//------------------------------// // Little Fillies Lost // Story: Parallel // by Dableaxcheaz //------------------------------// It started out as just a normal peaceful night in Ponyville. It was silent, nopony was up and about, and nothing really significant or unexpected really happen at all. It was also the night of the monthly CMC sleepover, this time it was Applebloom’s turn to host the gathering. It started out as a normal party for the three, with their usual brainstorm of ideas, and the game of truth or dare. They even attempted to get their puzzle cutie marks in puzzle solving with a mixed up 6 by 6 rubix cube (of course they stopped after 5 minutes). They then circled around the carpet for a little gossip session of their own. Scootaloo began to talk about Rainbow Dash, and about how awesome she was when she was busting up clouds like paper through a shredder. “There is nopony else who could do it any better,” she said. On SweetieBelle’s turn, she went on about how her sister is so picky when she’s there at her sisters carousel. From cockroaches crawling across the floor to dirt flying in through her window, the three laughed at her sister’s personal 1st world problems. They all had a good laugh whenever the unicorn had anything to say about her sister Rarity. Soon after the little conversation, and the popcorn in the center ran out, it was time to hit the hay. They had to be in bed by midnight otherwise Applejack would come in and have to deal with them herself. Scootaloo and SweetieBelle unrolled their sleeping bags, while Applebloom crawled into her bed and handed out two big pillows to her friends on the floor. The lights went out when the switch flipped off, and the fillies went to bed. Now this is only a basic description of their slumber party, but why am I setting the story at this particular night you ask? Well, only about fifteen minutes into their sleep, Applebloom was awakened by an ominous call. --:-- When the midnight hour finally came, Applejack’s mind woke up on command. She had been through this once a month routine for such a while that she didn't need an alarm clock. She felt the bags of Mr. Sand Stallion in her eyes trying to pull her back to dream land, but she fought its temptation and wiped her eyes. She pulled of the covers and got on all four hooves. Applejack slowly walked to the door smacking her lips tasting the bedtime plaque. As she opened the door, she noticed that it was all to quiet in the house. Usually the CMC would unleash all their energy and saved the best fun for last as midnight approached. Instead of hearing a cacophony of noise that Big Mac and Granny Smith somehow manage to sleep through, it was so quite that anypony could sleep through it. Applejack had to check on the girls whether it was silent or not. With this volume of noise, it only raised suspicion to the orange pony. She quietly approached her sister’s bedroom door and slowly opened it letting a beam of light come in uninvited. In the light, Applejack noticed that Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle were not in the sleeping bags. The bags were both empty, but they looked like they have been recently used. “Scootaloo, Sweetiebelle, where are ya?” Applejack whispered looking around the shadows.” You know the slumber party rules. Ya need ya rumps in bed by midnight.” She moved toward her sister’s bed, but she too was absent. “Applebloom?” she asked. “Applejack?” cried Applebloom’s voice. Applejack looked around at the sound of her sister’s voice. “Applebloom?” she called,” Is that you?” She began to hear her sister begin to cry. ”What’s wrong?” Applejack could hear her sister’s cry from the bed, but she wasn't on it. Maybe she fell out and rolled under. She looked under the bed to see if she was there. To add to her confusion, she wasn't even there, but she could still hear Applebloom. Applejack crawled out from under, thinking that it was just some sort of prank. When the room was lit, it was revealed that the CMC were nowhere to be seen. A little bit of worry mixed in with Applejack’s confusion. She exited the room and went down stairs calling,”Scootaloo?” and “Sweetiebelle?” but there was no answer came from the silent house. She began look more frantically, hoping that it was indeed a joke they were playing. When she pulled open the last cabinet in the kitchen. It came to finally came to Applejack that it was no longer a joke, and wasn’t going to deny it. The three fillies were indeed missing. The pony ran up the stairs to alert her grandmother of the situation. She flew