//------------------------------// // 17: Recovering From Check // Story: Code Lyoko: EG // by Azure Sandora //------------------------------// Theme Song: A World Without Danger 17: Recovering From Check For the longest time, the only sound in the room was her struggling against her bindings. XANA had somehow brought her into the real world while she was still in her Lyoko form. As such, she was something akin to a specter. Unfortunately, that didn't help her in her current situation. She was lying on a hospital bed, her wrists chained above her head and her ankles were chained to the bottom of the bed. XANA had also disabled her powers, making physically weaker than she even was in her human form. She had no idea where she was. It was some sort of lab she figured, but there weren't any windows to let her know what time of day it was. The room was pretty big, and there was a computer right next to her. She didn't even know how long she had been there. All she knew was that she had been brought here after the scyphozoa took her out of Sector 5. She tried once again to pull at her bindings. Once that proved to be futile, she screamed in frustration. She didn't know what XANA wanted with her, but the fact that he didn't corrupt her scared her. The door opened, revealing a blindingly bright light and two scientists. When they walked in, she looked into their eyes and saw the eye of XANA flash. “No...” Celestia pleaded as they walked closer to her, “No…!” She struggled with her bindings again as the scientists started moving things around her. One of them, probably the leader, walked right up to her and hooked some wires to her head. “What are you doing?!” Celestia asked, “Tell me what's going on!” “Our master says you do not need to know that information,” the scientist by the computer said. “Let me talk to XANA!” Celestia demanded. The scientist looked like he was about to protest, but was engulfed by red electricity that shot out from the computer. When the surge stopped, the scientist looked at Celestia with a sinister yet manic smile. “Hello Eos,” the scientist said. “XANA…!” Celestia said venomously. The scientist, now possessed by XANA himself, clapped his hands. “Very good Eos,” XANA said, “Twilight is just as perceptive, but there's something… special about you,” the scientist ran over to Celestia and caressed her face, “The way you look at me, that look of defiance with a hint of fear. Oooh, I have dreamed of this for the longest Eos… The day I could make you mine...” “Will you… do to me what you did to Rarity… and my sister…?” Celestia asked, unable to hide her fear. “In time, dear Eos,” XANA said, “First, we have business to attend to,” he ran back to the computer, “You see, you have something on your mind, Eos. Something that I need. I know you won't just tell me, so instead...” he typed on the computer, “I should warn you, this is going to be very painful.” There wasn't a surge of energy or a warning. The second XANA pushed that button on the computer, there was only pain. Pain so great that Celestia could not hold in her screams. The scientist was engulfed in red electricity, and turned back into a regular specter and leaving Celestia with the scientists and her pain. Pain that seemed never ending. Master, what is your obsession with that woman? I don't understand any of this. In time, child. I will tell you everything soon. Why not now though? I have been loyal, have I not? I have aided you, and loved you. Do you not trust me, Master? I know you have been loyal to me, Rarity. Your service has been truly wonderful. However, my virus hasn't taken full effect yet. Until that time, I cannot share my deepest thoughts with you. When the virus takes full effect, you and I will be one, and you will know everything that I desire. Master, please! I don't want to wait! I'm so lonely Master! Please become one with me now! I love you so much! I would do anything for you! Hm… perhaps there is a way… You mean that? That you would do anything for me? Dah! And that you are eternally loyal to me? Dah! Dah! Then I have the perfect way to prove that loyalty. Leave dealing with Fluttershy and Lyoko to me. I have another mission for you. A very important mission. In the scanner room, one of the scanners closed on its own and got to work materializing someone. After a few seconds, the scanner opened up, and Rarity stepped out, still wearing her more gothic attire and make-up. She pulled out her father's gun checking the ammo, and then made her way out of the scanner room and out of the factory to accomplish her mission. XANA would see, he would love her after this. All he asked was one thing. She just had to kill Applejack. “We just want her back,” the interpreter said for Miss Dostoevskaia, who was speaking full Russian in tears, “We're not angry with her, and we don't want to punish her. If she's run away, we just hope she comes back to us.” The news cut back to the newsroom, where the anchor looked down gravely as a picture of Rarity smiling was shown next to him. “As of today, Rarity Dostoevskaia has been missing for a full week. Sources say that the day before her disappearance she had changed her style, wearing darker clothing and had started cutting classes, which has many people believing that she has run away from home. Along with her there's also Celestia Marie Sullivan, principal of Canterlot High Boarding School, who recently disappeared this past Saturday. Her sister, Luna, claims to not know anything about either disappearance, and has decided to step in for her sister as principal until she returns.” Applejack turned off the TV in the Rec Room, shocking Trixie and a few other students who were watching. “Hey!” Trixie shouted as Applejack walked away, “We were watching that!” “Y'all are free ta turn it back on after Ah leave,” Applejack said seriously walking away. It was nighttime, and hitting curfew, so Applejack decided to just go back to her bedroom. She just didn't feel like breaking curfew and giving Luna any grief at the moment. She made her way to her door, wondering if Twilight was in or if she was at the factory. She must have been really upset too. She had to chose between devirtualizing Rarity or saving Celestia, knowing that the right decision would mean losing both of them. Maybe if she were in, she and Twilight could comfort each other. Maybe they could both go and see Fluttershy, who was probably having a hard time dealing with the death of her father, now that she remembered. Applejack opened the door and walked inside, getting the shock of a lifetime. Twilight