Chapter 10

Fluttershy returned to her house late at night, so everyone was still asleep. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she was beginning to feel like she actually had some friends. She wondered what Rainbow Dash would say to her if she knew how many friends she had apparently made.

She walked into her room, preparing to lie down, but stopped when she saw someone lying on her bed, relaxing. It was a woman with long wavy blue hair and wearing a dark green bodysuit and high heeled boots. At her side was a broadsword, still in its sheath.

“Hello, Yellow Ranger,” the woman said with a sinister yet calm smile. Fluttershy knew immediately who she was, and knowing that she came to her DIRECTLY was terrifying.

“You're, Luna…” Fluttershy said softly. Her heart leapt out of her chest when the woman nodded.

“Please, shut the door and come in,” Luna requested, “Let me get a good look at you.”

She did not want to know what would happen if she didn't do what she told her to do, so she swallowed nervously and stepped inside, shutting the door. Luna smirked and slowly sat up, every motion etched in sensuality.

“Just like Clover…” Luna said, “I can sense such purity within your heart.”

“I'll scream,” Fluttershy stated, “If you don't leave right now, I'll scream and let my parents know you're here.”

“Oh goodie!” Luna said, looking genuinely excited, “That way I get to kill them too! Go on Yellow Ranger. Scream for me. Scream at the top of your lungs!”

Fluttershy's started trembling looking at Luna. She was truly insane, but Fluttershy knew that she was trapped. If she called anyone, she'd kill them without a second thought.

“No?” Luna asked tilting her head before giving an almost adorable pout, “That's no fun.”

“W-w-what do you want…?” Fluttershy asked.

“I need a Ranger to lure out the other Rangers,” Luna said, rising and sauntering over to Fluttershy, “I figured that the best one to approach would be you though. After all, you seem the most reluctant of your group.”

“W-what do you mean…?” Fluttershy asked.

“I saw them,” Luna said, “Rather, I saw two of them, and one of them has something that I want. Something that you're going to help me get.”

“What if I refuse?” Fluttershy asked, trying her best to look defiant. In response, Luna caressed her cheek lovingly.

“Refuse? Yellow Ranger, you seem to be confused here. I'm not asking you to help me of your own accord,” Luna leaned in close speaking into her ear, “I'm here to kidnap you.”

Luna licked Fluttershy's cheek, making the poor teen almost jump out of her skin. She was so close to her, and kept touching her. But unlike Applejack and the others, this woman meant harm. She was a killer, and right now Fluttershy was completely at her mercy. She closed her eyes, silently crying and begging for someone to come to her rescue.

Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, please help me…!

I don't want to die…!

When Applejack came home, she worried that she'd be in trouble. It was so late, and there was no way she'd be able to pass this off even with Apple Bloom covering for her. When she got inside though, she saw that everyone was asleep already.

“Damn…” Applejack sighed, “I suppose I'll have some serious explanin’ to do in the mornin.”

She walked into the kitchen, and saw a note left on the table. Afraid, she walked over to it and read it, recognizing the fancy but legible handwriting of her Grandmother.

Dear Applejack,

I hope you got in safely. It's real dangerous out there right now, so you need to be careful. But I know that whatever you're doing is for a good cause. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise; you're a good kid, Applejack.

I left some dinner in the fridge. It's your favorite, so have as much as you want. I love you, Applejack. You remind me so much of your father it's sometimes terrifying. Please be safe, and no matter what, always come home.

With love,
Granny Smith

Applejack was floored. Did her grandmother know all this time that she was breaking curfew? Why hadn't she scolded her or called the police? Wasn't that what she was supposed to do? She walked to the fridge and saw a big pan of lasagna inside. There was still a lot too.

Seeing that made Applejack feel really guilty. She had said and thought some pretty rotten things about her family, and yet it was clear that her Grandmother was looking out for her. She didn't even know about the whole Ranger thing, and she just knew that Applejack was a good person.

She looked out through the window and saw someone quickly run to the house, and jump really high up. She knew immediately who that was, as she somehow had a feeling that she'd be making an appearance today.

Before putting some lasagna in the oven, Applejack quietly made her way upstairs to her room, where she saw just who she thought would be there. This time though, she was just sitting on Applejack's bed looking down, almost like she was about to cry.

“I had a feelin' you'd be here tonight,” Applejack said, “I left the window open jus' for you.”