the door wide open,” Granny Smith!” she quickly whispered urgently,” Granny Smith!” The old Mare slowly woke up, pulling the ear plugs from her ears.” What is it dear?” she calmly asked rubbing her eyes. “SweetieBelle and Scootaloo are missin’!” Applejack explained.” I can also hear Applebloom’s voice out of nowhere-!” Granny Smith raised an eye at Applejack at the last part,” What do ya mean you can hear her voice out of nowhere?” “I can hear her, but she’s not there!” Applejack explained. Granny Smith gave a light surprised expression. She got out of bed and quickly followed Applejack to the bed room. The elder was still a little bit sleepy eyed at this point, and thought that Applejack was just having a panic attack. She entered first and immediately noticed the empty sleeping bags on the floor and the empty bed. Granny Smith didn’t jump to the conclusion that they were gone just yet. She wiped her eyes,” Scootaloo? Sweetiebelle?” She called.” Can ya come out and just go to bed please?” She too was thinking that they were just playing, or was that just her slowed mind not clicking. The fillies didn’t appear. Grannysmith turned to Applejack,” Now are ya sure that they didn’t just go down stairs and grab a snack?” She said with worry in her tone. “Ah don’t know,” Applejack replied trying to stay calm,” I looked everywhere for Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle. I checked the livin’ room, and the kitchen.” At that moment, a voice came in spooking Granny smith to full alert. ” W-what the hay was that? A ghost?” “That ain’t no ghost.” Applejack assured. The two began to stare around in the room. Searching for where the voice came from. The granny at first thought that her granddaughter had lost her apples. But she was now convinced due to the fact that she just heard what she thought was her younger granddaughter,” Granny Smith?” The voice called out. Granny Smith shook her head after hearing it again. She looked into Applejack’s scared face,” You mean?” The orange pony nodded her head. Granny moved closer to the bed,“Applebloom?” she called. “Granny Smith.” Applebloom cried,” Where are you?” “I’m right here little filly.” Granny Smith said looking around the room,” but, where are you?” The voice began to cry some more. Things were starting to feel very strange in the room. Granny Smith began to pull out drawers and opening the armoire looking to see if she was there. The old mare began to panic a little. She turned to Applejack,” Are ya sure they ain’t anywhere else in the house?” “Every nook and cranny.” “Go get big Mac.” She ordered. Applejack exited the room while Granny Smith began to scour Applebloom’s room for the three fillies. The door to Big Mac’s room flung open,” Big Mac!” she whispered. The stallion woke up pulling his pair of ear plugs out of his ears. Applejack quickly went up to him and shook him hard, trying to wake him up. The stallion began to grunt. “What is it Applejack.” He groaned out loud. “Applebloom and her friends are gone!” Applejack explained. He twisted his hoof in his ear trying to hear what she said,” What?” “Come on!” she urged running out of the room. Big Mac had no clue what was going on; but whenever Applejack acted all crazy he knew it must be important no matter how ridiculous it was. He followed behind, stretching his back in the middle of it. When he entered, he noticed Granny Smith in a panic frantically searching for something. Clothes and accessories were thrown all over the floor, the furniture was moved away from the wall. The CMC were still nowhere to be found. The stallion then noticed the absence of Applebloom, Sweetiebelle, and Scootaloo in the room. “What’s going on?” he asked,” Where the fillies at? Shouldn't they be in bed by now?” He yawned. The voice of Applebloom came again, catching Big Mac by surprise with his head still half asleep. “Big Mac?” it sniffled. “Applebloom?” Big Mac asked looking at Granny Smith and Applejack’s worried faces. “What’s going on here? Why am I hearing Applebloom’s voice?” “Applebloom’s somewhere, but we can’t see her anywhere!” Applejack explained. Big Mac widened his eyes,” ya mean as if she were a ghost?” “I guess, but that’s just it, we haven’t found her anywhere.” “Yeah, and heavens knows where Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo went!” Granny Smith added. Big Mac then looked over at the bed wondered if his voice could reach her sister’s and said,” Applebloom can ya hear me?” “Yes!” she cried. Surprised that it worked, he continued,” Where are ya?” “I don’t know.” She whimpered. “Can