> Because She Loved Us: The True Story of Seven Mares
>  by DougtheLoremaster
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1- It All Began When...
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We stood there, hooves bound by rope, chains around our ankles before the last remaining royal alicorn of Equestria. The now Queen of Love glared at us as the ponies gathered before the stage watched. This was the end. Our reign of terror had come to an end, and we were ready. This was not a trial, no, there would be no way out. We were going to die today, that much was certain. The glares from the crowd were coupled by the harsh insults being thrown. "Burn in Tartarus, Monsters!"
I raised my head to look at the sky as the rain began to fall. My stetson hat frayed and torn. Off in the distance I could see our former home, Ponyville awash in smoke and flame. To the East rubble indicated the only remains of Canterlot Castle. I turned and faced Cadance as the guillotine came crashing down with a sickening THUD followed by a scream as the headless body of Twilight Sparkle began to spurt that dark red hue we had grown so accustomed to. One of my most cherished friends was gone. Tears fell down my muzzle. My heart screamed in agony. My queen was dead. Now as I stood there, I realized something. We were going to die. We deserved as much. Each of us had accepted that. Still, they needed to know. The truth, the reason behind it all. Her story needed to be told! "Y'all call us monsters. If not fer us ya'll would be facing the same fate as them!"
I blinked as the tears I had bottled up, streaked down my face.  Them. The ponies of Canterlot and Ponyville. My sister and my brother. My friends and family. I would see them soon. After twenty-five miserable years of existence, I would see them soon. 
The crowd went silent as they attempted to hear my words. It had been days since we last had water and my throat was dry, my voice was cracked and hoarse. "Ya haven't seen what true monsters are, what we endured. What we encountered in that forsaken kingdom. If ya knew our tale, Ah bet ya would be in the same horseshoes as us!"
It was time. I was led to the guillotine, I had my head roughly shoved into the stockade as the blade gleamed and glinted above me as the rain drizzled over the surroundings. What a day to die. I closed my eyes, and I was prepared to see my family again. I had missed them so much. At that moment I hear Cadence yell, "WAIT, what they did, is unforgivable, but I wish to hear what twisted reasoning drove them to such madness. Tell me Applejack, what reason could you or them possibly have for slaughtering the royal princess; Luna, as well as slaughtering the populace of Ponyville and Canterlot. Tell me why did they have to die for your amusement?"
I slowly raised my head and looked around. Finding what I was searching for I placed my hat back upon my head and turned to look into the glaring eyes of Queen Cadence. "Yer Majesty my, no, our story began twenty-five years ago. The seven of us had been called to Manehatten and Appleloosa to solve a friendship problem..."
 25 years prior 
Twilight stood before her friends, Rarity and Rainbow Dash and addressed them. "Girls, we should be very proud of ourselves. If not for us the citizens of this city would have completely gone to war over such a trivial concept. I'm glad they realize the Apples and Oranges are both wonderful and can get along."
Looking at Applejack and Pinkie as they walked up, Twilight's voice was full of anxious curiosity. "We got Manehatten sorted out, how did it go on your end, AJ?"
Scuffing a hoof, Applejack looked a bit disturbed. "Ah reckon, we got 'em calmed down enough...still this whole thing ain't sittin' right with me. "
Pinkie Pie spoke up. Her voice was peppy, but what she said was unsettling. "All taken care of Twilight! The plan worked well. It's a good thing it did. Boy they sure were upset when we arrived too! Almost like they were surprised to see us arrive."
The image of the train derailing halfway there, entered Applejack's mind. "Twi, something ain't right about this."
Rarity was next to speak. "Dah-ling I agree. Why would two cities so far apart want to go to war and did you see the looks we got when we arrived? Even from our friends like Sassy Saddles?"
Flapping her wings beside the alabaster unicorn, Rainbow Dash interjected. "It was weird. The problem is solved so let's go! The place gives me the creeps." 
Pinkie had a smile on her face like always but it was a bit off, Applejack thought. "This place gives you the creeps? Appleloosa looked like somethin' from when we met Starlight! Those weird, happy smiles. Gave meh the heebyjeebies!"
The Princess of Friendship spread her wings to signal the need to talk. Everypony fell silent. "Speaking of Starlight, has anypony heard from her or Fluttershy since we split up?"
A voice behind them sounding exhausted was heard. "We're coming Twilight!"
Turning around, the mares watched Starlight limping towards them carrying an unconscious Fluttershy on her back. Twilight's eyes went wide. "Starlight what happened?"
Starlight's voice was strained and tired, almost as if she hadn't stopped for days to rest. "Was ambushed! Animals...Everfree. Too many to handle, Fluttershy was attacked. Shielded us, bolted."
Twilight quickly shouted to Rarity."We need to get them to somewhere safe! Quick! Have any ideas?"
At that moment, Starlight fell to the ground, completely out of energy. Rarity spoke up. "My boutique dah-ling. We can have privacy there."
A short while later Twilight stood in front of Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbowdash. Fluttershy and Starlight lay recovering in cots near the corner, each tenderly wrapped in a warm cotton blanket. "Girls, we are getting too old for this game and it seems to be getting worse and worse each time. I think a certain somepony wants us out of the picture because of this."
Applejack scuffed her hoof. "Twi, what are you saying?"
Twilight's horn glowed and scenes of their youth thirty years ago, played as she exclaimed. "Do you not understand it? My magic has begun diminishing. Each of your special talents have as well. We aren't the young mares of friendship we used to be Applejack. Just how long do you think we can go on like this? Poor Fluttershy was unable to tame the beasts this time and nearly perished. Do you think Celestia hasn't noticed? It seems like lately our problems are a bit too convenient to be our end. Tell me I'm wrong Applejack! Tell me it's all in my head."
She wanted nothing more than to do so. To tell Twilight it was just paranoia brought on by the stress of their job, Applejack wanted it more than Celestia knows what. However, she was the pony of Honesty. The light of pure Truth coarsed through her being. She thought about the train ride and how the explosion had derailed it. She wanted to lie, to Twilight to herself, but she couldn't. "Ah can't Twi. I've noticed it myself."
Pinkie looked at her friends and seeing their frowns, attempted to make them smile. Normally the pink mare of Laughter would be instantly rewarded with the bright smiles of her closest friends from her antics but this time it was different. "Come on girls! Remember you have to smile in bad times!"
Twilight looked at her and said softly, "Alright Pinkie, if anypony can make me smile you can. Tell me a joke, do something wacky...please anything I haven't seen before."
Nodding at the challenge, Pinkie instantly came up with a great idea. She pulled out a balloon and blew it up twisting it into the form of a giraffe. Placing a kazoo in the balloon animals mouth, she made it play "happy birthday" while she deliberately sang "Twinkle Twinkle,Little Star" soon as both finished she began arguing with the inanimate object. "You call that a song, you overblow windbag?!"
Looking at her friends, her ears drooped. They weren't smiling.  What went wrong, that should have worked!  "Pinkie, dah-ling, you did that one already."
Pinkie looked at Rarity. "No way! I just made it up on the spot! Silly Rari-"
Twilight shook her head. "No Pinkie, you did that literally fifteen minutes ago."
"B-but that can't be!"
"Pinkie, tell me, what day is my birthday?"
"Um..hold on..I...it's the...um..I...Twilight I forgot!"
Twilight trotted forward and gave her aged friend a warm hug. "It's alright Pinkie, it's alright."
Magic and mental prowess over age diminishing was nothing new, but as Twilight lay there in bed she was restless. They had said their goodnights and as AJ stood guard for the group, Twilight had tucked herself in. Now she lay in bed angrily going over the thoughts in her mind, unable to go to sleep.
This is all wrong, it shouldn't be possible. She promised!  It's true, aging would reduce many abilities in her friends. After all the time they had been in service to Equestria, it truly was only natural. There was just one problem. They hadn't begun aging until lately.
For hundreds of years the seven had traveled the realm of Equestria, solving friendship problems. Never once a wrinkle or mane out of place. In fact, truth was nopony within Celestia's ruling juristiction had aged a single day since Twilight's 26th birthday. She recalled that night. The wish she had made, the power she had been granted. The magic that had been used. She frowned.  so why take it back now? 
She was interrupted by a throat clearing from the doorway. She turned her head and saw Applejack. The stalwart Earthpony had been watching as her friend had been worrying, wondering how to help. "AJ, why would Celestia do this to us? Why now? We kept our promise...didn't we?"
Removing her hat Applejack looked at it and after thinking for a moment spoke softly in her warm country accent. "Ah wish I had the answers Sugarcube. Ah reckon somethin has changed the rules. Perhaps we ken ask her when we get back home. Right now yer royal flank needs some rest. Close yer eyes get some shut eye, Twi. We've a long trot ahead tomorrow t' get home."
Twilight feeling reassured, slowly closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Her dreams, however, were anything but peaceful. "Twi what are we doin' here?"
"Relax, AJ just stand on the marks I told you to."
"Dah-ling what is this all about?"
As her horn glowed purple, flames spread to her friends radiating from the markings on the ground. She could hear their screams as their bodies were enveloped in the black flames. "Relax it will all be over soon, remember girls, I love you." 
Her body began to glow as the screams seemed to fade one by one. Her wings unfolded to their full length and as her body quit glowing she smiled at the smoking ashes where her friends had once stood.
"Thank you girls...I shall never forget you."
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH"
"Twi! What's wrong, Sugarcube?"
Twilight's eyes opened in a panic. Her breathing was erratic but slowly calmed down as she saw AJ wrapping her in a warm hug and whispering. "It's all right, Twi. It was just a bad dream."
 Just a dream, of course. I didn't really do that...not to them. It was all a dream.
The rest of the night passed without incident. All the mares, beside AJ had soon drift off to a peaceful slumber. Ever stalwart, Applejack stood there at the doorway, guarding the entrance to the remains of Rarity's Botique. Her thoughts and a pair of brass hooves made specially by Twilight, were all that kept her company in the lonely hours of the starfilled night. 	
 This city hates us. We solved their issues and yet they hate us for it. Can't say I blame them.After all...  looking around at the destroyed buildings surrounding them, AJ felt a small smile cross her muzzle.  It isn't everyday Queen Celestia orders us to use force as a means of getting others to listen to us.  Off in the distance she watched a line of survivors slowly approach, and they were angry and armed with farming tools.  I'll let the girls sleep, I was getting restless anyway. Time for some late night stretching.  With those thoughts she Slowly trotted through the doors towards the dissenters. A rather chilling smile crossed her muzzle.  This will be fun.  Throughout the night The sounds of Applejack's metal hooves rang out as they collided with her foes. The continued screams and shouts of panic from her targets fell on the deaf ears of the silently snoozing mares of Canterlot.
The next morning, it was as if a veil of rainbows and happiness had been lifted and the grim reality in which they lived was revealed. Twilight slid out of her cot and went to the table in the mostly intact kitchen, to find AJ snoozing with her head in her hooves. The red hue dying the hooves of her friend as well as the speckled red pattern adorning her orange hide did not escape the gaze of the Princess. Trotting over slowly she gently nudged her friend who slowly opened one eye. "Morning AJ. Busy night?"
> Chapter 2- Just Another Day in Paradise
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Yawning, the earthpony responded nonchalantly to her friend. "Yeah, some ponies disagreed with our policy of Friendship. Ah quickly changed their mind."
Pouring them both some Apple Acres Cider from their rations, Twilight gave a glass to AJ telling her. "You know Rarity is going to have your head being out of the body armor she designed, right?"
"Ah'm sure it will be just-"
"APPLEJACK! WHERE IS YOUR DRESS, MISSY?"
A very enraged Rarity holding her combat knife, stood in the doorway, glaring at Applejack and ignoring the red upon her friend. "You think just because you had to fight off an enemy while we were sleeping, you can just ignore the armored dress I made for you?"
"Rar you know I'm not into girly things like fash-"
Applejack tried to object only to find a knife at her throat. "Applejack you will wear that dress and you will like it, understood?"
Twilight smiled. Seeing the typical Aj, Rarity breakfast argument made her laugh. Perhaps they hadn't changed at all after all.  just another day in paradise  She gave a small frown. That reminded her. She needed to help Pinkie before they left. 
"Ugh, Rarity, why do I have to wear this?"
Applejack and twilight turned their head and burst out laughing. Rainbow Dash hovered in the doorway, a Bronze breastplate adorning her midriff. Rarity lowered the knife and slowly trotted towards Rainbow her eyes conveying her malice. "Because I spent hours making that for you. Because it looks gorgeous on you, and because you will end up modeling it in my Ponyville Botique for eternity if you don't wear it right now, understood Dah-ling?"
Seeing the gleam in her friends eyes, Rainbow Dash decided to simply avoid this fight. Rarity was notorious for her obsession with her fashion after all. "Er- right, right! It does look rather cool especially the lightning bolt in the center, thanks Rarity."
Rarity smiled happily and everypony seemed at ease until Rainbow stated. "So why isn't AJ in hers?"
Once again the knife was at Applejack's throat. "Yes Dah-ling why is that?"