“Thank you…” Rarity said, her voice soft and without the British flair.

“Ya wanna come downstairs?” Applejack asked, “My folks 're asleep, so it'll jus' be the two of us. I can heat up dinner for both of us if ya want.”

“That sounds, lovely…” Rarity said. She seemed a little odd right now, and it was worrying Applejack. Still, she could tell that there was something up with her.

Without a word, Rarity followed Applejack downstairs back into the kitchen. Applejack then cut two squares of lasagna for both of them and put them in the oven to heat up. All while she did this, Rarity stayed quiet, resting her head and arms on the dining room table with a depressed look on her face.

“So, what's up?” Applejack asked after a few minutes, “Ya ain't yer usual self. Normally yer all flirtatious an' sensual, so seein ya so quiet is… unnervin'.”

Rarity took a deep breath, “I'm a coward.”

“Come again?” Applejack asked.

“Today, at Fluttershy's sanctuary, I wanted to tell everyone my real secret, but I chickened out at the last minute.” Rarity explained.

“I sorta figured,” Applejack said folding her arms, “That secret ya shared wasn't what I was thinkin' you'd share.”

“You mean it wasn't the one you wanted to hear, right?” Rarity asked looking up at Applejack, “You see right through me, don't you.”

“Somethin' is up,” Applejack stated, “I can't put my finger on it, but I can jus' tell that this ain't the real you. Not jus' the accent though. I mean the whole shebang. The hair, the makeup, the sexy clothes, none of it is real. You may be “Easy Rare”, but she ain't you.”

Rarity sighed, “Everyone else is honest with you. But me, I'm lying every single day. To you, to my parents, to my peers, to my teachers, worst of all… to myself.”

“Why don't ya start tellin' the truth then?” Applejack asked walking over to the oven to get the lasagna, “Who is 'Rarity'? Cause she sure as hell ain't the same as 'Easy Rare'.”

“Rarity, huh? Well, she's not too different from Easy Rare,” Rarity sat up leaning back in her chair, “She likes fancy clothes that accentuate her figure tastefully, she's a natural violet, is into fashion, art, and dreams of becoming a fashion designer when she grows up. She also enjoys giving to others, even if it means making a sacrifice. Most of all though,” she tightened her fists, “She's not a slut. At least… she wasn't always a slut…”

“So, how did she become a 'slut'?” Applejack asked, setting down their plates and then sitting across from Rarity.

“It started last year,” Rarity said slowly taking her fork and eating, “Back then it was me, Suri Polomare, and Trixie Lulamoon. We were the hottest girls in the school. Well, next to Sunset Shimmer, but she's just a bully.”

“She don't strike me as a big deal,” Applejack said eating her lasagna and listening intently.

“So one day, the three of us were invited to a pool party. It was right before Spring Break, so this was a huge deal. However, someone spiked the punch, and I didn't realize it until I had drank four whole glasses and was well on my way to a fifth.”

“Jesus Christ girl,” Applejack said wide eyed, “I'm surprised ya remember this much.”

“Mostly because of what I was told, but we'll get there,” Rarity said, “So apparently in my drunken stupor, I ended up completely letting myself go and had sex with one of the students. Said student turned out to be Suri's boyfriend. Oh she was pissed. So to get back at me,” she set down her fork and pulled out her cellphone, pulling up a picture and pushing it toward Applejack, “She took this, and spread it all over social media.”

When Applejack saw the picture, she almost threw up. Said picture was of Rarity, sans the white highlight in her hair, wearing a purple bikini that was clearly about to come off, and sucking off a random boy's cock. Horribly enough, in this picture she looked like a slut for real.

“When I returned to school, everyone saw the picture,” Rarity said taking back her phone and continuing to eat her lasagna, “Suri started a rumor that I was “easy” and would suck the cock of any boy that asked me nicely enough. Everyone started approaching me, calling me “Easy Rare”, asking for sexual favors, but no matter what I did, everyone just continued to push it. If not for the Principal stepping in, I would have had to change schools.”

Applejack was speechless, and quietly finished her lasagna, still listening to Rarity's story.

