//------------------------------// // Chapter 15: Anguish and Pain // Story: KINGDOM HEARTS: Fractured Friendship // by KHXhero //------------------------------// Chapter 15: Anguish and Pain It was just a little while after Sora and what was left of his group left the city, and Twilight's friends ran off in despair. Celestia was making her way towards her chambers, trying to go over everything that has happened. This wasn't how she was envisioning everything to happen. She was really hoping things would be simple and clean. But it wasn't. Her worst fears have been realized. Twilight has turned, and will stop at nothing to destroy Equestria. Celestia opened the door to her room. It was still a big mess, with the pillows and sheets removed from the bed, and the table tipped over, many pages were on the ground. She let out a very heavy sigh as she came into the room, and closed the door behind her. "Well, well, to think that you could go no lower than you already have." Celestia froze instantly hearing that voice. A voice that she had not heard in ages! She turned around, to see sitting on her bed. It was a unicorn, and from the looks of Celestia's widened eyes, full of shock, she knew her very well. This unicorn was a brilliant amber color and her eyes were moderate cyan. Her mane was colored with a vivid crimson red with brilliant yellow stripes, almost like flames. Her cutie mark was a shimmering sun mixed with red and yellow coloring. She was giving a scowl and a mischievous smile. "Sunset Shimmer!" Celestia spoke, her voice showing surprise and a tint of fear. "Hello, Celestia." The unicorn, Sunset, spoke. "Has it really been so long?" "W...what are you doing here?" Celestia asked. "What, no hello back?" Sunset asked as she got up from the bed and walked toward the alicorn. "Can't an old student say hello to her... faithful teacher?" "But... how did you get back here?" Celestia asked. "The portal's no longer set to the world you escaped too!" "Oh, I have my ways." Sunset said. "Let's just say I learned a new form of magic while I was banished from this world." "Sunset, you were never banished!" Celestia said. "Oh, I was." Sunset said. "When you denounced me as your student." "You were sneaking into the forbidden section of the library!" Celestia said. "And you were only caring about yourself and wanting power!" "Yeah, I was." Sunset said. "Maybe that wouldn't have happened if you didn't expect too much from me, and just given me what I wanted." "And what was that?" Celestia asked. "To rule by your side!" Sunset said. "To be your chosen heir to the throne." "Sunset, you were not ready." Celestia said. "You refused to learn what it truly means to be a leader, and you refused to learn about friendship." "True." Sunset said. "But maybe if you hadn't had so many expectations on me and just allowed me to be a normal pony, then maybe I would've decided to learn about friendship." Celestia only shook her head. "Sunset, don't pin this on me." Celestia said. "Oh please." Sunset said. "Sure, I may have been a bad pony, but you were only thinking about what you wanted for me, without even thinking about what I wanted. I know you were planning to make me a princess just so you won't have to deal with anymore of your problems. And I take it you were doing the same for Twilight, weren't you." Celestia raised an eyebrow. How did she know about Twilight? "H...how do you know Twilight Sparkle?" Celestia asked. "Oh, I know everything, Celestia." Sunset said. "I know that you chosen her because you knew that she was much stronger than you. I know that you've sent her to go save your sister when you couldn't try to do the same. And I know that you failed to take her worries seriously when she suspected something was wrong with your niece." Celestia felt more hesitant and more surprised. "Sunset..." Celestia said. Sunset only scuffed and then made her way to the table, picking up the newspaper that was lying there. "Hmmm... Changelings Return! Celestia to Blame?" Sunset asked, reading the article. "In the hour of the Royal Wedding, the bride revealed herself to be the Changeling Queen, and laid siege upon the city like wildfire. The monsters were stopped by the efforts of Princess Cadance and her magic. According to resources, there was a threat going on around Canterlot and the Sun Monarch did nothing about it. One pony, Twilight Sparkle, the faithful student of the Princess saw the signs, but no pony did anything about it. Did we place our faith in the wrong Princess?" The unicorn gave a cold laugh. "Wow, you really bucked up again, Celestia." Sunset said. "Another student turned against you, and you're to blame for it, as always." "What are you saying?" Celestia asked. "I didn't know that the bride was an imposter!" "But Little Twilight did though." Sunset said. "And you didn't listen to her. She had faith in you, the pony she saw as a mother, and you cast her aside. And now, you lost another student, just like you lost me." In that instant, the unicorn's eyes began to glow a dark color, and then, the ground and room around them began to turn dark and black. "Darkness!" Celestia said. "Yes, the new form of magic that I learned." Sunset said. "This is what happens when you let students go astray, when you don't teach them what they should know, or give them what they deserve!" She then fired a magical beam at Celestia, trapping her into the pool of darkness around her, lowering her to the ground, causing her crown to fall off. The sun monarch tried to break free, but it was no use. She was stuck. "Sunset... Stop!" Celestia shouted. "And soon, Twilight will be one with darkness, and you will lose her forever." Sunset said. "And in the end, you'll have no one but yourself to blame." "Stop... please, stop!" Celestia spoke, as tears dropped from her eyes. "You are unfit to rule Equestria." Sunset said, and with her hoof, she shattered the princess's crown. "You are not worthy of being a princess." "Please..." Celestia said as her voice began to break up, only to see Sunset, slowly turning in what appears to be a twisted form of Twilight. "And you... are... nothing..." She spoke in a distorted voice. "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" Celestia screamed with all of her might. She started to hyperventilate, and open her eyes. She began to look around, seeing no darkness in sight. Sunset was gone. The room was the way it was when she came inside. Was all of this just in her head? She then noticed to the right, a pile of many scrolls, that were actually written letters. But they weren't just any letters, no. They were Friendship Reports, reports from Twilight and her friends of all the things they've learned about friendship. Dear Princess Celestia, We're writin' to you today because we all learned a little somethin' about friendship. We've learned that you should take your friends' worries seriously, even if you don't think that she has anything to worry about. And that you shouldn't let your worries turn a small problem into an enormously huge entire-town-in-total-chaos Princess-has-to-come-and-save-the-day problem! Signed, Your Loyal Subjects. Celestia couldn't help but shed a couple of tears reading the report. She lowered her head, with so much shame. Maybe if they had heeded Twilight's worries during the wedding rehearsal, or even take it into consideration, then maybe none of this would've happened. She couldn't help but think about what Rainbow Dash had said to her, about using Twilight to fight her own battles. She would never do such a thing. But looking back, with Discord being free from his prison and causing mayhem and destruction, turning Twilights friends against her and each other, maybe she could've prevented that from happening. Sure, her connection with the elements is gone, but she probably should've just fought Discord herself to buy the girls some time to find the elements, and maybe he wouldn't have turned them against Twilight. She could've done more. She could've fought back. But no, she let Twilight take care of the problem, and made her go through all that suffering, just like she didn't heed her worries and suspicions about Cadance, and not put her through so much. Perhaps Sunset was right. She was not fit to be a princess anymore. Celestia knew that there was only one way to fix this, to make things right and take responsibility for her actions. It may put a lot of ponies at risk, but it was the only way. -BOOM!