She sat in the corner of Sugarcube Corners every day wearing an old ragged stetson. She never took it off, not for anything. For ten years the frayed and dusty hat has stayed upon her head. And one day, the waitress asked her why.
She sat in the corner of Sugarcube Corners every day wearing an old ragged stetson. She never took it off, not for anything. For ten years the frayed and dusty hat stayed upon her head. One day as she sat staring out the window of Sugarcube Corners, the waitress asked her why she wore such an old relic. With a bittersweet smile, Applebloom told her a tale of ten years ago. A horrible day in history Equestria would rather forget. Seven brave mares time forgot. And the vow her sister had made upon it's brim and the hope it symbolized for the withered mare.
Her dulled yellow-furred legs pushed open the door. Without a single word, she made her way to a booth in the corner of the small eatery. Her eyes were dull, lifeless as she passed the waitress who attempted a greeting.
“Hello, Ms. Applebloom, welcome-”
The young mare paid her no heed and continued slowly, almost soullessly, walking towards the booth in the back. Sitting slowly upon her haunches, she placed her hooves under her chin and turned her gaze towards the window, still as a statue. The waitress turned to the owner; Pinkamena Diane Pie, who was busy cleaning some muffin trays.
“What’s her deal? And why is she wearing such a crusty old hat?”
The mare didn’t look so bad. She wore a nice flowing sundress decorated with apples, but on her head rested a torn, frayed and dingy stetson. Glancing up, Pinkie eyed the mare in the corner and shook her head. As her mane slowly swayed with the motion, she spoke in a low voice.
“Leave her be, Pumpkin; she’s been through enough. That hat-”
As she set down the now clean tray, the once energetic party pony picked up another tray.
“-Means more to her than anypony could ever know.”
With those words, Pinkie called out towards the kitchen.
“Pound! I need some fresh Cinnamon Buns for the display. Chop, Chop let’s go!”
Pumpkin Cake turned back to stare at the mare one last time. Now that she was paying attention to her, she began to notice the frayed hairs in the dulled red of her mane, the red streaks in her eyes and the tremble in her hooves. She sat there, still, silently staring out the window as though she was waiting for somepony.
Shrugging, the waitress got back to work busing the tables. Hours passed, and it was time for her break time. As she undid her apron, to sit down to rest, she turned her attention towards the mare in the corner once more. Her thoughts were consumed with her curiosity with each passing second. What strange behavior. What is she looking for? What is with that withered old hat?
Finally, she could stand it no longer. Rising from her seat, Pumpkin made her way to the booth where Applebloom sat. The yellow-furred mare didn’t move a muscle or indicate any sign of noticing Pumpkin sit down on the opposite side of her.
In the silence that followed, Pumpkin nervously drummed her hooves on the table, before attempting to break the ice.
“I-I like your dress.”
There was no reaction; the mare sat there stiffly and lifelessly staring out the window. Pumpkin felt odd sitting there in the awkward silence, and so she tried again.
“Are- You waiting for somepony?”
Again nothing happened. The way the young mare sat perfectly still, Pumpkin wasn’t sure she was even alive, the colors of her fur were dulled, and the look in her eyes conveyed no spirit. Pumpkin slowly rose from the booth, about to give up, as she asked.
“Where did you get such a ragged hat?”
She expected no reaction once more as she rose to take her leave. Instead, she gave a small gasp of surprise as a pale yellow hoof grabbed her foreleg and the mare turned to look at Pumpkin. She had a shining light in her eyes, and she looked ten years younger, no longer faded or lost. On her face she wore a smile as she spoke in her thick homegrown, country accent.
“Ya wanna know where Ah got mah hat? Sit, sit an’ Ah’ll tell yah. Sit Ah said!”
At a loss for words, Pumpkin sank back down into the booth to hear what the mare had to say. Applebloom smiled in a slightly broken way.
“Ya see, it was ten years ago…”
***
Ten Years Ago
***
“Chrysalis, sis?”
Applebloom bucked the nearby apple tree with all her might. Her tiny hooves hit the tree with an audible Thud. No apples fell much to her dismay.
“That’s right, Sugarcube. Twi says war with the Changelings is imminent, so we’ve been preparing fer a pre-emptive strike. Here let meh help ya with that.”
A loud Crunch was heard as Applejack’s powerful hooves slammed into the timbers of the apple tree. The apples in the leafy boughs came tumbling down all at once; landing neatly in the wooden bucket. The muscles in her frame rippled with each movement. Applebloom watched in awe as effortlessly, her big sister harvested the apples.
On her head she wore a stetson hat; a treasured heirloom. She stood twice as tall as her little sister, her orange fur distinctly different from the yellow of Applebloom. On her flank was a cutiemark displaying three whole red apples.
“Don’t worry Sugarcube. You’ll get it.”
The two sisters were side by side in the Apple Family orchard, bucking apples off the trees as they chatted about what would happen tomorrow. Applebloom shook her head in confusion.
“Ah dun get it sis, why do you have ta go?” Applejack opened her muzzle, as though about to answer when she noticed the sun being lowered above the grove trees on the horizon. Pulling the brim of her treasured stetson down over her eyes, she just gave a soft smile and shook her head as though shaking sweat from her golden mane.
“Will ya look at that? Time sure flies buckin’ apples. Time ta’ head in.”
“But Applej-”
Applebloom watched as her sister trotted towards the barn, calling back to her.
“Hurry up now, Applebloom! It’s time fer supper!”
***
Present Day
***
An hour had passed since Pumpkin began the busing of the tables and Pinkamena was getting annoyed. Having gone to the kitchen to prepare for the lunchtime rush, Pinkie was finishing the final prep work when she caught sight of the time. One hour. In one hour the lunchtime rush would come crashing through those doors. Where is she? Normally, Pumpkin would report in once the tables were cleared. Rarely did it take more than an hour; an hour and fifteen minutes, tops.
Pinkie turned to Pound; Pumpkin’s brother and gave a warm smile.
“Watch the oven for me sweetie, going to check on your sister.”
Pound gave a smart salute.
“Okay Mom!”
Pinkamena nodded, still smiling and turned quickly; a small tear forming in her left eye. Mom, she thought bitterly to herself. The word was truly bittersweet to her ears. Ten years ago, the Changlings had invaded Ponyville; kidnapping many of the residents. Over one-third of the town had been taken and replaced by the shapeshifting insect-like beings. Pinkie and her six friends had been dispatched to negotiate with the swarm. Their mission: to rescue their friends and family and make the hive see reason.
It was not to be, however. Negotiations never took place. Queen Chrysalis had her swarm set up an ambush. The seven as they fled, stumbled upon the rotten remains of the captives. There were no prisoners; they had been eaten. Returning, low on morale and lamenting their losses, Pinkie had found the twin foals beneath the remains of Sugarcube Corners. Adopting them, Pinkie rebuilt the old shop into a diner; which she ran in the Cake’s stead. She took great pride in her son and daughter. She was their Mom, and it broke her heart every time they called her that name.
With a heavy heart she pushed open the cafe doors and began to call out to her daughter.
