It was a bright day at Sweet Apple Acres. The season was nearing the time for the zap apple harvest. Zap apples were a rare fruit, special to Sweet Apple Acres. In all the years that zap apples had been harvested, there was never a bad apple and ponies from all over Equestria wanted a taste. Those sales helped the Apple family immensely each and every year. Following Granny Smith's bizarre, but effective approach to making zap-apple jam, a pony could only expect the pinnacle of taste. Harvesting time was only a few days away for the Apple family. It was supposed to be easy; it was supposed to be a good time for the family
Big Mac had gone out with Granny Smith to get all the things she would need. He wasn't ashamed of his granny's strange ways or odd behavior. She was his grandmother and that's all he needed to know to love her. Sure, some ponies would tease him, but he never showed any signs of the mocking get to him. But should anypony mock his grandmother, he'd give them a look that would make wendigos shiver.
Her father was at the house, looking after just a three-month old Applebloom. Her mother took her out into the area of the farm where the zap-apple harvest would take place. It was a memorable day. The land was quiet and the wind was still. The shining sun itself seemed to watch over the two as they made their way towards the edge of the Everfree Forest. They talked. They laughed. They even sang an old family song together. Then they were surrounded by strange trees unlike any others. They were zap-apple trees and Applejack couldn't help but smile broadly at the sight of them. Together, they walked around the trees and inspected them. Her mother shared her own stories of the harvesting time, giving advice and general good ideas to go about handling the delicate and sensitive fruit.
As they began to head back, a savage cry was heard behind them. A vicious timber wolf had leapt out of hiding and headed towards the surprised young Applejack, fangs gleaming with hungry saliva, eyes so mad that they seemed to freeze her in place. A strong mare was there to protect her, though. The timber wolf was shoved aside by a powerful kick from her mother, sending it sprawling to the ground only to quickly shift back to its feet as it charged again. Her mother turned for but a split second, telling her to run back to the house and get to safety. Applejack had only ran a few moments before turning back to her mother and the beast. They were locked in an exchange of hooves and claws.
Her mother was quite nimble and strong. She was able to land heavy blows on the monster. Applejack was more than relieved when the creature seemed to give up and crawl its way back into forest. She saw her mother panting, sweating, bruised, and cut. She gave Applejack a happy glance. That was when it happened. Another timber wolf had jumped out of seemingly nowhere. It had sunk it's teeth into her left hind leg. Applejack was terrified as she saw her mother continue to fight bravely in an effort to protect her. She was off balance and couldn't be as quick with her injury. Fear was gripping Applejack tightly, threatening to suffocate her. Her mother was on the ground, looking at her with pleading eyes. Applejack could not hear her, but she saw the word... run. Applejack didn't know what to do, so she did. She turned and ran with tears falling from her eyes and terror in her heart. It was then she heard what she remembers most about that day, an ear-splitting scream of agony. She looked back and saw her mother being dragged into the forest, deep into the place of bad dreams, false hopes, and unnatural sounds. Applejack continued running. She burst in through the door of her home crying and telling her father what had happened. He set his hat on her head and told her he'd be back with her mother soon. Soon never came.
That was the memory Applejack hated having but never wanted to give up. It was what had caused nightmares and countless hours of shedding tears. After that event had happened, Celestia had conjured a magical barrier spell around the Apple family's zap-apple trees that would prevent creatures of the Everfree Forest from getting too close to that area again. She had never guessed there was anymore to the story beyond that. But her mother had come back and revealed the rest of the story to her.
Within the forest, the timber wolf had dragged her to a small clearing. She was conscious the entire time, but had very little strength to do anything but continue breathing. Then a pony came that she didn't expect. Celestia walked into the clearing with a hard look on her face, staring down at the crippled mare. The bleeding pony didn't have the energy to speak, but her look probably gave away her questions.
“I'm sorry this has to happen, Brina. I thought you should get an apology face-to-face. It's the least you deserve for what must happen. A terrible event is going to occur in the near future and I need to be ready for it. I need ponies to awaken as bearers of an ancient power that I once wielded long ago. Your daughter, Applejack, is to become an Element of Harmony. However, first she must awaken and form a bond with the others. I had thought that seeing you in such distress and danger would suffice. Needless to say, it did not. So I must find another method to awaken her and I think I know now how to do that.”
She couldn't believe Princess Celestia had done this. Celestia sent the timber wolves to attack just so Applejack can become some holder of a great power? Celestia had put her child in danger just so Applejack could possibly face an evil monster one day? She mustered all of her strength to speak. “You're a monster.”
