With Dash working like a mare possessed in the freshly renamed Cloudsilk Carousel and Sweet Apple Acres in no shape to support guests, the Six had a choice: cram into the guard barracks, or renovate the Golden Oaks Library. Naturally, they chose the latter. The old tree was dead, but the branches were still sound. Captain Sparkle pulled down clouds to condense into a new roof while Rainbow went through the walls and floors with a reinforcing spell. Fluttershy and Applejack worked on getting the boarded-up door and windows opened, while Pinkie and Rares somehow got the inside clean and cozy before nightfall.
In the morning, Captain Sparkle and Rainbow were up first, staring out the window. Rainbow’s wings were fluttering, a chromatic haze around the tips of her feathers, and the unicorn’s horn was glowing. Pinkie was first to join them, coming down to beat Rares to the kitchen and thus ensure that breakfast would not be a primarily sugar-centric affair.
“Darlings?” she inquired. “Is something the matter?”
“Yes,” said Rainbow, still looking out. “Luna didn’t do her job today. Celestia did both again.”
“What? Is that such a terrible thing, Dashie? Perhaps she’s letting Luna have a day off.”
Rainbow turned away from the window. “There’s two of us, Pinkie. Please, stick with ‘Rainbow’ for now. And it’s very strange. Luna and Celestia are very tightly bound to their respective duties. Celestia wouldn’t move the moon unless Luna was completely unable to. But she didn’t say anything about Luna being in trouble, just that she wouldn’t be inclined to do anything interdimensional lately. But I can’t find anything wrong.”
“Check that,” said Captain Sparkle. “Can’t find anything more wrong than everything’s been wrong. There’s ‘wrong’ all over. Some weird bits, too. You notice Tartarus?”
Rainbow nodded. “Completely undisturbed, and in its original condition. That makes sense, though. Rarity’s not strong enough to cast a time-travel spell, so she never caused the disruption that made Cerberus leave his post to investigate, so Tirek never got out, Discord never recaptured him, and we never had to reinforce it.”
“Yeah, yeah, I apologized for all that. Seriously, it said ‘temporal vortex.’ You know I can’t leave a vortex out there that looks interesting.”
“Mornin’, y’all,” called out Fluttershy, skipping the steps in favor of a glide down from the upstairs rooms. “What’s got ya lookin’ blue today, Rainbow Dash?”
Rainbow rolled her eyes. As if she hadn’t heard that one every day of her life. ‘Flying colors’ came in second.
“Oooh! Oooh! Princess Luna’s fighting a horrible interdimensional monster and so Princess Celestia had to lower the moon for her this morning!” called out Rares, bouncing down behind Fluttershy. “But we’re here to stop it! Yaaaay!”
The others were quiet. Then Rainbow cleared her throat. “All… right, then. Interdimensional monster it is. So… we get the Elements?”
Rares beamed. Ever since the thing with the Parasprites, when her friends trusted her enough to get the instruments first thing and fend off an incipient infestation before it could do any damage, she’d tried to be more specific in her warnings so everypony wouldn’t be confused while they helped. “Isn’t that what we always do?”
“Blastin’ stuff with rainbows ain’t failed yet,” Fluttershy agreed. “Only one problem with that. We didn’t bring ‘em with us, did we?”
“They’ve got a set here,” Captain Sparkle said. “We’ll grab those, zap the monster, smile and wave for the parade. The usual. I’ll have to tell the newsponies to make sure they get my good side, since the ones around here aren’t used to this much awesome.”
Dash shook her head. “It’s not quite that easy, Twilight. The Elements here aren’t our Elements. They’re not attuned to us. You couldn’t use the Element of Loyalty here any more than I could. We need to get the local versions of us together.” She took a deep breath, thought a moment, then nodded. “Okay. Here’s the plan. Fluttershy, you head for Canterlot to get Rarity, the other Fluttershy, and the Elements. I know the train’s faster, but if you leave now we don’t need to wait hours for it. Make sure Princess Celestia knows what’s going on, too. Pinkie, Rares, you two try to get Pinkamena ready. It sounds like Discord will do anything he can to help. The local Twilight might be willing to help too. Applejack, Twilight and I will get you to Dodge Junction. If we trade off teleports, we can get there a lot faster than any other way short of you sprouting wings. And cute as you were as a Breezie, we want to go faster than a breeze.”
“Hey, Fearless Leader, you forgot something,” Captain Sparkle said.
Dash turned to look at her herdmate. “What’s that?”
