A story in a series of stories leading up to Canterlot's Hearthswarming Eve play.
It's winter time in Equestria once again, and this time Princess Twilight and her friends are supposed to be simply going to the Hearthswarming Eve as guests; However, between Applebloom's sudden tantrums, Rainbow Dash's surprising desires, and Pinkie Pie's ultimate discovery, many things are sure to happen this season that they'll never forget.
This particular story revolves around Fluttershy's adventure on her way to Canterlot. She's stuck right in the middle of Applebloom and Applejack's quarrel and this may come with rather serious consequences.
I do not own the picture, it is the honest hard work of this fellow Austiniousi
"It looks....amazing..." Fluttershy said under her clearly visible breath.
Walking into Ponyville felt like an entirely new experience today, because every pony in town had finally finished decorating their homes for the upcoming Hearthswarming Eve. Although the weather was quite frigid, her heart felt warm in the luminescent town. The town's lights covered the evening sky like an aurora, complimenting all that the town oversaw. Every step she took was careful and slow as to not risk falling on the ice, feeling the chilling snow between her hooves as she wandered the town.
As she slowly trotted about, she could see ponies left and right, having fun, falling in love, and just enjoying the beauty of it all. She couldn't help but let out a small dainty smile with all the good spirit just flowing throughout. But that's Hearthswarming for you, for it is the celebration of harmony among ponies. It is the celebration of friends and family. It was a special time that everyone should enjoy to the fullest extent.
However, one little filly in particular stuck out like a sore thumb, her upset face being clearly visible even from afar. Fluttershy moved a little faster, still mindful of slipping to catch up to her.
"Applebloom, is something wrong?" Fluttershy asked concerned, "Of course, if you don't want to tell me, that's fine too....but it'd probably really help if you talked about whatever's bothering you." She said as she gave a cheerful smile.
Applebloom looked at Fluttershy in disbelief before simply picking up her pace in order to create distance between the two.
Fluttershy knew she couldn't catch up trying to walk faster in the snow, so she began to flap her delicate wings to lightly levitate herself from the ground to end up a few steps behind her.
"Are you s-sure you don't want to talk about it?" She asked again, a little more insecure in her own words.
"Yeah, I'm sure I don't wanna talk about it, Fluttershy," She said, distraught. "Please, just leave me alone.." She increased her speed, and created an even larger gap between them.
Fluttershy tried her best, but was too weak a flier and was out walked by Applebloom enough to discourage her from chasing. "Well, um....okay..." Fluttershy said as she ceased her flying and stood, picking at the snow filled ground, looking as Applebloom ran off into another part of town.
I wonder what's bothering her.. She thought to herself. Applebloom rarely got discouraged or depressed, and she could only imagine what problems could be bothering her, to even remain like that with all the good energy around her.
She was still concerned, but she hoped it would clear itself out before she had to get involved again.
______________________________________________
She continued her path to Twilight's tree house, still not able to get Applebloom off her mental 'worry about allot' list. As she entered she was warmly greeted by her friends.
No sooner than she entered, did a pink flash of excitement tackle her to the ground.
"Hey, Fluttershy! We were waiting a really, really long while for you to come! Well, okay maybe only a few minutes; But, it felt like you were neveeer coming," She said as though the possibility of Fluttershy not coming brought her mood down instantly. The pink mare sat there for a split second in her slouch before springing back into her usual step, "But now you're here, and that'll make the party 100 percenterific stupenderifically stupendous!" She yelled excitedly.
"Well, I'm glad I came then, Pinkie Pie." She said,trying to soothe the mare to normal conversational speed. It seemed to completely fail, as her eyes grew wide and she smiled brightly before grabbing her hoof, leading her in the tree house with incredible speed, dashing about before continuing what Fluttershy assumed she had been before she came. She made her way upstairs to the warmth of Twilight's room where every pony was.
"Well, like Pinkie said, it's very nice you can join us, darling," Rarity said as she slightly puffed her violet hair, levitating her cup and drinking with elegance as Fluttershy entered.
"Yeah, It wouldn't have been as fun without all of us here together!" The Cyan pony declared, floating effortlessly, using her hooves to hold her cup. Fluttershy smiled at the comments and looked at Twilight, who was already preparing her a cup. Within moments, Spike ran over with the cup and lightly placed it in between Fluttershy's hooves. As she took a sip from her cup, she noticed something was amiss.
"I thought every pony was here, but where is Applejack?" She softly asked.
The others looked amongst themselves with worried faces.
"Well, you see...." Twilight started, "She stepped out a bit to talk to her little sister."
Fluttershy appeared slightly surprised. "Well, I saw Applebloom on my way here, that's why I came a bit late.." she explained with slight guilt in her voice. She finished her cup, and placed it back on the dresser. It didn't take long before Spike came across quickly, picking it up, and taking it into the kitchen.
" I think someone should try going to find them." Fluttershy insisted. "Applebloom seemed really upset, and I was so worried about her."
It wasn't long after her comment that Applejack came in abruptly, very, very upset.
"Gosh darn' it!" She stomped her hoof before rushing to the things she left there.
"What's wrong, Applejack?"The girls asked in unison.
"It's Applebloom! She's been such a bother lately. She's been screaming, and throwin' all type o' tantrums!" She said while gearing up her stuff, "Me an' Big Mac're gonna have a long chat with her." She said seriously.
