> Flame of a Different World
>  by ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> "F-friend?"
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia's sun shone an orange glow over sweet apple acres as Applejack worked. It had been another long apple buck season and there was only a couple more trees to harvest. This time, Applejack had not refused the help her friends all offered, remembering with a shudder what happened last time. They had worked hard to gather all of the apples on time for the end of the season.

"Alrighty, Ah think we're done here. Thank ya'll so much fer helpin' me this season!" Applejack called

"Oh, it's no problem Applejack, we're happy to help" twilight responded, setting her notebook in her saddle bags. This was followed by murmurs of agreement and nods by her friends, who looked exhausted, with sweat dripping down their pelts.

"Ah think ah'd better hit the hay now, ah'm exhausted n' ya''ll should be too". Applejack stated, wiping sweat from her forehead. At that, they separated to head home, calling goodbyes over their shoulders.


/)(\/)(\/)(\


As Applejack got ready to go to bed, she saw the burning orange the sun cast over her farm as it set. She looked out the window with a smile forming on her face. Sunsets always cheered her up when she was sad.
She was snapped out of her thoughts by a loud crack of thunder. 

"What in tarnation is goin on?" she said out loud. There ain't any clouds around. She noticed the sky growing redder and redder, unnaturally red for a sunset. Then, a blinding light beamed from the center of the storm.

"What?!" Applejack exclaimed.

Then the intense light faded, revealing a red figure of a pony falling from where it had been two seconds ago. Applejack saw this and sprinted down the stairs towards the landing sight.
When she reached the sight, she almost fell down a small crater. Looking down, she saw a red Pegasus with a mane made up of many different shades of orange. Is she dead? She thought with a sharp twinge. She rushed down the side of the pit until she noticed the Pegasus was breathing. She let out a breath of relief. 


/)(\/)(\/)(\


Blazing streak woke up slowly. Opening her eyes, she saw that she was in what looked like a barn, although it was too blurry to be sure. Ugh.. my head.. what happened? She sat up, quickly regretting the action Ow... She then noticed an orange earth pony with a brown stetson and blonde mane looking out the front door.

"Uh... hello?" she asked cautiously.

The orange pony quickly spun around and trotted to her side.

"Ya'll okay sugar cube? ya'll been out for two days."

She looked into the orange mare's emerald eyes, and found that she couldn't look away. Woah... she's... beautifu- wait what?!

"Hello? sugar cube?" the orange mare waved a hoof in front of her eyes, snapping Blazing streak into reality.

"U-uh.. fine... I-I think." she struggled to say. "W-where am I?"

"Sweet apple acres, outside of ponyville." the orange mare said "The name's Applejack, n' you are?"

"Blazing streak" she replied, shaking Applejack's hoof. "what happened?.

"yer guess is as good as mine sugar cube, two days ago as ah was about to hit the hay, ah looked out mah window, ah saw 
lots a' lighnin'. the sky went red n' there was a blindin' light, when it faded ah saw ya'll fallin, so a went n' brought ya here." She explained.

That voice...

"Ya'll dont remember how ya got here then?" applejack continued.

"I... All I remember is two purple eyes staring at me, and then a bright light surrounded me, then I guess I lost consciousness."

"Well that's mighty strange." Applejack stated simply. Blazing streak just nodded.

"So, ya'll wanna have some breakfast n' meet the rest of mah family?" the cowpony asked.

"Thanks Applejack." was all that Blazing streak could say, she was used to finding meals by herself, she never got offered dinner around anypony's house before.

"Hey granny, she's awake!" Applejack called. 

An old, light green earth pony turned her head. "Well hello there deary, just n' time fer breakfast, we got apple pancakes with golden syrup."

"That there is granny smith." Applejack then turned and pointed at a red stallion "that's big mac, my older brother" she then pointed at a small yellow filly with red hair "n' that's applebloom, my younger sister. Everyone! this is Blazing streak, she finally woke up." Blazing streak  lifted a hoof and waved. She was greeted by the family, shaking hooves and introducing themselves to her.


/)(\/)(\/)(\


"Thanks for the breakfast Applejack, nopony has ever been this kind to me." Blazing streak thanked Applejack.

"Really? It's nuthin' sugar cube, just helpin' out a friend."

The word 'friend' hit Blazing streak like a brick. She had never been very close to anypony, not even her parents, to have a 
friend was new to her. 
"F-friend?" Blazing streak stuttered, still taken aback.

"Why 'course sugar cube, nuthin' wrong with that is there?" Applejack replied, a hint of worry in her voice

"No its just... I've never had a... friend... before."

"Oh... ah'm mighty sorry sugar cube." Applejack replied, sympathy glowing in her eyes.

"N-no its okay Applejack."

"Nuh-uh sugar cube." Applejack wrapped her foreleg around blazing streak in a friendly hug, this caused Blazing to blush, although you wouldn't notice it thanks to her red coat.

"No pony should have no friends, Ah want ya'll to know that you have six friends right here in Ponyville at the least."

"Six?" Blazing streak asked, confused.

"Why yes sugar cube, ah'll introduce you to them later on, ah was goin' to meet up with 'em later today fer lunch, ya'll can come too."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Thanks Applejack. see ya then, I'm gonno stretch my wings, feels like I haven't flown in a week." With that, Blazing streak took off, leaving a trail of flames and smoke which dissapeared in a couple of seconds, leaving a stunned Applejack staring after the Pegasus in awe.

While she was flying, she tried to think back to before she was sent here. She managed to remember being in the freezing cold on a mountainous area, using her own flames to keep her warm. That was another thing about Blazing streak, she wasn't like any old Pegasus, she had the power to manipulate flames with her hooves or even her entire body, hence the flame symbol she had as her cutie mark.
Blazing streak was interrupted by a voice coming from behind her.

"Hey! What's the big idea?!"

Startled, she crashed into a cloud at high speeds.

"...Ow..."

"Why did you interrupt my nap?!"

Blazing streak wrenched her head out of the cloud and stared at the cyan Pegasus.
"Umm... sorry?" she said, shaking her head. The cyan Pegasus still looked annoyed. "Didn't exactly see you." she continued

"Well look where you're going next time... Wait, aren't you that Pegasus Applejack had unconscious in her barn?"

"Um... yes... and you are?" Blazing streak deadpanned.

"Name's Rainbow dash, fastest flier in Equestria!"

"Cocky, huh?" Blazing lifted an eyebrow. Rainbow dash just shrugged it off "Who are you?"

"Blazing streak." she replied.

there was a slight pause before Rainbow dash spoke up again. "So where are you from, why were you unconscious anyways?"

Blazing streak felt sorrow building up. she sighed before replying; "I used to live in a place called Helvada."

" Helvada?" Rainbow dash echoed.

"Yes, Its a very dangerous place, crime and other evils cover all of it, murder, theft, you name it." Blazing streak felt a tear escape her eye.

"What's wrong?" Rainbow dash asked, clearly she saw the tear.

"M-my parents were killed when I was eight. I had to watch them get t-torn apart... by a u-unicorn." Blazing streak could no longer hide the sorrow and anger in her chest, as tears flowed freely from her eyes. She looked up at Rainbow dash, who's eyes were wide and jaw dropped.

Blazing streak felt anger rising over her sorrow. "I-I'm sorry Blazing strea-" She was cut off by Blazing streak exploding into flames, anger and hatred took over her body.

"WHAT THE HAY?!" She just managed to hear Rainbow dash's shout

The flames intensified around Blazing streak. "Why..." She growled through her teeth. "Why couldn't I stop him..." Rainbow dash was frozen with fear. Suddenly Blazing streak's anger faltered, and the flames died down until they could no longer be seen. She collapsed into a cloud below her, panting. She never went all out like this, keeping that up is very difficult unless she was particularly angry. Although when she was angry, there was no stopping her.

"Uh... Blazing?" She heard a voice above her, it sounded like rainbow's

"...What?" She replied, managing to catch her breath and regain some strength.

"What...was that? Rainbow dash asked, a look of shock still plastered on her face.

"Don't worry about it... it only happens when I get VERY pissed off." Blazing streak still had a few tears finding their way down her face.

Blazing streak stood up and looked down to see that most of the town were staring up at her. They must have seen the whole thing. Great, now I'll have the entire of this town scared of me as well. sighing, she flew off without giving Rainbow dash the chance to ask further questions.


/)(\/)(\/)(\


Blazing streak wondered aimlessly around town, head down. She was drawing attention to herself; ponies stared from their houses or shops, and some even slammed their windows when she looked round. Blazing streak was startled as a high pitched voice came from behind her.

"OOOOH a new pony! what's your name? I'm Pinkie Pie! OOOOH you look sinister! Why are you frowning like that?"

The pink pony went on and on, this frustrated Blazing streak.

"What's with that cutie mark?" She finally stopped talking.

"Done staring at my flank? Blazing streak said, deadpanned.

"What does it mean?" Pinkie Pie went on.

Blazing streak let off a frustrated sigh before reaching a hoof out towards a cloud and tensing it, sending a ball of flames crashing into it, causing it to explode.

"Seen enough?" Without waiting for an answer, Blazing streak started to walk again, this time a little faster. She didn't get far before Pinkie Pie started up again.

"OOOOHHHHH that was the amazingist thing I have ever seen in my life? where did you learn to do that? it was amazing! we need to have a party to celebrate! It'll have balloons, cupcakes, normal cakes, big cakes, punch, sweets..." Pinkie Pie went on rambling loudly. Blazing streak was about to snap, maybe not like last time with Rainbow dash, but she felt like shouting, loudly.

"Pinkie pie..."

"OHH and then we can play pin the tail on the pony!"

"Pinkie Pie."

"I wonder who I can invite? lets see Applejack, Rarity, Ra-"

"PINKIE PIE!"

"Yes?" Pinkie Pie finally replied.

"I was just sent to this world, I have NO idea how, I'm KINDA frustrated right now, and I would appreciate it if you would just be quiet!"

"Aw you dont have to be a grumpy moany pants! why not be happy?!" Pinkie Pie asked while bouncing up and down.
Blazing streak was about to reply when she heard Pinkie Pie gasp loudly and speed off.

What the...

Shrugging off the weird encounter, Blazing streak turned back around to wander again. inevitably, her mind drifted to the thought of 'home'. She had never grown to like that place, seeing as every corner could, and mostly would, hold a thief or something along those lines. Then she thought about trying to return home. But do I really want to? How could I want to return to a place like that? No, I don't have anything I want or need back there. She found herself leaving ponyville and stopping on a hill facing the sunset. wow... It's beautiful... The sun cast a bright orange glow across the sky, almost like it was on fire. This sight reminded her of something else, or rather, somepony else. Applejack... Why am I having these thoughts? I've only been in this town for a day and I've already got a crush... on a mare... What would my parents think?

"Blazin'!"

Blazing streak heard the twang of Applejack's accent.

"Hi AJ, what brings you here?" She asked, casting a sideways glance at the cow-pony.

"Well ah was just walkin' through town ta meet the girls when ah saw you here, admirin' the view?"

"Yeah..." she replied simply.

Applejack sat down beside Blazing streak and stared into the horizon.

"Ain't it pretty"

"yeah..." she replied again, this time with a little sigh.

"What's wrong sugar cube?" Applejack picked up on it.

Blazing streak knew she couldn't blurt out the things that were troubling her, especially to Applejack.
"Nothing, don't worry."

Applejack looked unconvinced.
"Now ah can tell somethin's eatin' at ya mighty bad, mind tellin' me what that somethin' is?"

"No really it's nothing."

"Sugar cube."

Blazing streak thought quickly, she didn't want to tall Applejack what was really on her mind.
She sighed before saying;
"I'm just thinking of my parents." She then realized this wasn't entirely a lie.

Applejack only placed her hoof on Blazing's shoulder comfortingly. She decided she should tell Applejack about them.
sighing, she continued; "I'm an orphan, my parents died when I was a filly."

"Oh Blazin' Ah'm sorry" Applejack exclaimed, pulling her into a comforting hug, this seemed to work.

"N-no Applejack, its fine i don't need your sympathy." Blazing streak said, a blush forming on her cheeks.

"Blazin' Ah know ya'll need some sympathy in yer life right now, after all, Ah'm an orphan too n' ah had to go through this too."

Blazing streak was shocked.
"R-Really? I'm sorry too then Applejack." She hugged back tighter than before. She felt so warm, not only because she was hugging Applejack, but to know she had somepony who was going through the same thing as her, who understood how hard it is. After a while longer, they seperated.

"Well ah'd best be goin', gotto get to this get together, wanna come? Ah'll introduce you to mah friends."

"Okay. And thanks for that."

"Think nuthin' of it sugar cube"

They both stood up on all fours and walked into Ponyville.


/)(\/)(\/)(\


"We're here sugar cube, n' it looks like they're all here too." Applejack said to Blazing streak as they approached a small cafe.

They were greeted by five greetings. Applejack sat on a chair on the table along with Rainbow dash, Pinkie Pie, a purple unicorn, a yellow Pegasus and a white unicorn.

"Who's this Applejack?" The purple unicorn asked.

"This here's Blazin' streak, the one who fell in my orchard two days back."

"Hello everyone." Blazing streak said, sitting on a bench beside Applejack.

Blazing streak noticed Rainbow dash looking a bit uneasy, no doubt because of what happened earlier on that day.
meanwhile, Applejack had started to introduce her to everyone.

"This is Rarity, Rainbow dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Twilight."
They all started to greet her and ask her questions all at once. when they stopped to give her some room to think, she heard a quiet voice from the back of the table.

"Where are you from?" Fluttershy asked.

Almost instantly, Rainbow dash was at her side whispering something in her ear, making the yellow Pegasus gasp and hide under the table. Great, now everypony's scared of me, JUST like in my old home.

"I don't bite you know." she said, a slightly sour tone in her voice. "Rainbow dash already knows and she's already seen what can happen if I have to tell it, so I'm sure she can tell you." she finished.

"OOH OH OOH! Have you seen her talent? It's so cool! well more like warm but anyways-"

Blazing streak cut Pinkie Pie off; "Yeah I'll show you all later."

"Wow, I've never seen anyone interrupt Pinkie Pie before." twilight said, puzzled.

"Umm... is that bad?" Replied Blazing

"I'm not sure, to be honest."

"Hey when are we getting the food, I'm starving!" Rainbow dash said impatiently.

"Oh, right, sorry." Twilight said, she called over a waiter and they ordered their meals.

The meal was better than anything Blazing streak had eaten in  Helvada, even a simple apple and daisy sandwich impressed her. Eventually, the had all finished and paid, splitting the bill between all of them, having no money, Blazing streak couldn't chip in, which she was disappointed and guilty about. Everyone seemed to have forgotten their uneasiness around her, and for once in her life, she felt... loved, as a friend that is.

"So Blazing? you said you were gonna show us your talent!" Rainbow dash asked on behalf of her friends, she had already witnessed Blazing's talent in full swing.

"Oh it's amazing! but I dont want to spoil it for any of you cos it would ruin the surprise at make it less cool and thatwouldnotbecoolbecausesurprisesarenofunifyou'reexpectingthem!" Pinkie Pie blurted all in one breath.

"Uh, Yes I will, everypony follow me then." Blazing said, turning to walk off.

"Wait, Blazing! I think you should show everypony! they will all be interested in your talent!" Rainbow dash said, followed by nods and murmers of agreement all around.

"Uh, You sure? I'm pretty sure a lot of them saw what happened earlier, and I think some... most of them are scared of me, when I walked through town earlier they all looked as if they were trying to avoid me, one even ran away." Blazing streak protested

"Wait, what happened earlier?" Applejack queried.

"I'll tell ya later AJ, it was awesome." Rainbow dash said, puffing out her chest. Blazing streak smacked her face into her hoof, sighing.

"What?" Rainbow dash said, pouting.

"Nothing, lets go, and no, I'm not showing everypony this." Blazing streak said, turning away and walking in the direction of a hill with a single tree on it.

She hated audiences, in fact, she hated being the center of attention. That's why she hated the idea of showing everyone her abilities, She was okay with a few ponies though. Blazing streak walked up to the tree, signaling the others to stand back and not to get too close. She walked about a meter away from the tree, leaped into the air into position above the tree and raised her hooves towards it. An aura of flame surrounded her front hooves, earning 4 gasps, Rainbow dash and Pinkie Pie had already seen it. suddenly, a burst of flame shot from Blazing's front hooves, sending a beam of fire crashing into the tree, immediately exploding into flames. Lowering her hooves and landing firmly on the ground, she saw 4 of her friends with their jaws dropped in awe.

"That... was.... AWESOME!" Rainbow dash exclaimed, punching a hoof into the air.

"...Wow... How did ya'll do that?" Applejack said, recovered

"Uhh... I was born with it, I guess." She replied, blushing, unnoticed thanks to the colour of her fur. she turned around and was surprised to see that most of Ponyville had been watching too, and were now staring with stunned faces.
...Fuck...
She decided to just leave before they said anything. Flying into the air, she realized something else; Where am I going to stay tonight? the sun had already shrunk into the horizon, the glowing moon taking it's place.

"Sugar cube!" She heard Applejack calling after her. she stopped and faced the orange mare.

"Where are ya gonna sleep t'night Blazin'?" She continued.

Wow, coincidence.

"Umm........" A long pause indicated that she didn't have any clue.

"We'll ya'll can stay 'round at the farm tonight sugar cube, we have a spare room that ain't in use." she stated, this surprised her yet again.

"R-really? are you sure?" the blush that had faded slightly was now back, visible this time, unknown to Blazing.

