//------------------------------//
// Chapter Two 
// Story: Rise of the Dark Unicorn 
// by Sky McFly 
//------------------------------//

Applejack struggled to catch her breath as the Diamond Dogs chased her into the Everfree Forest. She considered herself fit as a fiddle, but the Diamond Dogs had endurance that far surpassed her own. If this chase went on for much longer, she would be unable to continue evading them. And the incessant barking was just getting annoying.
Applejack began to stumble over tree roots as the forest floor became increasingly uneven. The din of the barking had drawn so close that it felt like the sound was coming from all sides when she tripped over a rock and tumbled down a steep hill, landing in a heap on a layer of dead leaves at the bottom. Applejack was pretty bruised and scraped up, but nothing felt broken.
She was about to force herself to rise and continue running when three pairs of glowing green eyes appeared in the darkness in front of her. She felt despair overwhelm her as she struggled to scramble back up the hill. Applejack heard a haunting howl resound from much too close behind her and felt foul, warm breath on the back of her neck. To her surprise, she then saw three Timberwolves soar over her, land with ground-shaking thuds, and effortlessly climb the hill she had just tumbled down. A series of yips and whimpers let her know that the Timberwolves were now instead pursuing the Diamond Dogs. Applejack resolved to get out of the Everfree Forest as soon as possible.


***


Several days later...

“Oooohhhhhhh
Celestia’s dead, I bumped my head,
Poor Spikey’s brokenhearted,
My house burned down with half the town
And Applejack’s uncharted.

But…
Howe’er austere things may appear,
No matter how adverse,
Don’t fall behind; just keep in mind
That it could still get worse.”

Pinkie Pie finished her song and smiled at Big Macintosh as his plowing circuit brought him over to her side of the field again.
When Pinkie, the four Cakes, Rarity, and Sweetie Belle had become too much of a crowd for the Carousel Boutique, the remaining Apples had offered to let Pinkie stay at Sweet Apple Acres until the construction ponies finished rebuilding Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie had insisted that she help out around the farm in return for the Apples’ hospitality, but still hadn’t mastered any of the farm duties.
“Ya bumped yer head?” Big Macintosh stopped when he reached Pinkie and looked at her with concern in his green eyes.
“Yup, I still don’t quite have the hang of this apple-bucking thing,” Pinkie answered cheerfully. “I tried bucking a tree yesterday and the only apple that fell down hit me right on the noodle.”
“Well, I’m righ’ sorry t’ hear that,” Big Macintosh replied. He began to pull the plow again.
Pinkie was quiet for a moment.
“Do you miss her, Mackie?” she asked suddenly.
Big Macintosh stopped again and turned back to face Pinkie.
“O’ course I do,” he answered, “she’s mah sister.”
“I miss her too,” Pinkie said quietly.
“She’s strong, though,” Mac said.
“And faithful,” Pinkie added.
“We’ll see her again, somehow,” Mac consoled her, “I promise.”
“Thanks Mackie,” Pinkie smiled. After another moment, she said, “I don’t think she started that fire.”
Big Macintosh smiled sadly. “Tha’s good t’ hear,” he replied. “I don’t believe she did either.” As he returning to plowing the field, he called over his shoulder, “Good luck with yer apple-bucking!”
“Thanks,” Pinkie sighed, and turned to glare with determination at the tree that stubbornly refused to relinquish its apples.


