Twilight looked around her, confused. The hallways she had been trotting down, seemed to go on forever. She had already passed what felt like hundreds of doors; each emblazoned with a different nameplate. She had gone down ten flights of stairs and still seemed no closer to the ground floor. The hallways all looked the same and there seemed to be an impossible number of ways to go.
For some reason her teleportation magic didn’t work in the castle either; whenever she attempted to cast a spell, it fizzled. She wasn’t sure what to do, she couldn’t seem to go anywhere and she wasn’t able to leave. Gripped in panic and unsure of what to do, Twilight sat on her haunches. The little filly was lost, and scared. She was going to be unable to keep her promise to visit Rarity. Tears began to stream down her face as despair overtook her.
“Howdy there, Sugarcube. What’re ya doin’ wandering the halls alone?”
Twilight looked up to find Applejack standing over her. Her words had been warm and hospitable, but her face told another story. The orange Earthpony’s single eye twitched as she stood there shaking in anger. Twilight had a second to blink before the impact of Applejack’s forehoof slammed into her ribs with an audible crack and she was knocked backward.
“Answer mah question, why are you breaking the rules?”
Twilight lay on the ground, choking on the acrid, bitter and familiar taste that had pooled in her mouth. After a moment she sat upright and spat on the carpet, her spit staining the carpet a dark crimson. Slowly she lifted a hoof to her barrel, pulling it away to stare at the warm, red liquid coating it. Tears began to form in her eyes once more. She began to whimper in fear.
No, not from the blow from Applejack. For her, such a hit was no more equivalent than to her mother patting her on the back.
***
For the past 8 years, she had endured every possible form of injury and abuse. Her mother, Celestia had subjected her to unholy torture day and night. Her body was completely numb to anything short of obliteration. It could still be damaged, but she could no longer react to it.
“To rule in my stead, you must understand and feel your subject’s pain; in your heart, soul and body. Only when you no longer feel your own pain, can you understand theirs.”
Celestia repeated those words, time and again as Twilight’s ability to feel any sort of pain slowly ebbed away with each blow’s succession. All that inflicted pain, however, gave her one massive, crippling fear: The fear of being left alone. When others were happy, they talked to her; played with her. When the smiles faded, however, they stopped talking to her and she was left all alone. Hundreds of times for days on end, her mother had locked her away in the solitude of silent darkness for failing. She hated being alone.
Her every waking moment had been spent being crushed under the hoof of her mother’s will, to the point where she couldn’t stand not being near her. Her mind equated the violence as love and she craved that attention at all times; not that she felt anything from it. When her mother smiled at her; Twilight felt happy. As a result, when any creature was happy with her; she felt happy. She knew she wouldn’t be lonely.
***
She barely felt the crushing blow. No, she didn’t care about her injury or the anger Applejack displayed. She only had one fear, and that was she might disappoint another creature. She couldn’t disappoint, she wouldn’t. Not again, I can’t go back to the darkness. Not again!
Rarity had demanded she report to her office after Spike woke up. Twilight looked down at her bloodstained hoof. When they first met, Twilight had noticed how annoyed with her Rarity seemed to be, fixing her wound. Now I’ve gone and gotten injured again. She’ll be upset again. Not to mention what Spike will say. Darn it! Not again.
“Stop ignoring meh an’ answer th’ question, young filly!”
Twilight was shaken from her thoughts as another blow sent her crashing onto her back, her vision turning red. Touching her hoof to her eye, she noted that it had been destroyed. Not again! I don’t want to be in the dark again. No, I won’t go back! I won’t be locked away again. She closed her one good eye. Never again!
The air within the hallway started to become uncomfortably warm. Strangely enough, Twilight herself felt cold as her fear crept up on her. She was angry; at herself, at the thought of being isolated. She was afraid; terrified of being alone again. Her emotions were seizing control; her fur changed from purple to a midnight black while her mane and tail ignited in a flash of orange, red, and yellow fire. On her face was a sinister smile and she threw back her head laughing maniacally, while her single eye cried tears of ice.
Applejack stood frozen in horror at the sight of the little filly becoming the full-grown Alicorn before her. Her flesh began to singe from the intense heat radiating from Twilight, at the same time a shiver traveled down her spine from the icy cold winds blowing down the hall.
Applejack shivered as she steeled her will for the inevitable showdown when it happened.
