//------------------------------// // Chapter 16: Cursed // Story: The Advent of Applejack // by Mister Friendly //------------------------------// Fluttershy was stretching out all the kinks and knots in her body when the door across from her unexpectedly opened. To her relief, it was only Rarity trudging back into the crystalline study they had both been slaving away in all day. Fluttershy still immediately stopped and straightened up, looking a little sheepish with herself. Rarity didn’t notice. She was more preoccupied by a big, unabashed yawn. She didn’t even seem completely aware of the less-than perfect state of her mane and the select few defiant strands of hair that dared stick out of place. “She said she’s on her way down,” Rarity reported mid-yawn. “Oh, excuse me, darling… You wouldn’t happen to know where my tea is, by chance?” Fluttershy couldn’t help but think that tea alone wouldn’t be enough to restore Rarity’s vigor. A bed and a few hours of blessed sleep were the only remedies. Those thoughts stayed as such, however, and instead she pointed wordlessly across the oblong room towards a table – one that had been cleared explicitly for their use. Rarity perked right up at the sight of the bowl of tea bags, kettle and twin set of fine china, and immediately strode over to the awaiting gifts from the herbal gods. “Splendid! A little pick-me-up is just what the doctor ordered.” Fluttershy quietly watched her friend bustle about with the cup and pot, keeping her comments nervously to herself. Eventually, she worked up the nerve and tentatively opened her mouth. “Um… did Cadance tell you anything new?” Rarity didn’t look up. She was giving her chosen teabag more or less her undivided attention while she teased it up and down in a steaming cup, as if willing it to percolate faster. “I’m afraid not,” she admitted, all the while barely sounding fazed. “The Crystal Empire does have quite the store of knowledge, granted, but I must admit that this is a rather odd time to be taking inventory of one’s personal belongings.” “She really seemed to think it could help out Applejack, though,” said Fluttershy, uncertainty in her soft voice. “She wouldn’t have asked us to leave Ponyville with her otherwise… right?” Rarity picked up on the apprehensive note in her friends quiet tone. She lifted her head and gave her friend a consoling smile. “Of course, darling! I’m sure Cadance has her reasoning. Even if she has been a tad… vague.” Fluttershy glanced down towards her hooves. “I hope so…” Rarity continued to watch her friend, but found herself at a loss for something to say. It was clear to her that Fluttershy’s thoughts and prayers were many hundreds of miles away, resting upon the changeling district. She knew this because she was doing the same thing. They all were. But Rarity could at least take solace in the fact that so far, no word had reached them about Applejack’s condition. A pessimist might take that as bad news, but she wasn’t that far gone yet. No news couldn’t mean bad news, either. She would just have to operate under the assumption that, for the moment, Applejack’s condition was unchanged, and unchanged meant she was stable. And that was a good thing. It was only when she started entertaining thoughts of how long that might last that she started to feel the specter of gloom, but Rarity was nothing if not an optimist, even if she had to work at it sometimes. While she considered what to say to cheer up her worried friend, the distant rumble of thunder made itself known through the pale violet walls. Rarity looked up and over one shoulder, over towards a large bay window that stretched from the floor to the ceiling. Rivulets of water and the constant barrage of rain met her gaze, as did the dour grey sky beyond. Rarity disliked heavy rain. She had for months. They always seemed to be an ill omen these days, ever since they’d found that wretched-looking mare among a demolished guard tower. She glanced towards Fluttershy, who was playing with a jewelry box without much commitment. The worry in her eyes was explanation enough. Rarity pondered what to say for a time while her cup brewed away. It simply didn’t feel right leaving the silence unattended. It took her a moment – longer than usual, actually – but she eventually opened her mouth with a reassuring smile. “I’m sure Applejack is doing just fine, darling. After all, she has Rainbow Dash looking after her! So there’s really no reason to fret. As long as Applejack has her, she’ll be back on her hooves in no time. You’ll see.” Fluttershy looked up and towards her friend. “Are you sure? Rainbow looked so upset…” Rarity chuckled under her breath. “Oh, absolutely. I can think of nopony better, in fact! Now, let’s focus on helping Cadance find… whatever it is she’s looking for.” Neither of them spoke much after that. During the lull, Fluttershy’s eyes drifted across the room Rarity and herself had spent the better part of two days in. All around her, lockers and chests stood neatly packed away against the walls, forgotten and silently collecting dust until they’d barged in unannounced. Tables stood here and there about the room, stacked high with all manner of curiosities; baubles, odds and ends, most of which made from the same pale violet crystal, now dull and sad-looking under a fine layer of dust. Furniture stood here and there, shrouded in white linen sheets that only gave the faintest indication of what lay beneath. In the corner, a half-completed suit of armor stood tall and menacing while the rest of it laid out on an adjacent table, broken down into individual plate of dark, dark metal. It would have been quite the set piece in some museum. But now, it was stuffed away unceremoniously to the side of a great pyramid of shipping crates. These boxes dominated the room, and they were the sole focus for both Fluttershy and Rarity. Instead of the typical hues of blue and purple so typified by the Crystal Empire, a fair number were constructed from unpainted wood, and came in all manner of shapes and sizes. A fair number had had their lids pried open, contents carefully rummaged through, and yet far more remained untouched, their secrets unknown. It was these boxes that Fluttershy found herself frowning ever so slightly at. She had a great deal of questions milling about in her mind, not the least of which was how all of this was supposed to help Applejack. Applejack… she hoped she was still doing alright. Despite Rarity’s reassurances, worry still kept tugging at her. She’d very much wanted to remain in Ponyville to look after her after that dreadful incident. The changelings had all been beside themselves, some right on the verge of hysterics. And Rainbow… she’d never seen her childhood friend so upset. But Rarity had insisted on not wanting to travel by herself, so… Fluttershy would just have to hope that she could be of more use here, rummaging through packed shipping crates for something she barely had a description of. Cadance hadn’t been very clear about what it was they were supposed to be doing, but she’d seemed so convicted when she asked them for help. All she’d mentioned was that it was an heirloom, and that they’d know it when they saw it. But what could it be? Fluttershy frowned ever so faintly to herself. Cadance didn’t normally keep things so hush-hush. Was she, maybe… hiding something? No, that couldn’t be it. Cadance was a friend, and very nice, too. She wasn’t the sort to keep secrets. But then… what was her motive? Finally, she decided that it was time to speak up. It