"Why sure sugar cube, wait did yer face just get redder?" she said in a teasing tone.

If the blush could be more intense, it would burn her cheeks off. she shook it away, replying; "Thanks Applejack, I owe you."
"Nu-uh sugar cube, 's what friends do."

This warmed Blazing streak's heart. Things looked like they would be getting better. She smiled and followed Applejack to her home.
> Blazing streak makes a good radiator
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blazing streak was frozen in fear, in front of her stood a black Unicorn with purple, glowing eyes. She couldn't move, her legs and wings felt like they were tied down. In the corners of her eyes she could see the remains of her mother and fathers' bodies, drenched in blood, their eyes staring at nothing. She focused on the eyes in front of her, rippling with insanity. the Unicorn they belonged to slowly started to raise a hoof, clutching a bloody cleaver. "I'm going to enjoy this..." it said, in a slightly demonic sounding voice. Blazing tried to scramble backwards, only to bump into a wall. "Tell your parents I said hi!" 
It swung the cleaver towards her face.


"AAH!" Blazing streak shot up from her disturbed sleep in a medium sized room with a single window, looking out of it she could see it was still around midnight. She looked at a clock on the bed-side table, it was in fact, 11:58 pm.

"Blazin'? you alright?" The door opened gently to reveal Applejack walking in.

"I'm fine, had a nightmare, that's all." She replied, voice still a tiny bit shaky.

"Wanna talk about it, sugar cube?" Applejack softly asked.

"N-no... I'm sorry, I cant." She replied. These nightmares were just too traumatizing for Blazing streak for her to talk about what happened that night, even to Applejack, who seemed to have a way of comforting Blazing streak by just being in the same room.

"Alright then sugar cube. Now ya'll should get back ta sleep or you'll be tired in the mornin'"

Blazing streak just nodded before laying back down on her bed as Applejack left the room, saying "g'night Blazin'".

No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't sleep, all she could think about was her nightmare, her parents and what happened that night. A lone tear escaped her closed eyelids. If only she could have done something to save them. Sighing, she gave up on sleep. A thought entered her mind. Flying always made her forget about her troubles, it was a way to escape her sorrow and anger. She got up, opened the window and flew out, slowly at first so she didn't wake anyone up, and then took off into the night.


..-...---...-..


A fiery aura surrounded her in a cone formation, although she wasn't flying fast enough to break the sound barrier, this often happened when she flew fast enough, she rocketed through the air at high speeds, sorrow forgotten, replaced by adrenaline and speed. Flying closer to the ground, she could see the flames illuminating the ground below in an orange glow. From the ground, it would have looked like a meteorite was about to crash.
She then noticed a rainbow trail appear next to her. Looking round, she saw Rainbow dash Flying beside her.

"Blazing? that's you? I thought A meteorite was inbound! This is awesome!"

Blazing streak only smiled while glancing at her, She picked up speed, leaving Rainbow dash in a cloud of smoke.

"Oh it's like that is it? IT'S ON!" Rainbow dash caught up with her. She sped up, almost at sonic speeds, and so did Rainbow dash, who was right beside her. A cone started to form around both of their hooves, glowing in rainbow coloured embers. Blazing pushed harder, she felt the strain of the barrier pushing back on her, but kept going, faster. With one burst of speed, the cone exploded into a multi-coloured flaming disc, spreading outwards in every direction. Blazing streak felt the strain ebb away, her efforts now unrestricted. a Jet like trail on her, and a rainbow trail on Rainbow dash

"YEAH!!" Blazing streak managed to hear Rainbow dash cry out.

She slowed down until she could land on a low floating cloud. She found that she couldn't say anything, she was speechless at what had just happened. During their race, they had both broken the sound barrier at the same time, close enough that they had mixed.

"That was so AWESOME!" Rainbow dash's voice came out in a squeak. She raised a hoof towards Blazing streak, signalling for a hoof bump, which Blazing streak gladly returned

There was a moment of silence before Rainbow spoke up again;

"So... ya like Applejack hu-"
"WHAT?!" Blazing streak blushed furiously, how did Rainbow dash know? was she Really that obvious?

Rainbow dash's eyes teared up, a heartbeat later, she was on her back laughing hysterically.

"The look on your face! AHaaahaha.. cant breath!"

Blazing streak growled. If this hadn't been one of her friends, she would have bucked her into oblivion. Rainbow dash saw the look she was getting, her mood dropped as she backed away.

"U-uh... sorry?"

Blazing streak stopped the glare she was giving Rainbow dash. Her frown gave way to a light chuckle. Revenge was needed.
Without warning, she stomped on the cloud as hard as she could, destroying it.

"wh-AAAAAH!" Rainbow dash was caught off gaurd. Extending her wings, she slowed herself just above the ground.

It was Blazing streak's turn to burst out laughing.

"HEY! not cool!" Rainbow dash said, pouting.

"That was the most girlish scream I've ever heard!" Blazing said between laughs. first real laugh in years...

"I'll get you back for this!" Rainbow replied, smirking a little. She was about to turn and fly off when she said; "Don't tell anyone about this!". She turned and flew off.
Blazing streak hovered there for a few moments before going back to the farm.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


Blazing streak woke to Applejack poking her side with her hoof.
"Up n' at em Blazin'! Ah got ya breakfast in bed."

"Applejack, you didn't have to-"

"Maybe not but I did sugar cube, now eat up." Applejack interrupted her.

"Thank's AJ." she said with a smile.

"No problem sugar cube, now Ah have ta get mah chores done, so come to me if ye need anythin'" She said, walking out the door.

I owe her, badly. She thought, eating the delicious apple pie in front of her. Once she finished it, she stretched her forelegs, making a clicking sound before walking out the door. She soon spotted Applejack bucking some apple trees while Big Mac pulled a cart full of red delicious to the barn.

"Well howdy there sugar cube!" Applejack greeted, slamming her back hooves into the tree, causing all of its apples to fall into baskets.

"Hey AJ. Need some help?" Blazing streak decided to make herself useful.

"Naw, its okay Blazin', Ah got this." She replied.

"Hey, I owe you, big time though. I insist." Blazing pressed.

"Sugar cube, its fine. ah don't need help." Applejack persisted.

Blazing streak sighed. "Okay then." She said, pouting slightly.

She looked up, seeing rain clouds being moved in by pegasi.

"Looks like it's gonna rain." she warned Applejack, before seeing storm clouds drifting in. "Okay, a storm is coming."

"Aw ponyfeathers... Looks like Ah'll have ta catch up with mah chores later." Applejack replied, frustrated. A few raindrops found their way onto Blazing streak's pelt.

"Yep, it's starting now." The rain then started to pick up, a soft drizzle turned into a torrential downpour, soaking both Blazing streak and Applejack to the bones.

"daing it!" Applejack exclaimed, turning to gallop back to the house. Blazing streak hovered over her, keeping her safe from the bombardment of water from above. Applejack noticed this, she looked up and gave a smile that melted Blazing streak's heart, but she kept going. By the time they reached the house, lightning had started to erupt from the skies. Blazing streak felt like a soaked sponge, her coat was heavy, she was cold and dripping.

"Well that sucks." Blazing streak commented

"Eeyup, thanks fer keepin' me dry....ish." Applejack said, still soaked from the start of the downpour.

"Not a problem. Uh.. I should probably dry myself off before dripping all over your home, this will only take a sec." She lifted herself slightly into the air, and heated herself up, drops of water evaporated from her coat. In a few seconds, she was dry and landed again.

"now that's cheatin'!" Applejack said with a chuckle, with was returned by Blazing streak.

"Gosh, it ain't much warmer in here than it is out there, is the heatin' on?"

"Naw, It's broken, Big Mac's tryin' ta fix it." Applebloom said, shivering slightly.

"Consarn it, we need ta get a new heater one a these days." Applejack said, motioning Blazing streak to come inside.

An idea formed in Blazing's head. Walking into the living room, where Applebloom and Granny Smith were on the sofa with blankets on, shivering, she heated herself up again, creating a red aura around her.

"Did ya'll fix that heater Big Mac? It's gettin warmer!" Applejack said, trotting into the room.

"Nah, you got a new one!" Blazing streak said.

Applejack noticed the red aura around her and how it seemed to get warmer as she got closer.
"Well Ah'll be..."

"yep, there's more than one advantage of having my abilities." Blazing streak said with a proud grin.

"Well thank ya'll fer keepn' us warm." Applejack said, followed by murmurs of agreement from her family.

"Hey sis, we're gonna need a new hea-" Big Mac strode into the room, seeing Blazing streak in the room, he stopped talking, and just said; "Eeyup."

Glancing out the window, Blazing streak managed to make out a figure within the orchard. It looked like some sort of pony, but with a cape. It looked familiar to Blazing streak, like she had seen it before. Then it looked her way. Her heart stopped for a moment as she made out those purple, glowing eyes of her old enemy. Hey eyes went wide and she let out a gasp. The figure outside then disappeared in a glowed of darkness.

"What's wrong sugar cube?" Applejack asked.

"Its.. nothing..." Blazing streak lied, it must of just been her imagination. Applejack didn't look convinced, but didn't say anything. She walked up to a stereo and started to play some folk music. Blazing streak didn't mind music like this, but she was more of a rock type. However, this music wasn't bad, she enjoyed it.

"Who's this?" She broke the silence between the ponies.

"Bucky Cash. Our favorite singer!" Applebloom replied enthusiastically. Blazing streak nodded, before noticing Applejack still drenched and shivering. She moved closer, still heating up the room. She sat right next to Applejack, and she stopped shivering. The aura surrounding Blazing was now illuminating Applejack's pelt, giving her a warm glow. Blazing streak thought this was beautiful, unknowingly, she was staring at Applejack.

"Blazin' ya'll okay?" Applejack woke her from her day dream

"Wha? Oh, sorry, kinda spaced out there." Blazing streak blushed heavily, she had just been caught staring at Applejack.

"Uh, did yer face jus' get redder?" Applejack said, smirking.

"Uh... no?" Blazing streak struggled not to sound embarrassed.

"Ah'm only teasin'. Thanks sugar cube."


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


Blazing streak could be seen flying through ponyville's skies at high speed. She looked like a meteorite about to crash. Another nightmare had woken her up in the middle of the night, the same one as before. She had nightmares often, but usually they were about falling or losing her abilities, she had only had nightmares like this shortly after her parents died and she narrowly escaped with her life. But that wasn't all that was bugging Blazing streak, all she could think about was Applejack. She started to think that this crush of hers had turned into something more. Something meaningful, it had turned into full blown love over the past week she was in Equestria.  She had no idea what to do, confessing to Applejack could ruin the first and most cherished friendship she had ever had, and that would break her. She didn't even know if Applejack liked mares too, let alone if she was interested.

Although, with all the troubles, came the silver lining. She was beginning to fit in around the town, ponies didn't shy away from her as much and some even greeted her with a simple "Hello" or "how're ya doing?". Her friendships with Applejack, Rainbow dash, Rarity, Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy had grown massively, they spent more and more time together like picnics, parties and generally hanging out. They even had a camping trip planned for the next day, which Blazing streak was looking forward to. A whole weekend with her friends, who all had free time then. Things were definitely getting better for Blazing.

But there was one thing that bothered her the most. Every now and then throughout the week, she kept on seeing that black Unicorn staring at her, once she had tried to approach it, but like always, it disappeared before she could do anything. She had no idea what was going on, but it couldn't be good.

Blazing streak gradually came to a halt on a cloud high up in the sky and laid there on it, looking up at the sky into the array of stars that looked like tiny light bulbs hanging on a black ceiling, with one big bulb as the moon, shining its dim light all over Equestria. She hadn't realized how beautiful it was a night, she had never been in one place long enough to stare at the night sky's wonders. One specific thing that caught her eye, however, was an arrangement of stars that, if she looked close enough, looked like an apple. She continued to gaze up at the stars for a long time, before eventually losing consciousness and falling asleep on the cloud.




> A great way to start a camping trip...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blazing streak, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow dash and Twilight Sparkle walked across a vast stretch of mountain ranges, Looking over Equestria from a birds eye view, Ponyville was long behind them, and they were getting close to their destination.

"Ugh, how far is it?" Rainbow dash complained.

"It's not far now, just down there, see?" Twilight reassured her.

Looking over, Blazing streak could see a vast expanse of meadow, surrounded by trees with a large lake in the middle.

"OOH I cant wait to get there! I brought my party cannon so we can have a HUUUUUUUGE party with cakes and chocolate and...." Blazing streak blocked Pinkie's rambling , and concentrated on the scenery around them. Back in  Helvada, she would often go on long flights or walks like this, and just take in the sights, block out the bad things happening, for a short time at least. But it never got old, especially at a new place, these sights were beautiful.

"'s beautiful ain't it sugar cube." her thoughts were said aloud by Applejack.

"Yeah. I used to go on walks like this all the time, never gets old." She replied.

The path they followed started to dip into a gentle slope, which, alarmingly, grew steeper and steeper the further it went.
Looking around, Blazing noticed there was no other way down.

"Girls? I think we're going to have trouble getting down there..."

Behind her, her six friends all joined her and looked over them selves, right on the edge of the steep slope.

"But I could have sworn I read the map EXACTLY!" Twilight fretted.

"Oh my, it's so steep" Fluttershy gasped, barely audible.

"Oh dear, how ever shall we get down?" Rarity started to think.

Blazing streak heard a slight cracking sound. Before she could warn the others, the ground slipped away from underneath her. She heard screams around her, Rarity and Applejack were falling. Panic and horror surged through Blazing streak's chest as she watched them fall, frozen in place. In what felt like minutes, she managed to make herself move.

"Rainbow! Get Rarity!" Blazing streak thought fast. She also flew fast, downwards towards Applejack, along with Rainbow dash flying towards Rarity, who was screaming wildly. C'mon... C'mon! They got closer to the ground, Blazing streak still meters away from catching Applejack. Then, with a wild burst of speed, She heard an explosion behind her, the pressure of a cone that had formed dissipating. She lunged forward and grabbed Applejack with her hooves, who let out a gasp.

"I gotcha AJ" she said, panting slightly. She had come so close to losing her. Setting Applejack on the ground at the foot of the mountain, she landed.
She was immediately pulled into a tight hug.

"Ya'll saved mah life! Thank ya Blazin'! Thank ya so much." Applejack managed to say, still recovering from the shock.

"I-it's what friends are for." Blazing streak was still shocked more than Applejack about what happened. So close to losing her.

The hug lasted a bit longer than normal, and when they pulled away, Blazing streak could swear she saw something flicker in Applejack's eyes. Looking to the side, she saw that Rainbow dash had also put Rarity down and being thanked over and over by the drama queen.

"Is everypony okay down there?!" She heard Twilight's voice.

"Y-yeah! Everyone's fine!... just..." She added quietly to herself. Just then there was a flash of purple and Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy appeared before them. Blazing streak was pulled into yet another hug, this time it was a group hug.

"I'm so glad you're both okay!" Fluttershy said, relieved.

"Ya'll have Blazin' ta thank fer that!" Applejack replied, making the red Pegasus' face turn two shades darker.

"Hey! don't forget me! That's the second time I've saved Rarity from plummeting to her death!" Rainbow Dash said, causing everyone to laugh, including herself.

"I'm so happy you're not dead! If you were I would be saddy waddy Pie and then I wouldn't be able to party any more because I would be too sad and OOHweshouldhaveapartytocelebrate!!!!" Pinkie Pie bounced up and down excitedly while listing off things that could go in a party, all in one breath... again.

"I'll never understand that one." Blazing streak murmured, half to herself. Applejack and a few others chuckled.

"Neither do we!" Rarity said, relief weakening her voice.

There was a moment of silence before Applejack broke it.

"So, are we gonna get movin' or what?" Six nods answered her as they retrieved the saddle bags that had dropped from Applejack when she fell.

The seven ponies trekked through a lush forest filled with wild life, much to Fluttershy's delight. Shortly after, they reached a large clearing with an even denser pine forest on the far side of it, a lake positioned in the middle, glimmering in the sunlight, which was slowly fading. Beside Blazing streak, Rarity was gawking at the place as if she was about to faint right there, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Twilight and Fluttershy were looking around in amazement while Rainbow Dash looked like she was doing her best to look cool, even though Blazing streak could see right through her.

Once they reached the edge of the lake, Blazing streak dropped her saddle bags.
"Is here a good place for you?" She asked.

"Mighty fine lookin' place to set up a campfire."


..-...---...-.-...---...-..


"So then Princess Celestia sent us to find the elements of harmony which I told you about earlier, blazing. But on our way there, we were confronted by an army of changelings!" Rainbow Dash said, making Blazing streak's eyes widen.

"Did you beat them?" Blazing streak asked.

"Hay yeah! Those reptiles couldn't lay a hoof an me!" Rainbow Dash said, puffing out her chest.

"Rainbow Dash, that isn't how it happened, we defeated the first wave then got captured by the second one." Twilight corrected, making Rainbow pout.

"Huh, sounds like you put up a pretty good fight! But there were only six of you?" Blazing asked, earning six nods.

"But then Princess Cadence did a magic love thingy and blew them all away and then we had a big party! there was music, cake, punch, dancing, cider..." Pinkie Pie went on and on and on, making Blazing streak sigh in frustration and amusement at the same time.

"Well, I got to say I'm impressed."

