> Darkness Abound
>  by thefulkboy1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 1-Applejack
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Applejack had just gotten over the death of Big McIntosh when she learned Applebloom had fallen ill. It had to be expected, of course. With the poor girl going to school in that hell of a town that was once Ponyville. Now it was… Applejack didn’t even know what to call it. It was some type of slum, a ghetto of sorts. Filled with bastards who were always looking for money, booze, or sex. She always tried to avoid it, ever since Twilight and Rarity had left and moved to Canterlot. Pinkie Pie was still there, of course. There was no way she was going to get out of that town. Applejack was lucky to have the farm, a place where she and Applebloom could escape to. But the young pony had to continue her education. She was almost done with her last few classes, then she could graduate. After that she could move to Canterlot and pursue her dream of being a librarian alongside Twilight. The day Applebloom got her cutie mark would be forever engraved into Applejack’s mind. She had come home, after a long day of school, sporting what appeared to be a pen and ink. She explained to Applejack how she had been trying to write an essay, when the entire thing just seemed to come to her. A couple of hours later, she began to read so many books, and a few minutes later, her cutie mark appeared. She had been so proud of herself that day. Applejack had been proud, too, but her grief over the sudden death of Big McIntosh just days after he had joined the royal guard. Applejack had lost the entire family throughout the years, whether through death, disappearance, or simply the fact that they left to find more fertile land. No matter what had happened to the others, only Applejack and Applebloom were left, and the youngest would be leaving soon.
That’s when Applebloom came home from school early, disoriented, weak, and vomiting.
Applejack was scared. If she couldn’t get enough money to help her poor filly, then she was done for. No one had bought her fresh produce for weeks. She was running out of time, money, and hope. As much as she hated to admit it, she needed help.
So, three days after Applebloom became ill, Applejack decided to visit Pinkie Pie.
She was afraid to enter Ponyville, to witness what it had become. But she had to, for Applebloom’s sake. So she packed a few bags, gave Applebloom the last of their medicine, and set out into the ghetto that was Ponyville.
The town, as Applejack had feared, had taken a sharp turn for the worst. The massive technological advances they had made in the past sixteen years were going to waste. The largest misuse of these were the weapons. Everypony had one on them, whether it was a gun, blade, or some other type of contraption. The rotting bodies that littered the dusty streets had a few blades imbedded in them. Some had bullet wounds. But none of them looked natural. None.
Applejack finally reached Sugarcube Corner, where Pinkie Pie worked. She was alone in the business, since Mr. and Mrs. Cake had abandoned the place to live in Canterlot. The building, which was once small and bright, was now one of the largest buildings in Ponyville, towering at over twice its original height. Smoke rose from the chimney that sat at the top, adding to the grime that covered Ponyville like a blanket.
Applejack entered the shop, and was immediately bombarded by smoke and the loud noises of machinery. She coughed and sputtered, waving a hoof to drive the dark cloud away. Nopony should have to live like this, not even Pinkie Pie.
Around the shop sat dozens of untouched pies, cookies, cakes, chocolates, and other various sweets. As Applejack examined them more closely, she saw that about half of them had mold growing, and nearly all of them were caked with a film of dust and ash. No wonder ponies didn’t buy Pinkie’s once delicious goods.
There was a crash, a rather loud pop, and out stumbled Pinkie Pie. She was covered in grease and grime, and wore a loosely fitting blue and white striped garb, not unlike what rail workers would wear. Her hair was a mess, something anypony would have made a fuss about back in the day. But now, no one really seemed to care.
Pinkie glanced at Applejack, and said, “Who’reyawhatdoyawant?”
She had obviously been drinking.
Applejack tried to smile kindly, but she just couldn’t bring herself to do so in front of such a pathetic creature. Of course, Applejack herself probably didn’t look too great, either.
“Um… Pinkie Pie?” Applejack began uncertainly. She was worried the pink pony might throw some of her rotten food at her. “It’s me, Applejack. Do ya remember me?”
Pinkie Pie stared at Applejack through the smoke. “Applesmack? No, I don’t think I know anypony by the name of Applesmack! But I did know a pony named Applejack.” She shook her head woefully. “Oh, I miss those days. We used to party all night long, and we would have so much fun, and-“
“Pinkie Pie!” Applejack yelled. “It’s me, APPLEJACK!”
Pinkie glanced up at her, trying to process what she had just heard, then squealed. “Oh, boy! It is you, Applejack! But where’d Applesmack go? I was about to offer her a pie and-“
“Pinkie, that was me!” Applejack said, exasperated. ‘There was no Applesmack!”
“Oh,” Pinkie Pie shrugged. “Well, how’re ya, Applejack?”
“Not good,” Applejack sighed, walking over to Pinkie. “The past ten years have been rough on me and Applebloom.”
“Oh really?!” Pinkie stood so close to Applejack, she could smell the alcohol on her breath. “How rough? Because I tell you, they’ve been rough on me, too.”
Applejack stared at the ground. “Applebloom… Applebloom’s dyin’, Pinkie.”
Pinkie started, staring at Applejack. “Whaaat? How? Since when? Tell me everything!”
“Well, there’s not much to tell,” Applejack responded. “About three days ago, she came home from school early. And she’s not getting better, either.”
“What do ya need, Applejack?” Pinkie Pie questioned her friend. “I’ll give you what you need! Just tell me!”
“Money, Pinkie,” Applejack sighed, her head drooping to the mucky floor. “And a lot of it.”
Pinkie seemed to sag as well. “Oh, dear…” She kept her eyes averted from Applejack’s worried gaze. “I’m sorry, that’s the only thing I can’t give you.”
Applejack sighed. “Th-that’s alright, Pinkie Pie,” she murmured, trying to speak passed the lump in her throat. “I just…”
A tear hit the floor.
The door suddenly flew open, and in walked a grey pony wearing a green cloak, the hood of which covered his eyes. He stood taller than both Applejack and Pinkie Pie, though he looked much younger than them. He sauntered passed them, ignoring them completely. Then, once he reached a table stacked with sweets, he grabbed the bottom and flipped it over, scattering the moldy food.
“Hey! What the hell?! Who do you think you are?!” Pinkie screeched at the stranger. He turned and stared at her.
“Someone you don’t want to anger,” he responded coolly. Without speaking, he trotted over the where Applejack was standing and dropped a large sack filled up to the brim with gold coins in front of her. “This should be enough to get a cure for your young one’s disease. In fact, there should be enough to get you enough food for a few months, maybe even a cheap weapon.”
“Th-thanks,” Applejack stammered, staring at the money. Who is this pony? How did he get all of this money? 
The mysterious pony smiled. “No need. I am always willing to help those in need.” He took a step back. “And now, let me introduce myself. I am Stormfax, son of Eqilarous. And I need your help.”

> 2-Rainbow Dash
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rainbow Dash was bored.
