//------------------------------//
// 18: Forgiveness 
// Story: Code Lyoko: EG 
// by Azure Sandora 
//------------------------------//

Theme Song: A World Without Danger

18: Forgiveness

“You want to leave the team?” Twilight asked in shock.  A day after being rescued, Rarity called everyone to the factory, where she was waiting for them in the computer room.  Thankfully she was now dressed in her usual attire and makeup.

But no one expected the bomb she dropped once they got settled in.

“Dah,” Rarity said somberly rubbing her arm, “It's for best… I think...”

“But why?” Pinkie Pie asked sadly, “You don't want to be our friend anymore?”

“It's not that,” Rarity said, “It's because we're friends that I want to leave,” she turned away from everyone and closed her eyes, “I hurt all of you in worst way.  I captured and beat Fluttershy, I shot at Pinkie Pie, I freed XANA and helped him capture Celestia, and… I attempted to kill Applejack… I betrayed team…”

“But that was because of XANA,” Dash said, “You didn't know what you were doing.”

“Nyet,” Rarity shook her head, “That's wrong.  I knew exactly what I was doing.  XANA just took advantage of my feelings.  There's small part of me that resented how close you all were, and… how much everyone loved Fluttershy…”

Fluttershy turned away biting her lip in shame.

“Rarity,” Twilight said, “We know that we haven't been the best of friends to you, and we're sorry.  We don't just care about your skills on Lyoko, we care about you.”

“I… want to believe you Twilight,” Rarity admitted, “But XANA's virus brought out lot of painful thoughts.  I didn't realize how much I really grew to resent all of you until XANA began whispering into my ear,” Rarity looked at everyone sadly, “I promise I won't tell anyone about super computer, and I'll still help protect the school whenever XANA attacks, but… I can't fight anymore.  I'm sorry...”

Applejack was silent for the entire conversation, standing in a corner by herself just listening.  After a second, Applejack took a deep breath and walked over to Rarity taking her hands.

“If this is really what ya want Rares, then Ah won't stop ya,” Applejack said with a saddened smile.

“Applejack…” Fluttershy said, mirroring how surprised everyone was.

“You're… not upset?” Rarity asked.

“Ah ain't happy,” Applejack admitted, “But Ah ain't gonna force ya ta fight.  If ya need some space, some time away from the computer, the team, an' Lyoko, then Ah'm willin ta give it to ya,” she caressed Rarity face lovingly, “Take as much time as ya need.  Jus' know that if ya need anythin at all, ya got friends here.”

“Spasibo,” Rarity said softly.  She kissed Applejack tenderly on the lips, and then walked to the elevator.  As she went up to the surface, everyone had heavy hearts.

“Hey,” Dash said walking over to Applejack, “Are you sure about this?”

Applejack took a deep breath, “Yeah, Ah am.”

“But she's one of us,” Pinkie Pie said, “We're the Lyoko Warriors.  All for one and one for all.”

“She feels like we only care about her as a member of the team,” Applejack explained, “We need ta show her that we care about her as a person.”

“Still, losing her as a fighter is crippling,” Twilight said turning to the computer, “We got her back, but XANA still has a major advantage over us.  Losing one of our main fighters isn't going to help us.”

“And with Lulu standing in for Celestia, she can't be here as much as before,” Fluttershy added, “So Twilight has to stay out here more often.”

“What if we… nah,” Pinkie Pie said shaking her head.

“What?  Got an idea?” Applejack asked.

“It's silly,” Pinkie Pie said, “You'll all hate it.”

“If it's one of your ideas, I doubt it,” Dash said.  Pinkie Pie may have been spacey at times, but her random ideas and intuition had saved them on more than one occasion.

“Well… I was thinking that we should...” Pinkie Pie said, “maybe begin searching for a new member?”

“Like… another Lyoko Warrior?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah.  Remember how we did when we had Lulu here with us all the time?” Pinkie Pie asked, “She could watch the computer if Twilight had to come into Lyoko.”

“It is true that if we had another member we could begin making up what we lost,” Twilight said, “We have to start fighting back against XANA.”

“But who would we get?” Dash asked, “We can't just pick anyone.  This is a big secret.”

“We ain't jus' fightin a regular enemy either,” Applejack said, “We're at war basically.”

“We need to be on the lookout for someone,” Fluttershy said, “I also think we need to find one of the other two Architects of Lyoko.”

“I'll scope the school for possible candidates,” Dash said, “Pinkie Pie, wanna come with?”

“Sure Dashie,” Pinkie Pie said, “Twilight, we'll see you back at the school.”

Twilight nodded as they left the computer room.

“Ah'm gonna head out too,” Applejack said walking to the ladder, “Skate around the neighborhood, ya know?”

“Sure thing,” Twilight said, “I'll stay here with Fluttershy for a bit before we head back,” after Applejack left, Twilight sighed and turned to Fluttershy, “So what's wrong?”

“Nothing,” Fluttershy said looking away.

“Don't give me that,” Twilight said, “We've been dating for almost a year now, so I know when something's wrong.”

Fluttershy sighed, walked over to the side wall and sat down hugging her knees, “Twilight, Rarity said that she hates me.”

“She was under XANA's control when she said that,” Twilight said.

“No Twilight, I remember when Lulu was corrupted,” Fluttershy said somberly, “It's just like Rarity said, she was in full control.  Everything she said then she felt at least a little.  There's a part of her that hates me...”

“Fluttershy,” Twilight got up and walked over to Fluttershy to sit next to her, “Rarity joined our group because she wanted to protect you.  She's been looking out for you since the beginning.  Even if there are things she doesn't like, I'm sure that she doesn't really hate you.  That much, was XANA talking.  I refuse to believe otherwise.”

Fluttershy took Twilight's hand and leaned into her, “I wish I could be as optimistic as you.  Ever since getting my memories back, everything around me just feels so bleak.  I remember my mother dying from cancer, I remember my father being killed by XANA, I feel so alone.”

“Everything that happened to Rarity probably only made things even worse,” Twilight said.

“She was my big sister,” Fluttershy said, “To know that she hated me, it makes me wonder if I'll lose everything I have left, like… you.”

“You won't lose me,” Twilight said, “I'm still here now, right?  Sure, you lost your mother and your father, but now I'm your family.  You can always lean on me, okay?”