The campfire Blazing streak had lit started to calm down, the seven ponies had sat there telling stories to each other, mostly Rainbow Dash over exaggerating achievements that she had gained. They sat there in comfortable silence until Twilight spoke up again;

"So, who's going to sleep with who tonight?" Applejack, who was sitting next to her, looked at Blazing with a warm smile which made Blazing streak's heart feel like it was about to explode.

"Wanna bunk with me, sugar cube?" She asked Blazing, leaning forward, she whispered; "Ah hid some cider in mah saddle bag, don't tell Rainbow; she'll go crazy." Blazing streak laughed a bit and smiled back, nodding as she blushed.

I have to tell her at some point or I'm going to go insane... Ugh, what am I thinking? She'll hate me if I do! Blazing streak's internal conflict caught the attention of Fluttershy.

"Um, are you okay Blazing? you look troubled..." She said, quietly.

"Oh I'll be fine Fluttershy, it's nothing you need to worry about." Blazing streak said, calmly to not make the yellow Pegasus feel bad. Over the week she had been here, she had learned Fluttershy's sensitiveness. She wasn't convinced.

"Blazing? I can see you have something big on your mind and I want to help you." she said, glaring at Blazing, making her flinch.

"U-uhh, I-I'll tell you tommorow, okay?" Blazing streak said, Fluttershy's glare making her tremble a bit. Luckily for her, Fluttershy nodded and stopped staring "Okay, but If you don't I wont stop asking." she said

"Wow, that was much more assertive than she normally is." Twilight said, making Fluttershy blush and hide behind her mane.

"Hey Pinkie, wanna go in my tent? I brought a pranking kit!" Rainbow said, loud enough for everypony to hear. Pinkie Pie bounced up and down, smiling and nodding.

"I do believe that leaves me, Fluttershy and Twilight! don't worry girls, my tent is big enough for three." Rarity said, gleefully.

"Shucks, it's great to have a change of scenery every now n' then. Not that Ah dont like ponyville or anythin'." Applejack said. "'s just that it can be so stressful 'round the farm. Ya know Applebloom managed ta wreck their clubhouse while crusadin'. But me an' Blazin' fixed it lickity split."

"Speaking of the 'crusaders', have any of you noticed Sweetie Belle lately? She's been acting pretty strange." Rarity asked, she was answered by "no I havent" or things along those lines.

"What's she been doing?" Twilight asked.

"Well, for one thing, she seems to be acting like a robot lately. I don't know what's gotten into her. Let alone the voice, it sounds exactly like a robot too." Rarity replied, perplexed.

"Huh, strange." Rainbow Dash said.

Everypony sat in silence, eating the marshmallows they had cooked on the fire. This silence was broken by Fluttershy letting out a big yawn. She blushed and looked down.

"I think I agree with fluttershy, I'm tired too. Twilight said. Tired agreements came from all around the fire and they all went to sleep. Blazing streak and Applejack pitched a tent nearby, and by the time they were done, only Rarity's pop-up castle tent was finished. They called "'Night girls" and went inside. Blazing streak was about to go to sleep when Applejack poked her.

"Hey Blazin', ye fergot about the cider." she said, quietly so no pony could hear. She pulled out two bottles with labels of her holding a mug of cider up. 'Sweet Apple Cider' was written on the front. She picked one up with her hooves. "Cheers" she said. Blazing streak did the same. She then sipped. And then she gulped.

"Wow, this cider is amazing!" She exclaimed, a little too loud. "Oops, hope Rainbow didn't hear that."

"Shucks, it ain't all that special.." Applejack replied, humbly, with a blush.

"You're kidding me, right? 'Ain't that special?' Now that's being WAY too humble AJ, this cider really is amazing." Blazing streak said. Applejack just blushed harder as she swigged her cider.

"Listen, AJ... I need to thank you, for everything you've done for me. If it weren't for you, I don't know where I'd be right now and that means a shit-tone to me." Blazing streak said, suddenly serious. "And before you say that it 'was nothing' it isn't, its the exact opposite. I've never had anypony who cares for me like this, you and the girls have been by my side whenever I'm sad and ask so little in return, if anything. Now I need you to know that I'm here to do the same for you, 'till my last breath. And I mean every word" She really did mean every word.

Applejack was silent, when Blazing looked up, she saw that Applejack was smiling and crying at the same time.
"A-ah dont know what ta say, Blazin'" Was all she managed to say.

"You don't have to say anything, I just wanted you to know that." She replied, drinking more of the cider before realizing that Applejack was still looking at her, wide eyed. She stared right back at those emerald eyes she had come to love. She was lost, all of her worries instantly washed away. Looking away never crossed either of their minds. Her heartbeat was going crazy, and she could swear she could feel it warming up.

And then Applejack kissed her square on the lips.

Her whole world froze as she struggled to take in what was happening. 

Applejack is... Kissing me?!

Blazing felt overwhelming joy blaze through her, piercing her rapidly beating heart and circling through her limbs and body. Her eyes closed as she kissed back. A jolt of energy rippled through her spine and she let out a soft, quite moan as her yellow-tipped wings slowly unfolded. The world around them seemed unimportant, insignificant. All that mattered was the two of them, there and then. Blazing wrapped her forelegs around Applejack, stroking her mane affectionately as AJ reciprocated the gesture. She felt moisture in her eyes as they separated after what felt like minutes, but was really a few seconds. They were still in each others' embrace, staring into each others' eyes, seemingly in a trance.

"Ah... Blazin'?" Applejack started.

"Mmhm?"

"Ah l-love you." Applejack sounded nervous as she stuttered. Blazing Streak's heart stopped for a moment. She felt a tear run down her cheek. She leaned her forehead on Applejack's, still not shifting her gaze.

"I love you too, Applejack. I have for a while now..." She whispered. She saw Applejack beam as much as she was. Blazing slowly pressed her lips against Applejack's once more, the same spark igniting somewhere within her. They separated reluctantly, Applejack leaning forward a bit to try and catch Blazing's lips before they escaped.

"...Heh... Ah could say like this for the whole night, Firefly." Applejack whispered. Blazing tilted her head.

"Firefly?" She asked, puzzled.

"Eyup, you with yer fire and the fact that you can fly mighty fast: Firefly."

"Oh... I like it, it fits" Blazing replied.

"And the fact that ya light up mah dark skies at night." She finished, making Blazing streak blush.

"Hey, AJ?"

"Yeah sugar cube?"

"You could stay like this for the whole night, can I, er... cuddle with you tonight?" Blazing asked, blush deepening more and more.

Applejack gave a small giggle. "Wouldn't have it any other way, Firefly." She laid down, inviting Blazing to do the same, which she did. They wrapped their hooves around each other and gave content sighs.

"Yer warm." Applejack said, causing Blazing to giggle a bit.

"A great way to start a camping trip." was the last thing that was heard from Blazing streak as they drifted into sleep.
> Fireflies and sad news
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Unicorn with purple eyes and Black coat stood before Blazing streak. Behind him was an army of dark creatures that Blazing couldn't make out. The Unicorn only stepped forward and laughed in a deep, throaty voice.

"Rise n' shine Firefly, breakfast is ready. Blazing streak woke up to a soft whisper in her ear. Memories of the previous night hurtled through her brain, and her lips formed a content smile.

"mm.. morning AJ. Sleep well?" She said, opening her eyes to a pair of beautiful emerald orbs looking her way.

"Slept might fine, must say, Ah would've been cold if you weren't there all toasty like, so how 'bout you?" She said with a smile.

She then remembered the dream she just had. "I had a really strange dream, kind of disturbing too..." she said with a confused look on her face.

"Well, s' just a dream, sugar cube, it ain't real." She reassured.

"I know, but it feels like it means something... oh well, it's probably nothing." Blazing decided, getting up. "What a great way to wake up." she said, making Applejack blush and smile.

She trotted out of the tent beside Applejack to see the rest of her friends sitting together eating apple fritters which smell made Blazing streak's mouth water.

"Morning!" She called, getting the attention of all of them.

"Hello Blazing! you're in a good mood!" Twilight said, smiling.

"Yep" Blazing streak said.

"Hey Blazing! Wanna go flying after breakfast? I bet I can do a sonic rain-boom before you!" Rainbow Dash said confidently.

"Wait,wait,wait, You can do a sonic rain-boom?" Rarity said, wide-eyed.

"Well... not exactly... more like a sonic... uh... flame-boom." Blazing streak replied, nervously. Everypony else had confused, surprised looks on their faces.

"Oh my gosh you have to show us! it'll be so cool! We could have a party to celebrate!" Pinkie Pie said, over excited as always.

"Uh, Pinkie, you saw one yesterday, you know." Blazing streak replied.

"I know but I didn't see it!" Pinkie exclaimed

"Even if some of us didn't see it, it was so, AWESOME. You gotta do it again when two of us aren't in trouble!" Rainbow Dash said

"I thought I saw something, but it was all a blur, what with me falling to my death and all. Thank you again Rainbow Dash for saving me, by the way." Rarity said. Rainbow Dash nodded.

"You've thanked me enough, Rarity." She said, sounding frustrated and amused at the same time.

"Ah saw it, it was amazin'!" Applejack said, this brought a spike of warmth to her chest.

"Uh, okay then, I'll try." at that, Blazing took off into the air, gaining altitude rapidly. When she got above the clouds, she stopped and immediately dived at full speed. The wind rippled through her and her entire body felt like it was going to tear apart, but she kept going, faster. A cone then formed around her front hooves. She gritted her teeth as she accelerated further. With the last strength she had in her wings, she flapped one more time with a great effort, Suddenly, the cone exploded into a ring of flame cascading outwards. Blazing felt the air around her shift away from her as she decelerated, landing on the ground hard, causing a cracking sound from the earth and rocks flying away.

"That landing hurt." She said simply. Looking up to her friends, she saw that they were all gazing up at the sky where the flame-boom had taken place that was still spreading out. She had to admit herself, the sight was pretty cool.

"That. was. AWESOME!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, flying a few feet up in the air.

"Wow, sugar cube, like ah said, amazin'." Applejack complemented.

"You know Blazing, I must do some research on you at some point, I need to know EVERYTHING about your talents." Twilight said, earning a deadpan look from Blazing streak, who just said. "No one is experimenting on me.".

"Why that was simply marvelous darling! I would hate to get in the way of that though." Rarity stated.

"Oh my... That was a big explosion..." Fluttershy said, nervously.

"That could be an amazing firework for a party!" Pinkie Pie shouted, confetti seemingly coming out of no where.

"Hey, um, Blazing? Can I talk to you for a second?" Fluttershy spoke up.

"Ok Fluttershy." Blazing streak replied.

"Okay, follow me... um, if you want to." She said quietly. Blazing streak nodded and followed her away from the group.

"So what was on your mind yesterday Blazing?" She asked. Blazing streak had forgotten about that, she nervously scuffed the ground with her hoof.

"Well, I've figured it all out now, so I'm fine." Blazing streak answered, hoping she wouldn't pry anymore. It was futile, however.

"But what was wrong?" She pressed. Blazing streak realized there was no way out of this, so she might as well spill it. Sighing, she answered;

"Before I tell you this, promise not to tell anypony?" She was replied by a nodd from Fluttershy. So she continued. "Well, I sort of had a uh... crush... on Applejack." Fluttershy immediately gasped and turned a bright shade of pink.

"Oh... So how did you "figure it all out"? Um, if you don't mind me asking..." Blazing streak thought about it for a second, before calling to her marefriend.

"Hey Applejack! Can you come here for a sec, I need to ask you something." Applejack looked her way, confused, before trotting up to Blazing.

"What is it sugar cube?" She questioned.

"Uh, is it okay if I tell Fluttershy about.. uh, us? She promised not to tell anyone about what I say." She whispered. Applejack looked thoughtful for a moment, before replying;

"Ah s'pose so, ah don't like lyin' to mah friends anyway, being the element of honesty an' all." She replied. Blazing streak nodded before turning back to Fluttershy, who was looking at them with wide, curious eyes.

"Fluttershy, me and Applejack are together." She said. Fluttershy gasped and turned an even darker shade of red than before.

"Oh I'm so happy for you both! I didn't know you liked mares though, Applejack." Blazing streak was grateful that ponyville was such an accepting place.

"Thank ya Fluttershy, it means a lot to us." Applejack said, accompanied by a nod of agreement from Blazing, they all had wide smiles on their faces now.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


Blazing streak led Applejack through A tunnel of gorse bushes, between large patches of heather before the two reached an opening. Applejack gasped at what she saw. An opening surrounded by pine trees with rose bushes lying between them, giving a sense of security, a lake in the middle that seemed to sparkle and shine in the evening light, smaller than the one they camped next to, but just as beautiful, if not more. Fireflies danced around, giving a yellow glow in the surrounding trees.

"Fireflies... Firefly! It's so beautiful! When did ya find this?" She exclaimed.

Blazing gave a short laugh before replying; "When I was flying with Rainbow Dash earlier, I'm embarrassed to admit this, I crashed into that lake while trying to do a trick." She trotted over to a tree which stood on the edge of the lake and laid down, propping her head on the trunk. Applejack silently followed and did the same, laying her head on Blazing streak's chest, hearing the beat of her marefriend's heart, which steadily grew faster. Blazing streak then lowered a hoof to Applejack's head and started to stroke her mane.

"I have to admit, this place is pretty beautiful. Buuuuut I can think of somepony who is more so." Blazing streak said, casting a sly glance down at Applejack, who turned her direction to face Blazing streak. She saw that Applejack supported a blush. Her eyes held such love for the red Pegasus, who suddenly felt her legs weaken at the beautiful sight.

Applejack leaned towards Blazing streak's face and pressed her lips against Blazing's. Her eyes shot fully open in surprise for a heartbeat, before closing as she kissed back. Her entire body heated up and her wings spread out, sending embers out to the sides, which disappeared moments later. They separated eventually, before coming back together in another, more heated kiss, this repeated over and over. Then, Blazing streak didn't let Applejack pull away, and flicked her tongue against her lips, which immediately opened, allowing her entry. She was tackled by a swirl of flavors, apples, not surprisingly, cinnamon and a hint of cherries. Their tongues spiraled and twisted around in an erotic dance. Eventually, they had to separate for breath, a line of saliva hung between them for a moment before dropping to the side. Neither of them needed to say anything, instead, Applejack snuggled close to Blazing, her nuzzle brushing her neck affectionately. Blazing streak pressed her nuzzle on her marefriend's forehead. Not once in her life had she ever thought she would be in this position, holding the mare of her dreams. In fact, she never thought she would be with anypony, but right now, here, with Applejack, gazing at the wondrous sight before them, she was in utter bliss. A tear found it's way down her cheek, not out of sadness, but with pure joy and happiness.

"I-I never thought... I never even dreamed of being here. Life back where I came from was so bleak and miserable that I could never even think of something like this happening to me. It's just so... perfect, in fact it's almost too perfect. It feels like it isn't going to last. I want it to last, I need it to last. Applejack I need to get something off my chest." Blazing streak started.

"What is it sugar cube? ya'll okay?" Applejack replied, concerned for the Pegasus.

"Back before I wound up here, the only thing keeping me going was seeking revenge on that Unicorn... I was going to do it, Applejack, I was going to kill myself after I killed Night Whisper. I had nothing left, my parents,  my only friends died. Heck, my own brother turned against me, he was scared of me, right after I discovered my power and got my cutie mark, he hit me and ran away. He was scared, just like everypony else in that hell hole. Then again, hardly anyone had a decent life back then, looking back, I think it was wrong of me to be so self-centered and caught up in my own grief and not see anyone else's pain. But then... But then Night Whisper sent me here, and that's one thing I can sort of thank him for. Now that I have you, the girls and an entire town that's accepting me, suicide has not once crossed my mind, and I have you to thank for that, if only I knew how I could repay the debt I have for you." She closed her eyes at the end of her speech, tears rolling down her cheeks, from half-joy from her situation and half-sorrow about her past.

"Sugar cube... Ah didn't know ya went through all that, ya'll don't know how much it means to me that Ah stopped ya n' all. Now don't ya'll fret none about it anymore, the past is the past, and it's time ta put it all behind us. And no, ya'll dont ow me anythin' s' what friends, and marefriends do." Applejack replied, kissing Blazing Streak on the lips.

"I'm sorry Applejack, I shouldn't be like this when I know you're in a similar boat to me, it's insensitive of me to complain about my problems." Blazing streak said. hanging her head a bit.

"Oh hush Firefly, everypony has these moments, n' it's not fair ta have ta keep it in. Now don't ya'll worry about me, sure ah have mah moments but they come and go, just like every day." Applejack replied, rubbing Blazing streak's back comfortingly.

"Thank's Applejack, I needed that." Blazing streak said gratefully, closing her eyes in contentment. An idea then entered her mind.

"AJ... Have you ever flown?" Blazing said.

"What do ya mean sugar cube?" a puzzled Applejack replied

"I mean, have you ever ridden on a Pegasus in the sky? Seen things like we do?"

"Well, no ah can't say ah have.. why?" Applejack responded

"Do you trust me?"

"with mah life, Firefly. Now what are ya'll doin'?" Applejack replied.

Blazing streak answered by getting up and crouching, motioning Applejack to get on. "Wanna try it?"

Applejack only stood there for a bit with a slightly worried look on her face. "Uhm... Ah dunno sugar cube..." she shuffled a hoof on the floor a bit.

"Come on, I promise it's completely safe, I wont even go that fast, and if something happens, I'll be right there to catch you." Blazing Streak reassured her.

