//------------------------------// // Final Year // Story: Inner Demons: 10 Years // by Azure Sandora //------------------------------// Revelations – The End Now that the moment was finally here, she couldn't stop trembling. Sometimes she felt like this day would never come. Now that it was here, she could hardly believe it. Was she really about to do this? Was she really going to leave Ponyville? Apple Bloom stepped downstairs to where Applejack and Fluttershy were waiting for her. As a matter of fact, everyone was waiting for her. Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Princess Twilight, Spike. Apple Bloom expected her friends were getting her luggage brought over to the train station. "Here she is," Rainbow Dash said smiling. "Ya'll came?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise. "Uh, yeah," Pinkie Pie said, "Why wouldn't we?" "This is a big day in your life," Fluttershy said, "We wanted to see you off." "Thank ya," Apple Bloom asked, then looking around realizing the one mare missing, "Where's Rarity?" Everyone looked down seriously, scaring Apple Bloom a bit. "She disappeared last night," Spike said, "No one knows where went." "I'm sure she's okay though," Twilight said, "She took the Element of Generosity with her. Besides, this is supposed to be a happy day," she turned to Apple Bloom, "Don't worry, we'll take care of everything here. If anything happens though, we'll contact you, alright?" Apple Bloom nodded. She started feeling a little guilty for leaving again, but one look from her older sister reminded her of her promise last year. Selfish... After a second, the door opened, and Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo walked in. "Okay, everything is set up," Scootaloo said. "All of your luggage is at the train station," Sweetie Belle added. Apple Bloom could tell she was distracted. "Where are Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon?" she asked, deciding not to bring the mood down. "They're watching your bags," Sweetie Belle said. Apple Bloom figured that they wanted to wait for her there. This was difficult for all of them, so she could imagine how Diamond Tiara was taking this. "Well, this is it," Applejack said walking over to Apple Bloom, "Ya ready?" Apple Bloom took a deep breath, and nodded, "Ah'm ready." "Good luck, Apple Bloom," Fluttershy said, "We'll miss you." "Ah'll miss ya'll," Apple Bloom said, "Good bye..." Applejack and her friends all exchanged hugs. When she reached Spike she whispered in his ear, "Don't worry. She's alright." Spike nodded smiling gravely. He was really worried. Apple Bloom took one last look at everyone, and then stepped out with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. "Now that we're alone," Apple Bloom said as they walked over to Scootaloo's bike and carriage, "Are ya okay Sweetie Belle?" "I'm guessing they told you about Rarity?" Sweetie Belle asked, getting a nod from Apple Bloom, "I'm fine. I'm a little concerned, but she'll be okay, I'm sure. Spike told me not to worry, and in the meantime Silver Spoon said she'd help me take care of Carousel Boutique." "Oh, you and Silver Spoon, eh?" Scootaloo taunted as she helped Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom in the carriage, "You two have been spending a lot of time together. If I didn't know better, I'd say there was something else going on." Scootaloo went over to the bike to get it started, but both she and Apple Bloom got the same wave and looked at Sweetie Belle in shock. "Oh mah stars! Sweetie Belle?!" Apple Bloom shouted. "No way!" Scootaloo shouted. "Nothing is certain yet," Sweetie Belle said blushing, "Her emotions are harder to read, so I don't even know how she feels about me. She and I are just... spending time together." "But wait," Apple Bloom said as they started moving to the train station, "Back in high school you were the filly with a thousand boyfriends. Now ya like mares?" "Ponies change as they get older," Sweetie Belle said, "Truth is, I looked at how devoted you were to Lezard, and I was jealous. I wanted to have someone that I loved like that." "But Silver Spoon?" Scootaloo asked, sounding somewhat annoyed. "I don't know, it just sort of played out like that. I can't stop thinking about her," Sweetie Belle smiled, "I haven't told her anything, and she keeps her emotions so guarded I don't know what she thinks of me." "Yeah, well you got my support," Scootaloo said with a sigh. Apple Bloom felt something in Scootaloo's heart, but she let it go. She looked over at Sweetie Belle, and saw guilt. Whatever she felt, Sweetie Belle might have felt it too. After a few more minutes, they arrived at the train station. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were standing next to two large suitcases looked like they were having a serious conversation, but that wasn't what Apple Bloom was paying attention too. She was looking at the horn on Diamond Tiara's forehead. "Hey!" Sweetie Belle called out, catching the attention of the two mares. Diamond Tiara said one last thing to Silver Spoon, and the two of them walked over to them. "Hey guys," Silver Spoon said. "I got our tickets," Diamond Tiara said cheerfully, Apple Bloom still unable to take her eyes off of Diamond Tiara. She was an Earth Pony last time Apple Bloom saw her. "Ahh, great," Apple Bloom said snapping out of her daze. When Diamond Tiara handed Apple Bloom her ticket, she noticed her friend only had two other tickets, "Where are everyone else's?" she asked. Suddenly the air got really somber as all of her friends looked down. Then it hit her. Only Diamond Tiara was coming. This would be the last time she would see Silver Spoon, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. "Girls..." Apple Bloom said turning to them, tears in her eyes. "We all figured since you and Diamond Tiara are so close..." Sweetie Belle said slowly. "It would only be appropriate that she get you situated," Silver Spoon added. "That means..." Apple Bloom said slowly. "Looks like this is the end," Scootaloo said with a smile. Apple Bloom could tell though, she was holding back tears too. "We're going to miss you, Apple Bloom," Sweetie Belle said, not even trying to hold in her tears anymore, "It's... not going to be... the same..." her sentence was cut off by her sobs. Silver Spoon walked over to her and nuzzled her. Apple Bloom walked over to her friend and held her face up, "Ah'll write ya the second Ah get the chance." Sweetie Belle nodded, and Silver Spoon stepped away knowing what would come next. She, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo hugged one last time. It started with them after all. It would only be fair that they get some time together. It wasn't always easy, but these two always had her back. Apple Bloom then walked over to Silver Spoon, and hugged her tightly as well. When Apple Bloom had lost Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, Silver Spoon surprised her by staying by her side. She didn't think they would be so close, but Silver Spoon was a very loyal friend. Apple Bloom was so thankful to have Silver Spoon. She looked over at Diamond Tiara. Out of all of them, Diamond Tiara was definitely the dearest one to her. She still didn't know what was going on with her, and right now wasn't the time to ask her. Yet she was surprised, because despite what was happening she looked so cheerful. Using their connection Apple Bloom could even tell that Diamond Tiara was genuinely happy. And why was she a unicorn?! The train to Canterlot arrived moments later. This was it. Her destiny was staring right at her. Diamond walked over to Apple Bloom, "I'll put your luggage inside," she whispered into Apple Bloom's ear. Apple Bloom nodded and turned to her friends while Diamond Tiara used her psychokinesis to lift the suitcases. "Well, this is it," Scootaloo said. "Yeah..." Apple Bloom said softly. "Good luck Apple Bloom," Silver Spoon said, "I hope you and Lezard are happy together." "I hope to see you again soon," Sweetie Belle said through her sobs. "Ya will, definitely," Apple Bloom stated. She gave her friends one last hug, and then turned around, "Ah love ya'll so much..." Apple Bloom sobbed, "Good... bye..." Apple Bloom ran into the train, the pain too much to bare that moment. Once inside she looked out a window at her friends one last time, the three of them waving to her. She waved to them through the window, unable to hold in her tears. As the train started moving, Diamond Tiara walked up to her and nuzzled her comfortingly. By now she couldn't see her friends anymore, and she fell into Diamond Tiara's embrace. "Ah didn't expect... it ta... hurt so much..." she sobbed. Diamond Tiara shushed her lovingly. "It's okay, Apple Bloom," Diamond Tiara said soothingly, "Just let it out." Diamond Tiara escorted Apple Bloom to the coach she reserved for her. Once there Apple Bloom calmed down enough to ask the question she meant to ask for a while. "Since when were ya a unicorn?" Apple Bloom asked, making Diamond Tiara laugh loudly. "Wow, is it that convincing?" Diamond Tiara asked, "Silver Spoon made it. It's