The Days After a Nighmare
My idea of what happened after The Night Mares.
One week has passed and the princess's head wizard enters the observatory.
“Dr. Clearpath I hope you come with good news about the elements”, said Princess Celestia while looking out in the morning sky. In case you're wondering, the good Dr. Clearpath is a unicorn who specializes in psychology and dabbles with demon possession on the side. He was chosen by Princess Celestia to help with the recuperation of the elements.
The doctor replied with a deep bow, “It has been a week, but I assure you that the girls are showing a great and miraculous recovery,” the doctor stood up and walked over to the Observer window to share the first day's light with the princess. “However, there are two that I am extremely worried about. I believe their recoveries may take a little bit longer than expected.” The princess took her gaze from the sunrise to look at the doctor and said, “Why is that Clearpath?”
The doctor turned and said, “You see Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight Sparkle we're all possessed by The Entity and had no idea what was going on to them. It was as if it was all a dream. As for Applejack she was fully aware of what was going on the only reason why she seemed to be unconscious was because she was afraid to move in fear of what else The Entity might do to her.”
Celestia gave him a stern look, “You know the demon has a name!”
“I know!” Clearpath said forcefully enough not to insult the ruler of the land. “You defeated it no more than a weeks past. I believe mention it by name could still give The Entity enough power to attempt an escape.”
The princess calmed herself, “Very well continue.”
Clearing his throat, the doctor continued, “ As I said Applejack played possum. However, when I got to Rainbow Dash she didn't seem herself more like obsessed not possessed. In My personal opinion, whatever the entity did to her she enjoyed it, and, judging by the look on her face, she would love to do it again. So until I know I've got these girls fully recuperated we will continue to call the demon in the book The Entity.”
The princess walked to her throne and sat down, “So, what is your next step?”
Clearpath replied, “The elements are at my clinic resting. I have some things I must take care of while I'm in town. Once I'm done here, I will go back and monitor them for at least a couple of more days. Then I will release them to their loved ones,” the doctor bowed to the princess again and left. As she sat on her throne she said something to herself, “Please be safe my little ones.”
!.....!
Meanwhile at Dr. Clearpath’s clinic the six girls were waking up for the morning. Quicksplint and nurse Candystripe pushed a cart of dinner trays through the halls. It was breakfast time and six trays were going to six rooms. First was Pinkie Pie.
Candystripes knocked then walked in to see Pinkie standing by the window taking in the morning sun. “Good morning Pinkie I have your breakfast here, you must be hungry seeing how you barely ate last night.”
Pinkie didn't respond. Instead she sighed and fixed her hair which was extremely straight and draped down her left shoulder. “Thank you,” was all she said. “OK deary let's see what we got here…egg whites, plain oatmeal, bowl of fruit, and a cup of tea. Oh dear, I must have picked up the wrong tray.”
Without looking Pinkie said, “No that's what I ordered.Thank you again.” Candystripe left the tray and went to the next room. “Candy Ass…” Pinkie murmured.
Next was Fluttershy. This time Quicksplint knocked on the door and entered to see Fluttershy prancing around the room with nothing but the clinic robe hanging loosely from her shoulders. “Hello deary I have your breakfast here. OH MY!” Quicksplint gasped “I think you might want to cover up.”
Fluttershy tied her robe just enough to be covered. She skipped over to the table where her meal was, lifted the cover, and inhaled the delicious aroma. “Thank you kindly.”
Next was Rarity’s room. Quicksplint knocked and entered to find Rarity still in the bed with her sleeping mask on snoring ever so slightly. The nurse placed the tray on the table and tapped the still sleeping girl on the shoulder. “Breakfast dear, time to eat.”
Rarity moaned and said, “Yes Apple Mac I'd love to go on a trip to Manehattan.” The nurse nudged her. She woke with a snort and lifted her mask, “ Oh, morning already? I was having a wonderful dream. Quicksplint replied, “Yes dear, I heard.” Rarity blushed as the nurse left the room.
Applejack laid in the bed with one leg kicked up looking at the ceiling trying to sort out everything that happened about a week ago. One part of her wanted to kick the tree she could outside her window and the other side wanted to cry because of the loyalty of a friend was lost to her. All through that she could still hear their voices taunting her.