Applejack looked around the tree house for a few seconds before sighing and relaxing her expression to a rather sad one. "I'm sorry, y'all, this was supposed to be a good day, an' I just went an' ruined it all. I'm mighty sorry..." She said regretfully.
"It's okay dear," Rarity said reassuring, "It's nothing special, just make sure you and Applebloom sort things out before we head out to Canterlot tomorrow to see the Hearthswarming play next week."
Applejack had a hopeful smile on her face before galloping down the stairs off to the farm.
"Well, this was a bit unfortunate." Twilight said as she walked downstairs, picking up Applejack's cup with her magic, "This is most troubling. I don't think I've ever heard of Applejack having issues with Applebloom other than her constant cutie mark antics."
The others nodded in agreement.
"Well, I've got to say: Whatever it is that's making her so rebellious is a mystery to any of us." Rarity stated as she took another sip of her tea. She opened her eyes in surprise as she turned her cup upside-down and shook it repeatedly.
"Oh, Spike, darling. Could I get another cup of tea?" She beckoned.
Spike rushed in with the entire ensemble of type of tea they had. "Which would you like?" He asked, hanging on for a reply.
Twilight & Rainbow Dash snickered and tried their best to conceal their laughter, but was failing pretty hard. Spike rolled his eyes at them.
"Well, see if I get sleepy time for you guys." He said, annoyed as he went back into the kitchen.
Rainbow Dash and Twilight burst into laughter. "Well that was kinda huffy~" Twilight said, teasing at an inside joke.
Everyone except Rarity burst in laughter in response. Twilight and Rainbow Dash were on their backs, holding their sides at this point.
"Wait, I don't get it." She said confused.
After a few moments of laughing, Twilight stood up like she was shocked.
"I forgot to give Applejack her and Applebloom's invitations!" She shouted suddenly.
"Oh man, hand them over to me, I'll get them there!" Rainbow Dash volunteered, prepping up her wings to go. Before Twilight got the papers, she remembered the serious conversation her and Big Mac were supposed to be giving Applebloom about now, "Actually, I think I'm going to sit this one out." Rainbow Dash blushed.
Everyone realized why she backed out, and began sharing nervous stares with each other.
"I'LL DO IT, I'LL DO IT!" Pinkie exclaimed.
"Oh great, well in that case--" Twilight said before being interrupted.
"I'll be all like 'I gots an invitation for dem two smokin' ponies over there.' Like one of those old pervy stallions, and then I'd be all in that argument sauce, I'll be like 'mhm, mhm mhm--'" Twilight put a hoof over her mouth, though stopped any actual words being spoken, didn't stop her from mumbling anyway.
"Okay, anyone else except Pinkie?" She asked irritated.
"I'll do it." Fluttershy said softly. If anything could dissipate an intense argument, a little kindness should do the trick, she thought to herself.
She felt that she was the one who needed to see the argument if anyone was going to see it. she wanted to help, although she couldn't imagine how scary a situation it was, she's not a scaredy-pony anymore--Okay, well she still is, but she's trying new things.
"Now, Fluttershy, you understand you'll probably get in the middle of something delivering these..?" Twilight asked in a warning tone.
"Yes." she replied unwavering.
"Alright....." Twilight handed the invitation to her.
"I'll be right back, girls." She said confidently as she lightly flew out of the tree house.
"You think she'll be alright?" Rarity asked.
"I hope so..." Twilight said as she pressed her nozzle on the window, trying to get a closer look at her.
"I'll give her five minutes." Rainbow Dash off-handed.
"Rainbow!" The rest said simultaneously.
_________________________________________
Fluttershy made a very slow tread to the farm, losing her nerve every second she got closer the barn.
Oh, this is crazy, I should've never done this! She said to herself. I mean, I've never seen Applejack OR Big Mac angry before, how am I gonna react to that?! And Applebloom just going off at the mouth with her?! What am I crazy?! This was a job for some pony else after all, maybe I should just go get Twilight or someone else, too--
Before she even got to finish that thought, she could hear Applejack screaming at the top of her lungs.
"HOW DARE YOU TALK TO GRANNY SMITH LIKE THAT?!" Applejack could be heard from almost a quarter mile from the farm loudly and clearly.
Fluttershy started shaking, really wishing she didn't volunteer, but she knew some pony had to do it, and she volunteered, She had to do it. She held her breath as if taking a plunge and started flying as fast as she could to the barn, ignoring all the yelling from the place. After few minutes, she was in front of the barn, and the yelling had stopped. She could hear someone talking in a very angry tone. It sounded like Applejack. Fluttershy decided to wait it out, and peered at the discussion from a nearby window.
"Applebloom, I told you a thousand times, I ain't tellin' ya what you got this Hearthswarming Eve." Applejack said resolute.
"Oh, come on! I'm not a baby anymore, you can't just tell me, huh?! Stop treating me like I'm a little filly and tell me!" Applebloom retorted.
"Uhhhhh Applebloom, you are a little filly." She placed a hoof over her head to compare size.
"Eeyup." Big Mac chimed in.
Applebloom pushed Applejack's hoof away from her and glared intently. Applejack replied with a patronizing stink-eye. It carried on for what Fluttershy could mistake as hours before Applebloom just frenzied.
"Arghhhh forget it, you'll never understand!!!" Applebloom yelled as she stormed off, angry.
