Applejack and Sweetiebelle continued to travel across space and time to find the other crusaders. Sweetiebelle was just now finishing up recalling her dream with her sister Rarity.
“…So then you ran me down the stairs carrying me, and then I woke up.”
“Wow,” Applejack replied after hearing the story,” I bet it’s a mighty shame to dream all of that, only to find out that it’s all a dream.”
Sweetiebelle shrugged,” Yeah, it’s all right.”
“So how did you wind up in this realm Sweetiebelle? And what happened to the others?” Applejack asked.
“Well, the only thing I remember is seeing Applebloom staring into the wall in her bedroom. She just stared at it, like she was talking to it. Then she just walked through it. I don’t know how I wound up in a dark forest, but all I can say really is that I followed her right in. That’s when I blacked out.”
Applejack ran the information through her head. From the sound of it, Applebloom must have been lured inside by some sort of voice. The only voice that she could think of was the voice that she heard earlier. She didn’t just think of it as a coincidence, she knew that the voice was in fact what brought applebloom in. What and where the voice was coming from, Applejack didn’t know.
“So did my dream really connect to this world?” Sweetiebelle said.
“Eeyup,” Applejack replied,” every detail. I reckon Rarity was the spider, her nice carousell was possibly that putrid forest, and I guess that there therapy was just her capturing you.”
Sweetiebelle became curious with one thing in her dream,” even the candles by my bed?”
Applejack pondered at what she could compare it to,” possibly the dead rotting corpses in that web.”
Sweetiebelle could almost smell the decay, she wished that she didn’t ask.
They continued to navigate through the many twists and turns that the path of light made. Applejack began to wonder about what was happening to Scootaloo and her sister. She hoped that she would be able to reach them in time before something awful would end up killing them off. Anything could come against them, it was only the beginning after all.
Applejack didn’t want to assume the worse, but she also hoped that she would be prepared for what was next in her path. Applejack was not going to let herself get caught off guard this time around.
--:--
We now focus on another part of this world, another world that lies on the other side of another black door. Scootaloo would be the one within this one, but what horrors roam within this section of the realm along the little pegasus? Anything that happened in her head, was a deceptive cover up for her death.
Like Sweetiebelle, Scootaloo woke up to a bright light that sent her mind into haze. It was quiet throughout her home, and wind came flowing through the rooms and hallways. Scootaloo shook her head,” I’m home?” she looked around her room some more,” no, it can’t be. I was at Applebloom’s house.” She got up from the covers, still holding a puzzled face.
“Even if I did come home, how did I come home?” Scoots thought to herself. She left her room and began to walk down the halls. She then made her way to the kitchen,”Morning mom, morning dad.” She greeted, but they weren’t there. Scoots looked into the empty room, listening to the wind enter her home. The sky was a gray overcast, with winds tossing leaves all around. Scootaloo could hear birds chirping their morning tune, it felt very welcoming to her.
Scootaloo then checked the living room for her parents, but they weren’t there. She checked the parents’ room, the bathroom, and even her own room. They weren’t anywhere to be found. Usually they would be at the kitchen making breakfast and reading whatever happened to be in the papers. They should be somewhere at the house, getting ready for their day job and hopefully they have it easy as usual today.
Scootaloo then decided to leave the house and come back later, maybe her parents were on some sort of errand and they didn’t bother to wake Scootaloo up? When scootaloo opened her front door, she was greeted to a gust of wind, the blotted light from the sun, and the lack of ponies walking the street. Scootaloo shook her head to check her vision, but it didn’t make any equines come back.
“This is deffinitly a dream.” Scootaloo thought to herself,” or, is it?” She wasn’t that good at distinguishing dreams from reality; but the fact that everyony was missing, it was hard to deny it. Then again, ponyville was involded in a lot of crazy events recently. This was no stranger, but it had an eerie feel to it that made Scootaloo’s pelt start to crawl.
She then crossed through her yard and began to look around. There was absolutely nopony in the town, not even in the sky or in the buildings, Scootaloo was the only one there. “Where is everypony?” she said to herself. Scootaloo wondered if anypony was there at all. There could be a chance that there were; like a Pegasus was in the sky above the grey cloud tops, or maybe someponies were in bed.
Scootaloo began her breif stroll around town to investigate whether or not there are any signs of life. It was nice to hear the town this peacefull, but it was disturbing to scootaloo that it was mostly disserted. Then, in the thick patch of clouds, an opening appeared to let in some pure sunlight. Scootaloo looked at the sky feeling the suns warmth, only to spot a certain Pegasus that she would give anything to spend time with. Rainbowdash.
Scootaloo smiled at her role model’s presence. She felt a lot more safer just knowing that there was at least one pony besides her in the area. Rainbowdash spotted the little one on the ground, and began to make an ascent downward. “Hey squirt.” Rainbow greeted,” how’s my biggest little fan doing?”
Scootaloo was so happy, dream or no dream, even the smallest thought of Rainbowdash brought a smile to her face. She played it cool and said,” Oh, you know just chillin like a villain.” She brushed her mane as if there was sweat hanging from it.
“Chillin like a villain eh?” Rainbow parroted intrigued by the quote,” that’s a good little catch phrase ya got there. I always knew you had some hip inside ya.”
Scootaloo began to blush a little, then she asked ”so where did everypony go?”
Rainbow looked around the town,” heh, I thought the town looked a little deserted. Day light savings time maybe?”
“Maybe,” Scootaloo parroted back. “So you’re just patrolling the sky as usual?”
Rainbowdash smiled with pride,” yep, just finishing my morning shift. My boss has been easy on me this week.” Her stomach began to rumble,” Welp, guess it’s time for me to get some chow. Wanna come down to Sugar Cube corner with me.
