Apple Bloom has met her father and the two seek to change Equestria forever.
The sequel to the "Cutie Mark Cleansers".
Apple Bloom, after being caught for her crimes, was locked away in Tartarus. Apple Bloom meets her real father, Tirek, and the two break out to get revenge.
Big McIntosh worked alone in the fields. It was his responsibility to ensure that the Apple family business was still strong. It was a beautiful day outside, but Big Mac certainly didn't live in a beautiful world.
His youngest sister, Apple Bloom, was the mastermind of the tragedy which hit Equestria. All of those dead ponies. More barbaric species, such as griffons, killed others all the time. However, killing ponies was a rarity. Apple Bloom was eventually caught for the murders and locked away in Tartarus for her crimes. It was sad to think that his brilliant sister chose that path of life. Big Mac wished he was there for her more often. He might have been able to stop the murders from occurring. Big Mac could have given Apple Bloom the right advice. She could have been anything she wanted to be. Apple Bloom was even smarter than Twilight Sparkle, Ponyville's well-known brainiac.
A year had passed since then.
The news had hit Granny Smith especially. A day after Apple Bloom was caught, Granny had a stroke. Granny couldn't believe that her sweet little granddaughter was capable of such horrific acts. The evidence was clear though and Apple Bloom didn't deny what she did. His little sister seemed awfully proud of being a mass murderer. She saw it as the way to cleanse the world of the "bad ponies". Given Apple Bloom's targets, Big Mac had to admit that she went after those he personally disliked as well. However, he didn't think they deserved death. Granny was recovering nicely, but had even worse trouble walking than she did before. Applejack, his other sister, had been devoting her time to taking care of Granny and didn't work on the farm as much anymore. Big Mac wasn't bothered by taking on more of the work by himself. He wouldn't be good as a nurse, but he was a damn good farmer.
There was also the death of his parents so many years ago. Killed by goddamn timberwolves. Big Mac knew that the sudden death of his parents had affected Apple Bloom on a very deep level. She was only three years old, but already had the mental capacity of a teenager. Apple Bloom was heartbroken by the death of her parents.. absolutely heartbroken. She would never be the same. Of course, he and Applejack were changed forever, but Apple Bloom lost any sense of trust in the world.
Only one good thing happened from all of this. Big Mac now had a marefriend. Her name was Cheerilee, an elementary school teacher. Cheerilee was devastated over the death of four of her students and the fact that her star student was a killer. The two of them were able to bond over their losses and were there for one another. Cheerilee wanted to quit teaching altogether, but Big Mac knew the right words to say to stop her from quitting.
Big Mac was hurting too, but he was awfully good at showing the world that he wasn't hurt. He needed to stay strong and silent for the ponies he cared about. The farm would have been dead if it wasn't for him.
"You should take a break."
It was Cheerilee.
Big Mac turned around to see her and said, "Nope."
"Why not", pouted Cheerilee.
"The family needs me more than ever now, especially given all that happened."
"How's Granny?"
"She's doing much better, but AJ still needs to take care of her. She can barely move on her own, but she's gaining some mobility."
"I know it's tough, I can help you out with some of the work."
"Ah can't let a lady like you do farmwork."
"C'mon, it will be a lotta fun, Mac. I want to help!"
Big Mac sighed. He appreciated Cheerilee's enthusiasm, but she wasn't built the same way as Applejack. He didn't want her to get hurt while bucking a tree. However, Cheerilee would probably be good with the animals.. better than him.
"Alright, you asked for it", said Big Mac with a smile, "I want you to make sure all the animals in the barn are fed. Take good care of them. I can finish the harvest on my own."
"Thank you, Mac."
The two kissed and Cheerilee ran off to help the animals.
Perhaps Cheerilee could even help keep the Apple family going in the long run, thought Big Mac. He continued on with his work.
It was the middle of the night. Spike, Twilight's assistant, was asleep but woke up upon hearing a loud crash outside.
"Twilight, did you hear that", gasped Spike loudly.
"Spike", groaned Twilight, "I want to sleep. It's nothing."
Spike tried to go back to sleep, but he couldn't get around it.
Spike had to go outside to figure out the source of the noise.
Spike went outside. It was peaceful. But something didn't seem right.
"Ah'm back", said a feminine voice, "judgment has been brought upon you. Your verdict is guilty. Your sentence is death immediately." Sounded like Apple Bloom. Suddenly, Spike felt his body being stretched. What was going on? Spike heard laughter. The laughter was masculine. Tirek? No.. it couldn't be...how was this possible? Spike was dead before he could scream.
The news of Spike's death shocked Ponyville. There was absolutely no trace except that he was found ripped in half outside of Princess Twilight Sparkle's castle. Twilight was absolutely devastated over Spike's death. She shouldn't have dismissed Spike like that. Twilight was so sure it was nothing, but it wasn't.
There were rumors that Apple Bloom had escaped from Tartarus. Twilight never thought she would be so terrified of Applejack's little sister, but she was. If Apple Bloom did escape and kill Spike, who knew what else she was going to do?
Except for the trick played on Apple Bloom with the muffins, Apple Bloom always seemed to be many steps ahead of every pony else. Twilight was always nervous about that. It seemed too easy to get Apple Bloom to go to Tartarus. There was little resistance and the filly openly admitted to the murders. Twilight should have known better. Somepony will probably go to Tartarus and find that Cerberus is either dead or missing.
Twilight heard a knock on the door. She wanted to tell whoever it was to come back later, but every knock meant something important. Twilight opened the door and saw that it was Pinkie Pie, a pink party pony who was also a brilliant detective, and Zecora, a zebra who was skilled with potions. Despite Spike's death, they seemed cheerful about something.
"Hello Pinkie and Zecora", said Twilight sadly.
"I am sorry for your loss. Spike the dragon will now be one with the moss", said Zecora.
"But", said Pinkie, "maybe not!"
"Huh", said Twilight.
"Zecora and I have been working on some mighty sweet potions... we might be able to bring the dead back to life."
"Really? Stop shitting with me, Pinkie. Nothing will ever be the same without Spike."
"Yes, but don't ask for more. Right now, we would only be able to bring back four", said Zecora.
Twilight couldn't believe it. Pinkie and Zecora were serious about this.
"If what you're saying is true", said Twilight, "we can only bring back four of the murdered. How the hell are we going to decide who to bring back?"
"Easy. We create a brew and recite a chant with the four we want to bring back to life."
"I meant", said Twilight, "how are we going to decide who to bring back?"
"I know a way, but I have to keep it somewhat of a secret from every pony", said Pinkie.
Pinkie Pie went to the basement of Sugarcube Corner. She pressed a button which was at the bottom left corner of the fourth wall and a portal appeared on the wall.
Pinkie jumped right into the portal.
She was in the human world. Pinkie couldn't tell any pony about this, not even Lyra who was obsessed with humans. Pinkie bounced down the street and rang a doorbell. It was the house of Duke of Canterlot, her main contact.
"Hi, Duke of Canterlot!"
"What brings you here, Pinkie?"
"Well, Zecora and I think we know how to bring ponies back to life."
"Which ponies died who I care about?"
"Ummmm.... errrrrrr... you wrote that shipping story about Blueblood and Bon-Bon, right?"
"Yea, but that Blueblood was out-of-character. The Blueblood who Apple Bloom killed was a prick. I have some cake for you."
"Yummy", cheered Pinkie. She opened her mouth extra wide and ate the entire cake.
Duke could never get over how bizarre that looked, but it was Pinkie Pie.. you can't question what Pinkie does.
"So, you want me to decide who comes back to life?"
"Yea", said Pinkie with a giggle, "we can only bring four of the ones Apple Bloom killed back though."
"I don't know if I can make that decision."
"But... you're not a pony and you will be fair about it."
"Perhaps, I can ask some of my human friends about this. They might be able to help me decide who comes back to life."
"Okie dokie lokie", said Pinkie bouncing. Duke always wondered whether Pinkie's legs had springs in them, but he figured Pinkie wouldn't know the answer to that anyway.
"I'll ask the folks at FimFiction, but you know that Apple Bloom is probably going to kill them again anyway."
Pinkie rushed back to Equestria. The humans have decided! Based on who they decided to bring back to life, Apple Bloom would have some tough competition. Perhaps Equestria would be well-prepared to face evil this time around.
Pinkie Pie shivered as she passed a farm with ponies who couldn't talk and seemed rather dumb compared to the humans who lived in this world. They were earth ponies like her, but the grown-up ponies were much larger than her, more like the size of Princess Celestia. None of the ones she saw had wings or horns. Pinkie wondered about whether unicorns and pegasi existed in this world or were they like humans in Equestria?
These were questions Pinkie would find the answer to some day. She told herself that she needed to ask Duke of Canterlot the next time she visited. Hopefully, she wouldn't forget like the other three times.
Pinkie jumped through the portal and went straight to Zecora's house.
Pinkie knocked on the door. She could smell something brewing. Pinkie smiled. This must be what will bring the dead back to life.
Zecora opened the door and said, "Hello Pinkie Pie, who did they say deserved not to die?"
"I have the names. Spike, Cerberus, Gilda, and Silver Spoon!"
"Ho ho!"
"So, how do we go about this?"
"Car goes vroom. These four will surely kill Apple Bloom."
"Sometimes, I think you make stuff up to rhyme. What's a vroom?"
"Things are not always what they seem. This was in a dream."
"Let's get this over with, okie. Dokie lokie."
"It is time to begin the games, let us say their names!!"
Zecora opened up a bunch of bottles and poured them into the pot. She began to hum and motioned for Pinkie to speak.
"Spike the dragon, Cerberus the guard of Tartarus, Gilda the griffon, and Silver Spoon the filly... please, bring these four back to life."
Zecora looked up at Pinkie and smiled. Suddenly, the whole house began to shake. Something was certainly happening. The lights turned out and it was pitch black. What was happening?
The lights turned back on. Pinkie could see that there were four more bodies.. it worked, they were back to life: Spike, Cerberus, Gilda, and Silver Spoon. They were asleep, but showed signs of life. Cerberus was quite large. The other three would have been able to sleep on his body without a problem.
"Soon we can put this to test", said Zecora, "but believe it or not, they need a couple hours of rest."
A lot had changed in Apple Bloom's life over the past year. The little filly had grown a taste for murder. It felt so good to kill Spike last night. Apple Bloom and Tirek were hiding deep in the Everfree Forest. It didn't matter. Even the most horrifying of creatures were terrified of the two of them. Word of Apple Bloom's murders and Tirek's past spread through the whole world, nobody would dare mess with them... anyone who does is an idiot.
With her father, Tirek, at her side, there would be nothing that could stand in her way.
"My dear", said Tirek, "soon, we will be set."
"Set for what, exactly?"
"The world will soon be what we dream."
"A world where only the worthy live?"
"Yes, Bloom, exactly that. It will also be our opportunity to rule the world."
Apple Bloom wasn't sure she wanted that kind of responsibility, but she knew that Tirek's definition of "ruling the world" was not the dutiful and serious manner Celestia ruled the world. Rather, Tirek would take everything for himself and no pony would be able to stop him. It wouldn't feel much like responsibility at all.
"Spike's a weakling", said Apple Bloom, "you're certainly not going to be killing many ponies in your scrawny baboon like form."
"What about Cerberus?"
"I used the favorite weapon of a mare: poison. Don't you remember?"
"Yes, I do", said Tirek with a sigh, "you're not exactly in the running for strongest being either."
"Ah worked hard on the farm, that makes me strong."
"That country bumpkin thing isn't endearing at all, stop it."
"Ah don't' care 'bout that sort of stuff."
"You should listen to your father. Besides, I know what we will do", said Tirek, "isn't tomorrow the summer sun celebration?"
"Yea, but....", Apple Bloom had a feeling she knew what Tirek was talking about. Sometimes, she wondered if her father was insane.
"Go big or go home", said Tirek confidently, "you will kill Princess Celestia and I will steal her magic. Once we do that, we are unstoppable."
"How the hell is that going to work? Isn't Princess Celestia immortal?"
"Alicorns are not immortal", said Tirek, "simply very long-lived ponies, ones that are hard to kill, but not impossible."
Apple Bloom smiled at Tirek and said, "in that case, I'm up for the challenge."
"I have been studying your methods" said Tirek, "you have certainly inherited my superior intellect. I trust you will do your best."
"Ah am already thinking.. hmmm... I wish I still had more of that poison. Ah used the last on Cerberus."
"Do you know how to make it?"
Apple Bloom shook her head nervously. This wasn't going to turn out well.
"Figure it out", said Tirek softly and coldly, "you must."
If Tirek said she must figure out, she will. But how? Apple Bloom never tried.
"Ah will get to work Daddy."
"It's I.. not ah."
"Sorry, you're the one who left me to be raised by low-class farmers."
"That was your mother's fault", said Tirek sadly, "not mine."
"You should have fought harder. I was forced to live such a dull life."
"Your mother was the only one I could never disobey."
Apple Bloom wondered if her father loved her mother... if he was even capable of love.
"I'll think about it. How are we going to recreate the poison by tomorrow?"
"Use that brain of yours. I am confident you will figure it out, if you care about our mission."
Apple Bloom resented that talk from her father. She cared deeply about improving the world. If killing Celestia was the best way to do it, Apple Bloom would do it. Celestia certainly wasn't a bad pony, but she wasn't the kind of pony who would support Apple Bloom's goals. The almighty and powerful alicorn magic was better suited for someone like Tirek who wished to cleanse the world. It was also quite well-suited for Apple Bloom.
Tirek was her father, but Apple Bloom wondered... maybe she could get the magic instead. That was the fire Apple Bloom needed to really think about how that poison was made. However, Apple Bloom shivered at the thought of betraying her father. Not only because he was her father, but also Tirek was the only one who was more ruthless than her. Tirek would destroy Apple Bloom if she tricked him.
Still... Apple Bloom the alicorn sounded awfully nice. She smiled. She remembered Granny Smith talking about what was in the poison. On the farm, when a tree grew sick, it would grow rotten and black apples would grow from the tree. Granny must have collected enough of them to kill any sick animals. Why didn't she think about it before? The poison was inside her. It was in her blood. Like her cutie mark. Apple Bloom found a sharp piece of wood outside and cut herself with it. The cut was deep and painful. She let the blood fall onto a leaf. She needed to get it preserved. Since that was the secret ingredient, she could make the poison and be the one who killed Princess Celestia.
Apple Bloom got to work. Her father would be proud.
Sweetie Belle never expected life to get so much better after Apple Bloom was locked up. The friendship formed between the three fillies was destroyed forever. Apple Bloom originally appeared to have a just cause, but she quickly showed her true colors as a psychotic and cold-blooded murderer. Sweetie Belle would never forget the look in Bloom's eyes when she was caught. Apple Bloom felt zero remorse for her criminal misdeeds. She seemed to be thinking about when it would be opportune to kill again. No pony was safe now that Apple Bloom has allegedly escaped.
With that said, life did get better. While Silver Spoon was killed, Sweetie's friendship with Scootaloo became even stronger than before. Both fillies were fearful followers of the charming sociopath. They even found a new member for the trio: Twist. Twist was the younger sister of Bon-Bon and had a peppermint twist for a cutie mark. Twist had a lisp and was a total dork, but she wasn't a killer.
They had to move their clubhouse to Scootaloo's moms' house. It wasn't quite as private as the clubhouse, but at least they weren't murdering any ponies.
The three fillies hung out in Scootaloo's bedroom after school one day.
"Hey guyth, what do we want to do today?"
"Rainbow Dash has been training real hard to be a Wonderbolt", piped Scootaloo with excitement, "let's watch her train."
"We've been doing that like every other day", groaned Sweetie Belle.
"Think about it", responded Scootaloo, "Rainbow is going to be the most famous and most awesome Wonderbolt soon. Don't you want to be a part of history?"
"Ooh, I like hithtory", said Twist.
"I knew you would be with me, Twist", said Scootaloo, "c'mon, let's go!! We don't want to miss the best part."
Sweetie Belle looked at the ground and sighed. Apple Bloom was a lunatic, but she was a lot more fun than these two. Perhaps she was wrong about things being better. Scootaloo was horrendously obsessed with Rainbow Dash. Apple Bloom tempered those obsessions with her ideas on how to keep things interesting, even before Apple Bloom became horrendously obsessed with killing. Twist was Twist. A simple dork with simple needs and desires.
Suddenly, they heard "Daddy's hoooome!"
They saw a drunk and balding pegasus stallion carrying a bottle of whiskey. Wasn't the guy drunk enough already?
"Scootie, didn't you miss your daddy", slurred the drunk.
"Mom will be mad if she finds out you stopped by."
"Who me? I'm gonna show that lesbo a piece of my mind."
"You would if you had one."
"Dat's my girl. Where are you ladies going?"
"Out to play."
"What happened to that yellow filly? The one with the red bow, she said her gramma could beat me in a drinking competition."
"Who, Granny Smith", chimed Sweetie Belle, "the poor old mare is on her death bed right now... So I think you'd win."
"Don't encourage him", groaned Scootaloo softly to Sweetie Belle.
"I like her the best of your friends, Scoots", slurred the drunk, "we would talk about philosophy and shit. Why did I have to be stuck with a daughter who can't even fly?"
"Fuck you, dad", snarled Scootaloo, "you know full well that you led my mom to alcoholism, you sick bastard. I am so mad that I could.."
"Kill me, why that's what the yellow philosopher filly with a red bow would have done."
"She's even more psycho than you. I'm calling the police."
"Hold on there, Scootaloo", said her father, "you ain't doing nothing of the sort."
"Why not?"
"I got a gun", said Scootaloo's father, "once your moms get home. We are all going to have a nice little chat."
Sweetie Belle gulped. What the hell were they going to do? Let this drunkard hold them hostage?
Spike opened his eyes. What the hell happened? How did he end up in Zecora's hut?
Spike could barely remember what happened for him to get there. The last memory Spike had was finishing up his chores and then going to sleep, but that was at his house.. not here. He could feel something furry.
Spike saw the giant three-headed dog, Cerberus, sleeping. Spike got scared and yelped, jumping off the beast.
What Spike saw next scared him even more, there were two others who had died.. but they were very much alive and sleeping: Gilda and Silver Spoon.
What was going on? Spike walked around the hut. It looked like Zecora was brewing something mysterious. He heard bouncing.
It was Pinkie Pie. What was she doing here?
"SPIKE", shouted Pinkie Pie, "oh, thank Celestia, you're okay!!" Pinkie Pie embraced Spike in a hug.
"What happened to me", asked Spike.
Spike turned around and saw that Pinkie's loud voice caused both GIlda and Silver Spoon to stir.
"It definitely worked", said Pinkie Pie, "I can't believe it! Zecora is a genius!! Omigosh!! Omigosh!!"
"What happened?"
"Umm.. this will probably come as a shock to you, but..."
"But what?"
"You were dead", said Pinkie, "but.. the spell.. it worked."
"I was what?"
"You were killed two nights ago."
"Huh, who?"
"We don't know for sure", said Pinkie, "but we have some ideas."
"Apple Bloom", muttered Spike.
"Most likely, we have good reason to believe that she escaped. The fact that we were able to bring Cerberus back from the dead indicates that he died due to something."
"Holy shit", said Spike with worry, "if Apple Bloom is out there.. she could kill so many more. At least, Zecora can bring ponies back to life.. right?"
"Well", said Pinkie, "the spell could only bring four back to life.. so we chose you guys."
"You idiots", whined Spike, "what if she kills Twilight or someone really important? Oh my god, better to bring her back to life than any of us..."
"We're not going to let Apple Bloom do that", said Pinkie, "she will be stopped. Do you remember anything about the night you were killed?"
"I went to bed after my chores and I ended up here."
"You weren't killed in your bed.. your body was found outside."
"I could have still been killed in my bed, they could have dumped my body outside."
Suddenly, they heard a feminine scream. It sounded like Silver Spoon.
"Get away from me, you griffon creep", shouted Silver Spoon.
"I don't want to do anything with your lame ass", said Gilda, "stop screaming."
Pinkie and Spike ran over to them.
"Welcome back to life", said Pinkie with a smile, "you two might be wondering how you got here."
"Yea", said Gilda with a grunt, "I killed that little bitch and she's here acting like a little bitch."
"Holy shit", said Silver Spoon, "you killed me? I was thinking it was Apple Bloom."
"Apple Bloom hired me to kill you. How the hell did I end up dead then?"
"Easy", said Pinkie Pie, "Sweetie Belle escaped when you tried to kill her. You almost got her too, but my sister killed you with her rock gun."
"Sweetie Belle doesn't have to worry", said Gilda, "I'm done with you pony losers."
"Wait, you worked with Apple Bloom", asked Pinkie.
"Yea, Apple Bloom was total psycho", responded Gilda, "you ponies never scare me, but that filly freaked me out. I hope I still have my money."
"Ummm", said Pinkie, "your money was turned over to the Equestrian Empire after you were killed. No way, Apple Bloom was getting her hooves on it."
"That money is mine", snarled Gilda, "I am only going to help you if you get me my cash back."
Pinkie wanted to say no, but Gilda's death had caused greater friction between the ponies and the griffons. The griffons threatened war. They were such brutal and violent creatures. Gilda would probably fly back to the Griffon Kingdom and talk shit about the ponies.. particularly that they stole Gilda's "earned" money.
Spike realized that neither Gilda nor Silver Spoon could recall what happened when they died, just like him. Who knew? Oh, of course.. Apple Bloom.
[/hr]
"Daddy", said Apple Bloom sweetly, "everything is ready."
"I knew you could do it", said Tirek.
"My blood did it."
"Ah", said Tirek with a smile, "perhaps, you're capable of even greater evil than I am. There's an old legend - over a thousand years old - about a pony which could kill others with her blood. I am sure your Princess Celestia didn't tell you about all the mares who were rounded up and killed for being suspected of carrying the poison blood. I am sure her star student, Twilight Sparkle, would have been horrified by that tale. Ponies have become much more gentle since the darker days, including Celestia."
"Ah love the idea", said Apple Bloom, "killing Celestia with my blood, if it's possible."
"I think it is", responded Tirek, "no promises of course, but immortality is a myth. Everyone dies.. especially those without alicorn magic."
"Of course", said Apple Bloom with a smile, "we take Celestia's magic first and then kill her, but how do we take away the magic?"
"I'm an expert at it", said Tirek calmly.
"I was thinking though, I could be so much more useful if I was an alicorn."
Tirek shuddered at the thought of Apple Bloom being an alicorn, she was terrifying enough as an earth pony filly, but she was his daughter. Perhaps, Tirek should share.
"You still can create that shrinking potion, right?"
"Already conjured it up."
"Perfect. I'm glad you're my daughter."
"So, about the Alicorn Apple Bloom?"
"I suppose killing Princess Celestia is good enough reason for you to acquire enough magic to become an Alicorn."
"I love you Daddy", cheered Apple Bloom embracing her father in a tight hug.
"Are you planning to test the poison first to see if it works?"
"Ah know it works, but I'll gladly put it to the test. I'm going to stop by Ponyville. Some pony is going to die tonight."
"Who?"
"Not sure. It's certainly going to be an undesirable."
"Sometimes I think you're capable of greater evil than me."
"Perhaps. I am your daughter, after all."
The two of them hugged and Apple Bloom trotted off to Ponyville.
Scootaloo's father waved the gun around like a retard and terrified the three cowering fillies.
"Daddy", said Scootaloo softly, "please put the gun down. I'll do whatever you ask."
"Don't stop me from trying to get back in your mother's life", slurred the drunk dad, "and you'll be fine, my dear."
"Mom kicked you out because of your behavior."
"I like a little drink once in a while, what's the big deal."
Scootaloo rolled her eyes. What does little mean to him then?
"Besides", continued Scootaloo's dad, "you can't fly because your mom was a little heavy on the bottle herself."
"You made her do it", argued Scootaloo.
"It's not like you're damaged", said Scootaloo's dad, "I see you got that scooter cutie mark."
"No thanks to you."
Scootaloo's dad flew up to the ceiling holding the gun. He pointed the gun to the floor and pulled the trigger.
The three fillies ran as far away as they could. The bullet wasn't for them, but it did make a small hole in the floor.
Sweetie Belle cried, this was getting way too out of hoof.
"Now, who's in fucking charge here", slurred Scootaloo's drunken father.
The three fillies couldn't speak. They huddled up into a corner, waiting for somepony to put an end to all of this.
Suddenly, they heard laughter.. it didn't sound like that of Scootaloo's dad.
The three fillies couldn't believe it. Apple Bloom entered right into the house. Except for her cutie mark, Apple Bloom looked like the same filly who used to be their friend.
"Well, did you all miss me", said Apple Bloom with a smile.
Sweetie Belle didn't think it was possible to be terrified. Twist and Scootaloo were tightening themselves into balls.
Scootaloo's dad was more cocky.
"Apple Bloom, the yeller filly with the red bow", said Scootaloo's dad, "you're even smaller than I remembered. Since you decided to visit, why don't you join your little friends at the corner?"