ya see us?” Granny Smith added. “No…” “No?” Applejack replied confused,” what are ya seein’ right now?” It took her a couple seconds,” All Ah’ can see are stars, like I’m in outer space.” The three looked at each other with bewildered looks. “What else do ya see sis?” Big Mac added. “A-Ah think I’m standin’ on a path of light.” She replied,” All Ah’ can remember is following a voice in here.” Applejack froze,” Wait, did you just say a voice?” she softly replied. The apples waited for another answer, but none came back. “Applebloom?” called Big Mac. “Applebloom?” called Granny Smith. “She can’t hear us. What do we do now?” Applejack exclaimed in panic. “Twilight, Twilight can help us.” Quickly answered Granny Smith. “I’ll go get her,” Big Mac said,” you two stay here and search the house for Applebloom’s voice again.” Without any more hesitation, the stallion ran down stairs and out the door leaving Applejack and Granny Smith to hunt for Applebloom’s voice and her friends. They made sure to look in every spot that they checked before, even triple checking for good measure. But it was no use, the three were still lost. Granny Smith then began to think that this was starting to turn into a lost cause. She sat herself down on the couch, with her sleepy mind tired of what was happening. “Applebloom.” She murmured to herself. “Where are ya?” Applejack came into the room, halting her search knowing that she must comfort her grandmother. Applejack sat next to Granny Smith, rubbing her back with her hoof.” Aw it’s alright Granny Smith. We’ll find them.” She continued to rub her back some more. “What are we gonna do Applejack?” She moaned with stress,” I don’t know how much of my heart can take of this.” “Don’t worry,” Applejack reassured,” Twilight will be here to help us.” “And what if she doesn't?” “Then we’ll just have to find the fillies on our own then, with or without her.” Applejack said,” were family, we ain’t ones that are willin’ to give up.” Granny Smith wiped her eyes,” I know that, but what if-“ “Shh…” she rubbed Granny’s back,” somethin’ will come up granny, just keep yer chin up.” Applejack was not the kind of pony that wanted to give up so easily, but Granny Smith did have a point. The Apples didn't understand where their youngest was at or her friends, and possibly no one else in ponyville would if they tried to look. Twilight was the brightest in the town, but that didn't mean that she had all the answers. If the princess couldn't shine any light on the situation, then Applebloom and her friends were as good as gone. There then came a knock at the door. It must be Big Mac with Twilight. Granny Smith felt a warmth of hope coursing through her bones. She wiped the tears from her eyes and went over to the front door. The door opened with Big Mac standing in the door way huffing and puffing like a locomotive on its last leg. He collapsed from exhaustion. Alongside him was Twilight Sparkle the one who could solve this. “I came as soon as I could.” Twilight said. Applejack and granny felt relieved,” I’m sorry we had to bring you to this Twilight,” Applejack apologized,” but you’re the best help for something like this, since you’re the smartest around these parts of equestria.” “That’s alright Applejack, even though what Big Mac told me would be something Zecorra may be able to solve in seconds, I’m willing to do the best I can Applejack lead the princess up the stairs into Applebloom’s room. Big Mac was still trying to catch his breath. Twilight said,” Big Mac told me that you three could hear Applebloom’s voice, correct.” The two nodded in agreement,” and you can hear her coming from the bed.” “Well, yeah,” Granny Smith said,” but that’s just it, we can hear the young’un as if she was there, but we can’t see her anywhere.” The three entered the child’s bedroom, with all of the clothes and sleeping bags on the floor. Big Mac came to the doorway seconds later. Twilight walked up to investigate the bed for anything suspicious. She only placed a hoof on the mattress when she heard a whimpering. “There she is again,” Granny Smith pointed out. Twilight was also surprised by the sound. They were right, they could hear Applebloom’s voice from the bed loud and clear. Twilight backed away from the bed, but then quickly noticed something different. When she backed away, she noticed that the whimper lost some of it’s volume. Listening in even closer, she realized the voice wasn't necessarily being emitted from the bed, but it was still coming from that direction. “Strange,” Twilight said,” It sounds like it’s