Applejack threw her hooves up, this was one fight she knew she couldn't win. "Alright Rar, no need t' be hasty, Ah'm goin' to put it on, be right back!"
Twilight still grinning trotted from the room, as the knife thudded into the doorframe as Applejack ran from the room. Rarity's angry voice could be heard. "You better!"
Heading to where Pinkie, Starlight and Fluttershy lay, she thought to herself.  Glad to see my friends enjoying themselves. Such playful mares. Twilight stood before the three mares, her horn glowing as she began a magic spell. A purple glow surrounded her three friends. Shortly after and panting slightly from the exertion, her horn stopped glowing and the three opened their eyes. She smiled lovingly at them. "Rise and shine girls!"
Starlight and Fluttershy's wounds had healed over and they seemed full of vigor and energy though just moments ago appeared as if knocking on death's door. Pinkie had the bright gleam in her eyes once more. "Hey Twilight, want to see something funny?"
Twilight preened her wings in amusement. "Sure Pinkie, make me smile."
Pinkie seemingly vanished only to reappear skidding into place holding a resident of Manehatten in her grasp. The pony was very clearly deceased though it was evident it had just happened. Pinkie stuck a hoof up the back of the gutted stallion and began using the corpse as a puppet. "Knock, knock"
Twilight grinned, she adored Pinkie's sense of humor. Pinkie looked at the meat puppet and asked, "who's there?"
"Pizzas."
"pizzas who?"
"Pizzas, I seem to have fallen to Pizzas!"
Twilight laughed as Pinkie dropped the still oozing corpse and giggled. "Made you smile, Twilight!"
Twilight hugged Fluttershy and Starlight as all three laughed at the joke. "You always do Pinkie. You always do."
The aging of her friends seemed to have vanished, and Twilight smiled happily.  Everything is okay now.  That morning after a few fires from Pinkie's entertainment and a couple rather vicious debates from those against their policy of friendship, the seven mares began the trot back towards Canterlot, behind them the city of Manehatten, completely leveled, burning and now consisting of a population of five.
The wind blew furiously across the desert plateau. As the seven trotted back, minus Rainbow Dash who flew by their side, Twilight stumbled. It was a small movement, and it was lost on every mare, except one. Applejack caught the hoof slip and almost just as quick her voice rang through the ears of all those present. "ALL STOP! WE'RE MAKIN' CAMP!"
Every head turned to look at the Earthpony in confusion, but it soon became clear why. Applejack had rushed over to support Twilight who seemed unable to keep her balance and leaned against her stalwart friend. Twilight smiled sheepishly and said."Don't worry about me I'm fine."
Placing a hoof around her friend, Applejack Glared into her face. "Don't you dare try ta fib t' meh, Twi. We're making camp and you are getting some rest."
Turning her head she began barking orders to her comrades who were standing still, unsure of what to do. "Rar make us a tent. Rainbow fly as fast as you ken and bring us some water. Fluttershy see if ya ken persuade some o' th' creatures to steer clear of us fer th' night. Pinkie and Starlight, hunt us some food."
The look on her face made it clear any arguing was useless. Every mare immediately began working on the assigned tasks. Twilight whispered to Applejack as she slowly closed her eyes from exhaustion. "Thank you, AJ."
Once again Twilight found herself in Ponyville. Something wasn't right. The ground was littered with ashes and scorch marks, but not a soul or corpse was around. The grass was still green, and none of the buildings were touched. "How strange, I need to inform Princess Celestia."
Teleporting to Canterlot Castle the same strange scene greeted her. Scorch marks covered the castle...but all guards and the royal Princesses were gone. "C-celestia? Luna? Where is everypony?"
A thought suddenly occured to her.  What if it was...  She immediately teleported to each and every town in the kingdom of Equestria. Each town the same scene greeted her.  Am I...the only one left? 
Twilight sat bolt upright in the cot on which she lay, panting furiously she screamed as she opened her eyes. "APPLEJACK!"
"She is outside dah-ling. Glad to see you are awake, dear."
Twilight turned her head towards the speaker and saw Rarity sitting on a rock, cuts on her face and flank dripping red as she calmly sat cleaning her prized combat knife as if nothing was wrong. She smiled at Twilight and said. "Nevermind the cuts dear, Found a new material to make some armor, the creature it belonged to, sadly objected. Let me get you some water. You must be parched."
With that Rarity left the tent. Twilight slid out of the cot and stumbled towards the tent flaps. Pulling them aside a grisly scene greeted her. The massive corpses of three desert scorpions were roasting on a fire nearby, mangled and ripped open. The exoskeleton of each looked liked they had been opened with a can opener. Patches of the tough black exoskeleton were missing in places. The bodies had been placed on a massive spit and as they were turned by Rainbow Dash, the juices from within hissed and boiled as they dripped onto the roaring flames. 
Pinkie sat upon a rock, her body no longer pink but her fur dyed a dark, wet red. On her back was the apparatus Rarity had made her, The metal scythes forming a set of three giant claws on either side of her, dripped the same wet red hue coating it's owner. She glanced up and waved at Twilight her face and smile splattered red as well. "Hey Twilight! Got Dinner!"
> Chapter 3- This has all happened before, we got this.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight blinked. Ignoring the bloodstains on her demented friend, she looked around. Applejack sat over by six water barrels that appeared to have been smashed rather hard into somecreature's head as the chunks of brain matter on the bottom of them clearly indicated. Rarity was busy gathering some into a small cup. Trotting over to the barrels and now completely awake she gently nudged Applejack who didn't even look at her yet responded. "Good mornin' Sugarcube, feelin' better?"
Twilight tried to put on a brave face as she replied. "Oh I'm fine AJ, just needed a little-"
Her words faded as she found herself staring into the angry eyes of her friend. Those eyes softened and gently she felt Applejacks muzzle join hers. She was struck speechless. Applejack spoke softly, tenderly to her friend. "Don't. We all know what's goin' on Twi. Promise meh when we get back you'll head t' Celestia and get this sorted out. Ah'll be waitin' at Sugarcube Corners fer ya'. We ken split a milkshake just like always."
"Applejack I -"
Tipping her hat she smiled with a sly grin. "We've been here before Twi, and we'll be here again in no time, Sugarcube. She may be your mentor, but you know what and why you have to visit her for. Once it's all taken care of we ken live our life until th' next time. Just like we have fer hundreds of years, Sugarcube. Now, let meh see that smile, Twi. Steel your nerves and tell meh, what is it you've got t' do?"
Looking Applejack in the eyes, Twilight pasted a chilling grin on her face. "I have to kill Celestia."
The sound of the wooden bowl smashing on the ground caused Twilight and Applejack to turn their head. Rarity stood there shivering. "Did you just say...kill C-Celestia, darling?"
Applejack stamped her hoof angrily, leaving a small crater. "Rar ya' were spyin' on us again! Ugh, Twi you get the others rounded up fer a group meet. I'm gonna teach this unicorn some manners."
As Twilight rushed to gather the others a large squeal came from behind the water barrels, followed by the sounds of another one. As the four remaining ponies gathered around Twilight, they all stayed silent and waited patiently. Applejack appeared twenty minutes later dragging a whimpering Rarity through the dust on her hindquarters. "Anypony else even thinks of spyin' on meh and Twi and I guarantee ah'll shove mah hoof so far up your plot, y'all won't sit down fer a week when ah'm done with ya!"
Pinkie let out a low whistle as Applejack threw Rarity into the circle. The normally white alabaster hide unicorn now had patches resembling the colors in Luna's mane. Applejack had certainly been rough with her, though for a strange reason she was smiling through the tears. Applejack pointed at her and said. "Show em' Rar. Show em what a bad girl got fer spyin' on her betters!"
Twilight grinned as Rarity slowly rose and proudly displayed the marks from Applejack's hooves. The others in the circle began a round of applause at the sight. It was no secret. Rarity was a masochist and one to brutal lengths at that. Each one of the mares in the circle had all enjoyed times alone with Rarity inflicting the bruises and cuts she so desired. 
It turned out to be a much needed distraction from the mood.  Everypony here, loves each other so much. The seven mares of harmony had long since decided to be open to relationships with any of the other six mares in their group at any given time. Applejack may have seemed annoyed but it was a nightly occurrence. There could be no doubt how much Rarity enjoyed the so called 'punishments'. She was currently hugging Applejack and thanking her as the latter laughed and said. "There ya go Rar, now sit down an' let's get this meetin' underway." 
Rarity sat on her haunches and leaned back into Pinkie's lap. Meanwhile Fluttershy passed out servings of the roasted scorpions. Starlight passed out steins of cider and playfully pretended to forget Rainbow Dash's. Pinkie somehow ended up with a bottle of sugary sap she called "Barbeque sauce" and after passing it around doused her own meat with it. Nopony bothered to ask her where it came from. As they began to eat and drink happily, while snuggling, Twilight began speaking."Girls, we have a new target."
Twilight's voice was breaking and immediately all activity stopped. All the mares watching sat still and observed their friend. Twilight continued, her tone one of despair. "Girls, it's..I..If there was another way..I can't do this...not again!"
She dropped to the ground her hooves covering her eyes as she shook in anxiety. Nopony moved for a moment. After a look at the others, Rainbow Dash who had been drinking from her stein of cider quietly, sighed. Slowly she rose off Starlight, whom she had sat on for playing keep away with her drink, set down her stein and slowly trotted over to Twilight. Leaning down she whispered in her ear. "You don't need to feel ashamed, Twilight. It's happening again...isn't it?"
"Rainbow I don't..."
"Listen, Princess..."
A look of shock crossed Twilight's face. Rainbow never used her title. Not since she wore that armor for Luna's lunar guard.
"Do you recall the first time we did this? I do. The mess it caused when you couldn't..well you know. The tyranny that ensued. The prison camps full of corpses. It sucks...but you aren't alone. I follow you. We follow you. To tartarus and back if need be. I do not bow to Celestia or Luna any longer. Our friends, myself, you, we do what nopony else would or can do. Not because we enjoy it, but because it is our duty! Our duty to Equestria! You understand what needs to be done. I am by your side till the end, everypony here is with you till hellfire claims us, but you need to once more uphold your loyalty to Equestria. It sucks but at least we can help bear your burden. Princess Twilight, your duty demands it be done and we will make sure you are not alone ever again."
As Rainbow struck a heroic pose Pinkie busted out laughing. "Oh Dashie, that was amazing! Who knew you could be so dramatic? Sheesh. What a ham. Twilight? Buck up, put that smile on your face and remember, when it is over we can start again. Just like last time and the time before. Lose the tears. Have a cookie Dashie, for such an inspiration! HAHAHAHAHA"
Pinkie was tackled by Rainbow dash who began tickling her. "How dare you ruin my inspirational moment you pink menace!"
Twilight laughed. The mere sight of Rainbow grinning as she torture-tickled Pinkie Pie broke the somber mood of the campfire. "Come on you wonderful nutcases, let's go kill Celestia."
Applejack grabbed her in a warm hug, "you are adorable hun. We got this."
> Chapter 4- The pain of sacrifice to save the many
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looking at the others, AJ barked. "Fifteen minutes, girls! Grab your gear let's go, time's a tickin'!"
Hours had passed as later Applejack grim faced pushed open the door to the Apple Family home. She bit her lip as she saw her little sister, her big brother and her granny at the table. As they greeted her tears filled her eyes. Taking a deep breath she remembered the conversation from earlier before they had parted ways for the night.
"Girls it's time for them to go. Rainbow, Rarity, Applejack...Starlight is still working on a stabilizing formula but time has run out once more. You know what you've got to do."
Taking her hat from her head in one hoof Applejack lowered her eyes to the ground. After a moment, she sighed and raised her head forcing a smile. "Welp, that's just how the apple fell isn't it Twi? Maybe next time y'all have the serum ready."
"Applejack I..."
"Twi it's fine. It has to be done...right?"
Applejack sat calmly holding the cup of spiked cider in her hooves as she shakenly took a sip. Around her the red stained floor and walls dripped with a new crimson hue. She didn't look up, or around. Tears poured down her muzzle as she slowly sipped her drink. Her hooves were wet with crimson and her fur speckled with the dark red hue as well. "After all..."
She whispered in the silence of the destroyed room, the corpses of those she held dear littering the floor, smashed and brutalized. "It had to be done, forgive me."
Up in Cloudsdale, in her home sat Rainbow Dash cradling the still form of her adopted sister, Scootaloo. Tears slowly fell onto the muzzle of the lifeless pegasus. Rainbow looked into her still open eyes and removed the cord from around her neck. "I'm sorry little buddy, next time I promise. Next time I'll be able to save you."
Whispering these words, Rainbow slowly reached up a hoof and gingerly closed the eyes of her sister. "Until next time, little buddy."
Meanwhile in the back room of Rarity's Boutique, a small candlelight illuminated a sad sight in its glow. Rarity sat with a needle and thread as she slowly began stitching up the shredded body of her little sister Sweetie Bell. She sat there, talking to the corpse as she slowly sewed up the wounds she herself had inflicted. "Don't worry, Dah-ling...Soon there will be no need for this. You see, Starlight is working on a formula to stabilize you and the others. Rest assured though, I won't let you rot like some piece of trash. Soon you'll be a beautiful doll."