was in, as was Fluttershy actually, both of them on Twilight's bed making out. “Ack!” Applejack screamed, freezing in place. Fluttershy and Twilight immediately turned to Applejack in shock, poor Fluttershy's face comparable to a cherry. “A-Applejack!” Fluttershy stuttered, “I'm sorry! Twilight said that you wouldn't be back till later, and I thought-” “It's fine, alright?” Applejack said with a sigh, “I'll leave y'all be.” “If you want,” Twilight said, “Fluttershy and I can go to her room and continue there.” “Curfew's in ten,” Applejack said, “Y'all are better off stayin here.” “That's okay,” Fluttershy said looking at Twilight, “Actually, we have class tomorrow, so I should probably head to my room.” “Okay,” Twilight said cupping Fluttershy's cheek, “Sorry.” “It's okay Twilight,” Fluttershy said smiling lovingly at Twilight, “I'll see you tomorrow.” “See you tomorrow,” Twilight said. She and Fluttershy kissed one more time, and then Fluttershy slowly walked to the door leaving the room. “Sorry 'bout ruinin yer time with Fluttershy,” Applejack said lying down on the bed, “Ah know you two are havin it rough. That was probably the first time in a while y'all were able ta jus' be a couple.” “Actually, she and I had a date yesterday,” Twilight said, surprising Applejack a bit. “Wait, Ah thought y'all were searchin fer XANA on the net,” Applejack said. “We were,” Twilight said going to her computer, “But we couldn't find anything. XANA is completely untraceable. Honestly, we'd be better off finding one of the other Architects to help us. After coming to that conclusion, we decided to go on a date.” “Oh, Ah see...” Applejack said. After a second she turned to her side facing the wall. “Applejack,” Twilight turned around in her chair, “We're not giving up, you know.” “Never said ya were,” Applejack said simply. “Applejack-” “Would ya jus' drop it, Twilight?” Applejack snapped, “Please, Ah'm not in the mood ta talk right now.” Twilight sighed and got to work on her computer. Applejack felt bad for snapping at her, but she couldn't bring herself to apologize right now. All of a sudden, she was irritated beyond belief. The next day wasn't much better for Applejack. She and Twilight decided to walk to the cafeteria together. Thankfully she wasn't mad about last night. As they walked, Applejack's thoughts went to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. Dash was furious at XANA for taking Rarity and Celestia, and poor Pinkie Pie was really upset too. She was probably in real straights after- Was that Pinkie Pie laughing? Applejack and Twilight went into the cafeteria to see Pinkie Pie and Dash sitting with Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie and Dash were cracking up while Fluttershy was stifling laughter herself. Applejack couldn't believe what she was seeing. “What's so funny?” Twilight asked as she and Applejack sat down. “Pinkie Pie was telling us about the new kid,” Dash said, “What's his name? Cheese Sandwich?” Pinkie Pie nodded, “He pulled the best prank on Black Scroll ever! The best part is, he got everyone in the classroom to play a part in it!” “What did he do?” Twilight asked. “You know how Blank Scroll always falls asleep in the middle of class, right?” Pinkie Pie asked, “Well, today in his homeroom, Cheese waited until he was asleep, and then had a number of older kids switch places with the students in the homeroom. He then put on a suit to pose as a teacher, and then woke him up telling him he slept for three years!” “Oh my God!” Twilight said, now laughing herself. “The best part,” Dash added, “He bought it!” Now the entire table was laughing. Everyone except for Applejack, who closed her eyes looking irritated. “Has he talked to Discord yet?” Fluttershy asked. “Yep,” Pinkie Pie said, “They're planning a huge prank for Halloween, and want everyone to play a part of it.” “You know I'm in!” Dash said, “This guy sounds awesome!” “I'd love to meet him too,” Fluttershy said, “He sounds like a really fun guy.” “I'm planning a special party for him,” Pinkie Pie said, “It'll be a “Welcome to Canterlot High” party!” “Party?” Applejack asked, “Pranks? How can any of y'all be thinkin 'bout this stuff?” “Sheesh Applejack, lighten up,” Dash said, “You've been a stick in the mud for days.” “Lighten up?!” Applejack snapped, “XANA's runnin loose somewhere on the net, he's got Rarity and Eos captive who knows where, an' you expect me ta lighten up!?” “Applejack, keep it down,” Twilight urged, “No one knows about XANA, remember? Look, there's nothing we can do right now to save either of them.” “Even still, we need ta be ready jus' in case XANA strikes!” Applejack said. “And we are being ready,” Dash said, “But unlike you, we're not moping around fussing at everyone.” Applejack glared at Dash, stood up, and stormed out of the cafeteria. Twilight sighed and turned to Dash. “You could have worded that better,” Twilight said simply. “It's still the truth,” Dash said, “Sheesh, we're all having a hard time. We're not bringing everyone around us down.” “True,” Fluttershy said somberly, “But we didn't miss our one chance to rescue the one we loved.” “Ahh…” Dash grimaced, “Shoot… I… really didn't think about that…” “Applejack still has the anti-virus within her,” Twilight said, “She has to be the one to devirtualize Rarity on Lyoko in order for it to work. That's assuming that she's still herself at all.” “Each day we don't see Rarity is another day that the corruption takes hold,” Fluttershy said. “How much time do we have?” Pinkie Pie asked. “I'm afraid I don't know,” Fluttershy said, “My memory is still fuzzy in certain places. Even with that, I don't think Celestia ever told me how long it took for the corruption to take full effect on Luna.” “As far as we know, it might be too late,” Twilight said, “I really hope it isn't...” “What do we do if it is?” Dash asked, “Eos didn't get to tell you how to disconnect her from the computer, did she?” “No she didn't,” Twilight said, “I've been looking into that, and coming up with other solutions, and I can only think of maybe one. It's a horrible solution, but if we can't save Rarity… we'd have to…” “Oh no…” Pinkie Pie said, “You don't mean…?” “I do,” Twilight said, “We'd have to kill Rarity.” “How?” Dash asked, “I don't want have to do that, but how?” “Well, we could always throw her into the Digital Sea,” Twilight said seriously. “I don't want to think about that,” Fluttershy said, “If it comes to that, we'll deal with it then, but for right now, let's remain positive. Rarity isn't our enemy, and I refuse