//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 – Reality Crashes // Story: Nothing Is Impossible // by Horizon Prime //------------------------------// Inhaling slowly, Rainbow Dash tried to control her breathing. She opened her eyes banishing the shadows that kept her, and finally saw the world. The dark and red spot ahead shaped and took color; at first, blurred shades amongst a powerful dusted wind; then, just yellow, orange and red, so much red. A missing hat. A missing hoof. Deep wounds all over. Red on top of orange that slowly spilled. An untied blonde mane moved on the ground with a peaceful wind. Nothing else did. After a while, no more screams, no more frantic trotting, no more explosions, there was only silence. The thing, gone. A road of guards stood in front of Rainbow Dash far away with solemn faces, but none moved, nor dare open their eyes, and sadly faced down. Rainbow's legs gave and sat down. She felt exhausted but not anything else, not anger, not sadness, nor excitement or joy, nothing. Her friend laid six feet away on the ground, but she felt like dreaming. "Applejack! Applejack!" screamed Twilight from the back, fast descending from the air, and almost crashing as she landed. Rainbow barely acknowledged her presence, and idly watched. "No, no, Applejack, no," Twilight said between sobs, "why... why her... not her." Tears ran down her cheeks. The closer she got, the slower she walked, and the more her hooves trembled, until she couldn't move anymore and collapsed beside Rainbow. It should've been me, not her, never her, thought Twilight as she crossed her forelegs on her face and cried, shielding herself and her pain from the world. Not far, a crying mare approached. She opened her away among the debris of houses and fallen walls that had become of Ponyville. Her beautiful, resplendent indigo mane, bolt like tail and snow white coat were full of dirt and dust; her mascara ruined, for a profound sadness poured from her soul. "Oh, my sweet, Applejack." Rarity was trying and failing to smile through the tears. She had a motherly tone in her shaky voice as she addressed her, "Look at what you have done with yourself," she said while slowly approached her friend passing Rainbow and Twilight. Her hooves getting stained from the crimson runlet on the ground. She hastily wiped out her tears with her forelegs; they blurred her azure blue eyes, and even though she was only a feet away, such tears wouldn't let her see dear Applejack clearly. "Oh, y-you ruined your beautiful mane," Rarity stammered, "and, and your gorgeous coat too." Her voice tone went higher as she contained her grief. "Ouhh, you always had such a lovely—" she lifted a hoof to her mouth when she noticed the missing limb. Her eyes darted full of shock and disbelieve of the horror and pain her friend went through. "It's alright, dear," Rarity said, "I'll fix this, I'll take care of everything." She brought a hoof forward to groom Applejack's mane and bring her some comfort, but halted as she saw it cover in red, and couldn't let it touch her. Rarity felt useless; she couldn't do anything for her friend, not even then. She had just promised to take care of everything and made herself a liar, in front of Applejack. She lost control. "Why, Applejack!" Rarity shouted stomping her hoof on the ground, facing down with her eyes closed; from them, glistering diamonds fell to be lost forever. "Why couldn't you just simply run, why did you have to help, why do you have to be so brave... why do you have to have... such a big heart." She whined breaking down. After hearing the cries and screams of Rarity, Twilight couldn't stand it anymore. She felt constricted and out of air; her very soul being crushed by the second. She needed someone to support her, to hold her, to share the pain or it would kill her. Twilight turned to the friend next to her, and was surprised for what she saw. Rainbows expression was one of a lost pony. She looked desolated in the middle of all. Twilight stretched her forelegs and jumped to hug Rainbow with all her strength. Rainbow blinked her eyes in horror. She could feel Twilight embrace. It made her realize that it was all real, and it was coming for her. "Noo—" she pushed Twilight "— don't touch me, stay away," she said trying to escape reality, but reality was not so kind. Twilight felt Dash rejection and petrified, in that moment, she would've preferred a stab in the heart. Does she knows it's all my fault, she feared; however, the thought died soon when she saw Rainbows eyes; whether by the time knowing each other, her own wisdom, or the magical bond they shared, she knew that she wasn't rejecting her, but the crashing reality instead. Twilight forced herself on Rainbow and tried to hug her with all she got. "No, no! It's not true, let me go!" said Rainbow fighting to get away. Her eyes watering and her forelegs pushing Twilight's chest. A big part of Twilight thought that what she was doing was very unfair and cruel. To take her friend so forcefully and drag her along into this torment, but she desperately needed to, just to feel any sort of comfort, of company, of relief. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Twilight repeated over and over crying and lightly shaking her head, trying to make Rainbow understand and striping her of the fantasy. Rainbow was too tired, every muscle ached, and couldn't fight much longer. Eventually, she let her frail body and tears fall into Twilight embrace, crying and screaming in pain. They both held and supported each other. They needed each other; on their own, there was too much pain. Their friends, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, arrived running at the scene, and watched the whole tragedy. Fluttershy threw herself on the ground, crying her eyes out with her hooves covering her face, while Pinkie pie slowly walked to her friends. "Girls? What are you doing?" asked Pinkie with anguish in her voice. Her face full of distress while carrying a heavy, fearful smile. "Oh, I get it, Applejack is joking right?" She looked at each of her friends faces, seeking for answers. None could hold her gaze and turn away. "Come on girls quit crying. It just a prank right?" she was asking desperately, but was only answered with more cries. "Applejack, quit playing!" she yelled at her peaceful friend. "Please, I don't like this joke... "Girls, stop it! You are scaring me," she pleaded to her friends seeking comfort in the eyes of Twilight but finding only despair. Pinkie's bright pink mane and coat began to lose its luster; the fluffiness and joy in her mane and tail resided, until it was fluffy no more, and the joy was lost. "Jajaja, jajaja, come on, Applejack get up!" she nervously laughed and demanded, walking furiously to Applejack. "Applejack! Applejack!" she shouted while running full speed towards her immobile friend; anger and determination drawn on her face. Rarity had to tackle and try to hold Pinkie, else she'd do something rash. Rarity silently struggled to hold Pinkie while crying in her shoulder as Pinkie pressed on. "No, is just a prank, Applejack! Applejack, Applejack... Applejack..." Pinkie pie understood. She closed her eyes and held Rarity, letting their sorrow flow. For Fluttershy, it was too much to bear on her own, and she ran blindly to Twilight and Rainbow; her tears flew briefly in the breeze like little fireflies, and the anguish in her poor body was only visible as the air parted her beautiful pink mane. She wrapped her friends in her hooves with the little strength she could muster, and held to each other. Together they mourned. ~~<<0>>~~ No one clearly knew how much time had passed when Princess Celestia arrived, unceremoniously, walking silently with her head hung, and a couple of tears in her eyes as she carefully approached Applejack. Everypony was quietly sobbing. No longer could they weep; their eyes sore and red. "Princess, what should we do?" Twilight separated from her friends and walked hopefully to her mentor and fellow princess. "There must be something we can do," she said with a pleading face full of desperation. Celestia took a glimpse of Twilight; her disarranged mane and heavy eyes and just shook her head. "I am so sorry my little ponies," she said as she addressed the