Fluttershy looked amazed at the argument. What she saw now was only the ending of the argument, and it was enough to leave her frozen in intimidation just looking at them argue from the window. She dreaded what she would've gotten pulled into if she came in at all, not to mention if she had got here any sooner. However, she broke her frozen state, and knocked on the door, knowing Applejack was going to answer. Applejack tried not so show it, but she had a very tired look on her face. I guess even she didn't expect an argument as big as they had with her.
"You wanted somethin', sugar cube?" Applejack asked Fluttershy in an endearing tone, as if nothing had happened.
"Oh, um. It's nothing--It's just that Twilight forgot to give you and Appleblom your tickets for the Hearthswarming Eve play, and I, um.." Fluttershy said before trailing off, "Anyway, these are the tickets for the play." She said, gleefully smiling.
Applejack gave a suspicious look at Fluttershy before letting it go, and taking the tickets. "Why thank ya, Fluttershy. That's mighty kind of ya." She picked them up with her teeth.
"M'kay Prtner, sya et da train stashun tommorow." Applejack said with the tickets still in her mouth.
Fluttershy nodded and walked off the farm, heading towards where Twilight and the others were. As she got inside, she noticed Twilight going over papers.
"Oh, hey Fluttershy. You gave Applejack the invitations, I presume?" She asked.
"Oh, yes....Twilight, what are you doing there?" She looked curiously at her writing away on a large scroll.
"Oh, the princess has asked me to oversee some things about the play, so I'll be working extra hard before I take off." She said, almost boasting.
__________________________________
The day had passed, and Applejack, Applebloom and Fluttershy all had their belongings ready to leave for Canterlot. Applejack and Applebloom looked solemn as they both looked away from each other as they put their belongings on the train. They headed inside while Twilight talked loud enough to be heard over the sound of the train and from inside it.
"The princess couldn't get us enough seats to take the same train. Unfortunately, we'll be separated from each other for a couple days, so it should be simple enough to just meet after we make it there at a time." She instructed, "Also, the winter is already worse over there, so you should have plenty of warm clothing ready."
"Okay, but Twilight, why aren't you going on the first train?" Fluttershy asked as she boarded the train.
Twilight looked to see if Applejack and Applebloom were in range of her voice, and lowered it just in case, "Well, I was, but now that Applejack and Applebloom are in such a state, I decided to just switch tickets with you, sorry. It's not that I was willing to stick you in between them, but I really need to get this work done before Hearthswarming Eve, and I'll miss too much time trying to work around their bickering. Rarity or Rainbow Dash would've been a better pick, but I already gave them theirs days ago. I just gave you yours, so I hope you can handle a train ride with it. With all the ponies, they will probably make it easier for you, since they'll have to limit it. Sorry, again..." She said apologetically, hoping to save face.
"Yeah, I guess you're right, Twilight," Fluttershy agreed, " I know how busy you can be, and I know you wouldn't do this unless it was really important. Besides, I didn't know what ticket I was getting anyway." She said, smiling.
"Now I feel worse.." Twilight sighed, "Alright, well we'll see you guys in a couple days!" Twilight yelled as the train pulled off.
"It sure is nice to finally give my dogs some rest." Applejack said as she freely swished her hind legs back and fourth in her seat. It had been about six hours on the train, now and they were about halfway to Canterlot.
"I must admit, we might not be going together, but the first class coaches sure are nice." Fluttershy said as she saw how the two were satisfied once they sat down. And she wasn't just over exaggerating, either.
The cart was absolutely beautiful. The room they had was obviously only meant for three people, but it was spacious, I mean it was a room, in a train! They had some fancy juices in the complimentary cabinets, and there was a small collection of books, all very popular and recent, or very classic. Either way, it was a very welcome compliment to the room. And not to mention the view from the large paned window, that, even more amazingly, didn't let a peep of cold air enter.
Oh, yay! We may actually be able to get there without them arguing! She said to herself.
"Oh, man. This train sure is fancy. Nothin' like back on the farm." Applejack said followed by a low whistle in awe.
"Yeah, back on the farm, you keep secrets from grown ponies that should know what they're getting for Hearthswarming Eve." Applebloom chimed in sarcastically.
Oh no.....Fluttershy thought to herself.
"Not this again, we just got away from the da gon' place, and you still on that?!" Applejack shouted in anger.
"When was I e'er off of 'that'?" Applebloom retorted.
Well, that ship sunk pretty fast.. Fluttershy thought to herself. This was genuinely upsetting, she knew this couldn't go on any longer, but she didn't have it in her to speak up, she tried anyway.
"Ummm..!" She said loudly over her and Applejack arguing, "You two should really stop this, it's not good for sisters to be fighting."
"Fluttershy, It's mighty kind an' friendly-like for you to be concerned, but you understand how she's bein' right now." Applejack explained.
"You mean, how you're being?!" Applebloom argued.
"You!"
"No you!"
"YOU!!!"
"NO YOU!!!"
They would continue this until Fluttershy had to intervene.
"STOPPPPP!" Fluttershy yelled as loud as she could, "Neither one of you are right for arguing in each other's throats like this, for, by what I can tell is no reason!" She said assertively.
Apple bloom lit up like a cherry. "DO YOU KNOW WHY I'M ANGRY?!!! NO, YOU DON'T, AND NEITHER DOES MY STUPID BIG SISTER OR BROTHER!!! NO ONE DOES--"
Without letting another word slip through, Applejack struck her hoof against Applebloom's face. She and Appleblom looked at each other for what seemed like forever while Fluttershy covered her mouth in pure shock at what just happened. It wasn't a hard strike for mares Applejack's age, just a pinch on the cheek, really, but that didn't stop Applebloom from bursting into tears and running to another part of the train.
