Ch. 1 Ominous Omen the Shedding Winds
It all started one day in the late fall. The birds had already left for the season fleeing the incoming waves of winter cold. Summers sea of green had given way to tides of brilliant crimson. From the mightiest oak to the youngest ash all had conformed to this new color. Hill sides quivered and treetops shook in an ever gaining Autumn wind. At first it was just a light breeze that turned the world into a smooth sea of swaying fire in the morning dew. By noon the trees were dancing merrily in the strong gust. As the setting sun took one last glimpse of the world below it saw a churning maelstrom of fire. All living things hid and trembled as the wind rampaged through the world leaving devastation in its wake.
Only when the first grey streaks of a new dawn painted the sky did the storm die. By the time the face of the sun had crossed the horizon every pony was already out and about viewing the damage. Both tree and stone had been flung wildly chunks of missing buildings, crushed roofs, and shattered remains showed were these objects had landed. Further upstream several ancient forest giants had fallen into the river making it carve out a new path through the earth.
Clean up efforts began immediately. The buildings that hadn't been damaged by the storm quickly became shelters for those who had lost their homes. The Adults got to work on either rebuilding the damaged structures or organizing the make shift homes. Elsewhere the children had been given the chore of cleaning out these buildings. To keep things organized the children had been put into groups based on their school classrooms. Cheerilee's class had been given the task of cleaning up the mess in the library.
As the class walked into the tree, that was the library, there was a communal groan from the students. There were books everywhere but the shelves. Not an inch of floor could be seen under the mess and piles of books. It wasn't until late afternoon that all the students had finally gotten an organized clean up underway. Each student was put into a three pony pod. One member gathered books off the floor, another would be responsible for sorting, and the final member would put the books away.
Putting a book back on the shelf Scootaloo turned back to Apple Bloom. "Do you think the storm did all this or was it another crazy research night?"
Apple Bloom looked up from the pile of books she was sorting. "Well considering we have mount history, science, biography, and that pile Miss Cheerilee won't let any pony near. I assume this was the storm."
Grabbing another book the pegasus returned to the shelf. "True, our librarian isn't normally this organized on research nights. But why won't Miss Cheerilee let us clean up those books?"
Having heard the conversation while on patrol of the room Cheerilee quietly walked up to Scootaloo. "Because the last time somepony touched one of those books they gave a nearly irreversible love potion to their teacher. Not to mention the chaos Pinkie Pie caused with one of them by cloning herself."
Upon having returned from one of the mountains Sweetie Belle dumped off another dozen books for Apple Bloom to sort out. "Oh yeah, we did get that book from here."
Reaching up stretching her body to the limit to reach the higher shelves Scootaloo called back to her friends. "Where else would we have gotten a potion making book from Sweetie Belle?"
Throwing her arms up in frustration at her ever growing pile of sorting Apple Bloom looked to her feathered friend. "I'm sure that Zecora has a good number of books for that."
Gingerly shoving the book into place with her nose the pegasus returned. "Guess that's true, but she definitely wouldn't let us just walk out of the house with one."
"Speaking of walking out with a book." Mumbled Cheerilee walking to the center of the mess. "Class I need your attention please. One quick announcement. Remember to check out a history book for your report next month. So everypony please come join me in scaling mount history to find yourself a book."
Cherrilee had to jump out of the way of her stampeding students. No pony wanted to be forced into reading one of the boring, long, and pictureless books. So the only option was to get there first and find one before all the good ones were gone. After the battle of Mt. History the rest of the day passed without much excitement and evening arrived before any pony noticed.
As the children packed up their belongings Cheerilee gave them one last reminder. "Remember class to be safe on your way home and to be back here at nine O'clock tomorrow. Hope you all have a wonderful evening and thank you so much for your help."
The students cheered, "You're Welcome Cheerilee." as they rushed out the door towards freedom and home.
Once outside the crowd of students quickly scattered. Some heading to shelters or home, but a lucky few were heading to a party.
Stopping to get her wool hat out of her bag Sweetie looked over to her friends with joy glowing in her eyes. "Are you girls ready for the best night ever?"
Jumping into the air in excitement Scootaloo screamed, "Yeah I am! So what is the plan for our first DSP?"
Apple Bloom stopped messing with her saddlebag to look at her friend questioningly. "Best night ever? DSP? Y'all know this is just a sleep over right?"