Celestia gave a sigh. “Perhaps. But it must be done. If desperation was not enough of a catalyst, then perhaps grief will be.” Celestia gave a long look down at the bleeding mare, holding her face just as devoid of sympathy or sorrow as she had arrived. Celestia turned from the mare and left the clearing, almost soundlessly. The timber wolves were gathering around, ready for what was going to come next. But it wasn't what the mare had thought at all. A stallion burst forth from the brush and in a style of pure savagery and rage began fighting the number of timber wolves that had gathered. He told her to escape, to find some way to live. Seeing him had given her some strength as she she was able to get up and began to limp away. Where would she go, though? She couldn't go back, Celestia would find out and only more bad things would happen. So she simply left for anywhere. Sounds of the fighting between her husband and the timber wolves eventually halted and she knew the outcome, there was only one. But she had survived thanks to the sacrifice of him. She eventually found a remote, cold, but livable place of the forest where beasts were few. She learned how to hide. She was able to grow a small garden that could keep her nourished, albeit barely.
Eventually, so much time had passed she began to forget the faces of her family. That scared her and she knew then what to do. She needed to see her family again, but she couldn't risk revealing herself to all of them. She knew she could trust one, though. Applejack and her had always been very close. Celestia be damned, she was going to see her daughter again.
---
It was a feeling she didn't get very often. “Shaky right fore leg, tingling back, left-eye twitch, and both ears flopping?” This Pinkie sense was rare. It meant that something was wrong with one of her friends... something really, really wrong. Pinkie didn't like this combo and dreaded the very few times it ever happened. “Who is it? Who's in trouble?” she wondered out loud to nopony in particular. She was outside near a tree that had splotches of paint over it. The once-plain tree seemed to emit a happy glow from the numerous smiley faces that now adorned it's bark. Now she stood in place, alert. Almost as if two hooves had grabbed her head, she looked towards Sweet Apple Acres.
Not very often would this Pinkie sense come around. But when it did, she would gladly go to any length to see the problem resolved and her friends smiling again. Although, Pinkie was not sure what the problem was exactly. It didn't matter, though. Applejack needed her help with something or other. She left her spot and began uneasily striding toward the farm, unsure of what to expect under the night sky.
---
This was without a doubt, a two-pony job. Rarity had just finished with Twilight's disaster-of-a-mane when the three Cutie Mark Crusaders came in covered in paint, led by Sweetie Belle. Sweetie spoke up before Rarity could protest. “Rarity, I know what you're going to say and I'm sorry for tracking paint in, but, well, we need some help getting cleaned up... please?” Sweetie closed her eyes and clenched her teeth, sure that a scolding would be coming.
“Sweetie Belle! You're hurt! Oh dear, oh dear you all are covered in scrapes and bruises!” Rarity exclaimed. Sweetie was not expecting Rarity to be this forgiving this quickly. Her confusion was fairly obvious and Rarity could guess exactly what she was thinking. “Now, yes, I am a bit upset that you are tracking in paint, clashing colors no less, but I am most worried about you, Sweetie Belle.” Rarity looked over at Twilight who let out a relieved sigh that Rarity was not angry at the mess that was being dragged into her home. “Twilight, I can't do this alone. There are three young fillies here that require aid. Would you be so kind as to assist me?”
Twilight gave a smile at Rarity. “Of course! How could I turn down a request from somepony who was able to turn that monster-mane back to normal.” Twilight chuckled a bit as she ran a hoof through her now non-disastrous mane.
During the cleaning process, the crusaders talked about their day's events leading up to that point. Scootaloo got a bit ahead of herself, however. “...So she offered to take all the paint, the broken wagon, and my busted scooter to Applebloom's house so Big Mac could fix it and tell him and her sister about the crash. But then Applebloom said she shouldn't talk to Applejack 'cuz she's been acting–hey!” Scootaloo complained as Applebloom jabbed her in the side with a hoof.
“Scoots, ya don't need ta go into all of that,” Applebloom said softly.
Rarity and Twilight exchanged confused looks. But Twilight was more than confused. She was worried about what that meant exactly. Strange activities. Did that count as strange? She needed to know for sure. “Applebloom, not to pry or anything, but is something the matter with Applejack?”
Applebloom let out a frustrated sigh. “I'm sure it's nothin'. Rainbow Dash said she'd calm her down. But... I guess it can't hurt to let y'all know either since ya are her friends. She's jus' been actin' a bit strange lately, like she's real worried or upset. I tried askin' her if she was fine, but she got mad at me and ran outa the house. Rainbow told me she wasn't mad at me, but somethin' else. I jus' hope she's alright.” Applebloom's eyes enlarged at the thought of her sister not being her usual self. Two sets of hooves wrapped around her as the two other crusaders brought her into a group hug which put a smile back on her face.
Twilight was now between two options. Applejack could certainly just be having a bad day, it happens to everypony once in a while. Then again... what if something really was wrong and she didn't report it?