“What do you think you’re doing, young filly?”
The angry shout echoed down the hallway causing Twilight and Applejack to freeze in place. Turning towards the sound the terrifying Alicorn found herself staring into the eyes of a very angry Fluttershy. The Pegasus had just been awoken by an intense heatwave followed by a blast of chilling cold in her bed, and she was not happy. All around the hallway from every room the sounds of crying could be heard, further irritating the normally composed Pegasus.
Applejack normally feared nothing, but now she began to sweat. The problem was, this was a yearling ward and Fluttershy had spent the last two hours racing around it to settle the little ones and hush their fears. The ward consisted of all manner of species whom Fluttershy cared for every night. Many had no parents of their own and Fluttershy was very protective of them. And now, they were all awake and crying. Her babies were crying and Mama Fluttershy wanted blood.
Seeing Fluttershy lock eyes with the Alicorn, Applejack watched in awe as the horrific powers of Fluttershy’s stare were brought full bore against the monstrous creature. Twilight was unable to look away. Before Applejack’s eyes, Twilight shrank back to her filly Unicorn form; brought to kneel before Fluttershy’s all-consuming willpower. Between the two, however, an entirely different scenario played out.
***
Lost in the stare, Twilight found herself once more engaged in a mental conversation with not an angry Pegasus, but rather a concerned Element of Kindness. Fluttershy’s words were calm and serene, cutting through Twilight’s turbulent mind.
Why are you lashing out, Twilight?
Applejack got mad at me because I was alone in the halls, something about rule-breaking. I didn’t know the rules. Nopony has told me there were rules and I got lost looking for Rarity’s office and I got scared when she got mad at me and attacked me and…
She did what?
She kicked a hole in my chest and punctured one of my eyes.
She DID what?!
Now Rarity will be angry at me too! More for her to fix up! I’ll be all alone again! I don’t want to be alone...so dark...so cold. Please don’t be mad at me.
Shh, shh. It’s alright, I’m here for you and I promise you have nothing to fear here. I’m not mad at you sweetie. Nopony is going to isolate you here. We are here for you.
You promise?
I do, and I’ll personally ream any creature who says otherwise. Now be a good girl and let go of your worry for me, there’s no need to be afraid. Let your mind relax, let my voice chase away your fears.
Okay, I’ll try…
The black fur of her body faded to its normal mismatched assortment of purple. Her mane and tail were still ignited in a raging flame. The air in the hallway no longer boasted a chill, though it had become increasingly warm.
Oh, I’m so proud of you! Good girl. Now tell me why you are angry.
The more I thought about how I let others down, the angrier I got with myself and well…
I see. There really is no need for that, Twilight, nopony is angry with you. Applejack and Rarity both have their own demons they are trying to forget. Remember how we talked about the reason Pinkie tried to kill Autumn?
You mean it’s not my fault?
Not at all, sweetie. You had no way of knowing about the rules in this place. Now show me a smile and tone down the flames so I can give my good girl a warm hug.
Yes Fluttershy.
The fire-filled mane of the enraged alicorn dwindled to embers and vanished completely; leaving behind her dark purple mane with the single red stripe. Her body shrank until once more she was a little filly looking up at Fluttershy.
***
Twilight eagerly rushed forward and hugged Fluttershy, with tears in her eyes. The kindly Pegasus gave her a gentle pat on the back.
“There you go, it’s okay. No more tears, alright?”
Glancing up from Twilight, Fluttershy spoke softly to Twilight; narrowing her eyes at the shaking form of Applejack.
“Please take Spike and go to my room. Wait there until I say otherwise, okay sweetie? The big mares need to have a chat.”
Spike had grown bored earlier on from two hours of endless hallways, and had crawled into the fire-proof satchel Twilight had materialized for him to catch some z’s. Still sound asleep, the little dragon was completely oblivious to what had occurred.
Pointing to a door with a nameplate that read: Guidance Counselor Fluttershy, the Pegasus watched Twilight enter the room before silently turning to glare at Applejack. The Earthpony trembled as Fluttershy stomped up to her.
Fluttershy’s hoof smacked AJ across the muzzle. She had no stutter in her voice and she clearly was not in a kind mood. Fluttershy was enraged.
“By Celestia’s unholy golden aura! Are you out of your mind? What made you think it was okay to go off half-cocked like that?”
