Prologue : "It's falling down for you."

I remember the precise moment when Twilight showed up at my door.

It was a few minutes after noon on a chilly, but beautiful Friday. As always, the entirety of my focus was on one of my Fall projects: a magnificent cobalt sweater of acrylic yarn and fleece. There was more than enough time for me to to work on it, given that Sweetie Belle was at school and there was nothing distracting me from completing more than a couple orders. The sweater was a little something for myself—a sort of simple, but elegant piece that I had planned a few days prior. I just finished a stitch on one of the sleeves when a frantic rapping drew my attention to the door. "It's open!" I called, setting my glasses on the nearby desk. "Come on in!"

I couldn't help but flinch when the door was thrown open, revealing my alicorn friend on the other side. She obviously didn't mean to be so barbaric. Her reaction was the same as mine, but then she ignored the door and came galloping up to me. I could see the concern in her eyes as she spoke. "Rarity, Cheerilee sent me to find you," she said, her voice laced with urgency. "Sweetie Belle and her friends were in another accident."

"Oh, dear, what's the damage this time?" I asked. Sweetie Belle and her friends were notorious for their antics and, needless to say, it wasn't their first visit to the hospital. Experience lead me to believe that this was no different. At the same time, said experience wasn't going to quell the concern for my only sister's well-being either.

"I'm afraid not. All I know is that they were taken to the hospital not too long ago."

I gently ran a hoof over my mane to make sure that there wasn't a hair out of place. "All right, then," I said. "I shall take my leave. The sooner I get there, the sooner I know the details." Twilight simply nodded as I passed her on my way out the door, and she wordlessly followed behind me. We parted ways afterwards; she needed to retrieve Rainbow Dash and Applejack. So, alone, I made my way to Ponyville Hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As soon as I entered the front lobby, the first pony I saw was Cheerilee. She was seated off to the left, her face buried in her hooves. I couldn't tell whether or not she was or had been crying, but her presence made my heart slowly sink. I felt an eagerness to know why she was there. Very few times did she show up at the hospital when the Crusaders were involved, like the time when my sister bruised some of her ribs upon falling off the playground's merry-go-round, or when Apple Bloom broke one of her hind legs when she leaped off a swing on a dare.

I kept my composure as I called out to her. My voice carried out the desired effect. Cheerilee's attention shifted to me, and only then did I see that her face was, thankfully, dry. Though she looked distressed, I felt better in the knowledge that no tears were shed. "Oh, Rarity," she said as she stood. "I-I'm so sorry about all of this."

"Don't worry about it, Cheerilee," I replied with a small smile. "What did my sister and her friends get themselves into this time?"

She looked away from me, as though ashamed, and my heart beat slightly faster at the sight. "The... The girls snuck away from the schoolyard during lunch," she replied. She spoke slowly in what I assumed was an attempt to properly articulate the situation. Yet, her voice cracked, and the sound made my heart sink. "I don't know when. I was inside grading papers. I-I didn't notice they were gone until I called the children inside. I recruited some of the students and divided them into pairs so it would be easier to find them." She drew in a long breath. "One of the groups found them at the hemlock grove outside town and they called for help, so they were already in a medical wagon by the time I arrived at the scene. The paramedic told me that the girls had gotten their h-hooves on a go-cart and—"

"Go-cart?" I gasped. I recalled Sweetie Belle mentioning the contraption on several occasions. But, last I heard, she was disappointed that it would be a while before it was officially finished.

The teacher nodded, then swallowed. I heard the soft "click" in her throat. "They... They crashed into one of the trees."

I blinked, my calm composure well maintained. "Well, they've had such mishaps before." It was true. I couldn't count the number of explosions, crashes, snake bites, burns, and schemes that they had gone through over the years. She knew that almost as well as I, so I didn't understand why was she acting all grim about the matter. "Children will be children, after all. I don't see what the—"

For the second time that afternoon, I was startled by the loud "thud" of a roughly-handled door. A blue blur flew past me like wind when I tried to investigate. Rainbow Dash...!

My pegasus friend skidded to a halt at the front desk, then she turned to face us. "Oh, hey Rarity, Cheerilee," she chuckled. "Sorry about that. As soon as I heard that Scoots and the other Crusaders were brought here, I high-tailed it."

The feathery sound of flapping wings signaled Twilight's arrival, as did her exasperated panting. "You 'high-tailed' it all right!" she breathily scolded as she approached. "Honestly, Rainbow, if you wanted to get over here so quickly you could've let me teleport you!"

"Don't mind her, Twilight," I interjected with a smile. "You know how she is."

My alicorn companion opened her mouth to speak. However, Cheerilee suddenly stepped between us—an action I found quite rude. "Is Applejack on her way, Princess?" she asked.

"Oh, yes, she is. She said something about finishing up her last chore, but she's definitely in the process of getting here." Having dealt with the interruption, she returned her attention to me. "So, what happened?"

I rolled my eyes. "The poor things crashed their go-cart."

"Aw, bummer," grumbled Rainbow. "They were workin' real hard on that."

"Indeed." I looked around the lobby. Unfortunately, there were no doctors nor nurses in sight. I thought to myself, I wish there was somepony here to tell us the location of their room.

It was a small prayer—one that was immediately answered when a tan-colored earth pony stallion clad in green scrubs emerged from the inner workings of the hospital. The bags beneath his eyes betrayed his exhaustion, as did his voice. "Good afternoon, ladies." He bowed his head. "Princess Twilight. I'm Doctor Halter. How may I help you today?"

I stepped forward. "We were wondering if you could tell us which room the Cutie Mark Crusaders are in, please."

"Pardon?"

"Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo," retorted Twilight. "They were brought in not too long ago. Does a go-cart crash ring a bell?"

The doctor's brow furrowed. "Ah, I see," he muttered slowly. I didn't like the apprehensive look on his face. "Yes, I know their—"

The door behind him was thrown open as a distraught nurse burst through it like a bat out of Tartarus. "Doctor Halter!" she cried. "Come quickly! The patient's bleeding again and her blood pressure is dropping!"

"Eternal night..." He wiped the beaded sweat from his forehead with the back of his hoof before he stomped it against the carpeted floor. "How did that happen? We just stabilized her! Ugh, nevermind. I'll be right there!" He looked towards us and he pointed to the set of doors on the left side of the lobby. "You're looking for Room #113. Please, excuse me, but I have to go!"

Watched him gallop away, and a thin thread of tension tightened between us. "Oh, dear," I whispered. "That sounded dire."

"Eh, it's a hospital," Rainbow Dash crudely commented. "Everything is dire here."

"Let's just go check up on the girls."

"May I come with you?" asked Cheerilee. "I don't want to impose, but..."

"I don't mind at all, darling. Rainbow Dash?"

"It's all good with me, Rares."

"Alright, let's be on our way then." With a trot in my step, my friends and I made our way to the patients' ward. There was little conversation. At least, there was little that I actually heard. All my thoughts were on Sweetie Belle; I had a bizarre eagerness to get to her. After we passed what seemed like an unusually-lengthy white corridor of rooms, we finally reached #113.

I didn't know what to expect when I opened that door, but it definitely wasn't what I saw with my own eyes. There was a nurse, who was not the same mare we saw before, tending to Scootaloo as Sweetie Belle slept. The young pegasus had sustained some sort of injury to her right eye, for it was covered with a freshly-applied medical eyepatch. I made my way over to the bed in which my sister was sound asleep, during which I made the observation that Apple Bloom was nowhere in sight. I found that strange.

Rainbow whistled. "Whoa, Scoots," she snickered. "What happened to you guys? Looks like you took quite a tumble."

Since Sweetie was resting, I listened to what Scootaloo had to say. She groaned and shifted uncomfortably on the bed. "The brakes on the stupid go-cart failed," she said. "We took it out to that large hill with the dead oak tree on it so we could give it a test run before lunch was over."

"Scootaloo," scolded Cheerilee. "You know better than to leave the schoolyard while school is still in session!"

"I know, but we had so much time left before class! We were gonna come back."

Tsk-ing, the nurse shook her head. "It was a foolish thing to do," she said. "You and your friend over there should count your blessings."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Twilight bite down on her bottom lip. "What about Apple Bloom?" she inquired. "Where is she?"

"In the O.R., I'm afraid."

I gasped in unison with the others. Tears gathered in Cheerilee's eyes. "Oh, no," she whispered. "What happened to her?"

"I wasn't on-scene, so I can't say for certain, but the poor filly hit the tree head-first. I'm afraid there was most certainly head trauma, though I don't know the extent." Sighing, she gathered up her supplies and headed out the door. "She's been in surgury since she was first brought in."

Fear crashed down upon me like a tidal wave. I wasn't the only one who felt the crushing blow, for I was not the only one to recollect the incident in the lobby. "Oh, stars," breathed Twilight, holding a hoof to her mouth. "You guys d-don't think that...?" She didn't need to finish for us to understand what she asked.

Albeit reluctantly, I nodded—carefully brushing my hoof over Sweete's mane. Rainbow Dash and Cheerilee's heads slowly bobbed up and down as well. Scootaloo, however, appeared confused as she glanced between us. "What?" she asked. "What don't you guys think? Apple Bloom is gonna be okay, right?"

Poor dear... I offered her a comforting smile. There were a few words I wished to speak to put the filly at ease, but her honorary (and, sometimes, unbelievably dense) sister opened her mouth first. "Listen, Scoots," she said hesitantly. I cringed, and caught a glimpse of my horn's aura as I instinctually reached out to my friend with my magic. "There was sort of a—"

It was fortunate I was able to clamp Rainbow's mouth shut before she spoke. "We can't say for sure, Scootaloo," I said in her place, though with much more tact. "Head injuries are no laughing matter." In the back of my mind, I repeatedly thanked the Royal Sisters for the fact that Sweetie wasn't afflicted by such an injury.

It was only natural that, with slightly wider eyes, the little pegasus asked, "Why?"

Clearing her throat, Twilight sat on the other side of her bed; she was soon joined by Cheerilee. It seemed that the two more... informed minds in the room had a proper explanation. Unfortunately, it wasn't something I needed to understand the severity of the situation. I continued to lovingly pet my sister's mane as I drowned out what was spoken. No, I needed not an explanation. I needed only to relish in the presence of my unharmed, slumbering sibling.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The room fell into an unnerving silence that lasted well over an hour. During that time, Scootaloo fell asleep, Rainbow Dash dozed off at the foot of her assigned bed, and Cheerilee thought it best to return to the school. There was still no word from any of the nurses or doctors regarding Apple Bloom's condition and her sister had not yet arrived. To top it all off, Sweetie Belle remained in a peaceful slumber. So, it was only a matter of time before I became restless. I needed to take a stroll—to breathe in some fresh air. "Twilight," I softly called. "Be a dear and watch over Sweetie Belle for me, will you? I need to take a step outside."

She nodded, yawning. In the opposite corner of the room, she didn't look all too comfortable in that metal chair she found. "Sure thing, Rarity," she said in reply. "Keep an eye out for Applejack while you're out, okay?"

"Of course, darling." As quietly as possible, I exited the room. The corridor remained barren of activity, so I was comfortable enough to take my time as I stretched my limbs. I felt better already, but I still needed fresh air in my lungs. Unlike most ponies, the scent of disinfectant affected me little. I was fond of the cleanliness of hospitals. It was a required cleanliness, but I liked it nonetheless. Unfortunately, the circumstance which lead me to the building caused me to tire of it rather quickly.

I didn't want to be there as long as the girls were there. They deserved to be within the sheltering walls of their homes, in their own beds and dreaming of more foalish schemes to obtain their cutie marks.

The tapping of my steps faintly echoed as I left the patients' ward. It was the only sound to fill the silence, until I opened one of the lobby doors and was greeted with a wayward cloud of glitter and the familiar scent of cake frosting. Pinkie Pie just arrived and, being the exuberant mare she was, she came with cake and balloons. It was a simple cake: double chocolate with wordless strawberry frosting—more than enough for three hungry fillies. "Rarity!" she called in a singsong voice. "I brought cake! Oh, and Applejack!"

I leaned to the side to look behind her and, sure enough, Applejack walked in behind her. She greeted me with a, "Howdy, Rarity," and a tip of her hat.

"Goodness gracious, Applejack," I replied sharply. "Where have you been?"

She raised a brow, as though I had spontaneously sprouted another head. "What're you talkin' about? I told Twilight to tell y'all that I had some stuff to finish up. It ain't a big deal."

I knew better than to make accusations. She wasn't aware of her sister's condition. I should have told her right then and there. But, Celestia help me, I didn't know how to tell her. It was ridiculous. All I had to do was open my mouth and tell her that Apple Bloom was in surgury, then proceed to properly explain the circumstance.

Unfortunately, my hesitation was costly, and I lost the chance to tell her myself.

I heard a door open. Automatically, I turned my head and I saw Doctor Halter emerge once more. He didn't see us at first. His head was lowered as he dragged himself behind the front desk. He didn't look well. I prayed that fatigue was to blame. He poured himself a cup of coffee; I heard the liquid pour into the cup, and the scent betrayed the hot drink's identity. Soon, with his coffee in hoof, he took a seat at the desk with a tired grunt.

"What's his deal?" asked Applejack quietly. "Poor fella looks like he lost an arguement with an Ursa Major."