"Of Course Apple Bloom," Scootaloo cleared her throat before continuing in a mocking education tone, "DSP or Disaster Sleepover Party...or should it be DSOP?"
Sweetie Belle ran to catch up with her friends after getting her hat on. After all putting things on your head nicely when you have a horn sticking out could be tricky business. "I heard my sister singing that when she went to her sleepover."
Scootaloo fluttered her wings idly while waiting for the unicorn to arrive. "Sweetie Belle that was the gala not a sleepover."
"Huh?" said Sweetie tilting her head in confusion, "Then why didn't she come back till the next day?"
"Granny Smith told me that's just how parties go for adults." answered Apple Bloom. "Though we really should change that name you gave our party Scootaloo. Considering what we did at Fluttershy's place at our last sleepover."
"Come on Apple Bloom that was ages ago. They probably forgot all about it."
Meanwhile at the "WORST POSSIBLE THING!" trio's destination the adults did remember what had transpired and were panicking to Cutie Mark Crusader proof the building. Everything sharp had to be locked away, anything belonging to the fragile family had to be stashed away in the basement and so much more just in an attempt to limit any potential disasters.
"Screaming gophers Rarity." said Applejack removing her hooves from her ears. "Wail much louder and even cloudsdale will hear you."
Rarity was in a state of complete disarray over where to hide her sewing kit that was full of sharp objects. "My apologies dear, but its just that these parties our sisters do tend to be a bit chaotic."
Applejack put another stack of fine china tea cups in a box heading for the basement. "No argument there sugar cube. After all they did manage to free the spirit of chaos by going on a field trip. Besides you've had a them here before."
Opening an already bursting closet Rarity shoved her kit in and slammed the door. "Point taken, but this time I'm working on a very important order for a glass wedding dress."
Applejack shouted back as she went downstairs with her load. "Why in tarnation would anyone want to wear glass clothes."
The unicorn joined the earth pony on the stairs. "Well, if you must know the bride and groom are both glass artisans and are helping me design each others outfits."
Walking out of the kitchen with a broom and dust pan in tow Granny Smith smiled. "Now isn't that cute. By the way all the sharp objects from the kitchen are in the safe."
Meeting the elderly pony at the bottom of the steps Rarity quickly grabbed a nearby basket with her magic. "Thank you Granny Smith ever so much for your help. Here have these tea biscuits as a token of my gratitude."
Granny Smith eyed the large overflowing basket the unicorn was holding. "Goodness, I couldn't take that many for just for helping my granddaughter and her pretty friend out."
Pretty! Thought Rarity throwing the basket in front of her face to hide her blush. "But I must insist you take them with you to your weekly tea with that gentlecolt Mr. Pear."
Taking the basket Granny Smith made way towards the door. "Fine young'n if you insist I'll gladly accept your gift. I'm off now."
Through the hallways the two ponies heard Applejack voice ring out from the basement. "Tell Grandpappy Pear I say hello."
With similar gusto Granny Smith replied, "Will do, will do." before walking out the door.
Rarity nearly melted away from her loosening tension in the brief moments of silence that followed Granny's departure. She was always amazed at the volume the Apple family's vocal cords could produce and while keeping their country charm with it as well. Well the mares at least. After all if Big Mac did raise his voice she was certain that a stallion of his size would be heard halfway across Equestria.
The moments of peace and silence were broken as Applejack returned and brought her back to the sleepover reality she was facing. "Fragile stuff has been locked away downstairs." said Applejack looking out the window at the departing figure of her grandmother. "I'm so glad Granny and Grandpappy get along so well now."
Returning her mind to the task at hand the unicorn mare went to prepare supper. "Tell me about it dear. When you first told the rest of us your family story I could scarcely believe it. The drama, the struggle, the ROMANCE, and the fall out. Honestly dear you couldn't find a more intriguing story in all the theaters of Canterlot. You should really consider turning it into a book." remarked Rarity.
Applejack chuckled, Rarity would emphasis that point of the story. "Big Mac is already ahead of you sugar cube. He finished the first draft the night before last."
"Is it still okay? That storm did dreadful things to your house after all." asked Rarity.