Twilight wrapped her arms around Fluttershy, who silently cried in her embrace.  Ever since getting her memories back, Fluttershy had become even more sensitive than she was before.  She could be seen walking around the school in a bit of a daze, and sometimes would start crying a bit in class.  To her, the death of her father was still fresh in her memory.

She needed Twilight now more than ever.



After skating around the residential areas for a few minutes, Applejack went in the direction of her and Rarity's special place.  On one hand she needed to be there herself for a bit, but on the other hand she was hoping that Rarity was there so they could talk by themselves.  They hadn't really had much time since rescuing her from XANA.  Even when Applejack walked her home, they didn't really say anything.  They just held each other.

When she arrived, she saw Rarity sitting by the water.  Applejack took off her skates and walked over to her, sitting down next to her.

“Ah was hopin you'd be here,” Applejack said.

“Really?” Rarity asked, “Here to talk to me privately about leaving team?  I'm not changing my mind.”

“Ah meant what Ah said in the factory,” Applejack said looking out at the water, “If ya need some space from the fightin, Ah'm willin ta give it to ya.”

Rarity looked at Applejack in shock for a second, and then leaned into her.

“Actually, there's somethin else Ah wanted ta ask ya about.”

“What's that?”

“When ya were under XANA's influence, ya mentioned that someone hurt ya,” Applejack said, noticing how Rarity tensed up.

“You… remember that?” Rarity asked.

“Yep.  Ah sort of get the feelin that has somethin ta do with how afraid ya are of us, right?  Along with yer family bein against it, Ah mean.”

“Dah,” Rarity admitted, “I'm worried about parents finding out that I'm lesbian now, but there's reason why I'm so...”

“Why ya turned down every other guy that approached ya even before meetin me?” Applejack asked, “What happened?”

“Why does it matter?” Rarity asked.

“Cause we're still datin, an' Ah'm hopin we'll be tagether fer a real long time.  If there's an obstacle though, we need ta face it.”

Rarity looked at Applejack surprised, “We're… still couple…?  Even though I'm leaving team?”

“Ya thought Ah'd break up with ya jus' because ya ain't with the group anymore?” Applejack asked looking at Rarity incredulous, “Silly girl, why would Ah break up with ya fer that?”

“I don't know...” Rarity said looking back at the water hugging her knees, “I'm being stupid, I know.”

“No yer not,” Applejack wrapped her arms around Rarity, “Seriously though, this is what Ah'm talkin about.  You thinkin that ya need ta be on some team in order ta have friends.  What made ya think that?”

Rarity closed her eyes, contemplating something.  She was silent for almost a minute before she spoke again.

“I was freshman,” Rarity said, “New student in Canterlot High.  I was nervous, because back then I still had trouble with English.  Still, I was really popular because of appearance.  Lots of boys were interested in me, but there was one boy I had my eyes on.  His name was Blueblood.  He came from rich family too, and was senior.  I had… er… how do I describe it…?”

“Ya had a massive crush on him?” Applejack asked to help Rarity.

“Dah, that,” Rarity said, “Massive crush.  He was all I thought about for entire school year, but I was too nervous to approach him.  He was good with English though, so I asked him to help me.  He agreed, and after third session he was kissing me.  He told me that he was waiting for me to come to him.  I was so happy.  Blueblood was interested in me.  We dated for the remainder of year, I even gave him virginity.  Then, Senior Prom...”

The way her eyes narrowed told Applejack something happened at senior prom.  Rather than push her, she just let Rarity continue at her own pace.

“I was his date,” Rarity said, “But he seemed distant.  We only had one dance together, when he went to get refreshments he only got one for himself, and he acted like he didn't want to talk to me.  He went off by himself, and was gone for long time,” tears formed in Rarity's eyes, “I found him in hallway, making out with another girl.  When I asked him what was happening, he told me that he didn't want long term relationship with girl who didn't speak English.  That… was when I realized why every boy in school wanted me.  They didn't want me for me, they just wanted my body.  That's all anyone wants.  No one wants me unless I'm giving them something.”

“Rares, that ain't true at all,” Applejack said, “Ah don't want anything.”

“Don't lie!” Rarity snapped, “You do want something!”

“No, Ah don't,” Applejack said taking Rarity's hand, “Nothin except ta be close to ya.  Okay, Ah'll admit, Ah'd love it if we could actually be more like Twilight and Fluttershy-”

“See?  You do want that!  I knew it…” Rarity said sadly.

“But, Ah'm willin ta go only as far as you're comfortable.  If ya weren't comfortable bein that close, then we'd manage.  We're movin at yer pace, remember?”

“You didn't stop me when I was corrupted,” Rarity said looking away, “When I was more open with our relationship.”

“No, Ah didn't,” Applejack said, “But if Ah had realized that you were under XANA's influence Ah would have stopped ya.  Ah want our first time tagether ta be because you truly want it.  Ah ain't like Blueblood.”

“You say that, but everyone says that,” Rarity fussed.

“Well, Ah'm not everyone,” Applejack said, “Honestly, Ah love how ya talk.  Yer accent, an' how ya speak English, sure it ain't perfect, but it gives ya a certain character.  Ah could listen to it all day.  Also,” Applejack kissed Rarity, lingering for a few seconds, “All Ah ever wanted was that.  Ah could kiss ya all day jus' like that an' be happy.  Ah love ya, Rares.  Really, Ah do.”

“I… love you too AJ,” Rarity said, “I want to trust you… but...”

“Ah get it, Blueblood really messed ya up,” Applejack said, “This is why Ah think spendin some time away from the team is a good idea.  XANA brought out a lot of yer insecurities, an' freein ya didn't make those feelins go away.  Take as much time as ya need ta heal, alright?”

Rarity looked so confused and sad, as if no one had ever shown her this much affection.  Applejack always knew that Rarity was sad.  The poor thing put a wall around her heart after that jerk Blueblood broke it.

If Applejack ever saw him, she'd punch him in the face for hurting Rarity.

After a second, Rarity embraced Applejack tightly and pushed her onto the grass.  No more words needed to be said between them.  They'd stay like that for the rest of the day, until it got dark, where Applejack would walk her home.

Applejack had saved Rarity from XANA, but her work wasn't done yet.  She was going to save Rarity's heart next.