coming from the bed, but it really sounds like it’s coming from the wall.” She examined e spot on the wall above the beds head rest. She could feel something coming from it. ”I wonder,” she murmured. The three ponies looked at her, hoping that maybe she found something. The next thing they knew, a magic aura surrounded the bed, moving it over to the side. “Twilight what are ya-“ began Applejack. “Shh… I think I may be onto something Applejack, and I might know where Applebloom and her friends have gone.” She moved the piece of furniture to the far left, and stood in front of the uncovered wall. The Apples didn't know if they were supposed to be excited for where this was going or nervous, they didn't want to disturb Twilight for they were soon about to find something out. She slowly approached the wall, looking up and down at it in a strange way. Twilight could feel a strange sensation the closer she came to the wall. She kept on slowly moving until she was an inch away from the wall. She raised a hoof, and slowly reached out towards the green. The apples huddled closer together, waiting for something to happen. When the hoof hit the paint, it went right through it. There were no ripples produced, or transparency when it passed. It just went right through it like a ghost and solid objects. The Apples gave faces of both astonishment, and shock.” Twilight!” Granny Smith whispered while trembling,” W-what is that thing?” Twilight turned towards the Apples with a surprised face,” It’s a portal Granny Smith.” “A portal?” Applejack asked,” You mean like a portal to some sort of unknown world. THAT kind of portal?” Twilight nodded The other two equines remained speechless. A portal in their own house, and in Applebloom’s own bedroom, of all places in Equestria. There were no signs or sounds that gave away the portal’s cloak. How long the portal was there, was still a mystery even for Twilight. But an even bigger mystery was yet to be solved, how and why was it in Applebloom’s bed room? Big Mac and Granny Smith have never seen a portal before in real life, but Applejack has told them about them after Twilight’s mission to retrieve her crown. “There is a lot for me to explain, does anypony have a crayon or piece of chalk?” Big Mac turned to the dresser to see a tiny piece sitting there. He grabbed it of the wooden surface and quickly handed it to the princess as she began to mark the wall. She first touched her hoof against the wall until she hit the gate’s far most left side. She marked the edge with an X and did the same for the right side. She then started from the top of the left side and drew an elliptical semicircle intersecting the X. After doing the same on the right, she drew a pair of parallel lines one for each circle half. The drawing provided a full visual of the door way, with a drawing of a door way. Shivers were sent up the ponies spines as they began to wonder what was on the other side. Twilight turned to the group,” I've read about portals many times before,” Twilight explained,” but I've never seen ones without any, well…” She waved her hoof around in the wall,” visible features.” “I have read about this specific portal; although I've only seen one source that mentions it.” Twilight admitted,” It said that 5 years ago a team of scientists have stumbled across a portal like this one in their own lab. The team have never seen a portal that was invisible to the naked eye. The team decided to send 5 of its colleagues in to investigate the phenomena. Long story short, only one of them came back and the others were missing. The one that came out wanted to go back and save them, but the portal closed, it never did open back up.” “So what did the one that survive know about the world?” Big Mac asked. Twilight sighed,” He didn't say. Nobody believed him because others have found him to be mad, and locked him away in an asylum. But they say that he was chanting A dream of good that reflects the terrible.” Applejack didn't understand what she meant by,” A dream of good that reflects the terrible.” But judging by context, it must mean something evil, even though it was chanted by an insane stallion. ” Ah don’t care what that crack head’s gotta say, we've got to save them!” she ran to the portal only to be stopped by the princess. “No,” she denied,” I can’t let you. We have no clue what’s out there." “What’s out there is my sister and her friends!” Applejack barked trying to get past Twilight. Big Mac and Granny Smith had to pull the mayor off to get her to calm down. “I only know about the world’s portal