“Too much for you to handle? I like the way she tries to hide she's into it. I think she wants us to finish Dash. You're twitching cowgirl.”
Just then Candystripe knocked on the door. AJ jumped about a foot off the bed and yelled in a defensive tone, “Who is it?”
The nurse responded, “Just me bringing you breakfast.” AJ looked at the table, thanked the nurse for the meal, and sat down to eat. As Candystripe left the room she heard the door slam behind her and lock. “Fuckin’ Magic!”
The next room was occupied by Rainbow Dash. As the nurses got closer they could a thumping noise. Both nurses knocked and entered to see Dash bouncing a ball off the wall. Quicksplint said, “Okay, playtime’s over. Time for breakfast.” Dash looked over her shoulder, “Awesome, I was getting kinda hungry.”
The last room down the hall belonged to Twilight Sparkle. As the nurses approach the door they knocked then entered find the room totally devoid of light. Twilight was still in the bed curled in the fetal position staring at the wall. “Breakfast time deary.” Candystripe called out.
“ Thank you but I'm not hungry.” Twilight said in a most timid church mouse voice.
“You barely ate your supper. You must eat something deary.” Quicksplint replied, but Twilight didn't say a word. They sat her food down, leaving her to her own devices.As she laid there she said to herself, “Why didn't I listen to Applejack?” She curled herself tighter and cried into her hands.
!.....!
Two hours later the good doctor arrived at the clinic rather eager to talk to the girls. Clearpath went through several different scenarios in his head on how to talk to them as a group. Up till now all sessions have been one on one and even though great progress had been made the doctor wanted to see how they would react as a group. Clearpath walked through the clinic doors where he saw his receptionist, Lilly Belle. “Good morning Ms. Belle how is the morning so far?”
Lilly replied, “Quiet as a tomb like most mornings are, sir.” She handed him the morning mail and what phone messages she had for the doctor.
“Alright, can you page Quicksplint and Candystripe to meet me at my office?” She nodded, picked up the phone and relayed the doctor's page.
A few minutes nurse Quicksplint and Candystripe entered Dr. Clearpath’s office and stood in front of his desk. “Good, you're here. So, tell me how are the six elements doing today?”
Quicksplint responded, “So far, so good. Candystripe and I did the breakfast run and we can say just about everyone ate so things are looking up.”
The doctor looked at his notes and told the duo, “Good I think it's time for a group session, just to see how much progress has been from the solo sessions.”
“ Uhh doctor, do you think that's wise? I still since a lot of tension between a few of the girls.”
Clearpath looked at his two nurses who both silently agreed with each other. He leaned back in his chair and cleared his throat. “As always ladies, you may be right seeing how you're around the six more than me. However, I need to see what progress solo sessions have done, if any. Let's set it up in the group chat room a half hour from now.”
Clinical evaluation of the Elements
Name: Pinkamena D. Pie
Age: 18
Element: Laughter
The time spent with Pinkamena A.K.A “Pinkie” has shown me that the laughter that was once there is no longer. Instead what I see now is someone who seems more concerned with her appearance more than anything. When I was called to the Pie residence, Pinkie was passed out with her head in the refrigerator and her pajama bottoms around her knees. Once revived she was having problem recollecting what happened after opening the fridge. Only one phrase kept resonating through her head, “I guess we know where all that candy goes.” The time that she has spent in the clinic has seen a total change with her appetite. Along with maintaining her hair and speaking in a serious tone when answering questions. This shows me that there's not much laughter left inside her.
Name: Fluttershy
Age: 19
Element: Kindness
The conversation I had with this one was... anything but normal. Fluttershy was found in an unconscious state in the shower with the water still running. Even though the water was cold after running for some time, you could see steam coming off her body. She walked into my office wearing nothing but the robe the nurse staff gave her, tied ever so loosely around her waist almost giving away what modesty she wanted to show. As she sat down, I asked if she was hot, seeing as all she had on was the robe. Usually I keep the temperature in my office low and adjust to my patients comfort. She replied, “No Dr. I'm fine. As a matter of fact I am completely warm, I feel GREAT!” A Cheshire Cat smile grew on her face as she took a deep breath and exhaled letting out a ball of steam. I was told by Ms. Shy after the pop exploded in her face she went upstairs to shower. She thought heard someone in the bathroom with her but saw no one. After that her memory of the rest evening gets real foggy. After the session she returned to her room. I noticed as she closed the door to my office that she untied the waist strap to her robe and walked back to her room with robe set off her shoulders. The only shy left in this girl was in name alone.