The next day, Rarity was making her way to the school with a heavy heart.  Her parents didn't think that she should be going back to school so soon, but Rarity didn't want to sit around and do nothing.  She needed to be active, and most of all she needed to go to her fencing class.

As she turned the corner, she saw Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie standing by Sugar Cube Corner as if waiting for someone.  When they saw Rarity, Pinkie Pie waved enthusiastically at Rarity.

“Rarity!  Heya!” Pinkie Pie called out.  Rarity waved slightly and walked over to them, as they were on her way to the school.

“I had a feeling we'd run into you now,” Dash said with a smirk.

“Oh, s-sorry...” Rarity said looking away.

“Don't apologize,” Pinkie Pie said touching her shoulders, “We waited for you.”

“You did?” Rarity asked, “Why?”

“Why not?” Dash asked, “We sometimes eat breakfast here and then go back to class, so we figured we could all walk together.”

“Come on!” Pinkie Pie said pulling Rarity onward, “We don't wanna be late.”

This was weird.  They never walked with her to school before.  Normally it was just her and Sweetie Belle, but she still didn't feel up to coming to school.  As such, it was going to be just her today, but meeting up with Dash and Pinkie Pie…

Why were they here anyway?

“So, how's Sweetie Belle doing?” Dash asked Rarity.

“Um… fine,” Rarity said, “She is… er… recovering from ordeal.”

“I'm surprised you even tried coming to school,” Pinkie Pie said, “You were XANA's slave for a full week.”

“I wasn't XANA's slave!” Rarity snapped, shocking both Dash and Pinkie Pie.  Realizing what she did, she shook her head and walked ahead faster.  Sadly, Dash and Pinkie Pie ran after her and were right next to her.

“Maybe slave isn't really the right word,” Dash said, “But you were under his influence.”

“Dah, I was,” Rarity said.  They were silent for a few seconds.

“What did it feel like?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“What did what feel like?” Rarity asked.

“Being under XANA's influence,” Pinkie Pie continued.

“Why do you want to know?” Rarity asked, “It's not like it matters anymore.”

“But it does,” Pinkie Pie said taking Rarity's hand, “You're my friend, and I want to understand what he did to you.  That way, I can help you get through it.”

Rarity looked at Pinkie Pie intently before sighing and looking forward.

“It felt… natural in sense.  How can I explain…?  You know how there are things you may feel like doing, thoughts in passing, but you don't act on them or even indulge in them?”

“Yeah, I know what you mean,” Dash said, “Like when you sort of dislike something about a person, and a part of you wants to just act on it, but if you do, it'll mess up your relationship with them, right?”

“Dah,” Rarity said, “For me, that thought wasn't there.  First, those negative thoughts were made dominant, and second, that part telling me to not act on those thoughts wasn't there.”

“So, they were all your thoughts, just the ones that you normally throw away?” Dash asked.

“Dah,” Rarity said looking down, “Deep down, I'm horrible person.  No wonder no one wants to be my friend.”

“That's not true,” Pinkie Pie said hugging Rarity's arm and leaning into her, “I don't think you're a horrible person.  If that's true…” it was just for a split second, but Pinkie Pie's entire aura changed before she perked up and smiled at Rarity, “I need to pick up something from my room.  I'll see you in homeroom Dashie!”

“See ya Pinkie Pie,” Dash said waving to Pinkie Pie, watching her skip into the dorm building.  When they were alone, Dash sighed, “I bet if XANA did that corruption thing to Pinkie Pie, we'd all be in trouble.”

“I don't see how,” Rarity said, “She's nicest girl in school.  Nicest student in school.”

“Yeah, she is,” Dash said looking serious, “But it's usually the ones with the biggest smiles that are the saddest.  I'll see ya at lunch Rarity,” Dash said with a smile.  As she walked off, Rarity thought hard about what Dash said.  What would XANA have done to Pinkie Pie had he corrupted her?

And what was Pinkie Pie hiding about herself?



Lunch was odd for Rarity.  She sat at the usual table with everyone, but she wasn't really listening to what anyone was saying.  Throughout the conversation everyone tried to pull her into various topics, but she couldn't really get into them.  Her head was somewhere else entirely.

Their attention was caught though by Twilight's computer going off.  Twilight opened her computer looking at the super scan.

“Is it XANA?” Dash asked.

“He activated a tower in the Desert Sector,” Twilight said.

“It's a good thing we're all together then,” Pinkie Pie said.

“Exactly, I suggest we all move out and-” Twilight cut herself off, and everyone looked at Rarity, “Um...”

“It's fine…” Rarity said, “I'll tell Luna that you're heading out...”

“Thanks Rares,” Applejack said with a smile, “Alright y'all.  Let's get movin.”

Everyone looked awkwardly at each other, but got up and ran out of the cafeteria.  Rarity sighed to herself and got up walking to the Principal's Office.



Luna was in her office, playing Persona 4: Dancing All Night.  She was pretty sure she was supposed to be doing some sort of paper work, but this game was too engaging.  She just couldn't tear herself away from-

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

“Ahh!” Luna screamed rushing to put her game away and pull out paper work, “I'm working!  I'm working!  I swear to God I'm working!” when Rarity opened the door and stepped in, Luna breathed out in relief, “Oh Rarity, it's you.  What's wrong?”

“N-nothing,” Rarity said looking away slightly, “Just… super scan went off.  Others are heading to Lyoko now.”

“But… not you?” Luna asked raising an eyebrow.

“Didn't other's tell you?” Rarity asked, “I'm not on team anymore.”

“Yes, I did hear something to that effect,” Luna said with purse lips, “Are you sure about this?”

“Dah,” Rarity said, “I… I can't...”

Luna sighed, “I understand.  As long as you're okay with it.”

Rarity nodded and stepped out of the room.  Luna felt for Rarity's situation, but she knew that she needed to be with her team.  She had an important job, and right now she wasn't doing it.