Fluttershy finally gasped, " Applejack!" She said in a disappointed tone.
Applejack pulled her hat over her head, and looked away at the outside scenery constantly changing with the movement of the train. " I did what had to be done." She said, seemingly choking back tears. She took a deep breath before looking back at her, and returning her gaze to the window.
"You have to go find her!" Fluttershy commanded.
"I'm not going after her right now, she needs to cool her head and talk to me with respect, like I'm her big sister." Applejack said coldly.
Fluttershy puffed up before flapping her wings and flying out of the room
I'll find her myself! Fluttershy said defiantly.
_______________________________
Fluttershy looked for what had been about an hour trying to find her cart to cart. She asked different ponies, and they all told her she ran in different places sending her back and fourth. Eventually, she found her in the one place you'd find anyone wanting to be away from any pony: In the last cart, the storage room.
She could hear Applebloom silently sobbing. she moved the boxes and suitcases, and saw her hunched over wiping what seemed like endless tears. Fluttershy tried to put her hoof over Applebloom's shoulder, only to have it gently moved away.
"No one gets me..." She said wiping more tears, "I wish scoots and Sweetie Belle were here, but three fillies can't go all by themselves can they? they get to have fun and are probably gonna have a party when they room with Pinkie Pie.. but me? I just get hit in the face."
Fluttershy teared up a bit for the young mare. she could tell she has issues she's too proud to talk about out loud. she leaned in and talked as softly yet firmly as she could. "Applebloom, please tell me why you're so upset about being treated like a filly. You know what you're young, right?"
Applebloom looked back at her with desperate, sad eyes. "I know, I know, it's just that--"
Applebloom was interrupted by a hard jerk of the train, and then a weird sense of slowness that they both felt. Fluttershy looked out the windows to see that the train had been.....disconnected?!
Fluttershy and Applebloom looked in the window, and saw Applejack's horrified face in the rear window of the last car that was connected to the storage room.
"APPLEBLOOM, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!" Applejack cried as both Fluttershy and Applebloom was taken by the darkness of the snowy night.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" Fluttershy and Applebloom screamed as the cart moved away from the train.
"Oh no, what happened?!" Fluttershy said panicked.
"How am I supposed to know that?!" Applebloom replied just as panicked.
The cart bunked and thunked repeatedly as it moved backwards at full speed. Applebloom began cowering in fear. Fluttershy was shaking frantically, standing in place. She looked around, trying to assess the situation they were in.
The cart is moving at full speed backwards, and another train is about 30 minutes away from where we were, She thought to herself, So that means we have to get off this train before they............!
Fluttershy gasped loudly. "Applebloom, we have to jump out of here....!" Fluttershy said with urgency.
"Are you crazy?!" Applebloom shouted as she looked at their surroundings outside the cart, "We'll be toast if we try to jump off here, there's too many steep mountains and canyons around here!"
Fluttershy took a deep breath, "That's a chance we'll have to take." She prepared herself and looked at Applebloom, motioning her to come immediately.
"But, but--" Applebloom began to protest.
"Applebloom, NOW." She commanded.
Without a second thought, Applebloom jumped on her back, and Fluttershy opened the door, ready to jump out.
Suddenly, the cart toppled over. Suitcases and bags knocked Applebloom and Fluttershy around as the cart began descending down a slope.
"What's going on, what's going on?!" Applebloom yelled frantically.
They released it... She thought, terrified.
Fluttershy and Applebloom looked towards the train tracks. They were greeted with the intimidating speed of a passing train.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" Fluttershy quickly turned to see Applebloom stuck in the corner.
"Don't worry, I'll get you out!" she said reassuringly. Fluttershy flew over, forcing her wings to move even faster and put her body in front of a suitcase flying at Applebloom. She fell, shaking her head from the fall, but she didn't let it stop her from reaching over and using her body weight to pull Applebloom form the spot.
Fluttershy knew she'd have to muster every single bit of her strength to survive this.
She quickly placed Applebloom on her back, and flew out of the cart right as it fell off a cliff, that seemed to fall endlessly before a loud clunk could be heard in the dark hole. The sudden noise made Fluttershy lose her balance. Applebloom slipped off her back, and nearly fell of the cliff, but Fluttershy grabbed her hoof at the last second.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! FLUTTERSHY, HELP ME!!!!" Applebloom screamed desperately.
"I'm tryingggg..." Fluttershy replied as she began pulling her back to the edge. After a few moments, Fluttershy successfully pulled her up to safety and Applebloom scampered to the ground. Fluttershy panted heavily as she stretched her arm from all the pulling.
"Oh sweet, sweet beautiful ground." Applebloom yelled, caressing the snowy dirt. She looked onward and saw that they were on a very steep and snowy mountain section. "Oh no oh no, what are we gonna do?! We can't just stand here forever!" She paced in circles, trying to think of a way to the tracks.
Fluttershy wanted to panic, as well. On a scale of one to 100 on her 'things I fear' scale, this was a 200, but she looked at Applebloom; She was just a filly. Applebloom needed her, as weak as she was. She had no idea how, but she had to be the one to save Applebloom. Right now, she was the only one who could.