“Then my parents got involved,” Rarity said with a sigh, “My Mom saw the picture, and was outraged. My father was just speechless. I tried telling them that it was just the one time, but Mom was convinced that I was sleeping around in school. No matter what I said, no one believed me,” she started tearing up, “Eventually I just snapped. One student came to me and asked me for a favor, and I did it. I took him into the back alley of the school, and I…”

“Oh God…” Applejack said, covering her mouth in shock, “Why did you do that…?”

“Because I was sick of fighting!” Rarity fussed, careful to keep her voice down as not to wake anyone up, but clearly upset, “No matter what I said, or what I did, everyone judged me! So I stopped trying to convince them! If the world wanted me to be Easy Rare, then I was Easy Rare! I changed my entire image! I dyed the bangs of my hair white, wore the sluttiest outfit I could find, and took that God awful moniker for myself!” she sniffed a bit now crying softly, “So far, I've probably slept with at least fifteen boys on and off from our grade alone. I hate myself for it, and even considered cutting at one point,” she looked at Applejack desperately, “So you see? What they said about me is true. I'm not a good girl, I'm not “Rarity”, and I'm definitely not a Power Ranger. I'm just a slut,” she hugged herself and closed her eyes, “A dirty, rotten slut!”

She then broke down completely, letting out the saddest wail Applejack had ever heard. Fluttershy and Applejack had their own problems, but this girl right here definitely had all of them beat. What was worse though was that this probably wouldn't be fixed quickly if at all. The damage was done, and Rarity's actions afterward only made it worse.

This would stay with Rarity for the rest of her life.

Applejack got up, and walked over to Rarity and hugged her from behind tightly, just letting her cry. She didn't need to hear anything like “it's okay” or “it's going to be alright” because those were all lies. She wasn't going to be okay. She had essentially become an unpaid prostitute in the school, and all because of one mistake at a party, and a bitch who seriously needed a good punch in the face.

After a few minutes, Rarity calmed down a bit. Applejack took their plates and washed them, and then led Rarity to the couch and sat down with her.

“How ya feelin'?” Applejack asked squeezing Rarity's hands.

“Not… good, but a little better…” Rarity said softly, “I'm sorry for losing my composure like that.”

“Ya wanted to tell me for a long while, didn't ya?” Applejack asked. Rarity nodded.

“I was afraid of getting close to you. I knew that you wouldn't want to be anywhere near me once you learned everything about me,” Rarity said sadly, “But I couldn't stay away from you. You were so different from everyone else in my life.”

“How so?” Applejack asked.

“You… called me Rarity,” Rarity said looking into Applejack's eyes, “No one in school ever calls me that anymore. No one except for the teachers, and I can tell even they judge me. But not you. You heard that awful nickname, yet on your first day, you insisted on calling me Rarity.”

“Well, it is your name,” Applejack smiled, “But seriously, ya don't have ta do this anymore.”

“No… I do,” Rarity said sadly, “I've destroyed the person I once was, and became this. I'll never be 'just Rarity' ever again. I'll always be 'Easy Rare'.”

“Maybe ya won't ever be 'jus' Rarity' again, but that don't mean ya can't be someone better,” Applejack lifted Rarity's chin to look her in the eyes, “Remember what I said? You an' I can be even better than who we are today. By becomin' Power Rangers, we'll at least know that we did somethin' worthwhile, an' that in the end, we were heroes.”

“Even if we do this though, our pasts won't disappear,” Rarity said averting her eyes, “You'll still have a criminal record, and I'll still be the school slut.”

“True, but in the end that don't matter,” Applejack said, “All that matters is this,” she then surprised Rarity by leaning in and kissing her softly on the lips.

“A-Applejack…” Rarity said.

“I haven't quite figured out my sexual preferences yet,” Applejack admitted, “But I admit that there's somethin' about you that I can't stay away from. Sides, you want me jus' as badly as I want you, right?”

“I… I don't know if I'm ready…” Rarity said, “To go from sleeping with multiple guys to being in an exclusive relationship, right now just seems…”

“Then we won't be exclusive,” Applejack said, “Not until you're ready. We'll be good friends, an' move at whatever pace you want.”

Rarity looked a little pained, “But… if I wanted to… let's say… do things with you, you wouldn't mind?”

“Like I said,” Applejack said caressing Rarity's cheek, “My window is always open for you.”

Rarity eyes widened, and she then pulled Applejack into another deep kiss, one that this time Applejack returned passionately. Maybe 'friends with benefits' was a good starting point for these two. After all, they clearly-

BEEP BEEP BEEP

“Huh?” Applejack asked breaking the kiss and pulling out her phone. She received a text message from Twilight, one that had a picture as well.