even only took her a few minutes to work up the nerve to urge her voice to life, a real achievement. “Um…” Rarity looked up and gave Fluttershy a politely questioning look over the rim of her cup. “Hmm? Is something the matter?” “Well,” Fluttershy mumbled to a neighboring painting leaning against the wall. “I was just wondering… don’t you think it’s a little strange that Princess Cadance is having us look through all these old boxes?” Rarity’s eyes drifted away as she considered that. “Well… to be honest, yes. We did help her and Shining Armor pack them when they relocated here. But Cadance seemed very adamant about looking through them.” She then refocused her gaze on Fluttershy, who met it apprehensively. “Which reminds me. Did you find anything yet?” Fluttershy shook her head. “Not really…” She reached onto the table in front of her and pulled up a dark burgundy book with ochre trim. “I did find something on genealogy. I didn’t know Cadance’s family descended from Crystal Empire nobility.” Rarity looked the old, grubby book over while she took a pensive sip. The thing looked positively ancient, but well cared for. On it was a family seal she was not familiar with, most likely that of Cadance’s family; a golden heart surrounded by a starburst of blue crystal “That is fascinating, darling,” Rarity said while trying very hard not to sound deadpan. That particular bit of news was hardly surprising to her. “But I don’t think that is what Cadance brought us all this way to figure out.” Fluttershy nodded in agreement. At the same time, she stuck her nose into an open rectangular box bearing the same emblem as the book. So far, she’d been very diligent about replacing everything she’d moved exactly where she’d found it, and this was no exception. “So do I. Oh, I hope Applejack’s doing alright…” ~~***~~ Twilight set herself down in the castle’s main courtyard, startling half a dozen guards on station all around the perimeter. They relaxed right away when they noticed who it was, until it became apparent that the young princess appeared to be somewhat frantic. That stifled their collective internal sighs. “Applejack?” she called. She looked around rapidly, praying she’d been fast enough, then settled her gaze on the nearest, most unfortunate of guardsponies. “Did Applejack pass through here?” Several of the guards looked at each other. Then, they looked back towards the princess. “She is your friend? The changeling, correct?” one of the veteran guardponies inquired. “Yes, that’s her,” Twilight responded, tense as a coiled spring. Please say I’m in time… “She passed through here not long ago,” he reported dutifully. “She didn’t mention where she was headed. She only asked where the gatekeeper might be.” “Now that I think about it,” chimed in his neighbor, a scrawny greenhorn, “Queen Applejack is usually accompanied by an entourage whenever she visits the castle, right? Whole bunch of changelings followin’ her like ducklings. But… I didn’t see any today.” Both guards exchanged an unsure look. “Should… we have offered a guard detail?” one asked. “No, no, that’s fine, it just…” Twilight said, but now she really couldn’t stop the sinking feeling in her gut. It was as she’d feared; Applejack had left the castle. “Thank you for your help,” she concluded with a forced smile. The guard nodded, started to open his mouth – and then froze when he caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. Without warning, every guard in the courtyard suddenly snapped to attention, making Twilight jump in surprise. “Your Majesty!” they all barked out together, as a pair of gilded hooves touched down behind Twilight. Princess Celestia straightened up from her much more graceful descent, then cast her eyes towards the impressive gatehouse in front of them all. The drawbridge was closed, as it should be, and a wall of magical light fell just beyond, staining the late afternoon sky brightest fiery pink. “Are we too late?” she inquired, sounding concerned. “It looks that way,” Twilight said, crestfallen. “Applejack must have slipped out during all the commotion.” Celestia frowned slightly. Today was certainly lacking on good fortune. While Celestia brooded to herself, Twilight took up pacing across the lawn, looking stressed. “Okay… okay… on the upside,” she said to herself, mumbling just loud enough for Celestia to hear, “We know where she’s going, and Sardar Way isn’t far away. If we’re quick, we should be able to head her off and stop her before anything bad happens. On the downside…” Twilight slowed, then shook her head and kept going. “It’s Sardar Way…” Celestia turned towards her and gave her troubled pupil a concerned look. “Do you believe what Queen Aconita said is true?” she inquired. Twilight flinched to a stop, then turned to meet her gaze. Her expression was heavy, and deeply troubled. “I… I don’t know. The more I think about it, the stranger it all seems. But what I do know for sure is Applejack can’t be running around by herself right now. Least of all there!” She turned again, this time throwing her gaze up towards the gates as if mortally insulted by some kind of failure. “If she’d just waited for me… Sardar Way is no place for any changeling to just wander around, least of all Applejack. She should know that!” Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Do you believe that would stop her?” Twilight grimaced, conceding the point. If she believed it was important enough, Applejack would march straight into Tartaurus by herself if she had to. Some days that determination was admirable. This day, it was frustrating. “I have to catch up with her,” Twilight concluded, “make absolutely sure she’s alright. There’s no telling how many other changelings got in with Aconita. Maybe figure out why… of all places…” Celestia glanced at her when she trailed off. Twilight pretended not to notice, and instead started up again. “Not to mention what they might do if they catch her sneaking in. And if – just if – Aconita is right about Applejack’s condition… It’d be best to keep her here, at the castle. Just in case.” Celestia gave a small nod. “Do what you have to, but please be careful. Aconita risked much to come here, and I do not believe she would do so without great need. If even part of what she told you is true, we would best be extra cautious. I will remain here and try to contain this incident. If the nobles catch wind of another changeling queen incursion, it could mean far more trouble than we can deal with right now.” They both shared a look. Neither had to guess what kind of an uproar that would generate, and further outrage could very well be the last push the nobles need. “I’ll bring Applejack back as fast as I can,” Twilight said, “I promise.” She turned and galloped towards the gate as fast as she could, wings restlessly batting the air the whole time. An awkward bound, then a spring, and she was in the air. Celestia watched her go, all the while keeping her features carefully mute. What she had said was true; Aconita had risked a great deal just to break into Canterlot Castle, but for what? To run away so easily after playing her hand too soon? No, she had breached their defenses for a reason, a reason she was willing to bet her own safety on. A reason that, mysteriously, had brought her to that room in particular. The greatest question of all still lingered. Had Twilight picked up on it as well? Was that why she was so agitated? Just what, exactly, had Aconita been doing in Cadance’s old room? And why, of all places, was Applejack now going to