to start looking at her as such.” “Fluttershy is right,” Pinkie Pie said, “So until then, I suggest we think of a way to cheer Applejack up. Maybe she needs a party.” “That's not such a bad idea,” Twilight said, “I'll talk to Lulu about it before class.” As their conversation went to the upcoming party, Twilight looked back at the direction Applejack walked in, wishing she had more news for her. She wished Celestia were still here. She'd know what to do. Applejack sat outside where she usually waited for Rarity. She'd usually come to the school around this time with Sweetie Belle, who was definitely taking it the hardest. Poor thing had to be pulled out of school yesterday she got so upset. Apparently she was still absent today. “Hoping she'll walk up to the school?” Applejack turned to see Sunset Shimmer standing there with her trademark smile. “Oh, heya Sunset,” Applejack said. They had limited contact with her, but she seemed nice enough. She had helped them with a number of XANA attacks actually, but naturally she didn't remember any of them as they used Return to the Past everytime. “Between you and her sister, I don't know who's taking it the hardest,” Sunset said leaning against the gate next to Applejack. “Well, my friends sure as hell ain't takin it hard,” Applejack said darkly. “Mmm… Not sure that's a fair assumption,” Sunset said frankly, surprising Applejack. “Have ya seen them? Laughin an' carryin on like nothin's wrong!” “True, true,” Sunset said, “But what good does it do being negative about it? Even what you're doing right now. Is it helping anyone? Cause from my perspective, all you're doing is stressing yourself out.” “What do you know?” Applejack asked harshly. “I know that you care about her, and you wish you could be searching for her,” Sunset said, “If you're so worked up then, why don't you do something?” “Because Ah don't know what ta do!” Applejack shouted, “If Ah knew-” “You'd do it, right?” Sunset said with a raised eyebrow, “So, how is that any different than your friends? Besides them trying to remain optimistic until they know something, while you just walk around aimlessly stressing about what you can't do?” That was something about Sunset. She was very practical. Rumor had it that she was actually a genius, but Applejack didn't see it. She did see someone who had a lot of common sense. “I gotta get to class,” Sunset said, “Think about what I said, okay?” Sunset walked off, leaving Applejack to her thoughts. Maybe she was being a bit of a bitch lately. Truth was, she blamed herself for all of this. She should have pressed Rarity more about how she was acting, instead she let Rarity fool her. She had so many chances to stop her, but whenever she played the victim card she backed off. Now she might not ever get the chance to see her again. Just as Applejack was about to go back and apologize to her friends, she saw someone turn the corner and walk up to the school. Rarity… “Rares...” Applejack said trembling, “Rares!” Applejack ran over to her beaming. Maybe she broke free of XANA on her own! Maybe she managed to reach out to her after all! Rarity stopped, pulling her gun out and pointing it right at Applejack. Applejack's eyes were wide as she stopped, looking at Rarity in horror. “Good bye, AJ,” Rarity said pulling the trigger. Applejack fell to the ground just in time, looking up at Rarity in shock. “Rares! What are ya doin?!” Applejack asked. “I think that's obvious,” Rarity said pulling the top of the gun back preparing to fire again, “Master ordered me to kill you.” “What?!” Applejack exclaimed. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. “Master will love me if I do this,” Rarity said dangerously, “I'll be one with him.” “Rares, don't!” Applejack begged, tears building in her eyes, “Don't do this! Please!” “I won't listen to you,” Rarity said scowling at Applejack, “Master warned me to not listen to your lies. You are distraction, so I'll remove you.” She fired again. This time Applejack scampered away and ran off into town. Rarity swore to herself and ran after Applejack, who forgot how fast Rarity ran in high heels. “What?!” Luna cried, holding her cellphone. Twilight was in her office with her, naturally with her laptop on her back. “Ah'm tryin ta lead her away from the school!” Applejack said, “Do ya know where Twilight is?” “She's right next to me,” Luna said, “I'll put her on.” Luna handed Twilight her cellphone. “Applejack, I'm here,” Twilight said. “Rares is tryin ta kill me!” Applejack said, “Apparently an order directly from XANA!” “A kill order from XANA?” Twilight asked, more so herself, “Alright, I'll contact the others. For right now-” her computer's alarm went off, “Oh come on, not now!” Twilight fussed opening her computer. TOWER ACTIVATED LOCATION: ICE SECTOR 16 LAT, 43 LONG “A tower has activated in the Ice Sector!” Twilight said, “I don't know what XANA's planning, but he might be trying to help Rarity!” “Twilight, go to the factory!” Luna said, “I'll get the others and tell them to go too!” “Thanks Lulu!” Twilight said, “Applejack, I'm on my way to the factory!” “What should Ah do?!” Applejack asked. “Try and stay safe! We can't afford to lose you!” Twilight said. She hung up, threw the phone to Luna, and ran out of the school to the factory. Luna also ran out of her office to find Pinkie Pie, Dash, and Fluttershy. She prayed they weren't all scattered. She'd have to learn their schedules if this kept up. As Twilight ran through the hall, she bumped into someone who caught her. “We have got to stop bumping into each other like this,” Sunset Shimmer said, making Twilight's heart flutter in an odd way. “Sunset Shimmer...” Twilight said looking up at Sunset. “In a hurry?” Sunset asked. “Yes!” Twilight said, “There's something that I have to do! Sunset, I need you to cover for me!” “Oh?” Sunset asked raising an eyebrow. “I need to leave the school to take care of something, and it can't wait!” “Does this have anything to do with why your friend was locked up and drowning at the Everfree Mansion all those months ago?” “I'm sorry, but I don't have time to explain!” Twilight was about to push past Sunset Shimmer, but said girl pushed Twilight against a locked and stood over her smirking. “Seeing as how you're clearly not going to tell me what's going on this time, how about something else? I'm willing to move aside, and come up with an excuse that will satisfy all the faculty, as long as you do one thing.” “What's that?” Twilight asked, a little irritated with Sunset. That irritation turned into pure shock when Sunset