group, "I hope that I could say or do something to bring you comfort, but this you must come to accept and make peace with each other, in honor of her memory." A silent moment passed, then a humming sound came. Celestia's horn softly glowed; its golden magic surrounding Applejack's body. When Rainbow saw this, she rushed and stood defiantly in from of her princess, "What do you think you're doing?" she shouted with her head low, wings flared and body ready to pounce. Celestia halted. Twilight pressed her fore-hooves on the princess foreleg to stand up. "Wait Princess, please... don't take her from us," she begged looking her in the eyes. "I am really sorry, but Applejack's... " She closed her eyes and silence herself, as to not refer of what was left of their friend. "Cannot remain here, and the Apple family must be informed." She put on a resolute face, and watched Twilight and Rainbow, it seemed they were exhausted both fiscally and emotionally. "I'll do this myself." "But Princess," Twilight pleaded. That was her duty as a friend. Part of her dreaded to explain what occurred or how would they react, how could she tell Granny Smith and Big Mac or Apple Bloom... could she bring them such pain just like she did with Rainbow, but that was her responsibility, wasn't it? Celestia said with a sad sympathetic smile as she looked at Twilight and Rainbow, "I will talk to all of you later; for now, allow me, to do this small thing." Rainbow hesitated. She looked at Twilight for a rebuttal but found none. Princess Celestia was right; besides, Rainbow couldn't possibly tell the Apple family; she didn't know how, and could only foresee disaster in doing such. She lower her head and relented, deep down she thought to herself, I'm a coward. Celestia's horn flashed, and a crystal and gold coffin appeared. It had a clear crystal lit; on it, golden chords that were reminiscent of tendrils, and the crystal itself fractionated on some parts which reflected soft light in rainbow colors. Celestia's golden aura envelope Applejack, and started to glow brighter until it blinded all present. When the light dimmed, Applejack's body was clean of all mud and dust, its coat no longer stained with red, and her wounds closed. There was a brief puff sound, and a white and silver blanket materialized to gently cover Applejack, leaving only her head visible. Celestia rested Applejack kindly in the coffin, taking a sad and proud look at her before extending her wings preparing to take off, when she was interrupted. "Wait!" said Fluttershy running to stop Celestia, "We have to find her hat, she needs it, she never leaves without it." Fluttershy looked hopeless searching for the missing Stetson; her face desperate as she turned every stone. Twilight could see the conflict in Celestia, the same she had in herself, what could she tell Fluttershy in this situation? But Twilight had almost run out of compassion, and answered before Celestia could. "The hat is lost!" she dryly shouted, startling Fluttershy and her friends; then, she took a moment to reconsider it, and put in a face of contempt as she hissed in a lower voice, "I have... an idea where it might be, but we won't find it here... in the open." Everypony present could sense the venom and hate emanating from Twilight's words. Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie were scared of Twilight's display, but to Rainbow Dash, who had seen the monster's atrocities, it felt right. Princess Celestia looked like she would say something to Twilight, but only nodded. "All of you are in need of some rest and must prepare for tomorrow. You should stay together tonight. The guards and I will take care of the rest," she said and softly flew in direction of Sweet Apple Acres carrying their precious Applejack in her golden aura. ~~<<0>>~~ The land of Equestria was a magical place, where the very feelings and emotions of its inhabitants shaped the world. Now, the world was dark and grey devoid of any joy or happiness; an empty hole that swallowed everything. The walk to Twilight's castle was not pleasant for her and her friends. The air was foul, the soil felt harder and the heat of the setting sun made everypony sluggish, but that was of no importance. They felt an ache in their hearts that constrict them, unable them to breath or feel anything but pain. A depressing thought took root deep in their minds: Why would fate brought them together, just to tear them apart. Fate did not exist. As they enter the castle, Spike was there to happily greet them. Rainbow didn't want to listen while Twilight broke the news to the little dragon. She stood away and winced as she saw everything repeating, the look of disbelieve, the crying and the sadness all over again. If she wasn't drain already, she would have cried once more, they all would, but only felt more grief. In the end, they were all in the throne room. Each one in their respective chair. All facing down; their looks lost on the floor, with Spike's little sobs, tearing the silence. The empty chair a constant reminder of the tragedy and their friend. Rainbow kept thinking in the events of the day, even thought she didn't want it; trying find what went wrong and make sense of all. She couldn't do anything else but that. She remember when she saw pinkie, and flew into the town. She got there when AJ was still— AJ, always so strong. Rainbow recalled feeling so happy when she heard her come to the rescue. Applejack always looked so confident, like she always knew what to do. It was those dumb ponies fault, Rainbow thought, staying there in the middle of the danger, frozen like idiots. It was because of them, and that thing. How that thing get into town in the first place? she wondered, and why was Applejack alone? Where was Rarity? Fluttershy? and everypony? What took them so long? Where was Twilight? She had to be there. What was she doing? Why did she leave AJ alone? Rainbow was getting angrier and angrier by the minute. She watched Twilight intensely now. How Twilight was slowly brushing Spikes back with her hooves while he sobbed. For some strange reason, the sympathetic face Twilight wore was making Rainbow angrier and— "Girls?" Rarity said snapping every one attention, "I think we all could use something to drink. I'll go make some tea." Rarity looked at the group. She could tell all were very stressed especially Rainbow and Twilight since they both had fought and brought down the Hydra. To Rarity's keen eyes, it was clear they were very exhausted. Rarity set her gaze on Flutteshy. Her friend was very lost and could use some distraction. "Fluttershy?" she addressed, "Would you help me please?" Fluttershy blinked and recoiled in surprise, but delicately got up and followed. Although Twilight's castle was relatively new, Rarity knew it by heart. Since Twilight's old house was destroyed, they had to accommodate her on a rush and Rarity had blissfully donated almost all of the new furniture, curtains, carpets and appliances. After what Twilight went through, it was the least she could do. At the beginning Twilight wouldn't accept it, but Rarity convince her by telling that if she let her decorate the palace herself they would be even; after all, how many ponies could say that they had specially decorated a castle for a princess? It was a silly excuse, but surprisingly, a couple of please and eyes' flutters worked on Twilight just like with Spike. Twilight was too humble and a very good friend, and because of that, she sometimes needed to be forcefully pampered. While Rarity moved through the hall to the kitchen, she could see the tree's crystal design. The arc-windows, the high ceilings and columns, and all the things Applejack helped move and install with her. She could see the annoyed face of Applejack, as she made her rearrange over and over the bookcases and the bedroom. How they argue on where the kitchen and the bathroom should be or how Applejack raised an eyebrow every time thinking that Rarity was a crazy. Rarity would give her boutique and more, everything she had was little, for simply another one of those moments with Applejack. Somehow, without realizing it, she already made it to the kitchen, and Fluttershy was looking expectably at her. "Oh, I'm sorry, dear, I got distracted for a moment," she said