"Yeah its okay..." Applejack's face grew dark and long as she continued, "As for the house and farm. Well its nothing. Nothing that time and elbow grease won't fix... Rarity I can't thank you enough for,"
Rarity threw up her hoof in protest at the very thought Applejack was heading towards. "Let me cut you of there dear. You are a friend in need. So just perish those nasty thoughts while you're here. There will be enough time for that later once everything is back to normal. After all could you imagine what Sweetie Belle would do to me if I refused to take you in.?"
The earth pony smiled. "That I can partner. I would bet a barrel of cider that it would be no better than what Apple Bloom would do to me if things were on the other hoof."
The two friends laughed as they finished the preparations for the evening. Their merriment was cut short as they heard the front door opening and the sound of giggling fillies enter.
Putting the last hurried touches on the evening meal Rarity raised her head. "Sounds like its time for the three of us to hold down the fort."
Applejack raised her head above the refrigerators door. "Uh, three sugar cube? Granny just left so unless your counting Opal there's two of us."
Placing the last dish on the table Rarity looked at her friend desperately. "Wait a tic, what about Big Mac?"
"He's staying with Grandpappy Pear."
Rarity looked like she was on the brink of tears. "But why? When we maidens so desperately need the help of a dashing knight in shinning armor."
Applejack closed the door and glanced at Rarity. "Wait are you talking about my brother, Twilight's brother, or the stallion you met last week?"
The unicorns expression changed in a flash from teary to pouting. "You know very well what I mean. Also was that really the firefighters name?"
"Big Mac ain't a coming because this is a hen house full of maidens and he's a solitary rooster."
Fanning her flustered face the unicorn tried her best to hide her blush. "Oh my, what a genltecolt. Well my dear I hope your ready, for we are out numbered this night."
As the fillies entered the room Applejack whispered. "Are you sure we can't count Opal in on this?"
The evening despite hours of preparation quickly turned into a war zone. After having spent the day exploring the house Winona had grown bored. Bored until she realized that there was a cat to tortu... I mean play with.
"Now girls the rules for tonight are simple," began Applejack, "All the really breakable things are in the basement so do not play there. Also Granny Smith has put the knives in the safe,"
Something had been bothering Rarity for a while and Applejacks comment reminded her what it was. "Sorry to interrupt you dear, but I don't own a safe."
Applejack stopped serving her sister mash potatoes. "Wait what? Then where did Granny Smith put all the knives?"
Gently nibbling on a leaf of salad the mare took her time to think about where the knives could've gone. After finishing the morsel she shrugged her shoulders. "Guess we'll just have to ask her when she returns later tonight. So until then girls if you do find them please tell either myself or Applejack. DO NOT play surgeon or juggler with them again. You three see Nurse Redheart enough as it is."
Suddenly the meal was interrupted by a loud thumping from upstairs. Both earth ponies eyes met each other.
"Sis did you just hear that?"
"Yep, but I wish I didn't Apple Bloom." replied Applejack, "Partner by any chance did you let Winona inside?"
Rarity put down the napkin she was wiping Sweetie Belle's face with. "Why of course dear, why wouldn't... Dear me what was I thinking? Opal, mommy's coming to save you!" shouted Rarity charging out of the kitchen.
Chasing her friend up the stair Applejack called back to the fillies in the kitchen. "Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetite Belle guard the stairway in case the critters get past us."
With that the two mares vanished up the stairs. Down below all the girls could do was wait. Hoping for something interesting to happen while listening to the catastrophe that was happening upstairs. A chorus of hissing, barking, and banging was being conducted while the muddled voices of Applejack and Rarity could be heard, but not understood.
Fluttering her wings a few time Scootaloo decided to break the trios silence. "So are your sisters an item?"
The young unicorn was puzzled by this question. "They're ponies not items Scootaloo."
Apple Bloom watched as her friend fluttered her wings three more times. She didn't know if Scootaloo had noticed, but she always did that when she felt awkward. "She meant were they a couple Sweetie. And no their not. It just that the way both of them talk tend to give the impression that they are. Ah acshully talk mo'e like mah sistuurr when its jest th' fambly aroun', but change how Ah talk aroun' others jest t'avoid problems."
Sweetie Belle felt her jaw hit the floor in disbelief. Though Sweetie would never admit it openly, she found it difficult to understand Apple Bloom normally, but this was on a completely different level. She felt her brain frying as she tried to figure out what had just been said. Likewise Scootaloo found herself blown away by the difference. She found herself enjoying it so much that she instantly began thinking of ways to get Apple Bloom talk like this again.