put a finger to her lips, “W-what?!” “Right here,” Sunset said, “And no small peck on the lips either. It has to be deep, like how you'd kiss that girl you're dating right now.” “Why are you doing this?” Twilight asked looking away, blushing madly, “You know I'm dating Fluttershy.” “Well yes, that's true,” Sunset said, “But you see, I want you, Twilight. I always get what I want, and I'm going to prove that,” Sunset said, “Mind you, if you don't, I could tell the teachers that you're cutting class. I wonder how that would go over with the school board.” Sunset didn't know that Luna was in on everything. However, she didn't want to put Luna in a difficult position. Also, she was running out of time. Even if Rarity wasn't completely corrupted, she was still under XANA's influence. She would kill Applejack, and with that activated tower in Lyoko they'd have a specter or two to deal with soon, Twilight was sure of it. “You'll let me go, and cover for me…?” Twilight asked, “If I do this?” “I swear on my father's grave,” Sunset Shimmer said seriously, “No one will know that you're cutting class.” Twilight closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then got really close to Sunset Shimmer. After a second, she pressed her lips against Sunset's. The kiss, much to Twilight shock and shame, felt wonderful. She could tell that Sunset's feelings, while definitely intense, were genuine. At least, as far as Twilight knew. After a second, they parted and just looked into each others eyes. Twilight's heart wouldn't stop racing. This girl was really something else. After getting lost in Sunset's eyes for a few seconds, Sunset stepped aside, turned Twilight in the direction of the door, and pushed her forward with a light slap on the butt. “Eep!” Twilight cried at the gesture. “Get going, will ya? You have something important to do, don't you?” Sunset asked. Twilight smiled in gratitude at Sunset, and then ran off to the factory, still feeling really ashamed of what happened. Sorry Fluttershy… Pinkie Pie was in History class taking notes (who am I kidding? She was doodling) when the door slammed open. Vice-Principal Luna walked over to the teacher, clearly out of breath. “Luna? What's wrong?” the history teacher asked. “Need… Pinkie Pie… now!” Luna said. The teacher nodded and Luna walked over to Pinkie Pie's desk, “The you-know-what went off. You're needed at you-know-where.” “Got it!” Pinkie Pie said shooting up, and going to a boy wearing a yellow shirt, brown pants, and had brown hair in a loose afro of sorts, “Cheesie, could you take notes for me too?” “Sure thing Pinkie,” the boy said cheerfully. “Thank you so much!” Pinkie Pie said hugging the boy, “I'll make it up to you real soon!” With that Pinkie Pie ran out of the classroom with Luna. “The others are waiting for you at the statue,” Luna said, “I'd go with you, but...” “That's okay Lulu,” Pinkie Pie said, “We'll manage.” Pinkie Pie ran out of the building to the statue, where she saw Dash and Fluttershy waiting for her. “Pinkie Pie!” Dash called out. “Where's Twilight and Applejack?” Pinkie Pie asked. “According to Luna, Applejack is being hunted by Rarity,” Dash said, “Twilight's gonna meet us at the factory.” “XANA must know that Applejack has the anti-virus for his corruption,” Fluttershy reasoned, “Also, having Rarity kill her would instantly finish the corruption.” “She wouldn't though, right?” Pinkie Pie asked, “She loves Applejack.” “She's still with XANA,” Dash said, “There's no telling what she'll do.” “Just the fact that she'd even consider killing Applejack shows how much the corruption has progressed,” Fluttershy said, “We need to hurry. I'm worried about that activated tower too.” Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Dash proceeded to the secret passage. On the way though, they ran into Snips, Snails, and Trixie, all three of them with the eye of XANA in their pupils. “Shit! They're specters!” Dash said, “That must be what XANA used the tower for!” The three specters charged at the girls, but Dash pushed Fluttershy out of the way toward the sewers entrance. “Dash! Pinkie Pie!” Fluttershy cried out. “We'll hold them off!” Dash said, “You get to the factory!” Fluttershy nodded and ran to the manhole opening it. Snails looked like he was about to charge after her, but Pinkie Pie pounced on him knocking him to the ground. “Nope! Not this time!” Pinkie Pie said holding him down. Applejack turned a corner hiding, realizing that she was near the factory. She wondered if Twilight was there yet. If she was, then she had an idea. It was crazy, but if it worked she'd be able to save Rarity. Assuming it wasn't too late. She was ready to kill her after all. “Rares… are ya even in there anymore…?” Applejack asked herself, “XANA didn't really kill ya… did he?” “That's why I have special place,” Rarity said, “Here, I feel safe. There's nothing here that upsets me, so when I have argument with my parents or sister, feel tense about assignment, or dealing with anxiety attack, I come here,” she closed her eyes smiling, “No matter what, I always leave here feeling calmer.” “Ah see,” Applejack lied down on the grass and smiled, “It's mighty touchin, sharin this place with me.” “Well, you are special to me,” Rarity said lying down and snuggling up next to Applejack, “I've wanted to take you here for a while, so you'd be part of this place too.” Remembering the first time Rarity took her to her special spot, when she became a part of that place, made Applejack miss Rarity more than anything. That was the day she became Rarity's hero. And here she was about to give up. She looked down the street seeing Rarity approaching her location. She didn't know it, but she needed saving, and Applejack was going to save her. There was something she could do now. And that was lead Rarity to the factory. She ran off, making sure that Rarity saw her. “There you are!” Rarity shouted pulling out her gun and firing at her. Applejack was careful to keep moving and to lead her down a path where no one would see her. She didn't need any unwanted attention from the authorities. As she ran down the street, she pulled out her cellphone again and called Twilight. “Are ya in the factory yet?” Applejack asked. “Yeah, I'm in, where are you?” Twilight asked. “On my way ta the factory right now!” Applejack said. “Applejack, are you crazy?! You're leading Rarity here?!” “Ah've got a plan, alright! Jus' follow my lead and trust me, alright?!” “Mmm...” Twilight sounded really unsure, but after a second, “Okay, I trust you.” “Thanks Twilight,” Applejack