//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: Facing Fear // by Shadowmane Nox //------------------------------// It felt strange descending the winding stairway, for from the moment the stone steps curved away from the entrance it was as though Applejack had entered a entirely different world. The heat that had permeated the cave diminished almost immediately, as did the constant hiss of boiling earth. Instead the orange pony now found herself in a land of darkness, completely cut off from the friends she had left behind. Without any light it was difficult for the young mare to climb down the stone stairway, and more than once she felt her heart skip a beat as her front hooves missed a step and threatened to send her tumbling headfirst. "Easy girl..." Applejack muttered under her breath after the third such stumble. "Relax. There ain't no sense in rushing things.” "You know... some ponies might view talking to themselves as a sign of insanity." The sudden voice took the apple farmer by surprise, and the mare gave an angry snort as she just narrowly avoided missing another step. After righting herself, the young pony readjusted her hat as she gazed into the surrounding darkness. "So, you're here after all?" she asked aloud, trying her best to judge from where the sound had originated. "I was beginin' to think you’d left me alone. I knew that was too good to be true." A cold chuckle could be heard from the shadows in front of her, but the earth pony ignored the sound as she continued to carefully make her way down the steps. "Am I to understand..." Fear's voice inquired playfully. "... that you have grown tired of my company?" "I suppose that's a polite way of puttin' it." Applejack felt flat ground at last and gave a sigh of relief upon realizing she had finally reached the bottom of the stairway. Barely a moment later a torch flared to life at her side, followed closely by a second and third. Now that she could see, the blond-maned farmer realized she stood before a pair of stone doors. The massive slabs of grey rock appeared far thicker than the Shadowed Gates. But unlike the portals encountered previously, these were already thrown wide open. On the opposite side of the doorway lay a long torch-lit corridor, the length of which she could not even begin to guess. For try as she might, Applejack could see no end to the stone hallway. "Welcome to your challenge." "A hallway?" the green-eyed mare snorted, unimpressed as she gazed to where the corridor disappeared out of sight. “Let me guess… the key I’m lookin’ for is at the other end?" "It appears as though the blue pegasus is not the only pony with a talent for deducing the obvious." The monster’s sarcastic reply drew a scowl from Applejack, but she pretended to ignore the taunt as she cautiously crossed the threshold of the doorway. "Alright then. Seems simple enough." "Indeed... assuming of course that you make it back within the time limit." "Time limit?" the pony repeated, stopping suddenly in her tracks. "Of course.” came the monster’s amused reply. “It would be far too easy if I did not place some sort limit on you. You have one hour before the doors behind you close. After that, it won't be quite be so… simple… will it?” “An hour.” Applejack muttered as she broke into a gallop. “That should be more than enough time.” “How can you be so sure?” The monster’s voice was cold, deliberate, and no longer coming from somewhere in the shadows. Instead he was much closer. Although she tried to shut them out, Applejack could not help but feel as if the monster’s words were her own; like a voice whispering ominously in the back of her mind. “In this challenge, what you do not know is just as important as what do. You cannot tell how far you need to run, so you realize you must be quick. Yet you are ignorant of what dangers await you, so you must also be careful. With this being the case, how will you react when torn between haste and safety? Can you move quickly enough when fear would slow your hooves?” "There’s nothin' you can do that'll stop me!” the apple farmer snorted as she picked up her pace. Her friends were counting on her! Waiting back at the locked gate for her return. Applejack would not forgive herself if she let them down, and so with a determined smile she continued onward. Fear could try whatever he wanted, but she would not be intimidated! “I promised the others I’d get back to them. And that’s just what I’m plannin’ on doin’. Try all you want to stop me, but I ain't afraid of you." "Apparently not.” Fear hissed. However, the young mare could not tell if his tone was one of irritation or amusement. “At least… not yet. Fortunately, I am sure that will change soon enough. But first I feel a simple talk is in order. After all, there is nothing like a pleasant conversation to help us better understand one another. I cannot help but notice that you seem determined to fulfill the oath you made to your friends. Yet I wonder… how far are you truly willing to go to see it through?” “When I make a promise, I keep it!” “We are not so different in that respect. I suppose I can admire that.” Applejack scowled at the beast’s words, trying her best to ignore him. “Tell me Applejack… the door you are trying to open... did you pay any attention to it?" The orange mare refused to respond, but her silence did nothing to stop the monster from continuing on. "And what of the words upon their surface? Did you bother reading them?" Ignoring Fear was going to be a lot harder than she had first thought. Blocking out a voice coming from inside her own head was proving to be an impossible task. “Well?” With a reluctant sigh the apple farmer finally answered. It would be easier to just play along… at least for the moment. "I can't read a language I don't know." "No." Fear chuckled. "I suppose that is true. Would you like me to tell you what they said? It may give you a hint as to the challenge you find yourself in." Applejack did not even bother responding. She was well aware that the beast would keep talking regardless of any answer she gave. "To those who live beneath my reign, I give you fear... the Fear of Pain." With a scrape of hooves against stone, Applejack’s pace slowed as she glanced nervously at the walls of the corridor. "Ah...” the serpent’s voice cackled in the back of her mind. "It seems THAT got your attention. But why, I wonder? I suppose in the end it's not surprising, considering what it is you fear most." The monster’s condescending tone stung, and Applejack felt herself flush in a mixture of anger and embarrassment. Berating herself silently for allowing his words to slow her, the young mare ignored Fear’s laughter as she started off again at full speed. However, even now her bright-green eyes continued to carefully study the walls and ground before her; searching for anything that appeared out of the ordinary. "You don't know what you're talkin' about!" she spat, not bothering to hide her indignation. "I ain't afraid of gettin' hurt." "It is certainly fortunate that you represent the Element of Honesty my dear Applejack.” “And why is that?” “You are a terrible liar." "I ain't lyin' about that!" "Oh, but you are." Fear pressed. “Know this my little pony! You can lie to yourself, but you cannot lie to me.” For several minutes the mare was allowed to travel on uninterrupted. However, even in the silence of the corridor the monster’s comments continued to plague her. They remained echoing at the periphery of the farmer’s thoughts; irritating her like an itch that could not be scratched. With each passing