Name: Rarity
Age: 17
Element: Generosity
Ms. Rarity’s evaluation was pretty cut and dry. She was found on Ms. Pie's bed sleep. When told about the condition that she was found in all she could say was that she couldn't remember a thing after Twilight join her upstairs to help her with a wardrobe malfunction. Also the outfit or lack of outfit she had on was a grand mystery to her.
Name: Applejack
Age: 17
Element: Honesty
Out of all my patients Applejack seems to be the most hurt. When I found her she was in the guest room laying on her side next to Rainbow Dash. She was crying and looked to be quite vexed. I called to her. At the moment of seeing me she jumped off the bed screaming and swinging. It took about another ten minutes to calm her down and tell her I was there to help. The next few days did not fair any better. From what I picked up from the private sessions was anger, self loathing, regret, and betrayal. Though she tried to hide it through her cowgirl pride. I could see it was destroying her entire psyche. However, I had to press on with the session. Mainly, because unlike the others, she was aware before and after the possessions. So for the healing to start first Applejack need accept the things she could not change, courage to change the things she could, and the wisdom to know the difference. When the session was over Applejack left the office she saw Rainbow Dash in the hall. Ms. Dash was playing with a ball. It got away from Dash and rolled toward Applejack. Upon seeing it she kicked with such velocity it shattered a flower vase on the nurse's desk hit the adjacent wall leaving a ball size depression After that Applejack went to her room slammed and locked the door.
Name: Rainbow Dash
Age: 17
Element: Loyalty
Ms. Dash sessions was the most unusual of all. When she was found in the bedroom laying next to Applejack. She had a great smile on her face and was chuckling. Even though her conscious mind was out, her subconscious was still somewhat in control. When asked about the night, she would start out about how the it all started with the opening of the book and finding nothing. Next, Twilight going with each friend to help with a situation that they had and never returning with Twilight. Then, seeing the book on the floor and hearing Twilight calling her to the guest room. Walking up to the room, and once in, calling for Applejack to join her. Dash also goes into how she waited behind the door for Applejack to enter and surprised her. As more detail of the story was exposed the chuckle and grin on her face increased. Continuing with the story, when Applejack notices Twilight in the room and saw how nonchalant she was just sitting there watching the other two. This is when Rainbow Dash’s chuckling stops and she confirmed that's all she could remember. It is clear that what happened with Dash, Applejack, and Twilight. Dash had about twenty percent* of control over what she did while Twilight had total control and Applejack was stuck in the middle. Safe to say her loyalty is still intact. Given the chance, I believe she would love to do that again.
(* I know, I know, bad pun. Sue me later...)
Name: Twilight Sparkle
Age : 16
Element: Magic
Ms. Sparkle’s story was the most complex. Sessions with her were going extremely slow mainly because of one thing she kept repeating, “Why did I open that book?” When searching through Ms. Pie’s home, Ms. Sparkle was nowhere to be found. The book she spoke of was found on the guest room on the floor next to her clothes. It was known that some entity inside the book possessed Ms. Sparkle and made her do things to the that was beyond her ability, but what she said next was shocking. Ms. Sparkle was able to go into detail about what happened to her and all five of her friends because she could see it all. The main stipulation was she could only spectate. All control of her body and the actions that followers, were all the work of the entity. Even though she had no control over the magic she still feels entirely guilty for what was done and her mental state is suffering because of it.
After doing one on one sessions with each of the six I feel it is time for a group talk. Hopefully the power of friendship can help the girl mend some wounds.
Dr. Clearpath
!.....!
