Hardships and Truthsby Pegasus-skipChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 1Rarity once more trudged into her inspiration room inside the Carousel Boutique late at night, sighing loudly. Glad nopony was there to see her moping about. She had spent the past week not doing anything, only thinking about thing. The mare that had taken her heart hostage. Her rust orange coat, accentuated by the silky blond mane and tail, eyes, deep green eyes, the faint dusting of freckles across her face. A trio of bright red apples adorning her perfect rump either side. The mare of rarity's dreams was perfect. Her name rolled off Rarity's tongue in a perfect delicate sigh. "Applejack. . ." She started at the heavy sound of knocking at her door, wondering who could be making such an uncouth display she rose gracefully and made her way to the door. "Who is it?" She asked. Unexpectedly at those words the door slammed inwards. Thanking her adventures with her friends and of course looking after the Cutie Mark Crusaders, she nimbly dodged the door, her horn flaring brightly as she set a shield about herself; just as Twilight Sparkle had taught her. Two rough looking bay ruffians shambled in, trying to get close to her, yet they could not get past her shield. ‘thank Celestia for small miracles’ she thought. "Who are you and what do you want?" She demanded imperiously if a bit loudly, hoping someone would hear her. "Oh don't you worry miss. We don't want anything. You're just going to have to accept your fate" the one on the right said, before taking a flask of fire oil out his saddlebag and splashing it about liberally. With true fear in her voice Rarity demanded. "Why are you doing this?" The second stallion looked towards her with an evil glint in his eye. "That would be quite simple miss Rarity, Our employer, wife of the best in fashion, Mr Fancy Pants, has become sick of you being the only thing he talks about, we were sent to remove you. But I suppose a fire while you sleep will do the job." He finishes with a darkened gravelly laugh that held no mirth. "You can't. Please, have you no heart, my baby sister lives with me, please let her go, she's just a filly!" Rarity begged now, dropping her usual demeanour, knowing her life was up, but she could only pray they would spare Sweetie-Belle. The one spreading oil had finished and looked at her. He nodded once to the stairs behind her. "Go get her and say your goodbyes. As soon as she's out this place, you will burn." He said without a trace of emotion. Rarity pounded up the stairs and flew into Sweetie-Belles room. Glad the commotion hasn't woken her she nuzzled her gently with a silky soft touch. "Mmmm wha?" Sweetie-Belle said quietly. Barely holding in the tears Rarity spoke to her. "Sweetie, I am ever, ever so sorry to wake you, but I need you to run to Twilights and stay the night ok? Oh and if you could take the cloak she ordered with you for her that would be just grand." She finished. "What now?" Sweetie-bell asked somewhat groggily. "Yes dear. Don't worry though, she won't mind, oh and when you get there, just tell her Generosity trusts Magic to watch what's left behind." Rarity answered guiding her sister down the stairs, seeing the two rough looking stallions were outside she quickly grabbed Twilights' cloak off the shelf for sweetie to take. There now, you run to Twilights and I'll see you later." She said, managing not to choke on the lie. She pulled her sister in for a tight embrace, holding back all signs her heart was breaking at the life she would miss sharing with her sister. Gently she leaned down and kissed Sweetie-Bell between her ears. "Now you go on dear" she said, her voice starting to crack a bit, yet she would not break. There was no way she would allow her sisters last memory of her to be breaking down in tears. Sweetie-Bell seemed surprised at the kiss but didn't mention anything about it as she took the cloak and ran into the night, completely failing to notice the strangers in the dark. She watched out the door as her sister disappeared before looking to the stallions. She suddenly narrowed her eyes and charged, after getting her sister safe, she felt she could fight these stallions enough to get away, but no more. Unfortunately they seemed to have anticipated such an action, and as she got close they split, before she knew what was happening, two sharp hard impacts hit her either side of her body. Feeling the pain of many ribs breaking she stumbled to the ground in the mud. One of the stallions approached and kicked her head with force, right where her horn protruded out. She felt more than heard the snap as her horn broke and her connection to her magic shattered. "Don't worry that losing your horns your fault, we just needed to be sure you couldn't magic your way out." the nameless stallion said as he picked her up before throwing her back in the boutique, Hard. As she landed, her full weight came down upon one of her forelegs at a bad angle, snapping the bones within, the force of her landing forcing the jagged ends through her skin. Had she not already been having trouble breathing, her landing did even worse, the pain in her side as she tried to scream, and coughing up blood. "We'll miss Rarity, we’ll just make sure yer not going to be cold and we'll be on our way." With a final mirthless chuckle he took a rag and lighter from his saddlebag, lit the rag and threw it in, the oil catching instantly, creating a flame that held no escape. Ignoring the burning pain in her body Rarity forced herself round to look at a photo on the mantle. It was a simple picture, she and Sweetie-Belle were day in the grass by an apple tree, applejack with them, they were all smiling at the camera. This was the picture Rarity wanted to hold in her mind as she struggled to breath with the heat and smoke. Her final thoughts as she passed out were for her sister and Applejack. She could almost