She stood there looking thoughtful and still a little worried, before she gave a slight nod and climbed on Blazing Streak's back. Blazing took a moment to adjust to the weight change before casting a "ready?" to Applejack, receiving a nod in return. She leaped into to the air, behind her Applejack let out a "wooah!" as they ascended steadily, if a bit fast, up to the cloud layer, where they could see the sun slowly sinking beyond the horizon, sending orange rays of light onto the clouds just above them. Applejack was holding on tight, and squeezing her eyes closed.

"Hey AJ, ya don't want to miss this." Blazing streak said, softly. At that, Applejack, lifted an eyelid and immediately gasped at the sight before them

"Sugar cube... When are ya gonna stop showin' me beautiful things like this? Not that ah mind it o'course." Applejack said, still in awe. Blazing only laughed a bit before accelerating from her slow, steady pace to a moderate speed.

"Yeehaw!" Applejack said, lifting her hat off of her head and swirled it around in mid air.

Just then, Blazing Streak saw a rainbow trail heading towards them. "Uh oh." she said. Before she could do anything, Rainbow Dash was next to her.

"Hey Bla-" She noticed Applejack above her, who was wide-eyed and blushing madly, just like Blazing.

"Oh... Ohhhhh... I see what's goin' on here!" She said with a sly grin and chuckle.

"Uh..." Blazing started.

"Didn't know you were a fillyfooler! I mean that's fine, dont get me wrong, but I should warn you, Rarity is more of a... How do I put this... She's not too keen on the idea." Rainbow Dash interrupted her.

Although she wasn't too happy about ponies finding out about her and Applejack so soon, she was grateful for Rainbow's support. "Thanks, Rainbow Ah appreciate it" Applejack spoke her thoughts.

"Ditto." Blazing Streak said.

"Well, gonna fly, I can see you two need your privacy."  With that, she bolted towards where they had their campsite, before turning back for a moment "Oh and by the way, we're having twisters! Come back if you want some!".


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


Blazing Streak and Applejack arrived at Sweet Apple Acres after coming back from their trip, they were exhausted after not getting a wink of sleep and then having to trek all the way back. Upon entering the house, they noticed how quiet it was compared to how it usually was, with Applebloom and Granny Smith talking with each other, usually Granny telling Applebloom a story or two. They soon spotted Big Mac in the kitchen, with a dull and depressed look on his face. Spotting the two, he sighed before walking up to them.

"AJ, somethin' bad has happened." He said.

"What's wrong Mac? What happened?" Applejack replied, worried.

"It's Granny Smith... S-she's... She's... not with us anymore." Big Mac broke down in tears before them.
Shock rippled through them like a spark of lightning.

> Prophecy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"W-what?!" Applejack exclaimed "No! She cant be dead!" She shouted at her brother before running upstairs, crying.

"Applej-" Blazing Streak was interrupted by a door slamming. Oh no...

She was going to follow Applejack when she saw something in the corner of her eye. She turned her head to look at it but it was gone before she could see it. Shrugging it off, she turned back to Big Mac and put a hoof on his shoulder reassuringly. He just dipped his head slowly and went back to the kitchen. Blazing then flew up the stairs towards Applejack's room. She put her ear against the door. She heard Applejack sobbing.

"Hey, AJ?" She said, knocking lightly.

"L-leave me alone." was Applejack's only reply,

"Come on Applejack, it's not right for you to suffer alone, it will tear at your heart." Hearing no reply, she continued; "You've been there for me when I've been upset and now I need to return the favor." Again, there was no reply so she slowly opened the door. Applejack was curled up on her bed, her hat and mane ties strewn about the floor.
Blazing walked up to the bed and sat down next to her. She looked up for a bit, revealing tears streaming down her face. It hurt Blazing Streak to see her like this. Applejack then scooted close to Blazing and pulled her into a hug, crying into her shoulder. In response to this, Blazing hugged back tightly and started to stroke Applejack's mane as comfortingly as she could. She knew how hard it was to lose someone close, but for her, this was much worse, though she hid it. She needed to be strong for Applejack.

"W-why?" Applejack started. "First Ma, then Pa, n' now this." Blazing Streak pressed her nose against her marefriend's silky mane. "Ah should have been there. Ah could've helped in some way! I-it's all mah fault!" Blazing streak flinched a bit at this.

"No Applejack, this isn't your fault, I wont have you saying it's your fault, you did nothing wrong. Things like this happen to everypony eventually. Granny, is in a better place now, she'll be watching over you for all eternity. Endlessly proud of her strong, brave, kind, dependable, honest, hard working, beautiful daughter." Applejack blushed at the last bit. "Should I go on?" Blazing streak added as an after thought. "She had a good, long life to see you grow up, and I don't have a doubt in my mind that she's content with it." Blazing streak ended her speech, she wasn't normally that good with words, but in an important situation like this, she could manage.

"Ah don't want ta lose any pony else..." Applejack said in between sobs, Blazing's speech seemed to have helped.

"Don't you worry about that, AJ. Let's not worry about the future and stick to the present for now. Now let it all out, it will help you feel better." Blazing reassured her, rubbing her back and pecking her on the cheek as she sobbed quietly.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


Blazing Streak opened her eyes. She was in Applejack's room after promising to stay with her afterlast night's events. She looked over to the clock, '3:57 am. Before she could go back to sleep, a flash of white appeared in the center of the room, forcing Blazing Streak to cover her eyes.

"Hello, Blazing." A familiar voice came from where the bright light was. Blazing Streak looked up to see a tall stallion with an orange mane, Blue pelt and Brown eyes. Blazing Streak's eyes widened as she recognized who the stallion was.

"D-dad?! Is that really you?" Blazing Streak squeaked out. The stallion chuckled a bit before nodding and spreading his arms out, signalling for a hug. Blazing Streak carefully got out of bed to avoid waking Applejack and was instantly wrapped in a hug with her deceased father.

"It's great to see my little flame so happy in her new life." He said, a smile growing on his face. Blazing Streak now had tears rolling down her cheeks. After all this time, her father was there, infront of her. Blazing didn't know if this was a dream, or reality. Eight years of isolation and pain started to escape from her heart as she quietly cried into her father's glowing dark blue pelt.

"I missed you so much, Dad." She whimpered.

"W-where's mum?"

"She is watching over you and she is proud of you, just like I am, but I'm afraid she could not come here, in death, we are forbidden to walk with the living unless we have an important message or warning." He pulled away from the hug and held his daughter's shoulders with his front hooves.

"Listen carefully to what I have to say."  He stood up straight before continuing:

"whispers of the night will bring death, an army of darkness, without end" The stallion started to fade away.

"What? What do you mean? Don't go!" Her father vanished in a flash of light. "Dad!" She called, but it was too late, he was gone, leaving Blazing Streak standing in the middle of the room. She heard Applejack stirring in her bed.

"Mh.. Blazin'? What're ya'll doin? who are ya talking to?" She sleepily asked.

"...Dad?..." Blazing Streak replied, quietly, though half attempting to call her father back. She slowly walked back to bed. "Sorry I woke you." She said.

"Ya'll okay sugar cube? Ah woke up to ya standin' there in the middle of the room, lookin' like ya jus' saw a ghost"

At first, Blazing was hesitant to tell Applejack of her vision because she didnt want Applejack to worry. But this... Prophecy might be important, it might include all six of us, or even everypony. She decided she should tell Applejack. "Well, I did." Applejack's eyes widened a bit. "It was my father, he came to warn me about something." She told her about her dad and the warning he gave her. 

"I've no idea what he meant. Ugh, this is all so confusing! Why can't he just give me a simple warning?" She put her head in her hooves. Applejack put a hoof on her shoulder.

"Ah'm sure we can figure it out it the mornin', why dont we go see twi tommorow n' ask her what all this is about?" She suggested, earning a nod in return, Content with the suggestion, although still puzzled. She laid down, but couldn't sleep, her mind was whirring away at the message her father had just brought.

The silence was interrupted by Applejack; "Firefly? Ah've jus' been thinking... What are we gonna tell our friends and family? Rainbow said it herself, Rarity doesn't like fillyfoolin'." This only added to the mess in Blazing Streak's mind.

"Well, We're gonna have to tell them soon. It depends when you're ready, know that I'll stand by you whenever you decide, and if they don't like it, screw em." Blazing Streak said, a bit uncharacteristically harshly towards the end.

"But.. there our friends, ah don't want ta fall out with them." Applejack sounded sad at the end, no doubt still shaken about the recent death of her grandmother, which Blazing Streak picked up on. She nuzzled Applejack's cheek comfortingly.

"Don't worry, you are the elements of harmony, something like this isn't going to break us apart." Blazing Streak reassured.
"Tell you what, tomorrow, when we visit Twilight and ask about the warning, we can get the girls to come too and we can tell them, together." She suggested.

"Ah dunno, Firefly..." She hesitated. She had a thoughtful look on her face for a while before slowly nodding.
"Ah guess they'll find out anyway, so Ah guess we could, n' Ah dont like keepin' secrets from them, bein' the element of honesty n' all." She agreed. Blazing Streak nodded, before kissing her on the nose.

"Night AJ."

"Night Firefly."


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


A knock sounded from Twilight's Library door.

"I got it." Blazing streak said, in a heartbeat she opened the door, revealing Rarity and Fluttershy.

"Hello, Blazing! Good to see you again!" Rarity exclaimed. Blazing streak stepped aside to let them in. Fluttershy followed close behind with an equally wide, knowing smile.

"Hello everypony." She said, in her usual quiet tone. Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity were now sitting on Twilight's sofa, Applejack was standing in front of them all, waiting for everyone to arrive so they could tell them.

"Take a seat, Fluttershy." Twilight invited. The yellow Pegasus complied and sat beside Rarity. Blazing Streak took her place beside Applejack.

"So, what is all this about, darling? I'm afraid I must get back to work soon." Rarity queried.

Blazing Streak looked to Applejack, who was nervously shuffling her hooves. She gave a small nod before starting.

"Everyone, me and Applejack have good news, but we also have very, very bad news." At this Applejack's head hung slightly.

"Tell us the good news first!" Pinkie Pie said.

Blazing Streak nodded before continuing;

"Me and Applejack are together."

A loud gasp was heard from 3 of them, the loudest from Pinkie. "WE SHOULD HAVE A PARTY!" She squealed, bouncing up and down in her usual excited manner.

"Now that I did not see coming. Congratulations, girls!" Twilight spoke up.

"Yeah, grats you two!" Rainbow Dash agreed, followed by the other 2. The only one who hadn't spoke yet was Rarity. She sat there, jaw dislodged in an unnatural position. After a while, she recovered.

"I can't say I like the idea, girls, but you two are my friends, and I would never judge my friends. Congratulations." Towards the end she hide a wide smile on. Massive relief washed over Blazing, and she let out a breath she had apparently been holding.

"Thank ya'll, it means a lot ta us that ya understand." Applejack said.

"Yeah, thank you girls!" Blazing Streak said. The next thing she Knew, she was wrapped up in a group hug. 

"Girls... We should probably tell you the bad news..." Blazing Streak had to break the good mood. She looked to Applejack.

"Shall I tell them?" She offered. Applejack shook her head.

"Ah s-should do it." She said, a tear ran down her face and Blazing put a hoof on hers to comfort her.

"Hey AJ? You ok?" Rainbow Dash asked. Applejack let out a depressed sigh before telling them what happened.

"G-Granny Smith is... She's... S-she's dead." Applejack said before turning and burying her face in Blazing's side and crying loudly. As she wrapped a wing around Applejack, the other five Gasped.

Pinkie Pie started to cry, waterfalls of tears erupted from her eyes as she let out a loud wail.

Fluttershy put a hoof to her mouth and tears started to roll down her cheeks.

Rarity had a sympathetic and sad look on her face as she also cried silently.

Even Rainbow Dash looked on the edge of crying.

Twilight let out a sad sigh before stating;

"She was like family to all of us, we're all sorry for your loss Applejack."

Blazing Streak had a solitary tear escaping her closed eyelids.

They were all pulled in another group hug, this one with a more negative atmosphere to it. After a while, Everyone had to leave to do their jobs. Blazing Streak and Applejack stayed behind though.

"Hey Twilight? There was another reason for us coming here." She said.

"Oh?" Twilight replied. Blazing told her about what happened the night before.

"And then he said "whispers of the night will bring death, an army of darkness, without end" She said with a confused look. Twilight gasped and dropped the china mug she was holding with her magic, shattering it on the floor.

"Um, you okay Twilight?" Blazing Streak said, eyes widening.

"I... I was also told that very same thing, I have no idea what it means. I was up all of last night trying to decipher it, but none of the books I read had anything in it, and I read all the books." Twilight was now pacing the library in deep thought.

"Well, if anything it's not going to be good, I'd say we prepare ourselves for anything. If we can't figure it out, who knows, maybe I'll have another vision or something." Blazing Streak said. Applejack and Twilight both nodded slowly.

Then Blazing Streak remembered something. Her mind drifted back to yesterday evening, she saw something out of the corner of her eye, but when she turned it was gone, she had been having visions like those ever since that dream she had when she was camping with her friends.

"Maybe this has something to do with these visions I've been having, and that dream I had. Every now and then, I see something in the distance, like the shape of a pony but pitch black. Whenever I try to get a better look it just vanishes. Not to mention that strange dream when we were camping." She tried to remember back to the dream.

"Dark, pony-like creatures... that sounds familiar, I think I read it in a book somewhere. But tell me about that dream you had, it could help a lot." Twilight said, intrigued and worried.

"Well, I cant remember much of it, but I do remember seeing..." Thinking about his name caused something to well up inside her. "Night Whisper - I told you about him when we were camping right?" Earning a concerned nod from both other ponies, she continued. "Well he was standing in front of what looked like millions of the pony creatures I just told you about... That's all I can remember." She finished.

"Well that would explain the "an army of darkness" part, but we cant be sure. A dark time is coming, it isn't good." Twilight said, thinking hard.

Something rushed through Blazing Streak's veins. "Whatever it is, I'll fight it. I wont let anything happen to ponyville or any of my friends. Even if it costs me my life."

> party
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blazing Streak reared and smashed her back legs into an apple tree. A loud splitting sound echoed through the orchard. Confused, she turned around to see that the tree had split where she had kicked it.

"...Horseapples." She muttered. The tree she had just kicked was leaning on it's side, the apples flung backwards.

"Uh, Applejack? I think I might have over done it." Applejack was already on her way over to her. Upon seeing the damage her eyes widened.

"How did ya'll do that?" She asked.

"Uh, I guess I just kicked it too hard. Sorry." Blazing replied, rubbing the back of her head awkwardly.

"Well Ah'll be... Ah aint seen anypony able to split a tree like that with their bear hooves. Not even Big Mac!". Applejack said in semi-awe. Blazing Streak blushed a bit with a sheepish smile.

"Hmm..." She lifted an apple with her hoof. "Lemme see how far ya can kick this apple." Blazing Streak nodded. She got into position and Applejack released the apple into the air. Blazing Streak kicked it as hard as she could. The apple smashed on contact and it's remains flew more than half way across the orchard. Applejack's jaw dropped, seemingly, into a trance.

"Uh, AJ? Hello?" Blazing waved a hoof in front of her face. She blinked as she came out of the trance and her jaw returned to it's natural position.

"Wha?" Applejack was speechless.

"Hey, Applejack, you've already seen me ignite a tree with my bear hooves, it's not like this is anything special." Blazing Streak said.

Just then, she noticed Pinkie Pie bouncing towards them with a basket of invitations on her head.

"HEY GUYS! I'M HOLDING A PARTY FOR YOU TWO! IT'S GOING TO BE SUPER FANTASTERIFFIC! HERE ARE THE INVITATIONS!" She reached into her basket hat and pulled out two pieces of paper, which she handed to Blazing Streak and a semi - recovered Applejack.

"BYE GUYS!" Pinkie Pie bounced back in the direction of Ponyville.

Blazing Streak looked at the paper. "Party at the town center at six pm for the new couple:" Blazing Streak's eyes widened at the next part; "Apple-Streak" She read aloud.

"Apple - Streak? Now why don't they jus'  say 'Blazin' Streak n' Applejack'?" Applejack said, recovered fully.

"I don't know... Oh well, as long as they don't start calling us that all the time." Blazing Streak replied with a shrug.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


The quickly growing sound of party music echoed through the town As Blazing Streak and Applejack approached the town center.

"Excited, Firefly? Pinkie's party's are always the best ones. Plus this is our first night out with each other since that camping trip." Applejack said, excited.

"Yeah, I'm just worried about how everyone will react to us." She admitted.

"Now don't ya'll worry 'bout that, sugar cube. It doesn't matter what others think about us. Also, Ponyville is a very accepting place, so Ah doubt anything bad'll happen about it." Applejack reassured her, giving her neck a comforting nuzzle. Blazing Streak nodded and carried on walking.

They turned a corner to see the town center filled with activity, ponies dancing, drinking and playing games. Pinkie Pie was dancing in the middle, others surrounding her and stomping their hooves. When they got closer, Pinkie immediately halted her dance and seemed to just appear in front of them.

"HEY GUYS! Welcome to the party!" Confetti exploded from somewhere behind her. "We have some drinks over there including Applejack's amazing cider! Also we have games, dancing and later we have a special event coming upbutIwontspoilitbecauseitisasurpriseforyoutwoand OHMYGOSH!" She took in a massive gulp of air before continuing; "EVERYPONY! OUR GUESTS OF HONOR ARE HERE! COME SAY HI!" She shouted. Before either of them could say anything, a massive group of ponies had swarmed over them and were throwing Blazing Streak and Applejack up again and again, cheering loudly.

