used to train inside of that gulch for so many years, that I was well aware of it's dangers. I could also remember that accident when that giant rock fall dragged me down into it's depths and almost crushed me. Without Tank...
well, I guess I would still be sitting there.
“Oh Tank, I hope you're alright!” It didn't took long to reach the huge gulch outside of Ponyville.
I flew down into the dark abyss and followed the entire passage. Sharp rocks, dirt and strange creatures, but no signs of Tank anywhere. Then I've found the place where I was trapped a month ago. I stopped and hovered right in front of it, reliving the day when it happened.
“I still can't believe he saved me, even after I ignored him like that.” My eyes felt warm and that strange feeling of sadness came back.
“Tank...”
“Yo Rainbow Dash!” T- that was Gladstones voice!
“Wha-?” I cringed and covered my eyes. Nopony should see me crying like a little baby!
“Woah, what an awesome place for a race! Look at all these daring obstacles and dangerous
curves! If you're stupid enough, I bet you can even cause a giant rock fa-”
“SHUT UP!” I shouted. It was a reflex, caused by the storm of feelings inside of me. Knowing
what happened was one thing, but getting reminded at it in such a snooty way was really scraping
the barrel! What was he doing here after all? Did he followed me? No, he couldn't possibly
keep up with me. He remained silent for a while and looked confused into my direction.
“Did I say something wrong?” He hesitantly asked.
“... no, it's just-” I stopped to think about an excuse, but nothing came into my mind. The thought about Tank was still blocking my head. Suddenly I felt a warm hoof on my shoulder. I looked
to the right and saw Gladstone standing right beside me, sadly looking but still with a smile
on his face.
“Everything alright Dash?” He gently asked.
I didn't hate Gladstone, no, I kinda liked him. Even though he was kinda brash and snooty sometimes. What should I say? I wasn't that different after all. At the moment, I just wanted to be alone, but knowing that somepony was around made me feel a little bit better.
“... it's about Tank.”
“Your little flying tortoise? Hehe, yeah I remember him. I still can't believe I saw a tortoise
flying through the sky.” He laughed.
“Yeah, he really was one of a kind huh?” He really was.
“Indee- Wait, did you just say 'was'?”
“Yes... he's gone since a few days.” He looked shocked.
“He's gone? Why?”
“I don't know! First I thought he was just doing a little trip through Cloudsdale or Ponyville,
but I haven't seen him for such a long time now... I just hope he didn't got kidnapped.”
Gladstone switched his expression into a more concerned looking. I landed on the ground which was just barely four inches underneath my hooves and walked over to the huge pile of rocks, leaning against the north wall of the gulch. I looked at the spot where my wing was trapped and continued.
“You know, I always wanted to have a pet. It should be cool, fast, agile and also able to fly of course. I started a contest to find out which animal would fulfil these requirements.
Well, Tank was always the loser in these contests. I almost made my choice, but then I thought about challenging these potential pets for a race through this gulch. There was a giant rock fall and I got trapped underneath this pile of rocks. I tried to shout for help, but my favourites didn't hear me, neither did they turn around to help me.”
“And let me guess, Tank came back?”
“Came back? Well, not really. He was the last one, a slow straggler. But he saved me... even
though I treated him like a nopony.” And again I felt this strange sense of sadness I felt before.
“Don't worry Dashie, uhm, Dash.” He gently answered while walking right beside me.
“You can call me Dashie if you want. I don't care.”
“Hey... I know we two don't know each that long, but I'm always there for you if you need me.”
“Hey, don't start getting sappy Gladstone!” I grinned at him.
“Hehe, sappy? Me? You're the one who started this sad story, not me.” He grinned back.
He wasn't such a bad guy after all and since Twilight and the others were still busy with other problems, having Gladstone around me didn't seemed to be that bad anymore.
“By the way Dashie, how was Tank even able to fly?” He asked.
“Oh that was because of Twilight. She used her magic and technical knowledge to build this weird
chopper-thing for him.”
“... Twilight, huh?” He dismissively said while making a frown. Did he hate Twilight for
some reason?
“What's wrong with Twilight?”
“She said a few things about you that doesn't seemed appropriate to me. You deserve better
friends than her!” He angrily said.
“Pff, yeah right Gladstone. Twilight is one of my best friends! She would never say anything bad about me! And even if she did, I bet whatever it was she was just kidding or something like that!”
It had to be, I mean, Twilight would never slander about me... would she?
“If you say so.” He slowly turned away. I knew he was talking nonsense, but...
“Wait! ... what did she say?”
“Well...”

“Nah, nah Fluttershy, p- please stop crying.” Roneo hesitantly said, but I couldn't do him that
favor. I didn't knew how long I was already crying, maybe some hours, maybe even days.
I've searched the whole town again and again and again... but there was not a single trace of my little bunny. I went back home and closed every door, every window and turned out every light.
I just wanted to cry, I wanted to hold my little Angel bunny inside of my arms again! But I couldn't!
He was gone! Besides that, every animal around Ponyville was ignoring me! They ran away,
kept distance from me, some even hissed at me like they were afraid or something! Why?
What have I done wrong? Why was it all happening to me? Everything was fine a few days ago,
but suddenly.... I began to cry even more, thinking of all this tragedy going on in Ponyville. It
made my heart burst. It felt heavy, it just hurt.
“Fluttershy, please...” He tried again.
“NOOOO! THIS IS A DREAM, IT'S ALL JUST A BAD DREAM!” I shouted. Usually I always tried to calm myself down a bit, pulling myself together to prevent such emotional outburts.
But to be honest I didn't care that much this time. My animal AND my pony friends were gone,
I was totally alone with my sorrow. Well, Roneo was still there with me... but it wasn't the same.
“Fluttershy...” He silently said. The poor colt was sitting right next to me for so many hours now.
He tried everything to cheer me up. Sweets, jokes, stories, he even tried to play violin, but that
sounded a little bit... not so good. I mean, I really-really-REALLY appreciated his efforts and I
loved that feeling having somepony around me, but I was also very embarrassed he saw me like that. Thinking of that made me feel even more sad than I did before. I couldn't stop crying... I just couldn't! No matter how much my eyes and throat were burning.
“Here!” Suddenly something white and bulky appeared in front of my nose. The snow white color of this object somehow gave me a small spark of happiness. First I thought it was my little Angel, but it wasn't him. It was something else. I looked down into Roneos ocean blue eyes. He sat right next to me, next to the green couch I was laying on. The ground underneath his hooves were soaked with my tears, but that didn't seemed to bother him at all. He sat there, holding that white object with his both hooves right in front of me, slightly smiling and blushing.
“I, uhm, made it for you.” He mumbled. I took a better look at it and gasped.
“Oh my... is this-?”
“It's a little white plush bunny.” He answered. My heart made a little jump and I stopped crying for a moment. I slowly took the plush into my hooves and looked at it with big eyes. It was a little bit weird looking, the stitches were wrong and pretty much random at some points... but besides that, it almost looked like my little Angel. The size, the color and even his cute ears. He did that for me?
A colt who was barely knowing me? That was so cu-
“Oh my!” I suddenly got a better look at his hooves. They were covered in bandages!
“What happened?” I said still shocked.
“Uhm, it's nothing. I just had a few accidents while sewing the plush. I'm more a writer-pony
than a sewing-pony.” He risked to get hurt just to sew this little plush doll for me?
“B-but why?”
“Why? Uhm, I guess I never learned how to sew properly.”
“No! I mean...” I laid my hoof onto his one, gently removing the bandage.
“Why did you do something that risky for somepony like me?” He didn't answer, instead he just looked away. Underneath the bandages I could see several little wounds, not bigger than the top of
a needle. Some of them where still slightly bleeding... poor Roneo.
“Wait here, I go and get some antiseptic agent!” I flew into the kitchen and grabbed everything I needed. Some antiseptic agent, a safety scissor and a few new bandages. It didn't took that long and after a few seconds I was next to Roneo again, carefully taking care of his hooves.
“It may burn a little bit.” He bit his teeth together and cringed a little, but only for a short time.
I carefully swathed each of his hooves into the new bandages. For a little moment, yes only this small minute, I felt kind of happy. Maybe because I could help a friend in need... or because I,
well, kinda-
“I like you.” Roneo said. First I thought my heart stopped beating, that I may misunderstood
what he said.
“What?”
“I like you, Fluttershy.” He smiled gently. So I wasn't mistaken... he actually said, what he said.
“I really like you Fluttershy. You're a true friend. I made this little doll to show you, that I'll always be with you if you need me.” Roneo...
“I... I don't know what to say.” I stuttered. He put one of his hooves onto my shoulder and looked deep into my eyes.
“Please stop crying, that's all I want.” Oh Roneo, he was so cute. I wiped away my tears and started to smile. Suddenly my heart felt happier again, it wasn't hurting anymore, no, it felt-
“Too bad that your other friends doesn't care about you the way you deserve it.” He suddenly turned away. What did he mean?
“Uhm... well, they're quite busy and-”
“That's no excuse! A real friend would be there for you, no matter what! You deserve better friends... especially after all these things that the purple unicorn said about you.” Purple unicorn?
Did he mean Twilight?
“You mean Twilight? What did she say about me?”
“Well...”