- The doors flew wide open, revealing Princess Luna. "Sister!" She called out. "I heard you screaming! Are you alright?!" Celesta yelped as she heard the doors open, coming out of her thoughts. She gave a sigh of relief, knowing that it was just her sister. "Yes, I'm fine, Luna." Celestia said. "I was... just lost in my thoughts, that's all." "Are you sure?" Luna asked as she approached her sister. "You seem a bit troubled." Celestia only glanced at the floor and let out another sigh. "Too much has happened today." Celestia said. "I know..." Luna said, using her magic to set the table right back up again, and picking up the pieces of paper. "Where is Sora?" Celestia asked. "He and his routine have left Canterlot." Luna said. "From what I've witnessed before raising the moon, the keyblade master seems still on set of bringing Twilight home. It seems that everything that has happened hasn't daunted him." "I take it that you have talked with him?" Celestia asked. "No, the king's subjects have lifted his spirits up." Luna said. "They were singing a pretty catchy tune." "And the others?" Celestia asked. "I can't say the same for the girls, however." Luna said. "They are broken, and they have given up." Celestia only lowered her head, showing more shame. "Well, I guess it's up to the keyblade master, now." Celestia said, she then made her way to the doors to the balcony, opening the doors up. "Sister, I don't mean to start an argument, but why did you issue Twilight to be arrested?" Luna asked. "Because, you heard what the chancellor had said, Luna." Celestia said. "Twilight has broken into the castle, stole Starswirl's journal, and she attacked me." "So what, you're going to have her imprisoned when all of this isn't really her fault?" Luna asked. "I sensed something wrong with Twilight. It seems she is influenced by a dark but familiar voice." "Perhaps, but it's is the only way that I can get Twilight back." Celestia said. "Then why are you planning to have Twilight arrested?" Luna asked. "Even if Sora does somehow manages to turn Twilight back to the light, what makes you think that she'll forgive you if you try her-" "I'm not going to have Twilight tried for her crimes." Celestia said, making her sister raise an eyebrow. "I'm going to have a talk with her about everything, letting her know that I am truly sorry for everything that I have put her through. I shall ask... no, I will beg for her forgiveness. If she does find it in her heart to forgive me and her friends, then I shall pardon her of all charges." Luna was a bit surprised. She isn't going to try Twilight, and she's going to drop the charges on her? "But... what if she doesn't?" Luna asked. "Then I'm left with no other choice." Celestia responded. "I'm going to free her from the pain of everything that has transpired." Luna began to think for a moment, but then her eyes widened up. Freeing Twilight from the pain? Does she mean... Erase her memory?! "Celestia…" She said, showing horror and anger. "No! You cannot erase Twilight's memories of what happened at the wedding! The heart will still feel the betrayal-" "No!" Celestia said. "I'm not going to erase Twilight's memory of the wedding or everything. I would never do such a thing to her. I'm going to let her leave to the world outside." Luna's temper died out when she heard that. Leave to the world outside? Her face began to show surprise. "You mean... the outside worlds?" Luna asked. "Yes." Celestia spoke, her head lowering a bit. "If Twilight wishes not to stay here in Equestria, I will allow Sora to take her from this world to the ones beyond ours, so she can live the life she wants to live, instead of the one that I pictured her to live." Luna gasped. She's going to let Twilight leave Equestria? Wait... what did she mean live the life instead of the one that Celestia wanted her to live. "Wait... what do you mean instead of the life you pictured for her?" Luna asked. Celestia turned towards her sister before making her way to the balcony. "As I watched Twilight grow up to the mare she is now, I knew that she would be destined for greatness." Celestia said. "The moment I saw her unleashing her incredible magic, I knew that she had a greater purpose than just being the Element of Magic. Her level of magic is at our level, Luna. Much more stronger than ours combined..." "Sister." Luna said, getting a good idea what her sister was talking about. "You mean..." "Yes." Celestia said. "Twilight has the magic of an alicorn, and I have planned to make her a princess... to be the next Princess of Equestria." "What?" Luna asked, even more surprised. "I've been ruling Equestria for a long time, Luna, and without you, it was much more harder." Celestia said. "And with everything that has happened, Twilight deserves to be the ruler of Equestria instead of me. You heard the reports of the wedding, how they all see Twilight to be better suited to be their Princess than I am." "Sister, no offense." Luna began. "But I highly doubt that Twilight would want to be a Princess, let alone rule all of Equestria, given her stress and... well, her obsessive-compulsive issues." "I know." Celestia said. "Spike had told me about her issues many times than I can count. I'm partially to blame for that. I probably should've just told her that I don't expect everything to be perfect. Guess that whole Smarty-Pants incident didn't truly seep through her about that." "Yes, though it was a bit entertaining seeing her go, as Pinkie Pie would say, Loco in the Coco." Luna said, giving a chuckle, and Celestia did the same. "As I was saying, I always envisioned Twilight to be the next Ruler of Equestria." Celestia said. "But now, with everything that's happened, that dream is only a mere fantasy now. And I've realized now, that Twilight should be allowed to follow the path she wants to follow, to follow her heart. If Twilight refuses to stay or forgive her friends, then I will let her leave Equestria. I will let Sora take her from this world to the outside ones, to live the life she wants to live." Luna was still surprised of Celestia's decision to let Twilight leave to the outer worlds if she doesn't want to forgive her friends. "Sister..." Luna said. "Do you even think Master Yen Sid or King Mickey will allow that?" "I'm confident that Mickey would." Celestia said. "He and I have always agreed with one another." "But how could she even leave?" Sister asked. "We have no way of leaving to the other worlds. Only keyblade wielders are known for doing so." Celestia turned her head a bit away from Luna. Let's just say that she wouldn't be the first pony to leave Equestria." Luna leaned as she heard the rest of that sentence. The first pony to leave Equestria? "Sister... are you sayin that..." She asked. "Yes, Luna." Celestia said. "I have left Equestria many times." "How?" Luna asked, still in shock. "Underneath