second, Applejack could feel herself becoming more anxious. Yet, when Fear finally returned, the words he spoke were certainly not any she expected to hear. "Tell me Applejack... how old were you when your parents passed away?" Though she managed to keep her pace, the farmer could feel the anger beginning to rise in her chest. Looking back on such memories was not something she intended to do, especially with the likes of Fear. However, anger would serve no use here. Taking a deep breath, she tried her best to remain calm. "That's ain’t none of your business!" "You were about Applebloom's age, were you not?" Fear continued, his words immediately shattering the façade of composure Applejack had put in place. Not even bothering anymore to hide her emotions, the earth pony gritted her teeth as she ran on. "Be quiet." "It must have been hard for one so young, to loose both of your parents so suddenly." “Quiet!” "Do you remember that day? Though you were only a filly, you must still recall the promise you made to your brother?" "I said shut your mouth!" Applejack shouted angrily, skidding to a halt as her voice echoed through the tunnel. For several moments she simply stood there, chest heaving as her anger boiled over. Yet even her outburst was not enough to halt the serpent’s venomous words. "You promised to help him every day. You swore to watch after your sister and grandmother while he handled the farm. A touching gesture to be sure, and one demonstrating a level of maturity rarely found in a filly so young. But let me ask you... how many years until your own accident brought that promise crashing down about your head?" Shock! That was the only word to describe the sensation Applejack felt. Her breath caught, her heart skipped a beat, and the mare found herself completely frozen in place as the monster's words cut her like a knife. "How…" the mare demanded, nostrils flaring as she stood in the empty hallway. "… do you know about that?" "How?" the voice in her mind whispered. "I am Fear, Applejack! Your fear! I know everything about you. Your greatest doubts! Your darkest secrets! Every nightmare you have experienced… or ever will. I see them all! Know them all! And in the end, I know you far better than you know yourself." The dragon’s words echoed through Applejack’s mind, dark and ominous, as an old memory rose unbidden to the surface of her thoughts. With a roar of wind the stone corridor appeared to collapse, and Applejack's stomach heaved unpleasantly as she suddenly lurched forward. The jolt took the young pony completely by surprise, and despite her best attempts she quickly found herself tumbling head-first to the floor. However, even as she hit the ground the orange mare felt that something was different. It was no longer stone that surrounded her. Instead she found herself standing upon the old wood boards of a barn loft. The oppressive gloom of the corridor had vanished, and the smell of apples now permeated the warm air as gentle sunlight poured through an open loft window. A light breeze flew into the barn, carrying with it the smell of a new fall harvest. Meanwhile, from the distance there came a low rumble of thunder as a collection of metal chains rattled from the rafters overhead. "No!" Applejack gasped, mouth agape as she glanced about the poorly lit loft. It wasn't possible! She knew that! But telling herself it was an illusion did nothing to make the wood beneath her hooves feel any less real. "Golly! He sure left things till the last day." Slowly Applejack turned about, the hairs of her mane standing on end as an eerily familiar voice sighed from behind her. "What we're you thinkin' Big Mac?" A young filly stood at the edge of the barn loft, struggling to pull herself up the last wrung of a wooden ladder. The young pony had a blond mane pulled back into a single ponytail, and her green eyes sparkled brightly as she took a step towards Applejack. Not knowing what else to do, the orange mare simply stood her ground as the filly approached. Mesmerized, she stared into the eyes of her younger self. "Good. I’m glad you recognize her." Fear's voice cackled gleefully. "Though, you seem startled Applejack. Why is that? I thought you would relish the opportunity to see your farm again." "This... can’t be possible." Applejack muttered, unable to turn her gaze from the filly coming towards her. "It… It just can’t. I ain't got time for your tricks Fear! Get rid of this illusion!" "Illusion?" came the dragon’s amused reply. "This is no illusion. I’ve grown tired of such primitive tricks. No, this is something far more… complex. I suppose I should not be surprised. You earth ponies are always so ignorant when it comes to magic of any sort." Applejack snorted at the monster's barbed comment, but he chose to ignore her as he continued onward. "Well do not worry Applejack. You will not have to deal with any illusions. Everything you shall face is very… very… real." "Stop it!" Applejack shouted, and as she did so the filly before her paused, glancing about uncertainly. “Hello?” the young pony muttered hesitantly. “Is somepony there?” “No…” the apple farmer gasped, her eyes going wide in shock. “The ghost…” “So you do remember!” Fear hissed, his tone one of malevolent delight. “On that day you thought you heard a voice; a warning coming from somewhere out of sight. Of course, as a mere filly you could only think of one thing it could have possibly been. A ghost! A phantom warning you of the events that were about to take place.” The orange filly before her eventually continued onward, walking towards the far wall where the overhead chains were anchored. “This is the past, little pony. Your past! That voice you heard all those years ago… it was your own. So what do you think of my powers now that I have dropped the charade of mere illusions? Are you not impressed?” As Applejack watched her younger self move towards the wall, her eyes suddenly went wide as realization struck her. She knew this scene all too well. The nightmares had faded long ago, or at least had diminished in their frequency. But even so, the stricken farmer was all-too familiar with what was about to take place. Immediately she galloped forward, reaching out to tap the blond-maned filly on her shoulder. However, the mare could only gasp in shock as she watched her hoof pass through the young pony like a specter. “No touching.” Fear’s voice taunted while Applejack stared uncomprehendingly at her seemingly solid forelegs. “You, little one, are simply a visitor here. A shade. As a mere pony, it is not within your power to interfere with what has already occurred.” “But… she heard me!” the apple farmer muttered, trying once again to touch the young filly. "I... I heard it!" “Indeed you did, but only because I allowed it.” The serpent’s voice had lost all emotion, and Applejack found her mane standing on-end as her younger-self trotted slowly across the loft towards the far wall. Meanwhile a sudden gust of wind rushed through the open window, carrying with it the low rumble of distant thunder. “Five…” came a small whisper in Applejacks ear. The mare’s tail twitched nervously as the wind outside the barn picked up suddenly and yet another roll of thunder shook the roof overhead. “Four…” “Why in tarnation did you bring me here?” the farmer demanded, spinning around in a useless attempt to spot the dark dragon. “Is this some sort of sick joke?” “No. Not a joke. This is a lesson Applejack. One which you were taught while very young. However, I had a feeling I should refresh your memory of it. Otherwise, yours