***


“Rarity and I are going to Canterlot for a few days, Spike,” Twilight announced. “Will you be able to watch the library while I’m gone?”
“Sure,” Spike answered. “Should I ask what you’ll be doing in Canterlot?”
“I’ll be assisting Styxon Stones, of course,” Twilight beamed. “Would you mind helping me pack?” She pulled out a saddlebag.
“Did he tell you what exactly you’ll be doing?” Spike asked.
“It sounded like paperwork mostly,” Twilight replied absentmindedly. “Oh, I’ll need these.” She handed Spike a small pile of books.
“Paperwork?” Spike repeated, putting the books in the saddlebag. “But you’re better than that.”
“It’s what I’m good at,” Twilight said, “and someone’s got to do it.” She handed Spike an armful of scrolls.
“Are you sure you have nothing better to do than Styxon Stones’s paperwork?” Spike inquired. “It’s not like he needs a lot of help. He’s got the entire palace staff to do his bidding, and I still think he’s not a good dude. He exiled Applejack for no reason with almost no evidence!”
“That was a shame about Applejack,” Twilight replied, pulling a few more books off of a shelf.
“Surely you don’t believe she caused that fire!” Spike exclaimed.
“Well, I admit it’s not like her,” Twilight said.
“ ‘Not like her?!’ ” Spike burst out. “Pinkie Pie’s one of her best friends! And even if she weren’t, Applejack would never do anything like that to anypony! Besides, she was missing her hat the morning before the fire! She couldn’t have dropped it that night if she didn’t have it!”
“You’ve got a point,” Twilight said, giving Spike several more books.
“You sure you’ve got enough books?” Spike asked dryly.
Completely missing the sarcasm, Twilight thought for a moment, rushed over to a bookshelf, and said, “Thanks, Spike! I almost forgot this one!” She tossed him another book.
“So it couldn’t have been Applejack,” Spike prodded.
“I don’t think Applejack would have done something like that,” Twilight agreed, “but Styxon Stones was just doing his best to protect Ponyville. He’s got a lot of responsibilities. It’s understandable that he might make a mistake here or there.”
“But Applejack’s been banished!” Spike emphasized. “You think that’s just a mistake?”
“Spike,” Twilight smiled at him, “let’s try not to beat a dead horse, okay?”
“I’m going to Fluttershy’s,” Spike pouted. “Have fun in Canterlot.”


***


As Spike walked to Fluttershy’s cottage, he mulled over what exactly he would say to her. He had left the library somewhat spontaneously and decided to go to Fluttershy’s cottage without really thinking about his reason for going there. Normally he would have gone to see Rarity, but he had a feeling her support for Styxon Stones would be just as unreasonable and unwavering as Twilight’s. His second choice would have been to visit Applejack, but her absence was the very reason he needed someone to talk to.
He reached Fluttershy’s cottage and knocked on the door.
After a moment, Fluttershy opened the door and exclaimed, “Spike! It’s so good to see you! Is something wrong?”
“Twilight and Rarity are leaving to spend a few days in Canterlot,” Spike explained. “And I just have a bad feeling about this Styxon Stones they’re going with. I guess I just wanted to talk to a voice of reason for once.” Behind Fluttershy, Spike could see five chipmunks run across the living room, knocking over a potted plant and startling a small flock of birds into the air.
“Of course,” Fluttershy replied cheerfully. “Come in. Make yourself at home.” She led him into the kitchen. “Would you like some tea?”
“Yes please,” Spike responded, and hopped into a chair. “I think what’s bothering me most is that Twilight seems to care more about Styxon Stones than about Applejack.” He paused. “Please don’t tell me you think Applejack started that fire.”
“Of course I don’t think Applejack started the fire,” Fluttershy exclaimed, looking surprised that Spike would even suggest the possibility. “Does Twilight think so?”
“Well, no,” Spike answered, “but she thinks that by banishing Applejack, Styxon was just doing his best to protect Ponyville. She doesn’t even seem to care that Applejack is all alone in the wilderness.”
“And Big Macintosh must be so lonely!” Fluttershy realized aloud, holding a teapot but forgetting to pour it. “Oh, I hope he’s okay…”
Spike rolled his eyes.
“I think Styxon Stones was too quick to blame Applejack,” Spike continued, “and I think Twilight and Rarity are getting too close to him without really knowing what they’re getting into.”
“You might be right, Spike,” Fluttershy agreed, wide-eyed. “Do you want me to come talk to Rarity with you?”
“Oh, we don’t have to—“ Spike protested.
“If we hurry, we could catch her before she leaves!” Fluttershy said. “Hop on!”
She bent down, and Spike climbed onto her back.
“I didn’t mean—“ Spike began, but his protests went unheard as Fluttershy raced out the door.