looking slightly embarrassed, "Why don't you fetch me down the herbs from the top of those shelves." Fluttershy blankly looked over. "Um... uh... okay," she said softly, and flew off. Rarity was using her magic telekinesis to withdraw and prepare the porcelain tea set; she had done it so many times that the mere action calmed her, so she was doing it with her eyes closed to maximize the effect. When Fluttershy returned with the herbs, she extended her hoof to receive them, "Thank you, darling," she said, but Fluttershy didn't give them to her; on the contrary, she retract them. Rarity opened her eyes, turned and asked, "What's the matter, dear?" Fluttershy was hovering just above the floor and holding the herbs against her chest with one hoof. "Ah... um.... Rarity?" she weakly said while her eyes and other hoof pointed at Rarity's extended one. Rarity looked at her hoof and started shaking. It was cover in blood. She then looked behind her and realize she had been leaving blood and mud hoof prints all over the castle. Her pupils shrunk and she started to hyperventilate; her eye twitched in desperation. In an effort to calm herself, she put down all she had in her telekinesis and close her eyes. "Fluttershy? Can you continue for me? I have to go to the bathroom." Rarity swiftly said and took off. Normally, she would have phrased that differently, but she was fighting a panic attack at the moment. "Um... yes, of course," Fluttershy said as Rarity hastily leaved the room. Rarity almost ran to the bathroom, if doing so wouldn't cause so much noise and spread more filth. Filth... the moment she referred to Applejacks blood like that froze her; she almost crumbled. How could she had said such things about her dear friend? She couldn't stand still. She felt hunted, an unknown danger lurked in the ground raising to get her. She needed to get out of there fast, but Rarity kept her pace. The second she saw the bathroom she jumped on the tub and started the shower. The hot water hit her, but the little relief she felt wasn't near enough. She rapidly levitated a soap and a sponge, and began to franticly take off all the mud and blood from her coat and hooves. Somehow feeling scared and disgusted by Applejack's blood made her feel very guilty and very sorry. "It's not what you think, darling. It's not what you think," she denied, trying to explain herself to the death. Flashes of Applejack's remains and shredded limb crossed her mind. She almost empty her stomach, but managed to keep herself composed and willed the feeling down, but the guilt only intensified. After a while, the blood was all gone. She closed the tab and allow herself a moment to breath. When she was calmed and her breathing controlled, she felt very dizzy; all of her own blood withdraw from her head and extremities. Her knees gave. She unsuccessfully tried to hold the tub's edge with a hoof just to further her fall. There was a moment of silence. Rarity wanted to get up but couldn't. She thought of the whole ordeal, the tea, the blood, the filth, the death. Her face contorted into a strange smile as her shiny eyes watered and showered her cheeks. The tub slowly drained her shame and sorrows. In the kitchen, Fluttershy continued preparing the tea, but she was very worried about Rarity; the face she make before leaving let her know that she wasn't feeling very well, so she took a little break and slowly went halfway to the bathroom when she heard Rarity cries and stopped. She didn't know what to do. It was usually her friends the ones that were strong and console her, but more than that she was afraid that if she would go in there, it all will come back again. She had just achieved a semblance of stability and was in a point where she thought could handle the hole in her heart. Fluttershy shook her head, Rarity is strong, she will be back in just a moment you'll see, she told herself letting a lonely tear run down her cheek as she turned back. When she returned to the kitchen, she stood still and quiet for a moment thinking what to do. Had she done the right thing? Or should she go back? She decided to focus solely in making the tea and nothing more, that was her task and nothing else existed. When all was set, she prepared the seven cups and carefully took them one by one with her muzzle, put them in the silver cart and strolled out. Back in the throne room, Rainbow was having a hard time containing herself. All was red, her breathing was short and her heart was beating fast while she looked at Twilight viciously. It all came back to Twilight. It was her fault. Twilight was the princess; the Alicorn, and she was one who had to deal with the monster in the first place. She was the one who left AJ alone. She was the one who didn't come back. It was her fault. AJ was death because of her. Rainbow could see Twilight sitting there, playing innocent, comforting her friends like the poor things they were, gracing all with her pity, with that stupid face. Urgh! Rainbow couldn't look at her anymore. She got up, turned back and started pacing from one side of the room to the other, each loop driving her madder; and even thought she didn't want to, she found herself listening to Twilight's conversation. "Come on now, Spike, is getting late why don't you go up and rest for a while, hmm?" said Twilight looking down at the baby dragon. "No! Don't you need me here? I want to be with you guys—" Spike wiped his nose. "—Don't make me go away..." Twilight was sad and hurt by those words. She knew of Spike's fear of being left behind, of being alone, abandoned, and hoped he knew, she was never let it come to pass, but with all that happened, she couldn't denied her little brother. "It's okay, Spike, you're right. I need you here, we all do. We need all the friends and family we can have," declared Twilight as she hugged Spike. Having listened to Twilight, Pinkie pie said with a trembling in her voice, "Twilight? Shouldn't we be at Applejack's? I think... they need us too." Pinkie appeared lost as to why they weren't there in the first place. Twilight knew Pinkie was right, and yet she couldn't tell her, as the time coursed through the day, she was getting more and more scared of confronting the Apple family. If she went to the Apples she had to tell them what happened. She had to tell them it was all her fault, that Applejack was gone because of her. That scared her more than anything in her life. She wasn't prepared for it. Twilight hated it, but she had to trick Pinkie somehow, to find a way to distract her. "Princess Celestia is now with them, she told us to let her do this, we should trust her and prepare ourselves for tomorrow," answered Twilight trying to use Celestia's words of wisdom. "But they'll feel so much better if we were there to cheer them up," pleaded Pinkie eager to go. "They won't feel better anytime soon, Pinkie," said Twilight trying to held back Pinkie, "It's better if we stay for now. Trust me." "But...—" Pinkie hung her head and sighed "—Okay..." Twilight didn't like how she had said that "Trust me", she knew she had used Pinkie's friendship and belief that Twilight would knew what was best. She thought herself undeserving of Pinkie's trust and needed to make it up to her, to reassure her friendship, so she did the only thing she could come with, she went to pinkie and hug her tenderly. "Thank you for understanding, Pinkie." "It's nothing." While Twilight and Pinkie held each other, Fluttershy approached the room. She hesitated coming in, thinking she might interrupt the heartwarming moment, but the hug was soon over, and thought it was safe to come in. "Here... some tea, to calm down a bit," called Fluttershy to everypony and dragon in the room, a little more loud and assertive than she intended, so she corrected herself and whispered quietly, "if... you want to." "Oh, thanks Fluttershy," sang Twilight and Pinkie. "There you go Spike," said Fluttershy, as she passed him a cup. He nodded. "Thanks." Fluttershy circled the round crystal table with Twilight's cutie mark star, that was the center of the thrones room; as she reached every throne, she left a tea's cup at the table. "Eh... Fluttershy?" Twilight raised an eyebrow as she asked with worry seeing the extra cup for Applejack. Having heard Twilight, Pinkie and