//------------------------------// // Broken - Truth // Story: Path of Kindness and Blood // by CommanderX5 //------------------------------// Path of Kindness and Blood - Chapter 7 Broken Part 2 - Truth “Here ya go,” Apple Bloom said as she placed another basket under the tree. “Yer turn, Big Mac.” The muscular stallion released his hold of the cart and approached the tree. After one solid kick, six baskets were filled with apples while Apple Bloom helped to transport them into the cart. While Big Mac proved his huge strength and decent stamina on many occasions, he lacked his sister’s speed and agility, and while Apple Bloom who was very quick on her little legs, she didn’t have her strength. In order to cover for the resting Applejack, the filly moved baskets while Big Mac took care of the hauling and bucking. Apple Bloom wiped sweat from her forehead and spoke, “Ah sure hope mah sis gets better soon, same for Fluttershy.” “Eeyup,” Big Mac responded with an impassive expression. As the work dragged on, Apple Bloom climbed onto Big Mac’s back and laid on it. Her tired breathing slowly calmed. “Hey Mac, Ah was wonderin’. Do ya remember how Sis said that Fluttershy won’t play with us before goin’ to bed?” “Eeyup,” the stallion responded before kicking another tree, causing the filly to grab his neck tightly. “Maybe Applejack went to check on Fluttershy last night and found her sick. Dash and Rarity said she’s not fellin’ well today.” “Makes sense,” Big Mac responded. Apple Bloom was about to take a short nap, but two pegasi caught her attention. She pointed at the sky and shouted, “Look up!” The stallion raised his head and waved, so did Apple Bloom, quickly catching their attention. Rainbow Dash sharply banked in front of the farming pair while the second pegasus kept flying towards the family’s house. Dash landed with a weak thump before wiping the dust from her foreleg. “Sup?” “Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres,” Big Mac said and approached. His smile firm but welcoming. “Mah sis is restin’.” “I see, thanks for the heads up,” Dash responded and spread her wings. “Wait!” Apple Bloom called, quickly jumping onto the ground as she ran towards the pegasus. “How’s Fluttershy? Is she still sick?” “Sick? Oh yes, a bit,” Dash said before pointing at her friend. “But she decided to check on Winona anyway.” “Winona’s fine,” Big Mac said firmly. “Yer friend should stay in bed.” Dash chuckled. “I told her the same, but you know Fluttershy when it comes to animals.” Big Mac looked at Dash suspiciously who kept on a fake smile. “Is that so?” “Y-yes. I’m not lying or anything.” Big Mac looked down at Apple Bloom and said, “How about we give Miss Fluttershy a warm welcome?” “Yaaay!” *** “H-hello,” Fluttershy said as she now stood in front of the Apple family home with Rainbow Dash by her side. In front of her stood a massive stallion, a bouncing filly and a barking dog that ran in a circle around her and Dash. The moment Winona stood on her rear paws and was about to lick Fluttershy’s face, her ears dropped as she returned to standing on four. She whimpered and nuzzled her forelegs. “Welcome to our humble farm, Miss Fluttershy,” Big Mac said while gesturing his forehoof over the house. He next looked at the saddened dog and raised his eyebrow. “Ah appreciate yer concern ‘bout Winona, but ya should look after yer health first.” “My health?” Fluttershy said in confusion before Dash whispered to her ear. “Oh, right.” She knelt to the dog face’s who looked back at her with sad eyes and licked her muzzle. Fluttershy stroked Winona gently and continued, “I feel a little better.” Apple Bloom felt chill in her bones at Fluttershy’s voice. Until now, every time the pegasus visited, she was either cheerful when dealing with the farm animals or was whispering while hiding her face behind her mane. But now... The filly shook her head and jumped into the cart before picking the best apple she could find on the surface. “Mah sis always says; an apple a day will keep ya in good health.” “We’d be honored if ya joined us on the dinner,” Big Mac said. Fluttershy bit her lips and closed her eyes as a memory of yesterday’s events flashed in her mind. Welcoming hospitality, delicious food with an apple flavour, games and thankful smiles. It was a wonderful dream that turned into a nightmare filled with betrayal, hatred and suffering. “I-I wouldn’t want to be a burden.” “Please,” Apple Bloom plead with puppydog