Oh well, Luna thought shrugging to herself.  She needed to get back to work too.  Hence why she pushed her paperwork aside, propped her feet onto the desk, and got back to work… dancing all night…



Fencing class wasn't nearly as fun without Applejack to spar with.  Naturally everyone flocked around her to make sure she was okay, and the teacher even asked if she wanted to sit this class out.  She hated that so much.  She wasn't some helpless damsel!  She was a fighter!  A knight-

Oh wait, she wasn't that anymore… Now she was just another pretty face in school…

After class ended, Rarity stayed in the showers a lot longer than usual, letting the warm water caress her body and relax her.  She could have waited until she got home, but for some reason she wanted to shower before leaving the school.  Besides, here she didn't have to rush.  Not that she rushed at home.

Part of her hoped that they'd use Return to the Past so she could redo her day and maybe spend the rest of her night with Applejack.  After she finished her shower and got dressed though, something told her that she wouldn't have so much luck.

As she walked to the gate, she saw Applejack standing there waiting for her.  Applejack smiled when she approached, making Rarity's heart flutter somewhat.

“You didn't use Return to Past?” Rarity asked.

“Eh, the attack was self contained,” Applejack said with a shrug, “He jus' created a specter.  Hopin we'd have ta do the day over?”

Rarity bit her lip looking away, and then walked past Applejack without a word.  Applejack sighed playfully and ran up to Rarity wrapping an arm around her.

“Ya miss it, don't ya?” Applejack asked.

“Miss what?” Rarity asked.

“Ya know what,” Applejack said, “Ya miss hangin out with everyone, fightin monsters on Lyoko, holdin yer sword-”

“Don't,” Rarity said, “Just don't.”

“Ya know, we did miss ya on Lyoko,” Applejack said, “Dash even thought we should have called ya ta help.”

“But you didn't need me,” Rarity said.

“No… Ah suppose we didn't…” Applejack said looking serious, “How are ya feelin?”

“I don't know,” Rarity said, “Same as usual I suppose.”

“Does that mean how you are normally or how you were before meetin us?” Applejack asked.

“What does it matter?” Rarity asked harshly, “Usual is usual.  I always feel like this.”

“Ya always feel alone then?” Applejack challenged.

“Yes… no… ugh!  I'm so confused!” Rarity fussed, “I don't know how to think or how to feel anymore!”

“Shh...” Applejack embraced Rarity tightly, “Jus' feel this right now.”

“Applejack… s-stop...” Rarity begged.

“Not happenin,” Applejack said.

“Applejack, please...” Rarity continued, her eyes watering, “I can't…”

“Ya don't have ta do anythin,” Applejack said, “Jus' feel.”

“I'm scared…” Rarity said, “I don't want to be hurt again…”

“Ah know,” Applejack said, “Ah ain't perfect in the slightest.  Ah know Ah'm pigheaded, a trouble maker, Ah ain't always the most sensitive or understanding, but Ah promise that Ah'll never do ya like Blueblood did.”

“How can I...”

“Ah can't make ya trust me,” Applejack said honestly, “All Ah can do is continue ta be there, an' pray that one day ya do.  Ah'll keep holdin ya like this until ya do.”

They stayed like that for a few more minutes.  Rarity wanted so badly to trust Applejack, and honestly she knew that she could.  But that feeling wouldn't go away.  That uncertainty about Applejack, and about the others.



The next day, Twilight gathered everyone into her room to discuss their next move against XANA.

“We saved Rarity, but XANA still has Eos,” Twilight said.

“He's also still out there in the network,” Applejack added, “Dash, did you an' Pinkie Pie find anyone ta add to our group?”

“No one I'd trust,” Dash said, “Like we said before, we're at war here.  We can't just add anyone.”

“I thought about adding Cheese Sandwich, but after a while I thought against it,” Pinkie Pie said, “I don't want him getting hurt.”

“That's what it sort of boils down to,” Twilight said, “There are a few people we could possibly trust with this, but are we okay bringing them into this fight?”

“I'm beginning to think it would be better to try and fight XANA ourselves like usual,” Fluttershy said.

“Yeah, cause we've been doing a real bang up job so far,” Dash said sarcastically, “Seriously, we're getting our butts handed to us here.  What we need is-”

“Don't,” Applejack said, “We can't force her ta join us.”

“That attack yesterday we barely survived though,” Dash argued, “I'm no good at fighting bloks, and we still can't afford to let Fluttershy get devirtualized.  We.  Need.  Rarity.”

“An' Ah'm sayin we ain't gonna make her fight if she don't wanna,” Applejack retaliated, “She's been through enough as it is.”

“XANA's not going to leave her alone,” Dash said, “He's going to attack her again, now more than ever since she's not with us twenty-four seven.”

“If XANA attacks her, then Ah'll jus' protect her,” Applejack stated.

“You can't protect her all the time, Applejack!” Dash said, “Besides, she's not some helpless damsel!  She's one of us!  A Lyoko Warrior!”

“Ah know that!” Applejack shouted, shocking everyone, “But Ah also know what she's goin through!  She needs time ta sort out her mind and figure out what she's gonna do.  As her friends, we jus' need ta trust her.”

Dash closed her eyes and took a deep breath, “Okay, I'm sorry Applejack.  I know this is the best thing for Rarity right now.  I'm just frustrated, okay?”

“I think we all are a little,” Twilight said, “We can't seem to recover from that last big victory of XANA's.  He got us good that last time.”

“I'm not worried,” Pinkie Pie said cheerfully, “This is how it was in a video game I played.”

“Pinkie Pie, this isn't a game,” Fluttershy said with a sigh.

“Here me out,” Pinkie Pie said getting up, “You see, the main characters were on this journey where they thought they were saving the world.  They traveled around their world, fought monsters, risked death, and after a long journey they made it to the Tower of Salvation where their journey was going to be completed.

“But you see, it didn't end up that way.  Turns out, the angels who sent them on this journey were actually the bad guys, and the main characters were helping them with their plan.  One of their partners turned out to be a traitor working for the bad guys, and the situation was so bad that now two worlds were going to be destroyed, and they didn't have any means of saving them.”

“That… does sound a bit like what we're going through,” Twilight said.

“Up shit's creek without a paddle basically,” Dash added, “Yeah, that's us in a nutshell.”

“So, what did they do?” Applejack asked Pinkie Pie, “Cause Ah'm assumin they saved the day, right?”

“I never beat the game,” Pinkie Pie admitted, “But I do know that they didn't give up.  The main character decided that even if he didn't know what to do, he was going to save both worlds, and do it in a way so no one had to suffer.  That's what we have to do.  We have to just keep moving forward, even if we don't know what to do.”