that address? Celestia’s long life had taught her many things. Among them, she knew that coincidences could only be exasperated so much before they stopped being one. ~~***~~ Applejack paused in the shadow of an old, gnarly willow tree to catch her breath. She’d set a brisk pace from the castle, and now it was catching up with her. She pretended not to notice how quickly her calves had tightened and her muscles ached, but privately she felt no small amount of chagrin. For a moment, she glanced over her shoulder. The monolithic shadow of the castle was still plain to all. The pink shell of magic glowed against the reddening sky behind her, and through it, Applejack could make out the white marble towers and golden roofs. It really didn’t feel like she’d walked all that far, judging by the distance. She frowned and turned back around. Considering that wasn’t doing her any favors. The road she was on was leading away from Canterlot’s bustling metropolitan heart; away from the lights and sounds of the big city, and out towards a quieter, more private sector. Here, huddled along a series of plateaus stacked on the side of the Canterhorn, mansions were spaced hundreds of yards apart by majestic lawns and gardens meticulously maintained by their owners. Expansive roofs rose far behind iron gates and stood like miniature castles in their own right; regal, opulent, and practically oozing snootiness. This was Sardar Way, home to the most blue-blooded, most powerful ponies in all of Equestria. And the absolute last place an upstanding country mare ought to be. Already Applejack had a bad taste in her mouth, and she knew it was only going to get worse from here on out. But she also knew that this was the only path forward, so she had no choice but to pull herself up by her horseshoes and forge ahead, even if she’d rather pull teeth with a rusty set of calipers. Well, ‘least Rainbow ain’t here fer this. All this frou-frou business would drive her up a wall. The thought only gave her a bitter comfort, because it reminded her how alone she actually was. The one pony she needed the most right now was miles away. That thought only made her sicker to her stomach. Applejack shook her head, then turned her gaze down the road ahead of her. Down that way was a solution to all of this, she just knew it. And the sooner she went and found it, the sooner she could alleviate the worries of so many. She nodded to herself, set her jaw, and set off. She made it all of a step. “Wait for me, honeybunch!” called out a voice far to her left. A giggle responded, and the clatter of hooves reached Applejack’s ears. Thmp… Something pulled Applejack’s head around. Her eyes immediately fell on a pair of ponies coming up the boulevard, trotting happily along the sidewalk opposite her. It was a stallion and mare. Thmp… By the time Applejack had spotted them, the stallion had caught up to his companion, much to her glee. They walked side by side, occasionally laughing and sharing comments too quiet to catch. Applejack couldn’t take her eyes off the pair. The longer she stared, the more it felt like the world was putting a spotlight on them. There was something… captivating about the duo, something she couldn’t quite place. The stallion was a fine specimen, no doubt about it. Well built, but not huge, with looks to sweep a mare off her hooves with a glance. He was, without a doubt, the son of some prominent Canterlotian family. But it wasn’t his looks that interested Applejack. The mare was gorgeous as well, if a little plain. Her mulberry mane was down and a little flyaway, like whatever do she’d tied it up in had come undone. But it wasn’t just her appearance, either. There was something else that compelled her to turn her complete and undivided attention upon them, but for the life of her, Applejack couldn’t figure out what it was. They were so far oblivious to her presence, but Applejack couldn’t help but fixate on them. Both slowed to a leisurely pace. Neither seemed in a hurry. Then, as the two fell quiet, the mare leaned to one side, and set her head against the handsome stallion’s shoulder. THUD… Applejack’s hoof flew to her chest of its own accord as what felt like the mother of all hooves slammed dead center into her heart. Applejack felt feverish, her skin too cold and clammy, her insides too hot and clawing. And still her eyes stayed transfixed on the pair, still meandering down the road, closer and closer to where she was standing. There was something about them that called to her. Like a tantalizing aroma finding a starving pony, there was something about the pair that she found almost irresistible, something tantalizing, Something… Something she craved… Applejack had never felt herself go that cold that fast before. It was as if someone had opened her up and dumped chunks of permafrost straight into her insides. It took every ounce of will she possessed to turn away. One hoof moved, and then the other, and finally she was able to wrench her gaze off the pair and plant it squarely on the trunk of the tree beside her. A maple, she realized. At its base was a rotted out hole, where she could just make out a few beetles digging around in the dark wood pulp. A branch must’ve been there, then removed for some – “Oh! My darling, look at that!” “Oh wow…! The clouds are so beautiful!” “Not as beautiful as you, my dear.” – For some reason Applejack could not place! Maybe it’d been in the way of hoof traffic, and had to be cut down. She wondered what kind of beetles those were. Maybe she’d seen some back home?! Granny knew a remedy for parasite beetles infesting a tree. Something about – “I say, who is that?” Oh no… “Miss? Are you alright?” They’d seen her. They’d seen her and they were crossing the road towards her. Every muscle in Applejack’s body tensed. Her insides churned, this sick new craving gnawing at her like fire. It screamed at her to turn around and chase down that alluring non-fragrance, that thing that called to her so sweetly. But Applejack had enough sense to know it for what it was. The wrongness… the wrongness deep inside her was hungry… it ate at her like starvation, like a parasite chewing her up from the inside out. The wrongness felt like a hole she herself was collapsing into, and it was screaming to be filled in. Either she went… or they went instead. She clamped her jaws as tight as they would go, until the sheer effort of clenching them shut caused her teeth to ache. She locked every one of her limbs. She would not turn around! The sounds of hesitant hooves were halfway across the street now. “Stary!” the mare called. “What are you doing?” “Wait there, Midnight. I’ll be but a moment. Miss? Miss?” Stary… that must have been the stallion’s name. He was coming to check on her, to see what was wrong. But everything was wrong. Everything. Blood pumped in her ears. She could hear a ringing sound deafening her ears… a ringing that was building like a rising scream… “Hey! Watch it!” Wooden wheels clattered against the stone behind her. A shadow of a carriage fell over her, and from behind, a hinge squeaked. “Get in. Now.” Applejack didn’t object. No, she leapt at the lifeline. Without even seeing where she was going, she whipped round and threw herself at the black shape of the carriage. She sprang at the door, not caring if anypony was in the way, and dove into the confines beyond. She hit a cold, hard wooden floor, and there she stayed, every ounce of will bent to keeping her body completely and utterly still while the hollow inside her raged. The door slammed shut