She had just finished cleaning up a bar fight in Fillydelphia, a normal occurrence these days, and she now had nothing to do. Nothing except watch the sad little ponies down in Ponyville as their dismal lives dragged on. Dash was keen on watching Pinkie Pie, mostly because they had been good friends once upon a time. But now… now, they never even spoke. None of them spoke. Dash occasionally saw Twilight Sparkle during her many strolls around the castle grounds, and Rarity had a shop near the center of Canterlot. Fluttershy had disappeared a few years back, muttering to herself about evil and “darkness abound”, whatever the hell that meant. And Applejack… Rainbow Dash hadn’t seen Applejack ever since she had joined the Equestrian Guard to protect their genius ruler, King Eqilarsous. That pony was a master of nearly everything, accept books, which is why he had hired Twilight. Twilight had been so excited, she left immediately, only saying goodbye to everypony once. That day, when Rainbow Dash returned to Canterlot for some much needed rest, she got the news that Scootaloo, her student, had been killed. 
“By who?” Dash had asked. She wished she hadn’t.
The authorities had reason to believe that it was the Wonderbolts, or at least a small group of them, who beat and murdered Scootaloo. Rainbow Dash couldn’t believe it. The Wonderbolts had been her idols, and joining them was the only thing she had ever worked for. So she couldn’t believe it. She just couldn’t.
Until they vanished.
Dash awoke three days after the death of Scootaloo, refreshed and ready to start anew. She heard a knock on her door. It was Fluttershy. She looked as if she hadn’t gotten any sleep at all.
“The Wonderbolts are gone, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy had said. That was it. No explanation, no other words. Fluttershy descended down through the clouds and back to her little cottage before Dash could even utter a word.
At first, Rainbow Dash didn’t know what to think. Then rage began to boil inside her. Her idols had killed Scootaloo and abandoned their duties in Equestria. And so Dash no longer wanted to be one of them. After pacing angrily in her house for a few hours, Rainbow Dash decided on how she would handle the situation.
Two hours later, she was happily patrolling the streets of Ponyville, proudly presenting the crest of the royal guard.
That was nine years ago. Now, with the rest of the rebellion dying off and the technological advances slowing to a steadier rate, Rainbow Dash had nothing to do but stare at her old friend from afar.
After a few minutes of staring at the dusty streets of Ponyville, Rainbow Dash began to tinker with her newly acquired weapon. It was a bronze bullet shooter, as the inventors called it. Commoners called it a gun. The machine was hoisted onto her back, the trigger attached to her right wing. If she was ever in need of it, she could simply flex that one muscle, and bronze pellets would rain hell on anyone who dared go near her. On her side was another weapon, a diamond blade. Unlike with the gun, she could hold this weapon with her hoof. The special silver three-fingers-and-thumb attached to her hooves made using these much, much easier. Guns, however, weren’t believed to be stable enough to be held with a hoof. So they were placed on the back, side, or neck, depending on which race of pony you were.
Rainbow Dash, hearing a sudden yell, turned her head toward Ponyville. That was odd. Usually, ponies didn’t get the chance to scream before they were killed or raped.
“RD!” somepony called out to her. Rainbow Dash turned toward the voice and saw Twist, running up to meet her. Twist had gone from a geeky schoolgirl making candy to… well, a badass fighter. She learned how to use the newly invented weapons quickly, and she and Rainbow Dash quickly became partners.
“What is it, Twist?” Dash asked the younger pony. “Did something happen?”
“There’s this pony going through Ponyville giving the poor gigantic bags of money! Following him was Pinkie Pie and Applejack, but that’s not the important part. No, the important part is that, when he was told to stop by one of the guards, the pony simply pulled out a diamond blade and sliced the guard’s head off!” Twist explained. When she was finished, she took a deep breath and sighed.
Rainbow Dash tensed. Pinkie Pie and Applejack were with him? This wasn’t looking good.
“C’mon, Twist,” she said, lifting herself off the ground. “We’re going to catch that bastard and bring him to justice!” She took of down to Ponyville, with Twist following at a much slower rate.


“Hey, you!” Rainbow Dash yelled to the stranger. “What gives?! Why’re you killing our guards?!”
The pony turned. A green cloak covered his eyes. He smiled. “Rainbow Dash, is it? I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Who the hell are you?” Dash questioned the pony.
“That’s what I asked him!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, appearing from behind the stranger. “He says his name is-“ Pinkie was suddenly pulled back and muffled by the one, the only, Applejack. She smiled apologetically at Rainbow dash.
“Hey, Dash,” she said. “How have you been?”
“Applejack?” Rainbow Dash murmured. “You look… terrible.”
“Yes, that’s what tends to happen to those who are not accepted by my father.” The pony said to her.
“You’re father…” Dash began. “Who’s your father?” But she should have already known the answer to that.
“I am Stormfax. My father is your king. Now, if you don’t mind coming with me-“
She flexed the muscle in her right wing.
A shower of bronze bullets shot towards Stormfax. He quickly but calmly pulled out a diamond blade and somehow deflected all of the bullets, and none of them hit the cowering civilians.
“I would ask you to stop that,” Stormfax said. “But I believe this will be too much fun to pass up. How about a fair fight, Rainbow Dash?” He pointed the tip of his blade at Dash’s gun. Dash hesitated, but decided on letting this criminal have his fun. He wouldn’t be alive for very long, anyway.
Rainbow Dash flexed a muscle in her right wing, and the gun collapsed into the armor on her back. She pulled out her own diamond blade and pointed it at the pony. “Fine then,” she said. “A fair fight.”
The two ponies circled the street, watching each other intently. Rainbow Dash knew that making the first move in any fight would surely lead to one’s downfall. But, apparently, so did Stormfax. They continued walking in circles until Stormfax smiled and said, “Remember Scootaloo?”
It was him. This was the bastard who had killed her student.
Rainbow Dash lunged at the damned pony, anger blinding her. Stormfax stepped to the side, and Dash hit the ground. Stormfax chuckled, nudging her with his blade.
“Scootaloo was killed by my father,” he told her. “And he framed the Wonderbolts. A few days later, he banished them. Don’t you see, Rainbow Dash? It was all a ploy to get you on his side. Because, without you, he would be weak.”
“I’m not sure I should take that as a complement,” Dash growled, standing. “But I will anyways, so thanks.”
“Any time.”
Rainbow Dash, seizing the moment, lunged at Stormfax, swinging her blade. Stormfax deflected the blow, and metal clashed against metal. Stormfax chuckled again.
“How’re you… so good with a blade?” Rainbow Dash questioned him, pulling back.
“Well, you see, I spent my days in the Foal Mountains training myself. I, for one, would have died from boredom if I hadn’t been so clever.”
“Why were you in the Foal Mountains?”
“Why do think?” Stormfax questioned. “I was, of course, exiled for being a threat to my father. Applejack’s brother could vouch for me, if only he were here.” Rainbow Dash glanced and Applejack, who had a face of sudden realization on her.
She again lunged at Stormfax, and this time the pony struck back. He managed to slightly cut her foreleg, and Rainbow Dash was able to ignore it. They continued exchanging blows, each one being blocked. Rainbow Dash was slowly getting angrier and angrier. If she didn’t kill this son of a bitch, then she may as well kill herself.