While Applejack had a happy smile on, Blazing was too confused at what was happening, she had never been to a party where she was the honored guest. Back in  Helvada, the parties were boring and only happened around hearth's warming eve or nightmare night.

"CIDEER!" Blazing Streak heard Rainbow Dash's voice in the distance, rapidly getting closer. She started to hover and look her way as she was flung.

Rainbow landed and immediately grabbed some cider from the bar. I'm not surprised. She thought to herself with an amused look on her face.

"Hey, AJ. I'm gonna get some cider, be right back." She said, darting towards the stand where a keg of cider was placed with mugs surrounding it. Rainbow Dash was gulping down the alcoholic liquid like her life depended on it.

"Um, Rainbow? I think you're over doing it.." She warned the cyan Pegasus, who stopped what she was doing and looked up at Blazing.

"'s that a- hic- challenge?" She said with a determined looking grin.

Blazing Streak face-hoofed. "Oh no..." she muttered to herself.

"I coud - hic- drink wwwaaaaaaay more thn you, Blashen Shteak!" Rainbow slurred.

Blazing Streak deadpanned before stating; "You're drunk, go home."

"Hey, I'm fiiine I don't- hic- need to go home!" Rainbow Dash was completely wasted.

Applejack trotted over "Hey Blazi-" she saw Rainbow and face-hoofed. "rainbow, ya'll are drunk, go home."

"That's what I said, she didn't listen." Blazing said.

"Ya know what?" Rainbow slurred. "I think yo should tooootally make out riight na-hic" Blazing Streak's eyes narrowed and she couldn't stop her cheeks heating up.

"Uh..." She didn't know how to respond.

"Yeah, anyway, Ah think we should get outta here before she starts forcin' us." Applejack turned away from the scene, closely followed by an embarrassed Blazing.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


A few drinks, games and laugh's later, Blazing Streak, Applejack and all their friends (apart from Rainbow Dash, who had passed out and needed to go home) were sitting on a table, watching everypony else celebrate.

"So, um, Blazing? How are you liking the party? I-if you don't mind me asking..." Fluttershy said in her quiet voice.

"I love, it, thanks girls. All of this means a lot to me." She replied, smiling wholeheartedly.

She then noticed the music quiet down and stop, followed by a voice.

"Alright everypony! Now we have something special planned for tonight. A couples' dance!" Blazing Streak's ear twitched. couple's dance?. She looked up to see a white unicorn with crazy blue hair and purple glasses on at the mixer. The unicorn walked off stage, replaced with a grey cellist, a pianist and a violinist. They started to play a slow, steady, ballroom like song.

"Hey, Firefly, care ta dance?" Applejack whispered in her ear. She turned round.

"Uh... I don't really know how to..." She admitted, looking down.

"Don't worry, jus' follow mah lead." Applejack stood up on her hind legs and offered Blazing Streak her hoof.  She Looked around nervously before taking a deep breath and taking it.

Applejack lead her to the middle of the clearing. They both reared on their hind legs and got into position, one hoof on each others waist and the others intertwined. Applejack then took the lead, swaying them back and forth in time to the music. They stayed like this for what felt like ages, Blazing Streak looking at Applejack with a sheepish smile. They stumbled a couple of times, but they mostly did okay. The song then started to finish, the other ponies cheering them on and watching with ridiculous smiles. Apart from a few, who looked uncertain about the whole situation, but Blazing Streak ignored them. When the song ended on it's final note, they shared a mutual, passionate kiss. The whole audience erupted in applause and cheering. Unfortunately, they had to break the kiss eventually. Applejack had a warm smile on her face, her eyes half-open.

"Ah reckon ah got a surprise fer ya when we get back." She said in what sounded like a... seductive voice? Blazing Streak's eyes opened fully and she barely managed to stop her wings from shooting outwards. Her cheeks started to heat up.

"Did yer face jus' get redder?" Applejack chuckled.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


The moon hung high in the sky as Blazing Streak and Applejack walked back from the party. Blazing leaned her head on Applejack's, a wing draped over her, holding her close.

"What a night" She sighed, she was exhausted from the night's events.

"Eyup." Applejack agreed.

Some distant murmuring caught Blazing Streak's attention;
"Hey, did you see the new couple in town?" One voice said, as they turned the street in front of them but payed no attention.

"Pff, disgusting. And here I was thinking that the farm pony was normal." Another said. Something ticked inside Blazing Streak, her hooves started to tremble, and she let out a low growl. The bigots ahead of them turned round.

"Ha, speak of the devil. What are you two fillyfoolers doing here?" That was the last straw. Blazing Streak shot towards them and slammed a hoof into the pony's face, sending him flying into the wall of a building. The other pony, a mare with a cream coat and red hair, squealed in fright.

"Blazin'! What do ya think yer doin?!" Applejack ran towards the scene, where Blazing Streak's anger was getting the better of her. Her eyes were glowing white, and her hooves were flaming.

The unicorn that she had just hit recovered from his spot in the wall and cast a scared glance towards Blazing, who started to walk in his direction, before an orange hoof touched her shoulder. Her anger started to fade and her eyes returned to their normal state. Applejack then took her hoof off her shoulder and walked to the distressed unicorn.

"Ya do realize ya brought that on yerself." She said, simply. Blazing Streak was still glaring at the Unicorn, who was now bleeding from his mouth, no doubt a few of his teeth gone. His grey fur was matted with fluff and his blue mane shriveled from the impact with the wall. He was lucky Blazing Streak hadn't hit him with her full strength.

"I-I..." Was all he said. Meanwhile, the pony that was with him was frozen in shock and confusion. Applejack turned away and motioned Blazing Streak, who was starting to calm down.

"Now why did ya'll have ta go n' do that, sugar cube? Ya could've done some serious damage to him." She questioned.

"Well, he insulted us, he insulted you. Besides, I didn't hit him nearly as hard as I could have done." Blazing Streak answered.

"But that ain't how ya resolve a situation like that, ya should've just ignored him."

Blazing Streak sighed before answering; "I'm sorry Applejack, it's just that I don't like it when my friends are in any sort of trouble, especially you, so when he started to say bad things behind your back, I got angry, I might have been able to hold it off, but then he started to openly mock us. I snapped, I shouldn't have and it wont happen again."

"It's okay, Firefly, Ah was struggling to stop myself too, but next time, try to keep it together." Applejack said. Blazing nodded in return.

Suddenly, Blazing Streak got a strange feeling, the one you get when you're being watched. She turned around. What she saw startled her. A Dark, pony figure with darkness emitting from it. It just stood there, watching.

"A-Applejack?" She managed to squeal out.

"Whats wrong, sugar cube?" She asked, before also looking at the figure. She stumbled back in fright. The creature then made a hissing sound and lunged at Blazing, pinning her and raking its.... claws? across her pelt. She let out a screech of agony, before knocking it back with her front hooves, sending it flying off her. She got up and reared on her hind legs, balancing with her wings.

"Blazin'!" Applejack started to move towards her, but a red hoof stopped her.

The Creature lunged again, but this time, Blazing Streak was ready. She grabbed it's outstretched arms, turned and smashed it into the floor, creating a deafening crack. The creature exploded into darkness, which flowed into the cracked ground like water seeping through fabric.

Blazing Streak stared at where the creature had just been, confused and dazed from the event.

Firefly? Ya'll are bleedin'!" Applejack rushed over and inspected the long scratch down Blazing's side, which oozed blood.

"I... I'm fine..." Blazing Streak managed to say. She looked round and saw Twilight galloping towards them, occasionally using her magic to teleport.

"Girls! Are you okay? What happened? What was that thing? You're bleeding!" Twilight continued to bombard them with questions.

"Twi!	" Applejack broke her from her trance. "If ya wanna know, ya should give us some time to reply."

Twilight blushed.

"We were attacked. By one of the creatures I told you about, I think." Blazing replied to her questions. A pool of dread forming in her heart. Was this it? The prophecy's meaning?

"Oh no... We should get you to a doctor and see if it's infected, or worse..." Twilight reasoned.

"I'm fine, I don't need a doctor." Blazing Streak refused.

"Yes, ya do, Firefly. We need ta know, just incase it's dangerous." Applejack said, sternly. Of everyone, she seemed to be the least shaken and confused.

Blazing Streak once again sighed and followed them to the hospital.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


"You'll be glad to know that there is not any infection or poison, it's just a scratch. We'll have you bandaged up and ready to go in no time." Nurse Red heart reassured her. There were audible sighs of relief from Applejack and Twilight.

"Told you I'd be fine." Blazing Streak said with a smug grin.

"Aw shush you. 'S a good thing we did this anyway, or we wouldn't know if ya'll were okay." Blazing shrugged her agreement.

As the nurse finished bandaging her wounds up, she stood up and walked over to her friends.

"Thanks, nurse." She said, earning a nod. They started to walk out of the hospital. "I might be fine, but the creature I saw is still a problem. What if its coming? The warning, it's coming true."

"Ah don't know, Ah jus' dont know."
> "Don't hold anything back!"
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun blazed down onto Sweet Apple Acres. For any normal pony, it would have been too much, but not for Blazing Streak. who was pacing near some trees. She had not let her guard down at all since the attack, which was almost a week ago and it was beginning to wear her out. A thud occasionally sounded nearby as her marefriend - Applejack - worked.

"Firefly... ya've been pacing like that fer the past half hour. If ya keep worryin' about the warnin' and jumpin' every time a twig snaps, ya'll will only wear yerself out. Ya didn't sleep last night at all!" the farm-pony said, frustrated. If it weren't for her hat, she would be burning up.

"I can't let my guard down, we're in danger, as far as I'm concerned. One of those creatures could appear anywhere, any time." Blazing reasoned.

"But If ya keep at this, when it does come, ya might be too tired ta deal with it. Ah can already see yer exhaustion." Applejack persisted, sternly.

"Look, Ah'm worried about ya, Ah don't wanna see ya worryin' yerself ta the point where yer dead on yer hooves."

Blazing Streak realized she had a point, her legs were weakening from lack of sleep, and she was almost asleep on her hooves. Deciding not to argue, she stopped pacing and sat down next to a tree.

"Can I at least help you with your work?" She asked.

"No, ya'll should get some rest, Celestia knows how long it's been since ya slept."

Blazing Streak let out a long sigh before hovering up to a tree branch and laying on it.

"Why don't ya go ta the house?"

"If I'm going to rest, I need to be able to hear if there is any trouble." Blazing Streak replied.

"Fer the last time, sugar cube, it's very unlikely fer that ta happen any time soon, it hasn't done since last week." Applejack replied, getting frustrated.

"But that doesn't mean it wont, besides, I like it out here in this weather, its relaxing."

Applejack Looked at her deadpanned, before shrugging and continuing work. The occasional thud continued, rhythmically. After a while, she managed to drift off to sleep.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


CRACK

Blazing Streak jolted awake as she fell to the floor, Creating a cloud of dust as she landed.

"Ngh.. ow... why'd you do that, Appleja-" She stopped mid-sentence as she stared at the thing that woke her.
A dark, pony-like figure stood before her, blending in the midnight darkness. Instinctively, she lashed out a hoof, but hit nothingness. The dark pony that was there had disappeared.

What?

Suddenly, a light appeared in the sky, almost blinding her. When it disappeared, there, in front of her, stood her father.

"Dad!" She exclaimed, surprised.

"This is urgent, Blazing, the time has come, the creatures are on their way though the dimensional rift as we speak. and they'll be here by morning. Gather your friends and evacuate the town, It's going to be a tough fight."

"What?!" Blazing Streak's eyes shrank and her fur stood on end.

"There's no time to waste! Get the elements of harmony. Ready and prepare them. I will not lie, this will be a grave battle, but I know you can pull through" Her father said. Her mind was going a thousand miles per hour, so many things rushing in and out. She just nodded and bolted towards the house.

Knocking the door open, she rushed upstairs into Applejack's room. The cowpony was already there.

"Whats wrong Firefly? What's goin' on?" She asked, clearly worried.

"It's coming! we need to get the elements together! Now!" Withought waiting for an answer, she grabbed AJ's hoof and lead her outside.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


All six of the elements of harmony stood before Blazing Streak in the now empty town of Ponyville. Fluttershy looked as if she was about to pass out, while Rainbow Dash had a serious and determined expression on her face, much like the other four.

"So what's all this about, Darling?" Rarity asked, confused.

Blazing Streak told them about the prophecy, and how it had been coming true over the past month. at the end of her story, they all had scared looks on their faces. Fluttershy had fainted towards the end, Pinkie Pie immediately rushed over and caught her before she fell on the ground.

What am I doing? Am I leading these ponies to their deaths? Her inner worries were given away by her worried, frantic expression.

"Blazing, we all have faith in you, you could be the only one capable of leading us into a battle like this, and Celestia as my witness we will prevail." Twilight reassured her, around her the six elements of harmonys' facial expressions turned from fear, to determination.

The sun started to rise in the horizon, sending an orange blaze over the town, as if it was a warning of the danger to come.

Blazing Streak waited for it. All was silent except the quick breaths of her friends.

The ground started to shake. Blazing looked around her, before an explosion sound echoed across the sky. Flinching, she saw a rift like gap in the sky, and millions of the dark creatures swarming out.

Fluttershy screamed.

"Get ready! And don't hold anything back!" Blazing Streak shouted, as the wave of darkness descended upon them.

She reared and got into position as one of them launched them self at her. She ducked and swiftly hit it in the chest, sending it back into two others. One threw a punch at her from the side, she blocked it and counter attacked by grabbing the blocked arm, smashing it into the floor and kicking it. It exploded and the cloud that appeared sunk into the floor. Her blood rushed with adrenaline as she defeated countless creatures. Beside her, Applejack was using a rope like a whip, grabbing one and swinging it into another, as well as kicking and thrashing her hoof out. Ahead, she could see Rainbow Dash fly up into the sky, before racing down at supersonic speeds, creating a sonic rainboom and obliterating dozens of the creatures. To her left, Twilight blasted magic and numerous enemies. One got behind her and tried to pin her down, before it could, Blazing had lifted her hoof and blasted it with flame. Twilight noticed and gave a grunt of appreciation before continuing to fight. While she was distracted, one of them whipped past and slashed her foreleg with it's claws. She let out a grunt of pain and whipped it with her tail as it tried to escape, it stumbled just long enough for Blazing to pick it up and throw it into the mass of darkness.

There's so many of them!

Pinkie Pie was sat on sugar cube corner's roof, blasting countless creatures with her party cannon, which seemed to be loaded with confetti bombs. Concentrating on her own fight, she smashed a flaming hoof on the floor, creating a wave of fire which coursed through the crowd, killing a mass of them.

"Why cant ya- mph - use yer magic more often - Mn - Blazin'?!" Applejack shouted above the screams of battle.

"I can't use my magic all the time!" She said, battling two of the creatures at once with her wings.

"It wears me out faster if I do!"

"This is ridiculous! - rgh!- For every one we kill, another takes its place!" Twilight shouted. In the mass of comotion, Blazing Streak could not see Fluttershy.

"Where is Fluttershy?" She asked, punching a creature straight in the face with all her might, it exploded into darkness and sunk through the floor.

She saw the timid Pegasus pinning a creature and beating the hell out of it. Blazing was surprised at this, but kept fighting.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Applejack get hit hard in the face.

"AJ!" They were being overwhelmed.

"We cant go on much longer! Regroup!" She bolted over to Applejack, who was unconscious, and lifted her on to her back. Panting heavily, she flew up into the sky, waving a hoof for the others to join her. Fluttershy grabbed Twilight and flew up with her, while Rainbow Dash did the same with Rarity and Pinkie Pie. The swarm of creatures lifted their heads up to them and let out fierce hisses.

"We need to get Applejack to safety!" Blazing stated.

"We should get her to my house! Twilight, use the cloud walking spell on her." Twilight did as Rainbow Dash said, and they all flew to Rainbow's house, leaving the swarm of darkness raging on Ponyville for now.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


Blazing Streak looked over Applejack's unconscious form. She let out a frustrated, angry sigh and walked over to the window, where she could see Ponyville drowning in the creatures they had just fled from.

They ran away.

She didn't like running away one bit. She had only done it because Applejack was knocked out, and that only made her even more pissed off.

"We can't give up." She said, quietly but firmly.

"We mustn't give up." She said, louder.

"There must be a way, there's always a way." She continued, still looking out the window. "I will not give up. I vowed I would protect this town and it's citizens with my life, and that's exactly what I'm going to do." She whipped round do see all of them staring at her. Applejack was waking up.

"Wh- did we win?" She asked "Ow, mah head." Twilight shook her head.

"I'm going to win this fight, even if I have to fight it alone, 'till my last breath escapes my lungs, I will fight them."

"But, Blazing! The Prophecy said "Without end" This army is never - ending! There must be another entity controlling them, one powerful enough to summon unlimited dark energy." Twilight argued.

"Wait... I only know one thing... Unicorn that would be able to do such a thing." Blazing said, a sudden burst of anger rippling through her.

"Oh no..." Rainbow Dash said, backing away.

"Blazin'? Are you tellin' us.." Applejack started.

"Night Whisper" She growled out his name. As if on cue, the rift that had spilled out all those creatures shone a brilliant white, before a figure appeared.

"O-oh my..." Fluttershy squeaked, as Blazing Streak shot out the door, towards the figure. She had a good idea who it was.