Happy that she asked,” Sure!”
The sky blue Pegasus stretched out her wings,” hang on gimme a sec. The weather team’s been havin’ us on a rough schedual.” she then stretched her hooves till she felt the pop of relief,” Hoo! Now I’m ready.” Scootaloo followed very close to her idol’s side. The daredevil wrapped a wing around her.”
“Aren’t ya cold?” She asked.” It’s pretty cold out here today.”
Scootaloo didn’t mind the breeze all that much, but now that she mentioned it, it has started to get a little bit nippy. She began to chatter a little, feeling goose bumps come up beneath her skin. Rainbowdash saw her shiver, hugging her close to give her a little bit of warmth. Scootaloo began to feel the comfortable warmth that the cobalt feathers stored. She began to nudge her idols side.
Rainbowdash looked down at the fillies face,“So Scoots, how’s your flight coming along?”
The Pegasus took her wing of the filly as she began to flutter her wings.” Well, I’m at least able to get myself off the ground. But I’m only floating for a couple of seconds. I wish these wings could just frow a little faster.”
Rainbowdash nodded in agreement,” ok, ok, I can see where your at. But hey, at least you sound like your improving. And hey, maybe not today maybe not tomorrow, but some day you’ll be up in the air and flyin’ like a wonderbolt in no time.”
Scootaloo felt a warm reassurance.” Thanks.”
“You might have tiny wings Scoots, I just know that you’ll fly one day. I mean, take a look at bulk bisceps, he’s the most beefed up Pegasus I know yet he’s got wings no bigger than yours.”
Scootaloo giggled at the comparison.
“And hey, once you’re flyin’ I’ll give you the whole tour of cloudsdale.” Rainbowdash said.
--:--
It didn’t take long Applejack and Sweetiebelle to find the next door the last time we left them. Applejack felt reliefed when she finaly found that door. She almost thought she wasn’t ever going to find it. The greyed out mare took a deep breath in preparation, looking at the door face to face and putting a hoof on the knob. She slowly opened the door.
Sweetiebelle stayed behind Applejack, as she watched her peek her head into a deep dark dungeon. Applejack already took a whiff of the air. She thought the air from the forest was bad enough, but that’s was nothing compared to the whiff she took in. It smelled of many rancid decaying things, like it was really the stench of death they were smelling through their nostrils. It only took a sniff for Sweetiebelle to feel like gagging from the putrid scent.
“Alright,” Applejack whispered to the filly lowering her head,” climb on.” And Sweetiebelle did just that. She climbed aboard, kicking her little legs to climb up. Spreading out her legs and hugging Applejacks neck for balance, she was ready. “Don’t make a sound,” Applejack explained,” heaven knows what were up against.” Sweetiebelle nodded as Applejack began to walk the cold stone flooring, closing a large wooden door made out of thick wood and pieces of metal holding it together.
This place was not only a dungeon, but the home to the most savage creatures that roamed its dark hallways. They were exactly like the earth ponies of equestria, if you were to replace the matted balding pelt, the messed up manes, and the hairless tails that is. These creatures have a name in the world they live, but they also tolerated and preferred the name Dwellers.
As mentioned already they lived in these halls; but despite the cold wind, the smell of decay everywhere and the low lit lighting, they loved it. They felt right at home with their brethren. They like to bicker and banter at each other; but hey, it’s normal for families to do that. Isn’t it?
Applejack with Sweetiebelle riding horseback treaded lightly, for halls like these tend to echo when sounds are made. Even the smallest drip of water could emit a loud sound. The mare looked around at the doors as she passed by them, and started to feel like a rat in a maze all of a sudden. Scootaloo could be anywhere in the dungeon, and the doors could lead to either a room of Celestia knows what, or another hallway with its own set of doors. She couldn’t see what’s ahead of her very well, even with the torches slightly illuminating.
Applejack continued down the hall, with Sweetiebelle shivering at the atmosphere, until she heard a faint voice. Applejack lent out an ear towards the sound, attempting to make out the echo.
“I wonder what’s for dinner? I haven’t eaten anything decent in days.” it said.
“I don’t know, but I think Smug’s got something good when he went above ground for his hunt. I think he’s got another one of those ponies” Said another voice.
“Pony?” Applejack and Sweetiebelle thought to themselves and looking at each other. It could only mean one thing, Applebloom or Sweetiebelle are here in this dank dungeon, there was no doubting it. Where they were however remained a mystery, not to mention that these hallways were near identical at every turn. Maybe those voices were heading towards the filly’s direction.
In that case, Applejack decided to follow the voices with caution, but at a fast enough pace to not produce any sound.
Back in Scootaloo’s subconscious, the pair made their way to sugar cube corner for somrthing to munch on. Of course they would have to leave if the cakes or pinkie pie are absent. Regardless whether or not it was a dream, they wouldn’t ever think about robbing the place. They made it to the candy building and noticed some lights turned on inside, there must be someone inside running the joint. Rainbowdash went up to the door first and held it open for Scootaloo to enter. The two were greeted by a familiar face from behind the store’s counter.
“Why hello Rainbowdash and Scootaloo,” Ms. Cake greeted,” surprise seeing you two still here. Guess I don’t have to close up shop early.”
“Yeah, speaking of,” Rainbow said,” where did everypony go?”
Ms.Cake shrugged,” I’m not sure dear, I just woke up this morning and saw that everyone disappeared. Even my own husband took off with the kids.”
“Well, look at the Brightside, you don’t have to deal with a stampeading morning rush today.”
Scoots and the baker began to giggle a little. Ms.Cake rolled her eyes,” That is true Rainbow, that is true. Well, since you’re here, I guess I don’t have to throw any desserts out. Why don’t you two sit down and I’ll get you something from the back.”