will not be a fair challenge.” Outside, dark clouds began to gather overhead, dimming the sunlight which had previously illuminated the interior of the barn. The blond-maned pony watched the filly before her glance apprehensively at the gathering storm before simply shaking her head and continuing her work. “Three…” Fear chuckled, his words coinciding perfectly with yet another round of thunder. “What lesson?” the orange mare pressed, heart racing as her eyes darted franticly about the interior of the barn. “You were a smart filly. You knew it was dangerous to come out here all on your own. Especially with a storm on the horizon. Yet you ignored your better judgment. You ignored fear, and came here regardless. It was a simple miscalculation, and one which a filly can be forgiven for making. But unfortunately for you my dear, such mistakes can be costly… and painful!” Another roll of thunder shook the barn to its base, and Fear’s tone was one of pure enjoyment as Applejack’s breathing became shallow and panicked. “Two…” “Stop counting!” the pony shouted, her eyes squeezing tight as she tried to drive away the voice inside her head. It was happening again! Just as it had all those years ago! The feeling in the mare’s stomach was no different than it had been as a filly. Yet now, even with the knowledge of what was about to occur, the farmer found herself unable to do anything but wait as Fear’s cold laugh rang through her head. “And… ONE!” With a deafening roar the barn wall across from the pony exploded inward, and the world around her vanished in a flash of white light. A moment later, as the glare of the lighting strike faded away, Applejack felt a searing pain in her throat as the acrid smell of smoke reached her. At the same time, the loud ringing in her ears slowly gave way to the crackling of burning wood. Almost immediately the farmer discovered that while she was lying on the wooden floor of the loft, she was not where she had been standing a moment ago. Yet that passing thought was quickly replaced by sheer terror and confusion as her body suddenly began to move on it’s own. Try as she might, the mare could not stop herself. Instead she stared uncomprehendingly at the barn around her as if from another pony’s eyes, and though she could hear frantic gasps coming from her mouth, they were not her own. Even as she attempted to regain control of her body, Applejack became aware of a pain emanating from her hind leg. Soon she felt her head turn towards the pain, and a moment later found herself dazed by a strange sight. Her left hind leg was trapped beneath a smoking wooden beam; however, the flank to which the leg was joined was noticeably devoid of her familiar cutie mark. In an instant she understood what was happening, and the realization sent a chill through the very core of her being. She was a foal again, trapped in the body of her filly-self. From within the hissing flames that surrounded her, the terrified pony heard the whispers of a familiar voice. “Welcome, my dearest Applejack. Welcome back to the day your greatest fear was born.” As the air continued to fill with smoke and the orange flames spread from one wooden beam to the next, Applejack struggled to pull her hind leg from beneath the bar which trapped it. However, the searing pain which shot through her was enough for her to recognize that the leg was broken. Not again! The farmer thought; her mind racing even as she continued to struggle. Please not again! "Help!" she screamed, choking as smoke scorched her lungs. "Somepony! Help!" "Ah... there it is." a voice whispered. "There is the fear I was waiting for. The sheer and unrelenting terror. Let it consume you Applejack, for you already know how this particular story ends." The dragon's cackles gave way to a loud groaning of wood, and the filly cried out as the roof overhead gave way. Beneath a shower of sparks and burning embers, the trapped pony sobbed as the beam which held her leg began to smoke wherever the red-hot coals landed. Her body still struggled, but now her own frantic thoughts were so consumed with escaping the burning building she could not tell which movements were her own, and which were those of her younger self. “So many years ago, but while the scars may have healed, they never vanished completely. Is that not so Applejack? You may have tried to forget, but your nightmares never truly stopped. Try as you might, you never completely forgot this pain. Fear, after all, is eternal.” A sudden shuddering sound snapped the young mare’s thoughts away from Fear’s words, and she turned to see the barn doors rattle violently on their hinges. However, a pile of burning timber prevented them from opening more than a few inches. “Applejack?” a worried voice called out from beyond the doors as they shook yet again. “Applejack!” At that moment, the spreading flames finally reached her, and within seconds they had consumed the beam trapping her leg. The searing pain was too much, and the orange filly gave one final cry as the roof overhead began to sag. With a shower of splinters the doors exploded inwards, rubble flying in all directions as a solitary figure stood in the doorway. A flash of lightning momentarily illuminated the red colt at the entrance, revealing his silhouette as he peered into the smoke-filled interior of the barn. Though Applejack’s vision began to fade, she watched as the figure charged into the burning barn, dodging around blazing wood and embers that continued to rain from the collapsing ceiling. “Applejack!” Through watering eyes, the mare watched as the red colt charged towards the ladder her younger self had used only minutes earlier. Its wood was already wreathed in flame, yet her rescuer did not hesitate as he leapt into the air. Immediately the blackened timber began to give way beneath his weight, and with no small amount of awe Applejack watched as her brother pushed off with his powerful hind legs, landing with a loud thud upon the loft while the ladder collapsed behind him. Though her brother was no more than a red blur through the smoke, the trapped filly watched as Big Mac quickly made his way over to her. The colt did not even bother to glance up as the ceiling above them gave an ominous groan, sagging more with each passing moment as the flames continued to blacken the beams which held it at bay. “Big Mac…” Applejack sobbed, watching through tear-filled eyes as her brother winced from the heat of the flames that threatened to consumer her. Without a word her brother spun around, his hind leg shooting out as he bucked with all his might against the wood trapping his sister. With a shower of sparks the massive beam cracked in half, and Applejack cried out as the pressure on her broken leg was suddenly relieved. Yet the damage had been done, and her blackened coat continued to smoke as her brother gently nuzzled her mane. “I’m sorry.” the colt stated whispered, his sad eyes taking in the sight of her ruined hind leg. “This will hurt.” The young filly looked up at her brother, his face obscured by the smoke and the pain. “Hold on.” Applejack felt her brother slide his head beneath her body, shifting as gently as he could to raise her onto his back. Yet even the slightest movement was enough to send pain shooting through the filly’s ruined leg, and as she was lifted into the air the young mare felt her mind waver on the border of unconsciousness. However, she was quickly brought back to the present as a loud groaning erupted from overhead. A moment later the roof buckled, and still unable to control her