//------------------------------//
// Part 3 
// Story: Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts 
// by Grey Prophet 
//------------------------------//


Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts

Part 3



"Big Mac, what in Sam hill is goin' on here?" a confused Applejack asked her giant of a brother, "Clock says it's 7, but it looks like the middle of the gaul darn night!"

The two earth ponies stood in the midst of their orchard looking up at the night sky. The Apple family had been fortunate to avoid the blight that many other farmers in Equestria had been suffering, but their output was still far less than expected. Nonetheless, it was still back breaking work that needed to be done, so the pair had woken up at the usual time, 4:30, to start harvesting the last of their crop before an early winter could claim the sweet, juicy life blood of Sweet Apple Acres. Being early birds, the absence of the morning sun was that much more noticeable and disturbing.

"Ah dunno Applejack" Big Mac responded in his usual droll tone "Maybe we forgot it was daylight savin' time an' Granny turned the clocks back?"

"You kiddin' me? We just had daylight savin' time! Not to mention that Granny's been outta town for a week..."

"Ah know Applejack, but Ah can't say nothin' else. Ah'm just as stumped as you, Ah ain't seen nothin' like it before."

Applejack paused at her brother's words.

"Say that ah'gin Big Mac?"

"Well, Ah ain't seen nothin' like it before."

Applejack's memory struck her like a ton of bricks.

"Nah Big Mac, Ah reckon we have seen this before, just last year even. Remember the Summer Sun Celebration?"

Big Mac's eyes widened.

"Eh-yup..."

Applejack's face scrunched up in anger. Suddenly she erupted, catching Big Mac off guard.

"She's behind it! After we trusted her, after Celestia forgave her! The witc—

"Now slow down there Applejack," Big Mac interrupted ,"Ah think it a might early to be jumpin' to conclusions…"

Applejack butt heads with her older sibling and stared him down.

"The hay you defendin' her for Big Mac, cause she got a pretty face?"

"Now, now, Applejack, there's no need to get angry with me." Big Mac said, averting his eyes, "It's jus, well, yer too quick to act sometimes when you should really wait 'n see for a bit…"

"What are you talkin' 'bout Big Mac? You don't act fast enough! Jus' takin' everythin' slow 'n steady all the time! If you had to the apples to face Nightmare Moon—"

The bickering pair was interrupted by a loud boom and a flash of light from across the orchard. Applejack smiled, but her brother still looked just as confused as he had been looking up at the sky.

"Uhh, Applejack…"

"No worries brother, it's Twilight teleportin', I know that sound anywhere!"

"Uhh, what's 'teleportin''?

"It's travelin' magic or somethin', don't worry 'bout it. But Twilight's a real smart gal, she'll know what's up with the sky, she's gotta direct line to Celestia after all! C'mon Big Mac!"

With that, Applejack galloped off in the direction of the sound. Big Mac smiled and trotted slowly behind.

"Lil' sis, you'd run intah a gator's gut without thinkin' a second 'bout it, but I dunno what Ah'd do without c'ha."

/

A thunderous bang struck the ground and a blinding light illuminated the surrounding apple orchard. As it quickly faded and the dust settled, the freshly teleported duo emerged from the epicenter. Twilight stood looking down at Luna, who had fallen to the ground. Her eyes were still wide open and her mouth agape; the unraveling events were too much to bear. There was too much to process, too much to explain to Twilight. Too much convincing that needed to be done.

"Princess, princess are you all right?" Twilight asked, meeting Luna's empty gaze. The goddess blinked heavily several times and got up, saying nothing.

"Princess, what's the meaning of all this? Why didn't you set the moon? Where's Celestia?"

Luna turned back to the inquisitive unicorn with a frazzled expression. She stared at Twilight for a minute before responding:

"Twilight, I, I have no words for you right now."

"What do you mean 'you have no words'?" Twilight snapped, her voice now raised "Princess, you told me you got into a fight with Celestia last night. What did you do? What have you done?"

Twilight's accusative interrogation snapped Luna back to the present situation. Of course it was Luna's fault; it could only logically be the great adversary of life who would be so cruel as to rob the sun from the heavens. She had done it once and tried a second time. What would stop her from doing it again? Trying to keep calm, Luna replied:

"Twilight, I must have your trust."

"Princess, it's difficult to do that when all the signs seem to point to you as the cause of this. Celestia never just up and leaves her throne! Everypony knows that. The last time that happened, you appeared as Nightmare Moon and kidnapped her."

"Wha-, excuse me, I kidnapped Celestia? How?"

"Well, umm, with divine magic I presume?"

"I overcame my older sister, the goddess of the Sun, the one who imprisoned me, in a matter of minutes and then imprisoned her, somewhere, until the moment you defeated me? Twilight, if I had actually encountered my sister beforehand, there would only be one of us alive. Do you recall a rainbow pegasus asking me what I did "with your princess"?"

"Yeah, that was Rainbow Dash…"

"What did I say?"

"…Nothing about Celestia. You just said 'Am I not royal enough?'"

"Exactly. Twilight, if you don't have a solid grip on what actually occurred last year, can you at least give me the benefit of the doubt? Please, trust me when I say that I do not know where my sister is, and that I cannot set the moon without her starting the cycle anew."

"I, I guess. I mean, you do seem really, really distressed about this whole predicament. But how can you say about the cycle be true? Celestia took care of the sun and moon by herself for a thousand years."