Her tears betrayed the smile she had forced upon her face. She hated this. Her own sister!  Next time will be different! I swear it. For the next few hours, she hummed to herself as her once amazing sister, whom she would do anything for, was transformed into a lifesized pony doll. When she was done, she gently hugged the doll and gingerly set her at the receptionist desk, before turning out the lights and going to bed. "Goodnight Sweetiebell."
During that time, Twilight had snuck into Canterlot Castle. She now stood before Celestia's bedroom door. She couldn't bring herself to sneak into the chambers of the sleeping princess. She held her in far higher respect than that. She raised a hoof and knocked on the heavy gold door with a silver sun embossed upon it. The reply was swift and warm. "Come in my faithful student."
Slowly pushing open the door, Twilight gazed upon the form of the alicorn she respected more than anypony. She had been here before. It never got easier. "Princess Celestia, I...need to tell you something."
It wouldn't work. It never did, but she couldn't just take Celestia's life without giving her the love and respect she deserved. After all, if it wasn't for her own stupidity, Celestia wouldn't have to perish on this night. Celestia's soft voice reached her ears. "What is it Twilight? Come here my student sit by me and tell me what has you worried?"
No, it wouldn't work but for just a few minutes, Twilight could be by her side once more. Those were the thoughts of Twilight Sparkle as she stepped into the room to once again right what she did.
"I did something horrible. In the process you, Luna and everypony in the kingdom paid the price. You won't believe me, but you are not Celestia..."
For the next ten minutes Celestia sat there silently listening as Twilight poured her heart out. "...And that is why you have to die."
Celestia spoke softly. "Oh Twilight you have quite the imagination as always...but what do you mean I have to die?"
Suddenly her eyes narrowed as Twilight showed her the knife she had hidden. "I'm sorry I..Please understand. 
Celestia roared in anger. How dare Twilight betray her! "GUARDS!"
"Damn it Twilight!"
A blur seemed to come from the nearby window sill. The next moment a gash appeared in the Solar Princess's neck. It spurted everywhere as Celestia fell to the ground, gasping and choking on the gushing red liquid. Standing in front of her wings spread, RainbowDash closed her eyes and said softly. "I'm sorry Princess"
With that she plunged the sword in her hooves deep into the heart of the white alicorn. The sound of hoofsteps could be heard coming close as Twilight gasped."Rainbow how did..?"
The cyan pegasus looked at Twilight as the tears welled in her eyes. "No time! Twilight meet you at the rendezvous point!"
With that she launched herself at mach ten from the window and sped away. Looking at the body of Celestia, Twilight gave her a gentle kiss before she too left via the window. 
The heavy hoofsteps slowly changed becoming more muffled sounding, almost like pads and a soft voice was heard saying. "Come on now, my cute little bunnies, follow mama Fluttershy, I bet you are very hungry aren't you?"
As Twilight hovered outside, she watched Fluttershy slowly trot out the gates of the castle followed by thirty or so bunnies in guard armor.  Well, that worked. Better thank Starlight when able  Fluttershy meanwhile whistled a happy tune as she lured the once proud pony guards of Canterlot towards the Everfree.
Twilight recalled the conversation with Starlight during a break by an oasis while on their trek home. 
"Twilight, she isn't a killer."
"Tell me Starlight, what would you have me do, then?"
"Why not let her be herself?"
"Come again?"
"Her kindness, her affinity with animals. Let me speak with her and I promise you she will be more amazing to observe than Applejack back to back with Rarity in a fight."
 Well, got to admit.  Twilight smiled and gave a small laugh.  She wasn't wrong.  With these thoughts in mind Twilight flew towards and landed in her Crystalline Castle, the rendevous point. Turning her head to the sound of hooves as she landed, Twilight saw Starlight. Wearing her goggles and carrying a syringe, Starlight grinned. "I got it."
Twilight seemed a little worried. A storm had been building up in the skies above Ponyville. "Starlight"
She looked around as she spoke, as if searching for somepony. "Have you seen her?"
Starlight frowned. "Twilight did you hear me -"
"Starlight!"
The lightning flashed as the crash of thunder signalled the massive storm's coming. "Where is Rainbow Dash?!"
> Chapter 5- The day history stopped repeating
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Starlight raised a hoof to her muzzle in thought.  Always so motherly.  She spoke softly. "Twilight I am sure Rainbow is just fine. -"
Twilight seemed almost frantic. "What if she's hurt? What if- "
The princess found a lilac colored hoof pressed lightly against her muzzle. "Relax, she isn't the compulsive mare she used to be sweetie. Knowing her, she probably stopped over at AJ's to grab some hard cider and lost track of time. I promise you, we will go check on her tomorrow and you'll see."
Twilight grinned sheepishly. "You're right. I just worry about them sometimes."
Starlight laughed. "You always worry about them silly. At least now you have one less worry to panic about, though."
Blinking, Twilight said cautiously. "What do you mean?"
Smiling Starlight held up a small vial, in which a yellow liquid softly bubbled."It's stabilized."
Twilight looked like she was going to faint as she spoke in a rush tone of excitement. "Does that mean what I think it means?"
Starlight still grinning laughed and said. "Slow down sweetie! You sound like Pinkie Pie talking so fast. Breathe!"
Turning around, she began trotting towards a stairway leading down under the castle. "Follow me."
With Twilight trotting behind her Starlight began to voice her thoughts. "I can't believe it has been two hundred years since we seven woke up to find a strange Equestria. Do you recall the piles of rubble and scorched wasteland that dotted the landscape?"
She paused for a moment, standing stock still before smashing a forehoof down onto the stone stairs. Her voice cracked " It was everywhere! I went to bed the night before in comfort. I awoke the next day to a nightmare! Everything, everypony was gone!"
Twilight saw the images in her mind.  Standing before a spellbook, Twilight's face showed her obsession. "I can't give up! please in Celestia's name, please bring them back to me!"
The flash of light, burned into her eyes and faded revealing the bodies of her friends. Grabbing Starlight by the shoulders she shook her frantically. "Wake up! Please...please come back to me!"
Starlight's eyes flickered open gazing into hers, sleepily. "Twilight what's going on?" 
"Twilight? TWILIGHT?"
Starlight had stopped and turned to face the princess and was now shouting her name. Twilight blinked, shaking her head in confusion. "Huh? Wha?" 
Looking her in the eyes, Starlight smiled understandingly and spoke softly. "Are you still thinking about her? It's alright, Twilight I understand. Please though keep your thoughts on the present. Tomorrow we will check on Rainbow I promise."
Continuing on down the stairs, as Twilight followed her, Starlight spoke once more. "As you are aware the spell used to rebuild the population of ponies we had lost had a flaw in it. No matter how hard we tried we couldn't use our magic to correct it. We had no choice but to destroy that which we made. To start over each time the genetic code broke down and our ponies became...evil. Every twenty five years we burn down Equestria and try again."
Starlight reached up and pulled a torch upon the wall and a heavy camoflauged steel door opened wide to reveal a darkened room. Trotting through the opening Starlight continued speaking as she searched for the lightswitch. "For the past hundred and fifty years, you have tasked me with researching and studying the DNA of our magically constructed ponies. As of tonight, thanks to a very special guest, I have managed to develop a stabilization agent to prevent the cycle from repeating."
The lights of the darkened room flashed brightly as they were turned on revealing the very clearly angered form of Princess Luna locked within a statis field, glaring inches from Twilight's muzzle startling her. Her wings were outstretched and her eyes were a jade green. "Woah!"
Starlight laughed at the reaction. "Relax sweetie. She can't use her magic in there, nor can she move unless I require her to do so."
Twilight looked at Starlight as she walked over to a machine on the right. "Starlight when you said you had the perfect test subject in mind I didn't think...how did you even-"
Starlight raised a now gloved lilac hoof to push a bright green button on the machine, causing it to whirl as the screen flashed. "Hmmm? Oh, it wasn't that hard. Her ego overclouds her judgement when she corrupts, much like Celest-"
Seeing the crestfallen look on Twilight's face, she quickly changed her words. "Er-I mean the other ponies we made. Naturally she fell for the bait when I challenged her to a duel to the death."
Leaning down to examine the screen she continued as Twilight stared nervously at Luna. "As you well know, Twilight, my agility is well honed against alicorns."
Twilight smirked. of course she would find a way to brag about that.  "I simply tricked her into focusing on me and she failed to notice the trap I set, that's all. If you'll notice she is still poised to strike."
Staring at the glaring lunar alicorn, Twilight noticed her wings were open and frozen as if in time within the purple light. The voice of Starlight could be heard off to the right. "She is completely harmless, though.After all I used a variation of your magic to immobilize her. Oh and don't worry, she is unharmed just very upset. Now come over here."
Trotting away from the corrupted alicorn, Twilight headed to where Starlight stood and stared at the strange machine. on it a bunch of numbers flashed. "Um...What am I looking at?"
Starlight popped open a tray on the machine to reveal a slide with red liquid on it. Twilight sniffed at it and could make out the acrid scent of.. "This slide has some of our lovely captive's blood on it."
Twilight watched as the tray was popped back into the machine. Starlight could be heard, her voice was raising with excitement. "What you see on the screen is the genetic makeup of said blood. As you can see the deterioration is quite evident."
Twilight nodded pensively as Starlight continued. "But watch as I add this experimental stabilizing agent."
Twilight's eyes went wide as before her eyes, the cells began repairing themselves little, by little once the drop of yellow liquid was added. "That's amazing!"
Starlight grinned happily as Twilight hugged her close. Immediately the princess began questioning her. "How fast can this be made? What ingredients are required? How easily can we get them?"
Starlight held up her forehooves overwhelmed by the questioning. "Slow down! It takes a day to make; the ingredients are simple and found within Ponyville itself. We can gather them with ease. There is, however, one issue."
Twilight stopped smiling.  Why do I have this foreboding feeling?  "What is the problem, Starlight?"
Starlight looked slightly nervous as she replied. "It only works on mares."
Twilight's eyes went wide. "What do you mean it only..."
Her next words died in her throat as Starlight gestured to the corner where the decapitated form of a Royal Canterlot Guard lay. Nudging the helmed skull that lay beside the bled out form with her hoof, Starlight whispered softly. "I'm not sure why but the same serum caused his insides to boil and it accelerated his corruption. When he grew enraged with megalomania and decided to attack me, I was left with no choice but to end his suffering."
Twilight lowered her head in defeat. Starlight watched her quietly, nopony knew more than Starlight just how painful each loss of pony life was on the alicorn. Starlight also knew just what she had said. The mares could be saved, the stallions would still have to be eradicated. Closing her eyes for a moment in a silent prayer of forgiveness, Twilight raised her head and looked into Starlight's eyes. Those amethyst eyes of the royal alicorn showed no doubt, though much remorse for what was to be done. "Show me the effects when used on Luna."
"Twili-"
The words of Starlight were interrupted by Twilight, the pain in her heart radiating as rage across her face. "NOW STARLIGHT."
Starlight took it in stride. She understood how Twilight felt. She also would do anything it took to assist her in her mission, any way she could. No matter the cost. Such was their relationship. "Yes, your majesty."
Picking up the syringe she approached the backside of the princess and moments later, the wide eyes of the princess told Twilight exactly where and how hard that needle had been injected. Twilight carefully observed the blue alicorn.
The eyes slowly softened and stared at Twilight, completely devoid of anger. At a signal from the purple majesty, Starlight released the stasis spell on Luna. Slowly the princess lowered her wings. Her voice was subservient and calm. "Twilight, what is going on? Why am I here?"
Twilight's horn glowed a light purple, shortly after a muzzle appeared on luna's snout. "Silence while I inspect you, don't you dare move. GOT IT?"
Luna's eyes were filled with fear as a chill went down her spine and she stiffened as Twilight walked around her muttering to herself and calling out numbers to Starlight. "hmmm...hair out of place..rarity..."
Twilight tugged on Luna's mane, causing her to flinch. Twilight growled. "hold still."
Continuing she gave Luna a smack on her flank, making the alicorn shudder. "maybe iron or diamond...64, 26... ugh needs a bath.."
Luna blushed with embarrassment she couldn't explain as twilight tugged on her tail "...36.."
Twilight spoke in icy tone. "Lift your hoof."
Luna did as she was bade but received an angry growl as reward. "Not that one, the other side!"
Whimpering Luna put down the hoof and raised the one Twilight indicated. "Needs filing..mmmm 14..."
Luna moaned as Twilight tugged on the feathers of her alicorn wings using her teeth. "Shush you. These wings..56. Starlight did you get them?"
Glancing over at Starlight, she received a nod of confirmation. Slowly Twilight brought Luna's head down with her forehooves and spoke while looking into her eyes. "I am not in a mood you want to mess with, I have something to tell you and in the name of Celestia's memory you better damned well listen. Got it?"