the castle is the Secret Library of Starswirl the Bearded." Celestia said. "Within it lies a magical mirror that allows us to leave Equestria to the outer worlds. It can take us anywhere. Starswirl created it around the time we were just beginning to rule Equestria, and we experimented with it and went to so many different places. But a little while before you were banished, Starswirl told me that we couldn't use it anymore. But... after you were banished..." She turned away a bit, showing a face of guilt. "But what?" Luna asked. "Let's just say, things ended badly between me and Starswirl right before he disappeared." Celestia said. "I ended up using the portal to leave Equestria without his knowledge. I have seen many things from the outside worlds, and I've learned a lot too. It was the only thing that brought me solace. You were trapped forever within the moon, and the outside worlds were the only way to help me deal with losing you for a thousand years." "So you used the portal behind his back?" Luna asked. "Yes... until he caught me coming out of it." Celestia said. "He and I got into an argument, and he destroyed the portal. I... I lost my temper and I banished him from Equestria." Luna's eyes widened as she gasped. "What?!" Luna asked, before quieting herself. "You banished Starswirl from Equestria? You're the reason why he disappeared? Why would you do that?" "Because... he didn't care!" Celestia said. "He didn't care if I was suffering! And not only that, he called you a villain! He acted like you were a bad guy all along! But it was my fault for pushing you away and letting the darkness take you!" The Princess of the Sun managed to stop talking for a moment to calm herself, as Luna was surprised. "Sister... I'm so sorry." Luna said. "It's fine." Celestia said. "No, it's not ok." Luna said. "I made you feel guilty for my mistake. If I had not turned to darkness, then you wouldn't have been in that situation." "No, Luna." Celestia said. "It was my choice, and my burden to bare. Besides, I was young, I still had much to learn, and the outside worlds have helped me with it." "But... wait, how will Twilight leave if the portal is destroyed?" Luna asked. Celestia lowered her head. "It was fixed... by him." Celestia said. "Him?" Luna asked, as Celestia glanced at her with a stare. The younger princess widened her eyes up, knowing who she was actually referring to. "You mean...! The Master of All Masters?" Luna asked, remembering the mysterious man with the black coat, which shrouded his face, except for one glowing crystal blue eye. "Yes." Celestia said. "He fixed it so I can leave Equestria anytime I wanted. It was how I met Mickey, and I would use the portal to visit him for special occasions, and he used it to get here when he was still in training." She couldn't but smile, thinking about the times she has spent with King Mickey. She really enjoyed his company. "Well, it was nice to see that you managed to deal with the thought of losing me." Luna said. "But you're willing to let Twilight leave if she refuses to forgive you? "Yes." Celestia said. "And it won't be a banishment, either." "But what about Equestria?" Luna asked. "Twilight is the Element of Magic. How will Equestria survive?" "We'll find a way, Luna." Celestia said. "Destiny is beyond our control. We'll just have to find another way to deal with it. If Sora was able to find a way to defeat Master Xehanort, than I'm sure we'll find a way too." Hearing that made Luna nod, and the two sisters hugged each other with their wings, while giving each other a nuzzle. "So... what to do now?" Luna asked. "We just wait." Celestia said, as she glanced at the sky, seeing some thundering clouds hovering in the distance. "For now, Sora is the best chance we have. We must trust him." Luna gave a nod as she too watched the sky, unaware of a certain Chancellor watching from the cracked open door. PONYVILLE Somewhere at a small cottage just near the forest and the town of Ponyville, well, right near the tree stump. Fluttershy was on the ground, crying miserably. Everything that had happened at Canterlot, Twilight turning evil and disowning her friends, was just too much for the butter colored Pegasus to even bare. After fleeing the royal city, Fluttershy just returned home and just sobbed uncontrollably, underneath the tree near her home. For a moment, she lifted her face up, showing her tear-stained face, also covered with grass. Her animal friends, which included Angel, her pet bunny, the chirping birds, the chickens, the ducks, the squirrels, the frog, and even the fuzzy bear, noticed their caregiving friend weeping. They all flew, hopped, and approached her, wondering what's wrong. "I'm... I'm sorry." Fluttershy said, noticing that they were there. "I just... I just want to be alone right now..." Before she could continue to cry, she saw a little squirrel with his mouth full. Opening it up, he pulled out a couple of acorns, nuts that squirrels love to eat. He then offered them to Fluttershy, who was a bit surprised. "Oh, thank you." She said. "But I don't think a couple of acorns will cheer me up. I've done a horrible thing to somepony close to me." The animals leaned in to listen, curious. She had no one else to talk to, so she might as well talk to them. "My dear friend..." Fluttershy wept. "I abandoned her for some st-stupid wedding, and now I've paid the price for it. I chose to comfort some horrible bride while Twilight was left all alone with no one to comfort. And when I realized my mistake, I was too late. She turned against me... against all of us, and I put her there..." Just talking about it made the butter colored Pegasus tear up even more. She buried her face into her hooves, and kept crying. "I'm such a horrible friend..." She spoke as she continued to sob. Suddenly, she felt something pick her up off the ground. Looking up, she saw that it was a bear, the same bear who she helped get rid of the pain in his neck a long time ago. He was nuzzling against her, comforting her. This greatly surprised her. She had just told her animal friends that she abandoned her friend and has regretted it terribly, and they didn't leave her? Why were they comforting her? She didn't deserve it. "You... you all don't hate me?" She asked. The birds flew to her and landed into her mane, chirping while nuzzling their own heads against her, giving her affection. "You all forgive me?" Fluttershy asked. The ducks approached her and nodded with a quack. "I... I don't understand." Fluttershy said. "I don't deserve to be forgiven. I abandoned my friend. I chose to comfort some horrible monster I barely know instead of her." The squirrels began to chitter, speaking to her. Fluttershy was a good animal whisperer, so she understood what they were telling her. "You're saying that it wasn't truly my fault?" Fluttershy asked. "But I left her. I didn't heed her warning." The ducks began to quack, and Fluttershy's eyes widened up. "Well... yes, the fake bride was very convincing." Fluttershy said. "And she did fool everypony, even the Princesses. And Twilight didn't know it was a changeling queen in disguise." The fuzzy bear also made some noises, such as grunting and growls, but they were calm ones. "Do I still care about Twilight? Of course I do." Fluttershy said. "I do care about Twilight, and I really want to make amends." The chickens began to give clucks. "What's stopping me?" Fluttershy asked. At that moment, Fluttershy began to have a deep understanding at what the animals were trying to tell her. While she did abandon her friend, it wasn't entirely their fault, as the fake bride had manage to fool them all, even without