hear her calling her name. Her Applejacks voice was there at her end. Author's Note Decided to go a different direction with this, hope you like it - let me know what you think. Chapter 2Twilight was sat with Applejack having her twice monthly debate with the stubborn earth pony about the benefits of using magic to aid the work. Applejack simply refused to even compromise, so they got together every two weeks to debate the issue. They fooled nopony however that these were serious talks anymore. It was a long held belief in Ponyville that Applejack was a lot smarter than she let on, and that with Twilight now in Ponyville for the past couple of years, that had been proven true, a lot of bits had changed hooves the day she was caught proving a scientific theory of Twilights wrong. Applejack raised her hooves to rub at her temples; they had reached the same point once again where the argument always stopped. Twilight admitting she'd made a mistake during her first winter wrap up, and saying ok she got the wrong spell, but a combination of the right spells with the manual labour would always be the way to go. Looking up to the somewhat resigned smile of Twilight she sighed. "Same tahm nex' couple o' weeks sugarcube?" Twilight nodded, as she opened her mouth to say more there was a knock at the door. "Who in Tarnation would be here at this hour?" Applejack exclaimed as Twilight got up and answered the door. "Sweetie-Belle!! What are you doing out so late? Get inside where it's warm!" Twilight’s voice sounded out. Once inside Sweetie-Belle passed on her messages and her cloak, not realising the pangs of fear she'd shot through Twilight and Applejack, as her words were what the bearers of the Elements of Harmony had come up with, so that should something bad happen to them and only one of the youngsters were there, the message was plain as day to the adults, Send people to take care of my body. I will already be dead and look after anyone I leave behind. Applejack thundered out the library fast as her hooves could carry her. Flying through the doors she swept through Ponyville as fast as she could, not caring at the racket she was making. Rainbow Dash flew down from her cloud that she was lay on when she heard Applejacks exit from the library, level pegging with her she started talking. "Whoa you’re movin’ real fast. Awesome, what's the rush?" Still running Applejack panted out "Sweetie . . . Belle . . . Message . . . Generosity . . . Entrusting . . . Magic . . . Care for. . . Left . . . Behind" Applejack noticed Rainbow Dash's' expression take on one similar to her own. As this happened she paid full attention to her flying and streaked on ahead. As Applejack turned the corner she spotted the Carousel ablaze and screamed out Rarity's name, putting on an extra burst of speed, silently thanking Rainbow Dash as she saw her peeling away to the storm clouds above ready for tomorrow's heavy showers, knowing Rainbow had fire-fighting under control she leapt through the flames with a determined whinny. When she saw the state Rarity was in as she battled her way closer her anger shone anew. She knew this had happened after Sweetie-Bell had left as the young filly hadn't been anywhere near panicked. As she got closer she managed to dodge a falling beam and got to Rarity's just side as water started pouring in through the burning roof. Looking up she saw Rainbow Dash and a team of specialist services Pegasi working to put out the blaze. As she looked at her friend she saw she was still breathing, even though the smoke was getting to Applejack she braced her body above Rarity, protecting her from any more debris as she called out Rarity was still alive. Even with the heartrending sight of her horn laying on the ground away from her. Looking down and following the blood trail left by the now unconscious fashionista Applejack saw how she'd turned to face the mantle, looking she saw the only photo on display anywhere. Gritting her teeth as another beam came crashing down hitting her with a glancing blow she swore. Looking down she saw Rarity cough in her comatose state, blood flying out her mouth. "HURRY THE BUCK UP!" Applejack called. Just then the wall she was nearest took on a purple aura, next thing she saw was Twilight Sparkle horn blazing with magic, As soon as the wall disappeared Pinkie of all Pony's dashed in and ignoring the inferno, started to run an assessment of Rarity's condition. "TWI! She can't be moved yet! We need to get a doctor here!" As Pinkie called this, the fire started to die down as the Fire Teams overrode the weather schedule and pulled in a heavy shower. As soon as it was declared safe to do so ponies of all three types, Earth, Unicorn and Pegasi swarmed in tackling the remainder of the blaze. Applejack though didn’t want to move, ignoring the fact her own back had suffered when a hot beam crashed down and broke off her spine, burning her coat and skin. As soon as it was confirmed that debris had stopped falling the Doctor came up alongside where Pinkie had been checking Rarity, and listened as Pinkie reeled off the list of injuries. “Five right ribs broken, four left ribs, left lung punctured, maybe both, horn snapped clean off, front left foreleg, Dislocated shoulder, broken Tib and Fib - Compound Fractures, heavy blood loss.” The Doctor nodded as his hooves and magic went to work, desperately trying to save the broken white body of Rarity. Applejack hearing this had to fight hard not to collapse as the full enormity of what had happened hit her. Trembling she sank to the floor near them. A movement and a settling near her drew her attention as she looked up, she found her gaze locked with Rainbow Dash’s. "Hey you did good Applejack, she'll be ok." Her eyes however didn't match her words. She was just as worried. Applejack finally collapsed with the rush of emotions running through her. Her cries tore into everypony’s heart. As she cried