The two pegasi sat themselves down at a nearby table stationed by a window. Meanwhile, Ms. Cake went to the back to fetch some treats. They had a perfect view of the town, and nopony was there to block the relaxing view. It made them slouch in their seats, relaxing to the sight.
After only a few seconds, Ms. Cake came out of the storage room balancing a black forest cake on her head. It was covered top to bottom in chocolate sprinkles, and was topped with a circle of cherries that sat upon their own little mound of whipped cream. This kind of treat was bound to cause diabetes with a single slice of goodness. The baker sat the cake on the table,” Here you go you two, it’s on the house.”
“Thanks Ms. Cake,” the pegasi both said with pools of water in their mouths. A whole black forest cake, on the house, what a treat it was. It still looked like it was still edible to eat after sitting in the store room for so long. Dash picked up the butter knife that Ms. Cake sat next to the dessert for cutting, and began to carve a small piece for herself.
As she plopped the piece on a plate, she then said,” Here you go,” she slid the silver platter with the rest of the cake closer to Scootaloo. The orange Pegasus looked up at her idol,” It’s all yours kid. Dig in.”
Dream or no dream, Scootaloo took a bite straight out of the cake. To her surprise, it legit tasted like black forest cake. The chocolate made her taste buds relax as if they were in a jacoozi filled with chocolate. The tart cherry that she had in the bite mixed in with the wipped cream sending her mouth straight to heaven. Her own mother would probably object to her eating this kind of cake, let alone a whole cake.
Scootaloo sank her face into the chocolate sprinkles and began to devour it. She didn’t care if she was making a mess on the table, it was Black forest cake after all. Rainbow dash watched with amusment at the filly’s little pig out and began to chuckle a little. Scootaloo raised her face up to Rainbowdash; her face was covered in bits of chocolate sprinkles, dabs of whipped cream on her cheeks, and chocolate frosting smothered all across her mouth.
“Uh squirt,” she giggled trying to hold it in,” I think you’ve got a little something,” she waved her hoof all over her face,” right here.” Scootaloo then took up a folded napkin from the table and wiped her face off. “You always manage to make me laugh Scoots, I think you’re awesome for that.” Scootaloo felt a sense of reassurance in the compliment. She wiped off the remaining bits of cake, and then bunched the napkin up into a ball.
Ms. Cake came up to the table, just to check up on the customers,” Well I see that you’ve enjoyed the cake!” she looked over at Scootaloo, smiling innocently with her messy platter of cake bits. Ms. Cake was impressed that she was able to eat it all,”You’ve got quite the apatite today Scootaloo.” Scootaloo let out a belch. Ms. Cake could see that she was satisfied; but just in case, she said,” I think I’ve got some cookies in the back room. Would you like some?”
Scootaloo shook her head up and down to her offer,”Okay then,” she said walking off.” I’ll be back in a jiffy.” She disappeared into the backroom.
“Look at you,” RainbowDash said,” you’ve got yourself a black forest cake and now your getting cookies. And I didn’t have to pay a cent for it.” She gave scoots a noogie,” you lucky duck.”
Scootaloo relaxed in her chair to settle the cake,”Yeah, I guess I am.” She said without worries.
Ms. Cake came back out of the room with the cookies, she placed them on the table,”Help yourself little one.” She smiled as she walked away.“Just let me know if ya need any thing dears.” The blue baker winked.
As Scootaloo picked up a chocolate chip cookie, Rainbow found this to be a good time to ask,” Hey squirt.”
The filly gulped her bite of the cookie,” yeah?”
“I’ve never really thought about this, until now, but since I’ve got nothing to do and I know that you have free time…” Scootaloo leaned in, wondering where she would be going with it,” I was wondering if I could, you know, teach you how to fly, show you the ropes?”
Scootaloos heart jumped in surprise,” w-what?!” she said.
“Just you and me Scoots, teaching you how to get off the ground and into the big blue.”
Scootaloo wanted to jump for joy. For as long as she placed Rainbowdash on the pedestal, she had been waiting forever for her to ask that. She jumped from her chair and hovered a little bit, then she hugged the cyan Pegasus with a tight squeeze,”Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!!” she shouted. Cupcake watched it all from the counter, bringing a small tear to her eye.
Scootaloo could not believe what just happened. First Rainbowdash wanting to hang out with Scoots, then the cake, then the cookies, and finally a request to help her fly. It couldn’t get anybetter then this. She wanted this day to last forever. She wanted to always remember that day as the greatest day of her life, dream or not.
--:--
But unfortunately, it was a simple little dream, to cover up the terrifying truth. In case you havn't guessed yet; Like Sweetiebelle, Scootaloo was fast asleep in another world. Instead of a deep dead forest; she was in some sort of dank dungeon. The sanctum had halls that lead to the doors that held nothing but torture.
This place is not an establishment for thieves, traitors, or an any villainous ponies, Oh No. This was a domain, a house for some of the most insane race of ponies this world has to offer. I don’t even think these things are even ponies. They were more likely savages then civilized equines.
The beasts resembled ponies in shape, but they had skinny bodies with patches of grey matted pelt on them. Their eyes were black with red pupils, like an insane pony in an asylum. These creatures simply enjoyed the darkness, they enjoyed the death in the air as if they had grown accustomed to it. It was a grand shelter from whatever lurked about above ground.
Their only source of food were any slab of meat they could get their hooves on. They didn’t even care about their health conditions whatsoever. Finding a live animal to slaughter was rare for them; so their main source of food was a bowl of bread crumbs that their god provides them, nothing more. They would rather be poisened by whatever crawled in that nasty meat, then eat a bowl of bland bread crumbs.