the use of magic. And as Fluttershy had stated, she feels horrible about what she did. So what's really stopping her from trying to rekindle her friendship with Twilight? And come to think of it, they were right! There was nothing stopping her from making amends. Twilight is just on the wrong path, and lost. She just needs a friend! She needs her friends! At that moment, Fluttershy began to flap her wings and wipe away her tears, knowing what she had to do. "You're right, my animal friends!" Fluttershy said, her confidence finally boosting once more. "Twilight isn't gone. She's just lost, and she needs us! She needs her friends! I'm not giving up on her! As Faust as my witness, I'm going to be there for Twilight, and I'm going to make things right with her!" At that moment, she glanced down at her animal friends, who were all happy to see Fluttershy no longer sad and suffering. She realized that they all helped her get her spirits up, just like how she helped them when they needed help. "Thank you, all of you." Fluttershy said. "You all helped me, just like I helped all of you." At that moment, the animals gathered around Fluttershy and gave her a big hug, and she did the same. "Now, I have a friend to save!" She spoke, and she took off flying, as her animals friends waved goodbye, not knowing a glowing mysterious blonde-haired girl with a white dress watching from a distance. At Sugarcube Corner In Ponyville, the one place where ponies can get delicious treats is at Sugarcube Corner, the bakery and confectionary that belongs to Cup Cake and Carrot Cake, the owners of the store. Not only is it the home to the Cakes, it is also the very home of Pinkie Pie, who works there and helps make the most delicious desserts, such as cakes, cupcakes, frosty cake, cheesecake, donut cakes, chocolate cake, vanilla cake, and so on and so forth. Unfortunately, it was not a happy day today. If anyone had noticed a massive stream of water pouring slowly out of the store, than all ponies would know a certain party pony in a very sad mood. Since shooting out of her own Party Cannon, Pinkie Pie crash landed into her room from the roof and has been weeping on the floor ever since. Twilight's betrayal and her hurtful words were too much for the party pony. Her color had gone dull and her puffy mane and tail had gone flat. She was sad, heartbroken, and... and... well, actually that sums it up actually. Outside her room, two ponies were leaning inside with concern all over their faces. It was the store owners Cup Cake and Carrot Cake. The stallion, Carrot Cake, was light brilliant amber with a light orange freckle-like pattern on his upper muzzle. He had a protruding lower jaw with a ganglier appearance distinctive to other male ponies. His eyes were moderate pistachio and his mane and tail were a brilliant orange. He wore an apron, a cooking hat and a bowtie, with his cutie mark being three cut carrot cakes. Next to him was Cup Cake, the shorter mare with a rounder appearance to contrast with her tall lanky husband. Her coat was very light cerulean like Rainbow Dash, but lighter. Her eyes were brilliant rose, and her mane and tail were light crimson with pale, grayish crimson stripes. She too wore an apron, pearl earrings, and her cutie mark was of three cupcakes. They were very concerned for Pinkie Pie, seeing her cry away her tears, and they knew why. They were also attending the wedding and have heard about what happened between her and the girls. Unlike most ponies, the Cakes didn't blame Pinkie Pie, knowing that the poor girl's cheerful attitude made it a bit difficult for her to know what was wrong, and her pinkie senses weren't working that day so how could she know that her friend was suspicious that something was wrong? They didn't like seeing her this way, so the two cakes came inside. "Pinkie Pie?" Carrot Cake asked. "Are you ok?" "No." Pinkie Pie said, turning away, not wanting to show her face to them. "I just want to be alone." "Oh, Pinkie Pie." Cup Cake said. "You mustn't do this to yourself. I mean, you've barely even eaten anything since you came home." "I'm not hungry, Mrs. Cake." Pinkie Pie said with her tears. "I don't deserve to be hungry." That was quite a little shock to the two Cakes. Pinkie Pie was really hurting inside. The two ponies them moved towards the pony and embraced her with a big hug. "Oh Pinkie, it's ok." Cup Cake said. "You didn't know that fake bride was an evil bug monster." "That's right." Carrot Cake said. "She had us all fooled with her masquerade." "But I should've been there for Twilight." Pinkie Pie said. "I should've stayed there instead of leaving her alone in that rehearsal room. What kind of a friend am I?" The party pony only sat there crying, as the two Cakes continued to comfort her. Outside the room witnessing this were two small baby ponies. They were the Cake Twins, Carrot Cake and Cup Cake's daughter and son. Pumpkin was the filly unicorn foal with a light yellow coat, brilliant orange mane and brilliant azure eyes, and Pound was the light goldish gray colt Pegasus foal with a brown mane and dark grayish tangelo eyes. Surprisingly they were not earth ponies like their parents, but that's because Cup Cake's ancestors consisted of Pegasi and Unicorns, so it's a genetic inheritance, so to speak. They didn't like seeing Pinkie Pie so sad. The two twins looked at each other, and then an idea came to their heads. They quickly galloped away to go get something from the bakery, and they came back, and whatever they got surprised their parents. Pinkie Pie lifted her head, to see Pumpkin and Pound Cake staring at her. Pumpkin's horn was glowing, and she was hovering a piece of flour over both Pound's head and her head. She then squished it with her magic, causing the flour to gush all over them. The two foals made a funny face at their misfortune. Seeing this made Pinkie Pie smile, and a giggle came, even though she still had tears in her eyes. "That's... that's actually pretty funny." Pinkie Pie said. Seeing her smile made the Twins smile back. The party pony wiped her tears, so grateful that the Baby Cakes cheered her up a bit. "You feel better, Pinkie Pie?" Carrot Cake asked. "Yeah, a little bit." Pinkie Pie said. "But... I'm still hurting because of Twilight... I left her behind, and now I've turned her against me... against all of us." She then felt a hoof rest against her shoulder, followed by a nuzzle from Cup Cake. "Oh, Pinkie Pie." Cup Cake said. "You shouldn't blame yourself. That wicked bug fooled everypony. Even we fell for her masquerade." "But... but what do I do?" Pinkie Pie asked. "You should've seen Twilight when we just last saw her. She beaten Rainbow Dash to a pulp." "Well, do you feel bad about what happened?" Carrot Cake asked. "Of course I do." Pinkie Pie said. "I want to make things right with Twilight. But I don't know how." "Then just do what you always do." Carrot Cake said. "You make her happy again, and let her know that you love her. You've made so many ponies smile, so you do the same thing with her. Let her know how much you mean to her, and how much she means to you." Those words began to echo in Pinkie Pie's ears. They were right. She just needs to let Twilight know how much she means to her, and more importantly, make her smile again. She let out a gasp, color began to shine in her eyes, and her flat mane and tail suddenly returned back to their balloon puffy look again. "You're Right!" Pinkie Pie said. "Twilight just needs to remember how much we love her! And I'm going to do whatever it takes to make it up to her. In fact, I'm going to throw her the biggest I'm Sorry and We Love You Party Equestria