"I would love to", said Apple Bloom, "but ah got something small to take care of first."
With impressive speed, Apple Bloom jumped into the air and stabbed a syringe right into the heart of Scootaloo's father. He croaked and fell to the ground. Scootaloo was now fatherless.
Apple Bloom could see that the three fillies were still crouched at the corner.
"Aren't you going to thank me", said Apple Bloom sweetly, "I killed a bad pony."
"He was my father", sniffled Scootaloo, "he had a lot of issues.. but he was still my dad."
"Oh well", said Apple Bloom with a shrug, "feel free to tell your moms that I killed him. It's not like any pony is gonna catch me anyway."
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both looked down at the ground nervously. They knew it would be useless to try.
Twist laughed and said, "Mitherable filly, you think you are tho thpecial, huh?"
"I thought you got the hint when I dumped you for those two", said Apple Bloom pointing at Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.
"I know your gameth, Apple Bloom. Thcootaloo and Thweetie Belle are much better friendth than you. What are you going to do, kill me?"
"Me, kill you? Naw, why would I do that? But I think I know someone who will do the job."
It suddenly became pitch black. There was a loud whoosh and a chilling masculine voice, "get ready to die, Twist." *Snap*
The lights turned on. Twist was dead. Her neck was snapped. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were all alone. They hugged each other and began to cry. Who could stop Apple Bloom?
Apple Bloom laughed out loud and said, "Daddy, it worked. It really worked."
"Of course", responded Tirek with a smile, "pity that those fools aren't grateful to you. You killed an abusive drunk and all the flightless pegasus filly can do is hate you."
"Ah suppose I did enough last year to make her hate me forever.. and Sweetie Belle."
"What idiots", muttered Tirek, "you should have let me kill them as well."
"Be patient, Tirek", said Apple Bloom softly, "killing Scootaloo's drunken retard father might have not gotten Scootaloo back on my side.. but soon enough, I think Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle will be useful assets."
"Useful assets? They are so weak and pathetic, how can they help us?"
"Never underestimate loyalty, father", said Apple Bloom, "it's a tool that can be used quite well."
"Bah", spat Tirek, "you can't trust anyone. You can't make anyone truly loyal to you."
"I think you're wrong. Once ponies truly understand what my cause is all about, they will follow me.. at least the worthy ones."
Tirek shook his head and said, "the Summer Sun Celebration is almost beginning."
"Yes", said Apple Bloom, "let us shrink."
Twilight Sparkle stood at the podium. The Summer Sun celebration was supposed to be a fun time of year, but, with Apple Bloom escaping Tartarus, it was one with a tone of fear. Twilight couldn't help but feel that something wasn't right. Every pony probably felt the same way. Most of Apple Bloom's victims never saw their deaths coming. Twilight hoped that word wouldn't get out that Tirek had escaped too, that would really cause chaos.
Also at the podium were the other princesses: Luna, Cadence, and Celestia. Cadence was the most openly distraught of the princesses. She couldn't pretend to put on a brave face to the world. Celestia and Luna were more stoic.
"Everything will be okay", whispered Twilight to Cadence.
"I hope so.. I just can't believe it.. who would have thought Applejack's sister..."
"No pony saw it coming, we couldn't have done anything to stop it.."
"Yea we could of stopped this."
"How? Oh my Celestia", gasped Twilight, "are you thinking what I think you are thinking?"
"What? That we should have killed Apple Bloom when we caught her.. yes... I think so... she killed so many of our kind without a second thought. That day at the Everfree Forest was our best shot. Sending Apple Bloom to Tartarus was a mistake, putting her with another sociopath..."
"We are supposed to keep that quiet", said Twilight softly, "please.. Cadence. Every pony is already in a state of fear. It's up to us to stay strong."
"I'm sorry", snapped Cadence softly, "I guess I can't be as fucking perfect as you. Huh? I.. would like to be excused. Celestia?"
"Yes, you may be excused", said Celestia.
Cadence ran off the podium and over to Shining Armor, who embraced her.
"Mares and stallions of Equestria", boomed Princess Luna, "we would like to speak to you today about everything that is going on."
Celestia and Twilight looked at each other with worry, was Luna going to spill the beans on Tirek?
"As all of you have known, it is true that Apple Bloom, the filly who killed so many of our citizens in cold blood has escaped from Tartarus", said Luna, "this is a terrifying time for us all. Apple Bloom has proven to be a dangerous foe to Equestria as we know it. You must stay safe. You must. This is a filly who killed our guard, Cerberus, with a deadly poison. One which has come right from Sweet Apple Acres. The princesses shall vote on something most important. While killing is consider a horrible crime in Equestria, we will decide whether Apple Bloom and any accomplices will be brought to death without trial. I think it would be a wonderful thing to do."
"KILL HER!! KILL HER!!!", screamed many ponies in the audience.
"Wait", said Celestia with confidence, "we should not resort to killing any pony under any circumstance. It shall set a horrible precedent if we resort to murder to solve our problems."
"But dear sister", said Luna, "Apple Bloom is barely a pony anymore.. she is a demon."
"We can bring her back to good", said Celestia, "like what we did for you a short while ago. Remember Nightmare Moon?"
"The question is", said Luna, "was she ever good?"
"I think so, the poor filly is simply misguided."
"You're so naïve, big sister", said Luna with a laugh.
"Hold on", piped in Twilight, "Celestia has a point. We must try to see if we can get Apple Bloom to change her ways."
If any pony was listening carefully, they could hear a tiny cackle. Apple Bloom was no Princess Luna.
"So, we shall take a vote. Come on, Cadence."
"Kill Apple Bloom", snarled Cadence, "that is my vote."
The audience cheered.
"That is my vote as well", said Luna.
"I think we should not", said Celestia, "Apple Bloom is still one of us. We can make her good, like we did with Discord."
"A little darker than Discord, don't you think", responded Luna with a roll of the eyes.
"Have faith."
"I, Princess Twilight Sparkle, also think that we should not kill Apple Bloom upon capture. She is an incredibly intelligent filly with a lot of talents. If she can be turned good, she could do wonderful things for Equestria."
"So, we are at a draw", said Luna, "we will reconvene, but for now, my little ponies, please stay safe."
The audience cheered. The princesses' speech seemed to be as success, but suddenly... Celestia fell to the ground.
Twilight could see the magic seeping out of Celestia's body.
The audience began to scream. Every pony was looking around to see if there were any signs of Apple Bloom. Suddenly, the weakened Celestia had collapsed.
Princess Celestia was dead. Equestria would never be the same again.
"I change my mind", cried Twilight, "we will find Apple Bloom and kill her!! Hopefully, she isn't too far."
Suddenly, Twilight saw familiar friends run onto the podium... Zecora and... Spike?
"Twilight?", said Spike, "it was a miracle... I'm not dead."
"I really am happy about that, Spike.. but... as you can see", said Twilight with tears.
Spike saw the dead Celestia and ran over to Twilight, letting the tears flow.
"Couldn't we bring Celestia back to life too", Twilight asked Zecora.
"I am afraid we cannot do more, we could only bring back to life four", said Zecora sadly.
Twilight began to cry more. She couldn't believe that Celestia, who was supposed to be immortal, was dead. Where did her magic go? Celestia couldn't be killed with the alicorn magic. Oh no... thought Twilight... Apple Bloom and Tirek must have taken Celestia's magic, things would only get worse from here.
Apple Bloom looked at her reflection in the lake and grinned. It worked. She had a horn on her head and wings behind her. She was also taller, not as tall as Princess Celestia was but probably close to the height of Princess Twilight.
"Daddy", said Apple Bloom with a giggle, "I suppose you must now call me Princess."
Tirek had changed even more than his daughter in some respects. Tirek was no longer a scrawny baboon-horse creature but a muscular giant of a demon.
"I am King Tirek! Come on, Princess, let's go take what is rightfully ours."
Apple Bloom flew to her father's shoulders and the two of them made their way to Canterlot.
[/hr]
Twilight looked up from the puddle of tears she created to see that there were riots. Celestia was dead and ponies were in a state of panic. Twilight wished she could bring rationality to her scared subjects, but that would prove to be futile.
*stomp stomp*
The loud and booming stomps caused many of the ponies to stop whatever they were doing. The stomps caused the ground to shake. Ponies began shrieking, including strong fully-grown stallions.
Twilight didn't say anything. She simply watched as the familiar behemoth showed himself to Canterlot.
"Citizens of Equestria", boomed Tirek, "Princess Celestia is dead. You must now worship your true leaders..now!!!"
Twilight wasn't shocked by Tirek. Rather, she was shocked by the alicorn perched on Tirek's shoulder.. Apple Bloom.
Apple Bloom flew off Tirek's shoulder and used her magic to paralyze every pony in sight.
"Now you must obey me and my father", said Apple Bloom, "swear your allegiance to us and we promise that you will live. Otherwise, you will die. Easy to understand, right?"
Apple Bloom used her alicorn magic to change Equestria's flags. No longer did it have Celestia and Luna in harmony but rather Tirek the giant centaur and Apple Bloom the alicorn. There was a black apple in between them. Yes, thought Apple Bloom, don't be stupid. Worship her and she'll let them live.
Apple Bloom removed the stun spell from the crowd.
"Anyone dare to object", asked Tirek.
Apple Bloom was pleasantly surprised that none of the other princesses were openly objecting, they probably had some underhanded scheme to overthrow her..but no pony could defeat Apple Bloom.
But some pony did object...
"I object to your rule, you monster", shouted Flash Sentry, one of the Royal Guards.
"Don't do this, Flash", cried Twilight with fear.
"I'll give you one more chance, Flash", said Apple Bloom, "do you object to me as your leader?"
"Yes", said Flash bravely.
Apple Bloom laughed and her horn began to glow. Flash Sentry was set on fire. He screamed and screamed. Flash tried to fly, but the flames were too strong. Flash was turned into ash.
The crowd was silent.
"Any pony else object to me?"
No one else dared.
"Tirek, let's go to our new house."
Tirek and Apple Bloom moved into Celestia's castle. Tirek was too large to fit inside but no one would dare cross him.
[/hr]
Twilight was horrified. All seemed hopeless. Spike looked at her with concern.
"I wonder how long it will be until Apple Bloom figures out the four of us were brought back to life."
"She probably knows", said Twilight, "you heard her, don't object and you'll live."
Zecora approached Twilight and Spike. She gave each one a hug.
"I think something Apple Bloom will like. Is an alive Spike."
"Why's that", asked Twilight. Zecora was always filled with riddles.
"Very well. There's a twist to the spell. Celestia can be revived if one of the four no longer thrived."
Spike didn't understand what Celestia was saying but Twilight figured it out.
"You're saying that if one of the four brought back to life were to die..we could bring Celestia back to life?"
Zecora nodded.
"I'll gladly die for Celestia", said Spike with pride.
Twilight shook her head and said, "I can't lose you, who else was brought back to life."
"Someone quite dangerous, the guard Cerberus. Diamond Tiara's goon, Silver Spoon. Not as sweet as a muffin, Gilda the Griffin."
"We need Cerberus. Silver Spoon is only a filly", said Twilight, "we must kill Gilda to bring Celestia back to life. Besides, she killed Silver Spoon and tried to kill Sweetie Belle...perhaps the world is better off without her."
Saying those words made Twilight shudder. That was Apple Bloom's rationale, wasn't it? No, thought Twilight, you're different. You're doing this for Celestia.
[/hr]
Gilda wanted her money. She wanted it now. With Celestia dead and Apple Bloom in charge, Gilda had to get her money back, right? She flew over to the castle and saw Tirek outside, flexing his muscles.
"What brings you here", bellowed Tirek.
"I am a friend of Apple Bloom. We made a deal some time ago."
"I must go consult with my daughter first, BLOOM!!"
"Yea", shouted Apple Bloom from inside.
"There's a griffon who wants to talk to you. She said you two made a deal some time ago."
"Is her name Gilda?"
"Is that your name", Tirek asked the griffon
Gilda nodded.
"Yes it is."
"Funny, ah could have sworn she was dead, but you may allow her in. If she's lying, she won't come out alive."
Gilda flew in the window. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. This wasn't the same pipsqueak earth pony she saw a year ago. Rather, she was a tall, divine-looking alicorn. She smiled at Gilda and said, "Ah thought you were dead."
"I was. I must tell you how I came back to life, but only if you give me my money."
"What did I pay you again?"
Gilda smirked and said, "a million bits."
"You liar", said Apple Bloom with a unsettling laugh, "I have a photographic memory and know you're lying. Ah only promised you fifty thousand bits. I'm not so sure if I want to give you that now.."
"I know something you don't."
"Oh right, why you're not dead." Apple Bloom created money out of thin air and let it drop in front of Gilda.
"Since ah am so damn generous", said Apple Bloom, "ah gave you double. Now tell me what I must know."
Gilda needed to tell Apple Bloom the truth or she was dead again.
"Alright, a deal is a deal. Zecora, some lame-o zebra from the Everfree Forest, cooked up a spell that can bring beings back to life."
Apple Bloom gasped and said, "oh no..this is awful, my work could all be destroyed..."
Gilda couldn't help but grin at seeing Apple Bloom show some vulnerability.
"But, my Princess", said Gilda with a bow, "you do not need to worry. The spell can only bring four back to life and that's it. Me, Cerberus, Spike, and Silver Spoon live..but it can't be used to bring others back to life."
"Including Celestia?"
"Including Celestia."
"Perfect", said Apple Bloom, "now that you're alive, you can be useful again. How would you like to be my protector? Ah will pay you nicely."
"To stop any losers for infiltrating your castle, definitely, Princess Apple Bloom."
Apple Bloom certainly had it all. She was an alicorn and had all of Equestria living under her will. She smiled sweetly.
Ever since the precocious filly of the Apple family took over Equestria, Sweet Apple Acres was weakening. Apple Bloom clearly didn't care about enforcing the regular weather cycle Celestia had in place. Very few edible fruits and vegetables were growing on the farm. The only fruit growing in abundance was the black apple.
Big McIntosh was horrified by the obvious symbolism of those poisonous fruits. He couldn't believe his youngest sister was capable of so much widespread evil. Despite all that Apple Bloom had done, Big Mac could have never expected that she would let the farm die. How could she be an Apple?
To make matters worse, the turn of events had made Granny more sick. Since there wasn't much to do on the farm these days, Big Mac now helped Applejack take care of Granny. AJ could hardly ever leave Granny's side.
Big Mac went into Granny's room and saw that AJ was watching her sleep.
"Granny is only getting worse day by day", said Applejack solemnly, "the doctor is stopping by in an hour."
"Good, maybe Granny can get better."
"It needs to be soon, she's half dead already. Ah can't believe our sister."
"Me neither."
"Why could we never see it? Bloom being so evil...."
"She's only a filly", responded Big Mac, "we couldn't have expected it."
"Ah can't think of a moment before the murders that she showed any signs...ah can't."
"Remember the night our parents were killed?"
"Of course I do!"
"There was only one of us who actually saw them be killed...that was.."
"Bloom."
"Exactly. She was only a baby at the time. Perhaps that affected her view on the world. I suppose there isn't much we can do now."
"There has to be something. Why, I bet Twilight is using that brain of hers to figure it all out now."
"AJ, Bloom is smarter than Twilight. As long as our sister wants to be an almighty alicorn and enslave Equestria, it's going to happen."
"Don't say that, be optimistic."
"There's no point. We're fucked."
Granny opened her eyes slowly and looked up at her two grandchildren.
"Granny", said Applejack with concern, "how are you feeling?"
Granny groaned and said, "I'm 'fraid it's almost time for me to go."
"Don't say that", said Big Mac, "a doctor is stopping by."
"It won't work", said Granny softly, "my time is up..but there some things I need to say."
Applejack and Big Mac simply listened.
"AJ, you are one of the hardest workers I know, but allow some time to explore the world..maybe meet a nice stallion and keep those sweet friends of yours even under the current reign..promise me you won't let them go."
Applejack nodded.
"Mac, stay strong. You got a big heart and a lot of determination. Cheerilee is a pretty one, don't let her go because you think you need to save the farm. Bloom is in charge of the farm now."
"Granny", said Applejack, "Bloom ain't here anymore. She has..."
"Yes she has. A real sharp filly, a lot like her mother and nothing like her daddy. She ain't an Apple. I know that much. No grand kid of mine. Look at her cutie mark..."
"We're going to get through this", said Applejack with tears in her eyes, "please don't leave us."
"I must."
Granny Smith closed her eyes and never opened them again.
Apple Bloom needed to keep her power at all costs, especially if she wanted her dream world to become a reality. She was having trouble adjusting to the horn and wings, but she was sure as hell not going to admit that to any pony. Except for the dim-witted Flash Sentry, no pony dared to object to her rule openly. However, she knew that many of them were probably scheming and plotting on how to oust her.
Apple Bloom felt confident that she could turn Gilda into a loyal follower. Gilda would be the one to notify Apple Bloom of any detractors. The griffon, or Apple Bloom herself, would then kill the traitors. Apple Bloom smiled. Who could possibly defeat her? She was the smartest pony on the planet. Now there was this life-reviving spell that was all used up, bringing Gilda back to life cost them the chance to resurrect Celestia. What could Celestia do anyway when alive? She didn't have any more alicorn magic.
Apple Bloom flew around her castle simply enjoying her new powers. It was unfortunate that her family had a warped sense of ethics which would never allow them to follow and believe anything she had done. Speaking of family, Apple Bloom needed to know more about how her parents met. Not the farmer father who was like the rest of the Apple family, but Tirek and her mother. Apple Bloom didn't remember much about her mother at all except that she was a city mare from Manehattan who wasn't cut out for farm work. Apple Bloom felt blessed to have a strong, intelligent, and charismatic father like Tirek rather than Appleseed, the dutiful farmer who knew nothing else but Sweet Apple Acres. Apple Bloom hoped that Tirek would answer her questions..she knew that she wouldn't be able to force her father to answer them if he refused.
Apple Bloom flew outside and saw that Tirek was knocking down trees around him.
"Watcha' doing, Daddy?"
"Making a wall to block out any of the unwanted."
"I approve. Some of our subjects are going to be feeling brave soon.. I feel it."
"Like you, I always want to be prepared."
"If you had some time, ah was wondering if you could tell me about how you and Mom met."
Tirek laughed and said, "aren't you a little too young to hear the whole story?"
"I'm an alicorn now", responded Apple Bloom with impatience, "ah am not too young for anything."
"You're too cute", said Tirek, "can you pull a tree from the ground without using your fancy alicorn magic?"
"Can you?"
"You do have a lot of your mother in you, full of sass."
"So, are you going to tell me or not?"
"Very well. I suppose I owe you an explanation on the story of how you were born."
Equestria had come a long way from a thousand years ago. The three races of ponies used to hate each other, now they lived in harmony. This sense of harmony was the most clear in Ponyville, the model of modern Equestria. This was why Tirek chose to hide out in Ponyville. He wanted to learn about the customs of modern-day ponies to learn how to best destroy them.
Tirek built a cottage near Everfree Forest where he lived. His biggest problem was figuring out how to get the animals away from him. He didn't want to harm them but he was forced to kill one of the rabbits when it intruded on his property. The animals quickly got the message after that and never visited Tirek again.
Tirek had one regret after all of these years...he never had any children. He had a strong sexual drive and many partners in the past, but he made sure that none of them had his children. If a mare got pregnant, he needed to either force her to abort the baby or kill the mare himself. Tirek had to take both routes. However, Tirek wanted that child. He felt that he was close to death and wanted his genes to survive. Tirek needed a suitable partner..a bad partner could make his child useless and weak like every pony else. He needed a son or a daughter like him.
Tirek put on a cloak which made him invisible and headed to the town square to find that wife, but what Tirek was looking for was at Sweet Apple Acres.
Tirek saw two earth ponies on the farm: a stallion and a mare. The stallion was a tall and muscular orange-colored pony who wore a straw hat. He looked like a pony well-suited for farm work. He had a large red apple as a cutie mark.
The mare was dainty in comparison. She was a yellow-colored mare with a slight figure, one who didn't seem as well-suited for farm work. Her cutie mark was that of a cherry blossom.
"Mah dear", said the stallion, "the only way you're going to get good at helping for the harvest is getting out there and do it."
"But Appleseed, I can't be as productive as you. Not all of us were blessed with your farmpony genes."
"There you go with your science-y talk, Cherry Blossom, you're an Apple now. You have bore two healthy and strong foals. Now you need to help with the harvest."
"I can do the best I can and that's all I'll do."
"It better be your best. Now get to work!"
Tirek watched as Cherry Blossom and Appleseed walked over to apple trees to buck apples. Appleseed gave the tree one powerful kick and all of the apples came down. Cherry Blossom tried kicking the tree but only sprained her ankle in the process.
"Oww", groaned Cherry Blossom.
"You're doing it all wrong", said Appleseed angrily, "how useless are you?"
"I'm not useless at all", responded Cherry Blossom with equal anger, "the only mistake I made was moving out of Manehattan to live with you. You're going to turn our children into brain-dead farmers like you."
Cherry Blossom hobbled away from Sweet Apple Acres with tears in her eyes.
"She'll be back", mumbled Appleseed. He continued his farmwork.
Perhaps that mare wasn't a bad match for Tirek, he could probably manipulate her to betray her husband. They wouldn't have a dull-minded farm pony, that was for sure.
Tirek followed Cherry Blossom. She was crying. Was her husband always so uncaring? It didn't matter. Tirek was good at pretending he was caring.
Tirek took off the cloak and said softly, "don't cry, my lady."
Cherry Blossom turned around slowly and them couldn't turn away.
"I am Tirek, a friend. Why do you cry? The world is a beautiful place."
"You won't want to hear. It's stupid."
"I doubt it. You don't seem like a stupid mare."
"I'm tired of fighting with my husband all the time. He brought me to this farm and... I love him but..it's too much for me and he doesn't realize it."
"A beautiful mare like you shouldn't be wrecking your body with such work anyway."
"Do you really think I'm beautiful?"
"Of course I do." That wasn't a lie.
"What are you anyway? A centaur?"
"Yes I am. Ah, a well-educated mare, I love it."
Cherry Blossom smiled at Tirek. Yes, thought Tirek, he was winning over the young mother.
"It looks like you got hurt. Farmwork?"
"Yes and he didn't care."
"You're lucky that I do care. Let's go to my cottage. I know a spell to heal up that sprained ankle nicely."
"Thank you. You're a sweetheart."
Tirek carried Cherry Blossom to the cottage and healed her ankle.
One thing led to another. Tirek and Cherry Blossom were in bed together. After that, Cherry Blossom bid Tirek farewell.
"What happened after that", asked Apple Bloom.
"You were born. I knew I chose wisely. You look like your mother but you are more like me in so many ways."
"I would have told you to fuck off if you snuck up on me like that."
"Not surprised, alicorn Apple Bloom."
"So, you told me before that she chose Appleseed over you..tell me more about it."
"Very well..."
Tirek never knew he was capable of falling in love, but it happened. He had become obsessed with Cherry Blossom. He had spied on her many times after that and learned that she was pregnant again. Appleseed was proud of his wife for bearing another child. Incredibly proud..little did he know that the baby wasn't his.
Tirek left a message for Cherry Blossom : "Meet me by the cottage". That was all he could do. Either she would show up or not.
It was late at night. Tirek was ready to go to sleep but he heard a knock. He rushed to the door and saw it was Cherry Blossom.
"I'm having your kid", said Cherry Blossom, "I haven't had sex with my husband in two years."
"Congratulations", responded Tirek with a smile.
"What if the baby comes out looking like you, he'll know,something is wrong. Every pony will."
"Centaurs, especially me, have great magic. I promise you that your baby will look like a pony. If it doesn't, you can kill me."
"I trust you. I do. It's just that we can't be seeing each other."
"Oh."
"I like you a lot. You are better than Appleseed in a lot of ways but I can't destroy the family."
Tirek looked sad but then said, "I understand, but this child is going to be different than your other ones. It will look pony but it will be much like me."
"Then a piece of you will always be with me."
"I love you, Cherry Blossom."
"I love you too."
The two kissed. Cherry Blossom ran off.
Tirek wasn't sure how Apple Bloom would react to the fact that he was responsible for the timberwolves who killed her parents, so,he decided to leave that information out. He never wanted to kill Cherry Blossom. Appleseed was the only target but she had to fight the goddamn wolves and they fought back, tearing her up to shreds.
"I wish I knew my mom, she sounds like a good mare", said Apple Bloom.
"I wish you knew her too", responded Tirek. That wasn't a lie.
Zecora figured it was worth a try, perhaps the prophecy was wrong. She prepared the brew again in the comfort of her hut. The only to save Equestria was to bring Princess Celestia back to life. Celestia would bring hope to the defeated citizens of Equestria.
Once the brew was ready, Zecora said "Princess Celestia". She waited for ten minutes, but Celestia did not appear. Zecora sighed. The only way that Celestia would be brought back to life was to kill one of the four which were resurrected.