“Hey what’s taking so-”
“-She looked at meh an’ asked if Ah was worried. Ah tried to be strong; sayin’ Ah could handle it. Try as Ah might though Ah couldn’t hide the truth from mah sis. She gave meh a look an’ took off her hat. That’s when she told meh-”
Pinkie paused mid sentence as she noticed Pumpkin sitting in the corner booth and across from her was...Applebloom. They’re talking like old friends. For the first time since her sister vanished, Pinkie saw the mare with a smile on her face as she chatted with her daughter. Pinkie had a flashback to the caves as she listened.
***
10 years ago
***
Pinkie ran down the tunnel alongside Applejack; the two having been separated from the others in their attempt to flee. Behind them the snarls of the Changelings could be heard growing closer.
"No! It’s a dead end!”
They had run into a small cave, with no way out. Pinkie cowered as she cried.
“This isn’t very fun! Is this the end?”
Her mane and tail had gone flat, her eyes were glazed as though she had checked out; as if she had lost hope. Her ears flopped over to cover her eyes as the snarling grew even louder. Her tone resembled her sister Maud’s; flat, toneless.
“I guess this is it.”
She heard Applejack clench her teeth and stamp a hoof in frustration.
“No! It can’t end this way! Ah gave her mah word! Buck it all! Do ya hear me, ya monsters? Ah won’t let it end this way!”
Pinkie uncovered her eyes as she watched Applejack brace for a charge.
“Applejack what are you-”
The proud Earthpony’s stubbornness showed in her words as she laughed, tears falling down her cheeks. “Ah told her I’d be back, Pinkie. Ah don’t break mah promises. Tell her for meh. Tell Applebloom, Ahm gonna reclaim mah hat! Tell her Ah’ll be back!”
Applejack broke into a bullrush; vanishing into the tunnel’s depths as screeching and growling was heard. As Pinkie stared at the opening in disbelief, the sound of a mare’s wild screams could be heard and then silence.
***
Present Day
***
Pinkiemena stood there, lost in her memories as she observed the scene. We turned the tide of the battle, fighting back; me, Rainbow, and Rarity. We met back up and fought flank-to-flank. Twi and Fluttershy fell mortally wounded, in the Chamber of the Queen, causing Starlight to reach deep within. Unlocking the true magic, she possessed, Starlight destroyed Chrysalis and ended her reign of terror forever. We had won, but at great cost. We buried our fallen friends and hunted the last of the Hive Changlings. I searched everywhere. Applejack had vanished without a trace. All I could find was the trail of carnage she left in her wake. Her eyes welled with unbidden tears, as she sighed. Brushing her limp mane from her eyes, Pinkie gave a terse smile and proceeded to finish the busing of the tables; still eavesdropping on the two in the corner.
“Wow, Miss Applebloom. So that’s why you still wear that.”
Applebloom could be heard giving a small laugh.
“Yep, Applejack told meh as long as Ah have this ol’ stetson on mah head, she’ll be back. It may take a while, but she would never break a promise to anypony. So ah just sit here, waitin’ for mah sis ta take it back. Pretty silly, ain’t it?”
Pumpkin’s voice reached her mom’s ears causing Pinkie’s heart to soar with pride.
“No, it isn’t. It’s quite admirable actually. You have such faith in her that even after ten years, you haven’t given up the hope of seeing her again.”
Pinkie felt a pang of guilt as her daughter finished her thoughts.
“No matter who says such a thing is foolish, no matter what happens, you keep believing. I admire that.”
Never giving up hope? She’s been gone for ten years. There’s no proof she’ll ever return. I searched for her for years. How can Applebloom be so sure? The bell above the entrance gave a sharp ring, wrenching Pinkie from her thoughts. That’s when she heard them; a familiar pair of voices, voices from the past.
“Hey Pinkie! Got any hard cider?”
“Rainbow, Dah-ling, don’t be so crass! Sorry we’re late, I simply couldn’t come empty hooved after all.”
Pinkie turned to look at them both. Rainbow Dash rolled her magenta-colored eyes, as she hovered there on her cyan-feathered wings; the colors faded. Her right eye had a rather large scar running down onto her cheek; a trophy of her survival against the Changelings. The once rainbow-colored mane and tail for which she was known, now boasted only yellow, orange and red. Applejack’s colors. Her words were playful, but the face of the Pegasus was solemn. How long has it been?
She turned and looked at Rarity. The Alabaster-furred unicorn was smiling at her, her mane disheveled, her eyes flecked with an almost glazed-look. In her forehooves she held a bouquet of fresh Apple Blossoms. Her too, huh? Those must have been a nightmare to gather. The left foreleg wasn’t flesh and bone.
No, much like Rainbow, Rarity carried permanent scars from that fateful day ten years. The rusted iron and whining servos motor of her prosthetic foreleg echoed in a rattling resonance; drilling into Pinkie’s mind. When’s the last time she scheduled maintenance for that?
“Oh those are lovely, Rar, girls come on in and pick a booth. We have a lot of catching up to do.”
***
“The Element of Honesty?” Pumpkin sat in the booth and marveled at the change that had come over the weathered mare before her. As they began to talk, Applebloom had brightened more and more. Her dull yellow fur suddenly seemed to shine and her eyes gleamed with an almost unnatural vigor. In her words, Pumpkin heard it.
“That’s right! One of th’ six elite soldiers in th’ Princess’s Royal Guard! They were codenamed ‘Elements.’ Mah sis, used to tell me about how the six of them were the closest of friends and...Unstoppable.”
That want; the desire to believe. Her heart had begun to race, her pulse quickened; listening to the tales of the missing Apple. She trembled with excitement; that desire, that hope was infectious.
Ponyville still lay in ruins; many shops and homes were destroyed by the Changlings, ten years ago. Though the fire had been extinguished long ago, some flames aren’t so easily put out. The black flames of pain and despair still blazed throughout the survivors. The populace acted normally, even putting on smiling faces.
To anypony else they seemed normal as they went about their business, but a closer look revealed their broken states of being. The glazed eyes, the tenseness of their pose; the light of hope had vanished from Ponyville. Starlight had done her best to fill the empty thrones left behind by Celestia and Luna; it wasn’t enough. The will to move forward had been wiped out, by Chrysalis and her brethren.
Pumpkin couldn’t explain it; she wanted to believe. She wanted to believe that something good, anything good, could happen in her hometown. “Tell me, what is she like?”
A new voice behind her answered. “We can tell you all about her.”
Taking a seat in a side booth, Rainbow and Rarity began chatting with Pinkamena. “How long has it been Party Girl?”
Pinkie just stared at Rainbow, her eyes widening upon hearing her old nickname. Too long. It’s been far too long.
“Ten years, Rainbow. Ten...Years.”
“So...Where’s that cider?”
Rarity rolled her eyes and smacked Rainbow’s shoulder with her hoof. The unicorn’s voice clearly showed her disdain.
“Rainbow what did we talk about on the way here? Pinkie I’m sorry; she has no filter.”
Pinkie winced. The sound of Rarity’s iron hoof hitting Rainbow’s shoulder made a sickening CRACK, yet Rainbow barely budged. A look of annoyance crossed the weathered mare's grim face. She turned slowly to look at Rarity and began to lay into the hapless unicorn. Strangely enough she wasn’t mad at being struck. No, something else about it bothered her.