has ever seen! And it will have blood and sweat all over it!" Hearing that made Carrot and Cup Cake tilt their heads in confusion. "It's means I'm going to put my heart and soul into it." Pinkie Pie said, with the Cakes giving a sigh of relief. The Party Pony began to put one some gear, which included an Exercise suit, a strap with party balloons, and a war helmet on that said one word. Fun. "Now, I got a friend to save!" She called out as she hopped out the door, now renewed with hope. The Cakes watched her hop along the trail to find Twilight and make amends. They were smiling. "What a trooper." Carrot Cake said. "It's good to see Pinkie smile again." Cup Cake said, and the twins gave out some baby giggles, showing that they were happy that Pinkie was happy again too. At the Carousel Boutique The Carousel Boutique, the store that is not only the store for ponies to buy dresses, but it was also the home of Rarity as well. It's actually her shop, given that she's a fashionista. Unfortunately, it was closed. Inside, Rarity was laying her head on the table, suffering and wallowing in... whatever a pony is suppose to wallow in. After Twilight's berating, Rarity fled Canterlot under the naked eye and just returned home. Usually when she does, she's working on a new dress. However, she was suffering from a massive creators block, probably because she was hurt and guilty of Twilight now descending into darkness. And she had herself to blame for it. Multiple tubs of Ice Cream were scattered across the floor. She must've been eating a lot of ice cream. Usually it helps one to cope with depression or guilt, though it can also kill them if they're not careful. She just sighed as she tossed one of the bow ribbons away. "I can't even design a concept dress." Rarity said, showing stains of makeup under her eyes, showing that she was indeed crying. She just lifted herself from the table and just walked across the work floor, looking at the mannequins that housed several dresses that Rarity has made. Just looking at them reminded her of Twilight so much. She remembered making a dress for Twilight for the Grand Galloping Gala. Remembering that made her remember the brides mare dress she hadn't finished for Twilight, and finding it ripped up in pieces. She then glanced over at her own brides mare dress, seeing it perfect. The fashionista only began to tear up. In a fit, she quickly grabbed it and then started ripping it apart. After a couple of rips, she came to a halt, and looked at the dress she was trying to destroy. "What am I doing?" Rarity asked herself, glancing down at her hooves and at the broken dress. Why was she ripping up her own dress? Was it because it reminded her too much of Twilight. More tears began to form in her eyes and she just collapsed on the floor crying. She really missed Twilight, and she was feeling so much guilt choosing to make dresses for her friends and not even thinking about making one for her, as well as leaving her to comfort some wicked fake bride. "Oh, I'm sooo Patheetiic!" She spoke as she just continued to cry. -RING- The sound of the front door opened up, getting the unicorn's attention. "Hello? Is the store open?" A voice spoke out from the front room. Rarity lifted herself off the ground and saw who was standing outside. The pony looking around was a unicorn, with lighter purple eyes, a green color coat, and her mane and tail was actually an azure ocean color. Her cutie mark was consisting of a dress with a heart design on it. "Sorry, ma'am, but the store is closed." Rarity said, while the unicorn mare noticed the fashionista's smothered make up and tear stains. "Oh my, are you alright, dear?" She asked. "No, I'm not alright." Rarity said. "That's why I'm closing the store." "Oh." The mare said. "Well, I was wondering if I could find Miss Rarity." The white unicorn rose an eyebrow hearing that. "Actually, my name is Rarity." She answered. The other unicorn mare's eyes widened and a smile formed on her face. "Oh, you're Miss Rarity?" She asked. "Y... Yes?" Rarity said. "Why do you ask?" "Because, I came all this way to find you." The mare said. "My name is Ocean Drop from Manehatten. My daughter told me all about you. She told me you made her that beautiful dress for her back in town." Rarity's eyes widened with more surprise. Her daughter? Wait, the little filly back in the city, the one who she made the dress for her for the party she was going to. This mare was her mother? "Oh my goodness!" Rarity said. "You're that little filly's mother?" "Why yes!" Ocean Drop said as she shook Rarity by the hoof. "I just wanted to say thank you for your generosity. My daughter has been so inspired by you and what you did for her." Hearing that made Rarity give a weak smile, feeling so touched. "Oh, why thank you." She answered. Ocean Drop then looked back at the tears stains on the fashionista's face. "Are you ok?" She asked. "No, I'm not ok." Rarity said. "I've been having a horrible day." "And why's that?" Ocean Drop asked. "Because... I lost a friend." Rarity said. "Oh my." Ocean Drop said with surprise. "What happened?" "Well... it was mostly my fault..." Rarity said. "You heard about... the Royal Wedding, have you?" Ocean Drop tilted her head. "You mean the wedding where the Captain of the Royal Guard was suppose to marry Princess Cadenza?" Ocean Drop asked. "Yes." Rarity said. "I've heard about it." Ocean Drop said. "Apparently it got cancelled because of some invasion, and it's become a talk recently, where the populace wanted the Princess removed from power due to failed security. Did you go to the wedding?" "Yes, I did." Rarity said. "Me and my friends. But it ended so horribly." "What do you mean?" Ocean Drop asked, still listening in. "Well, my friend Twilight Sparkle, she noticed something wrong with Princess Cadenza, who was actually the Changeling Queen in disguise." Rarity said. "But we just ignored her, thinking that she was making a big deal out of it. And when she tried to expose the bride, we all turned our back on her. But then she came back with the real Cadenza, and we tried to stop the Changeling Queen, but we couldn't. And in the end, I lost my best friend." Ocean Drop was a bit surprised. "You lost your friend?" She asked. "Yes, because I chose some stupid wedding over her!" Rarity said, letting the water drop from her eyes again. "And now she's turned her back on Equestria because of my mistake! I don't even know why I chose the wedding over Twilight! She was my friend, and I abandoned her! I abandoned the one pony who did so much for me!" The fashionista collapsed to the ground and continued to cry, unable to keep the tears back. Ocean Drop knelt down and comforted her with a hug. She truly felt sorry for the fashionista. She shouldn't be drowning herself in her own guilt. "There there, it's alright." She said. "It'll be ok." "No it won't." Rarity said. "Sure it will, you'll see." Ocean Drop said. "But how?" Rarity asked. "I promised that whenever something was bothering her, I would take her seriously and help her. But I didn't." "Oh Miss Rarity, you shouldn't do this to yourself." Ocean Drop said, comforting the fashionista. "You just made a mistake. Everypony makes a mistake, no matter how big or small it is. But you can make it right." "But she's gone too deep." Rarity said. "How can she forgive me when I pushed her too far?" "You just prove to her how much she matters to you." Ocean Drop said. "Just show her that she really matters to you. Just don't lose faith, and don't give up. You didn't give up when making my daughters dress, did you?" Rarity began to think. Ocean Drop was right. She can't do this to