Twilight... Twilight... come on wake up... Darn it, ah'm so sorry...
I could hear Applejacks voice. It was a bit muted, but I was pretty sure it was her. I slowly came back to my senses again, opened my eyes and tried to figure out where I was. My short-term memory seemed to be quite damaged, I couldn't remember a thing. I looked around.
Everything was blurry, shapeless and turning in circles. Suddenly I thought I saw the silhouette of Applejacks face through the blurry blanket which was covering my eyes.
“A- Applejack?” She grinned brightly... at least I thought she did.
“Twilight! You're alright!” She jumped at me and hugged my tightly.
“Quick, tell me how ya' feel! Is there REALLY everythin' alright?” She nervously asked. There was only one word that was in my mind by then.
“Head... ache...” I silently gasped.
“Woah nelly, ah'm so sorry Twilight! Ah didn't knew it was you, ah swear!” She let go off me and ran back into the kitchen. In the meantime I tried to get back up, massaging my temples to lower the pain which was spreading through multiple areas of my brain. The blurry blanket was gone and I could now get a clear sight of my surroundings again. I was sitting on a dark blue couch with pink colored padding and some purple couch cushions. The door next to me was nailed up with big wooden beams like every door was around here, same was the windows behind me.
Some light was shining through the narrow gaps of the wood, revealing dust and some little glass fragments on the ground. I slowly began to remember what happened, even though my head still felt like it got hit with a gigantic hammer a couple of times.
“Here sugarcube. Take some of these painkillers and your headache will vanish lickety-split!”
Applejack came back with a little black bag in her mouth and threw it on the small table next to the couch. The bag looked hoofsewn and was richly ornamented with white circles and several other strange signs.
“What exactly is that? It looks pretty, well, uncommon if not even unique.”
“Zecora once gave 'em to me when that huge branch fell on mah head last summer. Ah though mah head was about to explode, but these little fellows here really helped me out that day.”
“From Zecora? So it's probably a herbal medicinal product.” I used my magic to take one of the little orange pills out of the bag and placed it onto my tongue. The moment that pill touched my
gustatory nerves, I thought I gotta puke. I distorted my mouth and wrinkled my nose out of disgust.
“Eww, this tastes the way rotten cheese smells!”
“Yeah, ah forgot to mention that.” Even though it tasted that bad, it soon started to work. My
Headache finally disappeared without a trace, what a relieve.
“Wow, not bad. Thank you Applejack.”
“You're welcome! Sorry that ah knocked ya' out back then.”
“Oh, that's okay... I guess. Next time it's my turn to hit you with a shovel.” Both of us began to laugh. Laughing was the best medicine in such depressing situations like the one that hit Ponyville.
We talked about different things, drank some apple tea and laughed even more. It felt like everything was alright like usual, but it wasn't. Behind Applejacks grin, I could clearly see her worries. Her blond mane was totally ruffled and covered in dirt, such as her fur, too. Her eyes looked tired, emphasized with dark eye circles. It seemed like she wasn't sleeping for days! According to what happened to Ponyville lately and the way it looked in here, she probably hid herself the whole time. Hmm, or furthermore she tried to protect her family. I had to ask her, even if it would destroy this semi-happy atmosphere we had by now.
“Applejack, may I ask you something? What happened here?” She kept smiling, although it didn't seemed to be honest this time. She looked down at her cup of tea and closed her eyes.
“Well, what does it look like to ya'?”
“It looks like you're hiding yourself from something.”
“Heh, you're darn right 'bout that!”
“I already thought so. Listen Applejack, I don't know what's going on in Ponyville, but I'll figure it out. Promised!” She remained quiet and I guess I knew why.
“... I know about BigMacintosh... I'm so sorry about that.”
“It's okay Twilight, it's not your fault, right? He's a big strong colt, ahm pretty sure he's alright.”
“You don't sound that convinced.” She slowly put the cup back on the table.
“But ah am... ah have to. In fact... it's not Big Mac ah'm worried about.” She silently answered.
“Granny Smith is gone, too... mah whole family breaks apart.” Granny Smith, too? Poor Applejack...
“And mah friends are about to turn away from me, too.” What?
“That's not-” She cut me short before I could answer. Her voice changed, it seemed to get angry.
“It's not true? C'mon Twilight, none of ya' cared even a lil' bit about me or mah family!
Everytime ah tried to talk to ya', your new 'friends' cut me short and dragged ya' away from me!”
T- that's not true! ... or was it? Honestly, I couldn't remember.
“I, uhm... really?”
“It's okay Twilight, ah don't mind if ya' don't wanna be mah friend anymore.” What was she
talking about?!
“That's nonsense Applejack! You're one of my best friends! I, well, maybe I wasn't there for you a couple of time lately... and I'm sorry about that!” I made a sad face and open my eyes as wide as I could, hoping she would forgive easier this way.
“Can you forgive me?” She looked at me with a raised eyebrow for a while.
“Heh, how could ah ever be mad at you Twilight?” I was so glad she wasn't actually mad at me, just disappointed, which was already worse enough for me. We hugged each other, I gently tapped on Applejacks back.
“Don't worry Applejack, we'll always be friends, no matter what happens!”
“Ah know Twilight.” She silently answered. We sat down again and took another sip of our tea.
I almost lost a very good friend of mine and maybe the others were about to hate me, too.
I had to help them! ... and I already knew how to do that!
“Applejack, we have to help the other finding their loved ones! Any idea where to start?”
“Sorry sugarcube, but ah'm afraid ah can't help ya' this time.”
“Why?”
“Ah can't leave our home. Ah have to stay with mah lil' sister until the kidnappin' stopped.”
“Applebloom's still here? Where's she?” So at least Applebloom was still safe? Oh thank Celestia!
I was so glad knowing that she was still here and alright that I haven't noticed Applejacks new expression. She looked at me with a rather strange glimpse, a slight sign of distrust in her eyes.
“Why?” She hesitantly asked.
“I just wanted to ask her something.” Her stare grew even more concerned and wary. It felt like she was thinking I was a criminal or something. Did she... nah Twilight, that was ridiculous!
But, what was the matter? Minutes were passing by, but Applejack remained silent.
“She's upstairs.” She slowly answered after a couple of minutes.
“Can I see her for a second?” Again she considered for a moment, but then she slowly nodded.
“Thanks.” I stood up and used the stairs around the corner to reach the first floor. I never was
here before so I could only hardly guess where her room was. I followed the dark corridor along some pictures of Applejack and her family, hanging on the walls on each side of the corridor and some closed or half opened doors, until I finally reached a door where the Cutie Mark Crusaders emblem was hanging at. I reached out for the doorknob and turned it around, but it was locked... as expected. Why didn't Applejack told me it was locked in the first place? I looked behind me. Even though there was nopony, it felt like I was being watched. Was Applejack watching me? I thought of going back to ask Applejack about the key, on the other hoof I was thinking about leaving.
“No, I have to talk to her!” I whispered to myself. I used my teleportation spell to enter Appleblooms room.
“Hi Applebloom. It's me, Twilight. How a- Applebloom?” There was no pony in here.
The windows were nailed up with even more wooden beams than the windows downstairs,
it was almost ridiculously much. I could understand these tight security measures, but
where was the filly that should have been protected? I looked around, maybe she was hiding somewhere. Right in front of me was a darkish green canopy bed. Some blue cushions and a yellow blanket with apple motives was laying on the ground in front of it. It looked like somepony jumped out of the bed in a hurry, maybe because of fright? At the right side of the room was a large and also darkish green colored four drawer dresser with a big mirror on it. Every piece of furniture in here had the same color and was decorated with apple symbols, so were the wallpaper. I went over to the mirror and looked inside. It was quite dusty, but I could still see my reflection in it. My mane looked totally messed up. Heh, no wonder if you considered how my day looked like till that point.
“Huh?!” For a half second I could swear I saw two orange glowing orbs right behind me. I quickly turned around, but there was nothing! I hysterically kept looking around... did I start seeing things?
Suddenly I heard something rumbling. It seemed like it was coming out of the big closet to the
left of the door. I slowly sneaked up to it and prepared myself for whatever was inside.
I opened the double doors of the closet and...
“Empty?” Besides some clothes there was nothing inside.
“AAAAH!” Something jumped at my back and started punching me. It didn't hurt, furthermore it seemed kind of irregularly and desperate. I didn't saw what exactly hit my back, but I recognized the voice very fast.
“Applebloom?”
“Be quiet monster! The CMC monster catcher Applebloom is about to defeat you and-
Wait, Twilight?” She jumped on her bed and looked at me with big eyes.
“TWI!” She smiled and jumped into my arms.
“ Haha, hey monster catcher. You really surprised me.”
“Really? Uhm, ah mean, what did ya' expect? We are the best monster catchers in Equestria!”
“You mean monster hunter?”
“Yeah we do that, too.” She answered while slowly gliding down my chest and back to the ground.
I was so glad she's okay, at least something to be happy about. But wait a second, did she just
said 'we'? Was there another pony in here?
“Uhm, did you just say 'we'?” Applebloom grinned and nodded.
“My other CMC monster catcher agents are outside and lookin' for some of these bad ugly monsters.” Did she mean Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo? Well, Sweetie Belle had her own problems to face... her big sister Rarity. Thinking of that made me snicker for a moment, though it was more sad than funny.
“It's pretty great and excitin', right? Ah operate from here, usin' mah spyglass over there to
obser-, observy, obsa... uhm, to keep watch.” She pointed her hoof at the other end of the room.
A small wooden chair and table was standing right next to the nailed up window. On the table was a notepad, a yellow pencil and the spyglass. The spyglass looked self-made, probably made from some lenses from magnifying glasses and some empty loo paper rolls taped together.
How could she look through- oh. One of the lower wooden beams was removed and gave a small glimpse at the farm. You could see some of the dead apple trees, mountains and even the town hall of Ponyville.
“Wow, not bad Applebloom. And anything sighted yet?” I asked. She shook her head and made a disappointed countenance.
“Nnnnope. These are really intelligent monsters, ah tell ya' that!” Oh Applebloom, for you everything's just another adventure. The innocent mind of a filly, unable to see a problem as a problem, but maybe it was the best thinking that way.
First, I wanted to ask her about something that happened in the Everfree Forest that night. I didn't knew why, but I had a strange feeling that there was a connection between these two events, especially after my conversation with the princess. But thinking about it, I didn't wanted to involve the poor Applebloom in this again. She already suffered enough because of me...
“Twillight? You're alright?”
“Hm? Oh, yes yes... I'm just a bit dizzy lately.”
“Oh that's not a surprise.” She answered and rolled with her eyes.
“What do you mean?”
“Everypony in Ponyville is actin' kinda weird since a few weeks. Mah sister for example.
She just trapped me inside here, nailed up all the windows and doors! Oh and she told me not to
talk to any other pony anymore until she says ah can.” Was that so? Hm, it seemed Applejack
became a little bit, well, too overcautious. On the other hoof, it was probably the best thing to be like that.
“And to top it all, she even locked mah door a few hours ago. Pretty weird if ya' ask me.”
She just locked it a few hours ago? So Appleblooms room was open the whole time until-
“Applebloom? Did you here something or did Applejack say anything before she locked your door?” Applebloom scratched her chin and sat down.
“Hmmm, she said somethin' about an intruder. She also mumbled somethin', but ah couldn't hear what exactly that was.”An intruder, huh?
“Oh, before she came in and told me that, ah heard a 'woosh' or 'poff', followed by
a loud thud.” A 'woosh' or a 'poff'? Did she meant the sound of my teleportation spell?
Wait, so after I came in here with my spell and got knocked out by Applejack, she came up here and locked Applebloom inside of her room? ... so I am the intruder?
“Why are ya' askin'?”
“I... was just curoius.” I smiled, but deep inside I felt shattered. How could she say something like that? Well, looking back at all the things she and her family had been through just because
of me... it wasn't that surprising after all.
“Is everythin' alright Twilight? You look so sad all of the sudden.” She asked.
“... it will be alright soon, at least that's what I hope.”
“Do you think Applejack went crazy? She acts very weird.”
“No... no she isn't. Maybe she's just a little bit para-”
“-noid?” I cringed when Applejacks voice suddenly completed my sentence. She didn't sound that happy, instead she seemed to be very angry.
“Hiya' sis'! Look, it wasn't an intruder, it was just Twilight.” Appleboom happily squeaked.
Applejack stood with her frown, looking at me very angrily.
“Applejack?” Applebloom hesitantly asked.
“So ah'm just paranoid, isn't it Twilight?” She snorted.
“Applejack, I didn't mean it that way! I just-”
“You... should better leave now!” She continued, staring me down with her tired and hatred filled eyes. I felt a needle piercing my heart when her words silently echoed through the dark room.
I wanted to say something, trying to talk to her, but the way she stared at me... she wasn't kidding.
I looked at Applebloom for the last time, who was watching me with a mixture of puzzlement, apprehension and sadness in her eyes.
Without saying another word, I lowered my head and walked past Applejack. She looked away,
not even giving me a last glimpse of her eyes.
“Don't worry Applebloom,... Applejack. I'll fix this. I'll fix everything...” I closed my eyes and used my magic to teleport myself away from Sweet Apple Acre. Away from my... friend, Applejack.

“Woah, Pinkie. Please come down!” Grey desperately said.
“I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE SAID THAT!”
“Holy pancake!” I threw a few cakes after the poor Grey. Well basically, I threw them all over the place, along with some forks and knives and everything else I could get into my hooves. I was so angry, sad, disappointed! Nopony seemed to care even a little bit about me!
I couldn't find Rarity, Dashie, Applejack, not even Fluttershy! Talking about 'friends', the only
other 'best friend' I could find was Twilight, who simply said I would be overreacting! I've lost my little baby alligator Gummy! My sweet, little, silly, toothless Gummy... was gone!
Thinking of him made me start crying again. I couldn't believe what happened, I just couldn't!
Why would anypony steal my little pet? I was the kindest and happiest pony in Ponyville!
Nopony hated me... did they? I mean, why would anypony hate me? I sank down to the ground of my room, the only spot that wasn't covered with cake. So I sat there, tears running over my pink cheeks, covering my eyes with my hair so nopony could see me cry.
The 'happiest pony in the world'.
“... Pinkie?” Grey carefully squeaked from behind the turned over closet in front of me. I remained silent, still sobbing and shaking. I tried to hug myself, because, well, hugging somepony always made me happy, so I thought hugging myself would do the same. But it didn't.
“Hey Pinkie...” He slowly came out of his self-made bunker of blankets and cushions, carefully watching me from the distance. Maybe the kind of way I crying scared him. I wasn't just silently crying, it was more a mixture of that and a more aggressive kind of crying.
“Please sunshine.” He gently said. I knew he was just trying to help, but it was useless. My friends turned against me after all we've been through... starting a new friendship would just cause the same. I bent my legs to my belly and embraced them, slowly gliding down to the left and onto one of my bonbon-pink colored cushions.
“Hey...” He hesitated first, but then he started to get closer to me.
“Come on sunshine, smile again.”
“Just leave me alone!” I snorted. I just wanted to be alone, I couldn't need another false friend!
He remained silent. For a few minutes, my sobbing was everything that echoed through the room.
I felt so cold inside, my heart was so heavy. Why? Whywhywhywhywhywh-
I suddenly stopped, cringed. A warm hoof began to stroke over my back. I was paralysed,
couldn't, no, didn't wanted to resist. It felt good, comforting and made me feel a little bit happier.
The hoof repeated this procedure for a few more minutes. It made me stop shaking, struggling, though I still wasn't able to stop crying. But I calmed down a bit, my crying wasn't that
aggressive anymore thanks to it.
“Calm down sunshine, everything's alright.” Grey gently whispered. Somehow Greys presence made me feel happy, he was the only one who actually cared about me.
He didn't even knew me for such a long time, but he still dodged every of my attacks and emotional outbursts, just to cheer me up and to be with me. He was so kind and caring.
Suddenly my pink curtain of hair was lifted aside and a pair of wonderful turquoise eyes
were saying 'hello' to me. Grey laid himself right next to me, sadly looking but still grinning.
“Hey sunshine, say something.” Seeing his eyes made me smile. Strange... the need of crying disappeared, too. What was so special about that colt? Whatever, I didn't care for the moment,
I just wanted to grant him his wish. Besides that, there was something that I wanted to say a
long while ago.
“I'm hungry.” I silently said. Hihi, Grey looked totally puzzled. Soon after both of us began to
laugh. Oh my, I totally forgot how good it actual felt to laugh. I slowly got up again and wiped away some of my tears, which were still about to roll down my cheeks.
“I'm so glad I can hear your laughter again.” He said.
“Hihi, me too.” For a little moment, we just remained the way we were. We sat in front of each other, brightly smiling and looking into each others eyes. It was funny and... I don't know.
I kept staring. Somehow something, was strange about Grey. His eyes were that hypnotizing, calming. Suddenly my breath stopped when a warm body was pressing itself at mine. Grey wrapped his arms around me and pressed me at his chest.
“Pinkie, you have to promise me something.” He said.
“What ever happens sweety... never stop smiling, okay?” Grey... I- I promise! At least that's what
I wanted to say, but I was like paralysed... again! Not knowing if I should feel embarrassed or flattered. He slowly let go of me and stood up again.
“Soooo...” He began.
“You're hungry, huh?” He continued. I slowly nodded, still looking into his eyes.
“Well then, I'll go and make some of my 'special Grey strawberry pancakes'! You'll love it~” He grinned at me and turned around, slowly making his way around the crushed cakes on the floor and up to the stairs. Come on Pinkie, follow him! That was what shoot through my head this second. Even before this sentence reached the end of my head, I jumped up and ran after him.
“WAIT!” Uhm... I mean wait. Let me help you, please.” He turned around and began to smile.
“Hey, tears are not part of my recipe!” He laughed.
“Huh?” I shook my head and wiped away the last few tear that were hanging at my face.
“Hehe, that's much better!” He smiled. Grey... I knew we were standing on the middle of the staircase by now, but I just went up to him and hugged him tightly.
“Thank you Grey! Thank you so much!” He remained quite, but after a few second he began to stroke my head very gently.
“Hey, that's what friends are for. Don't worry, we'll find your little croc-”
“Alligator.” I added.
“Heh, alligator Gummy again. Promised!” He gently continued. And you know what? I believed him. He was there for me when I really really needed him. He was a real friend. I let go of him and walked down the stairs.
“Uhm, Pinkie...” He hesitantly said.
“Yes?”
“About your friend Tw-” He suddenly stopped. He sadly looked into my eyes and sighed.
“N-nothing. C'mon, let's bake some pancakes!” 'Pancakes' was the word I was waiting for!
“YAAY!” He jumped down the stairs and together we ran into the kitchen, making some yummy strawberry pancakes!
“By the way Pinkie, do you have a new manecut?”
“Well...”