Who should be killed? Zecora wondered if a pony was already taking matters into his or her own hooves.
A pony certainly was. Twilight Sparkle had captured Gilda while the griffon was on patrol looking for suspicious activity. Twilight stunned Gilda with a spell and dragged her to the Everfree Forest. Gilda needed to die.. for Princess Celestia. Better Gilda dead than one of the other three. Gilda wasn't even that nice of a griffon.
"Our leader, Apple Bloom, will destroy you", snarled Gilda, "she certainly will." Twilight looked down at the stunned Gilda with a look of anger and duty. Twilight had an axe hovering over Gilda's head. Twilight wanted Gilda dead for the chance to bring Celestia back to life and nothing else. Twilight was preparing to bring the axe down but suddenly..
"Stop this madness right now", shouted a pony behind Twilight.
Gilda smiled. She saw that the alicorn, Apple Bloom, was behind Twilight. Twilight was amazed at how Apple Bloom looked now. She was much taller now, even taller than Twilight. Twilight shuddered. Apple Bloom's magical abilities were probably stronger than her own. Apple Bloom also looked older. She still had the red bow, but she didn't look much like a filly anymore. Apple Bloom was an alicorn now.
"Perhaps, ah should take your magic away, Ms. Twilight", said Apple Bloom, "you certainly don't appear to be using it for good."
"You're a monster", growled Twilight, "you put me into this predicament."
"Hmmm, ah think ah figured out why you're doing this to poor Gilda", said Apple Bloom, "why hasn't Princess Celestia been risen to the dead? That's been on my mind since I learned that some were resurrected. I don't know exactly how you brought these four back to life, but ah figured that there was a limit to the resurrection spell. Otherwise, you would have brought all of my victims back to life. Twilight, you think you are so goddamn smart. You are, but I'm just a little smarter."
Apple Bloom used the stun spell on Twilight who fell to the ground.
"First, I'll take your magic", said Apple Bloom, "all of it for me. Tirek taught me how to sap away the magic."
Twilight couldn't move. She could only watch what was happening to her. She could also hear the gleeful laughter from Gilda who had avoided death, thanks to the sociopathic alicorn. Funny thing to think, huh? Apple Bloom huffed and puffed, causing a mist to emit from her body. The mist landed on Twilight, sapping away her magic. Twilight shrunk in size and her wings disappeared.
"Last but not least, it's time for you to die."
Apple Bloom took the axe and brought it down right onto Twilight's neck. Apple Bloom didn't miss her target.
Apple Bloom sent a decree to the citizens of Equestria.
"My subjects, ah have decided to designate four honorable ones as protected citizens. They cannot be killed by anyone, including myself. I am pleased to announce that the protected citizens are Spike the Dragon, Gilda the Griffon, Silver Spoon, and Cerberus. Anyone caught killing or attempting to kill any of these four will be murdered instantly.
"Ah have the head of the former Princess Twilight Sparkle right here. She took every measure to ensure that her attempted murder of Gilda was done in secret, but I still found her. Twilight stunned Gilda and brought her to the Everfree Forest to kill her in cold blood. Let this be a warning to the rest of you. I am the most powerful pony in all of Equestria. No one can doublecross me."
Zecora shook her head. Perhaps, it was impossible to defeat Apple Bloom. Twilight tried and lost her head. Zecora began to cry upon seeing Apple Bloom holding Twilight's severed head. She could barely believe what was happening. Apple Bloom seemed so good-natured and kind. She was incredibly bright and curious about the world around her. Wasn't she one simply a filly eager to get her cutie mark? But as all knew now, Apple Bloom did get her cutie mark - it was one of evil. There had to be something which could be done to defeat Apple Bloom.. thought Zecora optimistically.. Zecora just had no idea what that was yet.
Tirek was overjoyed when he saw Twilight's severed head. It was currently resting in a wicker basket. Apple Bloom was certainly his daughter. He was afraid that Cherry Blossom's choice to stay with those farmers would have made Apple Bloom dull, but rather she was an unexpected force of destruction. No pony saw it coming.
"I am proud of you", said Tirek to his daughter.
"They are all fools. Twilight thought she could outwit us so damn easy. It's kind of funny."
"They're desperate. All of them. The only emotion any pony can feel now is fear."
"Why didn't they just let me do what I was originally doing? I was killing the undesirable and the worthless. I was making Equestria a better place. If they didn't lock me up in Tartarus, ah would have never become an alicorn since ah would have never met you."
"You're now helping them under your rule. Princess Twilight learned that sometimes killing is necessary - too bad, she got killed in the process."
"The only thing every pony should learn is that ah always get what ah want."
"As long as I get what I want."
"What if what we want is different?"
"Let's hope that isn't the case."
Apple Bloom shuddered. Despite all of her underhanded tactics which led her to defeat so many ponies, Tirek was a powerful centaur with alicorn magic. He could rip Apple Bloom in half without having to steal her magic. Tirek could kill Apple Bloom if he felt it was necessary.
Tirek didn't want to mess with his daughter too much. She was a clever sociopath. She was probably making a list of Tirek's weaknesses: particularly his temper and his uncontrollable lust of power. They were both things the alicorn filly could use against him. Apple Bloom would have killed Tirek, if she felt it was necessary.
Spike cried and cried when he saw Twilight's severed head. He felt responsible for her death. Spike should have just stayed dead. He hated himself. Spike felt utterly useless. He heard Apple Bloom's message. Any pony caught trying to kill him would be killed by her.
If the careful and strategic-minded Twilight couldn't escape Apple Bloom's watch, no pony could. Spike wouldn't be killed as long as Apple Bloom forbade it.
In normal circumstances, Spike would have been grateful that he was protected from murder. However, this was a monster who didn't care at all about him. A monster who would rather have him alive than Princess Celestia or even Princess Twilight...this gave Spike an idea, there was something he needed to do.
Zecora knew there had to be some sort of spell out there, something that could bring more back to life than four. She looked through book after book, trying to see if there was another spell which could help Zecora find the one she needed. Perhaps, she could become Equestria's resident resurrector. Yes, she could. But when something seemed to good to be true, it really was.. but trying to find the improbable was better than resigning to the reign of the Black Apple.
Zecora heard a knock on the door. She wondered if Apple Bloom knew what she was up to. Zecora wouldn't be surprised. The little alicorn filly seemed to know everything. Zecora cautiously approached the door, but then she heard a familiar voice, "Zecora, we need to talk."
Spike? Oh, he must have been incredibly heartbroken over the death of Twilight... poor little guy.
Zecora opened the door and saw that Spike was at the door, holding a gun.
"What are you doing", asked Zecora.
"I am going to bring Twilight back to life", said Spike with tears in his eyes, "I need to do this."
"You may not need to", said Zecora, "I am trying to see if I can expand the spell's reach. Maybe more can be brought back to life than four."
"Maybe you can bring me back to life if you figure it out, but for now, better Twilight than me."
"Are your sure you want to do this?"
"Yes", responded Spike, "I am sure. Without Twilight, I would have been nothing. She helped me through everything. She deserves life and I deserve death."
"What if I choose to bring Celestia back to life instead of Twilight?"
"That's a risk I am willing to take."
Spike put the gun to his head and pulled the trigger.
The baby dragon died a second time.
Zecora sighed. If she was a better zebra, she would have done more to stop Spike from killing himself. However, this is what he wanted.
Zecora wanted to bring Princess Celestia back to life, but she couldn't let Spike die in vain like he did. Twilight was extraordinary in so many ways. She might have failed in defeating Apple Bloom, but perhaps she could succeed when resurrected from the dead.
Zecora prepared the resurrection brew and said, "Twilight Sparkle."
Apple Bloom flew around her castle without a care in the world. She was the best pony to ever exist. As long as she and her father cooperated with one another, there would be nothing to stop them from ruling Equestria with an iron hoof. This was certainly survival of the fittest, the way the world was meant to be.
One sight would change that sense of complacency. Apple Bloom noticed that the severed head of Twilight had gone missing.
Where the hell was Twilight's head, thought Apple Bloom. She needed to know. Perhaps, Tirek took it.
Apple Bloom rushed outside and saw that Tirek was still working on the wall.
"Daddy", shouted Apple Bloom, "did you take Twilight's head?"
"It has gone missing?"
"Yes it has. So, you didn't take it."
"No."
"Something happened. Ah don't think I'm going to like the answer."
"When you have the power, my daughter, you also need to be on guard every second."
"How the hell? Who would have gotten away with murder? Ah would have noticed.. unless... oh shit, do you think?"
"Do I think what?"
"Suicide. One of those four might have killed themselves to resurrect Twilight.. and I think I know who it was."
"Spike", responded Tirek with a chuckle.
"That little piece of shit. I give him protection and this is how he repays me!?!?!? I'm sure it was him."
"So, you know this means Twilight will have to stay alive."
"Ugh", groaned Apple Bloom, "how.. could... I... have not thought about that?"
"Relax", said Tirek softly, "you will figure out a way."
"I can't exactly ban suicide. What sort of punishment do I give a pony who kills himself or herself?"
"Who brought them back to life anyway?"
"Ah am sure it was Zecora. She always has this crazy voodoo magic to do crazy stuff.. like bringing ponies to life."
"You know what you must do."
"Eeyup, destroy any trace of the spell and then kill Zecora."
"Exactly, get to work."
"Ah wish I could use Gilda, but she could be killed. That would be bring Celestia back to life."
"You may be a princess, but never be afraid to do your own dirty work."
"That is my only option, isn't it?"
Twilight opened her eyes. What the hell happened? Why was she in Zecora's hut? Twilight saw a bodybag. It looked small, like that a baby dragon could fit in it.. oh no. Twilight shrieked.
Zecora approached Twilight and said, "Welcome back to Equestria."
"I died?"
"Yes, you did and.."
"Spike.. why did you? Oh no.... why Spike?"
"Spike couldn't live without you, that's what he told me. He then shot himself in the head.."
"And you didn't stop him!?!?!?!"
"I tried, but Spike really believed in this. You should have seen him. If I stopped Spike from killing himself in my hut, he would have killed himself elsewhere."
"So, how did I die?"
"Oh, it was brutal. In trying to bring Celestia back to life, you took Gilda to the Everfree Forest to kill her. You were going to chop her head off, but Apple Bloom found out. Bloom chopped your head off instead."
Zecora saw Twilight wince, but Twilight would have eventually heard about her decapitation.
"That would be really creepy if my head is somewhere."
"I don't think so", said Zecora, "the spell is designed to bring a pony back to life in a pre-death state. Hence, why you have no memories of your death."
"That's something I suppose I am glad I can't remember. What the hell are we going to do? Apple Bloom is far too strong. Nothing can stop her."
"She has gotten even worse since Tirek joined her."
"The creep is her father, can't you believe that?"
"It does make sense. Have you ever heard the tale of the black apple?"
"Applejack mentioned it to me once.. that reminds me, poor Granny. She was old, but she shouldn't have died the way she did."
"What was the ending of the tale?"
"The poison was sapped away from the black apple, turning it into a red apple."
"Perhaps we can do that for Apple Bloom."
"Apple Bloom doesn't deserve such a happy ending, look at all of the destruction she has caused."
"The story is a sign. Apple Bloom can be turned good again."
"That is human shit", grumbled Twilight, "in fact, I have another analogy from the story that shoots what you're saying down."
"What is that?"
"The tree that grew the apples. It needed to be chopped down."
"Isn't that Tirek?"
"Both of them need to be destroyed."
"Apple Bloom is always ten steps ahead of the rest of us. I don't see how we can destroy her. You probably have an easier time destroying Tirek."
"Zecora, I don't believe you. It sounds like you're giving up, because it's too hard."
"It's impossible as far as I'm concerned, Twilight Sparkle. You tried to kill Gilda in secret to save Celestia. Apple Bloom figured out what you were doing instantly. She has far too many powers. Any pony who tries to destroy her will be destroyed instead. Whoever touched the black apple was killed, the apple needed to trust the cleansing which made it good."
"There has to be something. I was able to defeat Tirek when he was at his strongest that one time. There has to be a way to defeat Apple Bloom and Tirek."
"Good luck, Twilight. If you die again, I will not bring you back to life."
"I agree, please bring back Celestia or Spike instead."
"Good."
Twilight left Zecora's hut.
Apple Bloom flew to Zecora's hut. Now was the time to destroy the zebra and her brew. Her method of murder would be most symbolic. She planned to use the Apple Boom. It was much like Rainbow Dash's sonic rainboom or Twilight's alicorn boom. It was one which would land right on Zecora's hut and set it ablaze. Such a boom was traditionally considered an act of bravery and heroism. This boom would be one which simply sought to keep Apple Bloom the killing machine she wanted to be.
Apple Bloom flew high up in the air and dashed downwards. Any pony who saw her fly downwards would see that only darkness emitted from her body. The alicorn filly let the boom be created as she approached the roof of Zecora's hut. It set the hut on fire as predicted. Where was Zecora and her stupid brew now? Surely, the resurrection brew would be vanquished as well as Zecora.
The hut was destroyed but much to Apple Bloom's anger...
"Apple Bloom, daughter of Cherry Blossom and Tirek. You may have destroyed my home and my brews, but you have not destroyed my memories."
Zecora vanished into thin air.
"Fucking zebra", screamed Apple Bloom, "come back here and obey your queen!" Zecora did not return. Who the hell did she think she was? Zecora was so dead... If there was ever a time to panic, it was now. She needed some advice from her daddy on what to do. Apple Bloom flew back to her castle.
Apple Bloom flew as fast as she could back to the castle, but she suddenly lost control over her wings. Was she falling? Oh no.. what was happening? The alicorn filly was knocked out.
She opened her eyes and saw that she was in Zecora's hut. Wait what? Didn't she destroy that flimsy thing?
"Hello, Apple Bloom", said Zecora softly, "you have done many things."
"Haven't we all?"
"Do you like my new home?"
"Fuck you. I hate it."
"So much hate and so much anger. What is wrong, my little prodigy?"
Apple Bloom couldn't move. She was stuck listening to Zecora. The filly had used Zecora as a mentor to learn the art of potion/poison making, but school was over.. the world was now that of Apple Bloom.
"You are in so much trouble", said Apple Bloom, "my loyal subjects will come after you and save me."
"You really think so?"
"They obey me. They have seen the consequences of disobeying me."
"Do they do it out of love or out of fear?"
"As far as ah'm concerned, it's better to be feared than loved."
"I see", said Zecora, "what about those of us who neither fear nor love you?"
"You're a hard-headed zebra, aren't you? Look.. I know you live in the Everfree Forest and shit like that and so that makes you think you're above my rule..but you know something, you're not. You still must obey me."
"Kill me now."
"Smartass", snarled Apple Bloom, "you know very well that ah..."
"I see. The reason why I brought you here is something most important. Drink this."
Apple Bloom saw the clear white liquid.
"What? Is this milk", spat Apple Bloom.
"Drink", said Zecora, "I promise you will benefit from the knowledge."
"Why should ah trust you?"
"I value my own self-preservation", said Zecora, "alas, if I were to kill you, every pony who obeys you would stop by wanting to bludgeon me to death. You will live, I promise."
Apple Bloom groaned. She saw the glass over by her face. She couldn't move her body, but she picked up the bottle with her teeth and took a sip.
The sky looked brighter. The sun was shining with confidence. This was certainly something which had never happened during Bloom's reign. Apple Bloom scanned her environment. She must be near Sweet Apple Acres. Her old home... the home which tried to make her a different pony. Apple Bloom couldn't believe what she saw next. Were those her parents? She remembered them mostly from pictures. There they were. Appleseed and Chery Blossom. The two of them were walking across the fields, pushing the carriage with a baby inside. Apple Bloom could only see a little red bow sticking out. Holy shit!?!? Did Zecora take her to the past? Why?
Apple Bloom could only watch. Cherry Blossom began to sing a soft lullaby to the baby. The song was so sweet and harmonic. Apple Bloom shook those feelings away. She was beyond such softness. She had all of Equestria and every pony else was simply looking to take her down. Apple Bloom's parents walked out of Bloom's line of vision.
Suddenly, the sky grew darker. She saw Tirek in his smaller and more craven-looking form. Tirek, her real father. He appeared to be spying on the two earth ponies. Apple Bloom could feel the jealousy inside Tirek. He wanted Cherry Blossom and his daughter. He hated Appleseed. It was clear as night and day to the alicorn filly that was the case.
Suddenly, Tirek whistled. Three large timberwolves appeared.
"My friends, I want you to kill that stallion who just passed by. Do it swiftly."
The wolves snarled and ran towards them.
Tirek... could he? Was it his fault? No.. it was simply a magic trick by stupid Zecora.
Apple Bloom found she could move again. She followed the wolves.
She followed them to the edge of the Everfree Forest. The timberwolves had attacked Appleseed. The stallion tried to fight back, but it was three against one. He was killed quickly.
"No!!!", cried Cherry Blossom, "how could you do this to my one true love!?!?! Tirek, you think this will make me love you more.. but it does the opposite. I hate you. I know you sent these wolves to kill my husband. I hate you and I will teach my daughter to hate you just as much."
Suddenly, Tirek appeared right behind the timberwolves. He was wearing an invisibility cloak, but Apple Bloom could somehow see him. Tirek whistled softly and the wolves lunged after Cherry Blossom. They tore her apart even quicker than they did Appleseed. The wolves began to run away, but a gun went off.
There was Granny Smith. "No dang wolves getting in my backyard."
Tirek and the wolves ran away.
Granny then ran over to the dead bodies. She began to cry. Her only son and his wife were both murdered by such horrible beasts. The baby Apple Bloom was also crying inside the carriage. Granny had picked her up and cooed, "my little sugarcube, I promise I'll take good care of you." It was a sad day for the whole Apple family over the deaths of Appleseed and Cherry Blossom. Amazingly enough, Apple Bloom was unharmed. Probably, because she was in the carriage and the wolves didn't see her. That was what they always thought.. but it must have been because of Tirek.
Granny had shown more love for Apple Bloom than Tirek ever did, as did her dead parents... perhaps, the alicorn filly did do something wrong.
Apple Bloom woke up, shocked at all of this. It was Tirek who had killed both of her parents in cold blood. Tirek did not even care to take Apple Bloom into his care. No..no... her mom and sort-of-dad were morons for going against the will of someone as strong, smart, and charismatic as Tirek. Tirek was great. He was the best dad a filly could have. Everything he did was for his daughter, including the murder of Appleseed and Cherry Blossom. No, that didn't seem right.. it didn't even make sense. Was Bloom going crazy?
"So, what did you think", asked Zecora.
"Ah can't believe that my mom was dumb enough to choose Appleseed over Tirek. Ah can't believe it."
"Did Tirek show any signs that he loved you?"
"No, but he doesn't have to. He's helped me enough. Hell, he could have killed me too."
"What about your parents? Did they show signs that they loved you?"
"I know.. it's something I...oh my gosh", said Apple Bloom with tears streaming down her face. She had hit the point of no return a while ago. Damn Zecora. She was always looking to mess around with ponies. Apple Bloom had felt like a pawn of Tirek, but no.. her father did love her. He did. He must have had good reasons for killing her mother. He must have, right? No, he didn't. All Apple Bloom saw was a jealous centaur, one who had wanted a mare who didn't want him. It seemed so petty. Apple Bloom was confused.
Zecora looked at Apple Bloom with sympathy. Perhaps, she was sapping the evil away from the filly.. or this could all be an act on Apple Bloom's part.
"Ah... err... need to talk to Tirek first. Get my dad's side of the story."
"Why should I let you go?"
"Ah will kill you otherwise. Please.. I just think that.. oh my gosh.. did my parents really die because Tirek was jealous?"
"I notice that you are referring to Appleseed as one of your parents."
"I don't know.. I guess I thought he was my real dad for al of these years.. it just kinda sticks..."
"I understand. I will not stop you from leaving."
"Thank you Zecora."
Apple Bloom flew away. This time, she was going to find out exactly what Tirek had done the night her parents were killed. Zecora could be simply creating lies to try to get the alicorn filly to turn on him.
Only now was Twilight Sparkle realizing how much more inconvenient life was without wings. The unicorn scowled. She would never be able to defeat the alicorn Apple Bloom and the demon Tirek with force. Never... She felt so brave telling Zecora that she would do everything she could to beat them, but what if she did that and it was simply not enough. Such a father-daughter team would be all but impossible to even throw a punch. Why did Spike die for her anyway? There was nothing she could do to save the world, especially with Celestia dead. Twilight gritted her teeth. Spike should have brought Celestia back to life instead.
Twilight thought through the four who could be killed to save Celestia: Gilda, Silver Spoon, Cerberus, and herself. Twilight shuddered. The answer was obvious. She should do exactly what Spike did. Tell Zecora that she planned to kill herself to save Celestia. Yes, that was the only way to bring hope back to the citizens of Equestria.
Twilight ran back towards Zecora's hut, but then she heard a voice, "My my, it is a miracle, ain't it." Twilight turned around and saw Applejack.
"Welcome back, Twi", said Applejack with a smile.
"I missed you too, AJ", responded Twilight.
"Things are finally looking better, now that you're back."
"But I don't have my wings?"
"Wings? You don't need those.. you never needed them. Twi, you're the smartest pony I know."
"What about your sister?"
"Her? She's no pony. She's a monster."
"I would do anything to see the sun rise again. Maybe you can talk to your monster sister about it."
"Naw, she sees me and Big Mac as having bad blood and not worthy."
"Huh? Oh right, your father."
"Eeyup. He was the hardest-working pony I've ever known. Cared a whole lot for his family, including the daughter he thought was his. Ah wish ah could have seen the signs."
"I don't think any of us could have, AJ", said Twilight kindly, "she was the perfect filly in so many ways."
"Yea, she sure was. Smart as a whip, strong as a horse, charming as a Canterlot wedding. But she wouldn't have gotten even a tenth as far as she has gotten if she wasn't like any of those things. What did I do wrong as a sister, Twi? Please tell me. You have all the answers."
"Nothing", said Twilight, "please don't be so hard on yourself."
"Granny's dead."
"Oh no.. I'm.. I... I... am... so sorry."
"She got sick after learning that Apple Bloom was responsible for all the murders.. but at least..."
"At least what?"
"At least she died knowing that she didn't have any blood relation to that sociopath... ah do. Ah'm her half-sister, like it or not. So does Big Macintosh. So does... but mah mother was a sweet mare. She was kind of shy and sensitive. Raised in Manehattan. Tirek took advantage of her. Ah never heard this from my mom, but I am positive that Tirek raped her to create Apple Bloom."
"You don't have the bad genes and neither does your brother. I never knew your mom, but I am sure she was a great mare."
"She sure was."
Twilight and Applejack embraced in a hug.
Apple Bloom flew quickly to Tirek's castle. On her way there, she could see Twilight Sparkle and her sister embracing in a hug. How badly did Apple Bloom hurt her sister? She didn't murder her or ever desire to murder her, but she had probably ruined her sister's life through her actions. Applejack lacked the superior genes of Apple Bloom's father. That's how the two earth ponies were different. Apple Bloom shouldn't care about such an inferior being who used to parade around being her supervising older sister. Applejack surely deserved any sort of pain she got from whatever Apple Bloom did. Or was Applejack the lucky one? Applejack didn't have a power-hungry sociopath as a father. She had a honest and simple farmer instead. Apple Bloom was the one with the power-hungry sociopath who likely killed both Bloom's mother and her husband. All because Tirek couldn't have the mare he loved... seemed so petty. If Tirek killed them both, he didn't do it from a position of strength. Just thinking about it made Apple Bloom disgusted. Was she capable of such petty weakness herself? Apple Bloom needed to talk to Tirek and find out exactly what happened. From there, she would decide whether Tirek was worth keeping around.
When Apple Bloom got to her castle, she saw that her dad was almost done building the wall which would protect them. Maybe her dad wasn't a stupid farmer, but he was a hard worker. He may have done some horrible things, but he was useful for the present and the future.
"Is it done", asked Tirek.
Apple Bloom shook her head.
"What happened?"
"That fucking zebra tricked me."
"That's disappointing."
"Ah am not perfect."
"Lesson learned, correct?"
"Yes.
"Good. You will get her next time."
"I'm not so good when they expect me."
"What else did Zecora do?"
"She showed me a vision of the past."
"Can you prove it was a real vision of the past?"
"I can't."
"What was it?"
"Ah saw you kill Appleseed and then you killed my mother."
Apple Bloom saw Tirek's patriarchal and confident posture weaken a little bit. It didn't matter what Tirek said next. She knew that he did it.
"I can't lie to you, Apple Bloom", said Tirek, "I was responsible for their deaths."
"The timberwolves", whispered Apple Bloom, "they were yours."
"Yes, but please let me explain myself."
"If it's like what Zecora's vision showed me, it seemed awfully pathetic why you did it."
"I was in love."
Apple Bloom laughed. She couldn't believe that Tirek actually knew what love felt like.