synthetic, and meant to glow whenever I use my psychokinesis." "Synthetic?" Apple Bloom asked looking at it closely. She had to look really hard, but sure enough, it was fake. "It's so I don't have to hide my psychokinesis as much. Of course I can't wear it around Ponyville where people recognize me, but in places like Canterlot, it's fine. I just pretend to be a unicorn." "Ah see," Apple Bloom said nodding. That was a good idea. Leave it to Silver Spoon. "Hey, Diamond Tiara?" Apple Bloom asked seriously. "Yeah?" "Are you goin ta be alright? Ya jus' seem so... okay today." "Why wouldn't I be?" Diamond Tiara asked, "My best friend is finally fulfilling her dream. You talked about this day for years, and now it's finally here. I couldn't possibly be happier for you." "Diamond..." Apple Bloom looked down in sadness. She could feel it. There was a bit of sadness in Diamond Tiara's heart, but she was genuinely elated for Apple Bloom. Like this was a celebration for her as well. "Ya know, Diamond Tiara, Ah never forgot what happened at Senior Prom," Apple Bloom stated. She felt Diamond Tiara's emotions pick up instantly. She knew that would get a reaction. "You remember?" Diamond Tiara asked, almost sounding hopeful. "Not everyday yer best friend confesses they're in love with ya," Apple Bloom said, "That's why Ah gotta know. How are ya so okay with this? When we were growin up, you were sort of clingy ta me." Diamond Tiara laughed a bit, "Yeah, I was." "Honestly, you were one of the main reasons Ah was so skeptical of leavin. Ah worried about ya." "You wanted... to stay?" "Ah thought about it, especially after ya kissed me that day. Ah'll admit, Ah actually did consider givin up an' jus' bein with you." Diamond Tiara looked so shocked. She looked down and leaned into Apple Bloom, "If you had, I'd have to slap you." That shocked Apple Bloom, "Um, beg yer pardon?" "Apple Bloom, I didn't confess to you that day so you'd stay with me. Truth is, I had wanted to tell you all through high school. I just needed you to know how much I loved you. I knew you loved Lezard though, and like I said then, I never wanted to compete with that." "You know what? Yer a great friend, Diamond Tiara," Apple Bloom said tightening the hug, "Ta think, when we were kids we couldn't stand each other." "I know, right?" Diamond Tiara laughed, "Honestly, I don't even remember why I didn't like you then. It feels like we were always friends," Diamond Tiara tensed up, and Apple Bloom felt there was something on her mind. "Diamond, what's wrong?" "W-well, this could be the last time I see you... for a long time... I was wondering... um..." Diamond Tiara was blushing, "I mean, do you think... before we get to Canterlot..." Apple Bloom sighed and laughed, "Ya want another kiss, don't ya?" "Please?" Diamond Tiara asked, looking into Apple Bloom's eyes, "I just want to express my love... one last time..." This was truly a first. For as long as Apple Bloom had known her, Diamond Tiara had never really "asked" for anything she wanted. Apple Bloom could tell though, she could feel it, so much it was unbearable. Diamond Tiara loved her just as much as she loved Lezard. Knowing this, and knowing that her feelings for Lezard would never change, she took a deep breath and did something that shocked herself. She pushed Diamond Tiara onto the seat, and looked into her eyes. "We've got a good few hours till we arrive in Canterlot," Apple Bloom said, blushing herself, "Fer bein such a good friend all these years, Ah think this is the only way Ah can think of ta thank ya." "Apple... Bloom..." Diamond Tiara breathed out. "Ah still love Lezard, but Ah'll always have a special place in mah heart for you," before she knew it, she was crying, "Let me know... exactly... how much ya love me..." Diamond Tiara needed no more goading. She pulled Apple Bloom in, and the two young mares kissed passionately. She didn't know if it were possible to love two ponies at the same time, but if it were, this made it official. She loved Lezard and Diamond Tiara... Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom walked out of the the train together. They stood together for a long time, taking each other in. This was both the happiest moment and saddest moment in Apple Bloom's life. "Will you be okay on your own?" Diamond Tiara asked. "Yeah, Ah'll be fine. Ah'm gonna head to the fountain an' wait fer him," Apple Bloom explained, "What about you?" "I'll be fine, Apple Bloom," Diamond Tiara stated, "My train is almost here, and... I got everything I wanted. I know how you feel. Even if you don't love me like you love him, it's enough to keep me going." All of a sudden, Apple Bloom felt a sudden pain in her heart. Not physical, but emotional, like she was about to break down any moment. But it wasn't from her though. It was coming from Diamond Tiara. "Diamond?" Apple Bloom asked. Was Diamond Tiara... "Go Apple Bloom," Diamond Tiara commanded with a smile, "Be with Lezard. Be happy. You deserve it." The pain was getting worse, almost unbearable. Something was wrong, but Diamond Tiara wouldn't tell her what. She was guarding it. "Diamond Tiara, Ah-" Diamond Tiara playfully groaned and pushed Apple Bloom toward the exit, "Go on. Don't worry about me." Apple Bloom was worried, and she could tell that Diamond Tiara knew. Their connection was so strong that they almost felt each other's emotions as if they were the same pony at times. She wanted to stay, but Diamond Tiara refused to let her. She was too good of a friend. "Alright, alright, Ah'm goin," Apple Bloom said turning to Diamond Tiara and hugging her again, "Good bye, Diamond Tiara." "Good bye... Apple Bloom." Apple Bloom put her suitcases on a cart, and began pulling them as she left the train station. She took one last look at Diamond Tiara, who was waving happily to her, silently wishing her good luck. Did she save Diamond Tiara? She didn't know, nor would she find out now. She waved one last time, and then left the train station, leaving the last part of home behind. Her heart was racing as she trotted to the fountain. She hadn't gotten a hotel, nor did she have a ticket going back to Ponyville. He had to be there. Everything was riding on this. She was terrified. Would he be there? Did he succeed in getting here? Did he even still love her? She saw the fountain in the distance. There were a few ponies there, but she wasn't close enough to tell if he was there. Did she even do it right? What if she missed him? What if he thought she wasn't coming? What if he hadn't arrived yet? What if he wasn't coming? These thoughts ran rapidly through her mind as she trotted forward. Would she even recognize him? It had been ten whole years. Was she remembering him right? Would he recognize her? What if she didn't look like she did when they met? When she got closer though, she stopped. Everything stopped. She didn't even need to ask. There he was. Sitting on the side of the fountain reading a book. He looked exactly like she remembered him. His mane cut short and straight, falling to the side of his face. Round wire framed glassed resting on his nose. Light brown coat. His garments were exactly the same too. Black and gold wizard garments, his Cutie Mark showing a magical circle that favored a clock. He was there... and he was waiting for her... "Le...zard..." Apple Bloom said softly, her breathing starting to pick up. For a long while all she could do was stare at him. It all made sense now. This was why she was here. For ten long years she lusted for him, having to suffer through being trapped in a child's body, full of desires and no way of releasing them. After a while she was able to express her desires in small ways, but her life started taking a weird turn as her friends and family were put in danger. "Lezard..." she said louder, her body trembling with happiness, desire, love. She thought back to the ponies she left behind. In particular she thought of her older sister Applejack and her friend Diamond Tiara. Both of them were suffering, yet here she was staring at the stallion of her dreams. She used to feel guilty, knowing how much pain the ponies around her were in and still dreaming about Lezard. Now though, that guilt was gone, and all she could think about was him. "Lezard!" she was crying now. She hadn't moved, but she was unable to take her eyes off of him. She had dreams about him almost every night. Dreams of them walking together, holding each other, kissing, nuzzling, even replaying the moment when they confessed their love for each other. At first Apple Bloom thought it was silly, love at first sight. Then she met Lezard, and it felt like everything stopped. She resisted at first, of course, but as her mind began to adjust itself to her body, she began to have powerful desires. Then it happened. They confessed their feelings, and though Lezard did not take away her virginity then, he did take away the last bit of her foalhood. "LEZARD!!!" she screamed out, tears flowing freely from her eyes. His ears perked up, and for a second he looked around until his eyes met her. He froze, and slowly stood