> Parallel
>  by Dableaxcheaz
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Little Fillies Lost
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It started out as just a normal peaceful night in Ponyville. It was silent, nopony was up and about, and nothing really significant or unexpected really happen at all. It was also the night of the monthly CMC sleepover, this time it was Applebloom’s turn to host the gathering.

It started out as a normal party for the three, with their usual brainstorm of ideas, and the game of truth or dare. They even attempted to get their puzzle cutie marks in puzzle solving with a mixed up 6 by 6 rubix cube (of course they stopped after 5 minutes). 

They then circled around the carpet for a little gossip session of their own. Scootaloo began to talk about Rainbow Dash, and about how awesome she was when she was busting up clouds like paper through a shredder. “There is nopony else who could do it any better,” she said.

On SweetieBelle’s turn, she went on about how her sister is so picky when she’s there at her sisters carousel. From cockroaches crawling across the floor to dirt flying in through her window, the three laughed at her sister’s personal 1st world problems. They all had a good laugh whenever the unicorn had anything to say about her sister Rarity.

Soon after the little conversation, and the popcorn in the center ran out, it was time to hit the hay. They had to be in bed by midnight otherwise Applejack would come in and have to deal with them herself. Scootaloo and SweetieBelle unrolled their sleeping bags, while Applebloom crawled into her bed and handed out two big pillows to her friends on the floor.

The lights went out when the switch flipped off, and the fillies went to bed. Now this is only a basic description of their slumber party, but why am I setting the story at this particular night you ask? Well, only about fifteen minutes into their sleep, Applebloom was awakened by an ominous call. 

--:--

When the midnight hour finally came, Applejack’s mind woke up on command. She had been through this once a month routine for such a while that she didn't need an alarm clock. She felt the bags of Mr. Sand Stallion in her eyes trying to pull her back to dream land, but she fought its temptation and wiped her eyes.

She pulled of the covers and got on all four hooves. Applejack slowly walked to the door smacking her lips tasting the bedtime plaque. As she opened the door, she noticed that it was all to quiet in the house. Usually the CMC would unleash all their energy and saved the best fun for last as midnight approached.

Instead of hearing a cacophony of noise that Big Mac and Granny Smith somehow manage to sleep through, it was so quite that anypony could sleep through it. Applejack had to check on the girls whether it was silent or not. With this volume of noise, it only raised suspicion to the orange pony.

She quietly approached her sister’s bedroom door and slowly opened it letting a beam of light come in uninvited. In the light, Applejack noticed that Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle were not in the sleeping bags. The bags were both empty, but they looked like they have been recently used. “Scootaloo, Sweetiebelle, where are ya?” Applejack whispered looking around the shadows.” You know the slumber party rules. Ya need ya rumps in bed by midnight.” She moved toward her sister’s bed, but she too was absent. “Applebloom?” she asked.

“Applejack?” cried Applebloom’s voice.

Applejack looked around at the sound of her sister’s voice. “Applebloom?” she called,” Is that you?” She began to hear her sister begin to cry. ”What’s wrong?” Applejack could hear her sister’s cry from the bed, but she wasn't on it. Maybe she fell out and rolled under.

She looked under the bed to see if she was there. To add to her confusion, she wasn't even there, but she could still hear Applebloom. Applejack crawled out from under, thinking that it was just some sort of prank.

When the room was lit, it was revealed that the CMC were nowhere to be seen. A little bit of worry mixed in with Applejack’s confusion. She exited the room and went down stairs calling,”Scootaloo?” and “Sweetiebelle?” but there was no answer came from the silent house. She began look more frantically, hoping that it was indeed a joke they were playing.

When she pulled open the last cabinet in the kitchen. It came to finally came to Applejack that it was no longer a joke, and wasn’t going to deny it. The three fillies were indeed missing. The pony ran up the stairs to alert her grandmother of the situation. She flew the door wide open,” Granny Smith!” she quickly whispered urgently,” Granny Smith!”

The old Mare slowly woke up, pulling the ear plugs from her ears.” What is it dear?” she calmly asked rubbing her eyes.

“SweetieBelle and Scootaloo are missin’!” Applejack explained.” I can also hear Applebloom’s voice out of nowhere-!”

Granny Smith raised an eye at Applejack at the last part,” What do ya mean you can hear her voice out of nowhere?”

“I can hear her, but she’s not there!” Applejack explained.

Granny Smith gave a light surprised expression. She got out of bed and quickly followed Applejack to the bed room. The elder was still a little bit sleepy eyed at this point, and thought that Applejack was just having a panic attack. She entered first and immediately noticed the empty sleeping bags on the floor and the empty bed. Granny Smith didn’t jump to the conclusion that they were gone just yet.

She wiped her eyes,” Scootaloo? Sweetiebelle?” She called.” Can ya come out and just go to bed please?” She too was thinking that they were just playing, or was that just her slowed mind not clicking. The fillies didn’t appear. Grannysmith turned to Applejack,” Now are ya sure that they didn’t just go down stairs and grab a snack?” She said with worry in her tone.

“Ah don’t know,” Applejack replied trying to stay calm,” I looked everywhere for Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle. I checked the livin’ room, and the kitchen.”

At that moment, a voice came in spooking Granny smith to full alert. ” W-what the hay was that? A ghost?”

“That ain’t no ghost.” Applejack assured. 

The two began to stare around in the room. Searching for where the voice came from. The granny at first thought that her granddaughter had lost her apples. But she was now convinced due to the fact that she just heard what she thought was her younger granddaughter,” Granny Smith?” The voice called out.

Granny Smith shook her head after hearing it again. She looked into Applejack’s scared face,” You mean?” The orange pony nodded her head. Granny moved closer to the bed,“Applebloom?” she called.

“Granny Smith.” Applebloom cried,” Where are you?”

“I’m right here little filly.” Granny Smith said looking around the room,” but, where are you?”

The voice began to cry some more. Things were starting to feel very strange in the room. Granny Smith began to pull out drawers and opening the armoire looking to see if she was there.   The old mare began to panic a little. She turned to Applejack,” Are ya sure they ain’t anywhere else in the house?”

“Every nook and cranny.”

“Go get big Mac.” She ordered. Applejack exited the room while Granny Smith began to scour Applebloom’s room for the three fillies.

The door to Big Mac’s room flung open,” Big Mac!” she whispered. The stallion woke up pulling his pair of ear plugs out of his ears. Applejack quickly went up to him and shook him hard, trying to wake him up. The stallion began to grunt.

“What is it Applejack.” He groaned out loud.

“Applebloom and her friends are gone!” Applejack explained.

He twisted his hoof in his ear trying to hear what she said,” What?”

“Come on!” she urged running out of the room. Big Mac had no clue what was going on; but whenever Applejack acted all crazy he knew it must be important no matter how ridiculous it was. He followed behind, stretching his back in the middle of it. When he entered, he noticed Granny Smith in a panic frantically searching for something. Clothes and accessories were thrown all over the floor, the furniture was moved away from the wall. The CMC were still nowhere to be found. 

The stallion then noticed the absence of Applebloom, Sweetiebelle, and Scootaloo in the room. “What’s going on?” he asked,” Where the fillies at? Shouldn't they be in bed by now?” He yawned. The voice of Applebloom came again, catching Big Mac by surprise with his head still half asleep.

“Big Mac?” it sniffled.

“Applebloom?” Big Mac asked looking at Granny Smith and Applejack’s worried faces. “What’s going on here? Why am I hearing Applebloom’s voice?”

“Applebloom’s somewhere, but we can’t see her anywhere!” Applejack explained.

Big Mac widened his eyes,” ya mean as if she were a ghost?”

“I guess, but that’s just it, we haven’t found her anywhere.”

“Yeah, and heavens knows where Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo went!” Granny Smith added.

Big Mac then looked over at the bed wondered if his voice could reach her sister’s and said,” Applebloom can ya hear me?”

“Yes!” she cried.

Surprised that it worked, he continued,” Where are ya?”

“I don’t know.” She whimpered.

“Can ya see us?” Granny Smith added.

“No…”

“No?” Applejack replied confused,” what are ya seein’ right now?”

It took her a couple seconds,” All Ah’ can see are stars, like I’m in outer space.”

The three looked at each other with bewildered looks. “What else do ya see sis?” Big Mac added.

“A-Ah think I’m standin’ on a path of light.” She replied,” All Ah’ can remember is following a voice in here.”

Applejack froze,” Wait, did you just say a voice?” she softly replied. The apples waited for another answer, but none came back.

“Applebloom?” called Big Mac.

“Applebloom?” called Granny Smith.

“She can’t hear us. What do we do now?” Applejack exclaimed in panic.

“Twilight, Twilight can help us.” Quickly answered Granny Smith.

“I’ll go get her,” Big Mac said,” you two stay here and search the house for Applebloom’s voice again.”

Without any more hesitation, the stallion ran down stairs and out the door leaving Applejack and Granny Smith to hunt for Applebloom’s voice and her friends. They made sure to look in every spot that they checked before, even triple checking for good measure. But it was no use, the three were still lost.

Granny Smith then began to think that this was starting to turn into a lost cause. She sat herself down on the couch, with her sleepy mind tired of what was happening. “Applebloom.” She murmured to herself. “Where are ya?” Applejack came into the room, halting her search knowing that she must comfort her grandmother.

Applejack sat next to Granny Smith, rubbing her back with her hoof.” Aw it’s alright Granny Smith. We’ll find them.” She continued to rub her back some more.

“What are we gonna do Applejack?” She moaned with stress,” I don’t know how much of my heart can take of this.”

“Don’t worry,” Applejack reassured,” Twilight will be here to help us.”

“And what if she doesn't?”

“Then we’ll just have to find the fillies on our own then, with or without her.” Applejack said,” were family, we ain’t ones that are willin’ to give up.”

Granny Smith wiped her eyes,” I know that, but what if-“

“Shh…” she rubbed Granny’s back,” somethin’ will come up granny, just keep yer chin up.”

Applejack was not the kind of pony that wanted to give up so easily, but Granny Smith did have a point. The Apples didn't understand where their youngest was at or her friends, and possibly no one else in ponyville would if they tried to look. Twilight was the brightest in the town, but that didn't mean that she had all the answers. If the princess couldn't shine any light on the situation, then Applebloom and her friends were as good as gone. 

There then came a knock at the door. It must be Big Mac with Twilight. Granny Smith felt a warmth of hope coursing through her bones. She wiped the tears from her eyes and went over to the front door. The door opened with Big Mac standing in the door way huffing and puffing like a locomotive on its last leg. He collapsed from exhaustion. Alongside him was Twilight Sparkle the one who could solve this.

“I came as soon as I could.” Twilight said.

Applejack and granny felt relieved,” I’m sorry we had to bring you to this Twilight,” Applejack apologized,” but you’re the best help for something like this, since you’re the smartest around these parts of equestria.”

“That’s alright Applejack, even though what Big Mac told me would be something Zecorra may be able to solve in seconds, I’m willing to do the best I can

Applejack lead the princess up the stairs into Applebloom’s room. Big Mac was still trying to catch his breath. Twilight said,” Big Mac told me that you three could hear Applebloom’s voice, correct.” The two nodded in agreement,” and you can hear her coming from the bed.”

“Well, yeah,” Granny Smith said,” but that’s just it, we can hear the young’un as if she was there, but we can’t see her anywhere.”

The three entered the child’s bedroom, with all of the clothes and sleeping bags on the floor. Big Mac came to the doorway seconds later. Twilight walked up to investigate the bed for anything suspicious. She only placed a hoof on the mattress when she heard a whimpering.

“There she is again,” Granny Smith pointed out. Twilight was also surprised by the sound. They were right, they could hear Applebloom’s voice from the bed loud and clear. Twilight backed away from the bed, but then quickly noticed something different.

When she backed away, she noticed that the whimper lost some of it’s volume. Listening in even closer, she realized the voice wasn't necessarily being emitted from the bed, but it was still coming from that direction.

“Strange,” Twilight said,” It sounds like it’s coming from the bed, but it really sounds like it’s coming from the wall.” She examined e spot on the wall above the beds head rest. She could feel something coming from it. ”I wonder,” she murmured. 

The three ponies looked at her, hoping that maybe she found something. The next thing they knew, a magic aura surrounded the bed, moving it over to the side.
“Twilight what are ya-“ began Applejack.

“Shh… I think I may be onto something Applejack, and I might know where Applebloom and her friends have gone.” She moved the piece of furniture to the far left, and stood in front of the uncovered wall. 

The Apples didn't know if they were supposed to be excited for where this was going or nervous, they didn't want to disturb Twilight for they were soon about to find something out. She slowly approached the wall, looking up and down at it in a strange way.

Twilight could feel a strange sensation the closer she came to the wall. She kept on slowly moving until she was an inch away from the wall. She raised a hoof, and slowly reached out towards the green. The apples huddled closer together, waiting for something to happen. When the hoof hit the paint, it went right through it.

There were no ripples produced, or transparency when it passed. It just went right through it like a ghost and solid objects. The Apples gave faces of both astonishment, and shock.” Twilight!” Granny Smith whispered while trembling,” W-what is that thing?”

Twilight turned towards the Apples with a surprised face,” It’s a portal Granny Smith.”

“A portal?” Applejack asked,” You mean like a portal to some sort of unknown world. THAT kind of portal?” Twilight nodded

The other two equines remained speechless. A portal in their own house, and in Applebloom’s own bedroom, of all places in Equestria. There were no signs or sounds that gave away the portal’s cloak. How long the portal was there, was still a mystery even for Twilight. But an even bigger mystery was yet to be solved, how and why was it in Applebloom’s bed room?

Big Mac and Granny Smith have never seen a portal before in real life, but Applejack has told them about them after Twilight’s mission to retrieve her crown.

“There is a lot for me to explain, does anypony have a crayon or piece of chalk?” Big Mac turned to the dresser to see a tiny piece sitting there. He grabbed it of the wooden surface and quickly handed it to the princess as she began to mark the wall.

She first touched her hoof against the wall until she hit the gate’s far most left side. She marked the edge with an X and did the same for the right side. She then started from the top of the left side and drew an elliptical semicircle intersecting the X. After doing the same on the right, she drew a pair of parallel lines one for each circle half.

The drawing provided a full visual of the door way, with a drawing of a door way. Shivers were sent up the ponies spines as they began to wonder what was on the other side. Twilight turned to the group,” I've read about portals many times before,” Twilight explained,” but I've never seen ones without any, well…” She waved her hoof around in the wall,” visible features.”

“I have read about this specific portal; although I've only seen one source that mentions it.” Twilight admitted,” It said that  5 years ago a team of scientists have stumbled across a portal like this one in their own lab. The team have never seen a portal that was invisible to the naked eye.

The team decided to send 5 of its colleagues in to investigate the phenomena. Long story short, only one of them came back and the others were missing. The one that came out wanted to go back and save them, but the portal closed, it never did open back up.”

“So what did the one that survive know about the world?” Big Mac asked.

Twilight sighed,” He didn't say. Nobody believed him because others have found him to be mad, and locked him away in an asylum. But they say that he was chanting A dream of good that reflects the terrible.”

Applejack didn't understand what she meant by,” A dream of good that reflects the terrible.” But judging by context, it must mean something evil, even though it was chanted by an insane stallion. ” Ah don’t care what that crack head’s gotta say, we've got to save them!” she ran to the portal only to be stopped by the princess.

“No,” she denied,” I can’t let you. We have no clue what’s out there."

“What’s out there is my sister and her friends!” Applejack barked trying to get past Twilight. Big Mac and Granny Smith had to pull the mayor off to get her to calm down.

“I only know about the world’s portal and discovery, but I don’t even know what’s on the other side,” Twilight said,“Every pony that entered, never came back to tell the tale. I just don’t want to lose you too”

Then Applejack calmed down finally getting the picture” This isn't the first time that ponies discovered this portal. There have been claims in reports that many ponies were searching for the gate out of curiosity, and wanted to prove it’s existence, but no evidence has been brought back. Possibly due to them not leaving before the portal closes. They were never seen again.”

Applejack gently hung her head, taking all of the facts in. Granny Smith raised her voice, ” There’s gotta be a way to get those children back!”

“I don’t know if there is any other way Granny Smith, the only way to get them is to probably, venture in and get them out.”

Applejack raised her head to Twilight,” Well Ah ain't gonna stand here and do nothin’. I’m goin’ in Twilight.” 

“Applejack, please. I’m not trying to say abandon Applebloom, but I don’t want to lose you in there too.”

Applejack then said,” Twilight, Ponyville may not have boomed if it weren't for mah family. I’m willin’ break my back and soul to keep it from goin’ under. You and the other’s wouldn't call me a true friend if I didn't make the hardest choices count. And I’m the one responsible for Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo as if they were my own family.”

Twilight considered her reasoning. There was probably no way of convincing her at this point. She would probably feel the same if her own family was lost forever in an unknown world. Her own opposition made her sound like she would rather have the sisters (and technical sister) of her friends be lost then lose one of her own. She took a deep breath,” Alright, I guess if it’s the only way it’s the best way.” She tried to smile a little,” I’m coming with you.”

“Me too,” Granny Smith joined.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac added.

“No,” Applejack said,” I think I've got to do this one on my own. I don’t want to risk losing you three as well. I’m takin’ enough chances as I ready am.”

Twilight was about to argue with Applejack, but maybe this time she was right. If Applejack was willing to risk her life, and not risk other friends and family on the line. Was a pretty reasonable considering the circumstances.

“Alright, Applejack.” Twilight said,” then I guess all we can do, is have faith.”

Applejack felt a little bit of moral supporting her mission. ” Alright then.” She looked at the drawing “When does the portal close exactly?”

“Well, judging from the source I read, the portal has been reported to close at exactly 6:00 A.M.” Twilight explained,” It’s 1:30 now, so I suggest we’ll have to prepare now.”

“Ah don’t need anythin’,” Applejack said,” besides, what good will havin’ tools in an unknown universe do any way.”

Twilight pondered at the thought,” I guess, but I would recommend at least a necessity or too. Just in case.”

Granny Smith then had a worry some thought, ”Wait, what if the laws a physics don’t apply in that world, and time seems to accelerate in there.”

Twilight’s eyes widened at the epiphany,” Your right, I didn't consider that factor. Does any pony have an old pocket watch laying around?”

“I do!” Granny Smith quickly answered,” I've kept in my drawer, I hope it still works.” She ran out the room to fetch the device.

Big Mac turned to his sister,” Ah hope ya know what yer doin’ sis.”

Applejack smiled at him,” Everythin’s gonna be alright big brother, Ah promise.”

Big mac opened himself to the mare. She came in for one tight warm hug.” Ah most certainly hope yer right.”

Granny Smith returned to the room holding a hoof sized gold watch.” Hear it is. The watch of yer great grand pappy.” The watch was covered in minor scratches, but for the most part it looked like it was in great condition after all the years the family had it in their possession.

Granny Smith began to wind it up,” Ah hope this thing still works,” the watch didn't make any ticks at first, but when she shook it up and down, she could hear the rhythmic ticks and tocks just like it used to back then. She then turned the watch to match the exact time, 1:35. She held up by the string, and placed it around her neck.”Ah was gonna give it to Applebloom when she was a little bit older, but I guess now would be the best time.”

Applejack went up to the old pony,” Thanks Granny Smith.” She hugged her, but not as tight as Big Mac.” I’ll back before the time is up.” She then took a deep breath, knowing that her task would now be beginning in a moment. She slowly moved towards the hidden door, feeling more nervous the closer she got.

She turned around to her family and friend, who would be waiting there for her return.” We have faith in you.” Twilight smiled.

“Good luck,” added Big Mac.

“Bring the fillies back home.” Granny Smith cheered.

Applejack smiled a little and looked forward at the wall. She closed her eyes, held a deep breathe, and stepped into the realm hoof first. Her body passed through, leaving no sound or ripples behind her. “Please don’t do anything rash Applejack.” Twilight said.

Still holding her breathe and eyes shut, she could feel solid ground beneath her hooves, maybe it was stone. She began to feel more light headed thinking about it.

She released her breath, giving in to the light air pressure inside her head. She felt the air fill her lungs,” At least the place is breathable.” she thought trying to open her eyes. She eventually got them open, and Applejack was sure in for a surprise at what she immediately saw.

The world in front of her was a vast outer space, filled with nothing else but stars as far as the eye can see. She also noticed that the surface that she was standing on was a path of pure light, shimmering in a path that went in all directions. Up, down, left, right, twisted, looped, stairs, you name it. The path also seemed to break of into paths, each one going into all different directions.

Applejack began to feel light headed without even holding her breath. She was mesmerized by such a beautiful display. No wonder the previous researchers were so curios, you could take a picture of the place and hang it as a modern at masterpiece. 

The pony looked down off the cliff to see what was below. The paths were there, and some of them looked like going upside down. She then noticed that her pelt has changed color, from orange to a dark gray. Her Mane became a light gray, the apple cutie mark were colored an even darker grey, and her eyes iris became one big pupil.

Her mindset became disrupted by a strange voice that flowed through the realm, ”Save… them if you can. Them… I will consume.” Applejack could feel cold rushing through her bones, she had to act now. The mare slowly took a step forward, when she felt more confident, she was now walking down the shiny road. She kept on walking, taking in the strange view.