There came a knock at the door of the boutique. Rarity could easily see Twilight was in the middle of some thought-intensive debate with herself. She left the crusaders to dry themselves off and went downstairs to answer the door. Spike was holding two books with a bit of an unhappy look on his face, probably from searching the library top to bottom looking for these books. His look immediately lightened considerably as she opened the door. Rarity couldn't help but giggle at the sudden change in his expression.
“Hi, Rarity! I found the books you needed, no problem. I even dusted them off for you,” Spike spoke with a hint of gallantry as though he were rescuing her from a terrible monster. This caused Rarity to giggle once again.
“My hero!” She took the books out of his claws in an aura of her own magic and bent down to give a little peck on his cheek. “Thank you, Spike. I really do appreciate it.”
“My pleasure, Rarity! Is there anything else I can do for you?” he spoke, hopeful he could have another chance to prove himself to her, to impress her with his devotion.
“I don't believe so, Spike, though I truly do appreciate the offer and will certainly come find you should something come up.” Spike looked a bit saddened by this and Rarity thought of something that would cheer him up. “Actually, there is something you can do for me, if you think you're up to it?” At this, Spike showed determination in his stance, ready to take on any challenge set before him. “Watch over Twilight and make sure she doesn't get that disaster-of-a-mane again, won't you? It was quite time consuming to right that wrong and I don't have that time to spare again. I'm counting on you, Spike.” She gave him a wink and that was all he needed.
He gave a salute. “You can count on me, Rarity. Say no more. Consider it done.” He turned to leave and head back to the library to set up anti-awful-mane procedures.
“Spike! Wait a second!” called Twilight as she rushed downstairs. She joined the two of them and turned to Rarity. “Rarity, do you have a quill, some ink, and a piece of parchment I could use?”
“I believe so, yes. Just one second.” Rarity went looking around for the requested materials.
Twilight turned her attention to Spike. “Spike, I need you to take a letter.” Given the time of day it was, the letter would be sent to Princess Luna and not Celestia. Friendship reports could wait until it was daytime, when Celestia was awake. Should something happen during the night that required immediate notification, however, any letter would be sent to Luna to receive and take care of the issue. Twilight was certain that Celestia and Luna both knew about... whatever it was that was going on. She just hoped this was a false alarm.
---
Applejack and her mother were closer to the house than usual. It was nighttime and the inhabitants of the house were asleep. Earlier in the day, right as the sun was setting, Rainbow Dash had come up to the farm dragging a wagon filled with a mess no doubt caused by three little fillies. Rainbow had wanted to talk to her, but she was not in a talking mood. The young flier had tried to get some information, but Applejack just told her, “It's family business.” Rainbow wanted to stay longer and told the farm pony that she should apologize to Applebloom. The earth pony already knew that, but now was not the time. She looked at Rainbow, gave her a stern, hard look that signified she wanted Rainbow to leave and she would leave. Letting loose a defeated sigh, the pegasus assured her friend that should she want to talk, all her friends were there for her and left flying through the sky, out of sight.
Applejack walked close to her mother, reveling in the warmth she emitted. It had been so long since she felt as happy, as safe, as she did now. Her mother's crimson coat was just as soft as she had remembered it being. Suddenly, her mother stood still and looked upward at the night sky. Without turning her head away from the stars above, she said, “Applejack, leave. Now.”
“What? What's wrong, momma?” Applejack was visibly worried. What was going on? What was wrong?
“Do as your mother tells you. Go into the barn over there and do not come out until I come and get you.” It was a mother's command, one that a child does not refuse no matter how irritating or confusing it might be. Applejack did as she was told, though reluctantly. She didn't want to leave her mother if she didn't have to.
Seconds passed before a large pony had landed from the sky, giving a hard look at Brina. It was Princess Luna and she did not look amused. “So, it is you it seems. I was not sure who I would encounter here, but I could feel your presence as I drew near to Ponyville.” She spoke evenly as though she were greeting somepony unimportant enough to know their name, but important enough to merit an audience.
Brina did not seem worried at all, however. “Ah, Princess Luna. I am glad to finally meet you face-to-face. Such a shame we were not formally introduced during my last visit to Canterlot.”
A sly smirk curled it's way onto Brina as she noticed the scowl that Luna was attempting to hide, but to no avail. Luna lowered her head, but kept her eyes locked on her enemy and flared her wings. “Do not think that because I was not there that I do not know the events that transpired. My sister was very thorough in her discussion with me about that incident. She instructed me to learn about your kind's magic. Doing so, I can see through your pathetic ruse. You failed once, and I shall ensure that you fail again, Chrysalis.”