Applejack! It's terrible! Fluttershy is in trouble!

Applejack opened the picture to take a look at it, horrified to see what looked like a selfie. In the selfie was Fluttershy, who was clearly crying in the picture, and a woman with long blue hair and a green body suit. Her eyes looked almost like a dragon's eyes, letting Applejack know immediately who that was.

“Is that, Luna?!” Rarity asked, looking at the picture over Applejack's shoulder.

“I think so,” Applejack said, trying to stay calm, “Come on! We gotta save Fluttershy!”

Rarity didn't even question it. Immediately they shot up and ran out of the house, calling Twilight and Pinkie Pie to meet up.

They met up at the pier and all ran in. Multiple times Pinkie Pie tried to call Fluttershy, but with no avail. Everyone was frantic as they gathered in the middle of the warehouse area.

“Damn it!” Applejack shouted, “Is there any place that we didn't check?”

“This place is so big!” Rarity fussed, “Do we even know that she's here?”

“She could be anywhere!” Pinkie Pie cried, “Shoot! Why won't she pick up!”

“Girls!” they heard Fluttershy cry from inside the nearby warehouse.

“Fluttershy!” Applejack cried, she and the others running inside, where they saw Fluttershy sitting on the floor, her wrists tied to a pole behind her.

“No!” Fluttershy cried frantically, “Don't come here! You have to run!”

“It's a little too late for that, Yellow Ranger,” another voice said. They saw Luna saunter into view before them, wearing her skimpy Ranger Armor, stopping next to Fluttershy and petting her head like a pet, “Welcome, Power Rangers.”

“So… you're Luna?” Twilight asked.

“Indeed,” Luna said, “I am Luna, the Green Ranger. I can't understand what Celestia was thinking. Giving the Power Coins to a group of children. Either she has a master plan even I don't understand, or this was just a terrible accident.”

“Shut up!” Rarity demanded, “Let Fluttershy go, or else-” she was cut off by Luna laughing loudly.

“I'm so afraid!” she said, “Please, don't hurt me, Black Ranger!”

“Rarity, good job,” Twilight whispered, “I think we're breaking her.”

“Ugh, she's, making fun of us, dear.” Rarity groaned. Twilight thought about that and the frowned at Luna.

“That wasn't nice, Luna!” Twilight fussed.

“How about this?” Luna said, “You girls want me to release the Yellow Ranger, right? Then come over here and challenge me yourself.”

“No!” Fluttershy cried, “Please, just leave me here! She's too powerful!”

“Aw, you don't want your friends to save you?” Luna asked shoving Fluttershy's head a bit, “How noble of you. But why don't we let them decide? After all, if they run away,” she pulled out her sword and pointed it at Fluttershy's neck, “I'll just kill you.”

“Oh no you don't!” Applejack shouted. All four of them rushed at Luna, who smirked arrogantly. What happened next was too fast. She grabbed Applejack by the neck, kicked Rarity in the stomach before slamming Applejack onto the ground. When Twilight approached, Luna rose up and did a spin kick, knocking her back, and then backhanded Pinkie Pie.

In only a few seconds, all four of them were lying on the ground.

“How unfortunate,” Luna said, pacing around the girls, “I expected you to put up more of a fight than this.”

“She's on a different level…” Pinkie Pie moaned.

“There's no way we can beat her like this…” Rarity groaned.

“I could kill all of you now,” Luna said, “But, I need some information first.”

“Information…?” Applejack asked.

“You see, one of you girls knows where the Crystal Heart is,” Luna said, “Either she steps up and tells me, or I'll start killing you one by one.”

Pinkie Pie roared in anger and charged at Luna, who immediately grabbed her by the neck.

“PINKIE PIE!” they all cried at the same time.

Luna sighed, “You know, all you had to do was ask me, and I'd kill you.”

“No!” Twilight cried, “I'll tell you!”

Luna stopped and turned to Twilight, “Oh?”

“Twilight, what are you doin’?!” Applejack cried.

“I'm saving Pinkie Pie!” Twilight cried, forcing herself to her feet.

Luna tilted her head with an intrigued smile, threw Pinkie Pie onto the ground, and then motioned with her finger for Twilight to approach her. Twilight took a deep breath and then slowly walked over to Luna.