A half hour had passed. The doctor was done putting the last touches on his notes and was prepared to go and talk to the elements. Clearpath entered the group hall. All six girls were in there different parts of the room.
Twilight sat by herself not trying to make eye contact with anyone in the room. Pinkie and Rarity were having a very friendly conversation about Pinkie’s hair and low fat pastries. Fluttershy was sitting with her robe barely closed humming a song. Next to her was Rainbow Dash bouncing playing with her ball. Last Applejack was in the back of the room looking out the window.
“Hello ladies, can I please have your attention. Now, I know you're wondering why I have kept you here in my clinic for about a week, right?” All six elements gave the doctor their full attention.
“Has anyone ever heard of Asmodeus?” Everyone shook their heads in unison. Everyone except for Twilight who winced and shuddered at the mention of the name.
“A king among demons. It had the power to twist people's desires to satisfy his own means. All he need do is seduce six willing victim and his rule of Equestria would be absolute. However, a certain bearded wizard was able to stop Asmodeus and trap him in the book Twilight brought to your sleepover.” Everyone gasped, except Twilight, who just planted and put her head between her knees.
Rainbow was the first to chime in, “Whoa, whoa. You're saying some demon came and made us do things to each other? How is that possible? We didn't see any demon”
The doctor replied, “From what was told to me by princess Celestia. Asmodeus wasn't strong enough to take full form. So he need help from a host that was strong with magic. He found the source when he felt Twilight use her magic to open the lock. It only took for this demon to possess Twilight's body then to find six victims to seduce.”
Pinkie was next to ask a question. “What do you mean by seduce?”
“Simple.” Said Clearpath, “By possessing Twilight's body, Asmodeus was linked not only to her, but to all of you. So it was easy to find each one of your triggers. Mainly because as friends you feel love for each other. The demon was able to dig deeper for the passion even the lust you had for each other. That's how he seduced you.”
“Oh, that would explain a lot,” Fluttershy explained.
The doctor inquired, “How so Fluttershy?”
She continued, “Well you all have been my best friend for years now and I do feel a true love for you. Now, the love I feel had manifest itself into something stronger. I catch myself constantly daydreaming about each of you in a VERY intimate way.” She adjusted her robe to let in a little air almost showing her modest bosom. The doctor asked, “Are you alright? You seem a little flush.”
“On no. I feel GREAT!”
“So what you're saying is this demon manipulated Twilight the went around seducing each of us with magic?” Rarity exclaimed. “So my sleeping ensemble didn't just come apart. That was magic? The gloves and stocking I was wearing was that magic too? The dream I had everyday about some stallion named Apple Mac I guess that was magic as well?”
“No, that last part I do believe was all you.” Said the good doctor. “Oh, never mind then,” she blushed
“So that explains it,” said Dash in a wave of relief. “A demon came out of Twilight's book, possessed her into doing something naughty, and brainwashed the rest of us so we couldn't remember.” She started chuckling after making that statement.
“That ain't truth, Rainbow Dash,” Applejack retorted. Her anger was getting the best of her, “That ain't the truth by a long shot and you know it!”
The doctor interjected, “How do you know this Applejack?”
“Because I remember everything! Everything said, everything done, even the magic used to make us go plum crazy. Fuckin’ magic!!” She got up and kicked the chair she was sitting in and watched as it headed for the window. Dr. Clearpath used his magic to stop it, set it down, and observed how badly dented it was.
“You need another chair dear,” he said as he levitated another chair towards her.
“No thanks, I got my own.” Then she mumbled, “The label on the book said not to open.”
“Applejack is right,” Twilight announced with tears streaming down her cheeks. “I should have never opened that book. When I did we all saw nothing happened. However that must have been all Asmodeus need to possess me.”
“But Twilight,” Pinkie said, “After he possess you everything went blank right?”
“No, that's the whole thing I could see everything, feel everything he did to you, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Princess Luna...”
“WHAT LUNA TOO!!!” they all screamed.
Rarity chimed in, “You mean that vile creature possessed you, seduced us and Princess Luna? The nerve!”
“That's the thing Rarity,” Twilight replied, “Asmodeus didn't call it being seduced. He called it opening the fourth wall to our true passionate feelings for each other. That's why everyone was unconscious afterwards. The final wall of your inhibition was opened and you were set free.”