“Oh, this is HORRIBLE! How could something like this happen? How could something like this
happen to me?” I was totally nervous, stressed and the worst of all- totally desperate!
First almost everypony AND Canterlot refused their huge collection orders from my boutique and now my precious Opalescence disappeared, too!
I ran in circles since I came back home, trying to think what to do next. Trying to calm myself down somehow. I couldn't let this stress and depression level I was in getting even bigger, or else I would get WRINKLES!
“Could this get even worse?” I kept asking myself.
“Rarity?”
“I mean, I haven't done anything wrong, haven't I?”
“Rarity.”
“I'm very kind, generous, polite and I am blessed with an outstanding beauty, creativity and sense
of fashion! Everypony loves me!”
“Rarity!”
“Maybe it's something else? Yes, it has to be! Maybe they have their own problems, maybe they already bought enough of my clothes and don't need the new ones anymore!”
“RARITY!” Sweetie Belle shouted.
“What is it Sweetie? Don't you see that your big sister is busy?” You don't interrupt a lady when she's in thoughts, but I couldn't be mad at Sweetie Belle. I mean, she was my dear little sister, besides that she doesn't knew that much about good manors by now. I looked down at her and noticed that she was watching me with a frown on her face.
“Ooooh well sorry for that, dear sister. But, you see... COULD YOU PLEASE STOP DRAGGING ME BEHIND YOU?!” She angrily screamed with a high pitched voice.
“What do you mean?” She picked up the silvery chain that was connecting our both hips with each other and began to twitch with her left lower eyelid. Well, maybe I accidently forgot to disconnect her when we got home and dragged her up and down the stairs... a few times, in circles and through the garden.... Oh my! I looked back down to my poor little sister and saw that her wonderful white fur and purple/ pink mane was all dirty and rumpled. Was it really because of me?
“Oh my! I'm so sorry Sweetie Belle!” She began to smile and sighed.
“I'm glad you noticed your mistake. If you would now like to get this stupid cha-” I ignored her last words because of an emergency. I had to get her fur and mane clean before the dirt would get dry.
I couldn't let my little sister look like an ordinary farmer pony, sorry Applejack. I turned around and ran up the stairs.
“RA-A-A-RI-I-I-I-TY-Y-Y-Y!” She squeaked with every step. Sorry Sweetie, I knew we had pretty much steps, but I couldn't touch you or else I would have got myself dirty, too. And to be honest,
I couldn't need any more reasons to worry about than I already had. As soon as we arrived upstairs, I turned around, ran into the bathroom and threw her gently into the bathtub.
“Don't worry Sweetie, your fur will be clean again in no time!” She didn't answer, instead she just laid on her back, angrily staring onto the ceiling.
“Thanks, dear sister.” She snorted. Even though her smile seemed to be faked, I knew she was very thankful.
“Oh you don't have to thank me Sweetie. I'm always glad if I can help my precious little sister.”
“Yeah... I know. Could you now pleeeaaase disconnect me from this chain?”
“What a question my dear, of course I will!” I slowly opened the lock and took the beautiful silvery chain and hip strap away, while the warm water was still filling up the bathtub.
“We don't want it to get rusty, don't we?” This beautiful chain and wristband was that shiny and fancy decorated with the most exciting gems in Equestria, that I just couldn't let it rust like an ordinary chain. I was pretty sure she was thinking the same way.
“Sis?” She asked.
“Yes Sweetie?”
“Please leave me alone.” She said. Still with a frown on her face and permanently looking to the ceiling, she slowly began to glide down the tub and into the water. Huh, she probably was as depressed as me, poor Sweetie. I turned around and walked back downstairs.
“Oooh why me? Why does everything has to be so tragic? My poor Opalescence, what happened
to you?” I didn't knew what to do, didn't knew who I could ask for help. Twilight and the others were probably way to busy with their own things... or at least they thought they had something
more important to do than caring about her dearest friend Rarity. Maybe they've found new friends?
Maybe it was their fault that I lost all of my orders!
“Oh come on Rarity, you're getting hysteric! A real lady has to keep calm, no matter what happens!”
I used my magic to get rid of the hip strap and chain myself too and placed it onto one of my ponyquins along the way to the kitchen. I was about to make a pot of tea to regain my composure, when I suddenly noticed that there was already a tea filled teapot standing on the oven.
“Hello my dear.” A elegant voice welcomed me. I looked to the right and saw Starlet sitting at the dining table next to the door, taking a small sip out of her teacup.
“Oh, hi there Starlet dear. What brought you here?” I asked.
“What do you mean with 'what brought you here'? I noticed that something wasn't right in Ponyville, so I thought I should watch for my dear friend Rarity. And, well, here I am.” She gently smiled. 'My dearest friend'? Did she really considered me as her friend, even though we didn't
knew each other that long? Well, she was sitting in my kitchen while my other friends were somewhere else in my time of need... so I really appreciated that.
“Really? Why, thank you Starlet. To be honest, I really needed somepony to talk right now.”
“Well then, come here Rary, take a cup of tea and tell me what bothers you.” She said.
She stood up, took a clean empty teacup out of the kitchen sink and filled it up with some tea from the fancy white teapot. In the meantime I slowly took a seat at one of the brownish chairs next to the counter. The dining table was lovely decorated with a beautiful light green tablecloth, a white crystal vase with a red rose in it, some white fancy looking plates and a few colorfull cupcakes.
Did she all of this? Wow, that was really courteous.
“Here you go my dear.”
“Thanks Starlet.” She placed the teacup and the fitting white saucer on the table in front of me,
afterwards she sat back down on the chair right opposite.
“So, now please tell me what's bothering you. Don't lie to me, I can see in your eyes that your pretty exhausted Rary honey.” She winked.
“That's very kind of you Starlet! I can't thank you enough for this.”
“For what? It's just an ordinary cup of green tea.” She said puzzled.
“No, not about the- well, yes because of that, too. But I mean the fact that you're there for me.”
“Don't be silly honey, that's what friends are for, right? Only a false friend would let you down at times like that.” She smiled.
“Yes... your probably right.”
“Speaking of false friends, I'm really sorry for you.” She laid her hoof onto mine, sadly looking into my eyes. She seemed very concerned, but why? And why did she say 'false friends'?
“What do you mean?”
“Oh you didn't knew? Oh poor Rarity, your friends are scoffing, no, they slander about you.
Right behind your back my dear.” She gently said. What was she talking about? Was that right?
No, that was just ridiculous! Rainbow Dash and Applejack may had some small controversies with me sometimes, but they wouldn't scoff, nor slander about me! Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie wouldn't even be able to do so and Twilight... well, she wouldn't either I guess.
“Ohoho Starlet dear, I think you're grievously mistaken. Sure, they're maybe a liiittle bit indelicate
from time to time, but they wouldn't do that. I know them way to well my dear.” I maybe was very stressed and disappointed because of my friends, but I had to stay calm and most importantly collective. I tried to take another sip from the teacup, not noticing that my magic I used to levitate the cup was shaky. The teacup and it's saucy was clinking onto each others in mid-air while a few drops of tea were falling onto the tablecloth.
“... you're in a terrible condition my dear.” She slowly took the teacup and placed it back on the table. I didn't answer because I knew she was right. I haven't slept for a few days and I was really exhausted. Knowing that my orders were cancelled, that I would maybe had to close my boutique, that Opalescence was somewhere out there and possibly totally scared. Not to mention my little sister who... well, who was I trying to fool? She'd hate me. I remained silent and kept staring out of the big window to the left. I saw Twilights tree near the centre of Ponyville and thought about my friends again. Maybe they weren't as reliable and loyal I thought they'd be. She stood up and took me into her arms.
“Don't worry my dear, I'll be there for you whenever you need me!”
“... thanks Starlet.” Great... now the stupid tears were ruining my beautiful mascara, too.
This really was the worst day in my entire life...

“Psst, Sweetie Belle? You there?”
“Yes, over here Scootaloo. Are we ready?”
“Yeah! That's going to be so AWESOME!”
“Psst be quiet! My sister is still around here somewhere! If she hears us and finds out what we're
planning, she'd probably connect me to this horrible chain again!”
“A chain? What chain?”
“... I don't want to talk about it. Now come on! I have to get back until she finds out that I'm gone!”
“Alright, let's go then. Cutie Mark Crusaders Monster Catcher Squad, move out!”

Chapter VII - A loving sister

“I've got you now you evil backstabber! I knew it was you, I JUST KNEW IT! Do you want to
deny it? Oh yeah I bet you do! But I tell you what, it's over! Oh yes you got that darn right
MIS-TER! ANSWER ME FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!” I knew that voice well that echoed through the Canterlot garden, which was blessed with a wonderful white snowy carpet of nature.
I followed this voice through the maze, the rose garden and right into the sculpture garden. I walked down the small path along some statues, each telling a different story of Canterlot if not even whole Equestria. They were staring at me with their cold lifeless eyes, piercing the souls of the ones who knew their stories. Fallen heroes, foes and even friends who followed the wrong way. It didn't bother me anymore, even though I knew every of their stories and every sad detail of their passing. Who knows... maybe even my statue might stand there someday.
“AAAANSWER ME! ANSWERANSWERANSWER!” The voice got louder and I knew that she was waiting behind the next hedge. I slowly walked around it and saw my faithful student Twilight Sparkle, desperately screaming and kicking against the statue of the greatest enemy she faced by now. I saw small transparent orbs gliding through the air, silently sparkling while falling down to the grass. She cried, maybe out of anger, maybe out of something else.
“... please... answer me! ANSWER ME DISCORD!” She whimpered.
“Hey there Twilight.” She turned around and fell against the statue of Discord. Heavily breathing
and with big eyes filled with tears, she looked at me.
“P- princess Celestia!” She turned her head aside and tried to wipe away her tears.
“It's okay Twilight. Sometimes crying is the only way to prevent desperation.” I went closer and laid my hoof ever so gently on her head. She looked up into my eyes while one tear was still slowly rolling down her violet cheek.
“What is it Twilight?”
“Oh princess, I don't know what to do! For the first time in my life, I just don't know what I shall do!” She whimpered. With a lowered head, she silently continued.
“Everypony in Ponyville seems to be changed out! They act like... strangers! Applejack hates me, probably my other friends too and Spike and Owliscious didn't return by now either! I just... just-”
“Twilight, it's not a shame to feel helpless from time to time. Your friends are still your friends and they always will be. At the moment something terrible is going on in Equestria and even your friends can feel it. They lost someone they love, just like you. Maybe they're angry, but it won't change their deep binding to you, your friendship or the elements of harmony.” I gently said. She still whimpered, but I could feel that she became calmer. Poor Twilight, I knew how you felt.
“It wasn't Discord, wasn't he?” She asked while still looking to the ground.
“Discord is sealed in stone again and won't be able to harm any other pony for a long time.”
“But it's Discord after all. The spirit of chaos and disharmony, maybe he's somehow involved in the events occurring in Ponyville!” Should I tell her the truth? Should I tell her what happened 200 years ago? Should I tell her what will happen tonight? Twilight was a very talented and intelligent mare and I knew she and her friends could handle this threat... I already made my choice that day and couldn't just turn away now. I looked back down at my most faithful student who was eagerly watching me and waiting for an answer.
“Discord may be the greatest evil and threat that ever afflicted Equestria, but there's something out there that is even worse. Something you can't defeat.” Twilight looked shocked, yet very excited.
She always used to love everything that's new and unknown to her, but maybe this should have stayed a secret.
“Something even worse? What do you mean by that princess?” She asked as expected.
“Do you remember what I told you that day when you wiped away Appleblooms memory?”
She knit her brow and covered her mouth with her hoof, suddenly her eyes began to sparkle.
“You mean about that story? That book you gave me that day?” I silently nodded.
“Wait, that would mean... the forest, the Everfree Forest is the source of evil! How could I forget that? How could I let it slide like that?” Twilight began to sweat, started gnashing her teeth and walked in circles. That somehow reminded me at the day when she thought I would send her back to the magical kindergarten. I somehow enjoyed that sight and couldn't deny a slight smile, but I knew that it wasn't the time to walk down memory lane nor enjoy something that desperate.
“I have to fix this! I have to go to the Everfree Forest! Thank you princess!” She grinned brightly and just wanted to ran away, but I couldn't let that happen.
“Twilight!” I yelled after her. She stopped immediately and turned around.
“What is it princess?” She asked in puzzlement. I couldn't let her go into the forest, couldn't let her run into the hooves of the enemy. In her current mentally state, without her friends aiding her, that would have been her doom. I walked over to the statue of Discord and sat myself right in front of him, looking up into his cold eyes of stone. I had to do something, I couldn't risk to lose her, too.
“Princess?” I could hear the grass rustling because of her hooves, slowly getting nearer.
“Is everything alright princess?” She hesitantly asked.
“Twilight, my most faithful student... my friend. I have to ask you something.”
“Princess?”
“How far would you go in order to save your friends... your family?”
“I would do everything!”
“Everything?”
“Yes!” She answered very confident.
“Even though it would mean to make a sacrifice?” Twilight remained quiet for a couple of minutes.
“... yes, I guess I would. I would give my mane, my cutie mark, my horn and magic yes even-”
“Your life?” She numbed. Minutes were passing by, the wind began to blow through the garden, letting a cool winter breeze flowing over the meadows. This was probably the hardest question I ever asked and it would be the hardest task she had to deal with.
“I... I...” She stuttered, then she took a deep breath and tried to answer again.
“Yes... I would.” Oh Twilight, I could feel the warmth inside of your heart. The tension and confidence to risk everything, just to save and protect your friends, but sometimes this isn't enough.
She was like me and she would probably even take our place on the throne some day. Dealing with the same kind of decisions, sorrows and this sense of sacrificing yourself for the good of all.
But this day was still far. Your way shouldn't end right here, not like this.
“Why do you ask princess? What do you want to say?” She asked worried.
“I'm not longer your mentor. Furthermore, I want you to leave Ponyville and head to Manehatten instead.” I could hear how her heart fell apart, even though she didn't made a single noise.
“I- WHY? Please princess, please don't send me away! I'm so sorry I forgot that book, I'm so sorry for failing my duties and studies! I promise I'll fix this! I will go to the Everfree forest and-”
“NO! ... no, Twilight. I want you to leave till sunset.” I had to cut her short. The sun had to be lowered in a very few hours, so there wasn't much time left.
“Princess... please!” She whimpered. Even though she stood right next to me, I couldn't look into her eyes. The feel of guilt was way to strong.
“It's settled. Please leave, I'll handle everything from here.”
“B- but...”
“Believe me Twilight, it's the best for you.” She lowered her head again and began to cry. My heart was bleeding, but it really was the best for her. She turned around and ran away. I didn't looked back, I didn't watch after her because I couldn't. It was my fault all that happened in the first place
so I had to deal with this problem on my own. I didn't wanted to lose her like I lost my dear sister
1000 years ago.
“I'm so sorry Luna... Twilight.” After all these years I felt something cold and wet running down my cheeks again. So, even I was still able to cry... heh, kind of ironic.
“Gahahaha, oh that was heartbreaking dear Celestia. I have to admit, you really know how to break the spirits of those you like the most! Could you maybe tell me how you do that?”
“Discord, please... just shut up.”