All the crumbs were provided by the god they worshiped, but if he didn’t give them the bits of bread however; they kill off one of their kin to feed the starving mob, but at least it’s one less mouth to feed in such painfull and desperate conditions.
Besides eating, they also enjoyed using their own methods of torture. They didn’t just do it for the food, they did it for fun. The screaming and agony of these monsters’ victims are music to their bitten ears. They had all the grand tools of torture you could find in equestrian, plus a few others. From guillotines, to the racks, and the whips that made ponies scream; the dwellers enjoyed it more then their holidays.
In one of the hallways that the dwellers roam, there were two in particular that were summoned to one of the rooms. Applejack and Sweetiebelle caught a glimpse of the two as they turned a corner. The mare slowly approached the corner, and saw the most hideous display in years. Applejack could tell that they were anything but friendly, and wanted to keep distance just like she did with the spider. She began to move with caution.
The dwellers both entered an open room, seeing one of their kin sitting up a small Pegasus on a stool. The Dweller next to it picked up a bowl of crumbs and began force feeding it. The dwellers who were just arriving had water mouths when they saw their meal. They couldn’t remember the last time they ate Pegasus; but the wait would soon be over with Scootaloo on the menu.
“Bless the god of this world,” one of them hissed.” The wait is over.”
“Yes, she is perfect.” Said the other.
The Dweller next to Scootaloo turned it’s head to the companions.”Ah, Grime and Flesh.” He greeted,” What excellent timing. You get to see what our master has brought to us.”
“Actual meat,” said Grime,” we’ve never tasted filly before Smug, or Pegasus.”
Smug nodded,” yesss, those pegasi are so stubborn to catch now adays. When their in the air, they always get away. Cursed wings.” He grumbled
Flesh began to become mezmorized as he mixed his own imagination with the pony. He could imagine what succulent taste that the filly had to offer. It became so tantalizing, that he leaned over to take a nibble. Smug laid a slap across his face, repelling him from biting the Pegasus.
“Hoofs off!” Smug scolded,” you can have the wings when she’s baked.”
“S-so sorry Smug,” Grime apologized,” I’m just a little bit hungry that’s all. Plus I’ve never had pegasi wings before. Oooh, I can’t wait.”
Smug didn’t buy the flattery,” Bite your tongue then ya savage! You’re gonna wait like the rest of our group.”
Flesh then said,” So where did this unlucky morsel come from?”
Smug turned to him,” I found it above ground.”
“While it was in the air?” Grime asked.
“No, it was on the ground and walking around with its eyes shut tight. I don’t think this one is able to fly.”
“What’s the use of having wings, when you can’t even use them.” Flesh laughed.” There better off for eating if you ask me.” His mouth started to water, but he gulped it back down.” Sorry.”
Applejack was standing by the door with her body out of the dwellers view. She couldn't stand the sight of these monsters, nor could she stand the idea that they were fattening Scootaloo up. She felt like going in and killing them right there, but something was holding her back again. Sweetiebelle whispered faintly in her ear.”Come on, lets get em.” Applejack didn’t respond. Sweetiebelle began to nudge Applejacks head to get her attention, but it didn’t work.
“So besides this one, were there others?” asked Grime.
“Yes, but that one’s long gone now. I tried to grab it, but that stupid spider waltzed right up to it and dragged it off!” Smug grumbled angrily.” One of these days, I’m gonna show that arachnid who it should realy be fearing.”
“And we’ll finally have our hunting grounds back. I really do miss that dark forest, it was like a second home to me.”
Applejack began to process what the creatures were talking about. Were they really underneath the forest? That must mean that this world is the alternate universe, and the realm of stars must be the gateway to different parts of the world.
“We might not have the other pony, but this one is sure to calm our hunger for a while. We must be thankful for our god.” Said Grime
Flesh then said,” I think this is my favorite torture in this dark place.”
Grime rolled his eyes,” Oh, you think starving like a wolf is fun?”
Flesh growled at Grime,” I wasn’t talking about starving you idiot! I was talking about cooking up a live meal.”
Smug scoffed,” Heh, what kind of dweller do you call yourself? The one who always thinks about eating?” Grime began to chuckle.
“NO! I mean the fact that she doesn’t know that she’s dying!” Flesh grumbled.
“Why’s that flesh?”
“I mean, this Pegasus filly is actually dreaming as we speak, not knowing that were going to cook her up.”
Smug and Grime became interested,” go on.”
“Think about it. Soon this Pegasus will be all nice and plump,” he rubs her tummy,” and when it’s time, we’ll toss her into a pot and roast and bake her till she’s golden brown.”
“What’s that got to-“ Grime began.
“I was just getting to that.” Flesh continued,” She’ll be having a nice dream, while she is slowly dying. The dream that she is having, will never happen in her sad pathetic little life. Plus she makes a good meal.”
Smug and Grime reconsidered their opinion,” Yeah,” Smug said loving the concept,” I love the way you think Flesh.”
“Yeah,” added Grime,” just for that, the wings are both yours.”
Flesh tipped his head,” Thanksssss. It wouldn’t be possible if our lord didn’t take part.”
“So when’s this chicken ready to be cooked.” Grime said impatiently.
“As soon as I finish stuffing the bird!” Smug laughed shoving more crumbs down Scootaloo’s throat.
The three continued to baste Scootaloo until she was ready. Back inside scoots sub conscious however, she was now stuffing the last of the plate of cookies. These scrumptious disks of cookie dough took the place of the breadcrumbs she was being forced to eat, and Rainbow and Ms. Cake took the place of two of the dwellers. Who was the third pony? Well, dreams aren’t dead on perfect ya know, no matter how good they are.