A few minutes in, Applejack could already start to feel lost. She had no idea where to look, and the paths did seem to go on forever. She looked around the sky for anything that could aid her. She then saw a misshapen object from where she was, and also saw that the light path ended there.

She began to weave around the labyrinth of light, even going upside down at one point, and stopped when she saw the object in front of her. By the looks of it, it was a solid black door with a white out line with a white hexagonal door knob to open it.

Applejack came up to the door, wondering what would be on the other side. She hoped to find at least one of the crusaders in there, and prayed to dear Celestia that they are still alive. She grabbed the cold knob with her hoof, and opened the door towards the outside. She stepped in, noticing a very erratic change in the scenery.

When she fully entered, she first noticed that she was in a shallow cave that was only a few feet deep, with moss for the overhang. She stepped out more to see what she would be up against only to hear the door close behind her. She quickly turned to it once it startled her, and saw that the black door was now a door made of damp wood.

She exited the cave and took in the atmosphere. She appeared to be in some sort of forest, with trees as thick as shacks and heights that challenged Manehattans tallest. In fact the tops shrouded the place in darkness yet Applejack couldn't exactly see the leaves, just the pale fog. She looked ahead of her seeing a stone path made of old eroded brick.

Applejack took in the air, foul to say the least. The pony gagged,” Ugh, this place smells more dead then a pile of dead bats.” 

She began to follow the path,” Alright, I’m goin’ in,” she thought to herself,” hopefully I’ll find at least one of them little fillies in these dank forest, maybe all three if I'm lucky. I hope I can find em all in time.” She looked at her watch, tempted to see how much was left,”No.” she denied,” Best not think about that.”

--:--

With that, Applejack had only begun her rescue. The Cutie Mark Crusader’s whereabouts remain unknown. What dangers would Applejack? What exactly was talking to Applejack before she passed through the door? And what exactly are the CMC doing at this moment?
> The Spider's Meal
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sweetiebelle opened her eyes to a blurry bright light that soon cleared up. While looking at the ceiling, she felt that she was lying a very soft matress just like the one at home. She slowly lifted her head off the pillow feeling a tad bit woozy as she found out that she was in her own bed, in her own room at Rarity’s carousel. She could feel a chilly fall draft coming in from her open window.

She wiped her eyes,” I’m… back home?” she asked herself. It all felt a little bit strange to the little unicorn. She could not remember much of what happened last night, but somehow she wound up back at home. Did she already leave the slumber party last night, or was she thinking about it while she slept. Either way, it was a huge blur to her. In fact, the last thing she remembered was seeing Applebloom climb over her bed and through a wall. It could have been a dream.

Sweetiebelle got out of bed and went down stairs to see her sister Rarity; but one thing was off about the whole thing to her, it was too quiet. Usually in the morning Rarity would be doing something with her next line of fashion. Whether it was planning, sowing, or even thinking, she would be filling the building with her own self talk. There wasn’t any this time.

The only thing Sweetie could hear was the wind howling in the air, maybe she could hear it from her window from her room. She slowly made her way down the stairs, hopefully not disrupting her sister wherever she was doing at this hour. Rarity was in the downstairs foyer, putting the finishing touches on her latest creation.

Rarity didn’t notice her sister’s presence in the room, but Sweetiebelle saw all of the amazing dresses she crafted. They all looked like they were themed towards the jazz age, with the slick gold, ruby, and emerald fabric on the dresses, and the matching sun hats to go with it. When Sweetiebelle left to go to the party, Rarity was only sketching out the line of clothing. 

Sweetiebelle then softly greeted,” Good morning Rarity.”

Rarity turned around,” Oh good morning, I didn’t know you were home so early? How was the Slumber party?”

Sweetiebelle groaned,” Ooh, I wish I knew.” She saw that Rarity had some bags forming beneath her eyes and her mane seemed to split at some parts,” Have you been up all night?”

Rarity looked up at her messed up hair, she yawned,” Yes dear, I have. I’ve been hard at work on my latest line of fashion. The Jazz age.” Sweetiebelle knew that she would say that,” It was such a difficult task, from the many rough drafts, to all the stitching that I had to do by myself. Such an ordeal,” she yawned again,” but it was worth it. Don’t you think that it’s marvelous?”

Sweetie gazed at the dresses, she had always thought that Rarity always put 100% effort in her lines of work. Her judgment towards her work however was a little bit biased, considering that she too wanted to be a fashionista just like her one day. “uh, yeah,” she answered,” best work yet, I guess?”

Rarity smiled in relief,” Oh that’s good, it’s always good to know that your efforts pay off in the end, now doesn’t it.”

“I guess,” Sweetiebelle said with a sense that something still wasn’t right. “Well, I’m going to go visit Applebloom and Scootaloo.” She turned herself to the front door.

“Wait, Sweetiebelle,” Rarity began,” Come sit with me at the couch. I want to have a little sister to sister talk with you.”

Sweetiebelle stopped and turned back towards her sister raising an eye. Didn’t she have anything else important to do this morning? With Rarity’s hard efforts came with a very busy schedule 90% of the time. The last thing that Sweetiebelle expected from her melodramatic sister, would be asking her nicely to come sit down and chat. She trotted on over to the purple luxury couch where her big sister was already sitting her flank on.

Still suspicious, Sweetiebelle climbed up the couch and sat up looking at her sister. “So… what’s this about? Am I in trouble?”

“Trouble, oh no no no darling, your not in trouble at all.” She explained. Now Sweetiebelle was finding interest. Usually when they sit down and chat it’s about something that she did and didn’t like, being the nitpicky pony she was toward her at times. Since Sweetiebelle was not in trouble, Rarity must have something good to say.

“I just wanted to tell you that, I’ve finished this line of dresses and I’ve got nothing else planned today. So I propose that maybe we could spend the day together, just the two of us?”

Sweetiebelle’s eyes widened, this was indeed a surprise for her. “R-really?” she squeaked.”You, Rarity, want to spend your precious time with me?”

“Yes.” Rarity confirmed.” Is there a problem?”

“Well, no… B-but, what about your next line of fashion. The planning, the material planning, or what about-“

“That can all wait,” Rarity explained,” It’s just fashion after all. Come closer, your acting all fidgety. Did you stay up late again last night?” She wrapped her hoof around the side of her sister and brought her closer. “Talk to ne dear, tell me more about your sleep over. What kind of things did you do darling?”

Sweetiebelle could no longer deny it, Rarity was indeed wanting to spend some time with her.” Not much really, we played truth or dare and had a little bit of a gossip session.”

“Really.” Said Rarity wanting to know,” What did you tell them?”

Sweetiebelle hesitated,” Well…”

“Oh come on.” Rarity encouraged,” say it.”

“I might have been talking about how dramatic you are sometimes.” Sweetiebelle said closing her eyes and looking away.

Sweetiebelle expected her sister to make a big deal saying,” Oh, I am not dramatic, what ever are you saying Sweetiebelle!” But instead, smiled and rolled her eyes.

“I guess I am, known for that aren’t I.” Rarity said. Sweetiebelle opened her eyes and looked up at her sister with confused eyes.

“You’re not mad?” Sweetiebelle asked.

Rarity nodded,”No, the one thing that I’d be worried about you talking about are any of my diary entries again. You havn’t been sneaking around in my diary have you?” Rarity asked suspiciously

“No, no I havn’t,” sweetiebelle quickly answered.

“Oh, good,” Rarity said retaining a smile. “Now then, I’ve got something special I want to do with you. Just stay right where you are.”

Rarity jumped off the couch and ran upstairs to retrieve the surprise. Sweetiebelle sat there taking in her sister’s sudden appreciation. Maybe this was what’s giving her an uneasy feeling. In that case, there really isn’t anything to worry about is there. Sweetiebelle relaxed herself, laying herself across the couch and awaiting her sister along with the expected good things to come out of this day
--:--.
Back at the Dreaded forest, Applejack was still searching for the fillies,” Applebloom!” she called,”Sweetiebelle, Scootaloo!” Her call echoed through the darkness. Applejack continued on, only to hear a thud on the ground. The cow mare stopped dead in her tracks and remained still where she stood. She heard the sound again, and yet again. The pony looked in all directions searching for where the thuds were coming from.

The direction she heard the source was to her left, coming from the fog in the distance and approaching in her direction. She took immediate action and hid behind an old decaying log by the path she was on. Applejack kept her head low, but was able to peek through a hole in her hiding spot.

Emerging from the dense fog, standing tall at a height of about 13 feet, came a giant spider strolling along in the woods. With its 8 legs each covered end to end with hair and allowing it to practically hover its own body above the ground, the monster could walk over any obstacle in its path.

Applejack had never seen a spider this large back home. Luckily for her, she was able to hide herself before it even saw her. The pony would have been in danger if it saw her with its red beady eyes. The beast continued on as Applejack came out of her cover. 

The spider was now continuing on without noticing Applejack’s presence, thudding the ground and impaling dead leaves as it treaded the ground. Applejack was about to ignore the spider and continue on with her search, but then the thudding suddenly ceased.

She still didn’t move, the spider looked like it spotted something and was moving towards it. “Whats it doin now?” she worried to herself. Without trying to make the slightest sound, she crept up behind a bulging tree root for another perfect cover. 

She took in a deep breath to gain some courage and looked over the root. The spider was only standing there doing nothing. Applejack didn’t want to stay too long, she still had to find the kids but she also wanted the spider to be far away from her. She waited a few seconds more, and then decided to see what was holding the spider up. She peeked over the root again, this time with a little more in her view.

Applejack felt a sudden burst of surprise. Laying in the cold dead leaves, was the body of Sweetiebelle, still breathing and unscathed. She wanted to shout her name, but that would only blow her cover. She didn’t know whether or not, she could confront this giant spider on her own.
----
Rarity returned to the downstairs foyer, laying out the supplies in front of the couch. The contents included, a blanket, a bowl filled up with gray facial mask, and a white square towel. “Alright Sweetiebelle, I’ve stumbled upon an article from a book on spa treatments. It’s filled with all sorts of treatments from every corner of Equestria!” She laid out the white towel and folded one of the corners making a diamond,” lay down right hear.” She said pointing at the fold.” This one looked interesting when I read it.”

Excited for what her sister had in store, Sweetiebelle jumped off the couch and laid on her back against the towel. Rarity took one side and pulled it over her sister, while folding the fillies legs in. She then pulled up the bottom corner over the filly. Rarity then rolled her sister over a few times tucking the remaining cloth, swaddling Sweetiebelle like a little foal.

Rarity marveled at her sister’s cutness,” It’s not to tight now is it dear?”

“Nope,”Sweetiebelle felt the towel snug against her whole body.”So this is what a burrito feels like.” Even though she couldn’t get out of it, it felt very cozy with it’

Rarity giggled,” This should open the pores of your body, kind of like a make shift sauna if you may.” She pulled up the bowl with the gray paste. Now close your eyes while I apply this mask.” Sweetiebelle nodded and obeyed her sister.
----


Applejack could only watch in shock, as the spider pulled the filly closer to itself. It quickly began to roll Sweetiebelle in place in a sticky web like substance. 

Applejack wanted to just jump at the spider, but she was paralyzed with fear to move. What was happening to her? This is Applejack, one of equestrias greatest heroes, she could take on creatures like chimeras, invading changelings, and possibly giant spiders. 

Was it the fact that she was just nervous and staring off into space, or was it the fact that she was fighting something that she alone was facing? She didn’t have any weapons with her, or friends to help her. It was just her and an old watch, against a giant spider. 

Whatever it was, she couldn’t move at all, Applejack could only watch the filly being wrapped from head to hoof in a thick white, sticky substance. How could she be asleep during all of this?
----
Sweetiebelle was starting to feel the warm tight therapy of the towel, and the moist facial mask loosening her complexions as the fashionista smeared the mask all over her face. She placed a pair of cucumber on her eyes as the finishing touches.

Sweetiebelle never understood what good putting chopped veggies on her face would do; but in a way, it added to the authenticity. She felt like savoring the moment. “So are you already feeling your body rejuvenating as I speak?” Rarity asked. No words could express Sweetiebelle's answer, she only nodded.

“Now then, let’s get you into my bed where I set up the next bit of your therapy.” She took out the large blanket and wrapped that one around her toweled body. Rarity then took the pillow and wedged it into her sister’s head and towel.

Sweetiebelle didn’t know what she was planning,” Rarity?” she asked. The fashionista picked up the blanket with her mouth and began dragging her sister across the floor. Sweetiebelle could feel herself sliding on the floor, feeling the adrenalin that the faint g forces gave off. She wished that she could she where she was going; but because of the towel wrap, she could not remove the cucumbers off of her eyes.
----
The spider had just finished wrapping its victim in the tough thread, covering Sweetiebelle from horn to hoof in the cocoon of fibres. The spider was now towing sweetiebelle away by another thread coming from its abdomen. 

Applejack only continued to watch in terror as the spider dragged its prey on the ground, forming a dirt path in the leaves. As the arachnid proceed onward with its dinner, the pony began to feel less terrified as it got farther away from her.

“Ugh, come on Applejack,” she whispered to herself,” I’ve got to save Sweetiebelle. My family and Twilight are depending on me.” She took a deep breath, and continued onward, but treaded lightly on the dirt path. She wanted to get in close and cut the filly loose, but she also didn’t want to risk getting killed by the beast.
----
Rarity continued to tow her sister around at random throughout her house, until the unicorn decided that it was time to bring her to her room. She brought Sweetiebelle to the foot of the stairs and began to drag her up the steps. Prossibly the reason why her sister lodged a pillow between her head and the towel. 

The white unicorns head went up and down violently, yet the force of her heads impact on each step was absorbed mostly by the pillow. Sweetiebelle felt her head bumping against the steps, but didn’t feel any pain.

When they made it to the bedroom at the top of the steps, Rarity tugged her sister up the base of the bed and then levitated her onto her luxurious bed. She adjusted the pillow so that Sweetiebelle’s neck wouldn’t hurt while she was relaxing.

Rarity looked at her sister, noticing how pleased she was with her D.I.Y. spa treatment so far. The pony then took up a box of matches and started to light up the candles next to her bed. It was the aroma therapy portion.

As soon as they were all lit, the fumes from the scented waxes mixed together to form one relaxing scent that would make anypony feel safe. Sweetiebelle let out a sigh for the aroma,”Scented candles?” she asked.

“A few jasmine, along with a cinnamon and vanilla candle to mix.” Said Rarity taking in the scent,” I had no idea that these odors could combine so well.”

Sweetiebelle just then had a thought, she asked,” Rarity, why today of all days to do this?”

“Pardon?”

“Well… I mean, why not yesterday, or tomarrow, or any other day before that?” She clarified.

“Well Sweetiebelle, while I was working on my previous line last week, I couldn’t help but notice that you looked kind of sad while you were here. Neglected.”

“Aw rarity, it’s okay, you feed me enough when I’m here, and make sure that I don’t get into trouble. I just feel tired after school that’s all.” Sweetiebelle explained.

“But every time you come home, you always sound tired.” Rarity explained,” I ask how was your day at school and you would just say it was okay in a soft sad voice.”

Sweetiebelle began to remember those times, “I guess I know what your saying, but I’m okay with you being busy. I know that your always busy and trying to make a living.”

“But Sweetiebelle you must understand. I’ve never realized how selfish I was with my time. I wanted to spend it most on what mattered to me most, fashion. Instead of you know,” walks up to her sister,” spending some more time with my sister.”

Sweetiebelle let out a yawn.” Thanks sis.”

A thought then popped into her head,” you know Sweetiebelle, are you interested in fashion?”

Sweetiebelle yawned,” Yeah, I tried it a couple times but I just can’t get it right. I mean, have you seen the costumes I made at the talent show.”

Rarity rolled her eyes,” well, of course, but at least you’ve got some kind of start. All you need is a little push in the right direction. That’s all.”

“Yeah, but I’ll never be just like you Rarity.” Sweetie complained,” I just don’t have the talent.”

“Aw, don’t say that,” Rarity cooed edging close to Sweetiebelle,” I’m sure we can figure something out together.”

“You mean?”

“Yes Sweetiebelle, as your oldest sister, I think I’d be a great opportunity to help you in your eye for fashion. These sorts of things just beg for improvement.”

Sweetiebelle felt a warm feeling, inside.

“Now, rest your mind little one. I’ll have to leave you here in bed, but only for about a half hour. Then you’ll feel the extraordinary final sensations of this treatment. Or at least, that’s what the book said.”

Sweetiebelle didn’t say another word. She just smiled and began to dose off to sleep. “Sweet dreams little sister.” She whispered.

Sweetiebelle felt at ease as she closed her eyes. She couldn’t wait to wake up again and bond with her sister a little more. As soon as she woke, she and Rarity would be designing fashion together. And maybe, just maybe if she’s lucky, could finally receive her cutie mark.

Before Rarity left the room to leave the young filly at peace however; she decided to give her one more surprise.
----
Applejack followed close behind, following the spider on the dirt path to avoid crunching on leaves. For a native creature of these woods, it sure took a long time to go back to its nest. The path of exposed dirt went in almost like same as the paths of light. The road didn’t loop or twist like them, but with this new environment, it made Applejack a little dizzy.

The madness finally reached and end when they climbed a steep hill. The orange pony saw patches of web in the trees and bushes, and could only sense a large web waiting at the top of that hill. She waited until the spider disappeared from her view to ascend the hill to the spider’s lair. Applejack felt cold at the sight she saw.

She saw webs all around the area, in the tall branches, on the ground, and from trunk to trunk. holding captured prey in it’s webbing. Bats, wolves, birds, and other awfull things that live in this thick forest, were all on the menu for this arachnid. Sometimes the spider hung the prey upside, killing the prey with its own blood flow.  

The giant web in the center, consisted of a large spiraling system of threads that held up over a bowl like pit. The threads appeared to be thick and strong like bridge cables, that not only held it together but also the prey of the arachnid. There were numerous web wrapped animals on the table already. They were motionless and were the side dishes after the main course. Looking into the pit, Applejack saw that there were bare bones that littered the floor of the bowl.

The spider picked up the prey and plopped it down on the center of the web. The beast felt his hunger and wanted to wait no longer. It began pulling away at the webbing.
----
For Sweetiebelle, she felt her sister unwrapping her exposing her body to the cold air. Rarity opened her mouth and aimed for the fillies tummy. But in the reality of the world she really was in, the spider exposed it’s drooled up fangs and moistened mouth to devour her. The filly couldn’t tell if she was about to be either tickled, or feel the pain of being disemboweled bit by bit.

Applejack had to do something, and fast. She wanted to save Sweetiebelle, but at the same time didn’t want to die herself. She had said earlier that she would sacrifice herself for ponyvile, but that was only if time ran out. She didn’t expect this world to house a giant pony eating spider. She had to act fast now, or else Sweetiebelle was spider chow.

Quickly looking around for something, the first thing that she could think of was driving the spider away with a distraction. Applejack picked up a large stick and chucked it far away from where she threw. The stick sailed through the air, and then created a loud cracking sound when it hit the ground.

The sound interrupted the spider’s first bite of the meal, and caused it to turn around quickly. Applejack immediately took cover behind a nearby boulder. Her tail barely made it behind the rock when the spider looked in her direction. Applejack could hear the stepping of the 8 legged behemoth coming closer and closer to her.

The spider was now walking over where Applejack hid, with its body hovering over. She held her breath again until it passed over. Now it was her chance to save Sweetiebelle. She didn’t exactly have a plan to begin with, but she was hoping that she could make it up as she went along. She ran for the spider web jumping into the pit of bones and moved to where she was underneath Sweetiebelle. The filly appeared to still be sleeping, but how in the world could she even sleep when there’s a giant pony eating spider in the area?

The pony brushed the thought off and regained her focus. How was she going to get her off the web? Applejack’s thinking couldn’t get her this far. She decided to resort to pulling her off the web. The pony jumped up, but missed her bite. She tried again, missed again. She then heard the steps coming from somewhere, this was her last shot. She jumped and prayed hard to celestia that she could get it. And she did.

The web was now in her mouth, all she had to do now was pull it off and run. She tugged hard at the cable threads, but soon she felt them give in, and soon after that they did give in. The threads snapped, and Applejack now had Sweetiebelle in her mouth. As she climbed out of the pit, the path to escaping the forest was blocked by the ravenous spider.

Applejack froze in place, not making any sudden movements. The spider saw its main course in the mouth of what he saw to be the true main course. It let out a nasty hiss at Applejack. The beast slowly moved towards her, and Applejack began to back up as well. She stared deep into it’s beady red eyes, and they locked on her as its next prey.

Applejack then drifted off to the right, going along the edge off the pit. She then noticed that the spider was now in front of her, and the path to escaping this dreadful forest was now open. The cow pony then turned around and darted towards the dirt path. The spider hissed again, and was now pursuing Applejack.
----
Though to Applejack she was still asleep, to Sweetiebelle she was only awake. Before Rarity could tickle her sister by blowing on her tummy, a crackling noise drew her away, causing her to wrap Sweetiebelle back up again. The next thing Sweetiebelle knew, she opened her eyes with the cucumbers sliding off her face, to see that Applejack was at her bed all panicking and sweating.