“Aaaaaaaaalright CMC Monster-Catcher-Squad, report!” I yelled through our club house, uhm, Monster-Catcher-Squad headquarters. Everything was decorated like a real secret headquarters in these monster movies on tv. We had hightech computer... thingies, lamps, many brown desks aaaaand cages for the monsters of course! With all that stuff inside, there wasn't that much room left to move, but everything was very important and absolutely essential for our mission!
“Uhm Scootaloo, what is all this junk doing here?” Sweetie Belle asked while slowly walking down the small passage between the junk, erm, the valuable equipment.
“Sweetie Belle, that's no junk! It's very expensive and high class-”
“Is that the candy boy I threw away yesterday?” She pointed at one of the smaller computer-thingies.
“No it's not!” Yes it was.
“Are you sure? It looks like it... I can still see the sign of the company shining through the thick grey color and-”
“Let's get back to the point Sweetie Belle! REPORT!” I yelled. Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes and jumped in front of my chiefs desk, opposite of the entrance door. She sighed and saluted.
“Sir! Private Sweetie Belle! Reporting for duty, Sir!” She squeaked... what a soldier.
“Aaaaaalright!” I took my pencil into my mouth and put a tick right next to Sweetie Belles face on the clipboard. I also made a tick next to my picture, too.
“Applebloom?” I yelled, but got no response.
“She's not here yet Scootaloo.” Sweetie said. I coughed slightly and starred at her with a frown.
“Hmpf... Sir, Applebloom is not here yet, Sir!” She saluted again. Maybe it was pretty mean or rough, but hey these soldiers had to know who's their leader.
“What do you mean by that private Belle?”
“Private Belle?”
“Yeah, you're a private and your name's Sweetie Belle... get it?” I thought it was a great idea to combine the soldiers rank with their name, according to Sweetie Belles frown though, I guess she wasn't the same opinion.
“Oooooh I get it. So you're private Scootaloo then?”
“Heh, no no no Sweetie Belle. I AM-” I jumped on the table for a more dramatic pose.
“The Boss!” While I remained in my outstanding hero pose, Sweetie Belle just continued starring at me with this 'Oh boy-ish' stare. Meh, I didn't expect anything else from a soldier rookie like her at all. I jumped down again and put my hoof around her neck.
“Down worry Sweetie, you're still superior to Applebloom. She's just a under-rookie.”
“Is this even a real rank?” She asked.
“You should watch more monster movies on tv Sweetie Belle! Shesh!” I turned around again and tried to squeeze through the narrow slit between my big brown chiefs desk and one of the cardbox- uhm, computer-thingies.
“Yeeaaah... sure. Whatever, we should go and look for Applebloom! I mean, we can't start without her, right?” Sweetie asked worried while I was still trying to get through the slit.
“R- right! Hng, we, uff... should really-”
“... you stuck?” She sighed. Though I hated to admit it...
“... maybe...” That was pretty embarrassing, luckily it was only Sweetie Belle who saw me in that weird state, but that was already enough. I could feel her teeth sinking into my tail, followed by a slight pain in my... I guess we all know. A quick and strong pull and I fell backwards, landing directly onto Sweetie Belle.
“Thanks for saving your superior officer chief boss, private! I will leave a note for the general saying he should give you a very special medal. The brave and-”
“JUST GET OFF ME!” She gasped and kicked me off of her.
“That's stupid Scootaloo! I mean... all this isn't helping. I mean, sure it looks awesome, but without Applebloom, we can't be a real Monster-Catcher-Squad.” She squeaked, which was kinda correct by the way. So we had to find, or furthermore get Applebloom and bring her into the headquarters...
but how?
“Hey girls, sorry ahm late!” Applebloom gasped while running through the door behind us.
“Well, that was easy.”
“Oh my Applebloom, what happened? You look terrible!” Sweetie gasped. Applebloom was covered in sweat and heavily breathing. Was she running away from something?
“Oh uhm, ah was just in a hurry and... yeah, that's basically all.” She nervously answered.
She walked down the small clubhouse, curiously looking around. According to her expression and stare, she was probably about to ask me the same question Sweetie Belle did before
“What is all this stuff?” Told ya'.
“That's our Monster-Catcher gear.” Sweetie Belle grinned slightly. Applebloom remained silent and kept looking around, changing her confused tare into a more and more excited one.
“Awesome! We even have computer... uhm, thingies?”
“Yeah, isn't that awesome?” I agreed happily. At least one of my soldiers appreciated my effort.
“Yeah! Do they really work?”
“Well, uhm... you know basically-” I tried to explain their very complex nature to Applebloom, which wasn't easy since there wasn't a complex nature at all.
“They're just painted boxes.” Basically she was right... but it was still a bummer.
“Heh, ah already thought so, but they're still awesome. Uuh, especially those cages.” Applebloom walked towards the giant wall of cages, barely a few inches to the left of the door. There were about
4 small cages stacked in that corner, each one about 20 x 20 inches, for little monsters.
On the opposite side, to the right of the door to be certain, there were 2 more cages, BIGGER cages.
They were about as high as an ordinary average pony. Celestia wouldn't probably fit in, neither would Discord or a dragon... except for Spike maybe. It was about, let's say, 35 inches high and 14 inches wide, for the normal sized monster. Yeah I know we just had 6 cages in total, but finding them, let alone getting them inside of this club house was a darn load of work! Even with one of Applejacks barrows, it was still nearly impossible to get them in here.
“Wow they're pretty amazing... and actually real and not made out of cardboards.”
Sweetie Belle said amazed.
“Indeed. Say Scoots, where did ya get these huge iron cages?”
“Oh, I found them.” I could see their confusion growing inside of their faces when telling them that I actually just found them. That wasn't even a lie. I really found them standing behind some bushes a few meters north from here. I didn't knew if it was luck or just a funny coincidence, but I DID knew that they were very important for our plans.
“Oooookay? Whatever, now we have everythin' we need for our mission!” Applebloom yelled in excitement.
“Yay! Let's catch some evil monsters!” Sweetie Belle joined.
“Woah girls hold on! This isn't our real equipment.” Everypony was staring at me in puzzlement.
I mean, yeah it was true that everything in this clubhouse WAS part of our actual gear, but not our very VERY important part of it. I put some various objects and tools into separate bags, one for each member.
“What do ya mean Scootaloo?” Applebloom asked.
“Our REAL gear is over there.” I pointed over to the big cages. There were three bags leaning against the second cage, right next to a pile of unpainted boxes. I was too tired after painting the other 4 boxes, so I just decided to stack them up near the middle of the room. Since they were about as big as us, they could've been perfect hideouts in case a monster would get near our headquarters.
“Here, follow me girls. Uff, and watch your steps!” Summing up everything that was inside of the small club house, we had 6 big cages, 4 big compu- uh, painted boxes, a stack of 4 unpainted big boxes, 3 large brown desks, a brown Podium next to my desk and many posters hanging at the walls... well they actally didn't took away that much space, but the rest did. There were only 15% moving space left, which meant that only one filly at a time could walk through all that stuff without getting stuck. Jepp, that was the problem we had.
“Ouch! I said 'watch were you're going Sweetie Belle!”
“I try, I try! Ou! Stop pushing me Applebloom!”
“Ah ain't doin' anythin' here! YOU're the one who's pushin' ME!” We got stuck pretty fast.
After a few minutes of squeezing, yelling, kicking and nagging, we finally made it to get to the other end of the room where the cages and bags were standing.
“Hah, hah... finally! Here, everypony grab her bag.” I threw the hoofsewn bags into the hooves of the girls. Everypony had their own special bag with their own specific colors. For example, Appleblooms bag was red like an apple, Sweetie Belles bag was slightly violet like the color of her mane and mine was the most awesome one of course.
“Let me guess Scootaloo, this one's yours?” Applebloom grinned and pointed at the light blue one with rainbow colors on it.
“Yes it is, pretty awesome huh?” It was the Rainbow Dash design! Every very awesome boss needed a very awesome bag, right? The best part at the bag was the Rainbow Dash fan-club button right at its front side. Wait, did they started to giggle?
“What?”
“N- nothing Scoots. Everythin's fine.” Applebloom grinned. I didn't knew why they giggled, but I kinda felt embarrassed. While I turned around and tried to calm myself down, the other two were starting to examine their bags.
“What is all that stuff? A hammer, a rope, chalks?”
“These bags are filled with a lot of random things. For what do we need that for?”
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle asked.
“Oh don't worry girls, this isn't just random stuff!” I opened my bag and picked a scrolled blueprint out.
“These are our tools for the probably most awesome plan ever created!” I threw it on the ground and enrolled it. The girls walked next to, curiously and speechlessly staring at the drawings on the blueprint.
“Can we actually do that?” Sweetie Belle stuttered with sparkly eyes.
“Don't worry girls, THIS will be our greatest adventure EVER!”
“YAAAAY! CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS MONSTER CATCHER SQUAD GO!” We shouted while slamming our hooves together over the blueprint.
“Oh by the way Applebloom, you'll get degraded cause you're too late.”
“Ah- uh, what?”

It was too much... everythin' was just-
“... too much. Ah don't know how long ah can go on like that.” Ah was sittin' downstairs in the kitchen, mah head sunk onto the dinin' table, starin' at the old pictures of mah family. They looked so happy, watchin' me from the other side of the room. Granny Smith, BigMac, Winona... where did ya go?
Ah could remember the day when they disappeared, the day ah ran around town searchin' for them for hours. First there was Winona who disappeared, followed by mah big brother and lastly Granny Smith... who would've been next? Mah lil' sister? Heh, not as long as ah was still 'round. Ah made sure nopony would get in here, neither gettin' back out without me noticin' it. Blockin' every window and door was the last option ah had left. Leavin' Ponyville might've been an option too... but ah was still optimistic, thinkin' they would come back, thinkin' mah friends would aid me somehow... but neither of that happened. Everythin' just went crazy. Ah didn't knew what was goin' on in Ponyville and to be honest... ah didn't even cared anymore. All ah wanted was to protect mah lil' sister and waitin' that everythin' would get better again.
“C'mon sugarcube... you have to distract youself somehow. Bein' sad won't neither help you, nor your sister.” Ah took a deep breath and turned mah head around, facin' the blocked windows.
Dust was flyin' through the room, made visible only because of small beams of light, shinin' through the narrow slits of the barricades. Everythin' was so quite.
“Soo quite...” Back then when Granny and BigMac were here, there was always somethin' to do,
to talk and to laugh about. Now everythin' felt so empty, cold and sad. Not even Applebloom laughed as much as she did before. Ah can't blame her though... ah mean, ah trapped her inside of her own home like a lil' hamster inside of a cage. Ah told her not to talk to her friends anymore, takin' away her last resort of havin' fun... ah just didn't wanted to lose her, too. She was the only one ah had left, so was ah for her. Did she understand the reason? Was ah actin' right? Ah didn't knew and ah didn't care...
“Hm?” Something' was slightly sparklin' on the ground, somethin' purple to be certain.
“That's... Twilights-” It was one of Twilights strains, she must've lost it when ah... when ah knocked her out... one of mah best friends...
“Twilight...” Ah didn't knew ah could feel even more bad than ah already did, but this was the
prove. Ah treated her like a stranger... like a villain!
“What have ah done? Darn it, she just wanted to help!” Ah slammed mah hoof onto the table as strong as possible, hatin' mahself so much for what ah did. Ah had to go after her, ah had to apologize somehow! But what about Applebloom? Ah couldn't let her alone!
“... guess ah have to take her with me then!” Ah jumped off the chair and ran up the stairs, down the corridor and through the door leadin' to Appleblooms room.
“Hey sis, come on and let's take a small walk to-” Mah heart and breath stopped while mah world around me started to shatter. Ah froze, could feel mah heart and mind fallin' apart while mah eyes
kept starin' into the empty room and at the broken window barricade.
“... no... NO! APPLEBLOOM!” The adrenaline that shot through mah body made me dash to the opened window.
“APPLEBLOOM! APPLEBLOOOOOOM!” Ah shouted as loud a ah could, doesn't matter how much mah throat started to hurt. There was nothin' outside but snow, not even hoofprints were visible! Without noticin' ah slowly began to shake mah head, lots of tears were rollin' down mah cheeks and ah kept repeatin' the same words inside of mah head over and over again.
“Nonononono...” Now there was only one option left- I had to find mah sister!
“APPLEBLOOM!” Another adrenaline shot ran through mah body, makin' me ran down the stairs again and jumpin' against the entrance door with mah whole body. The door gave in like warm butter and flew out of it's hinges while ah started to look around for Applebloom.
“APPLEBLOOM! WHERE ARE YA? PLEASE, ANSWER ME!” Ah shouted and shouted, but got no resonse. Mah stomach already started to twist and ah just wanted to shout out of rage and sorrow, but ah couldn't! Now it was for sure, ah couldn't protect her on mah own, ah needed help...
“Twilight!” With all of mah remainen' strength ah turned around and made mah way to Ponyville as fast as ah could. The snow flew through the air like sand, gettin' blown away by a tornado when my hooves started to rush through the white landscape. The trees were zoomin' by while the cold wind started to whip mah face, without leavin' any kinds of pain. Ah just wanted to have mah lil' sister at mah side again. She was all ah could think of, ah had to find her! AH HAD TO-
“Please!” That voice!
“Twilight?” It was Twilights voice, there was no doubt 'bout it! Ah turned around, checked the surroundin' area, but ah couldn't see her. There was nothin' but more bald trees and rocks and- wait... there! She was standin' at a podium near the entrance of Ponyville! Ah ran towards her when a suddenly noticed that the other girls were standin' right in front of her too, though they seemed to be very unpleased. Ah snaked up behind a bush near Twilight and watched the whole scenery from there. Twilight looked very desperate, was nervously trottin' back and forth several times.
“Listen girls, I'm sorry okay? I didn't knew it was that serious I-”
“Oh it wasn't THAT serious huh?” Pinkie hissed at her.
“You knew EXACTLY how much Gummy means to me AND YOU STILL TOLD ME I'M OVERREACTING!” Woah nelly, Pinkie was more than angry for some reason.
“I know and I'm sorry Pinkie, really! We can go and search for Gummy after we-” Twilight tried to explain before Rainbow cut her short.
“After, after, after! It's ALWAYS AFTER doing your own stuff, isn't it? What about our stuff? What about our pets? Why do WE have to wait?” She yelled.
“Please, try to understand I-”
“No! I can't believe I'm the same opinion as her, but she's right! Ever thought about OUR feelings first? About OUR sorrows and problems? All YOU always want to do is doing your STUPID STUDIES!” Rarity shouted with a deep glare.
“HEY! I ALWAYS helped you girls out when you had problems! What about the time when I saved you from Nightmare Moon?”
“Bah! Without OUR help you wouldn't have been able to defeat her in the first place!” Rainbow grumped.
“Maybe... but what about Cerberus? Or when Spike became a giant dragon? Or.. or... Discord! Remember when I saved you from Discords evil magic?” Well she had a good point there.
The other girls were silently watchin' each other, they probably ran out of arguments. Twilight walked down the podium and went to Pinkie.
“Pinkie, you know I would never let you down. I always tried my best to help you, even though you, well, annoyed me sometimes.” Twilight said softly. Pinkie lowered her ears and looked away.
“Well... I can be a little itsy bitsy hyper from time to time... I guess.”
“And you Rarity. Me and Spike always helped you out as best as we could whenever you needed our help, remember?” She said while walkin' to Rarity.
“... yes, that's true. And I have to admit I miss my Spikey-wikey.” She sighed with a sad expression.
“Rainbow... you said I'm egoistic huh? You know, I always tried to help you, remember when I made this fly-thing so your little turtle could fly with you? Or when I showed you the wonderful world of Daring Do?” Rainbow Dash crossed her arms in front of her chest and looked away, still slightly frownin'.
“... tortoise.” She mumbled.
“And Flutter-” She started. Suddenly Fluttershy began to cry and fell down to the ground.
“OH I'M SO SORRY TWILIIIIIIGHT!” Ah had to admit, it kinda made me smile seein' the girls again. In the end, they haven't changed a bit.
“So what do you say girls? Do you want to help me helping you?” She asked with a desperate smile. The other girls remained silent, lookin' around, onto each other again and finally back to Twilight.
“Hold it!” Huh? That voice seemed familiar...
“Leafs? What are you-” Twilight asked startled, but got cut off immediately.
“Be silent you traitor!” She hissed at Twi! That little green pile of-
“WHAT?!” Twilight gasped.
“Listen to me my friends! This mare over there is a liar! A traitor!”
“Leafs! What are you talking about?”
“Shut up miss Sparkle! Can't you see ponies of Ponyville? She tries to blind you! Just think for a second, who brought Cerberus to Ponyville after all?” She continued. The girls were watchin' her in confusion, while Twilight just stood there with her mouth wide opened.
“That's right! It was HERE! And how come Twilight's ALWAYS the only mare who isn't effected by anything? She saved you from Discord, how was that possible? She turned back? Just like that? Come on everypony. Everything that happens in Ponyville is somehow related to that mare, isn't it?” That green mare was probably the greatest piece of dirt ah've ever seen! The other ponies began to knit their brows. Were they actually believin' her?
“T- that's not true!”
“Oh yes it IS! Remember the times when she was in Canterlot? Remember the peaceful time when there was no Twilight in this town?” Everypony was silent, even Twilight was just standin' there.
“Another question... how come, Twilight is the ONLY mare in this town who hasn't lost somepony she loves?”
“HEY! I don't know what you're trying to do here, BUT I lost somepony too! Spike and Owliscious are gone!” They were really gone? Darn.... Everypony gasped and began to argue with each others.
“Maybe they ran away? Do you remember how cruel you've treated your little dragon from time to time? He even ran away twice! So why not again? You used him for your dirty work, nothing more!” That little-
“Wha-? N- no I- I mean.... Were do you know all that anyway?” Poor Twilight began to stutter.
“Your friends told me.” She grinned. Twilight looked at her friends, who were brightly blushin' in embarrassment, lookin' to the ground like cowards.
“Seriously... he was just a baby dragon!”
“Hey! Rarity might have used him from time to time, but not me!”
“What? How can you say that Twilight?” Rarity gasped.
“See? She HATES you!”
“NO!” Twilights voice got more and more shaky while her big purple eyes slowly began to fill with tears. Ah couldn't believe that darn Leafs betrayed her like that!
“ENOUGH!” Ah shouted. Ah couldn't just stand there lettin' Twilight get butchered like that.
“Applejack?” Twilight said surprised.
“What are-” Leafs started, but now it was mah time to cut HER off.
“You better be quiet you poisonous rattlesnake!” Ah hissed back while getting' closer to that snake.
“Ah don't know WHO you are or at least who do you THINK you are, BUT if you don't apologize, turn around and leave, ah promise you ah'll show ya a world of pain sugarcube!” Ah glared deep into her eyes. She didn't move, instead she just began to laugh.
“Oh how sweet, the traitor has a friend!”
“Woah hold it girl!” Rainbow flew in between us.
“Applejack has enough problems already, besides, she's the element of honesty! She would never betray or lie to anypony! Neither would Twilight!” The other girls were agreeing with a loud 'yeah'.
But Leafs seemed to be unimpressed, in fact she just walked up to Rainbow and grinned.
“Have you already forgot what she said about you? About all of you?” What the hay was she talkin' about? The girls suddenly numbed again.
“That's right! What a friend would do something like that? We wouldn't Rainbow... we wouldn't.”
She turned around and smiled into the group.
“Who helped you in your times of need? It was us, a bunch of strangers. We tried the best we could to help you, be with you all. What have they did? Nothing!”
“ENOUGH!” Ah jumped at that dirty liar and gave her a little taste of mah right hoof. It was a very pleasin' feelin', but short-lived. Rainbow kicked me off of her and helped her up!
“What are-”
“She's right Applejack! She and her friends were the ONLY ones who helped us!”
“Indeed!”
“Yeah!”
“... that's true...” They all agreed. Leafs stood right in front of me, grinning down at me with her black eye.
“You see? They won't fall for your lies again! You should leave and let these ponies alone!”
“You little...”
“She's right!” Rainbow Dash said, makin' a frown but without the guts to look into mah eyes.
“You can't be serious... girls?” they looked away like cowards... unbelievable.
“Come on Applejack.” Twilight helped me up with lowered ears and tear coverin' her cheeks. She then turned around and slowly walked away, right out of Ponyville. Ah turned around and looked at our former 'friends' while they just looked away. Then ah looked at Leafs who was grinnin' and starin' at me with her poisonous and stabbin' green eyes.
“Fine!” Ah turned around again and followed mah only remainin' friend Twilight... far away from Ponyville.