stare. “N-no…” “Please.” “I said no,” Fluttershy nearly shouted as Dash went between her and the filly. “Fluttershy’s... not in the mood.” “Awww…” Apple Bloom lowered her head while Big Mac rubbed his chin in contemplation. He could already tell that something was wrong from Fluttershy’s reaction, but he couldn’t put his hoof on it. The bags under eyes, signs of dehydration, thin empty looking stomach, messed up feathers and mane barely falling into the ‘slightly sick’ appearance category. “Apple Bloom,” the stallion said, gaining everypony’s attention. “Could ya go with Miss Fluttershy to the chicken coop? Ah’ll tell Applejack ‘bout dinner.” “Will do,” the filly said with a salute. Not that the animal expert needed her guidance, but she was always happy to be in the calm pegasus’s company. “Applejack!” “Big Mac?” the farm mare responded from her spot in the bed as she rubbed her eyes. “Dagnabbit. Ah hate nappin’ before doin’ any work.” “Then why’d ya go to sleep?” Big Mac asked before receiving an annoyed glare. “Ya gave up far faster than Ah expected.” “Are ya makin’ fun of me?” “Nope” the stallion said. “It’s dinner time.” “Oh shucks.” Applejack frowned and jumped from the bed before grabbing her hat. She was about to bypass her brother, but stopped at his next words. “Miss Fluttershy’s visitin’.” “Is that so?” Applejack asked coldly, the upper part of her face in the shadow of her hat. “She came to check on the farm animals and refused to join the dinner.” “Ah see…” “She’s not fellin’ too well,” Big Mac added. “Ah’m not surprised.” With a stomp, he sat in front of the door and said firmly, “Yer hidin’ somethin’.” “What?” Applejack raised her left foreleg and tilted her head back as her brother looked deeply into her eyes. The farm mare decided to stand her ground rather than seeking excuses. “So what if Ah am?” They both stared at each other as if ready to fight, when suddenly the stallion's expression softened. He sighed and walked to the side. “Ah’m sorry, big brother. It’s somethin’ Ah best keep to mahself.” As they went downstairs, Applejack noticed Granny Smith putting yet another pie on the table, but somepony was missing. “Apple Bloom? Where’s Apple Bloom?” “With Fluttershy,” Big Mac responded. Applejack stopped in her tracks. After taking a few slow breaths, she spoke, “Ah’ll go fetch her.” Not waiting for a response, she walked outside before galloping. If Ah remember Fluttershy’s usual schedule, she always start with the chickens. Applejack grit her teeth and increased her speed. She may have proven to be different than the monster Ah expected her to be, but Ah ain’t goin’ to lower mah guard just yet. What’s she doin’ here so soon anyway? You know Fluttershy would never hurt Apple Bloom or any member of yer family, another thought crossed her mind, but she decided to ignore it. At this point, she wasn’t sure about anything. As she ran to her destination, a familiar face caught her attention. Rainbow Dash, she thought before sighing in relief. Maybe Dash brought her here for some reason, that explains a thin’ or two. She waved and shouted, “Hey Dash!” The pegasus flew over and landed with a weak thump before saying in annoyance, “Oh, hey AJ.” Apple Bloom ran over and looked up at her sister. “What are ya doin’ here? Ya should be nappin’–” She yelped in surprise the moment she was grabbed into a sisterly hug. One foreleg embracing her neck while her head was pressed against Applejack’s chest. “Have Ah told ya how much Ah care about ya, little sis?” Applejack paused before releasing her sister and smiling awkwardly, “Anyway… are ya ready for dinner? Ah came to fetch ya.” “O...kay…” the filly responded before pointing at Fluttershy, who was hiding behind her mane a few meters away. Winona by her side. “We were ‘bout to check on the cows. Can Ah stay with Fluttershy a little bit longer?” “Nope,” Applejack said as she shook her head. “Yer goin’ straight home, little missy.” Apple Bloom frowned. “And what about ya?” “Ah’ve somethin’ to settle with Fluttershy. I’ll join ya once Ah’m done,” Applejack responded as her sister walked away with a lowered head. With her attention now focused on Fluttershy, she said, “How do ya do? Didn’t expect to see ya ‘round here again so quickly. How’s yer health treatin’ ya?” After not receiving any response, she looked at Dash and asked, “Can ya give us some privacy, just a minute or two. Ah want to talk with Fluttershy one on one.” “Like hay I will,” the pegasus