Sweetiebelle had no idea what was happening, but before she could ask anything, the mare lifted her up from the mattress still in the towel and began to run off with her. Applejack then stopped, looking at her sister Rarity who was standing at the door. Applejack acted as if Rarity was a threat.

“Oh, Applejack.” She said,” fancy meeting you here.” Applejack then backed up as Rarity began to approach her. “Well, we were just in the middle of a little spa treatment. I kind of want to spend the whole day with her since, you know, I’m such a busy pony.” She smiled revealing her teeth.

Applejack didn’t respond, she continued to move backwards steering herself and steering Raritys movements. When Applejack positioned themselves, so Rarity was in front of her and the door way was behind her, she ran off with Sweetiebelle.

“Applejack, wait!” Rarity cried,” Where ever are you going with my sister? Put her down!”

Sweetiebelle turned her head to see that her sister was pursuing Applejack down the stairs. What did Applejack want with her? She thought. A flash of light then went through her head. For a split second, she saw a giant spider in place of her sister. Another flash came to her, this time the sceanery changed from the boutique to a dark forest. 

She shook her head to make sure that she wasn’t going nuts herself. Sweetiebelle began to feel the notion that something was out of place in her mind. This all felt all too real to her, but at the same time felt like… a dream. Her thoughts soon went deeper into the subject causing the world to ripple and distort around her.

When Applejack made it to the bottom of the stairs, the world in Sweetiebelle’s head blew up in a flash of light. The dream had collapsed, and was no more. Sweetiebelle felt like her head was just waking up from the strange dream. 

As her eyes began to regain vision, she observed that she was no longer at Raritys. She appeared to be in a dark dead forest. She saw herself to be in a cocoon of a white sticky substance which she could barely move around around in.

Sweetie saw that she was being carried by Applejack who was clearly running away from something; and when she turned her head back, she was shocked to see the spider that was chasing them.

The little filly squealed at the horrible sight, alarming Applejack that she had awaken. The spider hissed again, now more determined to take back its meal. Applejack kept on running, going left and right, up and down on the dirt path. The spider could feel itself getting closer and closer to its victims the more it ran. Applejack felt like she was in deeper danger the more she ran.

The cow pony had already forgotten how long the dirt path actually was, and felt like her legs were about to break any second. Sweetiebelle could only watch in shock and confusion as the spider approached, exposing its fearsome fangs. “Where is the road?” Applejack yelled with the thread in her mouth.

After the next turn a few seconds later, Applejack spotted the brick road that she came off of. The orange mare felt her morale raise a little. The dirt path finally ended and she ran across the leaves and onto the rotten brick road.

The pair made a sharp turn right, causing the arachnid to slam into a tree. Applejack kept on running, gaining a good head start. The spider roared an awful roar and charged after the ponies. Applejack didn’t want to look back and check how far back the beast was, for her heart could not take it if it was right on top of her.

Then as if out of nowhere, she could see the cave that she emerged from when she came into the world. Finally, she was almost out of the woods… literally. Applejack slid into the door and tried to yank it open, but it wouldn’t budge. Stress stabbed into the stressed pony’s chest. The spider was coming in closer and closer, Sweetiebelle closed her eyes and screamed again.

Applejack then spotted that the door had one of those bars to keep it from swinging open. She quickly pulled up on the lever, and thrust the door open. The spider was lunging in for the kill. They passed through the door, and the mare slammed the door closed into the spiders ugly face.

The spiders impact shook the door, but Applejack kept the black door shut. Sweetiebelle, quaking in fear, slowly opened her eyes to see if they were eaten. It didn’t look like they were, but she saw that they were on some sort of path of light in some sort of outer space. Applejack slid down on the door, catching her breath. She couldn’t believe how dangerously close that was.

Sweetiebelle looked over at Applejack on her side. “Applejack.” She said,” Where are we, and what’s going on?” She noticed that they both had a grey color scheme to their bodies,” And why do we look like a black and white film?”

Applejack came off the door, finally catching her breath as she went over to release Sweetiebelle from the web. She grabbed it with her mouth, placed her front hooves on her, and ripped open her cocoon like a bag of tatter chips. Sweetiebelle felt her body finally freed, and the sweat the filly gained from the humidity within, came down her pelt.

“I’m glad that yer finally awake.” Applejack said.

Sweetiebelle raised an eye,” Wait, was I sleeping?!”

Applejack nodded,” you were out cold little one, from the moment me and the spider found ya.”

The little filly cringed a little just thinking about it.”So what exactly happened while I was asleep?”

“Well, first off that monster found ya, then it spun ya into a sack, and dragged you to it’s nest for supper time.”

Sweetiebelle then thought that those events sounded strikingly familiar, as if they just happened to her moments ago. It was as if the events that she had just dreamt, were a more pleasant version of what was really happening.”Huh,” she started,” That’s almost exactly like in my dream.”

“What ya dream about?”

Before she could answer, a voice came echoing through the realm of space, ”Time… is short. Time.” It moaned.

The voice not only gave Sweetiebelle the shivers, but it reminded Applejack of something vital, time. She brought up the watch around her neck, and opened the golden cap. She felt her heart jump when it read 3:00. Had she really waisted an hour and a half in the forest, or was the watch broken? 

She didn’t want to take any chances, she turned to Sweetiebelle,”Actually sugarcube, we gotta move now.” Applejack stated with urgency.

Sweetiebelle just shook her head,” Applejack, what’s going on, what’s the rush?”

Applejack’s mind only thought of the gravy of the situation, but she couldn’t just go on without at least bringing her up to speed. “Alright,” she calmly began to explain,” your friends are in trouble, and time is short. I’ll give ya a short hoof version.”

Sweetiebelle nodded,” Anything!” she urged,” just tell me.”

“Long story short, If we don’t get out of here, we’ll be trapped in this dimension.”

“Dimension?” Sweetie asked.

“Yeah, and the only thing that Ah know is that it creates some sort of dream when yer in here. I don’t know what twilight means by a good dream that reflects the terrible. Kind of what your dream did.”

Sweetiebelle looked up at Applejack thinking about the dream with Rarity,” Can I tell you about the dream?”

Applejack wanted to desperately continue at the mission at hoof,“ Can ya please tell me on the way honey?” Applejack said with impatience,” Ahm sorry but time’s a short now.” Applejack picked the filly up and threw her onto her back. “Hang on!” she ordered. 

Sweetiebelle kept thinking about the dream. Her sister had just opened herself more to her and wanted to spend the whole day with her. In reality, it was all a dream, an illusion on the lid of the eye, and she was captured and almost eaten by a hairy spider. She wished that dream would become a true reality.

Applejack was now running off with the filly on horseback. The unicorn still did not have a clear understanding of the full story, but she knew that something bad was in the air. 

Applejack had just moments ago had only a taste of what she was up against. Luckily she was able to find one of the crusaders, and hopefully she could have the same luck in finding the others.

Her high confidence had merely underestimated the danger. The pony would rather not think any more about it, but it was the very first time that a brave pony like Applejack was for once in her life scared. Shaken like a leaf.

			

> Chicken for Dinner
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack and Sweetiebelle continued to travel across space and time to find the other crusaders. Sweetiebelle was just now finishing up recalling her dream with her sister Rarity.

“…So then you ran me down the stairs carrying me, and then I woke up.”

“Wow,” Applejack replied after hearing the story,” I bet it’s a mighty shame to dream all of that, only to find out that it’s all a dream.”

Sweetiebelle shrugged,” Yeah, it’s all right.”

“So how did you wind up in this realm Sweetiebelle? And what happened to the others?” Applejack asked.

“Well, the only thing I remember is seeing Applebloom staring into the wall in her bedroom. She just stared at it, like she was talking to it. Then she just walked through it. I don’t know how I wound up in a dark forest, but all I can say really is that I followed her right in. That’s when I blacked out.”

Applejack ran the information through her head. From the sound of it, Applebloom must have been lured inside by some sort of voice. The only voice that she could think of was the voice that she heard earlier. She didn’t just think of it as a coincidence, she knew that the voice was in fact what brought applebloom in. What and where the voice was coming from, Applejack didn’t know.

“So did my dream really connect to this world?” Sweetiebelle said.

“Eeyup,” Applejack replied,” every detail. I reckon Rarity was the spider, her nice carousell was possibly that putrid forest, and I guess that there therapy was just her capturing you.”

Sweetiebelle became curious with one thing in her dream,” even the candles by my bed?”

Applejack pondered at what she could compare it to,” possibly the dead rotting corpses in that web.”

Sweetiebelle could almost smell the decay, she wished that she didn’t ask.

They continued to navigate through the many twists and turns that the path of light made. Applejack began to wonder about what was happening to Scootaloo and her sister. She hoped that she would be able to reach them in time before something awful would end up killing them off. Anything could come against them, it was only the beginning after all.

Applejack didn’t want to assume the worse, but she also hoped that she would be prepared for what was next in her path. Applejack was not going to let herself get caught off guard this time around.
--:--
We now focus on another part of this world, another world that lies on the other side of another black door. Scootaloo would be the one within this one, but what horrors roam within this section of the realm along the little pegasus? Anything that happened in her head, was a deceptive cover up for her death.

Like Sweetiebelle, Scootaloo woke up to a bright light that sent her mind into haze. It was quiet throughout her home, and wind came flowing through the rooms and hallways. Scootaloo shook her head,” I’m home?” she looked around her room some more,” no, it can’t be. I was at Applebloom’s house.” She got up from the covers, still holding a puzzled face.

“Even if I did come home, how did I come home?” Scoots thought to herself. She left her room and began to walk down the halls. She then made her way to the kitchen,”Morning mom, morning dad.” She greeted, but they weren’t there. Scoots looked into the empty room, listening to the wind enter her home. The sky was a gray overcast, with winds tossing leaves all around. Scootaloo could hear birds chirping their morning tune, it felt very welcoming to her.

Scootaloo then checked the living room for her parents, but they weren’t there. She checked the parents’ room, the bathroom, and even her own room. They weren’t anywhere to be found. Usually they would be at the kitchen making breakfast and reading whatever happened to be in the papers. They should be somewhere at the house, getting ready for their day job and hopefully they have it easy as usual today. 

Scootaloo then decided to leave the house and come back later, maybe her parents were on some sort of errand and they didn’t bother to wake Scootaloo up? When scootaloo opened her front door, she was greeted to a gust of wind, the blotted light from the sun, and the lack of ponies walking the street. Scootaloo shook her head to check her vision, but it didn’t make any equines come back. 

“This is deffinitly a dream.” Scootaloo thought to herself,” or, is it?” She wasn’t that good at distinguishing dreams from reality; but the fact that everyony was missing, it was hard to deny it. Then again, ponyville was involded in a lot of crazy events recently. This was no stranger, but it had an eerie feel to it that made Scootaloo’s pelt start to crawl.

She then crossed through her yard and began to look around. There was absolutely nopony in the town, not even in the sky or in the buildings, Scootaloo was the only one there. “Where is everypony?” she said to herself. Scootaloo wondered if anypony was there at all. There could be a chance that there were; like a Pegasus was in the sky above the grey cloud tops, or maybe someponies were in bed.

Scootaloo began her breif stroll around town to investigate whether or not there are any signs of life. It was nice to hear the town this peacefull, but it was disturbing to scootaloo that it was mostly disserted. Then, in the thick patch of clouds, an opening appeared to let in some pure sunlight. Scootaloo looked at the sky feeling the suns warmth, only to spot a certain Pegasus that she would give anything to spend time with. Rainbowdash.

Scootaloo smiled at her role model’s presence. She felt a lot more safer just knowing that there was at least one pony besides her in the area. Rainbowdash spotted the little one on the ground, and began to make an ascent downward. “Hey squirt.” Rainbow greeted,” how’s my biggest little fan doing?”

Scootaloo was so happy, dream or no dream, even the smallest thought of Rainbowdash brought a smile to her face. She played it cool and said,” Oh, you know just chillin like a villain.” She brushed her mane as if there was sweat hanging from it.

“Chillin like a villain eh?” Rainbow parroted intrigued by the quote,” that’s a good little catch phrase ya got there. I always knew you had some hip inside ya.”

Scootaloo began to blush a little, then she asked ”so where did everypony go?”

Rainbow looked around the town,” heh, I thought the town looked a little deserted. Day light savings time maybe?”
“Maybe,” Scootaloo parroted back. “So you’re just patrolling the sky as usual?”

Rainbowdash smiled with pride,” yep, just finishing my morning shift. My boss has been easy on me this week.” Her stomach began to rumble,” Welp, guess it’s time for me to get some chow. Wanna come down to Sugar Cube corner with me.

Happy that she asked,” Sure!”

The sky blue Pegasus stretched out her wings,” hang on gimme a sec. The weather team’s been havin’ us on a rough schedual.” she then stretched her hooves till she felt the pop of relief,” Hoo! Now I’m ready.” Scootaloo followed very close to her idol’s side. The daredevil wrapped a wing around her.”

“Aren’t ya cold?” She asked.” It’s pretty cold out here today.”

Scootaloo didn’t mind the breeze all that much, but now that she mentioned it, it has started to get a little bit nippy. She began to chatter a little, feeling goose bumps come up beneath her skin. Rainbowdash saw her shiver, hugging her close to give her a little bit of warmth. Scootaloo began to feel the comfortable warmth that the cobalt feathers stored. She began to nudge her idols side.

Rainbowdash looked down at the fillies face,“So Scoots, how’s your flight coming along?”

The Pegasus took her wing of the filly as she began to flutter her wings.” Well, I’m at least able to get myself off the ground. But I’m only floating for a couple of seconds. I wish these wings could just frow a little faster.”

Rainbowdash nodded in agreement,” ok, ok, I can see where your at. But hey, at least you sound like your improving. And hey, maybe not today maybe not tomorrow, but some day you’ll be up in the air and flyin’ like a wonderbolt in no time.”

Scootaloo felt a warm reassurance.” Thanks.”

“You might have tiny wings Scoots, I just know that you’ll fly one day. I mean, take a look at bulk bisceps, he’s the most beefed up Pegasus I know yet he’s got wings no bigger than yours.”

Scootaloo giggled at the comparison.

“And hey, once you’re flyin’ I’ll give you the whole tour of cloudsdale.” Rainbowdash said.

--:--

It didn’t take long Applejack and Sweetiebelle to find the next door the last time we left them. Applejack felt reliefed when she finaly found that door. She almost thought she wasn’t ever going to find it. The greyed out mare took a deep breath in preparation, looking at the door face to face and putting a hoof on the knob. She slowly opened the door. 

Sweetiebelle stayed behind Applejack, as she watched her peek her head into a deep dark dungeon. Applejack already took a whiff of the air. She thought the air from the forest was bad enough, but that’s was nothing compared to the whiff she took in. It smelled of many rancid decaying things, like it was really the stench of death they were smelling through their nostrils. It only took a sniff for Sweetiebelle to feel like gagging from the putrid scent.

“Alright,” Applejack whispered to the filly lowering her head,” climb on.” And Sweetiebelle did just that. She climbed aboard, kicking her little legs to climb up. Spreading out her legs and hugging Applejacks neck for balance, she was ready. “Don’t make a sound,” Applejack explained,” heaven knows what were up against.” Sweetiebelle nodded as Applejack began to walk the cold stone flooring, closing a large wooden door made out of thick wood and pieces of metal holding it together. 

This place was not only a dungeon, but the home to the most savage creatures that roamed its dark hallways. They were exactly like the earth ponies of equestria, if you were to replace the matted balding pelt, the messed up manes, and the hairless tails that is. These creatures have a name in the world they live, but they also tolerated and preferred the name Dwellers.

As mentioned already they lived in these halls; but despite the cold wind, the smell of decay everywhere and the low lit lighting, they loved it. They felt right at home with their brethren. They like to bicker and banter at each other; but hey, it’s normal for families to do that. Isn’t it? 

Applejack with Sweetiebelle riding horseback treaded lightly, for halls like these tend to echo when sounds are made. Even the smallest drip of water could emit a loud sound. The mare looked around at the doors as she passed by them, and started to feel like a rat in a maze all of a sudden. Scootaloo could be anywhere in the dungeon, and the doors could lead to either a room of Celestia knows what, or another hallway with its own set of doors. She couldn’t see what’s ahead of her very well, even with the torches slightly illuminating. 

Applejack continued down the hall, with Sweetiebelle shivering at the atmosphere, until she heard a faint voice. Applejack lent out an ear towards the sound, attempting to make out the echo.

“I wonder what’s for dinner? I haven’t eaten anything decent in days.” it said.

“I don’t know, but I think Smug’s got something good when he went above ground for his hunt. I think he’s got another one of those ponies” Said another voice.

“Pony?” Applejack and Sweetiebelle thought to themselves and looking at each other. It could only mean one thing, Applebloom or Sweetiebelle are here in this dank dungeon, there was no doubting it. Where they were however remained a mystery, not to mention that these hallways were near identical at every turn. Maybe those voices were heading towards the filly’s direction.

In that case, Applejack decided to follow the voices with caution, but at a fast enough pace to not produce any sound. 

Back in Scootaloo’s subconscious, the pair made their way to sugar cube corner for somrthing to munch on. Of course they would have to leave if the cakes or pinkie pie are absent. Regardless whether or not it was a dream, they wouldn’t ever think about robbing the place. They made it to the candy building and noticed some lights turned on inside, there must be someone inside running the joint. Rainbowdash went up to the door first and held it open for Scootaloo to enter. The two were greeted by a familiar face from behind the store’s counter.

“Why hello Rainbowdash and Scootaloo,” Ms. Cake greeted,” surprise seeing you two still here. Guess I don’t have to close up shop early.”

“Yeah, speaking of,” Rainbow said,” where did everypony go?”

Ms.Cake shrugged,” I’m not sure dear, I just woke up this morning and saw that everyone disappeared. Even my own husband took off with the kids.”

“Well, look at the Brightside, you don’t have to deal with a stampeading morning rush today.”

Scoots and the baker began to giggle a little. Ms.Cake rolled her eyes,” That is true Rainbow, that is true. Well, since you’re here, I guess I don’t have to throw any desserts out. Why don’t you two sit down and I’ll get you something from the back.”

The two pegasi sat themselves down at a nearby table stationed by a window. Meanwhile, Ms. Cake went to the back to fetch some treats. They had a perfect view of the town, and nopony was there to block the relaxing view. It made them slouch in their seats, relaxing to the sight. 

After only a few seconds, Ms. Cake came out of the storage room balancing a black forest cake on her head. It was covered top to bottom in chocolate sprinkles, and was topped with a circle of cherries that sat upon their own little mound of whipped cream. This kind of treat was bound to cause diabetes with a single slice of goodness. The baker sat the cake on the table,” Here you go you two, it’s on the house.”

“Thanks Ms. Cake,” the pegasi both said with pools of water in their mouths. A whole black forest cake, on the house, what a treat it was. It still looked like it was still edible to eat after sitting in the store room for so long. Dash picked up the butter knife that Ms. Cake sat next to the dessert for cutting, and began to carve a small piece for herself.

As she plopped the piece on a plate, she then said,” Here you go,” she slid the silver platter with the rest of the cake closer to Scootaloo. The orange Pegasus looked up at her idol,” It’s all yours kid. Dig in.”

Dream or no dream, Scootaloo took a bite straight out of the cake. To her surprise, it legit tasted like black forest cake. The chocolate made her taste buds relax as if they were in a jacoozi filled with chocolate. The tart cherry that she had in the bite mixed in with the wipped cream sending her mouth straight to heaven. Her own mother would probably object to her eating this kind of cake, let alone a whole cake. 

Scootaloo sank her face into the chocolate sprinkles and began to devour it. She didn’t care if she was making a mess on the table, it was Black forest cake after all. Rainbow dash watched with amusment at the filly’s little pig out and began to chuckle a little. Scootaloo raised her face up to Rainbowdash; her face was covered in bits of chocolate sprinkles, dabs of whipped cream on her cheeks, and chocolate frosting smothered all across her mouth.

“Uh squirt,” she giggled trying to hold it in,” I think you’ve got a little something,” she waved her hoof all over her face,” right here.” Scootaloo then took up a folded napkin from the table and wiped her face off. “You always manage to make me laugh Scoots, I think you’re awesome for that.” Scootaloo felt a sense of reassurance in the compliment. She wiped off the remaining bits of cake, and then bunched the napkin up into a ball.

Ms. Cake came up to the table, just to check up on the customers,” Well I see that you’ve enjoyed the cake!” she looked over at Scootaloo, smiling innocently with her messy platter of cake bits. Ms. Cake was impressed that she was able to eat it all,”You’ve got quite the apatite today Scootaloo.” Scootaloo let out a belch. Ms. Cake could see that she was satisfied; but just in case, she said,” I think I’ve got some cookies in the back room. Would you like some?”

Scootaloo shook her head up and down to her offer,”Okay then,” she said walking off.” I’ll be back in a jiffy.” She disappeared into the backroom.

“Look at you,” RainbowDash said,” you’ve got yourself a black forest cake and now your getting cookies. And I didn’t have to pay a cent for it.” She gave scoots a noogie,” you lucky duck.”

Scootaloo relaxed in her chair to settle the cake,”Yeah, I guess I am.” She said without worries. 

Ms. Cake came back out of the room with the cookies, she placed them on the table,”Help yourself little one.” She smiled as she walked away.“Just let me know if ya need any thing dears.” The blue baker winked.