"I loved your mother", continued Tirek, "I regret killing her every day. Appleseed, I intended to kill. Your mom, that was a moment where my jealous rage overtook me. She screamed out loud that she would never love me. She would never want to be mine, even though I gave her a blessing by bringing her you."
"You left me with those goddamned farmers", growled Apple Bloom, "I could at least have had my mom who I barely remember."
"I never said what I did was right", said Tirek, "I know I put you through a lot of pain, but haven't I made it up to you?"
"You have. I like the castle. If it wasn't for you, I would be rotting away in Tartarus."
"Zecora thinks you're weak. Show her you're not."
Apple Bloom looked at her muscle-bound and powerful father. He had regained his look of confidence. He seemed to know that his daughter would now do exactly what he wanted.
"I think I got a good study of Zecora and her habits when she paralyzed me to give me that stupid potion. Next time, I will kill Zecora and destroy any trace of the resurrection brew."
"Anyone else know about it besides Zecora?"
"Possibly Twilight, who, by the way, is no longer dead thanks to that fucking resurrection thing."
"You're a princess now, use that to your advantage."
Apple Bloom couldn't kill her father. She didn't know whether it was because she cared for him or that she was afraid of him. She killed those she had no reason to fear - the Snips and Snails of the world. Or even a Princess Celestia, who was so benevolent and naïve that she didn't expect to be killed in the way she was.
Apple Bloom might have been able to destroy Tirek. She hoped that she wouldn't regret choosing not to do so.
Apple Bloom delivered her latest message on television: "Citizens of Equestria. I, your leader, wish to speak to all of you. I would like to thank all of my loyal subjects who see that my reign is the best for Equestria. However, there are some terrible ones out there.. those who wish to destroy our lives and the peace ah have brought to all. To provide incentives for citizens to catch those who are evil, ah plan to give a hundred thousand bits to any pony who brings Zecora the zebra to me - dead or alive- whoever does it must bring her to me and you will get your reward. Thank you."
Apple Bloom smiled. Nothing like money to get ponies to do what you wanted.
Upon hearing Apple Bloom's decree, Gilda smiled to herself. This was going to be too damn easy. The griffon was going to be so goddamn rich.
Gilda flew into the Everfree Forest. If Zecora was in her hut, this would be extra easy - especially with the stun potion her almighty ruler had created. Pour it on the fucking zebra, thought Gilda.
She could see two creatures bickering amongst one another - two who were quite lame and loud. Gilda recognized them from afar. One of them was Trixie, a unicorn far too overconfident in her magic abilities, and the other was Iron Will, a minotaur far too overconfident in his persuasion abilities. Gilda was better than both of them in most areas of life. Were they trying for the reward too? Gilda figured it wouldn't be too hard to whack the both of them before going on her way to collect her deserved money.
Gilda flew down behind Trixie and Iron Will. She then roared loudly, causing the both of them to shut up. Trixie shrieked. Iron Will turned around.
"Iron Will knows who you are. Gilda, the failure of an assassin. Trixie, there is nothing to fear. It is only Gilda."
"The Great and Powerful Trixie was not scared, she was simply preparing for her acting gig when the even more great and powerful Apple Bloom provides her with a reward."
"Ugh, I can't believe I had to run into you two nitwits."
"You work for the Great and Powerful Apple Bloom, do you not", asked Trixie.
"I do", said Gilda with a grunt, "I know exactly where Zecora is."
"This is not fair", pouted Trixie, "the Great and Powerful Apple Bloom tells the great and Powerful Trixie that there is a reward to be have upon the capture of Zecora and her griffon lackey is going to take the reward."
"Iron Will has an idea", said Iron Will, "why don't the three of us split the reward of $100,000."
"$100,000 isn't divisible by three", said Gilda, "we should let Princess Apple Bloom decide how the reward is split up."
"Of course", said Trixie, "the all powerful and wise Apple Bloom would certainly come up with the most fair solution."
"Indeed", agreed Iron Will, "our leader is a one-of-a-kind genius. She will certainly make sure that we each get what we deserve."
Split the reward? Yea, right. Gilda would rip both of their hearts out as soon as they weren't expecting it. She might even be able to get the murder-happy Apple Bloom to kill both Trixie and Iron Will.
Gilda sprinted over to Zecora's hut with Trixie and Iron Will trying to keep up. Maybe one or both will die from exhaustion? Gilda took pride in her high level of physical fitness whether in the air or on the ground. She arrived and was surprised at what she saw. Zecora was standing in front of the hut with a smile on her face.
"My griffon friend, you certainly have reached the end", said Zecora, "I will save you the trouble from going into my room, you shall take me to Apple Bloom."
"I received an extra order of the princess", said Gilda, "all of your voodoo and witchcraft must be destroyed."
Zecora began to laugh and then said, "Let's go without a hitch, don't you want to be rich?"
Gilda snarled. She could perhaps make Trixie and Iron Will useful. The two finally arrived, each one panting with exhaustion.
"Dudes", said GIlda, "so, I have Zecora. I will take her back to Princess Apple Bloom and you two can go into Zecora's hut and make sure that all of her witchcraft is erased. It is dangerous and the Princess wants to see it gone."
"The Great and Powerful Trixie does not trust you!!"
"Apple Bloom is all-knowing and all-powerful", said Gilda, "she probably knows of your efforts already. If you do not receive any money, it is no fault of mine but our almighty leader."
"Ugh", groaned Trixie.
"Fine, Iron Will shall do what you ask, Gilda", said Iron Will, "but if you screw us over, I swear you are going to be in a world of pain from me."
Gilda did her best not to laugh at such ridiculousness. She could kill that overcompensating minotaur without even trying.
"C'mon Zecora", said GIlda, "we're going now."
"Yes yes."
Zecora and Gilda left the Everfree Forest to see their almighty ruler.
Trixie and Iron Will went inside Zecora's hut.
"Hmmph", complained Trixie, "the Great and Powerful Trixie does not think she has to do this."
"Iron Will knows that there are some things inside which are dangerous to our almighty ruler."
"Yes, but the griffon shall cheat the Great and Powerful Trixie out of her money."
"If you're so great and powerful, why don't you do something about it if that happens?"
"The Great and Powerful Trixie shall, she is simply disgusted with the griffon and her disrespect of such greatness."
Iron Will groaned.
The two searched the whole hut, but couldn't find anything.
Little did they know that Pinkie Pie had stopped by earlier to take all of Zecora's things and hid them in Sugarcube Corner.
Gilda didn't want to carry Zecora, so they had to walk the way there. Gilda was unnerved by Zecora's patience and lack of resistance. The zebra obviously had a trick under her sleeve, but if any pony could outwit Zecora, it was Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom would have some tricks under her own sleeve which would lead to a well-deserved death for Zecora.
"So, you are one of the four back from the dead? I am surprised that you want me dead."
"It doesn't matter. I have the trust and love of our almighty and benevolent ruler. That will be the thing which will save me from death."
"Are you sure? I mean..can you trust the unicorn and minotaur?"
"Of course not, but like I said..I have Apple Bloom to help me out."
Apple Bloom was ready for full domination. She would destroy any weaknesses. If she could kill Zecora, Equestria would be more likely to stay under her rule. Zecora always seemed to be a step ahead of Apple Bloom. Bloom actually regretted making the search and the reward so public. Zecora probably packed her bags and ran away by now.. but someone would have to find her eventually.. alive or dead.
Apple Bloom heard a knock on the door. She ran to get it and smiled when she saw that Gilda had Zecora.
"At your service", said Gilda with a bow.
Apple Bloom was happy to see that Zecora was now at her castle but the alicorn filly did notice that Zecora seemed too calm and unfazed. Zecora was always like that.. but that was because she had been prepared for Apple Bloom every time so far, this was probably one of those times.
"Gilda", said Apple Bloom with a grin, "ah knew ah could count on you. You shall be rewarded as promised."
"Thank you, my princess", responded Gilda, "I am honored to serve you."
"Were there any others who assisted you with the capture of Zecora?"
Gilda knew better not to lie.
"The Great and Powerful Trixie and Iron Will were both with me upon capture of Zecora, but neither one actually did anything useful to get her."
"I swear upon my pouch, this is something for which I can vouch", said Zecora.
"Hmmm", said Apple Bloom, "well, ah suppose that they don't deserve any money then."
"I have one reason to object", said Zecora, "they are your loyal subject."
"Ideally, everyone should be my loyal subject.. no matter what happens."
"You must be having a ball", said Zecora, "I have noticed Tirek is building the wall."
"It is to keep the undesirables away from my kingdom.. unless I desire to kill an undesirable of course."
"Of course", said Zecora, "you are as strong as a horse."
"Can you stop the rhyming shtick, please", said Apple Bloom with irritation, "it really annoys me. Ah have decided. Gilda gets 100% of the reward. The other two get nothing."
"Thank you", said Gilda with a bow, "may your reign be one of longevity and prosperity."
"It shall be", said Apple Bloom.
A giant sack of money appeared from thin air. One hundred thousand bits. All for Gilda. Gilda grinned and flew away with the sack.
"So, it is now you and me", said Apple Bloom, "you showed me some scary things back at your hut."
"Tirek? Oh yes, I have shown you the truth. Your father has done some awful things."
"I know.. but aren't I even worse?"
"You can still do the right thing."
"I am beyond that, Zecora."
"Your blood may have evil inside, but you are more than your blood. You can control your own destiny."
"Oh no", snarled Apple Bloom, "you want me to give up my power and let the fucking undesirables roam free again. You are disgusting, you know that."
"But you know what you're doing is hurting others?"
"Of course, but ah am an alicorn princess now. The end justifies the means."
"Just remember.. Tirek killed your mother in a fit of jealous rage. What would stop Tirek from doing the same to you?"
Apple Bloom sighed. She knew that Zecora was right about that, but was that a chance Apple Bloom should be willing to take?
"Daddy", shouted Apple Bloom.
Tirek appeared from outside and said, "yes, my Princess."
"Please take Zecora to the dungeon. She will stay there until ah decide her fate."
"Good filly", said Tirek, "you have kidnapped the one who has been making your life miserable. Always destroy those who opt to do such things."
Tirek picked up Zecora and took her to the dungeon which was in an underground cellar towards the back of the castle.
Apple Bloom facehoofed. How the hell could she let Zecora engage her in a conversation like this? But how could Apple Bloom trust Tirek? Would her own father try to kill her? Tirek killed somepony else he "loved". Apple Bloom was so confused. Did she even really want to be an alicorn ruling all of Equestria? It was what her father wanted for her.. Apple Bloom needed some time to reflect to figure out exactly what she wanted out of life.
Apple Bloom felt anger towards Zecora. The zebra was making her life so much more difficult than it needed to be. Apple Bloom was now the supreme ruler of Equestria. Every pony needed to do what she desired... no, every pony was too narrow... everyone needed to do what she desired. Zebras included. Also demon centaurs such as her father. The alicorn filly decided that she wouldn't let anyone get in her way. Zecora was locked up in the dungeon now. But could she forgive Tirek? Apple Bloom knew that Zecora was right about what Tirek had done. A part of Apple Bloom wanted to forgive Tirek since Cherry Blossom was such a fool for not adhering to Tirek's will. Tirek, Cherry Blossom, and Apple Bloom could have been a family - a family that could have brought Equestria to its knees years ago. However, what could happen to Apple Bloom if she chose to disobey her father? Would Tirek kill her too? Tirek was clever, powerful, and ruthless. He could kill his daughter, and he would be a tough kill himself. Apple Bloom wasn't one to bend to anyone's will. She was so confused.
Suddenly, Apple Bloom heard light-hearted but chilling laughter. She recognized that voice. Could it be? Anyone but him. The alicorn filly turned around and saw that there was Discord, the draconequs who was also the master of chaos. She groaned. Apple Bloom needed to create order, not chaos.
"Oh my, you have grown so much."
"Go away."
"Oh, I am hurt. I thought we were friends."
"Huh? Fuck no. Ah think ah never gave any bit of indication we were friends. Perhaps, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo did, but ah'm not exactly a Cutie Mark Crusader anymore."
"I can tell. I must admit though that your cutie mark does terrify me somewhat. I always thought the tall tales of earth ponies were the most real."
"The pegasi got their wings, the unicorns got their horns, we are grounded in reality."
"You are most fortunate. Now you have all three."
"How perceptive of you. How would you like to die? I could bring you to my daddy."
"I don't think I will be visiting Tirek today."
"I will bring him to you if you don't leave me the fuck alone. Don't you see ah'm deep in thought?"
"Yes. In fact, I am here to help."
"Your help won't do any good. Ah can handle this on my own."
"Oh, you underestimate me."
"I simply choose to ignore you", she said turning away.
"It appears you have lost sight of your vision. Tell me. Why did you kill Snails in the first place over a year ago at Froggy Bog Pond?"
Apple Bloom refused to give Discord any satisfaction, but Discord continued to talk.
"I think I know why. Didn't you want to make the world a better place? Didn't you want to get rid of all that was wrong in the world? Was power ever part of the equation for you, Apple Bloom? It certainly is part of your father's equation. The world is a darker place now. You wanted to get rid of those who are weak of mind and weak of heart. But now, Celestia is dead. Twilight is no longer an alicorn. Luna and Cadence are defenseless."
"Those around me rejected my vision", responded Apple Bloom angrily, "besides, the princesses were naïve. They would let the undesirables roam freely without any punishment. It is better if I rule. It's the only way my vision can truly come into reality."
Discord shuddered. Apple Bloom did have much of her father in her, but perhaps he could still help her. He hoped she had some of her mother in her. Perhaps, Discord could get Apple Bloom to trust him.
"Ooh", said Apple Bloom with a devilish grin, "did ah scare the almighty master of chaos?"
"Not at all. To the contrary, I think I have figured out what you really want. Is it the world we live in right now?"
"Once everyone does exactly what I say, the world will be a better place."
"Even Tirek?"
"Yea, even Tirek."
"How do you expect to accomplish that?"
"Tirek trusts my judgment and ideas."
"I thought so too once."
"Tirek is my daddy. He loves me."
"I hate to bring up such a sensitive subject, but do you know how your parents died?"
"My dad is still alive."
"You know what I mean."
Apple Bloom groaned.
Discord laughed to himself. This would work. The alicorn filly knew the true story and what Tirek had done.
"Do you think your father will let you accomplish your vision the way you want it?"
"Of course."
"I didn't realize Princess Celestia was such an undesirable."
"She enabled the undesirables."
"Who is safe under your reign?"
"Whoever lets me and Daddy rule the world."
"I certainly have no desire to stop you. I am simply asking questions."
"Your questions are annoying. You can stop them."
"Very well then. My last question is what will happen if your vision clashes with Tirek's?"
"I know exactly what you are trying to do, Discord. It isn't going to work on me. Ah have an off-the-charts IQ and know when somepony is trying to push me into a direction. You want me to kill Tirek, because he tricked you into helping him. I am not you, Discord. I am not a pawn of Tirek. Rather, I am the daughter of Tirek. My father has been selfless in his desire to help me be the best mare I can be."
Discord began to laugh hysterically. This draconequs is mad, thought Apple Bloom.
"Wow, I am amazed you can say that with a straight face. Tirek cares for nobody but himself. He treated me the same way he is treating you right now. Do I really have to spell it out to a mare with an off-the-charts IQ?"
"You're wrong, Discord. Get over it." Apple Bloom realized at that moment how cowardly she was. She wanted to kill Discord right there. The desire to see Discord lose his life was burning inside her. She couldn't take that action though. Someone like Discord doesn't survive as long as he did without knowing real well how to preserve one's self.
"Do you have any proof that I am wrong?"
"Do you have any proof that you are right?"
"I suppose time will tell on this one. If I am right, you have everything to lose."
"You're pathetic. You just keep on trying to mess with my head. I am sure it works wonderfully on lesser ponies, but you are talking to the supreme ruler of Equestria."
"I suppose I wasted my time."
"Yea, you did."
"Very well, I'll leave you to your royal duties." Discord vanished into thin air.
The alicorn filly sighed. She realized that she was so focused on what she wanted that she never took the time to really think about what Tirek wanted. Apple Bloom would never admit it to Discord, but her mind couldn't stop thinking about it. What were the odds Tirek would betray his own daughter? That would affect Apple Bloom's next plan of action greatly.
Tirek had finally completed the wall. It was an enormous, wooden fence which surrounded his castle. The centaur was close to complete domination over Equestria. Everyone would soon bow down to his will - there was only one challenge left in his way - his daughter, Apple Bloom. He needed his daughter to get to where he was now. Without Apple Bloom's rise to alicornhood, fear would not have been strong enough among the ponies for his reign. Apple Bloom was too much like Tirek though: both were brilliant and ruthless in pursuing their goals. The alicorn filly would never truly bow down to his will. Tirek needed to figure out what is best for him. Unlike the weaklings, Tirek could destroy his daughter if he wished to do so.
Tirek's thought was interrupted by a sweet yet oddly calculating, "Hi Daddy!"
Tirek saw Apple Bloom flying within his line of vision.
"My daughter, the wall is done."
"Perfect. We are on our way to a better world. Ah was thinking that we could implement a caste system in Equestria. Perhaps, give the ponies some tests and separate the desirables from the undesirables."
"Tests", scoffed Tirek, "you are a teacher's pet, just like your mother."
"Think about it."
"Apple Bloom, I am going to let you on a little secret. I think that there are many more undesirables out there than you could have imagined. Essentially, there is only one easy test that can be given. Are they my kin? If the answer is no, then that being is an undesirable."
"But according to that logic, you need to mate with an undesirable to create a desirable unless you wanna jump into incestuous territory."
"That is true. Your mother was an undesirable."
Apple Bloom scowled at Tirek and then said, "Ah disagree wholeheartedly with that."
"You didn't even know your mother for that long, I put a stop to that. You didn't know her like I did."
"Yes, and I should hate your guts for that!"
"Cherry Blossom was chosen by me for her good looks and her gullible personality... she thought I actually loved her - poor mare.. she only had partners who used her, but it was all worth it in the end. You look like a lot your mother, in fact, a part of me always feared that you would turn our more like her than me. I am glad that I was wrong."
"You're just saying all of that about her because she turned you down for Appleseed.. ah saw.."
"What? Zecora's voodoo magic. Her stuff is hogwash."
"It certainly isn't. What planet are you on? You know that ponies have been brought back to life because of her. In fact, Zecora taught me how to make potions, including the one which assisted us in murdering Celestia."
"I was correct to fuck an earth pony mare. They certainly are the most resourceful."
"Are you even listening to me?"
"I am. You have done incredible things. I am proud of you for bringing us this far, but, as your father, I order you to do what I ask of you for now on. If you do so, things will be good for both of us."
"I don't have my mother's 'gullible personality'", snarled Apple Bloom, "ah know when you say that, it only means that was is best for you."
"Think about all the ponies who have cased you harm. Don't you want to punish them? Don't you want to destroy them?"
"I do.. but.. not necessarily in the way we are doing it.."
"It's the only way, Bloom. You are young. I have been around for a long time. I know what works and what doesn't."
"This just seems kind of like what happened to the Crystal Empire a thousand years ago."
"I suppose it is similar", responded Tirek with a smile, "to me, that is a good thing."
"Okay, let's think through what could still destroy us."
"Bringing Celestia back to life."
"And when Gilda brought Zecora back, she couldn't get the resurrection spell away.. who knows where it is now? With that said, it's better that we have Zecora in our custody. Gilda did a fine job, but those two cronies of hers... I don't trust them. Greedy, egotistical, and dumb brutes...perhaps, they stole Zecora's work and are talking with somepony like that goddamn Twilight Sparkle and figuring out how to tweak it to destroy my work. Ah will tell Gilda to seize those two and bring them in to me."
"And kill them?"
"Most likely", responded Apple Bloom with a smile.
"You may not want to admit it, but I think your love of killing is stronger than your desire to improve the world."
"Perhaps, but ah can't go around following every desire I have."
"That is something from your farm pony training, take those useless beliefs out of your life."
"I don't know if you would like the result of that."
"Ho ho", laughed Tirek, "you think you could kill me."
"I know I could kill you. The only question is: do I want to kill you?"
"Sometimes, I am asking the same thing about you, if you want to know the truth."
"Like father, like daughter. Ah will go talk to Gilda and tell her to find those two idiots."
Apple Bloom flew off.
Tirek sighed. He couldn't believe it. He was actually feeling a little scared of this alicorn filly. If the two were to battle one another, who would win? Tirek had years and years of experience behind him, which gave Tirek a glorious advantage. However, Apple Bloom was an excellent reader of others and she had already figured out the centaur demon's weaknesses. Tirek decided that he needed to take the biggest risk in his life - he was going to attempt to take away Apple Bloom's alicorn magic.
The alicorn filly had a lot on her mind. Didn’t she truly have everything she ever wanted? Apple Bloom had either gotten rid of the undesirables or severely limited their impact on the world. She was now the most powerful being in Equestria – well, she was the second most powerful being in Equestria.
Apple Bloom had mixed feelings about her father, Tirek. She knew that he was a selfish and power-hungry monster. However, he also had helped her a lot. Bloom wondered perhaps her father was capable of caring for others – it just had to be the right others. Did Tirek care for her mother? And if so, how could have Tirek killed her? Would Tirek kill Apple Bloom if she defied him openly? Of course, there were important differences between Apple Bloom and her mother. Apple Bloom was an all-powerful alicorn with intellectual abilities that surpassed anypony. Apple Bloom inherited her father’s intellect. She inherited her father’s strengths and his weaknesses. Yes, the most important thing that separated her from Cherry Blossom was that she was Tirek’s biological daughter. The reason behind her existence was to help her maintain her father’s legacy if he were to die. He wouldn’t kill her. The question though, thought Apple Bloom, was would she kill him.
Behind Tirek’s powerful and action-oriented exterior was a centaur who was always in deep contemplation, he had gotten closer to exactly what he wanted in his entire life. Equestria was finally a beautiful place because he was its ruler… well, one of its rulers. Tirek’s daughter, Apple Bloom, had exceeded his expectations. Apple Bloom was as much centaur as she was pony. She knew instinctively that Equestria’s current setup wasn’t ideal for someone like her. Apple Bloom used that instinct to prepare a list of ponies who needed to die – those whose deaths would cause the world to improve. However, the fact that Apple Bloom could even think of differentiating between the good and bad ponies showed that she was as much pony as she was centaur.
The purpose of Tirek’s rule was to destroy ponies and not help them. His kind was mostly extinct… a thousand years ago… the ponies all acted kind and benevolent, but they used to be the savage barbarians. The centaurs were the ones with the advanced society. Ponies used to fight all the time and wage wars on one another for no reason. The centaurs were wiped out – simply because the wars had destroyed their small and insulated society. Tirek was the only one who was still alive. The only good thing that came about it was that Princess Celestia felt sorry that the centaurs were almost entirely killed during the Pony Wars, so she granted him immortality – so his kind wouldn’t go extinct. Tirek almost felt sorry that he had to kill Celestia. She wasn’t a savage like the other ponies – Celestia sincerely felt regret and sorrow after the genocide of Tirek’s kind. Celestia’s death was for his daughter. Apple Bloom was better fit to rule by his side.
With all of that, Apple Bloom had a mind of her own. Tirek knew that he would never be able to completely control his daughter. In the same way, that she would never be able to completely control him. Tirek hoped he wouldn’t have to kill his daughter. However, this dream was too strong for him. Some of the things his daughter said worried him. Apple Bloom might still have some loyalties to the ponies. She is part pony after all. However, her mother was weak – he deliberately picked a weak mare so that his daughter wouldn’t look up to her as a role model. He needed to be his daughter’s role model. Tirek knew that there was still some hope. Apple Bloom despised weakness and admired strength. She was still Tirek’s daughter – one that can’t be misguided due to years of living with dull-minded farmer ponies. He would talk to Apple Bloom right now.
Tirek shouted at the top of his voice, “APPLE BLOOM – COME HERE - MY DAUGHTER!!!”
His tiny alicorn daughter flew in that instant.
“Daddy, what is it?”
“I think we have been heading in the right direction, Apple Bloom. Together, we have achieved more than anyone has achieved in over one thousand years.”
“So, you look at the world outside our wall and see a better place.”
“A better place for us. I don’t think that the well-being of the ponies concerns me. Do you know the true story why no pony has ever seen a centaur before?”
“Ah.. I… heard that the centaurs went mostly extinct due to breeding problems.”
Tirek couldn’t help but smile. His daughter was working hard to rid herself of that “farmer pony” accent she was taught.
“That is incorrect. Pony propaganda at its most disgusting. I am the second-to-last centaur alive. My kind was wiped out when the three different races of ponies were fighting over every last stupid thing. We had the most advanced society in all of Equestria, but had a small population. Our village, Taurus, was unfortunately surrounded by various selfish tribes of ponies. They didn’t seek out to kill us. They ignored us and used our grounds as a fucking battlefield. Every centaur was killed – except me. Princess Celestia met with me after she unified and desavagized the ponies and granted me immortality – since she wanted to save face and not have to take responsibility for the destruction of the centaur race. However, I think Celestia was truly saddened by the destruction of my kind. She knew the great advances our society had made and that learning the “centaur way” would make the ponies better. In fact, Taurus became Canterlot.”