Suddenly, Dash struck Stormfax’s blade with such force that it knocked the weapon right out of his hoof. She hit him with the butt of the blade, and he finally collapsed. Dash pushed the tip of the blade against his neck.
“I’m going to enjoy this,” she snarled. “Any last words, you sick bastard?”
“Yes,” Stormfax said coolly. “Goodnight.”
Rainbow Dash stared at him quizzically, then a sharp pain sprouted from the back of her head, and she collapsed, darkness clouding her sight.

> 3-Fluttershy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Fluttershy, come near. Come closer, so I know you can hear.”
Fluttershy crept toward Zecora. The old pony had lived long past her life expectancy, as she had discovered. For nine years now, Fluttershy had been taking care of Zecora, because she had nothing to do. She sure as hell couldn’t go and attempt to overthrow Equilarsous. That idea was preposterous. So she ran away into the Everfree Forest, trying to escape the grasp of the evil king. She knew he was evil, because she felt it. It was like Pinkie Pie’s twitchy tail, except more important.
“My dear Fluttershy,” Zecora whispered. “I fear… tonight I will die.”
Fluttershy started. That was probably the first negative thing she had heard Zecora say for years! And how did she know she would die? She had hooked up all the machines, hadn’t she?
When she asked her about this, Zecora said, “Now, now, young one, do not be frightened. Instead, let your anger be heightened!”
What was she talking about?
“Wh… what are you taking about?” Fluttershy asked her.
Zecora smiled weakly. “You cannot hide your anger from me. Go and fight him, for you are stronger than he!” Fluttershy knew “he” meant Equilarsous, the evil king who had been ruling over Equestria for ten years. How could Fluttershy be stronger than and robotic unicorn? That was the reason she had ran. Fluttershy may have hated Equilarsous, but she didn’t have the strength to confront him. Not to mention the fact that Rainbow Dash, one of her longtime friends, was a royal guard, meaning she was loyal to the king. Fluttershy couldn’t bring herself to fight her.
Zecora moaned, thrashing around in her bed. Fluttershy rushed to her side, but the old pony brushed her away, saying, “Hide, my little pony. Once he has left, it will be you only.” Fluttershy glanced at the door, hearing a loud knock. If Zecora wanted her to hide, then it must have been something bad. So she obeyed, ducking under a table piled with books and potions.
The door flew open, and in walked a massive red pony with a metal foreleg. He stomped over to Zecora and stared down at her.
“My dear Zecora,” he growled. “You look like shit.”
“Equilarsous, you fiend!” Zecora muttered. “I curse you, you-“
Equilarsous stepped on her tail, making her words fade. “Now, let’s not get too hectic. You don’t want to hurt yourself, do you?” Zecora thrashed once again. Equilarsous was doing something to her, and Fluttershy knew it. She had to do something.
Making sure Equilarsous didn’t see her, Fluttershy reached up and grabbed a vile. Examining it, she saw that it had a greenish tint to it, which meant one thing. It was acid.
Fluttershy gripped the vile in a hoof, then, with all her might, threw it at Equilarsous’ face. It hit his blaring red robotic eye, making him flinch. As the acid began to eat away at the king, he roared, and backed away from Zecora. Fluttershy made her way out from under the table and began to take Zecora out of the bed.
“No, Fluttershy!” Zecora said, fighting out of Fluttershy’s grip. “Go! This is where my body must lie!”
“I’m not leaving you, Zecora,” Fluttershy growled. “You have to come with me!”
“GO!” Zecora roared, shoving Fluttershy with the rest of her strength. Fluttershy stumbled and toppled out a window. She landed in the grass and watched as Equilarsous made his way back into Zecora’s hut. There was a smash, and a crack. Then Equilarsous exited the hut, blood on his horn. He glanced around the front of the hut, and, seeing nothing, made his way out of the Everfree Forest.
After the king was a fair distance away, Fluttershy returned to the hut, and stared at Zecora’s mangled and bloody body. She was right when she said she would die. But Fluttershy would not leaveher in the hut to rot, or worse. So she grabbed the body and carried it away from the hut. Then she deposited it next to a tree and sighed.  Nine years of living out in the wild during the dark years of Equilarsous’ rule had hardened her. She was no longer a shy, weak Pegasus who cared for the small woodland creatures. Those days were over. Now, Fluttershy was a battle-ready warrior, thirsty for the blood of those who had cost her the peaceful life she once knew.
Fluttershy buried Zecora and briefly mourned her. Then returning to the hut, she found two silver blades and a gun. She strapped the gun onto her back, and placed the sheathed blades on the side of the straps, like Zecora had taught her. 
She vowed to kill every last bastard who supported Equilarsous, slowly and painfully. 
That’s when Fluttershy saw the two ponies. The first was a grey pony with a spiky red and green mane. He wore a green cloak that covered his eyes. The other was a bouncy pink pony with a curly mane. She wore a loosely fitting blue and white striped garb, not unlike what rail workers… Wait, was that Pinkie Pie? She was dragging somepony, a blue one with a rainbow mane… Rainbow Dash?!
Fluttershy watched as the ponies got closer, deciding not to kill them. Yet.

> 4-Applejack
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Applejack, having bought a cure for Applebloom’s disease, decided to leave Pinkie Pie and Stormfax and return to the farm, where she could help Applebloom recover. She still couldn’t get over what Stormfax had told them earlier, before Rainbow Dash had attacked.
“I hid in the mountains when Equilarsous disowned and banished me. For about six months, I wandered the seemingly empty terrain. I was, tired and hungry, and I had no clue on what to do. After those long months of helplessness, I finally collapsed and gave up… Until I saw a light, shining as bright as the sun.
“This light carried me to a shelter, deeper in the mountains than even I dared to tread, and fed me. It let me sleep for days, and when I finally awoke, I saw the graceful Princess Celestia, staring at me with a worried expression.”
“Wait,” Pinkie Pie had jutted in. “Why was Princess Celestia in the Foal Mountians? I thought she left with Luna to a different country to retire.”
Stormfax shook his head. “That’s what Equilarsous told you. In truth, he banished them, believing that, with enough force, they would leave the country and he would be able to rule without any trouble.
“But just the opposite happened. Celestia, after tending to Luna’s wounds, went throughout the country searching for ponies still loyal to her. When she had found a decent amount, they went into the Foal Mountains and created a colony, where they began to plan Equilarsous’ downfall. About a year later, another six months after I arrived, an elite group of fliers who called themselves the Wonderbolts appeared to the colony, telling them all that occurred while they were gone. Celestia and Luna had been angered by this. They wanted to begin a war, but one of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire, told them that the new king had made many technological advances, including weaponry. Celestia told me to go to Ponyville and acquire a few of these weapons. So I did.” Stormfax glanced around the shop, as if checking to see if they were being watched, and continued. “I collected about twenty blades and three guns, which were only prototypes at the time. The Wonderbolts, now fully accepted into the rebellion, began training us on how to use the weapons. Luna had been more than ready to learn, since she had wanted her revenge on Equilarsous ever since they were banished. Celestia, however, was less enthusiastic. She felt that fighting with weapons was wrong, that magic should be used. Spitfire then told her that the days of magic were coming to an end. So the princess reluctantly agreed to use the weapons.