body, Applejack felt her forelegs grasp tightly around Big Mac’s neck as he leapt forward. For several seconds the young filly’s stomach rose in her throat as her brother jumped from the loft, the ceiling overhead collapsing all around them. For several seconds it was as if the world had gone silent, her senses abandoned her as the young filly watched the ground rapidly approach. With a loud grunt Big Mac landed heavily upon the earthen floor of the barn, and Applejack cried out as her hind leg was racked with pain from the sudden impact. Still, her brother seemed unfazed as he galloped across the barn towards the open door. All around the building continued to creak and groan as fire licked at what remained of its supports, and with a final bound the red-coated colt burst from the smoke filled building into the storm beyond. The moment they emerged, Applejack felt the cold rain strike her face and mix with the tears that continued to stream down her cheeks. But the cold water did nothing to ease the pain that now consumed her. Already the young mare could see the darkness that was beginning to creep into the corners of her vision. The sound of snapping beams and groaning rafters rose up from behind them, and her brother spun about just in time for Applejack to watch as the burning roof collapsed, tearing down the walls of the barn her parents had built all those years ago. In an instant it was gone; the familiar structure vanishing in a cloud of smoke and burning embers. As the wind roared around her, Applejack felt the burning in her leg spread to her very core. The pain was just too much. The searing ache more than she could bear. She felt her brother lower her as gently as he could to the ground, and the world began to fade as her mind sought what little refuge it could in unconsciousness. Even so, Applejack found her eyes drawn to the cloud of smoke rising before her. For the briefest moment, as the dark storm continued to rage about her, the filly watched as a pair of burning red eyes gazed at her from within the smoke, and she shuddered at the ice cold laugh that was carried on the wind. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ With a rush of air, Applejack felt herself jolt forward, and a moment later she was lying upon the stone floor of the tunnel through which she had been traveling. Panting heavily, the young mare rose unsteadily to her hooves. She was back. The apple farmer was sure of that much at least. Glancing back at her flank, Applejack stared in relief at her uninjured leg. However, while her body was now free of any marks or burns, the memories of the fire's touch were all too raw. "Welcome back my dear Applejack. I hope you enjoyed our brief diversion." As Fear’s voice arose within her mind, the orange earth pony felt her anger flare. "What was that?" she spat. "Was that supposed to scare me?" "Did it not?” For a moment Applejack fell silent, scowling as she stared off down the corridor. After taking a steadying breath, the mare continued off down the hall; her eyes peeled for whatever lay at the path's end. "That all happened long ago. I ain't goin' to allow it to stop me now." "Of course not.” the monster whispered, causing the pony to grimace at the amusement dripping from the serpent's voice. “But I did not suggest it would. I simply asked whether this experience scared you or not?" For several minutes the blond-maned pony galloped onward in silence. During that time the only sound to reach her ears were the echoes of her hooves on stone. "... yes, it did." "Oh? I knew there was a reason I liked you Applejack." Fear cackled. "Honest and brave. A potent combination to be sure. Not many would admit to being afraid. In fact... I know one of your friends who would do well to learn from your example." "Leave Rainbow alone!" "I am glad you know to whom I was referring. But for the moment you should worry more about yourself than your friends. From here on the path becomes far more treacherous." While the monster spoke, Applejack noticed the corridor becoming steadily brighter as the placement of the torches along the hallway grew closer together. A moment later the apple farmer skidded to a halt, staring at a massive statue only a few paces away. The eerie figure was carved from the mountain itself. Chiseled as if by a master mason from the dark stone that now surrounded the young mare. However, while the carving appeared ancient, Applejack could not help but feel the statue bore more than a passing resemblance to herself. The sculpture was in the shape of an earth pony, cowering in the shadow of a shapeless looming figure. Stone flames leapt at the pony's body, and rocky tears fell from her lifeless eyes as her mouth hung open in a soundless scream. Applejack refused to let her mind dwell too long on the statue itself. Instead it was what lay between the rocky figure’s forelegs that drew her gaze. Upon the ground rested an orb, no larger than an apple, and apparently made of polished gold. The sphere was encrusted with diamonds that would have made Rarity squeal with delight; and as she approached, the mare spotted an engraving in the shape of her own cutie mark. Slowly the green-eyed pony neared the dark sculpture, watching the golden orb at its feet glow gently as she did so. With each step the polished sphere seemed to shine ever brighter until it’s light overpowered those of the surrounding torches. "Well done Applejack. You have found your key.” “This is it?” the young pony muttered suspiciously as she carefully studied the shimmering globe. “This is what you wanted me to find?” “Indeed it is. And as I am sure you will be pleased to hear, you have made excellent time. Your hour is not yet half over. If you can manage to move as you have so far, you shall be able to return to your friends with time to spare.” “So all I have to do is bring this here ball back, and you’ll let us leave?” “This will unlock your first door. But there is more to face beyond. After all, I would never allow you six to leave my domain so easily.” “And you’re just goin’ to let me carry this ‘key’ back?” At her words, the peal of Fear’s laughter rang through the corridor and forced the young pony to cover her ears with her hooves. However, even that was not enough to block out the spiteful roars. Eventually the monster’s mirthless chuckles subsided, replaced by an ominous rumbling in the distance. “I appreciate your ability to keep a sense of humor, even at a time such as this.” the monster hissed. As the strange rumbling grew ever closer, Applejack’s ears twitched nervously. “As if I would ever allow my challenge to be so simple.” In an instant the mountain began to shake to its core; and the sudden jolt sent the pony crashing to the ground. All along the walls of the corridor, massive cracks began to appear as the stones split apart. Meanwhile, with a loud groan the floor beneath Applejack began to heave and churn, sending her tumbling into a wall as jets of steam erupted from between the cracks. With a grunt Applejack struck the side of the corridor; a field of stars suddenly dotting her vision from the force of the unexpected impact. However, a brief glint of gold quickly caught her attention, and the pony felt the bottom of her stomach drop away as the key from the statue rolled across the ground towards one of the newly opened fissures. “You ain’t gettin’ away from me.” Though the stone corridor continued to shift around her, the cowpony charged towards the glowing orb at full speed, not pausing for even a moment as she wove between jets of steam and