Pinkie Pie would have none of that, apparently. She bounced over to him. "What's up, Doc?" she exclaimed, grinning widely as she leaped onto the desk. If she expected a warm reception, she was mistaken. Her greeting was met with a regurgitated mouthful of coffee. She remained smiling, however. She had asked a question, so she eagerly awaited his answer.

Wide-eyed, Doctor Halter wiped the remaining drink from his chin and he cleared his throat. "Oh, Miss Pinkie," he said. "What are you doing here?"

She eased herself off the marble surface—surprisingly careful with the cake she still held. "It's super-duper good to see you, too!" She held the dish out to him. "Want some cake? You look like you need some cake!" She realized her mistake right away and she frowned, looking down at the baked good. "Oh, wait, my bad. This one is for the Crusaders." The frown then vanished as hastily as it appeared. "No biggie! I'll bring you one as soon as I can!"

Despite his earlier alarm and confusion, the surgeon's expression softened. "Thank you, Pinkie," he replied. He slid his cup aside. "I could certainly use a cake on a day like this."

"Well, don't worry, I'll bake it and deliver it myself!"

"Again, you have my thanks."

"No problem! Say, can you tell us where the Crusaders are? I kinda have to give them their cake before it gets cold."

A small lump coagulated in my throat when Doctor Halter's pupils shrank to pin-pricks. Again, he cleared his throat. "Yes, well," he said, "you're looking for room #113. Little Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are there."

Applejack moved from my side and approached the desk. "What about Apple Bloom? What room is she in?"

Previously unaware of our presence, he was startled by her voice. He then froze upon seeing her. His mouth moved a few times, but no words came forth. Pinkie Pie's head tilted in confusion before she cautiously placed her hoof on his shoulder and gave him a gentle shake. "Doctor?" she whispered. "Yoo-hoo!"

He looked at her, he glanced at me, and then his gaze fixed on Applejack as he left his seat. I saw the sweat on his brow as he neared. "Miss... Miss Applejack," he said. "I need you to come with me for a moment, please."

She eyed him suspiciously. "Why?"

"It concerns your sister."

"Aw, ponyfeathers, she broke somethin', didn't she?"

"Follow me and I'll explain—"

"Shoot, Doc, spit it out! You don't have 'ta beat around the bush. If you need to keep her here for a few days, then just tell me already!"

Doctor Halter looked at me once more, then at Pinkie. "Are you certain?"

"As sure as I'm standin' here, Doc."

"Very well. Please, all of you, take a seat."

We did as he asked and we seated ourselves. Applejack sat between Pinkie and I as the surgeon stood before us. "Now," he began, "when your sister was brought in, we had to take her into the operating room right away. She sustained a severe head injury from hitting one of the trees upon crashing the go-cart that she and her friends were riding."

My friend's ears pressed firmly against her head as she removed her hat. "I know about the go-cart," she replied softly. "Apple Bloom was so darn excited about it. I had trouble gettin' her to turn in for the night a few times. You... You were able to fix her noggin, right?"

"Miss Applejack, Apple Bloom's skull was fractured. We... tried to fix it, but the bone fragments that resulted from the injury lacerated—cut—through the veins in her head like a knife through butter. There was a substantial accumulation of blood inside her skull that caused pressure on her brain. The pressure began almost as soon as her head hit the tree and there's no telling how long it took before the emergency wagon reached her. We drained the blood, but it wasn't enough."

My composure began to waver as he spoke. I already knew, but I didn't want to acknowledge it. Part of me hoped that I heard him wrong—that he would turn around and tell us that, against all odds, they were able to stabilize Apple Bloom. My hoof trembled as I wiped away a stray tear. I was almost too afraid to look at Applejack. It was easy to tell myself that none of it was real if I didn't look at her. But, ever so slowly, I turned my head in her direction.

Yet, my eyes were first drawn to Pinkie.

It was probably because her mane was... lackluster. It was always so gorgeously curly and robust. Although, it had a habit of reflecting her mood during those rare occasions when it changed. Unfortunately, it was one of those occasions, and her mane became deflated-looking as a result. She didn't even try to hide her dread behind a conjured smile. No, her eyes were as round as dinner plates and they glistened with moisture; the cake vibrated in her shaking hooves. Unlike myself, her attention was on our dear friend.

So, I mustered the courage to do the same. My heart nearly split in two at what I saw. Applejack knew. One could see it in her eyes as she struggled to hold back tears. The poor dear was trying to keep it together. Then, she asked, "What're you sayin', Doc?"

Doctor Halter took a deep breath as he gently took one of her hooves into his own. "I'm so, so sorry, Miss Applejack, but we weren't able to save your sister. She is dead."

I quickly covered my mouth to stifle the sob that escaped my throat, and there was a "splat!" on the floor as Pinkie's cake escaped her quaking grasp. Apple Bloom? Sweet, innocent Apple Bloom, dead? Yes, I knew before Doctor Halter was straightforward about it, but even then I still didn't want to believe him. I didn't want to believe that somepony I knew, somepony who was so young, was taken so gruesomely from us.

And neither did Applejack. "No..." she whispered, squeezing her eyes shut. "No...! You're... You're lyin'!"

Doctor Halter took a step back. "Miss Applejack, please understand—"

She shook her head and she slapped the stallion's hoof away. "She ain't dead!" she shrieked.

Pinkie and I recoiled in shock as our friend suddenly leaped out of her chair and bolted past the surgeon—crying out for her little sister. We and Doctor Halter immediately galloped after her. I stumbled over my own hooves more times than I wished to admit as we chased her through the bleach-white corridors. I forgot how fast she was. We weren't able to catch up with her until she burst through the doors of the operating room. Then, a haunting, high-pitched wail reverberated off the sanitized walls.

The doctor was the first to enter after her, followed by Pinkie and then myself. Without warning, everything became too real far too quickly. Every available nurse was frozen in their tracks as they watched Applejack sob uncontrollably over the body on the metal table. It was Apple Bloom's body, covered with a blood-speckled sheet. At that moment, I didn't care that my mascara was running as tears finally spilled down my cheeks like rain. I walked towards Applejack in an attempt to offer her some form of comfort.

I stepped on something then. It was something soft. At first, I thought it was nothing more than gauze, until I looked down and saw pink fabric. It was Apple Bloom's bow, tattered and stained with her own blood. It was... too much for me to bear. The room began to spin, followed by the feeling that my body was plummeting from a great height. I distinctly remember pink forelegs wrapping tightly around me before my body had the chance to fall upon the crimson-smeared floor.

Blissful darkness came soon after.

Chapter One : "So for all you ever desired, you wanted to be."

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Hours passed before I finally regained consciousness. The hospital room in which I was placed was next to my sister's, as told to me by Fluttershy, who had arrived only an hour before. She and Pinkie Pie were the only ones present; Rainbow Dash was watching over Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, and Twilight was trying to counsel Applejack and her family.

They all took it upon themselves to tell Scootaloo and my sister that Apple Bloom was... gone. They would have waited for me to awaken, but Sweetie Belle was the first to stir and Scootaloo practically demanded answers from them. Fluttershy choked up as she told me how the poor fillies cried their little hearts out. I cursed myself for not being there for my sister when she needed me most.

I scrambled out of bed, and Fluttershy helped me tidy up my hair and makeup before I hurried into the other room. The last thing I recall from that particular day was how Sweetie jumped off the bed and threw herself into my forelegs, only to cry herself asleep once more. It was possible that I wept with her.

The days that followed were no easier. I saw little of Applejack, though she spoke few words to me when we actually crossed paths. She acted in the same manner around our other friends. We had a mutual agreement to stay out of her mane until further notice, however. She was a busy mare who suffered a great loss and we didn't want to suffocate her with our concerns.

Although, I heard nothing more of the funeral until Monday morning. I managed to convince Sweetie Belle to go to school, so I was alone. I was in the middle of nothing in particular, only some experimental patterns, when the chime of the bell that hung above the boutique's door alerted me to a customer. “Hello?” somepony gently called. “Is anypony here?” The voice, laced with an elegant Manehattan accent, belonged to a mare I did not recognize.

Curious, I left my workroom to greet her. “So sorry for the delay!” I quickly glanced over the mare's cream-colored form. She was an earth pony, with beautiful orange hair that was tied up in a towering bun. All she wore was a wool shawl that was fastened around her shoulders with an emerald brooch. “Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, how may I help you on this fine morning?”

Her weary sapphire eyes narrowed at the sight of me. “I apologize for intruding upon your work so early in the morning,” she replied. “You must be Rarity, correct?”

“That is correct, Miss...?”

“Marmalade—Marmalade Orange. I am the Apple siblings' aunt.”

Aunt Orange! I immediately recognized her name from Applejack's story regarding the origin of her cutie mark. I was taken aback by her presence, but only momentarily. “Oh, Miss Marmalade—”

“You may all me 'Aunt Orange,' if you please.”

“—Aunt Orange, I'm terribly sorry for your loss. I'll happily assist you with anything you need.”

She smiled. “Thank you, dearie, but all I need right now is an outfit for the funeral.”

“Oh, my. You did not bring one with you?”

“No, my other ensemble is far too... fancy. I wasn't going to wear such a thing to my niece's funeral. No, I need something simpler. So does Mosely, my husband, but he won't stop by until tomorrow, as he's with Granny Smith right now.”

“That's perfectly fine. I'm sure Granny Smith needs the company more than your husband needs an outfit.” I lead her into the heart of the boutique, where I displayed my finished works, so that I could begin taking her measurements. As I retrieved my measuring tape, I asked, “So, will the rest of the Apple family be coming?” A silly question, I know, but a little smalltalk never hurt anypony.

She rested her shawl on a nearby chair, then she stood upon the podium. “Naturally,” she retorted. “All of them are on their way as we speak, from Appleloosa, Dodge Junction, Mustangia, and so on and so forth.”

Smiling, I stretched the tape over her withers. “That's good. Being surrounded by family will do all of you a lot of good.”

“Yes, we certainly need it. Applejack, especially.”

My ears perked up. “Oh? How... How is she handling things?”

Aunt Orange bit down on the corner of her lip and she cast me the kind of glance that told me that she wasn't sure whether she should say or not. Yet, she sighed and answered. “She... Well, it's hard to say how she's coping with Apple Bloom's death. I know that neither she or her brother took it very well, but Big Macintosh has been working through the grief like no tomorrow. Granny Smith said that he's also been to their parents' graves multiple times. Applejack, on the other hoof, has barely spoken a word to anypony the past few days. Mosely and I hardly got a 'hello' out of her when we arrived. She's just been so...” She twirled her hoof in the air.

“Robotic?” I inquired.

She nodded, extending her left foreleg to the side for the tape. “I can't imagine she's already gotten over it...” she continued quietly, as though she was now talking more to herself. “She's either hardened her heart against the pain or, Celestia help her, it hasn't entirely hit her yet.”

That wasn't too hard to believe. Applejack could be frustratingly stubborn at times, and I was certain that was true even in the face of tragedy. “When is the funeral, Aunt Orange?” I then asked, focusing my attention on her barrel. “I fear that nopony told Sweetie Belle and I.”

“Is that your sister, dearie?”

“Yes, she was close with Apple Bloom. She... walked away from the accident with only a few cuts and bruises, thank Celestia.” I was a fool for saying such a thing in front of a member of the Apple family.

Fortunately, Aunt Orange didn't appear at all offended or upset by my comment. “Well, that's good,” she said. “All three of those poor fillies could be dead right now, but it seems that Fate deemed it otherwise.” Again, she glanced at me. “Forgive me, I almost forgot to answer your question. The funeral will take place at Sweet Apple Acres in two days.”

I took the last measurement from her croup before I nodded and asked, “I take it she will be buried alongside her parents?”

“That's what her family wishes.” She inhaled, then exhaled a deep breath. “That's what Ambrosia and her husband would want.”

“And who would they be, Aunt Orange?”

“Apple Bloom's parents. Ambrosia Orange is my sister. She married into the Apple family when she wed her beloved Orchard Mason.”

She paused yet again. It was clear to me that she had a lot to get off her chest, so I remained quiet. I was used to it; since it distracted them from the discomfort of standing still, clients liked to chat. “She always loved the simple farm life,” she continued. “Our late grandparents owned a large citrus farm that set outside Trottingham, where we would often spend our summers when we were young. I didn't much care for it. As much as I loved spending time with them, the farm was just too... dirty. Ambrosia was my opposite in that regard. She loved getting her hooves caked with mud, especially if it came with the added bonus of helping out our grandparents.” She smiled sadly. “I miss her.”

I couldn't resist the urge to ask, “How did she and her husband pass?” After all, Applejack never talked about her parents before and I was as curious as a cat.

She sighed. “Carriage accident. Mosely and I watched Apple Bloom one weekend. She and Mason were on their way to pick her up when their carriage was struck by a taxi.” She sneered. “Fools ran a red light because their older-than-dirt client threatened to sue if he didn't make his lunch appointment.”

“Oh, dear, that's unfortunate.” That was all I could say, really. I didn't want to comfort her over deaths that occurred so long ago and it felt wrong to press the issue. Instead, I stepped down from the podium—draping the measuring tape around my neck. “Well, Aunt Orange, did you have anything specific in mind for your garb?” I inquired, changing the subject.

Shaking her head, she retrieved her shawl. “No, I trust your abilities as a seamstress.” She made her way out the door, then. “I'll bring both Mosely and the bits I owe you tomorrow.”