Twilight looked down thinking, “You know, ever since XANA's attack, we've been so tense.  It's like we're always at each others throats.  This is what XANA wants to do to us.  He wants to drive a wedge between us.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash turned to each other, considering what Twilight said.

“We need to remember why we came together in the first place,” Fluttershy said, “We can't let XANA break us apart.”

“You're right,” Dash said, “Which means I need to try and be a little more sensitive.”

“Yer not alone,” Applejack said, “Ah need ta listen a little more myself.”

“For right now,” Twilight said getting up, “I'm going to head back to the factory.  Since it's the weekend, I'm going to spend some time trying to learn more about the Architects of Lyoko.”

“Want to check out Sector 5?” Fluttershy asked, “I can send you in and navigate for you.”

“I think that's a great idea,” Twilight said, “I'm pretty sure we can find terminals somewhere in the security section.”

“I think I wanna head to the Rec Room,” Pinkie Pie said, “Dashie, wanna come too?”

“Eh, sure,” Dash said with a shrug, “AJ, you coming too?”

“Nah, Ah think Ah'm gonna head ta Rarity's fer a bit,” Applejack said, “See if Ah can convince her ta come out fer a bit.”

“Have fun,” Dash said with a smirk, “I'm sure you'll have a-” the super scan went off right before Dash could finish.

TOWER ACTIVATED

LOCATION: DESERT SECTOR

31 LAT, 9 LONG

“All of that's going to need to be put on hold,” Twilight said, “XANA's launching an attack.”

“So soon though?” Fluttershy asked, “We just finished fighting him yesterday.”

“Maybe now that he's free from the super computer he's able ta move faster,” Applejack said.

“That's concerning,” Twilight said, “I'll go to the factory with Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.  Dash, you check the school for specters while Applejack checks the town.  I'll do a scan of the area once I'm in the computer room.”

“Got it,” Applejack said.

“See ya guys on the battlefield,” Dash said.  Everyone went their separate ways, but Applejack didn't go right to the city.  Something told her she knew exactly who XANA was going after.

She needed to check on Rarity fast.



Rarity wasn't used to sitting at home on a Saturday.  Normally she was with the others.  She was thinking about going to see them, but Applejack texted her earlier letting her know they were discussing Lyoko.

She had no business there.

Still, she felt funny not being there with them.  What if they were talking about something important?  What if XANA attacked?  What if-

No!  She didn't have to worry about any of that anymore.  She wasn't with them now.  Besides, Applejack said that they were okay.  They'd do just fine without her.

“They don't need me,” Rarity said folding her arms and sitting back on the couch.  She had the whole house to herself, since Sweetie Belle was hanging out with her friends and their parents went shopping.  It felt nice being alone, but she still felt restless.

“Maybe I'll give AJ call,” she said picking up her phone.

“I don't see much of reason to do that,” a familiar voice said, “It's not like you'll be together much longer anyway.”

Rarity turned to the door and got the shock of a lifetime.  Standing there was herself, dressed in the same slutty black outfit and make-up she wore under XANA's control, but with red demonic eyes instead of her blue eyes.  Looking at it from here made her question why she thought that looked good, but she had a more important question on her mind.

Like how the hell she was over there and sitting on the couch at the same time.

“Who are you?” Rarity asked slowly getting up.

“I'm you,” the other Rarity said, “Think of me as reflection of your true self.  I came here to stop you from making big mistake.”

“What do you mean?” Rarity asked.

“Setting your hopes up,” Rarity's double said, “You and Applejack don't have reason to stay together anymore.”

“What are you talking about?” Rarity asked frowning, “AJ is my girlfriend.”

“Mmm, about that...” Rarity's double said, “You're not on team anymore, remember?  You left because you realized you weren't actually friends with any of them.  They're done with you, and pretty soon Applejack will be done with you too.”

“N-nyet, she won't!” Rarity said, “S-she promised me that she wouldn't...”

“How cute,” Rarity's double said, “You're trying to convince yourself.  Don't you remember how it was with Blueblood?  The second he got what he wanted from you he was done.  That's just how people are, remember?  They only stay close to you as long as you're giving them what they want.  Once they either get it or realize that you're not going to give it to them, they leave.  How long do you think Applejack's going to wait for you to put out, hm?”

“AJ… said that she loves me...” Rarity said.

“And Blueblood made you feel loved too,” Rarity's double said, “Face it.  She's going to leave you too, just like everyone else.”

“Why are you here…?” Rarity asked weakly, “What do you want?”

“I'm here to remind you of who you are,” Rarity's double said spinning around, “This is real you, Rarity.”

“Nyet!” Rarity cried, “You're not me!  You hurt Fluttershy, shot at Pinkie Pie, and tried to kill Applejack!”

“Nyet Rarity,” Rarity's double walked over to Rarity, “That wasn't me.  That was all you.  You wanted Fluttershy to suffer for taking your spot as student who got all attention.  You couldn't stand Pinkie Pie, always going on and on about some video game and acting like a super hero, so you shot at her, hoping and praying that you'd hit her in skull and end her miserable life.”

“Nyet… nyet… nyet… nyet...” Rarity said, now falling to her knees and holding her head.

“And when Master ordered you to kill Applejack, you were happy to oblige.  You are Master's loyal soldier, Rarity, and it's time to come home.”

“But… Applejack...”

Rarity's double picked her up and slapped her, “Wake up!  Applejack doesn't love you!  No one in this world loves you!  Master is willing to give you world, all you have to do is follow his will!”

Rarity's cellphone went off at that moment.  She looked at the number and saw Applejack.  She was trying to reach her?  Before she could answer it, her double grabbed the phone, dropped it onto the ground, and smashed it with her boot.

“Now, you are coming with me whether you like it or not!” Rarity's double said grabbing her arm.  Rarity tried to pull free, but apparently this thing was similar to a specter, as it electrocuted her, making her fall to her knees.  The double picked her up carrying her over her shoulder and began walking out of the house.



“That ain't good!” Applejack said once Rarity's line went dead.  She skated even faster to Rarity's house, praying that she'd be safe when she got there.