Fluttershy looked at Applebloom with determined eyes. Applebloom was slightly taken aback by her new found confidence. "I'll get us up there." Fluttershy said as she motioned Applebloom to get on her back. without too much hesitation, she climbed back up, awaiting Fluttershy's judgement. Fluttershy looked around, and noticed a bag that wasn't in the toppled cart. She gave to to Applebloom to hold while she tried to get back up.
Fluttershy got herself in balance, and jumped as hard as she could for leverage before struggling to flap her wings to get to the tracks. She had spent most of her energy on that little stunt, yet was still only halfway there; However, she wouldn't allow herself to give up, because it meant they'd perish right there. Eventually, they got to the tracks, along with a piece of flint and some packaged food that was in the bag.
"Now, we've gotta move along the tracks, but we'll have to find somewhere to wait until help arrives. The trains are coming too unpredictably because of the weather." Fluttershy said objectively.
Applebloom nodded and they began walking along the tracks, nothing but light outerwear covering them, hoping someone would save them soon.
"TURN THIS HEAP O' JUNK AROUND!!!!!" Applejack yelled as she galloped to the engineer's room. She tackled obstacles of suitcases, doors and even a couple ponies on her way to the front.
"What's the problem, lady?" One of the conductors asked, confused yet offended.
"The problem is that the storage room was disconnected. My sister AND my friend were back there!" She yelled explaining.
The workers looked at each other nervously. "Oh no..." A short worker uttered under his breath.
"WELL?!" Applejack exclaimed, not willing to waste any time.
"Well, we have to go back!" A rather heavy looking stallion yelled from the front, "This is because of that drunken foal back here messing with the controls randomly! We should've knew something like this would've happened!" The others nodded in agreement.
Within moments, two of the engineers dragged in a salt-influenced stallion from the side panel, in which Applejack could only assume was some kinda makeshift holding cell.
"He's the one actually responsible for this." One of them said, peeved at the situation.
Applejack in a blind fury bucked him aside, much to the colts' surprise at the young mare's strength. It didn't take long before other passengers came in, just as angry about their stuff being detached from the train.
"Stop this thing. Now." she said with assertive fury.
The workers wasted no more time stopping the cart, and alerting the next one that they'd probably not be able to move. one of the workers used their magic to turn the smoke red, to signal an emergency.
"Authorities should be here any minute. If you're gonna look for them, they should help." The tallest worker said apologetically to the country mare.
Applejack nodded, still furrowing her brows. She ran to the room the three were staying and piled on as many warm clothes as she could, and brought extras for them both in a knapsack.
"C'mon on y'all, I dun' got all day.." Applejack said to herself impatiently, only waiting for authorities to start her search.
"It's r-realy cold, Fluttershy..." Applebloom complained, her body shaking violently in the icy wind.
"I-I know, dear, but w-we've got to endure it for just a bit longer." Fluttershy said, trying to keep Applebloom hopeful. she looked left and right along the tracks, and saw a dwelling in the distance that seemed to be....a cave! "A-Applebloom, let's head over that cave over t-there." She help Applebloom by the hoof as she made her way to a cave far in the distance from the tracks. Fluttershy looked at the tracks and noticed a bit of salt still left over from what she could assume was them making sure that the trains could move in all the snow.
She grabbed a good amount of the salt, and made a small pathway that she hoped would be discovered when people came looking for them. They'd gotten halfway there when the salt ran out. She hoped that it was enough, as she led Applebloom into the cave.
"HEY! What's the deal with this?!" A very excitable mare worker from the train behind them yelled, making her way to the engineers of the first train.
"W-well you see.." One of the workers tried explaining.
"Nevermind, it doesn't even matter. The problem here is that I've got about sixty ponies steaming mad that they had to suddenly stop," She complained, "you're gonna have to keep moving this train."
"They will do no such thing!" Applejack yelled, staring angrily at the mare.
"Oh yeah? And what's the big deal? You can just be reimbursed for your stuff, y'know?" The worker off-handed as she began walking out of the train.
You can't reimburse two people you care about!!!!!" Applejack shouted, angry.
The working mare stopped where she was standing, and walked back over to her.
"What?" The mare asked, shocked.
"Two people were in that room. My sister and my best friend. I'd take it might kindly if you tell your passengers to wait this search out." She said, trying to be level headed.
"The Canterlot rescue squad should be here any second, now. They'll find them." The mare said reassuringly as she held one of Applejack's hooves with both of her own, "May Celestia's grace be with you."
Applejack's fury had been released and a few tears fell from her face. "I hope by Celestia's grace we do.."
Just as she started trailing off, the rescue squad came in. they were what you'd expect of a rescue squad, large bulky stallions lined perfectly, each armed and geared to the teeth with provisions and supplies. Although they all were wearing a red jacket with silver lining, only the leader presented a golden seal that screamed 'Canterlot Authority'.
The leader of the squad nodded at the engineers before walking towards the first cart. "The rescue squad is here! There is no need for alarm." He announced with confidence.
One of the other squad members turned to the larger stallion working the train. "What is the situation??"
"The storage cart has been disconnected." The worker replied.
"But there's two trains here." He pointed to the second train directly behind it.
"So the storage cart was disconnected?" The leader interrupted, "It must've fallen off the mountain by now."
"D-d-discon........"Applejack stammered as she fell on herself.