“I never knew that, Daddy, but it seems like that Celestia has some impressive accomplishments.”
“Yes, she did. Her intellect was so strong that I always wondered that she had centaur blood in her- Star Swirl the Bearded was half-centaur. No pony ever taught you that, I bet. Celestia is of no use to us though. Her love for the ponies – for everypony- was her greatest weakness. She knew what was lost when Taurus, our village, was destroyed. However, she didn’t do anything to punish those who were responsible for Taurus’ destruction. I did not desire for her to be killed. Celestia needed to die for our benefit.”
“I understand. I guess I’m the last of the centaurs.”
“Yes, you are, my sweet daughter. This will be a world where the ponies shall suffer – and do exactly what we want them to do. I think this is the world your centaur instincts were truly looking for.”
“But Daddy, I’m just as much pony as I am centaur. I have pony inclinations.”
“You need to destroy those inclinations. Ponies, on the whole, are a weak bunch. Celestia was strong of mind – but she was weak of heart. She actually thought her leadership would change the ponies around her. You can’t change savages – I am sure you have noticed how extraordinary you are compared to the ponies around you. The “cutie mark”, while a pony concept, reflects very much the talent of the pony- and yours, “the black apple”, shows that you are more like me than your mother. The black apple destroys apple farms – as you know, that is its meaning behind the folklore from your apple farmer kind.”
“Easier said than done”, responded Apple Bloom gloomily.
“You are my daughter”, said Tirek, “you can do anything that you want. I think the question is not in capability but in willingness. Are you willing to abandon the lies you were taught when you were Apple Bloom of Sweet Apple Acres?”
“Okay, daddy”, said Apple Bloom, “I get what you’re saying.. but I think we’re going to need more on our side than just you and me.”
“The griffons”, said Tirek, “are fond of what we are doing. You think any of them liked ponies? How about the changelings? Beings who were considered, at best, second-class citizens under Celestia’s rule will now be superior to ponies.”
“I know Gilda likes us because we pay her”, said Apple Bloom, “but do we have anyone that is truly loyal to us? Beings that will die for our cause.”
“It doesn’t matter”, said Tirek, “if we stay strong – most beings will be far too afraid to defy us. This has been a long time coming, Apple Bloom. I’ve been waiting over a thousand years. I will admit, at first, I didn’t pay too much attention when I heard that there was somebody quietly murdering ponies. However, I had heard about the tactics the murderer used. I admired what the murderer had done. Imagine my delight when I learned that it was you – an earth pony filly from an apple farm in Ponyville with dead parents – this brought my spirits up tremendously. I thought you were done for since you’d be raised by that senile Granny Smith, but you are my child.”
“My mom and ‘dad’ are dead because of you. I know I shouldn’t be mad at you for that, but I am. You killed them because you were jealous. You wanted to control my mom and she didn’t let you control her. I think that’s why you killed my parents.”
“The ponies have their purpose”, said Tirek matter-of-factly, “it was a mistake to kill Cherry Blossom. I admit that I sometimes have issues with anger. My power can be most dangerous. Like you, I am not particularly fond of weakness and seek to destroy it with my strength. Appleseed was a buffoon who wanted your mother to work in the fields until her body broke down from exhaustion. She was a city mare from Manehattan – not a strong and sturdy farmer. Appleseed was incapable of seeing the world from any perspective that wasn’t his own. You think I was horrible to your mother. Yes, I killed her and I am sorry for that. However, Appleseed was a monster to her. He would beat her if she defied him. She bore two idiot farmers from Appleseed and one future ruler of Equestria from me.”
“I saw visions from the past. My ‘daddy’ didn’t seem like a bad man. He just cared a lot about his farm. I grew up always making Sweet Apple Acres top priority. Plus, I don’t appreciate you talking about my siblings like that – they may be all about the farm, but they’re both really smart.”
“It’s okay to admit that your family has idiots. I had an idiot brother and I’m not ashamed of admitting it.”
“Because you truly don’t care about anyone except yourself.”
“After what you have done, do you really think anyone besides me cares for you?”
“Ummm.. I…ummmmm….”
“All the dead ponies who died directly and indirectly due to your actions, you think Applejack and Big Mac are going to welcome you back with open arms. Do you really think so? Their beloved Granny Smith, who isn’t your grandmother anyway, died because she was so heartbroken over what you did. Do you think those two brats you would run around with could forgive you? If I remember correctly, it was Sweetie Belle who turned you in so she wouldn’t get in trouble for whatever involvement you made her go through. We killed Scootaloo’s loser dad – a kill which I quite enjoyed for the record. Do you think you would be able to go back to school? You got rid of half of the fourth grade class thanks to your brilliant schemes. I know what you’re thinking, Bloom. However, you should keep in mind that no pony is going to forgive you. Things will never go back to once they were. The smartest thing you can do is to accept your new role in life and to live up to your potential. I didn’t make you kill most of those ponies, Bloom. You did that on your own and I’m proud of you.”
Light tears began to trickle down his daughter’s eyes. Yes, thought Tirek, the words were strong. However, he had to get rid of Bloom’s pony past. He knew that was what caused Apple Bloom to doubt her role in his.. he meant their master scheme.
“I know you’re right, Daddy”, said Apple Bloom with a sniffle, “and I’m sorry. It’s just I thought I wanted a world where my friends and family can live happily without the undesirables. But, I see now that perhaps they are all undesirable. They aren’t worth the trouble. They need our guidance and direction to make the world a better place.”
“The world will be a better place as long as they don’t disobey us, Bloom. I am approaching the end of my life soon. Once I die, I will expect you to continue my legacy. I will expect you to continue what I have started and to ensure that the world is the way it was always supposed to be. Your alicorn powers will make you long-lived.”
“I thought you said you were immortal.”
“Not entirely immortal as you saw with Princess Celestia”, said Tirek, “an immortal can be killed by another immortal – including by his own hand.”
“Hold on”, said Apple Bloom, “are you saying you’re going to kill yourself?”
“I want to eventually die”, said Tirek, “immortality is such a bore.”
“I don’t want to lose you, Daddy”, said Apple Bloom, “even you said, you’re all I have left.”
“I have spent a thousand years all alone and isolated. I will be kind though and wait until your pony instincts are gone. Ponies struggle with the concept of death and are terrified of it. Centaurs accept death as a normal part of life. With my training, you will become a centaur and only a centaur.”
“I understand”, said Apple Bloom, “I am fortunate to have such an intelligent father who can guide me through these changing times.”
“Good”, said Tirek, “now, we must prepare for Zecora’s execution. She’s a danger to our rule and must be stopped.”
“I agree, Daddy. I will make an announcement to Equestria that Zecora shall be killed. She isn’t going to give us any useful information anyway.”
“Unfortunately, she won’t. I hate that stupid potion she concocted. Now, we have to worry about the well-being of four undesirables. It makes me fucking sick.”
Apple Bloom had a decision to make. She knew that Tirek didn’t cause all of the destruction – however, he had committed horrible crimes to society. Apple Bloom wondered if she should kill her father. But was he right? Would Apple Bloom simply suffer from killing him and trying to bring society to what it once was? Apple Bloom had lost her advantage of being an “invisible killer”. Everypony knew now she was a murderer. Apple Bloom would only suffer if she tried to redeem herself. Her father was also the most powerful being in all of Equestria. He would be Bloom’s toughest opponent if she decided to kill him. For now, Apple Bloom needed to announce that Zecora was to be executed to her subjects.
Apple Bloom was getting ready to transmit the message. However, she heard a soft voice, “Apple Bloom… my blooming flower.. please listen to me. I think I can help.”
Apple Bloom turned around. She didn’t see any pony. She shrugged and figured it was her imagination.
Apple Bloom lit up her horn and began the process of transmitting the message, “Zecora to be executed tomorrow” to Equestria. However, she felt a tap on her shoulder.
Apple Bloom wanted to scream but she didn’t want to show any signs of fear. She turned around and saw a mare… one that had been in her visions before. It must have been a vision. The mare looked like a hologram. She didn’t look real. She looked like a ghost pony… bah… ghost ponies didn’t exist.
“Bloom, I know you must not think I’m real“, the mare spoke, “however, I am very much real. I have come back from my resting place to deliver some important messages to you. I am your mother and I love you very much.”
Apple Bloom was shocked at what she was seeing. This couldn't be her mother. Dead ponies don't come back to life. She looked like the gentle and petite mare which was in her visions - however, this was more likely a trick by Zecora or Discord.
"Zecora, I know this is your little trick. You think re-creating my mother is going to stop me from executing your cocky zebra ass? Well, you are wrong."
"Bloom, I know you're skeptical of whether I'm real or not but please listen to me. I am sorry that I could not be there to be your mother for most of your life."
"Why are you sorry? It wasn't your fault that you got killed."
"Oh but wasn't it my fault?"
"No. Ah know what happened. Daddy killed you."
"Yes, I suppose he did. But I defied your father and that's why I was killed. If I bended to his will, I wouldn't have died."
"But what kind of life is that? Being subservient to another being like Tirek would have done to you."
"What do you think of the lives of all the ponies living under your reign and Tirek's reign?"
Apple Bloom knew exactly what her "mother" was trying to do. She was sick of everyone trying to control her. She was sick of all the manipulation. This had to be Zecora.
"Zecora", said Apple Bloom, "I know you want me to give up my power. I know you want me to bring Celestia back to life. Ah am so awesome that I'm sure I could figure it out. The world isn't fair. Tirek may have not won Father of the Year but Apple Seed wasn't a saint either. He expected my mom, a city mare, to give up everything and become some low-level farmpony. Ah guess my mom was awfully weak. She probably only defied Tirek because Apple Seed manipulated her even more. My daddy loved her. And she was too stupid to see that Tirek had a superior genetic makeup to Apple Seed. Look at me. And look at Applejack and Big Mac."
"Superior genetic makeup", asked Cherry Blossom.
"Yeah. I said it. Watcha' gonna do about it? Ah think ah know what happened. You got played by the men in your life. Tirek. Apple Seed. They both saw you were weak and used you in their own ways."
"If we are going to discuss genetic makeup, I'd argue that Apple Seed may have been superior."
"Why?"
"Your older siblings may not be geniuses like you but, unlike you, they are compassionate and accepting of others. They care about other ponies. They understand that the Equestria you have created is a much worse Equestria than it once was. Ponies get cross with one another sometimes and you saw one flashback where my husband and your father was mad at me. However, Apple Seed was generally compassionate and patient with those around him. He just truly cared about Sweet Apple Acres and that sometimes got in the way. I admired his passion for something outside of himself. His mother, Granny Smith, raised him very well. And it seemed for a long time that I thought you were going to be a good pony from Granny's influence too. Tirek only cares about himself. If you are as smart as I think you are, I'm sure you figured out that Tirek truly wants Equestria for himself."
"I'm different from you. I am a part of Tirek. I possess his superior genes. Everything was so damn easy for me except getting my cutie mark so late which I'm sure was because I'm part centaur anyway. My past no longer matters. I'm Apple Bloom the Alicorn."
"You are also a part of me. I've seen it in the past. I saw a kind-hearted filly with strong leadership skills. I saw a filly who was always willing to help out her friends and family no matter what. I was so proud of you until you started killing "undesirables". What changed?"
"Ah wanted Equestria to be a better place.. ah thought getting rid of all of the bad ones would make the world a better place."
"Has it? Is Equestria truly what you initially imagined it to be? Did you want a world where everypony is terrified, a world without sun, and a world without progress since everyone is expected to obey you?"
"If ponies obey me, they will learn to be happy under my rule and Tirek's rule. Celestia enabled the undesirables."
"Is this truly your thinking? Or is it Tirek's thinking? I know. I went through a phase just like you."
"Can't be like mine. Were you ever an Alicorn? Did Tirek make you his partner in any other way besides copulation?"
"We both believed that Tirek actually cared for us. I know he's using you. He knows you're talented. Guaranteed Tirek has a plan to take away your Alicorn Magic and make you completely subservient to him like every pony else. I know your father."
"Yeah", scoffed Apple Bloom, "we'll see if that happens."
"True strength doesn't come from having power over others - true strength comes from doing what is right", said Cherry Blossom, "I think you know what is right but will you do it?"
"Okay Zecora, thanks for another lesson. I must go do more important things."
"I'm glad I talked to you. I love you, my daughter."
With that, Cherry Blossom's ghost disappeared.
Apple Bloom didn't want to admit it but she knew that thing was right. The odds that Tirek would betray her were astoundingly high. Tirek was also more clever than anyone Apple Bloom would ever have to face. She needed a plan to put Tirek in his place - let him know that she respected and cared for him but he wouldn't be pulling any stupid tricks on her.
Apple Bloom flew around her castle - still trying to adjust to her recently acquired skill and an idea came to her. An idea so brilliant that it had to work. It would also test Tirek and see what his true intentions really were. It would be a challenge but it was the proper course of action. Apple Bloom grinned to herself.
Zecora sat quietly in her cell in the dark dungeon. She had tried to stay positive all of this time but it was really becoming a lost cause. Apple Bloom, the precocious filly who was Zecora's protege in potion making, had let her dark side fully consume her. Zecora thought she actually had the power to make Bloom see the error of her ways. However, Zecora had been written off like the rest of Equestria - an undesirable who wasn't deserving of Bloom's time or attention. Celestia was gone - because of Bloom but also because of Tirek. Zecora wouldn't cry. She refused to let herself succumb to emotional release. She was set to die tomorrow anyway. There was absolutely no one who could stop Bloom or Tirek - well, except each other. If that were to happen, that would have meant Bloom would of had a change in heart. Oh yes, thought Zecora with a quiet chuckle, Bloom certainly had a strong say in what happened to Zecora - in more ways than the little Alicorn filly probably realized.
Tirek was a proud centaur. This was what Equestria was meant to be like. A world with neither a sun nor a moon. A world that was fit to his liking. He had a plan of his own. His daughter was too smart for her own good. She needed to be weaker. He needed to be stronger. This was a different kind of potential loss from when he lost to Twilight Sparkle. Some stupid magic box. Some retarded rainbow power which took him by surprise. His power was gone in a split second. But he still was spared his life. Tirek couldn't believe the stupidity of the ponies. They didn't kill him. They just sent him back to Tartarus. That was when he started paying attention to his daughter, it took him a while to figure out whether she had any of his traits. Apple Bloom was as sharp as a tack but so was her mother. Tirek needed to stop looking at strengths but weaknesses, he realized. Bloom was impatient and held a high opinion of herself and why shouldn't she? She was the daughter of Tirek.
The one thing Apple Bloom really wanted was her cutie mark along with her two friends. Cutie marks? What ridiculous things! If Apple Bloom was raised by Tirek, she would have known that cutie marks were meaningless. She also seemed to be far too loyal of an Apple and far too interested in the welfare of others. That made Bloom like her mother - so unfortunate. Tirek wondered what could change that. Was there anything he could do? He needed Bloom's loyalty to go to him. The only way to do that was to grow the hate inside the filly from afar. Why did she not have her cutie mark? But why did so many undesirables have them? Why? Why? Why was the world such an awful place and did she have the power to change it? It took a while. The filly ignored the thoughts at first but over time.. he was responsible for making Apple Bloom the cunning killer that she was. He gave her power so he had the right to take it away. Father knows best. He would converse with his daughter now.
The oversized centaur called out on the top of his lungs, "APPLE BLOOM - COME HERE NOW!!"
In less than a second, his Alicorn daughter flew within his line of vision.
"Oh daddy", said Bloom in an insincerely sweet voice, "what do you desire from me? I was deep in slumber."
Tirek was feeling a tinge of regret for his action - not because he woke up his daughter but because it would have been so much easier to do what he needed to do.
"I have been thinking quite often of the future", said Tirek, "what exactly do we want Equestria to be? Well - first of all, we need to change the name of this land. Such a disgusting pony name."
"Yes, indeed. Ah suppose we could call it Centauria instead - since our kind is clearly the strongest."
"Hmmm - not creative enough. You are using a pony frame of mind. Celestia probably prided herself on that name even though it was a simple combination of equine and Celestia. I want my world to symbolize what it is truly meant to be. I was victorious. This world is mine."
"Your world? Without me, you'd still be wasting away in Tartarus. Ah think it is our world."
"You have helped me greatly - my daughter. Your skills are unmatched with any pony. I am proud to not be one of those pony folk."
Now was the time. Tirek laughed and then said, "you are no match for your father. I want you to give me your Alicorn Magic now."
Apple Bloom pouted and then whined, "why Daddy? Ah been so good. Why would you even think of such a thing?"
"The world is better off - the more powerful I am. This is something every pony, including you, must accept."
"What if I disagree?"
"I must say I'm not surprised to hear that. You shall obey your father - whether you like it or not!!" Tirek could hardly believe this petulant brat he had for a daughter - certainly the traits came from her mother and not him.
"Ah will do anything, ah just want to be an Alicorn with my cutie mark more than anything."
"Cutie marks? What a preposterous concept! Only ponies would put such faith in those things. You'll be fine without it."
"B-b-b-but my black apple..."
"The cutie mark I made for you!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Powerful beings - such as myself- possess quite a magic. About two years ago when I came so close to conquering Equestria, I found you - my daughter. I didn't know much about you then but I noticed you were still a blank flank. At that time, I cast a little spell on you. You were given your cutie mark - usually Celestia's bidding but I had her magic. The black apple - based on some stupid story your mother told me she heard from that apple farm. It was me. I knew you were a cold-blooded killer at heart. You'd know that the world was filled with undesirables who must be destroyed. Some are more undesirable than others of course. I, Tirek, am the most powerful. You are the second most powerful and it must stay that way."
Apple Bloom sighed and said, "why are you always right, Daddy?"
"Because I am Lord Tirek - the rightful ruler of Perfection. Yes, my world shall be called Perfection. When I am in charge, there is perfection. Do you understand?"
"Ah do, Daddy."
"Good", responded Tirek with a huff, "now, this won't hurt." Tirek closed his eyes and let himself focus on his daughter and all of her Alicorn Magic. It would soon be his. Yes.. Tirek felt himself grow stronger and stronger. He watched as his daughter dwindled in size and lost her horn, her wings, and soon enough.. her cutie mark. Yes.... *cough cough cough*... w-w-w-what?"
Tirek fell to the ground and could no longer move. He didn't know what happened. This was supposed to make him stronger - not weaker. But in a split second, it clicked, "you are my daughter..you...I can't believe it." Tirek opened and closed his eyes for the last time.
Apple Bloom was poison. That was her strength. She felt all of the magic leave Tirek's body and go into hers. She sighed. She wished that she didn't have to kill Tirek but it was the only way that she could go on with her plans. Her true ideal. Tirek was wrong. There were good ponies in the world. Tirek was foolish to think that he could control Bloom like he did with her mother. She gave her father a chance to live. All he had to do was not try to take her cutie mark anyway. Bloom didn't care that her father gave her the cutie mark. The black apple was now her destiny. It was who she was. Apple Bloom was not only the smartest pony now - she was also the strongest pony and the tallest pony. If Celestia was alive, Apple Bloom would have towered over her. Bloom must have been ten feet tall. She was nowhere as large as Tirek was but she didn't need to be for what she would do.
Apple Bloom channeled her magic into making an announcement: "My subjects. Ah have an announcement to make. Tirek, my father, has died. This means I am now the sole ruler of Equestria. You have no more reason to fear Tirek but you have reason to fear me - unless you have been deemed worthy of existence by me. Ah demand summoning of the four protected citizens: Silver Spoon, Cerberus, Twilight Sparkle, and Gilda. Ah will need all of you by my side within the next three hours. For every hour after that which one of you isn't here, fifty subjects at random shall be killed. So I'd advise you to not be late."
Yes, Apple Bloom had everything she ever wanted - the ability to make the world a better place. But why then was she feeling so empty? What was missing? Perhaps she needed assurance that no pony would try to resurrect Celestia - yes, that was it. Besides, Zecora would be dead tomorrow. If she could kill Tirek, she could kill any pony. She was the best. Nothing was missing. She then heard a familiar source of irritation, "so the great and powerful Apple Bloom has gotten rid of Tirek, how does it feel - almighty ruler of Equestria? Fifty subjects at random? Am I included in this count even though technically I don't live under your jurisdiction?"
Discord. She hated how Discord had absolutely no fear of her. She smirked when she realized that she was now taller than the master of chaos - maybe she could put the fear in him.
"Ah don't think you should be trespassing into my castle?"
"Oh, my bad", said Discord, "I saw a wall which I thought indicated I needed to stay out but it was so easy to get past it that I assumed it was for decoration."
"Obviously, the wall isn't working. It's supposed to keep undesirables out."
"Perhaps, I'm not so undesirable - Alicorn Apple Bloom."
"No", snarled Apple Bloom, "you are a loser with nothing else to do. You probably never left the premises after I last saw you. The wall my father built is the best wall."
"You must be so happy. I envy your happiness. I wish I knew what it was like to be so happy - living a life without problems. I wish I had your cunning and your strength. Even if I'm technically not your subject, I shall consider myself your loyal follower."
Apple Bloom couldn't believe it. This asshole was mocking her. She would destroy Discord. Apple Bloom let her horn glow and began to aim it at Discord but..
"Do you really think you'd benefit from my death", asked Discord, "will it serve any purpose?"
Apple Bloom lost her concentration, drat!
"It would get you to shut the fuck up."
"Hmmm.. Shutting the fuck up? Interesting concept. I haven't tried that before."
"I can tell", muttered Apple Bloom.
"I do miss the sun though. And the moon. Such a dark world, but I suppose this was part of your ideal - I wouldn't have guessed it but I guess my character judgment was weak when it came to you."
Apple Bloom figured it was best to ignore him - Discord was a troll who fed on her reactions to what he said. It wouldn't matter anyway. She could get rid of Discord anytime she wanted to but she couldn't waste her energy on him. She saw that Discord had shrunk himself down in size and was napping on a table. Jeez. He had nothing better to do, huh.
Apple Bloom heard a knock. It must have been one of the four. She opened the door and smiled - her favorite of the four - Gilda.
"You know I'm on your side", said Gilda, "and I'll do whatever you need me to do to keep the other three in line - well, except kill them of course which as you know is my biggest strength."
"No worries", said Bloom, "ah know plenty of ways you'll be useful as I keep those three in line. Plenty of ways."
Apple Bloom groaned, what the fuck was taking every other pony so long? Did they want to see their fellow ponies be killed at random? How stupid were they?
"Ah can't believe that pretentious brown noser, Twilight Sparkle, would let me kill ponies like this? She knows that ah'm very capable and willing to commit such an act."
"50 is kind of a lot though", commented Gilda, "they may think it's a bluff."
"Trust me, Gilds. It ain't no bluff, especially for what I want to give you."
"Give to me?"
"Ah got a lot of power - some of it from my daddy. Ah think ah need to share some of that magic with those I can trust."
"Woah, far out. You serious?"
"Yeah. Ah need my #1 assassin to be as close to invincible as possible."
“So when are we gonna do this?”
“After ah talk to the others.”
She heard a knock at the door.
“If it is Twilight and friends”, responded the alicorn Apple Bloom in a commanding voice, “please come in!”
Apple Bloom saw it was indeed Twilight Sparkle, Cerberus, and Silver Spoon.
“Thank you for joining me in my castle”, said Apple Bloom with a grin, “now ah don’t have to kill any ponies tonight.”
“This all goes way against your initial claim that you are simply getting rid of those who are bad. You have been killing the innocent from the beginning, Apple Bloom, and I don’t know how but I will stop you from committing even more evil acts.”
“No one can stop me. Ah killed Tirek. You’re welcome.”
Cerberus snarled at Apple Bloom.
“At this point, it’s just one bad guy killing another – who really cares“, said Silver Spoon.
“I wish I could kill these assholes”, whispered Gilda to Apple Bloom.
“Oh what ah have planned is so much better”, whispered Apple Bloom back, “just you wait.”
“My should-be immortals”, said Apple Bloom to the trio, “ah have some power to spare! How would we like to share the wealth? Gilda has agreed to be a super griffon. Twilight, ah am sure you want to be an alicorn again. With Tirek’s power inside of me, ah am capable of giving you all your dreams.”
“I can think of a better way to get my alicorn powers back”, snarled Twilight, “by beating you.”
“And just how are you going to do that? You aren’t an alicorn anymore. One wave of my horn and ah will kill you easier than the first time.”
“Why are you giving your powers away to these jerks”, asked Gilda with concern.
Apple Bloom gave Gilda a wink. Things were working according to plan.
“Anyone want my power?”
Cerberus lunged himself at Apple Bloom just to be met with a powerful force field. He flew towards the door.
“Good, you ain’t dead”, said Apple Bloom, “now stop trying to fight me and join me!”
None of them agreed to join.