rising mounds of shattered rock. More than once the mare nearly lost her footing as the rocky ground swelled unexpectedly beneath her. Yet even this was not enough to slow her down. As far as she was concerned, these stone obstacles were no more than fences and barrels; and she had seen far too many rodeos to let such distractions keep her from her goal. Directly ahead the golden key careened into a rocky spike, popping into the air before arcing towards the newly formed crevice. Without hesitation the orange earth pony leapt forward, drawing on all her strength to launch herself over the quickly expanding chasm. Mouth held wide open, she felt the cold metal strike her teeth before clamping her jaws shut just as she landed on the far side of the fissure. The moment her hooves struck the ground, the trembling which had encompassed the corridor ceased. Almost immediately the hall fell back into silence. Glancing about at the ruined tunnel around her, Applejack spat the golden orb to the ground as she gave a triumphant holler. “Yeehaw! Now that there was blue ribbon performance, if I do say so myself.” “I would not be so confident if I were you." came Fear’s response from somewhere within the shadows. Removing her hat momentarily, Applejack used her teeth to toss the orb into the air. Catching the glowing sphere on her head, she quickly returned her hat to its rightful place, making sure the ‘key’ was held firmly beneath it. “I take it there’s more in store than just that little tumble?” “But of course. I was merely setting the stage.” The pony’s ears twitched nervously at the sound of something moving in the shadows of one of the newly opened crevices. From where she stood, the apple farmer could hear a light hissing sound rising up from within the dark depths of the earth. At the moment it was soft. Almost unnoticeable. However, as her eyes caught sight of something moving within the shadows, the mare could not help but notice the sound grow steadily louder. “You see my dear…” Fear continued as Applejack took a nervous step back. “All this was simply preparation. The stage is set for your true challenge. And I promise you, by the time we have finished here, you will know what true Fear is!” As his words rang through the earth pony’s mind, a white scaly head slowly emerged from the shadows before her; quickly followed by the body and tail of a small serpent. Applejack watched the new arrival uneasily as it gave a hiss like the sound of escaping steam, coming to lie unmoving on the floor a few paces away. In the light of the torches which had survived the hall-shattering quake, Applejack got her first real glimpse of the snake. The creature was covered in scales of pure white; though it’s wicked looking head was adorned with two rows of black horns. Taking another step back from the fierce looking creature, one of the pony’s hooves accidentally sent a piece of rock clattering across the hall. Almost immediately the serpent reacted to the noise. Rearing, its head spun to face her, mouth opening wide to reveal a pair of vicious fangs. Its head seemed to be devoid of any eyes whatsoever. Yet somehow the creature still managed to look directly at her; sending an uneasy chill run along the orange mare’s spine. As she watched, the snake’s long tongue slid slowly from its mouth, glowing red as fire as it tasted the air. “What do you think Applejack? Not the loveliest of creatures by any stretch of the imagination. Would you not agree?” “What is it?” Applejack whispered, though she quickly clamped her mouth shut as the serpent before her lunged forward suddenly, fangs bared. Yet the moment she went silent the creature halted its advance, curling upon the floor with an ominous hiss. “Careful…” Fear’s voice warned, dripping with malevolent glee. “It’s easily startled.” The orange earth pony gritted her teeth angrily at the monster’s taunt, but remained silent as the serpent continued to lie still as stone. “To answer your question… the unfortunate miners who have come across monstrosities such as this call them Fire Vipers. They are very old. Almost as old as I. As you can see, they have no eyes. But do not allow yourself to be fooled. Eyes are meaningless in the darkest depths of this world, and these creatures don’t need them. No… all they require are the screams of the poor ponies they bite.” Applejack took a trembling step back, and Fear’s cackling laugh rang through the cavern. “It was not simply for my amusement that I allowed you to revisit your past. It was a reminder, and a warning. A single bite from this creature, and you will experience true pain; the likes of which you cannot possibly imagine. Searing heat? Frigid cold? Such sensations cannot possibly represent the sheer agony instilled by a Fire Viper’s fangs. Think about what you have faced already Applejack. Remember the flames from all those years ago. Would you really allow yourself to suffer again, simply for the sake of your friends?” The monster's voice faded, and Applejack found herself unable to give any answer. She wanted to yell back at the beast. To reject his words and to insist how wrong he was. She wanted nothing more than to charge past the serpent lying across her path and to return to her friends above. To keep the promise she had made. And yet... she could not. As she watched the viper’s glowing tong slide in and out of it’s mouth, the earth pony found her legs would not move. No matter how much she tried, her hooves refused to obey her. Instead she stared at the coiled form lying just a few paces away, and as she did, the mare could not stop herself from trembling. The memories of the fire, now fresh and raw because of Fear, would barely allow her to breath. The thought of anything more painful than that experience… the idea that anything could compare to the terrifying heat of those flames as they licked at her flank… it wasn’t possible. “Oh… my poor Applejack.” Fear taunted. “Are you scared? Frightened? Oh yes indeed. I think you are terrified! I’ll admit some shock that your resolve has faded so quickly. To think that your determination might waver so… I am admittedly disappointed. Where is the confidence you had before? What happened to the promise you made to your friends?” The pony remained silent, her gaze frozen on the head of the serpent as it continued to hiss. “There is another way…” Applejack felt her heart skip a beat, and a single glistening tear fell to the floor at her hooves. It was pathetic, and the pony hated herself for it. Yet even so, her panicked mind grasped franticly at the dragon’s words like a lifeline. Anything to avoid pain like that again. “Give up.” “What?” Applejack gasped despite herself. Though her voice was quickly silenced as the serpent before her suddenly moved in her direction. “Give up.” Fear repeated, his words cold and devoid of all emotion. “Concede. Admit that you cannot win against me. I know that you are petrified Applejack. I can sense the panic. The pure and uncontrollable fear that grips you. Against me, you can have no hope of victory. There is no shame admitting it.” As Fear continued on, in her mind’s eye Applejack could see the dragon’s fiery eyes burning with unmatched malevolence. “You do not have to face this, little one. If you admit defeat and surrender to Fear, I shall set you free.” Immediately the mare’s thoughts began to race as the monster’s words continued to eat away at her resolve. “With but a single sentence, you can escape these darkened caverns. Surrender to me, and I shall carry you to the surface and allow you to return safely