“Well?” Luna asked, “Where is it?”

“Let my friends go, and I'll tell you,” Twilight said nervously.

“Very well,” Luna said, “I will let them live, child. Now tell me where the Crystal Heart is.”

“It's in shopping district of Ponyville,” Twilight said slowly, “Right in front of the Krispy Kreme.”

“Krispy Kreme…?” Luna asked looking to the side, “Oooh, that place must be very important. Thank you for your honesty, Blue Ranger.”

As Luna caressed Twilight's cheek, the young girl closed her eyes trembling, “You'll keep your promise, right? My friends and I can go free?”

“Oh sweetheart…” Luna said sweetly, “If only Green represented honesty.”

Twilight's eyes widened, as did everyone else's eyes at the sight of Luna's blade going through Twilight's stomach.

“TWILIGHT!!!!” everyone cried. Twilight looked at Luna, confused and hurt.

“W-why…?” Twilight asked, tears falling from her eyes, “You're… a Power Ranger…”

“I have the Green Power Coin, but let's get something clear,” Luna leaned in close to Twilight, “I'm not a Power Ranger anymore,” Luna pulled her sword out, letting Twilight fall to the ground. She then did something odd, causing her hair to spread out and wrap around Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity.

“Stop!” Fluttershy begged pulling at her bindings, “You promised Twilight!”

“You think I'm going to pass this up?” Luna asked, “I killed the Blue Ranger, which is worth 100 points! This brings my quota up to an even 200! If I kill the rest of you all, I'll go over my main goal!”

“What are we going to do?!” Pinkie Pie asked frantically.

“I can't get free!” Rarity exclaimed, struggling against Luna's hair. Applejack pulled at the hair binding her, looking at Twilight lying on the ground, the life slowly leaving her.

“Please hold on, Twilight!” Applejack cried desperately, “Don't die, please!”

Fluttershy frantically pulled at her bindings, screaming in frustration. Right before Luna could finish all of them off, a loud barking was heard from outside. Luna looked to see Spike in his wolf form rushing at her, latching onto her arm and forcing her to release the Rangers.

“Rarity, untie Fluttershy! Pinkie Pie, help me get Twilight!” Applejack ordered. Rarity ran over to Fluttershy and untied her while Spike and Luna fought.

“We have to help Twilight!” Fluttershy said once Rarity untied her. She and Rarity ran over to Twilight, helping Applejack and Pinkie Pie lift her up and carry her out of the warehouse. Once they were outside and far away from where Luna and Spike were fighting, they laid her down on the ground.

“Twilight! Twilight!” Applejack cried, sitting next to Twilight and resting her head on her lap.

Twilight slowly opened her eyes and looked up at Applejack. “Apple…jack…” she breathed out.

“Why did you do that?!” Fluttershy asked, “Why would you tell her where the Crystal Heart was?!”

“I thought… she would let you go…” Twilight stated, “I guess… I messed up… again… I told you… I'd be a terrible… Power… Ranger…”

“No, not at all!” Rarity cried, “You're the only one who showed your virtue from the beginning! You were even able to morph!”

“Please don't die, Twilight!” Pinkie Pie begged, tears falling freely from her eyes.

“I'm… sorry everyone…” Twilight said, “At least… I'm with my… friends…”

“You can't do this…!” Fluttershy seethed, “YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! I LOST RAINBOW DASH! I CAN'T LOSE YOU TOO! DO YOU HEAR ME?! YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DIE!”

Fluttershy completely broke down, prompting Rarity to immediately embrace her tightly, silently crying herself. Applejack didn't even try to hold in her tears, looking at Twilight desperately.

“Please Twilight…!” Applejack sobbed, “Stay with me…!” Twilight smiled at Applejack and reached out to touch her face.

“You're my… best… friends… forever…” Twilight closed her eyes gently as her entire body went limp, her hand falling to the ground lifeless. Pinkie Pie immediately broke down, burying her face in her hands, Fluttershy was crying so hard now that she could barely even stand, forcing Rarity to hold onto her even tighter despite her own devastated tears. Applejack hugged Twilight's body close, and screamed at the top of her lungs. As they all sobbed, Spike slowly limped over to them before falling to the ground. It was Rarity who noticed him.