“What are you going to do anyway”, asked Twilight, “you know killing one of us will bring Celestia back.”
“Ah tried to be nice”, said Apple Bloom, “the three of you will now be sentenced to the dungeon downstairs for the rest of your pitiful lives. By the time y’all die of old age, ah am sure ah will figure out how to defeat that stupid spell. Gilda – ready for your new role?”
“Hell yeah”, shouted Gilda on the top of her lungs.
Apple Bloom shot a powerful beam at Gilda. Once Gilda absorbed the beam, it could be seen that she was more powerful than ever before. Gilda was larger and seemed to have muscles protruding out of her whole body. Gilda had piercing red eyes and glared at the three infidels.
“Gilda, ah would like you to take these three to the dungeon.”
With an unbelievable strength, she swooped up Twilight Sparkle and Silver Spoon with her claws and flew them down to the dungeon.
Cerberus was cowering in the corner.
“Gilda is coming back for you. You have a chance to save yourself, join the side you know is right. Ah am sorry that ah killed you the first time when Daddy and ah escaped Tartarus. You have a choice.”
Cerberus looked up at Apple Bloom from his corner. He then stood up to his full height and gave a bow of submission.
“Excellent choice, Cerberus. You do not need to join the others in the dungeon.”
Gilda returned with glee. “This is fucking incredible, Alicorn Apple Bloom! I could feel those two struggling against my grip but there was nothing they could do. I’m gonna be a badass assassin to anyone who dares disrespect your rule. So, what do you want me to do with the big guy?”
Cerberus bowed to both Gilda and Apple Bloom.
“Ah don’t think we need to worry about Cerberus. He seems fine with joining us. Ah am sure he’s a sweetheart like my ol’ dog Winona back on the farm.”
“You’re way past your farmpony days, kid. So, when are we going to kill Zecora?”
“Tonight. Ah want all of Equestria to watch their lovely know-it-all prophet perish. We’ll get it on the big screen. One more thing ah need to do before we go our separate ways – Cerberus, if you can truly remain loyal to my kingdom for enough time, some of this power Gilda and ah have will be yours.”
All three of Cereberus’ heads barked happily.
“Ah think you’ll make a mighty good assassin someday but ah can’t risk you getting killed. Once ah grant you the same power as Gilda, you will be able to help me. Equestria will learn to fear Apple Bloom.”
She heard a knock at the door. It was a young male unicorn. He was trembling and had a note. He was an orange pony with a goatee.
“What is your name, subject?”
“Prin-princess Apple Bloom – I am Sun-sunburst of Sire’s Holl-hollow. I have a note for you – please don’t hurt me, I am only the messenger.”
“Ah won’t hurt you, yah coward”, said Apple Bloom swiping the note out of Sun-sunburst’s grip.
“You pledge your loyalty to me, correct?”
“Of course. No pony else. That is why I – I -am here to warn you of a whole town of ponies who is organizing a rebellion against you, my Queen. Their leader is headstrong and she claims autonomy from Equestria.”
“What the hell is this town? And who the hell is this bitch?”
“Read the note.. I must go.. I – I – say only excellence for the queendom.” Sun-sunburst ran off.
Apple Bloom opened up the note.
Apple Bloom – lowly and untalented farm pony I refuse to submit to your power. It is illegitimate. I am the only one who has true power. My fellow ponies obey me and we live in harmony with our = sign cutie marks. The harmony in Our Town will help us take Equestria for our own. Despite my cutie mark, I can comfortably say that I am your superior and we shall destroy you, Apple Bloom.
- Starlight Glimmer of Our Town
“Fucking bitch”, muttered Apple Bloom.
“You need me to kill somepony”, asked Gilda.
“Oh yes”, responded Apple Bloom with a grin, “we are going to liberate Our Town from this nut. What the hell is she talking about with = cutie marks?”
“Probably some pony with too much time on her hands.”
“Don’t you mean hooves?”
“Sorry, guess I went off the fourth wall for a minute. Who’s gonna watch your prisoners though?”
“Cerberus”, commanded Apple Bloom, “while Gilda and ah take care of some business in this ridiculous town which refuses to obey me – you must make sure none of the prisoners escape. Do you understand? It’s just like Tartarus. If you have to kill Zecora though – ah don’t really give a shit.”
Cerberus nodded.
“Now, where the hell is Our Town. Honestly ah never heard of this place. Is it even on a map?” Apple Bloom pulled out a map of Equestria looking all over. She saw an isolated village at least fifty kilometers away from anything in site – but it was only sixty kilometers away from Canterlot.
“Gilda, ready for a long flight! We’re gonna go to visit Our Town.”
“Sounds perfect to me”, responded Gilda, “time to beat the crap out of this Starlight Glimmer.”
“Who the hell is she anyway? She must think she’s so damn special since she figured out how to change ponies’ cutie marks because honestly no pony is born with such a shit cutie mark – but there is one pony she hasn’t met yet.”
“Of course, my Queen. And you can’t forget that she hasn’t met a certain griffon yet. I’ll tear her into shreds and anyone who dares disobey you.”
“No pony actually likes that crap. Ah actually think we can get some allies from this. You and ah can kill their leader and then we’ll have a big army of our own.”
Apple Bloom and Gilda landed in Our Town. Apple Bloom was disgusted. This was a village where all the homes were identical lined up in two rows parallel to one another, symbolizing the = sign. The only house which stood out was the one at the end, it was probably where Starlight Glimmer lived. It seemed so artificial. As long as ponies obeyed Apple Bloom and saw her as the ruler of Equestria, Apple Bloom didn’t care about organizing anything else or interfering with their lives. What kind of pony could actually like this sad sack of a town?
All the ponies must have been hiding in their houses because she didn’t see anyone. Apple Bloom would have been disappointed if it turned out that they all died already.
However, Apple Bloom saw three grinning ponies with equal cutie marks.
“Welcome to our town”, said a male earth pony. “Yes, where we are no different from another besides name”, said a female unicorn. “Do you wish to be one of us?”, said a male pegasus.
“Ah’m an alicorn, what do you think?”
“Alicorns and griffons are welcome here if they wish to be one of us”, said the male earth pony.
“You have no cutie mark to take from me”, said Gilda flexing her muscles.
“This is so creepy. At least tell us your names. Ah am Alicorn Apple Bloom – Queen of Equestria. And this is Gilda.”
“Night Glider”, said the pegasus. “Sugarbelle”, said the unicorn. “Double Diamond”, said the earth pony.
“Why do none of you have real cutie marks?”
“We once did”, said Double Diamond, “but our leader determined we were better off without them and thus they are removed.”
“Blasphemy! You are under my jurisdiction and thus ah am your leader. Help me and ah will give you your cutie marks back.”
“But our leader offers us harmony. You don’t appear to be one who is harmonious”, said Sugarbelle with a pout.
“Ah will get you your cutie marks back – what else do you want?”
“Where is this Starlight Glimmer? I’m gonna give her a piece of my mind”, growled Gilda.
The door opened in the house that stood alone. A young unicorn mare approached them. She had the = sign cutie mark like the others but her color appeared a little brighter. She had a lilac coat and a sinister grin.
“Hello, my friends. I suppose these two have read my letter. My name is Starlight Glimmer – the humble mayor of Our Town. Apple Bloom, do you wish to join my town as a permanent resident?”
“Uhh, you must have been stuck in this shit place for way too long. Do you know who ah am?”
“Of course, you have overthrown Celestia. But as I refused to consider myself part of Celestia’s empire, I refuse to consider myself part of yours – Apple Bloom.”
“If you knew what ah’m capable, you would be a lot more scared of me.”
“Why would I be afraid of a mare who speaks like she grew up on a farm?”
“My farm upbringing created my blood. Wanna taste it?”
“You think you’re hot shit because you’re an alicorn now! Puh-lease. I have the highest IQ of any pony in Equestria and can obliterate you.”
“That’s definitely not true. Even if you’re the second smartest pony in Equestria – you really have no clue what ah have done, have you?”
“I could have overthrown Celestia if I wanted to do so.”
“What else do you know about my path to power?”
Starlight looked nervous. In her isolated village, she really had no clue.
“Well, there’s a lot – sweetheart”, said Apple Bloom blowing Starlight a kiss.
“Where did..er..your griffon friend go?”
“Ah dunno. She’s probably exploring your quaint village. Gilda is a curious sort.”
“So maybe you two would wanna you know – just give up and join my village. I can promise you eternal harmony and happiness.”
“To me, all those grinning ponies look oppressed and without any sort of individuality.”
“You think you’re so special because of your cutie mark, huh? Why is that apple black anyway?”
“Ah don’t think you would be interested. It’s some lowly farm pony tale. Not one of your fancy shmancy wherever the fuck you’re from.”
“It looks so ominous. Are you sure you don’t want that mark removed? You can be good.”
“Oh please. Ah was a blank flank when ah was killing ponies ah found undesirable.”
“Killing ponies you found undesirable? That’s how you got to your power, I suppose.”
Apple Bloom heard a griffon’s squawk.
“What did you find, Gilda?”
“Nothing exciting. I just found this weird staff. Maybe I can use it as a back scratcher.”
Starlight’s eyes widened with fear.
“No, you fucking moron”, shouted Starlight, “that is my staff and you shan’t abuse it!”
Starlight lunged herself at Gilda to only be knocked backwards by Gilda’s powerful body.
“Ah reckon this thing is important”, said Apple Bloom, “hmmm, maybe we should figure out what it does.”
“Hey, you’re the genius. You can take a look.”
“Make sure Starlight is guarded while ah study this staff.”
Gilda pinned Starlight Glimmer down. Apple Bloom could see that some of the other ponies’ reactions had changed from their sycophantic grins. She could see a look of hope in Sugarbelle’s eyes. This thing was damn important.
Apple Bloom used her alicorn magic to activate the staff.
The staff began to glow. Apple Bloom was ready to use it but Gilda noticed something.
“Hey Queen Apple Bloom, this bitch painted the = cutie mark on her flank.” Gilda flew Starlight Glimmer up in the sky and threw her in a lake.
Starlight Glimmer emerged from the lake and her true cutie mark could be seen by all: a purple and white star with two blue glimmering streams. “She’s a tyrant”, shouted a male unicorn, “let’s give her what she deserves.”
“Now hold on just a minute”, said Double Diamond, “we all want to beat the shit out of Starlight – but Queen Apple Bloom, that staff you have is the Staff of Sameness. It made our cutie marks = signs.”
“Oh, this thing”, said Apple Bloom, “it’s just a piece of wood. Ah can give you all your cutie marks back.”
Starlight was furious.
“They remain under my reign! You were born an earth pony – no way your magic is as good as mine!’
“Ah am a quick study.”
Apple Bloom focused on all the ponies. They would get their cutie marks back. They would know Apple Bloom as a hero. With a quick plethora of magic, Apple Bloom gave every pony in Our Town their cutie mark back.
The crowd cheered.
“You..you….you took away our utopia”, snarled Starlight Glimmer, “now you must pay.”
Apple Bloom giggled. This unicorn was obviously impressed with herself. Starlight and Apple Bloom began to generate powerful beams of magic.
Apple Bloom had to admit that Starlight was talented at magic. She doubted even Twilight knew how to rob ponies of their cutie marks. However, Apple Bloom had the raw strength of an alicorn on her side. Apple Bloom’s magic overpowered that of Starlight Glimmer – causing the unicorn to be stunned into place.
That was easy, thought Apple Bloom.
Apple Bloom walked over to the stunned Starlight Glimmer and said, “ah am here to pass judgment on your crimes. Now it is time to decide on your sentence. The crimes you have been charged with are treason against the rule of Queen Apple Bloom and the theft of cutie marks from dozens of ponies. Ah think a jury of your peers should decide on your verdict. Ah know this jury is biased but they know you best and the pain you brought upon them. What do these ponies think?”
“I speak for all of my fellow prisoners here”, said Double Diamond, “when I say that Starlight Glimmer is guilty of both crimes and you can do whatever you like to her.”
“Excellent, the sentence is death! My top assassin, Gilda, shall kill Starlight Glimmer in any way that she wishes.”
Apple Bloom moved to the side and Gilda approached Starlight – studying the stunned unicorn for a moment. Gilda showed her claws to the audience and flew up in the air. Gilda made a powerful dash downwards right towards the stunned pony.
There was a cloud of dust. Once the dust dissipated, Apple Bloom could only see a confused Gilda. Huh, what the hell happened?
Apple Bloom looked up in the sky and saw Starlight Glimmer floating in the air.
“Of course, you would underestimate me – Apple Bloom. That spell was pathetic. I was just waiting to see what you two would do. You’re not as strong as you think. I can beat you in a magic duel so easily. And then I will take my power back over Our Town. And you fools who wanted me dead are going to pay! You’re ready?”
“Oh, it’s on, bitch”, shouted Apple Bloom, “I’m gonna win”.
Apple Bloom couldn’t stand the smug face of Starlight Glimmer. No way was she going to let Starlight win.
“Let me finish this up”, said Apple Bloom, “former prisoners of Starlight Glimmer, ah am fighting for you freedom to have cutie marks! You are about to witness a powerhouse take down the shittiest dictator in history.”
“Oh please – you’re just a baby alicorn. I have heard some things about you. Aren’t you only 14 years old or some shit like that? You should be sucking on a pacifier.”
“The only thing you’ll be sucking on is your own blood when ah am done with you.”
Apple Bloom shot up into the air and emitted a powerful blow of magic at Starlight Glimmer. Starlight dodged it like it was nothing. Damn, this bitch was going to be tough to delete.
“Is that the best you got? I have at least 400,000 spells memorized and can use any of them to effectively obliterate you.”
Starlight Glimmer began rotating in circles and suddenly eight knives appeared – all after Apple Bloom.
Apple Bloom created a defensive bubble around her which effectively stopped the knives – but she was getting nervous about how close one of the knives came to penetrating her armor.
“Time for you to burn, Starlight.”
Apple Bloom shot blast after blast of fire and watched as Starlight danced around them and watered each blast down.
“Oh fuck you”, said Apple Bloom as she charged right at Starlight. The crafty unicorn developed a spiky armor which caused the alicorn to yelp in pain.
“See, Apple Bloom. I have anticipated every one of your moves. You can’t actually beat me at magic.”
Well, she had another way to put Starlight in her place.
“No ah suppose you’re right. Ah can’t beat you at magic.”
“Glad you’re beginning to see things my way. A baby alicorn like you is no match for Equestria’s most brilliant unicorn. Now I want you to allow me to take all of their cutie marks back.”
Starlight was one of her tougher opponents, thought Apple Bloom, but certainly will be defeated.
“Most Honorable Starlight Glimmer”, said Apple Bloom, “if you value a true society of equality. Shouldn’t you want your cutie mark to be taken away as well? You know – to be a true equal amongst your villagers? With a wave of my horn, ah can take away all of the cutie marks and store them in a place where ah only know the location.”
“What a ridiculous question”, responded Starlight Glimmer, “I need my cutie mark. These simpletons do NOT need their cutie marks.”
“Hey, what the hell did you just call us”, asked Night Glider.
“Ummm.. I .. uhhhh.. meant that I need my cutie mark to lead Our Town smoothly. You all don’t need them. Remember our world of equality and harmony. You all were so happy until that little ingrate interfered.”
“That was only because we now know the truth”, said Double Diamond, “my fellow friends – I know we are all thinking the same thing. I am certain that our new leader, Apple Bloom, would approve.”
“What the hell are you talking about, Double Diamond?”
Apple Bloom was giddy inside. Her plan was working. She gave Double Diamond a nod.
“CHARGE”, shouted Double Diamond.
The villagers all began to gang up on Starlight Glimmer. Starlight desperately tried to use her magic to fight them off – but it was no match for the dozens of ponies who started to attack her.
“Apple..Apple..Bloom”, said Starlight, “do something! You know I have great talents. I can be an asset to your empire. Please spare me.”
“Ah don’t think ah can trust you, Starlight Glimmer. What do you think, Double Diamond?”
“Destroy her!!!”
Starlight’s former subjects were punching and kicking her. A proud bulky pegasus even fractured her horn.
“M..m..m..m…y horn. I hate you all – I will… oh I will”, growled Starlight Glimmer.
“Ah think you look great, Starlight Glimmer”, said Apple Bloom, “but if you think you’re being tortured and in pain – ah will be glad to take you out of your misery.”
“My horn will heal at some point and then I will get my revenge on you all, you will see.” Starlight groaned. She was trying to get up but was too weak.
“My friends”, said Apple Bloom, “ah know y’all want to be the one who kills her – but instead do you wanna see a show? Gilda!”
“Oh, I am so on it!”
Gilda, with her hulking body, stomped her way towards Starlight. Gilda smiled at Starlight and said, “I am in a killing mood. But I am always in a killing mood. You will satisfy my urges.”
Gilda picked up Starlight and lifted her all the way up.
“Any final words, Starlight?”, asked Apple Bloom with a cheeky grin.
“I guess this is it”, said Starlight, “I lost. But residents of Our Town, I want you to remember that this alicorn in front of you is a cold-hearted sociopath who only cares about seizing power. You think Apple Bloom is going to care about you. You’re dead wrong. In fact, I won’t be surprised if she kills you all – especially if you decide her way isn’t the right way.”
“Oh shut up”, groaned Sugarbelle, “that sounds more like you.”
“This is goodbye”, said Gilda.
Gilda began to stretch Starlight’s body as far as it could. Starlight was screaming. Gilda finally stretched the body so far that it snapped in half like a twig.
Gilda threw the two halves of Starlight’s body into the crowd.
“Excellent work, Gilda”, said Apple Bloom, “citizens of Our Town – the tyrant is dead!”
The crowd cheered, “QUEEN APPLE BLOOM!! QUEEN APPLE BLOOM!!”
“Excellent”, said Apple Bloom, “now ah have to say that your town is way too far from any real civilization. You guys are lucky that Canterlot was only 60 kilometers away or ah would have just not bothered to make the trip. So, do you pledge your loyalty to Queen Apple Bloom.”
The ponies bowed to Apple Bloom.
“Excellent”, responded Apple Bloom with a smile, “now ah need y’all to be my eyes and ears. There are some ponies out there who have no respect for me. It will be your job to make sure that no pony is starting a massive rebellion against what is good.”
“Heavens”, responded a male unicorn, “why would anyone want to rebel against you?”
“Ah dunno. Ah guess they’re jealous and mad that ah overthrew Princess Celestia.”
“But Celestia did absolutely nothing to save us from the reign of Starlight Glimmer. I say best off that she is dead!”
“What’s your name, pony sir?”
“They call me Party Favor. And I will certainly return whatever favor you wish.”
“Y’all my spies now. Any pony who speaks ill will of me shall be brought my castle and will go to the dungeon! Speaking of those in the dungeon, ah am executing a traitor tonight. You all can watch me in action.”
“Is it going to be as cool as what you did with Starlight Glimmer?”
“Oh, this is going to be much better. That damn zebra has been a thorn in my ass.”
“What did the zebra do to you?”, asked Sugarbelle.
“She doesn’t think ah am doing a good job as leader. She probably wants to take over Equestria over herself. She is just jelly. Ah think she probably would take away your cutie marks too.”
“That’s awful”, said Double Diamond, “anything you need us to do?”
“Just watch and cheer on the execution! Ah need Equestria to see that ah am the best.”
With an impressive feat of magic, Apple Bloom transported herself, Gilda, and the whole town to Canterlot.
Apple Bloom was unstoppable at this point. She could never let her guard down of course. That was a mistake Starlight Glimmer made. Despite the former dictator’s insufferable megalomania, Apple Bloom knew that Starlight’s boastings of her magical prowess were true. Starlight was probably even better at magic than Twilight. But, of course, Twilight had the love of all the ponies on her side – the magic of friendship, blah. Apple Bloom didn’t need friends. Instead, she had allies.
“So how are we going to kill Zecora”, asked Gilda.
“It is going to be so easy”, said Apple Bloom, “way easier than it was to get rid of Starlight.”
“Looking forward to tearing into Zecora’s flesh and letting her know that your rule must be obeyed!”
“She won’t be so cocky when ah am done with her.”
Apple Bloom now turned to the crowd of ponies from Our Town.
“Canterlot is now your new home. Feel free to take whatever home you like. Tell them that Queen Apple Bloom said so. Most importantly, find me the spies and we will make sure they are all severely punished.”
“You heard the queen”, said Double Diamond, “let’s show Canterlot who is boss!!”
Zecora was beginning to lose any sense of optimism. If the visions from Apple Bloom’s mother didn’t change Apple Bloom’s ways, she doubted nothing will. She couldn’t believe that she missed the signs. To Zecora, Apple Bloom was just a curious and charming filly who was anxious about getting her cutie mark. But perhaps the most skilled sociopaths were the best at hiding it.
At least Zecora had two new friends in prison: Twilight Sparkle and Silver Spoon.
“You should have seen what Apple Bloom did to Gilda, I mean, holy shit”, prattled Silver Spoon, “this is the end of Equestria – isn’t it? And now we have Fluffy over here guarding us like we’re prisoners straight from Tartarus itself.”
“I have lost sense of time. I am not even the mood to rhyme”, said Zecora, “I have tried everything to help Apple Bloom see the light but it has only made her more defiant against me.”
“We all missed the signs”, said Twilight with a sigh, “I don’t know if there is more I could have done to help her. I should have taken her quest for a cutie mark more seriously.”
“Her father is Tirek. Apple Bloom has too much of Tirek in her. And she killed him, surely because he was plotting to take her power away.”
“I hate to say it but Apple Bloom is smarter than all of us combined. How do we defeat some.. some monster like that?”
“Maybe we just accept it. You and Silver Spoon are safe because Apple Bloom knows that resurrecting Celestia is bad news for her.”
“Does anyone else know your spells just in case you know, you..”
“I shouldn’t be saying much. However, there is perhaps one who can destroy Apple Bloom without the need to resurrect Princess Celestia.”
“There still isn’t much hope for a better future without Celestia. I think we need to do whatever we can to bring her back from the dead. As you know, I am willing to sacrifice myself.”
“No. I forbid it. There is somepony else who can take my place for the spells if I am executed but no you cannot die. Neither can Silver Spoon. I am so sick of ponies dying. Too much death in recent days.”
“Of course, I agree. But we can’t exactly kill Cerberus or Gilda. You should have seen how powered up Gilda is now. Apple Bloom turned her into a monster!”
They heard a voice accompanied with evil laughter, “the monster says hello!”
Zecora stared down at the ground. She was afraid to see Gilda. But there she was, a behemoth and muscle-bound griffon with only a look of what’s her next prey.
“Come on, loser”, said Gilda, “it is time for you to say hello to Apple Bloom.”
Zecora refused to say anything.
“Cerberus, good job guarding the prisoners.”
Cerberus barked.
Zecora probably wouldn’t live to see it. But she had one last hope. The one who could defeat Apple Bloom just needed to start taking all of this seriously.
Gilda opened the cage and dragged Zecora out.
“You’re going to be a star on the big screen for all of Equestria to see”, said Gilda, “Apple Bloom is a hero. She saved a whole town of ponies from a dictator today.”
“What? Herself?”
“No. The one town which refused to follow Apple Bloom. But it turned out to be some mad unicorn who stole ponies’ cutie marks. Our Queen figured out how to get the cutie marks back to the ponies and I ripped the unicorn in half.”
“Of course, you did.”
“Yeah, it was rad! Not sure what we’re doing with you yet. I’ll have to see what the Queen wants me to do.”
“I suppose I will find out the answer soon.”
Gilda had such a powerful grip on Zecora that the zebra couldn’t escape even if she tried.
There was a large crowd of ponies. Most looked despondent but Zecora noticed a crowd of about 50 ponies in the front cheering. Who were these fellows? She didn’t recognize any of them.
Zecora was then thrown onto the ground right in front of the alicorn Apple Bloom.
“Zecora”, said Apple Bloom with a cold sneer, “we have brought you here today to answer for all of your crimes against my rule. You have attempted to cheat my rulings themselves by trying to resurrect Princess Celestia from her timely death.”
“The one you and Tirek orchestrated”, growled Zecora who then spit at the ground.
“That was so rude of you.”
“Good. I was wrong about you, Apple Bloom. You are a monster who is incapable of redemption. My fellow ponies, this
“Is this one like Starlight Glimmer”, asked a male pegasus at the front.
“Oh, Night Glider, this one is worse”, responded Apple Bloom, “she has taken measures to completely abolish my rightful rule over Equestria. Celestia passed on. The strongest and smartest pony took over – which is me. Ah want everyone to say goodbye to Zecora.”
Zecora looked into the audience and she could see some familiar faces – none of them looked happy. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle seemed especially horrified by seeing what was once their best friend.
“Zecora, where are your stupid rhymes now?”