“Sister?” We didn't knew what was going on in the castle. Everypony was nervously running around, bumping into each other or even leaving! So we thought we could ask our dear sister if she might knew what was going on here. We walked into the giant throne room, which was stuffed with hundreds of armed royal guards and barricades along the doors and windows.
“Your highness? Princess Luna?” One of the guards gasped when he saw us entering through the main door.
“What is going on her?” We asked.
“I- I thought the princess already told you.” He stuttered nervously.
“Told us? Told us what?”
“Luna?” Celestias voice echoed through the room. We looked around the guard and to the end of the large room, where Tia was sitting on her throne, wearing her... royal armor? That was weird in more than one way. The royal armor was only used by the royal family in times of war or worse.
Was there something we've missed? We walked down the red carped, directly facing the throne.
“No, wait your highness! I can't-” He probably tried to say something, but we didn't care, we just wanted to get answers. The whole castle was crawling with guards, so was the town and even the train station. We looked around and saw shiny golden armors all around us, colts and mares with spears and swords. In there eyes we could clearly see fear and misgiving. Many were heavily breathing and gasping. What ever was about to happen, it would have been very horrible it seems.
“Tia? Wha-”
“I told you to leave, didn't I?” She asked worried yet very serious.
“We, uhm, I thought it was just a joke. I mean, why would you want me to leave all of the sudden?”
She closed her eyes and sighed.
“Tia? Is there something you want to tell me?” We asked. We never saw her like that before... well,
actually we did, but that was another story...
“Luna... my dear sister. It's not safe here anymore, you got to leave.”
“B- but why? Is there a war coming up? Or an invasion? Tell me! I can help, I-”
“NO!” Her royal voice echoed through the entire room, making the guards cringe and mute. They were all staring at us now with wide eyes.
“... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be that loud, but... you got to understand Luna that you can't help here. It's the best for you to leave and head to Manehatten as fast as possible!” She said with a soft smile, but still with a sad expression in her eyes. Our sister never used the royal voice, never!
This was the first time we ever heard it out of her mouth.
“You... used the royal voice...”
“Yeah, I'm sorry. Please sister-” She opened her wing and wrapped it around me.
“I don't want to lose you again.” She smiled sadly.
“Why do you send me away then? What if I lose you instead?” Tia closed her yes again and leaned her horn next to mine.
“Don't worry, everything will be fine. Trust me.” Our heart began to feel much heavier all of the sudden. Thinking of leaving Canterlot, maybe even forever without even knowing what was about to happen was... we can't explain. Suddenly something wet hit our cheek, making us look up.
“Tia? Are you crying?” Indeed, it was one of her tears which were slowly running over face.
“You should go now.” She smiled softly and removed her wing from my back.
“Tia...” Our heart felt even heavier than before and we knew for certain Tia wouldn't jst start to cry without a good reason. In fact, the only other time we saw her crying was when we returned from the slavery of Nightmare Moon.
“I will always love you Luna. Please... take care okay?” She said and moved her head back to the main door. We turned around and walked back the red carpet. head and ears lowered and with our eyes staring to the ground. When we've reached the door, we looked back at our beloved sister one last time
“I love you too, Tia...” We've whispered. Then we slowly closed the door and made our
way outside.

“..... farewell, little sister...”

“Come on now Fluttershy darling, please stop crying.”
“Noooooo! That wasn't right! We have to bring them back!” I shouted.
“Oh Fluttershy...”
“I can't believe Twilight and Applejack left Ponyville! On the other hoof... after all the things we said to them, I'd probably ran off too!” I whimpered, laying on the cold snow, covering my face with my hooves so nopony could see my tears. I felt so embarrassed, I hated myself so much, I... I...
“Oh please Fluttershy! Twilight and Applejack gave a darn thing about our problems and feelings! So why shall WE have the bad conscience?” Rainbow Dash snorted.
“Well, maybe it was a tiny little bit harsh... but Rainbow's still right. I mean, Twilight really hurt me
with her disinterest for my sorrow.” Pinkie added.
“You hear? Even Pinkie says that they've deserved it!”
“Getting thrown out of their hometown? I don't know Rainbow darling, maybe it really was a little bit too harsh.” Rarity sighed while stroking my back gently with her hoof. It felt very nice, but it couldn't stop me from crying. The river of tears that ran down my face was even more worse this time, thinking that besides Angel and my other animal friends now even Twilight and Applejack left me.... My heart felt like it got torn apart very slowly.
“Oh please Rarity, don't say you're on Fluttershys side now!”
“Excuse me? I'm pretty sad and deeply hurt too, but they are STILL our friends!”
“Hmpf, I doubt that!” Rainbow snorted again. Why was Rainbow so cold all of the sudden? Applejack was her best friend... she even liked her more than me. I couldn't believe she said something like that!
“Why... are you so cold Rainbow?” I hesitantly whimpered.
“HEY! I'm NOT cold! They're the ones who are cold, not me!”
“B- but...”
“STOP being so naive Fluttershy!” She shouted at me... why was she so cruel?
“I- I'm...” I squeaked silently, still drowning in my own tears. My eyes already began to hurt, such as my throat, but I had to cry. Oh I wished I could just wake up already!
“Stop it Rainbow! Don't you think she's already sad enough? Maybe she's right and YOU'RE the cold hearted mare here!” Rarity hissed at her.
“Oh yeah? Well maybe I-”
“Enough you four!” Wasn't that Roneos voice? My heart made a joyful leap, hearing that sweet calming voice of Reneo behind me. Suddenly I felt another hoof running over my back, gently stroking over my shoulders while his soft voice ran into my ears again.
“You okay Fluttershy?” His voice made me smile again... and blush slightly. Good thing nopony saw my face, that would've been very embarrassing.
“Hey, how about you mind your own frigging business!” Rainbow glared.
“No he's right! Stop it Rainbow.” A deeper voice appeared in front of me. I looked up a bit and saw a tall, strong looking brown colt walking towards Rainbow. Wasn't that her new friend, uhm, Gladstone?
“Gladstone, what are you doing here?”
“I saw what happened from the distance, but I guess I'm too late. What's with the yellow one?” Yellow one? Oh, he probably meant me.
“She was bullying on her!” Roneo said, running with his hoof through my mane.
“Really Dash? I thought you're friends?”
“W- well... yeah, b- but-” Was Rainbow stuttering? I looked up again and saw her pout. I never ever saw her pout before in my entire life!
“Hey, what's going on here?” A gray colt with black mane bounced around the corner, followed by a white mare with a long red mane.
“GRAAAAY!” Pinkie squeaked with opened arms.
“PINKIIIIIE!” He jumped into her arms, making them fall down into the snow while both began to giggle very delightful. At least Pinkie was happy. It felt very nice seeing her laugh again like that.
“Rarity my dear, I was waiting for you for about an hour. Where did- Oh my, is everything alright? You all look like you're under a strain.” The white mare said with a very worried expression. She walked right next to me and Rarity.
“I'm sorry Starlet, but we've been through a very unhappy event here. Your friend Leafs over there made two of our best friends to run away. The worst of all, neither one of us tried to help them.”
“Is that so?” Starlet looked over at Leafs who was still sitting next to the podium, looking after Twilight and Applejack.
“Yes... I feel so pathetic.” Rarity sighed.
“Don't worry my dear, everything will be fine again soon.”
“That's right~ Besides, we're still here to cheer you up. You'll see, after a little party and some of my special Gray-Cupcakes you'll start to smile again!”
“THAT sounds like a great idea!” Pinkie grinned brightly.
“Could you all please calm down again? We don't have time for a party, or chit-chat! The sun's almost gone and we still have work to do!”
That was Three Leafs, was it? She turned around and jumped off the podium,slowly walking to our small group. I hated her so much... I could never forgive her for what she did to Twilight and Applejack!
“Hey Leafs, say was it really necessary to freeze them out like that?” Gladstone asked worried.
“Of course! After all I've heard from her friends and other native ponies, she really was a source of evil. And since everypony was so nice to us, I just had to free them from this disease.”
D- disease? How could she call MY friends a disease? No, I couldn't just lay there and cry like a filly, I had to at least try to be brave and stand up for my friends. I mean, that was the very least I could do after betraying them like that!
“How dare you calling Twilight and Applejack a disease?”
“Fluttershy?” I slowly stood up and wiped away most of my tears, trying to stare into her mean green eyes.
“F-Fluttershy... maybe you shouldn't-” Roneo tried to hold me back, but I couldn't fall back now.
I walked up to her, still staring and glaring while my heart started to beat faster and faster.
“Maybe Twilight made some mistakes, but who didn't? You're not perfect either!”
“F- Fluttershy, you should really-”
“No Roneo! She has to know that she's nothing more than a mean, unfriendly and-” Suddenly I could feel a dull pain spreading through my head while the rest of my body started to fly to the ground. Snow flew through the air, the cold hard ground distracted me from the burning pain in my face when I finally hit it ruggedly.
“Be quite you little filly!”
“Fluttershy!” Roneo shouted. I didn't move, I just lay there without any kind of reaction. All I could feel and hear was Roneos warm embrace and his heartbeat.
“FLUTTERSHY!” Rainbow shouted. Gladstone tried to hold her back as best as he could. Even though he looked pretty strong, he really had his problems keeping her in place.
“LET ME GO! I WANT TO BEAT THE LIVING HAY OUT OF HER!”
“No! Calm down Rainbow!”
“How could you do that you mean MEANIE!” Pinkie yelled. Soon everypony began to argue and shout. Everything I heard was muffled, my vision was blurry and my right eye was burning like fire.
A pulsating pain ran across my body, starting in my head and running down the left shoulder and into my left side. The icy snow was calming me down a bit... but it couldn't stop the tears from rolling down. I looked down at the snow, saw how it slowly turned red.
... but I didn't care... I deserved it...
“YOU SCUUUUM!” Rainbow shouted at the top of her voice.
“Gladstone, Scarlet and Gray you bring the elements to the Sugarcube Corner and do what has to
be done! And Roneo...” Another dull pain shook my body. It was Leafs hoof that kicked into my belly several times.
“You bring this miserable piece of a pony into the warehouse over there. Oh and since you seem to like her much more than your own girlfriend Scarlet... well, ease her pain.” What? What did she...
“R.... Roneo?” I stuttered in pain and whining. Roneo closed her eyes and just looked away. My heart broke apart, numbing all of my pain in a second. While I could still hear Rainbow Dash screaming and struggling, they put me onto Roneos back and walked away. I didn't knew what would happen, or what the others were doing... I just knew that I was a moron. How could I ever believe somepony would fall in love with me? Rainbow's right, I'm just a naïve filly...
“You okay Fluttershy?” Roneo asked worried while walking through the snow.
“Hey... I'm sorry I didn't tell you about... that I'm...” He couldn't end his sentence. He shook his head and sighed. Nopony said a word on the way to the warehouse, at the most northern part of Ponyville. These few minutes I was laying on his back, flinching in pain and coldness, I remembered the words my friends said that one day at the lake....

“Hey girls...”
“Sup' Fluttershy?”
“Do you... well, do you think that friendship lasts forever?”
“Hihihi, oh you silly~ Of course it does!”
“Yes of course darling! I would never forget a good friend.”
“Me neither, you betcha'!”
“I see... what do you think Rainbow Dash?”
“C'mon Rainbow, talk to us.”
“Yeah, yeah okay! Uhm, well I think... I would never forget a friend. Never!”
“What if-”
“What darling?”
“Oh, it's nothing.”
“C,mon Fluttershy, spit it out.”
“Yeah let us hear.”
“Well...”
“... what if... we have to go some day?”
“What do you mean?”
“What if, we have to pass on some day? Do you believe... friendship will-”
“It will! It will keep existing... no matter what happens, friendship won't go away. Never!”
“Don't worry darling, we'll stay with you whatever happens!”
“Rainbow.”
“Huh?”
“Let's join our friends.”
“Fine, If you insist it...”

“Fluttershy?” His voice soon dragged me back into the real world. I lay on a pile of hay inside of the old and barely illuminated warehouse. Barrles and crates were stacked in the corners of this big room, the only light source was a small lamp hanging from the ceiling. It smelled like old wood and dust was covering most parts of the floor like a carpet. I saw the snowy hoofsteps of Roneo, leading from the wooden door directly into the middle of the room where small puddles of water were replacing them. My right eye was covered by something soft and white and the smell of medicine was slightly flying through the air.
“I'm... so sorry Fluttershy... this is all I can do for you.” Roneo whimpered. I looked at him. He was sitting right next to me with a small first aid kit in his hooves. He shed a few tears and shook his head again.
“All of this... it's getting out of hoof... but we have no choice.”
“R.... Roneo?” I tried to stutter.
“Fluttershy?”
“What if... we have to pass on some day? Do you... do you believe friendship will... last forever?”
Roneo remained silent. He just kept staring at me with his wonderful big blue eyes.
“I... I'm not sure... maybe.”
“Well... I hope so...” I slightly smiled. He closed his eyes and began to sob, letting more tears falling down onto the dirty ground.
“... I will die... right?”
“No! ... no you won't. I won't let that happen...” He stood up and put his hoof gently onto my head, running it slowly through my mare.
“Rest a bit Fluttershy... I promise I'll take away all of your pain.”
“..... thank you... Roneo....” I closed my eye and went back into my perfect world... a world, where friendship is like an unbreakable bound.