behind her. Darkness pressed down all around. A split second later, the carriage began to jostle and jolt, leaving two confused and slightly outraged lovebirds in its wake. ~~***~~ Twilight moved as fast as she dared through the sky, her horn alight with a scanning spell. If things kept going the way they were, she’d end up getting some real mileage out of it. At least this time she was fairly confident that Applejack’s signal wasn’t going to have any interference. Below, the mansions were coming into view. She frowned at them, but was only momentarily distracted by their appearance. What was far more distracting was the sudden and unexpected vibration that ran through her horn. “What the…?” Twilight murmured, slowing to a stop. She crossed her eyes, eying her horn, but it showed no signs of change. But she could have sworn she’d felt some sort of feedback. And even more disturbingly, it’d come from the direction of Applejack’s signal. It was as if the source of Applejack’s magic had just fluctuated or something, and fluctuated big. A terrible feeling of foreboding sank into Twilight as she considered that. She was done waiting around. ~~***~~ Applejack focused solely on keeping herself motionless on the floor. She breathed, focusing on each breath. Little by little, over the course of several long, agonizing minutes, the fire in her chest dwindled. The gaping hole shrunk. When it closed completely, Applejack found herself on the floor of a strange coach, covered in sweat and shaking uncontrollably from head to hoof. She felt parched. Her tongue was like sandpaper on the inside of her mouth. Her throat seared with a sensation not unlike heartburn. Every muscle in her body ached. It felt like she’d physically had to fight off that… whatever that was. It took her nearly five whole minutes to recover, and a few more before she felt well enough to rise to her forelegs. That was as far as she felt she could make it for the time being. She raised her head and allowed herself to take in her surrounding for the first time. The carriage she’d dove into was spacious, with room to spare for at least five more ponies. Each bench seat on either end of the carriage’s interior was plush and studded, and made of a fine, bloody crimson material. Everything else was constructed from dark, earthy ochre, and polished to a near mirror finish. The curtains were mostly drawn, keeping all but a fine sliver of fiery golden afternoon light from penetrating inside. This, she deduced very quickly, was no common vehicle. “Here,” said a voice beside her. Applejack jumped, only then realizing she wasn’t alone. Seated by the door was perhaps the most out of place pony Applejack had ever seen. Surrounded on all sides by expensive, top-of-the-line fineries sat a disheveled mare with the biggest pair of reading glasses Applejack had ever seen. Her mane was tied back, but loose strands of hair still dangled free here and there. The mare’s features were carefully muted, but she smiled slightly when Applejack looked at her. It didn’t quite reach her eyes, however. It took Applejack a moment, but she realized that she was extending one hoof towards her. And in it was the last thing she expected; a candy bar, still in its wrapper. Not some expensive gourmet brand, either, but one she recognized. “Take it,” he instructed. “You’ll feel b-better.” Applejack eyed the stranger, a pang of wariness reflexively running through her. But the mare just smiled and extended the candy bar further. So, Applejack straightened up a little more, then took the offered bar. “Th… thanks,” she mumbled. Her voice was as raspy as her throat felt. With the craving gone, Applejack felt dazed, disoriented. It was only by the time she’d taken a seat across from the stranger that it even occurred to her that she was even in a stranger’s vehicle. She eyed her unknown savior again, this time with a hint of wariness. She didn’t say anything. She only made a motion at her, indicating the candy. “T-try it.” Applejack eyed it, then bit off the top portion of the wrapper, spat it out, and took a bite. It was a bar of dark chocolate, she realized. The moment the fudge hit her tongue, warmth stole back into her limbs. With the first swallow, her gut relaxed. The tremors settled, and by the time she’d downed the last square, she felt… well, somewhat presentable. She still felt sore and, somehow, more worn out than ever. “B-better?” inquired the mare. “Much,” Applejack responded. She sounded it, too; her throat didn’t feel nearly as parched as before. “I’m glad to hear it,” the mare responded with a stutter. “Uh, if you p-p-plan on walking around in p-public, I’d rec-c-commend keeping some of those handy. It w-won’t st-t-top the hunger pangs, but at least you won’t c-c-cause a, uh… scene.” Applejack was taking stock of the carriage’s interior when she said that. Afterwards, she had her undivided attention. “Hunger pangs?” Applejack questioned. “What… what in tarnation is that? Is… is that what that was? Ah ain’t ever felt anythin’ like that before.” Then, she caught herself. Something else – potentially more pertinent – had just occurred to her. “And… how do ya know about it?” she questioned, her wariness sprinting back to her. Oh, she had a good idea how. She could count the number of ponies who were experts on changelings on one hoof. So that left only one answer: the only ones who knew about changelings were changelings themselves. The mare must have picked up on Applejack’s guard rising, because she shuffled in her seat, hooves rubbing together. “W-w-well, it’s a really, really long story,” she blustered. Applejack crossed her hooves across her chest and raised an eyebrow. “Well, correct me if Ah’m wrong, but Ah got time,” she quipped, noting the jostling and jolting of the moving carriage. “I wish that was the case,” mumbled the mare, looking down. Applejack’s eyebrow arched up still higher. “Beg pardon?” Instead of responding right away, the mare reached down beside her and pulled up a small golden pocket watch. She scrutinized it, then bit her lip. “Late…” Applejack was frowning now. This mare, whoever she was, was proving to be less than helpful, and she was plenty aware already that she was drawing closer to some unknown destination with each passing second. “Maybe y’all could start by tellin’ me who ya are?” “Oh! Uh, right,” the mare responded, jumping back to her senses. “I-I’m sorry, that was rude of me. M-m-my name is Peony.” Applejack waited for more, but Peony just sat there, smiling benignly. The lull lasted several seconds before an increasingly agitated Applejack raised her voice again. “And… where exactly are ya takin’ me, Peony?” she prompted. Peony glanced towards the window and out a crack between the curtains. Whatever she saw, it didn’t seem to faze her. “Well, um… you’re w-welcome, by the way. And to answer your question, I d-d-don’t know.” Applejack’s eyebrow was quick to rise at that. “… Say what?” Peony glanced back, looking troubled. “W-well, she hasn’t turned up yet, so—” WHAM! The whole carriage shuddered with a sudden impact from above. The collision was so great that the whole vehicle bounced completely off the ground by an inch or two. The axels groaned in protest when they slammed back to the ground again. Applejack let out a yelp and jumped halfway out of her skin as the carriage screeched to a halt and unceremoniously tossed her to the floor again. And just when she was starting to come to the conclusion that they were under attack, Peony said, in a bafflingly cheerful tone, “Oh! Th-there