said with a smile, continuing her jog to the factory. She was beginning to wish she had brought her skates with her. Once she got on Lyoko she'd be fine though. The elevator opened up, and Fluttershy ran into the computer room. “Twilight! I'm here!” Fluttershy said. “Where are the others?” Twilight asked. “Dash and Pinkie Pie are stuck fighting specters,” Fluttershy said, “Where's Applejack right now?” “You're going to freak out,” Twilight warned. “She's on her way here, isn't she?” Fluttershy asked. When Twilight nodded, Fluttershy sighed, “I hope she knows what she's doing.” “She said to trust her,” Twilight said, “I'm worried about you going in alone, but something tells me that I'm needed out here.” “I'll be okay,” Fluttershy said, “Send me into Lyoko.” Twilight nodded and set up the transfer while Fluttershy took the ladder downstairs. “Transfer Fluttershy!” Twilight said as Fluttershy ran into her scanner. It closed the second she entered it, “Scanner Fluttershy! Virtualization!” She pressed the enter key, sending Fluttershy into Lyoko. She was rendered in the air close to the activated tower, which was in a clearing. The second Fluttershy landed she ran to the tower, but was fired at from above. Fluttershy looked up and saw a swarm of hornets flying toward her. “Twilight, hornets!” Fluttershy cried. “I see them,” Twilight said, “Can you hit them?” “I can try,” Fluttershy said summoning her bow. She pointed it and fired at a hornet, but it flew out of the way while another one shot Fluttershy in the stomach. Fluttershy: 60 HP “Fluttershy, get out of there!” Twilight shouted. Fluttershy nodded and ran into a small cave. One hornet tried flying into the cave after her, but she fired an arrow at it killing it instantly. “Twilight, I don't know how to get out of here,” Fluttershy said, “I might need help.” “I think Applejack is on her way,” Twilight said, “Can you hold out until then?” “I think so,” Fluttershy said, getting another arrow ready. Applejack and Rarity had made it to the factory bridge. As they ran across the bridge, Rarity fired at Applejack again, her bullet just missing Applejack's head. When Applejack made it to the factory, she grabbed the rope and swung down to the elevator calling it. “Come on…!” Applejack groaned, “Come on!” Rarity jumped on the rope and swung down, landing right behind Applejack, who turned around immediately to see Rarity's gun pointed right at her. She said nothing. She just walked forward, breathing heavily as she put the gun right on Applejack's head. “Rares… don't-” “Shut up!” Rarity shouted, “Just… shut up!” Applejack closed her eyes as Rarity gritted her teeth, slowly pulling the trigger… Click Out of ammo… Applejack didn't know if Rarity's sigh was out of relief or disappointment, but she didn't care. The elevator opened up behind Applejack at that moment, and Rarity threw the gun aside and tackled Applejack inside. Applejack managed to reach the button, moving the elevator down to the scanner room. Twilight heard the elevator click and go down. That must have been Applejack. Sure enough, Twilight turned on the newly installed camera in the elevator and saw Applejack and Rarity inside wrestling. “Applejack!” Twilight shouted. The elevator opened, and Rarity kicked Applejack out and followed her. Twilight switched to the camera installed in the scanner room and saw Applejack lying on the ground. Rarity picked Applejack up and slammed her against a scanner. Twilight saw Applejack looked up at the security camera and nod. Twilight knew exactly what she was planning. “Applejack, you're a genius,” Twilight said setting up the transfer, “Crazy, but a genius nonetheless.” Applejack grabbed Rarity by her top and threw her into the scanner. Rarity rushed toward Applejack, but the scanner closed before she could get out. Inside the scanner, Rarity was apparently going crazy, screaming and slamming the door. “Don't worry Rares,” Applejack said placing her hand on the door, “Ah'll save ya this time, Ah'm sure.” She ran into another scanner next to Rarity's, happy when it closed. Twilight knew what she was planning, and she trusted her. “Transfer Applejack! Transfer Rarity! Scanner Applejack! Scanner Rarity!” Twilight pushed the enter key on the computer, “Virtualization!” Applejack rendered and was dropped in the Ice Sector, close to a cave that was being fired on by a swarm of hornets. One brave hornet flied into the cave, but a golden arrow shot out impaling it. “Gotta save Fluttershy first!” Applejack said pulling out her shotgun. She ran over to the cave and fired at the hornets, killing a few. “Fluttershy!” Twilight said from the real world, “Applejack cleared the way a bit!” Fluttershy stepped out of the cave and looked around, meeting eyes with Applejack. She waved to her, and then gasped, “Applejack, behind you!” “Huh?” Applejack turned around, and then ducked under Rarity's blade. “I failed mission!” Rarity screamed, “Master will be disappointed, and won't love me! I'll make you pay Applejack!” She slashed down, but Applejack blocked with her shotgun. “Fluttershy, go ta the tower!” Applejack ordered, “Ah'll be fine here!” Fluttershy nodded and ran toward the tower, five more hornets flying after her. Two tarantulas rendered right in front of the tower pointing their guns at Fluttershy, firing at her. Fluttershy slid to a stop and ran to the left, just dodging. “Twilight, can ya come in ta help Fluttershy?!” Applejack asked. “Sorry, but no!” Twilight said, “I wish I could, but without Luna to watch the navigation system we'd be blind!” “What about Dash and Pinkie Pie?” Fluttershy asked still running, “Can they help?” “I'll call them and check!” Twilight said. “Ah sure hope so!” Applejack said blocking Rarity's attacks, “Ah can't afford ta be devirtualized this time!” Dash and Pinkie Pie were cornered by the possessed Snips, Snails, and Trixie. Still in the park, they were backed up against a tree when Pinkie Pie's phone went off. “Hello?