Applejack, stunned by the sudden blow, stammered incoherently.
“Ah-Ah mean-Ah-Well-.”
“No.”
Fluttershy slammed her hoof down onto the stone hallway floor, causing cracks in the hard marble. Her tone made it clear she would not tolerate any excuse.
“You listen to me, missy. It is the middle of the unholy night. All the babes are crying and you decided to beat the hay-loving stuffing out of our guest. Do you even realize if I hadn’t stepped in, she would have killed you and probably destroyed half the castle in the process?”
“But she mfggh…”
“What?”
“Ah said She broke the rules!”
Grabbing Applejack’s muzzle with both hooves, Fluttershy forced her to look at her.
“She isn’t Apple Bloo-”
Wrenching out of her grasp Applejack snarled at Fluttershy.
“Dun ya dare say that name!”
Quickly backtracking, Fluttershy continued her thoughts.
“She didn’t do it on purpose you stubborn mare! She doesn’t even know our rules. She’s just a little filly. And in case you’ve forgotten, we’re the only family she has left!”
The words seemed to set Applejack’s mind in motion and words long forgotten resurfaced.
***
“I shall grant your request, you and your friends shall have your little school. On one condition. Six years from now, my daughter will encounter you and in the midnight hour that happens, I will rule this world no longer. My sister will return and the land will fall to an unholy plague of darkness in her name. You five are the only ones I trust to protect her. You’ve proven yourself time and again, to be loyal soldiers to my cause. Thanks to you five, dissenters have fallen to my will; surprisingly with little bloodshed.”
Promise me here and now, that you will teach her what I never can. Teach her what it means to be giving, kind, loyal, honest, and help her face my sister and finally set this world free from the horrible Nightmares.”
“On mah oath as an Apple, yer Majesty. Ah promise we’ll treat her like our own.”
***
A look of realization sparked in Applejack’s eyes. Her voice no longer sounded defiant, instead, she seemed to be back to her normal hospitable demeanor.
“Ya mean, that’s… ‘er daughter?”
Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief; Applejack had snapped out of her aggression. Losing the aggression within her own voice, Fluttershy, spoke in a gentle tone.
“Y-yes Applejack.”
“But yah told us, she was older than all us are.”
Fluttershy nodded.
“She is, but only in how long she’s been alive. Her mind, m-maturity, and body are no more than a simple filly who s-stumbled into a world larger than she could c-comprehend.”
Wrapping Applejack in the warm embrace of her wings, Fluttershy whispered in her ear.
“L-listen Applejack, th-the five of us have been family for as long as I can remember. You are like a sister to me. When Ponyville fell we only had each other, and sadly we lost so many from then until now. It’s true, she isn’t Appl- your baby sister. But what your sister did, she did of her own c-choice. She disregarded your attempts to keep her safe. It-it wasn’t your fault.-"
Pointing towards her bedroom door, Fluttershy continued.
“Now you have the chance once more, to be a big sister. She has no one else to teach her right from wrong. You have a-always been the most honest pony when it comes to everypony else AJ. It’s time for you to be honest with yourself. You have a chance to start over. She isn’t Applebloom, but you can still be her big sister when she needs it most.”
Applejack stiffened, hearing the name of her deceased sister; a name forbidden to be spoken in the castle halls for the past few years. The last words she screamed at her little sister echoed in her mind. No! Applebloom ya aren’t ready! Tears formed in the Earthpony’s eyes.
“Ah- Dunno Flutters.”
“You can do it. After all, who’s the Headmistress here?”
“Ah am.”
“And who is the pony who’s kept us all o-organized over the years, helping us to help others?”
“Ah am.”
Fluttershy nuzzled her neck as she whispered.
“And who’s the pony that’s gonna march her flank up to that filly, apologize and allow her to make the rounds with her; while she teaches said filly of her new home?”
“Ah am?”
“Yes, you are now-”
The walkie-talkie on Applejack’s side crackled to life, cutting Fluttershy off.
“Come in Headmistress.”
Pulling out the device, Applejack clicked the button.
“This is Applejack, what’s yore situation Chrysi?”
The strange, feminine voice on the over end barked back.
“I am Queen Chrysalis and you will remember it, little pony!”
Applejack grinned fiercely.
“Queen o’ nuthin’ when yer hogtied, yer highness.”