Luna nodded her head up and down rapidly as Twilight's gaze pierced hers. Twilight huffed and let her go as she released the muzzle freeing luna to talk once more. "Twilight what is -"
Twilight roared at the hapless lunar princess. "SHUT UP! I DID NOT SAY TALK!"
Luna cowered as Twilight's horn began to glow. Seconds later a flash of bright purple light filled her eyes. As Luna's vision cleared, she saw that Starlight had hurled Twilight into the wall and was shouting at her. "Calm down! I know you are mad but -"
Twilight slowly rose to her hooves as the tears streamed down her face. Her voice was angry. "How can I calm down? They are going to die! DO YOU HEAR ME? We will have to kill them! What's worse is I can't bring them back. I won't bring them back just to die! Not again! I can't...I just..not again!"
The tears in the alicorns eyes told Starlight of her misery as Twilight went on. "The stallions...you, me the others...we will have to hunt them down! It isn't their fault and worst of all, is I your Queen, all the power of Life or Death am powerless to prevent it!"
Starlight hugged her tight and whispered. "You will always be my queen. Your power means nothing to me. Also, If you don't calm down you are going to kill her as well, sweetie."
"Starlight I don't care any-"
Sighing Starlight took a deep breath and smacked Twilight in the face with her forehoof. A streak of crimson ran down Twilight's nose as an audible  CRUNCH  was heard, indicating her nose was broken. Twilight looked shocked. She was completely taken by surprise as Starlight gave her a piercing stare, daring her to object. "Listen to me. This isn't her fault. She shouldn't have to pay because the circumstances got out of hoof. Now calm down, trot your adorable flank over there and talk to her like the mare, not filly that she is."
Twilight turned her head away in a huff as she did she spoke coldly. "You know, even though you did the right thing, you'll be punished for that later."
Starlight grinned. "Can't wait. Now go take care of business like a true queen."
Twilight smirked.  Thank you I needed that.  Trotting over to where Luna lay shivering with her hooves over her eyes, Twilight spoke to her in a gentle and warm, almost motherly tone. "Princess Luna, I...am sorry, there has been a lot of stress lately and I am aware that I shouldn't take it out on you. The stress just built up and recently some bad news has surfaced. My anger just got the better of me. Please forgive me."
As she spoke, behind her Starlight cast a spell and Twilight's wounds closed up once more. At that moment, Luna uncovered her eyes and shakily rose to her feet. "It must have been my fault, how can I ever fault somepony for my insolence, I got what I deserved."
Twilight placed a forehoof to her chin.  Strange she seems very...  "Submissive, isn't she?"
Twilight turned her head to face Starlight who continued softly, almost sorrowfully. "The serum causes the patient to become submissive and obedient, regardless of what their personality traits may be, Twilight."
Twilight stood still for a moment. Her eyes were wide in shock. "Are you telling me this serum.."
Starlight nodded lowering her eyes to the ground in sadness. "It erases all preconceived notions a pony has. All friendships, all descisions, and all knowledge of others and of themselves. Watch."
Starlight calmly held an apple up with her magic and gently bumped it into Luna's muzzle. As Twilight watched, Luna looked at it like it was some foreign object even attempting to bat at it with her hooves. "It's alright, Luna."
Staring at Starlight in confusion, Luna asked her. "What is it? What should I do with it?"
Twilight's eyes watered as she stepped forward and in a motherly voice spoke softly as if to a filly. "Sweetie, that's an apple. Be a good girl and take a bite for me."
Twilight turned to look Starlight in the eyes as she whispered. "She knew who I was a moment ago, why wouldn't she know what an apple is?"
Starlight whispered back, making sure the filly-minded alicorn before them couldn't hear. "It's a process. First the cells rebuild but because they are empty the more cells within the rebuild the farther her mind fades. Instincts, knowledge, it all fades until all that is left is a blank slate who wants to learn and obey."
Twilight preened her wings, a habit she had gotten into when she became nervous. "So...she's a filly who knows nothing?"
Starlight scuffed a hoof. Both seemed lost in thought for a moment before looking in Starlight's eyes, Twilight spoke. Her tone was one of concern. "We could take her to see Applejack. I bet she could help Luna discover herself again."
Seconds later, Luna was crunching happily on the apple. grateful for the treat. As Twilight and Starlight watched however, she soon found and began chomping on an empty test tube. The force of her jaws shattered it, causing Luna to cry. Racing to her side Starlight used her magic to place a pacifier, that she had conjured up, into Luna's muzzle. Luna quickly folded her legs under herself and wrapped a wing around her body. She was completely asleep and still happily sucking on the pacifier. Twilight looked at Starlight. "Applejack?"
Starlight nodded in confirmation. "Applejack."
Twilight sighed and said. "We'll drop her off tomorrow at the orchard then, afterwards we have to check on Rainbow."
> Chapter 6- Can Applejack help us?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day the sun slowly rose into the sky. Starlight watched with unguarded excitement as Twilight stood on the balcony of Canterlot Castle. Her horn glowing as she stood wings flared wide, Twilight expertly guided the sun into place, As she had for the past hundreds of years.  The mother of Equestria, truly the most regal of mares.  Starlight thought to herself with a smirk.
Turning to see Starlight watching her, Twilight blushed and spoke sheepishly. "Stop watching me and go get Luna, we have a lot to do today."
Starlight could be heard laughing as she headed through the arch to go get Luna. "But that view is so...illuminating."
Seconds later, a flower pot was heard smashing into her head on the other side as horn aglow, Twilight yelled after her. "Stop talking about my plot and get that flank moving, Starlight!"
"YEOWCH! Alright...Mrs. Sunshine..."
Twilight frowned at the arch as Starlight could be heard yelling farther down the hall back towards her. "You know for a pony who raises the sun you are awfully dark in the morning!"
Grumbling, Twilight turned back to face out from the balcony her thoughts racing.  Hmmph, Damn that mare. I love her with all my heart, but it's sunrise in the morning you would think after hundreds of years living together she would know I am not a morning pony! Twilight stood there with a huge grin appearing on her face as she thought about Starlight. Suddenly she frowned.  UGH, have to focus! We have to go to Applejack. I truly hope she can help us. I'm sure if anypony can AJ will be able to. 
Meanwhile in Sweet Apple Acres a toneless knocking was heard by its sole resident. Applejack ignored the corpses as she pushed past them to the door. Before opening it, she pasted a smile on her face. Opening the door, she saw the dead, soulless eyes of Rarity. The puffiness around her eyes indicated she had been crying. Nopony except Applejack knew why Rarity had become a masochist. AJ's mind wandered back lost in thought to that fateful night just after the first purge.
 Knock, knock
As the door swung open Rarity stood there, her expression lifeless, soulless. Her eyes puffy from crying. Her tone was dead-pan. "Applejack, darling do you have a moment?"
Applejack stared at her. "Rar are ya all right, Sugarcube?"
The voice was dead. The inflection was hollow. Rarity responded as if she herself was the same. "Applejack, I just killed my sister. I just killed Sweetiebell. "
Applejack nodded slowly and tried not to think about her own family that lay slaughtered behind her, still sitting at the now red-stained kitchen table and that horrible acrid scent of their insides upon her hooves and fur. "Sugarcube, it had to be done. Come in let's talk a spell."
Rarity completely ignored the gutted corpses of the Apple Family and shoved the one belonging to Big Mac to the ground before taking the chair it had rested in. "She looked at me, Applejack. She screamed in pain. She struggled. She cried. Finally seeing there was no escape. She stared at me with those puppydog eyes watering as I ended her life."
Her expression never changed. She was dead inside. She stared into Applejack's eyes. Applejack spoke softly. "What can ah do to ease yer pain, Rar?"
Rarity laughed, a disturbingly hollow laugh, devoid of any emotion. "Darling, pain? I feel nothing. I should be hurting, I should be tormented. Yet I absolutely feel nothing. For all I know I am not even alive. If I could feel pain perhaps, I could live again."
Applejack would never have considered it otherwise. Dominating one of her friends. She loved Rarity and the girls far too much to ever make such an offer unless it was needed. Rarity, however, had a desire for pain and she would let her feel it. "Rar, stand up and turn towards th' window."
Rarity stared at her non-plus until Applejack spoke in a commanding voice. "NOW."
Rarity immediately stood up and turned towards the window. Applejack drew back a forehoof and with medium strength slammed the hoof squarely into Rarity's cutiemark.
Rarity yelped in surprise. Applejack spoke warmly with affection. "Did ya feel that Sugarcube?"
With tears in her eyes, Rarity smiled. She had felt that. The pain from that blow let her know she was alive. "Applejack?"
Lowering her gaze to the floor Applejack knew what was coming and steeled her nerves for it. "Can you do it some more, Darling?"
Applejack looked at her in surprise. She was smiling, even though the pain clearly was causing Rarity to shudder as it wormed it's way along her backside. "More?"
Rarity stared at her with eyes shining with life once more. "Please Applejack? Can you make me feel her pain?"
Applejack saw it then. That sparkle in Rarity's eyes. It was needed. Rarity wasn't the unicorn she had known before this whole rotten situation. She wanted to be punished, tortured and tormented for what she had done. This wouldn't be a one-time thing either. If it meant that's what it took to make her happy once more, then she had no choice. Smiling warmly as she raised her hoof yet again, Applejack spoke to her. "Alright Rar, hold still." 
Applejack's voice was warm and gentle, yet firm and commanding. "Howdy Rar, right on time. Get on inside, we got a rough few hours ahead o' us."
Hours later, Starlight and Twilight made their way down the path towards Applejack's farm house. Starlight's horn glowed as she held a giggling Princess Luna, who apparently was having the time of her life. Starlight's voice was calm, almost icy. "Your majesty, now that the memory spell has been cast, her...memory will be remembered only by us. I just wish it hadn't taken so long."
Twilight turned to glare at her. "Starlight, sweetie-"
Her voice was deathly toneless. "Mention her again, and I will personally make sure the world forgets you as well."
Starlight didn't miss a beat and gently nuzzled her lovingly. "Forgive me your majesty. I meant no disrespect."
Twilight sighed and smiled at the gesture. No matter how upsetting she could be, Twilight could just never stay mad at Starlight or any of the other girls. "It's fine.
Twilight raised her forehoof and knocked on the giant barn door.  KNOCK KNOCK. 
The door slid open to reveal a rather hideous scene of carnage and the smiling face of Applejack. "Howdy Twi, what ken ah do ya fo-"
Her words died midsentence as she stood there mouth agape staring at the infantile giggling Luna hovering just a foot from the door. "Uh Sugarcube? What in tarnation's goin' on here?"
Applejack rummaged through her cupboards as Twilight spoke to her. "-So you see, we need your help."
Applejack, head deep in the cupboard as the sounds of bottles could be heard clicking together, could be heard muttering. "Uh-huh.."
Twilight took a deep breath. "Applejack we really need your help here."
Finally, Applejack withdrew her head and forelegs from the cupboard a very dusty bottle in her hooves. "Ah there it is."
Turning to face Twilight and Starlight, AJ popped the cap and began to chug the bottle of scotch cider without a second thought. Starlight spoke in a stuttered voice. "um A-A-AppleJack?"
Letting loose a monumental burp that would make even Rainbow Dash blush as the empty bottle dropped from her hooves and shattered on the floor. "URP! Ah that's better. Alright, let meh get this straight. Y'all found a cure fer the plague, YOU-"
Pointing at Starlight, Applejack continued in a slightly slurred voice. "kidnapped Luna, and fercibly applied th' cure and YOU-"
With that Applejack swung her around and began pointing at Twilight. "Done screwed up, by not considerin' what th' effects would end up being. Now y'all waltz in here, admist my family gatherin'-"
Applejack suddenly gestured to the brutalized and gutted corses of her kin. "And ya want meh to fix it. Ya want ME-"
Gesturing at herself, Applejack continued talking while Twilight sat patiently waiting while firmly covering Starlight's muzzle with her hoof, to prevent her from insulting AJ. "T' fix all yer problems by somehow recoverin' the mind of a millenia old princess that YOU yerself erased! Is that th' gist of it, Sugarcube?"
As she slammed her forehooves on the table, causing it to shatter from the impact, Twilight crooked an eyebrow in amusement. Next to her Starlight began to gag from the effort of trying not to laugh at the situation. Twilight slowly stood up and calmly cantered around the debris of the oaken table littering the floor. Reaching up with her forehoof she gently stroked AJ's neck as Starlight fell out of her chair laughing uncontrollably. "You sure are cute when you are angry, you adorable country bumpkin."
Applejack blushed profusely as Twilight whispered. "And yes, love that is exactly what is going on-"
Slowly drawing her tongue up Applejack's neck she leaned even closer and whispered softly. "Sugarcube."
Starlight was still laughing as she headed out to the yard where the infant-minded princess had found and began to play with a rope. Starlight took the tiny rope in her hooves and began dragging it along the ground as Luna batted at it and eagerly pulled on the end with her teeth.