Before either of them could reply a voice rang out from the upper floor. It was Applejacks. "Apple Fritters! Apple Bloom the varmints are heading your way now!"
The warning came too late as Opal had made record time down the stairs and was already on her way to the kitchen. Up above the three fillies heard Winona barking away victoriously.
Scootaloo was the first to give chase. "Quickly to the kitchen!"
Meanwhile upstairs Rarity was panicking. "Not the kitchen!"
Tipping her hat the earth pony mare gave her friend a reassuring pat on the back. "Relax partner, Granny already hid all the sharp things. Though we don't know where."
"I'm not worried about that Applejack. Though we do need to find them before our sisters do." replied Rarity reaching the stairs. "I'm worried about the food we left on the table."
Applejack chuckled as she followed Rarity down the stairs. "No point in worry when you know its going to be a disaster."
As if to confirm her statement the two mares heard a loud chorus of crashes and bangs emanating from the kitchen. Slowly the two friends took a deep breath trying their best not to let stress get the better of them.
"Hmm, let me guess that banging was the table."
The unicorn rolled her eyes. "Probably, bet you five bits its somewhere weird."
"No pony alive would ever take that bet partner. Also will the food be on the girls or the ceiling?"
Rarity took a second to ponder her friend question. "Lets see last time it hit the clown and the beehive which led to the walrus attack. So I'm going to say our girls are completely and utterly drenched in it from head to hoof."
Reaching the bottom step Applejack gave a hearty sigh. "Sounds like its going to be a repeat of last weeks picnic for sure."
Rarity glanced at her friend with a coy smile. "Oh Absolutely."
The two friends rounded the corner and faced what was left of the kitchen. By some magical feet the table was in the sink. The dishes were crushed under the fridge. Meanwhile Sweetie Belle was drenched from head to hoof in gravy, Apple Bloom had globs of mashed potatoes, peas, and carrots stuck to her, and Scootaloo was soaked in enough dressing to open a salad bar.
Apple jack scratched at her head in bewilderment. "How in tarnation did you three and a cat knock the fridge over?"
Pointing a rigid hoof towards the bathroom Rarity quickly took over the situation. "Never mind that, for now, look at how filthy you girls are. All three of you go take a bath right now."
The three girls looked at eachother as if noticing for the first time what had happened to them. Before bursting out into laughter at how the other ones looked. With much pushing, slipping, and giggling the three girls made their way to the bath. As the sounds of merriment vanished behind a stout oak door the two mares let out a sigh of pent up exhaustion.
"So darling," began Rarity, "do you want to clean or cook?"
Applejack peered at the mess with disdain. "At this point partner I couldn't care less."
"Okay then cooking it is." said Rarity tossing an apron over Applejack's head. "Meanwhile I'll take stock of the damages and.. get a dragon sized mop."
Freeing herself of the clothing Applejack couldn't help but pull a face at all the ribbons and frills. "That's the spirit, well uh sort of. Do you have anything else I can wear?"
Unaware of their sisters trials Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were having a blast soaking the room in a massive water fight. Scootaloo looked on in jealousy as she was struggling to free herself of the hardening globs of dressing off. "Ugh, this is impossible." moaned Scootaloo throwing down her sponge. "This stuff is sticking to me worse than glue."
"Can't be any worse than the time we got tangled up in pitch." said Sweetie Belle launching a large wave out of the tub and onto her complaining friend. "Applejack had to cut off our coats in order to free us from that."
Scootaloo stopped struggling with her wings. "That's it! Sweetie where does your sister keep her scissors?"
"She keeps those locked up in her beauty chest behind the mirror." answered Sweetie Belle pointing to one of the three mirrors in the room. "Or maybe it was that mirror on the right?"
"Why does she keep them in a beauty chest?" asked Apple Bloom
Sweeite Bell paused for a moment before answering. " Don't know she started doing it last spring."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you get rounded for a week last spring for giving Opal a haircut?" asked Scootaloo ducking a second wave of water.
"Yeah, so what?" started Sweetie Belle before Apple Bloom dunked her underwater. "Blah. Cough. Cough. Its not like that was the first time any of us have gotten in trouble looking for our cutie marks." continued Sweetie Belle while she returned the favor.
The young pegasus waited for her other friend to resurface. "Apple Bloom she's obviously not getting it, so can we drop it and get back to getting me free of the goop?"