“Now is not the time for me to rhyme. I know that you have worked hard to gain what you think is your rightful place on the throne. But someone as heinous as you can’t rule for long. I believe in the goodness and strength of those around me. Your intellect is impressive and it is clear that you have planned well. However, you should not underestimate the power of good over evil. Apple Bloom, you are vile. You are the daughter of Tirek who is just as vile. I hope that those listening to me do not give up. Keep up the good fight in bringing goodness back to Equestria. It is what Princess Celestia would have wanted. It is what the surviving princesses still want for Equestria. Don’t let this manipulative sociopath get in the way of what is right. Don’t let fear control your lives. I may be dying tonight but I have no regrets. I tried to reform Apple Bloom. I tried to see if she had some of the good of her mother inside, but it is clear that she lacks any sense of decency. Don’t let Apple Bloom and her trained pet intimidate you. It is up to all of you to make Equestria free again!”
Apple Bloom yawned and said, “that was so boring. Am ah right or am ah right?”
That same crowd of ponies at the front cheered loudly for Apple Bloom. None of the others cheered. Zecora knew that Apple Bloom was smart enough to know that they would never love her – all she had was fear.
“Are those the ponies you freed from the dictator?”
“Ah, Gilda told you. Yes, ah freed them all.”
“I have a message for these ponies. I do not know much of this dictator. I assume it is Starlight Glimmer. But whoever she was, Apple Bloom is much worse. Mark my words. You will see it soon.”
“That’s pretty much what Starlight said too – we can’t trust Zecora”, shouted an earth pony.
“That’s right, Double Diamond. Now, we’re on to the fun stuff! Gilda, do whatever you like.”
Zecora began to run. Even though she knew it was no use. She could hear a whoosh. It was the superpowered Gilda. Zecora wanted to escape. But she knew that her apprentice, Pinkie Pie, would keep her potions alive. She quietly prayed for Pinkie’s safety and that the pink pony could be discreet.
Zecora could feel the talons pierce her neck. The pain…the pain….
Zecora was lifted into the air by Gilda and then thrown up. Gilda caught Zecora halfway and began ripping apart at her body everywhere. Gilda wasn’t putting enough force yet – she wanted Zecora to feel the pain.
Gilda used her beak to tear out Zecora’s mane until Zecora was completely bald. Zecora didn’t know if her whole scalp was gone but she supposed it didn’t matter. Gilda then gingerly brought Zecora to the ground and began punching, kicking, and scratching.
The pain was unbearable.
“This is so much fun”, cheered Gilda.
Each blow was stronger than the last. The worst was a blow so strong that Zecora’s teeth were knocked out. She was losing a lot of blood. She wouldn’t be able to last much longer.
The only hope that Zecora had was that she knew that her death wouldn’t mean Apple Bloom was safe. The rebellion wouldn’t die with her. It would never die as long as this tyrant brought doom and gloom upon Equestria.
Zecora supposed now was the time to say her last words to the two sociopaths.
“Gilda, you and Apple Bloom won’t be happy for long.”
Gilda then tugged into Zecora’s chest and found her heart.
Apple Bloom felt a tinge of sadness as she saw Zecora’s dead body. She wished that Zecora was more willing to see things her way. But Zecora was stubborn and wouldn’t stop at anything to take away what Apple Bloom felt she deserved. She spent far too long living and dealing with morons. Apple Bloom didn’t consider Zecora an undesirable but she hated that Zecora chose to side herself with the undesirables. Was every pony at this point going to become an undesirable? Would it just be her and Gilda left? Apple Bloom knew she couldn’t dwell on these things so much.
“I killed Zecora”, shouted Gilda on the top of her lungs, “together, we will make Equestria great again!!” The crowd Apple Bloom picked up from Our Town cheered. The others looked despondent.
“Y’all can go home now”, said Apple Bloom, “you see what happens to those who choose to disobey me. Obey your Queen and you will live.”
The crowd dispersed. Apple Bloom could see Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo – they were both crying. Those two were irrelevant. Apple Bloom decided long ago to do nothing to them unless they committed future acts of insubordination.
“So what’s next”, asked Gilda flexing her muscles.
“Like what ah said, we look for traitors and we kill them. That’s what our spies from Our Town are gonna accomplish.”
“This is going to be so fucking sweet. Zecora got what was coming to her.”
“Yeah, she did.” Apple Bloom took another look at the dead zebra – you fool, you could have lived if you obeyed me.
Apple Bloom’s moment of reflection was interrupted.
“The Great and Powerful Trixie demands payment!”
“As does Iron Will! We helped bring Zecora to you.”
“No, you two failed”, snarled Gilda, “it was all me – you fucking losers.”
“Hold on a second”, said Apple Bloom, “we need more allies to our Queendom. How would you two like to have really important roles?”
“Trixie is listening.” “As you both can imagine”, said Apple Bloom, “there are some ponies out there who ain’t too happy with my rule. Ah killed Celestia because ah am stronger and smarter than she is – so ah rightfully earned my reign. Gilda and ah have been working too hard to keep Equestria strong. We will make Equestria great again! But would you two like to be my enforcers?”
“Iron Will wants to be as ripped as Gilda!”
“You need to earn my trust first”, said Apple Bloom, “but ah suppose you two can have some alicorn magic.”
“Trixie to become an alicorn?”
“Not yet – but you’ll be a much more powerful unicorn. And Iron Will, you will be a minotaur feared by all.”
“We are ready to serve you, Queen Apple Bloom”, said Trixie with a bow.
“Anyone who dares disobey you will be in for a world of pain!”
“Excellent”, responded Apple Bloom, “now ah will give you both a little bit of my alicorn magic.”
Gilda looked concerned but Apple Bloom whispered, “ill-Kay em-thay if-way ey-thay et-gay unruly-way.” That seemed to help.
Apple Bloom transferred some alicorn magic which gave Iron Will more muscles and sharper horns and it gave Trixie more powerful unicorn magic.
“Now you two scram and make sure no pony is disobeying me!”
Trixie and Iron Will ran off.
“As long as I get to kill them as soon as they mess up.”
“Oh, they are clearly not as smart as you or me. Ah think you’ll have them dead by next Wednesday.”
“But why give them power?”
“They’re undesirables. Just need a reason for them to be killed.”
Twilight Sparkle couldn’t hear anything from the outside world. But she assumed at this point that Zecora was dead. Were things hopeless? Twilight needed time to think things through. It didn’t help that her cellmate, Silver Spoon, seemed incapable of shutting up.
Silver Spoon could prattle on about just anything for hours and hours at end. Her family, the fate of fashion under Apple Bloom’s rule, the days when fillies were just fillies and not capable of being murderous psychopaths.
“Apple Bloom has totally never been one for fashion – not like Celestia who always had the most amazing jewelry and the cutest outfits. Twilight, what do you think it’s going to happen to Celestia’s best dresses?”
“I don’t know”, responded Twilight somewhat irritated, “maybe Apple Bloom will burn them for heat. Winter is coming.”
“That’s awful. I can’t believe I missed the signs about Apple Bloom. There’s more that I could have done I suppose – but Sweetie Belle, she’s so depressed over her former friend turned supervillain. I guess in some sort of strange way, Diamond Tiara might have had the right idea by targeting Apple Bloom specifically. Maybe she sensed the evil inside.”
“I don’t know, Silver Spoon. I’m not smart enough.”
“Don’t say that, Twilight. You’re the smartest pony I know and the smartest everyone knows. Apple Bloom caught us all by surprise but if anyone can think of a solution – it’s you, I know it’s you. I just wish we could go back in time and stop all of these tragedies with the murders and everything! Any special spells like that?”
Time travel, hmmm, thought Twilight.
“Time travel is actually closer to being figured out than one might think”, said Twilight.
“Really, that’s so cool! Do tell!”
“There has been some research being done by unicorns regarding time travel”, responded Twilight, “but not much success – I read an article a year ago by an obscure source, but it seemed promising. The unicorn who wrote the article seemed to have incredibly strong knowledge of unicorn magic and how to manipulate it just right. I barely remember the name of the unicorn though – Star Glimmer?”
“Maybe Star Glimmer figured out by now how to travel in time but didn’t share her results with anypony.”
“Possible. I don’t want think about what Apple Bloom would do if she could do that.”
They heard a proud, “do what?”
Apple Bloom arrived with a smug grin on her face.
“Let me guess. You’re here to gloat about killing Zecora”, said Twilight sardonically.
“You know me too well, Twi. Ah think ah heard you talk about somepony named Starlight Glimmer.”
“Yeah, what about her?”
“Gilda killed her. But thanks for the info. Ah can figure out time travel for myself now and make my power even stronger – fix some of the mistakes ah made.”
“You’re full of yourself. You’ve only had unicorn magic for a few days. I am certain that Ms. Glimmer spent years researching time travel.”
“Ah got time but remember ah am smarter than all of you combined. Starlight Glimmer was actually a tough opponent. Ah think she’s even better at magic than you. But of course, ah turned her own village against her and she was easy to beat after that.”
“How did you do against her with magic?”
“Ah was going real easy on her. Ah felt kind of bad. She was a cult leader – not exactly somepony you want as a reputable source.”
“I’m sure she’s better than you.”
“That’s irrelevant. Ah am the ruler of Equestria – not you, not Celestia, and certainly not Starlight Glimmer.”
With that, Apple Bloom exited the dungeon.
Twilight didn’t want to say it since Apple Bloom would surely hear it somehow – but since Apple Bloom Gilda killed Starlight presumably on Apple Bloom’s orders, Twilight could bring Starlight back to life. Maybe Starlight Glimmer was far along in her time travel research that she could stop all of this madness and bring every pony back – including Princess Celestia.
“What are you thinking about?”, asked Silver Spoon.
“I might have an idea on how we can stop Apple Bloom. Can’t say much. Since…somepony may hear.”
“So what’s the plan?”
“It’s risky but maybe we can – errr… bring back.”
“I know what you’re saying. So somepony will have to die. Maybe we can kill Gilda or even Cerebrus.”
“Nothing can kill Gilda. You saw her, right?”
“So wait.. Twilight, no. Don’t do what I’m thinking!?!?” “It’s the only way, Silver Spoon. I’m so sorry.”
“I’ll die. Equestria needs you. They don’t need me. Let me kill myself.”
Suddenly the prison door swung wide open. Cerberus?
With an insane burst of power, Cerberus charged right into one of the walls of the dungeon causing it to open up to an underground tunnel. The force was so strong that Cerberus fell to the ground with a crash.
Twilight approached Cerberus and didn’t see any signs of life. He already left a large pile of blood. The three-headed guardian was certainly dead.
“I am so sorry, Cerberus“, said Twilight with tears, “but thank you for your heroism and selfless sacrifice. I promise that we will bring you back.”
Twilight Sparkle and Silver Spoon escaped the prison and ran as fast as they could before Apple Bloom could catch them. They were going to speak with Pinkie Pie – the most likely pony to take over Zecora’s position.
Apple Bloom could hear a boom all the way from her chambers. She knew something was wrong in an instant. The alicorn flew downstairs to the dungeon and saw that Cerberus was dead lying in a pool of his own blood. Worse though, Twilight Sparkle and Silver Spoon were gone.
Apple Bloom let out a shriek of rage – she was going to get them and she was going to destroy them. Could those two brats have killed Cerberus and escaped like she and Tirek did? No, that was impossible – Twilight wasn’t even an alicorn anymore. She deduced that the massive hole in the wall was created by Cerberus himself. He must have helped them escape and died from his injuries. She was a fool to trust Cerberus. He was probably plotting against her the whole time
“If they bring you back to life”, snarled Apple Bloom, “ah will make your life a living hell – you traitor to my Queendom.” Apple Bloom spat at Cerberus’ body and left the prison. She needed to get Gilda on board for her next plan.
Apple Bloom knew where Twilight Sparkle and Silver Spoon were headed. She was going to make the case to save Snails. He was such a nice fellow and didn’t deserve to die – even though he was Apple Bloom’s first kill. She knew those two were going to try to bring Starlight Glimmer (who was apparently some time travel genius), Princess Celestia, or even Cerberus back – she could not let that happen under any circumstance. Hell, thought Apple Bloom, she would kill Twilight and Silver Spoon and bring back Snips and that bird she killed a while back. It seemed like a fair trade. She just needed to enchant whatever spell before her enemies did it first. This was fucking war.
Twilight Sparkle and Silver Spoon arrived at a hut in Everfree Forest. Despite the destruction of Zecora’s original hut, a new one was built in its place. Twilight Sparkle had one immediate thought – Silver Spoon never ever stopped talking.
“I’m impressed that you always seem to find something to say”, said Twilight Sparkle to Silver Spoon.
“Aww, that’s so sweet of you, Twi. Diamond Tiara always used to tell me – Silver Spoon, stop with your word salad – nothing you say actually means anything. Time to humiliate the blank flanks now, lol! Oh I wonder what things will be like with me and Tiara if she was brought back to life. So many ponies – you know, do you think we will get that far or only four?”
“We’ll have to ask Zecora’s successor that, Silver Spoon.”
The two knocked at the door. There was no answer.
“Maybe no pony is home?”
“Possibly”, said Twilight, “or – let’s knock one more time.” Twilight knocked on the door.
There was silence.
“Something isn’t right. It sounds too quiet and no pony is actually frolicking in the outside world these days given the virus that is Apple Bloom.”
“Oh no, this is so terrible!” With a surprising demonstration of power, Silver Spoon charged at the hut’s door causing it to fall to the ground. What they saw was not promising.
Pinkie Pie was tied up and gagged. At the cauldron were Apple Bloom and Gilda.
“Oh hello, there. It is nice to be an almighty alicorn”, said Apple Bloom with a grin, “ah know you were trying to do – but ah have a better idea.”
“What the hell are you going to do”, asked Twilight with gritted teeth.
“With that dumb dog being dead, ah figured to be nice and bring Snails back alive.”
“Oh, I remember Snails from back in school – he was such a sweet and simple pony. How generous of you, Apple Bloom”, said Silver Spoon.
You idiot, thought Twilight Sparkle, we can only bring back one – doesn’t Silver Spoon see what Apple Bloom is doing.
“I think I have a better idea”, said Twilight Sparkle, “we’re going to bring back a pony that will undo all the damage that you have done – Apple Bloom.”
Twilight had to think quickly about what magic she could use to stall Apple Bloom and Gilda. Neither of them had her training but the alicorn and overpowered griffon were going to make things tricky.
“What are you going to do, Twilight”, asked Apple Bloom, “ah know you’re thinking of what you can do to stop me. But you can’t beat me and Gilda. You’re not even an alicorn anymore. Ah defeated Starlight Glimmer. Ah am pretty sure ah can defeat you too.”
Twilight hoped this would work. She shot a beam at magic at the cauldron.
“Hold on there”, snarled Apple Bloom, “what the hell did you just do?”
“Whatever I did”, responded Twilight, “someone as brilliant and powerful as you can fix my little trick.”
Apple Bloom was turning red with rage. Twilight feared for a moment that Apple Bloom would just outright kill her – but Apple Bloom focused on the cauldron.
“Just say the word, my Queen”, said Gilda, “and I will rip these three to shreds.”
“Not yet”, said Apple Bloom, “ah need to figure out what Twilight did to this potion.”
“I’m not saying anything”, responded Twilight.
“Shut up! You’re going to die soon – just not right now.”
“I thought you were the smartest pony in Equestria. This should be easy.”
“Ah wasn’t born an unicorn, give me a fucking break!”
With a quick burst of magic, Twilight freed Pinkie Pie from her constraints. Pinkie Pie began bouncing with glee.
“Twilight, I am so happy that you are here. I thought Apple Bloom had you locked up in that dungeon.”
“Sacrifice by Cerberus”, responded Twilight.
‘Aww, that’s so awful. But I think I am..”
Twilight made a shh sound. She didn’t want to risk any information getting out to Apple Bloom.
“No, it’s ok – Pinkie Pie”, interjected Apple Bloom, “keep talking. What were you about to say?”
“I forgot.”
“Of course you would, you dumb pink motormouth. So you’ve been Zecora’s lackey, huh? Help me fix whatever Twilight did.”
“Zecora did but I forgot.”
Twilight was proud of Pinkie for not spilling the beans to Apple Bloom.
“It doesn’t matter”, said Twilight, “because you, Apple Bloom, are better than all of us. We can play games to stall our inevitable downfall – but you will figure things out and we will all die at some point.”
“Ah wish ah didn’t have to kill any of you – well, Silver Spoon sucks – but if you would have just joined me and not meddle in my plans constantly, you could have lived. Ah am inevitable.”
“And I’m Pinkie Pie!”
Twilight could see the growing rage of Apple Bloom. She looked like she was ready to torch them all.
“You know what”, said Apple Bloom, “this is all like some big puzzle right now which ah will solve. Too bad that Motormouth won’t tell me what ah need to say to bring Snails back to life.”
“It’s actually not any words – it just takes”
Twilight was impressed. Pinkie just kind of stopped mid sentence.
“Ok so no specific words. Ah will try trial and error then. Unless anyone thinks they can attack me here and now.”
Twilight knew that would be a dumb move. She was useless against an overpowered alicorn.
Apple Bloom smiled and said, “let the fun begin!”
“Ah wish to bring a pony back to life. His name is Snails – a good pony with a good heart. His decency will help make Equestria great again, not this damage that the evil princesses like Celestia have inflicted upon Equestria. All hail, Queen Apple Bloom and her power!”
Nothing happened.
“Ok, ah am clearly doing something wrong”, snarled Apple Bloom, “what the hell did you do to the cauldron, Twilight? Ah hate you so much.”
Twilight shrugged and said, “I don’t want to insult your intelligence by giving you the answer so soon.”
Apple Bloom tried again another five times – a slightly different iteration but still nothing worked.
Apple Bloom was turning so red with rage that it appeared to be her new color.
“Y’all gonna tell me what you did – or ah will kill you on the spot!”
“Ok”, said Twilight, “I will show you what I did. Oh, great cauldron – bring back Starlight Glimmer, we miss her so.”
The cauldron began to bubble. Apple Bloom looked desperate to do anything to stop the cauldron. Gilda said to Apple Bloom,” just say the word, my Queen, and they are all dead.”
A unicorn appeared. She was a lilac pony around Twilight’s age. This must have been Starlight Glimmer. Twilight knew to let her sleep a little longer – recovering from death was an exhausting experience. She hoped Starlight had succeeded with time travel to save them all.
“Ah demand answers”, yelled Apple Bloom, “how did you do it and ah couldn’t? Tell me now or ah will kill you all and this potion crap will be destroyed forever!”
Apple Bloom was angry beyond belief. But she couldn’t believe that she didn’t think of it before – why bring anypony back to life? She and Gilda could kill them all now and destroy any evidence of these lifesaving mixture. She didn’t know if some other pony had knowledge of conjuring up the spell. Apple Bloom would need to spend her whole life fighting against anyone who might have known how to put it together. It was best for Apple Bloom to take control of it. She would decide who lives and who dies. She just needed to force these ponies to tell her how she can make it work.
“Alright then”, said Apple Bloom, “y’all think you’re so goddamn smart for tricking me like that. Why could you bring somepony back to life and ah couldn’t do it?”
“Aww”, cooed Twilight Sparkle, “I thought you wanted to figure this out on your own.”
“Ah know you did something with your magic. Ah need to know what that is. And frankly, ah don’t have a lot of time to deal with you traitors.”
Starlight Glimmer stirred awake. She looked completely confused.
“Ah, Starlight Glimmer”, said Twilight acting like a total nerd, “I see that you’re awake. We brought you back to life. I’m honored to meet you – I read your research paper on time travel and found it most fascinating and we really could use your help.”
Starlight Glimmer noticed Apple Bloom and Gilda – she glared at them.
“What are these two doing here”, asked Starlight Glimmer, “I’m doing nothing to help them out.”
“We’re not on their side. In fact, we are trying to stop them from committing more evil deeds”, said Pinkie Pie. “Twi”, said Apple Bloom, “this Starlight Glimmer is even more of a dictator than ah am. She ruled over an isolated village in Equestria and took away ponies’ cutie marks with her magic. Ah freed those ponies and gave them their cutie marks back. They are now in Canterlot.”
“I was surprised to hear that there were as many as 50 ponies who supported your power, and now I know why. Starlight, is there any truth to this?”, asked Twilight.
“Long story”, responded Starlight, “but no use for me hiding what I have done. I wanted to create a society for those who wished to live in harmony and equality. I found ponies who were willing to join me in this – all was good until Apple Bloom and Gilda visited my village and took it all away.”
“She took away all of the ponies’ cutie marks and turned them into = signs. She kept her real cutie mark and concealed it with an = sign. This bitch is more despicable than me”, said Apple Bloom.
“I haven’t killed a single pony”, responded Starlight, “how many have you killed at this point? A thousand?”
“Ah want to make Equestria a better place. All you care about is taking power over your tiny cult. You know what. Ah should thank you. Now ah have 50 loyal followers who will keep me powerful. They are already working on rounding up anyone who dares try to overthrow me. Ah am a hero. You’re a hero to nobody.”
Twilight looked disappointed. She had no clue her time travel genius was also a power-hungry totalitarian.
“Umm”, said Twilight looking uncomfortable, “we could really use your help – Starlight, if you figured out time travel.”
“Oh, I sure did”, responded Starlight, “I can help turn back the clock on quite a few things. Princess Celestia will be back in power and Apple Bloom’s crimes will be undone. There is only one thing I ask in return.”
Apple Bloom snickered. Would goody-goody Twilight Sparkle actually go for Starlight’s deal?
“I will bring Our Town back to what it once was”, said Starlight, “Our Town will also remain independent from the Equestrian Empire and will be its own jurisdiction. I don’t think Celestia knew or cared about Our Town. Apple Bloom, being the power-hungry sociopath she is, found Our Town and destroyed it. Believe me. She didn’t do this for the goodness of anyone for herself.”
“I believe you”, responded Twilight, “we are quite familiar with Apple Bloom’s tactics.”
“So once I save Equestria – you probably won’t even remember Our Town since time will have changed. But a world where we live in harmony without differing cutie marks shall exist, agreed?”
Twilight twitched. “Ah will never take away a pony’s cutie mark”, said Apple Bloom, “Starlight Glimmer is asking for far too much. Ah just want ponies to respect that ah am the grand ruler of Equestria. Yes, it is sad that so many ponies have died – but the killing can step if y’all would just obey me.”
“You have my word, Twilight”, said Starlight, “I will fix all your problems. Look at everything around us! There isn’t even real day or night since Apple Bloom is too lazy or uncaring to raise the sun like a true leader would.”
“Like you give a damn. Gilda, tear this bitch apart like in half like you did last time. Ah am tired of this.”
“Oh certainly, I thought you would never ask.”
Apple Bloom had her killing machine. She would always win. She watched with glee as Gilda had Starlight Glimmer cornered. None of these weaklings would stop her. She was all powerful and all was good.
Suddenly – Gilda froze into place. What the hell?
A being had appeared out of thin air – more like a nuisance. Discord.
“Oh hello, everypony”, said Discord, “so sorry to be late to the game. I had so wanted to be neutral.”
“Neutral? Against a murderous tyrant?”, asked Twilight exasperated, “Discord – you could have stopped all of this long ago!”
“I was hopeful that Apple Bloom would turn over a new leaf and be reformed. But it appears that this filly or whatever she really is will not reform.”
“At least you got one thing right”, said Apple Bloom, “ah am who ah am, no regrets. This loser spent all of his time trying to taunt and troll me. Y’all should be mad at him if you hate me so much.”
“I could end this all now – a Discord ex Machina. Ooh, I like the sound of that.”
“Please Discord”, said Twilight, “Apple Bloom is destroying Equestria. Do whatever you have to do.”
Apple Bloom was nervous. The draconequus could easily destroy Apple Bloom – except she had been training up on a spell of her own just for this.
“Ah would be careful, Discord”, said Apple Bloom, “ah know that your species can be defeated one way. And of course, ah have learned a spell just for that.”
“Oh, petrification. There are many different kinds. Did you learn the right kind?”
“The right kind? What the fuck are you talking about?”
“It took over a decade for Celestia and Luna to figure out how to turn me into stone. You’ve only been an alicorn for ten days.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, Discord”, snarled Apple Bloom, “ah am smarter than both Celestia and Luna. In fact, ah am smarter than you. Ah have this all figured out.”
“Okay”, said Starlight Glimmer, “I’m sorry but I am really confused by all of this.”
“That’s because you holed up in Our Town enslaving ponies. Discord, why don’t you take care of this tyrant instead? She is a robber of cutie marks.”
“Eh, not a big deal to me”, responded Discord with a shrug, “I’m not a pony – remember?”
“Ah didn’t want to have to do this, Discord”, said Apple Bloom with a smirk, “ah might not be able to turn you into stone just yet – but ah know your other weakness.”
“You wouldn’t dare”, growled Twilight Sparkle, “anything but that..”
Apple Bloom let out a whistle.
“Ah just called out the timberwolves”, said Apple Bloom, “the same kinds that killed my mother. They have a new target now – Fluttershy. Ah estimate they are about a half hour away. Do anything to destroy me and Fluttershy will be dead.”