“Rarity! That barely tickled. Next time give it your all!”
Rarity shook as a grimace appeared on her face; the impact caused the shock to radiate up her metal limb and into her own body. Still, a knowing smile graced her lips. Her response wasn’t irritated, instead it carried a tone of support.
“Rainbow, that was my all.”
“But I barely felt it! AJ could hit harder without even trying!”
“Rainbow, Dah-ling. I’m not her.”
“Rarity...I...Know that. I love you for you, but I...Just can’t let her go.”
Pinkamena’s pulse quickened and her blood ran cold as she heard those words. Applejack’s strength was the stuff of legend; even rivaling if not surpassing Atlas’s. During their time together, Rainbow and Applejack had secretly been seeing each other; hiding it behind “competitions” in feats of athletic prowess. She misses her, even now.
Pinkie watched as Rarity nuzzled Rainbow.
“I don’t want you to let her go, Rainbow. She meant a lot to you. I get it. Just don’t forget that I’m still here for you. And I don’t plan on going anywhere sweetie.”
The muscles in Rainbow’s body visibly tensed. Rarity must have seen this because she hurriedly added.
“I didn’t mean it like that, Rainb-.”
She stopped mid sentence and stared in disbelief at Rainbow’s wings. For the better part of half a decade; the cyan color of Rainbow’s body had been dulled to almost no color at all. The loss of Applejack, her friends, as well as her own family, had taken its toll on the mentality of the once proud Element of Loyalty. Now however, before her friend's eyes, the smallest fleck of cyan was beginning to glow and spread down her wingtips.
“Rarity, Pinkie do...Do you feel that?”
Pinkie’s pupils dilated in shock as she watched the color grow brighter, spreading quicker.
“Rainbow what’s going -”
“Listen!”
Rainbow’s urgent tone stopped Pinkie’s train of thought. Following their friend’s hoof, Rarity and Pinkie found themselves staring at Applebloom and Pumpkin in the corner booth. It was then they noticed what was being said:
“That’s right! One of th’ six elite soldiers in th’ Princess’s Royal Guard! They were codenamed ‘Elements.’ Mah sis, used to tell me about how the six of them were the closest of friends and they were, no, Ah can’t say that, they weren’t nuthin’; they still are the greatest ponies Ponyville has ever known.”
“Are? I’ve never heard of any ponies known as Elements. What exactly made-er makes them so special?”
“Mah sis told me how each of them is gifted with a special principle. The Elements for which they are named aren’t just for show. Each is the ponysona of an aspect of Harmony. Mah sis, for instance known as the Element of Honesty, is able to see through the veil of deception. She can see the true motives of any pony and creature. After she figures it out, she capitalizes on the good of the motive while making them realize the flaws in it as well. Mah sis is also the strongest pony there is; it’s rumored she went up against Atlas and beat him hooves-down in a hoof-wrestling match.”
“But what about the others? Surely such beings wouldn’t just vanish, right? They would still be around or at least known by somepony.”
“They are! Still around Ah mean.”
“Alright then, what’s their names?”
“Well...Ah dun know all their names; the identity of ‘em is a bit classified, but Ah do know one! Her name’s Rainbow Dash; Ah know cuz Ah caught th’ two of ‘em rollin’ in the hay pretendin’ ta’ be wrestlin’.”
Rarity held back a snort and turned to Rainbow to tease her.
“Rollin’ in th’-”
She stopped abruptly as she watched the eyes of Rainbow well up with tears. The fur coat of the Pegasus was still filling in with color; a cyan sheen was becoming more and more evident. It had been years since she had witnessed Rainbow show any emotion; now that same mare was about to cry. And it was breaking her heart to watch.
Pinkamena sat there watching in silence as Rarity stared at her companion. For a split-second she saw a look of annoyance cross the Unicorn’s face. It was more than justified. After all Rarity had been by Rainbow’s side for years, her being annoyed about not being noticed would easily have been overlooked. As Pinkie watched however, Rarity just smiled and gave her a loving nuzzle.
“It’s alright Dar-ling, I miss her too.”
Pinkamena watched in complete shock as the dull, almost gray, of Rarity’s mane began to slowly fill in with a rich amethyst. What’s- Wait a minute could this be- It had been ten years, ten years to the day; since that horrible homecoming. We seven left together but only four came back; our colors gone, our desire to carry on...Gone. There is no way it could be- At that moment her thoughts were confirmed.
Rainbow turned to look at Rarity and nuzzled her back; both breaking down in laughter. Pinkamena couldn’t help it; she stared at her two friends giggling like they had back then. Back when laughter rang through Ponyville, and she too began to chuckle. That chuckle turned into uncontrollable giggling, and she noticed her friends staring wide-eyed at her as their fur slowly filled in with its natural color.
“What-Why are you staring at me?”
Rarity could only stammer in shock.
“Dah-Dah-Darling your mane! It’s-”
Rainbow interrupted with an almost shout.
“Celestia’s ghost Pinkie! Your mane is poofy again!”
Pinkie didn’t hear them though, she was busy staring at her hoof. The normally muted pink tone was starting to brighten more and more as a huge smile graced her face. It's been so long since I’ve seen my friends. This is so much fun!
“Ev’rypony has their breakin’ point, an’ that day, those legends met theirs.”
That’s when it hit the ears of the three of them, the words that could never be said; Applebloom began to speak of that day and the fate that had befallen the once-legendary Elements. Immediately the three at the table went silent and listened as the scenes replayed in all four’s minds.
“Chrysalis had predicted th’ Princesses plan to stop her invasion and so she did something no villain ever had. She broke the Elements in the most permanent of ways…”
***
Ten Years Ago
***
“Let meh go! When mah sister gets here, y’all-”
Chrysalis stared at the struggling filly with an amused grin. Her voice carried an almost singsong swagger.
“Your sister coming here for you, little fool, is exactly what I am waiting for.”
The little filly had been tied up using an almost web-like slime and went wide-eyed as a slimy glob covered her mouth. She began to struggle in vain against her bindings, frantically as the Queen of the Changelings gave a sinister chuckle.
“It’s just a shame when she gets here, it will already be too late. Lock her with the others while the preparations are made!”
As the tied-up filly was dragged away, she watched strangely chiseled stones, with oddly shaped holes; almost the shape of ponies, being placed around the cavern.
Thump
Still struggling she was thrown bodily into the hard rock wall of the captive’s cell. Her body radiated with agony as her helpless form slid down the cold stone face. Her vision blurred with pain, she could barely make out other forms around her. She wasn’t alone. The faces of her bound neighbors and own family, greeted her. The mood was grim, and a rattling on the nearby iron bars, caused her heart to sink.
***
25 minutes ago
***
“Five of them stood in th’ iron doorway, and they wasted no time. Th’ little filly watched as they picked up and hauled off ‘er friends, family and those she had known all ‘er short life. Ya wouldn’t think such slenderly-built insects could be so strong but one easily lifted ‘er brother over its head and carried him away as he struggled ta no avail.”
The entire diner was deathly silent as Applebloom told her tale. Rainbow, Rarity and Pinkie were no longer the only eavesdroppers; the lunch rush had arrived but instead of ordering they all sat, silent as a tomb. Each was listening with earnest at the young mare’s tale.