responded harshly. “I won’t leave my friend’s side even for a moment.” Applejack took a step back as she looked at Dash in shock. “Why are ya angry all of the sudden?” “Why? Why!” the pegasus said, rubbing ground with a hoof as if a bull preparing to charge. “Yesterday I found Fluttershy’s cottage in… well, ruins! It was a bit fixed thanks to Rarity, but my friend was devastated.” “R-Rainbow…” Fluttershy said quietly while raising her foreleg. “Ah ain’t some thug that raided her cottage if that’s what yer suggestin’,” Applejack said with a fierce tone. Her stare softened a moment later as she smiled sadly while her ears dropped. “Are ya sayin’ ya don’t trust me? “Trust you? You of all ponies pointed out that the earthquake at the spa seemed unnat–” She paused as Fluttershy looked at her curiously. “What I mean is I find it kinda suspicious that a farm mare like you would question it. I feel as if you knew more than you were telling. You’re hiding something.” “Ah’m sorry Dash, but it’s somethin’ Ah can’t tell ya.” Applejack placed her forehoof on her chest. “But it ain’t reason enough not to trust me with Fluttershy. Ah just want to talk with her in private.” “And what’s it you want to talk about that you don’t want me to hear?” “Enough,” Fluttershy cut in as she approached her pegasus friend. “Why did you mention the spa incident. Do you know something I don’t?” Rainbow Dash smiled awkwardly as she looked to the side. “Y-yeah… but it’s nothing important. Don’t concern yourself with it.” “Alright, I won’t ask you to tell me,” Fluttershy said with a depressed smile. “But could you at least leave me to talk with Applejack, please?” Dash bit her lips. As much as she wanted to keep Fluttershy safe and give the huntress a piece of her mind, she didn’t want to stand in her friend’s way. With a hesitant nod, she walked away until she was out of earshot as she now observed the talking ponies diligently. Her wings spread as she was ready to jump in at the slightest act of hostility. *** Go home? Go home! Ah ain’t goin’ home, Apple Bloom thought, now slightly annoyed. Applejack didn’t tell me about her adventure and is keepin’ secrets, Fluttershy’s sick and sad and doesn’t want to say why. She turned around and noticed that her sister and Rainbow Dash had some sort of argument. She bent her legs and crawled quietly towards the closest apple tree before trotting on the tips of her hooves to another one and next another until she was as close as she could get. Noticing that Rainbow Dash had her back to her while walking away, she jumped into a bush and exposed her ear. Winona approached Applejack and licked her face before sitting next to her. The farm mare wiped saliva from her face and gave Fluttershy a suspicious stare. “Let’s drop the charade, shall we?” She stomped firmly. “Why’re ya here? What do ya want from mah family?” Charade? Apple Bloom thought as she peeked from the bush, quickly noticing distress on Fluttershy’s face as she didn’t responded. “Ah asked ya a question.” “I…” Applejack walked closer and said, “Speak up. Ah don’t have all day.” “N-nothing.” “Nothing?” the farm mare said as she raised her eyebrow. “Nothing! Ah don’t believe ya. What’re yer intentions?” Fluttershy shrunk back and answered with a mix between fear and sadness, “I came to check on Winona and the animals. I swear.” “Ah don’t believe ya. Tell the truth!” Apple Bloom could only stare with wide eyes at her angered sister. Why is Applejack bein’ so mean? After all Fluttershy did for us, she doesn’t deserve to be treated that way. Ah’ll tell Granny. Unable to withstand Applejack’s angered glare, Fluttershy said quietly, “I… wanted to… to–” “Ah’m waitiiing.” “–Talk with you.” “Talk with me? Well, Ah’ve got nothin’ to say to ya.” The farm mare stared at the pureblood who looked down at the grass and rubbed it with a forehoof. The silence lasted for several seconds before Applejack sighed. “What do ya want to talk about?” “Oh… umm… did you report on me?” “Report on ya? Just yesterday, Ah returned from a buckin’ mission. Ah was tired and it was late at night. What do ya think?” Applejack said loudly, causing Fluttershy to look away and her ears to drop. Winona approached and nuzzled her forelegs. Mission? Did she tell Fluttershy that she’s a huntress? Is this the secret? Apple Bloom rubbed her chin thoughtfully. Wait a moment... Fluttershy bein’ sick and sad, Applejack keepin’ secrets, Dash bein’ overprotective and there were cracks on