herself. She can't give up so easily. There was still a chance to make things right with Twilight. Everypony may have given up on her... but not Rarity! She was not going to give up on Twilight, not again. She made a face of renewed determination. "You're right, Ocean Drop." Rarity said as she got up. "I can't give up. I just need to show Twilight how much she truly matters to me. She's my friend, and I'm not giving up on her." "That's the spirit, Rarity." Ocean Drop said. The fashionista glanced up at the ceiling with newfound hope. "As Faust as my witness, I will make things right!" Rarity said. The unicorn then galloped out of the store, while Ocean Drop stayed behind. Suddenly, she began to glow, transforming into a blonde-haired girl with a white dress. "Don't worry, Sora." She said. "Help is on the way." At the Down N Gut Cider Pup... Not much to describe the Down N Cut Cider Pup. It's the place where ponies would come in and out to drink some cider. Unlike the Apple Family's Cider, this kind of cider was a bit strong, the kind that makes your brain all fuzzy. In short, it was a bar for those who want to drink away. There was no pony inside today, except for one. At the front table, a certain cerulean Pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail was at the front table, her head on the desk, and her eyes were a bit red. Either it was from crying, or because she had too much to drink. She lifted her head up. "Hey, one more mug, please." She spoke, as the pony bartender glanced at her with a bit of worry. "I think you've had enough." He said. "No, I'm fine... hic." Rainbow Dash hiccuped. Yes, she probably had too much to drink. Normally she wouldn't have this kind of cider unless she was either celebrating or just feeling horrible. It was the latter. And she had a good reason for feeling horrible. Twilight had turn on her, and the poor Pegasus had realized there was no way she could save her friend or their friendship. So, all she could do was drink her sorrow away. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the legendary Rainbow Dash..." a voice said, a voice that the Pegasus knew too well. Turning around, Rainbow Dash's eyes widened a bit as she saw the last pony she wanted to see. The pony was a light turquoise Pegasus with brilliant gamboge eyes, and her mane had gold and brilliant amber stripes, and her cutie mark was white lightning bolt with three stars, two orange, one yellow. "Lightning Dust..." Rainbow Dash hissed with drunken irritation. She and the other have history. They were actually rivals back in Flight School, with Lightning Dust always performing rad and very dangerous tricks, throwing everypony that stands in her way in great danger. She's very reckless and has no regard for safety. And she was humiliated after Rainbow Dash exposed her for putting several campers in danger, getting her kicked out of flight school. Since then the two have been Rivals for Life. "Hello to you too, Rainbow Crash." Lightning Dust said as she approached the rainbow maned Pegasus, who was not very pleased to see the former. "What do you want, Dust." Rainbow Dash said. "What, no hello?" Lightning Dust asked. "Well I'll have you know that I'm in town touring with my new group, The Washouts. We just got done with a show a couple days ago. I was kinda wondering if you want to come to our show here in town, just to show you how more awesome I am than you are." "Not interested." Rainbow Dash said as she drank her mug, followed by a hiccup. The daredevil pony had noticed the rainbow maned Pegasus's drunken state, yet a smile formed on her face. "Sounds like you're not having a good day." Lightning Dust said. "Is it because of what happened at that stupid wedding?" Hearing that made Rainbow Dash tense up a bit, something that Lightning Dust noticed. "I'll take that as a yes." "I.. hic... I don't know what you're talking about." Rainbow Dash said, trying to hide her tension. "Oh yeah, you do." Lightning Dust said, holding up a newspaper with her wing, the same newspaper that Rainbow Dash and the girls saw back at Manehatten. "According to this little piece of paper, some psycho bug monsters launched an attack on Canterlot, and you let it happen right under your muzzle." "Don't test me, Lightning Dust." Rainbow Dash said aggressively. "What?" Lightning Dust asked. "You just can't accept it can you. You nearly let the capital of all of Equestria fell and it was because you'd rather impress the Wonderbolts than listen to your little friend crying for help. You know Rainbow Crash, the Wonderbolts are better off without a pony who'd leave their friends behind. In fact, your friends so can do better than you." That was the last straw, as Rainbow Dash's face quickly turned red hearing all that. Without hesitating, she grabbed Lightning Dust, yanked her off the floor and slammed her down on the front table, the edge of her wings wrapping around Lightning's neck, squeezing tightly around her airway. The other ponies in the bar gasped. "I'm gonna turn your head into cider you little washout!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she used her wings to begin choking Lightning Dust, making her struggle to breathe. "Rainbow Dash, Stop!" A voice said. The Pegasus turned to see Fluttershy, who just came into the bar. "Flutershy?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Rainbow Dash, let her go." Fluttershy said, making her way to the Pegasus. "She is not worth it. Just let her go." Rainbow Dash glanced back at Lightning Dust, finally halting herself, realizing what she was doing. What was she doing? Choking the life out a pony? This wasn't her. As she looked down at Lightning Dust, she couldn't help but see herself, making her eyes widen up. She was becoming Lightning Dust! Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and removed her wings from Lightning Dust's neck. She stepped off the table, and went towards Fluttershy. "Are you ok?" Fluttershy asked. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash hugged her tightly. There were some quiet sobs coming from the rainbow maned Pegasus. Hearing her friend cry, Fluttershy patted her hoof on her back. "There, there, it's ok." Fluttershy said, escorting her out of the bar. As they made it outside, Rainbow Dash allowed her tears to drop from her face. Luckily, no pony was outside seeing this. "I'm sorry, Flutters." Rainbow Dash said, wiping her tears away. "I'm sorry." "It's alright." Fluttershy said. "I know you just lost control." "What are you even doing here?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I came here to find you." Fluttershy said. "We can't give up on Twilight. She needs us." "No she doesn't." Rainbow Dash said, pushing herself away from the butter-colored Pegasus's embrace. "She can't be saved, Flutters. She's gone too far, and we pushed her too far... I pushed her too far. All I cared about was some stupid dream instead of my friends." 