What I should have done was chase after her and tell her that she didn't need to pay me, but I let her leave undisturbed. I had work to do. I had a lot of work to do now that I knew when and where the funeral was to be held. Aunt Orange, her husband, myself, and Sweetie Belle all needed outfits for the occasion. Marmalade was in the right of mind to go in something simplistic, so that was what I kept in mind as I sketched various concepts down on parchment.

I worked well into the afternoon. I was successful in finishing Aunt Orange's ensemble, thankfully, and I was more than pleased with the outcome. Without a doubt, it was exactly what she wanted. It was a black cotton frock with a matching hat. To add a smidgen of elegance to it all, I tied gray ribbons around the midsection of both the dress and cap. Of course, the cap also had a short veil across the front. Mosely's drawn garb had a similar design. Except it was only a suit jacket, minus the ribbon. Once I had the stallion's numbers, it would take no time at all to throw together.

I stepped back to admire my work. Although, it wasn't long before I heard another customer come in. Only, it wasn't a customer. “Rarity?” a small, tired voice called. “You home?”

It was Sweetie Belle. “I'm back here, darling,” I called in reply. As she walked in, I hesitated asking her about her day. Her bloodshot eyes and disheveled mane were warning enough. I made my way to the couch, holding out my forelegs as I settled there. “Come here, Sweetie.”

Wordlessly, she dropped her saddlebags on the floor. She then hopped into my embrace—making herself comfortable between my forelegs. I nuzzled the top of her head. “Rough day?” I softly inquired.

She nodded.

I bit the side of my lip. “Those nasty fillies from school didn't torment you again, did they?”

She shook her head. “No, they didn't,” she sighed. “Miss Cheerilee wants the entire class to do something for Apple Bloom's funeral...” She turned her head to look at me. “The other kids want to make her cards and stuff like that, but Scootaloo and I want to do something special.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Well, Apple Bloom always liked my singing.” A small smile appeared on her face. “I... I think I'll sing for her.”

Smiling, I hugged her close to me. “That's a lovely idea, darling. What about Scootaloo? What does she want to do?”

My question changed Sweetie's mood immediately. Her smile fell and her ears folded back. She looked very, very uncomfortable. “She... wants to tell Applejack what really happened...”

I furrowed my brow. “Sweetie, darling, Scootaloo already told us what happened. Applejack knows that the brakes on your go-kart failed.”

“Yeah, but the thing is that Scootaloo and I weren't in the go-kart when it hit the tree.”

There was a sinking sensation in my belly. “Then, where were you?”

She looked away from me as she began to draw invisible circles in the couch's maroon fabric. “When Apple Bloom couldn't stop it, s-she and Scootaloo started yelling at each other. I-I got really scared, so I jumped out. I didn't really see w-what happened after that, but I think Scootaloo also jumped out.” She sniffled. “Apple Bloom didn't.”

I was speechless. That certainly explained how Sweetie and Scootaloo ended up with only minor injuries. I understood abandoning ship in such a dire situation, but would Applejack?

“Are we bad ponies, Rarity?” my sister then asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Once again, I gave her a comforting hug. “No, darling, you're not bad ponies. Neither of you meant for this to happen.” I carefully stroked her mane—smoothing down some of the wayward hairs. It was time for the subject to change. “Now, about your song... There are two days before the funeral. Do you have an idea what you're going to do?”

She shrugged. “I don't think I can write one...”

“Well, why don't you head up to Princess Twilight's castle? A little dragon told me that she had all of the library's books replaced and delivered there already. If you ask nicely, I'm positive she'll help you find some books on music.” I peeked at the clock; it was a quarter after four. With my magic, I carefully lowered her to the floor. “You better hurry, however. I want you home before sundown, okay?”

I saw some hesitation from her, and then she went on her way. “Okay,” I heard her mutter. “It's worth a try, I guess.”

“And tell Twilight that the funeral is in two days at Sweet Apple Acres, if she doesn't know already.”

“Okay.”

With the “click” of the closing door, I was alone in the boutique again. Groaning, I left my warm spot on the couch to return to work. There were still dresses that needed to be crafted. Yet, I found myself wishing that Sweetie hadn't told me what she did. Unlike with previous hours, my concentration was continuously broken by worrisome thoughts. My sister and Scootaloo jumped from the go-kart and lived, but Apple Bloom did neither. The little pegasus wanted to tell Applejack... As much as she deserved to hear the details behind her sister's death, there was a part of me that felt it was a bad idea for her to know.

I was filled with so much doubt and concern that it was a miracle I was able to get any work done that evening.

Chapter Two : "Was shining so bright, but only a dream."

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When I was a filly, theater performances and cheap paperback novels conditioned me to expect rain during a funeral. Not heavy rain, mind you, but the kind of cold drizzle that served only to match the mood of the occasion. The weather on the day of Apple Bloom's funeral, however, was fairly decent. There were no clear blue skies over Ponyville that day, but there was no rain.

It seemed as though the whole town had showed up at Sweet Apple Acres to pay their respects. Well, perhaps it wasn't the entire population of Ponyville, given that the sizable Apple Family made up the majority of the crowd. However, there were more than a few familiar faces amongst us. The Cakes, Mr. Rich and his daughter, Cheerilee, and even Mayor Mare had made their way to the farm.

The most notable guests, however, were the Royal Sisters. Princess Luna was as still as a statue, her expression blank and her eyes closed, like she had taken a silent guardianship over the graves of Orchard Mason and Ambrosia Orange. Princess Celestia's stance was similar. Only, she appeared more relaxed—more at peace—as she stood over the tiny stone coffin that was soon to be lowered into the earth.

As for my friends and myself, we were seated at the front of the gathering alongside Applejack, her brother, and her grandmother. We spoke few words, we merely took comfort in our proximity. Twilight had Applejack and Spike wrapped in one wing, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo in the other. Pinkie Pie and I, on the other hoof, were shielded from the cold by both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash's feathery embrace. I was thankful for it; the chill of Autumn easily settled into my coat, despite my attire.

But, for Applejack's sake, I didn't complain. Neither did anypony else.

We didn't have to wait long before the band hired by the Oranges came to life on a solemn note, and Princess Celestia turned to face us. “My little ponies,” she began. “It is my deepest gratitude, as well as my deepest sorrow, to stand before you on this day, for we are congregated here out of love, respect, remembrance, and mourning for the deceased.”

Princess Luna stepped beside her. “Little Apple Bloom is the beloved sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend of everypony gathered here,” she added. “Today, she will be laid to rest beside her parents, Orchard Mason and Ambrosia Orange.”

“Granny Smith, Apple Bloom's grandmother, will be the first of her family to speak.”

On cue, the elderly mare moved to stand before the congregation. I didn't think it was possible for Granny Smith to look any older than what I was used to, but I was wrong. It appeared as though there were far more wrinkles on her face and her eyes were as dull as marbles. “I wanna thank y'all for comin' as far as y'all did,” she said. Amazingly, her voice carried enough to be heard by everypony. “As good as it is to see all of your faces, I wish circumstances were different.” She took a deep breath. “It seems like only yesterday that I buried my only son and my only daughter-in-law. Most of y'all know how they left the world. For those of you don't know, Mason and Ambrosia died in an accident in Manehattan. I stood before y'all then, just like I'm standin' before y'all now, cryin' my heart out over how I never wanted to outlive my children.”

She closed her eyes. She was silent for a few seconds, then she reopened them. “Well, that's how I feel right now, as I have regrettably outlived my youngest grandchild... Unlike then, however, this worn-out mare has no more tears left to shed. Even if I did I promised myself that, for her sake, I wouldn't. Apple Bloom was a brave and bright young filly. Granted, she could be stubborn and just plain frustratin' at times, but she had a bright smile and a big heart.” She glanced over her shoulder at the coffin, and I saw her withers tremble. “If the universe gave me the chance to switch places with her, I'd do it. It should be me in that coffin, not her! Not my darlin' grandfilly!”

My heart ached as Granny Smith started shaking like a leaf. Yet, she did not cry. I and many others stood in unison to run to her aid, but Princess Celestia was closer and quicker. She lead the distraught mare back to her seat, where she was immediately pulled into Big Macintosh's forelegs. I seated myself once more—dabbing my own tears away with a tissue. The princess whispered something to Big Macintosh, then to Applejack. When they stood, I suddenly understood that they were asked to speak next.

Oh, poor Applejack. Poor Macintosh. I couldn't imagine what they and their family were going through. As much as I wished to lessen their pain, I commended their bravery. If it was my dear little sister who was lost in that accident, I don't think I would've had the courage to speak before such a sizable audience.

The two stood side-by-side. Then, Applejack took off her hat. “I-I'm not exactly sure what to say,” she said, her voice wavering ever so slightly. “This is probably the hardest thing I've ever done, so I'll try to keep it brief—if y'all don't mind.”

“Same here,” sighed her brother.

“Apple Bloom was the best little sister a pony could ask for. Sure, she was stubborn, frustratin', and downright annoyin' at times, but I wouldn't have traded her for the world.” She sniffled, holding back tears. “I'm gonna miss her somethin' fierce. She didn't deserve to die so young and after all her hard work, she didn't even get her cutie mark.” She lowered her head. “It ain't fair...”

Big Macintosh shook his head solemnly. “Nope...” He gently nuzzled his sister. Yet, it didn't stop her tears from falling, and he escorted her back to us.

The only other family members to deliver a sermon after the Apple siblings were Aunt and Uncle Orange, and Babs Seed; the small earth filly didn't hesitate to join Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo at their seats once she was finished. Then, it was Cheerilee's turn. The last pony with a prepared message was Twilight. She seemed nervous and, as she talked of happier moments and Twilight Time, she allowed herself to softly cry. Her mourning was obviously distressing to the Royal Sisters. Princess Luna stepped forward to give her a nuzzle, and Princess Celestia hugged her with a snow-white wing.

Upon returning to her seat, Twilight leaned close to Sweetie Belle. Whispers were exchanged between the two, though I didn't hear what was said. When my sister hopped off her chair and headed up front, however, my heart raced. It was time for her song. I didn't know beforehoof what she chose to sing. All I knew is that she spent many hours away from the boutique to practice with the band.

As the band began to play a soft series of notes, she suddenly appeared more nervous than Twilight—like she suddenly remembered that it was Apple Bloom in that coffin. My rapidly-beating heart rose into my throat when she looked to me for some form of comfort. Keeping myself steady, I smiled at her and mouthed, “It will be all right.”

My pulse calmed slightly as she seemed to compose herself. She drew in a deep breath, held her head high, and then Sweetie Belle's chosen psalm was given life. She sounded so lovely and she looked absolutely precious in the little black dress I made for her. Much to my embarassment, more tears spilled down my cheeks.

There was a moment of silence when the song reached its end. I couldn't bear the nervous countenance that slowly crept onto my sister's face as the seconds passed, but there was no reason for either of us to fret. Applause, soft and respectful as it was, was presented soon enough. Sweetie certainly earned it, so I was relieved when she returned to her place beside Scootaloo with a ghost of a smile on her face.

She then carefully climbed into Fluttershy's lap. “Rarity?” she whispered, tugging on my sleeve.

“What is it, Sweetie?”

“Was I... Was I good?”

I nodded. “You were extraordinary, darling.”

Fluttershy nodded as well. “That was a very pretty song, Sweetie Belle,” she said.

Scootaloo hugged my sister from behind. Though she was clearly hiding it, Sweetie's performance had the same effect on her as it did me. “That was awesome,” she whispered.

Sweetie's eyes narrowed, watering. “Do you think Apple Bloom liked it...?”

I ran a comforting hoof over her mane. “I'm sure she absolutely loved it.”

“Of course,” retorted Fluttershy, and Scootaloo gave a similar answer.

Yet, there was still a tiny sniffle and a thin trail of tears. So, I wiped the moisture from my sister's face with a fresh tissue, but I sadly didn't have enough for the tears she and the others were about to shed. There was nopony else who wanted to speak, unfortunately. The only thing left was to lower the casket into its final resting place. Granny Smith, Applejack, and Big Macintosh were the first to meet beside Apple Bloom's coffin. I and the others followed soon after.

As Braeburn, who emerged from the crowd to help, and Macintosh prepared to lift the coffin, we huddled around Applejack and her grandmother. I think we all knew that our friend's self-imposed poker face wouldn't last long. Like Granny Smith, she was trying to be strong, but she had suffered a tremendous loss—too tremendous to bottle up like she was doing.

The cap on that bottle didn't last. Once they lowered Apple Bloom into the ground, she pressed her face against Granny Smith's coat, and when the first shovel of soil hit the coffin she finally let out an agonized wail. Embracing them both in a group hug, we cried with her. Together, we wept until the burial was finished. She then tried her best to compose herself. “I-I want to thank y'all for bein' here,” she said, smiling a very small smile at us. “I really appreciate it.”

She was met with a tighter hug, given by Rainbow Dash. “We were going to be here for you,” she replied. “We'll always be here for you, no matter what.” She glanced at us. “Right?”

There was no reason for us to disagree with her. After everything we'd been through together over the past few years, our bond could only be described as unbreakable. We were family.

Wiping her cheeks dry, Applejack placed her hat atop her head once more. “Well, I hate to high-tail it like this, but I need a bit of time to pull myself together before I start minglin' with the rest of the family.”

“Do you need any help, darling?” I inquired.

“Nah, I'm good. Thank you, though.”