she is!” Applejack just stared at her from the floor in complete confusion as the carriage settled to a stop. For a beat, everything was tensely quiet. Then, Peony’s forehead glowed with an intense green light, and with a slight clatter from the latch, the door Applejack had dove through minutes earlier swung open. Sound immediately hit her eardrums the moment the door cracked open. She immediately identified two voices, one bellowing and quite angry with the other by the sounds of it. They’d simply popped into being the moment the door was thrown open, bringing a lot of questions to her mind. Those questions were quickly and unceremoniously tossed to the wayside, however, when she made out a voice that was firing off volley after volley of apologies. “I’m very sorry, honest, but I’m in a hurry! I’m trying to find one of my friends and her trail leads –” “I don’t care if you’re lookin’ for Princess Celestia ‘erself!” barked the gruff voice of an unseen stallion, who by the sounds of him, must’ve been enormous. “You about ran us off the bleedin’ road! Do you ‘ave any idea who this ‘ere carriage belongs to? Why, I ought to turn you over to the Guard!” In that moment, Applejack wasn’t sure if she should sigh in relief, or groan. Because standing outside, looking like a filly in the shadow of a very upset, very large coach driver, was none other than Twilight Sparkle. “I’m sorry!” Twilight said, and she certainly looked the part. “But it’s very, very important that I—” “You know what else is very important? Keeping a two ton coach on the road! And if I found one scratch on the roof, I’ll ‘ave your—” The whole time this was going on, Applejack was simultaneously trying to think of a way to bail out her friend… and not be seen in the first place. Something told her that Twilight wasn’t going to be too thrilled with this little trip of hers, and the last thing she wanted right now was another lecture. But while her mouth flapped uselessly, Peony raised her voice just loud enough to be heard. “Excuse me? Driver? May I have a word w-with our guest?” The muscle-bound stallion turned his head, only then realizing that the carriage door was open. He glared with a white-hot fury, but when he laid eyes on Peony, that rage seemed to stifle itself. Instead of addressing Peony, he turned back to glower at Twilight again. “You’re gonna wish I called the Guard,” he growled, then stepped to one side. Twilight was now, understandably, a little hesitant to step around the giant hulk of a pony as he trudged back to the front of the carriage. But the moment she looked around, and noticed a familiar orange mare, all of that changed instantaneously. “Applejack! There you are!” she cried with both relief and a fair bit of exasperation. Applejack winced slightly. “Howdy Twi’. Guess y’all got done with the princess, huh?” Something crossed Twilight’s expression, just for an instant. A dark look, fleeting, but unmistakable. “… Nevermind that. And don’t play innocent with me. You shouldn’t be out here all on your—” Applejack knew it when Twilight was about to go full lecture mode. She had two settings for it; compassionate friendship lesson, and exasperated chastisement. The latter was usually reserved for whenever Rainbow decided doors to the library were overrated. Rainbow… “… And who’s this?” Twilight’s unexpected question drew Applejack back to her senses, causing her to blink. Twilight had just noticed the other pony quietly sitting out of the line of fire, waiting for the storm to pass. But now Twilight noticed her, and when she took stock of Peony, something unexpected flashed across her face; recognition. “You!” she gasped. Peony flashed a smile. “Yep, m-me. Um, I kn-know you are in the middle of something, b-but… if you’d k-kindly get in? W-we don’t have a lot of t-time.” Twilight’s expression went from shock to confusion in the blink of an eye. “Wait. Time for what?” Applejack clearly heard Peony’s stifled sigh. “For this. Now, if you wouldn’t m-mind…” She gestured into the carriage. From the front, the irate driver took one last jab at the reckless mare. “You ‘eard her! Get in!” Twilight jumped as if physically kicked in the rear, and sprang forward. The driver waited until he heard the door click shut again. Then he grumbled to himself. “Mares… Crazy, the lot of ‘em…” ~~***~~ “You should have waited for me!” Applejack sighed under Twilight’s irritation. “First off, Ah had no idea how long y’all would be. Second off, Ah ain’t gonna just waste time waitin’ if its just a walk down the street.” Twilight was barely even fazed. She just kept glaring at the side of Applejack’s head, as if expecting the sheer force of her stare to worm some sense of repentance out of her. “But Sardar Way? Alone?! What makes you think anypony there would be willing to cooperate with a changeling?” Applejack didn’t respond. She hadn’t quite gotten to that part of her plan, actually. But rationally, she didn’t think she had to worry about it. “Twi’, my Ma was goin’ to that address. Regularly,” she pointed out. “Ah’m willin’ ta bet whoever’s livin’ there ain’t nearly as bad as the rest of ‘em.” Something flashed across Twilight’s face then, something Applejack didn’t understand. “Applejack… that’s just not possible.” Applejack gave her a look of complete surprise. “How would you know? It was in Ma’s diary, Twilight.” Twilight’s expression screwed up again, more this time. That was about the time Peony decided to clear her throat. “C-can I interrupt now?” she asked Twilight glared at Peony in response. “And you… what are you doing here?” “Orders,” Peony responded plainly, shrugging. “It would b-b-be a problem if Her Highness just w-w-wandered around b-by herself.” Applejack rolled her eyes, but kept her comments private. On a good day she wouldn’t be in the mood to address her unwanted status. But for some reason, Twilight continued to stare suspiciously at the strange mare. “I don’t buy it,” she stated. Peony’s reaction was unexpected. Instead of looking nervous or surprised or any of the myriad reactions Twilight was expecting, she instead cocked her head to one side like a curious puppy. “Oh? Then, Princess Celestia told you?” “Of course,” Twilight responded coolly. “She told me you are the right-hoof mare of the Spymaster himself.” “Wait, what?” Applejack interjected. “Hold on just a minute now.” Now she really took stock of the ordinary mare sitting across from her. “Is that true?” “M-more or less,” Peony said indifferently. “And ya didn’t think ta tell me that before?!” Peony shrugged. “We were getting to it.” Peony adjusted her glasses while Applejack silently fumed. It was a vain attempt, however, as the rim settled back into the same uneven placement as before. But the air about her changed when she did so. She sat up straight and stopped fidgeting. Her expression became serious, much more serious than before. “Applejack… I was sent to transport you to the Canterlot train station,” she stated. “There, you will board a private train and leave Canterlot. There’s nothing for you here.” Shocked silence followed Peony’s statement. It lasted all of five whole seconds before being shattered completely. “Like hay Ah am!” Applejack shouted. “And like hay there is! Everythin’ points ta Canterlot right now!” “Applejack’s right,” Twilight admitted. “Why does the Spymaster want her out of Canterlot now?” Peony looked at each, completely impassive. Then, she opened her mouth to speak. “It is because of what she is… or rather, who she descends from.” Applejack exchanged a look with