"I was curious about that myself, but Celestia told me that she used an ancient spell to channel my power from my prison in the moon. Of course, the power she took was but a fraction, so her nights were never as fair or beautiful as mine. It just allowed her to raise and lower the moon."

"Well, can't we use that spell?"

"Twilight, you know more than anypony that Celestia's private collection of books is only accessible to her and is constantly guarded. Even if we could pass the guards and break Celestia's enchantment, it would take us days to find the book. Even if  we did, I have no idea where my sister is. I cannot channel her strength out of thin air. No, I can't raise the sun. We need to find Celestia, but I will be of little help if I cannot first reclaim what was taken from me. We need to assemble the Elements before we can search for her."

"…okay Princess Luna. I guess I agree…"

"Twilight!"

Suddenly, a familiar country twang caught their attention and the duo turned in the direction of the sound.

"Twilight! Twilight! Where are ya girl?"

"Applejack!" Twilight responded, "Over here!"

It didn't take long for the country mare to pick up where her friend was. In a minute the orange pony saw two obscured shapes and dashed over.

"Hey Twilight, hey Rarity, do y'all see what I'm seein'? The darn sun ain't risen ye…"

Applejack stopped mid-sentence to get a better look at her audience.

"Yer Twilight" she pointed to one, and the moved her hoof to the other "But yer definitely not Rarity…"

"Applejack, this is, uh, Princess Luna, you've met before remember?" Twilight nervously said.

"Hello Applejack." Luna said, hoping to give a good impression, "Forgive us for intruding on your farm, I hope we didn't wake you or your family."

Applejack stood back, flabbergasted for but a second, and then positioned herself back to her original footing, neck lowered and eyes narrowed.

"Nah, you didn't wake anypony princess. We're hard workers here, early to bed, early to rise, ya hear? Besides Ah think it's time for folks to be gettin' outta bed round this hour anyhow, don't cha think?"

"Yes, I suppose..."

"Usually some folk need a bit of sunshine to remind 'em that a new day is startin'. I ain't seen the sun yet today, have you?"

Applejack leered at Luna, waiting for the goddess to give away her guilt. However, her open hostility did not faze Luna; she was expecting that the down-to-earth pony would need a good deal more convincing than a student stuck in the ivory tower. Then again, she still had a lot of work with Twilight left to do as well. "This is going to be a difficult day" Luna thought, giving a light sigh. It was a sign of weakness that the cowgirl pony was waiting for.

"Ah ha! Admit it, you've done kidnapped the princess again! Nightmare Moon."

"Applejack, please," Twilight spoke up, "I think that Princess Luna is not at fault here."

"Twilight, I love you, but this witch has played you like a fiddle! You honestly believe that anypony 'cept Princess Luna could be behind this? It's nighttime Twilight! Not dawn, not dusk. Nah, it's straight up pitch-black night!"

"But…"

"But nothin' Twilight! She's a trickster, a conjurer of illusions and black magic! Remember our journey to Everfree Castle? All the trials she put in front of us? She tried to kill us!"

It was now becoming very hard for Luna to keep a calm disposition. Applejack wasn't lying and the truth hurt. Luna had tried to dispose of the six ponies; they were direct threats to her goals of vengeance. True, she was utterly insane, but she was still responsible for her actions. She could only hope that the farm pony would fail in turning Twilight against her. Luna turned to the purple unicorn and was disturbed by the doubt she saw in Twilight's eyes.

"She's a no-good murderin' psycho witch!" Applejack railed "Can't ya see, Twilight? She's turnin' you against—"

"Uhh, AJ?"

Twilight and Luna turned to look at the newcomer, a great red stallion standing just behind Applejack. Sure enough it was Big Macintosh.

"Big Mac! Glad to see ya caught up! Quick, I need ya to take this here devil down!" Applejack said, still staring down Luna, "She's got Celestia, Ah know it!"

"Eh-nope!"

Applejack's eyes bugged. She shot her brother with an angry face.

"An' why not?"

"Sis, Ah think you should calm down a bit. Ah know you've been doin' the talkin', I followed the sound of yer voice here, and that's just the problem. AJ, you need to learn to listen and stop accusin' all the time. Ah know yer guess 'bout the night sky sounds pretty smart right now, but it all just doesn't add up. If the princess kidnapped Celestia, why would she be runnin' 'n teleportin' round Sweet Apple Acres with Miss. Sparkle here? Ah think the princess might like to say somethin' 'bout what all is goin' on 'round here."

Humbled, Applejack looked at the ground. Big Mac turned to Luna and smiled.

"Sorry yer majesty, AJ here has bit of a short fuse. The kid's gotta a lot of heart and sometimes she gets herself inta trouble with it. Ah see you're hurt too, we'll needa take ya to the house and fix that up fer ya. But fer now could ya tell us 'bout what ya know?"

Luna was moved by the giant red pony's intercession and kindness. He managed to cut through the tense emotional environment and bring a sense of rationality back into the discourse. Luna couldn't help but be reminded of her own sister. The thought put a smile on her face.

"Thank you Big Macintosh, you're patience is the greatest gift anypony can give me now." Luna said, making the stallion's face a bit more red. Luna then took a long breath and continued .

"I know what everypony thinks of me, I know that most do not trust me the slightest. I have come to expect this, the wicked nature of my return to Equestria cannot be simply dismissed. My thirst for revenge bred a hatred so powerful that only the Elements of Harmony could purge. You know, Applejack, that you and your friends won that day. You took away from me that poisonous draught I had craved for so deeply. In doing so, you not only saved the world, you saved me from myself. However...that was not all you took from me."