Fluttershy with a huge smile on her face said, “Looking at it that way I kinda understand now.”
“Well that's all fine and dandy for you Fluttershy,” stated Applejack. “As for me it was something totally different. I wasn't seduced or possessed. I was called into the guest room by Rainbow Dash and I unaware of what was about to happen. When she surprised me the only thing on my mind was Dash had my back and wouldn't let no one show me any harm. Everything flipped like an apple fritter in hot grease when I saw Twilight sitting in the corner with a smile on her face only the devil could love.”
Rainbow Dash took her ball and gave it good squeeze while starting to chuckle. “Umm, is there something you would like to add Ms Dash?” Said the doctor.
Looking up from her momentary daydream she smiled and said, “Nope, I'm aight.”
Applejack continued, “Everything after that had the taint of magic on it and…..I have to be honest, it was what I've wanted for a long time. I tried to accept the magic element in the room. Trying to enjoy being one with Twilight and Rainbow Dash, but the more I tried to enjoy the more the magic ruined it.” She was crying now and pounding her fist on the table, “The words Rainbow said to me, the look in her eyes, and that chuckle. The purity I wanted in that moment with you was destroyed and I can't get that back!”
Twilight was about to say something, but the words could not come. No one spoke a word except for Dash, “Hey doc isn't it close to lunch?”
Clearpath checked his pocket watch, “You're right, ladies you can go back to your room lunch will be served soon.”
!....!
Notes on group session:
The six elements were brought together for a group session. This way I was able to discuss what happened to bring them here and to monitor their reactions to what happened. Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy have show even though what happened that night was disturbing healing for these three will be easy.
Twilight's revelation of that night's events even caught me off guard. When Princess Celestia brought her to me she said Twilight and her friends have been through a great ordeal caused by a demon that was trapped in a book. I told her the book was found at the Pie house. I gave her the book. “Please save my little ones doctor,” was all she said and exited the clinic.
I thought the anger I saw in Applejack was because of her being hurt and manipulated. When, in actuality, it all came from being disrespected by one who she had put in her inner circle. I can tell she doesn't live with her emotions on the surface, and the on time she let it out her feelings were trampled and discarded like trash. Hopefully she will be able to trust again.
I have seen many like Rainbow Dash; Brash, overconfident, and feeling that everything is just “awesome”. So by keeping this persona she believes that what happened that night is a part of life. She shows no guilt or remorse. Yet I feel after the session her connection with the other elements will not be the same.
Now comes the next part; allowing them to interact without supervision. After all the reveals its time to see if the power of friendship is really that strong.
!....!
Applejack was reading a get well from Applebloom when she heard a knock. Anticipating it to be one of the nurses, she unlocked the door. Instead standing there was Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. Pinkie with a modest smile hugged her friend and said, “Hey AJ, want some company?” The hug at first made Applejack feel uncomfortable. Like this wasn't the hug she needed from the person she wanted. Yet Applejack realized this was Pinkie's thing. The most purest thing in Equestria is a hug and a smile from Pinkie Pie.
“Of course y'all come in I'm just finished reading a get well card from Applebloom,” said Applejack putting the card on the table.
“Oh yes, I got a card from Sweetie Belle,” said Rarity. “She say that she wishes I would come home soon. Opalescence hasn't been herself since I've been gone.”
“Oh, the poor dear,” Fluttershy said. “Well I got a letter from Zephyr Breeze saying he would take care of my animals till I got home.” Everyone gave her a very wry look. “Don't worry Angel Bunny and Harry will make sure to keep him in line,” They all laughed.
Just then Pinkie pulled a rock from her pocket, “Yeah, I got a get well card too.”
“Umm, you know that's a rock, right?” Said Applejack.
“I know that silly. This is how Maud always send me get well cards see.” On the side of the was an inscription, “Get well soon, Maud.”
“So where are the other two?” Asked Applejack.
“Rainbow Dash got the latest Daring Do sent as a get well gift so she's occupied by that. We came to get you so we all can go see Twilight.” Rarity said. Applejack nodded and the mended elements walked towards Twilight's room.