home. Think about it. No terror. No pain. You will be able to see your family again, and all you have experienced here will be no more than just another nightmare.” “But… what about my friends?” “What about them?” the monster’s voice spat dismissively. “What do you owe them? They are your friends, but does that mean you must sacrifice yourself for their sakes? Even if you were to mange to return to them, it would only be a matter of time before one of them fails my challenge. Admit it Applejack… you do not trust them!” “That ain’t true!” she shouted angrily, her green eyes glistening with tears as the beast’s venomous words continued to delve deeper into her mind. “Oh but it is. For you see… these words are not my own Applejack. They are yours!” Immediately the pony felt her breath catch; her blood turning as cold as ice. “These are the thoughts which inhabit the darkest recesses of your mind. The doubts you refuse to admit even to yourself. Yet despite how much you wish to hide from them, they are so very clear to me. Confess them Applejack! Concede defeat, and we can cease this pointless charade.” Applejack closed her eyes, her thoughts turning to the five friends she knew were waiting anxiously for her return. Even now she could see Rainbow flying restlessly back and forth before the entrance to the staircase; Rarity watching quietly from the side. Meanwhile Pinkie would probably be doing her best to cheer up Fluttershy and the rest. After all, the pink pony always managed to find something light-hearted to talk about, even in the darkest of times. And Twilight? Even now the unicorn was no doubt coming up with a dozen different ideas of how to get them out of this disaster. Wiping a single tear from her cheek with her hoof, the apple farmer gave a firm nod as the thought of her friends drove away the doubts that threatened to consume her. “No!” She snorted defiantly; checking to make sure her hat was secured safely over the key. “What?” “No.” She repeated, watching the viper slither towards the direction of her voice. “I don’t care what you say. I ain’t leavin’ my friends. I’ll face whatever you can throw at me Fear, but you can’t stop me!” For almost a minute Applejack could hear nothing but the hiss of the white-scaled serpent as it sought her out, it’s head turning first one way and then another. And when Fear’s voice finally did return, its tone was pure venom. “So be it! Know now the consequences of ignoring Fear.” With a loud crack the stone beneath Applejack’s hooves rose up, sending the startled pony tumbling helplessly to the ground with a grunt. Before she could even realize what was happening, the viper was on her in an instant; its fangs sinking deep into her hind leg. Nothing could have possibly prepared the mare for what happened next; for there are no words for the pain that suddenly wracked her body. It was searing! All consuming! A terrifying and excruciating pain that drove away all other thoughts from her mind. Even as the serpent’s fangs withdrew, the sounds of her cries continued to echo off the broken walls of the hallway, reverberating along its entire length. She tried her best to deal with the sting. She wanted nothing more than to push it to the furthest corners of her mind. But it was a hopeless wish. The sheer agony made all attempts at rational thought futile. Instead all she could do was collapse to the ground with her eyes shut tight, nostrils flaring with her cries as a fire worked its way through her veins. It felt as though a red-hot needle had been thrust into her flank, and then had melted within her body. The agony was so consuming, so all encompassing, that the pony did not even notice as the white-scaled serpent responsible erupted into a small ball of flame, quickly transforming into a smoking pile of ash. “Do you feel it Applejack?” came Fear’s emotionless tone; somehow piercing the searing haze that had wrapped itself about the young mare’s mind. “The terrifying lick of fire and flame within you? That is pain! Pain in its purest form. How terrible it must be, when you can look back on your darkest memories and realize that they were nothing compared to this unrelenting agony. This is the price you pay. The punishment that comes to those who ignore Fear!” As Applejack lay upon the cold stone ground, tears streaming down her cheeks and nostrils flaring in agony, a new sound began to emerge. A storm of muted hisses that slowly grew until it could be heard even above the mares continued sobs. “Give up little one. Against me, there can be no victory. Believe me when I tell you that your nightmare is only just beginning Applejack. Refuse to yield to me now, and all I can promise you is agony.” Opening her eye, Applejack watched through tears as another white-scaled viper’s head peaked out from the fissure before her. This was quickly followed by a second… then a third… and still a fourth behind that. From the walls… the floor… even the ceiling; every crack in sight began to spew forth an endless stream of writhing serpents. Slithering and sightless, the creatures began to slide across the stone floor directly towards her; their demonic tongues glowing ominously in the dim torchlight. Applejack! Unbidden, a new sound rose to the surface of the apple farmer’s thoughts, blocking out the hisses of the approaching vipers. Yet this was not the chilling tones of Fear. It was her friends! As one she could hear them calling her name. The same five ponies who had once traveled all across Equestria to find her. The friends who had never once given up on her. Now, even within these dark caverns, they trusted her to come back to them. And no matter what happened, she knew they always would. Slowly, the pain began to subside. It did not vanish, but Applejack could feel the searing burn recede to be replaced by another feeling. A hope that no matter what happened to her, her friends would find a way to escape these evil caverns. “Hold on ya’ll.” the green-eyed mare huffed through gritted teeth. “I’m coming!” With a tremendous heave Applejack pushed herself off the ground, her hind leg buckling as the fire viper’s bite sent a new wave of pain shooting through her body. Despite the agony of the creature’s venom, the mare refused to let herself be stopped. Her friends trusted her! They believed in her! Even if it meant giving everything she had, the apple farmer was not going to let them remain Fear’s prisoners. The entire hall before her had now become a writing sea of white scales and burning red tongues. Not a single patch of bare stone could be seen beneath the churning mass of vipers. Even had Applejack wished to leap upon the few protruding rocks that rose above the sea of snakes, she knew the pain in her hind leg would make such precise jumps impossible. That left only one choice. Without thought the earth pony charged straight ahead, eyes focused on the empty tunnel just beyond the snakes. With a deep breath she closed her eyes, and dove head first into the pool of waiting vipers. The first bite was instantaneous. A sharp scorching pain that originated at the base of her neck. However, she barely had time to register the strike before her entire boy was engulfed in a raging storm of agony. One after another, anxious vipers sank their fangs into the mare as she galloped through their midst. Like the first, each time a serpent struck it would immediately erupt into a small ball of fire and turn to ash. However, such a fate did not seem to deter each new serpent from joining their brethren. For her part, Applejack could barely breathe as she