Luna's horn illuminated briefly her features as she rubbed her injuries. 

"I'm not sure how, but it seems that the Elements ripped away my divinity and passed it to you. Simply said, I'm no longer immortal. That is why you see these wounds on my face, they were given to me by mortals, not in a struggle with Celestia."

"Oh yeah?" said Applejack, "Then where is she?"

"I don't know." Luna replied with a frown, "Am I my sister's keeper? The last I saw of her she was at Canterlot attending a banquet..."

Twilight nudged the princess a bit to be more straight forward

"...but we did not depart on the best terms. I left to seek solitude and, later, Twilight's assistance with my problem. It is only just in the past few minutes that I've learned of Celestia's disappearance. Trust me, if I knew where she was, I would be the first to say. I have more to lose by her absence than you can possibly imagine."

Luna bit her tongue in an attempt to stifle her anger. She couldn't let Applejack know how upset she was at her sister, it could very well backfire if she got too emotional about her grave misfortune.  

"As it is, I have no idea where she could be." Luna continued, "My sister has seldom ever vanished like this, and why would she? She loves Canterlot more than anywhere else in this world. It is her throne, her sanctuary, her cult."

Luna paused for a bit, looking deeply into Applejack's skeptical gaze.

"Her child. It's everything to Celestia, why should she flee it? And to where? What precedent do we have? During the Summer Sun Celebration, she seemed to vanish into thin air to give the impression that I had truly captured her. But it worked. Based off this knowledge, the general of the armed forces, like you Applejack, thinks I am to blame. So now the Royal Guard has set up camp in Ponyville, just waiting to arrest me for something I didn't do, and for something I can't do: complete the solar cycle. I need my sister to raise the sun, just as she needs me to set the moon. At least, that is how it was in the old days..."

As Luna spoke, Applejack made sure Luna didn't break eye contact with her. She read every bit of body language she could gather from Luna, but couldn't detect a bit or deception. Maybe a little discomfort, but that was natural for being put on the spot. As the Element of Honesty, Applejack could call out any liar with ease, but Luna didn't exactly meet any of the tell tale signs she was apt at keying in on when dealing with a deceitful pony. Applejack was torn, her pride and gut feeling refused to accept Luna's interpretation of events, but she had no proof and her brother made an excellent point. Sweet Apple Acres was a strange place for a fugitive to flee to. Still, she had a nagging feeling that the goddess was a masterful trickster above her powers of observation.

"Thankfully, Twilight teleported us away from town before the guards could arrest me. And so I stand here, Applejack, asking you to forgive me for the dangers I put you and your friends through during the height of my insanity and believe me. I need you to help me  if I am to regain my immortality and find my sister. Will you?"

Applejack looked to Twilight who nodded her head in affirmation of Luna's account and turned to Big Mac who simply smiled back at her. Facing Luna with a look of defeat, Applejack responded solemnly.

"…Yeah, Ah forgive ya and Ah'll do what I can to help…Ah can tell if somepony is lyin', an' you ain't. But you gotta understand princess, mah faith in you is small an' shaky. You fib to me once, an' Ah'm done, you hear? Now what's the plan?"

It was now Twilight's turn to speak up.

"Well, I'm glad that's settled. I feel like we've spent too much time in one place, the Royal Guard are probably tearing Ponyville apart looking for the princess. As such, Luna and I can't go into town and get Pinkie Pie and Rarity…"

"Wait," Applejack interrupted, "why do we need the whole gang now?"

"The princess and I figured that the Elements of Harmony drained her of her immortality. We need to reassemble to give it back to her."

"…Ah think this sounds a bit sketchy, reversin' the Elements' power and all…"

"Applejack! We have to do this, if Luna dies, so will everypony!"

"…okay then. So you were sayin'?"

"Right. So we'll need you to retrieve those two with their elemental jewels. The guards won't bother with you, I don't think many will even recognize you, but still: be careful. Keep out of sight the best you can. Luna and I will find Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy."

"Got it. Ah'll head over there now, you two go with Big Mac back to the house. My elemental jewel is under mah mattress, take it with ya. We'll meet up 'round Fluttershy's place, sound good?"

"It's fine with me, how about you, princess?"

"Yes, it sounds like a good enough plan." Luna replied.

"All right then," Applejack started, "I don't think Ah'll be long, I may even beat y'all to Fluttershy's. But if it's as risky as you say I may be a bit late. Explainin' things may take time too, darn it…anyhow don't worry 'bout me."

Applejack then turned to her brother.

"Show 'em the way home Big Mac. Make sure they eat somethin' there and bandage up the princess here, okay?"

"Eh-yup!"

"Good, see y'all later!"

With that Applejack dashed off in the direction of town. Big Mac shook his head and smiled again.

"Mah sister, always runnin' off. She has a foal's energy, don't y'all think? Anyway, follow me, Applebloom should be finishin' breakfast 'bout now."

The big red earth pony turned his back and began walking back, Luna and Twilight not far behind.

"Big Mac, you let Applebloom cook alone?" Twilight asked, coming up alongside the large pony.

"Well Miss. Sparkle, the filly's yet to find her true talent, so we figured that cookin' is a good thing fer her to do to help out. Everypony needs to know how to cook. Yeah she can be messy, but she always puts edible food on mah plate and that's all that matters to me."

"Pinkie Pie showed me the remains of her cooking. It looked like black death."

"Nah Miss. Sparkle, I think you'll be pleased what you find. Ponies grow an' change with time, nopony is the same forever, especially the little ones." Big Mac said. He then turned to Luna "Yer majesty, are you feelin' all right? Those are some nasty cuts ya got there."