Spike also caught the mishap but said nothing. "Yes, Twilight, what's the matter?" asked Fluttershy while she took her place. "Nothing, just... nothing," Twilight muttered, as she glanced to the side, trying to ignore the empty spot with the steaming cup. She cursed herself and her obsessive nature inwardly for noticing that little mistake; she uselessly hoped that it could pass inadvertent. Fluttershy gasped. She jumped to the air and covered her mouth with her hooves after she realized what she had done."Oh, no... I'm so dumb," she whimpered, looking horrified at the cup, "I really just tried to take our minds of it—" Fluttershy clenched the hole in her chest with her forelegs, "—but made us remember it instead." Tears formed above her cheeks. "You really must hate me so much." "No, Fluttershy we don't hate you," said Pinkie confused. "Yeah, it was only a mistake," said Spike. "You were just trying to help," added Twilight trying to calm her. "Some help I was." Fluttershy sobbed as she descended to the floor and turned her back to them. Pinkie jumped and appeared in front of her. "No, Flutershy, everything you did was to make us feel better." "But I fail, and just made it worst," said Fluttershy turning from her friends. "You didn't mean to. Is not your fault," Twilight said. "Yes it is, I am awful and horrible friend," said Fluttershy as she laid on the floor and buried her face with her hooves. "No, you are a wonderful friend, Fluttershy—" Twilight reached with her forelegs, and lifted Futtershy to her hooves "—Please don't think about yourself like that." She looked deep into Fluttershy watered cyan eyes. "You always take good care of all of us, and when you feel down, we all feel bad, and that's because you are our friend and we love you." "You do?" "Yes we do," they boasted. "So please, Fluttershy, don't feel down." Pinkie said to her standing upside down on her forelegs and smiling. "Oh..." Fluttershy wiped her tears and smiled. "Thank you friends." She was greatly relieved and happily embraced her friends. "I know this may be the worst time of our lives, but we'll make it through somehow, we have to." Twilight declared looking far ahead. "Shut up, Twilight..." Rainbow interrupted with her back at the group looking at the floor. She had enough of Twilight's speeches. Twilight ear flicked. "What?" She must have heard wrong. Rainbow turned around; her body exuding rage. "I said, shut up!" Twilight widely opened her eyes and took a step back, scared at her friend's behavior. "Rainbow wha—" Rainbow closed her eyes and screamed as hard as she could, "Shut up shut up shut up!" Her nostrils flared and her breathing was heavy. "Shut, the bucking, up," she threatened, opening her eyes and slowly focusing on Twilight, "Shut up." There was no love in those eyes. "You said, we'll make it through, huh? What about AJ, huh?" Rainbow said as she walked closer to Twilight. "Did she make it?" "Oh, I guess you just forgot about her." "You forgot about her and leaved, didn't you?" Rainbow trusted her hoof on Twilight's chest and kept pressuring it as she spoke. "You left her alone, you left her alone, and she died!" Silence. Twilight just stared in horror at how everything slipped away. "Please, Rainbow stop," cried Fluttershy. "And where were you, Fluttershy? probably hiding somewhere while AJ was being killed," Rainbow said. Fluttershy flinched and cowered while Rainbow loomed over her. "Or tell me, were you more worried about some dumb animal and that's why you didn't help her. You didn't even think about her did you? huh? Did you?" Rainbow screamed. "Dashie, please stop, you're hurting everypony," Pinkie said. "And you, Pinkie, you didn't have to carry those foals; they have parents, let them deal with them," Rainbow said as she pushed pinkie away. "What's going on? What's with all the shouting," Rarity said as she entered the room with her wet mane wrapped in a towel. "Hahahahaha, figures... you were taking a bath. You had to take a bath. Was that why you weren't there when Applejack was killed, or you just didn't feel like getting your hooves dirty, huh?" "Rainbow! How dare you!" Rarity exclaimed in shock. "Shut up all of you," Rainbow shouted. "You all left her alone and she died." Twilight held Rainbow's hoof with her owns. "Rainbow, please, I didn't mean to, I never wanted any of this." "You won't trick me"—Rainbow pushed Twilight's hooves away and hover looking down on her—"Twilight, I know it's was you, It's your fault." Twilight's heart stopped beating. "You were suppose to take care of that thing. For Pete's sake, you took an ursa minor when you were just an unicorn. What were you thinking?" Ice blocked her veins. "I'm not stupid, it should have been easy for you." She cowered. "But you left. You left AJ all on her own." With each word, Rainbow stabbed her further, harder, deeper and deeper. "She is death because of you, Twilight!" "She is death because of you!" "You kill her!" Twilight Ran. She fled. Everything was wrong. Everything was falling down. She killed Applejack. They all knew. They all knew what she had done, that it was her fault. She couldn't take it; it was too much. She shut her eyes and ran straight to a wall; then, teleported as far as she could. When she blinked into existence, she continued to ran with no direction through the hot summer night. In any other situation she might have realized that she could fly but not this one. She ran as hard as she could; her body boiled; her sides ached with each stride, as she desperately gasped into the stars for air, and kept on pushing herself. In fact she just wanted to pass out of running. Each step felt like drowning; she couldn't get any air in her lungs but she kept running into the night's deep void. White spots slowly began to cloud her vision, until all was white. In the end she thought, if I would die like this, then so be it. ~~<<0>>~~ There was sadness in the night for a star had vanished. Her family and friends, shimmered in pain and mourning. Its extinction leaved an empty space, and thus there was less light in the world. In the dimmed stars light soared Princess Celestia. She had just left the Apple family to their grief and heavy thoughts burdened her endeavor. "Sister, are thou alright?" asked Princess Luna softly, ethereally, like the night itself just manifested. "I'm alright Luna... She was close, and it's never easy... but they are strong. I'm confident that they will carry on. How are things proceeding in town?" Celestia said, somewhat eager to change the subject. "Most of the town had been rescued and cleansed from trapping debris, and the homeless provided shelter," informed Luna, "The problem remaining, is the hydra's corpse." She looked down and saw how two guards' platoons, with straps and ropes, struggled moving the enormous beast. "Were any other circumstances, I shall have it chopped and sold for food and easy disposal; now, I'm unsure." Luna turned to her sister for consult. Since a young age Celestia was always wise, and more than a thousand years of living had made her a little bit more. She considered the problem for a moment. Had the hydra died without killing, they would have done as Luna suggested, but out of respect, the best course of action would be for it to be cremated; it would bring peace to the Apples, but to burn such a large corpse wouldn't be easy. "We should call one of ours higher unicorns magicians to supervise and cremate the corpse," said Celestia, "It would best honor the Apple family." "I shall send the word." Luna's horn glimmered summoning a quill and parchment. She scribbled on it using her magic, and in a puff it was turned into blue glinting dust that flew into the wind. Luna continued speaking but Celestia's mind was in turmoil, the mention of the death hydra, remained her the afternoon event's and was oblivious to Luna's conversation. "Sister, art thou sure thou art alright?" Luna asked concerned, "Thou dost not look well." Luna was right, Celestia was expended. Her multicolored mane did not waver as lively as it should, her strides were long and forced, and her magenta eyes were devoid of light. Celestia's usual radiance was missing. Celestia pondered whether or not to bring the matter. She had always been a figure to look up to, an example to all. She