“I trained with Luna, as we were both equally ready to fight Equilarsous. Spitfire herself trained us, and I immediately grew to like her. She was smart, and She knew a lot about Equestria. So, in between fighting lessons, she told me everything she knew, even why she and the other Wonderbolts were banished. No, they had not simply left. They had been framed for murder.” Stormfax paused to take a breath.
“So… who did they kill?” Applejack asked him.
“A young pony named Scootaloo,” Stormfax responded. Applejack gasped. Scootaloo was Rainbow Dash’s student… or had been, at least. “But they hadn’t killed her. Equilarsous had, and he framed them. Why, they didn’t know.”
“Equilarsous was trying to get to Rainbow Dash…” Applejack murmured. It made complete sense. If her student and role models were out of the way, then Rainbow Dash would have no choice but to do one thing- join Equilarsous.
“That’s probably correct.” Stormfax said. “Now, once Luna and I finished our training, we began to grow… attached to each other,” Was he blushing? “But… that doesn’t matter. What matters is that I’m back, and so the war has begun.”
Applejack finally arrived at the farm.  The place was nice and quiet, unlike the streets of Ponyville. But she still hadn’t gotten used to the eerie silence that had suddenly replaced the loud sounds of work. They hadn’t farmed in months, and nopony bought their goods… was this really the end of magic, and everything that went with it? Were machines and weapons really taking over? Applejack couldn’t see Equestria transforming into some type of industrial wasteland. But it was happening right before her eyes, so she had to accept it.
Applejack entered the house and yelled, “Applebloom, I have a cure! You can go to Canterlot now! You can-”
“Oh, welcome back, Applejack,” a doom, booming voice growled. “You took your time, to say the least.”
Applejack peered into the gloom. “Who… who’s there?” she asked timidly.
“No one, really. Just your fearless ruler.” The pony stepped out of the darkness, and Applejack saw that it was Equilarsous. He stood tall and bulky, with a glowing metal eye and a robotic foreleg. He had Applebloom on his back.
“What are you doing with her?” Applejack growled, tensing.
Equilarsous chuckled. “Taking her away from this…” he glanced around the room, looking for the right word. “…Place.”
“Why?”
“Because she is sick,” Equilarsous responded. “She needs real medical treatment. Besides, she’ll be leaving for Canterlot in a few days, won’t she? I see no reason why she can’t leave now.”
“She hasn’t finished her education yet,” Applejack snarled. “She’s staying here.”
“Why must you be so resistant? Don’t you trust me?”
“No, I don’t trust you. I know who you really are, Equilarsous. You banished you son, thinking he would die out there. But guess what? He’s back, and he’s ready to fight.” There was silence for a few moments, then Equilarsous smiled. He set Applebloom down and began toward Applejack. Once he was just a foot away from Applejack, he unsheathed a diamond blade and swung at her. Applejack pulled out a newly purchased bronze blade. The weapons clashed together, flinging sparks around the room.
“What’s this?” Equilarsous asked, genuinely surprised. “Who gave you that blade, pony?”
“Your son,” Applejack growled. “I also got a cure for Applebloom’s disease.” She swung the blade at Equilarsous, but he nimbly dodged it. He hit Applejack in the back of the head with the hilt of his blade, and she collapsed.
“Not even he can stop me, Applejack,’ Equilarsous said, placing Applebloom on his back.  “And you won’t be alive to tell him!” He shot a ball of fire from his horn, which caught the wooden wall on fire. He ran outside, disappearing from Applejack’s view. She smelled smoke, and finally passed out, only one thought flashing through her mind.
‘I'm sorry, Applebloom…”

> 5-Rainbow Dash
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rainbow Dash felt herself hit something, and she groggily opened her eyes. She was in some sort of room. It was dark, but she could tell by the rough surfaces that it was a room. Then it shook, jolting her awake. This wasn’t a room. It was a train cart.
Rainbow Dash stood but immediately fell again, she sight darkened for a few moments. When she fully regained consciousness, she heard a voice say, “You took a nasty blow to the head, Rainbow Dash. You should rest for a little bit.”
The pony glanced around the cart, trying to see into the darkness. But all she could see was emptiness. Hell, there probably wasn’t even anypony there. She was probably just imagining it.
Then the voice returned. “You probably don’t remember me, do you. Heh, I guess you wouldn’t.” The voice sounded female, but not like anyone she knew. “I’ve changed a lot. I can fight, Dash. So don’t try anything on me.”
“Who… are you?” Rainbow asked.
A light clicked on to reveal a yellow pony with a strawberry mane. She wore a gun harness, but not the same one the Rainbow Dash had. She also had a silver blade strapped to the harness.
It took her a minute, but Rainbow Dash finally recognized the pony. “Fluttershy?”
The pony smiled coldly. “That’s right, Rainbow Dash. I’m still alive.”
“But… what the hell is going on?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, pounding the floor of the cart with her hoof. “What happened to you? Where are we? Who was that cloaked pony?”
Fluttershy rubbed a hoof against her temple, an act she wouldn’t have done ten years ago. “Time did this to me, Dash. I’ve abandoned my job as caretaker and joined the Rebellion. We’re on our way to their headquarters right now. And I’ll let Stormfax explain everything else to you, once you calm down.”
“This is as calm as I’m going to get,” Rainbow Dash growled. “This ‘Stormfax’ has a lot of explaining to do.”
“Don’t worry, he’ll tell you everything you need to know. Later, of course. But now, you need to calm down and rest. I think we’re going to be here for a while.”

> 6-Stormfax
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	  Pinkie Pie would not shut up. Ever since they had found the Apple Farm burned to the ground and no pony inside, she had either been bawling, screaming obscenities, or just trying to get Stormfax to talk. He wouldn’t give in. All he did when Pinkie asked questions was nod, grin, or shake his head in frustration. The pink pony was annoying, to say the least.
Stormfax had sent Fluttershy off on a train with Rainbow Dash in tow. There hadn’t really been any good choice. If Pinkie Pie had gone, the train would have ended up exploding  or crashing into a mountain. If Fluttershy went, she would end up killing everyone and sending the train careening into some ditch. Stormfax decided to choose the latter, mainly because he didn’t want to be killed slowly and painfully by Fluttershy. He wasn’t quite sure he could trust her yet.
“HEY! ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?!?!”
Okay, maybe death would have been the better route.
Stormfax stopped and sighed, pressing a hoof against his forehead. “Hey, Pinkie,” he said. “DO you want to play a game?”
“OOOHHHH!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “I love games! What is it? Tag? Or… Hide and Seek? Or-“
“It’s a different kind of game,” Stormfax jutted in, cutting the pony off. “It’s called Keep Quiet. Whoever can stay quiet the longest wins.”
“Oh! I’ve played that game with my friends! I almost always win!”