The elements walked out of Applejack’s room and headed down the hall to see Twilight who happened to be walking straight to them.
Twilight still couldn't look any of her friends in the eye. She rubbed the side of her arm trying her best not to cry and said, “Applejack you were right. I should have never opened that b-.”
“Shut up Twilight, just shut up!” Applejack hugged her tight and started crying. “Magic is apart of you I know that. What happened that night I knew wasn't you. I have accepted that. But you are right one thing sugar cube, you should have never opened that book!”
Applejack hugged her tighter then Pinkie yelled out, “Group hug!!” Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie all joined in. A good hug, cry and a laugh was shared by all. All but Rainbow Dash who just looked out her room door, saw her friends hugging and went back in.
After having a good conversation with her friends. Applejack felt it was time for a one on one with Rainbow Dash. The door was slightly open.
She walked in and said, “So I guess Daring Do is a better way to pass time than to come and talk to your friends.”
With a big huff Dash replied, “You're still mad at me so I better to keep my distance till you calm down. I mean, you kicked my ball almost put a hole in the wall. Then you almost kicked a chair through a window. I didn't want to be the next target.”
Applejack took a deep breath, “I was angry with myself. With you, I was disappointed and hurt. What happened that night is something I will live with for the rest of my days, sharing it with my two closest friends. You and I have experienced some wonderful thing together and I will admit I was curious what would happen if magic was added. However, you turned into something different something not Rainbow Dash. You turned a one in a lifetime experience into something sour.”
“AJ, you can't blame me! I told once the magic started I don't remember a thing.” Rainbow said in a most apologetic way.
AJ grabbed her by the arms and looked her in the eye, “There are many things you can do Dash, but one thing you can't do is lie to me. You didn't have my back like you always said to me. You took my one time experience and stole it for yourself. I heard everything afterwards, your chuckling and what the demon called us: ‘closet nymphos’.”
Dash now replied, “Well it was an unusual situation but we're all okay now and the demon has been destroyed so no worries.”
“That's what I came down here to tell you,” Applejack stated, “Princess Celestia wasn't able to defeat Asmodeus. That demon is still out there. Probably looking for another body to possess.”
With this Rainbow Dash's whole demeanor changed she walked away from Applejack and started chuckling again. “Oh really”, she stated “Would be a shame if someone were to come in contact with that demon.”
“Yeah it would be, if I wasn't making it up,” AJ stated. “You see Dash it not in my nature to bend the truth, but I needed to see where your mind was. Every time you chuckled it took me back to that night. Once I saw that Twilight had left the room I rolled towards you to get some comfort, but were chuckling the whole time mumbling about how awesome it was. I do believe if given the chance you would do it again.”
Dash reached out to hug her and said, “No,no,no that's not true I love you AJ!”
“I know you do Dash,but right now I need some time to myself.” AJ pushed Dash away and walked out the room.
Two days later the doctor discharged the elements to their love ones and sent them homes.
!....!
Pinkie Pie
Now known as Diane started working on her improving herself physically and mentally. She ended up partners with Derpy and making low fat cupcakes and muffins. She is still the super party planner. Just not as crazy.
Fluttershy
No longer afraid of her shadow. She still tends to her animals, and she joined The Pony Tones full-time. Big Mac was more than thrilled by her sudden change of heart.
Rarity
She donated a new line of smocks and roded to Dr. Clearpath’s clinic. Mainly cause in her words the place needed more color. To this day she still daydreaming about her prince.
Twilight
Still feeling guilty for what happened she moved back to Canterlot wanting to improve her magic skills. She was determined the never let such an incident happen again.
Applejack
She went back to Sweet Apple Acres and continued on as an apple farmer. She still spends time with friends and goes to Canterlot to see Twilight quite often.
Rainbow Dash
After the breakup between her and Applejack she moved back to Cloudsdale. In time would join the Wonderbolts. She still writes to all her friends, AJ as well.
Asmodeus
After a great deal of searching, Princess Celestia and Luna with help from Dr. Clearpath were able to return the demon back to the book and shot it to the moon where no one could find it.
End