As Scootaloo picked up a chocolate chip cookie, Rainbow found this to be a good time to ask,” Hey squirt.”
The filly gulped her bite of the cookie,” yeah?”

“I’ve never really thought about this, until now, but since I’ve got nothing to do and I know that you have free time…” Scootaloo leaned in, wondering where she would be going with it,” I was wondering if I could, you know, teach you how to fly, show you the ropes?”

Scootaloos heart jumped in surprise,” w-what?!” she said.

“Just you and me Scoots, teaching you how to get off the ground and into the big blue.”

Scootaloo wanted to jump for joy. For as long as she placed Rainbowdash on the pedestal, she had been waiting forever for her to ask that. She jumped from her chair and hovered a little bit, then she hugged  the cyan Pegasus with a tight squeeze,”Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!!” she shouted. Cupcake watched it all from the counter, bringing a small tear to her eye.

Scootaloo could not believe what just happened. First Rainbowdash wanting to hang out with Scoots, then the cake, then the cookies, and finally a request to help her fly. It couldn’t get anybetter then this. She wanted this day to last forever. She wanted to always remember that day as the greatest day of her life, dream or not.

--:--


But unfortunately, it was a simple little dream, to cover up the terrifying truth. In case you havn't guessed yet; Like Sweetiebelle, Scootaloo was fast asleep in another world. Instead of a deep dead forest; she was in some sort of dank dungeon. The sanctum had halls that lead to the doors that held nothing but torture.

This place is not an establishment for thieves, traitors, or an any villainous ponies, Oh No. This was a domain, a house for some of the most insane race of ponies this world has to offer. I don’t even think these things are even ponies. They were more likely savages then civilized equines.

The beasts resembled ponies in shape, but they had skinny bodies with patches of grey matted pelt on them. Their eyes were black with red pupils, like an insane pony in an asylum. These creatures simply enjoyed the darkness, they enjoyed the death in the air as if they had grown accustomed to it. It was a grand shelter from whatever lurked about above ground. 

Their only source of food were any slab of meat they could get their hooves on. They didn’t even care about their health conditions whatsoever. Finding a live animal to slaughter was rare for them; so their main source of food was a bowl of bread crumbs that their god provides them, nothing more. They would rather be poisened by whatever crawled in that nasty meat, then eat a bowl of bland bread crumbs.

All the crumbs were provided by the god they worshiped, but if he didn’t give them the bits of bread however; they kill off one of their kin to feed the starving mob, but at least it’s one less mouth to feed in such painfull and desperate conditions.

Besides eating, they also enjoyed using their own methods of torture. They didn’t just do it for the food, they did it for fun. The screaming and agony of these monsters’ victims are music to their bitten ears. They had all the grand tools of torture you could find in equestrian, plus a few others. From guillotines, to the racks, and the whips that made ponies scream; the dwellers enjoyed it more then their holidays.

In one of the hallways that the dwellers roam, there were two in particular that were summoned to one of the rooms. Applejack and Sweetiebelle caught a glimpse of the two as they turned a corner. The mare slowly approached the corner, and saw the most hideous display in years. Applejack could tell that they were anything but friendly, and wanted to keep distance just like she did with the spider. She began to move with caution.

The dwellers both entered an open room, seeing one of their kin sitting up a small Pegasus on a stool. The Dweller next to it picked up a bowl of crumbs and began force feeding it. The dwellers who were just arriving had water mouths when they saw their meal. They couldn’t remember the last time they ate Pegasus; but the wait would soon be over with Scootaloo on the menu.

“Bless the god of this world,” one of them hissed.” The wait is over.”

“Yes, she is perfect.” Said the other.

The Dweller next to Scootaloo turned it’s head to the companions.”Ah, Grime and Flesh.” He greeted,” What excellent timing. You get to see what our master has brought to us.”

“Actual meat,” said Grime,” we’ve never tasted filly before Smug, or Pegasus.”

Smug nodded,” yesss, those pegasi are so stubborn to catch now adays. When their in the air, they always get away. Cursed wings.” He grumbled

Flesh began to become mezmorized as he mixed his own imagination with the pony. He could imagine what succulent taste that the filly had to offer. It became so tantalizing, that he leaned over to take a nibble. Smug laid a slap across his face, repelling him from biting the Pegasus.

“Hoofs off!” Smug scolded,” you can have the wings when she’s baked.”

“S-so sorry Smug,” Grime apologized,” I’m just a little bit hungry that’s all. Plus I’ve never had pegasi wings before. Oooh, I can’t wait.”

Smug didn’t buy the flattery,” Bite your tongue then ya savage! You’re gonna wait like the rest of our group.”

Flesh then said,” So where did this unlucky morsel come from?”

Smug turned to him,” I found it above ground.”

“While it was in the air?” Grime asked.

“No, it was on the ground and walking around with its eyes shut tight. I don’t think this one is able to fly.”

“What’s the use of having wings, when you can’t even use them.” Flesh laughed.” There better off for eating if you ask me.” His mouth started to water, but he gulped it back down.” Sorry.”

Applejack was standing by the door with her body out of the dwellers view. She couldn't stand the sight of these monsters, nor could she stand the idea that they were fattening Scootaloo up. She felt like going in and killing them right there, but something was holding her back again. Sweetiebelle whispered faintly in her ear.”Come on, lets get em.” Applejack didn’t respond. Sweetiebelle began to nudge Applejacks head to get her attention, but it didn’t work.

“So besides this one, were there others?” asked Grime.

“Yes, but that one’s long gone now. I tried to grab it, but that stupid spider waltzed right up to it and dragged it off!” Smug grumbled angrily.” One of these days, I’m gonna show that arachnid who it should realy be fearing.”

“And we’ll finally have our hunting grounds back. I really do miss that dark forest, it was like a second home to me.”

Applejack began to process what the creatures were talking about. Were they really underneath the forest? That must mean that this world is the alternate universe, and the realm of stars must be the gateway to different parts of the world. 

“We might not have the other pony, but this one is sure to calm our hunger for a while. We must be thankful for our god.” Said Grime

Flesh then said,” I think this is my favorite torture in this dark place.”

Grime rolled his eyes,” Oh, you think starving like a wolf is fun?”

Flesh growled at Grime,” I wasn’t talking about starving you idiot! I was talking about cooking up a live meal.”

Smug scoffed,” Heh, what kind of dweller do you call yourself? The one who always thinks about eating?” Grime began to chuckle.

“NO! I mean the fact that she doesn’t know that she’s dying!” Flesh grumbled.

“Why’s that flesh?”

“I mean, this Pegasus filly is actually dreaming as we speak, not knowing that were going to cook her up.”

Smug and Grime became interested,” go on.”

“Think about it. Soon this Pegasus will be all nice and plump,” he rubs her tummy,” and when it’s time, we’ll toss her into a pot and roast and bake her till she’s golden brown.”

“What’s that got to-“ Grime began.

“I was just getting to that.” Flesh continued,” She’ll be having a nice dream, while she is slowly dying. The dream that she is having, will never happen in her sad pathetic little life. Plus she makes a good meal.”

Smug and Grime reconsidered their opinion,” Yeah,” Smug said loving the concept,” I love the way you think Flesh.”

“Yeah,” added Grime,” just for that, the wings are both yours.”

Flesh tipped his head,” Thanksssss. It wouldn’t be possible if our lord didn’t take part.”

“So when’s this chicken ready to be cooked.” Grime said impatiently.

“As soon as I finish stuffing the bird!” Smug laughed shoving more crumbs down Scootaloo’s throat.

The three continued to baste Scootaloo until she was ready. Back inside scoots sub conscious however, she was now stuffing the last of the plate of cookies. These scrumptious disks of cookie dough took the place of the breadcrumbs she was being forced to eat, and Rainbow and Ms. Cake took the place of two of the dwellers. Who was the third pony? Well, dreams aren’t dead on perfect ya know, no matter how good they are.

Scootaloo stuffed the last of the cookies down her throat, leaving bits and crumbs on the plate. She felt completely stuffed with sugar and chocolate, as the treats began to settle down in her tummy. RainbowDash was impressed by her efforts on eating the desserts. “Wow Scoots,” she chuckled,” Ms. Cake was right,for a little filly, you’ve got the appetite of a lion.”

Scootaloo gave a smile with pudgy cheeks and her eyes closed. Her tummy began to rumble unpleseantly.She then felt a disturbance in her body, almost like she was going to spew. “You okay there squirt?” asked Rainbow.

“I’m fine,” Scootaloo said feeling the ache in her body. It gurgled again, enforcing the pain,” yeah, maybe not.” She admitted.

“Too much sugar huh?” smirked Rainbow leaning over towards Scoots. She placed a blue hoof on her back and began to rub up and down her spine. Scootaloo felt the aching pain leave her stomach, replacing it with a soothing relaxation that made her smile some more. Rainbowdash stopped rubbing the fillie’s back seeing that the pain was leaving. 

Scootaloo let out a sigh,” Thanks.”

Ms. Cake walked up to the table seeing that the cookies were gone,” anything else I can do for you?”

“Nah, I’m good,” Scootaloo said. but as soon as she said it, the pain returned to the fillies stomach.” Oooh.” She closed her eyes trying to get over the pain.

“Oh my,”Ms. Cake said with concern,” are you alright sweetie?” Scootaloo didn’t want to answer. Ms. Cake felt bad for her pain and began to think of anything that she could do for her belly ache. She then got an idea.” I know what will help you, a nice relaxing bath in my tub.”

“Thanks,” said Scootaloo,” but don’tcha think that your doing a little too much for me.”

“Oh I insist sweetheart; I don’t want you to go home and feeling sick, especially since nopony is here in town. Besides, I don’t really use the bath salts that I got for my birthday, it does something to my skin that I don’t like.”

The rumbling continued,” On second thought, sure.” Scootaloo moaned.

“Good answer Scoots. from the looks of it, it’s just what you need.” Rainbowdash picked up the little Pegasus with her mouth, knowing that she probably couldn’t move after eating all of those desserts. Scootaloo felt her belly pull down on her body. She was now starting to think that all of this was too good to be true. But it was really nice of Ms. Cake to offer her use of the corners bathroom. They went up the stairs and into the bathroom. It was all nice and clean, as if it was tidied up for expected company. Rainbowdash laid scoots on the checkered floor, and turned her attention to the cabinets for the bath salts.

Rainbowdash opened the ivory cabnit doors and began to search. She found a small stack of small cardboard boxes that had a spa insignia on it and a brand name that she couldn’t pronounce even if she tried. There was a box on top that was already open. Ms. Cake wasn’t kidding about how often she used the salts. 

Scootaloo watched her idol approach the tub and pour in the bath salts. She then ran the hot water through the faucet, roaring as it came out of the spickett. The water mixed in with the salts, creating a mix of H2O, NaCl, and all that good stuff that relaxes your body. Steam rose from the waters, and a fizzing noise played from the salts.

Scootaloo couldn’t wait. Just looking at the bubbling water made her ache start to go away. She was always forced by her mom to take baths in the past, and she was sick of doing it daily. Never before had she taken a bath with spa salts, she had always dreamed of taking one. If this was a dream this would be the best place to end it. 

RainbowDash picked up a bottle of bubble bath and squirted some into the salty water. She took her hoof and began to mix the fluid in, creating the bubbles like it normally would. Scootaloo thought that it was a nice touch on her part. Rainbow dash then picked up the pudgy Pegasus, and lowered her into the bubbles.

From the moment her hooves touched the water, she could feel the salts burn away the gunk in her body, as well as some chocolate and sprinkles that she missed. The more she slid in, the more ease her stomach felt. Scootaloo  felt her feathers loosening, and her body started to heat up. She began to forget about her aching tummy, and started to focus on the tingling relaxation of hot salts cleansing her skin. She didn’t want this to ever end.

Rainbowdash looked down at the filly from the rim of the tub,” So how is it squirt?”

Scootaloo answered in a relaxed weary voice,” Sooooo gooooood.”

Rainbowdash took her word for it,” I never was a fan of spa treatments. I’m not saying that they’re not awesome. I’m just not that type you Know?” Scootaloo closed her eyes. 

Rainbowdash ruffled her mane.” I’ll be back Scoots, so just sit tight and relax. And some day, you’re gonna be flying like no tomorrow.” She began to walk out of the bathroom,” I just know it kid.” She left the room, and the filly to a nice relaxing nap.

On the real end however, the three dwellers all agreed that she was ready. Grime picked up a noose off the cold stone ground and wrapped the loop around the neck. Before he lifted her up, Flesh then said,” No, no, around her torso.”

“What difference would it make?” argued Grime.

“She can’t dream when she’s already dead!” hissed Flesh.

Grime rubbed his chin and pondered on the thought,” good point.” He unwrapped the noose and made it a little bit bigger. The savage put it around Scootaloo’s body just above where the gut was starting to bulge. With the rope tight around her waist, she was then hoisted up into the air.

Applejack could hear the group coming towards the hallway where they stood. Applejack began to back away and jumped into a nearby room. It was no brighter in that room, but at least it was empty and no one was there. Applejack then peeked her head out the door, seeing Scootaloo being carried away. Sweetiebelle didn’t understand what’s gotten into the mare,” Applejack, come on.” She whispered,” We gotta save Scootaloo.”

Applejack turned to the unicorn with an uncertain look,” I-I-I can’t.” she studdered.” I just can’t sugar cube.”

“Why not?” She asked.

Applejack gulped,” I gotta confess somethin’. When I came face to face with that spider, I was very hesitant to save ya.”

“But you saved me anyway.” Sweetie whispered.

“Yeah, but it was at the last second. I didn’t fight off the spider, I lured it away and picked you up. I just stood there watchin’ ya, and I didn’t even save ya any sooner.” She began to feel doubt climb on to her back.

Sweetiebelle looked at her strangly. She had never seen Applejack get stressed this way.

“I know, but I just don’t want to die Sweetiebelle.” She said with a stressed voice.” I know that I should be acting without fear, but my over confidence got the best of me. I thought I could take on this task, but I can’t.”

Sweetiebelle then said,” Well, I think you can do it. Nopony ever told you that before.”

Applejack felt a slight reassurance, but she still had her doubts.” Alright, I guess we should, follow them then.”

Sweetiebelle smiled a little bit. Applejack poked her head out of the door seeing a tail of one of the dwellers turning the corner. The two began to follow the beasts again, and tried to keep her head up.

The group of dwellers carried Scootaloo on over to the kitchen of the dungeon. The one room, where the dwellers enjoyed the torture of others, and cooked them into a tasty meal at the same time. It might not be the most sanitary kitchen, but that didn’t stop them from cooking. Two other dwellers, the chefs of tribe, were busy sharpening their meat cleavers when they saw the three bring in the fresh meat. They were pleased to see Scootaloo’s bulging flesh.

“Ah, Grime, Flesh and Smug, what have we here?” said the first chef.” A pegasus?”

“A gift from our god no doubt?” said the other.

Smug tipped his head in respect,” yes Spit and Chop, a fine hunk of meat she is, and an even finer meal to us.”

“We found her above ground,” said Flesh trying to steal credit.

Smug bumped the savage,” I, found her!” she looked at the chefs,” and luckily she didn’t fly away, not like she could anyway.”

Chop approached Scootaloo’s body,” She’s perfect, we’ll never find a specimen like it. Pegasi are incredibly hard to come by.”

“We would have another, but that arachnid got her first.”

“I can’t wait to sink my fangs into her-“ started Flesh.

“Flesh,” growled Grime. Flesh began to back away whimpering. 

“So how will we prepare it?” Spit asked,” Shall I chop her head off and have her run like a chicken, or maybe I we should we grill her alive, and season her until she is nice and tender.”

“I say we steam boil it,” suggested Chop. 

“No,” said Smug,” we’ll her baked in the oven. Well throw in some veggies and season it.”

Interested with the idea Spit said,” Hmm, I guess it’s been awhile since we used the old thing.”

Chop’s mouth started to water,” let’s get to work now, I can already taste her just talking about it.”

The chefs went over to the wall where their cooking utensils of torture were hanging. Their were pliers that were kept sharp, meat tenderizers the size of sledge hammers, and knives, a whole section with nothing but knives of any shape and size, and even durable and broken. It didn’t matter how effective it was; a knife was still a knife, as long as it’s sharp and can cut.

Spit took up a cutting knife, while Chop went to fetch a deep metal pan. Grime, Flesh, and Smug on the other hoof; went to the storage closet to fetch some things to enhance the roast Pegasus. Grime pulled out an onion, Flesh pulled out a few carrots, and Smug brought out some chives. There was garlic in the closet, but what they had would make Scootaloo taste better. The vegtables were a little bit moldy, but they were still fresh for the most part. 

Chop pulled out an old dusty cutting board and placed the veggies on the surface. Chop, chop, chop, they all went, becoming bits and pieces as they were thrown into the pan. Scootaloo was lowered in, still relaxed and enjoying the dream as water was poured into the iron tub of veggies. She already looked like a delicious dinner meal, but there was still a roasting to be done.

The Dwellers pushed the Pegasus across the hall and into the pre heated oven. The pan easily slid right into the chamber, and the door closed on the pan’s way in. 

Applejack and the filly finished watching the preparations from the doorway, and Sweetiebelle wanted to act now. Sweetiebelle whispered in Applejack’s ear,” we got to do something Applejack!”

“I’m thinkin’, I’m thinkin!” she whispered. It was happening again to her, just like with the spider she was being hesitant. There were 5 vicious dwellers each with ravenous appetites and razor sharp teeth in that kitchen, and only one of her. Now that she began to think too deeply, she started to wonder what would happen to Sweetiebelle if she was to be brutally mauled.

The little unicorn then just came up with an idea. She whispered into Applejacks ear. ” Applejack, I’ve got a plan.”

“Really?” she said with interest,” let me hear it.”

“Alright,” she explained,” you lead them out of the kitchen with a distraction, while I get Scootaloo out of that oven.”

Applejack objected,” what? Are ya crazy, I can’t take on these things with my bear hooves!”

“I know that,” Sweetie said,” that’s why you’ve got to lead them away, into the halls.”

Applejack saw the chance of success rise a little more, but the chance of failure topped over it.”I don’t know, Sweetiebelle. What if I fail, what if they catch me. What about you?” She worried.

Sweetiebelle then said,” don’t worry Applejack, you’re the fastest runner I’ve ever seen, and besides I always see you working hard at sweet apple acres. Besides, were doing it for Scootaloo and Applebloom. I know you can do it.” Sweetiebelle assured.

Applejack smiled, if that plan was the only way, then it was the only way.  Sweetiebelle hopped off Applejack’s back and crawled under the upside down bucket.

The dwellers continued to chat,” So when was the last time we ate a pony?” Smug asked.

“A couple months ago I think,” answered Flesh,” I believe it was a stallion that we caught.”

“Ah yes,” Grime said turning to a pile of bones in the corner,” I think he was an actor.”

“I wonder what he did,” asked Chop.

“Who knows, he was too much bone then meat.” Grime growled.

“Much like his career perhaps?” added Flesh.

“Perhaps, but I’ve never seen his movies or any movies, I only heard about movies from the past victims. He looked like he would’ve made a good teacher though.”

“Yeah,” agreed Smug,” but his facial beard though.”

Applejack took a deep breath, and when there was a pause in the conversation, she jumped out of cover. “Release my sister’s friend ya pack a no good devil’s!” she announced boldly.

The entrance broke the dwellers conversation.” Who’s that?” said Grime

“No idea?” said Flesh

“How did she get in here?” said Smug.

Spit looked at the tender muscles beneath her skin,”Those legs.” He said pervertedly,” those flanks.” Applejack saw saliva coming out of his mouth, and started to regret her decision.

“Your right,” agreed Smug looking Applejack,” all of that meat, she looks more meat then bones.” Applejack backed up a little.

“She’ll feed us for a while,” Grime said under a trance,” I wonder how juicy she is?”

“There’s only one way to find out!” said Chop getting into a pounce position.

Applejack became a little bit scared that she was being threatened by 5 ravenous dwellers, with one about to pounce. Chop lunged at Applejack with a, ”YEEEEEEAAAAAAAARRRRRRRG!!!!” but Applejack saw the attack coming and began to run. Chop missed the target, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing the orange mare. 
The others began to follow Chop, not even realizing that Sweetiebelle was under the bucket. Sweetiebelle crawled out from under, and went over to the oven to release scootaloo. Sweetiebelle thrusted open the oven door, feeling the heat blow onto her. She grabbed the pot with two hooves and began to pull her friend out. Her hooves began to take in the heat, slightly burning Sweetiebelle, causing her to quickly stop and blow on her hooves. 

Scootaloo was starting to dose off in her dream, only to feel the tub violently rocking back and forth and sloshing out water. The tub then tipped over, awakening Scootaloo from the dream, and sending her back into reality. She felt herself spill out of the metal tub and onto the cold ground with water and bits of vegtables all over the floor. She was a little bit confused at the change of the scene. 

She looked around seeing that she was drenched in water and bits of vegtables, she looked around and noticed a deep pan that reminded her of the final moments of her dream. She looked around some more, and saw Sweetiebelle come straight at her.

Sweetiebelle hugged her friend,”you’re alive!” she squeeked.