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Pinkie Pie, please tell me that either you or Rainbow Dash can make it to the factory!” Twilight said. “We're kind of stuck at the moment!” Pinkie Pie said, “We were hoping you guys almost deactivated the tower!” “Does Twilight need help?” Dash asked. “I think so Dashie,” Pinkie Pie said, “What should we do?” “I'll give you an opening,” Dash said cracking her knuckles, “Trixie and I have a score to settle anyway.” Dash ran over to the three specters and speared them to the ground. Pinkie Pie immediately ran over to the secret passage. “Thanks Dashie!” Pinkie Pie called out, “Twilight, I'm on my way!” “Perfect, because Fluttershy is being hunted by hornets and tarantulas! Also, Rarity is in Lyoko fighting Applejack!” “Aw, you guys are having a party without me?!” Pinkie Pie cried opening the manhole, “I'll be there in a few minutes!” Pinkie Pie closed the manhole behind her and slid down the ladder. Once she was on the floor, she ran over to her pink bike and got on, riding through the sewers at high speed. She reached the entrance to the factory and jumped off her bike, climbing up to the top of the ladder as fast as she could. At the top, Pinkie Pie ran into the factory, jumping right on the rope and swinging down to the elevator, which was already waiting for her thankfully. She went inside and took the elevator down to the scanner room. Since Fluttershy and Twilight installed a security system in the factory, Pinkie Pie didn't need to text Twilight letting her know when she was ready, so she just ran right into the scanner. Back in the computer room, Twilight closed the scanner setting up the transfer. “Transfer Pinkie Pie! Scanner Pinkie Pie! Virtualization!” Pinkie Pie landed a bit in front of the tower, where she saw two tarantulas firing at Fluttershy, who was also being chased by hornets like Twilight said. She looked behind her and saw Rarity slashing wildly at Applejack, who dodged and blocked as many attacks as she could. “Help Applejack later,” Twilight said, “Helping Fluttershy comes first!” “Right!” Pinkie Pie said, running on all fours toward the tarantulas. She stopped right in front of them and got in a fighting stance, “Kept you waiting, huh?” Pinkie Pie VS Tarantula x2 Pinkie Pie rolled into a ball and used her Homing Attack on the tarantula on the left, killing it in one go. The second tarantula fired at Pinkie Pie rapidly, but Pinkie Pie did a series of back flips out of the way. Fluttershy started running back toward the tower, letting Pinkie Pie know that she had to end this now. Pinkie Pie rolled into a ball again as the tarantula fired at her, but its shots were deflected from how fast she was rolling. “Spin Tackle!” Pinkie Pie shouted tackling the tarantula knocking it back but not killing it as she missed the XANA symbol, “Fluttershy, now!” Fluttershy ran past Pinkie Pie, phasing into the tower. Fluttershy ran to the center of the tower, allowing herself to be lifted to the top platform. As she flew upward, she allowed herself an elegant back flip right before landing. She calmly walked over to the control panel and began hacking into the tower's security. Once that was done, she placed her hand on the touch screen. FLUTTERSHY CODE LYOKO “Tower deactivated,” Fluttershy said in relief, watching the coding on the wall fall into the abyss below. Dash was held on the ground by Snips and Snails while Trixie sat on top of her with her hands charging up with electricity. She smiled maniacally prepared to fire, but she, Snips, and Snails began writhing in pain and screaming. Dash saw black mist fly out of them and they all fell down unconscious. “They did it,” Dash said in relief as her phone rang, “Twilight? Good job guys.” “We're not done yet,” Twilight said, “We need you to come to Lyoko and help Applejack.” “She's still alive?” Dash asked in relief, “Wait! She's in Lyoko right now?!” “She is, and so is Rarity,” Twilight said, “Dash, we have to get Rarity back, today!” “Already on my way!” Dash said running to the factory. As she left, Trixie, Snips, and Snails slowly sat up. “Ugh… what the? Why is the Great and Lovely Trixie lying on the grass?” she looked at her hair and screamed in horror, “My hair! SNIPS!!!! SNAILS!!!!” Snips and Snails looked at Trixie, who had leaves and twigs in her hair, which was a disheveled mess. Needless to say, she did not look happy. “Um… Trixie?” Snails asked, “You're hair looks terrible.” Trixie screamed in anger. Snips and Snails jumped to their feet and ran off, Trixie chasing after them. In a blind rage, Rarity proceeded to attack Applejack wildly as the latter held her gun up blocking her attacks. Pinkie Pie appeared out nowhere and tackled Rarity with her Homing Attack, knocking her away from Pinkie Pie. Rarity: 175 HP Rarity glared at Pinkie Pie, and rushed over to her screaming in rage. She began slashing wildly at Pinkie Pie, who did a series of back flips out of the way. While they were fighting, Rainbow Dash rendered and was dropped close to the fight. Dash turned to Rarity, pulled out her kunai and threw it at Rarity. She blocked with her sword and shot her shock wave attack at Dash. Dash jumped over the attack rolling forward, and then threw two kunai at Rarity as she stood up. Rarity: 155 HP Rarity fell back a bit, and then moved out of the way as Fluttershy's arrow shot past her. Rarity looked around her, seeing Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all surrounding her. Applejack Fluttershy Rainbow Dash Pinkie Pie VS Rarity Fluttershy readied another arrow while Applejack fired her shot gun and Dash threw a kunai, both attacks Rarity blocked. She fired her shock wave at both of them, but they rolled out of the way. Pinkie Pie used her Spin Tackle, but Rarity moved out of the way just in time, only to be impaled by Fluttershy's arrow. Rarity: 110 HP “Fluttershy…!” Rarity seethed. Grabbing her sword tightly, she charged over to Fluttershy, who spun around using her teleportation technique just in time, reappearing on top of a nearby cliff a few feet away from Rarity. “Triangulate!” Dash shouted, running in a triangle around Rarity creating two clones along with herself at each angle. Rarity ran to one Dash slashing her with her buster blade, killing a clone. The real Dash threw two kunai at Rarity hitting her in the back and knocking her to one knee. Rarity: 90 HP Rarity turned to the real Dash and slashed wildly at her, but Dash ducked and flipped out of the way of all of her attacks. Dash jumped back just as Fluttershy's arrow landed at Rarity's feet. Rarity glared at Fluttershy and then sent another shock wave at her, this time going through Fluttershy. Fluttershy: 0 HP Fluttershy's scanner opened, revealing a worn out Fluttershy on her knees. “Applejack… Dash… Pinkie Pie… please succeed…” Fluttershy begged, worried as her attacks were the strongest against Rarity. Applejack and Dash took turned firing at Rarity, who blocked and slashed their attacks away. Pinkie Pie rolled into a ball behind Dash and Applejack and tackled her, hitting her in the stomach and knocking her back a bit. Rarity: 65 HP Applejack followed it up by