on, ignoring the medics tending her, it was obvious to all, Applejack loved Rarity, and had only just realised it. As her cries echoed she never noticed when another doctor stepped close, only registering as she saw a horn flare, unlike Rarity’s would ever do again, and Sleep claimed her conscious mind. Chapter 3Rarity came round groggily, hearing voices about her. Keeping her eyes closed in pain as she groaned. The voices in the room all started getting louder, the volume hurting her ears. "Applejack" she whimpered out, somehow knowing she was there. "Easy there Rares, ahm here." Applejack's voice came over quietly, the warm breath against her ear letting her know just how close the mare was. "Hurts." Rarity managed to gasp out as she tried to breath. "Ah know sugarcube, it will, you got busted up real bad girl. Doctors can't do much more fer the pain they say, any more painkillers likely kill ya. Ahm sorry." Rarity managed a small nod before finally opening her eyes, the first thing she saw being Applejacks bright green eyes looking down at her. With a sudden start she gasped out "Sweetie-Bell!" But before she could do much more she heard Applejack shushing her. "It's alraght Rarity, she's been stayin wi’ me an Applebloom. Twilight sent her to Sweet Apple Acres with Spike after she got t’ the library.” While hearing this she felt Applejack gently brush her mane out her face. It was only then she noticed the bandages about Applejack, securing a dressing along her spine. “Your back!” She managed to gasp out. Rainbow’s head popped up next to Applejack at this and answered the unspoken question of what had happened. “Heh, yeah, as soon as Applejack knew you were in trouble she near blew the cloud I was sleepin’ on from under me with how fast she were runnin’. As soon as the Boutique came into view she dashed in protecting your body with her own. “Aw shucks, Twere’nt nothin’” Applejack mumbled looking at Rainbow and the others. Suprising to Rarity it was Twilight who refuted that. “Nothing? Yeah right! When I vanished that wall in time to see that beam slam down on your back I was near worried for the both of you! Had you not been stood there that beam would’ve hit Rarity on the head.” She finished looking to Rarity concerned at the last word. Rarity couldn’t believe what she heard, but more pressing was her throat was parched. “Thirsty” She managed to croak out. Before anyone could move Applejack had grabbed a glass of water from the side and held it near to Rarity. Rarity tried to reach out to levitate the glass to herself when she felt nothing. Normally when she used her magic she could feel it thrumming through her horn. Now not only could she not feel her magic but she couldn't feel her horn! "My horn?" She whispered out, trying to raise her forehoof. "Easy there Rare." Applejack said quietly before holding Rarity's hoof down with her own. Twilight levitated a straw over into the drink which Applejack held close to allow the slightly panicked unicorn to get a drink. "Wh. . . Why can't I *gasp* use my magic?" Rarity asked past the pain, not liking the look of sorrow Applejack was giving her. "Rare, ahm sorry, there’s no easy way t’ say this . . .” Applejack started tears in her own eyes. “It. . .the. . .” She stuttered to a stop as Twilight stepped forward. “Rarity, by the time we got there, whoever did this to you had already. . . broken. . . .your horn, I’m afraid that now the only magic you can do. . .is on yourself. Even then it’s only basic. I’m sorry.” She finished closing her eyes and looking away. Rarity couldn’t believe what she was hearing, it just wasn’t possible. No unicorn had ever lost the ability to use their magic before. She lay there shaking her head in denial. This wasn’t happening. She looked to Applejacks face, eyes pleading that it not be true, yet Applejacks own tears confirmed the harsh reality for her. She couldn’t hold on to the tears anymore, as they fell she started sobbing. At the first sounds she made however a strong pair of arms pulled her close to another body, an Orange earth Pony’s body to be exact. Turning her head she buried her face against Applejacks shoulder, harsh sobs wracking throughout her own body. -o.O.O.o- Applejack held on to Rarity as best she could, her own tears blurring her sight as she tried in vain to comfort the beautiful white mare in her arms. Carefully she manoeuvred herself so she was sat on the bed next to Rarity leaning back against the headboard, supporting her as she held Rarity through her heart-breaking wails. She looked about the room to see the other four who’d come with her, they all had their own tears falling. One of their own was hurting and there was nothing they could do to ease her pain. This was nothing to the physical pain that Rarity was in, this was like saying a Pegasus could no longer fly, Rarity had lost part of her very being in the attack. The attack. Applejack held Rarity tighter for a moment vowing that she would find out who had hurt the most generous pony she knew, and why. She swore she would find justice for the fashion oriented pony if it was the last thing she could do. Through it all Rarity’s cries echoed through the room, Pinkie’s mane had gone straight and flat as she was being held by Fluttershy, their own tears visible. Rainbow was holding on to Twilight, helping keep her upright as she seemed to have blanked out, the only sign of life from her was a steady stream from her eyes. Slowly over Rarity’s cries calmed down allowing the others to get control of themselves, however her grip on Applejack stayed constant. “Please, please don’t go.” Rarity was heard saying quietly looking up to Applejack. “Ah ain’t goin’ nowhere girl.” Applejack said quietly as an earth pony with a white hat bearing a red cross stepped in. “I’m sorry but visiting hours are now over, I’m afraid you’re all going to have to leave. You can come back tomorrow.” The Nurse informed