“Ow, my head,” she moaned looking around at the terrible scene,” Sweetiebelle, where are we? And why am I covered in water and-” she eats an orange piece of carrot, 
”vegetables.”

“No time to explain,” Sweetiebelle said,” come on!” she grabbed Scootaloo’s hoof and ran over to the kitchen entrance for Applejack’s arrival. Scootaloo was still trying to bring her thoughts back together.

The orange mare was still being chased by the dwellers, while at the same time aimlessly running through the hallway like a blind bat in the daylight. She was surprised by the dwellers vicious speeds, while keeping their aim on her, but that was the least of her worries. As she turned a right corner, Applejack came face to face with a stone wall. It was a dead end, there was no other place to run.

She turned around with her back to the wall and began to shake as the dwellers slowly approached her, licking their teeth, and drooling pools of spit from their mouthes. Applejack was cornered, and saw this to be her final moment. Applejack had to think of something and quick, if she couldn’t think anything then she was bound to become their meal.

“Looks like it’s the end of the line pony.” Said Smug.

“We should thank you though,” added Grime.

“But we think that ripping every piece of flesh off your body would be thanks enough,” smiled Flesh menacingly.”

“And that little Pegasus will be our appetizer as well.” Said Spit.

“Bless our crimson lord and savior,” added Chop, ”bless him.” 

Applejack didn’t want to face her death, not this way. She had ponies depending on her, friends and family that had faith for her success. She didn’t want to disappoint them. As the dwellers came closer and closer to her, she began to think about what Sweetiebelle told her earlier. She then realized that along with her dependence, they gave her faith along with it, they believed that she could come through no matter what the task. And this was the push for Applejack to act.

Without thinking Applejack ran into the pack of dwellers, with their mouths ready to tear up the cowpony. As she ran closer and closer, her boost of motivation and determination made her notice the chance she had for dodging her death. The dwellers were ready to counter the mares charge with a pounce; but Applejack smirked and jumped the Dwellers instead. She flew over clearing their heads and leaving the hoard dumbfounded by her stunt. They didn’t see that coming at all, but their minds clicked back into reality when they saw Applejack escaping.

Back at the kitchen, the two fillies waited frantically for Applejack to pick them up. They hoped that she would be there soon, and hoped that she was ok. Scootaloo’s senses have now returned.

Scootaloo was starting to become uneasy from the environment.” Can’t you tell me now Sweetiebelle?”

Sweetiebelle hushed the Pegasus,” Shh, I can hear something?” The sound resembled rappid trotting echoing down the hall. But was it Applejack, or the dwellers? She turned to Scootaloo,” Look, just wait till were out of here, I promise we’ll explain everything.” Before she could say anything else, Applejack turned the corner of the hallway. The fillies saw her charging towards them. “Here she comes!” Sweetiebelle said.

Applejack sprinted as fast as she could, with the dwellers following not to far behind. As she passed by, she lowered her head. Sweetiebelle jumped onto her back as Applejack swooped Scootaloo off the ground with her mouth. The Pegasus wasn’t too heavy to slow Applejack down at the slightest. Applejack could feel more confident now that was one step closer to escaping. The only thing left now was to finally exit this dark dungeon.

The dwellers made the turn as well, slamming into each other against the wall. They saw Applejack in their sights, and were alarmed to see that their fresh food was being taken from them.” No! She’s getting away with our food!” Smug hissed.

The dwellers ran after the group, turning the corners and trying their hardest to catch them. Pretty soon, they lost Applejack in the maze of hallways. “You don’t know what your doing!” Grime howled.

They tried to run faster, and tried to find Applejack and the fillies before it was too late.  But they were starting to become tired as they began to slow down. Eventually they all collapsed on the ground in exhaustion, giving Applejack the notion that they were in the clear. Even though the hallways looked the same to her, Applejack could sense that they were very close to the wooden door.

“Stop Thief!” cried Chop.

“Curses and Splashes!” yelled Smug.”They’ve gotten away, all of that food.”

“We hates them FOREVER!” howled Flesh.

“May you feel our gods wrath!” exclaimed Spit.” He is a force not to be reckoned with.”

Their pleads echoed through the hallowed halls, but that didn’t stop Applejack from running. The three turned another corner, they immediately saw the exit to the realm at the end of the dim halls. Applejack stopped at the door to thrust it open, and quickly left that terrible world behind. The three were safe from harm, they could still hear the cries from the other side. Poor dwellers, it’s a mighty shame to see them go hungry.

Applejack placed Scootaloo on the ground, and Sweetiebelle climbed off Applejack. Scootaloo began to look at the starry sceanery. From the light path, to every pony being in colored in a gray pallet, and even the fact that they were in space, Scoots had the same reaction that Sweetiebelle had. All of this made Scootaloo want the answers that she had been waiting for since she woke up from her sleep.

“Ok,” Scootaloo started,” can some pony explain to me, what the hay is going on?”

Applejack had to catch her breath again, but Sweetiebelle said,” I’ll explain Applejack.” The mare nodded and focused on gaining more breath.

Sweetiebelle recited what Applejack told her earlier,“Were in some sort of parallel universe, where reality is a dream, and reality is a real nightmare. You were fattened up, and 
almost cooked in an oven by those… whatever they were.”

Scootaloo could see what almost happened to her, was a less pleasant version of the dream she had. She felt a little bit discouraged when she thought about the dream again,” Oh, I guess that explains my dream of Rainbowdash.”

“Yeah? How was that?” 

“It was awesome just to dream about her,” Scootaloo admitted,” but it was kind of a bummer that it was just a dream.”

Sweetiebelle smiled showing sympathy,” I hear you Scoots, I just had the best dream with my sister, only to find out I was almost eaten by a giant spider.”

Applejack took out the watch again, it read 5:00 meaning that there was only an hour left before the gateway closes. Though she had courage built up; Applejack was uncertain whether or not she would be able to get Applebloom, and escape with all three fillies by dawn. It took them a long time to find the last door, and who knows how long it would take to find the final one. Applejack didn’t want her efforts to be all for nothing, so she decided to take a precaution.

“Scootaloo, Sweetiebelle.” Applejack called,” I need you two to listen to me. You need to get out of here without me, I’m going in to rescue Applebloom.”

“But where is the exit?” asked Sweetiebelle,”We don’t even know what it looks like.”

Applejack’s thought of the exit’s appearance slipped her mind. She started to panic a little,” I don’t know.” She stressed,” I guess I was so urgent to get in, I didn’t even bother to look at the thing.” She looked at the two fillies,” forget about me girls, you need to get out of here. I gotta save my sister.”	

“Wait, she’s our friend,” Scootaloo said.

“Yeah, we can’t leave her behind, that’s not how friends are.” Sweetiebelle added.

“No, you have to get out of here before the gate closes.” Applejack said stubbornly.” I don’t want to risk losing you two.”

Sweetiebelle shook her head,” If Applebloom’s gonna be lost forever in here, then the CMC will go down with her.”

Scootaloo added,” We’re not going, and that’s final.”

Applejack observed their concerned faces, and from the looks of it, they were not going to obey that order. Their stubborn attitude almost reminded her of herself, when hours ago she was stubborn to leave her own sister in this dimension.

Applejack looked into Scootaloos eyes and began to calm down,” look, I came here to save you three, and I don’t want to lose anypony else.”

Sweetiebelle then said,” Nopony, is going to be lost here forever Applejack, there is still time to save Applebloom. You just gotta keep your chin up.” Applejack tipped her head back up.” And maybe we’ll be lost in here forever, maybe we won’t. We’ll try our best, and whatever happens, happens.”

Applejack’s stubborn nature lost this round. Even if she explained in full detail how dire she wanted everyone to be safe, she simply had to let go and move on. It was probably for the best anyway. “Alright then, I guess if you two are refusing to go,” she looked up with a determined face, “then there’s no time to waste!”

“Let’s save Applebloom!” Scootaloo cheered. Applejack lowered herself for the fillies to climb. Applejack charged forward down the maze of paths, with the girls bobbing up and down.

With Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo safe from the dimension’s harmfull ways, all that remained was Applejack’s own Applebloom. Applejack knew that her final task wouldn’t be easy, and it probably was going to be the hardest for her. But as long as the CMC are by her side, and are willing to support her, Applejack had a sporting chance no matter what came her way. And she wasn’t afraid of any worst case scenario that came to her.

A voice then echoed through the realm once again, stopping the group in their tracks.” You, will not save… her… She will forever sleep… for her body is mine to keep!”

“What was that?” Scootaloo asked.

“Not sure.” Applejack said,” but whatever it is, it sure doesn’t sound good.” They continued to sprint across the trail.

Scootaloo then threw a question,” Can I tell you about the dream?”

“Sure,” Sweetiebelle nodded.

“I’m all ears sugarcube.” Said Applejack with her eyes fixated on the trail.

		
> Back at Home?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applebloom woke up to a bright morning light, fearing what was coming to her. She opened her eyes that she was in her own bedroom, all tidied up from last night. She was already beginning to question herself,” I’m in my room?” she whispered turning to the wall behind her head. The filly remembered walking through it the night before, but she was now back in her bed? She didn’t remember her room being this clean last night.

Applebloom then tried to wrap her head around a strange dream that she had. In the dream, she was on paths of light and had a strange feeling that she was being watched. She could hear the apple clan call out for her, but she couldn’t see them. The voices were then replaced with a strange voice that was talking to her, telling her to find him. The voice was creepy to hear, but somehow it was also very calming for the filly.

Applebloom shook the thought off; after all, it was still just a dream to her. She climbed out of her bed, only to find that there was something else that was off, her friends were not there, not even their sleeping bags. “Have they already left?” Applebloom thought,” they didn’t even say goodbye.” It was very unlikely for them to do this.

She sadly sighed, and left her room to get some breakfast. She felt the breeze press against her back, and could feel her stomach rumbling as she went down the hall and down the stairs. She made to the foot of the staircase when she realized how dead silent the house was. She looked into the living room but saw nopony there, it was just a clean empty room with an open window. The howling breeze made the whole house colder then it needed to be.

This was strange for Applebloom. She went to the kitchen to see if anypony was there, but once again there wasn’t. There was nopony there making breakfast, but that didn’t mean that breakfast was missing. On the table was an open box of oat cereal, along with an empty bowl and a bottle of fresh milk. She expected one of the apples to have breakfast cooking. She wanted toast, eggs, muffins, anything but a bland breakfast cereal.

Applebloom couldn’t help it, but feel an eerie sensation being alone in her house. At the same time she felt that there was somepony else in the room, watching her every move. She tried to shake it off and think that it was all in her head, but she just couldn’t. She moved towards her seat and got into it. As much as she hated eating this, she poured the bland cereal into a bowl and poured the milk. She ate it as it was, she didn’t bother trying to add sugar to make it somewhat edible.

She started to think as the food fueled her brain. Maybe her family was working on the farm again, and they didn’t bother to wake her up?

She looked out the window, expecting to see her family working, but they weren’t there. It was just sweet apple acres being quiet as usual, with the fruit swaying side to side in the fall wind. Applebloom began to worry some more.”Applejack?” she called,” Big Mac? Granny Smith?” no replies came back, just the unsettling touch of lonliness on Applebloom’s shoulder, nothing else.

Before she could bite into her cereal and try to pretend that every thing was just normal, a familiar voice called out,” What’s the matter Applebloom?” Applebloom froze,” Is something wrong?” She looked around the room as if the voice was there, she had heard this voice before.

“Who’s there?” Applebloom spoke out.

The voice called again,” Just someone who wants to be your friend.” Applebloom felt creeped out, she had heard this voice before, but she didn’t know who’s voice it was.

“Who are you?” She called again,” what do you want from me?”

“It’s okay to be afraid little one, it’s okay.” It said in a calming voice,” I know exactly what would cheer you up.”

Applebloom then heard sour howl blow through the house, but the noise was coming from inside her head. Applebloom felt more uneasy as it became louder and louder. The noise got so loud and cold, Applebloom had to cover her ears and close her eyes just to get it to stop. It was no use.

“Leave me alone,” she cried out,” go away!” At the very instant she spoke those words, the wind quickly died out, leaving Applebloom shaken with fear. She had no idea what was going on, but she hoped to celestia that the voice was gone, and would never bother her again. She was so shaken, Applebloom couldn’t even think about the cereal.

There came a loud knock from the door. Applebloom turned to the knocking and froze in place. She had an uneasy feeling and didn’t want to open that door. She waited a couple seconds for the knocking to stop, but it didn’t. The knocking continued. Applejack had always told her to not open the door to strangers, but this time she had to turn that bit of advice down.

She got up out of her seat and slowly approached the door while the knocking kept on going. She put her hoof to the door knob, and the knocking finaly stopped. She slowly turned the knob on the door, and slowly opened it to a crack. She looked through the gap. Waiting for her on the welcome mat were two ponies that she had never met before, but they felt oddly familiar to her. They both turned their heads to the crack, and saw Applebloom on the inside. They grinned with tired eyes looking down at the filly.

The stallion had a bluish sort of grey mane and tail color, and had an even darker grey pelt standing tall over the filly. He looked like a family stallion who had a firm hoof on things, and would keep a family from going under. The mare on his right had pink curls similar to Ms. Cherillie, but had more of a washed out dark purple her pelt. She looked like the type of mare who could take second in command in a house hold but had most of the power, but that was just Applebloom.  The adult was slightly leaning on the colt next to her. Were they a couple?

“Can I help you?” Applebloom asked nervously.

The colt smiled,” Applebloom?” he began to admire her.” My my how big you’ve gotten. Just like your sister.”

Applebloom felt a little bit unconfortable,” h-how do ya know my name?”

The stallion looked at her with a realization,” It has been a long time hasn’t it.” He turned to his wife,”she probably doesn’t remember.”

“Remember what?” Applebloom asked softly.

The wife chuckled rolling her eyes,” Applebloom, it’s us, your parents.”

Applebloom’s eyes widened at the mares claim. She slowly opened the door wider, and watched the adult’s smiles grow.”W-what did ya say?”

“It’s us Applebloom.” The stallion said, ”Your mother and father.”

Applebloom didn’t know if she wanted to be very happy, or scared that something was clearly off. As far as she knew, her parents died when she was just a baby. They both fell into a gorge when they saved a little filly from falling. The whole apple family was devasted that day, and it was a day that their living members, would never forget. 

Applebloom wasn’t sure about the two. Just to be safe, she quickly turned to a painting that had the two ponies in front of the house. From the looks of it, they looked exactly like them. From the pelt, to the mane, and even the eye color, they were a match. They might look a bit different, but that picture hung on the wall long before Applebloom was born. Applebloom was convinced, but at the same time shocked.

The filly looked at the couple. The stallion raised a front leg, opening himself to a hug. Applebloom the two apple parents that gave birth to her, Applejack, and Big Macintosh fell into a gorge. The only thing they recovered was the stallions hat, but not the bodys. Applebloom started to feel a warmth, a warmth that only came after a reunion. Was it really her parents?

She slowly approached them. As she got closer to them, the more she felt like hugging, but something held her back. She rememberd the voice in her head that gave her a terrible fright, and the couple just arrived as soon as the voice left. But The two look awfully nice, and Applebloom didn’t feel that they would pose any sort of danger to her. She then walked up to him, and hugged her hooves around him.

The dad then looked down at the filly, and then to his wife who could see Applebloom feeling warm inside. The sensation was starting to bring a tear to the filly’s eye. She felt more convinced as the tears of joy began to come down her face. The stallion hugged her as the mom reached out a hoof and began to rub her daughter’s bow.

The dad thought it was a little bit rude to ask,” Hate to interrupt this heart to heart moment but,  are we gonna just stand here? Or come on in and catch up where it’s warmer.”

The mother felt shivers go up her back,”Oh yes, it is a little bit chilly out here ain’t it?” 

Applebloom pulled her head out of her dad’s chest, and nodded with an open smile. She stepped back inside, welcoming her long lost family members back to their home.

The father looked around,” It’s good to be back on the old farm.” He said.” I remember all the good times that we had with the family. Good times,” he murmured,”good times.” 

Ms. Apple looked out the window, seeing the appletrees being as healthy as she remembered. “It’s good to see the old Appletrees again. Just seein’ all of that fresh fruit can garuntee a smile on this face.” She then realized that the rest of the family wasn’t there, it was only them three.” So where’s the rest of the appleclan at?”

“U-uh,” she fumbled a bit wondering about the same thing,” I’m not sure.”

“Are you the only one here?” Ms. Apple asked.

“I think so.” She answered with uncertainty. “I just woke up. I went down stairs to get myself some breakfast, but nopony was here. Just a box of bland breakfast cereal on the table.” Ms. Apple turned to the kitchen doorway, seeing said bowl of cereal next to a half bottle of milk.

“Well, where ever they are, I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to see us.” Mr. Apple said stepping into the living room. He sat himself down on the sofa feel his back pop back in. “Ahh, I never thought I’d feel this again.” He felt his back crackle.

“So darling,” begun Ms. Apple,” seems like everything’s still strong like the good old days. I notice that you’ve still got a bit of a blank flank like last time, how’s your cutie mark coming?”

Applebloom blushed a little,” heh, it’s comin’ ma, one of these days at least. I’ve got new friends to help me. We’re called the cutie mark crusaders.” Applebloom didn’t want to think about that right now, she had family to catch up with. “So how did you guys survive? What happened?”

“Before we get to that, I gotta cook somethin’ for you eat.” the mother said stepping into the kitchen,” doesn’t look like ya touched this bowl of cereal.” She picked it up, balancing it.” I’m gonna make ya somethin’.”

Applebloom felt her stomach rumbling just thinking about it. She nodded in agreement, ”Sure.”

The mare threw away the bowl of cereal and set it on the bottom of the sink. She then went to the fridge and opened it wide open. Looking through it, there was very little that the icebox had to offer. The only thing she could find inside, was a carton of fresh eggs,” Let’s see, we’ve got eggs. That seems to be the only thing in here. Do you want some eggs Applebloom?”

Applebloom nodded,” sure thing.”

Mr. Apple grinned,” I guess I can tell ya what happened while you’re eggs are cookin’. Where do I start.”

“At the river hon.” guided Ms. Apple grabbing a pan that was hanging.


“Oh yes,” he said finding the perfect spot.” So we were goin’ down the river, we thought that we were done for when we were fallin. That river tossed us around like rocks tumbling down a hill. We kept our heads high, but not until a splash knocked our lights out.” 

“Then what happened?” Applebloom asked climbing up to the sofa,” how did ya survive?”

The dad raised a hoof,”When all hope was lost, a hiker found us as we tossed and turned like drowning rats. Cliff Hanger was that stallion’s name. He pulled us out of the water while we were unconscious. We owe our dear lives to him. And thank Celestia’s fate that he was there.”

Applebloom felt glad to hear how her parents escaped such a tragic death. But one thing was unaccounted for; if they were alive for all these years, then how come they didn’t come back until now? “Eggs are done!” called Ms.Apple from the kitchen. The got off the sofa and trotted over to the kitchen where the breakfast was waiting. “I didn’t know what kind ya wanted, so I just made scrambled eggs.”

“Sounds dumb de-li-cous.” Complemented the husband,” ya like scrambled eggs don’tcha Applebloom?”

Applebloom nodded getting up on the chair she was sitting on before. “Ya want some ketchup Applebloom?” Ms. Apple said pulling out the bottle. Applebloom looked over to her mother smiling. The mare opened it as she approached Applebloom’s plate of eggs. She began to drizzle the condiment over the eggs, drawing a smiley face with dimples included. Applebloom thought that the smiley face was a nice touch to the dish.

Applebloom took in the sight she had. There she was, eating a plate of scrambled eggs that her mother had just finished making for her. Her dad was there, watching his youngest daughter enjoy his wife’s dish. Applebloom’s eyes started to well up with tears, tears of joy. She wanted more of this grand feeling.

Mr.Apple noticed the liquid in her eyes,”what’s up Applebloom? Ya like the eggs?”

Applebloom began to quiver up a smile, and started to choke up in her speech,”It’s nothin’.” She sniffled,”I’m just full of joy right now.” Mr. Apple grinned, understanding what her daughter meant.

Applebloom had no clue what she was feeling, but it was tremendous. It was like an empty part, something she had always wanted was finally given to her. In fact, she was so overcome with the feeling, she had already forgotten about the voice that talked to her before her reunion with her parents. But that didn’t mean that it left the house.

Applebloom wiped the trickling tears out of her eyes, and began to eat up her eggs. She picked up her fork and began to eat up the eggs and ketchup very quickly. The taste of protein with the bold taste of tomato sauce and vinegar blew the cereal that she was eating clean out of the water. Ms. Apple’s cooking pleased Applebloom, and smiled as she watched Applebloom enjoyed her eggs, it was a good first impression if you ask me. The eggs were cooked light and fluffy, just the way she likes them.

“So Applebloom, now that we’ve told you our story, why don’t ya tell us about your life.”

Applebloom wrapped her head around her memories, but just couldn’t decide which one to pick. ” Well, gee, I don’t know.”

“There’s gotta be something sweetheart, anything. There’s plenty of strange things that happen in this town.”

Mr. Apple wrapped his hoof around the fillies neck,”Why don’t we sit down at the sofa sweetie.” He guided her to the living room while his wife took care of the kitchen. She began to clean up the stove and put away the ketchup and eggs. 