“Spike!” Rarity cried out running to his aid, “We need to get him back to Celestia!”

“Twilight too,” Applejack said, carrying Twilight's body bridal style as she stood up, “I ain't leavin her body out here like some random corpse!”

Rarity and Pinkie Pie picked up Spike while Applejack carried Twilight, and they all made their way to the Everfree Forest, Fluttershy lagging behind a bit as if in a daze.

“Stupid mutt!” Luna cursed, using her magic to heal her wounds as she stepped out, “The rest of the Rangers escaped because of that intrusion. However,” she looked at her sword, which glowed with a golden energy, “I believe I have enough gold now. It's time to get ready to claim my Crystal Heart.”

She'd take a break from killing, instead going someplace to meditate and prepare to summon her guardian beast. Her mission was almost done, and best of all, the Power Rangers were no longer a threat.

She won the game.

It took a while to reach the ruined castle, mainly because they were carrying two bodies. Still, eventually they arrived in the hidden chamber under the castle, where Spike instantly shifted into his human form.

“Spike!” Celestia's voice cried out from around them. She manifested before them and floated over to the group as Rarity and Pinkie Pie helped him to his feet, “My vassal, are you alright?”

“Y-yeah… I'm okay…” Spike breathed out, “I'm sorry, Your Majesty… I was too late…”

Celestia looked up at Applejack and Fluttershy as they entered, the former carrying Twilight's body. A horrified look appeared on her face before she floated over to them.

“She was tryin’ to protect us…” Applejack said, a continuous stream of tears falling from her eyes, “Luna jus' killed her cause she wanted to…”

“No… Oh no…” Celestia said. Applejack set Twilight down onto the floor and Celestia knelt down next to her, hugging her as she cried, “Why…? Why did she have to die…?”

“It's not fair…” Fluttershy said, sitting in a corner by herself and hugging her knees, “Everyone I care about leaves me… This is why I didn't want to become friends with anyone…”

“But… we're the heroes…” Pinkie Pie said somberly, “We're not supposed to lose…”

“This isn't one of your comic books, Pinkie Pie!” Fluttershy screamed, voice hoarse from crying, “This is real life! Here, the strong live, and the weak die! We were weak!”

For a few seconds to a minute, the only sounds echoing in the room were Celestia's devastated sobs as she cried over Twilight, who looked peaceful and beautiful even in death.

“This is my fault…” Spike said somberly, “Her Majesty sensed Luna was nearby and sent me to protect you. If I had just been a little faster…”

“You came to rescue us…?” Applejack asked, “We thought you had given up on us…”

“No!” Celestia cried, shocking all of them, “Never! I'd never give up on you girls! I was just sad because…” she looked back down at Twilight, “I've seen this before… It was the same with Luna…”

“What do you mean?” Rarity asked.

“Luna was like all of you,” Celestia said, “She was an outcast in society due to her outlook on life. Despite our technology, we were a peaceful race. However, Luna believed that our peace would one day lead us to ruin. She was a warrior, and was very chaotic. I had hoped that becoming a Power Ranger would teach Luna the value of peace and compassion. Alas, it had the opposite effect.

“She grew to resent my way of ruling, and believed that she would have been a better fit for the throne. I tried to reason with her, but she was far too gone. The state of her heart attracted a great evil, and she was twisted into the person you all met earlier. I had hoped to use the surge of power from your first morph to come back to life and reason with her one last time. Like this, I am bound to the castle and forest, but if I could leave… I could possibly…”

“You want to reason with her?!” Rarity asked, “She's a monster!”

“THAT MONSTER IS MY SISTER!” Celestia screamed, shocking everyone. Outside, they could hear that it had started raining. It was almost like the weather was responding to Celestia's state of mind. Being a ghost, that might have been the case.

“No… I get it…”

Everyone turned to Fluttershy of all people.

“Fluttershy?” Applejack asked.

“When Rainbow Dash left me, so many of my peers kept telling me that she abandoned me, and that she wasn't really my friend,” Fluttershy said somberly, “I couldn't ever think bad of her though. Instead, I told myself that she had a good reason for leaving, and I still tell myself that,” she stood up and looked at everyone, “Also, she's like us isn't she? She's an outcast, hated by society for being different. Maybe if Luna had a friend like… like Twilight… she'd have ended up different. I think Celestia is amazing, to still love her sister after everything she's done.”