Applejack had lost her train of thought and stood there non-plussed as Twilight tenderly kissed her. After slowly pulling away, Twilight looked her in the eyes. "Now then, it seems that has calmed you down. Now then AJ, tell me what can you do about my situation?"
Applejack was silent as she stared into those alluring amethyst eyes of the Queen of Equestria for a few minutes. Her forehoof held her chin as she pondered what she could do. Finally, she spoke. Her tone was of the deepest respect. "Twi, ya know yur th' apple of mah life. Ah would willing do anythin it took within' mah power ta make ya happy but Sugerplum, Ah got nothin'."
Twilight stared at her clearly confused and annoyed. "AJ, you are the BDSM expert of this town, can't you use one of your techniques or brainwashing-"
Applejack shook her head and cleared her throat, causing Twilight to stop talking. AJ spoke in an even tone, the same tone she used when holding sessions. Twilight knew that voice all too well. "Listen ta meh, mah pretty ruler, Ah don' know what it is that y'all think Ah do here but Ah do not brainwash ponies. Ah break their will an' Ah train them. Repetitive learnin' coupled with negative reinforcement t' help them learn how ta act in mah precense. Ah teach, sweetie. Ah can only force a pony ta learn a new way ta think, Ah can't make them recall what they've lost. Do yeh catch mah drift Sugarcube?"
Twilight spoke out of habit. "No ma'am."
As Applejack turned and faced the window, outside of which Starlight and Luna were napping side by side in the sun, she smiled. Gesturing towards the sleeping full-grown alicorn and Starlight, her voice was firm. "If she were a mite younger and still learnin', teaching or rather trainin' her to your expectations would be a breeze. That there however, is a full grown Alicorn, Twi."
Twilight glanced out the window and thought for a moment. "So you are saying if she was still a foal, you could help her grow up to be the princess she was? Why does she have to be a foal once more? Surely her mind is childish enough already?"
Applejack turned to face Twilight and nodded. "That's right, Sugarcube. Provided ya gave meh the specifications fer manners and ettiquette of course. Th' reason, however, is a bit more delicate. Tell meh Twi, how would it look if a full-grown alicorn princess was bein' ordered around and taught things y'all would teach a filly by a humble apple farmer?
Twilight ruffled her wings before closing them once more. "I guess it would raise some questions as to why, the general public would most certainly express concern."
Nodding, Applejack voiced her thoughts, painting an image within Twilight's mind. "Ya know Sugarcube, ya were th' one who suggested we try t' treat life like normal. Surely ya ken understand why the poor pony needs t' be a foal?"
Slowly stepping towards her friend, Applejack's voice took on a soft and rather tender tone. "However, Ah do have a interestin' idea for a solution if yer willin' ta listen ta yer mistress that is, Sugarcube."
Twilight leapt at the chance to hear what was to be said. "Please tell me!"
Applejack swiftly raised her hoof and brought it down sharply upon Twilight's flank. "Is that how Ah taught ya' t' behave when addressin' meh, Sugarcube?"
The quick smack on her hindquarters didn't hurt so much as the dissaproving look AJ shot her. Twilight lowered her head in apology. "Forgive me ma'am. Please tell me, Applejack!"
Applejack smiled and slowly raised Twilight muzzle up with her forehoof till their eyes met. "That's better Twi. Now mah idea is, since yer th' queen an all, Princess Luna is an only child isn't she?"
 She doesn't remember Celestia, the spell really did work  Twilight answered swiftly. "Yes ma'am an only child."
Applejack turned her gaze to look out the window once more as she let go of Twilight's muzzle. "Why not use yer magic to...turn back time for Luna and then raise her as the daughter of the Queen?"
Twilight thought about it. It made sense after all, she was now the Queen of Equestria. Luna would have the chance to grow up once more into a reputable princess, though she would become Twilight's daughter in the process. "That's a great idea, Applejack! I do have a question, though."
Applejack turned to face Twilight as Luna outside the window began nudging Starlight, attempting to wake her up and get her to play some more. "What's up, Twi?"
Preening her wings in anxiety, she asked Applejack. "Could your methods work to help ponies become comfortable with say a change of stature so to speak?"
Applejack popped the top on a bottle of straight apple cider and began to slowly sip it. "Such as?"
Twilight proceeded to tell Applejack about the serum and how it only affected mares and what was at stake. After taking a slightly longer sip of cider, Applejack fiddled with the hat upon her head. "Hmmm, so what yer sayin' is that ya could change the stallions t' save em too? Yeh I ken see yer train of thought an' yes Twi, it would work. Th' only downside is th' ponies ah train require a guidance pony by their side fer life, but yes, Ah ken without a doubt make a stallion happy t' be a mare."
Twilight smiled warmly and began speaking. "Thanks for all your- wait a minute!"
Her eyes were wide as realization began to dawn on her. Applejack placed her tattered stetson back upon her head. With a wink she spoke calmly, her tone never raising or lowering. "That's right Sugarcube. Why do ya think I told ya ta accept Starlight as yer roommate?"
Twilight looked about to respond as Applejack gave her an amused look. "Aren't ya going to go get yer partner, Sugarcube? Ah reckon it seems the darling princess of the night has plum tuckered her out." 
Glancing out the window to where Starlight and Luna lay, Twilight saw Starlight curled up and snoozing while Luna tugged on the lilac unicorn's mane with her teeth, desperately trying to get her attention so they could play some more. "ya ken see it can't ya Sugarcube? That there alicorn isn't some devastated princess."
Twilight watched her antics for a moment and felt a warmth in her heart. Applejack was right, what was before her wasn't the Princess of the Night. No, Luna was nothing more than a foal with the body of a mare.  She really does need a mother  Turning to Applejack, Twilight grinned. "No, Applejack, that's my daughter."
Applejack laughed and hugged her, whispering gently. "That's right, Sugarcube. Now then why don't you go play with her? Everything else can wait."
As Twilight ran out to where Luna was vigorously trying to wake a sleeping Starlight, to no avail, Applejack took a nearby unopened bottle of cider and began to sip from it. Sitting down in a small wooden chair, Applejack watched Twilight and Luna play ball, The Alicorn slowly reversing in age and stature down to that of a baby once more while Twilight's horn glowed brighter and brighter still. 
Turning away from the window, Applejack smiled at the bashed in face of her sister. A bittersweet tear ran down the side of her muzzle as she spoke. Her tone was like that of a big sister teaching her little sister a life lesson. "Y'know Applebloom, some magic can't be cast from a unicorn's horn, nor read from them fancy spells. The magic of family can't be replicated, naw, that kind o' magic ken only be observed in all it's glory. Ain't that right, sis?"
Her ears perked up as just for a moment she heard the sweet southern voice of a young filly. "that's right big sis!"
Applejack smiled to herself. Taking another sip of her cider, she thought in silence for a moment before speaking to her sister once more, ignoring the holes she herself made in that tiny skull. "Ah promise ya sis, next time'll be different. Next time, ah'll get t' watch ya' grow up proper."
It was then she pulled out the small cylinder of paper Fluttershy had given her. Looking at it carefully she noticed the faint acidic aroma emanating from it. She recalled what Fluttershy had said.  "Th-this is what I use to calm my nerves, maybe you should try it."
Looking at her Applejack responded in confusion. "What in tarnation is that?"
Taking it out of her mouth and placing the smouldering tip against Rarity's flank in a twisting motion, Fluttershy stared at Applejack. "It's a cigarette, AJ. You light one end with a spark of this device Starlight gave me and you place it in your mouth- Rarity you move one more damn time I swear I will hit you with a feather pillow."
Rarity was being used as a coffee table for Applejack and Fluttershy's teatime. Currently, the burns from the cigarettes were making her frisky, and it was extremely hard for her not to twitch in happiness.
Rarity's whines came from below Fluttershy and Applejack as she did her best to stay still. "But that won't hurt at all!"
Fluttershy laughed quietly as she lit another cigarette. "That's the point, Darling."
Her tone was enough to make a chill run up Rarity and Applejack's spines. "Now don't move, Sassafrass." 
Applejack took out the strange device she borrowed from Fluttershy and flicked it. A flame came out of the top. Touching it to the cigarette, she attempted to imitate the motions Fluttershy had used. Immediately she began coughing and sputtering. Throwing it into the (now) empty bottle in disgust, she muttered. "Ugh she actually likes that taste? Ah'd sooner eat an orange."
A soft knock on the doorframe alerted her to Twilight patiently standing there with both a sleeping Starlight and a giggling baby Luna levitating them both with her magic. "Never took you for a smoker, Applejack."
Applejack laughed. "Naw, those are Flutter's. She thought them would help meh, but they taste like an unwashed flank. Absolutely 'orrid. Ah'll stick ta mah cider.
Twilight gave a small laugh. She knew each of her friends had developed their own coping mechanisms for what they had to do. Starlight desired to be insulted and demeaned by her. Rainbow Dash enjoyed time with really any and every mare she could; particularly those within the close sisterhood of their circle. Applejack loved to get drunk on homemade distilled cider. Fluttershy smoked those strange cylinders after Starlight had explained to her how they worked. Rarity hurt herself or begged others to hurt her. Meanwhile, screams coming from the gates of Tartarus itself, gave indication of what Pinkie did. Twilight trotted forward and gave Applejack a supporting hug. "If you ever have a problem and need to talk, 'mistress' I promise I will be there. After all, I love you."
With that she playfully reached up and pulled down Applejacks hat over her eyes before galloping off at breakneck speed carrying Starlight, still snoring and Luna who was happily laughing her flank off at the scene. "Twi, why you-"
Lifting up the brim of her hat, Applejack found herself alone. Looking around in surprise, she began laughing, a genuinely light-hearted laugh. She began whispering to herself as she turned back to her cider cabinet, to pour yet another shot. "Ah love ya too, ya naughty mare. Applebloom remind meh ta tan 'er flank next session fer touchin' mah hat."
> Chapter 7- Her daughter once more
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the sun was being lowered by Twilight, with a flash of pink light, Starlight appeared on the streets of Cloudsdale. Every pegasus quickly backed away from her or pretended they hadn't seen her. She silently ignored them and focused on her goal: Rainbow Dash. Check on Rainbow Dash. She looked around her  not here.  Slowly she began trotting down the street, pegasi going out of their way to avoid her. It was no secret, unlike Twilight with her motherly benevolence, Starlight was known for her fatherly disposition. In fact, Twilight was well known for sending Starlight out to provide discipline or instruction. Completely lost in thought, Starlight failed to notice a tiny pegasus filly playing ball in the street. Without any warning the filly flew smack dab into her, causing her to stumble. 
At that moment all activity within eyesight ceased. Pegasi didn't move or even breathe as Starlight slowly stood back up and trotted over to where the injured filly lay nursing her wing and sobbing. The same thought ran through every pegasi's mind as they raced to shield the eyes of any fillies nearby.  How will she execute the unfortunate mare-to-be? 
The red-crusted steel reaper's scythe upon her back glinted in the bright sunlight as Starlight stared at the young mare. Reaching out she gently picked up and to every pegasi's surprise, began cradling her whispering softly. "There, there. It's alright sweetie, let's get your wing patched up."
As the little filly gazed into her eyes and smiled, Starlight saw her daughter, Rainbow Dash and thought back to the event that occured just yesterday and how it changed her outlook on life forever.
 "WHAT DO YOU MEAN RAINBOW IS MISSING?!"
The words echoed throughout the chamber as Starlight stared at the unfortunate form of Spitfire and her underlings the Wonderbolts. Cowering with her hooves over her eyes, Spitfire stammered. "Sh-she didn't c-c-come back t-to Clouds-d-d-dale last ni-ni-night ma'am."
Starlight's eyes blazed in anger. Her voice had no mercy in it. "Last night I contacted you. I believe I asked you to find and make sure Rainbow Dash was fine until Twilight arrived. Did I not?"
Spitfire's breathing had rapidly increased as her eyes dilated in fear. The power of the one before her was intimidating. "Y-yes ma-ma'am."
Starlight's horn glowed as her scythe was drawn from her back. She raised it high and as one of the colts lost all control of his lower body, Starlight stopped the blade a hairs breath from Spitfire's neck. The colt then passed out in the contents of his own mess. Starlight didn't hesitate, she once more swung her scythe letting the colt take a permanent nap. Spitfire's eyes began to tear up as she observed the entrails of her once valued teamate covered the reaper's scythe. "I would have thought you would know better than to show cowardice in MY prescence. Spitfire, make sure this doesn't happen again while I am talking, or I will proudly place your head on a plaque on my damned mantle with the other trophies. Am I clear?"
Spitfire stayed still as beads of sweat crossed her brow. Starlight was infamous for her nightmarish abilities. The fact that Twilight was behind her every decision, made arguing or retaliating pointless. "Ma'am y-yes ma'am." 
Starlight turned to face her, completely calm as if nothing had happened. Her voice was cold, with no room for debate. "I shall give you one last chance, I want you to gather my friends; Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy. You have exactly ten minutes to bring them here or I will personally, in front of your families, gut each and every one of you before I dismember them as well. Got it?"