There was a pause and then a sultry voice snapped back.
“Oh is that a promise?”
Applejack’s face became visibly flustered by the response, taking on a rosy hue.
“Dern it, Chrysi what d’ya want?”
“Aw, you’re no fun Mistress. Anyway, the sensors in the hive chamber are going ballistic. Somepony has entered the Ballroom and audio indicates strange music. I believe we are dealing with a code ‘Party’.”
Applejack placed her hoof on her face at the words.
“Oh fer th’ love of apples, who gave Pinkie authorization?”
“Looks like she entered a Fluttershy authentication code.”
“Flutter...Hold on Chrysi.”
Applejack looked at Fluttershy and in a distressed voice asked her.
“Why tonight, Fluttershy?
“She was trying to kill Autumn again.”
“No, Ah mean why tonight? It’s very late an’-”
“Applejack it’s that time of year again, it’s her birthday.”
“Maud’s birthday, huh? Alright, we’ll let ‘er celebrate, but Ah’m still gonna cordon off the area. We dun need any more casualties after all.”
Clicking down the button, Applejack spoke into the walkie-talkie.
“Chrysi meet meh down by th’ ballroom, we’re gonna be attendin’ a dance. Full armor, magic at th’ ready. It’s Maud’s birthday.”
There was silence, followed by a sharp inhale. Finally, the sharp, silky voice spoke.
“That time of year again, huh? Alright, then Mistress, it’s a date.”
Fluttershy snickered as Applejack ended her conversation. Confronting her, Applejack asked her what was so funny, to which she replied.
“Now you can take your new l-little sister to a nice birthday party.”
“What are ya’...No, Flutters she’ll get slaughtered.”
The normally gentle Pegasus’s eyes narrowed in a fierce glare. Her words made it very clear AJ shouldn’t risk arguing with her.
“I said, you will be taking Twilight with you. Now I am going to soothe my sobbing infant's cries and then I am going back to bed. You are going to take her with you, and you are going to get along with her. Or Celestia help me when I wake up Pinkie’s body count will be the least of your concerns. Got it?”
Applejack shivered as she saluted.
“Yes, Fluttershy.”
“Glad you came to your senses. Besides, I have a f-feeling she will be more helpful than you realize. Goodnight, Applejack.”
Sighing, Fluttershy’s gaze softened. Turning away from Applejack she called back to her.
“Oh and Applejack?”
“Yah, Flutters?”
“Please be c-careful. You know how she gets, and I don’t want to have to b-bury any more loved ones.”
***
In the middle of an empty ballroom sat Pinkamena talking to her biggest supporter, Maud Pie; her sister. Around them, decor that could only be described as a psychotic wet dream graced the walls and tables. A dirge of “happy birthday” played on repeat from an old record player. It sounded cracked, scratched, and well-worn.
The tablecloths were fashioned of blood-soaked cloaks, most likely taken from the unfortunate souls whose innards were tied to party balloons like string. The floors and walls and even parts of the ceiling were coated in a thick, dark, dripping crimson. Silverware made of bone adorned each table setting, while decorative candle holders; that looked suspiciously like skulls, formed the centerpieces.
And there she sat in the middle of the grisly display, Pinkamena, twirling her still dripping knife; while her sister listened to her talk.
“Don’t take that tone with me, I didn’t use any residents. Like I promised.”
Her sister said nothing as Pinkie continued talking, staring down at her hooves.
“I mean, at least I didn’t kill any creature of value, right?”
Again there was nothing but silence from her older sister. Maud sat there, her fur scarred from burns, and a dark crimson patch where her heart would be. Pinkie, however, continued her monologue; with her voice becoming increasingly broken.
“I mean those cultists deserve this, right?”
“It’s not like-like it’s wrong, right?”
“Well, what would you do, Mrs. Judgemental?”
Looking up from her hooves, Pinkie turned to look at Maud, but there was nopony there. A single tear fell down Pinkamena’s face as she turned to look back at her hooves. Her knife was no longer in sight, replaced by a chunk of smooth marble. The rock looked like it had been broken off of something much larger, and a fine line had been chiseled diagonally into it. She spoke to the broken chunk of tombstone; her words mirroring the broken soul within her.
“Yeah. Yeah, I don’t know either. I just don’t know. Happy birthday, big sister.”