firing her shot gun before Rarity could put up her defense. Rarity: 55 HP “Girls, be careful!” Twilight cried, “Krabs and tarantulas just appeared in your area!” “Where?!” Dash asked right before taking two tarantula shots in the back falling to the ground. Rainbow Dash: 0 HP “Dashie!” Pinkie Pie cried watching her friend devirtualize. She flipped back just in time as two krabs fired at her. The krabs chased Pinkie Pie while Rarity slashed at Applejack, who like always used her shotgun to block the attacks. The tarantulas got in position and began firing at both Applejack and Rarity for some reason. “I don't get it,” Dash said looking at the monitor with Twilight and Fluttershy, “Why is XANA trying to attack Rarity too?” “He knows that Applejack has the anti-virus,” Twilight said, “So if either one gets devirtualized we lose our chance to rescue Rarity.” “Twilight, you go in,” Fluttershy said, “Clear out the monsters so Pinkie Pie and Applejack can focus on Rarity.” Twilight nodded and ran to the elevator, taking to the scanner room. Once downstairs she ran into a scanner as Fluttershy got to work. “Transfer Twilight!” Fluttershy said, “Scanner Twilight! Virtualization!” Twilight rendered into Lyoko and was dropped off right near the fight. Three krabs turned to Twilight and fired at her, but she did an elegant back flip away. Twilight targeted the krabs in her head, spun around, and threw her arms out elegantly throwing three large homing shots at the krabs killing them. She turned to where Pinkie Pie was running away from two more krabs and sauntered over to them. As she walked she created two energy orbs in her hands and threw them at both krabs. The monsters fell back exploding. “Thanks Twilight!” Pinkie Pie said turning to Rarity and running toward her. She jumped into the air and used her Homing Attack knocking Rarity away from Applejack. Rarity: 40 HP Applejack reloaded her shotgun and fired two shots rapidly at Rarity, not knocking her back but hitting her point blank. Rarity: 20 HP “You're almost done,” Fluttershy said, “She only has twenty hit points left.” “Good,” Applejack said, unaware that two tarantulas were prepped to fire at her. “Applejack, watch out!” Twilight called out. The tarantulas fired at Applejack as she turned around, but Pinkie Pie pushed Applejack out of the way just in time, taking the shot herself. Pinkie Pie: 0 HP As Pinkie Pie flew back devirtualizing, Twilight threw her smallest attack at Rarity, hitting her in the side. Rarity: 10 HP Rarity turned to Twilight and glared at her. She then fired her shock wave at Twilight, who was too slow and was knocked to the ground by the attack. Twilight: 10 HP Twilight slowly stood up, but was cornered by two krabs and a tarantula, “Applejack, run!” Twilight ordered. Applejack nodded and ran off, Rarity running after her. Tarantulas and krabs ran after them firing at them, but Twilight quickly destroyed the monsters cornering her and ran after them, killing the monsters that were chasing Applejack and Rarity. Applejack ran to the edge of the platform she they were fighting on, stopping before she slipped. She looked down into the ocean that made up the digital sea, thinking about her situation. She could definitely take out Rarity in one single shot, but would it matter? What if she was already too corrupted? She couldn't stand not knowing. She had to know if Rarity was still in there. If not, then life wasn't worth it. She looked one last time into the digital sea, knowing exactly what she was about to do as Rarity ran up to Applejack. “Rares!” Applejack shouted turning to Rarity, “Remember when ya asked me ta have faith in ya? Ah said that Ah did, an' Ah meant that!” “And look where it led you!” Rarity said pointing her sword at Applejack, “Thanks to your stupidity I was able to give freedom and Eos to Master!” she scowled at Applejack, “Master ordered me to kill you, but that's impossible here in Lyoko! Master will be disappointed in me! Master won't love me!” “Rares, he don't love ya now!” Applejack said, “All ya are ta XANA is a tool, an' he'll get rid of ya the second he's done with ya! Not me though! Ah'll love ya ferever!” “NYET!!!!” Rarity screamed, “You don't love me! You're like everyone else in my life! You're just waiting for me to give you my heart so you can tear it to pieces!” tears began falling from Rarity's eyes, “Won't be hurt again! Won't be betrayed again!” “Betrayed…?” Applejack asked, “Did someone… hurt ya in the past…?” “None of your business!” Rarity shouted, “Want to kill you, but can't now! Master won't love me! No one will love me! I'll be alone FOREVER!!!” Standing in front of Applejack, crying her eyes out still with her blade pointed at Applejack, Rarity was truly a pitiful sight. Just like the day they met, Applejack felt great sadness and loneliness from the Russian in front of her. Someone hurt her. Applejack didn't know who, but whoever they were left a humongous scar on Rarity. She was desperate for love, and was now clinging to someone who seemed to give her anything she wanted. “Ya really think XANA is gonna love ya…?” Applejack asked, “Ya really don't love me? Ah don't believe that! Ah refuse ta believe that yer gone! Ah still have faith in ya!” Rarity stopped crying and looked at Applejack in shock, “W-what…?” “Ah promised that Ah'd always have faith in ya, an' in my family, we don't break promises! Ah don't know who broke yer heart in the past, but Ah ain't them! No, Ah ain't perfect, but Ah know how Ah feel about ya! Rarity Dostoevskaia, AH LOVE YOU!!!” “Applejack…?” Rarity said trembling. After a second she shook her head in anger, “Nyet! Don't try to confuse me!” “Even if ya don't come back fer me, what about yer sister?! She's torn up, Rares! She misses ya! What's she gonna think?!” “Sweetie Belle… no…” Rarity said wilting. She picked herself back up immediately though, “Stop that!” she seethed, “You're trying to take me away from Master!” “Damn right!” Applejack said, “Ah'm tryin ta save yer life! Rares, Ah'm yer hero, remember?!” “Nyet! You are same! I go with you, and I'll be alone again! Master promised me we'd be one forever!” “Yeah, one as a part of him! Unable ta think on yer own! Everything that's you will be gone! Yer sense of fashion, yer passion in battle, yer short temper, the way ya speak, the way ya cringe at the sight of dirt; everything that makes ya who ya are, that makes ya beautiful, will be gone! Ya won't be anything but an extension of XANA!” “Master promised me I would never be alone!” Rarity said trembling, “He promised me! You can't