gritted her teeth against the unbelievable pain. With every bite, she knew it could not get any worse. And yet somehow, it always did. Eventually she could no longer even cry out. No amount of air could have been sufficient to give voice to that never-ending anguish. Instead she charged on, accepting every new sting with a muffled sob and an angry shake of her head. Finally, she was through! The last serpent fell from where it had sunk its teeth into her foreleg and vanished in a ball of flame before it had even reached the floor. However, the damage had been done. As she continued galloping down the hall, Applejack could feel her resolve rapidly fading. Each hoof-fall would send a new shockwave of searing heat along her body, every breath accompanied by a fresh pulse of fire through her veins. More than once the poor mare collapsed to the ground, her cries ringing through the tunnel at the force of the impact. At these times, only the thought of her friends was enough to raise the pony to her hooves. Yet with every time, the orange mare could feel that image drift further and further away upon a never-ending sea of pain. After what felt like an eternity the young pony found she could simply run no further. Her hooves gave way, and Applejack collapsed to the ground for the last time. Slowly darkness began to creep in from the edges of her vision, her mind seeking the silent peace of unconsciousness. However, this was not the only place from where darkness began to pour. In front of the pony, a cloud of dark mist began to seep forth from the depths of a jagged fissure. Slowly the shadows began to condense, surrounding a pair of burning eyes. As Fear took form, even from within the haze of pain Applejack could see that the monster had undergone a horrifying transformation. His wings had vanished, while his dark body had become thick with muscle beneath his obsidian scales. The entirety of the monster’s dark hide was now adorned with vicious looking spikes, and a massive pair of horns scrapped the ceiling above him as he passed. Meanwhile, the dragon’s teeth had grown in size giving him fangs reminiscent of the vipers she had already faced. He was a terrifying sight to behold. Primal in size and shape. Yet when the beast spoke, its voice still held the same cold amusement that Applejack had come to despise. “Look upon me Applejack.” The monster hissed; as the ground trembled with his footsteps. “Look upon my face, and know that you now face the Fear of Pain!” He halted as he reached Applejack, burning eyes taking in her trembling form as the fire vipers' poison continued to rack her body with pain. “I am ancient. The oldest and most primitive of fears by far. Yet you will find I am cruel, and all the more powerful because of that fact. None have lived who have not felt my touch; not known my presence. How could a mere pony like you ever hope to defeat me.” Slowly the monster reached towards the fallen mare; sticking out a single claw towards her face. “Let go. You have done enough Applejack. Give up, and let yourself be free of this torment. There is no reason for you to continue. Your hour is nearing its end. The hope for your friends fading with every second. No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to reach the doors before they close. So why then should you continue on? Accept your fear, and your pain shall vanish.” Clenching her eyes tight, the orange mare waited for the beast’s razor-like talon to pierce her skin. However, what she was not prepared for was the sudden relief that came as his claw gently touched her forehead. Like a bucket of water over a raging fire, the strange sensation washed away the pain that had consumed her. “I am not without mercy.” the monster continued, his voice all the more unnerving for its sudden sympathy. “I shall give you one last chance Applejack. Admit to your fear. Yield to me. Do this, and I shall release you.” Applejack refused to answer, her eyes locked on those of the monster who towered over her. Eventually breaking away from his gaze, the young mare remained silent for several minutes. Her eyes glistened as she stared dejectedly at the floor. When she finally spoke, her voice trembled with the thought of what was to come. “You’re right.” she admitted with a sad shake of her head, a lone tear rolling down her cheek. Before her, Fear grinned wickedly at her words, his eyes ablaze with triumph. “I am scared. There ain’t no denyin’ it. But…” The pony looked up into the monster’s face, and immediately the dragon’s grin vanished as he met her burning gaze. “It ain’t you that I’m afraid of. What truly scared me was that, for a moment, I thought about acceptin’ that offer of yours. Just one moment. But it was enough. And that, more than anythin’ else you can possibly do, scared me. This pain? It ain’t nothin’ compared to what I felt when I thought about leavin’ Twilight and the others. The guilt when I considered runnin’ away to leave them waitin’ there for me scares me far more than your little snakes! My friends, they’re countin’ on me. They trust me! And for a moment, I considered lettin’ ‘em down. There ain’t nothin’ in Equaetria you can do that’ll frighten me more then that. So get outta my way! I’ve got a challenge to finish!” As she stood there, facing Fear eye to eye, Applejack waited for the dragon to snarl at her in anger. Instead he simply grinned even more widely than he had before. A moment later, he gave a bellowing laugh that shook sections of stone from the tunnel’s roof. “Very well!” he hissed, teeth bared as dark mist rolling from his gaping maw. “But know that you cannot win! Look at the sorry state you now find yourself! Were it not for me keeping your pain at bay, you would not even be able to stand. So what shall happen next? Even if you return to your friends and grant them passage to the next challenge, what then? You will be but a hindrance to them. A weight to slow their hooves! Yet if that is what you truly wish, then so be it. If you will not save yourself, then you too shall remain here with your friends forever!” With that the monster vanished in a cloud of mist, and immediately Applejack felt the pain rise once again to consume her. “No you don’t Applejack!” she gasped; nostril’s flaring as she fought to rise. “Just… a little… further!” Charging forward, the farmer kept her eyes peeled for the end of the tunnel. Her head pounding as the poison of the Fire Vipers continued to course its way through her veins. As she ran through the hallway, the Element hanging from her neck sparkled in the torchlight, reminding her of the promise she had made. Yet with every step, she could feel her strength waver more and more. The tunnel around her was barely visible through her tears, and every new vibration only sent fresh waves of pain rippling across her body. In the distance, the mare suddenly spotted her goal, and immediately she felt her stomach clench in terror. “NO!” The massive doors to the tunnel were sliding slowly shut, the grating of stone against stone audible even from where she ran. With all the strength left in her body, Applejack raced the closing doorway. Her gasps echoed through the massive tunnel, while her cheeks glistened with tears of pain and frustration both. She pressed herself as hard as she could hope to, ignoring the agonizing pain that threatened push her into the black pit of unconsciousness. Yet with every passing moment, the stone gates drew ever closer together. I’m not going to make it! With a final cry of anguish, the young mare threw herself at the arch just as the