must never disappoint; because of that, she had learned when to act and voice her concerns, but more importantly, when to keep them quiet, for she must never be vulnerable, never to show ignorance or weakness; furthermore, her life it's always a teaching moment, she is always confident and always perfect, yet wasn't this perfect illusion the one that distance her from her sister? Wasn't this why her subjects, family and friends felt the need to hide the truth from her? To act behind her back? Fear her even? No, this concerns weren't that important. She was just worrying about silly things. She should not bring this up. It would only unnecessary burden Luna; but then, Twilight lessons resonated in her mind: Accepting what your friends have to offer; take your friends' worries seriously. Even if you don't think that she has anything to worry about; never be afraid to share your true feelings with a good friend. Celestia stopped in mid air while her sister continued ahead. "Luna... I'm worried about Twilight and... I," she confessed, Luna turned around, tilted her head and listened at her sister curiously. "You've seen the grand penetrating wound in the hydra's chest. It's clear a powerful magic blast kill it. Twilight kill it." Celestia sighed. "That is not our way... and when she spoke of the beast she did so with so much disdain and without any remorse." "Dearest sister, given the situation, it was only natural." "That's just it," said Celestia looking desperate, "When she spoke, I was about to reprehend her, to use the moment to teach her the responsibility of her power, to use it correctly, set an example, and to not let her feelings control her." Luna looked sadly at her sister, "Celie..." "Had I become too cold? Had I gone that far that I can no longer relate to anyone?" Celestia asked full of fear, "Earlier, when talking to the Apples, I felt like acting a script. I have consoled so many families and attended so many funerals that I just... I just... I don't know." Celestia shook her head; a couple of tears rolled down her cheek as she looked down and away, hiding her face in disgrace. "Neigh, Celie, thou hast not. If so, thou hadst become warmer across the years," said Luna as she gently raised Celestia's head and wiped her tears with her hooves, "Thou art always hard on thyself, more so in time of mourning, questioning thy every thought, word, and action." Luna offered Celestia a smile. "We have lived long and experience much, but that had not made us invulnerable. Or tell me, did thou not mourned my absence?" "No, Luna, my heart longed for you all the time, I missed you every day," Celestia said surprised at Luna for asking such question. Luna narrowed her eyes, and her voice turned death cold as she asked, "Art thou lying to me?" "N-No, I, never." "See there, sister, thou art not an ice statue—" Luna smiled "—although thou dost crack and easily melt." Celestia couldn't helped it, and smiled as well. Luna took a long breath, looking far in the distance and resumed, "In regard of Twilight Sparkle, years of habit had taught us to think of such lessons for ours subjects welfare, yet thou did not act but held thyself, understanding that it was Twilight's pain that twist her so, and that it was her moment to grief; besides, thou art right, for she must learn such lessons." Luna took upon a wavering and more serious expression. "We are much too powerful and susceptible to dark spirits. I wish not for her to follow my path." Celestia jumped and hugged her sister. "Thank you, Luna. Thank you for being with me." Luna warmly returned the hug. "Thou have softened, Sister, in the past, thou would had not acted this way." "Forgive me, Luna, I'm an old lady now." Luna chuckled. "Thou hast to toughen up if thou wantest to hang with us youngsters," she jested, "I don't want to be embarrassed by you." They both look into each other eyes and share a light giggle. It was so good to have someone to know her so well, someone she could share her worriers with, and lift her spirit. It was so good to have her sister back; plus, Luna seemed happy to help. This was a good idea, Celestia thought, Thank you Twilight. Celestia might have just became wiser. Luna and Celestia nodded and regained their pose; they still have many things to do and ponies in need of comfort. They resumed their fly to Twilight's castle for a moment, that was until Luna spotted the owner laying on a side of the road. "Sister! Look, something has occurred to Twilight sparkle!" said Luna alarmed. "I see her." Celestia swiftly dived and landed close to Twilight, with Luna arriving shortly. "Twilight!" said Celestia as she examined Twilight's semi-unconscious body. It didn't appeared to be gravely injured. "Is she alright?" asked Luna. "She looks bruised and dehydrated, but she'll be alright." Celestia could hear Twilight saying something in her daze, and got closer to listen. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Twilight kept muttering over and over. Her eyes were void and gone. There was no strength, no will in her body and didn't even register the two princesses' arrival. Her mind was lost in dark waters. "Twilight, Twilight! Answer me, what happened? Twilight!" Celestia said. Twilight slowly came to it. As she saw the forming figure of Princess Celestia that sat in front of her, she couldn't help it, and jumped to her chest and bury her face on her neck "Princess? Oh, Princess, Princess, Princess," sobbed Twilight as she crawled and wept on the princess chest, trying to hang on for what it seemed her life. Celestia's heart ached. "It's alright, Twilight, everything it's going to be fine," she said stroking Twilight's mane and surprised at her sudden reaction, "You are safe now, I am here with you." A gleaming green dust approached gliding peacefully in the wind, then with a small spark and puff it materialized into a scroll in front of Luna. Celestia looked at Luna and a silent conversation took place; one that ended with Luna nodding and flying off in the town's direction. Twilight wouldn't ease her clench, much as if her soul would drown the moment she let go. "Princess, Princess everypony knows it, they hate me, it's my fault, it's my fault, I kill her, I kill her, I'm sorry, I'm sorry Applejack, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me, please forgive me." That wasn't right. Celestia knew it. "Twilight, what do you mean? Why is it your fault?" "Because I killed her, I did it." "Twilight, please, help me understand. Tell me what happened?" Twilight struggled trying to recall the events and form her words trough her crying. "Uh, uh... sniff, when the hydra arrived, I tried to contain it, with a shield spell, but I couldn't, so it got into town, and I shackled it, but it started to trash around, and throw chunks of buildings and rocks." Twilight loosened her embrace enough to see Celestia in the eyes. "And then, Applejack came and save me. She got me out of the way and save me, she saved everypony... but the rock's impacts were tearing down town hall and houses with ponies in them and... and I needed time to hold them, so, so...