At once Spitfire raised her eyes to meet Starlight's gaze. Starlight's amethyst eyes stared back, piercing her very soul. She gulped. "Y-yes ma'am right away! L-let's go team!"
Starlight watched as they prepared for take off before swinging her scythe directly in front of a nearby servant pony. "clean this mess up. I want it done before Twilight steps hoof into this room, or you'll be this morning's entertainment."
With a look of fear at the corpse of their teammate, Spitfire and the Wonderbolts flew off at speeds that would make even Rainbow Dash jealous, knowing what awaited them should they fail.
A few minutes later, while the Wonderbolts lay gasping for breath, Starlight issued the command for her friends to find Rainbow Dash. Once they had left, she began pacing the floor with anxiety. Spitfire raised her head as her eyes became blurry from exhaustion and watched Starlight speak to herself. "Please Dash, please come home safe."
Spitfire, like the rest of her comrades then passed out. It was hours later, that Starlight sat on a stool, staring at the shredded remains of her friend. Rainbow Dash was dead, the tears fell down onto the corpse. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Starlight got to work. Using her magic she recovered what organs were still intact, placing them in a small bin, careful not to damage them. From within the brain of her lost friend, she withdrew all the memories she could, before discarding it.
Twilight trotted up behind her and spoke just one word. "Ready?"
Starlight nodded and said, "Twilight I..."
As her horn glowed Twilight's voice was harsh from her anguish but her words were of love. "Shut up! It wasn't your fault, once this is fixed, let us never speak of it again."
A body appeared upon the operating table, it was the same cyan shade of Rainbow, the tiny mane and tail also resembled her many colors. Starlight's horn began glowing as well. Her magic surrounded the body of the foal pegasus and slowly the eyes flickered opened. Reaching down she lifted the tiny pegasus to her torso whispering softly. "Good morning sweetie."
As she placed a baby bottle into the mouth of the baby, Twilight and Applejack headed towards her chambers, presumably to alleviate stress. Starlight's ears perked up as she heard a sound behind her. Turning around she spotted Spitfire staring at the ground scuffing a hoof. Starlight growled at her. "Is there something you need , Captain?"
Spitfire took a deep breath and spoke looking Starlight in the eyes. "I...I'm sorry ma'am I know being here is against the rules but I-"
Starlight's horn began to glow as she pulled her scythe from her back. "You what? What made you think coming here was in any possible way the right choice, to stay on my good side?"
Spitfire stood her ground and as Starlight swung the scythe she shouted. "I NEEDED TO MAKE SURE RAINBOW WAS ALRIGHT!"
The scythe stopped a mere hairsbreadth from the mares neck, causing her to shiver. Starlight stared at her in surprise. Withdrawing the scythe after a moment of thought, she spoke to Spitfire, her tone soft. "Tell me what is Rainbow to you."
Spitfire's nervous eye twitching told Starlight the answer as she responded. "She is a great Wonderbolt, proud to fly alongside -"
"Cut the crap."
Starlight glared at Spitfire. "You and I both know that isn't why you are here, now I will ask just once more. What is Rainbow Dash to you?"
Spitfire looked down and scuffed a hoof and mumbled. Starlight raised an eyebrow. "What was that?"
Glancing up, Spitfire looked Starlight in the eyes and spoke, her tone conveying her embarrassment. "We lived together. We were-"
Starlight laughed. "That's enough, tell me though, suppose she was reborn as a foal once more. Would you still have those feelings for her?"
Spitfire seemed to ponder that for a moment before responding. "No, I wouldn't"
Starlight's face conveyed her disappointment. "I see. Then please lea-"
The interrupting exclamation from Spitfire that came next however, made Starlight smile. "I would love her more."
Starlight looked at her bemused. "Into fillies are we?"
Spitfire turned bright red and began sputtering. "I-It isn't like that! The reason we live together isn't like that at all! She reminds me of my daughter."
As soon as she said the word daughter, Starlight watched the tears build in Spitfire's eyes. As her horn glowed, a nice handkerchief floated over to Spitfire. "You have a daughter?"
Taking the fabric gratefully and dabbing her eyes, Spitfire corrected her. "Had. I had a daughter, ma'am."
Starlight's tone grew soft and though still commanding, was almost kind. "Tell me what happened to her."
Spitfire stood there and began her story as Starlight gently rocked the baby pegasus in her hooves as it continued sucking on the baby bottle happily. "She was just like me, a real spitfire of a mare, pardon the pun. A true Wonderbolt before we were decommissioned to be an aerial acrobatics team. A great flyer and a brash attitude. Nothing could or would stop her once she made up her mind."
Starlight gingerly nuzzled the tiny pegasus to comfort it as it began crying after throwing it's bottle to the floor, empty. "She sure sounds like she was your girl alright, so what happened?"
Spitfire's face grew grim, and she spoke in a rather dark tone. "What happened is war doesn't care how wonderful or sweet a pony is. How well behaved, how wild, or even how proud of a pony her mother is. War simply doesn't give a flying feather what's fair in life. War decided her fate one day -"
Just then a loud crying from Starlight's hooves interrupted Spitfire's words. Glancing at the small cyan blue pegasus in surprise, having just noticed it, Spitfire asked. "Oh that's a cutie, where did you get her?"
Starlight laughed and horn glowing placed a pacifier into the baby's mouth. "How did you know it was a her?"
Spitfire smiled. "The wings are smaller than they would be on a colt."
Starlight nodded thoughtfully. Holding out the (now) quiet babe, Starlight grinned. "Spitfire meet Rainbow Dash."
Spitfire smiled warmly. "Oh hello there Rainbow- Wait a minute! What did you say ma'am?"
Spitfire stared at the tiny baby sucking away on a pacifier watching her. Starlight spoke again. "I said meet my new daughter, Rainbow Dash."
Spitfire was truly non-plussed. "I-but-you-how?"
Starlight's face took on a grim expression. Her next words foretold of certain doom in a very no nonsense tone. "If I answer your question, you will not leave this room alive, so let me ask you something. Do you really want to know?"
As she watched, the scythe slowly began to rise off Starlight's back, Spitfire nervously gulped and pointed at the baby Dash as she said in a near hysterical tone. "Your daughter is really adorable. Can I hold her?"
Starlight relaxed and the scythe lay back down upon her back. She smiled softly and spoke in a kind voice once more. "Here you go."
Gingerly, she passed the happy little pegasus baby to Spitfire. Taking Rainbow Dash in her hooves, Spitfire slowly began rocking the little foal back and forth. Starlight smiled seeing the little smile on the happily pacifier-sucking Rainbow Dash. "She really likes you, doesn't she?"
Spitfire looked up and saw a sight she never thought she would; tears streaming down Starlight's face. "Please don't cry ma'am."
At once the razor edge of the executioner scythe was pressed against Spitfire's temple, and she heard a very angry Starlight voice. "I AM NOT CRYING!"
Spitfire continued rocking the baby as if nothing happened, afraid of startling the baby pegasus in her hooves. As she did so, she spoke gently, knowing she was treading deadly waters. "Of course you aren't ma'am. I just meant that perhaps being a strong, wonderful and caring commanding officer of the Wonderbolts, such as yourself, you shouldn't need to carry this burden alone. That is what us underlings are for ma'am."
Starlight blinked. She could tell from the tone it wasn't flattery, nor was it to placate her. The words spoken had been said from the heart. Her magic faltered and the scythe fell to the carpet. She was a bit stunned by this. "I- "
Spitfire calmly approached her as the scythe clattered to the floor, still rocking the wide-eyed and rather excited baby Rainbow. "Ma'am if I may be bold, the reason I cower before you, isn't out of fear. I want my wing, those that I train, to know just how much of my respect you have. Please, you don't have to pretend with me; it's only me and you here. Rainbow Dash means a lot to you too, Doesn't she?"
"She is my entire world. Not just her but the others as well. Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rainbow. I've watched them mature into full-grown mares more times than I can count. I've read them bedtime stories, taught them right from wrong and even helped them conqueror their fears side by side. I've helped fix their wounds. It's all I've done for the past two hundred years. They mean everything to me. They are technically my daughters."
Spitfire didn't speak for a moment. She was aware asking about the strange statement could result in a higher-than-her-paygrade consequence. She was also very curious about the statement itself. However, what mainly caught her attention was the genuine emotion of something she knew far too well; a mother's loss. She then made her decision. The rest didn't matter, Starlight needed her support. "I can't begin to understand the pain you are truly feeling. Perhaps, ma'am I could watch your daughter while you attend other matters the queen requests of you."
Starlight smiled and calmly wrapped her forehoof around Spitfire in a warm and rather intimate hug. "That's a wonderful idea. However, -"
Her grip tightened as her eyes narrowed and she whispered the words that caused Spitfire to flinch from the chill crawling down her spine as she tried to breathe. "If I ever find her missing, hurt, dead, unbathed, unfed, if even one single hair in her mane and tail are ever out of place you will die. I will make you march out in front of every single pegasus in Cloudsdale and broadcast me personally removing your wings, one feather at a time Your screams will echo for years before I then slice off the exposed bones and you end up as a smear on the rocks below as I hurl you off Cloudsdale while Equestria watches...Am I clear, Captain?"
Spitfire gasped and struggled to maintain her balance, holding onto Rainbow with every fiber of her being. "Cr-crys-crystal Ma'am."
Starlight turned away as her tears began to fall in relief. Her voice was harsh once more. "Glad you understand. Captain you are hereby transferred to the position of Rainbow Dash's Nanny. You shall also be handling Drill Sergeant, till a replacement for that spineless colt is found. I expect you to keep her by your side at all times. Effective Immediately."
Spitfire gave a salute as she spoke her genuine gratitude. "Ma'am yes Ma'am. I will not let you down."
Starlight laughed, though her tone was completely serious. "Of course you won't, it would be the last thing you ever did. Dismissed." 
Staring down at the young filly as she bandaged her bruised wing, she smiled and patted her head saying. "You remind me of my daughter. Be more careful, she flew too fast once too."
With that, Starlight stood back up and slowly walked over to a nearby bench; the agreed upon meeting place. As she calmly sat upon the bench, she noticed the filly had followed her. Staring at the filly as she amist the stares, sat down next to Starlight, the lilac unicorn spoke to her. "Is there something you wanted from me, sweetie?"
Her tone was patient and almost motherly. For all present, only one thought circulated through the crowd.  Is that compassion. How very unlike her. 
The little pegasus slowly swung her hooves as she sat there lost in thought for a moment before replying in a tone full of maturity that rather surprised Starlight. "Why didn't you...Why did you help me?"
Starlight laughed hollowly. "Is that what pegasi see when they think of me? A grim reaper to all, an emotionless machine?"
The somber nod of the filly told Starlight the answer she already knew. She was well aware of how she was viewed. Both her and Twilight were the creators of life in this world, though while Twilight was praised as Celestia had been, her role was like that of Luna; to linger in the dark and be heralded as the nightmare that walks among them. That was fine with her, unlike Luna, she chose this path willingly. It came in that moment, the memory of why she did this. 
 "Oh sweet Celestia! Please...bring them back to me!"
Blinking, Starlight found herself on her back with Twilight standing over her, staring her in the eyes. Those normally shining amethyst eyes were blackened from timeless unrest, swollen and puffy from countless tears. Starlight had no clue what was going on, she had only lain down for a nap. Reaching a hoof up she spoke softly as she would a student at the school. "It's alright Twilight, I'm back. There's no need to cry, see? It's me!"
At once she found herself in the stranglehold of an intense hug as Twilight cried out of relief. "Starlight! Oh thank Celestia! Starlight please, don't leave me again!"
Slowly, Starlight pulled out of Twilight's stranglehold. Grabbing her friend, she forced her to look her in the eyes. Her tone was one of absolute authority. "Twilight, tell me what's going on. Let me help-"
Her words died in her throat as she saw the macabre scene behind Twilight. Her eyes went wide, for lying behind her friend lay five bodies. Those of Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. Looking into the ashamed and hollow eyes of her friend, she whispered gently to her. "Twilight, please. Let me help you. Tell me, everything."
Twenty hours went by as Twilight confessed her heinous crime. How she begged for the chance never to leave her friends with Princess Celestia, the ritual that went out of control, how she discovered all life in Equestria, extinguished. How she had kept the cycle going by harboring the talents and memories she had absorbed from the ritual. Her raising the sun and the moon each day and night and finally how she spent the past thousand and some-ought hundred years trying to bring back every creature. Starlight blinked as she watched Twilight's breakdown.  She needs me. I can finally assist her, like she did me. I can help her fix this.  When Twilight had finished, Starlight said nothing and gave her the warmest hug she could, allowing the distraught alicorn to sob into her shoulder.
Twilight's eyes darted to the side as she began speaking. "Starlight I-"
Starlight's hoof made a loud sound as she slapped Twilight across the muzzle. "No, Princess! Don't you dare feel ashamed. Look me in the eyes and talk to me, like the regal alicorn you are. Don't you dare cower or whine. Now is the time for action! Do you understand me?"