“That's the kinda love my family gives me,” Applejack said, sitting down on the bench, “My grandmother knows that I'm breakin curfew, yet she don't report me. She knows that I'm doin’ somethin’ important. I used to hate that, but now… I feel grateful.”

“Maud would believe in me,” Pinkie Pie added, sitting down next to Applejack, “If I somehow became an ax crazy killer, she'd probably still love me just like Celestia. Also, Twilight knew our flaws, yet she still called us her best friends.”

Rarity sighed, “Well, when you put it that way, I understand. I'm sort of in the same boat as Luna. Having someone who believes in you no matter what can mean a lot.”

As she spoke, she and Applejack met eyes.

Spike looked in the pool of water and gasped in shock, “Oh no… she's starting!”

Everyone gathered around the pool, which showed Luna thrusting her sword in the ground, and a large army of Putties slowly came out of the ground around her.

“That's a lot of holograms!” Pinkie Pie giggled nervously, voice trembling from fear.

“Those ain't holograms Pinkie Pie,” Applejack said, “Those are the real deal.”

“W-what are we going to do…?” Fluttershy asked, shrinking back.

“Come on, seriously? You don't get it?” Rarity asked, catching everyone's attention, “I say we go back out there and fight!”

“With what?” Fluttershy asked, “What do we have?”

Rarity reached into her bra and pulled out her Power Coin, “We have these!”

“Do you, seriously carry your Power Coin, in your breasts…?” Spike asked, blushing a bit.

“That doesn't matter right now, but yes,” Rarity said, “You all have yours, right?”

“They sorta follow us, remember?” Pinkie Pie asked, “We can't leave them home.”

“Then let's use them! Right now!” Rarity urged.

“But we don't know how to use 'em,” Applejack said, “If we go out there, we're jus' gonna get ourselves killed.”

“Is this any better?!” Rarity asked, “She's not going to ignore this place! We're dead either way! But it's like you're always saying, we're Power Rangers! Twilight had faith in us till the very end, and that's why she's dead! Because she had faith us, and we didn't deserve it!” Rarity closed her eyes and gripped her Power Coin close to her heart, “I'm tired of running, and I'm tired of hiding! Even if this stupid gem doesn't work, I'm going to fight Luna! Even if I lose my life in the process, I'm going to protect Ponyville!”

She didn't notice it, but the Black Power Coin started glowing.

“I… I'm going to!” Fluttershy said pulling out the Yellow Power Coin, “Twilight was my friend, and I let her down. Worst of all, I never got to tell her how much she meant to me. I don't want to lose anyone else. But instead of crying about how hopeless it is, I'm going to fight to protect my loved ones, as a Power Ranger!”

As she said that, she Yellow Power Coin started glowing.

Pinkie Pie took one last look at Twilight, and then slapped her cheeks lightly, pulling herself together, “I have to shape up too! Maud told me to never lose my smile, even if I'm sad!” she pulled out her Pink Power Coin, “Yeah… I need to fight right now, to protect the smiles of everyone!”

The Pink Power Coin started glowing.

Everyone turned to Applejack, who had walked back over to Twilight. She knelt down next to her, pulled out her Blue Power Coin and put it in Twilight's hand, and then pulled out the Red Power Coin herself and gripped it tightly.

“Whether it be takin her out or redeemin her, I'm makin Luna answer for everything she's done!” Applejack said through gritted teeth, “I ain't doin this jus' to protect the town though! She killed my best friend! I'll never forgive her for that!” she rose up and turned to her friends, “I'm not losin! I'm gonna fight Luna, and make her pay for killin’ Twilight!”

The Red Power Coin started glowing. At the same time, a bright light shined out of the pool of water as it started swirling on its own. Everyone looked at this surprised.

“Um, did we do something good?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I don't believe it…” Spike said slowly walking toward the pool, “It's the Morphing Grid! It's reacting!”

“It is?!” Rarity asked, “But, why?!”

“All five of you showed your virtues, and the Power Coins reacted!” Spike said, “Twilight's reacted probably around the time you were fighting earlier today or before she gave her life to protect you!”

“Celestia! You can do the thing now, right?!” Pinkie Pie asked, “You wanted to use this to come back to life!”

“Yes, hurry!” Fluttershy urged, “Maybe you can reach out to Luna one last time!”