Pumpkin sat in disbelief. Her story is too detailed, it can’t possibly be real how would she- It was then she noticed a thin, long line running down Applebloom’s neck.That’s some scar, almost like a claw slit- wait a moment, was she- No way.
“It wasn’t long until th’ filly heard the harrowin’ screams from ’er kinfolk echoing back down th’ stone tunnel. Th’ screams ricocheted in her ears for wha’ seemed like hours. And then there was just silence…Nothin’ but ‘orrible silence for the poor filly.”
***
Ten years ago
***
It was completely silent, everypony was gone and the filly lay in the cell; bound and alone. The horrific sounds of torture that had been echoing off the stone cavern walls for the past few hours, had been silenced. Using her teeth, she managed to free her mouth from the slimy gag. Coughing and gagging at the horrible taste that filled her mouth; she resisted the urge to retch. Quickly, and ignoring the rancid taste, the filly chewed through the bindings that tied her. It took a few minutes, but finally she was free. That’s when she heard it.
Her eyes went wide in fear as the clapping of two hooves could be heard behind her.
“Oh my, aren’t you the resourceful one.”
The voice was a slithering hiss, yet it was gentle and silky. The filly winced as she turned her eyes towards the doorway and her blood ran cold. The Queen of the Changelings herself, stood there watching her in amusement. Sighing, she took a step towards the terrified filly.
“I told them to make sure ALL prisoners were accounted for. Oh, they are. None are in the cell. We grabbed them ALL! Why are my children so incompetent? As usual, I’ll have to do this myself.”
Stopping just in front of her captive, Chrysalis stared at her with a scornful glare.
“Hello again, little fool. I see you have managed to free yourself, quite impressive. And you still have that stupid hat upon your head as well. How wonderful. I think you’ve earned a reward for such ingenuity. And here it is.”
Lowering her head to be mere inches from the filly's face, Chrysalis grinned, revealing rows of crimson stained, sharpened fangs.
“You have a choice to walk with me willingly to your doom, or I bind you once more and carry you. Make your choice, now.”
Pumpkin sat in the booth, staring at Applebloom in silence. When she had first sat down, the last surviving member of Sweet Apple Acres had been faded. Her fur had been a dark grayish-yellow, her mane an ashened-strawberry red. The look of her eyes had been cold, while her mannerisms had been non-existent. Now however, the once withered mare, now seemed fully rejuvenated.
Applebloom’s fur was shining; now a bright buttery yellow, while her mane boasted the color of a juicy, ripe, strawberry once more. Her eyes seemed full of life, though she still wore a broken smile. How long had she wanted to tell somepony about this?
It wasn’t just Pumpkin that noticed these changes, however. Cheerilee, once a proud elementary school teacher, sat in a nearby booth. Her fur a dingy, almost as if tainted, faded color of the brilliant Cerise it used to be. She had been lost in her thoughts. They never came back. Those same thoughts that had plagued her since that day. When Applebloom’s words reached her ears however, she had been wrenched from those thoughts and was now listening with great interest. It can’t be-
On the other side of the diner had been sitting Spoiled Rich, the Earthpony staring forlornly at a photograph clenched in her hooves. The picture of Diamond Tiara had a tear in the corner and was worn from the tears that had fallen upon it over the years. She too, had been lost in hopeless despair since that day. Why her? Why take my little girl?
Diamond Tiara had been gone for years, yet her memory still preyed upon her remorseful mother’s mind. What would she give, just to hold her for one more hour, to talk to her just one more dinnertime? She found herself thinking of how she had treated her and what she would have changed, a lot.
Spoiled Rich’s attitude had changed, since that day she no longer cared about her public status; having been humbled in the worst of ways. Her daughter was gone, and like Cheerilee; her fur was listless, her eyes lifeless. And then much like Cheerille, she heard the voice; the voice of a filly that she hadn’t heard for ten years. Is that really...What’s-Her-Name, oh Diamond would be so annoyed; me not getting her friend’s name...What was it? Appleblim-blom-bloom...Applebloom that was it! Cracklejack’s sister...I think? What’s going on? Was it just her eyes clearing of tears or was the photo in her hooves becoming brighter with color?
She continued listening to the tale being told; information that Ponyville’s survivors had never heard, never been told. Officially, all news of the event had faded into the background of every pony’s mind almost as if by magic. Of the bustling population of the quaint farm-fed town, only twelve residents survived that day. Those twelve now sat almost as if ensorceled. Listening to what happened, each was slowly being ripped from their own melancholy. One by one, their eyes shone as they noticed her speaking.
To any other bystander, it wouldn’t have mattered; a seemingly normal mare, nopony really knew speaking. For those twelve however, each had the vivid memory of her greeting them every day in the marketplace. From Spoiled Rich to Cheerilee, each of the lost survivors recalled her smile as she offered them juicy apples for sale from the roadside stand. A smile that hadn’t been seen in a decade.
“The filly felt cold as she walked beside Chrysalis; her hoofsteps heavy as they entered a large cavern…”
***
Ten years ago
***
“Why do this to Ponyville? That’s what you’re thinking right now, isn’t it? Surely, we could all co-exist peacefully in Harmony and love, right?”
The Queen of the Changelings stood facing Applebloom; who had a leather bound lead around her neck, held by Chrysalis’s magic. The walk from the cell had been uneventful and behind Chrysalis was a pitch-black cavern. The filly stared into those acid-green eyes and nodded silently, gulping in fear.
Chrysalis nodded with an almost sympathetic expression on her face. Her words sounded regretful, as though she were filled with remorse.
“Perhaps if I were to sit down and discuss my goals and desires with Princess Celestia and her sister; Princess Luna, then the Changelings could be allowed to live amongst the ponies. What do you think, does that sound like a good idea?” The little filly opened her mouth and found the courage to speak. “Ahm sure if ya just told ‘em how ya felt, th’ Princesses would be very supportive to your cause!”
Chrysalis nodded again as if in thought and kicked her hind hoof backwards; a signal, as three spotlights showed upon the center of the ceiling. Her next words carried scorn; all pretense of regret was gone.
“That’s truly wonderful, young one, because that’s what those fools thought as well.”
The eyes of the filly went wide as she beheld the eviscerated and gutted forms of Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Discord. Hanging from the ceiling, suspended by hooks, all three bore eternal looks of terror and anger.
“W-Ho-Wha-”
As the filly stammered in shock, Chrysalis detailed the demise of the three strongest beings in Equestria. She spoke in the gentlest, almost adoring tone.
“Those three truly were gifted with incomparable power...That is until they entered my lair. The stone that comprises my throne negates the magic of Non-Changelings, and so dispatching of Celestia and Discord was but child’s play. Those two never were ones to take physical training to heart, only perfecting their spells. Such fools.”
The little filly whimpered in fear, shaking uncontrollably, as Chrysalis continued.
“Dear Sweet Luna on the other hoof, was never much in the magic department but her agility and strength made short work of my children quickly. Sadly though-”
Chrysalis grinned and licked her lips with her serpentine-like tongue.
“Every pony bleeds the same shade of death, don’t they?”