***


Rarity was putting the finishing touches on one of her latest dresses when she heard a knock on the door. Upon answering it, she was surprised and delighted to find Styxon Stones on the doorstep, flanked as usual by several palace guards.
“Styxon!” she gasped. “I wasn’t expecting to see you until this evening!” 
“My dear Rarity,” Styxon began, “as always, it is a pleasure to see you. I would dearly love to chat for a while, but unfortunately I am here on official duties. Could I speak to the Cakes please?”
“Of course, of course!” Rarity replied. “Mr. and Mrs. Cake!” she called. “Styxon Stones is here to see you!”
Mr. and Mrs. Cake emerged from the boutique’s kitchen, Mr. Cake carrying Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake on his back.
“Mr. Stones!” Mrs. Cake gasped in surprise. “What brings you here today?”
“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Cake,” Styxon greeted them. “I am here on account of Ponyville Social Services. The results of a recent study have shown that foals develop best when raised by their own kind.”
“What are you saying?” Mrs. Cake asked.
“It has been decided that you and Mr. Cake, as Earth ponies, are unfit to raise a pegasus and a unicorn.” Styxon explained.
“You’re not taking Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake away from us?!” Mr. Cake gasped.
“How will a pegasus foal ever learn to fly without pegasus parents?” Styxon argued. “And how will poor Pumpkin Cake ever learn to control her magic?”
“Nonsense!” Mr. Cake exclaimed, taking a step back. “We’re great parents!”
“You may be fine parents for earth pony foals,” Styxon acknowledged, “but unfortunately, you just aren’t suited to raise a pegasus and a unicorn.”
“No!” Mr. Cake protested. “You can’t take our foals! I won’t let you!”
“Don’t you worry,” Styxon attempted to console them. “We have ponies who will be very capable parents for your foals. Now, please hand them over.”
“No!” Mr. Cake repeated. He was now backed up against a wall.
Styxon gave a signal and two guards rushed into the house and restrained Mr. Cake as a third gently picked up the two foals and brought them over to Styxon. Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake began to cry.
“How can you do this?” Mrs. Cake demanded.
“We’ll find good homes for them,” Styxon promised, and turned to leave. “Remember, this is for their own good.”
At that moment, Fluttershy and Spike arrived at the boutique.
“What’s going on?” Fluttershy asked. “Are you taking the Cakes’ foals away?”
“Foals need to be raised by their own kind,” Styxon explained.
“Is this true?” Fluttershy asked in disbelief.
“Does the ruler of Equestria have the right to break up families now?” Spike demanded.
“Well, if Pound Cake must be raised by a pegasus,” Fluttershy said, “let me raise him. And I’m sure Rarity would be glad to bring up Pumpkin Cake, if there’s really no other option.”
“Oh heavens no,” Rarity said, emerging from the Carousel Boutique. “Me? Raise foals? I don’t think so.”
“But Rarity—“ Fluttershy protested.
“I’m going to Canterlot,” Rarity proclaimed. “I’ll be much too busy to take care of foals. I’m sorry, but you’ll have to find some other unicorn.”
“Well, I’d be happy to bring up Pound Cake,” Fluttershy said quietly.
“Very well,” Styxon said, and handed Fluttershy the still-wailing foal.
“Will I see you this evening?” Rarity asked Styxon.
“Indeed you will,” Styxon confirmed. “The minutes will seem like hours until then.”
Spike pretended to gag behind his back.
“Well ta-ta everypony,” Rarity waved to Fluttershy and Spike, and began to head toward the train station with three suitcases in tow.
“That wasn’t like Rarity,” Fluttershy murmured. “She’s usually more compassionate, isn’t she?”
Spike struggled with himself for a moment, and then abandoning all dignity, he rushed after Rarity and clutched her leg, pleading, “Don’t go with him, Rarity! Please!”
Rarity gently shook him off and said, “Now don’t you worry, Spikey-Wikey. I’ll be back in a few days.”
And she left for the train station, leaving Spike to wonder how different his crush would be when she returned.