the group. “NO! DON’T GO APPLEJACK PLEASE!” Rarity cried out holding on to the farm pony tightly. “I’m sorry miss Rarity but she can’t stay. Now please let her go.” The nurse seemed rather insistent but Applejack wasn’t known as stubborn for nothing. “Ah ain’t leavin’ her. She wants me tah stay, then ahm stayin!” Applejack announced. The nurse pony shook her head. “I’m sorry it’s Hospital Policy, you need to leave. Now.” The nurse said in a polite yet stern tone. “No, please no, don’t go. Please.” Rarity was mumbling against Applejack. She didn’t know why it was just her she wanted to stay, but if she was this desperate Applejack wasn’t about to leave her friend. Turning to the nurse she spoke two words. “Ahm Stayin.” The nurse gave her one more look to try dissuade her before she spoke once more. “Very well, I shall have to go and get security.” With that the nurse left the room. Twilight turned to the others. “ok, I was hoping never to have to do this, Applejack as of right now you and Rarity are under Crown Protection, as Celestia’s Protégé I have certain. . .powers of authority I’m bringing to bear.” With that she turned to the door again. Her horn glowing a slight purple, with a short flash she had ended up dressed much the same as the princess, just with a tiara instead of a crown. “The Princess will be here shortly, the spell I used took my state clothes from the stand in my room, she has it warded and taught me this spell long ago.” With that she turned back to the door as it opened and two stallions walked in, each with a band about their forehoof stating ‘Security’ “We must insist you remove yourselves from this patie. . .” Twilight interrupted them using a tone of command that none of here five friends had heard her use before. “Hold. With the Authority granted me by the Crown, with holding the title of Potégé to the Princess, I order no action to be taken until Princess Celestia has determined a course of action. Any action taken before then will be treated as an attack on the Crown. Do you understand!” Applejack couldn’t believe what her eyes were telling her. Normally Twilight was one of the more reserved of their group trying to avoid conflict where possible, and yet here she was facing down two security guards at least 3 hooves higher than her! The guards nodded. “Very well.” As they finished they turned and left the room, as soon as they were out the room Twilight sat hard on the ground with a thump, Rainbow quickly going to her side and helping her up to a chair. “Thanks Dash. They may not look it but this outfit is HEAVY.” She said. Applejack shook her head and looked down to Rarity who throughout hadn’t let her go. Looking closer she could see a light pink tinge on the bandage about her head. “Damn.” She mumbled as she hit the nurse call button, moments later the nurse stepped in. “Yes.” Her tone was as cold as ice. “Well iff’n yer gonna act lahke that. Can we get some clean bandages, an ahm sure Fluttershy won’t mahnd changing them.” At this Fluttershy shook her head, looking directly at the nurse, somehow finding her own strength to face her down. “Oh no, I don’t mind. At least I don’t try and isolate emotional patients when it’s obvious they need support, so I’ll be tending Rarity’s basic needs while she’s here – AND after she’s discharged.” The nurse stepped out with an expression of affront. Applejack looked over Rarity’s head to Fluttershy. “Damn. When d’you get all assertive missy?” Fluttershy gave a small smile back. “It. . .its thanks to Pinkie.” She said pointing to the party pony, who’s mane, thankfully, had returned to its normal poofyness. “She said, if I act confident. . . maybe one day I’ll . . .be confident.” Fluttershy said looking to the floor. Applejack looked back down to Rarity who still hadn’t let her go, and hadn’t made any move to remove Applejacks arms from about her. Applejack could see she had fought down the despair of losing her horn, but she also knew this was only temporary. The nurse returned with clean bandages and dressings but before she could approach the bed Fluttershy flew over and took them from her with a stern look, quickly moving over to the bed she used her wings to hide Rarity’s injury from everyone else’s sight before moving back to allow the nurse to inspect her work. “Very good Miss Fluttershy, I dare say you did as good a job as any nurse I know.” She said before turning to leave, however before she got to the door a *Knock-Knock* echoed across the room as the door opened to show Princess Celestia. “Twilight, you have used your Authority for the first time. I have spoken with the nurse on duty, and I must say I am proud of you, you did it not for yourself, but for a friend in need. I have confirmed your decision but also added to it, all of you will be allowed to stay after visiting hours, along with Sweetie-Belle should Rarity wish.” With that she turned and left the room not giving the others chance to speak. The nurse followed her out obviously trying to change her mind to no avail. “See now, that wasn’t so bad, an ahl stay here as long as ya like.” Applejack whispered to Rarity whose eyes lit up with gratitude as she leaned in to the orange earth pony. “Thank you.” She whispered. Her breathing slowed as she fell back to sleep in Applejacks arms. Applejack looked around to the others. “Guys can someone tell mah family ah won’t be able to work fer a few days?” Twilight nodded. “Sure thing Applejack, plus don’t worry, I’ll go and help out at the farm like I did last season.” Pinkie and Rainbow both nodded and indicated the same would hold true for them. “Thank ye gals. Nah you better git goin’, ahl stay with Rare tonight.” The other four made their goodbyes with Fluttershy promising to return in the morning to check Rarity’s dressings. As the door closed behind them Applejack looked about the room. She was now alone with the mare and had chance to think about the events of the day. It was going to be a long night.