When she arrived she saw something odd.  She saw Rarity, only wearing the black outfit from before, walking out of the house with Rarity also over her shoulder unconscious.

“Let her go XANA!” Applejack shouted, catching the clone's attention.  The clone scowled and fired a bolt of electricity at Applejack, who skated to the side and rushed over to the clone spearing her in the stomach.

As the clone fell down, Applejack quickly caught Rarity and skated off into a nearby alleyway.  She quickly sent a text to Dash letting her know where she was, and then checked on Rarity.

“Come on girl, wake up!” Applejack urged lightly shaking her.  After a second, Rarity stirred a bit and opened her eyes.

“Apple…jack…?”

“Thank God,” Applejack said in relief, “Ah was worried about ya.  Looks like XANA's playin his old tricks.  But don't you worry,” Applejack took Rarity's hands, “Ah'll protect ya no matter what.”

Rarity felt a little flushed looking at Applejack.  She came to her rescue, on her own.  She cared, didn't she?  She really cared.

“Ooh, you're going to regret that!” Rarity's voice seethed from behind Applejack.  She turned to see Rarity's clone standing there, her entire body sparking with electricity.

“Rarity ain't goin with you!” Applejack said standing up, “She's stayin right here with me and our friends!”

“I'm afraid not,” Rarity's clone said, holding her hand out, “That girl belongs to XANA!”

The clone fired electricity at Applejack, who grabbed Rarity and ran deeper into the alleyway.



“A clone of Rarity?!” Twilight asked.

“Yep!  Seems XANA's tryin one last time ta recapture her!  Are y'all at the factory now?” Applejack asked.

“I'm setting up the transfer now,” Twilight said, “Keep me updated as much as you can,” she hung up and finished setting up, “Transfer Pinkie Pie!  Transfer Fluttershy!  Scanner Pinkie Pie!  Scanner Fluttershy!  Virtualization!”



Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy rendered into the Desert Sector, a few kilometers from the tower.  When they landed, they saw the oddest sight.  At the end of the passage leading to the tower was a wall of bloks, each one standing on top of the other.  There had to be at least twenty-five of them.

As the girls moved forward, all the bloks charged up and fired their laser at the same time.  Pinkie Pie pushed Fluttershy out of the way just in time before they were hit by the barrage of attacks.

“Twilight, we've got a problem,” Pinkie Pie said.

“I see it from here,” Twilight said, “Looks like XANA's gotten a lot more creative.”

“That's what we needed,” Pinkie Pie groaned, “He was hard enough before he had an imagination.”

“I think I can hit them from here,” Fluttershy said readying an arrow, “Light Arrow!” Fluttershy shouted, firing her arrow at a blok.  Said monster spun around deflecting the arrow, and then fired another laser at Fluttershy, knocking her back.

Fluttershy: 60 HP

“Fluttershy!” Pinkie Pie cried running to her aid.  After helping Fluttershy up, the two of them ran away from a second barrage of lasers, hiding behind a large boulder.

“Twilight, I think we need help,” Fluttershy said, “There's no safe way to proceed.”



Twilight was afraid that this would happen.  Yesterday they almost lost because XANA sent an entire army of bloks and krabs after them.  Applejack was able to defeat the krabs, but got devirtualized by the bloks.  The only one who was able to fight bloks with ease was Rarity, and apparently XANA knew that.

She had enough mind to call Rarity right now.

Instead, she called Applejack, who sounded like she was running when she answered.

“Twilight, what's goin on?” Applejack asked.

“The others need help on Lyoko,” Twilight said, “Can you or Dash make it here?”

“Ah'd love ta come,” Applejack said, “but Ah gotta protect Rares!  That clone's-" the phone cut off at that moment going dead.

“Applejack?!  Applejack!” Twilight cried.



“I'm on my way to her last location now!” Dash said running on rooftops to the alleyway, “After I get them to safety I'll head to the factory!”

Dash hung up and ran over to a ladder.  She slid down the ladder into the alleyway and looked around frantically.

“Where are they?” Dash asked.  A scream further in caught her attention, “Applejack!  Rarity!”

Dash ran in, stopping when she saw the Rarity clone standing in front of Applejack and Rarity, backing them up against a wall.  Applejack stood in front of the real Rarity defending her.

“Stand aside,” Rarity's clone said charging electricity in her hand.

“Ferget it!” Applejack stated, “Ah ain't lettin XANA take her back!”

“Why?  So you can continue to play with Rarity until you're finished with her, and then throw her away like everyone else?  Don't you see Rarity?  Applejack is trying to keep you from being happy.  Master loves you though.  Master will take care of you forever.”

As her clone spoke, Rarity looked down seriously.  She looked like she was actually considering what the clone was saying.

“Shut up!” Applejack shouted, snapping Rarity out of her thoughts, “You an' XANA don't know anythin!”

“Applejack...” Rarity said.

“Ah ain't lettin ya take Rarity because Ah don't want y'all ta keep hurtin her!  Ah love her!”

“She's saying that now, but that's just so you'll forget all the horrible things that happened to you!” Her clone said, “Remember Blueblood?  Remember how much he hurt you?”

“I… do…” Rarity said somberly.

“So do Ah!” Applejack said, “But unlike y'all, Ah ain't gonna keep rubbin it in her face!  Rares, don't ya see?  XANA's jus' gonna keep remindin ya of how painful yer past was, but Ah want ya ta see how great yer future is!”

Rarity looked really touched as Applejack's words sunk in.  Applejack nodded to Dash slightly, signaling for Dash to charge at the clone.  Unfortunately, the clone must have sensed Dash's presence as she ran, because she quickly spun around and kicked Dash in the side knocking her aside.

“Dash!” Rarity cried.  Applejack tightened her fist and charged toward the clone, but said clone thrust her hand into Applejack's stomach and shot her with an electric blast that actually knocked her into the wall behind them.

Rarity's mind went blank.  Watching Applejack fall, it was like everything was in slow motion.

“APPLEJACK!!!!!”

Dash gritted her teeth and tackled the clone away.  While the two of them traded blows, Rarity ran over to Applejack's side.

“Applejack!  Please be okay!” Rarity cried.  Applejack slowly opened her eyes and smiled warmly reaching for Rarity's cheek.