“You sure got a mean appatite there.” Said Ms. Apple. “ Just like your big sister when she was just a tot.” She looked at her husband,” remember that one family reunion?”

“Aw, those were the days dear.” Said the stallion as he made himself cozy on the couch,” come on up Applebloom.”

Applebloom climbed up onto the sofa again, with her dad sitting next to her. Ms. Apple came in as well after drying off the dishes. Just when Applebloom slouched on her dads leg, Ms. Apple sat on the left of Applebloom, sandwiching her between the two. Applebloom felt so tiny having them tower over her and grining with content.


Ms. Apple looked into the fillies hair, seeing the red bow in her read mane. “Huh? So that’s where my ribbon went.” She chuckled,” It makes you look like your our little apple.”

Mr. Apple looked up at a family photo of the family, seeing that Applejack was wearing the hat that he once wore. “I guess they found my hat after all. Thought it was long gone down the river, never thought I’d ever see it again.” He looked down at Applebloom,” Even if we were dead, I’m glad that she would wear it for me, and never forget us. I say it suits her.”

Ms. Apple picked up Applebloom bringing her to her lap,” come here kiddo.” She bounced her up and down a little,” So, you ever think of what ya want to be. Ya know, for your cutie mark?”

Applebloom blushed,” well, I’ve been tryin’ and tryin’, but me and my friends are gonna find our marks someday ma. We’ll never give up the search.”

The stallion exaimined her daughter’s blank flank with a smile.“Well, I bet it’s gonna be an apple cutie mark. It does run in the family afterall.”

“Say, you did mention something about cutie mark crusaders.” Said Mr. Apple,” what’s that?”

“The Cutie Mark Crussaders, an organization dedicated to finding their special talent. Me and my friends founded it when we met.” She looked up at her mom,” we even got Bab’s to form a new branch in Manehatten.”

“Babs. That was the name of the new foal,” said momma shaking her head,” even when you recover from amnesia, you still got a few screws loose. But I’m glad to hear that she’s doin’ well. I heard that it’s tough livin’ in the big city.”

“Yeah, she used to be a bit of a bully when she came here for the first time. But we straightened things out, and now she’s standin’ up for her self. Wish I could see her some more though.”

Ms. Apple began to stroke her daughter’s mane like a dog.” You’ve grown up so much since you were just a baby. Why, I remember always going to your crib at night, and you looked like a little appledumplin just sleepin’ there.” She cooed,” It’s a mighty shame that we were gone from most of you’re life. If it wasn’t for that accident we would be even farther then we were before.”

“It’s alright mama,” Applebloom said,” You’re here, and that’s all that matters to me. I’m still young, so we can all catch up together. Me, Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Applejack. And just think, with you two back on the farm, everything will be much easier. We’ll always have each other, and we can get through anything.”

Mr.Apple grinned,” I think she’s got a good point there honey.”

Ms.Apple looked at her husband,” I’m most certain she does.”

Mr. Apple took his eyes off his wife and turned to the family gallery, looking at the picture again. He saw that the family had grown in the time of their absence.” Well, looks like Big Mac’s stronger than I last saw him, he looks like he’s a lady’s stallion if you ask me. Or even a teachers special somepony.”

Applebloom blushed remembering her blunder with the love potion on hearts and hooves day. “Yep, that’s big Macintosh. Stallion of a few words”

“And look at good old Granny Smith, still up and at em after all these years. I hope that she makes us a grand apple pie as a grand welcome.” He imagined the taste in his head,” Oh yes.”

“ I, actually helped make her some zap apple jam once.” Applebloom said.

“And then there’s good ol Applejack, what a fine piece of work she is. She’s the real push that’s keepin’ this old farm up and running.”

“She was always your favorite wasn’t she?” said Ms. Apple.

“Eeyup. I think she still holds that title.”

The stallion then realized,” Oh yeah.” He looked down at Applebloom,” we still need to hear about what you’ve done. Any misadventures?” Ms.Apple bumped him,” well, if you want to tell us now.”

Applebloom insisted,” Actually, I do.”

And so she began to talk about all of her adventures that she had with her friends. The parents were intrigued by what she had to say, and didn’t even expect their daughter to have so many adventures. The two could feel themselves bonding to their daughter more and more as she kept at the tales. The stories went on for so long, that the group lost track of time in the middle of it all.

“-and then, Applejack picked me up and ran away from the chimera. And we got the pies safely to their destination.” Applebloom finished the story, and didn’t want to tell any for now.

“Well I’ll be.” Mr. Apple murmured,” and you’re still here to tell the tale too. I think that you might be my new favorite, do you think so honey?”

Applebloom let out a yawn.” Aw, looks like some pony’s still a little bit sleepy.” Ms. Apple said, Stay up late?”

Applebloom nodded,” sleep over.” The mother picked her up and cradled her in her hooves. Applebloom felt like relaxing as she looked at her.

“Shh, just relax Applebloom,” she said,” we may have been gone for most of the time, but now we’ll always be here for ya.”

“You mean it?”

“Cross our hearts.” Said the father.

Appleblooms mind began to ease, as a soft deep voice that Applebloom was a fool to beleive,” Yes… this is exactly what you wanted Applebloom, the parents that you lost long ago. Now you have them for the rest of your life. There anything else in this world that you want?” Applebloom slightly shook her head no,” good… do you want to stay where you are? Do you want to be with your lost family till the end of time.” Applebloom calmly smiled with no care about where the voice came from,” very well my little pony, very well.”

If you hadn’t guessed yet, this was yet another dream created especially for the filly. What is this creature that is doing this to Applebloom? This dream was created to ease Appleblooms mind, but this one wasn’t necessarily going to be used to kill her. Why her and not the others? Why did she call her and not the other CMC members who were there? And most importantly, why does it want Applebloom so badly?

Applebloom began to dose off as Ms. Apple rocked her back and forth. She had no troubles, no worries, and no other thoughts but one. The desire to stay with her parents. The couple looked at each other and smiled again. They took in the quiet air, as silence fell into the very room. They wanted to get up from their seats, but looking at Applebloom, they too wanted to take a nice nap. 

“Now…” the voice said menacingly,” just one more hour to go. And this filly will be mine, and that stuborn mule of a mare shall die in the dark.”

> Crimson Nightmare
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

While Applejack and the fillies followed the trail searching for the final door that holds the final filly, Scootaloo told the two ponies about her dream with her idol. Even though it sounded like a dream an average fan would want with their idols, it sounded very likely and possible. It sadden her to think that Rainbowdash was a little bit egocentric, and she would like to see the cobalt speed demon spend more quality time with her number one fan. 


As the clock kept on ticking closer to the dawn hour, Applejack began to shake, her hooves began to sweat, and the two CMC members on her back started feeling sick after bobbing up and down for so long. “How much further?” asked Scootaloo trying not to hurl.

“Just a little bit further. I know we can reach it.” Applejack responded.

“I hope it’s soon.” Sweetiebelle complained,” Who knows how long it’ll take to get out of here.”

Applejack kept pushing through all the stress and fear. She could sense the door right under her muzzle, she couldn’t quit now. She made it this far, she still had a slim chance of surviving. She wasn’t going to let all that she had been through in the past 5 hours go to waste. Her family was counting on her from her world, Twilight Sparkle counted on her, and even the fillies on her back counted on her.

With all this support on her hoofs, the only thing Applejack had to do was stay strong and hope for best. Even if she did fail, Applejack would welcome the worst case scenario gratefully. The best that she could do, was do her best.

Keeping their chins up, the group eventually did find the door, and a good thing too. Time was running short, they only had 15 minutes before the door would close. She haulted her sprint when she approached the final gateway, the fillies were relieved that they could get off the mare for a breather. Applejack let down the fillies and proceeded to the door with full bravery on her face. Before she reached the door, Sweetiebelle said,” So whats the plan?”

Applejack turned around,” I’m gonna need you two to sit this one out for me.”

“Wait, didn’t you agree that we could come with you?” Scootaloo added.

Applejack sighed,” yes I did, but Celestia knows what could happen in there.” She took off the watch and gave it to sweetiebelle,”here, If I’m not back in ten minutes, leave without me.”

“Are you sure you don’t need us Applejack?” Sweetiebelle softly asked,” we just want Applebloom to come back safe.”

Applejack smiled a little bit,” but you are sugar cube, your right behind me, and you believe in me. Besides, we’ve taken a lot of chances as it already is.”

“Yeah, but-“

“I would never had made it out of that dungeon without your reassurance Sweetiebelle. You believed in me. And as long as I’m still brave and confident, I’ll pull through whatever the hay this nightmare throws at me. Ya get it?”

Sweetiebelle thought about it a different way,” Yeah?” she looked up at Applejack,” yeah, I think I do.”

“Alright then.” Applejack approached the door,”wish me luck.” She opened the door, and entered the dark room closing the door. Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle walked up to the door and sat down. They wanted to go in there and pull off this daring rescue with Applejack, but it probably would put pressure on the cowpony. This was her mission, and it was for the best. The two Calmly awaited Applejack to prevail for them. Having faith in Applejack, was the most they could do at this dire moment.

The room was pitch black when Applejack closed the door. There was nothing all around her, and there wasn’t a single sound made (besides the sounds of hooves made by Applejack). She kept looking all around her surroundings, but still nothing. It was a black room, yet she could she herself in bright colors. Hopefully she wouldn’t run into anything dangerous, but that was the least of her troubles.

The orange mare then felt a glow beaming against her backside, as if something had appeared. She quickly turned around to see the strangest thing that she had seen in this dimension yet. It was a large spherical object, closely resembling a crystal ball but with red glass that gave off a glow. In its center was hollow, but in the very core of the ball was Applebloom, suspended in the air and fast asleep. Or atleast Applejack did, she didn’t know what her sister was dreaming at this time.

Applejack then noticed two other objects that were rubbing the red crystal. They resembled a pair of giant dragon claws, each one being a slightly lighter red then glass ball. Looking at them a little more closely; the claws appeared to be a little more fleshy then a dragon’s, and they didn’t have sharp points on their fingers either.

This reminded Applejack of an animal that Twilight attempted to describe one time. She described them as bipedal creatures, with strange  fleshy tentacle like things just like the ones she was right now looking at. Applejack then remembered the name; Twilight dubbed these things hands, and that’s what Applejack was going to refer them as.

The way that these “Hands” stroked the crystal ball, reminded Applejack of times when Pinkie Pie was a fortune teller, but they didn’t look like they were seeing any future. They rubbed the crystal ball as if it was some sort of treasure. They didn’t appear to be causing any threat to her, but since they looked like they were protecting it, they could possibly pose as a threat to her. But the way that the hands moved felt very uncomfortable to Applejack, as if the hands are attracted to her sister.

Applejack began to feel a little nervous on the inside, but she started to move towards the ball, trying to retain her focus. She approached the ball with caution, and stoped when she was a foot away from the glass surface. She looked up at her sister, still floating in the air with her arms spread out. “Applebloom,” she called out,” Applebloom!” no answer.

She went up to the glass and tapped on the glass with a hoof. “Applebloom!” she shouted.

------

As Applebloom began to lose consciousness, she was awaken by the tapping of a glass window. Her first reaction, was an annoying animal that was tapping on the glass. She turned to the window behind the sofa she was on, seeing that it wasn’t some pesky animal, but it was Applejack. She rubbed her sleepy eyes,” Applejack,” she said in a sleepy voice looking up at the adults with her,” your home! And look who’s hear.”

Mr. and Mrs. Apple turned to the glass,” Well I’ll be.” Mr. Apple said. “Applejack, could have chosen a better way to present yourself.” He chuckled.

“My Celestia you havn’t changed one inch, how ya doin?” Ms. Apple added.

“It’s them Applejack it’s really them.” Applebloom said.

----

Applejack was confused at what she was saying to her. “Them?” she thought to herself.”What do ya mean them, who are you lookin’ at.”

“Don’t ya remember Applejack, It’s ma and pa. They’re right here with me, alive and well.

Applejack took a step back. She knew that this was that nightmares doing. The dream was made to keep her happy, and gave her what she had always wanted. Applejack then said,” Applebloom, ma and pa are dead. They fell into the gorge when you were a baby!”

“They survived Applejack, they were saved by a hiker, and they suffered heavy amnesia.”

Applejack didn’t want to say this, but she had to do something to get her sister’s wits back in line,“They’re dead Applebloom, and they’re still dead to this day! Now wake up. Please!” She pleaded.
-

Applebloom looked at her sister in disgust, she didn’t believe her. Applebloom didn’t know what was going on with her sister, but she took it as rudeness and began to feel anger. They were right there, flesh, pelt, and bones but they were still just an illusion of the dream. “No. there right here sis!” she defended.

A hand came off of the crystal ball, and lowered itself to Applejacks level. She turned to see the claw, palm down, swat her away like a ball of crumpled paper with scribbles of lead. Applejack flew across, landing on her back and sliding across the floor. The claw then returned to the crystal ball, and resumed its stroking.

Applejack got up, feeling the pain in her back and quickly ran up to the glass. She had to keep trying, there’s got to be something that could wake her, “Applebloom, listen to me!” she yelled,” Your dreaming, this is all just a dream Applebloom!”
-

“Now Applejack,” said Mr. Apple.” Why don’t you come inside and we can talk this over. I don’t know where you’ve been, but I think you should sit down and take a breather.”

“Yeah,” chuckled the wife,” I think you’ve worked a little too hard.”

“Why are you yelling at us through a window, just come inside sis.” Applebloom said,” what else would it take to get you to believe us.”

“I can’t come in Applebloom.”

“Why?”

“I’m separated by the glass!”

Applebloom raised an eyebrow,” Why not just use the door?”

“I can’t-“

Applebloom was starting to become agitated.” Then just go away, go off and work somewhere else. I want to spend time with my parents. At least Granny Smith and Big Macintosh would understand!”

Applejack wanted to yell at all the things wrong with that statement, but it was no use. No matter how hard she could try, she could not get her sister to believe her. The world of the dream can feel so real. Even if the most crazy of events happened, it was still hard to believe that it was dream. That’s the very nature of dreams. And laws of nature, can be ridiculously unfair at times, but Applejack didn’t quit.

-

Applebloom then yelled,” Go away! I don’t need you to enjoy my parents!” Applejack stepped back a few feet when she felt a slight quake in the ground. A shock wave emitted off, pushing Applejack back.The next thing she knew, the hands that rubbed the crystal sphere became very hostile. They came off of the orb and began to attack Applejack. The mare stood her ground to the hands threat. One of the hands came crashing down onto Applejack, but she was quick enough to dodge it. She had to get the glass again.

The one hand may have missed her, but the other then threw a punch at her. Applejack dodged to the left. Applejack retreated to gain distance from the red hands that guarded the filly. The mare had to come up with something to get her to wake up. She quickly thought of anything she hadn’t tried yet, as fast as she could before the hands came in for another attack. Dreams may be real, but they always held some sort of a flaw.

Applejack then charged to glass sphere, but the hands were one step ahead of her as they hovered above Applejack’s body. They came together to form one giant shaking fist with combined brute force, and came crashing down at a fast speed. Applejack only had a split second to react, but she was barley to slide under them. The fist crashed with a loud thud, just barely catching the tip of Applejack's tail under it’s massive weight. The ground shook from the impact, bouncing Applejack a little.

After sliding a little bit farther, she got back up on her hooves without haste. She ran up to glass surface placing her hoofs on it,” Applebloom. Maybe ma and pa are there, but they aint ma and pa!” No response came from the filly. Applebloom was now ignoring her, and then she said” I don’t care Applejack. They are our parents, they love us, and they care for us. That’s all I need to know about them, to believe that they are my parents!” Her boomed with that statement, fling her sister away.

Before she could get up and try again, one of the hands took her by surprise and caught her in its massive grip. Her head managed to stick right out of it, she was unable to move anything below her neck with the hand limiting the movement. She could not get out of it. The grip was not loosening itself anytime soon. The hand began to squeeze Applejack within it’s red fingers. She could feel her head inflating, she could feel the intensity of the tightness, and felt like gasping for air.

This may be the end for the orange cowpony. She kept on thinking and thinking during this moment, she thought,”Come on Applejack, think. There’s gotta be somethin’ that can crack my sister. I don’t know how this world made my parents so real to her, but its not she knows everything about them.” Her eyes widened at the thought

Applejack then remembered something about her parents that may be able to save herself, and Applebloom. As much as she didn’t want to say this and destroy her sister’s dream, she did it for their own good. In her final moments, Applejack yelled out with a red face,” If you think…” she struggled to speak,” You know everything about ma and pa. Then what are their names?”
---

Applebloom rolled her eyes, as if it was an easy answer,” That’s easy, their names are-“ she paused,” their names are-,” she didn’t give an answer.” I don’t need to know their names, I don’t even know. That ain’t gonna-”

“Why don’t… you ask them… then.” She yelled losing conscious. 

Applebloom was never told the real names of her parents in her life. Since she thought they were right there with her, it was a good time for her to ask them,”Ma, Pa,” she started,”What are ya real names?”

The Apples smiled down at her,” You’ve never heard our names before?”

“No.”

“I’m mom, and he’s dad. Aren’t we dear?” said Ms. Apple.

“Yeah, no denying it.” Said Mr. Apple.

Applebloom was confused. Those were their real names? They couldn’t be.” But don’t ya have names that you were born with?”

“Names we were born with?” asked the stallion.

“I don’t think we were given names honey.” Ms.Apple said looking at her husband.

“But you must.” Applebloom pleaded,” You are my parents aren’t ya?”

“Then I guess if we both don’t know our names… I guess we aren’t the true parents of this little filly right here?” Applebloom felt her heart sink at those words.

Mr. and Ms. Apple smiled down at her, Applebloom suddenly became a little bit frightened. But then as if out of the blue, the two started to turn grey in the face. “Pa?” asked Applebloom. She looked up at her mom and noticed that she was turning grey too.” Ma?” The discoloring continued until their bodies were all grey, but it didn’t stop there. Confusion began to mix into Appleblooms state of mind.

The patches of growing grey began to multiply, and appeared everywhere in the living room. At first they were small, but they all started to grow faster. The lamp, the pictures, the wall that hung them, and all of the furniture. Applebloom became nervous at these strange events. Soon, everything in the world became grey, and froze in time as well. Applebloom was still in her red and yellow colors, looking around frantically.

Applebloom looked at her dad she wanted to ask him, but then she saw a crack in his face glow with a faint white light. The crack started to grow more across his body, branching out and reaching other parts of his body. But after that, the cracking continued on the couch. Applebloom was really beginning to freak out. She felt like she was realizing that it was a mere dream, causing the world’s destruction to come faster. The cracking grew more and more, and started to crack at different parts of the living room. As they grew more, and gained speed, the world started to shake violently.

Applebloom wanted to close her eyes in fear as bits and pieces of shattered dream began to crumble. She no longer thought of her parents that she spent time with as real, and she regained more of her senses. Light began to shine through the pieces, and more light came in as more fell. Applebloom was then consumed by the blinding light, causing her to finally wake up.

On the outside, Applejack was feeling the last of the light leaving her eyes, when she felt the grip of the hand that was crushing her start to losen, and it was a good thing too. She saw through the glass that Applebloom was beginning to stir. Her words must have finally gotten to her, and she was starting to wake up. The hands eventually lost their hold on Applejack, and dropped her her on the ground. Landing on her stomach with a thud, Applejack watched Applebloom twist and turn in the air.

“Come on Applebloom, come on.” Applejack chanted.

The giant glass orb began to shake left and right, as if the magic that held it up was now giving in. The more the filly in the center squirmed around, the more unbalanced the ball shook. Applejck ran away, knowing that the glass ball was about to fall to the ground as soon as she woke up.

Applebloom opened her eyes, wide and awake, emitting a flash of light. The extreme brightness died out quickly, followed by the shattering of the dropped orb, flying pieces of glass all over the room. Applejack had her back turned when the flash occurred, and saw the room turn from black to white in a split second. When she heard the glass shatter, she covered hooves overhead and ducked.

All the shattered glass fell to the floor, with a few pieces landing on Applejack of course but no major cuts of any kind at all. She slowly got back on her hooves and turned to where the orb once was. It was now just broken glass in the center of the room, with Applebloom lying on the spot of black flooring where none of the glass landed. Applejack ran towards her sister, being cautious about where she was stepping hooves.

Applebloom’s eyes were shut, but she appeared to be breathing like normal. Applejack then picked up her sister, hoping that she would open her eyelids for her,” Applebloom.” She said, watching her wake up in her hooves. When the eyes of her sister became wide open, Applejack began to smile with joy that she was alive and well. She tightly hugged her, and Applebloom became more awake with the squeeze.

“Your OK!” Applejack cheered.”Your OK.”

Applebloom was still trying to process the situation,” Applejack? What have I been doin’ all this time?”

Applejack felt like crying a little, ”It’s nothin’ sis. You’ve just been dreamin’, that’s all.”

“I wish you could’ve seen them Applejack, they were right there.”  

Applejack took her sister off her shoulder,” I know Applebloom, and ya probably have a thousand questions to ask me, but we need to get out of here.”