“Well, don't hesitate to ask otherwise.”

“I won't.” Tiredly, she then turned her back to us and headed into the leafless forest of the orchard.

I stared at the trees for a while, until I felt Twilight's hoof on my shoulder. “I don't think she should be alone right now,” she said.

I sighed. “Twilight, dear, you know how she is.”

“I do, but—”

“Just let her have her space.” I turned to face her. “I can't imagine how many ponies bombarded her with their sympathies over the past couple of days. I'm sure this is something she needs right now.”

A sad smile touched her lips. “Then, we'll be here when she gets back.”

“Precisely.”

The flapping of wings suddenly brought our attention to Rainbow Dash. Our pegasus friend was flying around the area, groaning in frustration. “Hey, has anypony seen Scoots?” she asked. “I can't seem to find her anywhere!”

“Sorry, Rainbow,” replied Twilight. “I don't know where she went.”

I briefly looked around for my sister out of instinct. I couldn't see her and, even amongst all the Apples, I figured she wasn't there. “She must be with Sweetie Belle somewhere,” I said. I wasn't surprised one bit, but I was concerned. “I shall help you look for them, Rainbow. Twilight, care to join us?”

“Of course. It sounds like you need the extra pair of eyes.” She smiled sheepishly. “I'd ask the Princesses to help, too, but they're already on their way back to Canterlot.”

“Thank you, darling.”

Rainbow Dash released a tired sigh. “Thanks, Twilight. Let me get the others and we'll go.” I made an attempt to get her attention before she took off again, but it was futile. I understood her eagerness to find Scootaloo, but there was really no reason to get Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy involved in the search. Not that their help would go unappreciated, of course, but three sets of eyes were more than enough.

Nevertheless, Fluttershy and Pinkie were more than happy to help us. We scoured the farm—every visible corner of it. When the girls weren't found, we made our way to the orchard. To cover more ground, we divided into three groups: Twilight and Spike, Rainbow and Pinkie, and then Fluttershy and myself.

“I hope they're okay,” said Fluttershy as we walked deeper into the grove of apple trees.

I simply replied, “Me too.” I wanted to be more optimistic. Yet, the further we went, the deeper did worry worm into my belly. I don't know from where it came. There was just this increasing feeling inside me that something was horribly wrong.

The first sign I was right was the loud, angry sound of an argument that sliced through the silence like thunder. My friend and I shared a fearful glance before we galloped towards the awful noise. We quickly came upon a break in the trees, where a small clearing set. The girls and Applejack stood in the center of that clearing. That's when I saw the second sign that confirmed my concerns; Applejack practically radiated rage, while Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looked absolutely terrified.

I knew right away that they told her what happened shortly before Apple Bloom's tragic death.

“What in the world is going on here?” I nearly demanded.

Applejack pointed an accusing hoof at the fillies. “I'll tell you what's goin' on!” she spat. “Those two little snakes-in-the-grass left Apple Bloom to die!”

“What!?”

“You heard me!”

Frowning, Fluttershy placed herself between the cowpony and the girls. “Applejack,” she scolded. “Don't say such things! What are you even talking about?”

Nostrils flaring, the mare in question marched up to her in a most threatening manner. “Did you know that they could've saved my sister?” she asked, her voice dripping venom. Fluttershy hunkered down and whispered something so softly that it couldn't be heard, so Applejack continued. “But, they didn't! They chose to save their own hides instead!”

“That is not true!” I declared angrily. I separated the two with one of my forelegs. “You weren't there, Applejack! You have no right to make such an accusation!”

“I have every right!” She threw her hat to the ground. “My sister is dead! Dead!”

I didn't want this conversation to continue down such a road. I reached out to her. “Applejack, please—”

She slapped my hoof away so hard that it stung. “No! Don't you dare try to calm me down!” Again, she pointed at Sweetie, who was clinging to one of my hind legs. Before she said anything more, though, the grass-muffled hoofsteps alerted us that the rest of our friends had arrived on the scene.

Rainbow Dash, upon seeing how frightened Scootaloo was, burst forward with multicolored speed and scooped her up in her forelegs. “There you are, Squirt,” she said. “What's eatin' ya?”

Fluttershy ducked behind her as soon as she landed. “Applejack is... angry,” she whimpered.

“Yeah!” exclaimed Scootaloo. “She's acting nuts!”

Twilight, with Pinkie Pie and Spike right behind her, approached us then. “What happened?” she asked.

I leaned close to her and whispered, “Applejack just learned that Sweetie and Scootaloo jumped from the go-cart before it crashed.”

“Oh, I see.” She frowned, walking up to our friend. “You blame them for Apple Bloom's death?” she inquired, gesturing in the direction of the fillies.

Applejack nodded stiffly. “Yes,” she sternly replied. “And I want them held accountable for it!”

The princess was taken aback. She whispered, “You... can't do that,” in blatant disbelief.

“Why not?”

“Because it was clearly an accident! Applejack, do you recall how many accidents the girls have gotten themselves into over the years? I'm so sorry that this one took your sister's life, but you're hurting. It's only natural that you're looking for somepony to blame, but you can't blame Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.”

In the blink of an eye, Applejack was in Twilight's face. “Don't you pull all that sympathetic hogwash on me!” she snapped, making the alicorn flinch. “If they had time to jump, they had time to take Apple Bloom with them! Friends, my flank! Friends don't abandon friends like that!”

The two started arguing back and forth from that point, much to my dismay. We never fought like this, though it wasn't uncommon for us to have small disagreements every now and again. But this.... This was something else entirely, and I didn't like it—not at all. I quickly drowned them out, especially when I saw Pinkie come up behind me. She was talking to Sweetie Belle—probably in an attempt to cheer her up. I wouldn't have been surprised if she had a lollypop or a cupcake to give her.

Then, Pinkie tugged on the hem of my dress. “Hey, Rarity,” she said in a hushed voice.

She seemed intent on obtaining my attention. So, humming, I looked over my shoulder at her. “What is it, Pinkie?” I asked. I was a little curious as to what put such an excited twinkle in her eyes. She'd barely said a word all day, and now she looked like she'd won a million bits. “Look,” she whispered, gently running a hoof over Sweetie's mane. I didn't know what I was supposed to look at, until I saw the tear in my sister's dress. It was a large, jagged hole, located just below her croup. I figured she tore it somewhere on her way through the orchard, though it didn't make me happy.

I was about to gently reprimand her about it, until I noticed something behind the frayed fabric. It looked like a pattern to me, and my heart leaped into my throat. “S-Sweetie,” I breathed. “Did you...?”

There was confusion etched on her face when she looked up at me. “Yeah,” she muttered. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to rip a hole in it.”

“No, darling, your flank.”

Frowning, she turned her head and she pulled the hem of the dress back. Right there—right on her pristine white coat—was an elegant pink, heart-tipped beamed note that was accompanied by a large purple bell in the background. It was her cutie mark. My sister had her cutie mark!

“Scootaloo!” she cried happily. She ran to her friend—tears of joy falling down her face. “Scootaloo, look! Look!”

The young pegasus wiggled out of Rainbow's grasp, her tiny wings buzzing enough to carry her in Sweetie's direction. When she was shown the mark, her eyes widened before she tackled my sister to the ground with a fierce hug. “Ohmygosh!” she shouted. “Ohmygosh! You got it! I can't believe you actually got it!”

I couldn't believe it either. I mean, I was suspicious that Sweetie's talent lay in music. Whether it was at home or at the boutique, she loved singing if it wasn't in front of a crowd of unfamiliar ponies. Today was an exception, and now she was no longer a blank-flank. My sister had become a young mare right before my eyes. I was so proud of her, but it also instilled a chilling fear that only swelled when Twilight and Applejack took notice of the fillies' commotion. “What are they so happy about?” bitterly asked the latter.

Clearing my throat, I smiled at them and replied, “Sweetie Belle got her cutie mark,” as calmly as possible.

“What?” they exclaimed in unison. Twilight, brightly smiling, ran to the fillies' side to get a better look, while Applejack was frozen on the spot in a stupor. “Oh, wow!” exclaimed the princess. “Congratulations, Sweetie!”

Fluttershy craned her head to look as well. “Oh, my, it's pretty!”

Spike threw one of his fists in the air. “All right!” he laughed. “Sweetie did it!”

“Thanks, everypony!” my sister replied. Her grin then fell into a sad smile. “It's so weird... While I was singing in front of everypony, I just kept thinking about Apple Bloom and how much I wanted her to hear my song, even if she was listening from all the way up there in Heaven. It just... felt like something she wanted to hear and something I wanted to do. I felt so warm inside as I sang. I didn't actually think it would get me my cutie mark, though!”

Twilight nuzzled my sister. “You sang a beautiful song, my little pony, and I'm certain Apple Bloom was cheering you on the entire time.”

Rainbow Dash flew around them about a dozen times. “And now that Sweetie Belle has her mark, she can help Scootaloo get hers!” she exclaimed, spreading her forelegs in a grand gesture. “Two heads are better than one, after all!”

Scootaloo's wings buzzed as she tried to lift herself off the ground. “Hay, yeah! What do you say, Sweetie Belle?”

Sweetie nuzzled her friend. “Of course I'll help you! Just because I got my cutie mark doesn't mean we still can't have fun together.”

“Awesome, I was hoping you'd say that.”

“So, wait a minute...” Slowly, Applejack walked up behind Twilight. “She... Her cutie mark is for real? For singin' that piece at the funeral?”

“Yes, Applejack, Sweetie has her cutie mark now,” I said. “She sang that song for Apple Bloom and it helped her realize her talent.” I clung to the hope that the news broke through her anger. But, she said nothing, which agitated my concern. “Applejack, please say—”

Without warning, her face contorted into a countenance of pure rage as she shoved me away. “How dare you!” she snarled. “Why does your sister get her cutie mark while mine lay dead in the ground? Is that how the world works now? Fillies kill other fillies and get rewarded for it!?”

For the first time, I saw Twilight get angry. “Applejack!” she snapped. “I thought we talked about this, they didn't kill—”

“No, no more! I won't hear any more!” She pointed at every one of us. “I want y'all off my property, now!”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me, Your Highness. I want y'all off my property before I call the family to haul you off my property.”

We were horrified by the hostile declaration. Twilight, however, spread her wings in defiance. “No,” she said. “We're your friends, Applejack! We need to talk about this peacefully—without hostility or blame!”

Before they were able to begin their argument anew, a small group of Apples lead by Granny Smith emerged from the forest of fruit trees. “What are you youngsters yellin' about?” she demanded as she approached.

“Applejack's kicking us off the farm!” exclaimed Rainbow.

The elderly mare shot a glare at her granddaughter. “Really now?”

Twilight sighed tiredly. “She seems to think that Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are to blame for Apple Bloom's death.”

“Only because they are!” growled the cowpony. “There ain't nothin' to 'think' about, and nopony sees that—” She yelped as Granny's false teeth latched on to one of her ears. There wasn't enough pressure to draw blood, of course, but she was held captive for a few seconds before she was released.

“Now, you listen here, young mare,” her grandmother said sternly. “Apple Bloom's death was an accident, got it? Anypony with workin' eyes can see that. Nopony's to blame, especially those sweet little friends of hers. You understand me?”

“But, Granny...!”

“No 'buts!' Macintosh, take your sister back to the house.”

Despite his hesitance, Big Macintosh stepped forward and he picked up Applejack's hat. “C'mon, Sis, we're goin' home,” he said. “Now.”

Fortunately, Applejack wasn't going to start an argument with her older brother. She instead ran past us without bothering to wait for him. Shaking his head, Macintosh turned his attention to us. “I'm sorry,” he said. “Don't mind her. You're all welcome here at any time.” That was all he said before he chased after Applejack. The rest of the present family offered similar apologies as they took their leave.

As for my friends and I, we felt unwelcome regardless and I wanted nothing more than to leave. “Let's go, Sweetie Belle,” I said, nuzzling my sister. “I'll make us some lunch. Do you wish to join us, Scootaloo?” I thought it unwise to completely separate them at a time like this.

Then, Pinkie Pie stepped forward. “Why don't we all have lunch at Sugarcube Corner?” she asked. “I... I think we should still celebrate Sweetie Belle getting her cutie mark, if that's alright.”

Rubbing the back of her neck, Rainbow Dash smiled. “I think that's a good idea. I don't really want to go back to my place just yet.”

“Same here,” added Fluttershy. “I want to be with all of you right now.”

“What do you think, Rares?”

I smiled at them. “I think it's a wonderful idea,” I replied. “I think we certainly need it. Don't you agree, Sweetie?”

A joyful grin appeared on her face as she hugged one of my forelegs. “Yeah!” she exclaimed. “Will there be cake?”

Pinkie nodded. “Of course! What's a party without cake?” Her ears folded back against her head. “I should make one for Applejack, too,” she quietly added. “Won't be much of a party without her there.”

I gave the poor dear a hug. “Well, we'll just have to throw an even bigger, more exquisite party when she finally comes around!” If she ever came around, that is. Applejack's pain and anger ran deep—deeper than I had ever seen it. It was that notorious stubbornness of hers, and I could only hope that Big Macintosh and Granny Smith could bring her back to reason.

Fortunately, my words cheered Pinkie up a little and, together, we left Sweet Apple Acres. Our next destination, Sugarcube Corner—where there would be some much-needed distractions and a more lighthearted atmosphere. We were downtrodden and hungry, and cake sounded absolutely divine.