"You have to remain calm." The working mare said as she attempted to keep her on her feet, "Look, her sister and friend were in that cart. You have to do something." She insisted.
The leader looked surprised by the news, but it didn't take long for it to be replaced by a deathly expression. "Men, I'm afraid we have a code I-980."
"A code I-980?!" They exclaimed in unison.
"Are you sure? We've never had this level of rescue before!" One of the squad members exclaimed.
"I am. And we have to hurry; With this weather, we're already wasting time." He stated, while covering his face with goggles, "Alright men, let's move!"
Without a second thought, they prepared to leave when Applejack called out to them.
"Wait, let me come along with you." Applejack looked at the leader with determined eyes.
The leader looked at her for a few seconds before agreeing. "You're strong--I can tell. But Be careful; Strong or not, you don't have the training for this." He jumped out of the train, followed by Applejack and the rest of the squad as they headed through the blistering clod and blinding snow to find Fluttershy and Applebloom.
"Arghh.." Applebloom huffed as she moved a small boulder from the center of the cave. It had been about an hour of them shifting and searching for things left and right inside the small dwelling, trying to have enough to use the flint for a fire.
"We're lucky there's so many d-dry plants," Applebloom commented, "I don't know if we'll make it with j-just this, though..."
"Oh, d-don't worry too much, A-Applebloom. I'm sure your s-sister has already gotten h-help, and they're on t-their way h-here!" Fluttershy said optimistically.
"Yeah, s-sure........" Applebloom said dejectedly.
"What's the matter, A-Applebloom?" Fluttershy walked over to her with concerned eyes.
Applebloom looked at the ground. "I wonder if my sister'd even t-talk to me, the way I've been a-actin'.."
Fluttershy placed a hoof on Applebloom's shoulder. "I'm s-sure the o-one thing she's worrying abou-out is your safety." She said confidently.
Applebloom smiled slightly, "I-I guess we should s-start this fire, huh?" She asked lightly.
Fluttershy giggled a bit before nodding her head in agreement.
The snow beat on the ground like rain, and it spared no pony as the stallions from the squad tread through the snow for what seemed like hours. They struggled to keep up with Applejack who was ahead of them by a good distance.
"Wow, she's crazy," One of the members shouted through the heavy noise of wind ans snow, "Most mares wouldn't even be able to walk out here, much less gain more distance than us!"
"She's not crazy, she's determined," Another member replied just as loudly, "It's not just any pony she's saving, that's her family and her friend out there!"
"You guys gonna be back there all day yappin' all day?!" She yelled so that they could hear her.
"R-right!" The squad replied in unison as they increased their pace to catch up to her.
Applejack looked around the tracks, trying to find a clue. Suddenly, she found one: An unnatural path leading away from the tracks.
"Hey, y'all, I think I found somethin'!" she yelled happily.
Upon hearing this, the squad ran over to where she was standing.
"What do you think, Sonar Sin?" The squad leader asked.
Sonar nodded his head, aware of the indirect request and his horn reacted with a bright grey. Suddenly, a repeating flash of circular waves emitted from his horn and encircled the area.
"There's solid ground up to three miles in front of us." He stated objectively.
Applejack's face shine brightly upon the news. "Then wat're we waitin' for? Let's g--"
Suddenly Applejack collapsed to the ground.
"Hey are you alright?!"
"You gotta wake up!"
"C'mon, girly!"
Applejack could hear multiple words being shouted at her, but the sound of snow made it all sound like fuzzy muffles as her vision faded to black.
"Man, I don't get it, Fluttershy. It's been a whole day, why hasn't anyone come yet? I mean we aren't that far away, right?" Applebloom complained, mentally counting their distance from the train.
"Well, we're probably a mile or two from the train, now. Of course we had no choice about that," Fluttershy started, "Who knows when another train might've come? Anyways, the weather is really bad outside, and depending on the distance the train covered before it decided to stop, it could take hours to get where we are." She explained.
Applebloom laughed a bit at her. "You know, that sounds like somethin' Twilight would say in this situation."
Fluttershy blushed a bit at the observation, and hid her face in embarrassment.
"Ohhhhh..." Fluttershy quietly moaned under her breath, "I guess I've been getting so many quirks from my friends lately..." She said before laughing a bit.
Applebloom smiled brightly before having a face of realization, and then turning her head away, depressed.
"What's the matter, Applebloom?" Flutterhsy asked concerned.
"It's nothing...it's just...I'm sorry for getting you in this mess..." She said solemnly, "If I hadn't been actin' so plum foolish, this wouldn't have happened." She kicked a nearby rock
"Look, cheer up, Applebloom. It's no pony's fault this happened, and we've got plenty to be thankful for right now." She said enthusiastically, "We've got a fire for the night, warm enough for us to stop shivering, and we've got a crack team of rescuers I'm sure are on their way!"
"Fluttershy, can I tell you somethin'? It's a secret though, so you can't tell anyone else." Applebloom asked, looking up at her with sad eyes.
"Sure, anything. I won't tell a soul." She said placing a hoof over her heart.
"Pinkie promise?" She said, focusing her gaze more intently.
Fluttershy giggled slightly, Who doesn't know a pinkie promise these days? She thought to herself.
"Cross my heart, and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." She recited, going through the motions.