the cottage walls. She gasped. That vampony my sis was huntin’! She must’ve attacked Fluttershy, and Applejack saved her! It must be it. But why’s mah sister so angry? “Oh, right,” Fluttershy said quietly before gathering as much courage as she could and looked Applejack in the eyes. “So... what will happen now? Will you report on me?” Tears formed in her eyes. “Do you hate me? Will you try to kill me?” Apple Bloom gulped and felt chill go through her bones. Now staring at Applejack as if she saw a ghost. K-kill her? Applejack closed her eyes and tilted her hat as shadow now covered most of her thinking face. Seconds seemed like minutes for both the filly and vampony as they awaited judgement. Their heart rates drastically increased. The filly started to bite her hooves as she both couldn’t wait and feared the answer that was about to come. Winona whimpered and was embraced by Fluttershy who pressed the dog’s head against her chest as if seeking comfort and calm her nerves. The moment Applejack took off her hat, Fluttershy flinched. “Ah’ll be honest with ya. Ah owe ya for helpin’ me deal with that vampony and ya spared mah life, but this doesn’t mean that Ah trust ya. Yer an enemy of mah kind and Ah can’t ignore what ya are.” Fluttershy looked up at sun that was peeking from behind the clouds as it’s rays were greatly weakening her, slowly burning through her reduced reserves. Next she looked at the huntress and took a defensive stance. “Are you going to attack me now?” Applejack shook her head. “Let me finish. Ah won’t try to kill ya, nor will Ah report that yer a vampony.” So she was turned into a vampony. Poor Fluttershy. She looked at the stressed pony in pity. Of all ponies, ya don’t deserve it, to be turned into a monster. “You won’t?” Fluttershy recovered from her shock as she looked at the huntress with her mouth agape. “But it’s your duty.” “Ah know mah duty!” Applejack snapped as she approached Fluttershy with firm steps who walked backward in response. The moment the vampony tripped to the side, Winona got in the way and barked at her owner. “Mah duty is to protect mah folks and the innocent from monsters like ya. But ya proved that ya can restrain yerself.” Applejack grit her teeth and pointed her own eyes before pointing at the trembling Fluttershy. “Ah’ll keep mah eyes on ya. Ya act nicely and Ah won’t bother ya, but ya hurt or turn a single pony and Ah’ll show no mercy. Furthermore, Ah don’t want to see ya any near mah family, pureblood!” P-pureblood? This can’t be! Apple Bloom put hoof on her mouth and felt as if her throat was dry. This can’t be, she is too kind to be such a monster. She remembered all the horror stories about how purebloods turned innocent ponies into zombie-like slaves against their will. Was Fluttershy really one of them? Was all her kindness an act? A way to gain others their trust and then kill them or use them for her own ends? Tears began to fall from her innocent eyes as she felt her heart breaking bit by bit. She liked Fluttershy, she was so kind and fun to be with. Was it all just a lie? Why’s Applejack keepin’ it a secret? Is she under mind control? No, she wouldn’t be actin’ like this if she was. Maybe Ah should get Big Mac or Granny. “I would never hurt Apple Bloom or anypony else in your family! I don’t want to hurt anypony! Why do you think I have you under my protection?!” shouted Fluttershy, her voice tangling between sorrow and desperation. Apple Bloom’s ears perked up when she heard this. Protection? Why would a vampony protect us? Applejack thought the same thing as her sister and asked, “W-what are ya talkin’ about?” Fluttershy took a deep breath and exhaled. “It’s just as I said. I want to protect you. Do you know how hard it was to convince the other thestrals to let you live? If I really didn’t care about you, I would have just killed you or kept you as my slave. But I never wanted that. I wanted you to live and be safe.” Fluttershy stepped forward, but Applejack kept her distance which ended up with the former having a hurt expression on her face that nearly melted Apple Bloom’s heart. “Look, I know you distrust me, but I still care about you and your family. I'll warn you if there is a threat to ponies in Ponyville. As much as I wish to avoid violence, I know the hunters' guild will get suspicious if you don’t do your job. All I ask is that you don’t hunt other thestrals, or else the other covens will come after both you and me. It was the deal