—" Twilight inhaled sharply "—I send Applejack alone! I-I told her to give me some time. Princess, I did it, I send her, I-I send her to her death. I send her to die, she save me and I killed her, I killed my friend. I killed my friend, I killed her." Twilight had no strength left, lost her grip and fell at Celestia's hooves like a rock; her self-torture had beaten her out, and considering how much she had push herself earlier it was a miracle that she held that long. Celestia's sorrow for Twilight pained her deeply; and more so, was her almost certainty, that there was little she could do to soothe Twilight's despair. It was clear that Twilight had done nothing wrong, and that Applejacks death was a tragic accident, but for Twilight herself, there was no doubt that she was the responsible for it, a murderer even. Celestia extended one of her long wings, laid down next to Twilight and used it to wrap her gently. She nuzzled her softly, failing to hold her own tears. Pleading sobs echoed through the night sky, but they wouldn't reach the stars. ~~<<0>>~~ Spike Dedragon, was a peaceful dragon; peaceful even by pony standards. He was also a noble being, capable of great selfless and compassion; one that stood up to injustice, even when outnumbered against other dragons much bigger than himself. He expressed his love with endless commitment and devotion, as those who knew his secret crush could assure, but more so how Twilight Sparkle could assure. She was a sister and a mentor to him. They were together for a long time and he loved her with all his being; there wasn't a scale on his body that did not love her. She was always there for him: when he was bored, when he was in trouble, when he was sad, when he was scared and when he was alone. She was always there to teach him new things, and she will never abandon him. It was Spike's utmost duty and honor to protect her, because he knew, that deep down, Twilight was very delicate, really sensitive of her love ones opinions and very fearful of disappointing them, of failing them, of being rejected. This day more than ever in her life, Twilight was very exposed, vulnerable and in need of his protection. They have lost a loved friend and she was getting blamed and reprimanded for it. He knew how she must've felt, like she had failed AJ, like she had failed them; and now, she was being hated, repudiated and abandoned by her friends. Rejected. Ripped apart. Spike had been forced to watch how Rainbow viciously yelled at Twilight, wrongfully accused her, cornered her, and stomped her heart over and over again; Rainbow was hurting her without mercy. Twilight was hurting. "You kill her!" shouted Rainbow, and Twilight ran away. "Twilight! Don't leave, wait!" Spike ran behind Twilight without reaching her, and watched her teleport. Twilight's heart and tears splattered on the floor was all that was left for him. He had to do something. What was her problem? he thought as he clenched his hands digging his claws into his palms. Why are you hurting everypony? You think you got permission to harm them? To say whatever you want? You think nothing can hurt you? Spike was devoted to Twilight. You hurt my Twilight. I hurt you. Spike was a peaceful dragon. He clenched his arms, opened his hands and charged with all the speed his legs could give him. He rammed into Rainbow's left side; his claws sunk easily into her skin leaving three distinct slashes of red. "Argh!"—Rainbow took off—"Get off me!" "Eeek, be careful," said Fluttershy. Rainbow's sudden jump shook him off, but Spike was not done. He will get her one way or the other. "Who do you think you are!?" he said. Spike inhaled deeply filling his longs beyond their natural size capacity, and with a deafening roar, brought forth a sizzling yellow and red flame twenty times his size that engulfed the whole roof, brightening the room as the afternoon sun. Rarity saw Fluttershy paralyzed by the violent display, and jumped right to take her out of the firing range, with Pinkie, pushing their rumps to get out of the way. The three backed into the wall and stared appalled. "Whoaaa, ouch, ouch!" Rainbow was forced to dive to the floor by the scorching embers. "Hey! watch it, pal!" "No! you watch it, Rainbow!" He said pointing at her, frustrated that he couldn't beat her up properly now that he lost the surprise; she was simply too fast. He'll need to find another way to get her. "So what? Are you defending her now? What for? Didn't you hear what she did?" said Rainbow in a wide stand, her head low and wings spread. A battle stand. "You should be roasting her tail instead, is her fault AJ died, not mine." He found it. He will do to her what she did to Twilight. "Really?" Spike tightened his fists and walked to her. "Because I think it's your fault, and you are trying to blame her instead." "What?" Rainbow was caught off guard. She rose her head and frowned, darting her eyes in confusion. "What are you talking about?" "Oh? You don't know? Or did you forget that you also weren't there to help Applejack?" he said pacing around circling her. "No, I was the only one there... I just... couldn't... reach her in time." She slumped down, eyes shut hard and her mane covering her face. "Huh? Don't make me laugh, you? Miss ten seconds flat, fastest flyer in all of Equestria, wasn't fast enough? you're kidding?" She got up to fight again. "No, it's true, I was too far and... it was too quick. I tried to get her but... wasn't fast enough." "Liar, I bet you were just lazing around like a bum." "No! I was right there with her trying to help!" she said trying to follow Spike with her sight while he went on. "Maybe, but were where you when Twilight tried to stop that thing from entering town. She could have done it if she had the time. From what I know, AJ got there from all the way of Sweet Apples Acres before you, and helped Twilight fight it. What were you doing in all that time? Sleeping in a cloud or what?" "N-No, I, wasn't." Spike raised an eyebrow. He had her. A weakness. "Oh, you were didn't you?" He narrowed his serpentine green eyes on his pray and menacing, walked towards. "Like always, you were lazing around, and AJ had to pick up your slack, didn't she? She had to take your place." He stopped in front of her and looked her in the eyes. "I bet you wanted to swoop around in the last second like some kind of hero"—he thrust her chest with his finger—"didn't you?". "No!" "Yes, if you were there from the beginning nothing would had happened, and AJ would still be alive," he continued lurking her. "No, It can't... w-what do you know? You are just a dweeb." "You are always lazing around and that's why you weren't fast enough." He advanced to her and going for the kill while Rainbow stepped backwards. "Shut up you shrimp, it's your fault too! You didn't do anything," said Rainbow trying to stand her ground and defend herself. "I called Celestia, and you are just looking for somepony to take the blame for you, don't you? Just like AJ had to take your place. It should've been you who died." "N-No, it's not true, you—" "And just like now, when you blamed Twilight and everypony else for you mistake, when in fact, the one to blame, it's you!" "No, wai—" "What you did to Twilight was really miserable." He wouldn't let her escape. "You, you're... You are the worst. I misjudged you Rainbow. You are... a real coward." He finally injected with all the poison he had. "I'll have to agree with Spike," said Rarity backing up Spike, "What you did to Twilight was just horrible." "It was no fun. And really, really mean." "Just... awful..." "No, it can't... It's that what you... It's not like... Urgh! Fine! Fine! Fine!" Rainbow took off with a blast and fled the castle with her friends watching her leave. Spike fell to his hands and knees. His heart pounded fast and his head felt on fire. He couldn't believe what he had just done. How could he had done that to Rainbow? He was way out off line too, but he had no time to felt sorry; there were more important things to care about. "Spike? Darling? Are you alright?" asked Rarity. "Yeah, I'm fine. C'mon guys, let's go look for Twilight." ~~<<0>>~~ "Twilight? Have you calmed down a little?" asked Princess Celestia to her fellow princess and long time student and friend wrapped in her wing. Inside it, Twilight could feel Celestia's long and delicate feathers surrounding her; their silk smooth softness brushing against her own fur. For a brief instant, she considered if their length were so, just for this moment, just for her. "I'm sorry, Princess this is so improper of me," said Twilight relishing in the warm and comfort she felt being so close to the one she worshiped for so long. "It's alright my little pony, that's why I am here for." Celestia watched Twilight tenderly and smiled. That smile, that embrace, those magenta eyes... twinkling in the night like Twilight's own private stars; they told her everything she wanted, that she was loved, that she was cared, that she was forgiven, that she will never be alone. Twilight wanted with all her heart to return that smiled, that feel, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't. "Princess... How do you do it? How could you forgive me... ? Why don't you hate me?" asked Twilight fearfully, "After what I told you, after what I have done?" "Dear Twilight, I will always love you"—Celestia nuzzled Twilight's neck—"But you are wrong about something." "... What?" Twilight was shaking, horrified