"But I-"
Another hard slap on the muzzle. "I said look at me Twilight! You messed up. So what? You really think I, the unicorn who ended the literal timeline of existence in Equestria, will judge you? "
Looking into the hollowed eyes of her friend, she gently gave her a kiss upon the muzzle and smiled. "They say behind every proud Stallion is an even prouder mare. Be my Stallion. Show the world what you can do. Let me help you carry this burden, Twilight. Just as you once helped a wayward unicorn let me assist a stunning alicorn in repairing the world. "
"Thank you, Starlight. I-"
Starlight laughed. "Enough mushy stuff, sweetie. We have a long job ahead of us." 
The flashback was momentary as Starlight smiled at the filly. Her grin was chilling, her voice dark and hollow.  I chose this path. Come what may, I will support her.  "My scythe has no need for the soul of an innocent. I will only swing it when necessary. Remember this young one; nothing is as it seems in this world we live."
As the filly stared wide-eyed in fear, a raspy voice could be heard as an orange maned Pegasus in a military uniform approached pushing a baby carriage. "What a day...Oh hello ma'am! Spitfire reporting for debriefing!"
Starlight cast a bemused glance as Spitfire struck a formal salute to her. "At ease, soldier. How was she?"
Spitfire laughed and sat down beside her, completely missing sight of the filly on the other side as she gently pulled out the cyan pegasus babe from the stroller. Slowly, she transferred her into the forehooves of Starlight, who wore a bright smile. "She was an absolute angel. You should've seen it she attempted to chew out a recruit for sloppy wing performance. Threw her bottle at her and even attempted to speak. It was adorable."
Starlight nodded and shot Spitfire a glance, that none of the other pegasi noticed. "Sounds like her, alright. Reminds me of another pegasus, I know, wouldn't you agree, soldier?"
Spitfire blushed and said. "No ma'am, I have no clue who you mean."
Starlight laughed. "Probably just my imagination then."
The filly beside her had overcome her fear and asked out of curiosity as she leaned over to look at the giggling blue pegasus with a tiny rainbow colored mane. "Who is that?"
Starlight spoke warmly and tenderly. "This is my daughter, sweetie. Meet Rainbow Dash."
> Chapter 8- the Queen's daughter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Starlight whimpered. "I'm a good pony."
The alicorn, Twilight Sparkle stood before her. Her voice cold and affectionless,"Tell me, who is a good pony?"
Starlight wailed as she screamed her words to the heavens themselves."I'M A GOOD PONY!" 
Starlight felt her hooves hit something hard. Blinking, she opened her eyes and saw the very annoyed eyes of Twilight staring into hers. Her face was bleeding but like always, she didn't feel the pain. "Yes, you are a good pony. You are a wonderful pony, and I love you, now shut up and stop kicking me so I can go back to sleep! It's still the middle of the damned night!"
It was late into the night and Starlight and Twilight were in their bed.  It was only a dream? That does it, no more cider before bed.  Grinning sneakily, she leaned down and whispered tenderly in Twilight's ear. "It's only nighttime still because you haven't used your lovely moon to raise the sun."
Twilight's eyes popped open and she grabbed Starlight playfully in a headlock. "Oh, you think you are so clever, do you? Well, since you want to talk about my "moon" so much, let me take this time to show you it up close and personal. Let's see if this shuts you up, you incessant tease!"
With that Starlight found herself directly under Twilight's flank. The night would last a little longer than normal and a new spooky legend was born in Equestria that night. From that night on, rumors of ghosts inhabiting the Canterlot Castle at midnight while the moon was full, began to spread as the moans and wails of the two rulers echoed across the city of Canterlot. For those who were awake to witness it, the moon in the sky seemed to jump up and down for hours on end as it danced through the sky in a wild and erratic pattern.
The next day as the sun came up and the moon was lowered, Twilight glanced beside her to see Starlight happily watching the spectacle few had ever witnessed. "You are horrible, you know that?"
Starlight grinned at being addressed in such a manner. "Don't forget loud, annoying and how much you love me."
Twilight nodded. "Loud and annoying and of course I love you- Hey wait a minute!"
Starlight kissed her and gave a small laugh as Twilight gave her flank a good smack with her forehoof. "I love you, too, your majesty."
Twilight laughed. Her heart felt lighter than it had in a long time. "Come on, you nuisance let's get to work."
Years soon passed. Starlight began masquerading as the best doctor in Ponyville in order to distribute the serum to repair the mares and females of Equestria. Rainbow Dash was learning to fly, courtesy of "Aunt Spitfire."
Watching from the balcony she used to observe Equestria, Twilight Sparkle watched as Rainbow Dash flew by.  She'll be back to normal before long. 
Princess Luna stood beside her and watched her for a moment in silence before she spoke. "Mom, can I ask you something?"
Twilight smiled down at the young unicorn in bitter satisfaction. One of her most respected mentors was long gone, but her daughter had grown up to be a well-behaved and truly wonderous mare. "What is it, Luna?"
Today had been the tryouts for the school play in Ponyville. More than likely she had concerns about her role. "Today I auditioned for the school play like you suggested."
Twilight already knew the results but calmly played along. "How did you do?"
Luna looked annoyed as she answered. "Lead role."
Twilight turned to her. "You sound upset about getting that part. I would have thought you would be excited. Is everything okay?"
Scuffing a hoof, Luna began tearing up as she explained. "I was, that is until -"
Twilight lifted her muzzle until Luna's eyes were looking directly into hers. "Look me in the eyes, like you were taught, that's better. Now tell me, Luna, until what?"
"A couple of girls at school claimed they saw you and Cherilee talking. They claimed you rigged the audition."
Twilight nodded sagely. "I see."
"Mom, tell me you didn't!"
Giving a light-hearted laugh, Twilight began to explain. "Actually, Luna it was the opposite. What I told her was not to play favorites. I told her how hard you practiced and worked for this. I also said that she was not to give you special treatment, just because your mother rules Equestria. I told her to judge you based on your skills alone, nothing more."
Luna whispered hoarsely. "Really?"
Reaching up a forehoof, twilight gently wiped away her daughter's tears and gave her a big hug. "I wanted you to truly feel accomplished when you got it, just like I told you, you would." 
Growing up, Luna had been forbidden from using magic, except for her studies and to pick objects up. Like many mares and stallions who find themselves barred from one thing, she resorted to another. She had found that with a bit of practice she could be a very convincing actress. After she had left elementary grades behind her, she joined the 7th grade drama club and quickly became noticed. Her mom, Twilight could often count on her being late for dinner as she spent many hours after school with the drama club, rehearsing.
Twilight was as supportive as she could be, going to performances and even chaperoning trips in person, when her daughter needed to go to a competition. She often found herself wondering if she had made the right choice keeping Luna's magic sealed away, but now she knew for sure. It had been the right choice. That smile gave her the only answer she needed. The princess before her was indeed named Luna, but she had grown up in far different circumstances and been taught other lessons than the Princess Luna that had created the stars. This was her daughter; the other was lost to the sands of time.
That night, as she watched Luna perform, she saw a rare kind of magic. The magic of a daughter to capture her mom or dad's heart. It hurt, yet it felt amazing. She wouldn't be a teenager forever, the tears began to fall. For the past sixteen years, Twilight had been there for it all. Everything from teaching her to speak, to how to harness her desires and seize them. In every sense of the word, Luna was truly her adopted daughter.  Just yesterday I was making her 'owie' better when she fell. She grew up so fast.  
By her side, Starlight sat. Next to her was her own daughter, Rainbow Dash who was shouting "Awesome!" towards Luna, who laughed and blushed as she curtsied to the thunderous hoof stamping applause. Starlight passed Twilight a tissue and as the Queen wiped her eyes, Starlight whispered. "You know, she would have been proud to see this, in another lifetime."
Twilight wanted to be mad. How dare she mention Her, though all she could do was laugh. "She liked plays, you know."
Starlight snuggled next to Twilight as the two watched their kids; once friends in another time and place, talking casually with each other and as Rainbow Dash presented a bouquet of roses to Luna who gracious sniffed them and hugged her, Starlight smiled and lovingly gave a kiss to Twilight. "I know, your majesty, I know."
 I still miss Her, though. 
"Perhaps after everything is fixed for good, we can bring Her back once more. For now, my queen let us enjoy tonight. Tomorrow we have another hard day ahead of us."
> Chapter 9- When the Sun has set for the last time
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another year had come and gone, and Twilight closed the door to her chambers once more, slowly and somberly crawling into bed. In the glow of the moonlight, her tears glistened as they traveled down her muzzle and landed on the pillow on which her head rested. She would not be raising the sun today, everypony knew. Nopony knew why, but the queen must have a particularly good reason. . After all, it had happened for the past seventeen years. However, she had a reason, one she would never tell. After all, it was Her birthday. I miss her so much!
Turning over and laying on her back she shouted at the ceiling, as if it would have answers for her pain. "It wasn't supposed to be like this!"
Frustrated, she turned over on her stomach and smacked herself with the pillow. She couldn't feel it, though she was used to that. Ever since the wretched ritual. She could no longer feel anything. The grass beneath her hooves, the hugs from her friends, even the pain from injuries. She felt none of it. All she had wanted was to be with her friends forever. How could such an innocent idea have gone so awry?
A timid knocking coming from her chamber door caught her attention. "A-Aunty Twilight?"
Twilight ears perked up. It was Rainbow Dash. She didn't really want to entertain any pony, but something told her perhaps she should.
Slowly opening the door, Twilight growled softly. "How can I help you, Rainbow?"
Her niece Rainbow Dash looked up in trepidation. She knew her Aunt hated being disturbed on this day. "Uh - well I know you d-don't like t-t-to be disturbed-"
Twilight slowly reach a hoof through the crack in the door and gently stroked her nieces mane. "Rainbow...sweetie...stop with the bullshit and tell me what it is you want."
Rainbow gulped and said quickly. "My little sister wanted to see you. I told her you were busy, but she begged and-"
Twilight pushed open the door to reveal the superwide eyes of a tiny orange pegasus. The little filly was clearly excited and began hyper-ventilating. "Oh My Twilight! IT's YOU!"
Twilight watched with growing amusement as the filly looks at rainbow shouting "OMT"
Reaching out a hoof to hold the pegasus still, who was still shaking rapidly. "You must be Scootaloo, nice to meet you."
Scootaloo began breathing rather erratically as she clenched her jaw. Twilight gently tapped the little pegasus' forehead with her hoof. "Are you alright sweetie?"
Scootaloo began shaking, and her eyes went wide as could be as she shouted back."OMT, YOU know my name!? EEEEEEEE~
Twilight laughed as the excitable Scootaloo grabbed her hoof and began shaking it vigorously. Of course she knew who Scootaloo was. She had created that body. Sadly she could only re-create what was, so her wings had been debilitated as before, Though this time, she had made sure Starlight would be ready.  Least we can do is let you fly this time. 
"Is it true you really created all life in Equestria?"
At once the tone of the situation shifted. The hallway Rainbow stood in suddenly felt colder, in a way she couldn't explain. The feathers in her wings seemed to stiffen and the hair in her mane slowly frizzed. She watched as her Aunt narrowed her eyes. Out of instinct she started to wrap a wing around her sister. Twilight's voice was low and silky. A dangerous combination. "Scootaloo, where did you hear that?"
Scootaloo, completely oblivious, blurted out. "Mom did! So...is it true?"
Ignoring the question as she took a slow deep breath, Twilight glanced at Rainbow Dash. "Sweetie, please go get your mom for me."
Rainbow hesitated, glancing at her little sister. "Uh-"
Knowing exactly why, Twilight smiled and spoke calmly. "It's alright, I promise I am not mad at either of you. Now please go get your mother."
Rainbow's lip trembled but she didn't move. "I-I"
Twilight narrowed her eyes. Her words were slow and very deliberate, as if she was forcing them out while trying to maintain her patience. "Sweetie, I do not think you understand me. Now I love you and I care for you immensly but I WILL NOT repeat myself again. I said go.. "
Dash began whimpering as Twilight's left eye began twitching "get..."
Flaring her wings wide, Twilight leaned closed and whispered in the quaking, adolescent pegasus' ear. "your mother now please."
Without hesitation Rainbow Dash bolted down the hallway, stumbling and screaming hysterically."MOM! MOM AUNT TWILIGHT WANTS YOU!"
Starlight was talking to Spitfire in the living room, when Rainbow smashed into the side of the couch. "I appreciate you watching-  BAM! 
Having observed the rainbow blur, Starlight sipped her cup of tea and taking a deep breath leaned over the side of the couch. "Twilight looking for me?"
Rainbow began crying as her head now incredibly ached having smashed into the couch."M-oooooM! sniff sniff  Aunty Twilight wants you."
Turning to Spitfire, Starlight put down her tea and spoke calmly as if she was used to this. "See if you can help her feel better, I have some business to take care of."
While Spitfire bandaged Rainbow's wing, Starlight pushed open the door to Twilight's chamber to observe a curious sight. Twilight was sitting in an armchair with scootaloo in her lap and she was laughing at the tiny orange pegasus. "HAhaha, yes Scootaloo. That's when you were made."