"Yes, thank you for asking Big Macintosh," Luna replied "and thank you for encouraging Applejack to listen to me. I can tell she respects you greatly."

"Yeah, I suppose. Ah know her weaknesses and she knows mine. We do our best to point out to each other when they flare up durin' inappropriate times. That way we can avoid lookin' an' behavin' like foals. It's what siblins' ought to do fer another, ya know?"

Luna looked at the ground and then back to Big Mac with a frown.

"You're wise far beyond your years, Big Macintosh. Even goddesses forget such things. I wish only that Celestia were here to listen to your advice, I feel that she could use it."

"Yer majesty…"

"No Big Macintosh, please call me Luna."

"Luna, you may be right 'bout yer sister bein' all high an' mighty, but you gotta remember that we all fall inta the same sorta self-righteousness at times. It's only natural an' healthy to think ourselves right, but it can blind us to what all is actually happenin' 'round us. Jus' be sure that yer not in the wrong before ya harp on others."

Luna was not expecting sage advice from a simple country pony, and yet she just received plenty of it. It'd be difficult to translate well into the political and cosmic struggles of Equestria, but the goddess was convinced that it was necessary before encountering Celestia again. She had a feeling their next meeting would not be as one-sided as the last.

"Well, look at that y'all, we made it back in record time. Eh-yup!"

As they emerged from the orchard they came upon the Apple homestead. Approaching the door, they could hear the clanging of pots and pans being shuffled about. Whatever was for breakfast, Twilight had a bad feeling about it.

Peering through the screen door, Luna could make out a bit of the layout of the household. The entry way led into the foyer, which had a staircase leading up to the second floor. Straightforward from the foyer was the entry to the kitchen.

Big Mac opened the door and called to his youngest sister:

"Applebloom, we have guests. Now be proper an' c'mere to greet 'em."

A loud crash of dishes and a galloping of hooves were heard as the group entered the Apple home. Suddenly a small figure leapt through the air and landed atop Big Mac's back, surprising Twilight and Luna.

"Big Mac, yer back already! Ah think you'll like breakfast this mornin' I worked real hard on it an' everythin'!"

"Ah'm sure ya did, but don't be rude now…"

"Oh right, sorry!" Applebloom apologized, turning to Twilight and Luna.

"Mornin' Twilight! Mighty fine you could join us this mornin', were ya out helpin' Applejack? Ah'd be out helpin' too, but she says I'm too…" Applebloom paused, the stranger catching her eye, "…uh sorry ma'am, but who are you? Yer a unicorn but, ya got wings? What the hay?"

"Applebloom, this here is Princess Luna" Big Mac introduced, "An' she's Celestia's sister, so respect her kindly."

"Yer Princess Luna?"

"Pleased to meet you Applebloom…" the goddess responded before being pounced on by the enthusiastic filly.

"Oh mah sun! Yer Princess Luna!" Applebloom cried out, embracing the goddess with a surprising amount of strength, "Ah can't wait to tell Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo! Can ya help us find our cutie marks, princess? Of course ya can! You know how to do everythin' after all!"

Luna was happy to see somepony that ecstatic to see her. It was likely that Applebloom had witnessed the return of Nightmare Moon, yet the young filly had failed to make a connection between Luna and her alter ego. Such was the beauty of the innocence of youth, bereft of the prejudices and free of the web of myths and inventions of her sister. But as the filly's hug tightened around her neck, Luna's thoughts of happiness quickly shifted to ones of her own mortality. Finding it difficult to breathe under Applebloom's vice-like grip, Luna gasped for a fresh breath of air.

Seeing this, Big Mac grabbed Applebloom's collar, tore the two apart, and set his sister down lightly.

"Now Applebloom, ain't right to be so bold an' familiar when meetin' new ponies. Remember when AJ took ya to market?"

"…yeah."

"Ya darn well scared most of the townsfolk with yer in-yer-face behavior. Now Princess Luna here is a special pony who deserves special respect. Ah can tell you Applebloom, you'd be in big trouble if the Royal Guard ever saw you chokin' out the princess, ya understand?"

"…yeah."

"The Royal Guard!" Twilight said, bursting into Big Mac's lesson in proper etiquette, "Big Mac, I don't want to seem too hasty right now, but the Guard is searching for us as we speak. I think it's best that we do as Applejack instructed and then get moving on again. I'd hate to see Sweet Apple Acres torn up like my library…"

"Ah think yer right, Miss Sparkle. Applebloom, how're the flapjacks comin' along?"

"Well ah reckon I need to make a couple more for Twilight and Princess Luna, so 'bout 10 minutes?"

"That'll do Applebloom." Big Mac said, then turning to face Twilight "Miss. Sparkle, why don't cha help Applebloom with the cookin' while I go an' bandage up the princess? Maybe you can even teach her a thing er two."

"Yeah Twilight, teach me! C'mon, c'mon, c'mon!" Applebloom shouted as she ran back into the kitchen.

"Of course I can." Twilight said, giving her typical nervous smile while slowly following the filly. "Yes, I'd love to help you not blow up the kitchen."

Big Mac gave a light chuckle and turned his attention back to Luna.

"Princess, if ya just follow me, ah got some first aid stuff jus' right over here. This is a farm, injury ain't too uncommon an' so we're always prepared for the worst an' you got it bad."