"Okay, then.."Applebloom started, "This year, I turned the same age my sister was when our parents....left us." She said, depressed, "And when they left us, my older brother and sister had to start takin' up responsibilities for the farm.." Applebloom sat on one of the nearby rocks, kicking her legs nervously from side to side,
"My brother and sister's been taking care of me and the farm since she was a lil' one....I can see that she's never really gotten over our parents' departure...then again, it could just be me..." She trailed off, "I wanted to show her I can be mature, too. But....I realize now, I was being more immature than I've ever been.." She looked to the ground.
"Oh my gosh, Applebloom, I didn't know you were going through so much," She said, pitying. She flew over, and hugged Applebloom gently, "I'm sure your sister knows how you feel, but you should know she only does what she does because she loves you so much."
Fluttershy could feel Applebloom's tears run down her coat as she huddled up to her, crying furiously. "Thank you, Fluttershy, I feel so much better..." She said, continuing to cry.
Fluttershy patted her head as she cried herself to sleep.
The cold wind beat on Fluttershy and forced her awake. She noticed the sun was out, and was it was even colder than before, if at all possible.
I-It's morning... Fluttershy thought to herself.
"A-Applebloom, a-are you a-awake..?" she asked as she looked over to the sleeping filly. Fluttershy looked at her closely, and something didn't seem right. She looked pale, and was shaking violently. She crawled over and noticed that she wasn't asleep--she had passed out.
Oh no, oh no oh no... Fluttershy thought as she desperately looked around for something to burn. She stopped her movements for one second, and looked at the single scarf she had around her. Without much thought, she threw in the makeshift fireplace, and sparked it with the remaining flint that was left. She placed Applebloom a comfortable distance from the fire, so that she didn't get sick from her internal temperature changing too fast.
Within minutes, Applebloom woke up, slightly dizzy. After a couple more minutes, she was able to speak.
"F-Fluttershy....what h-happened..?" She asked weakly.
"Y-you p-p-passed out, b-but don't worry, I t-took care of it." She said confidently.
Applebloom, looked at her, investigating. Suddenly she cried out. "Fluttershy, your scarf! Where is--" The fire cackled loudly before she could finish speaking. She looked into the fire, and noticed bits and pieces of her scarf.
"Fluttershy......." Applebloom weakly uttered as she began quietly sobbing. Fluttershy placed a hoof on her shoulder, and looked back at her with a weak smile.
They couldn't hold out here much longer, something had to give.
Applejack opened her eyes to see the ceiling of her train cart and her back on a pillow. She sat up, checking her person to notice all of her outerwear gear removed, and that she was on a bed.
"What the hay is going on?!" She yelled, rushing back out of the bed.
"You staying here is what's going on." A familiar stallion's voice ringed from view.
"What happened out there, we were so close!" She began putting on her jacket.
"Stop!" The leader entered the room, eyes baggy from what she can tell was staying up all night, "You can't go back out there." He put a hoof in front of her.
"And who the hay are you to tell me that?!" She yelled angrily.
"The man who saved your life." He stated, "You're anemic, you can't be out there anymore. You'll most likely perish from the piercing cold before you even get where we need to go." He said, looking at her with honest eyes.
Applejack sighed and put her jacket back down."Well, what about you guys? Why aren't you out there on that trail we found?" She protested.
The leader closed his eyes and sighed heavily before looking back at her. He opened her window, and they sight nearly made her pass out again.
It was all white. There was no sign of ending or beginning in the terrifying weather. It wasn't like before. She could tell she could die from being out there, anyone could die from that extreme weather.
"No...."Applejack whispered with a horrified look creeping on her face.
"We will begin our search again as soon as the weather lets up." He said, trying to reassure her.
".......Okay." she said, grasping the situation.
A knock came to the door. She opened the door, and it was the mare that engineered the second train. "How are you holding up?" She asked in a soft tone.
"I....I don't know," Applejack said sadly, "I'm just so worried, I'm so scared for 'em."
The mare nodded silently and put her hoof on her shoulder. They both smiled at each other before the mare turned and headed for the door. "I should keep the engines running so we can get out of this weather when we find your friends."
As the mare left, Applejack fell to the ground in a break of uncontrollable tears.
"I can't......I can't do anything for them..." She started, "I let my attitude and my pride take my sister away from me...." she said covering her hooves with her eyes as she couldn't stop the tears.
The leader simply looked on at her breakdown, face unchanging, and went to the room where the other squad members were. His men were dead silent. Looking at nothing, ready to hear the command they knew he was going to send.
"Men, this may be crazy, and I mean crazy, but we're going back out there." He stated.
He expected some resistance, but none was given. They all smiled, agreeing to it.
"We were wondering when you'd give the order. We want to save them, too--For that girl in there." Sonar Sin said, inspired.
Without too much hassle, the squad gathered lanterns and, using Sonar's abilities carried on the mission from scratch.
"F-f-f-fluttershy......I'm s-s-s-o colddd..." Applejack said as she shivered in a far part of the cave. She looked over at Fluttershy who was standing completely still, to an unnerving point, "F-fluttershy?" She asked again.
Fluttershy opened her eyes quickly like she just woke up.
"A-appleblo-oom...." Fluttershy uttered weakly, "C-c-coome over h-h-here, I-I'll keep you w-w-w-w-warm..." She opened her wing, inviting Applebloom to come.
As Applebloom cuddled under the yellow mare's wing, she looked at Fluttershy's eyes. They seemed to be listless, still and unmoving. "Fluttershy, please just take my jacket. You've been freezing since this morning..you're scaring me.." She pleaded.