***
15 minutes ago
***
Pumpkin Cake was at a loss as Applebloom’s now sorrowful tone filled her ears. It sounded insane; the story was so dramatic, so detailed. It couldn’t possibly be true and yet, as Applebloom continued; Pumpkin watched as the scar on her neck seemed to widen. Applebloom were you-
“Chrysalis showed the helpless filly her friends, neighbors, and her precious family; all pinned to the cold stone walls; like horrific wall decorations, telling her…”
***
Ten Years Ago
***
“I know this probably looks rather dreadful to you, doesn’t it? Seeing your friends, family, maybe even neighbors hung on my wall; gutted and dismembered. I’m sure you realize, by now, why you are here and what your fate will be.”
The filly trembled, unable to move, she felt numb. All around the young pony were those she had gone to class with, ponies she had passed on the street giving a cheerful hello. All of them now lifeless, their faces frozen forever in fear, metallic rods pinning them to the unforgiving stone walls.
“Yes, you are going to die. And I-”
Drawing a hoof down the petrified filly’s neck, Chrysalis spoke in an almost teasing tone, though it was clear she wasn’t being humorous.
“Am the one who is going to take your precious little life. Though I suppose, if it’s any consolation, I’ll at least tell you why. You see-”
The horn of Chrysalis glowed a bright acid green, matching her malicious eyes. The filly found herself tethered and unable to move once more, as a blade appeared out of thin air.
“Some creatures just aren’t looking for peace and harmony. Not every creature desires a happy coexistence. For instance I prefer-”
Taking the blade in her forehooves, Chrysalis drew a thin line down the filly’s neck, drawing a small bead of crimson red.
“A world without your kind; goodness and purity, ugh don’t make me laugh. Oh, I know. It’s unfair, isn’t it? After all you’ve never given me any trouble, by Grogar’s beard, I doubt you even knew I existed. Why would I go to such seemingly-”
Leaning close, Chrysalis slowly licked the dripping blood running down the neck of the filly. It stung so much, yet all the child could do was let the tears fall down her face.
The whispering voice of Chrysalis continued, tantalizing, yet mockingly.
“Extreme lengths to make my position clear? Well you see, it’s rather simple. In all honesty, I would much rather have kept you all as pets. I mean, you are all so docile-”
Chrysalis stared into the filly’s terrified eyes and gently nuzzled her.
“It’s actually adorable, and you’re all so subservient it would be any Ruler’’s dream. Celestia was one lucky mare. However-”
Moving back and raising her blade once more, the Changeling Queen almost lamented.
“There are seven of you that would risk their very lives to protect you all. And you see, they possess far greater power than I could ever hope to match. Well fairly I mean. I’ve watched them for quite some time; their pursuits, their battles. Truly remarkable, even left me a little envious, might I say. How could I possibly fight such an unstoppable force of heroes?”
Chrysalis’s body stiffened as she tensed the muscles in her foreleg, preparing to strike.
“Then it hit me. Just destroy everything they were protecting. By doing that I could completely destroy not only their insufferable spirit, but also the resolve to stop me. And that, my unlucky little fool, is why-”
Leaning down, Chrysalis gingerly gave her a kiss on the cheek before finishing her words.
“You must die.”
***
10 minutes ago
***
“She plunged the blade deep into the unfortunate filly’s throat. The poor child’s body was wracked with immense pain, and her vision began to grow blurry. As the warmth of her own blood flowed down the outside of her throat, her legs gave out. The hat, which she had tied to her head, fell to the ground; the rope severed from it.”
Pumpkin’s eyes almost instinctively glanced at the hat upon Applebloom’s head. Her blood turned to ice, and she began to tremble. The front of it now seemed to have some red discoloration. Had that patch of dusty red always been there?
“Her eyelids felt heavy and she reached a red-stain hoof out to grab her hat, the one thing she had to cling to; the promise her sister made. She’ll be here, she thought as her eyes closed one last time. Just at that moment, the scream from across the cavern, hit her ears; the last thing she would ever hear. One word, shouted from her sister. Just one word. The filly’s name: Applebloom!”
The outburst caused Applebloom to pause, momentarily a semi-bitter smile flashed across her muzzle and just as quickly was gone once more. She gave a slow and wordless nod, before continuing with her tale.
“Mah body crumpled ta th’ ground as mah life ebbed away. Still, Ah stood there an’ watched as th’ scene unfolded.”
Pumpkin fidgeted nervously, staring at Applebloom as the latter told her story. She could swear that Applebloom’s neck was bleeding and it seemed to be increasing as she explained what happened. Perhaps it was just a trick of the light. The way she’s talking...It’s almost like she di- no, that’s silly; it’s probably just for drama’s sake. Still...There’s something unsettling about this story of hers. Wait a minute...Did her dress always have that rose-tinted stain on the chest?
Rainbow’s fur was almost back to it’s brilliant past color. The sharp magenta in her iris shined with a new resolve. She had been listening the entire time, tears dripping onto the table. Her head lay on Rarity’s mechanical limb as the latter cradled her partner, gently nuzzling her.
“Shh, it’s alright Darling.”
Across the room sat Spike. His scales; gray and lifeless as was his mood. In his claws he held his most valuable possession; an old, wrinkled issue of The Power Ponies. It was old, though it wasn’t a special print. It wasn’t a collector comic, just a standard issue you could have found in any comic shop ten years ago. No, monetarily it was worth nothing. Still it was worth more to him than all the precious gems in the world.
He had opened it to the first page, and just sat, staring, lost in the writing on those panels:
Happy birthday to my number one assistant,
And here’s some hugs and kisses for my little brother.
Five to celebrate your age.
XoXoX
Your big sis,
Twilight Sparkle
His eyes were hooded over with despair, no longer able to cry; having shed tears non-stop since that day. For ten years, he had been invisible; ignored by the creatures of Ponyville. Or perhaps he had fallen so far into the abyss their words could never reach him. His eyes still watered but nothing fell from them.
It wasn’t fair! Twilight; his big sister, his best friend was dead, and he never knew why. Now he sat, day in and day out, drowning in the last memory he had of her. Stay here Spike; I don’t want you to get hurt and I have a feeling this isn’t going to be a simple talk. I promise when I get back we’ll go to Sugarcube Corners for a hayburger; my treat.
He just wanted to know why. Why did she have to die? If only he could know what happened that day; maybe he could move on. Maybe he could feel again. Maybe he could live again.
“Her mane was violet, an' her fur was a shade of lavender…”
Spike looked up, his eyes wide with recognition. Twilight? He began to listen as Applebloom continued her harrowing tale, the faintest hint of color starting to show upon his scaly tail.
Pinkie sat there, stunned as the memories flooded back. The whole scene of that moment, hit like a cupcake to her empty stomach; hard. Holding her head in her hooves, she began to whimper.
“We didn’t know. I’m so sorry Applebloom; we just didn’t know.”
***
Ten years ago ***
Any semblance of possible Diplomacy was thrown to the wolves as the seven entered the cavern. Rainbow and Rarity sat down in numbed shock, their eyes staring at the mutilated corpses of their loved ones.
“Scootaloo...Nonononono-”
“S-Sweetie? Sweetieeeeeeeee!”
Pinkie watched as the two broke down in hysterics, but she didn’t focus on them for long; she was fighting her own demons. There on the wall were strewn what was left of Mr. and Mrs. Cake. and Maud. Her throat went dry, it had suddenly gotten harder for her to breathe.