Celestia looked at the light for a second, then closed her eyes, vanishing from the room by turning into a golden light herself. When she did, the light in the middle became bigger, to the point where everyone had to shield their eyes from the light.

“What's happening?!” Rarity asked.

“The Morphing Grid is recreating Celestia's body!” Spike explained, “Once the light dies down, she'll materialize into the room before us from the light!”

After a few more seconds, the light died down back to normal. Oddly though, they didn't see Celestia anywhere.

“Celestia?” Applejack asked as everyone looked around, “Where are ya?”

“I am here, Applejack,” Celestia said, her voice oddly still surrounding them. She then appeared before them, still in her ghostly form. Everyone was confused.

“You're still see through though?” Pinkie Pie asked, “What? Was it a dud?”

“Oh, it worked,” Celestia said with a saddened smile, “The Morphing Grid is capable of one single miracle. There was just… someone who needed that miracle more than me.”

They all heard a sudden gasp behind them. They looked and saw the most shocking thing. Twilight had opened her eyes and was breathing heavily, the wound on her stomach closed as if it never existed.

“TWILIGHT!!!” the girls all cheered running to her side and helping her up.

“Everyone!” Twilight breathed out with a peaceful smile, “You're all alive!”

Applejack stepped in front of Twilight, and the two of them hugged tightly.

“Yeah, we are,” Applejack said, this time shedding tears of joy, “And you are too!”

Fluttershy was breathing heavier and heavier, and then burst into tears and embraced Twilight once Applejack let her go.

“I thought I'd lost another friend!” Fluttershy sobbed.

“I'm sorry Fluttershy,” Twilight said embracing her just as tightly, “I guess I'm really not good at being a Power Ranger, huh?”

“On the contrary,” Rarity said wiping her tears, “You were the one who helped us become Rangers.”

I can't take this anymore!” Pinkie Pie cried, “Group hug everyone!”

All five of them hugged, laughing and crying at the same time. Spike smiled at them, but then looked at Celestia worried, “Are you sure this is okay, Your Majesty?”

“I am,” Celestia sighed, her disappointment evident yet still smiling, “Look at them, Spike. This was indeed the right decision.”

“Celestia,” Twilight said, separating from her friends and walking over to her ghostly mentor, “You wanted to use that for yourself, right?”

“I did initially,” Celestia said, “But I do not regret this decision. I am a relic of the past. Twilight. You on the other hand have so many things you have to accomplish. I know you will make me proud, Twilight.”

Twilight gave Celestia a saddened smile, and the two of them embraced.

“Thank you Celestia.” Twilight said.

“You're very welcome, Twilight.” Celestia said with a maternal smile.

“What does this mean for us against Luna?” Applejack asked, “Ya wanted to try an' reason with her, right?”

“Yes, but I am leaving her fate in your hands,” Celestia said, “You girls are the Power Rangers now, and Ponyville will be protected in the manner you see fit.”

Applejack nodded to Celestia seriously, and then turned to her team. All of them nodded and slowly stepped onto their respective pedestals. Applejack looked around at her friends, feeling their determination. There was no question this time. She knew it was going to work this time.

“It's morphin' time,” Applejack said, stepping onto her pedestal. Immediately, a bright light shot out of the pool of water, and magical energy gathered around all five of them. Their clothes began glowing and vanished, but then pieces of armor began to slowly materialize on their bodies. The last thing to appear for all of them was a helmet with silver mouth guard and black visor.

In the forest, five armored clad female warriors stepped out from the secret chamber one by one. The first one wore black armor, and walked with a sensual saunter, one hand on her hip with an air of haughtiness to her.

Behind her was a pink armored warrior, who stepped out, stretched her fingers in front of her and then continued forward.

Next up was a blue armored warrior, who stepped out taking a deep breath. She seemed nervous, but still confident.

Right after her was a yellow armored warrior, who looked around the castle, tightened her fists, and then continued onward.

And finally was their leader, clad in red armor. She stepped out and cracked her knuckles. She then looked around at her team, all of them looking at her waiting for her to give the order. She nodded, and started walking toward the main entrance of the castle, front and center as her four companions all next to her. Their target, Ponyville. Their mission, to stop Luna and protect their home. The Power Rangers were back.

Author's Notes:

Next up, their first fight. Don't worry, I plan on letting them spend more than two minutes in their suits before the giant robots come in.

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