Turning left, Luna was led into the living room. Big Mac trotted up to a big chest that sat adjacent to one of the few pieces of furniture that occupied the space. Opening it up, Big Mac took out some bandages, tape and disinfectant.

"All right Luna, come here an' lemme get a good look at that pretty face."

With a slight blush, Luna parted her mane to give Big Mac access to her wounds.

"Eh-yup, this is gonna sting a bit."

A shot of pain went through Luna as Big Mac applied the ointment, but the healing properties of the substance soon replaced it with a feeling of cool relief. Luna gave Big Mac a smile, and he returned it, saying nothing. As he began wrapping a bandage around her first cut, Luna was a bit surprised at the stallion's quite demeanor. He stood in the presence of a goddess, seemingly oblivious to that reality. Unlike many before him, he did not incessantly plague Luna for answers about life's mysteries or ask her for any special favors. He did not even inquire into her past. The giant farmer pony was clearly not intimidated; he was perhaps the most relaxed pony she had ever had the pleasure to meet.

As Big Mac began preparing to treat her second cut, Luna's curiosity got the best of her.

"Big Macintosh, why the sudden silence?"

"Oh, ain't nothin' Luna. Ah don't talk all that much, only when Ah really need to. In fact, I don't think Ah've talked this much in months, but it ain't everyday that a goddess pops up outta nowhere askin' me fer help an' the sun don't rise."

"But Big Macintosh, aren't you the least suspicious about me? Do you know what they say I've done?"

"Nah princess, all I know 'bout ya is what happened last summer an' you sounded honest in yer apology. Ah've got not one reason to think ya a bad pony."

"That's all you really know about me? Did you not take medieval Equestrian history in school?"

"Eh-nope. I wasn't ever a very smart pony; Ah was only really good at math. When my folks died, Ah had to drop outta school an' take care of AJ, Applebloom, an' Granny Smith so Ah never really gotta study any history. Nah, I'm none too book smart at all, but Ah'm good at listenin'. Ah think it best like that."

"I see, but hasn't Applejack told you anything?"

"Well, yeah, she did. But not much. She would jus' say we couldn't trust ya so quick-like an' Ah nodded not knowin' a thing about the situation. Ah like to reserve judgment fer myself, so Ah jus' let her vent."

Taping the final wrapping, the big pony stepped back.

"There ya go, Ah'd like to say 'good as new' but you'll be needin' some time to rest an' let it heal."

"Thank you again, Big Macintosh." Luna said, "You may think yourself a simple farmer, but you're more the gentlepony than any prince, duke, or knight in Celestia's court."

With those words, Luna leaned forward and kissed Big Mac on the cheek. She then proceeded to brush past him to join the others in the kitchen. The unexpected gesture surprised Big Mac, making him unable to prevent his face from melting into a goofy smile. Only one word could surmise the red pony's feelings.

"Eh-yup!"

As Luna was about to enter the kitchen, she inadvertently crashed into an excited Applebloom.

"Oh princess! Sorry 'bout runnin' inta ya, but I was jus' gonna tell y'all it's breakfast time! C'mon!"

Following the filly to the kitchen table, Luna saw that Twilight was finishing setting out the plates and utensils.

"So Twilight, how do you think Applebloom did with the pancakes? Are they as horrifying as you made them out to be?"

Twilight blushed sheepishly.

"No, they actually smell…well, divine! Unless they're poisoned or something, they should be really good."

"Delightful! Now shall we take our seats then, my little chef?" Luna asked Applebloom. The young pony was busy carrying a large stack of pancakes over to the table, but responded cheerfully.

"Sure can princess! But where the hay is Big Mac, I thought he was comin'?"

"Ah'm right here lil' sis." Big Mac called out joining the three at the table, "Ah wouldn't miss yer flapjacks fer the world."

"All right!" Applebloom shouted enthusiastically while serving each pony a couple of pancakes "Then dig in everypony, it's mah specialty! Blueberry strawberry banana flapjacks with a bit of apple, of course!"

Luna complied with the order; she hadn't eaten for a full day. Politely, she used her magic to use both fork and knife to cut her a piece of her first pancake and put morsel to mouth. Luna's eyes widened.

"This…this…this is…Scrumptious! Well done Applebloom!"

Throwing her sister's laws of etiquette to the wind, Luna began scarfing down her plate of pancakes.

"They are pretty good, aren't they?" Twilight said, having taken her first bite as well.

"Eh-yup!"

"Y'all really like 'em?" Applebloom asked, just about crying from the pride she felt.

The three nodded in agreement.

"Oh boy! Flapjack makin' cutie mark, flapjack makin' cutie mark, c'mon!" Applebloom repeated as she moved her apron to check her sides. Unfortunately for the filly, her flank was still as blank as it was before.

"Ah don't get it," Applebloom sighed with disappointment, "If everypony really liked 'em, then how come I ain't got mah cutie mark?"

"Huh, well sweetie," Twilight began, holding back a laugh "you may make good pancakes, but you're not very good at making them."

"Huh?"

Twilight pointed her hoof to the kitchen. It was a disaster zone, pots and pans were strayed all over, many of them covered in flour and batter. Fruit peels and broken dishes littered the floor, and, for some reason, a fish wrapped in some newspaper was flailing wildly on the ground.

"Generally, it takes less than twenty dishes to make a dozen pancakes."

"Ah, rats!"

Twilight and Luna laughed while Big Mac simply smiled.

"Don't worry about your cutie mark!" Luna said in between laughs, "Applebloom, I feel you're destined for something much greater than just making good pancakes."

Applebloom's eyes lit up.