I had to make to keep you alive.” She sighed before continuing with a tired voice, “From now on, I’m responsible for the thestrals in Ponyville and for the actions of your family. This little town is my territory and I want to keep everypony safe, no matter the race.” She looked at Applejack with pleading look and said, “I know you won’t like it, but could you please work with me in making sure our home is peaceful?” Applejack raised her eyebrow. “What’s the catch? Why are ya really doin’ this? Want me to do yer own dirty work so Ah can live?” “Catch? I just want to help you.” “Well, Ah don’t want it!” shouted Applejack, forcing Fluttershy on her rump. “It’s bad enough that yer makin’ me feel bad for ya! It’s even worse that Ah owe ya mah life and mah family’s, but if ya think Ah’m gonna start trustin’ ya to keep mah family safe, yer thinkin’ wron’! Ah can take care of them mahself!” Normally, Apple Bloom would have been supportive of Applejack. However, the sight of tears running down Fluttershy’s cheeks at the hateful words made her think otherwise. Even if she was a... vampony, it was too harsh. Seeing Fluttershy, cowering and crying, made her wonder why she didn’t just try and kill Applejack for saying such things. Purebloods were killers, weren’t they? Is Fluttershy... different somehow? Before she could think even further, she saw Rainbow Dash flying in as she delivered her sister a solid hit in the face. Applejack rubbed her cheek while staring at the pegasus who was giving a look that could kill. Glaring down at the farm mare, Dash shouted, “How dare you! How could you make her cry? What kind of jerk does that, huh?!” She pointed at the sobbing vampony. “Fluttershy comes here trying to be nice, and all of sudden you’re making her feel bad! You’re the absolute worst, you know that?!” “It's none of yer business, Dash. Ah know yer her friend, but trust me, it's better off not knowin'.” Rainbow Dash grit her teeth. “It became my business when you tried to kill my best friend last night, huntress.” “Dash! No!” shouted Fluttershy. For the second time, Apple Bloom’s mouth dropped as did Applejack’s. Her big sister soon closed hers and said, “Ya... knew? Ya knew she was a vampony?” “Yeah? So?” Applejack glared at a nervous looking Fluttershy. “Ah thought ya said ya never brainwashed anypony!” “And she didn’t! I’ve known her for years. Ever since I was a filly. Even my family knows,” shouted Rainbow Dash, stomping her hoof. “Fluttershy saved my life when I was a filly. I would have died if she hadn’t been there! I owe her everything!” “She’s a vampony!” “She’s my friend!” “How do ya even know ya really are her friend? She could have ya under one of them dark spells or somethin’!” cried out Applejack. Rolling her eyes, Rainbow Dash pointed out, “Do you really think Fluttershy’s the type of pony to bend others to her will? If that’s true, you should be under her spell already. Are you?” Applejack opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it. Her eyes drifted downward as she muttered, “No... she freed me not long after putting me under her spell.” She then looked back up and glared. “That don’t mean a thing, though! She’s still a dark creature! All her kind are!” “You’re impossible!” shouted Rainbow Dash. The two glared at each other, nostrils flaring, looking ready to wrestle each other. Apple Bloom was torn and wishing that she had been ignorant of everything. On the one hoof, Applejack was her sister and she had to be supportive of her. She was the youngest daughter in a family of hunters and they were duty bound to kill monsters. Yet Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were her family’s friends. They had been close and seemed to be genuinely good ponies. What do Ah do? “Enough!” Fluttershy shouted, getting in between the two. She glared at her pegasus friend. “Rainbow, don’t talk that way to Applejack.” “But she...” “She’s our friend and we don’t talk to our friends like that.” Rainbow Dash muttered to herself before Fluttershy turned to Applejack and lowered her head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to see this become an argument. I’ll... just go home now. If you really don’t want me on your farm again... then I guess this is goodbye.” Fluttershy wiped her tears before making her leave, but stopped and turned to Applejack with a fake smile. “You know, Applejack? I really did have fun with you and your family. You all reminded me of my own. Even if it was for a brief moment, I’ll never forget the happiness we had yesterday.