Twilight. “Uh… The Spymaster is worried about me bein’ Carnation’s—” “No,” Peony interrupted. “Not Carnation. Amora. Queen Amora, the very first changeling queen. The Maker.” ~~***~~ Five thousand years ago, Princess Amora ruled the land far, far to the south. Back then, it was a peaceful land, not unlike Equestria is today. She was beloved by her subjects, and she ruled fairly and justly. But Princess Amora had a flaw. ~~***~~ Five thousand years go Tierra Del Sur Princess Amora stood atop the highest spire in all her kingdom. She smiled out across the many living homes spread out radially from her palace – homes crafted of trees, bushes, and mounds of earth. Beyond, the lush jungle swayed peacefully beneath the night sky. She could see lanterns through the trees, marking paths through the serene wood towards distant settlements beyond. Far below, she could see her subjects. Dozens trotted around the grand promenade below. Some dipped their hooves in the cool river flowing gently by. They all bore so many different colors; pink ponies, red ponies, green ponies, yellow ponies; it always delighted her to see the vast array of different colors milling about far below. But some weren’t just on the ground. Some buzzed through the air on gossamer wings that danced and shimmered in the moonlight. Amora rustled her own wings in yearning. What she wouldn’t give for a flight this night. But, in the end, her better judgment kept her grounded. Down below, a band was playing. The soft notes of music reached her, and she couldn’t help but sway slightly to the tune. The sound of thunder in the distance brought her to a halt. She paused, eyes quickly identifying the storm far off on the horizon. But even that only brought a smile to her face. “Rain, rain, go away,” she sang, singing along with the tune of the band below. “Come again another day. Little fillies want to play, in the meadow by the hay.” The storm responded with a belligerent rumble, but she just smiled understandingly back. “Rain, rain, go to the plain. Never show your face again.” The storm didn’t feel like arguing anymore, but she continued her fillyhood song. “Rain, rain, pour on down. But not a drop on our town.” It was a foalish thing to do, really. The storm would go where it wanted to go, like it always did. But she loved singing to them, anyway. The sound of a door opening behind her brought her to a stop and a smile to her lips. ~~***~~ Amora was many things. She was kind. She was intelligent. And she was powerful. Very powerful. On her command, the whole of Tierra Del Sur bloomed each day. Through her presence, her subjects’ hearts were filled with kindness and love, and through their admiration, Amora’s magic was made powerful. Her brand of magic was given to her by her royal lineage, as passed down through the ages. But Amora’s affinity for it was unparalleled. But for all Amora’s gifts – her intellect, her benevolence, her power – she was one thing above all else. She was trusting. ~~***~~ Amora turned, beaming brightly, as a stallion trotted into her bedchamber. “Crescendo! Oh darling, when did you return? I would have had something prepared!” Crescendo grimaced at the prospect. His wings – so much like a dragonfly – rustled uncomfortably. “Love, you know those affairs grate on me so. I prefer it this way.” For a moment, conversation was put on hold as the two embraced. Amora could feel her chest warm, magic flowing richly through her whole body. This was how she knew she’d made the right choice in her partner. This feeling of overflowing love. “Well, you had best get over that,” Amora whispered in his ear. “There will be a lot of eyes watching our ceremony tomorrow.” Crescendo chuckled. The feeling of it soothed Amora. “Well then, I shall strive to find something to distract me from their gazes. And I think I have just the thing.” Amora laughed quietly. “Careful, love. If you spend all your life looking solely at me, you might get sick of it!” Crescendo nuzzled her forehead. “Impossible.” ~~***~~ The wedding of Princess Amora and Duke Crescendo was the biggest event in the kingdom’s history. Thousands of fluttering ponies gathered to watch as the two were wed. It is said that Amora’s happiness leading up to the wedding was so great that not a single pony spoke one word of anger that whole day in the entire kingdom. Few would ever guess that this was destined to be the kingdom’s last happy moment for the remainder of its history. ~~***~~ Amora stood at the center of the spherical wedding hall, absolutely beside herself with nerves. The hall, a massive ball made of honeycomb plated in gold and brilliant resin, was packed to the rafters with onlookers. Thousands upon thousands of her subjects had come to see their princess become a queen, at last. The princess herself stood on a tall spire in the middle of the ‘hive’, just as her mother did before her, and her mother before her. And she had every reason to believe that someday she’d watch her own daughter accept her soulmate on this very spot as well. Music played, but she barely heard it. Every iota of her focus was placed on the balcony across from her, where the love of her life would appear. She waited… it felt like she’d been waiting an eternity. But the doors never opened. They stayed shut for minute after minute… then for hours… Ponies started to whisper in confusion and worry. Voices grew louder and more prevalent as time ticked by. But Amora waited. She started to fret, worrying what could be holding Crescendo up. But she knew he’d come, eventually. She waited all night before it finally dawned on her. “He’s… not coming…” ~~***~~ No one knows why Crescendo left Amora at the altar. Some say he got cold hooves. Others say he’d run away with another mare. But a more likely reason may have been because of power. In the kingdom of Tierra Del Sur, it is the queen that rules. Crescendo would be, at best, Amora’s second-in-command. But far more likely, he would be her consort, kept around only to sire the next generation of queens. He would never rise to power. He’d be a glorified house husband. And so, he tricked Amora. He preyed on her naivety and trust. He swept her off her hooves, all to learn the secret of the royal family. It’s magic. The magic to bend love into power. With that, he could forge his own kingdom. He could be mighty and adored, instead of subordinate to another. And all it cost was the breaking of a mare’s heart. ~~***~~ It took the attendant nearly ten whole minutes to work up the courage to knock. Even then, it was hesitant, but once the first wrap had been made, she was committed. “Y-your Highness? Are you awake?” No response, again. Amora had fled to her bedchambers hours ago, locked the doors, and refused to come out. At least, by now, the attendant couldn’t make out the heart-wrenching sounds of uncontrolled sobbing. “May I come in? I have some food…” To her surprise, the doors yielded to her hoof. They groaned as they swung inward, opening up into a room thrown into darkness. Every curtain had been drawn. Only a diffused haze of light made it in through the drapes near the balcony. It was barely enough light to see through. But the attendant could make out enough. Amora’s room was destroyed. Pillows had been shredded. Furniture slashed, torn to bits, and thrown around the room as chunks of wood and resin. Pages of books lay everywhere without any sign of where they’d come from. Across the room, the fireplace was ablaze, the flames merrily devouring a masterpiece of a wedding dress. The attendant gasped at the sight