"Ya really think so?"

Luna nodded.

"Yeah, yer right! Ah can do somethin' much better than makin' crummy pancakes! Wait, y'all see that Applebloom and the Cutie Mark Crusaders will find the coolest, most awesome talents that anypony has ever even known! We'll make ya proud princess!"

"I'm sure you will." Luna smiled, still chuckling "Perhaps you can visit Canterlot and demonstrate them to my sister and me. We'd like that greatly."

"Oh wow Princess Luna! Really? You're the best princess Equestria's ever had!"

Once again, Luna found the young filly's hooves wrap around her neck in a painful embrace, but she too was lost in the moment. It had been centuries since she last heard herself be praised above Celestia. Even though the words came from a naive foal, Luna could not help but bask in the light of Applebloom's admiration. That is until she felt the living day lights being squeezed out of her.

"Uh, Applebloom, I love you…too…but…air…" Luna gasped.

"Oh right, sorry princess! Usually I stop when folk turn blue, but it's hard tellin' fer you! Ah don't wanna get in trouble with the Royal Guard or nothin', honest!"

The young pony released her grip, allowing Luna to take several deep breaths.

"Applebloom brings up a good point, princess." Twilight said, her tone punctuated with grave seriousness, "We don't want to get in trouble with the Royal Guard. We need to get going to Rainbow Dash's house. I think we've stayed too long."

"Aww, you can't go now!" Applebloom begged "We gotta go see Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, Princess Luna! C'mon, pleassseee!"

"Now Applebloom," Big Mac said, "The princess and Miss. Sparkle are on royal business an' need to be on their way. Maybe if you're good, Princess Luna will come back to visit ya and yer lil' friends, ain't that right princess?"

"Yes, I'd like that," Luna smiled, "and perhaps I can show you some of my favorite recipes. I don't like to boast, but I make the meanest hay sandwich! I hope you like hot sauce."

"Oh Ah do prin-"

Before Applebloom could finish her sentence, the front door shook with a violent knock.

"Open up, open up! By order of the Royal Guard, open this door or we'll bust it down!" a familiar voice shouted.

"Oh no, no, no, no!" Twilight whispered frantically "We still need to get the Elemental jewel from under Applejack's mattress!"

"Ah'll go an' distract 'em." Macintosh said, laying out his plan, "Twilight, you sneak upstairs. Mah body should be able to block their view of the inside, but be stealthy. Luna, wait here fer Twilight and do that teleportin' magic thing once ya got what ya need. Got it?"

Everypony nodded in agreement except Applebloom who looked confused.

"Umm, Big Mac?"

"Open up this bloody door now you damn hicks!"

"Applebloom, lock the backdoor and make sure to warn Luna if somepony tries to knock it down, all right?"

"But…"

Without another word, Big Mac and Twilight struck out into the foyer.

/

Big Mac gulped as he walked from the kitchen to the front door. It was uncharacteristic of him to lead, and he was unsure whether his half-baked plan would work. Grabbing the handle, he opened the door to reveal several angry pegasi clad in golden armor. The captain, with his red plumed helmet, stood at the front with a chewed-up cigar in his mouth.

"Well, well, look at what we have here. It's Andre the Big Red Horse." Captain Braveheart said with contempt "Anyway, there have been reports that a loud flash of light was seen and heard on your property. We're here to give your house a thorough search, so don't try any funny business and you won't get beat, boy."

"Why Ah dunno where you folk are all from, but that kinda talk is considered rude 'round these parts."

"I don't give one damn about 'these parts'!" the captain barked back, "Let my company in or I'll make sure 'these parts' go up in flames, got that?"

"Eh-nope!"

With that, Big Mac slammed the door, and put his back up against it as the Guard began to bash it down.

Twilight, what're ya doin'? Get goin'!"

/

Twilight watched as Big Mac dealt with the Royal Guard. She was so incredibly nervous, she was shaking. Slowly she crept over to the stairs, but she could swear she could feel Captain Braveheart's piercing gaze on her as his gruff voice entered her ears. Too afraid, her body tensed up and refused to move despite the mind's desire to press forward. Why didn't she just teleport? Stupid, stupid!

"Twilight, what're ya doin? Get goin'!"

Big Mac's words snapped her back to the present. Twilight rushed upstairs and quickly entered her Applejack's room. The purple unicorn leaped over to the bed and kicked the mattress clean off the bed frame, revealing the ruby treasure it concealed. Twilight grabbed the elemental jewel and stuck it in her saddlebags. As she turned to leave the room, however, she heard the shattering of glass behind her. Horrified, she looked behind her to see a yellow pegasus in the room. It was Lt. Lightning Strike.

"Twilight Sparkle, halt!" he ordered in his usual disciplined voice as he drew a nightstick from his side, "Surrender! Don't try to resist or flee, or you will be met with greater force!"

/

"But…"

Applebloom was ignored as her big brother and Twilight exited the kitchen. Confused she looked to Luna for answers.

"Princess Luna, what's goin' on? Who is yellin' at us?"

Luna frowned. She didn't want to expose the young filly to the bitter realities that were now trying to break down the door of the Apple family homestead.

"Shhh..it's okay Applebloom. It's just the Royal Guard…"

"The Royal Guard? Oh no! They know Ah touched you!" Applebloom shouted, her eyes welling up with tears, "Ah don't wanna be banished! Ah'm sorry, Ah'm sorry!"

"Shhh, Applebloom, shhhh…" Luna said, trying to comfort the distressed filly, "It's not that at all. I forgot to tell them I was coming to visit you today, and they must have gotten pretty worried."