Chapter 1Rarity once more trudged into her inspiration room inside the Carousel Boutique late at night, sighing loudly. Glad nopony was there to see her moping about. She had spent the past week not doing anything, only thinking about thing. The mare that had taken her heart hostage. Her rust orange coat, accentuated by the silky blond mane and tail, eyes, deep green eyes, the faint dusting of freckles across her face. A trio of bright red apples adorning her perfect rump either side. The mare of rarity's dreams was perfect. Her name rolled off Rarity's tongue in a perfect delicate sigh. "Applejack. . ." She started at the heavy sound of knocking at her door, wondering who could be making such an uncouth display she rose gracefully and made her way to the door. "Who is it?" She asked. Unexpectedly at those words the door slammed inwards. Thanking her adventures with her friends and of course looking after the Cutie Mark Crusaders, she nimbly dodged the door, her horn flaring brightly as she set a shield about herself; just as Twilight Sparkle had taught her. Two rough looking bay ruffians shambled in, trying to get close to her, yet they could not get past her shield. ‘thank Celestia for small miracles’ she thought. "Who are you and what do you want?" She demanded imperiously if a bit loudly, hoping someone would hear her. "Oh don't you worry miss. We don't want anything. You're just going to have to accept your fate" the one on the right said, before taking a flask of fire oil out his saddlebag and splashing it about liberally. With true fear in her voice Rarity demanded. "Why are you doing this?" The second stallion looked towards her with an evil glint in his eye. "That would be quite simple miss Rarity, Our employer, wife of the best in fashion, Mr Fancy Pants, has become sick of you being the only thing he talks about, we were sent to remove you. But I suppose a fire while you sleep will do the job." He finishes with a darkened gravelly laugh that held no mirth. "You can't. Please, have you no heart, my baby sister lives with me, please let her go, she's just a filly!" Rarity begged now, dropping her usual demeanour, knowing her life was up, but she could only pray they would spare Sweetie-Belle. The one spreading oil had finished and looked at her. He nodded once to the stairs behind her. "Go get her and say your goodbyes. As soon as she's out this place, you will burn." He said without a trace of emotion. Rarity pounded up the stairs and flew into Sweetie-Belles room. Glad the commotion hasn't woken her she nuzzled her gently with a silky soft touch. "Mmmm wha?" Sweetie-Belle said quietly. Barely holding in the tears Rarity spoke to her. "Sweetie, I am ever, ever so sorry to wake you, but I need you to run to Twilights and stay the night ok? Oh and if you could take the cloak she ordered with you for her that would be just grand." She finished. "What now?" Sweetie-bell asked somewhat groggily. "Yes dear. Don't worry though, she won't mind, oh and when you get there, just tell her Generosity trusts Magic to watch what's left behind." Rarity answered guiding her sister down the stairs, seeing the two rough looking stallions were outside she quickly grabbed Twilights' cloak off the shelf for sweetie to take. There now, you run to Twilights and I'll see you later." She said, managing not to choke on the lie. She pulled her sister in for a tight embrace, holding back all signs her heart was breaking at the life she would miss sharing with her sister. Gently she leaned down and kissed Sweetie-Bell between her ears. "Now you go on dear" she said, her voice starting to crack a bit, yet she would not break. There was no way she would allow her sisters last memory of her to be breaking down in tears. Sweetie-Bell seemed surprised at the kiss but didn't mention anything about it as she took the cloak and ran into the night, completely failing to notice the strangers in the dark. She watched out the door as her sister disappeared before looking to the stallions. She suddenly narrowed her eyes and charged, after getting her sister safe, she felt she could fight these stallions enough to get away, but no more. Unfortunately they seemed to have anticipated such an action, and as she got close they split, before she knew what was happening, two sharp hard impacts hit her either side of her body. Feeling the pain of many ribs breaking she stumbled to the ground in the mud. One of the stallions approached and kicked her head with force, right where her horn protruded out. She felt more than heard the snap as her horn broke and her connection to her magic shattered. "Don't worry that losing your horns your fault, we just needed to be sure you couldn't magic your way out." the nameless stallion said as he picked her up before throwing her back in the boutique, Hard. As she landed, her full weight came down upon one of her forelegs at a bad angle, snapping the bones within, the force of her landing forcing the jagged ends through her skin. Had she not already been having trouble breathing, her landing did even worse, the pain in her side as she tried to scream, and coughing up blood. "We'll miss Rarity, we’ll just make sure yer not going to be cold and we'll be on our way." With a final mirthless chuckle he took a rag and lighter from his saddlebag, lit the rag and threw it in, the oil catching instantly, creating a flame that held no escape. Ignoring the burning pain in her body Rarity forced herself round to look at a photo on the mantle. It was a simple picture, she and Sweetie-Belle were day in the grass by an apple tree, applejack with them, they were all smiling at the camera. This was the picture Rarity wanted to hold in her mind as she struggled to breath with the heat and smoke. Her final thoughts as she passed out were for her sister and Applejack. She could almost hear her calling her name. Her Applejacks voice was there at her end. Author's Note Decided to go a different direction with this, hope you like it - let me know what you think.