to know. Had she really not forgiven me? "You haven't done anything wrong." Celestia beamed that caring smile at her, filling her with warm. Such radiance... Twilight had to avert her sight; she was, undeserving. The world couldn't be that beautiful. "But Applejack... and Rainbow... she hates me. She told them that it was my fault; my friends hate me," she told her trying to expose the dark and ugly reality, "How could I let this happened? What can I do? I don't know what to do." "Twilight, Rainbow... is very sad and in pain, and she doesn't know how to make it stop, because of that she is getting frustrated, angry, and is desperately looking for a way to put all that pain and sadness away, so she turned all into you." "I-I don't know," said Twilight searching her thoughts. "In a way, she is in the same position you are now. The only difference is that you took your anger and frustration to yourself." Twilight felt her heart tug. Celestia then added slowly, "You didn't kill Applejack... It's not your fault, Twilight." "But, I could have done something. I should have. It was my responsibility as a Princess, as her friend, I should have done something," she answered quickly. Celestia closed her eyes. Twilight was turning much like her; she took the burdens of the world and wouldn't share them, but if she was like her maybe... "Twilight, if you wish to see it that way... then blame me instead," she said, with her voice tainted with guilt. "What? No, why would you say that?" Twilight said in disbelieve. "You are all my friends and as Princess and co-ruler of this realm, It is my duty to protect all of my subjects." She looked at Twilight with a coy smile, but that smile didn't convey warm this time, only sorrow. "With my millennial magic, and experience, I should have foreseen this. I should have teleported instantly, and taken care of the Hydra myself before anything bad could have happened." Her tone turned serious and her face wavering, in a impersonation of her sister. "It is my duty and I failed." She retracted her wing and faced away. Twilight stood up and ran to face the princess. "No, Princess, you didn't do anything wrong, you didn't know, you were too far you did everything you could," she said desperately. Celestia changed. Her voice and expression turning regal. "Then tell me, Twilight Sparkle, why you find no fault in me, but only in yourself?" Twilight looked away. "I... I... I—" Celestia rose to her hooves. "Twilight, you did nothing wrong. You need to let go of that. Don't think that if it doesn't hurts as much as before that it means you love Applejack any less." Celestia used her hoof, turned Twilight's face to her and searched into those doubtful eyes. "If the pain goes away, it doesn't mean that you abandoned Applejack, that you've forgotten her, and it doesn't mean that she'll go away. She will always be in your heart, never doubt that. Twilight, fill the hole in your heart, her memory, only with love, not with pain." "I... I... I won't." Twilight looked in pain. She took a deep breath and said, "I'll try." "Please, Twilight. I don't want to see you hurting." "Yes, Princess," she said as they hugged, and then remembered, "but... my friends... they still hate me." "Hmm... Call it a haunch, but... I don't think they hate you," said Celestia, smiling as she watched the incoming convoy. "Twilight! Twilight!" said Spike running to her. "Spike!" said Twilight giving him a hug. Although they were away for a short time, she already missed the feeling of his scales on her fur. "What are you doing here?" she asked him. "We were worried, so we came looking for you," Spike said. "All of you?" "Why of course, darling. You left in such distress, how could we not?" "Yeah, you were super duper sad. We had to do something." Fluttershy meekly approached from Pinkie's back. "How are you, Twilight? Are you feeling better now?" "So you all came for me? Does that mean you don't hate me?" "Of course not, darling. Don't believe anything Rainbow said. She's just very upset." "Aaand was being a very sour McMeany Muffin Mare, and so, Spike had to bake her, and chew her down a little bit." "Spike?" asked Twilight glancing down at the tiny dragon. "Indeed, although I don't condone that barbaric display, he acted so gallant defending your honor, and putting Dash in her place." "Spike? You really did that?" "I'm sorry, Twilight. I know she our friend, but she made me so mad saying those things about you, that I don't know what came over me." "Well, I mean, I understand that she is suffering... we all are, but that gives her no right to turn against her friends and act in such a horrible manner." "Where is she now?" "Um... She flew off the castle. We don't know where she went. I hope she is okay... She looked so confused." "I think I should talk to her," said Twilight. Pinkie leaped in front of Twilight. "But you don't know where she is, and we don't know where she is. "Do you know where she is?" Celestia shook her head. "Then how are you gonna do that, Twilight? Unless you have a Rainbow Dash location spell, but that would be a little too convenient; although, you did have a Discord location spell... I mean, I think you could try screaming to the top of your lungs hoping she'll hear you, that sometimes work, but that wouldn't be talking to her, more like shouting for her, and even if she hears you, she might not shout back, because she so angry, and that wouldn't be much of a talking, or a shouting." "Ahem... yes, well, you could try her home, but I think it would be best if we give her some time to calm down." "Um, are you sure? I don't want us to be alone right now, and she really doesn't like to be alone. She must be feeling so awful, and tomorrow is... maybe we should try... and see if she is home... if, you don't mind? "Hey"—Pinkie pointed to far away in the sky—"I found her." She took a deep breath and put her hooves around her muzzle. "HEY, RAINBOW! RAINBOW DASH! HEY OVER HERE! RAINB—" BOOOM... Like a thunder, Rainbow parted the sky at the speed of sound. It was an unusual sight, not because of the speed, but because the circular rainbow of light that normally followed the sound breaking explosion, did not come. "I don't think we are getting to her, even by shouting," said Pinkie looking disappointed. "Where is she going?" asked Rarity. "Come on, Fluttershy lets go," said Twilight spreading her wings preparing to follow Rainbow. Rarity stepped in front of Twilight and held up her hoof. "Twilight, stop! What do you think you're doing? You are never going to catch her." Twilight consider it for a second and then sighed. "You are right." "I'm sorry, Twilight this is my fault," said Spike facing down. "It's okay, Spike don't worry about it." Twilight gasped. "Oh my gosh, Princess, I was so focus on us, that I forgot to ask. How were things at the Apple's. How are they?" "... They are all heartbroken, specially little Apple Bloom. She didn't take it very well. Big McIntosh and Granny Smith are trying to be strong for her, but they are also very devastated... "We already send word to all of their relatives, some must already be on the way. The service will be held at the afternoon." Celestia did not wanted for them to dwell in more sorrow anymore so she said, "It is late, you should all replenish your strength. The Apples will need you." "Yes, Princess," Twilight said. "Oh, my poor Spikey-Wikey. He must have been so tired," said Rarity, moved at Spike sleeping self curled on the ground. "It had to take such an effort for him to managed keep up this late after all what happened." Twilight used her magic, levitated Spike gently, and rest him on her back. She looked at him and felt her heart warm and a smile sprout on her face. She was so very lucky and proud to have someone like him that love her so much in her life. She nuzzle him softly and silently thank him for being so awesome. "I am sorry, Twilight, but I must take my leave. Are you going to be okay?" asked Princess Celestia; her voice full of concern. Twilight looked around the sad smiling faces of her friends and knew her answer. "Yes." "All of you take good care of each other, as you know, our time together is precious. We will meet tomorrow." Celestia opened her wings an flew into the light of the moon; then, with a soft