Chapter Three : "And nothing remains but this fantasy."

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In my heart, there was hope for a sense of normality after my friends and I parted ways from that party. It was a foolish hope. Yet, I felt it and it carried me through the upcoming days. As is the funny nature of time, of course, days slowly but suddenly turned into weeks. Before I even knew it, those weeks had transformed into two whole months. All throughout, my parents and I did everything in our power to support Sweetie Belle as she pursued the betterment of her voice.

It wasn't hard to convince her to take voice lessons from Lyra Heartstrings and Octavia Melody, who both picked up tips and tricks from their gathered years in the entertainment field. They were such dears to take Sweetie under their tutelage, and for such a meager sum, though I took it upon myself to promise them future discounts on items from my boutique.

So, my sister had her lessons and I had my work to keep us warm as Winter came barreling around the corner. Once the first blanket of snow settled upon Ponyville, activity slowed to a near-halt. It wasn't a surprise; many ponies, myself included, usually stayed indoors the first day or two of the first snowfall to enjoy the serenity and beauty it brought. Then, as soon as the novelty wore off, activity picked right back up where it left off.

Ponies came together to open the Winter Market, so they could sell canned goods, blankets, and other such items, while colts and fillies of all ages spent their free time playing in the snow. The careless joys of the season, however, weren't enough to bring Applejack back to us. For the most part, she remained on the farm, where she buried herself in a variety of chores. She left sales and shopping to Granny Smith and Big Macintosh.

My friends and I tried multiple times to contact her, but with varying success. She gave excuses not to see Twilight and Rainbow Dash, and few words were spoken to Pinkie Pie, who made trips to the farm every few days to deliver freshly-baked pastries. Applejack always accepted them, although Pinkie couldn't confirm whether or not she actually ate any of them. Fluttershy was the most successful; Applejack didn't hesitate to seek her out when Winona sprained one of her legs after slipping on a patch of ice.

Unfortunately, as is the very nature of Fluttershy, she didn't press our mutual friend into speaking with her. She asked only a few questions, which Applejack answered in a simple... and grouchy manner. Fluttershy also feared she hadn't been sleeping. I recall her comparing her exhaustion to the same that plagued her during the harvest season she stubbornly worked alone.

As for myself... I was the least successful. Whenever I ventured to the farm, Applejack slammed the door in my face. If I approached her at any other time (and I tried multiple times), I was either ignored or she would shoo me away with as much hostility as possible. So, I regretfully ceased my attempts—thinking the hostility would come to an end so long as I kept my distance. After all, she made it perfectly clear she wanted nothing to do with me.

I thought wrong, and realized it only when Sweetie Belle—accompanied by both Scootaloo and Cheerilee—came home early from school one day... crying. Scootaloo was on the verge of tears herself, and Cheerilee was just as upset as she told me what happened. The head of the school board, an earth pony named Spoiled Rich, caught wind of some apparently nasty rumors (which I didn't even know about until that moment) surrounding Apple Bloom's accident. And, instead of taking the time to find out the facts, Mrs. Rich approached Cheerilee as she was teaching class and loudly voiced her concerns in front of Sweetie and all her peers. She didn't want her precious little Diamond Tiara in the same class as a set of “dangerous miscreants,” which was such a shame, specially since it seemed that my sister and her hoped-to-be-former bully had been getting along as of late.

Needless to say, I was absolutely livid, because Spoiled Rich wasn't the first pony in Equestria to believe such a ludicrous idea.

Cheerilee and I took the girls to see Twilight. I couldn't help but feel satisfaction to see she was as furious as I. She gave us her word she would have a word with Spoiled Rich. Truth be told, and I told Twilight as much, the words and beliefs of Mrs. Rich didn't concern me in the least. What did concern me, however, was the fact that Applejack had resorted to the cowardly, foalish tactic of spreading rumors. I told Twilight that as well.

I didn't think she'd believe me. Yet, as we stood together in the sizable chamber of her library, I was struck by how much her pupils shrank in response. “Do you really think Applejack would do such a thing?” she asked, ever so softly.

There was no hesitation on my part. “I'm positive she's the culprit! Who else would bother? Rainbow would never do that to Scootaloo. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy don't have a single malicious bone in their bodies, and your rationality eliminates you as a suspect. Who else, Twilight?!” It wasn't until the end of my exclamation that I realized I was shouting. I covered my muzzle with a hoof and I looked over my shoulder to see Scootaloo and my sister hiding behind their teacher's forelegs.

Guilty for scaring them so, I asked, “Cheerilee, would you be a dear and please take them into the other room for a moment?”

“Of course, Rarity.”

I held my tonge for a minute or two as the fillies were lead away. Once they were out of sight, I sighed and returned my attention to Twilight. Before I could apologize for my outburst, she held up a hoof to stop me. “I... I think you may be right, about Applejack,” she said with a grimace. Stars, I could tell it hurt her to admit it. That obvious hurt, however, turned into nervousness as her eyes then shifted to random spots around the library. “I think you may be right, because... Well, follow me.”

Together, we walked to the nearest table, where she motioned for me to have a seat whilst she wandered off to retrieve something. I waited, and when she returned I immediately took notice of the papers she carried. It wasn't a large stack; it was only two or three sheets of paper. Still, she looked nervous as she set them before me. “Take a look a these,” she said. “Please.”

My curiosity peaked, I used my magic to lift the top page. Despite the parchment, they were far from official documents or anything of that sort. Even so, my blood ran cold when I saw Applejack's mouth-writing. And it was her writing, because it never failed to baffle me how neatly she scribed. Plus, it clearly showed her signature at the bottom. I quickly checked the other two letters; they were also from her. Just like that, a sneaking sense of dread settled into my belly.

That dread, thick as it was, boiled into anger once again as I began to read.

Applejack had been trying to convince Twilight to punish Sweetie and Scootaloo for Apple Bloom's death. Thrice she tried!

I was so distraught I was trembling. Slamming the papers onto the desk, I gathered the courage to look at Twilight. “You... You're not taking these seriously, are you?” I asked, my voice shaky as I struggled to keep it even.

To my relief, she shook her head. “No, don't worry,” she quickly replied. “Even a thousand letters can't, and won't, change the fact that her sister's death was an accident. But...” She bit down on her lip. “She's so stubborn, even in her despair, and she's still hurting. I-I sent a letter to Prin—Celestia, just in case.”

“Do either Granny Smith or Big Mac know?”

“No. They're just letters. I tried talking to Applejack face-to-face, but she... didn't want to talk to me after I told her to stop seeking punishment against the girls.” Her gaze lowered and, for a few seconds, she stared at the table. “I didn't think this would escalate.”

I reached across the table, covering her hoof with mine. “It's not your fault, dear, but we can't let this continue. If Applejack is still hurting to the point of retaliation...” Oh, I couldn't bring myself to say anything more. Applejack was my friend! Yet, in the back of my mind, I couldn't help but wonder how her sense of grief and misplaced betrayal would warp her. If rumors didn't work in her favor, what else would she do?

Twilight's face contorted into a grimace. Surely, she was having the same thoughts as I. “You're right,” she whispered. “We have to get her to talk to us.” Her eyes lifted to focus on me. “We need to host an intervention.”

I couldn't agree more. It was obvious Applejack needed somepony to drill the truth into that head of hers. An intervention sounded like just the thing, and so Twilight and I quickly threw a plan together. The night after, we met with Rainbow, Pinkie, and Fluttershy at Sugarcube Corner. It wasn't anything grandiose, but we came to a decision. We would approach Applejack as soon as Winter Wrap-Up was over and done. Though that was only a few weeks away, preparations had already begun all over Ponyville.

We didn't know what would happen if we did it before then, and we didn't want to risk the timely coming of Spring. It wouldn't have been fair to the other townsponies. Time was against us, sadly, and we spent those last few weeks of Winter preparing for its departure.

Through work, those terrible rumors were forgotten. Despite all our work, when Winter Wrap-Up finally arrived Applejack was nowhere to be seen. Big Macintosh took over his sister's position as team leader for the Green Team, once he informed us of the situation. Applejack simply didn't want to participate, and neither he nor Granny Smith wanted to push her.

Rainbow Dash was the most displeased. Albeit, “displeased” is a much too kind adjective. “Nearly foaming at the mouth,” is a much better description, though she dutifully lead her own team without missing a beat. She knew better—we all knew better—than to go against Twilight's carefully-prepared schedule. Thanks to it, we once again wrapped up Winter on time.

Yet, our mutual friend's absense remained a heavy weight upon us. It was a good a time as any to stage our planned intervention. Big Mac was more than willing to let us follow him back to the farm once we explained it to him. Given his sister's mood, he insisted that he supervise us. It was a fair arrangement.

Though I dreaded Applejack's reaction to our arrival, it was fortunate Granny Smith was the only one in the house when we got there. Applejack was organizing equipment in the barn, she told us. It was only right to tell her what was going to happen and, like her grandson, she wanted nothing more than to help us help her grandaughter—especially after Twilight came clean about the letters.

It became a waiting game after we seated ourselves in a circle in the living room. Granny Smith tried to cheer our spirits with cups of apple cider and strudels. The snacks were appreciated and they did help some. At least, until Applejack finally walked in through the front door. “Hey, Granny, have you seen my—?” She saw us, and she froze as still as a statue. Then, in a monotone voice, she asked, “What are y'all doin' here?”

Cautously, Twilight rose. “It's normal for friends to check in with each other every once in a while, isn't it?” she softly inquired. “And it's been a while since we've been together like this.”

She wasn't swayed. “Why are y'all here?”

Granny Smith frowned. “They're here to set ya straight!” she snapped. “Git yer behind in here, now!”

Yet, Applejack didn't budge, until she shocked everypony by turning around and walking back out the door. “Applejack!” called Granny, so dumbstruck by the action my heart ached for her.

And it set off Rainbow Dash like a firecracker. In a flash of color, she chased after Applejack; we, of course, followed suit, whilst Big Macintosh stayed behind to comfort his grandmother. We caught up in time to see them yelling at each other. “Just what the hay is your problem?!” screamed Rainbow as she hovered in the air like an enraged hummingbird.

Applejack was obviously offended by the question. “My 'problem' is that you won't mind your own business!” she yelled in reply.

“Oh, yeah, you'd know a lot about minding your own business, wouldn't you Ms. Crazy-Saddles?”

“Excuse me?”

“Yeah, we know it was you who started those stupid rumors!” I assumed either Twilight or Scootaloo told her about that incident. “We also know about those letters you sent to Twilight!” she added, furthering my assumption.

Applejack glanced our way. “What about 'em?”

Twilight stepped forward. “We're worried about you!” she exclaimed. “You never used to do such underhoofed things, especially against any of us. It's not like you at all!”

“Like what?” the farmer spat, making Twilight wince. “Ain't it like me to tell the truth? Did y'all forget I'm the stinkin' Element of Honesty? Because none of y'all seem interested in what the truth is!”

“No, Applejack. You managed to convince yourself of what you believe is the truth, but it's not the truth at all!”

Rage made our friend turn red in the face. “They admitted it!” she screamed. Spittle flew freely from her mouth. “Those little rats admitted it right to my face! You even knew before I did, and yet you did nothing!”

In the blink of an eye, Rainbow was in her face. “Admit what?! That they felt guilty? That they were unfortunate to have been there when Apple Bloom died?”

“They deserted her! There was a chance for her to live and they abandoned her like garbage!”

“You don't know that! You weren't there!”

“Neither were you! I want justice for my sister and, gosh darn it, if I have to scream the truth to all of Ponyville to get it, then so be it!”

“Yeah, because Apple Bloom would totally like you tormenting her friends when they did nothing wrong! A real sister wouldn't disrespect her memory by acting like a complete psychopath!”

Stars curse her big mouth... We knew she'd gone too far the moment Applejack, while balancing herself on her front hooves, spun around. Unfortunately, not even Twilight's magic was quick enough to stop her powerful back hooves from colliding with Rainbow Dash's muzzle.

Chapter Four : "Oh, this world is falling down."

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Rainbow Dash's injuries landed her in the hospital for a week and a half.

Although, it was a marvel we got her there in the first place. The merciless buck sent her flying. It also rendered her a screaming, bloody mess (and, oh Celestia, there was a lot of blood). The situation devolved from there as Twilight snatched Applejack up into a levitating sphere. While Applejack hollered, cussed, and struggled against the bubble, Rainbow Dash's screams were loud enough to draw Big Macintosh to our location.

Naturally, he understood the severity of our circumstance, and the heartbreak could be seen in his eyes. Stars bless him, he immediately hoisted Rainbow Dash onto his muscular back and took off like a freight train. Fluttershy, with tears streaming down her face, chased after him, and Pinkie Pie wasn't far behind her.

Twilight and I were left to determine Applejack's fate. In all honesty, it was such a hard decision and we really didn't know what to do. Releasing her was out of the question—not after what she had done. It was, unfortunately, the only thing on which we agreed. Twilight was so broken up about making a decision. She had more than enough authority to sentence Applejack right then and there, but the last thing she wanted to do was exorcise it.

It felt unbearably cold-hearted for me to remind her she had an obligation to uphold the law, especially since she saw the crime take place right before her eyes. The best she could do—the best she was willing to do—was confine Applejack within Town Hall. The building's cellar was fitted with jail cells in case of an emergency, and this certainly qualified.