“Ya… need ta get ta safety...” Applejack said, “Dash an' Ah… will…”

“I'll take you with me!” Rarity suggested, “I can carry you, and we'll-”

“Ah'll slow ya down…” Applejack said, “Ah have ta protect ya… even if it's by… stayin behind… Please Rares… get outta…” before she could finish, Applejack fainted, going limp.

“Nyet… Nyet!” Rarity begged shaking Applejack.  When she didn't wake up, she checked her pulse, happy to see she was still alive.

“Rarity, get to safety!” Dash said, “I'll keep your evil twin here busy!”

Rarity looked hesitant, but she eventually stood up and ran out of the alleyway.  Dash cracked her knuckles and got in a fighting stance looking at Rarity's clone.

“Trying to play hero, Rainbow Dash?” Rarity's clone asked.

“You don't have to “play” hero when you're awesome like me,” Dash said.  She and the clone rushed at each other and began fighting martial arts style.



When Rarity left the alleyway, she looked down and thought about everything that happened.  Applejack was still alive, but she wouldn't last for long unless they either got her to a doctor or deactivated the tower.  Right now there was only Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight, the latter probably still in the real world.  XANA planned for this.  There wasn't a way for them to deactivate that tower as is.

If they didn't, would Applejack die?

Rarity looked in the direction of the factory, seeing it in the distance.  She remembered everything that happened when she was under XANA's control, and she remembered her feelings then.  They were her feelings, and she did hurt everyone, but right now that wasn't important.

There was someplace she needed to be right now.



In the Desert Sector, three krabs appeared and walked toward the boulder Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were hiding behind.

“Twilight, we're in trouble,” Pinkie Pie said, “Is help coming?”



“I sure hope so,” Twilight said.  It had been a long time since she talked to Dash.  Hopefully she was on her way now.  Right when she was about to call her, the elevator opened, “Dash, perfect tim-” she stopped when she saw who was standing in the elevator.

“Um… what can I do to help?” Rarity asked slowly.  Twilight smiled hopefully and turned to the computer setting up the transfer.

“Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy can't get to the tower,” Twilight explained, “XANA has a wall of bloks standing in their way, and they're about to be taken out by krabs.  When you enter the Desert Sector, take out the krabs and help Fluttershy get to the tower.”

“Dah,” Rarity said.  She turned around and walked back into the elevator, but Twilight ran over to her and hugged her from behind, “T-Twilight...”

“I'm so happy you came, Rarity,” Twilight said, “Not just because we need help, but because you're our friend.  We missed you, Rarity.”

Rarity was trembling, tears falling from her eyes.  After a second, her hand touched Twilight's.

“I'm… happy to be back… too,” Rarity said slowly.  She walked into the elevator, turned to Twilight, and smiled confidently as it closed.  Twilight ran over to the computer.

“Guys, great news!” Twilight said.

“You found the cheat code for infinite health?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Afraid not,” Twilight said, “But it's something just as good.

“Transfer Rarity!” Twilight said as Rarity stepped into her scanner.

“Scanner Rarity!” Twilight continued, matching Rarity with her avatar, which had somehow returned to normal it seemed, “Virtualization!”

Twilight pressed the enter key, sending Rarity into Lyoko.



In the Desert Sector, a krab walked to Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie's hiding place and looked right at them.  They turned around to run, but saw another krab standing there.  The third krab walked out from behind it and stood in front of the last direction they could run, leaving them backed up against the boulder.

“Twilight!” Fluttershy cried as the krabs charged up their shots.  Something sliced through the one on the left though killing it.  A second later someone jumped on top of the one on the right stabbing it with their sword.  As it exploded, they jumped off it and stood in front of Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy defending them.

“Rarity!” Fluttershy cried happily.  Her avatar had returned to it's original design, but her armor was a darker shade of silver and purple.

“Leave this to me!” Rarity said glaring at the krab.


Rarity VS Krab


The final krab fired at Rarity, but she blocked all of its shots.  Once it was done, Rarity charged at the krab and slashed at its legs with her broad sword.

The monster fell forward, revealing the XANA symbol on its head.  Rarity thrust her sword into the symbol destroying it.  Her enemy defeated, she turned to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.  Pinkie Pie ran into Rarity hugging her tightly.

“You're back!” Pinkie Pie cheered, “You rejoined our party!”

“D-dah,” Rarity said softly, returning the embrace with one hand.  She looked at Fluttershy, who looked away slightly.  Rarity sighed and lightly pushed Pinkie Pie off her, “We need to get you to tower, dah?” Rarity asked.

“Y-yes...” Fluttershy said, “But we can't get past the wall of bloks...”

“Leave it to me,” Rarity said running out to the wall.  As she ran, she shot her shock wave at the wall, destroying a few of the bloks.  The monsters fired at her, but she swung her sword deflecting the attacks.  As she fought, Fluttershy ran up to Rarity's back, readied an arrow, and shot at one of the bloks destroying it.

Pinkie Pie rolled into a ball and charged at the remains of the wall.  The bloks fired at her, but she moved too fast for their shots.  She hit the bloks in the middle creating an opening.

Rarity and Fluttershy ran forward.  As they ran, Rarity blocked all of their attacks with her sword while Fluttershy fired back with her light arrows.

“Girls, a megatank is waiting for you behind the wall!” Twilight said.

“I can take care of it,” Rarity said, “Fluttershy, when you see opening, run for tower.”

“Okay,” Fluttershy said nervously.  She clearly wanted to say something to Rarity, but it would have to wait.

Once they cleared the wall, Rarity ran over to the megatank as it rolled in their way.  The remaining bloks tired to fire at Rarity and Fluttershy, but Pinkie Pie rolled in their way to deflect their attacks.

The megatank opened up and fired, but Rarity used her sword to block the large attack.  She nodded to Fluttershy, and she ran over to the tower, safely phasing into it.



Fluttershy ran to the center of the tower, and slowly floated up to the top second platform above her.  She elegantly landed and walked over to the control panel, doing her best to break it's security.



Dash was knocked back by the Rarity clone, who walked over to Applejack's unconscious body charging her hands with electricity.

“Even if they deactivate tower, I'll take you down with me,” clone Rarity said with an evil smirk.



With the security cleared, Fluttershy placed her hand on the touch screen.


FLUTTERSHY



CODE


LYOKO




Clone Rarity noticed that her body was beginning to turn to static.