“Good,” Stormfax muttered under his breath. “The game starts… now!” He began walking again, with Pinkie Pie following silently. Finally, Stormfax could hear himself think.
Stormfax decided to wait to find Twilight and Rarity, who were in the illustrious Canterlot, until the other three got settled in and were training. After that, he would return to Canterlot and find Rarity first. Then, with her in tow, he would take his chances and enter the palace, where his father was currently residing. Wait, not his father. His father was dead to him, just like he was dead to his father. No, Equilarsous was no longer related to Stormfax, and he liked it that way. It made it easier to hate him. Not like he didn’t hate him before.
When they entered the mountains, Stormfax began to sort out what he was going to do. First, he would introduce the Rebellion to Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. Then, he would take them to Celestia and Luna. Then, he and Luna would talk about what had gone on. Then, they would eat together. Then-
Celestia dammit! Stormfax growled to himself. Stop thinking about Luna! You have to think about the Rebellion! There are still two more ponies left to find! Wait, make that three. Applejack was still missing.
Stormfax sighed. Applejack had been the only sane one of the group, and she just had to disappear when Stormfax needed her most. He hoped she hadn’t been too late to save Applebloom. He could tell she loved her very much. He already knew who burnt the building down. That had been Equilarsous.
After another hour of pure silence, the duo reached the Rebellion camp. About 120 ponies were busy either building living quarters or training with weapons. They wandered through the camp, Stormfax keeping his head low, and Pinkie staring at everything that caught her eye. She gasped, and pointed at a few things, but otherwise stayed silent.
They finally passed through the camp and entered the cave that was Celestia’s own palace. Since they had been the first to arrive, Celestia and Luna had claimed the spacious cave as their new home. Until Luna began training. Then she left the cave and began living with Stormfax and the others. But mainly Stormfax.
“Stormfax!” Celestia exclaimed upon seeing the two ponies. She seemed to have shrunken a little since Stormfax saw her last… or was it just him? Stormfax wasn’t sure.
“Princess,” Stormfax said, bowing. He heard Pinkie shuffle her feet, and Stormfax growled, “Bow, you stupid little-”
“Good, you’ve brought Pinkie Pie,” Celestia said. “Now, why don’t you take off that dirty old cloak?”
“I… I don’t think I should,” Stormfax said, standing. Celestia regarded him, then nodded, saying, “Right, let’s wait. But now, when will you be able to get the others?”
Stormfax shrugged. “I’m not sure, Princess,” he said, staring at the ground. “I was hoping I could have some time to relax.”
Pinkie suddenly gasped. “WAIT! You talked! I won! Hehehehehe!” Pinkie began to jump around the cave gleefully. 
‘I swear, Pinkie, If I am ever alone with you, I will strangle you.’ Stormfax threatened to himself. ‘Elements of Harmony be damned.’
There was a crash, and Luna stumbled into the cave, glaring at Stormfax. “You couldn’t have just saved her for last, could you?” she growled, pointed at the cheery Pinkie Pie. “I don’t think you know how obnoxious she will be while you are out getting the other three.”
Stormfax grinned. “Well, I didn’t really want to go to Canterlot first thing, so I decided to go through Ponyville. I’m more comfortable there, anyways.”
Luna snorted. “Right. You’re not comfortable anywhere.”
“I’m comfortable here,” Stormfax responded, touching his nose with hers. Luna gasped and took a step back. Stormfax turned back to Celestia. “If you’ll let me, I’d like to stay here for a couple of days. That couldn’t do any harm, could it?
Celestia sighed, then nodded. “Alright, Stormfax. You can rest for two days. Then you must return to Canterlot and find the last three.”
Stormfax bowed. “Thank you, Princess.” He turned and exited the cave, Luna following him. When they were far from the cave, Luna rushed up to him and said, “Why did you do that?! Someone could have seen!”
Stormfax chuckled. “That was my greeting to you. And you worry too much.”
“No, I don’t. I worry like a princess should.”
“Right.” They trotted down the mountain side and to the colony below, where the train that was carrying Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash was just pulling in. “You think Rainbow Dash is awake yet?” Luna looked at him in bewilderment, as if it was a surprised that a royal guard had attacked him. The doors opened, and Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash stepped out. Fluttershy regarded the place with no reaction whatsoever, and Rainbow Dash looked frightened. Luna was about to go over and greet them, but Stormfax pushed her back, saying. “I don’t need you getting torn apart. I don’t think these ponies are the same as they were ten years ago.”
Luna sighed. “None of us are, are we?” She walked away, saying, “Same time, same place, right?”
Stormfax nodded. “Yeah, see you later.” He watched Luna disappear into the crowd and trotted over to the two newcomers. “Hey, Fluttershy, how was the ride?”
“Let me die in peace,” she growled, not even bothering to look at him. Ignoring Fluttershy’s reaction to his greeting, Stormfax turned to Rainbow Dash. 
“How are you feeling?”
Rainbow Dash stared at him, then started when she realized who it was. “You!” She charged at Stormfax and tackled him to the ground. The ponies around them stopped to watch. “What the hell is going on here?!?! Who are you? Where are we?”
“I’ll let Celestia explain that to you.”
Rainbow Dash grinned. “No, you won’t.” Her right wing twitched. She waited for a few moments, then glanced behind her. “What the…” She let out a screech.
“Sorry, I should have told you we confiscated your weapons when Applejack knocked you out. For safety purposes, you understand.”
“No, I don’t understand!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “I want answers NOW!”
Stormfax grinned. “And you’ll get them. Later. Now, get off of me.” Dash shook her head and there was the sound of metal sliding against metal.
Uh-oh.
Stormfax threw the Pegasus off of him, but Dash still managed to slice his chest. Stormfax stumbled in pain, and Rainbow Dash ran at him, brandishing the small blade. She sliced at him, but Stormfax managed to jump out of the way and push her with a hoof. He had been a fool to leave his weapons in the cave.
Rainbow Dash galloped at him again, getting in another cut on his left foreleg. Stormfax tripped over his hooves and fell, watching his blood drip on the ground. Why was nopony helping him?
Rainbow Dash stood above him and twirled the blade. “I’m not going to lose again.” She said, holding the blade up.
“No.”
Rainbow Dash was suddenly thrown to the side by magic. Stormfax looked to the side and saw Luna running towards him.
Dammit, not here!
“Stormfax, are you okay?!” she exclaimed, bending over him.
“Oh yeah, I’m great. Can I go get cleaned up now?”
Luna glared at Rainbow Dash. She pulled the knife out of her grasp and pointed at two onlooking ponies. “You two take her to Celestia. We don’t need anypony dying today.” She helped Stormfax up, and he heard Rainbow Dash say, “Princess… Luna?”
Luna turned to face her. “That’s right, Rainbow Dash. We are still here.” She and Stormfax began toward the nearly empty infirmary, with Rainbow Dash staring at them.
“Good job, Stormfax,” Luna growled. “Way to show her who’s boss.” 
“You princesses are the bosses here, not me,” Stormfax said through gritted teeth. “Now, can you stop harassing me? I’m kind of bleeding out here.” They trotted into the infirmary and one of the nurses rushed to meet them.