“So it begins...”

Chapter VIII - Sacrifice

The sun was gone and the cold dark night spread over Ponyville. Lunas moon was silently shinin' from above, illuminatin' the streets of this once peaceful village of ours. Ah sneaked through the shadows like a ninja, hidin' from the sights of the enemies and becomin' one with the-
“MOVE APPLEBLOOM!” Scootaloo shouted from above the tree.
“Okay, okay! Oh man, you can't even build up some atmosphere without gettin' annoyed by your stupid 'superior'.” Ah angrily mumbled.
“WHAT WAS THAT?” She shouted again before Sweetie Belle finally pulled her back into the
treetop-hideout. It was basically just a small pile of leafs, glued and knotted together, makin' it look like a little leaf-ball or somethin' similar. The plan was simple: Since we didn't knew what kind of monster we were about to face, we first had to sent somepony out to examine these creature... well, guess who's the most low-ranked member of the squad who was chosen for this 'honourable' mission. Whatever, ah loved the thrill of adventures so ah gladly accepted... kinda.
Ah sneaked through Ponyville, jumpin' from barrel to barrel, from house to house and continued down the mane street. Ah peeked around the corner of one of the houses, tryin' to look for any kind of monsters, or at least some ponies. The weirdest thing was the fact, that not even a single pony was walkin' around anymore. It was around 8 p.m., nor very late if ya ask me. But whatever ah thought. While walkin' further into the center of Ponyville, ah noticed that not even a single light was burnin' in any of the houses either. What was goin' on? Was there some kinda celebration at the outskirts of the town? Well that couldn't be 'cause there was no holiday nor reason to celebrate at all, at least as far as ah knew. After about a half an hour of searchin', ah returned to the town hall in the center. Not a single pony around, no lights and not a single trace of monsters whatsoever.
“The hay is goin' on here?” The heavy bag on mah back slowly began to chafe, besides the fact that it also drained mah stamina very quick. Exhausted and tired ah decided to take it off, at least for a brief second so ah could catch mah breath again. Ah sat next to the side of the town hall and let the heavy back slowly glide down mah sore back. There was so much stuff inside, very strange and unhandy stuff like a signal pistol or a huge battery, just to name a few things. Scootaloo definitively was pretty creative with these bags. The cold winter breeze and the soft snow was very comfortin' for mah exhausted body, especially mah hooves.
“KRRRK... coming Applebloom, over.” That was Scootaloo. Oh right ah totally forgot the walkie talkies she put into our bags. Ah turned to the side and searched the bag for the small orange radio, which made this annoyin' acoustic noise all the time.
“KRRRK... Applebloom here, over.”
“KRRK.... What's your status? ............. oh, over.”
“KRRRRK.... It's quiet... very quiet. Ah'm not sure if they all ran away or got eaten by the monster, uhm over.” Ah had to admit that this fact really made me scared and worried.
“KRRK..... that's impossible minus-one-cadet Applebloom! Rainbow Dash would've beat them all before that would've happened! Over.” Oh Scoots...
“KRRRRK... HEY! STOP THIS SWEE-” Scootaloo gasped.
“H- hey Applebloom! Can you see the Carousel Boutique? Is somepony inside? Can you see Rarity somewhere?” Sweetie Belle asked hysterically. Ah could understand Sweeties behaviour, but even in that boutique wasn't a single light burnin' through the windows. Ah had to be honest with her.
“KRRRRK... Ah, uhm... wasn't there yet, but don't worry Sweetie Belle, she's probably with Twilight and the rest of her friends. Over.” At least ah tried to be honest.
“KRRRRK... give me that radio back Sweetie!” Scootaloo snorted again, followed by a slight squeak and some fightin' sounds. Ah just rolled mah eyes and put the radio back into the bag without sayin' another word.
“Hmhmhm~ Cupcakes... so sweet and tasty, cupcakes...” Hey ah knew that song! Wait, was that Pinkie Pie? Ah stood up and looked around the corner of the nearest crate. Just an empty street, no Pinkie in sight. Maybe ah started hearin' things... but ah was pretty sure ah heard that song.
“All you have to do is take a cup of flour... add it to the mix...” There! Ah wasn't mistaken!
Ah kept on lookin' around and finally found her fluffy tail disappearin' behind of the houses to the left. Ah decided to leave the bag behind for a second and follow Pinkie Pie, maybe she knew what was goin' on. With a spark of happiness and relief in my mind, ah started to run around the corner of that house which didn't even cost me a minute to reach with moderate runnin' speed. When ah arrived ah found mahself inside of a small alleyway between two buildings.
“Where did she-”
“Now just take a little something sweet, not sour! ... hihihi.... a bit of salt... just a pinch!” Her high pitched voice echoed through the barely lighted alleyway, makin' me shiver a bit since it really was a pretty creepy situation. Ah slowly made mah way down and into the direction the voice seemed to come from. Suddenly ah could see her shadow on one of the walls. It was indeed Pinkie Pie, but somethin' doesn't seemed right. Ah mean, sure it was Pinkie after all and she really tended to be strange and even scary sometimes... but this was beatin' it all. She walked to the right without makin' any kind of sound with her hooves. While followin' her, all ah could hear was mah beatin' heart and the sound of mah own hooves which were thrown back from the walls with every step.
When ah reached the end of the way, there was no Pinkie... as expected.
“Baking these treats.... is such a cinch, hihihihi~” She continued with a rather weird giggle.
At this point, mah heart really began to slide down into mah belly, though ah could feel it beatin' inside of mah throat at the same time... it just gave me the creep.
“No, ah'm no chicken! Ah have a mission and ah will stay the course!” Ah took a deep breath and followed the voice through the next smaller alleyway, around another corner and over some old garbage bins.
“Add a teaspoon of vanilla~” No matter how fast ah ran, it seemed Pinkie was always miles away.
“Add a little more.... and you count to four~” Though it seemed to get louder all of the sudden. Ah lost track of where ah was, but ah was still inside Ponyville that's for sure.
“And you never get your fill of...” There! She had to be around that corner! Ah dashed around it and found mahself inside of a small backyard surrounded by different houses and other buildings.
There was no light burnin' around here either, only the moon lighted most of the parts of this backyard. There were even more garbage bins around here, some old lookin' cardboard boxes, tvs and old broken barrels scattered all over the place.
“Pinkie? Are you-” Ah cringed when ah noticed a weak cold breeze runnin' over mah back It made me shook with mah whole body.
“Come on Applebloom, keep it together! It's just Pinkie Pie, it's just...” Suddenly ah noticed a silent breathin' comin' from the opposite side of the yard. It was too dark on that side so ah couldn't see what made that sound at first.
“Pinkie? Is that you?” Ah hesitantly asked. Then the breathin' stopped and a well known silhouette appeared in the moonlight, slowly gettin' closer to me.
“P- Pinkie?” Mah hesitantly voice turned into a silent whisper.
“Cupcakes... so sweet and tasty...” She continued singin' while gettin' closer and closer.
“Cupcakes... don't be too hasty...”
“P....” Her name got stuck inside of mah constrictin' throat when she finally walked into the light of the moon, makin' her fully visible for mah eyes. Her fur was pitch black and dirty, her eyes were glowin' red like blood and parts of her flesh seemed to be... missin'?! She looked like a... like a...
“... cupcakes... cupcakes... cupcakes... CUPCAAAAAAKES!” She shrieked madly and loud.
“KYAAAAAAA!” Ah screamed as mah body turned around automatically and mah legs began to dash back through the alleyway. Mah heart started to beat like the ground when a huge stampede of cows are runnin' over it. Sweat began to run down mah face while mah hooves kept rushin' over the dirty ground. Ah could feel Pinkies cold breath wavin' over mah neck, but ah didn't wanted to look back. It took about less than 2 minutes to exit the alleyway again, but it felt like an eternity.
When ah finally made it out ah jumped behind a haystack right next to where ah just came from and peeked over it. Nopony was followin' me, even though ah was pretty sure she did. Was ah just tired and mah head started to play tricks on me? Or was ah asleep?
“Ah have to warn the girls!” That was all that ran through mah head by now. Ah ran back across the street and back to the town hall where ah left mah bag.
“Hello... Applebloom!” Ah fell backwards onto mah flank when suddenly a huge somethin' slammed onto the ground in front of me. Snow and dust was flyin' through the air, takin' mah sight. Even though ah couldn't see, ah did remember that voice!
“R- Rainbow Dash? Is that you?” Ah narrowed mah eyes and saw Rainbow Dashs face. She stood right in front of me, grinnin' and spreadin' her wings.
“Darn right you little traitor!” She snorted.
“No...” Rainbow Dash looked even worse than Pinkie! One of her wings was in a very bad condition, which meant that only half of it was still there while the other one was just barely wavin' through the air... how was she even able to fly? It was broken no doubt about it! Her fur was as black and her eyes as red as Pinkies... except for her overall condition. Rainbow Dash looked like she fought till the end. Some of her rips were outside of her chest... her left leg- ah couldn't
watch it any longer! Ah slowly stood back up, slightly lookin' into her direction.
“What is goin' on here?”
“Applebloom... it's sooo nice to see you again~” That was Three Leafs, wasn't it? She walked out of the town hall, constantly grinnin' and starin' at me.
“Three Leafs?”
“Hah... hearing my name out of your mouth... it's so nostalgic and hearth warming.” What was she talkin' about? Was she behind all this?
“You still don't remember, huh? ... maybe this will help you.” She closed her eyes and stopped smilin'. Suddenly the moon disappeared and the sky turned red... it seemed so familiar... it-
“KYAAA!” Ah window shattered and even more of these black zombie-like ponies were crawlin' out of their holes. Ah knew them all! Over there was Mr. and Mrs. Cake! That DJ pony,
Carrot Top, Caramel... they all looked like that! This had to be a nightmare! Soon ah was surrounded by a whole herd of zombies, there soul piercin' eyes kept stabbin' me from any side, makin' me freeze and mute in seconds.
“Do you remember us now? Do you remember our home... your home? Well, welcome to the new... Sunny Town!” She turned into the same kind of zombie but... her eyes... ah remembered them!
“Sunny Town? No... that can't be! It was just a drea-”
“APPLEBLOOM! RUN!” That voice...
“Ruby?”

“That was just AWESOME!”
“Oh c'mon Sweetie Belle, you agreed with me just a minute ago!”
“Scoot is a chicken~ Scoot is a chicken~”
“Scootaloo! Applebloom! Are you two alright?”
“You're coming too, Applebloom?”
“Ah have to take the short cut this time 'cause mah big sis wanted me to help her bringin' the todays apple harvest into the barn.”
“Oh good evening Applebloom!
“Hey Twilight! You’ll never guess what we did today!”
“I’m sorry but I REALLY have to get going! I promised Zecora to bring her some books and
local herbs.”
“Oh! Oh! Can ah come, too?”
“Aaaalright! BUT you MUST promise me to stay close at ALL time you hear?”
“A tree? But it wasn’t there a minute ago! Who could have placed it there in such a short time?
“Do ya' think it... it was a ghost?”
“You do not want to remain for the events that will unfold! Hurry back to Ponyville you must, for the darkness this night you cannot trust!”
“How in Equestria did this tree came here? I didn’t even heard a sound.”
“Blank...”
“Hello? Who are you?”
“What is happenin' here? Twilight? TWILIGHT!”
“Blank...”
“What the hay is goin' on? Who's there?”
“Haha, why hi there little filly! Welcome to Sunny Town!”
“He hasn’t said a word to me all night...“
“Uhm sorry, miss? Is everythin' alright?“
“Oh well, uhm, that pony over there... Roneo. He, well, I thought he likes me and he wants to ask me out tonight.”
“That pony over there, Starlet, the beautiful white pony.... I was going to give her a gift tonight as a proof of my l- lo- uhm...”
“Don’t worry, ah'll find it! Ah'll give you mah word as a member of the CMC!”
“Helloooooooo?”
“Oh, sorry I thought you were that crazy colt Grey. He's really funny, kind and stuff, but a bit annoying too you know? I’m THE Gladstone! The fastest Pony in whole Equestria!”
“Uhm sorry, but there’s one more thing ah wanted to ask you. How come y’all don’t have any cutie marks?”
“Cutie whats? Hahahaha, sorry little filly, I have no clue what you're talking about.”
“YOU'VE FOUND IT!”
“Hihi, you're welcome~ Ahm just glad both of you are lucky now, by the way ah gave you a CMC promise!”
“Oh, wait darling! What does 'CMC' means?”
“It means Cutie Mark Crusaders!”
“It's not right... this... is NOT RIGHT! The same thing again... and again... and again...”
“Ouch!”
“No... not again! A filly, just like... her.“
“S-sorry ah didn’t wanted to-”
“Run...”
“Everything alright little one?”
“Don’t be scared Applebloom, we're here now and we will protect you! You hear?”
“Yeah he's right, we will protect you against every evil!”
“You're our sister now, it's our job to protect you.”
“Oh mayor Three Leaf, good evening my dear. This is Applebloom, a visitor from another city.”
“Hah, ah didn’t even knew that they're ponies living in the Everfree Forest.”
“The poor girl was scared like a cow in a thunder. I've found her shaking and crying on the ground.”
“Ah was searchin' for a certain filly. She's grey and has a orange mane with a few blonde strands
in it.”
“What she, uhm, we're wanting to say was that we haven't seen a filly with that description.”
“Blank...”
“Where did she go?”
“Nothin' in here. Nothin' but-”
“Blank...”
“Who- who is there?”
“Mummy... save my mummy... please, save her and yourself! I’m begging you!“
“The chimney...”
“No... no...”
“You probably already know that your dearest daughter is infected by that curse.”
“I will free her... I will save her... our little daughter.”
“That filly was never even here, she's a ghost... which means the other ponies in this village-”
“NONONONONOOOOO!”
“Run... run... run...”

“RUN APPLEBLOOM!”

Mah eyes widened and mah muscles began to twitch when mah legs started to push me towards the haystack next to the town hall.
“STAY WITH US APPLEBLOOM!” She shrieked from behind while ah kept on runnin' and jumpin' over the huge haystack and out of the circle of the zombies. Ah bashed through several garbage bins, makin' mah way past the houses, driven by mah fast beatin' heart and mah numbed body. While ah kept on runnin', more and more of mah memories started come back.