Twilight teleported us right to Town Hall's interior. I'm certain it was because she didn't want Granny Smith to watch as we took her remaining granddaughter away. Plus, Applejack's continued endeavors to get free instilled a fear in us she would somehow bring harm upon herself.

We placed her in an enchanted cell (so she could not kick free), whilst we explained the situation to Mayor Mare. She was dumbstruck, but she agreed without protest to take care of Applejack for us. Until we got around to a proper sentencing, she was to be given food and water on a regular basis.

We then made haste to the hospital. It was so reminiscent of the day Apple Bloom died, I feared I would become nauseous. But, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were there to greet us with good news. Rainbow Dash was going to be fine. She was already out of surgery, in fact, and was resting.

Nurse Redheart came out to explain the extent of her injuries. Her injuries looked worse than they appeared. Her muzzle had been broken, but her teeth suffered the most damage; many were knocked loose or chipped—all fixed by the doctors' medical magic. Now, she only needed monitored and tested to make sure she hadn't sustained any brain injuries.

To say we were relieved is an understatement. We all embraced. It was a glimmer of joy in what we believed was another of our darkest days. If Applejack ended up murdering Rainbow Dash, it would have been the end of us.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To protect both the Apple Family and Rainbow, we kept the incident under wraps. Granny Smith and Big Macintosh, of course, met us back at Town Hall to discuss it. It was easier to reach a proper verdict, as Rainbow insisted on not having charges pressed.

The Element of Loyalty wouldn't waver, it seemed.

Anyway, it was ultimately Applejack's family who decided her punishment—to which we mutually agreed was more than suitable. Her punishment: temporary exile. She was to spend an undetermined amount of time with her cousin Braeburn in Appleloosa, of course, but it felt like we had condemned her to exile. And it was certainly what Applejack accused us of as she was escorted back to the farm.

Despite my reservations, I joined the girls to see her off the next morning. I did not bring Sweetie Belle with me, and Scootaloo was at the hospital with Rainbow Dash. As such, there was nothing I wanted to say. I merely wanted my presence to be one of the ones reminding Applejack of Rainbow's absence, who was responsible for it.

I was glad she had nothing to say to me in turn. She said little to the others, however. It was either, “Eeyup,” or, “Uh-huh.” She didn't even react to Fluttershy's hug. Her face remained stoic, even as her family bid their farewells.

She then boarded the train, and she was on her way to Appleloosa.

In all honesty, I felt an enormous weight leave my shoulders now that she was no longer in Ponyville. I was angry about her actions, yet I believed some time away was really the best thing for her. Perhaps she would reflect and regret her wretched behavior enough to return a changed mare, full of apologies.

During the time I thought about how lovely that would be, I didn't notice Granny Smith approach me. I was, needless to say, startled by the feeling of her hoof on mine. “'Scuse me, young filly,” she said.

“Yes?” I instantly replied, masking my start.

“I hate t'be a botherin' ya, but I wanted to let you know you and yer friends are still welcomed on the farm in spite of this.”

Behind her, Big Mac nodded.

Fluttershy walked up beside me. “Thank you... Thank you so much for your kindness, Granny Smith,” she said, sniffling. “I know it's been difficult for you recently...”

“Don't mention it, sweetie.” The old mare shrugged. “Hopefully, Braeburn will knock some sense into his cousin. Celestia knows she needs it.”

Again, her grandson only nodded.

“C'mon now, y'all want some lunch? My treat.”

I thought it was a fantastic idea. The girls certainly thought so, too. It was another little something to take our minds off Applejack for a while. If Granny Smith and Big Mac needed the same, I wanted to be there for them. I'm positive we all did.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After taking the leftover pie and tarts to Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, routine took over. Hospital visits were slipped in between trips to Sweet Apple Acres over the course of the next few days. We didn't hear news of Applejack until the end of the week. It came in the form of a letter from her cousin. She was doing well, working with Braeburn, though conversation remained minimal between them. But, she was eating, sleeping, and working, so I wasn't worried.

It was easy to accept this new reality.

Then, came Sunday. I was snipping away at a length of silk for a customer's dress. It was, as usual, a perfect cut, until a frenzied knocking at my workroom door spooked me into jerking the scissors—leaving an ugly rip the rest of the way. Of course, I was flustered, and it didn't help the hoof hammering away at the door didn't cease for a second.

“Sun and moon,” I cursed. I set the scissors down and, in spite of my annoyance, I went to answer the nuisance. With a tad bit more force than I intended, I threw the door open with my magic. “Yes, how may I...?” My voice failed me before I could finish.

It was Pinkie Pie. Her eyes were wide, her pink mane was a frazzled mess. “Rarity!” she shouted. “You have to come quick! Somepony busted into Twilight's castle!”

She grabbed my hoof and pulled me along so fast I was unable to touch the ground until we reached the castle. Even then, she hurriedly dragged me inside. As we sped through the sparkling corridors, I saw no signs of a robbery. The exquisite windows were intact, the dining hall was ship-shape, and even the throne room showed no signs of a disturbance.

Then, we reached the library, and the scene was absolute chaos. The shelves were stripped bare, the tomes thrown to the floor without care. Some of them had their pages torn asunder. Others were piled in haphazard piles, like someone had gone through them in a hurry.

At the heart of it all, Twilight sat weeping, Spike and Fluttershy by her side. Pinkie and I joined them in a blink of an eye. “Twilight, darling,” I gasped. “What in the world happened here?”

Her wings drooped as she hiccuped a sob. “S-Spike and I... W-we went to v-visit Zecora,” she choked. “It was l-like this when we got back. We were... We were gone for only an hour!”

Spike's tiny hands clenched into fists. “It doesn't make any sense!” he exclaimed. “Why would someone do this?”

I wrapped one of my forelegs around him in a hug. “Oh, Spikey, I wish I knew.” I held him as he hugged me back, and I turned my attention to Fluttershy. “Does only the library look like this?” I asked.

She nodded. “... Yes.”

“Was anything taken?”

Twilight shook her head back and forth. “I don't know! There's no way to tell in this mess!”

There came no warning as she stood and enveloped all the books within her violet-colored magic. Tears continued to stream down her cheeks as she pieced the damage scriptures back together and, simultaneously, returned the lot of them back to their rightful places. She then flew up and down the shelves, saying nothing. Her silence was soon broken by a relieved sigh, during which she made a slow descent to join us on the floor. “Nothing's missing,” she breathed, cracking a small smile.

Out of the corner of my eye, I witnessed Pinkie's mane regain some of its fluffy mass. “I don't understand,” she said. “Why would some meanie-mean-pants go through all this and not take anything?”

“I don't know. Something about this doesn't feel right.” She rested her left hoof on a shelf. “Some of these books were sent by Princess Celestia herself, and contain magical knowledge beyond anything found in a common library. Whatever they were looking for, they didn't find it here. It's so strange...”

“Tell me about it!”

I didn't know what to make of it when Pinkie's body suddenly spasm-ed, her coat rippling like ocean waves. If that wasn't strange enough, her head began to spin in place as a siren-esque wail left her lips. It didn't last long, thankfully, for she soon grabbed her own head to stop it, whilst clamping a hoof over her mouth. Yet, her eyeballs didn't stop spinning for a good while.

Spike's grip tightened on me. “Pinkie, what the heck was that?” he asked in a shaky voice.

Twilight cautiously approached her. “Was that... your Pinkie Sense?”

Our party pony friend nodded rapidly. “Zecora is coming!” she squeaked. Her right hind leg bend in a manner that was most disturbing, then. “Correction! Zecora is at the front door!”

As was her prophecy, a slow knocking boomed through the empty halls. We ran to meet our zebra friend, but we were caught completely off-guard by the condition in which we saw her.

She was injured. On wobbling legs, she stood with a hoof pressed against a wound on the side of her forehead—just above her left, swollen eye. “Forgive my intrusion, Twilight Sparkle,” she said. Her voice slurred. “But, as you can see, I was in a bit of a quarrel.”

Twilight rushed to support her. “Zecora! What happened?!” she asked, and I moved aside as she escorted the zebra inside.

She groaned. “After the brawl, it's hard to recall.”

“Well, let's get you fixed up first.” Twilight turned her attention to me. “Rarity, please, fetch the first-aid kit from the bathroom.”

I didn't hesitate (as it was an easy find), and when I returned to the throne room I immediately handed it to Fluttershy. Her expertise in caring for her beloved animals came in handy for such a time. She set about the task of disinfecting and bandaging Zecora's wound, which was nothing more than a shallow gash.

“I'm afraid I do not remember the culprit's face,” she spoke. Her eyes continuously switched between the five of us, yet she remained still in Fluttershy's care. “From my memory, it was erased. The attack came while my back was turned, and when I awoke my whole home was upturned!”

“Goodness gracious!” I gasped. “How horrible!”

Pinkie Pie pulled Zecora into a gentle hug. “Oh, thank Celestia you're okay though!”

“Yes, the past few months have been terrible enough. We don't want to lose you, too!”

Zecora smiled. “Your words are kind, but do not let this get you down. It will take a lot more to put this mare in the ground.”

Twilight rested her front hooves on the table. “I'm sorry, Zecora, but we have every reason to fret. Somepony broke into the castle library!”

“Oh? Is that so?”

“It happened while Spike and I were out visiting you. It can't be a coincidence you were then attacked after we left!”

“Did the thief snatch anything from your shelves? A book of power to take for...?” Her voice sounded haunted as it trailed off into thin air. Her eyes narrowed, the gears clearly turning in her head, and then she gasped. “Oh, by the sun! I remember what they've done!” she cried, jumping from her seat.

Reaching out to steady her, Fluttershy implored, “Please, tell us!”

The zebra's eyes were wide as wagon wheels. “I now remember for what they were desperate! What was stolen from me was the Alicorn Amulet!”

Chapter Five : "Frozen by gold that has turned into ice."

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The revelation rendered us speechless, needless to say. It felt thick as an ice sheet, cold and unforgiving as Pinkie and Fluttershy escorted our shaken zebra friend to one of the castle guest rooms. It didn't take me long to find my voice once they were out of earshot, however. “Twilight, what are we going to do?” I asked under my breath.

Spike's embrace on my foreleg tightened. He voiced my concern immediately. “Do you think... Do you think Applejack took it?”

“Impossible,” breathed Twilight.

“How?” I snapped. “How is it impossible? The ride from Appleloosa to Ponyville is only a few hours!” And I strongly believed Applejack was more than able to sneak her way out of her cousin's care. Given our secrecy, nopony would dare deny the Element of Honesty a train ticket.

Twilight's breath trembled as she inhaled. “Yes, but we don't know anything definitive. Even if she did take the Alicorn Amulet, she can't use it. Why would she steal something she was unable to use?” She momentarily bit down on the edge of her hoof, glancing towards the doorway. “I'll go with some guards to Zecora's place, look for clues.”

For the first time, Spike detached from me. “I'll go with you!” he declared, determined.

Twilight shook her head, however, and he visibly became discouraged. “Not this time, Spike,” she replied. “It's too dangerous. What if the pony who attacked Zecora is still lurking out there in the forest?” Again, she shook her head, albeit with more force. “No, I won't risk it. You're staying.”

“I'll stay, too,” I said. With Sweetie Belle within the safety of our parents' home, I wanted to stay for the benefit of Spike, Zecora, and Twilight's peace of mind. I treated the former two, plus Pinkie and Fluttershy, to a hot kettle of tea as Twilight departed with a small band of hoof-chosen guards.

Not long after, however, the sky darkened. I noticed it only when the warm sunlight shining in through the windows faded away. The ominous gray clouds responsible seemed to appear out of nowhere. “Gracious,” I heard myself mutter. “Is it supposed to rain?”

Fluttershy went about closing the windows. “Oh, no, I hope not! Twilight will to get caught in it!”

Zecora spared a glance. “No, those clouds are too bizarre...” Her eyes narrowed. “I fear this darkness came from afar.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Pinkie's tail tremble. I turned my head to see her staring out the window, her eyes as impossibly wide as only she could manage. “Pinkie?” I called.

She remained still, though her tail began to writhe like a dying serpent. “Zecora's right,” she whispered.

Cautiously, Spike rested a hand on her withers. “Uh, what?”

“Zecora's right!” She pulled the baby dragon into her arms and she dove under the bedsheets. “Don't look!”

Something struck the window—an alarmingly loud impact. I looked. A faint, but obviously crimson, smear streaked the glass. I immediately motioned for Fluttershy and Zecora to remain where they were as I investigated.

There, lying dead on the windowsill, was a small bird; its fragile neck was crooked.

I couldn't stifle my horror from manifesting into a gasp when another followed suit. Then, another, and another. My heart dropped like a rock into my stomach, and I drew the curtains. It shielded my eyes, but not my ears as countless tiny bodies began to strike the walls.

Those weren't clouds outside. They were flocks of birds.

“Zecora!” I cried. “The curtains! Close the curtains!” I didn't want Fluttershy to see. Judging by the horrified look in her eyes, she knew the situation was severe. She remained rooted to the floor, her knees knocking together as they quaked.

Silently, we awaited the end of the barrage, and I wracked my mind for an explanation for the event. I was no stranger to the possibility of a single bird hitting a window. Birds didn't know any better. Unless they caught their reflection at the right moment, in the right light, there was no way for them to avoid the crystal-clarity of glass.