"He needs stitched up. Badly.” No shit, Sherlock, Stormfax growled to himself.
The nurse guided them to a bed, and Stormfax sat. To sum it up, it was painful for him, and probably joyous for Luna. Wait, scratch that. Luna looked terrified.
When the nurse was finished, she said, “He’s going to have to stay here for the night.” Luna glared at Stormfax, and he laughed sheepishly. “But he should be out tomorrow morning.”
“Oh, joyous news,” Luna said, sarcasm dripping from her voice. 
“You’re welcome to stay with him, if you would like.” Luna shook her head.
“No, I have a job to do. Princess of the night, and all.” The nurse nodded and trotted away. Luna glared at him and growled, “I don’t want you to die, not yet, at least.”
“You never want me to die,” Stormfax said, closing his eyes. “Let me sleep.”
“We were supposed to be out tonight.”
“Then go out and talk to Rainbow Dash about that,” Stormfax sighed. “It’s not my fault she’s a big bitch.”
“That’s not very nice.” Luna said. Stormfax decided to ignore her, and he soon heard her hoofsteps fade away. Stormfax fell asleep with her name on his mind.

> 7-Twilight Sparkle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Twilight dear, you really need to relax and go out tonight,” Rarity said as Twilight lifted the massive stack of books. “It isn’t good to work all day and night like you do.”
Twilight chuckled sheepishly. “No, I really have to finish this research for Equilarsous. But thanks for the offer. Maybe tomorrow.”
“You always say that. ‘Thanks for the offer. Maybe tomorrow.’ It’s almost as tiring as watching you work.” Twilight nodded, but she hadn’t really heard her. Rarity was right about one thing, though: Twilight Sparkle was tired, and she really needed her rest. But Twilight knew she needed to get the work done. She needed the money, and Equilarsous always needed something read, or something organized. He was terrible at those things.
“Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” Twilight sighed, opening the door with her magic. “Same time, right?”
“Yes, same time…” Rarity’s voice trailed off as she stared out the window. “On second thought, maybe you should stay here. Just for a few minutes, please?”
“Why?” Twilight asked, glancing outside. There wasn’t anything out of the normal. Just the normal rabble of life in Canterlot.
“Those… goons are back,” Rarity snarled, pointing a hoof at a group of large, tough-looking ponies. There were five of them, all equipped with some type of weapon. Their manes were all dyed blood red, with streaks of black through them. One of them, the largest and most menacing of the five, had a metallic leg and glowing red eyes. A cyborg.
Twilight stared quizzically at them, and Rarity said, “They call themselves the ‘True Royal Guard’. They cause so much mischief around here, I have to close my shop just to keep them away!” Rarity snorted and shook her head. “Their bad for business, I tell you. Oh… if only there was somepony who could stop them…” Twilight watched the five ponies for a few seconds and said, “I could talk to them if you want me to.”
“What?!?!” Rarity screeched. “Why would you do such a thing? Do you want to get killed? Or worse…” She shuddered.
“Don’t worry about me, Rarity, I’ll be fine.” Twilight set the books down and told Rarity to watch them for her.
“Watch them? Why don’t I just keep them?!” she cried, shooting away from the door. “Just keep them away from my store, Twilight!”
Twilight shook her head and stepped outside. The loud sounds of Canterlot filled her ears, almost deafening compared to the silence in Rarity’s shop. She began towards the five thuggish ponies when one of them noticed her and nudged the cyborg. He glanced at her and chuckled. As he began toward her, the other four followed behind him. He was obviously the leader.
“Well, well, well” the cyborg growled, stopping a few inches away from Twilight. “What do we have here? Some sexy pony lookin’ for a good time?”
“No, not at all,” Twilight said, smiling slightly. “I’ve just come to tell you that you aren’t welcome on this street.”
“Eh?” the cyborg glared at Twilight with his red eyes. “Says who? Some small, bitchy pony like you? ‘Cause I tell you, we ain’t gonna listen. Now get lost.”
“I don’t think so,” Twilight responded. “And I am not some small, bitchy pony. I am Twilight Sparkle, the royal librarian and personal friend of King Equilarsous.”
The cyborg snorted. “Equilarsous, eh? That bastard turned me into what you see standing before you.” Twilight stared at his leg. Had Equilarsous really done that? …No, the King wouldn’t do such a thing. He was a good pony, a brave pony. He wouldn’t do that.
He continued. “Tell me… how can you work for such a wretched creature?” He spat on the ground beside him and stared at Twilight. “Did he brainwash you like he did the entire land?” Twilight stared at the cyborg and shook her head. How could these ponies hate Equilarsous so much?
“Why… why are you talking about our king like that?”
The cyborg let out a roaring laugh. “Our king? Have you seen Ponyville recently? Have you seen how terrible it is compared to this place? Do you even remember what it was like?!” Twilight stared at the cyborg, a terrified expression on her face. Who was this pony? He pulled back and snorted. “No, of course you don’t, Twilight.  You left before anything happened. So did Rainbow Dash and Rarity. They’re just like you, I would guess. Stupid. Brainwashed.”
“Who… who are you?” Twilight questioned. “How do you know me and my friends?”
The cyborg sighed but said nothing. One of his buddies nudged him and said, “Just kill her, dude. She isn’t worth shit.” He glanced at the others, then bent down and whispered in Twilight’s ear, “Do you really want to know why I hate Equilarsous? He killed Cadence.” He turned to face his comrades. 
“Brothers, this is my sister, Twilight Sparkle. She is the one who saved our empire, and she can save it again.”
“What are you talking about?” one of the others piped up. “This bitch is your sister? The one with the baby dragon who saved the Crystal Empire from Sombra?”
The cyborg nodded. “She can help us, but we need to get her-“ His speech was cut short by the shouts of guards. There was a whistling noise, and two of the ponies fell to the ground, dead. The cyborg glanced to his left, saw a mass of guards flying toward them, and yelled, “No good! You two, get out of here! Twilight, follow me. You’ve been seen with us, so you’re dead to them.” The two remaining ponies surged away from the scene, and the cyborg galloped away. “Come with me, Twilight, or you’ll get killed!”
Twilight was deciding on not going with him, until a silver bullet whizzed past her, nearly hitting her face. They were shooting at her.
Twilight ran to catch up with the cyborg, who grinned and nodded when he saw her. “That’s good, Twi! You’re not a total loss!”
“Who are you!?” Twilight yelled.
“Isn’t it obvious?” the cyborg responded. “I’m your brother!” He jumped into the air, and something rose from his back. He wrapped his forelegs around Twilight’s body and she was lifted into the air. He was flying.
As they sped away from Canterlot, bullets flew past them, and a few Pegasus tried to grab them and pull them out of the air. But the cyborg managed to shake them, and they finally escaped their pursuers.
The cyborg lowered Twilight to the ground, and he landed gracefully. Twilight watched at the bronze jets folded neatly into his back.
“Shining Armor?” Twilight questioned him. He nodded, saying, “I know I don’t look the way I did, but that’s just what happens when you’re the enemy of a powerful ruler.”