Scootaloo stuffed the last of the cookies down her throat, leaving bits and crumbs on the plate. She felt completely stuffed with sugar and chocolate, as the treats began to settle down in her tummy. RainbowDash was impressed by her efforts on eating the desserts. “Wow Scoots,” she chuckled,” Ms. Cake was right,for a little filly, you’ve got the appetite of a lion.”
Scootaloo gave a smile with pudgy cheeks and her eyes closed. Her tummy began to rumble unpleseantly.She then felt a disturbance in her body, almost like she was going to spew. “You okay there squirt?” asked Rainbow.
“I’m fine,” Scootaloo said feeling the ache in her body. It gurgled again, enforcing the pain,” yeah, maybe not.” She admitted.
“Too much sugar huh?” smirked Rainbow leaning over towards Scoots. She placed a blue hoof on her back and began to rub up and down her spine. Scootaloo felt the aching pain leave her stomach, replacing it with a soothing relaxation that made her smile some more. Rainbowdash stopped rubbing the fillie’s back seeing that the pain was leaving.
Scootaloo let out a sigh,” Thanks.”
Ms. Cake walked up to the table seeing that the cookies were gone,” anything else I can do for you?”
“Nah, I’m good,” Scootaloo said. but as soon as she said it, the pain returned to the fillies stomach.” Oooh.” She closed her eyes trying to get over the pain.
“Oh my,”Ms. Cake said with concern,” are you alright sweetie?” Scootaloo didn’t want to answer. Ms. Cake felt bad for her pain and began to think of anything that she could do for her belly ache. She then got an idea.” I know what will help you, a nice relaxing bath in my tub.”
“Thanks,” said Scootaloo,” but don’tcha think that your doing a little too much for me.”
“Oh I insist sweetheart; I don’t want you to go home and feeling sick, especially since nopony is here in town. Besides, I don’t really use the bath salts that I got for my birthday, it does something to my skin that I don’t like.”
The rumbling continued,” On second thought, sure.” Scootaloo moaned.
“Good answer Scoots. from the looks of it, it’s just what you need.” Rainbowdash picked up the little Pegasus with her mouth, knowing that she probably couldn’t move after eating all of those desserts. Scootaloo felt her belly pull down on her body. She was now starting to think that all of this was too good to be true. But it was really nice of Ms. Cake to offer her use of the corners bathroom. They went up the stairs and into the bathroom. It was all nice and clean, as if it was tidied up for expected company. Rainbowdash laid scoots on the checkered floor, and turned her attention to the cabinets for the bath salts.
Rainbowdash opened the ivory cabnit doors and began to search. She found a small stack of small cardboard boxes that had a spa insignia on it and a brand name that she couldn’t pronounce even if she tried. There was a box on top that was already open. Ms. Cake wasn’t kidding about how often she used the salts.
Scootaloo watched her idol approach the tub and pour in the bath salts. She then ran the hot water through the faucet, roaring as it came out of the spickett. The water mixed in with the salts, creating a mix of H2O, NaCl, and all that good stuff that relaxes your body. Steam rose from the waters, and a fizzing noise played from the salts.
Scootaloo couldn’t wait. Just looking at the bubbling water made her ache start to go away. She was always forced by her mom to take baths in the past, and she was sick of doing it daily. Never before had she taken a bath with spa salts, she had always dreamed of taking one. If this was a dream this would be the best place to end it.
RainbowDash picked up a bottle of bubble bath and squirted some into the salty water. She took her hoof and began to mix the fluid in, creating the bubbles like it normally would. Scootaloo thought that it was a nice touch on her part. Rainbow dash then picked up the pudgy Pegasus, and lowered her into the bubbles.
From the moment her hooves touched the water, she could feel the salts burn away the gunk in her body, as well as some chocolate and sprinkles that she missed. The more she slid in, the more ease her stomach felt. Scootaloo felt her feathers loosening, and her body started to heat up. She began to forget about her aching tummy, and started to focus on the tingling relaxation of hot salts cleansing her skin. She didn’t want this to ever end.
Rainbowdash looked down at the filly from the rim of the tub,” So how is it squirt?”
Scootaloo answered in a relaxed weary voice,” Sooooo gooooood.”
Rainbowdash took her word for it,” I never was a fan of spa treatments. I’m not saying that they’re not awesome. I’m just not that type you Know?” Scootaloo closed her eyes.
Rainbowdash ruffled her mane.” I’ll be back Scoots, so just sit tight and relax. And some day, you’re gonna be flying like no tomorrow.” She began to walk out of the bathroom,” I just know it kid.” She left the room, and the filly to a nice relaxing nap.
On the real end however, the three dwellers all agreed that she was ready. Grime picked up a noose off the cold stone ground and wrapped the loop around the neck. Before he lifted her up, Flesh then said,” No, no, around her torso.”
“What difference would it make?” argued Grime.
“She can’t dream when she’s already dead!” hissed Flesh.
Grime rubbed his chin and pondered on the thought,” good point.” He unwrapped the noose and made it a little bit bigger. The savage put it around Scootaloo’s body just above where the gut was starting to bulge. With the rope tight around her waist, she was then hoisted up into the air.
Applejack could hear the group coming towards the hallway where they stood. Applejack began to back away and jumped into a nearby room. It was no brighter in that room, but at least it was empty and no one was there. Applejack then peeked her head out the door, seeing Scootaloo being carried away. Sweetiebelle didn’t understand what’s gotten into the mare,” Applejack, come on.” She whispered,” We gotta save Scootaloo.”
Applejack turned to the unicorn with an uncertain look,” I-I-I can’t.” she studdered.” I just can’t sugar cube.”