The unicorn pointed. “A certain pony didn’t bring her bunny buddy along to wake her up in the morning. Bucky plays alarm clock for her.”
“Small revision, then. Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rares, you get going. Twilight and I will wake up Applejack and then we’ll head out.”
***
Discord was sitting by Pinkamena’s bed in Ponyville General Hospital when Pinkie and Rares came in. He was filling in the black squares in a crossword puzzle with misleading solutions to the Kryptos monument. To their surprise, Big Mac and a hat-clad Twilight were already there. Under a thin sheet, the local pink pony looked gaunt. A tube was running into her foreleg from a saline bag.
“Hey, what’re you guys doing here?” asked Rares. The other three turned to look. The hurt in Discord’s eyes at the sight of Pinkie drove the fashionista forward to hold him again.
Twilight lowered her head and took off the hat. “We ain’t done right by Pinkie lately, but we’re still her friends. Hospital sent us word when she got checked in. Guess we’re still on record as her contacts.”
“Still on record?” inquired Pinkie, from the tired draconequus’ grip.
“We courted a little while,” Twilight said, and shook her head. “Ah wasn’t good ta anypony, but Pinkie always put up with me.” She smiled sadly at Big Mac. “Ah dunno how you do it.”
He enfolded her in a crushing hug. “Twilight Sparkle,” his deep voice rumbled, “Ah always knew one day you’d find your shine. And Ah aimed to be there when you did. “
“Ah don’t know what Ah did to deserve you, Big Mac,” said Twilight, and squeezed him tight.
Discord set Pinkie down, then ran a lion-clawed hand along Pinkamena’s mane. “If it would get you to care again, Pinkamena, I would officiate the wedding and move you into Sweet Apple Acres myself.”
“Weddin’?” asked Twilight. “Weddin’s for fancy folk. Ah ain’t doin’ that duchess thing. Can’t be a duchess an’ stay on th’ farm.”
“Whatever you might choose to call it, then,” Discord said, looking down at Pinkamena. “I haven’t done very well with her, have I?”
“More than anypony else did, darling,” Pinkie told him. “It’s very noble of you.”
He gave her a weak smile. “Odd, isn’t it? In tragedy or in triumph, chaos finds a place to belong, and never would dream to leave again. It’s the places in between where the lesson takes longer to learn.”
“Friendships form in the unlikeliest of ways, dear,” Pinkie told him. “To stand by your friend through such troubles? You are indeed a true, true friend. And I for one am proud to call you my friend as well, if you will let me.”
“That goes fer me too,” said Twilight.
“Ayup,” agreed Big Mac.
“Is this ‘layer two’ or ‘ID by rows?’” asked Rares, peering at the crossword.
“‘Layer two,’” said Discord. Then his head slowly lifted and he looked at Pinkamena again. “... Layers. Yes. Layers.” He raised his claw and snapped his fingers. Nurse Redheart appeared. She cleared her throat.
“I was at the nurse station ten feet down the corridor, and there is a call button on the bed,” she pointed out.
“Yes, yes, it’s a very nicely modern hospital I’m sure,” said Discord, a white coat appearing about his shoulders. “I have a treatment plan.” He snapped his fingers and a wheelchair appeared.
***
“Oh, no you don’t,” said Rares, swatting the scene break aside. “You’re not cutting out just after saying you have a plan without saying what it is!”
“Well, of course,” said Discord, though he stuck out his tongue. “Who would do a thing like that? It’s really quite simple. And won’t bother a single pony at all. Pinkamena Diane Pie is the bearer of the Element of Kindness, but ever since the Everfree became so troublesome, none of her animal friends have stayed around for her. Without an outlet for her natural inclinations toward helping others, she has fallen into the sad despond we see before us.” And he set his hand on her mane again.
“Ayup…” said Big Mac, and nodded for him to go on.
“Well then! All my dear Pinkamena needs is to remember that there are still poor sweet little creatures out there who need love and attention, even if it’s not fluffy bunnies and toothless alligators and pony-eating hydras. And where else might she find such poor sweet little creatures than right here in a hospital?”
“The foals’ wing?” asked Nurse Redheart. “She doesn’t seem in much condition to do anything for them.”
“Start small, dear,” said Pinkie thoughtfully. “Might we escort a doctor on his rounds, at least?”
Nurse Redheart frowned. Then regarded Discord. “You won’t do anything?”
“Oh, consistency is the hobgoblin of foolish minds,” Discord misquoted. “But I shall make every effort to ensure that any actions I might on a whim engage in will amuse all parties involved, not simply myself. It’s the best I can do.”