But, thank the stars, we didn't have to wait long before the impacts finally ceased. Zecora peeked behind one of the curtains. She said nothing for a minute, then, “The sun once more shines bright, but on the streets sets a frightful sight...” She grimaced, allowing the curtain to fall back into place. “We shouldn't go out until the time is right.”

I assumed she meant until Twilight returned, and she returned to the castle with haste. The phenomenon, she explained, was visible even from the canopy of the Everfree Forest. She then lead us outside at, not surprisingly, the request of Fluttershy, who wanted to check on the poor birds. But, Zecora was right, it was horrible.

Dead and injured birds of all shapes and sizes were strewn on the lawn. We hastily gathered said injured, and carried them to Fluttershy's cottage. She immediately went to work mending their wounds, while the rest of us found solace amongst her other animals, some of which she had sent to clean up the dead birds we left behind. “How could this have happened?” asked Twilight softly. “The castle is visible for miles! Why did so many fly into it?”

Spike nervously rubbed his hands together. “Maybe they're sick or something?”

We looked to our pegasus friend for an answer. While she fought through tears to cast a bluebird's damaged wing, she shook her head. “No,” she replied. She then tilted her head as the tiny creature chirped weakly at her. She translated, “Something scared them. They were so frantic to get away, and there were so many flying at once it was hard to see where they were going!” She wiped her cheeks dry. “How awful...”

I exchanged concerned glances with the others. “Do they know what scared them?” I questioned.

Fluttershy listened to the bluebird once more. “This little one didn't see anything.” More weakened chirps came. “He says he... 'felt' it, though. It was big and oppressive, scary. He just knew it was something he needed to fly away from.”

A cold and bitter sensation crawled up my spine. “Where did it come from? Did it come from the Everfree Forest, by chance?”

She listened to the bird a third time. “No. It came from farther south, not the forest.”

Pinkie pressed her hooves into her mane. “Ghastly Gorge?!”

“Maybe,” I muttered. “There's also Appleloosa—”

“Please, don't,” pleaded Twilight. “Rarity, please, there's no proof Applejack did anything wrong.”

One thought crossed my mind, “With the exception of harassing us about the girls and putting Rainbow Dash in the hospital.” It was a sour attitude, I knew, and so I simply nodded my head. Twilight was right. Applejack was in Appleloosa, as confirmed by her cousin not too long ago. I would have happily gone on with my life, I convinced myself, if it had ended with a dozen dead birds.

Chapter Six : "I kept all the secrets deep inside me."

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I didn't leave Fluttershy until I was absolutely sure I was leaving her in a comfortable place amongst the birds she rescued. I returned home—adamant about losing myself in a project for a few hours. Sleep came easily enough afterwards, though I was wide awake as soon as my clock's shrill alarm went off at sunrise.

I stepped outside to retrieve the paper, and I immediately wished I had remained in bed.

In addition to my own boutique, almost every building and house in sight had... vines crawling over them. They were horrid in appearance, with their jagged thorns, withered leaves, and obsidian-colored stalks. Twilight was already flying about, cutting them down with her magic. I wrapped my robe tighter around myself as I watched her. “What's happening, Twilight?” I called.

“I don't know!” she shouted, the panic evident in her eyes. “These things just appeared out of nowhere!”

Yet, it wasn't long before the entirety of Ponyville was cleared of the weeds. As was her nature, Twilight didn't rest all the while, for it was the day Rainbow Dash was finally discharged from the hospital. It was a sudden decision on behalf of her doctor, who surmised she was well enough to leave if she was well enough to throw tantrums regarding the length of her bed-ridden state.

Needless to say, Pinkie planned a party down at Sugarcube Corner. I took Sweetie Belle with me, so she could play with Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara. Despite the hectic morning, it was a breath of fresh air for us, as well as the townsfolk who showed up. I was happy to see Big Macintosh and his grandmother attend as well. Although, with so many ponies attending we couldn't keep gossip from reaching Rainbow. That, unfortunately, included word of the previous day's bizarre phenomenon.

I made sure the fillies weren't within earshot before Rainbow made a spectacle of herself. “What the hay has been goin' on lately?” she demanded through clenched teeth, leaning over the table.

Beside me, Twilight fiddled her hooves. “We're... not entirely sure.”

“What have you heard?” whispered Fluttershy.

Rainbow glanced over her shoulder. “Oh, I dunno, just that a flock of birds flew right into the castle yesterday, and don't think I didn't see those creepy vines workin' their way up the side of the hospital this morning. That's all everypony's been whisperin' about since I got here. Anything else?”

The table vibrated as Pinkie Pie began trembling. “Zecora was attacked and someone stole the Alicorn Amulet,” she blurted in subdued exclamation.

“What?! Is she okay?”

“She's fine,” I replied. “And, no, we don't know who's responsible yet.”

Twilight's ears folded against her head. “I sent some guards to Zecora's place, but we didn't find anything...”

Rainbow's feathers bristled. “Does Princess Celestia know? That stupid amulet has caused us enough trouble already—”

“It's fine! We can handle this!”

Pinkie all but submerged beneath the table. “Are you sure? I don't mean to be a bubble-burster, but that weird stuff happened as soon as it was stolen!”

I nodded. “Pinkie's right. I think we should seriously consider bringing in reinforcements before fire starts raining from the sky or toads start appearing on our doorsteps! Spike can get a letter to the Princess in the blink of—”

Twilight slammed her hooves on the table. “I'm not sending a letter!” she hissed, earning our small group more than a few wayward glances from the other party-goers.

“Why not?”

“I'm not going to bother Princess Celestia over a few strange circumstances.” She turned her head to glare at me. “I can handle the amulet's power if the thief shows up to use it.”

I felt my temper bloom. “Can you? I don't know if you've noticed, but we are one Element of Harmony short! What if you can't handle it, Twilight? What will we do then?”

Her eyes widened, and my agitation wavered ever so slightly. “Twilight, darling, please. I think it's time to submit to the fact we need help. Applejack isn't here and Rainbow just got out of the hospital.”

The pegasus across from me snorted. “I can fight...” she grumbled.

I refrained from pointing out the long series of stitches across the top of her muzzle. “Nevertheless,” I continued. “The fact the Alicorn Amulet is out there somewhere is cause enough for concern. It's not only a threat to us, but to anypony foolish enough to wear it. Look what happened to Trixie. We cannot have another power-crazed villain on the prowl for innocent ponies!”

Twilight broke eye-contact—her gaze lowering to the floor. “I... I guess it couldn't hurt.” She sighed. “You're right, Rarity.”

I placed a hoof on her shoulder. “I wish I weren't, but thank you.”

A small smile graced her features. “I'll send it as soon as the party's over.”

I raised my glass. “Then, let's enjoy it while it lasts.” I took a swig of punch. It was a mouthful, however, I nearly expelled as the front door was thrown open with such ferocity the walls quaked. My peripheral vision made out orange fur, causing my pulse to spike, but the larger stature and brown vest revealed the pony to not be Applejack.

It was her cousin, Braeburn.

A ragged gasp came from Granny Smith. “Braeburn, child, what are you doin' here?”

The stallion, whose wide eyes and heavy breathing gave him a frightful appearance, ran up to her and Big Macintosh. “I'm awfully sorry, Granny,” he said, and the strain in his voice made it painfully obvious he was trying to keep his volume under control. “But, we need to have words. Right now, if ya don't mind.”

The trio of Apples hurried from the store, but not without giving Twilight and us a look that said we were to follow. We instructed Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to remain under the watchful eyes of the Cakes, before we took after them. We met in the alley beside the building. “What happened?” questioned Big Macintosh.

Braeburn took off his hat, holding it against his chest. “I-I'm so sorry, y'all, but I failed ya.” He hung his head. “Applejack's gone...”

We shared a collective gasp, and Big Macintosh stepped forward—standing tall and ominous before his cousin. “How?” he snapped.

“She... She ran off. Had to've been sometime durin' the night. Her bed was empty when I checked in on her this mornin'!”

Granny Smith, her appearance suddenly exhausted, leaned against the side of Sugarcube Corner. “Oh, Celestia...”

I couldn't help myself, I nervously nudged Twilight. To my relief, she immediately understood my trepidation. “Don't worry,” she declared. “I'll send a letter to Princess Celestia right away!”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Stars bless her kind heart, Princess Celestia answered our call for aid sooner than we ever expected—leaving her sister to oversee her duties back in Canterlot. Unfortunately, with two Equestrian Princesses in our midst, they got to work right away and we were pretty much left out of their “royal business.” I wish that was an overly-dramatic summary, but it's true.

Thankfully, we had the Apples to keep us updated. I made a point to visit Granny Smith in the marketplace every morning in the days that passed since Applejack's disappearance. Twilight and Princess Celestia followed leads from Los Pegasus to Manehattan. It was only logical to surmise our missing... comrade would seek shelter at one of the many Apple Family farms. The Apple Family was, of course, one of the largest families in Equestria. There was a lot of ground to cover.

The others and I, however, remained behind as a safeguard for Ponyville. As much as I hated being kept in the dark, it was for the best in the long-run. Though their severity lessened to a certain degree, Ponyville continued to endure bizarre phenomenon. Flower and vegetable gardens wilted beyond recovery, the park's water fountain dried up without warning and, more concerning, ponies' pets began acting uncharacteristically on-edge. My poor Opal refused to let anypony anywhere near her and there were moments where she would hiss at random spots in the boutique.

No one was more affected by this than Fluttershy, whose animal friends fled from her home and went into hiding.

It took a turn for the worse when the unnatural fear infected the more monstrous creatures lurking outside Ponyville's borders. Whatever the source, it caused many a beast to evacuate the Everfree Forest. They stampeded right through our little town. An Ursa Major trampled the marketplace, businesses found the signs knocked off their buildings, and many ponies were petrified by frantic Cockatrices. Thankfully, nopony was gravely injured, and the damages and stone-turned were a quick-fix in the eyes of Princess Celestia upon her return.

It was a day of unpleasant surprises, but even more surprising was the arrival of a most unpleasant pony: Spoiled Rich.

I didn't now what triggered her need to visit, yet when I answered the door I was stunned to see her in a most disheveled state. Her hair was done up in a messy bun, her clothes were wrinkled, and the bags under her eyes betrayed her lack of sleep. “Um, greetings, Rarity,” she coughed, her eyes darting around in a nervous manner. “Would... May I come in?”

I made room for her to enter. What kind of lady would I be if I turned her away?

I escorted her to the throne room, where everypony else was seated. “Twilight, dear, Mrs. Rich is here,” I announced.

Princess Celestia politely took her leave into another room as I lead Mrs. Rich to one of the thrones surrounding the Cutie Map, where she promptly took a seat in Applejack's vacant chair. “How may I help you, Mrs. Rich?” asked Twilight, who sat beside her.

Spoiled Rich shifted uncomfortably in the chair. “I'll be frank, Your Highness—”

“Please, Twilight is fine.”

“Twilight. I'll be frank, I have information regarding these recent... disturbances around town.”

Rainbow Dash nearly dropped the pastry on which she was nibbling, and Pinkie Pie jumped onto the table with an excited, “Alright!”

The news was exciting, but I had my doubts. It was, after all, Spoiled Rich. “What kind of information?” I pressed.

Her breath trembled as she inhaled. Then, squeezing her eyes shut, she blurted, “It was Applejack! She's the one that's been making these things happen!”

My heart hammered away in my chest as the others went silent, their eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets. “That's a bold claim against the Element of Honesty,” spoke Princess Celestia suddenly, emerging from wherever she had gone.

Spoiled Rich bowed. “Forgive me, Your Highness! It's all my fault!” She threw her hooves over her head. “I'm the one who sent her that stupid necklace!”

“The Alicorn Amulet?!” gasped Twilight.

The fur on the back of my neck rose. “You're the one who attacked Zecora,” I said.

To my anger, she nodded. “It was never my intention to harm her, I swear! She wasn't supposed to be there! Applejack said she spent mornings out gathering herbs and the sort from the Everfree.” She looked up at Twilight. “Then, I saw you and your dragon leaving her home. I thought I could sneak in and take it, but she startled me!” Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. “Please, forgive me! Have mercy on this poor mare, I had no other choice!”

Princess Celestia stood over her, exchanging a look of concern with Twilight. “Why did you deliver the amulet to her?” she asked, her visage regressing to its natural neutrality.

Slowly, she pushed herself up into a sitting position with a sigh. “Applejack sent me a letter a week ago, asking me to retrieve it for her. That was how it began, anyway... When I refused, she threatened to cut business ties with my husband as soon as she gained complete control over Sweet Apple Acres. Do you have any idea what that would do to us? I-I couldn't risk it, but now...” Again, her eyes closed. “It wasn't worth it! My daughter was turned to stone by one of those blasted monsters because of me!”

As my heart sank into my belly, I could ask only one question, “Why did she want the amulet? Did she say?”

I feared the answer, even more so when the older mare's eyes fell upon me, then Rainbow Dash. She didn't have to say it, really, for it was what I had feared all along. Applejack was coming for Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

Chapter Seven : "Now, I will pass them on."

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It was the accumulation of our worst fears, but we took no severe actions against Spoiled Rich. She had come to us willingly and seemed genuinely apologetic for her crimes. So, we saw fit to grant her only community service for her crimes, as well as a required apology to Zecora.