“H- hellooo?”
“There was no other way!”
“She was going to spoil the party!”
“Three Leaf? Is that you?”
“The curse had befallen her this very night... she had the mark... she had to go!”
“So you... YOU did this back there in the cabin?”
“Please...”
“Pleeeaaaase stay with us! We'll never let the same happen to you!”
“Pleeeeeeeaaaaaaase stay with us!”
“HNNNNNNNNGH! C'mon you darn rock! C'MON! Please, MOVE!”
“Don't go... please, don't go away! Stay with us little one! Little one...”
“Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase stay with us!”
“No please!”
“All we want is friendship! Don’t leave... the others won't like it!”
“Applejack, please help me! HELP MEEE!”
“Applebloom!”
“Mitta!”
“This is your chance to correct your heresy! Touch her and turn her into one of us!”
“We need her, we need more friends! Please Mitta, do it for your family!”

Mitta!

“FOOLS! Even in death they do not understand! I should have protected her... but I made my choice. This is our everlasting punishment! This... is what we deserve! Applebloom, come to me!”
“A- ah don’t understand, what happened here?”
“There’s no time to explain honey, the grey-white horse knows more than we do.”
“The grey-white horse?”
“Mitta, don’t do anything funny!”
“You already took my heart and my soul away from me... there’s nothing left for you to take anymore. There’s nothing more to lose. All that’s left for me to do now is to save you, my little filly.”
“Mitta...”

Ah shook mah head to wake mah numbed senses. How come ah was able to forget all of that? How could ah forgot this most tragic moment in mah entire life? Mah thoughts were circlin' in mah head, unable to get a correct overview over mah feelings or idea on how to escape this nightmare. Ah just continued runnin' through the dark night and alleyways of Ponyville.
“STAY WITH US!”
“KYAA!” Ah jumped to the side, barely in time to dodge one of these things that lay on the ground and tried to grab me. Ah ground the wall at full speed and could feel a burnin' pain runnin' down mah right side, but stoppin' and whinin' wasn't an option at the moment. Most important was to get in contact with the girls, to warn them, to tell them that they should leave Ponyville as fast as possible! Ah noticed even more of these zombies right in front of me, blockin' the alley very well.
Ah looked around. Luckily ah saw a small crack at the left side of the buildin'. Before mah mind even understood what he saw, mah legs and adrenaline kick already made me jump through it.
“OUCH!” The rough and cold ground inside already said hello to mah body while ah rolled over it very fast. Mah head was shakin' and the dust was burnin' inside of mah eyes. Accordin' to the sweet smell in the air, ah was probably inside of the Sugarcube Corner... and after what happened to Pinkie, this didn't seemed to be a safe place at all. As ah walked through the dark candy shop, more and more of mah memories started to come back.

“Hihi you know, you remind me of somepony... somepony who's very important to me. My sweet little daughter.... The way she smiled, laughed, played... I miss her so much. Please, Applebloom...“
“Please...”
“Please run, live on for my little daughter... live on for yourself!”
“Mitta...”
“Run, run.... RUUUUUUN FOR YOUR LIFE!”

“OUCH!” Somethin' made me slip and fall onto the cold ground again. Why was it that slippery? Ah noticed somethin' wet on the ground... it smelled familiar. Ah held mah hoof which was covered in that liquid in front of mah nose to take a better look at it.
“It smells like... blood!” Mah heart stopped, no, it sunk down into one of mah legs! What if this was the place where they-
“It's sooo messy in here!” Rarity? Was she cryin'?
“R- Rarity? Are you okay?”
“So... messy.” A sharp flash appeared, makin' me blink and cover mah eyes immediately. Somepony turned on the light, maybe it was her, maybe she was still alright, maybe-
“... great Celestia!” When ah opened mah eyes again, ah could feel sickness spreadin' through mah belly. The whole ground was covered in blood, pieces of flesh and fur was scattered all over this place and the smell of blood and fresh meat started to mix into a horrible stench. Cyan feathers, white fur and pink hair everywhere. Ah turned around slowly and looked at the crack in the wall ah just came through. It wasn't an ordinary crack... it had the silhouette of a pegasi that got smashed against the wall with unbelievable power! Rainbow Dash really fought till the end...
“That's not true! It's not happenin'!”
“Soooo messy...” Rarity sighed again. Ah gulped and started to cringe when ah felt her icy breath blowin' over mah fur. When ah turned around, ah saw Rarity... her makeup was meltin' and runnin' down her eyes like she was cryin' the last few hours. Her horn was broken and looked crooked like a straw. If Sweetie Belle would see her in that condition...
“Would you like to help me clean this mess up... my dear?” She reached out her hoof, smilin' at me with her creepy eyes and broken jaw, which was only barely hangin' down her face. All ah was able to at the moment was to shake mah head.
“A- ah'm so SORRY!” Ah closed mah eyes and drove mah hoof over the ground, lettin' blood squish into Raritys face, makin' her taunt backwards. The pure thought about which blood this was drove me nearly insane, but ah had to suppress it somehow! So ah continued out of the kitchen and finally out of the Sugarcube Corner.

“That’s impossible!”
“No... please, NO!”
“No! Go away! GO AWAY!”
“So this is the end now? This is how it ends? Dyin' without ever even find mah special talent
in life, mah own cutie mark? ... dyin' all alone in the middle of a nightmare?”
“Don’t cry Applebloom... stand up and follow me.”
“Follow me Applebloom... follow me.”
“Uhm, hello? You're that pony from the entrance of the Everfree Forest, right?”
“You're not dead young filly.”
“Ahm... not dead?”
“No, you're not dead. It's not your destiny to reside here.”
“But isn't this, well, the end of life?”
“No, it's not. It's neither heaven nor hell if you mean that.”
“So... what is this place?”
“... it's my home. The only place where I can live in peace.”
“What do you mean?”
“When I was a young filly like you, I dreamed of getting my very own cutie mark, something that would make me special. Everypony in our village had one... until one day.”
“What happened?”
“... a terrible disease appeared in our village.”
“You mean the night when-”
“Yes... it was the night I got murdered.”
“The grey-white horse?”
“So she already told you about it?”
“Was there no other way out?”
“It was the only thing she could do, she sacrificed herself to punish those who harmed her little daughter... who harmed me.”
“So ah was right... you're...”
“Yes, my name is Ruby... Ruby Hoof.”

“Ruby...” How could ah forget you?
“Staaaay with uuuuuuuus!” They kept on growlin' from behind. Now matter how much ah ran, ah wasn't able to shake them off. Ah had to hide somewhere until they eventually stopped searchin' for me. Ah stopped and tried to catch mah breath. Sweat and tears were runnin' down mah face while ah desperately tried to look for any kind of hideout. Ah place that would give me some time to over think mah next steps, or at least to clear mah mind. The streets were empty, nothin' but snow, cold wind and black emptiness at every end of the roads.
“There! A warehouse!” We had an old warehous near the outskirts of Ponyville. It was once used by our family to store food and seeds for Winter Wrap Ups, but got closed because of rats and a leaky roof five years ago. That was the perfect hideout! Ah ran down to the warehouse and slipped through an open window at it's side... it was almost like a creepy deja vu from Sunny Town. It also reminded me of the time when ah met Mitta for the very first time... ah should've listened to her!
The warehouse was dark and dusty. A strange smell was floatin' into mah nose, makin' me cough slightly while walkin' to the wooden entrance. Ah barely saw a big barrel right next to the door, which was more than perfect for an accurate blockade! Ah pressed mahself against the wall next to it and tried to push the heavy object in front of the door. Ah didn't knew what was inside of that barrel... but to be honest, ah didn't wanted to know either. The door was blocked and the world seemed to be okay for the moment. Heavily breathin' and still shakin', ah lay against the wall next to the barrel. Ah looked down to mah legs, they hurt and felt very weak. Mah arms felt weak as well and mah side and back was still burnin' like fire, which got even worse because of the sweat ah was covered in. Ah didn't knew what to do... ah just didn't. Ah lay down on the ground, bend mah legs at the belly, slowly embracin' and cuddlin' them in fear. Ah felt sick and lonely... just like ah did back then in Sunny Town.

“My father he... he was infected with this disease, too. He suffered from heavy pain, memory loss and heart attacks. Mummy never wanted me to see him, but I was young and curious so one night
I sneaked into the building he was held. It was a old storehouse near the entrance of the village.”
“Ruby, ahm so sorry to hear that.”
“No, I’m sorry Applebloom! I didn’t mean to bring you into this... I was just curious.”
“Don't be sad, ah don't blame you.”
“Nooo, what shall we do now?”
“Don’t be afraid, my mother will save us.”
“Your cutie mark... it's a magnifying glass, right?”
“Haha, yes it is. When I was younger it turned out that I’m really good in finding things.
I will find you a way out of this!”
“Ruby wait! What will happen to you and your mother now?”
“We're finally free now... thanks to you, dear Applebloom.”

“You lied... didn't you Ruby?” Ah whispered silently.
“A- Applebloom? Is that you?” No... no, that was impossible! Ah could feel how mah blood turned into ice when ah heard that voice comin' out of the dark corner of the room.
“... Fluttershy?”
“Yes, it's me!” She answered happily. Was that a trick? Or was she hidin' here, too? Could it be there was another pony alive in this twisted town? Mah heart made a huge skip, it made me jump back on mah hooves and even smile again.
“Fluttershy! Ah'm sooo glad you're-” But as always, mah heart fell apart again when ah saw her face in the dim light from the red sky outside. Half of her face was covered with a bloody bandage, her blood sucked mane was ruffled and lifelessly hangin' down her face. Her eyes were as red as the ones outside, such as her fur.
“Applebloom! I'm so glad you're okay!” She smiled.
“No... not you too...” Ah walked backwards, still starin' at the poor Fluttershy. She walked towards me, watchin' me with a confused expression on her face.
“What's wrong Applebloom? Everything's fine now. Stay with me and we'll-”
“NO! GO AWAY FROM ME!” Ah shouted while tryin' to kick the barrel away. Ah had to get out
of here quick, or else-
“What? No, you don't understand! I want to help you! I-” She tried to convince me with a shaky voice, but it was just the same kinda things the zombie ponies kept sayin', too! Ah'm so sorry Fluttershy... so sorry! With mah last strength ah've managed to push the barrel away again. Within another second, ah kicked the door open and ran outside.
“NO! PLEASE APPLEBLOOM! STAY WITH ME!” She shouted desperately.
“AH'M SO SORRY FLUTTERSHY!” But ah couldn't trust her anymore. It soon turned out that it was a bad idea goin' back outside. Ah few meters down the road ah got thrown back again by another wave of snow and dirt.
“BWAHAHAHA! End of the line, little twerp!” Rainbow Dash laughed. She stood right in front of me just like before, starin' down at me with her devilish eyes. Ah lay helplessly in front of her, not knowin' where to go. Soon the others were closin' in, takin' their positions right next to
Rainbow Dash. Ah still couldn't trust mah eyes, ah didn't want to. All mah friends... turned into those zombie-like creatures from the Everfree Forest... just because of me! Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and even Fluttershy... cursed forever. Their bodies were black and scarred, their Cutie Marks were... gone, replaced by red flesh, like they got torn off of their flanks. Their eyes were pointin' at me with this demonic red stare ah remembered from that one night. Ponyville became the second Sunny Town!
“Don't be scared Applebloom, I just want to help you!” Fluttershy hesitantly said.
“She's right silly, come on the funny side of the... uhm, whatever this side is called. We have cupcakes, too~” Pinkie giggled.
“We just want that you're happy my dear. Don't make it harder than it already is.” Rarity... sorry
that ah couldn't save ya' all, please forgive me! Ah still lay on mah back, tryin' to crawl backwards to widen the space between me and them.
“Oh c'mon! It's over twerp, give up already!” Rainbow Dash and the others were comin' closer
very fast. Ah couldn't give up, not after everythin' ah went through! Ah had to get some time to escape! Ah quickly looked around, tryin' to find somethin' that ah could use as a weapon or somethin' like that!
“Enough of that! Come here you-” Rainbow Dash began to jump at me when ah finally felt somethin' cold and hard underneath mah left hoof. A quick sense of luck stroke through my heart.
It was a sharp stone!
“GO AWAY!” Ah took the stone and threw it directly into Rainbow Dashs face. The stone wasn't that big, just about as big as mah hoof, but because of its speed and sharp edge it was enough to strike Rainbow Dash back.
“ARK!” She flew backwards and smashed onto the ground behind her. Blood and snow flew through the air like powder. This was mah chance!
“Rainbow Dash! Are you alright?” The others asked while gatherin' around her. Ah was so sorry for that, but ah had no other choice! Ah had to escape! Ah stood up, turned around and continued to run. It was no use, ah had to leave Ponyville! Ah had to get Applejack and mah friends and get the heck outta here as fast as possible! The border of Ponyville wasn't that far anymore, in fact it was just ahead.
“Only a few more meters and-”
“HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!” Three Leafs and her friends jumped out of the nowhere, blockin'
mah only road to freedom. Ah was trapped! With the herd of zombies and Rainbow Dash behind me and Gladstone, Roneo, Starlet, Gray and Three Leafs in front of me, there was no way out anymore!
“Time to join the herd my sweet little-” Suddenly a huge cage fell down from one of the tress next to them and shortly after another one, trappin' Gladstone and Gray behind stainless steel.
“What is going on here?” Leafs gasped.
“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS MONSTER CATCHER SQUAAAAAAD!”
“SWEETIE BELLE! SCOOTALOO!” Ah was so glad they were okay and still alive! They jumped down the trees and threw a large net onto the other 3 remainin' zombies!
“Heh, so these are the monsters we're searching for? I was expecting something more of a
challenge!” Scootaloo laughed while slammin' her hoof against the cage of Gladstone.
“I don't know Scootaloo, they still look pretty meanie and dangerous.” Sweetie Belle hesitantly said while reachin' out her hoof into the cage of Gray.
“DON'T TOUCH THEM!” Ah shouted. Both cringed and looked at me with wide confused eyes.
“Why?” Scootaloo asked. Ah didn't knew if ah could tell them the truth, if they would even believe me... but ah had to try, or not?
“Hmpf, don't worry. They're so ugly and smelly, who would willingly want to touch them?” Scootaloo grinned. Both walked in front of me, smilin' and laughin' like everythin' was alright, like everythin' was just a little game. Seein' them made me so incredibly happy! Ah couldn't express that feeling that was fillin' mah heart that moment, neither could ah find the right words to describe it.
Ah just jumped at them and hugged them as tight as possible.
“OUCH! H- hey what's drivin' into you Applebloom?” Scootaloo gasped.
“Too... tight.” Sweetie Belle squeaked. Ah let go a few minutes later, still smilin' at them from the depth of mah heart, lettin' big tears roll over mah cheeks.
“Ah'm so glad you two are alright!”
“Uhm, yeah whatever Applebloom...” Scootaloo smirked with an awkward stare such as Sweetie Belle. Ah could understand they were confused, after all they didn't knew what ah knew.
“APPLEBLOOOOOM!” Three Leafs shrieked, makin' the herd from behind scream again. They now knew where we were!
“Alright, come here you bunch of stupid monsters! The CMC Monster Catcher Squad will destroy you!” Scootaloo yelled in excitement.
“Yeah you... uhm, you bad ugly meanies!” Sweetie added.
“NO! Girls, this isn't a game! This is serious! We have to-”
“Gosh Applebloom, don't be such a chicken!” Scootaloo rolled her eyes and faced the street where the ragin' sound of the zombies emerged from. This wasn't a joke anymore, this was a matter about life and death! Ah grabbed Scootaloos shoulder and turned her around while glarin' deeply into her eyes.
“STOP THAT YOU DODO! You don't get it! If we don't run RIGHT NOW, we'll die!” Ah shouted at her. Sweetie Belle remained silent, yet her confident expression grew concerned and scared, such as Scootaloos.
“What are you-”
“Seriously Scootaloo! Look at me... this is no joke!” Ah desperately tried to convince her. Accordin' to Scootaloos shocked eyes and her speechlessness, she was probably about to believe me.
Ah let go of her. She looked at me, mah wound hooves and back, mah exhausted and terrified face and bloody fur.
“.... we'll meet you at the exit of the Everfree Forest.” Scootaloo said.
“Wha-? N- No we can't split up, we-”
“RUN DARN IT! THAT'S AN ORDER!” She shouted at me, then she turned back to Sweetie Belle and grinned.
“Come on Sweetie, we have to get the secret weapon!”
“Okay!” Both turned down the street and began to dash away. Mah heart cramped inside of mah chest when ah saw mah only remainin' friends run towards her doom.
“NO! COME BACK!” But they didn't listen at all, soon they were gone... swallowed by the darkness of the street.
“Seems like your old friends left you dear Applebloom... stay with us. We will never leave you!”
Leafs grinned through the holes of the heavy net. Ah so hated that devilish mare... ah hated her soooo much!
“GAH!” Somethin' hard hit me at the back of mah head all of the sudden, throwin' me to the white ground. When ah opened mah eyes, ah could see the stone from before layin' in front of me. It was covered with blood and a bit of black fur. Behind the stone ah could see the entrance of the
Everfree Forest, it was so close!
“You little- ouch! I WILL TEAR YOU APART!” Rainbow Dash and the others were surroundin' me, blockin' the path and mah only way out of this nightmare. Ah turned around on my back. The cold snow was stingin' because of the wounded spot, but it also cooled it down a bit. In exhaustion and pain, ah managed to look up and held mah breath. Rainbow Dash was standin' right above me, her face was covered with blood. It seemed that the stone landed inside of her right eye, causin' a heavy bleedin' which ran over her face. Her eyes was smashed by the stone, drippin' slowly out of the hole. She crunched with her teeth, opened her mouth and lowered her head.
“An eye for an eye!” Mah heart was rushin' and mah throat got dry. Was it the end? Ah was so close, ah almost made it!
“NOOOOOOO!”
“LET HER GO!” That voice... it couldn't be! When ah opened mah eyes again ah could see Rainbow Dash, layin' on the ground, neither movin' nor breathin' anymore. Everythin' got quiet and the other zombie ponies were fallin' back, walkin' slowly to their passed out pegasus friend. Seconds felt like hours, the cold wind stopped blowin'... mah heart stopped beatin'. Ah stared onto somepony ah'd never thought ah would see again...