“Why not?” She asked.
Applejack gulped,” I gotta confess somethin’. When I came face to face with that spider, I was very hesitant to save ya.”
“But you saved me anyway.” Sweetie whispered.
“Yeah, but it was at the last second. I didn’t fight off the spider, I lured it away and picked you up. I just stood there watchin’ ya, and I didn’t even save ya any sooner.” She began to feel doubt climb on to her back.
Sweetiebelle looked at her strangly. She had never seen Applejack get stressed this way.
“I know, but I just don’t want to die Sweetiebelle.” She said with a stressed voice.” I know that I should be acting without fear, but my over confidence got the best of me. I thought I could take on this task, but I can’t.”
Sweetiebelle then said,” Well, I think you can do it. Nopony ever told you that before.”
Applejack felt a slight reassurance, but she still had her doubts.” Alright, I guess we should, follow them then.”
Sweetiebelle smiled a little bit. Applejack poked her head out of the door seeing a tail of one of the dwellers turning the corner. The two began to follow the beasts again, and tried to keep her head up.
The group of dwellers carried Scootaloo on over to the kitchen of the dungeon. The one room, where the dwellers enjoyed the torture of others, and cooked them into a tasty meal at the same time. It might not be the most sanitary kitchen, but that didn’t stop them from cooking. Two other dwellers, the chefs of tribe, were busy sharpening their meat cleavers when they saw the three bring in the fresh meat. They were pleased to see Scootaloo’s bulging flesh.
“Ah, Grime, Flesh and Smug, what have we here?” said the first chef.” A pegasus?”
“A gift from our god no doubt?” said the other.
Smug tipped his head in respect,” yes Spit and Chop, a fine hunk of meat she is, and an even finer meal to us.”
“We found her above ground,” said Flesh trying to steal credit.
Smug bumped the savage,” I, found her!” she looked at the chefs,” and luckily she didn’t fly away, not like she could anyway.”
Chop approached Scootaloo’s body,” She’s perfect, we’ll never find a specimen like it. Pegasi are incredibly hard to come by.”
“We would have another, but that arachnid got her first.”
“I can’t wait to sink my fangs into her-“ started Flesh.
“Flesh,” growled Grime. Flesh began to back away whimpering.
“So how will we prepare it?” Spit asked,” Shall I chop her head off and have her run like a chicken, or maybe I we should we grill her alive, and season her until she is nice and tender.”
“I say we steam boil it,” suggested Chop.
“No,” said Smug,” we’ll her baked in the oven. Well throw in some veggies and season it.”
Interested with the idea Spit said,” Hmm, I guess it’s been awhile since we used the old thing.”
Chop’s mouth started to water,” let’s get to work now, I can already taste her just talking about it.”
The chefs went over to the wall where their cooking utensils of torture were hanging. Their were pliers that were kept sharp, meat tenderizers the size of sledge hammers, and knives, a whole section with nothing but knives of any shape and size, and even durable and broken. It didn’t matter how effective it was; a knife was still a knife, as long as it’s sharp and can cut.
Spit took up a cutting knife, while Chop went to fetch a deep metal pan. Grime, Flesh, and Smug on the other hoof; went to the storage closet to fetch some things to enhance the roast Pegasus. Grime pulled out an onion, Flesh pulled out a few carrots, and Smug brought out some chives. There was garlic in the closet, but what they had would make Scootaloo taste better. The vegtables were a little bit moldy, but they were still fresh for the most part.
Chop pulled out an old dusty cutting board and placed the veggies on the surface. Chop, chop, chop, they all went, becoming bits and pieces as they were thrown into the pan. Scootaloo was lowered in, still relaxed and enjoying the dream as water was poured into the iron tub of veggies. She already looked like a delicious dinner meal, but there was still a roasting to be done.
The Dwellers pushed the Pegasus across the hall and into the pre heated oven. The pan easily slid right into the chamber, and the door closed on the pan’s way in.
Applejack and the filly finished watching the preparations from the doorway, and Sweetiebelle wanted to act now. Sweetiebelle whispered in Applejack’s ear,” we got to do something Applejack!”
“I’m thinkin’, I’m thinkin!” she whispered. It was happening again to her, just like with the spider she was being hesitant. There were 5 vicious dwellers each with ravenous appetites and razor sharp teeth in that kitchen, and only one of her. Now that she began to think too deeply, she started to wonder what would happen to Sweetiebelle if she was to be brutally mauled.
The little unicorn then just came up with an idea. She whispered into Applejacks ear. ” Applejack, I’ve got a plan.”
“Really?” she said with interest,” let me hear it.”
“Alright,” she explained,” you lead them out of the kitchen with a distraction, while I get Scootaloo out of that oven.”
Applejack objected,” what? Are ya crazy, I can’t take on these things with my bear hooves!”
“I know that,” Sweetie said,” that’s why you’ve got to lead them away, into the halls.”
Applejack saw the chance of success rise a little more, but the chance of failure topped over it.”I don’t know, Sweetiebelle. What if I fail, what if they catch me. What about you?” She worried.
Sweetiebelle then said,” don’t worry Applejack, you’re the fastest runner I’ve ever seen, and besides I always see you working hard at sweet apple acres. Besides, were doing it for Scootaloo and Applebloom. I know you can do it.” Sweetiebelle assured.
Applejack smiled, if that plan was the only way, then it was the only way. Sweetiebelle hopped off Applejack’s back and crawled under the upside down bucket.
The dwellers continued to chat,” So when was the last time we ate a pony?” Smug asked.
“A couple months ago I think,” answered Flesh,” I believe it was a stallion that we caught.”