Twilight noticed that his accent had changed. When she asked him about it, he said, “That was my street accent. I know I wasn’t exactly… nice to you, Twi, but that’s just how ponies treat each other these days.” Twilight nodded. She understood that. Lately, everypony was acting strange, treating each other wrong… she felt it had to do something with the sudden disappearance of Celestia and Luna, but Equilarsous had told her nothing was wrong, and she believed him.
He had been wrong, it seemed.
Shining Armor glanced to the north, toward the Crystal Empire. “We should get going, before Equilarsous learns of our presence.”
“Doesn’t he already know?”
Shining Armor grinned. “Twilight, there are a lot of things Equilarsous doesn’t know. Now let’s go.”

> 8-Applejack
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Applejack awoke to the smell of mint and the sound of a lyre. She lifted her head slightly and was blinded by a pain that sprouted from the back of her head. She collapsed again.
“Easy, Applejack,” a voice murmured. “You took a nasty blow to the head.”
“I’ll say,” somepony else cut in. The music was silenced, and there was the sound of hooves hitting a wooden floor. “Equilarsous smacked you pretty hard.” That voice… it sounded familiar. But who did Applejack know who played the lyre and spoke like that?
“L…Lyra?” Applejack stammered, forcing her eyes open. It was Lyra, holding her signature gold lyre, and grinning down at her. 
“Good morning, princess,” Lyra chuckled, taking a step back. Applejack raised her head and examined the room. A fire crackled in the right corner, and a table sat in front of it, with parchments, food, and other things piling it. So far, the only ponies that Applejack saw were Colgate and Lyra. She could hear others speaking in some other room, though.
“Where am I?” she question the duo, glancing at them.
“You’re safe. That’s all that matters.” Colgate responded. “How are you feeling?”
“Like crap. Colgate, what happened? Where’s Applebloom?”
“We didn’t see her. Only you,” the pony replied. “Why? What happened? And why was your house up in flames? I thought I had lost Lyra in that building!”
Lyra stared at her. “Are you serious?” she muttered, but Colgate paid her no attention. She was staring at Applejack with a worried expression.
“I… He took Applebloom, Equilarsous did. Then he set the house on fire, in an attempt to get rid of me. He probably would have succeeded, if you two hadn’t shown up.” Applejack explained, staring down at her hooves. “I couldn’t stop him! If I could’ve, I would’ve-” Colgate silenced her by placing a hoof on her mouth.
“Applejack, you need to calm down,” she said calmly. “We’re going to help you get Applebloom back. We all have something against Equilarsous. And you may be the key to finding the other five Elements of Harmony.”
Applejack stared at her for a moment, then sighed. “Gee, Colgate. I don’t think the Elements even exist anymore. It’s been ten years since I saw the rest of my old friends, save for Pinkie… and she went with a pony named Stormfax. He claimed to be the son of Equilarsous, and is part of a rebellion lead by Celestia and Luna.”
Colgate studied the pony with a quizzical gaze. “The two princesses who suddenly disappeared after Equilarsous took rule? That seems unlikely, Applejack. And how do you know this Stormfax isn’t just working for Equilarsous to remove the last of the Elements?” Applejack shrugged. She hadn’t even thought about that.
“But… Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash went with them!” Applejack suddenly exclaimed. Colgate and Lyra stared at her, their eyes wide.
“Well then…” Colgate trailed off, glancing around the room as if to avoid Applejack’s gaze. We’ll just have to…um…”
“We’ll just have to find this Stormfax and see if he’s telling the truth!” an eager voice exclaimed. Applejack turned her head to face the doorway, and there stood…
“DJ Pon-3?” Applejack questioned the newcomer. The pony nodded.
“Yep! But you can call me by my real name, Vinyl Scratch!” She trotted over to her and grinned. “It’s nice to see you alive, Applejack. I thought you were a goner when Colgate and Lyra first brought you here.” Applejack was about to protest, but Colgate looked at her sheepishly and said, “Well, you did look really bad.”
“Not to mention the bump on your head,” Lyra stated. “I think that would have killed a normal pony.”
“What, are you saying I have some type of special power?”
“Technically, you do,” Colgate said. “You are the Element of Honesty.”
Applejack groaned. “And like I said, there are no more Elements of Harmony! Just six ponies who want to get on with their lives.”
“And yet,” Colgate sighed. “You won’t be able to get on with your lives at all. Equilarsous has decreed that you are a fugitive, and Rainbow Dash a deserter. He hasn’t said anything about Fluttershy or Pinkie Pie yet, but I’m sure he will. I hadn’t managed to see any connection to you four at all until you mentioned that Stormfax pony and another rebellion.”
“Wait, another rebellion? There’s more than one?”
The trio of ponies glanced at each other, unsure of what to say. Suddenly, two more ponies appeared, one wearing thick bronze armor, and the other wearing nothing but the simple clothes of nobility.
“This is the Rebellion of the Hiddens. Or, a shorter, easier name would be The Backgrounders.” The one in armor announced. “We’re working to bring down Equilarsous and restore a peaceful rule to Equestria.”
“And you are…” Applejack began, but the armored pony raised a hoof, silencing her. 
“I am Doctor Whooves,” he stated. He gestured to the pony beside him. “And this is Octavia.” The other pony nodded to Applejack. “We’ve been searching for the Elements for a while now, but you’re the first one we found.”
“I know where three of them are,” Applejack stated. “In the Foal Mountains, just a little bit north.”
“The Foal Mountains?” Octavia echoed. That was the first time Applejack had heard the pony’s voice, and it was extremely soothing. “Whatever could be there?”
“Supposedly, another rebellion lead by the two princesses,” Vinyl said, snickering. “Can you believe they would fall for such a thing?”
“Actually, yes,” the Doctor responded. “I can believe it. Anything that would give them the hope of bringing down Equilarsous, they will take it. But the question is, are they actually there? Or was it a trap?”
“I guess the only way we can find out is going to the mountains and finding out ourselves,” Colgate sighed. “What do you guys think?”
Whooves and Vinyl nodded, Octavia shook her head. Lyra just stood there, a stupefied expression on her face.
“Why not, Octavia?” Vinyl growled. Even though they had been roommates for a long time, Applejack could tell that they really didn’t like each other. “You scared?”
“Actually, yes,” Octavia shot back. “What if it’s a trap? What if Applejack is actually working for Equilarsous?” The rest of the group stared at her in utter shock. Applejack snorted and said, “Why would you even say that? Equilarsous kidnapped my sister, and I just want her back. I don’t even want to be a part of this whole rebellion thing. I just want to live in peace!
“Besides,” Whooves said. “She’s considered a fugitive. Unless this is a very elaborate trap to bring down a rebellion that Equilarsous doesn’t even know exists, then I doubt this is a trap.” Octavia just grumbled something and glared at the floor.
“What about you, Lyra?” Colgate asked the final pony. “Why didn’t you vote?” Lyra just stared at her, but she finally nodded. 