“Are you alright Applebloom?” A orange pony stood right in front of me, her dirty blonde mane was hanging down her face... but ah didn't need to see her face to recognize her...
To recognize mah sister.
“A- Applejack?” She didn't move, she just stood there, silently smilin'. Her ruffled, dirty blonde mane was softly wavin' in the cold wind, along with the bushes and branches around us.
“That's right lil' sister, sorry that ah'm late. Ah had somethin' to take care off first.” After she finished her sentence, ah noticed that somethin' wasn't right with her body. Her fur was dirty, her body full of different sized wounds, her left arm was heavily shakin' and had a big purple colored bump at its side... was it broken? Ah noticed another bump near the side of her chest, small runlets of blood were floatin' down her body. Besides that she-
“... no... please that can't be!” There was a huge bite mark at her flank... the flesh and fur around it was slowly turnin' black!
“You got... bitten...” Her smile faded. Time stood still, nothin' was movin'... nor makin' a sound.
The cursed ponies were watchin' us, from beyond their traps. Rainbow was still lifelessly layin' in the dark snowy grass. Ah tried to understand what happened, ah really tried to, but... ah couldn't.
“Listen sugarcube... ah know ah wasn't there for you when you needed me... that ah didn't believe you nor protect you. Ah'm so sorry for that... but ah'll fix that!” Applejack...
“GRRRR, YOU TRAITOR!” Rainbow Dash screamed while she got up very slowly.
“WAIT! RAINBOW DASH, STOP!” Fluttershy?
“Applejack! This is your chance! Please, grab her and get her out of here!” Wait, what did Fluttershy say?
“Fluttershy, what are you talking about? Are you a traitor too? Maybe I should remove your other eye too you-” Rainbow Dash glared at her. But why was Fluttershy worried about me all of the sudden? She was one of them... right?
“GET YOUR HOOVES OFF HER RAINBOW!” Applejack shouted.
“Applejack dear, don’t do anything funny! If' you're turning against us, we'll rip you apart!”
Rarity... how could you say somethin' like that? She was one of your friends!
“Just go on and try!” Applejack growled. Then mah heart stopped... this time forever though.
She looked back at me with a warm smile. Blood was runnin' over her face and her eyes began to turn red... but there was one sentence of her, that broke mah heart like a thin mirror.
“Applebloom, please...” For a brief moment, ah saw Mittas face instead of Applejacks.
The ponies turned into the villagers of Sunny Town and ah began to remember this situation...
“Please run, live on for our friends, our family... and live on for yourself!” Ah could feel how mah heart got shattered inside of mah chest, ah knew what would happen now.
“NO! AH WON'T LEAVE YOU! Ah will never see you again, ah know that! Please! Ah don't want to-” Ah was just wanted to hug, wanted her to stroke mah hurtin' back and to say everythin' would get alright again. Ah ran up to her... but she jumped away.
“... why? Why Applejack?” Bitter tears were rollin' down mah cheeks, ah couldn't hold them any longer.
“Don’t touch me sugarcube, or you'll end like ah did... like we did.” The curse... no, please!
“ENOUGH!” Rainbow Dash growled. She lowered her body and jumped at Applejack. Ah could see Rainbow Dashs teeth slammin' into Applejacks neck, ah could hear flesh that got ripped off, followed by a slight fog of blood.
“GAH! Why you little-!” She turned around and kicked Rainbow away with immense power, but she immediately stood back up again. Applejack sighed, started to breath heavily while shiverin' in exhaustion. She looked back at me and smiled again... for the last time.

“Don't worry, soon everythin' will be alright again, but for now... you have to leave lil' sister.”
“Applejack!” She took a giant branch which was layin' next to her and placed it underneath me.
“Ah love you Applebloom.” With these last words and a silent tear runnin' out of her dead eyes,
she lowered her head and threw me over the bushes and many meters further into the
Everfree Forest.
“AAAAPPLEJAAAAAAAAAAACK!” Ah landed somewhere inside of the forest, the sound of Applejacks scream and the growl of the others were echoin' through the entire forest. Ah wanted to run back, ah wanted to help her, but ah didn't knew where to go, ah didn't knew where that sound came from since it got thrown from tree to tree. Besides... ah probably couldn't help either.
“Applejack...” Ah wished that ah could just wake up, but it wasn't a dream right? It wasn't....
Ah stood up and listened to Applejacks voice one more time... she was screamin', gaspin', growlin'. Ah couldn't take it any longer, ah couldn't even help her either... the only thing that was left for me to do... was to run. Soon her voice got more and more silent and mah heart filled with a painful sense of grief. A last tear was fallin' to the ground, then ah continued down the snowy path which would lead me out of this forest, out of Ponyville... out of this nightmare.

“... Applebloom...”

Chapter IX - Farewell

Ah kept on runnin' for only a few minutes, though it felt like hours, days. Applejacks voice soon died inside of the dark cold forest. Only the freezin' wind made a silent noise while blowin' through the lifeless branches of the trees. The snow got thinner and dark green grass took its place. The moonless sky still threw it's red shades over the meadow and ah could feel a deep sadness spreadin' inside of mah heart. Ah felt lonely, sick yet not afraid at all... maybe ah already lost the courage to fight or the fright to die? Everypony ah knew was gone, turned into these strange cursed beings... even mah family. Maybe Applejack was still alive? Maybe she got rescued by Twilight... or the princesses! Maybe there was still some hope! Maybe-
“... maybe ah'm just mistaken... who am ah kiddin'? Ah'm alone.” Ah couldn't think optimistic anymore, not after ah saw mah own sister turnin' into such a... ah just couldn't. All that was left for me to do, was to leave and to find Twilight. Without a single thought left in mah mind and barely any life sign inside of mah chest, ah kept on runnin'.
Finally ah managed to reach the end of the forest. Over there, behind the small clearin' in front of me was mah freedom...
“Applejack... can you hear me sis? Ah almost made it out! Ah almost-”
“Hey Applebloom!” Huh? Two small silhouettes were appearin' in front of me... familiar silhouettes. Could it be?
“S-Scootaloo? Sweetie Belle? Y- you're alive?” Mah heart filled with joy again, relief and hope!
Mah two best friends were still alive and maybe they also knew where Twilight was hidin'!
Ah ran into their direction, mah eyes filled with tears of happiness.
“SCOOTALOO! SWEETIE BELLE! AH'M SO GLAD YOU-” But then ah stopped... somethin' was wrong.
“S- Scootaloo? Sweetie Belle?” They went into the fake red moonlight, lettin' mah worst fears come true and endin' the last glimpse of hope ah had left till that point.
“No... not you, too!” Black fur, glowin' red eyes... but no scars or wounds anywhere. It seemed like they didn't even had a chance to defend themselves, before they got...
“Why are you so scared Applebloom? It's not that bad and these red eyes are just awesome!” Scootaloo said with a creepy grin.
“She's right Applebloom! Just look at this pretty fur of mine! Did you know that black is
the new... well, black?” Sweetie Belle squeaked. Ah couldn't believe it... there was nopony left who could have been saved... nopony who could have saved me. What if Twilight also-
No! She survived, she had to! Findin' Twilight was now mah only chance of endin' this tragedy
once and for all! With the help of Twilight, princess Celestia and princess Luna, we still could've been able to finally banish these monsters and save our friends!
“Ah'm so sorry...” Suddenly Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were startin' to growl.
“No you won't! It just starts to get funny!” Scootaloo gasped.
“I'm sorry Applebloom, but we can't lose our friend! We will make you into one of us, so we
can be best friends forever!” Sweetie Belle...
“OVER THERE!” No, that couldn't be! That was Rainbow Dash! Ah turned around and saw her standin' right in front of me. She was badly hurt, covered with bite marks, bruises and blood. Though she was already heavily breathin', she still seemed to be able to stand and move.
But wait... if Rainbow Dash and the others made it here, did that mean Applejack...
“It's over little twerp! Scoot, Sweetie Belle, make sure she won't run away this time!” Scootaloo
and Sweetie Belle were closin' in while Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rarity were slowly
surroundin' me.
“W- where's mah sister? Where's Applejack?”
“She's not longer a problem.” Rainbow Dash grinned.
“Did you turned her into one of yours?” Ah hesitantly asked, then she began to laugh and to
shake her head.
“You don't seem to understand, twerp. She's gone... forever!” Her words were stabbin' mah heart like a knife, lettin' it explode and mah mind collapse.
Ah fell backwards to the ground, not able to move any longer. Knowin' that Applejack...
“Oh... are you starting to cry now you little crybaby?” Why? Why is this happenin'? What have ah done wrong?
“Don't worry, you'll meet her soon!” Rainbow started to jump, but ah didn't wanted to escape anymore. Mah heart felt like a stone, not even a single tear made it's way through mah eyes any longer. Ah just sat there, waitin' for Rainbows teeth to pierce mah neck and end mah misery...
there was no hope left.
“GET AWAY FROM HER!” Suddenly a bright light appeared and many shrill screams were echoin' through the forest. This light... it felt so warm... so familiar...
“Applebloom!” When it faded again, ah could see Rainbow and the others, layin' down on the ground, crawlin' away very fast. What happened? What was that light?
“Follow me Applebloom... follow me!” That line seemed so familiar... but the voice was different.
The cursed ponies were regroupin' in front of me, givin' me another last sight at mah former
friends. Ah couldn't describe the pain ah felt at this moment, it just made me feel numb.
“It's YOU! What do you want?” Rainbow Dash growled. Suddenly ah noticed the sound of rustlin' grass behind me, comin' closer with ever second.
“What I want is not your business, leave now or doom shall be your witness!” That voice!
“ZECORA!” Rainbow screamed, then she started to rush at Zecora. The very moment she jumped off the ground and right in our direction, she suddenly got thrown back by a white flash. It seemed like an invisible wall.
“ARGH! What was that?”
“This, my former friend, is a spell of protection! Holding away creatures like you, who didn't got their redemption.”
“Grrr, you witch! You'll come back, I KNOW YOU'LL COME BACK! And believe me-
If I'll ever see you two again... I'm going to tear you to pieces!” Rainbow snorted. Afterwards she and the rest of the cursed ponies turned around and walked back into the darkness of the forest. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle just disappeared all of the sudden.
“Everything alright Applebloom?” Zecora gently asked. Ah had to admit that ah was more than happy seein' a friendly face again, but it didn't fill the hole inside of mah heart that Applejack left behind.
“Don't worry my dear, everything will be alright. Come now and let me bring you out of this horrible night.” A shiny white sphere appeared between us and dove me and mah surroundin' into a comfortin' warm light again.

“Everything will be alright Applebloom... trust me.”
“Applejack...”

Chapter X - Little Sister

“Hey sis?”
“What's wrong Applebloom?”
“Do you think... mommy and daddy are still watchin' us from above?”
“Of course.”
“And do they also protect us from up there?”
“Sure sugarcube.”
“... okay...”
“Everythin' alright?”
“Yeah, it's just... not fair. Ah didn't even had to chance to see their faces. Why did they had to go?”
“... it's pretty complicated. Sometimes... you know, certain ponies have to go.”
“Will they ever come back?”
“Ah'm not sure... maybe?”
“It's still not fair. They left us and ah'm pretty sure they can't even protect us.”
“Hey, hey Applebloom that's not true. Just because they're not around you, doesn't have to mean they can't be with you.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Well, they left a big brave sister to protect you, right?”
“... and what if... you have to go too someday?”
“That won't happen, ah promise!”
“So, you will never ever leave me? Like mom and dad did?”
“Ah won't! ... ah'll always be by your side, no matter what happens!”
“... ah wish ah could believe that.”
“Hmm, how about a little song that keeps remindin' you about mah promise?”
“A song?”

“... you lied... you're not here... and you never will be. You told me you would never ever leave me... you promised it! ... so why did you leave? Maybe you were right... sometimes certain ponies have to go... but ah will find you and ah will bring you back... ah promise.

From the mornin',
To the evenin',
To the late late night.
From a seed,
To a apple,
To a apple pie.
From a baby,
To a filly,
To a sisters pride,
You will always be mine.

Big sister~ can't you see?
Things really are as bad as they seems.
Big sister~ Ah am afraid,
Bein' on mah side all the time,
You promised our hearts would rise and shine.
Big sister,
Ah can't hear you.
Big sister,
Ah want to cry.
Big sister,
Let me hear you whisper,
That you'll protect me forever.

From the light,
To the night.
From the dusk,
To the dawn.
Ah wanna hear you,
Be with you,
Mah big sister,
Ah'll drown in fear...
'Cause you're not here.
Ah already lost this fight,
And the victory... is on their side.

... but if it's dark and ah'm alone,
Ah'll remember you and our song,
Cause one thing will stay true,
Applejack,
mah sister,
Ah love you~”