She picked up speed, the mach cone formed around her front hooves as she flew faster and faster. She was moments away from hitting the figure at supersonic speeds. She then got close enough to see the Unicorn's face, her suspicions had been right. The purple eyes which rippled with insanity all the time, his black coat and purple mane and tail were enough to send shivers of hatred down Blazing Streak's spine. Suddenly the figure disappeared, leaving Blazing to smash into the roof of a house at near the speed of sound. Pain shot through her as she crashed through the roof and into the floor. The world spun around her as she managed to open her eyes. Her ears rang painfully as she struggled to her hooves.

"How clumsy, Blazing." The raspy voice of Night Whisper rung in her ears. She regained the strength in her hooves and her mind stopped spinning.

"Why are you doing this?" She spat. "Why not stay in  Helvada?"

Night Whisper let out a low chuckle. "You think I would send you to such a... peaceful place without a consequence? I just want to make you suffer, to destroy everything you love all over again like you did to me."

Anger and pure hatred scorched her veins. She let out a scream as fire erupted from within her, obliterating the house she had collided with. Her eyes glowed white as she launched herself at the Unicorn, throwing punches at his face. One hoof after the other connected with his face at a bone shattering force as she pounded him. She briefly stopped her assault before sending a powerful bolt of fire straight at the Unicorn's face. Night Whisper was launched through a horde of the dark creatures and into a building which collapsed.

Night whisper emerged from the rubble and immediatly fired four blasts of dark, greeny - blue energy. Blazing Dodged two and shot her own blast to deflect another. The fourth one hit her in the chest. She grunted in pain as she was flung by the blast. Night Whisper appeared next to her as she lay on the floor, anger only building. He put a hoof on her legs, preventing her from getting up. His horn started to glow. Blazing streak burst into flame once more, sending a shock wave powerful enough to knock Night Whisper back, allowing her to get up. He immediately ran towards her and threw a punch to her face, which she blocked with a hoof, she reared on her hind legs in her battle position. Using her other hoof, she attacked once more, only to hit a magical barrier, which shortly disappeared. Night then spun round and kicked her in the face with both of his hooves, she fell over back wards and shouted in pain.

"Blazin'!" She heard her marefriend's voice growing rapidly closer.

"What's this? A friend has come to help you, how sweet. Too bad she's got to go." Night whisper charged his horn and pointed it at Applejack, who was already struggling with more dark creatures before she spotted it, backing off.

"NO!" Blazing Streak dived towards Applejack just as Night Whisper launched a massive beam which hit her in he side. She screamed in agony.

"BLAZIN'!" Applejack was laying on the floor underneath the struggling Pegasus. She looked to her side for a bit, before grabbing a rock and throwing it at Night Whisper, hitting him in the face and breaking his focus. Meanwhile, Blazing Streak was in immense pain through her entire body, her side was bleeding profusely and tears made their way from her eyes.

"Ow, you're gonno pay for that, farmpony." He was about to launch another before Blazing Streak erupted into flames once more, this time, she was the most angry she had ever been in her life. Applejack scrambled away just in time for Blazing to intensify her anger. The flames did so too, glowing white and slamming into the clouds. Night Whisper looked frightened too. Blazing then let out a shout of rage as her already white eyes got twice as bright, her mane and pelt darkened to a Pitch black colour and the flames surging from her turned from white to dark blue.

She heard screams of confusion behind her, but was too pissed off and angry to acknowledge them. The flames died down, revealing to everypony else the transformation and her anger.

"...Fuck you, Night Whisper..."
> 'Am I dead?'
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blazing Streak took three steps towards Night Whisper, who in turn backed away with fear and shock in his face. His horn suddenly lit up and he shot a bolt of energy towards Blazing. It struck, but barely left a mark.

Blazing Streak growled once more before attacking. She lashed out with a hoof, empowered with dark blue flame, catapulting Night Whisper into the air. She kicked off as fast as she could. a trail of Dark flame following. She caught up to Night Whisper in half a second, she thrusted a hoof into his face and blasted him with the other, he coursed through the air at high speeds, on fire. Blazing once more shot towards him, once she caught him, she span around him like a black blur, dealing blows rapidly from all directions, he tried to fight back, but it was futile, the strength in his arms escaped with every hit Blazing landed on him.

She then smashed her two front hooves into him and sent him shooting towards the ground. He let out a cry of agony.
Out of the corner of her eye, she notice her friends still fighting the army of darkness, they were doing better this time, which encouraged Blazing. Turning her furious attention back to the dazed Unicorn below her, she raised her two front hooves.

A ball of dark flame surrounded her hooves, she built it up further and further, until she could not release any more energy into it. She then cast millions of smaller bolts out from this one big mass of death, cascading down onto where the Unicorn was staring in disbelief. He screamed at the top of his lungs as the volley of flames hit him, dark flame erupted from around him, growing bigger and more intense with every bolt sent his way. The creatures around were starting to flicker, like Night Whisper's dark magic was failing.

She stopped her volley and charged up her hooves once more, this time upon release, an intense beam burst from them and struck Night Whisper's flaming body. A scream of intense agony and hatred shot through the air as his army disappeared along with the rift. Suddenly, Blazing's anger faltered, her features returned to normal as she fell to the ground. The world around her faded to black.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


Applejack, half distracted by the intense battle going on above them, struggled with the endless waves of dark creatures. She and her friends were all together, back to back killing dozens upon dozens of enemies.

"How are ya'll doin'?" She asked the group, pounding a hoof into one of the creature's face.

"Fluttershy has a scratch wound on her shoulder and Rainbow Dash has been scratched in her face." Twilight reported.

Suddenly, the whole sky lit up as explosions sounded ahead. Looking up, she saw Blazing Streak's furious form pelting volleys of dark blue flame upon a section of the town. The creatures around them flickered.

"I think she's doing it!" Twilight shouted, followed by shouts of triumph from Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

Then, a painfully agonizing scream echoed from ahead, where Applejack saw a beam of dark blue emanating from Blazing Streak. The creatures they were fighting all evaporated, and the rift they were coming from closed.

"WE DID IT!" Rainbow Dash shouted, they all let out cheers of immense joy, before Applejack spotted something that made her heart try to jump out of her chest.

Blazing Streak was falling.

She wasn't stopping.

"Oh no.." She sprinted as fast as her legs could carry her towards the scene. Turning a corner, she saw Blazing Streak lying on her side.

"Firefly!" She skidded to a halt beside Blazing's motionless body.

"Firefly?" She tried to wake her up. She put an ear to Blazing's chest. To her horror, her heart wasn't beating, and she wasn't breathing.

"No... NO! Firefly!" She fell to her knees beside Blazing Streak's motionless body and lifted her up with her hooves. Tears fell from her eyes as she buried her scratched face into her marefriend's chest.

"Wake up.. please wake up!" She sobbed "Ah love you, please, Firefly." Her pleading cut into uncontrollable sobs.

"Appleja-" Behind her, Rainbow Dash and her friends had caught up with her. Fluttershy immediately started to cry, almost as badly as Applejack.

Pinkie Pie's mane deflated into a dull, straight position as she started to cry.

Rainbow Dash was also crying. She smashed her hoof against the wall, causing it to crack.

Rarity was staring in horror, her eyes forming tears.

Twilight put her head in her hooves.

"Come back.. Firefly, come back." Applejack whimpered.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


Cyan, eerie mist surrounded Blazing Streak, her legs felt week, and her head felt like it had been run over by a train. 

What? Where am I?

Memories of the battle flooded her mind, her eyes widened to their full size.

Am I dead?

"No, your time has not come yet, my daughter." A low voice echoed.

"Dad? What's happening? Where are you?" She was answered by a flash of bright light before her, revealing her dad.

"You exhausted yourself too much out there. Your rage controlled you, it was the only thing keeping you going. Your body was over used, past it's limit. That's why you are here now." He said, as she hugged him.

"D-did I..." She swallowed before continuing. "Did I kill him?" Her dad didn't answer, she could have sworn she saw something flicker in his eyes for a brief moment.

"You must return now, your friends are frantic, like I said, this isn't your time. Stay safe, daughter." Her dad said as he faded.

She felt a tugging sensation on her body, like she was being pulled down. Her vision faded to black once more.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


Crying. 

Her senses flooded back to her, hearing, smell, sight and touch. Most vividly, exhaustion. She felt numb all over and she was out of breath.

"Wha?" was all she could say. Shocked gasps filled her ears as she opened her eyes, she was in Applejack's arms. Around her, she could see destroyed houses and shops, but it was mostly intact.

"Firefly!" Applejack exclaimed.

"Wh... Applejack! Did we win? Is Ponyville safe now?" Applejack answered her questions with a passionate kiss, which she wearily returned. They stayed like that for a couple of moments, when they separated, Applejack had tears in her eyes, as well has all her friends, who were now crowding around her.

"Ya did it, Blazin'!" Applejack stated, joyfully.

"I... killed him?" She realized. "I need to see him." She managed to lift herself to her hooves, still needing support from Applejack. They scrambled towards a scorched crater, in the middle, lay a bleeding, yellow Unicorn with red hair. Blazing Streak stiffened, her pupils shrank and her legs trembled.

"Dusk Shadow?! B-brother?!" She exclaimed. She scrambled towards the body, which was twitching every now and then, indicating that there was still life in him.

He coughed up blood and looked at Blazing, his red eyes dull and almost lifeless.

"Why? Why would you do this? You killed our parents! You might have wiped out Equestria!" Blazing Streak growled. Some of her anger was returning to her.

"Wait, this is yer brother?" Applejack asked, astonished. Blazing Streak stiffly nodded in return.

Dusk Shadow didn't answer her question, instead, she said; "Finish me, go on, do it. You know you always hated me, and now's your chance to get rid of me."

Blazing Streak stared at him for a moment. She started to limp away.

"Coward!" her brother rasped. "I should have expected that from a fillyfooler." Blazing Streak stopped dead. She growled once more.

"Uh oh..." Rainbow Dash commented.

Using what little strength she had, Blazing Streak flung a bolt of fire into Dusk Shadow's dying body, no scream was heard as her brother ceased existence.
> Epilogue - revisited
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna's moon shone it's gloomy light over Equestria. Under a tree on the north hills of Ponyville lay two ponies, one, a red Pegasus with an orange main, the other, an orange farm pony with a blonde mane, tied up with red bands and wearing a stetson. They watched over the sleeping town of Ponyville, ponies sleeping quietly and peacefully. It was hard to believe that just three weeks ago, the town had been almost completely destroyed by an army of what Twilight now called 'shades' - based from their dark appearance- led by Night Whisper, which turned out to be Dusk shadow, Blazing Streak's brother.

Beyond Ponyville stood an enormous mountain, with the city of Canterlot hanging on it's side. To the left, lay the gloomy Everfree forest, which Blazing Streak had heard many stories about. Wild carnivores and monsters roaming the foggy cover of trees.

"I can't believe that it was ever destroyed." Blazing Streak mused. Applejack, who was laying her head on Blazing's chest, nodded in agreement

"Time flies when yer workin' hard." The two had helped in any way they could throughout the time. Blazing Streak, not so much, due to her exhaustion from the fight which had lasted for an entire week. She had regained her strength now, though. A long scratch along her pelt reminded her of the 'shades' and the battle, from when they were first attacked on the way home from one of Pinkie's parties. She sighed.

"Somethin' up, Firefly?"

"No matter what I do, I can't forget that battle, I killed my own brother." She replied solemnly.

"Sugar cube... He was a danger ta all of us, ya had no choice." Applejack reassured her. "Also, ya saved Equestria, Firefly, n' Princess Celestia even gave ya a stained glass window in her palace."

"I know, but that doesn't mean he wasn't my brother."

"No, Firefly, that monster that attacked us wasn't yer brother, he was something else. Remember him fer what he used ta be, the good side ta him." Blazing Streak nodded slowly, eyes closed. Neither of them said anything for a while after that. During that while, Applejack noticed that Blazing was a bit tense, her wings were twitching occasionally, her breaths were shorter and her heartbeat was faster.

"There's somethin' else botherin' ya, Firefly. Ya'll are so tense."

Blazing Streak shuffled a bit before replying.
"Applejack, I gotta ask you something." Curiosity piqued, Applejack looked around to face her marefriend, who was reaching behind her, looking for something. What she pulled out made Applejack's heart skip.

A velvet box, lined with gold around the edges.

"Applejack, I know it's only been six months since we've known each other, but during those six months, it was you who gave me shelter in your barn when I was unconscious. You were the one that welcomed me into your home when I had no where else to go. You were the one who introduced me to the other five of the best friends - the only friends I've ever had. You were the one that was always there for me when I was in doubt. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be the pony I am today, I would most likely be isolated from this place. But I'm not, I have the six best friends any pony could ever ask for and I have you to thank for that. A million years of hard labor won't cover the debt I have in you. When Night Whisper attacked with his army and you were knocked out, it made me realize just how much you mean to me, it flipped my priorities from world safety to making sure you were safe."

Applejack's heartbeat was going a thousand miles a minute. She didn't know Blazing Streak could make such a heart - felt, romantic speech.

"Applejack, you've given me so much, and it's time I gave something in return, something that could mean the world and more to me and hopefully you too." She smiled a nervous smile before continuing.

"Applejack, Will you marry me?" She opened the box, revealing a diamond encrusted golden ring which gleamed in the moonlight. Applejack gasped, her heart lurched at the question, she stared at the ring for a minute before tears came to her eyes. A lifetime with Blazing Streak? She couldn't believe it. When she had found Blazing in her orchard six months previously, she had realized how lonely she was. Granted, she had her brother, sister and Granny Smith, but she never had somepony to call her own. All that had changed when she invited Blazing to stay at her house. And now her mare-friend was proposing to her, sealing their relationship, meaning she would always have someone she loved right beside her to keep her warm. Her heart warmed up with unrelenting joy.

"Oh Celestia, yes, Firefly!" She lunged forward and pulled the now overjoyed Blazing Streak into a long, passionate kiss. She licked her soon to be wife's lips, which opened, allowing her tongue to enter. She felt warm tears from Blazing Streak's eyes as she messaged her mane. Eventually, they separated for breath. Blazing Streak gently took the ring from the box and slipped it onto Applejack's hoof. The diamond started to glow a red-orange colour.

"It's beautiful!" Applejack exclaimed, as she went to kiss Blazing Streak once more.


.-...---...-.-...---...-.


Two years later, Blazing Streak was walking through the orchard, a big smile permanently plastered on her face. To her left, Applejack, her wife, kicked a tree with her two back hooves, causing all the apples to fall into baskets.

"Morning AJ." She called, trotting over.

"Mornin' sleepy head." Applejack replied, making Blazing Streak blush.

"How's work? need help?" Blazing asked.

"Ah'm doin' alright, would ya mind takin' these baskets over to the barn?" Blazing Streak nodded before taking all four of them with her hooves and carefully flying them back, preventing any falling out. When she got the the barn, she noticed Twilight and Spike trotting over with serious expressions on their faces. Confused, She set down the baskets and landed next to them.

"What's up, Twilight?" 

"I need to talk to you and Applejack, where is she?"

"She's out in the orchard, I'll go get her" A few moments later she had led Applejack over.

"What's all this about twi?" Applejack asked. "Ah need ta get back ta work."

"This is important, girls." She grabbed a scroll from her saddlebags with her magic, unrolling it out in front of them.

"Uh, a map?" Twilight nodded, before pointing to a location Blazing Streak had never heard from before.

"Ponybor? wait, mah family comes from there! Ya know, Ah've never told anypony else this before, but mah family weren't jus' travellin', they were runnin' away. Refugees, they used ta own an orchard like this one. Ah kept it a secret ta defend the family name, so don't go tellin' everypony about it."

Twilight looked taken aback. "Oh... I wont Applejack, don't worry. Anyway, we're going on a little adventure there. A dragon called Teine sealgaire, or "Fire Hunter" lives there, and is guarding a massive treasure.

"Ah'll go, ah need ta visit mah ancestor's homeland, ta see what its like."

"Well then I'm in too." Blazing Streak agreed with Applejack.

> Alternate/bonus chapter part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sweet Silence



Part 1



Blazing Streak opened her eyes to a bright, yellow ray of sunlight beaming in her face through the window at the end of the spare room at Applejack's farmhouse. She groaned a bit and sank deeper in the soft, cream coloured duvet cover with apple patterns repeating all the way across it. The ray of light still prevented her from slipping back into sleep. Sighing drearily, she crawled into a sitting position and yawned while stretching her legs, back and wings all at once. Satisfied at the clicking of her muscles, she placed a hoof on the soft carpet of the spare room, followed by her three other hooves. Ambling toward the mirror, she giggled a bit at what she saw. Her mane was ruffled as if it had fell victim to a hurricane. Shrugging, she brushed it down with her hoof until it looked somewhat normal for her. Looking down, something caught her eye. It was a silver chain with a small, bright, round red gem, surrounded by golden patterns that made it resemble the sun that rose in the sky.

Blazing had kept it very close ever since her mother, Dawn Glow, gave it to her shortly before she and Blazing's father, Daylight Sky, had died.

Her mood quickly soured.

Why did they have to die?...

To prevent herself from breaking down, she shoved the thoughts out of her mind by thinking about more recent events. She was incredibly lucky to have ended up here. She'd met six friends in the first day she was awake. They were the only ponies she'd been close to since she was eight years old.