“Nyet!” she cried, “Master XANA!!!” she screamed as her entire body faded away.



“Tower deactivated,” Fluttershy said in relief looking down into the abyss.  The code on the walls fell into the darkness, and a white light shined deep inside, engulfing everything.

Back in the real world, Twilight pressed the enter key, “Return to the past, now!”

Twilight, and everyone was engulfed in a bright light and brought to where they were just a few hours ago.



This time, Twilight contacted Rarity too, asking her to come to her room to discuss their next moves.  It felt nice to have everyone there, and she was also able to get more information about XANA's actions from Rarity, who was more than happy to tell the others what she knew.

“Eos...” Twilight said after Rarity told them what happened to Celestia.

“Do you know where she's bein held?” Applejack asked.

“Nyet,” Rarity said, “When I wasn't in lab or here, I was just in network.  Sort of like his other monsters,” Rarity looked down somberly, “Thinking about it, that should have been sign of how XANA saw me.”

“What about his plans?” Dash asked, “You said he was taking some sort of data from Celestia.  Do you know what it was?”

“I think it was her memories,” Rarity said, “At least that's what I figured.”

“Why would XANA need Eos' memories?” Twilight asked rhetorically.

“I think I know what he wants,” Fluttershy said.

“Wanna fill us in?” Applejack asked.

“Even though XANA is free from the network, he still needs Lyoko in order to make anything happen in the real world,” Fluttershy said, “But if XANA had his own version of Lyoko...”

“He'd be able to do everything he wants from his Lyoko, completely out of our reach,” Twilight reasoned, “That's why he tried to destroy our Lyoko!”

Fluttershy nodded, “If he destroys our Lyoko before we find his, there will be nothing we can do to stop him from controlling everything.”

“Do you think XANA's already made his Lyoko?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I don't think so,” Fluttershy said, “If he had, he would have used his Lyoko today.  As long as he's continuing to use towers in our Lyoko we still have time to find him.”

“What about searching for another member?” Rarity asked, “How is that coming?”

“Not good,” Pinkie Pie pouted, “They're either not someone we can trust with the secret, or they're not someone we want to put in danger.”

“Whoever we choose, they need ta be able ta use the super computer,” Applejack said, “That way Twilight can come inta Lyoko with us.”

“Eos and I are a rare breed,” Twilight said, “Dash is getting there, but we need her on the field.”

“The goal is for all six of us to be able to get into Lyoko,” Dash said.

“Even if we can all get inta Lyoko,” Applejack said, “There's still the issue of how we're gonna fight XANA.”

“I… might have idea,” Rarity said, “XANA gave me special program that was part of him.  He called it… source code…”

“You have XANA's source code within you?” Twilight asked, looking at Rarity in shock.

“I don't think it's XANA's source code per say,” Rarity said, “I think its more so… Lyoko's source code.”

“This changes everything…” Twilight said, “We need to get to the factory immediately,” Twilight said running to her door, “Call Lulu!  She needs to be here too!”



When they all arrived at the factory, Twilight got to work scanning Rarity.  When she was done, she looked over her data, truly pleased with what she saw.  She was so happy that she spun around in the chair laughing.

“Someone's happy,” Dash said.

“I figured out how to defeat XANA!” Twilight said, surprising everyone, “The answer is inside Rarity and Fluttershy right now!”

“Inside… us?” Fluttershy asked, both she and Rarity looking confused.

“Within both of you is a fragment of the Lyoko source code,” Twilight explained, “It's sort of like a virtual manual of Lyoko itself.  Apparently, its through Lyoko's source code that Fluttershy is able to deactivate towers.”

“Does this mean I can deactivate towers now?” Rarity asked.

“Theoretically,” Twilight said, “But Fluttershy also knows how to break the tower's security as she was a part of Lyoko's security for ten years.  The two of you have two-fifths of the source code, and each piece actually reads a particular virtue,” Twilight looked back at the computer, “The one inside Fluttershy reads “kindness” in code, and Rarity's reads “generosity”.”

“Do we know what the other three are?” Applejack asked.

“Afraid not,” Twilight said, “But it's safe to assume that XANA has the other three fragments himself.”

“If we find these source codes, can we defeat XANA and save my sister?” Luna asked.

“If we have all five source codes, I can create a program designed to seek out and destroy all incarnations of XANA,” Twilight explained, “In order to use it though, we need to find XANA's core program, and the other source codes.”

“See guys?” Pinkie Pie said skipping over to Twilight putting an arm around her, “We can defeat XANA.  We just can't give up.”

“So that's our next goal then,” Applejack said, “Find the source code fragments an' create the program to destroy XANA.”

“I'll leave that to all of you,” Luna said, “Sadly, there isn't much I can do right now, but I can insure that you all have enough time to fight XANA.”

“So let's get to work!” Dash said slamming her fist into her palm, “We got a homicidal computer program to delete!”

“Yeah!” Pinkie Pie shouted, “We're officially on the second disk!  Now things get really crazy!”

“I…” Rarity said, getting everyone's attention, “I'm… fighting too.  That is… if you all still think I'm… useful...”

“Bitch please,” Dash said, “We'd want you on our team even if you were useless.”

Rarity looked at Dash in confusion, “Um… what?”

“You thought we only kept you around because you were useful, right?” Dash asked, “Rarity, you're our friend.  We want you on the team.”

“It just isn't the same without you,” Pinkie Pie added.

“Um,” Fluttershy walked over to Rarity looking down, “I'd understand… if you still hated me… but I was really hoping that… you'd be my older sister again.”

“Fluttershy…” Rarity said, visibly touched.  She looked around at everyone as they smiled at her.  They weren't asking her to stay.  No, they were telling her that she could stay.  That she was among friends, family.

That she was home.

Rarity looked at Fluttershy, smiled, and pulled her into her embrace, “I'd love to be your big sister again Fluttershy.”

Everyone cheered loudly, applauding not just Rarity, but their current position.  For the first time in weeks, they had a reason to celebrate.  They knew what XANA was trying to do, they knew how to destroy him, and best of all, their team was finally complete again.  It would take a long time, and it would be a hard fight, but they all knew at that moment…

XANA didn't stand a chance.

Ending Theme: Can't Fight the Moonlight