Discord was at a loss for words. Good.
“Ah know you don’t want to do anything to harm Fluttershy, now do you?”
“No, I-i-i-I don’t”, said Discord clearly exasperated.
With a wave of her horn, Apple Bloom unfroze Gilda.
“Don’t kill Starlight Glimmer yet”, said Apple Bloom, “we are seeing what Discord will do. You can destroy me right now. You can turn me into a filly without alicorn magic – but you will have a dead Fluttershy too.”
“I am sorry”, responded Discord with tears, “I can’t risk Fluttershy being killed.”
“Excellent”, responded Apple Bloom, “those wolves will be on a loop – meaning that they will kill Fluttershy within a half hour of you doing anything to hurt me.”
“You monster”, growled Twilight, “we will figure out how to defeat you.”
“Ah would like to see you try. Good luck with time travel from a megalomaniac you can’t trust.” Apple Bloom and Gilda then exited.
Twilight knew that their next decisions would be the difference between life and death and the difference between freedom and tyranny. There was an air of anxiety in the room. Along with Starlight Glimmer, Pinkie Pie, Discord, and Silver Spoon – they were the resistance, the ones who needed to figure out how to save Equestria.
“Starlight Glimmer”, said Twilight, “do you think you could pull off time travel? I don’t think a unicorn has ever done it before but your research has been promising.”
“Of course, I can pull it off”, said Starlight Glimmer, “it is actually really easy for me.”
“Starlight”, said Discord, “I hope you’re right. Not even a draconequus like me – the Master of Chaos – can travel through time.”
“You don’t have my level of unicorn magic, so I’m not surprised.”
Twilight was growing more skeptical by the minute. Starlight Glimmer had an aura of arrogance to her which was off-putting. Could she really have accomplished what even the great unicorns of the past such as Starswirl the Bearded couldn’t?
“I would love to help more”, said Discord, “but I need to make sure Fluttershy is safe. I’ve been alive for thousands of years and there has never been one more brutal than Apple Bloom – besides her father.” With that, Discord disappeared.
“Pinkie”, said Twilight, “something I’m kind of curious about. I put in my magic to the cauldron but I saw that there was already a block to Apple Bloom. What was that?”
“Oh that. It was super duper easy! When Zecora and I learned about Apple Bloom’s blood, we just went to Sweet Apple Acres and added a little bit of the poison to the potion. It counteracted Apple Bloom’s chants. Anyone with her poisonous blood is unable to use it for their evil deeds.”
“That is clever.”
“Anything that I can do to help”, blurted out Silver Spoon, “it pains me so much to just sit here and do nothing.”
“You can help by going back to Ponyville and hunkering down. We’re doing some really advanced stuff right now and I don’t think you will be much help”, said Twilight, “by you never shutting up, you are just impeding the process.”
“You really think I’m annoying?”
“Yes. I do but you’re a good filly – now get out of here.”
“Ok”, responded Silver Spoon softly as she exited the hut.
“Wow, Twilight”, said Pinkie Pie, “that was super duper mean of you.”
“On our walk from Canterlot to the Everfree Forest – she would just prattle on about meaningless stuff. I don’t think Silver Spoon is useful here. At least your chitter chatter is usually relevant.”
“And I was thinking you were gutless”, said Starlight Glimmer with a smile, “I would have abandoned Silver Spoon midway on the journey myself.”
“You’re both terrible ponies”, groaned Pinkie Pie, “but what’s the plan?”
“Pinkie”, said Twilight, “you will be guarding the contents in that cauldron. You’re clearly knowledgeable about its contents and can stop someone nefarious from stealing it. Starlight Glimmer, travel back in time and fix this. You have two targets. Apple Bloom and Tirek.”
“Easy”, said Starlight, “I’m assuming I go back before Apple Bloom committed her first murder.”
“Yes”, said Twilight, “I know it may be hard since she’ll just be a little defenseless filly but it’s good for..”
“You don’t know me too well, Twilight, but it won’t be a problem.”
Twilight shuddered. Starlight seemed to have a ruthless nature to her but this was their only hope.
“And in return – I will allow you to bring Our Town back to its original state.”
“Excellent”, responded Starlight, “that is the only motivation I need to get this all started.”
They heard chanting from outside, “KILL STARLIGHT GLIMMER! KILL STARLIGHT GLIMMER!”
“On that note”, said Starlight, “I am going to save Equestria from Apple Bloom.” Starlight Glimmer opened up a portal and jumped into it.
Twilight was nervous. She guessed she would never know if it truly worked unless she forgot everything that Apple Bloom had done and things were back to normal. That sounded like a dream come true.
The chanting grew louder and louder.
“Hey”, shouted Pinkie Pie, “Starlight Glimmer isn’t here – go look somewhere else!!”
“Our Queen said that she was spotted here – revived after her rightful execution”, said a stallion.
The door fell to the ground again. There was an earth pony stallion, a pegasus stallion, and a unicorn female. “I am not going to ask nicely again”, said the earth pony with gritted teeth, “where is Starlight Glimmer?”
“She just kinda disappeared – I dunno”, said Pinkie Pie, “probably plotting how to steal all of your cutie marks again!”
“Listen to me”, said Twilight, “I know you are all upset by Starlight Glimmer’s actions.”
“Understatement of the century”, grumbled the unicorn.
“But this monster, Apple Bloom, is much worse than anypony. You know the sun hasn’t shone at all since Apple Bloom took over, right?”
“Well it did over Our Town”, said the pegasus, “Starlight Glimmer figured out how to make it work.”
“Nothing good about Starlight”, said the earth pony, “she is worse than Apple Bloom.”
“Starlight really is some kind of superpony, isn’t she?”
“Not like you, Princess Twilight Sparkle”, said the unicorn, “but she is so talented at magic.”
“I’m willing to admit more talented than me. I’ll tell where she is if you all don’t kill us.”
“I understand you’re in a tough situation”, said the pegasus, “my name is Night Glider and these are Double Diamond and Sugarbelle.”
“Hi there, I’m Pinkie Pie!”
“Ooh, I wish I could bounce like that”, said Sugarbelle, “so cool!”
Double Diamond refused to say anything.
“I was born like this – not sure how”, said Pinkie Pie.
“One of life’s unsolved mysteries”, added Twilight Sparkle, “how do I know I can trust the three of you? You have pledged loyalty to Apple Bloom.”
“That’s right”, said Double Diamond, “all hail the Queen. If you don’t tell us where Starlight Glimmer is, I will personally bring her to the hut to get this information out of you.”
“Uh, dude”, said Night Glider, “are you sure you really want to go down that path?”
“I know all of you have been quite isolated but Apple Bloom is far more evil. Starlight Glimmer, I’ll admit, is arrogant and misguided from my brief interaction with her but I don’t think she is a bloodthirsty sociopath like the threat we currently have.”
“That’s true”, said Sugarbelle, “Apple Bloom is kind of like King Sombra.”
“King Sombra”, snarled Double Diamond, “Apple Bloom is benevolent. She has given our cutie marks back.”
Twilight saw that Night Glider and Sugarbelle were eyeing the rope and gag used on Pinkie Pie. Twilight wasn’t going to stop them.
Sugarbelle used a minor stun spell on Double Diamond as Night Glider rushed with the tools to keep him down.
“Sorry friend”, said Sugarbelle, “this is necessary. Apple Bloom is the real threat.”
“Where is Starlight”, asked Night Glider.
“She traveled back in time to find Apple Bloom in the past and to defeat her.”
“I hope we can trust Starlight Glimmer.”
Twilight wasn’t keen on revealing the reason why they could probably trust her.
“If it works, we are all going to forget about Queen Apple Bloom.”
There was a loud bang.
Twilight saw it was Trixie and Iron Will – except they were both overpowered.
“Iron Will has been informed that there were traitors here.”
“The Great and Powerful Trixie heard first.”
“No, Iron Will heard first.”
Double Diamond quickly got out of his stun.
“You idiots better be useful”, groaned Double Diamond, “when Sugarbelle stunned me, it sent a message to the Queen. Then she notified you two nitwits that she needed help.”
“Iron Will is not a nitwit.”
“Neither is Trixie!”
“Whatever”, said Double Diamond, “you two will oversee murdering Night Glider and Sugarbelle on sight. It is a lawful action according to our Queen.”
“You-you-you monster”, stammered Sugarbelle, “I thought we were friends.”
“We were, but you chose evil over good.”
Twilight was frustrated. Apple Bloom was always at least one step ahead – was she going to sabotage the time travel too?
“Pinkie and I will help fight against these idiots”, said Twilight, “four against two.”
“Trixie does not like to be called an idiot!”
“Apple Bloom only employs idiots”, said Night Glider, “Double Diamond being Exhibit A.”
“Shut up – aren’t you glad you have your cutie mark back?”
“I am confident that Twilight and Pinkie would have helped us too in that endeavor with no strings attached.”
“Night Glider and I will fight Iron Will. Sugarbelle and Pinkie, take Trixie out.”
“The Queen told me some of you were disloyal. Now you will pay.” Double Diamond rushed out.
“Trixie can defeat a weak unicorn and a pink mush with incredible ease.”
“Hey, I’m no pink mush!” Pinkie Pie threw the first punch at Trixie knocking her down.
Twilight and Night Glider saw the hulking and overpowered minotaur stare them down. He seemed cocksure that he would take them both down without much effort. Twilight hoped she could prove him wrong. She wasn’t an alicorn anymore but she still was skilled at magic.
Night Glider rushed at Iron Will and made a swipe at his shoulder causing him to draw blood but it didn’t seem to weaken the minotaur much.
Twilight could see that Trixie used a powerful burst of magic which threw Pinkie Pie and Sugarbelle all the way to a wall of the hut. Thankfully, neither of them was knocked unconscious.
“You see that you cannot defeat the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
“We’re all just getting started, sugarcube”, said Twilight.
“You shall address Trixie by her rightful name.”
“I doubt the Queen gives a shit”, said Twilight as she generated an incredible stream of magic causing Trixie to levitate in the air. Trixie was then thrown to the ground – leaving a small crater. Trixie was dead. Twilight shuddered at the thought that she killed another pony but it was self-defense.
Twilight was surprised to see that some of the overpowered magic escaped Trixie’s body and went to Twilight. Twilight was not an alicorn again, but she felt stronger.
“It is time for us to beat the crap out of Iron Will.”
With newfound confidence, the four ponies surrounded Iron Will – ready to take him out.
Twilight Sparkle used their magic to slow Iron Will down as much as possible.
“Iron Will is going to destroy you all and bring a world of pain!”
Iron Will charged at them with a smackdown. All four of them dodged it but it was a reminder of Iron Will’s power.
Twilight successfully put in a stun spell on Iron Will which slowed him down significantly.
“This stun won’t last long”, said Twilight, “we need to think quickly.”
“Queen Apple Bloom will be mad that you have caused harm to Iron Will.”
“Oh shut up”, said Pinkie Pie, “I still don’t forgive you for what you did to Fluttershy back in Season 2.”
What’s a Season 2, thought Twilight.
Pinkie Pie pulled out a party cannon from nowhere and shot it at Iron Will.
They watched as the confetti and a “party” cannonball caused Iron Will to be pushed so far back that he hit the wall of a hut causing the door to fall down again.
Iron Will wasn’t dead but the minotaur was knocked unconscious.
“Should we kill him”, asked Night Glider.
“No”, said Twilight, “there has been enough death. If Iron Will wakes up, I can weaken him again.”
“I see you took care of my dumb henchponies.”
Apple Bloom appeared with Gilda and Double Diamond. Double Diamond was wearing a coat of armor and had a sinister grin.
“Ah know what Starlight Glimmer is planning to do”, said Apple Bloom, “ah have been studying time travel. Of course, ah have figured out the mechanics of time travel but unfortunately my magic repertoire isn’t quite up to par yet. Twilight, with my brains and your magic, we can learn how to travel in time. Ah will stop Starlight and keep Equestria great.”
“Make Equestria Great Again”, chanted Gilda and Double Diamond.
“Oh jeez”, said Sugarbelle, “why don’t you make stupid hats with that stupid slogan.”
“What a great idea”, said Apple Bloom, “ah bet every pony would wear them to support me.”
“That’s not going to happen”, said Twilight, “because we certainly are not going to help you.”
Iron Will began to wake up but honestly, who cared?
“Ah will kill your five special friends in the Mane Six if you will not help me with time travel.”
“Even your sister, Applejack?”
“Ah don’t care”, said Apple Bloom, “Applejack has too much of her braindead farmer pappa in her. We don’t have much time, Twilight. Ah could figure out how to go back in time but Starlight is probably going to change the whole timeline by then and ah am fucked.”
“Sounds like a dream come true. So, in this new timeline – my five friends will probably be alive, right?”
“Yeah but Starlight could fail to kill me in the past and all stays the same anyway – not a possibility ah am willing to risk, but it is something.”
“So if I don’t help you, Fluttershy will be killed too. Is that right?”
“Definitely. Ah am looking to put that waste of space out of her misery especially.”
Suddenly, Discord appeared.
“What did you say about Fluttershy?”
“Stop interfering – remember my promise to you.”
“But I could have sworn you said that you would kill Fluttershy if Twilight Sparkle disobeyed you regardless of my own actions.”
“What the hell are you doing eavesdropping on my conversations anyway?”
“Your timberwolves are now small puppies – the only thing they will be bringing to Fluttershy is adorableness and love.”
Apple Bloom was turning the reddest of red. She should have known that Discord could take down her wolves himself.
“Oh, I had enough of this”, growled Gilda, “Discord – time to meet your maker.”
“Gilda.. don’t..”, said Apple Bloom softly, “he’s the Master of..”
But it was too late, Gilda flew right at Discord. With a snap of his claw – Gilda lost all her power.
“Oh that’s it”, said Apple Bloom, “ah am killing Fluttershy myself. Twi, if you listen to me – ah will spare the others.”
“Why should I trust you? You were ready to break your deal with Discord.”
“And as a result”, said Discord, “are you prepared to defeat me, Apple Bloom?”
“Annoying piece of crap”, grumbled Apple Bloom. With a wave of her horn, she gave Gilda back her powers.
“Gilda and Double Diamond”, said Apple Bloom, “together, we can destroy the Master of Chaos and bring glory to Equestria!”
“Hell yeah”, cheered Gilda, “tearing Discord to shreds is a dream come true.”
Twilight noticed Double Diamond looking at Sugarbelle and Night Glider with regret.
“Double Diamond”, said Twilight, “I put together something called a Cutie Map which is meant to solve problems around Equestria. I might forget Our Town but the Cutie Map won’t forget it. I promise that my friends and I will protect and free your town if everything goes back to what it once was.”
“Ahh”, said Double Diamond, “I am so sorry – I can’t support this tyrant!”
With a moment of hesitation, Double Diamond ran over to Night Glider and Sugarbelle. The three embraced.
“You double crosser”, snarled Apple Bloom, “kill him, Gilda.”
“With pleasure.” An impressive slash and Gilda pierced into Double Diamond’s armor and killed the stallion in an instant.
Sugarbelle began to bawl, “I hope Diamond comes back.”
“If Starlight is successful - Double Diamond along with countless others will come back to life.”
“Iron Will still loyal to Queen Apple Bloom.”
The battle began. Apple Bloom/Gilda/Iron Will vs. Discord/Twilight Sparkle/Pinkie Pie/Sugarbelle/Night Glider.
It was hardly a battle of the ages – thanks to an ally who finally took things seriously.
Discord, with a smirk, snapped his fingers and the trio found themselves back to their normal states.
“You’re welcome, a Discord ex Machina.”
“Fuck you! Ah may not be an alicorn anymore but ah will get back to what I once was”, snarled Apple Bloom.
“I have my doubts you will ever find an ally like Tirek.”
“And once the others hear about what you did to Double Diamond”, said Sugarbelle, “no former resident of Our Town will ever support you again, Apple Bloom.”
“My blood is still poison”, said Apple Bloom, “ah will cut myself and poison you all. None of you will ever stop me. Ah am smarter than all of you – even Discord. Gilda, stay by my side, and you will be rewarded with greater fortune than ever before. All will fear Queen Apple Bloom!”
Apple Bloom was trying to find something sharp to slash herself.
“Such a cute little filly”, said Discord mockingly, “but I think it is time for you to die.” Suddenly, Apple Bloom found her whole body being crushed into an impossibly small ball. Twilight wasn’t sure how Discord was doing it – but she suspected telekinesis.
Apple Bloom was now only skin and bones and very much dead.
“What would you like me to do with Gilda and Iron Will”, asked Discord.
“They are harmless without Apple Bloom – let’s send them both to the dungeon”, said Twilight, “there’s been enough death in Equestria.”
Discord transported both of them to the dungeon at Twilight’s request.
“So what now”, asked Night Glider.
“There’s not much else we can do. The threat is gone – but unless we can figure out how to revive more ponies. We need to root for Starlight Glimmer.”
“It was too hard to even get 4 ponies back to life”, said Pinkie Pie sadly, “at least we can celebrate that Equestria is safe once again.”
Twilight and the others longingly hoped that Starlight Glimmer could bring those who perished back to life.
Starlight Glimmer knew it would work. She successfully traveled back in time and would get Our Town back to its glory. Starlight knew that a few ponies would stand in her way. The first was Apple Bloom.
From research of the murders, Starlight learned that the first murder took place at Froggy Bog Pond. Apple Bloom killed a simple-minded classmate, presumably as a test run. If Starlight killed Apple Bloom instead, all the murders would stop.
Starlight landed close to the precise time. She could see Apple Bloom – looking sweet and innocent as a blank flank filly. However, all knew better in her time. Apple Bloom was accompanied by a dim looking unicorn colt with a blank stare. This must have been Apple Bloom’s first victim – Snails.
"Duhhhhh, Apple Bloom, where is you?", said Snails.
"Ah'm over here.. follow my voice. Hmmm.. wait, don't move yet”, said Apple Bloom.
Starlight could see the look in Apple Bloom’s eyes. She was perfectly okay with murdering another pony she didn’t like. Starlight was going to save Snails’ life, the lives of countless other ponies, and most importantly Our Town.
"Hey", cheered Apple Bloom, "why don't we count to ten together?"
"Uhhhhh... okie."
"For every number we count, you take a step. No turning. Just walk straight."
This would be too easy, thought Starlight, Snails had his eyes closed and Apple Bloom probably wasn’t expecting that any pony would follow her.
Starlight Glimmer levitated Apple Bloom into the air.
“W-w-w-w-what”, said Apple Bloom, “what the hell is going on? Snails, are you doing this?”
“Uhh.. I’m not doing anything.”
“Somepony or something is causing me to float in the air. Ah knew you resented me – Snails, but this is too much.”
“I don’t resent you – I l-l-l-.”
“Ugh, okay. So much worse”, groaned Apple Bloom, “whoever is doing this, show yourself!”
Starlight Glimmer had no plans of showing herself. She moved Apple Bloom’s body above Froggy Bog Pond and dropped the body to the ground. Apple Bloom was flailing in the water but it was futile. Starlight had weakened Apple Bloom to the point that the filly could not swim. Apple Bloom drowned in the pond. A moment later, a massive hydra appeared and ate Apple Bloom in one bite – swimming away afterwards. Apple Bloom was dead alright – she had it coming after her crimes. Crimes the filly no longer would be able to commit.
Starlight Glimmer then spoke to Snails.
“Snails. Apple Bloom brought you here because she loved you deeply”, said Starlight Glimmer, “Apple Bloom, unfortunately, committed suicide. She knew the hydra would feast at this time and she wanted to say goodbye to you. I am so sorry. Tell the others.”
Snails was crying and said, “I understand. Who are you?”
“A figment of your imagination telling you to do the right thing.”
“Uhhh okie dokie lokie.” With that, a weeping Snails ran off.
Ponyville would be devastated by the death of a bright and promising filly for sure. They would never know the horrors that Apple Bloom would bring.
Starlight Glimmer needed to kill a few more. She knew that Twilight advised her to go after Tirek. However, the thought of risking everything by going into Tartarus just to kill the centaur seemed like too much. And besides, it was Apple Bloom who helped Tirek escape from Tartarus in the first place. Apple Bloom was an easy kill at her younger state.
Starlight Glimmer knew who she wanted to kill next – Gilda.
Starlight travelled to Griffonstone to find Gilda. She searched long and far for Gilda. Perhaps the griffon wasn’t even in town and terrorizing ponies somewhere. Starlight wished she could figure out more easily where Gilda was during that time but there was no historical record of Gilda’s exact place when she wanted the griffon to be killed – especially since Starlight Glimmer had just changed all of history for Equestria.
However, luck was on Starlight Glimmer’s side.
Starlight saw a terrified griffon couple running as far away as they could.
“You two owe a lot of money”, snarled a gruff griffon which looked like Gilda in weaker but still impressive shape.
“We don’t have the money”, cried the female griffon, “why do you think we owe you things?”
“Your boyfriend has been cooking meth. You’re a real dumbass if you didn’t know that.”
Starlight Glimmer pounced on Gilda.
“Hello there, Gilda”, said Starlight with a smile, “you probably don’t remember me – but I certainly know of you.”
“Who are you? You crazy pony bitch! Get off me! This isn’t any of your business. And fuck you – I can’t even see them anymore. I’ll be glad to kill you instead. With that horn of yours, you can probably make money come out of your asshole.”
“I think it is time that we have different arrangements”, responded Starlight.
Starlight created a magic blast so powerful that it caused Gilda to be caught on fire. The griffon began running around and screaming for help. Nope, thought Starlight, Gilda had no qualms about killing Starlight. She would have no problem killing Gilda.
After a painful fiery five minutes, Gilda succumbed to the fire.
Starlight shrugged. She doubted any one decent would miss Gilda.
The griffon couple rushed over to Starlight wanting to share their thanks.
“If you really want to thank me. Join me at this place called Our Town. We could use some griffonfolk.”
“If you can offer us protection, the authorities have been after me too“, said the male griffon.
“Oh – so you have been cooking meth”, squawked the female griffon, “I’m breaking up with you!” She flew away.
“Uh”, said the male griffon, “I guess I’ll go to this Our Town. My name is Gold.”
“And I am Starlight Glimmer. Our Town is about 50 kilometers west of Canterlot. I will be back soon – just need to take care of one more target.”
Starlight Glimmer arrived at Canterlot. She looked through the list of ponies who had been killed because of Apple Bloom. Starlight knew there was one more who didn’t deserve to live.
Starlight stormed into Canterlot Castle where the Royal Guard stood in place. She saw two straight lines of loyal ponies who were ready to guard Princess Celestia with their lives.
However, there was one in the room who didn’t care so much about the life of Princess Celestia.
Starlight eyed a pegasus dressed up in armor who spent his time ogling and drooling over Starlight.
“Hey hot stuff”, said the pegasus, “why don’t you and me go somewhere for a little fun?”
“Shut up”, said another guardpony, “any more talk like that and I will ensure you’re fired. I don’t care that you’re dating Twily.”
“Oh Shining Armor, chill out.”
“Hmm”, said Starlight, “I can take this ruffian off your hooves for a little bit. Seems like he has some pent-up sexual frustration.”
“Sure thing”, said Shining, “I will tell Celestia and Twilight about this though.”
“I’m getting some hot unicorn ass”, said the pegasus, “I don’t give a damn.”
Starlight thought this would be too easy.
Starlight and the guardspony exited Canterlot Castle and went to a secluded wooded area.
“They say I am well-endowed”, said the guardspony, “I am Flash Sentry – you will have the best fuck of your life.”
“Oh”, said Starlight coyly, “I like to play it rough.”
Starlight Glimmer took out a knife and began to stab Flash Sentry all over. Flash screamed louder with every cut.
“When are we…ow.oww..getting to the fun stuff”, groaned Flash.
“You nimkapoop. If you haven’t figured out what I’m doing to you now – you never will. Did you actually think that I, Starlight Glimmer, would ever sleep with you? You are pathetic.”
“I am dating Princess Twilight Sparkle so I am the most desirable of all ponies.” Flash was far too chatty for someone who was just stabbed over a dozen times.
“Time for your throat”, said Starlight. Flash tried to fly away but it was no use. Starlight made one final slash to Flash Sentry at the throat and left the stallion dead. She doubted any one would care about this loss.
Starlight was well assured that her future was as safe as it could be. Our Town would live on – unlike Apple Bloom, Starlight swore that she would never kill another pony unless it was self-defense. It almost made Starlight uneasy how well she could play Apple Bloom’s game. However, Starlight didn’t have grand ambitions to rule over Equestria. Our Town was enough to satisfy.
Starlight Glimmer returned to Our Town where she saw her villagers cheering her return including Double Diamond, Night Glider, and Sugarbelle.
“Welcome back, Starlight Glimmer”, said Double Diamond, “we missed you so much!’
The newest resident, Gold, was already getting well acclimated to the town. Even though he was the only griffon – he could abide by Starlight’s rules and proving harmony existed even for nonpony folk.
Starlight smiled. All was good in Equestria again.