With one problem out of the picture, we focused our attentions on the main problem at hoof: Applejack. There was no way to tell for certain how far she was willing to take her vengeance. How could we protect the fillies from an ire-fueled earth pony wielding the Alicorn Amulet?

Princess Celestia's solution was to send Scootaloo and my sister to Canterlot, where they'd be under the protective wings of Princess Luna. The thought of sending my dear Sweetie Belle away tore my heart in twain, but Rainbow Dash's willingness to part from Scootaloo for the little one's own safety gave me the strength to do the same. Canterlot was safe, Ponyville was not—simple as that, yet it didn't lessen the pain.

“Rarity, I don't want to go!” my sister cried, her eyes watering. “I wanna stay here with you!”

I bit down on my lip as I gently lifted her into the carriage, harnessed to a pair of pegasus guards, where our mother and father carefully took her from me. “I know, Sweetie,” I replied. “But, it's only for a little while!”

Mother pulled her into a hug. “Oh, don't cry darlin'!” she cooed. “It'll be okay! Just think of it as a vacation with your folks!”

“Precisely! Don't worry about me. You'll have plenty of fun in Canterlot.”

At my side, Rainbow Dash ruffled Scootaloo's hair. “Yeah! I bet Princess Luna will have all sorts of fun things for you to do!”

Though the fillies remained unsure, there was no stopping their journey to the capitol. We waved them goodbye as Princess Celestia's guards flew off with the gilded chariot in tow. I stood there, watching them, until they vanished into the distance.

We then returned to Twilight's castle, for there was nothing more to do than plan our next move. Together, we conjured a plan to sweep the Everfree Forest, from which the curious beasts fled with tails tucked between their legs. It was Fluttershy's idea, surprisingly. Only something as horrific as an ancient-evil-wielding mare could frighten so many creatures from their home. If there was anyplace more suitable for Applejack to hide, it was amongst the dense foliage and wicked trees.

No sooner than we began gathering up supplies did the most terrible thing come to pass. One of the pegasus stallions charged with my family's chariot stumbled in on our preparations with a busted lip and crooked wing. “Your Highnesses!” he gasped through panted breaths. “Your Highnesses, the chariot was attacked!”

My blood ran cold, my head filled with numbing fog. I recall not being able to speak, even as Princess Celestia and Twilight lunged towards the guard to question him. “What happened?” they asked. “What of the children? Their guardians?”

He stammered over many of his words, but revealed my mother and father to be unharmed. They had fallen from the chariot when it was struck down. They were taken to the hospital, yet they suffered only minor cuts and bruises. The stallion's comrade, however, was crushed from the impact of the chariot upon the ground. While he lived, his condition was grim. “The fillies were taken,” he continued. “The Everfree—it just came alive and took them!” He bowed low, despite his injured wing. “Forgive my failure, Your Highnesses...”

I hardly registered the panic that ignited around me. My sister and Scootaloo were taken. She had taken them, I knew, despite our best efforts to keep them safe. I blamed myself as my mind reeled with what-ifs: what if I didn't send Sweetie Belle away, what if I had gone with them, what if I had persuaded Twilight or Princess Celestia to escort the chariot?

I could no longer stand by and do nothing. I turned to Rainbow. “Let's go,” I said, my voice strained. She simply nodded at my semi-order. While the others were engaged in petty arguments amongst themselves, I let Rainbow carry me out one of the windows. We made a beeline for the Everfree Forest, Tartarus-bent on getting our sisters back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Even in broad daylight, the forest canopy made it impossible to both see what went on beneath it and to see through it from the top. It was a place where my knowledge of basic light spells came in handy. I hastily navigated our path to Zecora's house; nopony in Ponyville knew the Everfree better than a mare who depended on it for her livelihood.

I rapped frantically on the door until she answered. “Rainbow, Rarity?” she breathed. “For what reason have you visited me?”

We delved into the terrible, brief tale. She didn't hesitate to lend us her aid. “If Applejack has already sunken so low,” she said, donning her cloak, “then there is only one place in the forest for her to go. Follow!”

I and my pegasus friend chased after her into the arcane darkness—no futher communication between us. She was nimble and quick, yet she moved slowly enough so we wouldn't lose sight of her. I simply ran, I never questioned her leadership. My concern for Sweetie Belle outweighed my dread towards getting mud on my hooves and debris in my mane.

When we passed through a break in the sea of seemingly neverending trees, I finally saw our destination: the ancient Castle of the Two Sisters.

I hardly recognized the ruins. So, overgrown with vines and foliage were they, even Zecora showed trepidation in regards to the ease of our entry. Nevertheless, we carried on—tearing through the offending foliage with teeth and hooves. The things seemed to have a mind of their own, as we witnessed them rejouvenate themselves almost as soon as we disposed of them. We barely made it across the bridge.

That was when I heard a scream. But, it wasn't from a stranger. The high-pitched scream belonged to Sweetie Belle.

“Did you hear that?!” I cried. It didn't occur to me my voice could alert Applejack to our arrival. “We need to hurry!”

The entrance to the castle, as well as all the crumbled walls, were overgrown. Speed was impossible. At least, it was to me. Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, was not to be dissuaded. “I'm comin', Scoots!” she shouted. Her prismatic trail was visible as she did a lap around the ruins before using her own body to force an almost-perfect hole in the barricade of vines. Zecora and I leaped through before they grew back together, and we continued to follow after Rainbow without care.

I vaguely recalled the path to the chamber where the ancient Elements of Harmony once slumbered. A part of me knew that's where we were heading. Rainbow got there first, of course. I heard a vicious shout as she, I assumed, made a move to attack Applejack. Yet, Rainbow was on the ground when Zecora and I finally caught up to her.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were wrapped in her protective embrace. Standing over them was Applejack. But, in that moment, she was a mare I hardly recognized. Her coat was a darker shade of orange than I remembered. Her mane, undone from its normal style, seemed to float around her head as though it was exposed to too much static. More unusual were her eyes—narrowed and crimson with hate.

Fastened around her neck was the Alicorn Amulet.

Zecora was the first to leap to Rainbow's side. “Enough, Applejack!” she snapped. “What is this empathy and kindness you lack?”

For a moment, a look of surprise crossed Applejack's features. There one second, gone the very next. “And just what the hay are you doin' here, Zecora?” she questioned. She sounded agitated. “This ain't your buisness!”

“It's my business when two innocent children are so cruely taken.” She looked over her shoulder at us whilst I aided Rainbow and the fillies back up onto their hooves. “Look at the poor dears, so clearly shaken!”

And Applejack sneered. “'Innocent?' Do you even know what they did to me and mine?!”

“Two wrongs never make a right, and you shame your sister by exorcising such misplaced might.”

“Quiet! You know nothing!”

Anger boiled in my heart. “Oh, so you know everything?!” I hissed. I pulled Sweetie Belle against me. “You thought it best to send Spoiled Rich to do your dirty-work, harm Zecora, and torment Ponyville?! Just so you could get your so-called 'revenge'?!”

She raised a brow. She didn't seem alarmed in the slightest. “So, ol' Mrs. Rich finally snitched, huh? Ah, well, doesn't matter none to me.” Eyes flashing crimson, she pointed to the nest of tangled vines hanging above our heads. They moved at her silent command—snaking down to snatch us up.

Zecora produced a bronze-colored dust from her cloak, which she promptly blew onto them. To our surprise, they shriveled up and hung limp. Why she didn't use it to clear our path earlier, I do not know. My only guess at the time was that her supply was limited. “Your trickery will not work on me,” she said. “I've lived in this forest far longer than you, you see.”

Applejack's eye twitched. “Last chance, Zecora. I don't have a problem with ya. Leave.”

Our zebra comrade stood her ground. “As long as you pose danger to us, your chances of getting rid of me are a bust.”

“Fine.” The sclera of her eyes darkened. “You want to stay on their side, then die there!” In a fit of speed, she rushed Zecora.

“Back off!” growled Rainbow Dash. She sped from my side and she tackled the earth mare. The two of them tumbled together across the cold stone floor. Rainbow threw the first punch. Applejack's head snapped to the side, causing the pegasus to shout, “That's for breaking my muzzle, nut-job!”

Applejack retaliated by sinking her teeth into Rainbow's shoulder. No blood was drawn, but it was more than enough to make Rainbow move off of her. “That's for betraying me,” she cruelly retorted. “In fact, I'm sorry I didn't break more of ya!” The amulet flashed, and the floor began to quake. Something sprouted from the stone, creaking and flailing.

It was a tree—gnarl-barked and twisted. Its branches swung at all of us. Rainbow took to the air. I gathered the fillies in my magic and ran to avoid the onslaught. Zecora disappeared from sight when she ran off in a different direction. All the while, Applejack screamed, “Y'all will pay for what ya done! I swear on the Apple Family, I'll make ya pay!”

I was scared out of my wits. The tree tore at the floor, knocked down walls. Debris was added to the list of things I had to avoid as I ducked beyind a fallen wall with the girls. “Are you all right?” I asked. It was a stupid question. As scared as I was, I couldn't imagine what Sweetie and Scootaloo felt.

And the poor dears trembled as they nodded. “She thinks we killed Applebloom!” sobbed Sweetie, causing me to hug her again.

Despite the tears in her eyes, Scootaloo attempted to put up a tough front. “She's nuts! She was going to kill us!”

Anger gnawed away at my fear. “She's not going to hurt you—nopony is going to hurt you. I promise.” Cautiously, I peeked over the crumbling wall that served as our only defense. Rainbow and Zecora possessed Applejack's full attention. She seemed to be controlling every movement of the summoned tree, continuously switching her gaze between the two opposing mares.

I was to become a third contestant, because her erratic movements gave me an idea. A dangerous idea, but I was willing to risk anything for my sister and my friends. “Sweetie, Scootaloo,” I whispered. “I need you to stay here, understand?”

My sister immediately latched onto me. “Where are you going?!”

“I need to stop Applejack, dear, and I think I know how.”

“No, don't go out there! Don't leave me again! Please!”

“I'll be fine. Everything will be fine. Have faith.” I pulled her into one last embrace, then I emerged from hiding. Applejack didn't notice me at first, but she would, and she did as soon as I threw a rather large rock at her head. “Leave them be, you ruffian!” I yelled.

She dodged the projectile. “That the best you got, Miss Prissy Pants?”

I said nothing, because, yes, it was the best I could do at the moment. I rolled out from underneath a bludgeoning branch—officially joining Rainbow and Zecora in the chase. I didn't know if either of them had a plan, but mine required only one of us. Me. Even then, I prayed it wasn't selfish, especially since I didn't try to talk sense into Applejack anymore.

Instead, I instigated. “Is this how you chose to honor Applebloom's memory?” I asked, my voice loud. “By harming others, including her beloved friends?”

“Shut up!” she growled. “They weren't her friends! If they were, they wouldn't have left her to die!”

“She loved them! She sacrificed herself so they would live!”

“Lies!”

Her ire incensed, I had to pick up my pace as her determination to destroy me also grew. As I dodged blow after blow, I thought I wasn't going to make it. I'm not athletic, like Rainbow Dash, nor am I as experienced with magic as Twilight. The stamina I never knew I had was my only physical advantage, as Applejack seemed confident enough in her abilities to remain in one spot.

It was a perfect scenario. Once I caught the devout attention of her bizarre tree, I did what any sensible lady would do in my situation. I ran right for Applejack, and before she even realized what I was doing, her creation struck us both.

The pain was immediate, as was the sensation of flying. Or, rather, falling. The world spun around me. It was either Zecora or Rainbow's voice I heard shouting my name, and I faintly recall seeing both a blue and an orange body somewhere in the distance. There was definitely debris. Pieces of the castle rained from the sky, for Applejack and I had been sent flying from the ancient castle.

For a moment, before everything went to black, I was just happy Sweetie Belle was safe.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twilight and Princess Celestia, I was later told, found us soon after our fall. “Us,” being me and Rainbow Dash. Apparently, my friend had caught me in time to prevent me from tumbling into the dangerous Everfree. We were buried by rubble in the process, only to be dug free by the Princesses.

As soon as I saw daylight again, my first reaction was to look around for Applejack. I was relieved to see she wasn't in sight, yet I was unnerved to not know her location. Zecora saw her fall where Rainbow Dash and I had not fallen. Twilight and Princess Celestia went on without us to look for her, while the rest of us returned to Ponyville.

I carried Sweetie Belle on my back, despite the others' attempts to talk me out of it. I insisted, since no one seemed opposed to Rainbow carrying Scootaloo, and I carried her all the way to the hospital. After a much-needed reunion with our parents, the fillies were given a clean bill of health by the resident doctor.

As for myself, however, I was badly bruised—the worst injury being a few bruised ribs. I was expected to stay at the hospital for a day or two. That was fine. What wasn't fine, however, was the news I received as I lay in a hospital bed some few hours later. Twilight, joined by her mentor, came into the room—surrounded by a silent air I didn't like.

They didn't find Applejack, but they did find the Alicorn Amulet—abandoned in the brush.

A Prophecy of Worlds to Fall

by Diespitris

Prologue : "It's falling down for you."

Chapter One : "So for all you ever desired, you wanted to be."

Chapter Two : "Was shining so bright, but only a dream."

Chapter Three : "And nothing remains but this fantasy."

Chapter Four : "Oh, this world is falling down."

Chapter Five : "Frozen by gold that has turned into ice."

Chapter Six : "I kept all the secrets deep inside me."

Chapter Seven : "Now, I will pass them on."