Chapter 2Twilight was sat with Applejack having her twice monthly debate with the stubborn earth pony about the benefits of using magic to aid the work. Applejack simply refused to even compromise, so they got together every two weeks to debate the issue. They fooled nopony however that these were serious talks anymore. It was a long held belief in Ponyville that Applejack was a lot smarter than she let on, and that with Twilight now in Ponyville for the past couple of years, that had been proven true, a lot of bits had changed hooves the day she was caught proving a scientific theory of Twilights wrong. Applejack raised her hooves to rub at her temples; they had reached the same point once again where the argument always stopped. Twilight admitting she'd made a mistake during her first winter wrap up, and saying ok she got the wrong spell, but a combination of the right spells with the manual labour would always be the way to go. Looking up to the somewhat resigned smile of Twilight she sighed. "Same tahm nex' couple o' weeks sugarcube?" Twilight nodded, as she opened her mouth to say more there was a knock at the door. "Who in Tarnation would be here at this hour?" Applejack exclaimed as Twilight got up and answered the door. "Sweetie-Belle!! What are you doing out so late? Get inside where it's warm!" Twilight’s voice sounded out. Once inside Sweetie-Belle passed on her messages and her cloak, not realising the pangs of fear she'd shot through Twilight and Applejack, as her words were what the bearers of the Elements of Harmony had come up with, so that should something bad happen to them and only one of the youngsters were there, the message was plain as day to the adults, Send people to take care of my body. I will already be dead and look after anyone I leave behind. Applejack thundered out the library fast as her hooves could carry her. Flying through the doors she swept through Ponyville as fast as she could, not caring at the racket she was making. Rainbow Dash flew down from her cloud that she was lay on when she heard Applejacks exit from the library, level pegging with her she started talking. "Whoa you’re movin’ real fast. Awesome, what's the rush?" Still running Applejack panted out "Sweetie . . . Belle . . . Message . . . Generosity . . . Entrusting . . . Magic . . . Care for. . . Left . . . Behind" Applejack noticed Rainbow Dash's' expression take on one similar to her own. As this happened she paid full attention to her flying and streaked on ahead. As Applejack turned the corner she spotted the Carousel ablaze and screamed out Rarity's name, putting on an extra burst of speed, silently thanking Rainbow Dash as she saw her peeling away to the storm clouds above ready for tomorrow's heavy showers, knowing Rainbow had fire-fighting under control she leapt through the flames with a determined whinny. When she saw the state Rarity was in as she battled her way closer her anger shone anew. She knew this had happened after Sweetie-Bell had left as the young filly hadn't been anywhere near panicked. As she got closer she managed to dodge a falling beam and got to Rarity's just side as water started pouring in through the burning roof. Looking up she saw Rainbow Dash and a team of specialist services Pegasi working to put out the blaze. As she looked at her friend she saw she was still breathing, even though the smoke was getting to Applejack she braced her body above Rarity, protecting her from any more debris as she called out Rarity was still alive. Even with the heartrending sight of her horn laying on the ground away from her. Looking down and following the blood trail left by the now unconscious fashionista Applejack saw how she'd turned to face the mantle, looking she saw the only photo on display anywhere. Gritting her teeth as another beam came crashing down hitting her with a glancing blow she swore. Looking down she saw Rarity cough in her comatose state, blood flying out her mouth. "HURRY THE BUCK UP!" Applejack called. Just then the wall she was nearest took on a purple aura, next thing she saw was Twilight Sparkle horn blazing with magic, As soon as the wall disappeared Pinkie of all Pony's dashed in and ignoring the inferno, started to run an assessment of Rarity's condition. "TWI! She can't be moved yet! We need to get a doctor here!" As Pinkie called this, the fire started to die down as the Fire Teams overrode the weather schedule and pulled in a heavy shower. As soon as it was declared safe to do so ponies of all three types, Earth, Unicorn and Pegasi swarmed in tackling the remainder of the blaze. Applejack though didn’t want to move, ignoring the fact her own back had suffered when a hot beam crashed down and broke off her spine, burning her coat and skin. As soon as it was confirmed that debris had stopped falling the Doctor came up alongside where Pinkie had been checking Rarity, and listened as Pinkie reeled off the list of injuries. “Five right ribs broken, four left ribs, left lung punctured, maybe both, horn snapped clean off, front left foreleg, Dislocated shoulder, broken Tib and Fib - Compound Fractures, heavy blood loss.” The Doctor nodded as his hooves and magic went to work, desperately trying to save the broken white body of Rarity. Applejack hearing this had to fight hard not to collapse as the full enormity of what had happened hit her. Trembling she sank to the floor near them. A movement and a settling near her drew her attention as she looked up, she found her gaze locked with Rainbow Dash’s. "Hey you did good Applejack, she'll be ok." Her eyes however didn't match her words. She was just as worried. Applejack finally collapsed with the rush of emotions running through her. Her cries tore into everypony’s heart. As she cried on, ignoring the medics tending her, it was obvious to all, Applejack loved Rarity, and had only just realised it. As her cries echoed she never noticed when another doctor stepped close, only registering as she saw a horn flare, unlike Rarity’s would ever do again, and Sleep claimed her conscious mind.