'But Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy said. "We can't give up yet! Twilight is just lost, and we can find her and make things right!" "I told you, Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash said. "It's over... there's nothing we can do." The rainbow maned Pegasus only lowered her head and faced away, while Fluttershy only looked at her, showing a disappointed look. If cheering her up wasn't going to fix this, there was something that can work. "Gosh, I didn't know you were such a sore loser, Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy spoke. Hearing those two words, sore loser, made Rainbow Dash lifted her head up. Those were two words that she hated hearing the most. She turned her head, giving a glare. "What... did you just call me?" Rainbow Dash asked. "You heard me." Fluttershy said. "You're a sore loser for giving up on Twilight." "Take... That... Back!" Rainbow Dash said, getting in Fluttershy's face. "No." Fluttershy said. "You're acting like a sore loser, so you might as well be one." "I am NOT a sore loser!" Rainbow Dash said, her voice getting louder. "Of course you are." Fluttershy said, turning away from Rainbow Dash. "The Rainbow Dash I know would never give up on anything, nor would she give up on a friend. And seeing you now giving up on everything shows that you're the Biggest Loser of them All... Rainbow Crash." A sneaky smile was showing on Fluttershy's face, though Rainbow Dash could not see it. Speaking of which, the rainbow maned Pegasus began to show a very angry face. How dare she call her a sore loser... but more importantly, how dare she call her Rainbow Crash, the one name she hated hearing the most of all. "Why you little!..." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm Not a Sore Loser!" "Then are you going to give up?" Fluttershy asked. "No Way!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "Are you going to give up on Twilight?" Fluttershy asked. "Never!" Rainbow Dash shouted back. "Then are you going to find Twilight and prove to her that you're still her friend?" Fluttershy asked. "YES!" Rainbow Dash shouted again. "I'm Not a Quitter, and I'm Not going to give up on Twilight! I'm gonna show her that I'm her friend, and I'll even be a better friend to her!" Right then and there, the rainbow maned Pegasus stopped herself and realized what was going on. Fluttershy was just saying those things just to get her confidence back up. Using her own competitive streak to get her spirit back up. A smile formed on her face. "I know what you just did, Flutters." Rainbow Dash said. "Using my own competitive-ness to get me back on track." "Maybe." Fluttershy said. Despite that, the rainbow maned Pegasus gave the butter colored Pegasus a big hug. All she needed was her confidence back. "Thanks, Flutters." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm really glad to have a friend like you." "And I'm glad to have a friend like you too." Fluttershy responded, nuzzling her dear friend, the one pony who was willing to stand up and protect her from the bullies that would gang up on her. As the hug released, Rainbow Dash's smile didn't fade. "C'mon, let's go save Twilight." Rainbow Dash said. "We're going to do whatever it takes to save her." "Definitely!" Fluttershy said, and just like that, the two were off. Back inside the pup, Lightning Dust lifted herself off the table, rubbing her poor neck. She was quite lucky. If Rainbow Dash squeezed for a little while longer, she would've suffocated. "Hmph." The Washout Pegasus said. She then sat up at the table, and tapped her wing upon it, getting the bartender's attention. "One mug, please." As if on command, the bar tender placed a mug full of cider onto the table in front of Lightning Dust, who gulped it all down, unaware of a stranger sitting next to her, a man in a black coat... Uh oh. "Heard some fighting going on here." The man said. "Is everything alright?" "Yeah, just had a brawl with Rainbow Crash." Lightning Dust said as she finished her mug. "Don't you mean the famous Rainbow Dash?" The man asked. "The Pegasus who is dubbed the Element of Loyalty?" "Whatever, never did like her to begin with." Lightning Dust said. "You know, I outraced her once at Flight Camp, but she got me in trouble by telling the counselors that I did some damage and placed ponies in danger." "Did you?" The hooded man asked. "Maybe, but I didn't care." Lightning Dust. "I just had the guts of winning while Rainbow Crash cared about some losers on the sidelines. What does the Best Flyer Ever need friends for? I'm the one who should've had the trophy and she should've been kicked out." "You seem to hold some hatred towards her for getting you kicked out." The man said. "I do..." Lightning Dust said. "I just wanna... I just wanna beat her again, only this time smash her face into the ground." While she couldn't see it because of his hood, the man was smiling. "Well, perhaps I can help you with that." The man said. "How?" Lightning Dust asked. "I'm putting together a group of outlaws and baddies from this world... more like an army, so to speak." The man with the hood said. "And if you join us, I'll give you the chance to prove to Equestria that you're better than that rainbow maned Element of Harmony once and for all. And together, we can bring her and those friends of hers down. Does that sound good?" Hearing that made Lightning Dust think it over. This stranger wants to help her beat Rainbow Dash and take her down? To be honest, after almost having her life choked right out of her by that rainbow maned loser, she really wanted to smash her real bad. She gave a smile. "Sure." She said. "I'll let the Washouts know and we'll be happy to help." "Splendid." The man said. "Excuse me, miss?" The bartender said to the Pegasus. "You need to pay for your drink please." Lightning Dust then realized, she still needed to pay for her drink. But she now just noticed that she didn't bring any bits with her. "Dang it, I don't have bits." Lightning Dust cursed. "Don't worry, I'll pay for it. And how about two more mugs for both of us." The hooded man said, placing three pieces of silver coins onto the table, which surprised the bartender greatly. These silver coins that he was looking at were nothing like he had ever seen. In fact, these might be worth much more than bits! "Of course!" The bartender said. "I'll be right on it!" He then left, then returned with two mugs of cider, while the Washout Pegasus looked at the hooded man with surprise. "Whoa." She said. "Who are you?" The man accepted his mug and took a drink, then answered. "Let's just say I'm a... none coincidental friend." He spoke with a smile. At Sweet Apple Acres... -Bonk. Bonk. Bonk. Batta-swing!- Not that kind of bonk. The kind of bonk that a tree makes whenever a pony bucks it with their legs. That's what Applejack was trying to do. After the girls left, Applejack just went on home, downhearted. She just went back to Sweet Apple Acres, the farm which had the nice big red barn and did what she would do best. Apple-Bucking. Unfortunately, she wasn't doing a good job now. Now down in the dumps, the farmpony wasn't able to buck apples from the tree like she would always do. She only managed to succeed in bucking just one apple off the tree, only for it to jump back on the branch it was dangling from. Seeing that, the farmpony only banged her head on the tree, only for the apple to fall and bump her head, making her fall on the ground all dizzy. As she came to, she saw somepony looking down at her. It was a stallion that resembled a draft horse. The stallion's coat was brilliant amaranth, while his mane and cropped tail was a brilliant orange, and his eyes were moderate sap green, and white freckles were on his cheeks like Applejack's. His hooves were a light yellowish gray, and his cutie mark was a green apple sliced in half. Around his shoulders was a work horse collar. "You alright, sis?" He asked. "Yeah, I'm fine, Big Mac." Applejack said as she got back up. Yes, Big McIntosh, or Big Mac, is Applejack's older brother. He also worked at Sweet Apple Acres, mostly the heavy lifting and such. He's not much for using big words or long sentences. He's not much of a talker. "Are you?" He asked, noticing that Applejack was still feeling downhearted. "Yes, I'm..." Applejack was about to answer, but she knew it was a lie. Lying was