promise to be there forever!” Applejack sighed, “Ah can promise that Ah'll always love ya, Rares.” “NYET!!!!” Rarity screamed, “Lies! All lies!” she backed away from Applejack, “Master warned me… that you'd say these things to confuse me…!” “Rares, Ah'm not tryin ta confuse ya! Ah love ya, an' Ah still believe that ya love me!” Applejack stood ready, hold her shotgun defensively, “If ya don't, then prove it right now by knockin me inta the Digital Sea!” Twilight ran up to them, stopping a bit behind Rarity in shock. “Applejack?!” Twilight asked. “What the hell Applejack?!” Dash asked. “Applejack, please don't!” Fluttershy begged. “I can't watch this!” Pinkie Pie said turning away covering her eyes. “Ya said XANA wanted ya ta kill me, right?” Applejack asked, “Well, Ah'm sure he wouldn't be to upset if Ah fell in here! Yer shock wave won't kill me if Ah defend, but the impact will knock me off the edge! Chances are, Fluttershy won't be able ta devirtualize me before Ah hit the water, meanin you'll win!” “Applejack, don't do this!” Twilight begged, “If you fall into the Digital Sea we can't pull you out!” “You'll be trapped in the virtual world forever!” Fluttershy said, “Applejack, let me pull you out now! We can try-” “No! Ah'm not leavin Rares! Not like this!” Applejack said. “AJ, this is stupid!” Dash said, “Giving yourself up isn't-” “SHUT UP!!!!” Applejack screamed, “Ah have faith in her! Ah know that Rares is still in there! She ain't evil! She's jus' hurt, an' confused!” Applejack started crying, “So what'll it be Rares? Are ya gonna kill me?” Rarity laughed maniacally, “You should listen to others, Applejack!” Rarity said getting her sword ready, “You'd risk me killing you like this?” “Yes, Ah would, cause Ah can't live in the real world without ya!” Applejack admitted, visibly shocking Rarity, “Ah love ya Rares, more than Ah can even express! Ah love ya so much that it hurts! But my world ain't worth livin in without ya in it! So ya might as well kill me right here, Rares!” Applejack broke down completely, “Cause if Ah have ta leave Lyoko without ya again, Ah'll die anyway! SO COME ON RARES!!!! IF YA REALLY HATE ME THAT MUCH, KILL ME!!!!” Rarity was trembling, but she got her sword ready. Twilight charged up her energy beams, but a nearby tarantula fired at her knocking her back. Twilight: 0 HP “Applejack!” Twilight screamed as she devirtualized. Not taking her eyes off of Applejack, Rarity raised her sword, charging it up. She looked strained, like she was having an internal battle within herself. After a second, she slashed downward sending a shock wave toward Applejack, who didn't even try to move out of the way. Instead, she just closed her eyes in acceptance. “APPLEJACK!!!” everyone screamed, watching on the super computer. They couldn't tell directly, but they could hear Rarity's attack. She fired, and she was about to… The attack flew toward Applejack, flying right past her side, missing her completely. Applejack opened her eyes and saw Rarity looking at Applejack shocked and confused. She fell to her knees dropping her sword, and hugged herself as she broke down. “I… can't…!” Rarity said, “I can't… kill…” The tarantula that fired at Twilight turned to Rarity and charged up its attack. Applejack saw that and quickly reloaded her shotgun, firing at Rarity at the same time as the krab. Both shots flew toward Rarity, one in front and one in back. In the end… Applejack's bullet hit her first. Rarity: 0 HP As Rarity devirtualized, the tarantula's shots hit Applejack knocking her off the side. Applejack: 0 HP Realizing what happened, the tarantula gave a shrill cry to the heavens, probably mimicking XANA's state of mind. He lost. He lost bad. As Applejack's scanner opened up, everyone exited the elevator running into the scanner room. Twilight ran into Applejack's arms. “Don't ever do anything like that again!” Twilight demanded. “Hopefully Ah won't have ta,” Applejack said returning the hug. “Speaking of,” Dash said catching everyone's attention. Applejack stepped out of the scanner and walked over to the scanner Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy were looking into apprehensively. Inside the scanner was Rarity. She was lying on the floor, still dressed in the same manner as before, but not moving. For a while, no one moved, unsure of what happened. Did Applejack succeed? Was Rarity herself again? When she stirred, everyone except for Applejack stepped back a bit. Slowly, Rarity sat up, and looked up at everyone. She looked devastated. “Girls...” Rarity said, tears falling from her eyes, “I'm… so sorry...” Applejack pushed everyone out of the way and ran into the scanner, falling to her knees and embracing Rarity tightly. “Yer home…!” Applejack sobbed, “Yer home!” “AJ…!” Rarity said trembling. After a second, she broke down completely returning the embrace. Dash breathed out in relief loosening her fists, Pinkie Pie wiped tears from her eyes smiling, Fluttershy placed a hand on her chest smiling in relief, and Twilight fell to her knees looking the most relieved. They finally got a victory on XANA. It was nighttime now, and Sweetie Belle was trying her best to get to sleep, but it was hopeless. She hadn't had a good night's sleep in days, not since Rarity's disappearance. She wanted her sister back. Sitting up and looking out her window, she closed her eyes and prayed silently. “Rarity…” Sweetie Belle said, shedding a single tear. Almost in response, Sweetie Belle heard the door open downstairs. She quickly ran out of her room going downstairs, where she got the shock of a lifetime. “Sweetie Belle...” Rarity said softly. Sweetie Belle started breathing heavily, like she was about to break down. /Are you… really back…?/ Sweetie Belle asked slowly. “Dah...” Rarity whispered, /I'm home now…/ Sweetie Belle ran into Rarity arms, crying loudly. As they cried, the lights came on and their parents walked up to them, both of them wide eyed seeing their eldest daughter. Rarity looked up at them and then stood up. “Mama… Papa…” Rarity said slowly. Her mother covered her mouth trembling before running to Rarity embracing her. It wasn't long before her father and little sister joined in. Applejack stood right outside of the house. She wished she could have been with Rarity too, but right now she needed to be with her family. They'd have time to talk later. “Good night love,” Applejack said smiling. She turned and began skating back to the school, heart feeling lighter than it had all week. Rarity was back, safe and sound. Ending Theme: Can't Fight The Moonlight