Chapter 3Rarity came round groggily, hearing voices about her. Keeping her eyes closed in pain as she groaned. The voices in the room all started getting louder, the volume hurting her ears. "Applejack" she whimpered out, somehow knowing she was there. "Easy there Rares, ahm here." Applejack's voice came over quietly, the warm breath against her ear letting her know just how close the mare was. "Hurts." Rarity managed to gasp out as she tried to breath. "Ah know sugarcube, it will, you got busted up real bad girl. Doctors can't do much more fer the pain they say, any more painkillers likely kill ya. Ahm sorry." Rarity managed a small nod before finally opening her eyes, the first thing she saw being Applejacks bright green eyes looking down at her. With a sudden start she gasped out "Sweetie-Bell!" But before she could do much more she heard Applejack shushing her. "It's alraght Rarity, she's been stayin wi’ me an Applebloom. Twilight sent her to Sweet Apple Acres with Spike after she got t’ the library.” While hearing this she felt Applejack gently brush her mane out her face. It was only then she noticed the bandages about Applejack, securing a dressing along her spine. “Your back!” She managed to gasp out. Rainbow’s head popped up next to Applejack at this and answered the unspoken question of what had happened. “Heh, yeah, as soon as Applejack knew you were in trouble she near blew the cloud I was sleepin’ on from under me with how fast she were runnin’. As soon as the Boutique came into view she dashed in protecting your body with her own. “Aw shucks, Twere’nt nothin’” Applejack mumbled looking at Rainbow and the others. Suprising to Rarity it was Twilight who refuted that. “Nothing? Yeah right! When I vanished that wall in time to see that beam slam down on your back I was near worried for the both of you! Had you not been stood there that beam would’ve hit Rarity on the head.” She finished looking to Rarity concerned at the last word. Rarity couldn’t believe what she heard, but more pressing was her throat was parched. “Thirsty” She managed to croak out. Before anyone could move Applejack had grabbed a glass of water from the side and held it near to Rarity. Rarity tried to reach out to levitate the glass to herself when she felt nothing. Normally when she used her magic she could feel it thrumming through her horn. Now not only could she not feel her magic but she couldn't feel her horn! "My horn?" She whispered out, trying to raise her forehoof. "Easy there Rare." Applejack said quietly before holding Rarity's hoof down with her own. Twilight levitated a straw over into the drink which Applejack held close to allow the slightly panicked unicorn to get a drink. "Wh. . . Why can't I *gasp* use my magic?" Rarity asked past the pain, not liking the look of sorrow Applejack was giving her. "Rare, ahm sorry, there’s no easy way t’ say this . . .” Applejack started tears in her own eyes. “It. . .the. . .” She stuttered to a stop as Twilight stepped forward. “Rarity, by the time we got there, whoever did this to you had already. . . broken. . . .your horn, I’m afraid that now the only magic you can do. . .is on yourself. Even then it’s only basic. I’m sorry.” She finished closing her eyes and looking away. Rarity couldn’t believe what she was hearing, it just wasn’t possible. No unicorn had ever lost the ability to use their magic before. She lay there shaking her head in denial. This wasn’t happening. She looked to Applejacks face, eyes pleading that it not be true, yet Applejacks own tears confirmed the harsh reality for her. She couldn’t hold on to the tears anymore, as they fell she started sobbing. At the first sounds she made however a strong pair of arms pulled her close to another body, an Orange earth Pony’s body to be exact. Turning her head she buried her face against Applejacks shoulder, harsh sobs wracking throughout her own body. -o.O.O.o- Applejack held on to Rarity as best she could, her own tears blurring her sight as she tried in vain to comfort the beautiful white mare in her arms. Carefully she manoeuvred herself so she was sat on the bed next to Rarity leaning back against the headboard, supporting her as she held Rarity through her heart-breaking wails. She looked about the room to see the other four who’d come with her, they all had their own tears falling. One of their own was hurting and there was nothing they could do to ease her pain. This was nothing to the physical pain that Rarity was in, this was like saying a Pegasus could no longer fly, Rarity had lost part of her very being in the attack. The attack. Applejack held Rarity tighter for a moment vowing that she would find out who had hurt the most generous pony she knew, and why. She swore she would find justice for the fashion oriented pony if it was the last thing she could do. Through it all Rarity’s cries echoed through the room, Pinkie’s mane had gone straight and flat as she was being held by Fluttershy, their own tears visible. Rainbow was holding on to Twilight, helping keep her upright as she seemed to have blanked out, the only sign of life from her was a steady stream from her eyes. Slowly over Rarity’s cries calmed down allowing the others to get control of themselves, however her grip on Applejack stayed constant. “Please, please don’t go.” Rarity was heard saying quietly looking up to Applejack. “Ah ain’t goin’ nowhere girl.” Applejack said quietly as an earth pony with a white hat bearing a red cross stepped in. “I’m sorry but visiting hours are now over, I’m afraid you’re all going to have to leave. You can come back tomorrow.” The Nurse informed the group. “NO! DON’T GO APPLEJACK