of the burning dress. She dropped the plate with a clatter, fruits and berries scattering in every direction. She dove for the cremating gown. “Leave it.” Amora’s voice drove the mare to a total halt. It had come from the bed, the only place in the room that had not been utterly dismantled. Through the flickering light of fire and the near complete gloom, the attendant made out a shape on the bed entombed in blankets. “Y-your Highness, your dre—” “Did you find him?” Amora’s voice was… strange. Cold, detached. In all the years the attendant had served her, she’d never heard Amora talk so lifelessly. “U-um… No, Your Highness, we haven’t.” “Get out.” The mare hesitated. “Princess Amora, maybe we should—” The figure on the bed exploded to her hooves. A long, cracked horn burst to life with a violant, fiery light. “GET OUT!” Amora screamed at the top of her longs, before seizing the mare and launching her from her chambers. She struck the hallway wall hard and crumbled, out cold, before that same fiery light enveloped the doors and slammed them shut again. Inside her chambers, Amora glared furiously at the door with wild eyes. Eyes possessing slitted pupils. ~~***~~ Amora’s fall was swift and vicious. When her heart broke, something dark was born; a spark that quickly grew into a devouring flame. Consumed by grief and madness, her once benevolent magic twisted… corrupted… into something hideous. And that was only the beginning. ~~***~~ “Barricade the door! Seal it, hurry! She’s coming!” Stallions in the ceremonial armor of the queen’s guard hauled everything they could to the large set of double doors – the only thing standing between them and oblivion. Benches, chairs, even a few hastily cut off ceiling beams and every able body capable was pinned against the heavy doors. On the other side, they could hear screaming. Lots of screaming. The captain of the guard gritted his teeth; so many of his men, valiantly trying to hold that monster off… now trapped with it… The screams died away, one by one. As the last one was strangled into silence, an eerie quiet fell over the hall. Behind the captain, injured guards lay on makeshift stretchers. Terrified civilians huddled in corners, stifling their tears and sobs. The door began to creak and pop. “Hold steady! Hold it steady!” cried the guard captain, but even his voice was rising in terror. Wood groaned and squealed as it slid across marble tiles. Hooves scrabbled, their owners desperate to hold back what was coming. The great double doors parted just a crack. “Rain, rain, go away…” The crack widened. A mare against the far wall screamed. “Come again another day…” Out of pure desperation, civilians piled on, struggling to force the doors shut again. They creeped open wider. Through the darkness on the other side, a long, jagged horn – alight with burning green light – jutted into the room. “Little Amora wants to play.” The door exploded. Wood, resin, furniture, bodies – all were flung aside like leafs in a gale. Every torch, every candle, every source of light went out in an instant. The captain of the guard was blown clean off his hooves and thrown end over end. He tumbled again and again until his head spun. When he finally came to a stop, his ears were filled with the sounds of utter panic. In the darkness, ponies were running every which way, desperate to escape. None would. Something darted through the darkness, narrowly missing him. The captain didn’t know what it was, but he caught a glimpse of glowing blue eyes. One hit somepony nearby. They screamed for just an instant… and went silent. The captain dare not look, but he just caught the glow of green light out of the corner of his eye. He struggled to rise. If he could allow just one pony to escape, just one… Something grabbed him by the throat. With a strangled sound, he was hefted into the air, clean off his hooves, and into the face of the monster herself. The thing that had once been Amora stared at him with an almost childlike interest. Her alien, double-ringed eyes glowed, crackling with harvested magic. Her horn – a once regal spire of dawning pink – was gnarled and blackened, chunks rotted right out of it. It coursed with sickly green flames. “What’s the matter, guard captain?” she asked, sounding slightly hurt. “Don’t you love your queen anymore?” The captain sputtered, struggling to speak around the magical vice grip locked on his throat. Amora’s face split into an insane smile. Jagged, needle-like fangs glistened in her mouth. “I knew you did,” she cackled. To the guard captain’s credit, he did not scream. ~~***~~ Only a few escaped Queen Amora. At first. Over the course of months, she hunted down every last one of her terrified subjects and devoured every last shred of love they possessed. She turned all of them into her servants, the first drones. None escaped. Only one eluded her. The source of her madness and the all-consuming darkness now driving her. The architect of her fall. Crescendo. He’d left Tierra Del Sur long before Amora lost her mind, but not because of it. Even though Amora was benevolent, he wasn’t a fool. He knew there’d be reprisal. At least, that’s the theory. No one knows exactly where he ended up, or what fate befell him. He went underground, and no one would hear from him ever again. In the end, Amora never found Crescendo, but finding him become her one, solitary drive. Over the years, she gave birth to children – all new queens, just as corrupt as she was. And so, the curse took root. ~~***~~ Silence filled the carriage as Peony ended her story. Both Applejack and Twilight stared at her in disbelief, and no small amount of horror. Peony was looking out the window, through a slit in the drawn curtains. Her expression was unknowable. For the longest time, only the sound of the carriage trundling down a cobblestone road filled the quiet. Applejack could feel Twilight looking at her, but she didn’t have the heart to meet her gaze. A part of her wanted to dismiss Peony’s story as just that; a story. But she’d felt the wrongness. She’d felt the hunger for herself. “Ah… don’t get it,” Applejack muttered, breaking the silence. “Get what?” Peony inquired. Applejack looked at her, holding her gaze. “How any of that applies ta me. Ya said it yerself; all that happened five thousand years ago. What does any of that have ta do with me?” Peony looked at her for a moment. “… Everything,” she said. “The darkness born when Crescendo broke Amora’s heart was passed down, generation by generation by generation. The curse is a part of every changeling queen. Including you.” Applejack felt her heart leap uncomfortably in her chest. “But Carnation beat it,” Twilight pointed out. “She found a way.” Peony turned her attention to her. “I’m not saying there is no way to reverse it… but time is not on your side. The dark magic that created the changelings has become so ingrained into them… If Applejack were only a few generations separate from Amora, it would be very possible. But at this point…” She turned back to Applejack. “Applejack… every queen goes through the same event on the same day in their lives when Amora’s heart was broken. Your birthday—your real birthday. And that is tomorrow.” The bottom of Applejack’s stomach fell out. She’d known she was running out of time; she always had. But to know she had less than twenty-four hours before she… changed. “Then, why send me away?” Applejack pressed. She lurched forward, her heart thudding in her chest. “Why make findin’ a cure take even longer?” “Because,” Peony said coolly, “the