Luna's words soothed Applebloom's fears. Calming down, Applebloom nuzzled the princess.

"Twilight, what're ya doin'? Get goin'!"

Big Mac's call alarmed Luna, the normally calm and collected pony's voice was now tainted by an obvious fear. Breaking from Applebloom, she went to peek into the foyer.

"Princess Luna…"

"Shhhh, Applebloom." Luna said, not bothering to look back.

"But Princess…"

"What, Apple-"

Luna turned back and saw two pegasi with nightsticks drawn. As one cracked over her head, everything went black.

/

Eyes closed, Big Mac put all of his strength into holding the door against the five guardsmen. He could easily buy Twilight and Luna plenty of time if this was the best the Royal Guard could manage. Not two seconds past before he was proven wrong.

"Big Mac! Help!"

Big Mac's eyes popped open. His sister was in trouble. Abandoning the door to its fate, Big Mac dashed into the kitchen and saw the two guardponies carrying away a limp Luna and a struggling Applebloom.

"Lemme go you cloud biters, lemme go!

"Put 'em down!"

The two guards turned to be greeted with a mighty kick from Big Mac's powerful hind legs, the force effectively separating them from their captives. With a loud crash, the pair was sent flying into Applebloom's pots and pans. It would be a while before they would be able to get back up.

"Big Mac!" Applebloom cried, tears flowing wildly "They hit the princess, they jus' hit her right on the head!"

"Applebloom, I told ya to check the back door!"

"Ah'm sorry Big Mac!"

A loud cracking sound confirmed that the Royal Guard had broken through the door.

"Where are ya you bloody piece of red shit!" the Captain growled, his coarse words heard throughout the house.

"Applebloom, get behind me."

/

"Come on Twilight, courage!" the purple mare said to herself, her knees shaking and her horn glowing.

"No magic or I'll be forced to hurt you!" the Lieutenant warned

"Don't do this Lieutenant, you can't win." Twilight responded, her tone mixed with defiance and fear.

"Orders are orders Twilight, you know that."

"Then go ahead, do it!"

Accepting her challenge, the pegasus bolted over to Twilight, nightstick raised. Using the mattress, Twilight shielded herself from the charge, stopping the soldier dead in his tracks. Seeing her opportunity, the unicorn slammed the mattress down onto the Lieutenant. Hoping that the blow would incapacitate the elite guard for a brief while, Twilight dashed to the room's exit only to be tackled by the swift veteran.

"Get…off!"

"Surrender!"

"No!"

Two loud cracks sounded as the guard struck Twilight on the back in succession. The pain seared throughout her body, awakening within Twilight a frightening power. Eyes now glowing, she managed to kick Lightning Strike off her and meet the pegasus' gaze. It was now the Lieutenant who shook with fear as he saw Twilight's body course with magical pulses.

"I'm the royal protégé of Celestia, goddess of the sun and sovereign of Equestria! In her name, I order you to stand down, Lieutenant!"

Obedient to whatever end, Lt. Lightning Strike shook his head.

"I can't do that Sparks."

With a loud battle cry, the yellow pegasus charged at Twilight a second time. The unicorn countered with a magnificent bolt of purple lightning that stunned the soldier before he could get within striking distance, knocking him from the air and onto the mattress. Her excess power now receding, Twilight grabbed a paper bag from her bag and breathed heavily into it. Calming down, she looked at the lieutenant remorsefully, sighed, and vanished with a loud bang.

/

"Ah'm in the kitchen, face me like a real stallion!" Big Mac shouted, his body tensed up in preparation for the fight ahead. He just had to hold them off until Twilight returned, but it seemed like an eternity since the unicorn had gone upstairs.

"Ha! You're not a real stallion, you're a freak on steroids!" Captain Braveheart sneered back from the comfort of the foyer "Arrest 'em!"

Four pegasi flew into the kitchen, encircling Big Mac as he stood protectively over Luna and Applebloom. The red giant was a patient and perceptive pony, his eyes followed the soldiers and his ears were perked to full attention. Hearing a rush of wind, Big Mac turned to his right and head butted the assaulting pegasus with tremendous force, knocking the unfortunate soldier out of consciousness. Seeing their comrade easily cast aside, the Guard opted for a more straightforward strategy: overpower and conquer. All at once, the three pegasi charged Big Mac with nightstick in hoof. One mounted the red stallion and wrapped himself around Big Mac's neck while the other two hovered over him while savagely beating his sides. Big Mac flailed wildly trying to shake the pegasus off of him, but to no avail. The pegasus, confident that he had Big Mac right where he wanted him, drew his night stick with one hoof and gave Big Mac a stinging blow across the face. The red stallion roared with pain as he gave a mighty buck that sent the pegasus flying into the same cooking deathtrap his first comrades suffered. The two remaining soldiers kept up their attack, beating Big Mac relentlessly. Blood now flowing into his eyes, Big Mac thrashed with reckless abandon.

Seeing her brother's condition, Applebloom dragged Luna away from the battle scene the best she could lest they catch one of Big Mac's hooves in one of their own faces. Looking back at her brother, Applebloom swallowed her tears, mustered her courage and shouted.

"Go Big Mac, ya got 'em big brother! Show those pansy feather dusters what the Apple family is made of, ya hear me Big Mac? Don't give up!"

Hearing Applebloom's sweet voice calmed the stallion's blind rage. Enduring the blows from the guards, Big Mac focused, trying to predict his enemies' next move. Timing each strike, Big Mac finally made his move and kicked one of his attackers square in the ribs while dispatching the other with a fierce head butt.