Applebloom didn’t bother asking why, but judging from her sisters voice, it was indeed urgent. Applebloom tried to lift herself and try to walk, but she felt like her legs were weak. She fell back down on her flank, but she tried again and she again fell back down. Applejack saw that she was having trouble walking again, so she picked her up by her back. “I got ya,” she said, ”let’s go home.” She hurried herself to the black door at the end of the room. She hoped that there was still time to escape before the gate closes.

She opened the door to the starry world of light paths, seeing that Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo were still in same spot awaiting Applejack with Applebloom. They were relieved that Applejack was safe, but were very happy that she got their friend back. They walked up to her,” Applebloom! You’re ok.” Said Sweetiebelle.

“Sweetiebelle, Scootaloo.” Applebloom said, “guess you guys followed me in through that wall.”

“Yeah, but luckily Applejack came to save us,” Sweetiebelle smiled at Applejack. 

“We thought that we were gonna have to really leave you two. Not that we would leave another crusader behind.” Applebloom smiled as she enjoyed her friends company after all the terrors that she was experiencing. She too noticed that everypony was greyed out, and thought that the paths of light looked very heavenly to her. It made things less stressful for her, and she wanted to ask questions when they were back at home.

Applejack picked up the watch, the time was just now turning to 5:57 A.M. They only had three minutes left before the gate would close, but the problem was finding a door that she had no clue what it looked like. She was so urgent to find the CMC, that she didn’t think about looking at what exit was. Applejack was able to take in the scenery of the realm, but forgot about the exit.

“Ah Shoot,” said Applejack,” I don’t know where the exit is. We better get going.” Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo lead off, with Applejack following behind with her sister in her mouth. The orange mare then noticed that something was different about the sceanery, there were no stars anywhere to be seen. They were still there when she came out of the doors that the first two fillies were in, where did they go now? This change gave Applejack suspicion.

They kept on running the path, going through the many twists and turns that it offered. Applejack still couldn’t believe that she forgot to check what the exit looked like. The only thing she could think that the portal would look like, was an opening.

She began to look high and low, around the mesh of light paths for anything. She didn’t find any doors anywhere, not even the doors that lead to the other world. She kept looking harder, until she noticed that there was a strand of path that lead to nowhere. Was this the way out?


It may as well be. After all, the portal that she came through was invisible to the naked eye. Until it was revealed that it was a doorway by the chalk drawing. Perhaps the same went for the gate on the inside. “Come on, this way!” Applejack ordered. The fillies followed her. Thinking that Applejack knew what she was doing.

“You found the way out?” asked Scootaloo.

“Ah think so, but I’m willin to do anything with the little time we have left.”

They continued running until they found a stretch of path without any branching paths. But something did not feel right to Applejack, it felt a little bit… too easy. It felt like there was something that she was forgetting about. There was something that the dwellers from earlier said, that she had neglected to think about it when she continued on. Thinking about it a step further, the eerie voice that flowed through the ears of the ponies didn’t sound through the realm this time. 

Then, as if out of nowhere, there came a sudden boom of thunder in the air that shook the gang where they stood. Clouds began to form, creating a thunderstorm with lightning shooting through. The surprise caused Applebloom fell out of her sisters mouth when it went off. The group all looked at the clouds as they began to spread through out the sky.

“What was that?” Sweetiebelle asked with fear.

“YEEEEEEAAAAAARRRRRRG!!!!!!” it was that voice again, booming through the realm and turning the path of light to a dark red. Red dots started to appear in the black canvas of nothing, popping in at random and filling it almost entirely with specs. Some of the stars were blotted out by the incoming storm however. Applejack looked around the room, with a strong feeling that they were being watched by something.

The specs then began to rotate in unison, gaining speed the more it spun around. It came to the point where the dots made a red tornado, creating a draft that the ponies could feel. With that and the clouds above and below, a strong wind storm was the result. “Come on,” said Applejack,”We’re almost there!” they continued to trudge carefully on the path. Applejack still had the bad feeling, and sensed that the something was close, uncomfortably close.


As if their troubles couldn’t get any worse, It appeared, It finally began to reveal itself. Coming out of thin air, was a giant red skull taking on an agonizing face with red fangs coming out of it’s side. The four turned around to great this unholy beast. It was the creature that made those dreams, it was thr creator of the realm. It was… the crimson nightmare.

So this is what the dwellers called their god. This is the one who caused all of this trouble to them. Those ruthless creatures were at the very least insane to call this thing their god. Applejack thought that it was all made up, and didn’t expect the sound and the skull had a connection to each other. Nor did she expect a god of world to look this menacing.

The group turned around at the terrible monstrosity. The fillies were petrified at the very sight, and Applejack was astonished by the creatures own existence. The skull looked at them with it’s eyeless eye holes, and let out a terrifying screech that was cold to hear. It looked like it was live and ready to hunt. It breathed very deeply in sync with the howling winds.

Applejack turned away,” Run, RUN!!” she yelled. The CMC looked ahead and scurried off to the exit. Applejack ran behind to back them up, just as the skull began to float towards them. The ponies kept on running, no matter how intense the sight was.

With the spinning backround, red path, flashing red strobe light that constantly flashed, the howling of the wind, the red skull, and all the red red red things that you could imagine. Their hearts began to race harder and harder the longer it went on, the entire peaceful starry realm that they ran through, had become a nightmare just like the one that was chasing them. It would be a blessing that this would all be over soon. That is, if they could make it out first.

The skull kept on following behind, getting closer and closer. Applejack could feel the thing on top of them. They were so close to the door, but at this rate, they would be caught by it before they could get near the door. The group was now becoming weaker, and began to slow down. Now it was next to impossible to even get to the gate without getting caught.

Applejack had high hopes for these children’s safety. All of her efforts were about to waste away. There wasn’t anything she could do about it. She wanted to get these fillies home, she wanted these children to see another light of day. She suddenly came up with the only solution, but it wasn’t a pleasant one at all. In order to make sure that the CMC live, Applejack needed to sacrifice herself. She was no longer afraid of facing death, and making sure that she did what her best, as the best for her friends would be satisfactory to her enough. 

She stopped herself, sliding a little on the path and letting the fillies go on without her. The CMC kept on running onwards, but Applebloom was the one to notice that she stopped. She too stopped and looked at her with a frightened expression, and then Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle stopped to look behind. 

“Applejack, come on!” Applebloom yelled.”What are ya waitin’ for?”

Applejack turned to her sister,” Go! I’ll hold this thing off! Get out while you still can!”

“What are you doing!?” yelled Sweetiebelle.

Applejack then yelled,” Don’t worry about me. Get out of here!”

“Not without you!” Scootaloo started.

“Now!” Applejack screamed.

Applebloom then looked into the eyes of the floating skull and back to Applejack’s serious face. She was then picked up by her friends, who were just following orders by an adult pony like they should. Applebloom was then carried off, heading straight for the invisible doorway. The filly tried to get free from her friends, but they were held bent on fulfilling Applejack’s final request. She started to tear up as she got farther and farther away from her sister and the red skull. 

Applejack watched them run a good distance, and then turned to the skull, seeing that it had just stopped right in front of her. The skull let out another loud roar that almost blew off her hat. She held onto it tight, feeling that she made a bad choice, but knew that there was no turning back now. The brave mare went face to face, looking at it dead in the eyes. It was the face that said, she wasn’t afraid of the beast.

The mare then yelled,” do you know who I am!?” The skull looked at her as she made her speech.” My name is Applejack, I’m the voice of ponyvile and I’m the one to uphold that. I’m the one who overcame all of what you threw at me. Yer fear’s might’ve been strong. But my own bravery grew stronger. I vowed to get these little ones out of this place, I ain’t gonna let you harm these fillies any more, and I’m willing to sacrifice myself for their safety!” The skull roared a mighty roar.”I’m not afraid, come and get me ya ugly varmit!”

And it did. The skull became furious at her,”You cost me my treasure!” it howled. It then began to charge after on full pursuit . Applejack then began to run away, she knew it would be pointless in doing so, but she felt she would be able to live a little longer if she did. She was unaware that the skull was even more faster than before, with it’s anger induced rage.  When the mare turned her head to see the skull however, the skull came in with its mouth ready to bite. The jaw closed biting off her lower half, and Applejack fell to the ground feeling a strong pain in her body. She couldn’t turn herself to see the damage, but she could feel half her body missing, but she didn’t feel anything coming out.

Knowing that she was now doomed, she looked forward to see how far the fillys were. She could see off in the distance that the CMC were very far away, and had a good confidence that they could make it out. She watched them until they eventually disappeared. Applejack, though feeling intense pain, smiled knowing that they have escaped this world, and were out of harm’s way. She wished she could say the same for the peril that she threw herself in, but she was long aware of the consequences.

The tusked skull hovered near Applejack, approaching its fallen prey. Applejack lifted herself up on the two hooves that she still had intact, and looked up with a weary frown. She now began to regret making this decision definitely, but there was no other way to save herself and the fillies at the same time. She closed her eyes, gritting her teeth to the pain,”do you’re worst.” She murmured as if she was excepting her own death. The events she was about to experience were far worse than she actually expected.

The skull opened its jaw with red chompers ready for another bite. With a charge onto the mare, it swooped Applejack inside of its own mouth, but it wasn’t for eating her. Immediately, Applejack was bombarded by many horrible red flashes. Applejack shielded her eyes with her lids, but it was no use. The many series of terrible thoughts managed to go through her head. She was feeling even more tear jerking pain then ever before.

For an instant, she saw a picture of a funeral with familiar faces surrounding the coffin, it was her friends and family that were mourning for her death. Then it changed to a field of dead appletrees. Could this be Sweet Apple Acres when she was dead? Applejack began to feel more pain surging through. She felt like screaming her lungs out, but she managed to grip the pain as it came through.

Then it changed to another terrible slide, then another, then another, then another. The pictures came in at high speed, yet they gave off the same effect as if she was crying at it for 10 minutes. They were all futures that were forseen if Applejack was gone, but they were futures that were unlikely. The pictures kept coming, Applejack kept spinning around in the red vortex of winds, and the pain of fear kept piling up. Applejack tried her hardest to disbelief it, but it only worked for so long.

When she had finaly had enough torture. The pictures became little memories that were being recalled. The first one showed Sweetiebelle in a spider web being devoured by said spider. Then came the one of Scootaloo turning golden brown in the oven. And finally, there came the memory of Applebloom in the crystal ball, fading away and becoming lost in the darkness. But she had to fight it, she knew that the three fillies were safe, and these flash backs were nothing but mere lies. It wasn’t the visions she saw that made her want to cry, but the pain that they all gave off.

After that session of torment, Applejack felt herself slam onto the ground hard. She wanted to cry after seeing those things, but she barely held the flood of tears in. She realized that they were grim alternatives if she failed, but they felt to real to her. At this point, she wanted herself put out of her own misery.

Applejack wanted all of this to end. Dead or alive, she wanted this all to stop. She felt herself being picked up by her legs, and was lifted up like a ragdoll by its arms. She couldn’t think of anything else that this beast could do to her. Applejack was still attempting to cry now, but she had suffered so much in such short time, that she had no energy left to even cry for her life to end.

Way below her, a pool of swirling red began to spiral into the red skull that tortured her so much. She knew that this was the absolute end for her, just seeing the sign of her own demise was enough to bring her a tear. But it wasn’t a tear of painful crying, it was a tear of relief. She had wished for this mission to end so badly, but she wan’t this to end as much as the next pony in ponyvile. If this was indeed fate, then It was finally time for her to depart.

Applejack simply closed her eyes, feeling that single tear ascend down her face as she felt her self being dropped into the beasts mouth. In this absolute final moment of hers, she began to recall all of her memories at once. She remembered all that she had done for the loved ones she cared so much about. She could see all the smiling faces of her friends, and could even feel the warmth of her family from just remembering. This all made her death more peacefull as she began to smile.

But that wasn’t what made her feel peace. Just by seeing all of the ponies in ponyvile, they reminded her of all of her efforts, and all of her contributions made her hometown thrive. And that was all that mattered to the apple horse; she did the best she could do for the better of ponyvile, and that is just what her friends and family wanted. Nothing more or less of her. She then considered this mission a success; and she considered it her final honor, as well as her finest.

The mare smiled in acceptance and wanted to greet her afterlife with the expression that she now wore. She fell closer and closer into the jaws of the demon, feeling that her life was fading more and more until she passed the teeth. Applejack would now forever fall into the endless black abyse. Silence would forever fall, when the red tusked skull closed it’s jaws with a thunderous BANG!

> Another Day...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack couldn’t see a single thing, for everything was pitch black. There wasn’t a single sight, sound, or sign indicating where she was headed. She didn’t bother to say anything, or move around, she just stared into the black void thinking with peaceful thoughts.

Nothing happened for a while, but then something did change. The pony began to feel an uncomfortable churning happen inside of her. She tried to ignor it and keep on thinking, but it was imposible to forget about it. Applejack could then see the darkness starting to light up. At first it was slow; but then it gained more speed, and the brightness started to grow. Applejack knew for a fact that her suffering had ended, and she was heading for the gates of heaven. She had just saved the CMC from their deaths, and that’s all that mattered to her.

The light became brighter and brighter, and then it began to fade away. The picture became a colored blured mess, but then it began to focus up. She saw that she was in her little sisters bedroom, still as messy as when she left it. She then noticed that she was in the bed, covered in the clean blankets. She could feel the cold fall air coming in through the window, and brushing against her face. Applejack wanted to rise out of the bed, but the peace that the room had was breath taking. She took in the view as a breath of fresh air, and stared at the ceiling feeling sweat around her body.

She turned her head to the left and right to see if anypony was in the room with her, but there wasn’t. Just when her head turned towards the door, she saw the little filly that was her sister come into the doorway. The two met eye to eye. Applebloom didn’t respond at first, but then she began to smile, gaining tears of joy in the eyelids. She then leapt into her own bed, and began to sob into the sheets,” you’re alright.” She murmured,”She’s alright!” she announced.

As she cried with overflowing joy in her heart, Applejack heard a bunch of hoofsteps that could be heard through the hallway. The ponies that Applejack left behind came rushing in. Granny Smith, Big Mac, Twilight, and even the rest of the CMC came in, feeling their stress lift off their shoulders. They all began to smile as started to gather around the bed. If it weren’t for the gathering, Applejack would have still thought that she was in heaven.

Applejack looked at the crowd surrounding her bed.”I’m alive?” she asked.

“Your ok Applejack.” Cried Grannysmith, giving her grand daughter a hug.”We were worried sick.”

“Eeyup.” Said Big Mac joining in.

“That’s our mare.” Cheered Twilight coming in to hug too.

“Don’t forget us!” squeaked Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo climbing onto the bed.

It was all now a big group hug, celebrating Applejack’s end to a dangerous mission. It was like returning home from the battlefield, and seeing your kin after so long. It gave Applejack a great feeling that her efforts paid off. The hug disintegrated, and everypony except for Applebloom came off the bed to give Applejack some space of her own.

Applejack then lifted the covers to check on something. Yep, just as she expected, her legs were attached to her body. She began to move them around to check if they still worked, and they did. She wasn’t in heaven; but she was somewhere even better, at home. The one place she’d rather be after suffering such a horrible ordeal.

Speaking of horrible ordeals.“Ah don’t understand?” Applejack said with confusion,”How did I come back? I didn’t come through the portal like the fillies did.”

Twilight then said,” These three came in with only seconds to go, Applebloom told us that you were still out there. You were lying on the floor screaming and yelling.” Applejack looked at her sister,” Me and Big Macintosh went in to retrieve you.”

“Wait, I couldn’t have been there,” Applejack denied,”I was being devoured by a giant red skull. I was bitten in half. I went through some crazy vortex. I couldn’t have been on the floor.”

The three grown ponies were surprised and turned their heads to Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle,” guess we forgot to tell you that part.” They said.

Twilight continued,” we didn’t see a giant skull, it was just you rolling around on a red path in the dark.”

“Not to mention all of the yellin’ you had goin’.” Big Mac added.


“Oh yes, you were yelling and screaming as if you were being tortured. Even when we pulled you out, you were still yelling. We were afraid that you weren’t going to make it. What was happening?”

Applejack thought the nightmare back over,” I guess I was just having a bad dream Twilight, a really bad dream. I’m surprised that I even made it back.” She looked at the cmc,” Thank you.” 

“And with great timin’ too.” Added Granny Smith walking towards the chalk drawing on the wall,” if these younguns were a second too soon,” she touches her hoof on the green paint, but her hoof didn’t pass,” You would have been gone fer good.” The portal was sealed, and disappeared from the house.

Applejack dropped herself back onto her pillow in relief. Hopefully the portal would never open up anywhere near the Apples or anywhere in Equestria ever again. “ At least this’ll be the last time I see that darned portal.” Everyone nodded to that.”Now, as much as I’m glad to be home, can ah please have a moment to mah self please. Yall have no idea what the hay I just went through.”

“Of course dear.” Granny Smith smiled leaving.”Anything for my our hero.”

“Eeyup,” added Big Mac walking out of the room with the grandmother.

“I think you’ve earned it Applejack.” Said Twilight leaving as well. She turned her head at the doorway,”Welcome home Applejack.”

With the adults leaving the room, Scootaloo at Sweetiebelle thought it was a good time to leave as well. They both started to gather any of their belongings that they brought, and began to pack them away. Their families would be expecting their arrival home soon, they too would have a story to tell their classmates and siblings. It may have been one of the most unexpected slumber parties that they had; but the adventure alone made it better than just sitting around and playing cards all night.

Applebloom got on her hooves and began to walk herself off the bed to give her sister some peace. “I guess you’ll be goin’ back to sleep now.” She said making her way across the bed. She let out a tiresome sigh,”I think I’ll be catchin’ some Zs as well.”

Before she was even near the edge, Applejack smiled and said,” Applebloom, come here and sleep by my side. I think we’d feel more comfortable, wouldn’t you agree.”

Applebloom smiled at her sister’s offer,” we sure had a rough night last night.”

“Yeah, but we get to live to see another day.” Applebloom came over to Applejack and lied down like a cat would next to her head. Applejack freed one of her legs to put around her sister. Applebloom felt the security of her sister. She still felt that the voice was going to haunt her, but she remembered that she was well out of harm’s way with her sister. Applebloom closed her eyes and began to nudge against her sister’s head.

Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle, had just finished rolling their sleeping bags when they saw Applebloom cuddled up against Applejack with her eyes closed. They didn’t want to disturb her, so they didn’t talk. The two picked up their luggage and stood by the door. Applejack turned to the two fillies as Scootaloo then said,” Well, I guess that’s it for the sleep over then. It was fun, even though we didn’t get much done as a club.”

“Some night this turned out to be.” Said Sweetiebelle yawning.” I don’t think a cutiemark in inter dimensional travel would ever be worth it. It’s just not our calling.”

“Yeah.”

Scootaloo sighed with her closing statement,“Well, see ya later Applebloom.”

“Take care.” Added Sweetiebelle. And with that, the fillies left the door way, and made their way out the front door. Applejack began to hug her sister tightly for a stronger sense of comfort. They both were soon fast asleep, and on their way to dreamland with the few hours of sleep they were catching.

It was an act of courage to save the fillies. But it was no doubt a miracle that she survived all of that. And to think that she was told that same night she went in, that nopony has lived to tell the tale. Yet she managed to beat the odds, and now had one heck of a story to pass down.

Before the two CMC members left for home, Granny Smith saw them heading out and said,” Would ya’ll like some breakfast before you hit the road?” As good as that sounded, the fillies turned down that offer with the shake of the head. “Ya sure?” The granny opened the fridge to see what they had.” Huh, we’ve only got eggs in here. Wish we had somethin’ else.”

“No thanks,” Sweetiebelle said.

“We’re not hungry right now,” added Scootaloo,” we really must be going now.” The two went out the door before Granny Smith could add anything else.

-:-

The two fillies left Sweet Apple acres, walking to the welcoming arc in the yard. From that moment they parted ways for their own homes. They said their goodbyes, but it was only a goodbye for now. 

Sweetiebelle walked down the road, and went straight into the market place of town. It lightened her spirits a little, just to see the many residents of ponyville selling and buying their goods in the crisp fall air in the day. She was glad to be walking down a street with friendly faces instead of a dark decaying forest. Even the Everfree forest felt safer then that place. The more she thought about that awful forest, the more it reminded her of that dream with her and Rarity.

It really was a shame that it was all a hoax. It would make Sweetiebelle’s life a lot easier for her, if her sister would just let off some steam. Who cares if there is inspiration to be found, it’s not going anywhere. Sweetiebelle would most likely benefit from her, if Rarity is willing to open herself up to the filly. Sweetiebelle then felt a dryness in her throat, as well as a heated feeling in her forhead.

She eventually did make it back home trying to shrug off the dream, which was easier  said then done. The unicorn was starting to feel more ill. She continued to ignore the sensations; but like most illness’s, it was no surprise for it to get worse. This and the weight of her luggage wasn’t making things any easier for the fily.

She came to the door step with her load of belongings on her, and opened the door for herself. Sweetiebelle entered, closing the door behind her, and moped on over to the purple sofa. She looked at the clock on the wall; 10:30, it wasn’t even noon yet and she felt like she had been up all night. The filly then felt a terrible headache strain her head, with an awful head cold to follow.