slabs of stone sealed together with a thunderous bang. As her hooves beat against the thick stone, Applejack gave a heart-wrenching cry. Whether it was because of the friends she had failed, or the pain erupting from the sudden impact, even she did not know. But as the torches in the tunnel began to slowly extinguish one after another, the young mare could only slump at the base of the door and sob. “No!” She wailed, striking against the unmoving gates. “NO! NO! NO!” After a last useless push, she let her forelegs fall to her sides. The pain was simply too much for her to continue; and as the last torch vanished, Applejack collapsed to the rocky floor, weeping with her back against the doors. “I… can’t give up. I just… I just…” She lay upon the cold ground, panting as the venom continued to make its way through her body. “Twilight… Rainbow… everypony. I’m so sorry.” Applejack! With a start the orange pony’s eyes snapped open. She could hear them. The sounds of her friends’ voices. They were faint. Muffled by the stone that surrounded her. But she could hear them nonetheless. “I’m… I’m here.” the apple farmer replied sadly, turning around to press her hooves against the unmoving stone doors. She remained where she was, and at the thought of her friends a look of grim determination flashed across her face. As it did, the magical gem around her neck began to glow. “I’m here. But I ain’t stayin’ here!” Rising gingerly to her hooves, the earth pony placed as much of her weight on her forelegs as she could manage. Immediately she grimaced as her legs buckled with a sudden rush of pain. Yet her gaze was fierce as she glanced over her shoulder at the massive stone doors. With an angry shout Applejack bucked against the unyielding stone, grunting at the impact. Though the gates did not budge, this did not deter the pony from readying herself for a second strike. Again and again her hind legs struck the surface of the dark and unyielding stone. Time after time she cried out as the reverberations sent waves of heat coursing throughout her body. Yet she did not stop. From her neck the Element of Honesty began to shimmer with a dark orange glow, growing ever brighter with each failed attempt. Though she did not notice the strange reaction, slowly the orange mare felt new strength return to her limbs. The sound of cracking stone echoed sharply off the tunnel walls, and served to only drive Applejack to strike harder. Again and again the pony struck the massive doors, and though pain clouded all from her view, a small fissure had begun to appear in the surface of the polished stone door. Slowly it spread outward, growing wider with each new strike. All the while, the magic gem about the mare’s neck continued to grow brighter still. As it did, a new light began to spread outward from the pony as her mane began to shimmer like gold. “Come on! Come on! COME ON!” Applejack shouted, her eyes closed tight against the pain of each strike. Noting neither the magic which had taken hold, nor the cracks that had begun to spiderweb across the entire surface of the doors, she pressed ever onward. “COME ON!!!” The element of Honesty flared brightly, enveloping the pony in a ball of orange light. As it did so Applejack’s hind legs connected with the dark gates, and with the sound of an avalanche the massive doors erupted outwards in a shower of shattered stone. In an instant the light of the element about her neck winked out, and the pain returned with a rush that brought the mare to the ground. The world swam before her eyes as she found that she could no longer keep unconscious at bay. As darkness obscured her vision, and she felt herself tumbling into the void, the young pony could hear a voice whispering in her ear. “A single challenge overcome. But at what cost I wonder?” ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ “She’s been gone too long!” That was the fourth time Rainbow Dash had made the same remark. While Twilight agreed with the blue pegasus, the constant reminder that their friend was in danger while they could do noting about it was not appreciated. Glancing over at the four other ponies, the unicorn gave a sad shake of her head. Pinkie Pie was playing ‘I spy’ with Fluttershy, seemingly unconcerned that the answer had been the same (a rock) for the last 10 rounds. Meanwhile Rarity and Rainbow Dash sat diligently at the entrance to the staircase, staring at where the stone steps curved out of site. “We have to go after her!” “We can’t Rainbow Dash!” Twilight sighed, also for the fourth time. “There’s no telling what Fear would do if we interfered.” “If you would like Twilight, I can tell you precisely what I would do.” The sudden sound of the serpent’s voice caused all five ponies to spin towards the locked gates. There, standing in front of the enormous stone entrance, rose the shadowy figure of Fear. He looked slightly larger than the last time the ponies had seen him, and in his outstretched claw he held a small golden orb. “Where is Applekjack?” Rainbow Dash shouted, flying until she was face-to-face with the towering beast before them. “Ah yes…” Fear hissed, his eyes narrowing as he met the pegasus’ gaze. “I suppose that is what would matter most to you five.” With an uncaring shrug, the serpent stepped aside to reveal an orange form lying unmoving on the ground behind him. Immediately Rainbow Dash was at her friend’s side, ignoring for the moment the hulking form of Fear as he approached the gateway. “Applejack!” The blue pegasus shouted, her voice catching in her throat at the sight of dozens of bite marks covering the earth-pony’s body. “Applejack, please say something!” Slowly the orange pony’s eyes flickered open, and she gave a weak smile as the others quickly surrounded her. “Hey ya’ll,” she chuckled, wincing as soon as the words had left her mouth. “Did ya miss me?” “Oh no.” Fluttershy sobbed, her eyes watering at the mere sight of her friend. “What happened to you Applejack?” Twilight whispered sadly. “What in Celestia’s name did that monster do to you?” “Twilight Sparkle...” The group turned to see Fear carefully studying the five ponies as they gathered at their wounded friend’s side. While his mouth was curved into a sinister sneer, the creature’s gaze was cold and calculating. Nearby they could see that the golden orb had been placed on a small pedestal next to the closed gates. Even now the glimmering shape was slowly turning in place, as if spun by a pair of invisible hands. “… do not think that I was the one who harmed your friend. It was her own decisions that led to her current condition. She completed her challenge, and for that you should be thankful. But she made her own choices when faced with fear, and now must live with the consequences of her actions.” “You are despicable!” Rarity spat angrily, joined by Pinke Pie who gave the shadowy serpent before them an angry snort. “Perhaps I am.” Fear chuckled unconcernedly. “But I can assure you that I have been called far worse in the past; so forgive me if I find that particular description of my nature to be lacking.” As the creature finished speaking the golden orb halted its rotation with an audible click. Soon after, a loud rumbling could be heard emanating from the other side of the closed gates. Slowly the mammoth slabs of rock began to move apart, revealing a darkened tunnel leading away from the fiery caverns in which the ponies currently found themselves. “Now, the first gate has been unlatched. The challenge has been won. But now you know what your friend has faced, do you dare continue on?”