Both soldiers fell to the ground moaning.

Big Mac, blood flowing from his face and body beaten raw, turned to his sister and gave his familiar, friendly smile.

"Enough of this bull!"

A whirring sound was heard briefly before a crossbow bolt found its way wedged into Big Mac's right thigh. A loud growl of agony greeted Luna as she came around. Looking around, she gasped at the horrific condition Big Mac was in. Before she could get up and help him, she saw Captain Braveheart fly into the kitchen, crossbow in hoof and a look of burning hatred on his face. Hovering over his prey, the captain spit into Big Mac's eyes and grinned. 

"You dumb hick, when will you learn to give up!? You think you're tough, you think you're brave for protecting a demon? To me you ain't nothin' but a murdering animal who got off his chain! I swear to you, I fucking swear, if a single of my pegasi are dead, I'll have you ripped limb from limb right in front of your family just before they lose their heads to ol' lady guillotine! Like the sound of that?"

"Silence you impudent scoundrel!" Luna shouted from across the kitchen, disgusted with the conduct and words of her sister's elite soldiers.

"No, shut your mouth, your highness. I've won this fight. And a hundred others. That's why I'm the Captain of the Guard, and you better damn respect it!"

"You petty pegasus! You honestly believe your rank means anything to me? In the face of my power, you're nothing but a noxious dust in the wind, an irritant, nothing more."

With a bang and a flash, Twilight teleported to Luna's side. At the sight of the purple mare, the captain began to reload his crossbow.

"Princess!" Twilight said, "I've got the elemental jewel! Let's get out of here!"

"Oh no." the captain interjected "You two won't escape from me this time. No, I'm going to make you rue your words, princess!"

"Captain Braveheart!" Luna replied with indignation "You forget who you deal with! I am the goddess of the night. You will bow before me!"

"Over my rottin' corpse I will!"

The captain aimed his crossbow at Luna and released the bolt. With a glow of Luna's horn, the projectile burst into flame, turning to ash before the hooves of the goddess, an offering to her raging fury. With anger and vengeance in her heart, Luna flew with incredible speed and tackled the bawdy captain and pinned him to the ground. Using her magic, she manipulated the gravity around them to bring down a greater force on Braveheart, ensuring that he would be unable to resist her.

"What're ya waitin' for you bloody witch!" Captain Braveheart yelled, struggling underneath the princess, "Kill me and be done with it! I know you've done it before, there ain't nothin' you love more than the sweet taste of blood on your wicked lips! Kill me!"

His words infuriated Luna, but she couldn't let him have that victory over her. It would only prove the myth a fact. No, she was far more creative than that. An alternative plan came quickly to mind as a cocky smile spread across Luna's face.

"No, I don't think I will. I think I'd rather have you report back to the general so that you can tell him how you escaped from me. You can also explain to him why you abandoned your post for a seedy 'gentlepony' club in Canterlot. I'm sure he'd love to hear about that, don't you think?"

Captain Braveheart shot Luna a look of horror.

"No! Kill me, kill me you fucking wench!"

"Language, captain! Be sure to add to your report that your atrocious disrespect and pride cost you your mission more than once."

"No!"

"Have a pleasant homecoming, captain."

"Don't!"

With a simple glow of her horn, the captain vanished with the usual flash bang.

Before Luna could rest for even a second, she heard a call from outside.

"Spread out and surround the building! Let nopony escape!"

It appeared the captain's reinforcements had arrived. Luna turned to Big Mac who was now quite unconscious. Luna could not suppress a tear as she beheld the terrible state Big Mac was in. His red coat and yellow mane were now both a damp crimson, his eyes were swollen shut and the captain's hideous bolt protruded from his thigh.

"Twilight quick, teleport us away from here! We need to get Big Macintosh medical attention right away."

"Got it princess, I have just the place in mind." She replied, somewhat frazzled by the sight of blood.

"Good, where's Applebloom?"

Twilight pointed her hoof in the direction of Big Mac. Sure enough, the young filly was nuzzling her injured brother, tears streaming from her eyes.

"Big Mac, get up! Get up, please! You gotta be okay, yer the biggest, strongest pony ah know!"

Applebloom's words once again called her brother back to his senses. Opeining a single eye, Big Mac weakly spoke up.

"Applebloom, Ah'll be okay. You be a good gal fer Miss. Sparkle an' Luna now, ya hear?"

"Ah will, ah promise Big Mac." Applebloom sniffed, hugging her brother tightly. "Ah love ya big brother."

"Ah love ya more than anythin' Applebloom," Big Mac responded, a bloody tear running down his cheek, "but now y'all need to get goin' on yer way."

"And leave you here? Big Macintosh, there's a fine line between noble sacrifice and stupidity!" Luna retorted "You're coming with us!"

The usual rush of wind was heard as several pegasi guard entered the kitchen.

"Halt don't…!" one guard said, failing to finish his sentence before yet another thunderous blast sounded throughout the house, leaving nopony for the guard to order.

"…don't do that…"

Confused, the soldiers surveyed the nasty scene before them: dishes and cupboards laid in ruin, their comrades were strewn throughout the kitchen groaning in severe pain , and patches of splattered blood covered every other square hoof of the room. Also, there was a fish wrapped in newspaper floundering about. It was not a pretty sight. However, one thing, or pony rather, was obviously missing.

"Where the hay is Captain Braveheart?"

/