"Fine, but let's have one of our sisters do it for you." replied Apple Bloom.
Both fillies got out of the tub and started to dry off. Scootaloo stared at the two of them impatiently. If her hoofs weren't stuck to the floor she would've been tapping them. "Anytime today would be nice you two."
"Okay, okay." said Sweetie Belle tossing her towel aside. "I'll get the scissors and Bloom you call your sister up to give Scootaloo a trim."
The earth pony paused for a second on her way to the door. "Wouldn't your sis be the better choice for a hair cut?"
"Normally yes, but unless Scootaloo wants a total girly make over and a wardrobe filled with frills and lacy ribbons to go with it we should keep my sister far away." answered Sweetie who was climbing her way up to the mirror cabinet.
Leaning over Scottaloo whispered to Bloom as she walked by. "It always freaks me out when she makes sense."
"Same here." replied Apple Bloom cracking the door open. "Applejack! Can you come here and give Scootaloo a trim?"
"Is it really that bad Bloom? I'm Kinda busy right now with the grub." came a loud voice from the kitchen.
Apple Bloom winced as Scootaloo shouted from behind her. "Tree sap would've been better than this."
"Well you heard her opinion. Sweetie Belle is already getting the clippers out." replied Apple Bloom.
Back in the kitchen Applejack let out a sigh. The maelstrom of disasters just didn't seem to end. "Sorry sugar cube I'll be right back."
Taking the ladle Rarity gave Applejack a weary smile. "Oh sure thing darling, but try not to sheer her like a sheep this time."
Walking out of the Kitchen Applejack turned back to her friend. "No promises on that. If her hair is half the mess the kitchen is then am afraid a sheering is the only way to help."
As she was trotting down the hallway Sweetie Belle's frustrated voice rang out. "Rarirty whats the combination for the beauty chest lock again?"
"3124."
"Already tried that. It didn't work." cried out Sweetie disbarringly.
"Sweetie Belle turn the lock upside down and try again."
"Why is the lock upside down in the first place?"
Continuing towards the bathroom Applejack was puzzled. She was trying to wrap her head around the advice being shouted around her. Just what type of bizarre looking lock did Rarity have? How could it have both numbers right side up and upside down at the same time? While she was thinking about this a sudden weight slammed into the pit of her stomach. Missing knives, a mysterious safe, a box with sharp objects in it, a lock, all combined with the accident prone cutie mark crusaders... Applejack broke out into a full out dash to prevent the imminent disaster in her head from happening. As she rounded the corner to the bathroom, an ear piercing scream rent the air. Through the crack in the door Applejack saw the disaster unfold.
Sweetie Belle was falling from the sinks counter top, with absolute horror in her eyes. Apple Bloom was running towards her, but had slipped on the wet floor. Scootaloo was trying to move, but the sludge had her glued to the spot. All the fillies could do was watch as Sweetie Belle fell to the ground, with a cascade of glittering blades following.
With her blood boiling with adrenaline Applejack kicked the wall behind her with all her might. Launching herself like a rocket while roaring out. "RARITY! CALL THE AMBULANCE!". As she flew the only thought coursing through her mind was to stop as many knives as possible. As she crashed through the door the sickening sound of carved flesh, cut bone, and splattering blood filling the air. With a grunt she felt a searing pain race through her body as the blades pierced her flesh.
Meanwhile upstairs, the girls bedroom was filled with a glowing red light and a legion of whispering voices repeating just one word.
"Freedom."
Twilight's Research Logs
Having received new books from Celestia I have been able to confirm that this disastrous storm is called the Shedding Winds. Originally a natural event that happened every year to help nature such as trees shed unwanted branches and leaves. Around three hundred years ago the wind was sealed away after becoming an omen of misfortune and death. Ancient records support this viewpoint as plausible as the death count and number of injured always spiked around the time of the storm. More research is needed. If this storm is now back I'll be keeping this log as a journal of all the events that transpire.
First day the number of ponies in the hospital are 183 185.
Author's Note
Been writing this story by paper and pencil during my breaks at work and it was a pain to read my handwriting to type this up. Still have over twelve pages of paper left to type which means this is only part one of at least two for this opening act. Expect the rest to be coming in about a week.
Took me over thirty minutes to type up that one line for Apple Bloom in a southern accent. Either I need to get better at doing that or just never do that again.