flash, disappeared from their sight. "Now what do we do?" asked Fluttershy. "We do what the Princess told us, we rest and prepare to help the Apples tomorrow morning. It's... what Applejack would wanted." They all share a moment of silence. Again, they walked to the castle. Twilight was exhausted and almost didn't make it. If it weren't for Spike that was resting on her back, she wouldn't had the motivation to push through her pains. After all what happened, they all went straight to bed and that tea in the thrones room was never drank. They all fell asleep pretty fast, all but Twilight. She couldn't sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw everything happening again. She smelled the foul stench of the Hydra. She heard the cries and screams of the ponies as they fled the town, and of those trapped inside houses and buildings. She saw how Rainbow hit the beast again and again until it dropped Applejack and how she kept going relentless, busting open many of the monster eyes, and breaking one of its jaws in a tornado of fury. She saw how the monster managed to stop Dash, throwing her to the ground. Twilight thought that it might have killed Rainbow as well. She recalled how in her own rage, she put everything she had into one magic blast, and tear through the thing. She relived the events of the afternoon every time she closed her eyes, and every time Applejack was there, lying on the ground, immobile. Now, in the oppressing, terrifying, loneliness of the night, her old tendencies resurged. What went wrong? Could she had done anything different? She just didn't know enough, wasn't prepared. Maybe not then, but how about now? Was there anything she could do for Applejack? Was she going to give up just like that? Didn't Applejack deserved better? Why she had all that magic if it wasn't for her friends? She had to try something. She remembered Stars swirl Time travel spell and beat herself up for wasting her one change in something so stupid; afterwards, she remember that it wouldn't work. It was useless to try to change the past, as Princess Celestia later explain her; that time had to maintain continuity, so anything she does in the past will result in the same past and present. The reason one traveled to the past cannot be changed, else you wouldn't have traveled to the past in the first place. That spell was more for academic purposes, to learn of past events and to witness how things were or how occurred. Twilight was restless. She couldn't find anything. She couldn't do anything. What were those wings for? She felt so weak, so useless, so hopeless. She knew what she had told the Princess, but the pain wouldn't leave; instead, it went deeper into herself. Many things plagued her mind, and so, as a last hope, she thought that maybe a book would distract her and help her get the rest she needed for tomorrow. She went to the library of the castle; there, her pet Owlowiscious greeted her. "Who?" the owl said. "It's just me," she answered, "Don't worry, I won't be long." She browsed aimlessly trough the stands, looking for anything that could take her mind of things, but nothing seemed to do the trick; then, an idea crossed her mind. Bestiary: Hydras. She ran to the stand, magically pull all the books of the section, threw them on the crystal table and scatter them carelessly until she found the one. She levitated to her face and took a closer look at its title written in bright yellow letters: Creatures of Equestria. It was a fairy new publication with a green cover and bordered in gold. She set it on the center of the table and just stared at it; because for her, it was almost written in blood. Eventually, she work up the courage and opened, on it were different drawings, pictures and articles of different kinds of creatures. She flipped the pages tracking her tormentor until she found him; there, was an sketch of the four headed monster terrorizing a town on a mountain. She passed a hoof trough the image like if doing so she would learn everything about it. She took a deep breath, and with much disdain, she began reading the article deeming worthless most of its information. "The hydra is, on her natural state, a three to four headed—" "It size ranges between 50 feet—" "It has a number of 40 teeth in each—" "It's usually found in swamps areas and—" "If one of the heads is cut, three more—" "—Mainly an ambush predator, recent discoveries indicate that the Hydra is actually a very toxic creature. Its skin exudes a substance that in contact with the water in the air vaporizes, producing a green mist of a very powerful drug, that is poisonous if breathed. Its effects vary from: confusion, hallucinations, fear, paranoia, panic, paralysis, lost of direction and numbness of magic channels, making difficult to perform, or stopping all together, tasks like coherent thinking, casting spells, flying, walking and breathing, if long exposed. It's theorized the it uses this fumes to catch prays like flying pegasi by—" Twilight started sobbing again. Applejack never stood a chance. She desperately hopped that she didn't feel any pain, that the thing had killed her quickly, that she was knock out and went dark. The thought of Applejack suffering being devoured and chewed by that thing haunted her, filled her with hate and fear, and twisted her insides. She threw the book away and laid her head on top of the table and press it very hard with her hooves as she cried; two tears fell from one of her violet eyes, that was all she had left. Later, she fell asleep. ~~<<0>>~~ Applejack funeral was a town affair. There wasn't anypony who's soul wasn't touch by Applejack one way or the other. Many relatives managed to come from afar, others couldn't make it time and would arrive days after. It seemed that half of Equestria was there, royalty and common folk alike: Discord, Cadence, Shining Armor, Luna, Celestia, Mayor Mare, Filthy Rich, Braeburn, Hayseed Turnip, The Oranges and many other the Apples didn't know, or remembered. Apple Bloom was silent the hole time. Her gaze down and lost. She hadn't said a word since the last night. Granny Smith was too weak to do anything besides hugging her little granddaughter, half to brought her comfort, half out of fear that something would take her away. They both were surrounded by Apple bloom's Family and friends. Babs and Scootaloo were catering to their every need while Sweetie Belle just watched from afar holding her own sister by the leg unable to let go. Twilight and the others coordinated the occasion, making sure everything was taken care of. It fell to Big Mac to do all the talking, that in itself was a sight that told everypony that the world was wrong. He did the greetings, the speeches, the thanks and answered for her little sister and grandmother. The world was very wrong, and even Discord couldn't take pleasure of it. The service went without much trouble, they all got to say their condolences and goodbyes. They remembered and praise Applejack for her many qualities and deeds. Everypony cried. Finally, when the crystal coffin closed, its lit turned obsidian black, forever concealing it from light and allowing eternal rest. Its golden tendrils sprouted three apple images on the center that were very reminiscent of Applejack's very own cutie mark. They buried her on a private hill, not too far from the farm, in the shade of an old apple tree, under a simple stone plate with her name that read, "Beloved granddaughter, daughter, sister and friend." The only thing noticeable was the absence of Rainbow Dash. They knew she had to be around for the continuous sonic booms they heard afterwards, but they didn't managed to see her. In the following days the town was assaulted by more sonic booms, day and night they came in waves of five and ten, but no pony was able get a hold of Rainbow. Twilight and Fluttershy waited for her at her cloud house for days, and only managed to find her one time in the middle of the night. They tried to talk to her but she wouldn't say anything and just flew away. Eventually the booms ceased and Rainbow despaired. The weather team searched for her with Twilight and her friends, but Rainbow never returned home. They only found a letter taped to the back of Tank that said, "Take him to Fluttershy. Don't look for me."