“Not her. Not her. NOT HER!”
Twilight stood stock-still as her eyes stared up towards the mutilated form of her mentor. It was hanging like some macabre three-pronged chandelier comprising of hers, Discord’s and Luna’s slain bodies. Starlight stood nearby and watched as the tears welled in her eyes and reached out to her.
“Twilight we-”
“No.”
Twilight shook her head as the tears fell, her voice conveying her pain, but her words were firm with resolve.
“You always have to be right don’t you, Celestia? Just once, couldn’t you be wrong? Couldn’t you be wrong just once, for me? No of course not, the good of all and all that. Now is not the time-”
Glaring at the smirking form of Chrysalis before them, Twilight continued her thoughts in an almost snarling tone. “That comes later. Pinkie; you and-”
“Applebloom!”
Twilight moved swiftly. As Applejack tensed to break into a run, the unicorn stepped in front of her.
“You and Pinkie take the left tunnel to the side. Rainbow and Rarity will take the right tunnel. Head to the dungeon and see if any survivors are still there.”
Applejack stared in disbelief at Twilight.
“Ya’ can’t be serious mah sister-”
She found herself cut off as Twilight barked at her. The unicorn’s eyes held a fury that Pinkie had never witnessed before.
“I gave you an order. Pinkie is going to need muscle and you’re the strongest we got. Now move your flank. Fluttershy, Starlight and I will see to Applebloom.”
“But-”
A deep exhaling of breath caused Pinkie to turn and look at Starlight. The lilac colored unicorn stepped towards Applejack and spoke in a soft voice. “Do you not trust us?”
“Ah do Mrs Starlight, but-”
“But nothing. The mission comes first, and you have your orders-”
Starlight’s eyes softened. “Applejack, you don’t want to go over there. Trust me.”
Applejack turned to look at Twilight, only to see tears falling down her face as she stared at the dirt.
“Please AJ, go with Pinkie. We’ll take care of her.”
Applejack was in tears but as a member of the Special Forces, she was an elite first and foremost. It took everything she had to stop her from charging forward. Starlight was right, though; the mission comes first. Her throat suddenly dry, Applejack managed to swallow her impulse and instead gave a shaky salute.
“Yes Ma’am. Pinkie, on mah six.”
Twilight still stood, head lowered; tears dripping onto the dirt as the two left. Rainbow and Rarity had already started their reconnaissance. As Pinkie started down the stone corridor steps behind Applejack, she heard Starlight whisper to Twilight.
“You know she’s already-”
Twilight’s reply was the last thing Pinkie heard before venturing down the tunnel.
“Yeah, I know Starlight, but I couldn’t let AJ see that. We were too late. To save any of them. My heart feels like it’s been ripped from my chest and right now, I feel like breaking something-”
Twilight looked up with a broken smile at Chrysalis and laughed hollowly as she finished.
“You wanted our attention, Chrysalis? I have some bad news for you. You got it.”
***
5 minutes ago
***
“I had never seen anythin’ like it. After fightin’ tooth an’ hoof, th’ purple Unicorn an’ th’ yellow Pegasus found themselves helpless against Chrysalis’s magic. Th’ stone had negated the Unicorn’s own magic and soon they found themselves down a pony; Starlight lay upon th’ stone floor. They were being quickly overwhelmed; it wouldn’t be long until they too would fall. With desperation in her eyes, th’ purple unicorn turned towards th’ pale yellow Pegasus an’ apologized to ‘er, before telling ‘er-”
Pumpkin sat there, morbidly enthralled by the sad tale. As she listened, that gentle voice; that quaint accent, it took her there. She could almost see it happening; that awful day and the events that unfolded.
Unbeknownst to her however, outside the window two pairs of furry ears were listening now. They weren’t considered citizens of Ponyville, but ten years ago they were beloved to the point of being well known. Angel bunny and the only survivor of Fluttershy’s cabin; a bear sat beneath the window sill, listening to what had become of their Pegasus Pack Leader. Their proud Mama. Like those previously encaptured by Applebloom’s words, their eyes welled with tears and their fur was dingy and dull. Their eyes held no life.
They had been trudging by when their overly sensitive ears heard her voice and so they sat down to listen to Fluttershy’s fate, something they desperately desired to know; no matter how much it could hurt.
***
Ten years ago
***
Twilight had turned to grab Fluttershy’s head in her hooves and she whispered tenderly to her.
“I’m so sorry, there’s no other way, please forgive me on the other side Fluttershy.”
The eyes of Fluttershy watered in fear as Twilight’s gaze hardened, forcing the Element of Kindness to stare into her eyes.
“Your brother, mother and father are dead.”
Her words were cold and harsh, but carried a matter-of-fact tone about them. Fluttershy trembled as she heard them. Twilight wasn’t done, however.
“The lovely animals you nurtured since birth; your babies are dead. Their fur and bones now lay as decorations on that cavern wall.”
Fluttershy’s eye began to twitch as she attempted to pull herself free of Twilight’s grasp, to no avail.
“Stop it! Stop it Twilight!”
One more. Just one more thing would set her off, and then-
“Fluttershy-”
Grabbing her friend's muzzle, she forced Fluttershy to stare upwards, into the unseeing eyes of the one she loved more than life itself.
“Your fiance, Discord; the one you finally opened up your heart to, the one who finally proposed-”
“Nononono…”
Twilight’s words cut like a knife. Right into her heart.
“Is dead. And that laughing, grinning Changeling over there, killed them all.”
Letting go of Fluttershy, Twilight stepped back and the Pegasus began to spasm; her eyes twitched and narrowed, her glare full of her unbridled rage.
Chrysalis had stood there in morbid curiosity watching as the scene had played out and now began laughing haughtily.
“Are you so broken by the loss of your dear Princess that you would break your own team mates heart before you die? You ponies are so pathetic. Hahahaha-"
And she was still laughing, when the enraged hoof of Fluttershy shattered her muzzle.
“Th' Pegasus was fierce, hitting with all 'er might and even knocking Chrysalis ta th' ground. She was like a wild animal in 'er frenzy, 'er strikes were powerful, but uncontrolled and reckless. Unfortunately, it didn’t take Chrysalis long ta figure that out and th' poor Pegasus stood no chance against 'er magic…”
Pumpkin could see it, all of it, as Applebloom’s almost angelic tone reached her ears. The picture of that battle becoming clearer with each syllable uttered. However, what she saw wasn't what she heard. As the battle played out, it began to shift, almost as if her own memories were involved.
***
Ten Years Ago
In Pumpkin’s Mind
***
Chrysalis was flung to the ground as the pale yellow Pegasus pummeled her roaring out loud her agony.
“I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you!
The yellow Pegasus’s fur changed to a bright orange, the mane shifted in tone from light to a dark pink. Pumpkin watched; stunned, as the iconic butterflies of the Element of Kindness changed to the image of a shield featuring a winged-lightning bolt. Her form seemed to grow smaller as well. Her voice took on a slight rasp as she bellowed in rage.
“How dare you do that to Rainbow Dash!”