Applejack, especially. They'd spent nearly all their time together in the past two weeks, Blazing could usually be seen helping around the farm, be it apple-bucking or other simple chores that Applejack needed to get done. They'd talk the days away, mostly about normal things like the things happening in Ponyville. But sometimes they ended up having more personal conversations, things like 'Why do you like living on the farm?' or 'What's with all the apple related stuff here?'. One time, Applejack had asked Blazing Streak if she'd had any colt-friends before. This had caught her completely off guard and she swore she'd grown three shades redder in the face than normal. It was then that she'd finally realized that she swung the other way. She liked mares.

Her thoughts were interrupted by an aroma coming through the door from downstairs. It smelled like someone was cooking something out of apples. Her mouth started to water from the delicious scent. Picking up the necklace and fastening it round her neck, she headed downstairs.Turning towards the kitchen, she saw Applejack at work, chopping apples and placing them into a round base made of pastry. Once she had filled it up, she sprinkled cinnamon all over the top. Blazing Streak felt a twinge of unexplained nervousness. She stepped into the kitchen.

"Morning, AJ. something smells really good." She said, the last of her dreariness giving way to wakefulness. Applejack turned around with a smile on her face.

"Why thank ya kindly, Blazin'! Ah'm makin' breakfast this fine mornin'! Ya up fer pie?" She replied, opening the oven behind her. She pulled out a golden brown pie which caused Blazing Streak's stomach to rumble.

"Uh.. heh.. I guess so." She answered, blushing. Applejack chuckled a bit before remembering something.

"Oh, Ah almost fergot, Granny, Apple Bloom and Big Mac have gone ta Apploosa to share some knowledge on makin' Apple Cider. They left me in charge of the farm, so we're alone for a few days." She said, placing the freshly baked breakfast on the table.

Blazing Streak nodded in acknowledgement as Applejack sat down.

After a few moments, the farm mare noticed the charm around her neck.

"Is that yours?" She asked.

"Yeah." Blazing replied

"It's pretty, where'd ya get it?" Applejack pressed. Blazing Streak blushed slightly.

"Uh, I've had it for a long time." That seemed to satisfy her, as she didn't press for any more answers.



.---...---...-.-...---...---.



"That was... I don't even know how to describe how good that pie was." Blazing Streak sat at the table with a content smile plastered on her face. Applejack blushed a little.

"Aw shucks, Ah'm glad ya liked it, sugar cube!"

"loved it!" Blazing corrected. "Uh, don't tell Granny Smith this, but I think I liked your apple pie even better than hers!" Applejack looked taken aback.

"Really? Ya can't mean that!" She exclaimed.

"Yeah I can, and I do mean it. Seriously, Applejack, that was the best pie I've ever had!" Blazing confirmed. Applejack still looked speechless. Blazing Streak smirked. A few heartbeats later, she heard the doorbell ring.

"I'll get it." She said, trotting out the room and to the door. Opening it, she saw Twilight Sparkle.

"Hi, Twilight! What brings you here?" A moment later, Applejack appeared next to her at the door.

"Howdy, Twi!"

"Hi, girls! How're you doing?" The purple Unicorn asked.

"Ah'm just dandy, thanks."

"Same."

"How 'bout you?"

"Oh, I'm just fine. I came round to ask if you two wanted to join me and the others tonight for a sleepover! It's going to be at my place tonight at around six." Twilight invited.

"Well, Ah'll probably be mighty busy fer today, havin' ta take care o' the farm all day without Big Mac, but Ah reckon Ah'll be able to make it. How 'bout you, Blazin'?"

"Yeah, sure! We'll make it. There's still two of us so it will all be done twice as fast." She confirmed.

"That's great! I'll leave you to your work now then. Bye girls!" She turned around, but then stopped. "Oh, and you might want to bring something to sleep on - I only have one spare bed." Applejack and Blazing acknowledged the advice with a nod.

"Okay, bye!" The two at the door both called to the Unicorn, who had turned and was leaving the farm.

"Well, Ah guess we should get ta work now then." Applejack stated, trotting out the door with a smile on her face. Blazing Streak followed closely.


.---...---...-.-...---...---.


THWAK

The branches of an apple tree rustled as two red hooves smashed into it's bark. Shiny red apples dropped from the leaf covered wood above her into three wooden buckets surrounding it. Blazing Streak had been doing this task for the past five hours. All though repetitive and hard work, she didn't mind it. She worked on the row of trees next to Applejack, meaning that they could talk throughout the day. As she lined up in front of another unpicked tree, Applejack spoke up.

"Ah've been wonderin'.. How come ya'll can sling fire around with yer hooves like that? I mean, ya ain't a Unicorn, last time Ah checked." She questioned. Blazing Streak paused and thought.

"If I'm honest, I have no idea either. It's strange; For about six years, my life seemed so normal. I would wake up, eat, go to school, come back home and then sleep the rest of the afternoon off. But then, there was this pony at school, he was really mean to everyone. One day, when he was being a prick to one of the less 'popular' colts, I lost it. That was when I discovered my magic, I was angry at him for constantly being a twat to people he didn't deem 'normal'. That was the first time I got angry enough to burst into flames." Applejack listened intently.

"I was so scared. I had no idea what was going on, or why I wasn't burning to death. The crowd that had gathered fled and hid. The bully had shrunk down, shaking violently. I had to get out of there, so I flew away, fast. The cone of fire surrounded me as it does today. Losing control, I crashed into a tall building and landed on another roof."

"Ouch, musta' hurt!" Applejack said, wincing.

"Yep, That's when I figured something was wrong. When I flew back to my apartment, at a similar speed, my brother saw the fire." She sighed. "That was when he ran away."

"Aw, sugar cube... Ah'm sorry, Ah didn't mean to make ya think 'bout all that." Applejack apologized, slowly walking up to her. As much as Blazing Streak tried, she couldn't stop her train of thought from reaching her parents, and then, inevitably, Night Whisper; the pony who killed them. anger and sorrow burst from her heart and through her body. Applejack paused and started to step back with a frightened look on her face as Blazing Streak's eyes burned white. A scowl found its way onto her face as she stared into the ground. Her hooves started to glow as bright orange flames burst from within them.

"I can't go a single day without thinking about Night Whisper and my parents! I wish none of it had ever happened! I wish Night Whisper was never born!" Flames engulfed the rest of her body in anger. Meanwhile, Applejack was stumbling back in fright.

"B-Blazin'?! What's gotten inta you?!" The sound of Blazing's close friend's voice rang through her mind, rupturing hate filled thoughts and replacing the hatred in her heart with guilt at getting carried away. Her anger subsided and the flames shrank back into her hooves. Her eyes flashed into their normal state, leaving her standing on the spot, looking down, frowning. Tears started to stream down her face and she fell to her haunches and started to sob quietly to herself, curling up and burying her face in her hooves.

Through her grieving, she felt a hoof wrap around her back, followed by another lifting her head up. Applejack knelt in front of her, concern radiating from her expression. She smiled reassuringly.

"It's okay, Blaze, it's all in th' past now. Night Whisper isn't anywhere near here, he can't do anything to harm you are anyone else." She whispered.

"I-I know b-but... I c-can't get them out of my head!" Blazing cried. Applejack said nothing, she pulled Blazing Streak into a warm hug. The red Pegasus found herself reciprocating the gesture. They sat like that for a while, Blazing Streak quietly crying into the comforting warmth of her best friend, while Applejack comforted her further by rubbing her back gently. Eventually, Blazing managed to silence her tears and calm down. Once they separated, Blazing felt a blush form on her cheeks. She could have sworn she saw something flicker in Applejack's eyes, but she ignored it.

"I'm uh.. I'm sorry, AJ." She said. Applejack tilted her head in confusion.

"Fer what, sugar cube?"

"For snapping on you like that. It was a simple question you asked and I got carried away." shame filled her voice. Applejack shook her head.

"Hey, c'mon now, sugar cube, it's alright, Ah don't blame ya. Sounds like this Night Whisper deserves what ya feel towards him. Don't be apolagizin' ta me fer how he made ya feel." She reassured, smiling her usual bright, infectious smile.

Blazing Streak was caught by the contagious smile and nodded. "Thanks, Applejack."


.---...---...-.-...---...---.


It was late afternoon, the sun had started to lower into the horizon, tinting everything its light touched a pale shade of orange as it barely touched the canopy of the trees in white-tail woods. The air had a pleasant chill to it as gentle breezes drifted through Ponyville.

Blazing Streak strode through the peaceful town, breathing the refreshing air. It was much cooler than it was in the heat of the afternoon, which made it easier and more pleasant to breathe. Alongside her, Applejack also seemed to be enjoying the weather as she walked, a content smile slightly stretching her lips. This added to Blazing's delight. They had packed sleeping bags and inflatable mattresses, including a spare for someone else who didn't have one of their own and a hoof-pump to inflate it.

Twilight's library tree came into sight.The windows were open, letting out light from within, along with the sound of laughter. Upon reaching the wooden door, Blazing knocked on it three times. A moment later, the door was enveloped in a magenta aura and swung open, revealing Twilight Sparkle.

"Hey, girls! I'm glad that you could make it! Come in!" The two smiled and entered. They saw the rest of their friends sat in a circle in the middle of the room around a bottle.

"We're playing truth or dare!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, bouncing happily on the spot. Fluttershy shrank back.

"D-do I h-have to p-play?" She stuttered.

"Well of course you do-" Pinkie Pie was cut off by Rarity.

"No, you don't have to if you don't want to, dear." Fluttershy smiled.

"Oh, ok, thanks, Rarity." Rarity smiled back while Pinkie Pie looked sad for a moment before bouncing back into her previous state.

Blazing Streak and Applejack sat down with the rest of the group.

"So how's living with AJ, Blazing?" Twilight asked.

Blazing Streak smiled wider. "It's great. I get pie for helping her work." She leaned forward with a more serious expression. "You all need to try AJ's pie. As soon as possible. The best thing I've tasted. Ever."

"Ah wouldn't go that far, sugar cube." Applejack said, blushing. Blazing noticed Rarity giving them a sly smile. She shifted and her wings twitched a bit.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing, darling! I was just glad you are having a nice time at the farm!" The white Unicorn said, innocently. She then seemed to notice something.

"Oh, my! Where did you get that necklace, Blazing?" Before She could reply, Rarity had appeared in front of her and was inspecting the jewel.

"Uh.. It was a gift from someone." She said. Rarity didn't seem to notice.

"It's beautiful! I must look for one like this! It would go well with red velvet!"

"Lets start already!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, spinning the bottle. Rarity quickly returned to her seat. Everypony stared at it as it rotated around the group. it eventually pointed to Blazing.

"Already? Okay, Truth." She decided, not feeling up for some crazy dare Pinkie Pie would inevitably get her to do. Then she realized the other inevitable alternative, which Rarity enforced.

"Have you ever had a crush?" She asked, smiling as if she knew something that Blazing didn't.

"U-um..." She thought hard about what to say, blushing. She couldn't tell them about her crush on Applejack, that would cause all sorts of awkward mayhem. But she couldn't lie to them, especially with Applejack around - she could smell a lie.

"Yes." She decided to say. Pinkie Pie gasped.

"Who is he? Is he cute? Is he strong? Oh! Is he red? I bet he's red! OH! Is he Big Mac?!" Rainbow Dash stuffed a hoof in her mouth to shut her up.

"Shush, Pinkie, let her speak." She said, smiling in amusement.

"W-wait, Big Mac?! No!" Hot embarrassment prickled in her pelt.

"Him being red doesn't mean anythin' automatically, Pinkie." Applejack reasoned.

"Then who is he? Do I know him? We should throw a party for him!" She bounced even more excitedly than before.

"Well, you do know... him." She said, vaguely.

"Why don't you go and tell her, Blazing?" Rarity said, smirking.

"Because she- Oh, fuck." Blazing cursed herself for slipping up. Rarity's eyes visibly lit up.

"I knew it!" She exclaimed, bouncing over and picking up Blazing in a tight hug.

"Rarity! Put me down!" She protested. The Unicorn in question seemed to ignore her as she was swung around. Blazing looked to Applejack, who watched with a mixture of amusement and shock.

"H-help me!" 

"Um, Rarity, I think that's enough." Twilight said. A moment later, magenta magic engulfed Blazing and she moved out of Rarity's grasp.

"Oh, I'm sorry, dear. I was just so excited for you!" Rainbow Dash could be seen guffawing as she rolled on her back in laughter at the situation.

"Oh... Oh gosh my sides! Bahaha!" Blazing Streak ignored the laughing Pegasus and faced the rest of her friends.

"Um.. So, you don't mind?" She said, hopefully.

"No, of course not!" Rarity confirmed

"Why would it be a problem?" Twilight asked.

"LET'S THROW A PAR-"

"Now why would we think any less of ya fer this? Applejack interrupted, smiling up at the Pegasus from her seat reassuringly, making her blush slightly. Again, Blazing noticed a shimmer in her eyes.

"Yeah, you're still as awesome as you were when you managed to keep up with me the other night! She did a sonic rainboom! I'll tell ya about it later, it was sooo cool!" Rainbow Dash went on, recovering from her laughing fit.

"We still love you, no matter which way you swing!" Fluttershy put in. Tears threatened to escape her eyes, but she managed to hold them back.

"I-I don't quite know what I can do to thank you girls!" Blazing Streak responded.

"Weeeell, you could duck!" Before she could respond, Pinkie Pie had launched a pillow, that Blazing had no idea where she got, towards her. She got hit directly in the face with a small 'pomf' sound. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie started laughing again, followed by Twilight and the others. Blazing Streak, seeing that Pinkie was distracted, smirked. Picking up the pillow with her hoof, she quietly hovered over to the earth pony, who was now too busy rolling on the floor laughing to notice her. She landed on the ground beside her, raised the pillow up and then slammed it into Pinkie's face. She fell silent for a moment. And then started laughing even harder, along with a few others.

"Luckily, I bought some pillows for this occasion!" As Twilight stated this, at least 50 pillows materialized on mid-air, promptly falling on every ponies' heads.

"Hey!" Rainbow protested, before picking one of the soft projectiles and launching it into the crowd, hitting Applejack in the side. The farm mare laughed a bit before kicking two pillows back. Through the corner of her eye, Blazing saw another pillow with a magenta aura surrounding it being launched at her. She ducked and threw her own back, hitting Twilight in the face. She stumbled back and fell over.

Before she had a chance to worry, Applejack had snuck up behind her and was preparing to swing. Blazing turned round and was immediately struck in the face. Screwing up her nuzzle from the impact, she laughed a bit. She noticed a pillow from Rarity sailing towards Applejack. Without warning, she grabbed Applejack's shoulders and pulled her down, out of the way. The feather stuffed missile hit the bookshelf behind them, causing two books to fall.

"Truce?" Blazing held up a hoof, ducking to avoid another pillow. Applejack laughed.

"Truce." She replied, returning the gesture.

They turned, picking up a pillow each and pelted the the others with white, feathery doom. Rainbow Dash was caught off guard as she was knocked out of the air by Applejack. Pinkie pie fell backwards from a hit to the chest. Fluttershy, who was also enjoying herself, was hit by a reflected pillow. She jumped, startled, before laying down, playing dead, but an obvious smile still lit up her face. Twilight gathered a bunch of pillows with her magic and launched them at the two at high velocity. Applejack raised a pillow to defend herself and Blazing got ready to evade. The first few she slithered away from, the third and forth, she managed to grab and throw back. Applejack, taken by surprise at the force of the pillows, stumbled back and fell over, laughing.

Rarity picked up a pillow with her magic and covered Twilight's horn with it as she swiped down at the Unicorn. Having her concentration broken, Twilight dropped the remaining projectiles. By now, the library had become a battleground. Alliances were made and shattered, and ponies were struck down by soft, white death. Applejack and Blazing Streak made a wall out of some furniture and were defending it as if it was their castle. Twilight had teamed up with Rainbow Dash, pelting their fort with pillow after pillow. One almost landed on Blazing, but an orange hoof punched it out of the way.

"Hah, I guess we're even!" She said.

"Eyup!" Applejack replied, launching her own two pillows at Twilight and Rainbow Dash. Blazing Streak then realized something. She hadn't seen Pinkie Pie in a while.

As soon as she thought that, two pillows hit them in the back of their heads. Turning around, she saw Pinkie Pie laughing.

"BEST PARTY EVER! YAA-" She was knocked out the air by a pillow from Fluttershy, who looked slightly worried.

"Oh are you okay? Um, I didn-" She was lightly hit with a pillow from Pinkie. They both laughed and retreated to their corners of the room before Applejack and Blazing Streak could hit them.


.---...---...-.-...---...---.


The game lasted for what felt like hours. Blazing Streak was starting to get tired, as well as the rest of them. Even Rainbow Dash and Applejack, two of the best athletes in Ponyville, looked tired. The entire room was filled to the brim with feathers.

To a baby dragon who's job was to keep this place tidy, it looked like hell. Spike walked in and immediately froze.

"DAMNIT, TWILIGHT! You're cleaning this up!" He yelled, turning and stomping back upstairs.

The room went silent. Twilight had a partially shocked, partially guilty expression.

Rainbow Dash started to chuckle, followed by the rest of them. Blazing then thought about something.

"Hey Twilight, how come we've barely seen Spike this evening? It's like he's been hiding in his room for the past three hours or so."

"Oh, he said he had a lot of reading to do with his comics, so he's keeping out of the way." Twilight explained, getting her breath back.

"Yo, Blazing! You saw how much me and Twilight kicked your arse in that pillow fight, right?" Rainbow Dash gloated, a cocky smile on her face.

"Hardly! Look at you! You're covered from head to tail in pillow feathers! It looks like you've been rolling around on the floor for the past three hours!" She retorted, smiling in satisfaction as the Pegasus pouted.