“Ah yes,” Grime said turning to a pile of bones in the corner,” I think he was an actor.”
“I wonder what he did,” asked Chop.
“Who knows, he was too much bone then meat.” Grime growled.
“Much like his career perhaps?” added Flesh.
“Perhaps, but I’ve never seen his movies or any movies, I only heard about movies from the past victims. He looked like he would’ve made a good teacher though.”
“Yeah,” agreed Smug,” but his facial beard though.”
Applejack took a deep breath, and when there was a pause in the conversation, she jumped out of cover. “Release my sister’s friend ya pack a no good devil’s!” she announced boldly.
The entrance broke the dwellers conversation.” Who’s that?” said Grime
“No idea?” said Flesh
“How did she get in here?” said Smug.
Spit looked at the tender muscles beneath her skin,”Those legs.” He said pervertedly,” those flanks.” Applejack saw saliva coming out of his mouth, and started to regret her decision.
“Your right,” agreed Smug looking Applejack,” all of that meat, she looks more meat then bones.” Applejack backed up a little.
“She’ll feed us for a while,” Grime said under a trance,” I wonder how juicy she is?”
“There’s only one way to find out!” said Chop getting into a pounce position.
Applejack became a little bit scared that she was being threatened by 5 ravenous dwellers, with one about to pounce. Chop lunged at Applejack with a, ”YEEEEEEAAAAAAAARRRRRRRG!!!!” but Applejack saw the attack coming and began to run. Chop missed the target, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing the orange mare.
The others began to follow Chop, not even realizing that Sweetiebelle was under the bucket. Sweetiebelle crawled out from under, and went over to the oven to release scootaloo. Sweetiebelle thrusted open the oven door, feeling the heat blow onto her. She grabbed the pot with two hooves and began to pull her friend out. Her hooves began to take in the heat, slightly burning Sweetiebelle, causing her to quickly stop and blow on her hooves.
Scootaloo was starting to dose off in her dream, only to feel the tub violently rocking back and forth and sloshing out water. The tub then tipped over, awakening Scootaloo from the dream, and sending her back into reality. She felt herself spill out of the metal tub and onto the cold ground with water and bits of vegtables all over the floor. She was a little bit confused at the change of the scene.
She looked around seeing that she was drenched in water and bits of vegtables, she looked around and noticed a deep pan that reminded her of the final moments of her dream. She looked around some more, and saw Sweetiebelle come straight at her.
Sweetiebelle hugged her friend,”you’re alive!” she squeeked.
“Ow, my head,” she moaned looking around at the terrible scene,” Sweetiebelle, where are we? And why am I covered in water and-” she eats an orange piece of carrot,
”vegetables.”
“No time to explain,” Sweetiebelle said,” come on!” she grabbed Scootaloo’s hoof and ran over to the kitchen entrance for Applejack’s arrival. Scootaloo was still trying to bring her thoughts back together.
The orange mare was still being chased by the dwellers, while at the same time aimlessly running through the hallway like a blind bat in the daylight. She was surprised by the dwellers vicious speeds, while keeping their aim on her, but that was the least of her worries. As she turned a right corner, Applejack came face to face with a stone wall. It was a dead end, there was no other place to run.
She turned around with her back to the wall and began to shake as the dwellers slowly approached her, licking their teeth, and drooling pools of spit from their mouthes. Applejack was cornered, and saw this to be her final moment. Applejack had to think of something and quick, if she couldn’t think anything then she was bound to become their meal.
“Looks like it’s the end of the line pony.” Said Smug.
“We should thank you though,” added Grime.
“But we think that ripping every piece of flesh off your body would be thanks enough,” smiled Flesh menacingly.”
“And that little Pegasus will be our appetizer as well.” Said Spit.
“Bless our crimson lord and savior,” added Chop, ”bless him.”
Applejack didn’t want to face her death, not this way. She had ponies depending on her, friends and family that had faith for her success. She didn’t want to disappoint them. As the dwellers came closer and closer to her, she began to think about what Sweetiebelle told her earlier. She then realized that along with her dependence, they gave her faith along with it, they believed that she could come through no matter what the task. And this was the push for Applejack to act.
Without thinking Applejack ran into the pack of dwellers, with their mouths ready to tear up the cowpony. As she ran closer and closer, her boost of motivation and determination made her notice the chance she had for dodging her death. The dwellers were ready to counter the mares charge with a pounce; but Applejack smirked and jumped the Dwellers instead. She flew over clearing their heads and leaving the hoard dumbfounded by her stunt. They didn’t see that coming at all, but their minds clicked back into reality when they saw Applejack escaping.
Back at the kitchen, the two fillies waited frantically for Applejack to pick them up. They hoped that she would be there soon, and hoped that she was ok. Scootaloo’s senses have now returned.
Scootaloo was starting to become uneasy from the environment.” Can’t you tell me now Sweetiebelle?”
Sweetiebelle hushed the Pegasus,” Shh, I can hear something?” The sound resembled rappid trotting echoing down the hall. But was it Applejack, or the dwellers? She turned to Scootaloo,” Look, just wait till were out of here, I promise we’ll explain everything.” Before she could say anything else, Applejack turned the corner of the hallway. The fillies saw her charging towards them. “Here she comes!” Sweetiebelle said.
Applejack sprinted as fast as she could, with the dwellers following not to far behind. As she passed by, she lowered her head. Sweetiebelle jumped onto her back as Applejack swooped Scootaloo off the ground with her mouth. The Pegasus wasn’t too heavy to slow Applejack down at the slightest. Applejack could feel more confident now that was one step closer to escaping. The only thing left now was to finally exit this dark dungeon.