Scootaloo hit Chrysalis with everything she had. Blow after blow rained down onto the Changeling Queen. Though she too, began to change. From the nape of Chrysalis sprouted a flowing black mane. The eyes of the Queen took on a strange aura of purple as they glowed brightly with a bright green. Chrysalis started laughing, and rose to her feet, unaffected by the subsequent blows. Her body shrunk in size and the holes within her legs filled in with an inky blackness. Tearing her eyes from the strange sight as Chrysalis’s torso became encased in a silvery armor, Pumpkin stared in horror at the cave wall.
The wall was no longer that of a cavern rock, but of a Crystalline design. Rainbow Dash lay, pinned and unmoving; a crystal spike jutting through her torso. Next to her was…
No. Nonono. NO! There before her eyes wasn’t the Cakes, but instead there lay Pinkie Pie. Her eyes unseeing and her limbs pierced by the same strange, glowing crystals.
Looking back to the scene, Applebloom was no longer the corpse on the ground. Instead, there lay Applejack; her throat slashed. And there next to her stood Sombra, still laughing as he blasted Scootaloo point-blank in the face with dark magic. YOU!
Applebloom stood where Twilight had stood, yelling towards Diamond Tiara.
“We don't have much time! Quick! Find some way ta activate that thing! Ahm’a go an’ help Scoots!”
Diamond Tiara stood off to the side intensely analyzing the Crystal Heart; a legendarily magical artifact of the Crystal Empire.
It was then she saw it. Pumpkin watched as Rarity, in a rage stormed from the opening, alongside Sweetie Belle and the last Princess; Flurry Heart. Before her eyes, Rarity changed into her. And suddenly it was Pumpkin, not Rarity; screaming at Sombra.
“My brother’s corpse is not a flag for your standard, you scum!”
Recklessly, Pumpkin watched herself charge Sombra; horn aglow with magic. Scootaloo blinked as Applebloom had used the amulet around her neck to create a shield; blocking Sombra’s shadowy blast and saving her life. Pumpkin noticed all the fillies present wore such amulets. What in the… But as she stared at herself running forward in rage, Pumpkin saw Applebloom turn towards the image of her.
“Stop! Pumpkin, don’t go near him! Look out!”
Applebloom charged towards her and suddenly there was a flash of purple and…
…
Present Day
…
Pumpkin’s skull pounded as she grabbed her head. What was that? Arggh! My head!
Her eyesight seemed blurred, was that a pharmaceutical bottle by Applebloom’s hooves? What? Applebloom continued talking though now her voice seemed different. It sounded worried, concerned even. As she spoke Pumpkin watched as the walls around them slowly melted revealing a graveyard with countless tombstones behind them. And next to it was a shimmering river.
“Ya have ta listen to meh Pumpkin, your time is running out! You have ta go back! It’s not your fault!”
Applebloom had tears streaming down her face as she shouted at Pumpkin to go back. That warm conversation had all been a creation of Pumpkin’s mind. As Pumpkin wallowed in her own despair Applebloom had desperately been trying to reach her; to break through the mental dellusion Pumpkin’s own denial had created. There was no diner, there was no warmth. Having finally broken through her shield of lies, Applebloom’s voice could finally be heard.
“It wasn’t your fault! Let me go!”
Let me go. The words echoed in the recesses of Pumpkin’s mind as an image flashed past her eyes. Pumpkin with Applebloom; the two sharing a milkshake. Let me go... No, I can’t, not again!Let me go...I remember! APPLEBLOOM! I’m so sorry. Because of me, you’re- It wasn’t your fault!
Her head was throbbing with pain as she stood there, shaking her head violently; in a desperate attempt to stop the echoes.
“Argggh! Make it stop! Make the pain stop! Why does it hurt so much? Help me!”
Applebloom grabbed Pumpkin in a hug as the latter began to violently shake.
“Go back Pumpkin, it’s not too late. Please stop chasing me and go back.”
Pulling away, while her body was wracked with unbearable chills, Pumpkin stuttered.
Pumpkin stared at Applebloom, who was no longer wearing her hat; in fact the hat was nowhere to be seen. Applebloom shook her head and held up the pharmaceutical bottle.
“Yer veins are coursing with this poison. Your brain is shutting down an’ yer heart is stopping. Pumpkin, you are dying. That pain is your nerves screaming as they burn with an overload o’ medicine. Pumpkin go back, we’ll meet again! Go back. After all, didn’t Ah promise you?”
“P-Promise?”
Her eyes opened wide as the realization dawned. The world had begun fading away as she screamed her name into the darkness.
“Applebloom!”
And then the darkness swallowed her whole.
***
The True Present Day
***
Pumpkin lay unable to move, unable to see in the hospital bed. She couldn’t hear anything but the buzzing in her ears as she involuntarily shivered from an icy cold gripping her body. She was alive, though her body refused to respond to her; her eyes had opened, but she didn’t see anything except the memories flowing through her mind.
The fight with Sombra years ago, with her, Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara and Flurry Heart. That’s right, the Elements conquered Chrysalis and fell to Sombra. The Princesses had summoned us and gifted us with the Elemental Medallions of Harmony. It was a brutal fight. And when my rage got control of me, once blasted by his fear magic; Applebloom took a blast meant for me. That’s when she-
Another scene appeared in her mind: Applebloom, lying on the ground of the remains of Ponyville as Pumpkin cradled her.
***
Ten Years Ago
***
Coughing up blood, Applebloom whispered to her.
“I-It’s not *cough* y-your fault. L-live fer meh. And one d-day *cough cough* we’ll me-meet agin.”
With the last of her strength, Applebloom had reached up and undid the satin red bow in her mane and weakly pressed it to Pumpkin Cake’s heart.
“Until th- *cough* Until then, hold-hold onta this f-f-f-fer meh-”
As Applebloom’s eyes dimmed for the last time she uttered the final word.
“Sugarcube.”
***
Back in the Hospital
***
The cold was unbearable, try as she might she couldn’t move her hoof of her own volition. Her eyesight was slowly becoming grayer; no longer the sheer black it had been. She lay there lost in her own mind. That was when it started. The pain, the sheer agony. I turned to pharmaceuticals to ease my pain. A little at a time, just to feel it again; some form of joy. She would always greet me in that diner. But she wasn’t really there...Was she?
She winced as her nerves seemed to burn from the icy cold. Her ears were still buzzing, but she heard garbled sounds about her. I went to the bar and even hung out with our friends, but I couldn’t shake her memory.
The shivering wouldn’t go away but seemed to lessen. Strange blurry colors now filled her eyes one of them was a bright light. The sounds continued, though almost audible.
“Murdse…”
What was that? Pumpkin became distracted once more as the scene of her at Applebloom’s grave filled her mind.
***
5 years ago ***
Within the graveyard off to the east, in the hills of Ponyville, Pumpkin stood next to a small tombstone. In her hooves was the bottle of pills she had desperately clung to for the past five years. She whispered to Applebloom as she opened them up. On the grave were the words: Hold onta this fer meh, Sugarcube.
In front of the stone lay Applejack’s old stetson. She always loved that old hat. She could hear her, still; going on about her sister’s hat. Mah sis told me ta hold onto it, she’d be back. That was before we got th’ summons. Ah guess it’s mine now. No Ah won’t take it off! Gotta keep goin’ Ah promised. That warm voice had been like angels talking to Pumpkin, and now it was as though devils were torturing her with the memory.
