The Greatest Destiny

(Applejack's conversation w/ Caramel)

• Talk about everypony Applejack has lost in the war

• Confused about why her cutie mark is gone

• Talk about animal equality

• "I guess that's where Princess Celestia went wrong. We're all equals." - Applejack

• End Part 2 with the sound of a character saying: "Where are my precious gems?!"

The excitement of Applejack's new wings didn't last for very long. They all still knew what task lay ahead of them. They had to stop Discord and bring Equestria back to life again, but nopony was very excited about doing it.

They started off again, everypony occasionally glancing back at Applejack to see the marvel before them, but nopony said a word. Nopony except Caramel.

"You look good with wings," He murmured under his breath.

"Thanks," replied Applejack, slightly blushing at the compliment.

"Hey," Caramel stepped in front of Applejack to get her to stop walking. She gazed into his dark blue eyes and waited for him to continue. "You saved my life."

"Aww, shucks, sugarcube, it wasn't nothin'," Applejack grew redder by the minute as Caramel continued to stare at her.

"But it was something, Applejack! I could have DIED!" He started to lean in closer. Applejack froze.

What's he doin'? She thought to herself.

Caramel brought his face as close to hers as he could without them touching. Then he said: "Thank you."

Applejack couldn't respond.

Caramel continued walking, then, trying to catch up to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. Applejack remained frozen in place, unwilling to believe what had just happened.

Is it because of mah wings? Applejack wondered. Is that why he's showin' interest in me now? She shook her head to clear herself of her daydream and trotted to catch up with the group. She eventually fell into pace with Caramel and the two of them walked side by side, neither of them saying a word.

That is until Caramel couldn't stand it any longer.

"So what's with the letter?" He asked, motioning to the paper being clasped in Applejack's wing.

"Rainbow Dash gave it ta me," Applejack said, glancing down at it. "She said it was from Princess Celestia, but then she also told me not to open it 'til the time was right."

"Maybe the right time is now...?"

"No. It doesn't feel right ta open it now," Applejack shuddered uncomfortably. "But... soon."

They both fell silent once more until Applejack couldn't stand it any longer.

"Let's talk 'bout something else, please," She said nervously.

"OK," Caramel responded. "Talk about what?"

"I don't know. What do ya like talkin' about?"

"Personally, I like getting together with a few of my friends and talking about-" He stopped talking instantly and diverted his gaze from Applejack.

"Ya like talkin' about what?" Applejack pressed. Caramel bit his lip.

"Nothing. At least nothing that you would be interested in,"

"I bet it would be," Applejack denied. "Come on! Tell me!"

"We like talking about gender equality, OK?" He said quickly and quite erratically.

"Why do ya think I wouldn't be interested in that?" soothed Applejack, placing a hoof on his shoulder and causing them to stop walking and look at each other. "Because I'm a girl?"

"Quite frankly, yes."

"I've wanted gender equality for a long time! Ever since Princess Luna came back ta the throne, I've wanted a male leader, too."

Caramel stared at Applejack in shock until she continued with her explanation.

"I mean, sure it's nice ta have princesses and such, but stallions are strong and trustworthy, too! Maybe even more so than mares..." Applejack trailed off as she felt something inside of her stir. She glanced over at Caramel whose gaze had now softened. A new-found respect was in his eyes which warmed Applejack to the core.

"I never knew that you thought that," Caramel said.

"Well, I've always had respect for mah big brother, Macintosh, and after he died..." Applejack stopped. Caramel looked at her, concerned, but Applejack didn't look back at him.

"How did your brother die?" Caramel asked.

"He died protectin' Granny Smith an' Apple Bloom from Discord's minions," Applejack muttered. "I wasn't there to protect him." A single tear slid down her cheek, but Caramel wiped it away with his hoof. Applejack smiled briefly and continued. "After Big Mac fell, the minions attacked Granny. She did 'er best to save Apple Bloom, but she was no match for them. They finished 'er off quickly. That's when I came in," Applejack started to cry even harder.

"If you don't want to continue, you don't have to," Caramel reassured her.

"No! I need to tell somepony what happened!" Applejack sat down. By now, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie had stopped walking and were staring back at the two ponies. "I tried to fight them off a her... off a Apple Bloom, but they overpowered me. I watched as they killed 'er. Then Discord called them back," Applejack was now sobbing. Caramel wrapped his hooves around her, gently caressing her. "She died in mah arms. I watched as the life seeped out a her... and there was nothin' I could do 'bout it!"

Fluttershy and Pinkie were now hugging her, too. They all took a little moment to comfort each other and mourn... that is until Applejack snapped back to her normal self and continued.

"OK! There's no use sittin' around here talkin' 'bout the past! Let's keep movin'!" That when Pinkie Pie noticed Applejack's blank flank.

"AJ! Your cutie mark is gone!"

Fluttershy gaped as she, too, noticed Applejack's flank where three apples should have been.