and discovery, but I don’t even know what’s on the other side,” Twilight said,“Every pony that entered, never came back to tell the tale. I just don’t want to lose you too” Then Applejack calmed down finally getting the picture” This isn't the first time that ponies discovered this portal. There have been claims in reports that many ponies were searching for the gate out of curiosity, and wanted to prove it’s existence, but no evidence has been brought back. Possibly due to them not leaving before the portal closes. They were never seen again.” Applejack gently hung her head, taking all of the facts in. Granny Smith raised her voice, ” There’s gotta be a way to get those children back!” “I don’t know if there is any other way Granny Smith, the only way to get them is to probably, venture in and get them out.” Applejack raised her head to Twilight,” Well Ah ain't gonna stand here and do nothin’. I’m goin’ in Twilight.” “Applejack, please. I’m not trying to say abandon Applebloom, but I don’t want to lose you in there too.” Applejack then said,” Twilight, Ponyville may not have boomed if it weren't for mah family. I’m willin’ break my back and soul to keep it from goin’ under. You and the other’s wouldn't call me a true friend if I didn't make the hardest choices count. And I’m the one responsible for Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo as if they were my own family.” Twilight considered her reasoning. There was probably no way of convincing her at this point. She would probably feel the same if her own family was lost forever in an unknown world. Her own opposition made her sound like she would rather have the sisters (and technical sister) of her friends be lost then lose one of her own. She took a deep breath,” Alright, I guess if it’s the only way it’s the best way.” She tried to smile a little,” I’m coming with you.” “Me too,” Granny Smith joined. “Eeyup.” Big Mac added. “No,” Applejack said,” I think I've got to do this one on my own. I don’t want to risk losing you three as well. I’m takin’ enough chances as I ready am.” Twilight was about to argue with Applejack, but maybe this time she was right. If Applejack was willing to risk her life, and not risk other friends and family on the line. Was a pretty reasonable considering the circumstances. “Alright, Applejack.” Twilight said,” then I guess all we can do, is have faith.” Applejack felt a little bit of moral supporting her mission. ” Alright then.” She looked at the drawing “When does the portal close exactly?” “Well, judging from the source I read, the portal has been reported to close at exactly 6:00 A.M.” Twilight explained,” It’s 1:30 now, so I suggest we’ll have to prepare now.” “Ah don’t need anythin’,” Applejack said,” besides, what good will havin’ tools in an unknown universe do any way.” Twilight pondered at the thought,” I guess, but I would recommend at least a necessity or too. Just in case.” Granny Smith then had a worry some thought, ”Wait, what if the laws a physics don’t apply in that world, and time seems to accelerate in there.” Twilight’s eyes widened at the epiphany,” Your right, I didn't consider that factor. Does any pony have an old pocket watch laying around?” “I do!” Granny Smith quickly answered,” I've kept in my drawer, I hope it still works.” She ran out the room to fetch the device. Big Mac turned to his sister,” Ah hope ya know what yer doin’ sis.” Applejack smiled at him,” Everythin’s gonna be alright big brother, Ah promise.” Big mac opened himself to the mare. She came in for one tight warm hug.” Ah most certainly hope yer right.” Granny Smith returned to the room holding a hoof sized gold watch.” Hear it is. The watch of yer great grand pappy.” The watch was covered in minor scratches, but for the most part it looked like it was in great condition after all the years the family had it in their possession. Granny Smith began to wind it up,” Ah hope this thing still works,” the watch didn't make any ticks at first, but when she shook it up and down, she could hear the rhythmic ticks and tocks just like it used to back then. She then turned the watch to match the exact time, 1:35. She held up by the string, and placed it around her neck.”Ah was gonna give it to Applebloom when she was a little bit older, but I guess now would be the best time.” Applejack went up to the old pony,” Thanks Granny Smith.” She hugged her, but not as tight as Big Mac.” I’ll back before the time is up.” She then took a deep breath, knowing that her task would now be beginning in a moment. She slowly moved towards the