"Sounds like fun!" Pinkie Pie jumped on her back and promptly started to roll around in the white innards of the pillows. Blazing Streak raised one eyebrow, but smiled in amusement.

"I do believe Blazing and Applejack made an effective team. They were only two that stayed as a team through the entire thing." Blazing and Applejack smirked and hoof bumped. Rainbow Dash felt otherwise.

"Sure, whatever you say, I still think I wiped the floor with you two." She stated, crossing her forelegs.

"Does it really matter who 'won'?" Twilight said. "Fun is fun, Rainbow." The Pegasus looked as if she was about to argue more, but she sighed.

"Yeah, whatever."

"We need ta do that again, sometime. That was the most fun Ah've had in weeks!" Applejack exclaimed. Blazing Streak nodded.

"Only next time it needs to be bigger." She agreed. The rest of them nodded in agreement.

"OHMIGOSH It will be so fun! We could get the whole town involved! It could be like a civil war but with more pillows and cake and cookies and it will be like one big PARTY!" Confetti and party noises surrounded the room, confusing Blazing Streak.

"Where did that confetti come from?" She asked.

"Don't worry! It will be gone in the next scene!" Blazing tilted her head in even more confusion. "Next scene? What are you talking about?"

"That's just Pinkie bein' Pinkie, ya'll get used to it eventually." Applejack exclaimed. the confetti was nowhere to be seen any more. Blazing Streak shrugged it off.

"So, what are we going to do next?" Rarity asked. Every pony else put a hoof on their chins in thought.

"Ghost stories!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Yeah! I have an awesome one to tell you!" Rainbow gloated.

"Is it the one about the rusty horseshoe again? Cos we've all heard it, sugar cube." Applejack said.

"Uh.. maybe?"

"Um, can I go into another room? I don't really like ghost stories..." Fluttershy asked.

"Of course you can, darling! We'd never force anything on you that you don't want." Rarity replied, smiling pleasantly. Fluttershy brightened up.

"Thank you, Rarity." She said, walking out of the room, into the kitchen.

Blazing Streak thought for a moment.

"I think I have one." She volunteered. Pinkie Pie jumped up.

"Yay!" The lights were turned off and they were all left in pitch black. Blazing summoned a small candle flame under her face. She chuckled a bit before starting, deciding not to explain it at the star. She lowered her voice to just above a whisper.

"It over a thousand years ago. A small house sat near the ever free forest. Inside this house, a family of three lived peacefully. The father would gather food from the forest nearby, mostly berries and even fruit. The mother tended to stay in the house to look after their young filly. The father found a rake in the forest while he was scavenging." The others listened carefully, staring with wide eyes.

"He brought the rake back with him as they didn't have one of their own. He showed his family, and on a closer inspection, he saw words engraved in the handle that read. 'He is the rake.' They didn't think much of it at the time, assuming it was nothing important."

"That night, the father could not get the words out of his head. They kept repeating themselves to him while he slept." She dimmed the candle flame.

"As the clock struck twelve, he woke up. Opening his eyes, he saw what looked like a hairless, mulelike 'pony' sitting at the foot of his bed, facing away from him. Before he could say anything, The figure snapped it's head towards him. It scrambled right up to his face, staring with it's round, white eyes. The father was too scared to scream, or to move. The figure then turned and bolted out of the room, heading towards their filly's bedroom. Panicked, The man got up and ran after it, shaking in fright."

She had raised her voice a bit now.

"Upon reaching the filly's bedroom, he froze at the sight of blood staining the whole room. in the bed, he saw the mangled, mutilated figure of his baby filly. It slowly turned to him, coughing up blood.

"H-he is.. the rake." That was the last thing she said, before her death. He backed away in horror, but he bumped into something. Turning, he once again saw the bright, white eyes of.." She paused, looking at her friends' horrified faces.

"THE RAKE!" She exclaimed, making he candle flame explode into the figure of the being's face that she had described in the story. Her friends all screamed and shrunk back, shaking violently.

"AAH!"

Turning the lights on, she saw her friends huddled together. Upon noticing that she'd been seen, Rainbow Dash quickly got up and sat proudly, failing to hide her shivering wings.

"I-I wasn't scared!" She boasted. Obviously faking her cocky smile. The others had started to calm down. Applejack separated.

"Where in Tar-nation did ya learn that?!" She asked, eyes still shrunken.

"Uhm... honestly? I don't remember. But I've never forgotten it." Blazing replied, chuckling at her friends' reactions.

"I must say.. You can pull off a really convincing grim expression." Rarity said, recovering.

Fluttershy, seeing the lights turned back on, trotted in the room. The white Unicorn turned to her.

"Welcome back! You'd be glad that you left, even Rainbow Dash was scared half to death!"

"Was not!" The cyan Pegasus tried to deny it.

"Yeah, sure. Then why are ya wings still shivering?" Applejack accused.

"They're not!"

"They are, sugarcube." She countered, smirking. Rainbow Dash pouted.

"Heh, Ah'm only teasin' sugar cube."

"Yeah, yeah." Rainbow dismissed her, though she looked amused. Twilight giggled a bit before yawning.

"Heh, I guess the pillow fight took a lot out of me." She said.

"You're telling me! I'm starving!" Rainbow complained.

"It's a good thing that I brought lots of cupcakes! They're raspberry and cherry! Who wants one?" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, a tray of seemingly freshly baked cupcakes in her hooves. Everyone enthusiastically took one and began to eat. Blazing Streak, however, didn't.

"Don't you want one? I made them myself!" Pinkie offered.

"I'll just have mine later, I'm not hungry right now." Pinkie Pie didn't lose her usual bounciness as she nodded and put the cupcakes away... somewhere.

After they had all finished their snacks, Twilight brought them upstairs so that they could sort out sleeping arrangements.

"I only have one spare bed, so two of you can sleep on that. The rest of you, I'm assuming, brought things to sleep on?" Receiving a nod from everyone, she smiled.

Blazing Streak and Applejack turned to collect their things, before noticing Spike, fast asleep in his small bed. They instinctively quietened down as they creeped down the stairs.

"Ah'm glad that Twilight hasn't got her book on slumber parties this time." Applejack commented.

"Why?"

"Knowin' Twi, she'd have us do all sorts of strange things in an organized manner, like she did last time." She explained.

Blazing smiled and huffed in amusement, grabbing the mattresses, which were still in their boxes, and balancing them on her back, extending her yellow tipped wings to prevent them from falling off. Applejack took the sleeping bags and the pump, and they headed back upstairs.

Rarity and Fluttershy shared the spare bed, while Pinkie Pie laid down her own sleeping bag and mattress.

"Damnit! I forgot to bring my things!" She complained, crossing her hooves and adorning a bemused expression.

"Don't worry, RD. Ah brought spares." Applejack stated, placing her things on the ground.

"Thanks, AJ."


.---...---...-.-...---...---.


Silence filled the room as Blazing Streak tried to sleep. Looking to the left of her mattress, she saw the face of her friend, Applejack, eyes closed and a content smile on her face. Her mane was a bit ruffled, the bands that would usually keep it neat were on the floor next to her. Blazing found it really hard to look away.

She was so....

Cute.

Blazing Streak shook her head to snap out of the trance she was just in.

What time is it? She wondered, searching for a clock. She saw one on the wall that read '2:30 am'. She frowned, disappointed that she hadn't slept at all that night.

After what felt like hours more of trying to get to sleep, Rainbow Dash's loud snoring not helping, she eventually gave up. Sighing, she sat up from her sleeping bag and looked around at her friends. They were all fast asleep, breathing (and snoring) peacefully. She noticed a door to a balcony on the other side of the room. She decided to get some fresh air.

Quietly, she slipped out of her sleeping back and silently hovered to the door and opened it. Once through, she stepped towards the edge and sat down, watching the town she recently started calling home. It was like she had started all over again. Her life here was so different from her old life, and it had changed in what felt life a matter of seconds. She silently scanned the night, taking in the landmarks and beautiful night sky that was so similar to her old world's, yet so much brighter. She spotted the farm a couple of miles out, The apple trees silhouetted against the starlight. That was her home now, her real home. Not some small, dull apartment. It brought such joy to her heart. This is what she had always wanted since that night when Night Whisper screwed things up for her. This was her dream. Once again, tears rolled down her cheeks, only this time, they were happy tears.

I'm way too emotional these days. she thought with a smile. She brought up a hoof and wiped away her tears.

She then realized that she still wore the necklace she had put on earlier that day. She gently took it off and held it in her hooves, staring at it. Memories of her mother passed through her mind. She used to sing songs to Blazing Streak. She and her husband, Daylight Sky, would occasionally sing songs together in the living room at night when Blazing was going to go to bed, and Blazing would sit and listen to the words. There was one song they liked to sing the most, Blazing had learned it off by heart, all those years ago.

She closed her eyes and recited the words.



In the dark of night,
It struggles through the wind,
It presses on till it reaches home,
And it finds it's love within.

It's hate is fierce,
It's sorrow's sour,
But faced with kindness,
It turns around.
It's love is pure
It's care is strong
And in the end,
A bond is formed.

In the pain of loss,
It's crippled and it's dire,
The hate within threatens to burst,
And its anger rages like fire.

It's hate is pure,
It's sorrow's strong,
And faced with pain,
It's something more,
The rage burns on,
But it's nothing more,
Than a broken heart gone sour.

When all is lost,
A light so bright,
Will close it's wings,
And set things right.
In the darkness,
The light shines on,
It cleans the hatred,
And quenches the fire,
It renews the love,
And the heart soars higher.

It's love is new,
It's care is strong,
Faced with new love,
The heart can not go wrong.


Once she had finished her song, she opened her eyes to look at the necklace again.

"T-that was beautiful, Blaze." Blazing Streak heard a familiar, quiet country voice behind her. She bolted upright and gazed behind her, shocked.

"O-oh, hey, Applejack... I'm guessing you heard that?" She said, just above a whisper, still stunned that Applejack, of all ponies, had heard her singing a song that was close to her heart. She turned back to look at the necklace. She heard soft hoof-steps behind her.

"All of it. Where did ya learn to sing like that, sugar cube? Such heart-felt words..." Applejack praised.

Blazing Streak blushed furiously.

"I... It was a song that my parents used to sing a lot." Blazing Streak sighed. She had to stop hiding it, she decided to let everything out.

"Back before they died, every night after dinner, they would sit down in the living room with a glass of wine each and sing songs. I guess you could call it a tradition, or something. Every night since my brother left, I would sit by them, listening to the words and sometimes, singing along. The song I just sung was my favourite one, and the one they would sing the most often." By now, Applejack had sat next to her and was looking at her with interest, but there was something else, something Blazing had seen multiple times that evening, but had never been able to identify. However, it still made Blazing Streak's heart beat faster. She closed her eyes and brought the necklace close to her chest.

"A-after they died, I never gave up on that tradition. Every night, I would go as far away from everything as possible, mostly into the mountains near the City I lived in, and sing whichever song came to mind first. It's a weird tradition, I know, but I still found it kind of... Therapeutic." She finished, wiping a tear from her eye. She felt Applejack's leg around her back. She was determined not to cry this time, gritting her teeth.

"Hey." Applejack said, getting Blazing's attention. "No tradition is weird to the pony who carries it out. You've lived in mah house long enough ta see some of our traditions, and Ah expect that they're kinda strange to ya'll." She reasoned. Blazing Streak shrugged. "Besides, Ah'd love ta listen to ya sing yer songs again."

Blazing's blush spread across her face. "R-really?" Noticing she had spoken too quickly, she continued. "Uh... s-sure." To her relief, Applejack didn't question her, instead looking back over the town, her arm still wrapped around Blazing's back. Slowly, Blazing unfolded her wing and placed it around her friend, hoping to keep her warm from the chilly night. To her shock, Applejack slowly leaned her head on Blazing's shoulder.

After a moment or two, Blazing hugged tighter with her wing. Eventually, her blush died down and she found herself relaxing. A long silence then lasted between the two. Blazing's train of thought returned to her friends and new home. Why would Night Whisper send her here? Was this a way of apologising? Or was it something more sinister? Or was it just a mistake? She had so many questions, but no one that would be able to answer them. She then figured that asking herself so many questions about it wouldn't help her at all. She decided that whatever reason Night Whisper had for sending her here, she shouldn't question it and get on with her new life. Working on the farm with Applejack was her life now, she owed the farm pony so much, and hadn't done enough to repay her debt for the warm home, food and companionship that AJ had given her every since she woke up. Guilt and shame still tugged at her heart. She needed to say something to break the silence, she needed to voice her gratitude for the earth pony.

"Hey, AJ?"

"What is it, sugar cube?"

"I uh... I need to thank you."

"Fer what?"

"For everything." She took a deep breath. "Ever since I first woke up, you've shown nothing but kindness to me. When I woke up, I was half expecting you to be just another ordinary pony from my old home, but I couldn't have been more wrong. I've been so selfish, you've given me everything I could possibly need, and I haven't given nearly enough in return." Blazing started in a low voice, so that no one else woke up.

"Now hold on a minute there,-"

"No, Applejack, I know what you're gonna say, but you completely flipped my life the right way up. You showed me friends that would stick by each other through anything, that would do anything for each other. You gave me a proper place to live, not just some shoddy apartment." Applejack had grown quiet, and was staring wide eyed into her own. It was a struggle not to immediately get lost in them and lose her train of thought. Her mouth was slightly open, like she was about to say something, but nothing came out.

"And... and I haven't given anything back. I don't know how I could thank you enough, the words 'thank you' don't justify my gratitude towards you for saving my life." She finished, struggling to keep tears from emerging once again.

Applejack's voice was barely a whisper. "...You don't have ta use words, sugar cube.." She put a hoof on Blazing Streak's cheek. The red Pegasus' heart started beating faster, and another blush appeared. The arm around her back shifted to her waist, slowly pulling her closer. Blazing Streak slowly went with it, heart beating faster every moment. They were so close, Blazing could feel Applejack's warm breath on her muzzle. The world around her blurred as Applejack pressed her lips to Blazing's, closing her eyes. Instinctively, Blazing Streak did the same and kissed back. The fur along her spine stood on end and her heart skipped a few beats. She started to stroke Applejack's mane with her hoof. It felt silky under her hoof.

Then it struck her. This was it; the moment she had been waiting for, dreaming about ever since she had woken up in Applejack's barn. She failed to keep back the tears this time. She felt Applejack's tongue on her lips, she parted them, allowing her entry. Apple flavour swirled in her mouth as AJ's tongue danced with her own. The force and passion escalated and Blazing was pushed onto her back. She moaned slightly, reciprocating the passion. This went on for what felt like days, but in reality, was just a few more moments. They separated for breath. Applejack was kneeling low above her, staring into her eyes. This time, Blazing Streak let herself get lost and plummet into the depths of the emerald orbs that burned into her eyes. Applejack let out a smile.

"I love you, Applejack." Blazing murmured.

"Ah love you too, Blaze, that's more than enough thanks fer me." Applejack replied, winking. She gently kissed Blazing on the muzzle before sitting back up and offering her hoof.

Wordlessly, Blazing Streak took the hoof. Together, they sat on the balcony that overlooked the town. They pressed up against each other, Blazing had a wing wrapped tightly around her lover. Their tails wrapped around each other, entwined. Applejack laid her head on Blazing's shoulder again and gently stroked her back with a hoof.

The silence that lasted between the two was sweet. They didn't need to say anything, content just with their presence. Their breathing was in complete synchronization and their heartbeats were slow and relaxed.

What was going to happen next?

The question creeped into Blazing's mind. She assumed they were together now, but what were they going to do? What would happen after tonight? She assumed Applejack would want to go on a date in private, but where would she want to go? She wouldn't like fancy restaurants, and even if she did, Blazing had no money - she'd been working solely for her place in Applejack's home, she hadn't asked for a single bit.

These thoughts and questions were disrupting Blazing's relaxation, so she pushed them out of her mind for now. Soon enough, Blazing Streak heard a yawn from Applejack.

"Ah think Ah should get back ta sleep. You should too, darlin', it's a might late." She stated. As much as Blazing didn't want this to end, it was true.

"Alright." The two slowly stood up and turned around to see spike leaning on the door frame. They froze.

"Well, well, well." He said, raising an eyebrow and smirking.

"U-uh... Hi, spike. How much of that did you see?" Blazing asked, worried.

"Eh, nothin' much. Just woke up to get some midnight snacks, If you don't tell Twilight, I won't tell her about you two, either." He bargained. The two quickly nodded and headed inside, while Spike creeped downstairs to find some food.

Careful not to wake the others, even though Rainbow Dash's snoring would have woken them up first, they crept back into their sleeping bags, but not before shifting them closer together. They looked at each other one more time.

"Night, AJ."

"G'night, Firefly." The name puzzled Blazing.

"'Firefly'?" She asked. Applejack giggled slightly.

"Yer new pet name." She teased. Blazing grinned in amusement.

"Love you." She said, before closing her eyes. She felt lips on her cheek.

"Love you too."

Her heart fluttered. She'd done it, somehow, Applejack shared her feelings and now they were together.
Whatever was going to happen next, Blazing Streak looked forward to it.



Wow, this chapter is the longest chapter I've ever written, and there is going to be another part to it! Well, I hope you enjoyed reading this alternate take on the confession. It was just something I've had in my mind for a while now, and I wanted to write it.

Oh, and I decided to try and write a little song somewhere up there. Let me know what you think of it, if you want.

Thanks for reading.