not her thing. It comes with being the most honest pony in all of Equestria. "No, I'm not fine." Applejack said. "Physically I am, but not emotionally." She continued to attempt to buck the tree again, but her brother placed a hoof on her shoulder, urging her to stop. "I shouldn't be working?" Applejack asked. "Yup." Big Mac answered. "Well, I need to do something." Applejack said. "Nope." Big Mac said, shaking his head. "Then what should I do?" Applejack asked. Big Mac leaned his head in with a raised eyebrow, but a concerned face, as if he wanted to hear what's been going on, and why Applejack is like this. She caught on right away. "You wanna know what's wrong, do you." Applejack said. "Eeyup." Big Mac said. The farmpony mare only gave a defeated sigh. She can't keep stuff hidden forever. "I lost a friend." Applejack said. "Who?" Big Mac asked. "Twilight." Applejack said. "I lost Twilight." "Why?" Big Mac asked. "Because I abandoned her." Applejack said. "We were at the royal wedding and she knew something was wrong with the bride, but I didn't listened to her, because I thought she was just being a jealous little sister. But she was right. Now she's going to destroy all of Equestria and I let it happen. The girls just gave up, and so am I." She then tried to buck the tree with her front hoof, but the tree didn't even move. She attempted to try again, but she was stopped by Big Mac. There was a moment of silence between the two ponies, until he spoke. "Normally I'm not one for talking, but I don't like seeing you this way sis." He said. "You shouldn't bury yerself with your work." "I know, I know." Applejack said. "But I screwed up. I screwed up my friendship with Twilight... and... and..." The farmpony just stood there, trying to hide something that was going on inside her. Big Mac noticed that there was something forming in Applejack's eyes. It was tears, but she was trying to keep them in. "You can tell me, Applejack." Big Mac said. "I'm your brother-" "Don't start, Big Mac!" Applejack snapped. "I don't need yer help!" But the older stallion knew that Applejack was struggling. There were tears forming in her eyes, and she was trying to fight them. "Sis." Big Mac said. "If you need to let it out, you can let it out. I haven't seen you cry since Ma and Pa passed away. Just let it all out." "I don't want to!" Applejack said, though her voice was trembling. "You have to." Big Mac sad. "You need to let your feelings out, otherwise they'll just eat you away." "But you always told me I have to be a strong trooper, no matter what!" Applejack said, her voice trembling even more. "Yes, but that doesn't mean you have to hide your problems." Big Mac said, gently pulling her into his arms, giving her a nuzzle. "You can let yer feelings out if you have to, even in front of friends and family. It's ok to cry. Everybody cries." At that moment, Applejack couldn't keep it in anymore. The feelings she was feeling right now. At her brother's urging, she had no choice. She let the gates open, allowing her tears to escape her eyes. And the farmpony mare cried, as she nuzzled into her brother's neck. "It's alright." Big Mac said. "it's gonna be alright." "No it's not, Big Mac!" Applejack wept. "What was I thinkin', leaving Twilight all alone and just went onto that stupid wedding without even thinking about going to look for her?! I don't even know why I did! It's like I just... Oh dammit!" She cursed as she continued to cry, as her big brother nuzzled her with his chin. "It's ok, sis." Big Mac said. "Ma and Pa would be ashamed of me." She said. "No, they wouldn't." Big Mac said. "They've done wrong in the past as well. We all do." The farmpony mare just continued to weep as her brother continued to comfort her. Applejack had never cried like this in a long time. Since the passing of her parents, she vowed to never cry again. But her brother was right. She can't keep it in. She has to let her sorrow out. After a few more minutes of crying, the farmpony managed to get herself together. She was still a little sad, but she felt a lot better. It felt like a huge weight have been lifted off her shoulders. And just having somepony to help her felt really good. "You feel better?" He asked. "Yeah, I feel a lot better." Applejack said. "Though I dunno about Twilight, though." "Well, then you should fix things between you two." Big Mac said. "But I abandoned my friend." Applejack said. "I don't even know why I did. I can't even remember why I did. But I did. And I have to take responsibility for it." "Blaming yourself and taking responsibility are two different things." Big Mac said. "If you really feel responsible for what happened, then you go do what it takes to make things right." Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Make things right?" Applejack asked. "But how? How can I make things right when I turned my own friend against all of Equestria." "Twilight is just lost, sis." Big Mac said. "And she needs a friend to guide her back on the right track. She does need you, more than ever. Any relationship with a friend that can be saved, should be saved. Your friendship still has a chance." Applejack began to think on that. Come to think of it, her brother did have a strong point. If she really needs to take responsibility, she needs to fix her mistake. And Twilight, she's not gone just yet. She needs her! Their friendship isn't destroyed yet, so they still have a chance to make amends, no matter what it takes. The farmpony put her hoof down. "You're right, Big Mac." Applejack said. "There is now way in Tartarus that I'm giving up on Twilight now. I want to make things right with her, and I'm going to make tings right with her, no matter what the cost, even if it means if I have to give up Apple-bucking forever!" "Yup." Big Mac said with a smile. Looking back at her brother, Applejack couldn't help but smile. If there was one thing she was happy for, it was having a great big brother. "Thanks, Big Mac." Applejack said. "I'm proud to have you as a brother." "Eeyup." Big Mac said. The two siblings hugged it out. Applejack felt much better. The weight was lifted off her shoulders. She knew what she had to do. She had to make things right with Twilight, not matter what. "Now if you excuse me, I got a friend to save." She spoke, departing the hug from her brother, and she began to gallop from the tree and the farm to go find her friend. She took a glance to her right before she continued to run, but then she stopped in her tracks, looking back at the direction she took a glance at. On the other side, she saw a treehouse just in the small field of apple trees. She knew what that treehouse was. It was the treehouse she used to play in when she was a filly. She allowed her little sister Apple Bloom and her friends use the treehouse as a place to play in. But she noticed the stairway was broken off completely. Uh oh. That can't be good. "Uh oh." Applejack said to herself as she made her way towards the treehouse, examining the broken stairway that led up to the fort. "Apple Bloom?" Applejack asked, looking around to find her sister, or hear her at least. But there was no response. She wasn't up in there. Anybody could hear from the entire town if they were in there. But there were no voices, so it didn't sound like anypony was in there. The farmpony glanced down at the broken stairway. How did it get broken, anyway? But then she noticed something upon it. It was a piece of paper with words on it. She began to read it, wondering what was written on it. As she did, Applejack's eyes widened with shock, and suddenly, a face of fear formed on her face as she screamed. "APPLE BLOOM!!!!"