She let out a painful groan, notifying Rarity that her sister was home from the slumber party. The fashionista was in her upstairs bedroom and hard at work, putting the finishing touches on a dress that she had been attempting to perfect all weekend. Rarity dropped her focus when she heard the door close downstairs. She then responded,” Sweetiebelle, is that you?”

Sweetiebelle continued to moan,” yeah.*cough cough* it’s me.”

“How was the sleep over?” Sweetiebelle was too fixated on the pain on her head to answer. Rarity then put down what she was doing on went down stairs to properly welcome her sister home. “Sweetiebelle?” she called out. She came through the opening of the stairway, and saw her sister on the luxurious sofa. Rarity saw the baggy eyes, the slouch of misery, and the groans of pain as signs that she was not feeling good at the slightest bit.

“Oh there you are darling,” she said running to her side,” Oh my, you look terrible honey.” She placed her hoof on the kid’s forehead and felt a surprisingly hot spot below her mane line,” Your burning up, poor thing.” Sweetiebelle moaned once more turning herself on the sofa pads. Rarity ran to the kitchen and grabbed a wet rag with her magic. She came back and then quickly applied it where it burned. “You were so healthy yesterday when you left, I would never expect you to come down with something.”

Sweetiebelle felt the cold rag cool her head down just a little, but the cramp in her sides still remained. “There there,” she used her aura on Sweetiebelle and lifted her up into the air.” Don’t say another word Sweetiebelle, let me handle this.” The unicorn floated the little one up with her magic. Sweetiebelle was glad that she wasn’t walking anymore at the moment, but this started to feel familiar to her. Rarity continued up the stairs, and soon into the big sister’s own bedroom. Rarity rushed Sweetiebelle into her bed, quickly pulling the covers over her body.

“Now you just relax dear,” Rarity said,” I’ll go get the thermometer.” She ran out the room , leaving Sweetiebelle there. 

Sweetiebelle had no clue that she was this ill, but more surprisingly, Rarity actually reacted to her ailment with lots of concern. Then again, Rarity had taken notice to whatever sickness she had in the past. But there was something in Rarity’s voice that was a little bit… off to Sweetiebelle. It was as if there was something that she would never have expected her to do.

Maybe she had stayed up late working, and she was just very stressed out from all the working that she did. That dress must have taken many hours to get right. It possibly set her back longer with all those fine little details that she had to perfect, just to get the customer’s satisfaction. 

Rarity came back to the room carrying a thermometer, as well as an ice bag with her magic. Sweetiebelle watched her stick the thermometer into the back of her mouth, trying to get the temperature of her burning white head. Rarity removed the device, seeing that she had a fever of 101 degrees fahrenheit. She then applied the ice bag on her noggin to cool her off some more,” I didn’t expect you to be coming down with anything at all.” She stopped to reconsider the thought,” must be the start of cold and feather flu season. You know how unpredictable these things are?”

Sweetiebelle tried to talk but her mouth let out a cough instead. No matter how hard she tried, nothing could get past her lips. Her voice was very dry, and began to feel a little bit sore. Sore throat perhaps? This case of the flu was worse than Rarity thought. 

“Oh, don’t try to speak dear,” she explained seeing a glass of water sitting on her night stand, ”Here, drink up.” She took the glass up and put to her sister’s mouth. The filly drank it up, and felt her throat feel quenched and moisted like water on dirt. The throat remained sore as ever, but at least she could talk now.

“Thanks,” she finally said looking at the manikin behind Rarity,” Is that the dress you’ve been working on?”

Rarity turned her head,”Why yes, yes it is Sweetiebelle i-.”

“Let me guess,” Sweetiebelle interrupted with a sly look,” It’s your latest creation and you were probably going to over express your feelings about it.”

The answer managed to surprise Rarity. It was as if her sister was spot on with what she was about to say, as if she was some sort of mind reader. She went for a subject changer,” Um say, now that this crisis has been averted,” she turned back to the bed.” I want to have a little chat with you.”

These words felt like dejavou to Sweetiebelle,”Um, sure?”

“Well, first off, how was the slumber party?” more words that were familiar to her. She then remembered exactly where she heard them. It was the dream all over again. Sweetiebelle started to panic a little thinking that she was really dreaming, and was really in some sort of danger. Rarity saw her begin to glow beet red around her cheeks. “Sweetiebelle what’s wrong, speak to me darling.” Rarity said approaching the bed. Sweetiebelle began to sink back into her pillow in fear. The filly’s face was all the way into the pillow, and Rarity was thinking that she was becoming a little bit dramatic.

“Now come now Sweetiebelle,” she said,” you’re acting like I’m going to gobble you up like some uncivilized hideous spider.” Ironically, that’s exactly what she was thinking. Sweetiebelle began to shake a little. Rarity gave a concerning look, thinking that Sweetiebelle be suffering from a fever with madness attached. Sweetiebelle began to calm down for Rarity.

“Sorry,” Sweetie said,” I really didn’t sleep well last night. Or at all really.”

“I could tell from the bags in your eyes. What did you even do last night?”

“ You’re not gonna believe me when I say this,” she felt the haze shroud her thoughts, forcing her to lose track.” Maybe I should tell you later*cough*. I don’t feel like myself right now.”

Rarity withdrew from her sisters space,” Alrighty dear. Now, what was I going to say?” she murmered to herself. ”Oh yes, I wanted to talk to you about you’re cutie mark sweetie, and I was wondering if you had an interest in fashion still?”

Sweetiebelle looked at her sister with caution,”yes?”

“Well over night, while I was working on that dress, I never thought about this until now.”

“What is it?”

“I was wondering if I could help you achieve that goal of yours by giving you some pointers. You know, a good steer in the right direction if you may.”

Sweetiebelle thought those words through real quick. She did make that same exact offer in her dream, only with different words. Was she sure that she escaped the portal in time, or were they a second off. It was eerie how accurate that dream was in telling the future. Everything looked safe to her, and she knew for a fact that she was wide awake.


Sweetiebelle then tried to answer that, but she felt like sleeping where she was. The soft matress and the pillows against her head made the flu a lot less painful for her. Rarity then said,” I guess you can answer that later, but it does look like your interested so I can take that as a yes I suppose.” Sweetiebelle nodded,” I guess I should leave you alone then. I’ll let you rest in my bed until you are all better.” She walked away from her sister, only to stop at the doorway.” And just think; when you’re all better, you’ll be a real fashionista just like me. I’ll teach you every trick in my book.” She then processed what she said,” well, most of them at least.”

Rarity left the room to leave her sister at rest. The filly began to set all of her thoughts aside, and started to ease her mind from what she would be learning in the very near future. 

--:--

Meanwhile at a different part of town, Scootaloo was still on her way back to her home. She was walking down the streets of down town by herself, with the company of many familiar faces as she passed by. Everypony was minding their own business as usual, greeting each other, and moving on with their day with whatever they had planned for that morning. Scootaloo was just glad that there were actual ponies there, and she wasn’t the only one in town. It was eerie for her to think of it actually happening, but it was most likely not going to happen any time soon.  She wanted to just go home and rest easy. The Pegasus wished that she was in bed right now, and wanted to rest her sleepy head.

Soon after a while, Scootaloo did eventually make it back home without any problems. She felt like rushing through the door and resting on her bed, but she felt too tired to try it. Besides the feeling of deprivation, Scootaloo had something else on her mind but couldn’t put a hoof on the thought.  

She entered her own home through the front door, and too her surprise her parents were there. They sat on the couch, minding their own business and reading the morning paper. They looked at her and were pleased that she had came back from the sleep over. Scootaloo wanted to tell them how it all went, but Scootaloo didn’t expect them to believe what she went through last night. Scootaloo then walked through the house until she came into her room. 

Scootaloo felt like collapsing on the floor as she dropped her saddle bags of her body with a loud thud. She felt herself become lighter when the bags came off. She walked up to her bed, and jumped into the covers from where she stood. Scootaloo felt the clean bed sheets bring her the comforts of home to her. Oh how she felt more relief enter her body. The pegasus felt herself starting to relax, but she felt something still troubling her mind.

She was home safe and sound, everypony was still in town, what could possibly be missing. She then began to think about that dream once more, and that was what’s troubling the poor soul. That dream was the greatest thing she’d ever experienced in her life. Everything that Rainbow dash did for her, felt like the sisterly bond that she had always wanted in her life. She wished that it all came true (except for the disappearance of everypony) and she really wished that RainbowDash would one day teach her how to fly. After thinking about that wish, Scootaloo looked at her own wings and pitied their   shrimp size.

She then looked out the window, and into the cloudy sky where all the pegasi soared around at. She hoped that one day she would be able to soar through the clouds with ease just like them. She didn’t care how fast she could go, she wanted her body up in the air, and her wings gliding through the breeze. She began to feel doubt blot out her hopes. She had been made fun of by Diamond tiara and Silver Spoon countless times recently, and they were right. If she was an earth pony she wouldn’t have this doubt haunt her, but she would probably not put Rainbow Dash high on the pedastel either.

Scootaloo only wished that her wings could grow bigger and stronger, but apparently that wasn’t happening any time soon. She laid herself into bed and looked to the ceiling. She pushed all those thoughts out of her head for a while and tried to sleep her troubles away. She tossed and she turned as she tried to forget, but she couldn’t get anywhere close to snoozing. She still had her own doubts hovering above her head just to bother her, and Scootaloo couldn’t forget about it easily.

The filly wasn’t going to let the thought ruin her day this early in the morning. Just when she was about to try sleeping once again, she heard a knocking at the front door. It was probably just the mailpony with the mail or a package or something like that. She then heard the door creek openm when one of her parents opened it. Scootaloo was then called out by her mother,” Scootaloo!” she called,” Look who’s here!”

Scootaloo sat up in her bed, and tried to leave it with the little anticipation she had. It was probably one of the CMC’s to come and check on her. But before she could assume any more as she made her way to the dorr, RainbowDash came in through the doorway. She was smirking at the orange Pegasus as her greeting,”Hey kid, what’s up with you today?”

“Oh hey.” She said with her heart lifting up.

Scootaloo had always expected Rainbowdash to somehow appear where ever she went (either that or she liked to pursue the role model) but very rarely does she ever come to her house and have a face to face talk. Scootaloo didn’t know what to say to her. “I guess you didn’t expect me to come on by to your house squirt, did ya?” The Pegasus took the words straight out of the filly’s mouth.” I heard from your mom that you just came back from a slumber party, how’d that go?”

Scootaloo let out a sigh when she thought about it,” It was alright, I guess. I feel kinda tired right now.”

“Stay up late partyin’?”

“Well, not exactly.” She yawned out.

“Sleep well?”

“No.” Scootaloo yawned again, and felt a rumbling in her stomach. She was starting to become hungry again. Guess all that crumb that she was force fed was starting to vanish. Even though she was stuffed like a turkey hours ago, the crumbs were no longer satisfying her hunger and it was time for her to eat something. Some breakfast should do the trick. “I sure am starving.” She said.”Guess my stomach can’t go on forever after being stuffed with bread.”

RainbowDash raised an eye,”Bread?”

“It’s a long story,”she yawned again.

The cobalt Pegasus gave her a little noogie,“Come with me Scoots,” RainbowDash said leaving towards the door,” I want to take you to a brunch at the café.”

“Brunch?” Scootaloo said shaking her head.

“Yeah,” She replied,” I’m not that hungry myself, but if I buy it would you eat it?”

Scootaloo wanted to nod at the idea, but she felt that mysterious sensation that was dejavu. “Sure,” she simply said. She then went into the hall way, a little bit uneasy, and followed RainbowDash out the door. Dash turned to the parents for some aproval,” just takin’ scoots out for some brunch. Don’t worry, it’s on me.”

The parents smiled in approval, and adorded that their daughter was being offered quality time with her. They have heard plenty of good things about her, or at least from what their daughter constantly talked about (which was either how awesome she was or why she’s the best flyer in equestrian.) Without further hesitation, the two pegasi walked out into the open and closed the door behind them. As the two crossed the grass of the front lawn, Rainbowdash said,” So anyway Scoots, I just had an idea.”

Scootaloo stopped and looked up to her, with a sudden gut feeling that she knew what was coming “yes?” she responded.

“Well, knowing that I’m the greatest flyer in ponyvile, and seeing you as my number one fan. I just had the coolest idea. What if I, Ms. Rainbow daring Dash, could personally help you with your flying.”

Scootaloo began to knock the dust out of her ears,” You what?”

“Help you out squirt.” She clarified.

That’s what Scootaloo thought she said,” YOU want to help me?”

“Sure, why not.”

Scootaloo knew exactly where she that offer. It too came from her dream. She couldn’t believe that it really happened to her, and that her dream predicted it. She didn’t flip out like Sweetiebelle did, but it was awesome that it actually happened. Just to make sure, she said,”really?”

“Really really.”

“Like, no strings attached, your not pulling my hoof, for reals?”

RainbowDash rolled her eyes smiling,” Yes Scoots, I’m serious. You’re getting all sweaty on me today.” She looked into her baggy eyes,” Guess that must be the lack of sleep huh?”

Scootaloo didn’t want to talk about it since it was unexpected, and just happened last night. Rainbowdash gave a concerned look, pressuring her to give an answer. She gulped and said,” yeah about that, this kinda happened last night. It was kind of a dream, and kinda real life.”

“Dream? Was I in it?” she asked with sarcasm.

“Actually yeah.”

Dash began to blush out a little,” Really, cause any dream with me makes it awesome. Just sayin’.” The two resumed walking out of the yard, and made their way downtown to the town’s café. On the way there, Scootaloo told her every detail of her dream as well as her memory of what happened after that. When Scootaloo passed the part with the dwellers and onward, RainbowDash assumed that it was all one big dream. The story ended as they sat down at one of the outside tables.

“Wow.” She said,” What a dream. I’ll admit it, even if I wasn’t in it, that dream was so awesome.” Dash then looked at her flank,” Maybe you’ll get a cutie mark in awesome story telling. Now what part of that was real life exactly?”

Scootaloo smiled, knowing that the Pegasus would say something like that,” the second half was real life.”

RainbowDash was surprised and full of denial. “What?”

“It’s true,” she yawned,” you’ll probably won’t believe this, but I did go into some parallel dimension in Applebloom’s room. Applejack saved us, and there was some red skull at the end.”

Rainbowdash was still in amazement “That all happened to you last night?” She looked into Scoot’s baggy eyes,” No wonder you look so awful.”

Scootaloo then said,” It’s ok Rainbow, you don’t have to believe me. I’m probably tired and full of it today.” She yawned again.


“No no,” she insisted,” I’ve seen a lot of things in this world that are pretty freaky, and they get weirder every time.” Scootaloo shrugged at her point.” But hearing this, I say it’s legit.”

Scootaloo layed her head on the table,” yeah, you don’t have to take my word for it. Just ask Applebloom, Sweetiebelle.” She yawned a big one.” Heck, ask Applejack, she wouldn’t lie to you.” Scootaloo lost consciousness, snoring and drooling on the table.

“Scoots?” Rainbowdash said as the waiter came by.”You there kid?”

“Hello,” he greeted,” may I take your order?” He saw Scootaloo sleeping on the table,” Oh, should I come back later?”

Rainbowdash looked at the filly as she snoozed, and turned to the waiter,” Can we get something to go please?” 

--:--

With the two CMC members sleeping easy, Sweet Apple Acres was no different. Everything on the apple farm resumed to the way it was after shrugging off the events of last night. Everypony minded their own business as they each did their part of the farm. The events of the night before left a positive impact on the apples, and made their work feel easier for the day. 

Applejack was glad to be working again. The red skull she faced was truly the most frightening thing she ever faced, but it stuck in the back of her head as the scariest thing she had ever stood up against. She was satisfied with how everything turned out and didn’t see that night as a tragedy at all. She wouldn’t even call it an averted crisis, but a grand adventure to pass down the line of the Apple clan.

From the start, her overconfidence overshadowed what she was up against. The spider was only the taste of what she was up against. But after taking on the lair of the dwellers, her confidence began to shine through. It wasn’t the confidence that she got from going in and being brave through it all naturally, but was the confidence from the faith from others, and willing to stay strong for your loved ones. That was the way to pull through. That was the real light to cut through the darkness.


It was now the sun set hour, and the Apples finished a tasty meal. Applejack decided to clear off the table. She put the left overs in the fridge and took the dishes to the sink. She washed every spec of food away from every plate and glass, and set them on the rack to dry. It was a very pleasant evening on the farm. The sky was just now starting to clear up after a whole day of over cast. It was quite nice to see it all from the kitchen window, with the light giving a calm reassurance that everything was fine.

Grannysmith then came to the kitchen, she looked at Applejack who was just drying the last of the dishes. “Hey Applejack, can you go check on Applebloom, you know talk.”

Applejack put down the rag,” Why’s that granny?”

“Well, she’s been looking kinda lonely sitting out on that hill. I reckon that somethin’ must be a botherin’ her.”

Applejack walked up to the window, trying to look past the sunset’s glare. Off in the distance, she could see Applebloom staring off into the sky, with the wind blowing past her mane. “Wasn’t she a little bit more cheerier while she worked today?”

“Well yes, she smiled while she tended all of her chores. But now she’s all sad and alone for some reason.”

Applejack scratched her chin,”Huh, now that you think about it, she didn’t look too happy while she ate her supper now did she?”

“I wonder whats rattlin’ her chain then? And I wonder why now?” asked Granny Smith.

Applejack had a good feeling what she was moping about,”I’ll go talk to her. You don’t mind doin’ the dishes now do ya?”

GrannySmith nodded,” I’ll take care of this. Go talk to Applebloom.” Applejack to this as her leave, as Granny Smith took over with cleaning the rest of the kitchen.


Applejack left through the front door and was hit with a gust of wind. She felt a chilly breeze force her back in. “Hoo! It’s getting’ mighty nippy out here.” She said pushing against the wind. She then walked on over where Applebloom was sitting. The filly appeared to be looking up at the stars that were beginning to come out for the night. The twilight began to ease her troubled mind a little more, while she was thinking about the one thing she never had; parents. Applejack continued to watch from afar.

The dream she had, made the couple feel so real to her. Like they were the parents that she always loved. There was nothing else that could fill the gap in Appleblooms heart, then to see their faces once again. Even if it was one time, it would ease her mind that they were able to be together again. Applejack stood back a little, giving Applebloom some space. She knew exactly what was troubling her, since she was there to hear her talk in her sleep. She thought about the times she was yelling to wake her up. Applejack felt guilty that she had to wake her sister up, and she would have if she didn’t value everypony else’s safety so much.

Applebloom then saw a twinkle among the galaxy of stars in the darkening sky. She could see a faint image coming in. She recognized the two right off the bat to be her parents. One was the purple mare that she saw as her caring mother, and a grey stallion who was her supportive father. Applebloom looked at them in the eyes. The two ponies smiled back, as if they could see their daughter looking at them from the ground. 

They looked like they were both happy that she is alive and well, and were also glad to see their farm running as strong as they remembered. The faces sighed, being thankful for what their family has contributed, as well as a good future for Sweet Apple acres. They knew that Applebloom would do great things one day. One day, she would finally receive her own cutie mark, and she would then discover her true place in the land of Equestria and beyond.

Applebloom began to raise a hoof out into the sky. She wanted to reach out to her parents, but they began to vanish away as soon as she tried it. Tears of abandonment began to fill her eyes as she felt the cold winds blew past her mane. Before she could cry them out, Applejack trotted over to her to bring her a little bit of comfort. Applebloom wiped the tears from her eyes, as Applejack wrapped a hoof around her back and sat down next to her. “You miss em’.” She calmly said.

Applebloom looked up at her, wanting clarification.

“You miss em don’t ya?” Applebloom nodded.”I miss them too sugarcube.” Applejack stared off into the sunset,” so what were they like?” she asked.

“What were they like?” Applebloom parroted.

“You dreamt about them didn’t ya? So what were they like?” 

Applebloom looked at the sunset with her,” They were kind Applejack.”

“Anything else?”

“They were loving, supportive, and they made me feel right at home. We spent time on the couch just talking and bonding, like all good families do. Ma made me a plate of scrambled eggs with a smiley face made of ketchup.” The words reminded Applejack of her days with their parents.” And the best part about them was that they were right there beside me. They made ya feel secure and would always make ya feel safe.”

Applejack felt the warmth of those memories, and thought that her sister had a pretty good idea about them.” I reckon that’s just about the size of it. Sure there might be more you should know, but the fact that they loved you as parents, then I guess they really were our parents.” She felt the wind become stronger,” Are ya ready to come in?” Applebloom nodded, and then Applejack rose onto her hooves. She picked up her little sister and let her ride horse back. The two walked back to the farm house, as Applebloom looked back to the stars one last time. 

So in the end, everything was all back in order. Sweetiebelle would soon be learning more about fashion and Scootaloo may finaly get her weight off the ground. Though they were about to be taught by professionals; there was no telling whether or not they would succeed, but that… is for another story.

As for the Apple family, they were able to sleep the night away knowing that the portal would never come near their home again. But even though it didn’t come back, this didn’t mean that it has ceased to reappear. Every single night, it has appeared and disappeared throughout the land, waiting for unfortunate victims to walk into the gate.

And as long as the gate to that realm continues to exist, nopony is safe…


-The End-