The nurse looked at the pony in the bed. Something said no, she shouldn’t allow this. Discord couldn’t be trusted. These other ponies couldn’t be trusted. Just look at that one, she looked like a confused Changeling trying to imitate the patient!
Nurse Redheart shoved those thoughts away. The hospital used to have a therapy dog, trained by Pinkamena herself. That dog, she was convinced, had made the difference for a lot of scared foals. And the difference in Twilight Sparkle that these strangers her wrought was amazing. They’d done more for her than any dozen ill-attended therapy sessions ever had. She had to believe.
“All right,” she said. “Come with me.” And she moved to shift Pinkamena from the bed onto the chair.
The foals’ wing was painted in bright, cheery colors. It was the first place either of the two visitors had seen since arriving that still showed signs of real care. Discord pushed the wheelchair. Several foals were laid out in beds with a leg or wing in a cast, and one quiet, scrawny foal was asleep with several tubes in him. Pinkamena didn’t seem to lift her head for any of them.
“Oh, this would not be pleasant,” Discord commented as he looked at the chart on the door for the next room in line. “Pinkie, please, take the chair. I think I’d best find something else to do for a moment. Perhaps a spontaneous remission.” And he hastily vanished.
Rares read the names on the door. “Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Huh? Why are they here?”
Twilight and Big Mac winced. Twilight blew out a breath. “Them poor fillies. Best friends since they was little. Used to have kinda a mean streak. There was this one pegasus they picked on who didn’t have a friend in the world. Made fun of her for bein’ a blank flank. They was the ones set Discord free the first time, fightin’ with her.”
“Not a friend in the world?” said Rares. “Who could…” Then her head turned. Pinkie’s mouth was tight.
“Rarity was Princess Celestia’s student. She couldn’t have taken in her sister. Her parents would never have dreamed of asking the Princess to look after their other daughter too. Sweetie Belle has probably been living with her parents her whole life,” said Pinkie tightly. “And Apple Bloom is with her cousin Braeburn. Poor Scootaloo was all alone.”
Twilight and Big Mac exchanged looks. “Y’all mean… we caused this?” asked Twilight slowly. “We thought Apple Bloom’d do better in a more… stable environment.”
“He was going to get out sooner or later,” Pinkie said. “It wasn’t your fault, dear. But our Scootaloo became wonderful friends with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, and when Scootaloo became Rainbow Dash’s apprentice and Sweetie Belle went on her first tour, Diamond and Silver were some of their biggest fans.”
Twilight slowly shook her head. “Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon ain’t ever gonna be a fan of Scootaloo here,” she said. “Not after what she did. When Discord broke out, he saw how much she hated ‘em an’ he gave her a taste o’ his power.”
Rares’s already-white face paled. “Oh, no,” she whispered. “And they’re here…”
“‘Fraid so, sugarcube,” said Twilight grimly. “Turned Silver Spoon’s tongue into a genuine silver spoon, then yanked it right out. Ain’t been able to speak a word since. She don’t really need to come here, but she does. Comes with Diamond for her treatments. Filthy Rich gives th’ hospital a ton o’ bits t’ keep her a room reserved.”
“What did she do to Diamond Tiara?” asked Pinkie, dread coloring her voice.
“Diamond Tear-a,” Big Mac said, and shut his mouth.
“Turned her tears into diamond dust,” Twilight said quietly. “Sharp, gritty diamond dust. Then yanked Filthy Rich over an’ started hurtin’ him to make her cry. Didn’t stop until Diamond couldn’t cry no more on account of her eyes an’ tear ducts were shredded to bits.”
“Oh, Scootaloo, how could you,” breathed Pinkie. “And… what did…” Words failed her.
“Missin’ leg an’ she ain’t gettin’ no sisters,” said Twilight. “Never once said a word for himself, th’ whole time, I hear. Jes’ begged her t’ stop hurtin’ his darlin’ girl.”
“Those poor little fillies,” whispered Pinkamena.
Time stopped. Nopony moved. Then Twilight set a hoof on Pinkamena’s shoulder. “Comin’ back to us, Pinks?” she said.
“I can’t stay in a cocoon forever,” Pinkamena whispered back. She pushed herself forward, onto her hooves, and wobbled there. Then she pushed the door open and went in.
***
Fluttershy’s wings beat in a steady, strong pattern as she pushed herself toward Canterlot. The trains didn’t run as often here as they did back home, and she was going to beat the next Canterlot Express to the palace by a country mile. She hoped Princess Celestia would let her use a chariot on the way back, though. Years on the farm had toughened her up, but she’d never been any great shakes as a flier.