longer you stay in such a heavily populated place like Canterlot, the greater the chances of you hurting somepony.” Of all the things said to her, that was the one that felt the most like a blow. Immediately it conjured back memories of her most recent episode, and those two ponies that’d been in so much danger and never known it… “But that is hardly the worst of it,” Peony went on, “ You are incredibly loved. By your family, all of your friends, and a great deal of other appreciative souls. But that is the problem. When your heart breaks, all of that love that has been sustaining you… it will leave a hollow inside of you.” She looked away, out a neighboring window again. “Queens in the south spend years trying to get their cravings under control, and they are exposed to a fraction of the love you are. When your heart breaks… you may never recover.” “What?!” gasped Twilight. Applejack couldn’t even find her voice to muster that much. “That is why she needs to get out of this city,” Peony stressed. “She needs to go someplace safe, someplace isolated. Someplace your hive cannot reach you.” “Why?” Twilight asked. “Wouldn’t they be better at… at containing… you know.” She trailed off, unable to continue. “No,” Peony responded. “Those changelings back in the district, they have all imprinted on Applejack. They are kind now, but if Applejack so wills it, they won’t hesitate to turn on everypony. The only reason they were able to break away from the southern hives was because they hadn’t imprinted upon the queens themselves. Now, they will follow her to the end.” Applejack felt queasy. Everything felt like it was falling apart. What hope she’d managed to build up, dashed to shrapnel in an instant. Less than twenty four hours… less than one whole day… and she’d be a monster. “The crystal caverns.” Both Peony and Twilight looked around towards her. Applejack had her head down, shielding her eyes. “Trap me down there,” she murmured. “When the time comes… throw me down there and throw away the key. Ah won’t hurt nopony down there. The princesses, the rest of the girls… They’ll all make sure o’ that.” “Applejack…” “It won’t be forever,” Peony promised. Her serious façade cracked somewhat; a note of empathy entered her voice. “The rest of us will find a—” “But… Ah have one condition.” Peony fell quiet, taken aback, as Applejack looked back up and stared her dead in the eyes. “Take us to that address,” she stated, and her voice left no room for negotiation. “Do that, and y’all can do whatever ya want with me.” Peony pursed her lips, her reluctance evident. So, Applejack jerked her head to the door right next to her. “Ah can throw myself out and be on my own way,” she pointed out. Peony cringed at the idea. Carriages didn’t exactly move at blistering speeds, but one would definitely not want to jump from a moving one. At least, not if one values one’s bones. She didn’t want to – she really didn’t want to. Orders were clear. But she could see the look in Applejack’s eyes. It was either going to be her way, or things were going to get real complicated. When put like that, there really wasn’t much choice at all. ~~***~~ The ride from then on was a quiet one. After relaying new directions – accompanied by some grumbling from the driver – they’d set off on their new course. The whole way, Applejack was keenly aware of a pair of lavender eyes staring at her. It was starting to get uncomfortable. But she was in no mood to address the barrage of questions Twilight likely had loaded. Instead, she turned towards Peony, who seemed to be trying to pretend that the two of them didn’t exist at the moment. “Thanks fer takin’ us,” Applejack said. Peony, who’d been looking the other way, glanced towards her, then straightened up, fixed her glasses, and turned to face her. “Well… t-to be honest, I thought it m-might be difficult getting you to c-c-cooperate,” she said. Applejack couldn’t help but notice the return of her stutter. “But remember your promise, Applejack. Whatever we f-find there, you w-won’t be chasing it. Understood?” Applejack bit her lip. Her gut told her no way; she was going to run herself ragged to the bitter end! But, she had promised. There was no getting around that. So, she nodded. Then, finally, she turned to regard Twilight. Sure enough, she was giving her one of the most sympathetic, most conflicted looks Applejack had ever been subjected to. “Twi’? Ah’m countin’ on ya ta make Rainbow understand,” she said. “If Ah… Don’t let her near me once Ah’m down there. Whatever happens. If Ah hurt her…” Twilight nodded quickly. “Of course. I’ll make sure she knows. It… won’t be easy, but I’ll do everything I can.” “Ah know,” Applejack sighed. What she wouldn’t give to see her feathery friend one more time before it happened. Just to hear her voice, to lock it away somewhere in her heart, and hope beyond hope that it survived… A reassuring shoulder bumped against hers, like it always did when she needed it. “Hey, don’t sweat it, bugbrain. I’ll have you back to normal so fast you won’t even have time to miss a thing! Count on it!” Applejack smiled to herself. Maybe it was just her imagination, but the carriage didn’t quite seem as dark as it did before. “And Twi’?” “Yes, AJ?” “Don’t keep me waitin’ down there long. Ah got apples that need buckin’.” Twilight smiled. She even stifled a giggle. “Okay, Applejack. I promise.” The carriage tilted slightly forward. The sound of clattering wheels grew slower and slower. And with a squeak, the carriage came to a complete halt. “We’re here,” reported Peony grimly. Applejack and Twilight both looked at each other. Their nerves were plain to see. After sharing a look for a moment, Twilight nodded to Applejack, and the two slipped from their benches. Peony magicked open the door ahead of them, her face impassive as they passed, and stepped down onto a moss-covered curb. Applejack and Twilight found themselves standing in front of a towering mansion painted deepest burgundy. Trees lined the property just behind a tall wrought iron fence. One look at them, and Applejack realized they hadn’t been tended to in some time; unlike the absurdly neat and trim foliage of other properties, these trees showed signs of free growth, and fresh shoots that daringly shot out wherever they pleased. The lawn, as well, was long and shaggy. Not a single light was on in the mansion itself. But in that moment, Applejack wasn’t really concerned about the neglected lawn. It was the house she stared at, and as she did so, she couldn’t shake a nagging feeling that tugged at her like a needy foal. Call her crazy, but… this place looked familiar. That couldn’t have been right, and yet… “Twi’?” she spoke up. “Yeah?” “Am Ah the only one getting’ deja vu somethin’ fierce?” Confusingly, Twilight didn’t respond. Applejack waited, but when no answer was forthcoming, she turned to look at her. Twilight was staring at the house with a deep, deep frown. “I’m not,” she said after a moment. “I know this place.” Applejack frowned, then turned back to the mansion. Four stories tall… each window had its own dark set of shingles… A fountain out front with a pony balanced on one hind leg, as if frozen mid-dance. Twilight was right, she realized. Something about this place was far too familiar to just be coincidence. She had been there before. And… so had the rest of their friends, she recalled. Yes, they had been there before. But it wasn’t until Twilight turned to her and spoke, sounding strange, that the pieces fell together. “Applejack… This is Cadance’s old house.”