“I can’t go any further. I’ve tried so hard to move on. I just- I just need to see you, to talk to you. Just once more. I. Need. You.”
Tilting the bottle, Pumpkin downed the contents quickly. The effect was instantaneous as her body collapsed upon the soft loamy ground. In her ears rang a loud shouting.
“Diamond! I found her. Quick somepony get a doctor!”
And then, she was in that diner where she had once shared a milkshake with Applebloom; with none of her memories. And then, she heard nothing more.
***
Present Day
***
She felt something wrap around her, as her hoof shivered and twitched weakly. She could just move it. While her hearing had become even clearer; she couldn’t make it out completely.
“Nurse, grab...she’s... convulsions.”
Something pressed down on her midriff and her eyes; still blurry, beheld the image of a mare in a white uniform looking into her eyes.
“Doctor...Her eyes!”
Trembling, Pumpkin desperately tried in vain to move her hoof; but to no avail. The cold was slowly subsiding and her stomach began to growl. It hurt, and she felt so weak. It had been several minutes since she had returned to herself. Her mouth opened, but there was no sound; try as she might to speak. The feeling was slowly returning to her limbs, little by little.
Just a little; just to feel again. But slowly the feeling got harder and harder to reach. So it required more and more each time. And then it just didn’t come and I got desperate. It felt like eternity. I was consumed by my desire to see you; at any cost.
“Nurse, get the Princess, she’s awake!”
Pumkin’s body twitched as she tried to will her hoof to listen to her. She could feel it again, but she couldn’t move it. Her limbs felt limp. She stared ahead; able to blink but not move her own head. Her lips moved easily now, but her voice wouldn’t come.
It wasn’t long until a flash of pink out of the corner of her eye, shined. A familiar face of a pink Alicorn stared into her eyes. On her head she wore the Royal Crown of Canterlot, her voice warm and tender. That mane, those colors...Cadence?
“Can you hear me, Pumpkin?”
Once more Pumpkin tried to speak only to issue forth a gurgle. She watched the Alicorn turn to speak to a pony she couldn’t see; listening as another familiar voice reached her ears. This one was raspy and resembled....Rainbow Dash? No...She-Who is that?
“We came soon as we got the word. How is she Princess Flurry Heart?”
Little Flurry? No...No way. How long have I been...?
“Her eyes are open, Scootaloo, but she is still in shock according to the doctor.”
A white unicorn filled her vision as Pumpkin felt something heavy on top of her; it was a hug. The unicorn had tears falling from her eyes as she wailed.
“We thought we lost you forever!”
Trying to remember that face, that mane style...Rarity...No that voice...Sweetie Belle!
Once more, Pumpkin moved her lips and her voice came forth though it sounded cracked and strained.
“I’m sorry...to have worried you...Sweetie. Belle. Flurry, I’m so sorry. Forgive me, girls.”
Straining, she managed to lift her head just a little as a new pony walked into the door. Dressed in a business suit, a Pink Earthpony, with a coiffed mane strolled into the room speaking in a snooty accent.
“This better be good, my meeting is in-”
Upon seeing Pumpkin staring at her with a weak smile; the Earthpony ran up to her and gave her a massive hug whispering just loud enough for all to hear. Her voice no longer cold; it nearly broke with how choked up she was.
“You! You idiot!...You have no idea how much we missed you. I’m so glad you’re okay.”
The tears streamed down her face as Pumpkin recognized her and whimpered.
“I-I’m sorry Diamond.”
“You better be. I swear Pumpkin; you do that to us, to me again and I’ll kill you myself.”
Her words seemed harsh but her tone told how relieved she was.
Reaching into her pocket, Diamond Tiara pulled out a cell phone. Opening it, she began to talk to a frantic sounding voice on the other side.
“Cancel the meeting...No, I’m not crazy, you listen here you-”
While Diamond argued with her contact, the doctor pulled the Princess to the side.
“Your Majesty, after five years in a coma, her body has severe apathy. She will need to stay at the hospital and attend therapy for the next few months. It’s not a cheap practice.” “After what she did, we’re lucky we didn’t lose her completely. A few extra months is nothing; add it to my bill. Just make sure she returns to us with a smile, and while you’re at it, have a counselor work with her and make sure she’s doing alright. I don’t care about the cost. I’ll sell my family heirlooms, if need be. Make it happen.”
Flurry Heart turned back to the bed where Scootaloo was telling a joke to make them all laugh, and Pumpkin weakly clapped her hooves together. Diamond still angrily ranting on her phone; stopped to give a grateful smile, before finally shouting.
“Listen here, reschedule the meeting. Do I care if they go elsewhere? No! Why would I? I own every major retailer in Equestria. Listen, this is really important, cover for me. I’ll buy you a milkshake afterwards. Yeah, I love you too. Thanks honey. I’ll be home around 8.”
Flurry Heart smiled at the scene.
“We couldn’t be there for her then, we are here now.”
***
50 years later
***
Pumpkin lay, withered and wrinkled in the same hospital bed. In her mane rested a faded, torn, worn down satin red ribbon. She weakly looked around her. Beside her, sat her son in a chair with a small filly bouncing on his knee while the mother watched; smiling. I remember when he was adopted, so small; now such a proud stallion. I’ve never been more proud than that day in the nursery when his wife gave birth.
Diamond’s daughter wore the same business suit her mom had worn, so many years ago. Just like her mom, cutthroat in business, but always there for her friends. Who would’ve thought she’d marry my son? Couldn't ask for a better daughter-in-law. Sweetie Belle’s Granddaughter sat in her mama’s lap as the mare watched her suck on a rattle. Your mother would have been so proud Rosemary.
Nearby Princess Flurry Heart played checkers with her son; both wearing bright smiles. I’ve gotten older, and she still looks as innocent as the day we met. After her eye-opening incident Pumpkin Cake had led a blessed life. She had reached for the stars and worked hard to achieve her goals; having re-opened her mother’s bakery as a diner. The Sugarcube Diner had served all sorts of sweets and dishes but the signature it had been known for; was none other than the Appleshake. The Apple-flavored Milkshake had been a huge success.
She had adopted her son and taught him all about the perfect cupcakes and cookies her mom had once baked; watching as his eyes lit up. Who knew he would wind up taking over the family business with his wife, no less.
Turning her head she watched the daughter of Sweetie Belle gently pass her little filly to the aged form of Scootaloo who accepted her with a slight trembling in her hooves.
“Why don’t you give Grandma some love? Here you go, mom.”
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, never saw two prouder parents when their daughter graduated. I still remember the shock when she said she was pregnant. Thought Sweetie Belle was gonna need a drama couch. Heh. I’ve had a good life. And now-
Her eyes slowly fluttered before closing; a warm grin on her face. Her thoughts were quieted as she found herself in the darkness once more. A light appeared in the distance, which she began running towards. Tears welled in her eyes as a voice from the past greeted her once more. That warm, lovingly angelic voice from so many years ago:
“Hey Sugarcube, Ah came ta getcha, just like Ah promised. Thanks fer holdin' onta mah ribbon fer meh.”