An’ somepony definitely needed to get back to Ponyville to tell them about those vines moving in the Everfree,and the funny-looking clouds startin’ to boil over it. Applejack’s… no, Pinkamena’s cottage looked to have been swallowed up already. But if there was some kinda monster on the loose, those vines were probably part of it, an’ so slowin’ down to pass th’ word would jes’ mean it’d take longer to get th’ Elements to stop it.
So Fluttershy flew. A steady, measured pace, the best she knew she could keep up all the way to Canterlot.
***
Chromatic flashes alternated with lavender ones. Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle had long since worked out the best rhythm for quick jumps. It wasn’t just bamf-bamf-bamf all the way. Even for ponies as powerful as the two of them, they needed a rest. So it was bamf, wait, bamf, wait, bamf.
Applejack appreciated those ‘wait’ moments. She’d teleported with the two of them before, but seeing the world jump always made her feel queasy. Bucky hated to do it at all; her little bunny’d rather run to keep up with her. But it was the fastest way she’d ever moved across the face of Equestria.
Dodge Junction looked to be doing well for itself. Ponies didn’t look too unhappy, at least, and the cherry trees looked healthy. And a pony was waiting for them.
“Ah could make a Changeling joke, but Ah think bug references’re a mite played out already. Ah’m AJ, you’re Applejack,” the poofy-maned earth pony said, leaning back against a fencepost. “Ah ain’t real keen on goin’ back t’ Ponyville.”
“We need you, AJ,” said Applejack, while Rainbow and the Wonderbolt caught their breath. Ah’m a real trend-setter, she thought to herself, seeing that familiar hat perched atop that mass of blonde curls.
“Y’all don’t,” she said flatly. “Yew got a Laughter with ya who’s better at it. Stick that gem on her an’ she’ll make it her own. Ah come back, Ah’m jes’ gonna leave again. Ain’t my kinda place no more.”
Applejack looked at her. She didn’t use the Stare. She could see AJ hiding a mirror behind her back. She just looked. AJ twitched.
“What?” she barked. “Ah’m tellin’ the truth! Ah ain’t a Ponyville kinda pony an’ Ah never was. Dodge Junction’s mah kinda place. Ponies ‘round here like a good hoedown, an’ Ah’m holdin’ down a steady job. Ain’t nopony in Ponyville ever believed Ah’d be responsible enough for that!”
Applejack kept looking at her. Those eyes looked hurt. They weren’t giving her that angry glare, or the demanding one. Just hurt.
AJ slammed her hat down. “This ain’t fair! Ah’m makin’ it work out here, an’ Ah’m makin’ ponies happy! What more do y’all want from me?”
Applejack kept her mouth shut. She didn’t need to say anything.
AJ gritted her teeth. “Ah ain’t goin’ back, you hear me? It’s been too long, an’ it prob’ly wouldn’t work anyhow!”
Applejack considered that. If this AJ had the same kind of abilities as her Rarity… “That a fact?” she asked.
“Aw, come on,” said AJ, and stomped on her hat. “Y’all askin’ me to tell th’ future? If’n it worked like that, Ah woulda done a lot different. Ah jes’ know it ain’t gonna work!”
Applejack nodded her head slowly. “Not a lot of optimism there, sugarcube,” she said. And kept that in mind. Not all the nutty things worked the same, looked like.
AJ snorted. “Yeah. See? Y’all got your Laughter back there already. Ah’m not goin’.”
“Ain’t nice to leave your friends in need,” Applejack said.
“Now that ain’t fair,” AJ pleaded. “They don’t need me an’ yew know it! Ah ain’t been back there in years. Probably wouldn’t even recognize ‘em by now!”
“Won’t be a party without you,” Applejack said.
AJ sighed. “Y’all fight dirty. Ah gave mah notice this mornin’.”
***
The guards on Luna’s door had to wear earplugs. The doctors who went in had no answers for where the wounds were coming from; all they could do was bandage her when they appeared. The slash across her face had ruined one eye already.
***
“You weaken, night pony,” hissed Schootalhu. The hate that festered in the remains of her mortal shell made her strong, stronger than the alicorn had imagined. The ancient beast had found in the chaos-empowered filly a host, one suitable to rule this wretched world and guide it to destruction at last. No more corrupting the strands of fate, no more poisoning souls with gloom.
Now it was time to devour the disgusting perversion called life. As it had devoured that defiant little shining tree near the castle so long ago.