The dwellers made the turn as well, slamming into each other against the wall. They saw Applejack in their sights, and were alarmed to see that their fresh food was being taken from them.” No! She’s getting away with our food!” Smug hissed.
The dwellers ran after the group, turning the corners and trying their hardest to catch them. Pretty soon, they lost Applejack in the maze of hallways. “You don’t know what your doing!” Grime howled.
They tried to run faster, and tried to find Applejack and the fillies before it was too late. But they were starting to become tired as they began to slow down. Eventually they all collapsed on the ground in exhaustion, giving Applejack the notion that they were in the clear. Even though the hallways looked the same to her, Applejack could sense that they were very close to the wooden door.
“Stop Thief!” cried Chop.
“Curses and Splashes!” yelled Smug.”They’ve gotten away, all of that food.”
“We hates them FOREVER!” howled Flesh.
“May you feel our gods wrath!” exclaimed Spit.” He is a force not to be reckoned with.”
Their pleads echoed through the hallowed halls, but that didn’t stop Applejack from running. The three turned another corner, they immediately saw the exit to the realm at the end of the dim halls. Applejack stopped at the door to thrust it open, and quickly left that terrible world behind. The three were safe from harm, they could still hear the cries from the other side. Poor dwellers, it’s a mighty shame to see them go hungry.
Applejack placed Scootaloo on the ground, and Sweetiebelle climbed off Applejack. Scootaloo began to look at the starry sceanery. From the light path, to every pony being in colored in a gray pallet, and even the fact that they were in space, Scoots had the same reaction that Sweetiebelle had. All of this made Scootaloo want the answers that she had been waiting for since she woke up from her sleep.
“Ok,” Scootaloo started,” can some pony explain to me, what the hay is going on?”
Applejack had to catch her breath again, but Sweetiebelle said,” I’ll explain Applejack.” The mare nodded and focused on gaining more breath.
Sweetiebelle recited what Applejack told her earlier,“Were in some sort of parallel universe, where reality is a dream, and reality is a real nightmare. You were fattened up, and
almost cooked in an oven by those… whatever they were.”
Scootaloo could see what almost happened to her, was a less pleasant version of the dream she had. She felt a little bit discouraged when she thought about the dream again,” Oh, I guess that explains my dream of Rainbowdash.”
“Yeah? How was that?”
“It was awesome just to dream about her,” Scootaloo admitted,” but it was kind of a bummer that it was just a dream.”
Sweetiebelle smiled showing sympathy,” I hear you Scoots, I just had the best dream with my sister, only to find out I was almost eaten by a giant spider.”
Applejack took out the watch again, it read 5:00 meaning that there was only an hour left before the gateway closes. Though she had courage built up; Applejack was uncertain whether or not she would be able to get Applebloom, and escape with all three fillies by dawn. It took them a long time to find the last door, and who knows how long it would take to find the final one. Applejack didn’t want her efforts to be all for nothing, so she decided to take a precaution.
“Scootaloo, Sweetiebelle.” Applejack called,” I need you two to listen to me. You need to get out of here without me, I’m going in to rescue Applebloom.”
“But where is the exit?” asked Sweetiebelle,”We don’t even know what it looks like.”
Applejack’s thought of the exit’s appearance slipped her mind. She started to panic a little,” I don’t know.” She stressed,” I guess I was so urgent to get in, I didn’t even bother to look at the thing.” She looked at the two fillies,” forget about me girls, you need to get out of here. I gotta save my sister.”
“Wait, she’s our friend,” Scootaloo said.
“Yeah, we can’t leave her behind, that’s not how friends are.” Sweetiebelle added.
“No, you have to get out of here before the gate closes.” Applejack said stubbornly.” I don’t want to risk losing you two.”
Sweetiebelle shook her head,” If Applebloom’s gonna be lost forever in here, then the CMC will go down with her.”
Scootaloo added,” We’re not going, and that’s final.”
Applejack observed their concerned faces, and from the looks of it, they were not going to obey that order. Their stubborn attitude almost reminded her of herself, when hours ago she was stubborn to leave her own sister in this dimension.
Applejack looked into Scootaloos eyes and began to calm down,” look, I came here to save you three, and I don’t want to lose anypony else.”
Sweetiebelle then said,” Nopony, is going to be lost here forever Applejack, there is still time to save Applebloom. You just gotta keep your chin up.” Applejack tipped her head back up.” And maybe we’ll be lost in here forever, maybe we won’t. We’ll try our best, and whatever happens, happens.”
Applejack’s stubborn nature lost this round. Even if she explained in full detail how dire she wanted everyone to be safe, she simply had to let go and move on. It was probably for the best anyway. “Alright then, I guess if you two are refusing to go,” she looked up with a determined face, “then there’s no time to waste!”
“Let’s save Applebloom!” Scootaloo cheered. Applejack lowered herself for the fillies to climb. Applejack charged forward down the maze of paths, with the girls bobbing up and down.
With Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo safe from the dimension’s harmfull ways, all that remained was Applejack’s own Applebloom. Applejack knew that her final task wouldn’t be easy, and it probably was going to be the hardest for her. But as long as the CMC are by her side, and are willing to support her, Applejack had a sporting chance no matter what came her way. And she wasn’t afraid of any worst case scenario that came to her.
A voice then echoed through the realm once again, stopping the group in their tracks.” You, will not save… her… She will forever sleep… for her body is mine to keep!”
“What was that?” Scootaloo asked.
“Not sure.” Applejack said,” but whatever it is, it sure doesn’t sound good.” They continued to sprint across the trail.
Scootaloo then threw a question,” Can I tell you about the dream?”
“Sure,” Sweetiebelle nodded.
“I’m all ears sugarcube.” Said Applejack with her eyes fixated on the trail.