up. He remembered... Apple Bloom didn't care about her luggage. She couldn't help herself. She galloped over to him as fast as she could, Lezard now smiling as he prepared for her. When they met up, he picked her up, spun her around happily, and then kissed her. "I'm glad that I didn't miss you," he said, his voice just like she remembered it. "Ya look jus' like ya did back then. Did ya-" "Time travel, thanks to Princess Luna. It wasn't easy, but in only a few short years I was able to prepare a spell that would send me into the future. It was a one way trip, but," he looked her up and down, "I think every reason to stay is right here." Apple Bloom felt so hot right now. Was this how Applejack felt with Flim and Flam? "This isn't another dream, right?" Apple Bloom asked, "Ah mean, it's really you this time?" "This isn't a dream, I'm really here, and I'd love to pick up where we left off. Apple Bloom, there's something I need to share with you though. This year, I think it might be-" Apple Bloom put a hoof over Lezard's mouth, "Lezard, Ah know. Somethin is gettin ready ta happen, but not right now. Ah've waited ten years fer this moment, an' Ah don't wanna wait a second longer. Ah want ya ta take me, an' make me yers, 'fore Ah wake up from this wonderful dream." Lezard closed his eyes and smiled, "I suppose I should have thought of that. Very well, my house is close by, and I sealed it with a time spell so it was untouchable. Shall we go, m'lady?" Apple Bloom nodded happily. The two of them walked over to her luggage and made their way to their home. "Hmph, the Chronomancer got to her first," the stallion watching them from a distance said, "Doesn't matter. The best laid plans, right?" he turned around and walked off, his black cape flowing in the wind. "Worry not, I'll avenge you... sister." Diamond Tiara got out of her coach, wiping her tears. She had cried the whole train ride home. Thankfully Apple Bloom hadn't seen her break down, or she would have stayed. "I hope he's everything you wanted," Diamond Tiara said, her voice cracking, "You deserve to be happy." Before she could take a step out though, that gray Earth Pony, Octavia, walked past her. Their eyes met as she walked by, and Diamond Tiara got the strangest feeling looking at her. Her heart was racing, and all of a sudden, she wanted to run away. Far away. "Who is... that?" she asked. "The hour of Katastroph's revival is at hand. To prepare, we must find the Sword of the Condemned, which was stolen thousands of years ago. We must find the sword, and Katastroph's daughter, Midnight. "The Lunar Eclipse is approaching, and with it the key will have fully activated. Scarlet Gala, you have been extremely helpful in gaining members for our cause. Can I count on you to assist in stopping the Elements of Harmony too?" A young mare with a green coat, a mane and tail so full and blond they almost looked white, and demonic red eyes walked over to the hooded stallion who was looking at the ocean. "Of course, Master," she said lustfully, "Whatever ya need, Ah'll be more than happy ta provide." She pressed herself against the hooded stallion, and closed her eyes in ecstacy as she nuzzled him. "So... Ponyville is it?" the white alicorn said, her long, deep blue mane and tail flowing in the wind, "This is where Midnight is living currently, according to her memories," the white alicorn looked at Carousel Boutique and looked down in sadness. The white alicorn trotted into town, feeling the weight of the the sword and shield Cutie Mark on her flank, and remembering the life of the one who allowed her to reawaken. There would be time to work out the new feelings she had. Right now, she had a mission. As the Guardian of Equestria. Lezard wasted no time, and Apple Bloom wasn't complaining. When they got to Lezard's bedroom, Apple Bloom jumped on the bed, lying on her back as Lezard stood over her, both of them smiling and looking into each other's eyes. "Are you scared?" Lezard asked. "A little," Apple Bloom admitted, "Um... Ah saved mahself jus' fer ya, so..." "I understand," Lezard said getting closer to the now blushing mare, "Are you sure you don't want to wait a little longer? We don't have to-" "Ah'm sure," Apple Bloom said, "Ah wanna be yer mare now, 'fore anything happpens." "Well then," Lezard said, "I'll be gentle." As Lezard began to kiss Apple Bloom passionately, it became clear that he had been wanting this for a while himself. After worrying about everyone else for so long, it felt good to be desired so much. Ten years... Well worth the wait...