"D-d-d-don't w-w-worry a-about m-m-me...y-you w-want to h-hear a....s-story...?" Applebloom nodded and Fluttershy sighed slightly, "O-okay, t-the s-story i-is about a pegasus t-that c-c-couldn't f-f-fly."
"Y-you m-mean like S-Scootaloo?" She asked.
"Mhm," Fluttershy nodded, "B-b-but this is a-about an e-e-entirel-ly d-different o-one n-n-named F-F-Fluttershy." She said in a tell tale manner.
"W-when she was a y-young filly, h-her p-p-parents tried to t-t-teach her f-f-flying, b-but i-it was s-s-so s-scary f-f-for h-her, a-and s-she w-was a-a-already s-such a f-f-fragile pony, it w-w-was l-like s-s-she w-wasn't m-meant to e-even b-be one s-s-sometimes." She sad sadly, "E-e-e-e-ventually, h-her p-parents got tired of h-her, and s-s-sent h-her t-to C-cloudsdale t-to learn f-flying t-t-there." she laughed a little.
Fluttershy remained silent for a while.
"Fluttershy?" Applebloom called.
"Oh~S-s-sorry, w-where was I-I?" Fluttershy began. "S-s-s-she t-t-t-hought s-s-she'd never ff-fly, b-but then--"
"Fluttershy, p-please..." Applebloom started whimpering, "Y-y-you don't have to p-pretend you're okay, It's b-bad to lie, A-Applejack a-always...s-s-said.." She said, obviously crying under breath. Fluttershy remained silent for a few moments.
"A-A-A-Applebloom, s-s-s-shall I s-sing you a s-s-o-ong?" Fluttershy asked, "I-I'm fine, I j-just think y-you're t-t-t-tired." Fluttershy said, feigning pep in her speech. Fluttershy breathed deeply before singing:
H-hush now, Q-quiet now T-time to lay, your s-sleepy h-h-head H-h-h-hush now, Quiet now Time to g-g-go to bed..
I have to protect Applebloom... Fluttershy thought to herself.
Hu.....hush now, Q-quiet now Time to l-lay your s-sleepy h-head H-h-h-hush now, Quiet n-n-n-now Time to go to b-b-bed..
I'm the only one who c-can..
Hu.....sh n-now, Q-quiet n-now T-t-time t-t-to lay y-your sleepy h-head Hush n-n-now, Q-q-q-quiet n-n-n-now T-t-time to go to.....bed..
I have to...... Fluttershy repeated in her head.
It was well into morning, and Applebloom was asleep from what Fluttershy's failing senses could tell, but she couldn't stop herself from singing the tune. she had been singing it for hours in the night. Her beautiful voice barely audible over her heavy panting.
She realized that Applebloom has slept long ago, but singing kept her mental state intact so she could endure the cold for just a bit longer.
She'd been doing it to keep herself alive.
Hu... no-now......Qu...n-now Time.......................sleepy head H-hush now, Q-quiet now Time to g-go to b-bed..
H-h-h-h-h-h-h-ush n-n-now Quiet...................now Time...t-to.....l-lay...your s-sleepy h-head H-h-h-hush now.....Q-quiet n-n-now T-t-time to g-go to b-bed..
Hush now..... Quiet now............... T-time................ Hush....n-now...... Q-q-quiet n-n-now......... T-t-time to go t-t-t-t-to.............................................
The cold wind swayed in silence as the singing finally stopped. Fluttershy stopped moving, with her eyes fixated on nothing. Her bright yellow mane now greyed from the intense freezing weather. Her heavy panting now small desperate exhales of air. She couldn't feel a bit of her body any longer, and white began to engulf her sight.
"Ah, man, they're both in critical condition! Sonar, can you heal them until we get some medical attention at the train?!" A member called.
"YESSIR!!" Sonar shouted. His horn shine a brilliant grey, and it engulfed Fluttershy and Applebloom. the process lasted for 10 minutes, but Fluttershy and Applebloom both started breathing normally again.
After a couple hours, Fluttershy woke up to the sight of Applejack and Applebloom, tears falling, staring intently at her .
"Hey, girls. What's the matter?" She asked as if nothing had happened.
"Fluttershy, I am so sorry..." Applejack apologized, tears unable to stop, "You saved my sister's life..I can't thank you enough for that, Fluttershy.." Applejack hugged her. "I-I couldn't bear the thought of losing either one of you.." She began to sob.
"I had to save Applebloom, no matter what.." Fluttershy replied, starting to cry, too.
Applebloom joined in on the hug, "I'm sorry I wasn't honest and open about my feelings....I should've said something from the beginning.." She said sobbing as the two held her.
"It's okay, Applebloom," Applejack said reassuringly, "Everything's gonna be okay, now.."
The squad leader looked at them from a nearby cart, and smiled happily at the success. He returned to the cheers and happy faces of many ponies who were patient enough in the last three days. He walked over to the engineer, with pride written all over his face.
"Okay, you're good to go." He said to the heavy engineer.
"You hear that, good to go!" He shouted to the others in response
"Good to go!"
"Good to go!"
"We're all good!"
Engineers shouted back and fourth throughout the two trains.
The three days were trying and horrifying for everyone, but only cheers could be heard as gears twist and turned moving along the two trains one after another. Before long, the rail roads were back on schedule, and the journey to Canterlot and the Hearthswarming Eve play were back on.