Her ears twitched as she heard the door open slowly. "Ah there you are Starlight."
Glancing down she spoke warmly and almost happily, Starlight noticed, to Scootaloo. "Why don't you go join your sister.."
Leaning closer she whispered to the filly with a mischievous smile. "Tell her I said to play ball with you."
Scootaloo got excited at the idea of playing ball with her sister and rushed from the room as Twilight waved to her with a big smile. Twilight spoke softly. "Close the door Starlight. We need to talk."
Using her horn, Starlight slowly closed the door. Once the door was closed, Starlight turned to face Twilight who was now hanging her head in silence. "Okay Twi what did you-"
Raising her head, Twilight's voice cut through the air like a knife, jagged and harsh. Her expression turned cold, her smile was almost malicious. "Starlight I will make the tortures in Tartarus seem like the vacation of your dreams, if you don't explain right now why the hell you told your daughters how they were created."
Starlight's leg began to quiver, threatening to give out from under her. The hair on the nape of her neck was standing upright, and she felt the intense gravity of a dark power threatening to consume her.  Answer her, now!  Her mind screamed at her as she tried to make her lips work. "I-I-I was drinking some cider when Scootaloo asked me a barrage of questions and-and it slipped out. P-Pl-Please forgive me, your majesty."
 No! STOP!  As these thoughts raced through her mind, Twilight blinked and saw Starlight terrified and shaking in front of her.Looking down at her own hoof, she saw it was stopped inches from Starlight's muzzle. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes for a moment, Twilight spoke in a completely different tone. "Starlight..."
She slowly began stroking Starlight's mane which seemed to calm her partner's breathing. "Relax sweetie. I'm sorry I got mad at you. I'm just extremely stressed at this time of year."
After a few moments of silence, Twilight opened her eyes to see Starlight staring at her with adoring eyes. As Twilight's eyes watered, Starlight gently nuzzled her. "You really miss her, don't you?"
The tears came down like a deluge from Twilight's eyes as Starlight gave her a warm hug. "Starlight, I miss her so much!"
Starlight pulled away and looked Twilight in the eyes, before whispering tenderly. "She would be proud of you."
Twilight whimpered, and Starlight slowly stroked her back. "There, There. Let it out. I'm here for you. Don't shoulder this burden alone."
Twilight whispered uncertainly to her. "Tell me why; why can't she come back?"
Starlight smiled. This was something she had been expecting. It was a side of the queen no pony but Starlight had ever seen. She seemed innocent, vulnerable and insecure. For the past sixteen years, every time Celestia's birthday had come around, she had seen this softer side of Twilight. Her voice held compassion and understanding. "Your majesty, I miss her too but...It requires far too much energy...and the others you brought back...do you recall what you did in Manehatten for me, Fluttershy and Pinkie? "
Twilight said, "But she was-"
Starlight raised her voice, silencing Twilight. "The toll it took on you, Just preventing our demise drained you...When you brought back Rainbow, do you remember stumbling to your chamber supported by Applejack?!"
Twilight began to interrupt again. "That's not fair! She was-"
Starlight grabbed her muzzle in her hooves and stared into Twilight's eyes. " It takes far too much of your very soul...and you've sacrificed far too much... a mere pegasus and earthpony and unicorn are nothing compared to the price of what bringing her back would be. I know you want her back so badly but the cost is far too high!"
After stating these words she leaned close and gave Twilight a tender, intimate lip lock. As she pulled away slowly a string of saliva dripped down onto her chin. "Twilight I love you. I have been by your side for the past hundreds of years. Believe me when I say if there was a way to bring her back without jeopardizing you or our goal to restore Equestria, I would suggest it in a heartbeat. You know she wouldn't want you to act like this."
Her amethyst eyes showed the slightest sign of a spark. Starlight thought to herself. Almost there just a little more. "Starlight I love you-"
Staring into her eyes, Starlight's voice was condescending. "Don't you dare tell me you love me your majesty, you think I want your love when you act like this?"
Twilight's voice sounded strained. "I am trying to-" 
 One final push, here we go!  Taking a deep breath Starlight shouted at Twilight. "Tell me! What would Celestia say seeing her brave purple princess whining like a little filly like this?"
Seeing those eyes narrow, Starlight thought to herself.  There we go! Twilight's response was one of anger and annoyance. "Listen here, you annoying, little shit. I am the Queen of this damned castle and what I say goes! If I want to say I love you, you ungrateful slut, I will say it! Now I love you,  get your damned plot out that door. Spitfire's probably wishing for Tartarus, dealing with your putrid spawns."
Starlight grinned happily and said in a truly excited tone. Completely back to normal, long live my queen. "I love you too, your majesty."
Twilight looked at her for a moment and broke out into laughter. Her tone was rather light-hearted as she smacked Starlight on her flank. "You are the worst. Let's go and Starlight?"
giggling happily, Starlight spoke in a giddy tone. "Yes, your majesty?"
"Thanks, I needed that."
Starlight trotted happily behind Twilight. The world they lived in had changed horrendously from what they knew. The pain was real, the sacrifices cut deep and threatened to shred their mentality. But no matter what happened next, she wouldn't trade a single moment by her queen's side. Tomorrow was a new day, both of them would visit Fluttershy and Applejack. Tonight however a small but much needed step towards the road to saving Equestria just got checked off the list.
> Chapter 10- When the heart Flutters
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The brave, little bunny trembled as he heard a knock on the giant wooden door..."
Knock knock
Fluttershy slowly looked up from the book she had been reading to a group of bunnies beside her. "Did any of you hear that?"
Looking at them, Fluttershy noticed them trembling, having been startled by the loud noises. "Aw it's alright my little bunnies. Mama is here." 
The knocking occurred once more. Knock knock  Lowering her eyes towards the ground, Fluttershy sighed. Reaching up with her left forehoof, Fluttershy removed the smoldering cigarette from her mouth and placed it, tip down in her nearby ash tray twisting it furiously. "I'm coming!"
Fluttershy slowly walked towards the door and opened it. As the door swung open, Fluttershy saw Starlight standing there with a big smile. "St-starlight? I th-thought Twilight was coming today."
Fluttershy's voice conveyed her surprise. Starlight scuffed a hoof and looked at her with soft eyes. "She has some things she needs to get done."
Fluttershy looked down. "I-I see, come in."
Starlight trotted in and glanced behind her as Fluttershy shut the door. "How've you been Fluttershy?"
Fluttershy stared at her silent for a moment, before the tears began coursing down. "Mo-mom!"
Starlight rushed to her and wrapped in a warm hug as Fluttershy continued. "No one has visited for years and I-I was really looking forward to seeing Twilight again!"
Starlight gently rubbed her back. "The others haven't been by to visit you?"
Fluttershy backed up and glancing off to the right, said. "No mom, no one!"
Starlight nodded thoughtfully as she glanced around. A baby bunny lay on a nearby table inside a cradle, asleep. Next to the rocking chair lay a young deer nestling her mother. Birds of all kinds dotted the window sills and stared back at her, not a sound, was uttered. Dishes of food for the animals lay beside a dining table near the kitchen. Starlight's voice was gentle. "Fluttershy, still very fond of the local wildlife, aren't you?"
The ashtray caught her eye as Fluttershy responded. "Oh very much so! They are so cute and cuddly, and they understand me unlike all those pon-"
Fluttershy stopped as her eyes widened in realization. Starlight gently gave her a comforting pat. "my darling daughter, perhaps it isn't they aren't visiting you, rather you simply have been turning them away as of late. Am I wrong, sweetie?"
Fluttershy shook her head, frantically. "Mom it isn't like that!"
Starlight gently held her daughter's head in her hooves and looked her in the eyes, stated in a tone of caring and compassion. "Fluttershy, when I am talking to you, look at me. Remember what I taught you, stand up straight, head held high and look me in the eye."
Fluttershy glared at her and struggled to break of Starlight's grip. "Mom stop it! I'm not a little filly anymore!"
Starlight nodded and released her. "You're right. You aren't a filly anymore, so stop acting like one. You are a mare, not a little girl, now act like the mare you are. Stop pushing everypony away."
Fluttershy looked down and scuffed her hoof muttering. Starlight raised an eyebrow. "What was that? Speak up."
Raising her head she angrily shouted at Starlight. "I said maybe I'm just shy!"
Staring at her with narrowed eyes, Starlight spoke softly. "Sweetie, you and I both know there is a difference between being actively shy and simply being an introvert."
"Mom I-"
"Fluttershy, I adopted you, I took you in and I raised you with all the love and care I could. I raised you from a filly. I was there for you when you got spooked by the loud thunder during rainstorms. I helped your wounds heal when you scraped or bruised your limbs, learning to fly. I encouraged your kinship with nature. Now, you are a grown mare which means you have to make choices for yourself but right now the choice you are making is hurting your sisters and breaking my heart in the process. Talk to me, let me understand what is causing this and why-"
Starlight's horn glowed and the severed head of a bear dripping, freshly killed appeared before her. As it levitated before the widening eyes of Fluttershy, Starlight spoke softly. "You are trying to kill us."
"But-I-I didn't try to...kill anypony"
Starlight sighed, her patience was waning thin. "Sweetie, why was I attacked by your animals upon arrival, then?"
Fluttershy scuffed a hoof timidly. "Because you came instead of her majesty!"
Pausing for a moment in disbelief, Starlight's horn glowed. The red-stained reaper scythe slowly rose off her back, and her expression went blank. "You've put me in quite a painful dilemma, Fluttershy."
The scythe pressed against the throat of the whimpering pegasus. "On one hoof, I am the queen's adviser. An attack on her is punishable by my very blade-"
Using her magic the scythe returned to her side and Starlight's eyes softened. "On the other, you are my daughter. I will give you one chance to explain why you set such a treasonous trap for her majesty. Your answer will determine your fate."
Fluttershy whimpered and spoke in an almost squeal of hurried speech. "I-I just wanted her to know I was worth her time, like my sisters!"
Starlight blinked, her scythe clattered on the wooden floor. That answer had caught her off-guard. "W-what do you mean Fluttershy?"
Fluttershy spent the next ten minutes explaining. She had spent her childhood, neglected by the queen. Her sisters had been given special attention and combat training. Not her, she had been pushed to the side and ignored. Fluttershy spilled what had been on her heart for the past 16 years. She left nothing unsaid and as she spoke Starlight felt her heart break. Fluttershy then concluded. "They were even given weapons, specially crafted by the queen herself!"
The lilac unicorn stood there, she felt physically ill. All that time, trying to protect her and she felt neglected.  what have we done?  "Fluttershy, the reason you weren't trained or even given a weapon wasn't because you were worthless. It's because in her eyes, you were perfect."
Fluttershy looked confused. "I don't...w-what?"
Starlight took a deep breath and picked up her scythe setting it back upon her back. Her tone was warm and uncharacteristically soothing. "Your sisters and yourself, as you well know embody the Elements of Harmony. Laughter, Honesty, Generosity, Loyalty and Kindness. Unlike your element, Kindness, your sisters, all possess a discordant version or a flip aspect. Anger, Lying, Greed, Selfishness. You have no natural discordant nature unless you are forced to exhibit it. Knowing this, Twilight and I agreed that your purity must be preserved. Our goal is to return harmony to Equestria. For that to happen your kindness was invaluable. Therefore, you were perfect."
Fluttershy's face took on a stricken expression. "B-but what about the weapons?"
"Those weapons aren't made to kill. They are made to collect. When they pierce the flesh, they collect the soul within. This allows her majesty to bring that pony back in an unaltered form, a more stable one. Your sisters all have parts of their personalities that relish the idea of inflicting some form of pain, and so the weapons were individually forged and formed for their unique mindsets. You however, we felt a weapon in your hooves would make you uncomfortable. If you recall the night, the castle fell to us; we gave you a special role. That is why, Fluttershy."
"Mom I don't understand."
 Twilight is going to kill me for this.  Starlight explained further. "The only thing you need to know right now is the only reason anypony even exists in Equestria or any creature in general, is because the queen used part of her own being to create them."
Fluttershy blinked. "You mean-"
Nodding Starlight smiled. "If she didn't want you here, you simply wouldn't be here. She loves you just as much as every other pony. Please take pride in knowing you matter enough for her to have sacrificed part of her own lifeforce to bring you into existence."
Fluttershy smiled and hugged her mom. "I'm sorry about my freak out mom, i-"
Starlight patted her head and whispered. "I think this entire situation should stay between us. Don't you?"
Fluttershy responded with only four words. "I love you mom."
Sitting in the rocking chair with a cup of tea, twenty minutes later, Fluttershy's voice echoed happily throughout the wooden cabin. Her change in tone was such that the animals even took note of her happiness. "The brave little bunny went to the door and..."
As she read to the animals Starlight sat on the ground beside the deer, listening to the storytime, calmly sipping her tea and feeling very proud of her daughter. Sitting there listening to the story, a thought crossed her mind.  Really hope the rendezvous with Applejack went as planned.