PLEASE!” Rarity cried out holding on to the farm pony tightly. “I’m sorry miss Rarity but she can’t stay. Now please let her go.” The nurse seemed rather insistent but Applejack wasn’t known as stubborn for nothing. “Ah ain’t leavin’ her. She wants me tah stay, then ahm stayin!” Applejack announced. The nurse pony shook her head. “I’m sorry it’s Hospital Policy, you need to leave. Now.” The nurse said in a polite yet stern tone. “No, please no, don’t go. Please.” Rarity was mumbling against Applejack. She didn’t know why it was just her she wanted to stay, but if she was this desperate Applejack wasn’t about to leave her friend. Turning to the nurse she spoke two words. “Ahm Stayin.” The nurse gave her one more look to try dissuade her before she spoke once more. “Very well, I shall have to go and get security.” With that the nurse left the room. Twilight turned to the others. “ok, I was hoping never to have to do this, Applejack as of right now you and Rarity are under Crown Protection, as Celestia’s Protégé I have certain. . .powers of authority I’m bringing to bear.” With that she turned to the door again. Her horn glowing a slight purple, with a short flash she had ended up dressed much the same as the princess, just with a tiara instead of a crown. “The Princess will be here shortly, the spell I used took my state clothes from the stand in my room, she has it warded and taught me this spell long ago.” With that she turned back to the door as it opened and two stallions walked in, each with a band about their forehoof stating ‘Security’ “We must insist you remove yourselves from this patie. . .” Twilight interrupted them using a tone of command that none of here five friends had heard her use before. “Hold. With the Authority granted me by the Crown, with holding the title of Potégé to the Princess, I order no action to be taken until Princess Celestia has determined a course of action. Any action taken before then will be treated as an attack on the Crown. Do you understand!” Applejack couldn’t believe what her eyes were telling her. Normally Twilight was one of the more reserved of their group trying to avoid conflict where possible, and yet here she was facing down two security guards at least 3 hooves higher than her! The guards nodded. “Very well.” As they finished they turned and left the room, as soon as they were out the room Twilight sat hard on the ground with a thump, Rainbow quickly going to her side and helping her up to a chair. “Thanks Dash. They may not look it but this outfit is HEAVY.” She said. Applejack shook her head and looked down to Rarity who throughout hadn’t let her go. Looking closer she could see a light pink tinge on the bandage about her head. “Damn.” She mumbled as she hit the nurse call button, moments later the nurse stepped in. “Yes.” Her tone was as cold as ice. “Well iff’n yer gonna act lahke that. Can we get some clean bandages, an ahm sure Fluttershy won’t mahnd changing them.” At this Fluttershy shook her head, looking directly at the nurse, somehow finding her own strength to face her down. “Oh no, I don’t mind. At least I don’t try and isolate emotional patients when it’s obvious they need support, so I’ll be tending Rarity’s basic needs while she’s here – AND after she’s discharged.” The nurse stepped out with an expression of affront. Applejack looked over Rarity’s head to Fluttershy. “Damn. When d’you get all assertive missy?” Fluttershy gave a small smile back. “It. . .its thanks to Pinkie.” She said pointing to the party pony, who’s mane, thankfully, had returned to its normal poofyness. “She said, if I act confident. . . maybe one day I’ll . . .be confident.” Fluttershy said looking to the floor. Applejack looked back down to Rarity who still hadn’t let her go, and hadn’t made any move to remove Applejacks arms from about her. Applejack could see she had fought down the despair of losing her horn, but she also knew this was only temporary. The nurse returned with clean bandages and dressings but before she could approach the bed Fluttershy flew over and took them from her with a stern look, quickly moving over to the bed she used her wings to hide Rarity’s injury from everyone else’s sight before moving back to allow the nurse to inspect her work. “Very good Miss Fluttershy, I dare say you did as good a job as any nurse I know.” She said before turning to leave, however before she got to the door a *Knock-Knock* echoed across the room as the door opened to show Princess Celestia. “Twilight, you have used your Authority for the first time. I have spoken with the nurse on duty, and I must say I am proud of you, you did it not for yourself, but for a friend in need. I have confirmed your decision but also added to it, all of you will be allowed to stay after visiting hours, along with Sweetie-Belle should Rarity wish.” With that she turned and left the room not giving the others chance to speak. The nurse followed her out obviously trying to change her mind to no avail. “See now, that wasn’t so bad, an ahl stay here as long as ya like.” Applejack whispered to Rarity whose eyes lit up with gratitude as she leaned in to the orange earth pony. “Thank you.” She whispered. Her breathing slowed as she fell back to sleep in Applejacks arms. Applejack looked around to the others. “Guys can someone tell mah family ah won’t be able to work fer a few days?” Twilight nodded. “Sure thing Applejack, plus don’t worry, I’ll go and help out at the farm like I did last season.” Pinkie and Rainbow both nodded and indicated the same would hold true for them. “Thank ye gals. Nah you better git goin’, ahl stay with Rare tonight.” The other four made their goodbyes with Fluttershy promising to return in the morning to check Rarity’s dressings. As the door closed behind them Applejack looked about the room. She was now alone with the mare and had chance to think about the events of the day. It was going to be a long night.