“ With that said, Fluttershy flapped her wings and took to the sky before crashing to the ground a moment later. After a few more failed tries, she walked towards the exit. Apple Bloom felt her heart sink as she watched her leave, almost crying out for Fluttershy to come back. She thought about all the time the vampony came over to foalsit her whenever her family was hunting and Granny Smith was unavailable. All the dinners, games, and enjoyment they had together. And she found herself not caring if Fluttershy was a pureblood. She was her friend. And one of us hurt her... *** “Are you happy, AJ? You just hurt her even more. You can consider our friendship over as well,” muttered Rainbow Dash. “Don’t you feel any guilt? Any at all?” “... Ah do,” answered Applejack, much to both Rainbow and Apple Bloom’s surprise. Scowling, she continued, “That foal... she’s too kindhearted. She doesn’t kill, shows mercy, even refuses to control or turn. How can a pureblood like her even exist?! Why does she keep makin’ me feel bad all the time! Ah’m not supposed to sympathize with the same kind of monsters that killed mah parents!” Applejack landed on her haunches and shook her head. “Ah’m not supposed to sympathize with a vampony. It goes against everythin’ Ah was taught. Ah tried to provoke her, to make her angry, and she still refuses. When Ah’m with her... Ah just...” Rainbow Dash stood there in silence. After a moment she walked over and spoke, anger replaced with compassion, “You and Fluttershy are more alike than you think.” Applejack looked up, eyebrow raised. “Fluttershy... her parents were killed by hunters years ago.” Applejack’s eyes widened. “Wha... what?” “I was there. Both of us. I was exploring their mansion when the hunters ambushed everyone inside. Fluttershy’s parents didn’t kill them, even offered to let them go when they were unable to fight any longer. They didn’t want to take any of their lives because they only wanted to live in peace. Fluttershy and I saw them being mercilessly killed and she's never been the same.” A painful expression seeped over Rainbow’s face as both her ears and wings drooped. “Applejack, she tried to kill herself once. She wanted to die so much because she felt guilty for letting them die when she did nothing. They weren’t monsters, Applejack. They were good ponies who loved their daughter very much. They only wanted to be left alone and did nothing wrong.” Rainbow Dash raised her hoof at Applejack. “I’m not saying that all vamponies, or as they prefer to be called, thestrals, are good. But at the same time, you hunters are no different. You claim purebloods ruin lives? Well, you hunters also ruined lives as well. You ruined Fluttershy’s.” *** Apple Bloom fell to her stomach and silently began to cry. If what Rainbow Dash was saying was true, if hunters like her family ruined Fluttershy's life and killed her parents. Then... are we also monsters to them? For the first time in her life, Apple Bloom didn’t want to become a huntress. The stories of her family’s adventures always made them sound so amazing and heroic. But what if one of those vamponies was just an innocent soul? What if they had a family or a lover? What if they really done nothing wrong? Were there good vamponies out there just as there were bad hunters? Ah don’t know... but what Ah do know is Fluttershy isn’t a monster... she’s our friend. She’s the good one. “... Why?” asked Applejack, staring at the ground as if her world had crumbled. “If... hunters did that to her family, why am Ah still alive? Why doesn’t she try to kill every one of us?” Rainbow Dash sighed. “Because Fluttershy still believes in her family’s teachings. She’ll preserve life if she can and she sees you as one of her friends. She doesn’t want to see anypony, friend or enemy, die because of her.” She placed her forehoof on the farm mare’s shoulder and gave her a warm smile. “She wants you to live so she doesn’t have to go through that loss again.” Rainbow Dash turned around and was about to leave, but then said one last thing. “You keep saying Fluttershy is a monster... but what kind of monster cries?” The pegasus took off, leaving the two Apples to sit down in shock over what they had just learned and how their world had been changed forever. Neither of them knew how long they had sat down, but both soon snapped out of it when Big Macintosh called them in for supper.