The Doctor stamped his hoof on the ground. “Then it’s settled. We’ll head out at daybreak tomorrow.” The group dispersed, and Applejack was left sitting on the bed. Doctor Whooves was next to her.
“Umm…” Applejack began, thinking of something to say. “Where’s Derpy?” Derpy Whooves was the Doctor’s wife, and was once a mailmare. But Applejack hadn’t seen her in about seven years.
Whooves’ expression suddenly became dark. “She… disappeared a while back. I don’t know why or where she went, but I have a feeling Equilarsous is connected to it. Do you know how I can time travel?” Applejack nodded. “Well, Equilarsous himself came to me one day asking if I can give him the secrets to it. Now, it was the first time I had come face to face with our new ruler. There was a certain… evil feel emanating from him, and I knew that he would use my powers for some sort of dark plan. So I refused. He smiled at me and said, ‘Then I’ll just have to find a way to make you work.’ A day later, Derpy went off to work, and she didn’t come back. But she’s not dead.”
“How do you know?” Applejack whispered.
“Because I can feel it, Applejack. Our love is a connection that we both share, and I know I can use that to find her.” Whooves paused for a moment, studying Applejack, then said, “If you really love Applebloom as much as I love Derpy, then you should be able to use that connection to find her.” He smiled and walked away before calling to her.
“You should eat something tonight and get plenty of rest. I get the feeling Equilarsous will be searching far and wide for you.”

> 9- Rainbow Dash
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“You seem to have been causing a bit of trouble, Rainbow Dash,” Celestia sighed, staring outside from the entrance of the cave. “We must work together to bring down Equilarsous. We need the six elements once again to even stand a chance against him.”
“Yeah, well, you’ll just have to find another element of Loyalty. I’m not working for you anymore.” Dash spat. While she was still trying to get over the fact that Celestia and Luna were here, in the Foal Mountains like Stormfax had said, she had to hide her awe. She was no longer loyal to the princesses. She was loyal to Equilarsous.
Celestia smiled softly. “I was afraid you would say that. In fact, I’m afraid all of you will say something of that sort. Time has worn us all down, Rainbow Dash. Even the elements are unable to withstand such a drastic change.” Rainbow wanted to agree with her. All of this change had transformed her in a way. She had forgotten about the life before Equilarsous. Hell, she had even forgotten about her cloud home, even the now nonexistent  Cloudsdale. As her thoughts drifted to the city, she remembered watching it burn from her room in Canterlot Castle. Equilarsous had told her it was caused by a revolution in the population.
“We have to send the Pegasi a message, Ms. Dash,” Equilarsous had told her as they watched. “A message that says no one should defy a ruler.”
Rainbow Dash had agreed.
But now, as she listened to Celestia talk, Rainbow Dash felt like something was missing, that Equilarsous was… lying.
“… But, why are you rebelling? You willingly stepped down from the throne! You gave it up to Equilarsous! You let this happen to Equestria!”
At these accusations Celestia stepped forward, her horn and eyes glowing. “HOW DARE YOU ACCUSE ME OF LETTING MY PEOPLE SUFFER! WE, THE LAST REMAINING ALICORNS, WOULD NOT GIVE THE THRONE TO SOME PATHETIC UNICORN! IF YOU BELIEVE THAT WE LET THIS HAPPEN WITHOUT RESISTANCE, YOU ARE SORELY MISTAKEN, RAINBOW DASH!” 
Rainbow Dash backed into a wall as Celestia, her whole body emanating a bluish glow, drew nearer. After the alicorn stopped speaking, Dash whimpered and closed her eyes. She had never seen her use her powers like that, not even when the Changelings attacked Canterlot.
The glow disappeared, and Celestia gently placed a hoof on the terrified Pegasus’ shoulder. “Oh, Rainbow Dash… you must believe me when I say Equilarsous is evil! No, we did not leave our throne willingly. Luna tried to fight him… but she was injured by his magic. Now she is unable to fly, and may never use her wings again. But I know the magic Equilarsous used was not true magic. It was false magic, a kind only witch doctors use.”
Rainbow Dash glanced up at the princess. “You mean like what Zecora uses?”
“Yes, much like what she uses, but more powerful. I don’t know how, but I have a terrible feeling he managed to obtain the Alicorn Amulet. While I didn’t see him wearing it, I could feel it’s power emanating from his body.” Celestia turned away from the Pegasus. “But there is something else as well. Equilarsous is not whole. He has chords for veins, metal for skin… he is a cyborg.” 
Rainbow Dash stared at the ground. “A cyborg…? But how is that possible? Who could have possibly meshed together flesh and steel successfully?” But Dash felt like she already knew the answer.
“The two brothers who started this industrial revolution. Flim and Flam.” Celestia smiled softly. “Strange, isn’t it? Two con artists managed to save the life of a dying pony by binding his flesh with parts of their unwanted technology. And therefore, they controlled him.”
“So Equilarsous isn’t the real enemy?”
“We’re not sure,” Celestia sighed. “I came up with the idea that it was Flim and Flam who built Equilarsous, but they haven’t been seen in Equestria for more than ten years. Luna believes that their just hiding somewhere- with the Changelings was her guess- but I have the terrible feeling they’re dead. It makes since. Nopony has ever been able to create a cyborg successfully, but the Flimflam brothers managed to do it. But that doesn’t mean they were able to fully control him, now does it?”
“You think Equilarsous killed them, stole the Alicorn Amulet, and then overthrew you.” Rainbow Dash stated. Celestia nodded, but remained silent.
Dash ground her teeth together. Damn, it all made sense! She had no choice but to accept these facts. Equilarsous was evil! But there was one question that she wanted answered…
“The Wonderbolts, did they really… um, kill Scootaloo?”
There was the sound of hooves hitting the stone floor of the cavern, and Dash heard a familiar voice. “No, we didn’t.” Rainbow Dash turned and saw Spitfire, her idol and past instructor at the Wonderbolt Academy. She stood proudly, although she looked extremely tired. “Nice to see you again, Rainbow Dash.”
Dash stared at her for a while before saying, “Are the others here too?” 
Spitfire nodded. “Most of us, at least. We’ve lost a couple over the years, but the core group is still around.”
“… And you guys didn’t kill Scootaloo?”
The orange Pegasus let out a short laugh. “Scootaloo, dead? Is that what the ponies told you all those years ago? She’s not dead, Dash. No matter what anypony tells you.”
“So… she’s still alive? Where is she?!” Rainbow Dash hadn’t felt this happy in years.
“Calm down there,” Spitfire said, chuckling. “She’s out in another cave, resting. While she wasn’t killed, she was badly injured. No one save for Celestia, the other Wonderbolts, and I know she’s even alive. C’mon, I’ll take you to her.”
As they began to leave, Dash turned and said to Celestia, “Thank you for explaining things to me. And… I’ll gladly become the element of Loyalty again.”
Celestia nodded and watched the two Pegasi leave. They had three of the elements now. Only three more left. 
Then Celestia got an idea. She pulled a piece of parchment and a quill over to her and began to write. 
Dear Twilight Sparkle…