hidden door, feeling more nervous the closer she got. She turned around to her family and friend, who would be waiting there for her return.” We have faith in you.” Twilight smiled. “Good luck,” added Big Mac. “Bring the fillies back home.” Granny Smith cheered. Applejack smiled a little and looked forward at the wall. She closed her eyes, held a deep breathe, and stepped into the realm hoof first. Her body passed through, leaving no sound or ripples behind her. “Please don’t do anything rash Applejack.” Twilight said. Still holding her breathe and eyes shut, she could feel solid ground beneath her hooves, maybe it was stone. She began to feel more light headed thinking about it. She released her breath, giving in to the light air pressure inside her head. She felt the air fill her lungs,” At least the place is breathable.” she thought trying to open her eyes. She eventually got them open, and Applejack was sure in for a surprise at what she immediately saw. The world in front of her was a vast outer space, filled with nothing else but stars as far as the eye can see. She also noticed that the surface that she was standing on was a path of pure light, shimmering in a path that went in all directions. Up, down, left, right, twisted, looped, stairs, you name it. The path also seemed to break of into paths, each one going into all different directions. Applejack began to feel light headed without even holding her breath. She was mesmerized by such a beautiful display. No wonder the previous researchers were so curios, you could take a picture of the place and hang it as a modern at masterpiece. The pony looked down off the cliff to see what was below. The paths were there, and some of them looked like going upside down. She then noticed that her pelt has changed color, from orange to a dark gray. Her Mane became a light gray, the apple cutie mark were colored an even darker grey, and her eyes iris became one big pupil. Her mindset became disrupted by a strange voice that flowed through the realm, ”Save… them if you can. Them… I will consume.” Applejack could feel cold rushing through her bones, she had to act now. The mare slowly took a step forward, when she felt more confident, she was now walking down the shiny road. She kept on walking, taking in the strange view. A few minutes in, Applejack could already start to feel lost. She had no idea where to look, and the paths did seem to go on forever. She looked around the sky for anything that could aid her. She then saw a misshapen object from where she was, and also saw that the light path ended there. She began to weave around the labyrinth of light, even going upside down at one point, and stopped when she saw the object in front of her. By the looks of it, it was a solid black door with a white out line with a white hexagonal door knob to open it. Applejack came up to the door, wondering what would be on the other side. She hoped to find at least one of the crusaders in there, and prayed to dear Celestia that they are still alive. She grabbed the cold knob with her hoof, and opened the door towards the outside. She stepped in, noticing a very erratic change in the scenery. When she fully entered, she first noticed that she was in a shallow cave that was only a few feet deep, with moss for the overhang. She stepped out more to see what she would be up against only to hear the door close behind her. She quickly turned to it once it startled her, and saw that the black door was now a door made of damp wood. She exited the cave and took in the atmosphere. She appeared to be in some sort of forest, with trees as thick as shacks and heights that challenged Manehattans tallest. In fact the tops shrouded the place in darkness yet Applejack couldn't exactly see the leaves, just the pale fog. She looked ahead of her seeing a stone path made of old eroded brick. Applejack took in the air, foul to say the least. The pony gagged,” Ugh, this place smells more dead then a pile of dead bats.” She began to follow the path,” Alright, I’m goin’ in,” she thought to herself,” hopefully I’ll find at least one of them little fillies in these dank forest, maybe all three if I'm lucky. I hope I can find em all in time.” She looked at her watch, tempted to see how much was left,”No.” she denied,” Best not think about that.” --:-- With that, Applejack had only begun her rescue. The Cutie Mark Crusader’s whereabouts remain unknown. What dangers would Applejack? What exactly was talking to Applejack before she passed through the door? And what exactly are the CMC doing at this moment?