A terrifying transformation took place. Brina's crimson coat darkened to pitch black. Her blonde mane grew long and ragged turning into a shade of turquoise. A black, misshapen horn appeared on her forehead. Her body grew taller. Emerald eyes turned black. She grinned as she was able to now look down on Luna. “Apparently Celestia left out certain details in her recount of my attack on Canterlot. Did she not inform you that I was able to defeat her?”
For the first time since their meeting, Luna gave off a confident smile. “My sister did indeed tell me of that part. However, between the two of the us, I was always the better fighter.”
As Luna began to charge, she disappeared in a flash of blue light. Chrysalis was surprised and caught off guard when Luna appeared right in front of her. Her shoulder rammed harshly into Chrysalis's chest, knocking the wind out of the changeling and throwing her back. Luna took this opening and let loose a dark blue magical ray at her foe. Chrysalis took to the air to dodge and aimed a green beam of power straight at Luna. A shield spell was enough to protect the princess and she flew up in the air, straight at Chrysalis, both hooves outstretched.
Chrysalis charged at Luna and each of their hooves connected with the others. For a few moments they both struggled to push the other back in the air. Chrysalis teleported to the ground. Luna hung in the air for second to re-balance herself from the loss of Chrysalis's opposing force. A rope-like strand of green magic tied itself around Luna's left hind hoof and it threw her to the ground with enough force, Luna could not stop herself from falling into the dirt.
Chrysalis looked to where Luna fell, ready to defend from any direction with a shield spell.
“What in tarnation...” a low, male voice uttered from the nearby house's door. Chrysalis glanced over with irritation as she saw Big Mac and Granny Smith standing in the door in complete disbelief.
Chrysalis didn't have time for this. With a thought, green flames erupted from the floorboards and surrounded the two troublesome ponies, dragging them with screams into the ground. She smiled, glad that the distraction had been taken care of. She turned her attention back to her engagement with Luna. All she saw was a dark blue beam of magic hurtling right at her. She had no time to get out of the way or conjure a shield.
The force of the blast knocked her down, dazing her. She looked up in pain and saw Luna standing over her. Luna's shadow seemed to hold her still. The princess of the night looked a little worn, but she was smiling in triumph. Nothing needed to be said except for two words. “You lose.” Chrysalis did not know what to do and was scared as to what would happen next.
She certainly did not expect a lasso to rope itself around Luna's neck and pull her away, down to the ground. But she immediately knew what was happening. She cloaked herself in green and dawned the appearance of Brina Apple once again.
Luna was so surprised at what had happened, she didn't know how to react. She had been pulled off of Chrysalis by a rope. Who else was around? She looked over her should as she got back on her hooves and saw Applejack racing towards her. What was she doing?
Luna coughed. Being yanked back by a rope around one's neck certainly hurt. “Applejack, what– ”
“Leave mah momma alone!” Applejack yelled at the top of her lungs. She got right next to Luna. The farm pony turned and threw both hind hooves into Luna's side. There were two forces Applejack used. There was the force she used to buck trees. Then there was the force she used when trying to break trees. This force was the latter. Luna was more than winded, she actually felt a rib break as she fell to the ground. A normal pony would probably have to be hospitalized after such a blow.
This was all Chrysalis needed. She got to her hooves and her eyes glowed green as she cast a spell. Strands of green flame erupted from the ground and wrapped around Luna's hooves, torso, and neck. Applejack didn't seem bothered by this at all. Only one thing was on her mind. Luna had tried to take away her mother, nothing else mattered. Chrysalis snickered at the princess. “This spell is a bit different than the other. It's much more potent, though it takes all of my concentration. You'll find you cannot escape with brute strength and it renders you unable to teleport yourself away.” This did not keep Luna from trying, however.
Indeed, Luna did slow the process down, but she could not escape, despite her efforts. She struggled against the ropes of green flame that were dragging her down beneath the ground to take her to wherever Chrysalis had decided to keep her. But she would not quit resisting. Her body was about halfway below the surface now.
“Applejack... what's going on?” cried a frightened voice nearby. The two ponies and changeling-in-disguise looked over to see Pinkie Pie who was still with shock and fear at what she was seeing.
Chrysalis was tired of these interruptions. “Applejack, she can't tell the others!” That was all Applejack needed to hear. She charged at Pinkie, completely willing to take her friend down. Luna was able to see what was happening and concentrated as much as she could. Her horn glowed and cast the spell.
Pinkie could only look on in confused terror as her friend charged right at her with a horrifying look in her eyes. The pink pony was scared stiff and unable to move. But Applejack never reached her. A midnight blue aura circled around Pinkie and she was gone in a flash of light. Luna, now satisfied that she had accomplished something that had meaning, no longer resisted against the pulling. Quickly, she was taken beneath the ground before Chrysalis could say anything. At least in some small manner, she had won.